Patent Publication Number: US-2016237612-A1

Title: Laundry treating appliance with bulk dispenser and treating chemistry cartridge therefor

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/116,970, filed Feb. 17, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Laundry treating appliances, such as clothes washers, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating. Historically, residential or home-use versions of these appliances have single dose dispensers provided with compartment or cups, typically in a drawer or under a cover, in which the user of the appliance would fill with a dose of treating chemistry that was sufficient for the cycle of operation to be selected. Recently, bulk dispensers, i.e. dispensers holding multiple doses of a treating chemistry, have become more common, yet with single dose dispensers still being dominate. 
     The bulk dispensers can be more convenient in that they relieve the user from having to fill the single dose dispenser for every cycle. However, the particular implementation of current bulk dispensers have created their own inconveniences. In some implementations, the bulk dispenser is configured to dispense a fixed dose of treating chemistry, which may not be sufficient for all cycles and load sizes. Further, some bulk dispensers can only accept and dispense one type of treating chemistry. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     According to an embodiment of the invention, a laundry treating appliance for treating laundry in accordance with an automatic cycle of operation includes a tub defining an interior for retaining liquid, a liquid supply assembly in fluid communication with the tub and operable to supply liquid for use in treating laundry, and a dispenser assembly. The dispenser assembly includes a housing defining a chamber with a base, one or more support ribs located within the chamber and collectively defining an erosion platform located above the base that is configured to support a solid block of treating chemistry, a liquid flow channel extending at least partially along the one or more support ribs, a liquid inlet to the flow channel in fluid communication with the liquid supply assembly, and a liquid outlet from the flow channel in fluid communication with the tub. Liquid supplied to the liquid inlet enters the liquid flow channel and the liquid flow channel is configured to pass the liquid under the erosion platform to erode a portion of the solid block to form a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry, and the mixture is supplied to the tub through the liquid outlet. 
     According to another embodiment of the invention, a treating chemistry cartridge is provided for use in a dispenser assembly of a laundry treating appliance for treating laundry in accordance with an automatic cycle of operation. The treating chemistry cartridge includes a casing defining an interior chamber with a base and having a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, one or more support ribs extending upwardly relative from the base, and collectively defining an erosion platform configured to support a solid block of treating chemistry within the interior chamber, and a liquid flow channel extending between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet, at least partially defined by the one or more support ribs. Liquid supplied to the liquid inlet enters the liquid flow channel and passes under the erosion platform to erode a portion of the solid block. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a washing machine having a dispenser assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the washing machine from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the dispenser assembly from  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional view through the dispenser assembly of  FIG. 3 , showing the flow path of liquid to dispense treating chemistry. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an insert for adapting the dispenser assembly of  FIG. 3  to dispense a liquid treating chemistry; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a laundry treating appliance in the form of a washing machine having a dispenser assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic sectional view through a dispenser assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a first perspective view of a dispenser housing of the dispenser assembly from  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a second perspective view of a dispenser housing of the dispenser assembly from  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of a casing for a cartridge of the dispenser assembly from  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  is a view similar to  FIG. 7 , showing the flowpath through the dispenser assembly. 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a sensing assembly for treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance. 
         FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a sensing assembly for treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a dispenser assembly for a laundry treating appliance. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of yet another embodiment of a dispenser assembly for a laundry treating appliance. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate to a laundry treating appliance having a bulk dispensing apparatus configured to dispense a measured amount of treating chemistry. Using the various embodiments described herein, a correct dose of treating chemistry for each cycle of operation can be dispensed from the bulk supply. 
     In some embodiments, there are two main components of the bulk dispensing apparatus. One is the dispenser assembly, which can be an integral part of the laundry treating appliance. The other is the cartridge containing the treating chemistry, which is a consumable. The cartridge can be replaced when necessary. In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge can be configured to be refillable, in which case the treating chemistry alone is considered to be a consumable. The cartridge treating chemistry can be in the form of a solid, consumable block. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention described below, the solid block of treating chemistry can be supported on an erosion platform, and a liquid passing under the erosion platform erodes a portion of the solid block to form a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry that is used for a cycle of operation. As used herein with respect to mixtures of liquid and treating chemistry, the mixture may, for example, be a solution or suspension of liquid and treating chemistry. The dispenser can also apply to other types of treating chemistries, such as gels, powders, pods, or liquids. 
     In other embodiments, the bulk dispensing apparatus can include a bulk supply of multiple treating chemistries, with the treating chemistries segregated from each other for timed dispensing at a desired phase of the cycle of operation. 
     In yet other embodiments, the bulk dispensing apparatus can be provided in conjunction with a sensing and control system for determining and controlling the amount of treating chemistry that is dispensed from a bulk supply. This permits a non-uniform dosing of treating chemistry tailored to the particular cycle of operation, the size of the laundry load, or the fabric composition of the laundry load. 
     As used herein, treating chemistry may be any type of aid for treating laundry, and examples may include, but are not limited to washing aids, such as detergents and oxidizers, including bleaches, and additives, such as fabric softeners, sanitizers, de-wrinklers, and chemicals for imparting desired properties to the fabric, including for example, stain resistance, water repellency, fragrance (e.g., perfumes), insect repellency, brighteners, whitening agents, builders, and UV protection. 
