1. Field of the Invention

[0001] A valve assembly for a vehicle.

2. Description of Related Art

[0002] Valve assemblies are used in applications for directing the flow of fluid. In one application, the valve assembly is used to selectively deliver fluid to a transmission. The valve assembly includes a retention mechanism that moves with a valve of the valve assembly along an axis between a plurality of positions. The retention mechanism includes a poppet that retains the valve in a selected position. The poppet is moved transverse to the axis by a cam, which moves along the axis. The poppet engages a channel to retain the valve in the selected position, with the cam biased to retain the poppet in the channel.

[0003] Although the poppet retains the valve in the selected position, the poppet requires movement multiple components in a plurality of directions (both axial and transverse movement) in order to retain the valve. As such, there remains a need to provide an improved valve assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

[0004] The subject invention provides for a valve assembly for a vehicle. The valve assembly comprises a valve body defining at least two ports for transmitting a fluid therethrough and a valve disposed within the valve body and movable between a first valve position and a second valve position for allowing flow between the at least two ports in one of the first and second valve positions and blocking flow between the at least two ports in the other one of the first and second valve positions. The valve assembly further comprises a biasing member biasing the valve toward the first valve position, a pressure feedback area configured to engage the fluid there against, with the pressure feedback area biasing the valve toward the second valve position, and a detent mechanism selectively retaining the valve in at least one of the first and second valve positions

[0005] The detent mechanism comprises at least a pair of detent retainers, a detent biasing member disposed between the pair of detent retainers and outwardly biasing the pair of detent retainers, and a carrier moveable with the valve and carrying the pair of detent retainers and the detent biasing member therewith. The detent mechanism further comprises a detent body fixed relative to the valve body and defining at least one detent, with the pair of detent retainers engagable with the detent body within the at least one detent for retaining the valve in one of the first and second valve positions.

[0006] The subj ect invention also provides for a retention mechanism for use in a valve assembly of a vehicle, with the retention mechanism moving a valve of the valve assembly between said first and second valve positions. The retention mechanism comprises a housing having an internal surface defining a carrier bore along an axis and a carrier at least partially disposed within the carrier bore of the housing and moveable along the axis between a first carrier position and a second carrier position, and defining a cavity transverse to the axis.

[0007] The retention mechanism further comprises a biasing member engageable with the carrier to bias the carrier toward the first carrier position, a detent retainer at least partially disposed within the cavity, and a detent biasing member at least partially disposed within the cavity and biasing the detent retainer outwardly away from the carrier and into engagement with the internal surface of the housing. The internal surface of the housing defines a first detent corresponding with the first carrier position of the carrier and a second detent corresponding with the second carrier position of the carrier. The detent retainer is at least partially disposed within the first detent when the carrier is in the first carrier position to retain the carrier in the first carrier position. The detent retainer is at least partially disposed within the second detent when the carrier is in the second carrier position to retain the carrier in the second carrier position.

[0008] Accordingly, the selective disposition of the detent retainer in the detent, biased by the detent biasing member, facilitates sudden movement of the valve between the first and second valve positions due to variations in the pressure of the fluid acting on the valve to create an input force, which results in sudden changes in directing the fluid. Furthermore, the present invention reduces the number of components needed to move the valve between the first and second valve positions, which reduces complexity and increases manufacturing throughput.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Advantages of the subject invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a valve assembly.

[0011] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the valve assembly showing a carrier, a biasing member, a pair of detent retainers, a detent biasing member, a valve, and a valve body.

[0012] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve assembly with the carrier in a first carrier position and the valve in a first valve position.

[0013] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve assembly with the carrier in a second carrier position and the valve in a second valve position.

[0014] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly with the carrier in the first carrier position and the valve in the first valve position. [0015] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly with the carrier in the second carrier position and the valve in the second valve position.

[0016] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having two ports: a first port and second port.

[0017] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, and a third port.

[0018] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having four ports: the first port, the second port, the third port, and a fourth port.

[0019] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a three-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, and the third port.

[0020] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a three-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port.

[0021] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly having a retention mechanism and showing a valve body having a two-piece configuration.

[0022] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a valve assembly having a retention mechanism.

[0023] Figure 14 is an exploded view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and showing a carrier, a biasing member, a pair of detent retainers, a detent biasing member, a valve, and a valve body. [0024] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism, with the carrier in a first carrier position and the valve in a first valve position.

[0025] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism, with the carrier in a second carrier position and the valve in a second valve position.

[0026] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism, with the carrier in the first carrier position and the valve in the first valve position.

[0027] Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism, with the carrier in the second carrier position and the valve in the second valve position.

[0028] Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having two ports: a first port and second port.

[0029] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, and a third port.

[0030] Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and a two-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having four ports: the first port, the second port, the third port, and a fourth port.

[0031] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and a three-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, and the third port. [0032] Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly having a retention mechanism and a three-way valve configuration, with the valve assembly having three ports: the first port, the second port, the third port, and the fourth port.

[0033] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of a valve assembly showing a housing comprised of a single component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicates like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, a valve assembly 20 for a vehicle is generally shown in Figure 1. In one example, the valve assembly 20 is used with a lubrication system coupled to a transmission of the vehicle. The lubrication system includes a pump and an accumulator selectively fluidly coupled with one another, with the pump continuously transporting a fluid, which is pressurized within the accumulator when the pump and the accumulator are fluidly coupled. The fluid pressurized within the accumulator is selectively transported to the transmission for lubrication purposes. In doing so, the pump is not required to cycle between pumping and idle states for selectively delivering the fluid to the transmission. Instead, the pump remains in the pumping state, which reduces wear on the pump.

