US Patent 7159840 Solenoid having reduced operating noise

A solenoid valve is provided generally including a bobbin for supporting a coil and a core located adjacent to the bobbin. An armature is movably disposed relative to the core. A plunger is coupled to the armature and movable with the armature. A seal is coupled to the plunger, with the seal movable between an open position and a closed position sealingly engaged with a valve seat. The solenoid valve further includes a plunger damper which includes a resilient feature that is configured to engage the plunger when the seal moves toward the closed position. The plunger damper may damp, or cushion, any impact between the seal and the valve seat.