Two-stage solenoid valve

DETAILED DESCRIPTION An object of the present invention is to provide an improved solenoid valve for selectively providing a first and a second flow rate therethrough.
In accomplishing this and other objects, there has been provided, in accordance with the present invention a two-stage solenoid valve having a fluid orifice, a sealing means for sealing said orifice means, armature means for urging said sealing means toward said orifice means said armature means including a first and second armature, a fixed stop means and a first resilient means for establishing a gap between said stop means and said first and second armatures and solenoid drive means for selectively establishing in response to first and second energizing signals corresponding first and second positions of said armature means to provide a first and a second spacing, respectively, of said sealing means with respect to said orifice means to effect a corresponding first and a second flow rate through the valve, said drive means including first actuating means for eliminating said gap to establish said first position of said sealing means in response to said first energizing signal.