Electromagnetic actuator and valve

A method of open a valve, wherein the valve has a closing element blocking a discharge opening of the valve and the closing element is configured to be moved by an electromagnetic actuator comprising a first magnetic coil, a second magnetic coil, a first permanent magnet disposed between the first and second magnetic coils, a second permanent magnet disposed axially adjacent to the second magnetic coil, an anchor with an upper anchor plate and a lower anchor plate coupled to the closing element, a magnet yoke releasable coupled to the upper anchor plate, the method comprising:

• supplying electrical current to the first and second magnetic coils in order to generate magnetic fields in the coils that are oriented in the same direction, wherein the magnetic field generated by the second magnetic coil is oriented in an opposite direction of a magnetic field generated by the second permanent magnet in a region near the upper anchor plate,
• weakening the magnetic field strength of the second permanent magnet in the region near the upper anchor plate,
• releasing the upper anchor plate from the magnet yoke,
• moving the lower anchor plate toward the magnet yoke,
• moving the closing element off the discharge opening.