     Embodiments of the description can be implemented in any laundry treating appliance that performs a cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal or vertical axis clothes washer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine. Washing machines are typically categorized as either a vertical axis washing machine or a drum type washing machine such as a horizontal axis washing machine. As used herein, a “vertical axis” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a perforate or imperforate wash basket that holds fabric items, and a mover, such as an agitator, impeller, nutator, or the like within the wash basket that moves the fabric items. The mover moves within the wash basket to impart mechanical energy directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid in the wash basket. The mover may typically be moved in a reciprocating or a rotational movement, or a combination thereof. In some vertical axis washing machines, the wash basket rotates about a vertical axis generally perpendicular to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be vertical. The wash basket may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the vertical axis. As used herein, the “drum type” washing machine refers to a washing machine having a rotatable wash basket, perforated or imperforate that holds fabric items but lacks a separate mover. The wash basket may have vanes or the like, but mechanical energy is imparted directly to the clothes or indirectly through wash liquid solely by rotation of the wash basket. In some horizontal axis washing machines, the wash basket rotates about a horizontal axis generally parallel to a surface that supports the washing machine. However, the rotational axis need not be horizontal. The wash basket may rotate about an axis inclined relative to the horizontal axis. In horizontal axis washing machines, the clothes are lifted by the rotating wash basket and then fall in response to gravity to form a tumbling action. Mechanical energy is imparted to the clothes by the tumbling action formed by the repeated lifting and dropping of the clothes. Vertical axis and horizontal axis machines are best differentiated by the manner in which they impart mechanical energy to the fabric articles. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a laundry treating appliance  10  having a dispenser assembly  12  according to a first embodiment of the invention. The laundry treating appliance is illustrated in the form of a vertical axis washing machine  10 , and shares many features of a traditional automatic washing machine, which will not be described in detail except as necessary for a complete understanding of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the washing machine  10  can include a housing  14  defining an interior  16 . The housing  14  can be a cabinet, chassis, or both. A door or lid  18  is operably coupled with the housing  14  and is selectively moveable between opened and closed positions to close an opening in a top wall of the housing  14 , which provides access to the interior  16  of the housing  14 . 
     The housing  14  may also support the dispenser assembly  12  for dispensing treating chemistry during a cycle of operation. The dispenser assembly  12  may configured as a drawer  20  which is accessed by opening the lid  18 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . The drawer  20  can include one or more chambers for accommodating treating chemistry. At least one chamber  22  accommodates a bulk cartridge  24  containing a bulk supply of treating chemistry. As used herein, a bulk supply of treating chemistry is an amount of treating chemistry greater than that needed for a single cycle of operation in the appliance. In the illustrated embodiment, the drawer  20  includes two other chambers  26 ,  28  which each accommodate a single dose of treating chemistry. As used herein, a single dose or single dose supply of treating chemistry is an amount of treating chemistry needed for a single cycle of operation in the appliance. Additional details of the dispenser assembly  12  are explained below. 
     The cartridge  24  contains enough treating chemistry for multiple cycles of operation, i.e. to treat multiple loads of laundry. In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge  24  may be a single-dose cartridge containing enough treating chemistry for only a single cycle of operation. This is less preferred, because a user would need to replace the cartridge with each cycle. The cartridge  24  can contain various treating chemistries which improve particular aspects of the laundry treating quality. Multiple cartridges  24  containing different treating chemistries can be provided. One cartridge can promote one improvement in laundry treating quality, while another cartridge can promote a different improvement in laundry treating quality. The cartridges can of course promote any combination of these improvements as well. If different treatments are desired for different laundry loads, one cartridge can be exchanged for another between cycles of operation. 
       FIG. 2  is a schematic illustration of the washing machine  10  from  FIG. 1 . A tub  30  can be provided in the interior  16  of the housing  14  and can be configured to hold liquid. The tub  30  can be supported within the housing  14  by a suitable suspension assembly (not shown). A rotatable basket  32  having an open top is disposed within the tub  30  and can define a treating chamber  34  for treating laundry. The rotatable basket  32  can include a plurality of perforations (not shown), such that liquid can flow between the imperforate tub  30  and the rotatable basket  32  through the perforations. The lid  18  ( FIG. 1 ) can selectively provide access to the treating chamber  34 . 
     While the illustrated washing machine  10  includes both the imperforate tub  30  and the rotatable basket  32 , with the rotatable basket  32  defining the treating chamber  34 , it is within the scope of the present disclosure for the washing machine  10  to include only one receptacle, with the receptacle defining both a tub and a treatment chamber for receiving laundry. 
     A clothes mover  36  is located in the treating chamber  34  to impart mechanical agitation to a load of laundry placed in the treating chamber  34 . The basket  32  and the clothes mover  36  are driven by a drive assembly that includes a motor  38  operably coupled with the basket  32  and clothes mover  36 . The motor  38  can be any suitable type of motor including an electrical motor. 
     A liquid supply assembly  40  is provided to supply liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more treating chemistries, into the treating chamber  34 . Water may be supplied from a water source, such as a household water supply  42 , to the dispenser assembly  12  by operation of at least one valve  44  controlling the flow of water through a supply conduit  46 . An outlet conduit  48  extends from the dispenser assembly  12  to the tub  30  or to the treating chamber  34 . Thus, any treating chemistry supplied from the dispenser assembly  12  may be supplied to the tub  30  via the outlet conduit  48 . It is noted that the treating chemistry supplied can be supplied directly to the tub  30 , such as via a space between the tub  30  and basket  32 , or indirectly to the tub  30  via the treating chamber  34 ; for example, due to the perforations in the basket  32 , treating chemistry in the treating chamber  34  will flow into the tub  30 . While not shown, the liquid supply assembly  40  may be provided with additional conduits, valves, etc. for water to be supplied directly to the treating chamber by bypassing the dispenser assembly  12 . Further, separate conduits, valves, etc. may be provided for each chamber  22 ,  26 ,  28  ( FIG. 1 ) of the dispenser assembly  12  as needed. 
     A liquid recirculation assembly  50  may be provided for recirculating liquid from the tub  30  to the treating chamber  34 . More specifically, a sump  52  is located in the bottom of the tub  30  and the liquid recirculation assembly  50  is configured to recirculate wash liquid from the sump  52  onto the top of a laundry load located in the treating chamber  34  via a recirculation conduit  54 . A pump  56  is housed below the tub  30  and can have an inlet fluidly coupled with the sump  52  and an outlet configured to fluidly couple to either a household drain  58  or the recirculation conduit  54 . In this configuration, the pump  56  is used to drain and recirculate wash liquid. The liquid recirculation assembly can include other types of recirculation assemblies, including one with separate pumps for recirculation and draining. 
     A user interface  60  is included on the housing  14  and can have one or more knobs, switches, displays, and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output. A controller  62  is coupled with various working components of the washing machine  10 , including the user interface  60 , to control the operation of the working components. The controller  62  is provided with a memory  64  and a central processing unit (CPU)  66 . The memory  64  is used for storing the control software that is executed by the CPU  66  in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine  10  and any additional software. The memory  64  can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from the one or more components of the washing machine  10  that is communicably coupled with the controller  62 . 
