Chemistry dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance

A chemistry dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a reservoir that dispenses a laundry chemistry to a treatment chamber. A mixing channel is positioned below the reservoir that receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the reservoir. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The mixing channel is defined between an underside of the reservoir and an upper surface of the mixing channel.

FIELD OF THE DEVICE

The device disclosed herein is in the field of laundry appliances, and more specifically, a laundry appliance including a chemistry dispensing mechanism having a mixing channel positioned immediately below a chemistry dispenser for mixing laundry chemistry with a fluid carrier.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a treatment chamber for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing includes a removable laundry cartridge that dispenses a laundry chemistry to the treatment chamber. A mixing channel is positioned below the cartridge housing that receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are delivered to a chemistry mixing section of a tub ring positioned above the treatment chamber and below the mixing channel.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chemistry dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a reservoir that dispenses a laundry chemistry to a treatment chamber. A mixing channel is positioned below the reservoir that receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the reservoir. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The mixing channel is defined between an underside of the reservoir and an upper surface of the mixing channel.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a rotating drum for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing includes a removable laundry cartridge that dispenses a laundry chemistry for delivery to the rotating drum. A mixing plate is positioned below the cartridge housing that defines a mixing channel. The mixing channel receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The mixing channel is defined between an underside of the removable laundry cartridge and an upper surface of the mixing plate. The laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are delivered to a chemistry mixing section of a tub ring that is positioned above the rotating drum and below the mixing channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS.1-8, reference numeral10generally refers to a chemistry dispensing mechanism that is incorporated within a laundry appliance12, where the chemistry dispensing mechanism10disposes a laundry chemistry14from a reservoir60, typically incorporated within a removable laundry cartridge26, toward a treatment chamber16of the laundry appliance12. The treatment chamber16can take the form of a rotating drum18that is positioned within a tub20, that is in turn positioned within an outer cabinet22. The rotating drum18can operate about a vertical axis or a horizontal axis, depending upon the configuration of the particular appliance12. According to various aspects of the device, the laundry appliance12includes the treatment chamber16for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing24includes a removable laundry cartridge26that includes an internal reservoir60. The removable laundry cartridge26dispenses the laundry chemistry14toward the treatment chamber16. A mixing channel28is positioned below the cartridge housing24, where the mixing channel28is configured to receive the laundry chemistry14that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge26. A fluid assembly30delivers a fluid carrier32through a flow path34that includes the mixing channel28. The laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32are delivered to a chemistry mixing section36of a tub ring38that is positioned above the rotating drum18and below the mixing channel28. In this manner, the flow path34is positioned to deliver the fluid carrier32from one or more nozzles40and through the mixing channel28to receive dispensed laundry chemistry14from the removable laundry cartridges26or a refillable reservoir60. The dispensed laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32are then delivered from the mixing channel28and to the treatment chamber16via a chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38.

Referring again toFIGS.7and8, the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38includes a plurality of apertures50that are positioned to deliver the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32into the treatment chamber16. Typically, the plurality of apertures50are positioned within a gutter area52. This gutter area52of the chemistry mixing section36is positioned below the mixing channel28, typically at the rear54of the tub ring38. In this configuration, the dispensed fluid carrier32with the laundry chemistry14mixed therein operates in a generally cyclonic motion56within the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38. Through the cyclonic motion56of the fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14, these components form a processing fluid58that is delivered through the plurality of apertures50and into the treatment chamber16.

In certain aspects of the device, the fluid assembly30can include a ring fluid nozzle70that directs a portion of the fluid carrier32as a mixing stream of the fluid carrier32into the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38. This mixing stream of the fluid carrier32from the ring fluid nozzle70can promote the cyclonic motion56of the fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14that forms the processing fluid58. This processing fluid58is then directed through the plurality of apertures50positioned within the gutter area52of the chemistry mixing section36. Through the use of this cyclonic structure134that mixes the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32, the processing fluid58is directed through the plurality of apertures50and into a deflector72and that defines the dispensing slot74. This dispensing slot74is configured to direct the processing fluid58in a generally downward direction76and into the treatment chamber16. The dispensing slot74can be used to prevent splashing of the processing fluid58and also ensures a complete dispense of the laundry chemistry14from the removable laundry cartridge26, or other reservoir60, into the treatment chamber16.

Using the fluid assembly30, when the laundry chemistry14is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge26, the laundry chemistry14is continually mixed with additional portions of fluid carrier32that progressively mixes and dilutes the laundry chemistry14for forming the processing fluid58that is delivered to the treatment chamber16.

