Patent Publication Number: US-2022235511-A1

Title: Chemistry dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance

Description:
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. 
     These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of a laundry appliance incorporating an aspect of the chemistry dispensing mechanism; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of an aspect of a mixing channel for the chemistry dispensing assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the laundry appliance of  FIG. 1  taken along line III-Ill, and showing a relationship of a removable laundry cartridge with the mixing channel; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic diagram illustrating a fluid assembly incorporated within an aspect of the chemistry dispensing mechanism; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating an aspect of a mixing channel for the chemistry dispensing mechanism; 
         FIG. 6  is another cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the mixing channel for the chemistry dispensing mechanism; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic top plan view of a tub ring incorporating a chemistry mixing section for mixing laundry chemistry with a fluid carrier; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the tub ring of  FIG. 7  taken along line VIII-VIII and showing positioning of the plurality of apertures and the deflector of the tub ring; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of an aspect of the chemistry dispensing mechanism incorporating a plurality of perforations within the mixing channel; and 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional schematic view of an aspect of the chemistry dispensing mechanism and incorporating a turbulence section that is defined between the mixing plate for the mixing channel and an underside of a removable laundry cartridge. 
     
    
    
     The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a chemistry dispensing mechanism for a laundry appliance that delivers laundry chemistry using a fluid carrier. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Further, like numerals in the description and drawings represent like elements. 
     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in  FIG. 1 . Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. 
     The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-8 , reference numeral  10  generally refers to a chemistry dispensing mechanism that is incorporated within a laundry appliance  12 , where the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  disposes a laundry chemistry  14  from a reservoir  60 , typically incorporated within a removable laundry cartridge  26 , toward a treatment chamber  16  of the laundry appliance  12 . The treatment chamber  16  can take the form of a rotating drum  18  that is positioned within a tub  20 , that is in turn positioned within an outer cabinet  22 . The rotating drum  18  can operate about a vertical axis or a horizontal axis, depending upon the configuration of the particular appliance  12 . According to various aspects of the device, the laundry appliance  12  includes the treatment chamber  16  for processing articles of laundry. A cartridge housing  24  includes a removable laundry cartridge  26  that includes an internal reservoir  60 . The removable laundry cartridge  26  dispenses the laundry chemistry  14  toward the treatment chamber  16 . A mixing channel  28  is positioned below the cartridge housing  24 , where the mixing channel  28  is configured to receive the laundry chemistry  14  that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge  26 . A fluid assembly  30  delivers a fluid carrier  32  through a flow path  34  that includes the mixing channel  28 . The laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  are delivered to a chemistry mixing section  36  of a tub ring  38  that is positioned above the rotating drum  18  and below the mixing channel  28 . In this manner, the flow path  34  is positioned to deliver the fluid carrier  32  from one or more nozzles  40  and through the mixing channel  28  to receive dispensed laundry chemistry  14  from the removable laundry cartridges  26  or a refillable reservoir  60 . The dispensed laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  are then delivered from the mixing channel  28  and to the treatment chamber  16  via a chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  includes a plurality of apertures  50  that are positioned to deliver the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  into the treatment chamber  16 . Typically, the plurality of apertures  50  are positioned within a gutter area  52 . This gutter area  52  of the chemistry mixing section  36  is positioned below the mixing channel  28 , typically at the rear  54  of the tub ring  38 . In this configuration, the dispensed fluid carrier  32  with the laundry chemistry  14  mixed therein operates in a generally cyclonic motion  56  within the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38 . Through the cyclonic motion  56  of the fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14 , these components form a processing fluid  58  that is delivered through the plurality of apertures  50  and into the treatment chamber  16 . 