     The controller  62  is operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine  10  for communicating with and/or controlling the operation of the components to complete a cycle of operation. For example, the controller  62  is coupled with the motor  38 , valve  44 , pump  56  and user interface  60 . The controller  62  can also receive input from various sensors. 
     The washing machine  10  can be programmed to send enough liquid through the dispenser assembly  12  to dispense the amount of treating chemistry required in each cycle. This amount may vary, depending on load size, cycle selection, and other factors. For example, for a cycle treating a large load of laundry, more treating chemistry may be dispensed than for a cycle treating a small load of laundry. The washing machine  10  can be provided with a suitable apparatus for determining load size, such as a weight sensor coupled with the controller  62  and providing input to the controller  62  to control dispensing. 
       FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the dispenser assembly  12 . The dispenser assembly  12  has various functions, the main functions being: (1) to support the cartridge  24  in the laundry treating appliance; (2) to provide controlled flow of water required for proper dilution of the treating chemistry at the right time during the cycle of operation; (3) to discharge the mixture resulting from dilution of the treating chemistry to a suitable area of the laundry treating appliance; and (4) other complementary functions. The basic function of the cartridge  24  is to contain the consumable treating chemistry. 
     The dispenser assembly  12  generally comprises a dispenser housing  68  that includes the drawer  20  and a drawer housing  70  for receiving the drawer  20 . Other embodiments of the dispenser housing  68  are possible, including housings that do not include a drawer. The dispenser housing  68  defines at least one chamber; as described above, the illustrated dispenser housing includes three chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28  in the drawer  20 . The drawer housing  70  may be a separate component that is mounted or fixed to the housing  14  of the washing machine  10  ( FIG. 1 ), or may be formed with or provided by a portion of the housing  14  itself. The drawer housing  70  can include one or more pathways for directing liquid to the chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28  of the drawer  20 . 
     The drawer  20  includes a drawer body  72  and a drawer front  74  defining a front of the drawer  20  and which also forms a handle which a user grasps to open the drawer  20 . The chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28  can be provided as open-top receptacles or cups in the drawer body  72 . The drawer body  72  further includes two side walls  76  extending from the drawer front  74 , a rear wall  78  extend between the two side walls  76 , and a bottom wall  80  which can define the base for one or more of the chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28 . The drawer body  72  can further be subdivided into discrete chambers by one or more partitions; as shown, two partition walls  82  extend from the drawer front  74  to the rear wall  78  to divide the drawer body  72  into the three chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28 . The bottom wall  80  of the drawer body  72  can be sloped downwardly in a direction away from the drawer front  74 , such that liquid tends to flow toward the rear wall  78  of the drawer  20 . 
     Each chamber  22 ,  26 ,  28  can be configured based on the type or form of treating chemistry to be dispensed from that chamber. In the embodiment illustrated herein, the chamber  26  is configured to receive a detergent for the main wash phase of a cycle and chamber  28  is configured to receive a fabric softener for the rinse phase of a cycle. Each chamber  26 ,  28  can receive a single dose of treating chemistry, and is refilled manually by the user with each cycle of operation. The chamber  22  is configured to receive the bulk cartridge  24 . 
     The bulk cartridge  24  includes a casing  84  containing a bulk supply of treating chemistry. The bulk supply can be provided in the form of a solid block  86  of treating chemistry. As used herein, a solid block of treating chemistry is a treating chemistry having a stable three-dimensional form. The solid block may have at least some degree of porosity. The solid block can have a uniform or a non-uniform composition, including layered or irregular compositions. Some non-limiting examples of the solid block include a compressed or sintered cake of granular or powdered treating chemistry with a dissolvable binder, or a cast block of treating chemistry. Further details of some non-limiting examples of solid block treating chemistries are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,927,900, U.S. Pat. No. 4,753,755, U.S. Pat. No. 4,725,376, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,949, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     The illustrated solid block  86  has a generally rectangular cuboid shape, with six quadrilateral faces, including a bottom face  88 , a top face  90 , and four side faces collectively defining a peripheral surface  92  of the block  86 . Other three dimensional shapes of the block  86  are possible. 
     The illustrated casing  84  has a three dimensional shape that complements the solid block  86 , and includes a top cover  94  and a bottom cover  96  that together define an interior chamber for receiving the solid block  86 . The interior chamber includes an erosion platform  98  for supporting the block  86 . When the cartridge  24  is inserted into the chamber  22 , the bottom face  88  of the consumable block  86  is supported by the erosion platform  98 , which is shaped to enable exposure of the block  86  to a controlled flow of water. This exposure will promote removal of treating chemistry from the consumable block  86  by erosion or similar mechanism. The total amount of treating chemistry removed from the block  86  can be the quantity of treating chemistry required for a particular load or cycle. As illustrated, the bottom cover  96  includes a plurality of support ribs  100  extending upwardly to free edges  102  that collectively define the erosion platform  98 . The support ribs  100  can be formed as elongated, upstanding, and spaced walls on the bottom cover  96 . 
     A liquid flow channel  104  for supplying liquid to the solid block  86  extends through the cartridge  24  and can extend at least partially between the support ribs  100 . The ribs  100  can define multiple discrete flow paths therebetween, which collectively define liquid flow channel  104 . 
     A liquid inlet  106  to the flow channel  104  is in fluid communication with the liquid supply assembly  40  ( FIG. 2 ) and a liquid outlet  108  from the flow channel  104  is in fluid communication, either directly or indirectly, with the tub  30  ( FIG. 2 ). The inlet and outlet  106 ,  108  can be formed in the casing  84 , such that liquid flows into the casing  84  through the inlet  106 , passes through the flow channel  104 , and out of the casing  84  through the outlet  108 . As the liquid passes through the flow channel  104 , it passes under the erosion platform  98  to erode a portion of the solid block  86  to form a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry, and the mixture is supplied through the outlet  108 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid inlet  106  is formed as an opening in the top cover  94  of the casing  84  and the liquid outlet  108  is formed as an opening in the bottom cover  96  of the casing  84 . The top cover  94  may further include a depending wall or end flange  112  that covers an inlet side of the solid block  86  to limit the liquid exposure of the solid block  86  to the bottom face  88 . 