[0035] The valve assembly 20 may prevent over-pressurization of the accumulator. Specifically, the lubrication system may further include a reservoir selectively fluidly coupled to the pump by the valve assembly 20. Furthermore, the pump is selectively fluidly coupled to the accumulator by the valve assembly 20. The valve assembly 20 fluidly couples the pump to the accumulator when the accumulator is being pressurized, with the pump fluidly decoupled from the reservoir. The valve assembly 20 fluidly couples the pump to the reservoir when the accumulator is over-pressurized, with the pump fluidly decoupled from the accumulator. The manner in-which the valve assembly 20 may direct the flow of the fluid between the pump, the accumulator, and the reservoir will be better understood through further description of the valve assembly 20 below. Such a valve assembly 20 may be commonly referred to in the art as a switch valve assembly 20.

[0036] Although, the valve assembly 20 is typically used with a vehicle, the valve assembly 20 may be applicable to other industries for directing the flow of a fluid.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2-6 and 12, the valve assembly comprises a valve body 22 defining at least two ports 24 for transmitting a fluid therethrough. The valve assembly 20 further comprises a valve 26 disposed within the valve body 22 and movable between a first valve position (as shown in Figures 3 and 5) and a second valve position (as shown in Figures 4 and 6) for allowing fluid flow between the at least two ports 24 in one of the first and second valve positions and blocking fluid flow between the at least two ports 24 in the other one of the first and second valve positions.

[0038] The valve assembly 20 further comprises a biasing member 40 biasing the valve 26 toward the first valve position and a pressure feedback area 84 configured to engage the fluid there against, with the pressure feedback area 84 biasing the valve 26 toward the second valve position.

[0039] The valve assembly 20 further comprises a detent mechanism 86 selectively retaining the valve 26 in at least one of the first and second valve positions. The detent mechanism 86 comprises at least a pair of detent retainers 42, a detent biasing member 44 disposed between the pair of detent retainers 42 and outwardly biasing the pair of detent retainers 42, and a carrier 36 moveable with the valve 26 and carrying the pair of detent retainers 42 and the detent biasing member 44 therewith. The detent mechanism 86 further comprises a detent body 88 fixed relative to the valve body 22 and defining at least one detent 46, 48, with the pair of detent retainers 42 engageable with the detent body 88 within the at least one detent 46, 48 for retaining the valve 26 in one of the first and second valve positions.

[0040] The carrier 36 may extend along an axis A. Moreover, the valve body 22 may have an internal surface 32 defining a carrier bore 34 along the axis A. The carrier 36 may be at least partially disposed within the carrier bore 34 and moveable along the axis A between the first valve position (as shown in Figures 3 and 5) and the second valve position (as shown in Figures 4 and 6). Furthermore, the carrier 36 may define a cavity 38 transverse to the axis A.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3-6 and 12, the biasing member 40 may be engageable with the carrier 36 to bias the carrier 36 toward the first valve position. The pair of detent retainers 42 and the detent biasing member 44 may be at least partially disposed within the cavity 38. The detent biasing member 44 may bias the pair of detent retainers 42 outwardly away from the carrier 36 and into engagement with the internal surface 32 of the valve body 22.

[0042] The at least one detent 46, 48 may be further defined as a first detent 46 corresponding with the first valve position of the valve 26 and a second detent 48 corresponding with the second valve position of the valve 26, with the pair of detent retainers 42 at least partially disposed within the first detent 46 when the valve 26 is in the first valve position to retain the valve 26 in the first valve position, and with the pair of detent retainers 42 at least partially disposed within the second detent 48 when the valve 26 is in the second valve position to retain the valve 26 in the second valve position. Moreover, the internal surface 32 of the valve body 22 may define the first detent 46 and the second detent 48.

[0043] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the carrier bore 34 may have a substantially cylindrical configuration along the axis A for disposing the carrier 36 therein. As shown in Figure 12, the valve body 22 may be a unitary component defining the carrier bore 34. Alternatively, the valve body 22 may be a plurality of components coupled to one another with each of the valve body 22 components defining a portion of the carrier bore 34, as shown in Figures 3-11. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the valve body 22 may be comprise of any number of components.

[0044] As described above, the biasing member 40 is engageable with the carrier 36 to bias the carrier 36 toward the first valve position. More specifically, the biasing member 40 may be disposed within the carrier bore 34 along the axis A, with the biasing member 40 engageable with each of the valve body 22 and the carrier 36. As such, the carrier 36 may compress the biasing member 40 as the carrier 36 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position. As shown in Figures 2-6, the biasing member 40 may be tapered such that the diameter of the biasing member 40 across the axis A is greater at one end of the biasing member 40 than another end of the biasing member 40. More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the diameter of the biasing member 40 may be greater at the end of the biasing member 40 that is engageable with the valve body 22 than the end of the biasing member 40 which is engageable with the carrier 36. The taper of the biasing member 40 prevents buckling (i.e., lateral deflection) of the biasing member 40 under compression when the carrier 36 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position.

[0045] The carrier 36 may extend along the axis A within the carrier bore 34. As shown in the Figures 3 and 4, the carrier 36 may have a substantially cylindrical configuration along the axis A. The carrier 36 may have a diameter across the axis A which varies along the axis A. More specifically, the carrier 36 may have a head portion 50 and a tail portion 52 extending from the head portion 50 along the axis A, with the head portion 50 having a diameter which is great than a diameter of the tail portion 52. Furthermore, the head portion 50 of the carrier 36 may be engageable with the biasing member 40.

[0046] As shown in Figures 3-6, the variation in the diameters between the head portion 50 and the tail portion 52 of the carrier 36 may define an abutment surface 54 transverse to the axis A. Similarly, the internal surface 32 of the valve body 22 defining the carrier bore 34 may vary in diameter to define a shoulder 56 transverse to the axis A and facing the abutment surface 54 of the carrier 36. The abutment surface 54 of the carrier 36 is abutable with the shoulder 56 of the valve body 22 if the carrier 36 is moved past the first valve position (away from the second valve position of the carrier 36). As such, the abutment of the abutment surface 54 with the shoulder 56 defines a hard stop such that the carrier 36 will not move past the first valve position when the carrier 36 is biased to the first valve position.