     In certain aspects of the device, the fluid assembly  30  can include a ring fluid nozzle  70  that directs a portion of the fluid carrier  32  as a mixing stream of the fluid carrier  32  into the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38 . This mixing stream of the fluid carrier  32  from the ring fluid nozzle  70  can promote the cyclonic motion  56  of the fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14  that forms the processing fluid  58 . This processing fluid  58  is then directed through the plurality of apertures  50  positioned within the gutter area  52  of the chemistry mixing section  36 . Through the use of this cyclonic structure  134  that mixes the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32 , the processing fluid  58  is directed through the plurality of apertures  50  and into a deflector  72  and that defines the dispensing slot  74 . This dispensing slot  74  is configured to direct the processing fluid  58  in a generally downward direction  76  and into the treatment chamber  16 . The dispensing slot  74  can be used to prevent splashing of the processing fluid  58  and also ensures a complete dispense of the laundry chemistry  14  from the removable laundry cartridge  26 , or other reservoir  60 , into the treatment chamber  16 . 
     Using the fluid assembly  30 , when the laundry chemistry  14  is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge  26 , the laundry chemistry  14  is continually mixed with additional portions of fluid carrier  32  that progressively mixes and dilutes the laundry chemistry  14  for forming the processing fluid  58  that is delivered to the treatment chamber  16 . 
     In certain aspects of the device, the laundry chemistry  14  can be in the form of a highly concentrated solution of laundry chemistry  14 . This highly concentrated solution is configured to be diluted before being dispensed into the treatment chamber  16  to ensure a safe proportion of laundry chemistry  14  to the fluid carrier  32  that forms the processing fluid  58 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-8 , the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  is positioned above the treatment chamber  16  and below the mixing channel  28 . The tub ring  38  includes the deflector  72  that is positioned adjacent to the plurality of apertures  50  to define the dispensing slot  74  that is below the chemistry mixing section  36 . Through this configuration, the flow path  34  delivers the fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14  into the treatment chamber  16 , and also serves to mix the fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14  to form the processing fluid  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2-6 , the fluid assembly  30  for the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  can include a plurality of fluid valves  90 . Each of these fluid valves  90  is configured to be positioned to correspond to a respective removable laundry cartridge  26  that is received within the cartridge receptacles  92  of the cartridge housing  24 . Each removable laundry cartridge  26  is configured to have a dedicated dispensing outlet  94  that delivers the laundry chemistry  14  from the removable laundry cartridge  26  and toward the mixing channel  28 . The fluid valves  90  can also correspond to respective reservoirs  60  that are defined within the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10 . Each fluid valve  90  directs a corresponding flow of the fluid carrier  32  below a respective dispensing outlet  94  of the laundry cartridges  26  or reservoirs  60 . Through this configuration, the various fluid valves  90  of the fluid assembly  30  can be activated and deactivated depending upon which removable laundry cartridges  26  or reservoirs  60  are assigned for dispensing laundry chemistry  14  in a particular laundry cycle. It is also contemplated that the fluid assembly  30  can include a single fluid valve  90  that directs a fluid carrier  32  to a plurality of nozzles  40  that moves the fluid carrier  32  through all or substantially all of the mixing channel  28 . The fluid valves  90  can each be coupled with hot and cold water supplies. Accordingly, the temperature of the fluid carrier  32  can be adjusted based upon the laundry cycle selected. In addition, the fluid valves  90  can be attached to a supply of recirculating fluid that is recirculated through the appliance  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , the mixing channel  28  of the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  can include a mixing plate  100  that is positioned below the cartridge housing  24  and the plurality of removable laundry cartridges  26 . This mixing plate  100  includes a plurality of perforations  102  that allows a fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14  to define a dispensing shower  104  that is dispensed from the mixing channel  28  into the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38 . This dispensing shower  104  includes an at least partially mixed solution  106  of the fluid carrier  32  and the laundry chemistry  14 . This partially mixed solution  106  is then circulated within the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  to form the processing fluid  58  that is dispensed into the treatment chamber  16  for the appliance  12 . In certain aspects of the device, the partially mixed solution  106  can be in the form of the processing fluid  58 . In such an embodiment, the mixing channel  28  can provide for sufficient mixing of the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  to define the processing fluid  58 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the mixing plate  100  can define the mixing channel  28  that is immediately below the cartridge housing  24 . In such a configuration, the mixing channel  28  can include an expanded turbulence section  110  that receives the fluid carrier  32  and directs the fluid carrier  32  in a turbulent flow against the underside  112  of the removable laundry cartridge  26 . Within this expanded turbulence section  110 , the turbulent flow of the fluid carrier  32  is circulated therein to define a pre-mix chamber  114  