     In operation, liquid is supplied to the chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28  by the liquid supply assembly ( FIG. 2 ). Liquid can be supplied to each chamber  22 ,  26 ,  28  at different times of the cycle of operation in order to dispense the treating chemistry held by a particular chamber  22 ,  26 ,  28  at a particular time or phase of the cycle. For example, detergent in the chamber  26  can be dispensed during the main wash portion of the cycle, while fabric softener in the chamber  28  is dispensed later for a rinse phase of the cycle. Liquid can be supplied to chamber  22  at various times during the cycle, depending on what type of treating chemistry is held in the cartridge  24 . 
       FIG. 4  is a sectional view through the dispenser assembly  12 , taken through the cartridge  24 , and shows the flow path of liquid through the cartridge  24  to dispense treating chemistry from the solid block  86 . The cartridge  24  is placed in the chamber  22  of the drawer  20 , and the drawer  20  is closed, i.e. within the drawer housing  70 . With the bottom wall  80  of the drawer  20  being sloped downwardly, i.e. toward the rear wall  78 , the cartridge  24  resting on the bottom wall  80  also takes on a sloped orientation, such that the flow channel  104  slopes downwardly toward the outlet  108 . 
     The drawer housing  70  includes a supply conduit  120  for directing liquid from the supply conduit  46  of the liquid supply assembly into the chamber  22 . The supply conduit  120  extends through the drawer housing  70  along the top of the chamber  22  to an outlet, which may be defined by one or more orifices  122  in the housing  70 . The orifices  122  are aligned with the liquid inlet  106 , such that liquid in the supply conduit  120  falls into the inlet  106 . Due to the flange  112 , the incoming liquid does not immediately contact the block  86 , but rather is directed downwardly into the flow channel  104  between the ribs  100 . The liquid flowing through the flow channel  104  passes under the erosion platform  98  to erode a portion of the bottom face  88  of the solid block  86  to form a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry. Due to the slope of the bottom wall  80 , the mixture flows by gravity through the outlet  108  at the rear of the cartridge  24 . 
     The chamber  22  can include an opening  124  that is aligned with the outlet  108  when the cartridge  24  is received by the chamber  22 . The opening  124  can be formed in the rear wall  78  or bottom wall  80  of the drawer body  72 , or a combination of both such that the opening  124  is at a rear lower corner of the drawer body  72 . The slope of the bottom wall  80  naturally directs liquid in the chamber  22  toward the opening  124 . 
     The drawer housing  70  further includes a discharge conduit  126  for directing the mixture from the opening  124  into the tub  30 . The discharge conduit  126  extends along the bottom of the chamber  22 , beneath the drawer  20  to an outlet  128  in the housing  70  in fluid communication with outlet conduit  48  to the tub  30 . 
     The casing  84  protects the solid block  86  on all sides, so that dissolution only occurs on the bottom face  88  of the block  86  as liquid flows across the bottom face  88  in one direction, as guided by the ribs  100  which extend in one direction. The liquid will erode the solid block  86  away from the bottom up, with the solid block  86  naturally remaining against the erosion platform  98 . The bottom face  88  of the block  86  can be flat as shown, or can alternatively be shaped to erode in a manner that will maintain the block  86  in contact with the erosion platform  98  to ensure proper dosing; this may be determined by variable such as the erosion rate of the treating chemistry that the block  86  is made of, the flow characteristics of the liquid through the dispenser assembly  12 , or the geometry of the erosion platform  98 . 
     The cartridge  24  can be discarded after use, i.e. once the solid block  86  is used up. In other embodiments, the cartridges  24  can be reusable and/refillable. A resuable cartridge can be configured to be returned to the manufacturer for replenishment or recycling. A refillable cartridge can be configured to be refilled with treating chemistry by the end user of the laundry treating appliance. It is also noted that a disposable cartridge can be made from recyclable material. 
     The dispenser assembly  12  can also be configured to operate to dispense treating chemistry from the chamber  22  without the cartridge  24 . In the absence of the cartridge  24 , treating chemistry can be placed directly in the chamber  22 . Alternatively, an insert can be provided for adapting the chamber  22  to dispense other treating chemistry. For example,  FIG. 5  shows the drawer  20  with the cartridge removed and an insert  130  placed in chamber  22 . The insert  130  is configured to adapt the chamber  22  to dispense a liquid treating chemistry, and includes a tray  132  having a siphon  134  configured to be aligned with a siphon hole  136  in the chamber  22  ( FIG. 3 ). The siphon hole  136  is positioned forwardly of the opening  124  in the chamber  22 , and the insert  130  blocks the opening  124  when inserted into the chamber  22 . 
     When it is time to dispense the treating chemistry, liquid is supplied to the tray  132  via the supply path through the drawer housing  70  described for  FIG. 4 . The supplied liquid raises the overall level of liquid in the tray  132 , and triggers discharge through the siphon  134 . Similar inserts can be provided for adapting the other chambers  26 ,  28  to dispense liquid treating chemistries. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the dispenser assembly  12  provided on a horizontal axis washing machine  150  in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the washing machine  150  can include a housing  154  defining an interior. The housing  154  can be a cabinet, chassis, or both. A door  158  may be mounted to the housing  154  to selectively close an access opening to the interior. The housing  154  may also support the dispenser assembly  12  for dispensing treating chemistry during a cycle of operation. The dispenser assembly  12  can be provided on an exterior or interior of the housing  154  and is shown as a drawer configuration that pulls out from the exterior of the housing  154 . The drawer  20  may include a different configuration of the chambers  22 ,  26 ,  28  in order to adapted to the horizontal axis configuration of the washing machine  150 , but is otherwise substantially identical to the dispenser assembly  12  described above for the first embodiment. For instance, treating chemistry from the cartridge  24  is dispensed substantially as described for  FIG. 4 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic sectional view through a dispenser assembly  160  in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention. The dispenser assembly  160  may be provided in a laundry treating appliance  162 , such as the vertical axis washing machine  10  or the horizontal axis washing machine  150  described above, and shares many features in common with the dispenser assembly  12 . The laundry treating appliance  162  is illustrated schematically, and shares many features of a traditional automatic washing machine, which will not be described in detail except as necessary for a complete understanding of illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure. As shown, the laundry treating appliance  162  includes a tub  164  configured to hold liquid and liquid supply assembly  166  is provided to supply liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more treating chemistries, into the tub. 