[0047] As described above, the carrier 36 may define the cavity 38 transverse to the axis A, as shown in Figures 5 and 6. Furthermore, the cavity 38 may be substantially perpendicular to the axis A. As such, the detent biasing member 44 may be oriented within the cavity 38 such that the detent biasing member 44 biases the pair of detent retainers 42 in a direction transverse to the bias of the biasing member 40, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0048] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the pair of detent retainers 42 may be a pair of detent balls which are accepted by the first and second detents 46, 48. The pair of detent retainers 42 may be sized such that the pair of detent retainers 42 sit within the first and second detents 46, 48 in the first and second valve positions, respectively. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the pair of detent retainers 42 may have any suitable shape, including cylindrical and semi- spherical shapes, which may be accepted by the first and second detents 46, 48. [0049] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the pair of detent retainers 42 may be positioned on opposing sides of the detent biasing member 44. More specifically, the detent biasing member 44 and pair of detent retainers 42 may be linearly aligned, and the detent biasing member 44 may be sandwiched between the pair of detent retainers 42 such that detent biasing member 44 may bias each of the pair of detent retainers 42. Furthermore, the cavity 38 may extend through the carrier 36 to define a pair of detent retainer openings 58, with the pair of detent retainers 42 independently positioned adjacent the pair of detent retainer openings 58. As such, the pair of detent retainers 42 are biased away from one another on opposing sides of the carrier 36. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the pair of detent retainers 42 may be any number of detent retainers biased by any number of detent biasing members.

[0050] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first and second detents 46, 48 may have an annular configuration about the axis A to allow rotation of the carrier 36 about the axis A while maintaining engageability of the pair of detent retainers 42 with the first and second detents 46, 48 about the axis A. Said differently, the annular configurations of the first and second detents 46, 48 may be further define first and second detents 46, 48 as channels. Moreover, the annular configuration of the first and second detents 46, 48 allow both of the pair of detent retainers 42 to engage the first detent 46 in the first valve position and the second detent 48 in the second valve position.

[0051] The carrier 36 may be configured to be moved between the first and second valve positions by an input force, which will be described in greater detail below. More specifically, the carrier 36 and the valve 26 may be configured to move together. The biasing member 40 may define a return force opposing the input force. As shown in Figures 3-6 and 12, the return force and the input force may act along the axis A. The valve 26 may be configured to move to the first valve position when the return force is greater than the input force. The valve 26 may be configured to move to the second valve position when the return force is less than the input force. Said differently, variations in the opposing amount of force between the return and input forces facilitates movement of the valve 26 between the first and second valve positions.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 and 5, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 within the first detent 46, biased by the detent biasing member 44, may define a first holding force. The first holding force may be greater than the return force of the biasing member 40 to facilitate sudden movement of the valve 26 from the first valve position to the second valve position when the input force is greater than the first holding force. Furthermore, the first detent 46 may have a first transition surface 60 angled transverse to the axis A and facing away from the second detent 48, with the pair of detent retainers 42 sliding along the first transition surface 60 against the bias of the detent biasing member 44 to define the first holding force. Said differently, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 within the first detent 46, biased by the detent biasing member 44, causes the pair of detent retainers 42 to engage the first transition surface 60 when the carrier 36 attempts to move to the second valve position. The pair of detent retainers 42 must be moved out of the first detent 46 (and out of engagement with the first transition surface 60) in order to move the carrier 36 to the second valve position. The angle of the first transition surface 60 allows the input force to produce a resultant force opposing the first holding force, which is capable of moving the pair of detent retainers 42 out of the first detent 46 (against the bias of the detent biasing member 44) when the input force is greater than the first holding force.

[0053] As described above, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 in the first detent 46 facilitates sudden movement of the valve 26 and the carrier 36 from the first valve position to the second valve position when the input force is greater than the first holding force. As such, the valve assembly 20 can be designed such that the carrier 36 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position when a threshold input force is met. The threshold input force can be designed for specific applications based on the bias of the detent biasing member 44 and the angle of the first transition surface 60 within the first detent 46. Without the pair of detent retainers 42 disposed within the first detent 46 and biased by the detent biasing member 44, the input force exerted on the carrier 36 would simply compress the biasing member 40 and would gradually move the carrier 36 to the second valve position. The importance of the sudden movement of the carrier 36 and the valve 26 will be better understood below.

[0054] As shown in Figures 3-6, the first transition surface 60 of the first detent 46 may be flat. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the first transition surface 60 may be arcuate (as shown in Figure 12) or any other suitable shape for facilitating movement of the pair of detent retainers 42 against the bias of the detent biasing member 44.

[0055] As shown in the Figures, the detent biasing member 44 may be a coil spring. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the detent biasing member 44 may be a torsion spring or any other suitable biasing member for biasing the pair of detent retainers 42.

[0056] Similar to the first detent 46 described above, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 within the second detent 48, biased by the detent biasing member 44, may define a second holding force, as shown in Figures 4 and 6. The second holding force may be greater than the input force to facilitate sudden movement of the valve 26 from the second valve position to the first valve position when the return force is greater than the second holding force. Furthermore, the second detent 48 may have a second transition surface 62 angled transverse to the axis A and facing away from the first detent 46, with the pair of detent retainers 42 sliding along the second transition surface 62 against the bias of the detent biasing member 44 to define the second holding force. Said differently, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 within the second detent 48, biased by the detent biasing member 44, causes the pair of detent retainers 42 to engage the second transition surface 62 when the carrier 36 attempts to move to the first valve position. The pair of detent retainers 42 must be moved out of the second detent 48 (and out of engagement with the second transition surface 62) in order to move the carrier 36 to the first valve position. The angle of the second transition surface 62 allows the return force of the biasing member 40 to produce a resultant force opposing the second holding force, which is capable of moving the pair of detent retainers 42 out of the second detent 48 (against the bias of the detent biasing member 44) when the return force is greater than the second holding force.