In certain aspects of the device, the laundry chemistry14can be in the form of a highly concentrated solution of laundry chemistry14. This highly concentrated solution is configured to be diluted before being dispensed into the treatment chamber16to ensure a safe proportion of laundry chemistry14to the fluid carrier32that forms the processing fluid58.

Referring again toFIGS.1-8, the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38is positioned above the treatment chamber16and below the mixing channel28. The tub ring38includes the deflector72that is positioned adjacent to the plurality of apertures50to define the dispensing slot74that is below the chemistry mixing section36. Through this configuration, the flow path34delivers the fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14into the treatment chamber16, and also serves to mix the fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14to form the processing fluid58.

Referring now toFIGS.2-6, the fluid assembly30for the chemistry dispensing mechanism10can include a plurality of fluid valves90. Each of these fluid valves90is configured to be positioned to correspond to a respective removable laundry cartridge26that is received within the cartridge receptacles92of the cartridge housing24. Each removable laundry cartridge26is configured to have a dedicated dispensing outlet94that delivers the laundry chemistry14from the removable laundry cartridge26and toward the mixing channel28. The fluid valves90can also correspond to respective reservoirs60that are defined within the chemistry dispensing mechanism10. Each fluid valve90directs a corresponding flow of the fluid carrier32below a respective dispensing outlet94of the laundry cartridges26or reservoirs60. Through this configuration, the various fluid valves90of the fluid assembly30can be activated and deactivated depending upon which removable laundry cartridges26or reservoirs60are assigned for dispensing laundry chemistry14in a particular laundry cycle. It is also contemplated that the fluid assembly30can include a single fluid valve90that directs a fluid carrier32to a plurality of nozzles40that moves the fluid carrier32through all or substantially all of the mixing channel28. The fluid valves90can each be coupled with hot and cold water supplies. Accordingly, the temperature of the fluid carrier32can be adjusted based upon the laundry cycle selected. In addition, the fluid valves90can be attached to a supply of recirculating fluid that is recirculated through the appliance12.

Referring now toFIG.9, the mixing channel28of the chemistry dispensing mechanism10can include a mixing plate100that is positioned below the cartridge housing24and the plurality of removable laundry cartridges26. This mixing plate100includes a plurality of perforations102that allows a fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14to define a dispensing shower104that is dispensed from the mixing channel28into the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38. This dispensing shower104includes an at least partially mixed solution106of the fluid carrier32and the laundry chemistry14. This partially mixed solution106is then circulated within the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38to form the processing fluid58that is dispensed into the treatment chamber16for the appliance12. In certain aspects of the device, the partially mixed solution106can be in the form of the processing fluid58. In such an embodiment, the mixing channel28can provide for sufficient mixing of the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32to define the processing fluid58.

Referring now toFIG.10, the mixing plate100can define the mixing channel28that is immediately below the cartridge housing24. In such a configuration, the mixing channel28can include an expanded turbulence section110that receives the fluid carrier32and directs the fluid carrier32in a turbulent flow against the underside112of the removable laundry cartridge26. Within this expanded turbulence section110, the turbulent flow of the fluid carrier32is circulated therein to define a pre-mix chamber114that partially mixes the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32. The areas of the mixing channel28that lead into and extend from the expanded turbulence section110can define a minimal clearance. Through this configuration, when the fluid carrier32reaches the expanded turbulence section110, the fluid carrier32can mix within the pre-mix chamber114to receive the laundry chemistry14from the removable laundry cartridge26. The pre-mix chamber114also allows for an at least partial combination or mixed solution106of the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32to at least partially define the processing fluid58. This partially mixed solution106can be delivered either directly into the treatment chamber16, or can be delivered to the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38for further mixing to define the processing fluid58.

Referring again toFIGS.1-10, the various aspects of the device define a mixing channel28that is positioned below the removable laundry cartridges26, or other laundry chemistry reservoir60, and above a tub ring38for a treatment chamber16. Using the mixing channel28, a fluid carrier32can be used to move the laundry chemistry14from the removable laundry cartridge26and at least partially mix the laundry chemistry14within the flow path34for generating the processing fluid58that is dispensed into the treatment chamber16. Using this flow path34and the various aspects of the mixing channel28, highly concentrated versions of laundry chemistry14can be dispensed. The flow path34progressively dilutes the concentrated laundry chemistry14to form a usable proportion of the processing fluid58for use within the treatment chamber16of the appliance12.

