A diverter valve includes a valve bore having a set of valve seats associated
with
each fluid outlet port. Each set of valve seats is at least partially separated
from one another by a flow channel. The valve seat configuration increases the
impact area for the valve element. As a result, the impact force upon seating against
the valve seats is reduced. Moreover, by including flow channels between the sets
of valve seats, the switching force and performance of the valve element is not
adversely affected.