that partially mixes the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32 . The areas of the mixing channel  28  that lead into and extend from the expanded turbulence section  110  can define a minimal clearance. Through this configuration, when the fluid carrier  32  reaches the expanded turbulence section  110 , the fluid carrier  32  can mix within the pre-mix chamber  114  to receive the laundry chemistry  14  from the removable laundry cartridge  26 . The pre-mix chamber  114  also allows for an at least partial combination or mixed solution  106  of the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  to at least partially define the processing fluid  58 . This partially mixed solution  106  can be delivered either directly into the treatment chamber  16 , or can be delivered to the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  for further mixing to define the processing fluid  58 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , the various aspects of the device define a mixing channel  28  that is positioned below the removable laundry cartridges  26 , or other laundry chemistry reservoir  60 , and above a tub ring  38  for a treatment chamber  16 . Using the mixing channel  28 , a fluid carrier  32  can be used to move the laundry chemistry  14  from the removable laundry cartridge  26  and at least partially mix the laundry chemistry  14  within the flow path  34  for generating the processing fluid  58  that is dispensed into the treatment chamber  16 . Using this flow path  34  and the various aspects of the mixing channel  28 , highly concentrated versions of laundry chemistry  14  can be dispensed. The flow path  34  progressively dilutes the concentrated laundry chemistry  14  to form a usable proportion of the processing fluid  58  for use within the treatment chamber  16  of the appliance  12 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  for the laundry appliance  12  includes the cartridge housing  24  that receives the removable laundry cartridge  26  within cartridge receptacles  92 . The removable laundry cartridges  26  are adapted to dispense a laundry chemistry  14 , typically a concentrated version of the laundry chemistry  14 , to the treatment chamber  16 . The mixing channel  28  is positioned below the cartridge housing  24  and receives the laundry chemistry  14  that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge  26 . Typically, a cartridge housing  24  will include a plurality of cartridge receptacles  92  for receiving corresponding pluralities of removable laundry cartridges  26 . These various removable laundry cartridges  26  can include different laundry chemistries that are used within various laundry cycles for the appliance  12 . 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 assembly  30  delivers the fluid carrier  32  through a portion of flow path  34  that includes the mixing channel  28  of the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10 . The mixing channel  28  is defined between the underside  112  of the removable laundry cartridge  26  and a portion of a mixing plate  100 . As discussed above, the mixing channel  28  can be at least partially defined by the mixing plate  100 , where an upper surface of the mixing plate  100  defines at least a portion of the mixing channel  28 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2-10 , in certain aspects of the device, the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  are adapted to be delivered from the mixing channel  28  to the tub ring  38  for further mixing with the fluid carrier  32  to define the processing fluid  58 . Accordingly, the flow path  34  can include a mixing channel  28  and the tub ring  38  that define various mixing stages for combining the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32  to form the processing fluid  58 . It is also contemplated that the flow path  34  can define a continuous channel that continually mixes and dilutes the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the mixing channel  28  can include various additional features for mixing and delivering the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  to the treatment chamber  16 . These features can include the mixing plate  100  having the perforations  102 , exemplified in  FIG. 9 , as well as the expanded turbulence section  110  exemplified in  FIG. 10 . These features of the mixing channel  28  can be used to mix, or at least pre-mix, the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32 . As discussed above, the mixing channel  28  is used to at least partially mix or fully mix the concentrated laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32  to define a usable proportion of these components for forming the processing fluid  58  that is used within the treatment chamber  16 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-10 , the laundry appliance  12  includes a rotating drum  18  for processing articles of laundry. The cartridge housing  24  includes a reservoir  60 , such as the removable laundry cartridges  26  within respective cartridge receptacles  92 . The removable laundry cartridges  26  dispense the laundry chemistry  14  that is delivered to the rotating drum  18 . The mixing plate  100  is positioned below the cartridge housing  24 , where the mixing plate  100  defines, at least partially, the mixing channel  28  for the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10 . The mixing plate  100  receives the laundry chemistry  14  that is dispensed from the removable laundry cartridge  26 . The fluid assembly  30  delivers the fluid carrier  32  through the flow path  34  that includes the mixing channel  28 . The mixing channel  28  is defined between the underside  112  of the removable laundry cartridge  26  and the upper surface of the mixing plate  100 . The laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  are delivered to a chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  that is positioned above the rotating drum  18  and below the mixing channel  28 . As discussed above, this flow path  34  defines a multi-station mixing assembly  120  that combines the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32  to form the processing fluid  58 . 