Referring again toFIGS.1-10, the chemistry dispensing mechanism10for the laundry appliance12includes the cartridge housing24that receives the removable laundry cartridge26within cartridge receptacles92. The removable laundry cartridges26are adapted to dispense a laundry chemistry14, typically a concentrated version of the laundry chemistry14, to the treatment chamber16. The mixing channel28is positioned below the cartridge housing24and receives the laundry chemistry14that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge26. Typically, a cartridge housing24will include a plurality of cartridge receptacles92for receiving corresponding pluralities of removable laundry cartridges26. These various removable laundry cartridges26can include different laundry chemistries that are used within various laundry cycles for the appliance12. These laundry chemistries can include, but are not limited to, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, fragrancing agents, pre-wash fluids, combinations thereof, and other similar laundry chemistries. The fluid assembly30delivers the fluid carrier32through a portion of flow path34that includes the mixing channel28of the chemistry dispensing mechanism10. The mixing channel28is defined between the underside112of the removable laundry cartridge26and a portion of a mixing plate100. As discussed above, the mixing channel28can be at least partially defined by the mixing plate100, where an upper surface of the mixing plate100defines at least a portion of the mixing channel28.

Referring again toFIGS.2-10, in certain aspects of the device, the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32are adapted to be delivered from the mixing channel28to the tub ring38for further mixing with the fluid carrier32to define the processing fluid58. Accordingly, the flow path34can include a mixing channel28and the tub ring38that define various mixing stages for combining the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32to form the processing fluid58. It is also contemplated that the flow path34can define a continuous channel that continually mixes and dilutes the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32.

Referring again toFIGS.9and10, the mixing channel28can include various additional features for mixing and delivering the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32to the treatment chamber16. These features can include the mixing plate100having the perforations102, exemplified inFIG.9, as well as the expanded turbulence section110exemplified inFIG.10. These features of the mixing channel28can be used to mix, or at least pre-mix, the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32. As discussed above, the mixing channel28is used to at least partially mix or fully mix the concentrated laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32to define a usable proportion of these components for forming the processing fluid58that is used within the treatment chamber16.

Referring again toFIGS.1-10, the laundry appliance12includes a rotating drum18for processing articles of laundry. The cartridge housing24includes a reservoir60, such as the removable laundry cartridges26within respective cartridge receptacles92. The removable laundry cartridges26dispense the laundry chemistry14that is delivered to the rotating drum18. The mixing plate100is positioned below the cartridge housing24, where the mixing plate100defines, at least partially, the mixing channel28for the chemistry dispensing mechanism10. The mixing plate100receives the laundry chemistry14that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge26. The fluid assembly30delivers the fluid carrier32through the flow path34that includes the mixing channel28. The mixing channel28is defined between the underside112of the removable laundry cartridge26and the upper surface of the mixing plate100. The laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32are delivered to a chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38that is positioned above the rotating drum18and below the mixing channel28. As discussed above, this flow path34defines a multi-station mixing assembly120that combines the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32to form the processing fluid58.

It is contemplated that, in certain aspects of the device, the mixing of the laundry chemistry14with the fluid carrier32can occur within the mixing channel28. The processing fluid58is then delivered from the mixing channel28into the treatment chamber16for use in processing articles of laundry. Typically, the mixing channel28will deliver the partially mixed solution106from the mixing channel28and to the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38. From this chemistry mixing section36, the mixed solution106can be mixed with additional amounts of the fluid carrier32to form the processing fluid58. The processing fluid58, being fully mixed, is then delivered to the treatment chamber16via the plurality of apertures50defined within the gutter area52of the chemistry mixing section36.

As discussed above, the chemistry dispensing mechanism10disclosed herein is typically used within vertical-axis appliances12. However, it is contemplated that the chemistry dispensing mechanism10disclosed herein can also be used with respect to a horizontal-axis appliance12as well as combination washing and drying appliances12.

The fluid carrier32described herein can include water from an external source. It is also contemplated that the fluid carrier32can include a recycled fluid that is delivered from the treatment chamber16, through a recirculating conduit, and toward the chemistry dispensing mechanism10. It is also contemplated that the fluid carrier32can be a combination of recirculated fluid and water from the external source.

Referring again toFIGS.5and6, it is contemplated that the tub ring38can include an angled section130that leads toward the treatment chamber16within the rotating drum18. This angled section130can angle directly into the treatment chamber16, in a generally forward direction132. It is also contemplated that the angled section130can form a portion of the cyclonic structure134of the chemistry mixing section36that leads to the plurality of apertures50of the gutter area52. Using this angled section130of the tub ring38, additional mixing of the laundry chemistry14and the fluid carrier32can be accomplished for generating the processing fluid58that is used within the laundry cycle of the appliance12.

