PNEUMATIC VALVE FOR AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEMS

According to the invention there is disclosed a pneumatic solenoid poppet valve assembly having a dampening element. The valve assembly comprises a housing with a stator having a spring pocket being secured to the housing and an armature slidably located inside the housing. The armature has a spring pocket and an armature return spring located in the spring pockets of the stator and the armature, the spring biases the armature away from the stator thereby creating an air gap between them. A dampening element is located in the spring pocket of the stator surrounding the return spring and extending into the air gap. When the solenoid is energized the armature is moved across the air gap and contacts the dampening element prior to contacting the stator and the dampening element dampens movement of the armature across the air gap. A molded seat retainer locates upper and lower seals, provides a valve seat and flow passages.