     It is contemplated that, in certain aspects of the device, the mixing of the laundry chemistry  14  with the fluid carrier  32  can occur within the mixing channel  28 . The processing fluid  58  is then delivered from the mixing channel  28  into the treatment chamber  16  for use in processing articles of laundry. Typically, the mixing channel  28  will deliver the partially mixed solution  106  from the mixing channel  28  and to the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38 . From this chemistry mixing section  36 , the mixed solution  106  can be mixed with additional amounts of the fluid carrier  32  to form the processing fluid  58 . The processing fluid  58 , being fully mixed, is then delivered to the treatment chamber  16  via the plurality of apertures  50  defined within the gutter area  52  of the chemistry mixing section  36 . 
     As discussed above, the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  disclosed herein is typically used within vertical-axis appliances  12 . However, it is contemplated that the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  disclosed herein can also be used with respect to a horizontal-axis appliance  12  as well as combination washing and drying appliances  12 . 
     The fluid carrier  32  described herein can include water from an external source. It is also contemplated that the fluid carrier  32  can include a recycled fluid that is delivered from the treatment chamber  16 , through a recirculating conduit, and toward the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10 . It is also contemplated that the fluid carrier  32  can be a combination of recirculated fluid and water from the external source. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , it is contemplated that the tub ring  38  can include an angled section  130  that leads toward the treatment chamber  16  within the rotating drum  18 . This angled section  130  can angle directly into the treatment chamber  16 , in a generally forward direction  132 . It is also contemplated that the angled section  130  can form a portion of the cyclonic structure  134  of the chemistry mixing section  36  that leads to the plurality of apertures  50  of the gutter area  52 . Using this angled section  130  of the tub ring  38 , additional mixing of the laundry chemistry  14  and the fluid carrier  32  can be accomplished for generating the processing fluid  58  that is used within the laundry cycle of the appliance  12 . 
     The various sections of the flow path  34 , such as the mixing channel  28  and the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  can be also used to combine various combinations of laundry chemistry  14  together. In certain aspects of the device, combinations of the laundry chemistries  14  described herein may be mixed together to form variations of the processing fluid  58  for accomplishing certain laundry cycles. The flow path  34  that includes the mixing channel  28  and the chemistry mixing section  36  of the tub ring  38  can be used to fully combine and mix the laundry chemistries  14  together to form the appropriate processing fluid  58  that is used within the treatment chamber  16 . It should be understood that the various aspects of the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10  described herein can be used with a removable laundry cartridge  26  having an internal reservoir  60 , or a refillable reservoir  60  that is not typically removable from the remainder of the chemistry dispensing mechanism  10 . 
     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. 
     It will be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that construction of the described disclosure and other components is not limited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of the disclosure disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety of materials, unless described otherwise herein. 
     For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of its forms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining of two components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature. Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical or mechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two components. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removable or releasable in nature unless otherwise stated. 
     It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the disclosure as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present innovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements shown as multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces may be reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structures and/or members or connector or other elements of the system may be varied, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided between the elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of a wide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, and arrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present innovations. 
     It will be understood that any described processes or steps within described processes may be combined with other disclosed processes or steps to form structures within the scope of the present disclosure. The exemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not to be construed as limiting.