     The dispenser assembly  160  generally comprises a dispenser housing  168  that accommodates a bulk cartridge  170  containing a bulk supply of treating chemistry. The dispenser assembly  160  has various functions, the main functions being: (1) to support the cartridge  170  in the laundry treating appliance  162 ; (2) to provide controlled flow of liquid required for proper dilution of the treating chemistry at the right time during the cycle of operation; (3) to discharge the mixture resulting from dilution of the treating chemistry to a suitable area of the laundry treating appliance  162 , such as the tub  164 ; and (4) other complementary functions. The basic function of the cartridge  170  is to contain the consumable treating chemistry. 
     The dispenser housing  168  may be a separate component that is mounted or fixed to a housing of the appliance  162 , or may be formed with or provided by a portion of the appliance housing itself. The liquid supply assembly  166  can include one or more pathways for directing liquid and from the dispenser housing  168 . 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS. 8-9 , the dispenser housing  168  defines at least one chamber  172  that receives the cartridge  170 . The chamber  172  includes an erosion platform  174  for supporting the cartridge  170 . As illustrated, the housing  168  includes a base  176  on which the erosion platform  174  is provided, and a peripheral wall  178  extending upwardly from the base  176  to an open top. Other embodiments of the dispenser housing  168  are possible. While not shown, the dispenser assembly  160  can be configured to dispense additional treating chemistries form single dose chambers, like the dispenser assembly  12  described above. 
     As illustrated, the base  176  includes a plurality of support ribs  180  extending upwardly to free edges  182  that collectively define the erosion platform  174 . The support ribs  180  can be formed as elongated, upstanding, and spaced walls on the base  176 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , the bulk cartridge  170  includes a casing  184  containing a bulk supply of treating chemistry. The bulk supply can be provided in the form of a solid block  186  of treating chemistry. The illustrated solid block  186  has a generally rectangular cuboid shape, with six quadrilateral faces, including a bottom face  188 , a top face  190 , and four side faces collectively defining a peripheral surface  192  of the block  186 . Other three dimensional shapes of the block  186  are possible. 
     The cartridge  170  contains enough treating chemistry for multiple cycles of operation, i.e. to treat multiple loads of laundry. In an alternate embodiment, the cartridge  170  may be a single-dose cartridge containing enough treating chemistry for only a single cycle of operation. This is less preferred, because a user would need to replace the cartridge with each cycle. The cartridge  170  can contain various treating chemistries which improve particular aspects of the laundry treating quality. Multiple cartridges  170  containing different treating chemistries can be provided. One cartridge can promote one improvement in laundry treating quality, while another cartridge can promote a different improvement in laundry treating quality. The cartridges can of course promote any combination of these improvements as well. If different treatments are desired for different laundry loads, one cartridge can be exchanged for another between cycles of operation. 
     Referring additionally to  FIG. 10 , the illustrated cartridge casing  184  has a three dimensional shape that complements the solid block  186 , and includes a cover  194  with a depending peripheral wall  196  that defines an open-bottomed interior chamber  198  for receiving the solid block  186 . The peripheral wall  196  includes a bottom edge  200  defining the open bottom of the casing  184  through which the solid block  186  is received. Tabs  202  can be provided on the bottom edge  200  to aid in insertion and removal of the cartridge  170  into and from the dispenser housing  168 . 
     The solid block  186  can be received in the interior chamber  198  with the bottom face  188  of the block  186  substantially flush with the bottom edge  200  of the casing  184 . The block  186  may fit somewhat loosely in the casing  184 , with some play between the peripheral surface  192  of the block  186  and the peripheral wall  196  of the casing  184  so that the block  186  can move downwardly within the casing  184  as treating chemistry is eroded from the bottom face  188 , as described in further detail below. The solid block  186  may be separately formed and then inserted into the casing  184 . Alternatively, the block  186  may be formed in the casing  184 . 
     A liquid flow channel  204  for supplying liquid to the solid block  186  extends through the dispenser assembly  160 , and can extend at least partially between the support ribs  180 . The ribs  180  can define multiple discrete flow paths therebetween, which collectively define liquid flow channel  204 . 
     A liquid inlet  206  to the flow channel  204  is in fluid communication with a liquid supply assembly  166  and a liquid outlet  208  from the flow channel  204  is in fluid communication with the tub  164 , either directly, or indirectly via a basket or treating chamber of the appliance  162 . The inlet and outlet  206 ,  208  can be formed in the housing  168 , such that liquid flows into the housing  168  through the inlet  206 , passes through the flow channel  204 , and out of the housing  168  through the outlet  208 . As the liquid passes through the flow channel  204 , it passes under the erosion platform  174  to erode a portion of the solid block  186  to form a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry, and the mixture is supplied through the outlet  208 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid inlet  206  is formed as an inlet conduit formed in the dispenser housing  168  laterally of the block chamber  172 , and defined by the peripheral wall  178  and an inner wall or end flange  210  spaced inwardly from the peripheral wall  178 . The flange  210  separates the block chamber  172  from the inlet  206 . The flange  210  is spaced from the base  176  of the dispenser housing  168  to provide passage for liquid into the flow channel  204 . The flange  210  also covers an inlet side of the solid block  186  to limit the liquid exposure of the solid block  186  to the bottom face  188 . The liquid outlet  208  is likewise formed by a space between the peripheral wall  178  and the base  176  of the dispenser housing  168 , but at an opposite end of the dispenser housing  138  from the inlet  206 . 
