SOLENOID VALVE

A solenoid valve for controlling a fluid flow. The solenoid valve comprises an actuating member (101) moveable between a first position and a second position. Movement of the actuating member (101) in one direction effects opening of the valve and movement of the actuating member (101) in an opposite direction effects closing of the valve. The solenoid valve further comprises a biasing means (102) for biasing the actuating member (101) towards the first position; and an armature (103) moveable in response to energising/de-energising of the solenoid valve. Energising the solenoid valve is operable to move the armature (103) to engage the actuating member (101) and cause movement of the actuating member (101) to the second position against action of the biasing means (102). De-energising the solenoid valve allows the biasing means (102) to effect movement of the armature and of the actuating member (101) towards the first position, initially causing disengagement of the armature from the actuating member, and, subsequently causing