[0057] As described above, the disposition of the pair of detent retainers 42 in the second detent 48 facilitates sudden movement of the valve 26 from the second valve position to the first valve position and the carrier 36 from the second valve position to the first valve position when the return force is greater than the second holding force. As such, the valve assembly 20 can be designed such that the valve 26 and the carrier 36 move from the second valve position to the first valve position when a threshold return force is met. The threshold return force can be designed for specific applications based on the bias of the detent biasing member 44 and the angle of the second transition surface 62 within the second detent 48. Without the pair of detent retainers 42 disposed within the second detent 48 and biased by the detent biasing member 44, the return force exerted on the carrier 36 would gradually move the carrier 36 to the second valve position as the input force decreased. The importance of the sudden movement of the carrier 36 and the valve 26 will be better understood below.

[0058] In one embodiment, the sudden movement of the valve 26 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 36 between the first and second valve positions is performed in less than 500 ms. In another embodiment, the sudden movement of the valve 26 and the carrier 36 is performed in less than 100 ms. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the sudden movement valve 26 and the carrier 36 may occur in any amount of time suitable for transitioning the valve 26 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 36 between the first and second valve positions.

[0059] As shown in Figures 3-6, the second transition surface 62 of the second detent 48 may be flat. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the second transition surface 62 may be arcuate (as shown in Figure 12) or any other suitable shape for facilitating movement of the pair of detent retainers 42 against the bias of the detent biasing member 44.

[0060] As described above, the carrier 36 may be coupled with the valve 26 such that the movement of the carrier 36 between the first and second valve positions corresponds with the movement of the valve 26 between the first and second valve positions, as shown in Figure 2. More specifically, the valve 26 may be coupled to the tail portion 52 of the carrier 36.

[0061] Moreover, as shown in Figure 2, the carrier 36 and the valve 26 may be integral such that the carrier 36 and the valve 26 are comprised of a single component. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the carrier 36 and the valve 26 may be separate components. Furthermore, the carrier 36 and the valve 26 may be any number of components without escaping the scope of the subject invention. Moreover, when the carrier 36 and the valve 26 are separate components, the carrier 36 and the valve 26 may be coupled to one another in any suitable manner, including by mechanical fasteners and fluid coupling.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2-6, the valve body 22 and the valve body 22 may be comprised of multiple components. Moreover, of the multiple components, the valve body 22 and the valve body 22 may each be partially defined by a common component, as shown in Figures 2- 6. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the valve body 22 and the valve body 22 may be integrally formed of a single component. Furthermore, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the valve body 22 and the valve body 22 may each be individually defined by a single component.

[0063] As shown in Figures 3-6 and 12, the valve body 22 may define a valve bore 64 along the axis A, with the valve 26 movable along the axis A between the first and second valve positions. Furthermore, the valve bore 64 of the valve body 22 and the carrier bore 34 of the valve body 22 may open into one another along the axis A. It is to be appreciated that the valve bore 64 and the sliding bore may be disconnected and may not be aligned with one another.

[0064] The valve body 22 may define an input opening 66 spaced from the at least two ports 24 for accepting the fluid against said pressure feedback area 84 to define an input force and facilitate movement of the valve 26 and the carrier 36 between the first and second valve positions. More specifically, the input force may act on the valve 26, with the valve 26 transmitting the input force to the carrier 36 by the coupling between the valve 26 and the carrier 36. The input force may be exerted by the fluid. More specifically, the input opening 66 may be fluidly coupled with the accumulator. As such, as the fluid pressurizes in the accumulator, the fluid exerts the input force against the valve 26 on the pressure feedback area 84 through the input opening 66. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the input force may be exerted my mechanical means, such as a motor or solenoid.

[0065] The valve body 22 may define the input opening 66 along the axis A for accepting the fluid against the pressure feedback area 84 to define the input force along the axis A. However, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the input opening 66 may be defined transverse to the axis A. [0066] The valve 26 may define a channel 68, with the at least two ports 24 opening into the channel 68 in one of the first and second valve positions to open and fluidly couple the at least two ports 24. Moreover, the at least two ports 24 may be further defined as a plurality of ports 24. For example, as shown in Figures 3-6 and 12, one of the plurality of ports 24 may be defined as a pump port 70 fluidly coupled with the pump described above to receive the fluid from the pump. Another one of the plurality of ports 24 may be defined as an accumulator port 72 fluidly coupled with the accumulator through a check valve to transmit the fluid from the valve assembly 20 to the accumulator without allowing back flow through the accumulator port 72. Yet another one of the plurality of ports 24 may be defined as a reservoir port 74 fluidly coupled with the reservoir for transmitting the fluid from the valve assembly 20 to the reservoir.

[0067] In the first valve position (as shown in Figures 3 and 5), the channel 68 is positioned over both the pump port 70 and the accumulator port 72. The valve 26 lies against the reservoir port 74 to close the reservoir port 74. As such, in the first valve position, the pump port 70 and the accumulator port 72 are fluidly coupled to one another to facilitate transmission of the fluid from the pump to the accumulator.

[0068] As the fluid enters the accumulator, the fluid pressurizes within the accumulator. The fluid in the accumulator pressurizes against the pressure feedback area 84 of the valve 26 through the input opening 66, which results in an input force acting on the valve 26 at the pressure feedback area 84. When the input force is greater than the first holding force, the valve 26 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, as described above.

[0069] In the second valve position (as shown in Figures 4 and 6), the channel 68 is positioned over both the pump port 70 and the reservoir port 74. The valve 26 lies against the accumulator port 72 to close the accumulator port 72. As such, in the second valve position, the pump port 70 and the reservoir port 74 are fluidly coupled to one another to facilitate transmission of the fluid from the pump to the reservoir.