     The base  176  includes a bottom support  212  and angled wall forming bottom wall  214  of chamber  172  from which the ribs  180  extend. The bottom wall  214  is angled relative to the horizontal, with horizontal being defined by the surface on which the appliance  162  rests. The bottom wall  214  slopes downwardly from the inlet  206  to the outlet  208 , such liquid in the flow channel  204  tends to flow toward the outlet  208 . The bottom wall  214  include a downwardly curved lip  216  at the outlet  208 . The bottom support  212  can be wedge-shaped and can taper in the direction of the outlet  208  in order to provide the bottom wall  214  with a slope toward the outlet  208 . With the ribs  180  extending upwardly from the bottom wall  214 , the ribs  180  will take on the slope of the bottom wall  214   
     Other locations or configurations for the liquid inlet  206  are possible. For example, the inlet  206  can be over the block chamber  172  rather than lateral to the block chamber  172 , can rain down directly on top of the cartridge  170 , and then flow underneath the cartridge  170  to pass under the erosion platform  174 . The casing  184  protects the solid block  186  on all sides, so that dissolution only occurs on the bottom face  188  of the block  186  as liquid flows across the bottom face  188  in one direction, as guided by the ribs  180  which extend in one direction. The liquid will erode the solid block  186  away from the bottom up, with the solid block  186  naturally remaining against the erosion platform  174 . The bottom face  188  of the block  186  can be flat as shown, or can alternatively be shaped to erode in a manner that will maintain the block  186  in contact with the erosion platform  174  to ensure proper dosing; this may be determined by variable such as the erosion rate of the treating chemistry that the block  186  is made of, the flow characteristics of the liquid through the dispenser assembly  160 , or the geometry of the erosion platform  174 . 
       FIG. 11  is a sectional view similar to  FIG. 7 , and shows the flow path of liquid through the dispenser assembly  160  to dispense treating chemistry from the cartridge  170 . In operation, liquid is supplied to the dispenser assembly  160  by the liquid supply assembly  166 . Liquid can be supplied to dispenser assembly  160  at various times during the cycle of operation, depending on what type of treating chemistry is held in the cartridge  170 . The cartridge  170  is placed in the chamber  172  of the dispenser housing  168 , with the bottom wall  214  and ribs  180  being sloped, the cartridge  170  resting on the erosion platform  174  also takes on a sloped orientation. The tabs  202  can be received by slots  218  ( FIG. 8-9 ) in the dispenser housing  168  to secure the cartridge  170  in place. 
     When the cartridge  170  is inserted into the dispenser assembly  160 , the bottom face  188  of the consumable block  186  is supported by the erosion platform  174 , which is shaped to enable exposure of the block  186  to a controlled flow of liquid. The liquid supply assembly  166  directs the controlled flow of liquid into the inlet  206 . Due to the flange  210  and the lateral spacing of the inlet  206  from the cartridge  170 , the incoming liquid does not immediately contact the block  186 , but rather is directed downwardly into the flow channel  204  between the ribs  180 . The liquid flowing through the flow channel  204  passes under the erosion platform  174  to expose only the bottom face  188  of the block  186  to liquid. This exposure will promote removal of material from the consumable block  186  by erosion or similar mechanism. The amount of treating chemistry removed from the block  186  is the quantity of treating chemistry required for a particular load or cycle. The eroded treating chemistry forms a mixture with the supplied liquid and, due to the slope of the bottom wall  214 , the mixture flows by gravity through the outlet  208  and into the tub  164 . 
     The cartridge  170  can be discarded after use, i.e. once the solid block  186  is used up. In other embodiments, the cartridges  170  can be reusable and/refillable. A resuable cartridge can be configured to be returned to the manufacturer for replenishment or recycling. A refillable cartridge can be configured to be refilled with treating chemistry by the end user of the laundry treating appliance. It is also noted that a disposable cartridge can be made from recyclable material. 
     The laundry treating appliance  162  can be programmed to send enough liquid through the dispenser assembly  160  to dispense the amount of treating chemistry required in each cycle. This amount may vary, depending on load size, cycle selection, and other factors. For example, for a cycle treating a large load of laundry, more treating chemistry may be dispensed than for a cycle treating a small load of laundry. The appliance  162  can be provided with a suitable apparatus for determining load size, such as a weight sensor coupled with a controller. 
     The dispenser assemblies of any of the embodiments disclosed herein can be provided in conjunction with a sensing and control system. For example, the amount of treating chemistry that is dissolved for a single cycle can be controlled by controlling the amount of time that water flows past the block. This time can be determined based on the flow rate of the water and the rate at which a particular treating chemistry dissolves into water, as well as the size of the flow chamber and the size of the area of the block that is exposed to water. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic illustration of one embodiment of a sensing assembly  230  for treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance. If the treating chemistry changes the surface tension or viscosity of liquid supplied to the appliance, such as water, the laundry treating appliance itself can be used as a gross type of viscometer. The sensing assembly  230  is shown and described in the context of the vertical axis washing machine  10  from  FIG. 2 , but it is understood that the sensing assembly  230  can be applied to any of the laundry treating appliances. The viscometer sensing assembly  230  is a rotating plate viscometer having one plate  232  that stays in place while another plate  234  rotates. In this case, the non-moving plate  232  can be provided on the tub  30 , or can be the tub  30  itself, and the rotating plate  234  can be provided on the basket  32 , or can be the basket  32  itself. During operation, wash liquid between the tub  30  and basket  32  provides a liquid sample  236  between the plates  232 ,  234 . The drag caused by the relative motion of the liquid sample  236  and the rotating plate  234  is a measure of the viscosity of the wash liquid, and can be determined from torque feedback on the motor  38  used to rotate the basket  32 . By comparing the viscosity of the liquid sample  236  to a reference point, such as the viscosity of water without treating chemistry, the amount of treating chemistry that has been dispensed can be determined. This information can be used, for example, to determine when to halt the introduction of liquid into the dispenser assembly, or when to divert liquid around the dispenser assembly. In addition to controlling the amount of treating chemistry dispensed per cycle, the sensing assembly  230  can also be used to provide feedback to the user when the treating chemistry has been used up. It is noted that this viscometer sensing assembly  230  is useable with any type of treating chemistry dispenser, not just the bulk dispensers disclosed herein. 
       FIG. 13  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a sensing assembly  240  for treating chemistry in a laundry treating appliance. The sensing assembly  240  is shown and described in the context of the vertical axis washing machine  10  having the dispenser assembly  12  from  FIG. 2 , but it is understood that the sensing assembly  240  can be applied to any of the laundry treating appliances or dispenser assemblies disclosed herein. For  FIG. 13 , the amount of treating chemistry that is dissolved for a single cycle can be controlled by detecting a physical property of the wash liquid within the tub  30 . For example if the treating chemistry from the cartridge  24  changes the conductivity of water, the change in conductivity can be used to detect the amount of treating chemistry dispensed from the cartridge  24 . Some non-limiting examples of treating chemistries which change the conductivity of water include metal salts. 
