Double solenoid valve actuator

A method of controlling the movement of a control valve means between closed and open positions with first and second solenoid means respectively having first and second moveable core means that are operatively coupled to one another and with the control valve means, with the first core means having a greater mass than the second, there being a second biasing means biasing the first core means away from the second core means, the control valve means being biased by a first biasing means with a predetermined force toward said closed position, said method quickly moving the control valve means from said open to said closed position, said method comprising the steps of:

• energizing the first solenoid means to move the first core means into contact with and moving said second core means and also covering the predetermined biasing force of the first biasing means to thereby move the control valve means to the open position;
• energizing the second solenoid means to hold said second core means so that the control valve means is in the open position;
• de-energizing the first solenoid means so that the second biasing means moves the first core means out of contact with the second core means;
• and,
• de-energizing the second solenoid means so that the first biasing means moves the control valve means rapidly toward the closed position and simultaneously moving the second core means towards the first core means.

Apparatus for providing a translational movement of an object from a rest position to a moved position, the object being located in a structure, which movement requires overcoming a first biasing means having a predetermined resistance to such movement of the object, the biasing means operating to return the object to its rest position when said apparatus is de-energized, said apparatus comprising:

• a first solenoid means having a moveable first core means, and being adapted to bias and move said first core means in a first direction when energized;
• a second solenoid means having a moveable second core means, and being adapted to bias said second core means in said first direction when energized;
• means for mounting said first and second solenoid means such that said first core means is positioned to contact and move said second core means in said first direction when said first solenoid means is energized, said movement of said second core means also moving the object from its rest position;
• and
• means for moving said first core means in a second direction opposite the first direction to separate said first core means from said second core means.

Apparatus for opening an operable valve means against the force of a first biasing means whereby said biasing means is adapted to rapidly close the valve when said apparatus is de-energized, said apparatus comprising:

• first and second solenoid means, respectively having first and second core means that are operatively coupled with one another and to said operable valve means, said second core means having less mass than said first core means;
• said first solenoid means being adapted to overcome said first biasing means and open the operable valve means when said first solenoid means is energized;
• said second solenoid means being adapted to hold said operable valve means in its open position when said second solenoid means is energized and said first solenoid means is not energized;
• second biasing means for biasing said first core means of said first solenoid means out of contact with said second core means when said first solenoid means is de-energized;
• whereby de-energization of said first solenoid means and said second solenoid means permits said first biasing means to rapidly close said operable valve means.

A vacuum die casting valve opening and closing apparatus, the valve being a poppet valve that is capable of translational movement between its fully open and fully closed positions, said apparatus comprising:

• solenoid means having a core means that is moveable in first and second directions, said solenoid means being operable to drive said core means in said first direction to rapidly fully open said poppet valve in response to energization of said solenoid means;
• connector means for mechanically coupling said poppet valve to said core means so that movement of said core means in said first and second directions moves said poppet valve between open and closed positions;
• and
• means operatively connected to one of said poppet valve and said core means for biasing the same in said second direction, so that said poppet valve is moved to said fully closed position when said solenoid means is not energized.

In vacuum die casting equipment of the type which includes a vacuum source that is capable of being in communication with the die casting cavity when an elongated poppet-type vacuum valve is open to thereby remove air from the cavity, apparatus for positively opening and closing said poppet-type vacuum valve that is capable of translating movement between its open and closed positions, said apparatus comprising:

• solenoid means having a core means that is moveable in first and second directions, said solenoid means being operable to rapidly drive said core means in said first direction to fully open said poppet valve in response to energization of said solenoid means;
• connector means for mechanically coupling said poppet valve to said core means so that movement of said core means in said first and second directions moves said poppet valve between open and closed positions;
• and,
• means operatively connected to one of said poppet valve and said core means for biasing the same in said second direction, so that said poppet valve is moved to said closed position when said solenoid means is not energized.