[0070] The pump continues to transmit fluid to the reservoir until the accumulator has discharged enough fluid (i.e., to the transmission) to reduce the input force exerted on the valve 26 such that the return force exerted by the biasing member 40 is greater than the second holding force of the detent biasing member 44, at which point the valve 26 moves to the first valve position to deliver fluid to the accumulator.

[0071] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the channel 68 may have an annular configuration. The annular configuration allows the plurality of ports 24 to be radially spaced about the axis A and facilitate fluid coupling between the spaced ports 24.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7-11, the valve body 22 may include a plurality of different port 24 configurations. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the port 24 configurations in Figures 7-11 are exemplary in nature and other port 24 configurations not explicitly shown herein may be used with the valve assembly 20.

[0073] The valve assembly 20 may have a two-way valve configuration as shown in Figures 7-9. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the plurality of ports 24 may include a first port 76 and a second port 78. When the valve 26 is in the first valve position, the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly separated from one another. When the valve 26 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly coupled to one another. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the second port 78 in the second valve position.

[0074] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, the plurality of ports 24 may include a third port 80, in addition to the first and second ports 76, 78. When the valve 26 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 76, 80 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second port 78 is fluidly separated from the first and third ports 76, 80. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the third port 80 in the first valve position. When the valve 26 is in the second valve position, the first, second, and third ports 76, 78, 80 are fluidly coupled to one another. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the second and third ports 78, 80 in the second valve position.

[0075] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the plurality of ports 24 may include a fourth port 82, in addition to the first, second, and third ports 76, 78, 80. When the valve 26 is in the first valve position, the third and fourth ports 80, 82 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly separated from one another and from the third and fourth ports 80, 82. The fluid may flow from the fourth port 82 to the third port 80 in the first valve position. When the valve 26 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the third and fourth ports 80, 82 are fluidly separated from one another and from the first and second ports 76, 78. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the second port 78 in the second valve position.

[0076] The valve assembly 20 may have a three-way valve configuration as shown in Figures 10 and 11. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 10, the plurality of ports 24 may include the first, second, and third ports 76, 78, 80. When the valve 26 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 76, 80 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second port 78 is fluidly separated from the first and third ports 76, 80. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the third port 80 in the first valve position. When the valve 26 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly couple to one another, and the third port 80 is fluidly separated from the first and second ports 76, 78. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to the second port 78 in the second valve position. [0077] In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, the plurality of ports 24 may include the first, second, third, and fourth ports 76, 78, 80, 82. When the valve 26 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 76, 80 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second and fourth ports 78, 82 are fluidly coupled to one another, separate from the first and third ports 76, 80. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to third port 80 and from the second port 78 to the fourth port 82 in the first valve position. When the valve 26 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 76, 78 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the third and fourth ports 80, 82 are fluidly coupled to one another, separate from the first and second ports 76, 78. The fluid may flow from the first port 76 to second port 78 and from the third port 80 to the fourth port 82 in the second valve position.

[0078] The sudden movement of the valve 26 and the carrier 36 between the first and second valve positions (facilitated by the pair of detent retainers 42, the detent biasing member 44, and the first and second detents 46, 48) allows for sudden opening and closing of specific ports 24. As such, the ports 24 do not remain partially open, with the fluid being delivered through ports 24 that are not intended to receive fluid.

[0079] The subject invention also provides for a valve assembly 120 comprising a valve body 122 defining at least one port 124 for transmitting the fluid therethrough, as shown in Figures 14-18 and 24. The valve assembly 120 further comprises a valve 126 disposed within the valve body 122 and movable between a first valve position (as shown in Figures 15 and 17) and a second valve position (as shown in Figures 16 and 18) for opening the at least one port 124 in one of the first and second valve positions and closing the at least one port 124 in the other one of the first and second valve positions. [0080] The valve assembly 120 further comprises a retention mechanism 128 for moving the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions. The retention mechanism 128 comprises a housing 130 having an internal surface 132 defining a carrier bore 134 along an axis Al and a carrier 136 at least partially disposed within the carrier bore 134 of the housing 130 and moveable along the axis Al between a first carrier position (as shown in Figures 15 and 17) and a second carrier position (as shown in Figures 16 and 18), and defining a cavity 138 transverse to the axis Al .

[0081] As shown in Figures 15-18 and 24, the retention mechanism 128 further comprises a biasing member 140 engageable with the carrier 136 to bias the carrier 136 toward the first carrier position, a detent retainer 142 at least partially disposed within the cavity 138, and a detent biasing member 144 at least partially disposed within the cavity 138 and biasing the detent retainer 142 outwardly away from the carrier 136 and into engagement with the internal surface 132 of the housing 130. The internal surface 132 of the housing 130 defines a first detent 146 corresponding with the first carrier position of the carrier 136 and a second detent 148 corresponding with the second carrier position of the carrier 136. The detent retainer 142 is at least partially disposed within the first detent 146 when the carrier 136 is in the first carrier position to retain the carrier 136 in the first carrier position. The detent retainer 142 is at least partially disposed within the second detent 148 when the carrier 136 is in the second carrier position to retain the carrier 136 in the second carrier position.

[0082] As describe above, the housing 130 has the internal surface 132 defining the carrier bore 134 along the axis Al . As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the carrier bore 134 may have a substantially cylindrical configuration along the axis Al for disposing the carrier 136 therein. As shown in Figure 24, the housing 130 may be a unitary component defining the carrier bore 134. Alternatively, the housing 130 may be a plurality of components coupled to one another with each of the housing 130 components defining a portion of the carrier bore 134, as shown in Figures 15- 23. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the housing 130 may be comprise of any number of components.