     The sensing assembly  240  includes a conductivity sensor  242  positioned to contact wash liquid. The sensor  242  is shown in the sump  52  of the tub  30 , but other locations are possible. Some other exemplary positions of the sensor  242  include at the outlet of the dispenser assembly  12 , in the outlet conduit  48 , or other locations fluidly downstream of the dispenser assembly  12 . The sensor  242  can be coupled with the controller  62 , and the controller  62  can use feedback from the conductivity sensor  242  to determine when to stop providing liquid through the dispenser assembly  12  or when to divert liquid around the dispenser assembly  12 . The sensor  242  can be calibrated against the background conductivity of the liquid supplied to the washing machine  10  without treating chemistry. In addition to controlling the amount of treating chemistry dispensed per cycle, the sensing assembly  240  can also be used to provide feedback to the user when the treating chemistry in the cartridge  24  has been used up. 
       FIG. 14  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a dispenser assembly  250  for a laundry treating appliance. The dispenser assembly  250  is configured to provide segregated and timed dispensing of off-the-shelf chemistry similar to pods that are commercially available today. The dispenser assembly  250  allows a user to load time-dispensable segregated treating chemistry for multiple cycles at one time. Targeted treating chemistry can be dispensed at a desired phase of the cycle of operation. 
     The dispenser assembly  250  included a segregated storage container or pod  252  and a mixing chamber  254 . The segregated storage pod  252  includes multiple chemistry chambers for storing a bulk supply of treating chemistry. Each chamber is partitioned from the others, and is fillable and refillable with treating chemistry, including powders, gels, and/or liquid treating chemistries. As shown, the pod  252  is divided into four chambers I, II, III, and IV. 
     The pod  252  can be removed from the appliance to manually load or siphon treating chemistry into the chambers I-IV of the pod  252 . Alternatively, treating chemistry can be manually loaded or siphoned into the chambers I-IV of the pod  252  with the pod  252  still in place on the appliance. Unlike the pods that are commercially available today, which are completely used up after one cycle, the pod  252  is reusable and refillable for many cycles of operation. 
     The mixing chamber  254  defines an interior  256  for receiving treating chemistry from the pod  252 . The mixing chamber includes a stirrer  258  within the interior  256 , which mixes the treating chemistry dispensed from the storage pod  252  with liquid to create a mixture of treating chemistry and of treating chemistry and liquid. 
     The treating chemistry can be dispensed through a valve assembly  260  which can multiple one-way valves or membranes, and which can be triggered via appropriate opening mechanisms. The valve assembly  260  may include one valve or membrane per chamber I-IV. Treating chemistry may be dispensed into the mixing chamber  254  by gravity feed, and the valve assembly  260  can be provided in the supply line between the pod  252  and mixing chamber  254  to control the feed of treating chemistry from the chambers I-IV into the mixing chamber  254 . 
     The valve assembly  260  may operate sequentially to dispense treating chemistry from each chamber I-IV. Alternatively, the valve assembly  260  may dispense from a particular chamber or chambers I-IV as needed, depending on the cycle of operation and the type of treating chemistries needed. For example, one cycle may only need a detergent and a fabric softener, and so may dispense from two chambers only, while another cycle may need a detergent, a fabric softener, and bleach, and so will dispenser from three chambers, and so on. The dispenser assembly  250  may be operatively coupled with a controller of the appliance to time the operation of the valve assembly  260  and stirrer  258  in accordance with the cycle of operation, such that treating chemistry targeted for specific phases of the cycle is dispensed at the correct time. 
     Alternative assemblies for controlling the provision of treating chemistry into the mixing chamber  254  are possible, including pumps or blowers. In another embodiment, the storage pod  252  may rotate to bring one of the chambers I-IV into a loading position relative to the mixing chamber  254 , with the chamber in the loading position also being in operative alignment with an appropriate opening mechanism. 
     A liquid supply assembly  262  of the laundry treating appliance supplies liquid, such as water, from a liquid source, such as a household water supply, to the mixing chamber  254  through a supply conduit  264 . An outlet conduit  266  extends from the mixing chamber  254  to supply the mixture of treating chemistry and liquid to a tub  268  of the appliance. It is noted that the treating chemistry supplied can be supplied directly to the tub  268  or indirectly to the tub  268 , such as via a basket or treating chamber of the appliance. 
     In operation, treating chemistry is dispensed from one of the chambers I-IV of the storage pod  252  into the mixing chamber  254  by operation of the valve assembly  260 . This may be done before, after, or simultaneously with the supply of liquid to the mixing chamber  254  through the supply conduit  264 . The stirrer  258  mixes the treating chemistry in the mixing chamber  254  with the supplied liquid to create a mixture of liquid and treating chemistry. The mixing ratio of liquid to treating chemistry may be pre-determined by the chemistry type and/or cycle type, and may be controlled by an algorithm executed by the controller of the appliance. The mixture exits the mixing chamber and is supplied to the tub  268  via the outlet conduit  266 . This dispensing operation may be repeated during a cycle of operation to dispense treating chemistry from one or more of the other chambers I-IV. Between dispensing operations, the mixing chamber  254  may be flushed with plain liquid from the liquid supply assembly  262  in order to remove any residual treating chemistry from a prior dispensing operation. 
     The benefits of the dispenser assembly  250  according to the described embodiment include: (1) The use of segregated treating chemistries. The segregated storage pod  252  allows potentially incompatible treating chemistries to be stored together; (2) The timed/targeted dispensing of different treating chemistries at different phases of the cycle of operation; and (3) Bulk storage of segregated, treating chemistry. The dispenser assembly  250  can accommodate multiple doses of multiple treating chemistries at a time, such that a user need only periodically load the dispenser assembly  250 , rather than having to load it for each cycle of operation. 
       FIG. 15  is a schematic illustration of another embodiment of a dispenser assembly  280  for a laundry treating appliance. The dispenser assembly  280  is configured to facilitate the use of pods in bulk, and also to provide timed dispensing of the segregated treating chemistry in various phases of a cycle of operation. The dispenser assembly  280  also enables the use of multiple pods in the same cycle, or even in the same phase of the cycle, based on the load size and soil level of the laundry load. 
