Patent ID: 6883544

Claim:
A solenoid valve comprising: a slider, which is axially reciprocable and includes a communication passage that extends through the slider generally along a central axis of the slider, wherein the communication passage is communicated with at least one first side space located on first axial side of the slider and is also communicated with at least one second side space located on second axial side of the slider; a spring, which provides urging force for urging the slider in a first axial direction of the solenoid valve; a coil, which generates magnetomotive force for attracting the slider in a second axial direction opposite to the first axial direction; a first stator segment, which includes an attracting portion, wherein the attracting portion is axially opposed to the slider and attracts the slider in the second axial direction upon generation of the magnetomotive force by the coil; a second stator segment, which forms a magnetic circuit in cooperation with the slider and the first stator segment and includes a tubular portion, wherein the tubular portion is at least partially placed radially outward of the slider; a non-magnetic body, which is at least partially placed radially inward of the tubular portion of the second stator segment to slidably support the slider therein; and a valve member, said valve member having an extending portion which directly contacts the slider without abutting any intervening structure.