[0083] As described above, the biasing member 140 is engageable with the carrier 136 to bias the carrier 136 toward the first carrier position. More specifically, the biasing member 140 may be disposed within the carrier bore 134 along the axis Al, with the biasing member 140 engageable with each of the housing 130 and the carrier 136. As such, the carrier 136 may compress the biasing member 140 as the carrier 136 moves from the first carrier position to the second carrier position. As shown in Figures 14-18, the biasing member 140 may be tapered such that the diameter of the biasing member 140 across the axis Al is greater at one end of the biasing member 140 than another end of the biasing member 140. More specifically, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, the diameter of the biasing member 140 may be greater at the end of the biasing member 140 that is engageable with the housing 130 than the end of the biasing member 140 which is engageable with the carrier 136. The taper of the biasing member 140 prevents buckling (i.e., lateral deflection) of the biasing member 140 under compression when the carrier 136 moves from the first carrier position to the second carrier position.

[0084] The carrier 136 may extend along the axis Al within the carrier bore 134. As shown in the Figures 15 and 16, the carrier 136 may have a substantially cylindrical configuration along the axis Al . The carrier 136 may have a diameter across the axis Al which varies along the axis Al . More specifically, the carrier 136 may have a head portion 150 and a tail portion 152 extending from the head portion 150 along the axis Al, with the head portion 150 having a diameter which is great than a diameter of the tail portion 152. Furthermore, the head portion 150 of the carrier 136 may be engageable with the biasing member 140.

[0085] As shown in Figures 15-18, the variation in the diameters between the head portion 150 and the tail portion 152 of the carrier 136 may define an abutment surface 154 transverse to the axis Al . Similarly, the internal surface 132 of the housing 130 defining the carrier bore 134 may vary in diameter to define a shoulder 156 transverse to the axis Al and facing the abutment surface 154 of the carrier 136. The abutment surface 154 of the carrier 136 is abutable with the shoulder 156 of the housing 130 if the carrier 136 is moved past the first carrier position (away from the second carrier position of the carrier 136). As such, the abutment of the abutment surface 154 with the shoulder 156 defines a hard stop such that the carrier 136 will not move past the first carrier position when the carrier 136 is biased to the first carrier position.

[0086] As described above, the carrier 136 defines the cavity 138 transverse to the axis Al, as shown in Figures 17 and 18. Furthermore, the cavity 138 may be substantially perpendicular to the axis Al . As such, the detent biasing member 144 may be oriented within the cavity 138 such that the detent biasing member 144 biases the detent retainer 142 in a direction transverse to the bias of the biasing member 140, which will be described in greater detail below.

[0087] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the detent retainer 142 may be a detent ball which is accepted by the first and second detents 146, 148. Said differently, the detent retainer 142 may be sized such that the detent retainer 142 sits within the first and second detents 146, 148 in the first and second carrier positions, respectively. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the detent retainer 142 may have any suitable shape, including cylindrical and semi-spherical shapes, which may be accepted by the first and second detents 146, 148. [0088] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the detent retainer 142 may be further defined as a pair of detent retainers 142 positioned on opposing sides of the detent biasing member 144 on opposing sides of the detent biasing member 144. More specifically, the detent biasing member 144 and pair of detent retainers 142 may be linearly aligned, and the detent biasing member 144 may be sandwiched between the pair of detent retainers 142 such that detent biasing member 144 may bias each of the pair of detent retainers 142. Furthermore, the cavity 138 may extend through the carrier 136 to define a pair of detent retainer openings 158, with the pair of detent retainers 142 independently positioned adjacent the pair of detent retainer openings 158. As such, the pair of detent retainers 142 are biased away from one another on opposing sides of the carrier 136. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the detent retainer 142 may be any number of detent retainers biased by any number of detent biasing members.

[0089] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the first and second detents 146, 148 may have an annular configuration about the axis Al to allow rotation of the carrier 136 about the axis Al while maintaining engageability of the at least one detent retainer 142 with the first and second detents 146, 148 about the axis Al . Said differently, the annular configurations of the first and second detents 146, 148 may be further define first and second detents 146, 148 as channels. Moreover, when the detent retainer 142 is the pair of detent retainers 142, the annular configuration of the first and second detents 146, 148 allow both of the pair of detent retainers 142 to engage the first detent 146 in the first carrier position and the second detent 148 in the second carrier position.

[0090] The carrier 136 may be configured to be moved between the first and second carrier positions by an input force, which will be described in greater detail below. More specifically, the carrier 136 and the valve 126 may be configured to move together. Movement of the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions corresponds with the movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions. The biasing member 140 may define a return force opposing the input force. As shown in Figures 15-18 and 24, the return force and the input force act along the axis Al . The valve 126 and the carrier 136 may be configured to move to the first valve position and the first carrier position, respectively, when the return force is greater than the input force, and with the valve 126 and the carrier 136 configured to move to the second valve position and the second carrier position, respectively, when the return force is less than the input force. Said differently, variations in the opposing amount of force between the return and input forces facilitates movement of the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions and movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions.

[0091] As shown in Figures 15 and 17, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 within the first detent 146, biased by the detent biasing member 144, may define a first holding force. The first holding force may be greater than the return force of the biasing member 140 to facilitate sudden movement of the valve 126 from the first valve position to the second valve position and the carrier 136 from the first carrier position to the second carrier position when the input force is greater than the first holding force. Furthermore, the first detent 146 may have a first transition surface 160 angled transverse to the axis Al and facing away from the second detent 148, with the at least one detent retainer 142 sliding along the first transition surface 160 against the bias of the detent biasing member 144 to define the first holding force. Said differently, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 within the first detent 146, biased by the detent biasing member 144, causes the detent retainer 142 to engage the first transition surface 160 when the carrier 136 attempts to move to the second carrier position. The detent retainer 142 must be moved out of the first detent 146 (and out of engagement with the first transition surface 160) in order to move the carrier 136 to the second carrier position. The angle of the first transition surface 160 allows the input force to produce a resultant force opposing the first holding force, which is capable of moving the detent retainer 142 out of the first detent 146 (against the bias of the detent biasing member 144) when the input force is greater than the first holding force.

