Rocker arm having oil release valve that operates as an accumulator

An exhaust valve rocker arm assembly operable in a combustion engine mode and an engine braking mode, the exhaust valve rocker arm assembly comprising:

• a rocker shaft that defines a pressurized oil supply conduit;
• a rocker arm that receives the rocker shaft and is configured to rotate around the rocker shaft, the rocker arm having an oil supply passage and an accumulator piston housing defined therein;
• a valve bridge that engages a first exhaust valve and a second exhaust valve;
• a hydraulic lash adjuster assembly disposed on the rocker arm having a first plunger body and a second plunger body having an opening, the first plunger body movable relative to the second plunger body between a first position in the engine braking mode and a second position in the combustion mode, wherein in the first position, the first plunger body extends rigidly for cooperative engagement with the valve bridge;
• a check valve disposed on the rocker arm and having an actuator that selectively releases pressure in the hydraulic lash adjuster, the check valve having a check ball positioned between the first and second plunger bodies, wherein the check ball is offset from the opening permitting oil to flow through the opening during the combustion mode;
• and
• an accumulator assembly disposed in the rocker arm and including an accumulator piston that translates within the accumulator piston housing between closed and open positions, the accumulator assembly configured to store a predetermined amount of oil when the first plunger body moves toward the second position, wherein the accumulator assembly further comprises:
• an accumulator spring that biases the accumulator piston toward the closed position, wherein in the closed position, oil is inhibited from entering the accumulator piston housing.