     The dispenser assembly  280  included a pod storage chamber  282  and a holding plate  284 . The pod storage chamber  282  defines an interior  286  for storing multiple pods  288 , and can store the pods  288  in a linear column as shown, or in other configurations. The chamber  282  includes an outlet  290  aligned with the holding plate  284 . 
     The interior  286  is fillable and refillable with pods  288 , and the storage chamber  282  can be removed from the appliance to manually load pods  288  into the interior  286 . Alternatively, pods  288  can be manually loaded into the interior  286  with the chamber  282  still in place on the appliance. Unlike the pod dispensers that are commercially available today, which must be loaded by the user for every cycle, the dispenser assembly  280  stores a bulk supply of pods  288  for many cycles of operation. 
     As used for the present embodiment, the term “pod” denotes a laundry treatment unit having multiple different treating chemistries formed as a single package or pack. The illustrated pods  288  include multiple chemistries, each segregated from each other in the pod  288 . As shown, the pod  288  is divided into four sealed segments  292 , each holding a treating chemistry. The segments  292  shown are equal in size, but it is understood that the segments  292  may differ in size in order to accommodate a smaller or larger volume of treating chemistry as needed. The segments  292  may be formed of a material that can be punctured, as described in further detail below. Some non-limiting examples include a thin casing or film of polyvinyl alcohol, ethylene vinyl alcohol or other water-soluble polymers. Using a water soluble material for the segments  292  has the added advantage of automatically dissolving in the present of water, so that a user does not have to clean out the dispenser assembly  280  between cycles. The pods  288  can be off-the-shelf pods that are commercially available today, or can be specially configured for use with the dispenser assembly  280 . 
     The holding plate  284  is rotatable about an axis  294 , and can be coupled with a suitable drive assembly, such as a motor  296 . The rotational axis  294  of the holding plate  284  can be substantially parallel to the direction that a pod  288  is dispensed through the outlet  290  of the chamber  282 , and may further be coaxial with this direction such that the dispensed pod  288  is centered on the plate  284 . 
     A puncturing arm  298  is provided adjacent to the holding plate  284  and is equipped with hollow piercing needle  300 . The piercing needle  300  includes a sharp terminal end  302  configured to pierce the pod  288 , and its hollow interior is in fluid communication with a liquid supply assembly  304  of the laundry treating appliance. The liquid supply assembly  304  supplies liquid, such as water, from a liquid source, such as a household water supply, through a supply conduit  306  and to the hollow interior of the piercing needle  300 . 
     The puncturing arm  298  can move toward the pod  288  on the holding plate  284  to pierce one of the segments  292  with the needle  300 . The holding plate  284  can rotate and position the pod  288  relative to the puncturing arm  298  as needed to puncture each segment  292  of the pod  288  individually with the sharp end  302  of the needle  300 . The needle  300  can pierce the pod selectively. After each puncturing, liquid flows through the needle  300  to pass the treating chemistry into an outlet conduit  308 . The outlet conduit  308  extends to a tub  310  of the appliance to supply the mixture of treating chemistry and liquid to the tub  310 . It is noted that the treating chemistry supplied can be supplied directly to the tub  310 , or indirectly to the tub  310  via a basket or treating chamber of the appliance. 
     The holding plate  284  may include one or more openings therein for passing the mixture to the outlet conduit  308 . For example, the holding plate  284  may be formed as a holding chamber which is configured to expose only one segment  292  at a time to the piercing needle  300 , and the chamber may include one or more passages leading to the outlet conduit  308 . 
     The pods  288  are individually dispensable, though more than one pod  288  may be dispensed for a cycle of operation, depending on factors such as load size and soil level of the laundry load. One pod  288  can be dispensed to the holding plate  284  via appropriate opening mechanism  312  at the outlet  290  of the chamber  282 . The opening mechanism  312  can include a valve, door, or membrane at the outlet  290 . When the opening mechanism  312  is open, a pod  288  is dispensed to the holding plate via gravity feed. After a pod  288  is dispensed the outlet  290  is closed. 
     In operation, a number of pods  288  are loaded in the pod storage chamber  282 . A pod  288  is dispensed from the chamber  282  onto the holding plate  284  by opening the outlet  290  with the opening mechanism  312 , which can rotate and position the pod  288  for the puncturing arm  298  to puncture each segment  292  of the pod  288  individually. The holding plate  284  may rotate in one direction to dispense treating chemistry sequentially from each segment  292  in order. Alternatively, the plate  284  may rotate in either direction as needed to dispense from the segments  292  in a non-sequential order, depending on the cycle of operation and the type of treating chemistries needed. The dispenser assembly  280  may be operatively coupled with a controller of the appliance to time the operation of the opening mechanism  312  and holding plate  284  in accordance with the cycle of operation, such that treating chemistry targeted for specific phases of the cycle is dispensed at the correct time. 
     After each puncturing, liquid flowing through the needle  300  passes the treating chemistry into the tub  310 . Based on the load size and soil level, multiple pods  288  can be deposited on the holding plate  284  and used during a cycle. Preferably, the pod  288  is configured to be completely used up during the cycle, with the treating chemistry being used to treat the laundry and the remaining portion of the pod  288 , i.e. the segments  292  being formed of a water soluble material that will dissolve into the wash liquid and flushed into the tub  310 . Otherwise, used pods  288  can be removed by the user after the cycle of operation. 
     The benefits of the dispenser assembly  280  according to the described embodiment include: (1) Bulk storage and use of pods; (2) Ability to use existing, commercially available pods; (3) Timed/targeted dispensing of treating chemistry within the pods; and (4) Metering pod dispensing based on the load size and soil level. 
     To the extent not already described, the different features and structures of the various embodiments can be used in combination with each other as desired. That one feature is not illustrated in all of the embodiments is not meant to be construed that it cannot be, but is done for brevity of description. Thus, the various features of the different embodiments can be mixed and matched as desired to form new embodiments, whether or not the new embodiments are expressly described. All combinations or permutations of features described herein are covered by this disclosure. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and can include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.