The various sections of the flow path34, such as the mixing channel28and the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38can be also used to combine various combinations of laundry chemistry14together. In certain aspects of the device, combinations of the laundry chemistries14described herein may be mixed together to form variations of the processing fluid58for accomplishing certain laundry cycles. The flow path34that includes the mixing channel28and the chemistry mixing section36of the tub ring38can be used to fully combine and mix the laundry chemistries14together to form the appropriate processing fluid58that is used within the treatment chamber16. It should be understood that the various aspects of the chemistry dispensing mechanism10described herein can be used with a removable laundry cartridge26having an internal reservoir60, or a refillable reservoir60that is not typically removable from the remainder of the chemistry dispensing mechanism10.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a laundry appliance includes a treatment chamber for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing includes a removable laundry cartridge that dispenses a laundry chemistry to the treatment chamber. A mixing channel is positioned below the cartridge housing that receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are delivered to a chemistry mixing section of a tub ring positioned above the treatment chamber and below the mixing channel.

According to another aspect, the chemistry mixing section of the tub ring includes a plurality of apertures that are positioned to deliver the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier to the treatment chamber.

According to yet another aspect, the chemistry mixing section includes a cyclonic structure that mixes the laundry chemistry with the fluid carrier to define a processing fluid. The plurality of apertures are positioned proximate a rear of the cyclonic structure.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the fluid assembly includes a plurality of fluid valves. Each fluid valve corresponds to a cartridge receptacle of the cartridge housing.

According to another aspect, the tub ring includes a deflector that extends from an underside of the tub ring. The plurality of apertures direct the processing fluid toward the deflector.

According to yet another aspect, the fluid assembly includes a fluid nozzle that directs a mixing stream into the cyclonic structure for generating a cyclonic motion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mixing channel includes a mixing plate having a plurality of perforations and the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are directed downward through the plurality of perforations and toward the tub ring.

According to another aspect, the mixing channel and the cartridge housing define an expanded turbulence section that receives the fluid carrier against an underside of the removable laundry cartridge.

According to yet another aspect, the turbulence section defines a pre-mix chamber that partially mixes the laundry chemistry with the fluid carrier.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a chemistry dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a reservoir that dispenses a laundry chemistry to a treatment chamber. A mixing channel is positioned below the reservoir that receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the reservoir. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The mixing channel is defined between an underside of the reservoir and an upper surface of the mixing channel.

According to another aspect, the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are delivered from the mixing channel to a tub ring for further mixing with the fluid carrier to define a processing fluid.

According to yet another aspect, the tub ring includes a plurality of apertures that are configured to dispense the processing fluid into a treatment chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the tub ring includes a chemistry mixing section positioned above the treatment chamber and below the mixing channel. The tub ring includes a deflector positioned adjacent to the plurality of apertures to define a dispensing slot below the chemistry mixing section.

According to another aspect, the mixing channel and the reservoir define an expanded turbulence section that receives the fluid carrier to generate a turbulent flow of the fluid carrier against an underside of the reservoir.

According to yet another aspect, the turbulence section defines a premix chamber that partially mixes the laundry chemistry with a fluid chamber.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the mixing channel includes a perforated plate and the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are directed downward through perforations of the mixing channel and toward the tub ring.

According to another aspect, a laundry appliance includes a rotating drum for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing includes a removable laundry cartridge that dispenses a laundry chemistry for delivery to the rotating drum. A mixing plate is positioned below the cartridge housing that defines a mixing channel. The mixing channel receives the laundry chemistry dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge. A fluid assembly delivers a fluid carrier through a flow path that includes the mixing channel. The mixing channel is defined between an underside of the removable laundry cartridge and an upper surface of the mixing plate. The laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are delivered to a chemistry mixing section of a tub ring that is positioned above the rotating drum and below the mixing channel.

According to yet another aspect, the chemistry mixing section of the tub ring includes a plurality of apertures that are positioned to deliver the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier to the rotating drum. The plurality of apertures direct the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier toward a deflector and into the rotating drum.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the chemistry mixing section includes a cyclonic structure that mixes the laundry chemistry with the fluid carrier to define a processing fluid. The plurality of apertures are positioned proximate a rear of the cyclonic structure.

According to another aspect, the mixing channel includes a perforated plate and the laundry chemistry and the fluid carrier are directed downward through perforations of the mixing channel and toward the tub ring.