[0092] As described above, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 in the first detent 146 facilitates sudden movement of the valve 126 from the first valve position to the second valve position and the carrier 136 from the first carrier position to the second carrier position when the input force is greater than the first holding force. As such, the retention mechanism 128 can be designed such that the carrier 136 moves from the first carrier position to the second carrier position when a threshold input force is met. The threshold input force can be designed for specific applications based on the bias of the detent biasing member 144 and the angle of the first transition surface 160 within the first detent 146. Without the detent retainer 142 disposed within the first detent 146 and biased by the detent biasing member 144, the input force exerted on the carrier 136 would simply compress the biasing member 140 and would gradually move the carrier 136 to the second carrier position. The importance of the sudden movement of the carrier 136 and the valve 126 will be better understood below.

[0093] As shown in Figures 15-18, the first transition surface 160 of the first detent 146 may be flat. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the first transition surface 160 may be arcuate (as shown in Figure 24) or any other suitable shape for facilitating movement of the detent retainer 142 against the bias of the detent biasing member 144.

[0094] As shown in the Figures, the detent biasing member 144 may be a coil spring. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the detent biasing member 144 may be a torsion spring or any other suitable biasing member for biasing the detent retainer 142. [0095] Similar to the first detent 146 described above, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 within the second detent 148, biased by the detent biasing member 144, may define a second holding force, as shown in Figures 16 and 18. The second holding force may be greater than the input force to facilitate sudden movement of the valve 126 from the second valve position to the first valve position and the carrier 136 from the second carrier position to the first carrier position when the return force is greater than the second holding force. Furthermore, the second detent 148 may have a second transition surface 162 angled transverse to the axis Al and facing away from the first detent 146, with the at least one detent retainer 142 sliding along the second transition surface 162 against the bias of the detent biasing member 144 to define the second holding force. Said differently, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 within the second detent 148, biased by the detent biasing member 144, causes the detent retainer 142 to engage the second transition surface 162 when the carrier 136 attempts to move to the first carrier position. The detent retainer 142 must be moved out of the second detent 148 (and out of engagement with the second transition surface 162) in order to move the carrier 136 to the first carrier position. The angle of the second transition surface 162 allows the return force of the biasing member 140 to produce a resultant force opposing the second holding force, which is capable of moving the detent retainer 142 out of the second detent 148 (against the bias of the detent biasing member 144) when the return force is greater than the second holding force.

[0096] As described above, the disposition of the detent retainer 142 in the second detent 148 facilitates sudden movement of the valve 126 from the second valve position to the first valve position and the carrier 136 from the second carrier position to the first carrier position when the return force is greater than the second holding force. As such, the retention mechanism 128 can be designed such that the carrier 136 moves from the second carrier position to the first carrier position when a threshold return force is met. The threshold return force can be designed for specific applications based on the bias of the detent biasing member 144 and the angle of the second transition surface 162 within the second detent 148. Without the detent retainer 142 disposed within the second detent 148 and biased by the detent biasing member 144, the return force exerted on the carrier 136 would gradually move the carrier 136 to the second carrier position as the input force decreased. The importance of the sudden movement of the carrier 136 and the valve 126 will be better understood below.

[0097] In one embodiment, the sudden movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions is performed in less than 1500 ms. In another embodiment, the sudden movement of the valve 126 and the carrier 136 is performed in less than 100 ms. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the sudden movement valve 126 and the carrier 136 may occur in any amount of time suitable for transitioning the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions.

[0098] As shown in Figures 15-18, the second transition surface 162 of the second detent 148 may be flat. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the second transition surface 162 may be arcuate (as shown in Figure 24) or any other suitable shape for facilitating movement of the detent retainer 142 against the bias of the detent biasing member 144.

[0099] As described above, the carrier 136 may be coupled with the valve 126 such that the movement of the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions corresponds with the movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions, as shown in Figure 14. More specifically, the valve 126 may be coupled to the tail portion 152 of the carrier 136. [0100] Moreover, as shown in Figure 14, the carrier 136 and the valve 126 may be integral such that the carrier 136 and the valve 126 are comprised of a single component. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the carrier 136 and the valve 126 may be separate components. Furthermore, the carrier 136 and the valve 126 may be any number of components without escaping the scope of the subject invention. Moreover, when the carrier 136 and the valve 126 are separate components, the carrier 136 and the valve 126 may be coupled to one another in any suitable manner, including by mechanical fasteners and fluid coupling.

[0101] As shown in Figures 14-18, the housing 130 and the valve body 122 may be comprised of multiple components. Moreover, of the multiple components, the valve body 122 and the housing 130 may each be partially defined by a common component, as shown in Figures 14-18. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the housing 130 and the valve body 122 may be integrally formed of a single component. Furthermore, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the valve body 122 and the housing 130 may each be individually defined by a single component.

[0102] As shown in Figures 15-18 and 24, the valve body 122 may define a valve bore 164 along the axis Al, with the valve 126 movable along the axis Al between the first and second valve positions. Furthermore, the valve bore 164 of the valve body 122 and the carrier bore 134 of the housing 130 may open into one another along the axis Al . It is to be appreciated that the valve bore 164 and the sliding bore may be disconnected and may not be aligned with one another.

[0103] The valve body 122 may define an input opening 166 spaced from the port 124 for accepting the input force against the valve 126 to facilitate movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions. More specifically, the input force may act on the valve 126, with the valve 126 transmitting the input force to the carrier 136 by the coupling between the valve 126 and the carrier 136. The input force may be exerted by the fluid. More specifically, the input opening 166 may be fluidly coupled with the accumulator. As such, as the fluid pressurizes in the accumulator, the fluid exerts the input force against the valve 126 on through the input opening 166. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the input force may be exerted my mechanical means, such as a motor or solenoid.

[0104] The valve body 122 may define the input opening 166 along the axis Al for accepting the input force against the valve 126 along the axis Al . However, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the input opening 166 may be defined transverse to the axis Al .

[0105] The at least one port 124 may be further defined as a pair of ports 124, with the valve 126 defining a channel 168 and with the pair of ports 124 opening into the channel 168 in one of the first and second valve positions to open and fluidly couple the pair of ports 124. Moreover, the pair of ports 124 may be further defined as a plurality of ports 124. For example, as shown in Figures 15-18 and 24, one of the plurality of ports 124 may be defined as a pump port 170 fluidly coupled with the pump described above to receive the fluid from the pump. Another one of the plurality of ports 124 may be defined as an accumulator port 172 fluidly coupled with the accumulator through a check valve to transmit the fluid from the valve assembly 120 to the accumulator without allowing back flow through the accumulator port 172. Yet another one of the plurality of ports 124 may be defined as a reservoir port 174 fluidly coupled with the reservoir for transmitting the fluid from the valve assembly 120 to the reservoir.

[0106] In the first valve position (as shown in Figures 15 and 17), the channel 168 is positioned over both the pump port 170 and the accumulator port 172. The valve 126 lies against the reservoir port 174 to close the reservoir port 174. As such, in the first valve position, the pump port 170 and the accumulator port 172 are fluidly coupled to one another to facilitate transmission of the fluid from the pump to the accumulator.

[0107] As the fluid enters the accumulator, the fluid pressurizes within the accumulator. The fluid in the accumulator pressurizes against a pressure feedback area 184 of the valve 126 through the input opening 166, which results in an input force acting on the valve 126 at the pressure feedback area 184. When the input force is greater than the first holding force, the valve 126 moves from the first valve position to the second valve position, as described above.

[0108] In the second valve position (as shown in Figures 16 and 18), the channel 168 is positioned over both the pump port 170 and the reservoir port 174. The valve 126 lies against the accumulator port 172 to close the accumulator port 172. As such, in the second valve position, the pump port 170 and the reservoir port 174 are fluidly coupled to one another to facilitate transmission of the fluid from the pump to the reservoir.

[0109] The pump continues to transmit fluid to the reservoir until the accumulator has discharged enough fluid (i.e., to the transmission) to reduce the input force exerted on the valve 126 such that the return force exerted by the biasing member 140 is greater than the second holding force of the detent biasing member 144, at which point the valve 126 moves to the first valve position to deliver fluid to the accumulator.

[0110] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, the channel 168 may have an annular configuration. The annular configuration allows the plurality of ports 124 to be radially spaced about the axis Al and facilitate fluid coupling between the spaced ports 124.

[0111] As shown in Figures 19-23, the valve body 122 may include a plurality of different port 124 configurations with the retention mechanism 128 configured to be used with each of the different port 124 configurations. One having skill in the art will appreciate that the port 124 configurations in Figures 19-23 are exemplary in nature and other port 124 configurations not explicitly shown herein may be used with the valve assembly 120.

[0112] The valve assembly 120 may have a two-way valve configuration as shown in Figures 19-21. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 19, the plurality of ports 124 may include a first port 176 and a second port 178. When the valve 126 is in the first valve position, the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly separated from one another. When the valve 126 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly coupled to one another. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the second port 178 in the second valve position.

[0113] In the embodiment shown in Figure 20, the plurality of ports 124 may include a third port 180, in addition to the first and second ports 176, 178. When the valve 126 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 176, 180 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second port 178 is fluidly separated from the first and third ports 176, 180. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the third port 180 in the first valve position. When the valve 126 is in the second valve position, the first, second, and third ports 176, 178, 180 are fluidly coupled to one another. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the second and third ports 178, 180 in the second valve position.

[0114] In the embodiment shown in Figure 21, the plurality of ports 124 may include a fourth port 182, in addition to the first, second, and third ports 176, 178, 180. When the valve 126 is in the first valve position, the third and fourth ports 180, 182 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly separated from one another and from the third and fourth ports 180, 182. The fluid may flow from the fourth port 182 to the third port 180 in the first valve position. When the valve 126 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the third and fourth ports 180, 182 are fluidly separated from one another and from the first and second ports 176, 178. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the second port 178 in the second valve position.

[0115] The valve assembly 120 may have a three-way valve configuration as shown in Figures 22 and 23. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in Figure 22, the plurality of ports 124 may include the first, second, and third ports 176, 178, 180. When the valve 126 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 176, 180 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second port 178 is fluidly separated from the first and third ports 176, 180. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the third port 180 in the first valve position. When the valve 126 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly couple to one another, and the third port 180 is fluidly separated from the first and second ports 176, 178. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to the second port 178 in the second valve position.

[0116] In the embodiment shown in Figure 23, the plurality of ports 124 may include the first, second, third, and fourth ports 176, 178, 180, 182. When the valve 126 is in the first valve position, the first and third ports 176, 180 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the second and fourth ports 178, 182 are fluidly coupled to one another, separate from the first and third ports 176, 180. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to third port 180 and from the second port 178 to the fourth port 182 in the first valve position. When the valve 126 is in the second valve position, the first and second ports 176, 178 are fluidly coupled to one another, and the third and fourth ports 180, 182 are fluidly coupled to one another, separate from the first and second ports 176, 178. The fluid may flow from the first port 176 to second port 178 and from the third port 180 to the fourth port 182 in the second valve position. [0117] The sudden movement of the valve 126 between the first and second valve positions and the carrier 136 between the first and second carrier positions (facilitated by the detent retainer 142, the detent biasing member 144, and the first and second detents 146, 148) allows for sudden opening and closing of specific ports 124. As such, the ports 124 do not remain partially open, with the fluid being delivered through ports 124 that are not intended to receive fluid.

[0118] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. As is now apparent to those skilled in the art, many modifications and variations of the subject invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.