Patent Description:
The present invention is defined by the independent claim. The preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

The background art is indicated by the following documents:.

The present illustrated embodiments reside primarily in combinations of method steps and apparatus components related to a dispensing assembly for an appliance. 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.

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.

Referring to <FIG>, reference numeral <NUM> generally designates to a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance <NUM>. A cabinet <NUM> of the laundry appliance <NUM> defines a cartridge port <NUM>. A dispensing device <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and extends into the cartridge port <NUM>. A dispensing cartridge <NUM> is selectively received by the cartridge port <NUM>. The dispensing cartridge <NUM> selectively engages the dispensing device <NUM> when in an installed position <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM>. The dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes a nesting portion <NUM> configured to house a first laundry chemistry and an insert portion <NUM> configured to house a second laundry chemistry. The nesting portion <NUM> selectively receives the insert portion <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the dispensing assembly <NUM> is utilized within the laundry appliance <NUM> to dispense laundry chemistry to a treatment chamber. As illustrated in <FIG>, the laundry appliance <NUM> may be a horizontal axis laundry appliance <NUM>. In such configurations, the dispensing assembly <NUM> is typically positioned in an upper portion, such as an upper corner, of the cabinet <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the laundry appliance <NUM> may be a vertical axis laundry appliance <NUM>. In such configurations, the laundry appliance <NUM> includes at least one of a first drawer <NUM> positioned proximate to an opening into the treatment chamber of the laundry appliance <NUM> and a second drawer <NUM> positioned in a lower portion of the cabinet <NUM> below the treatment chamber. The dispensing assembly <NUM> may be positioned in either one or both of the first drawer <NUM> and the second drawer <NUM>.

The cabinet <NUM> defines the cartridge port <NUM> to receive the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. At least one of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the cartridge port <NUM> includes alignment features for aligning the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM> to engage the dispensing device <NUM>. The dispensing cartridge <NUM> is in fluid communication with a dispensing channel. The dispensing device <NUM> is configured to dispense the laundry chemistry housed within the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to the dispensing channel, which delivers the laundry chemistry to the treatment chamber. The dispensing device <NUM> serves to dose a specific amount of laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The laundry chemistry may include, but is not limited to, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, oxi-type chemistries, and other similar laundry-related chemistries. The treatment chamber may be in the form of a drum and/or tub and can further be in the form of a horizontal axis chamber, a vertical axis chamber, or other angled chamber that rotates about a rotational axis within the cabinet <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG> and <FIG>, as well as to <FIG>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may have a variety of configurations, which includes dispensing cartridges 20A-20F, collectively referred to herein as the dispensing cartridges <NUM>. Depending on the configuration of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, at least a volume of laundry chemistry, a number of laundry chemistries, and the type of laundry chemistries can be adjusted. Generally, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is utilized for bulk dispensing. In this way, a single dose of laundry chemistry can be dispensed for a single laundry cycle, while storing additional laundry chemistry. The size, volume, and concentration of the laundry chemistry determine the number of laundry cycles available in each dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The dispensing cartridge <NUM> is configured to house a predetermined amount of laundry chemistry within a chemistry reservoir <NUM>. The predetermined amount of laundry chemistry is typically used for a predefined number of laundry cycles (e.g., a predefined number of single doses). Each cycle can use a single dose of laundry chemistry or multiple single-dose amounts of the laundry chemistry.

Generally, an engagement panel <NUM> is coupled to an end of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The engagement panel <NUM> includes a handle <NUM> that extends along a top edge of the engagement panel <NUM> and creates a grasping location for a user to draw or pull the dispensing cartridge <NUM> relative to the cartridge port <NUM>. The engagement panel <NUM> extends a greater height than a portion of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> that defines the chemistry reservoir <NUM>, which may obscure connectors extending between the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the laundry appliance <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is configured as a single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A, which houses the predefined amount of laundry chemistry within the single chemistry reservoir <NUM>. In comparison, as illustrated in <FIG>, the dispensing cartridge 20B is configured as a double-sized, single chemistry cartridge. The dispensing cartridge 20B includes a single chemistry reservoir <NUM> that is configured to hold approximately double the volume of laundry chemistry relative to the single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A.

The double-sized, dual chemistry laundry dispensing cartridge 20C is illustrated in <FIG>. In an overall volume of laundry chemistry, the dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20C is generally configured to hold about the same volume of laundry chemistry as the single chemistry dispensing cartridge 20B. However, the dispensing cartridge 20C includes the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> for separately housing two different types of laundry chemistry. Accordingly, different laundry chemistries can be dispensed simultaneously or contemporaneously to create combinations of chemistry mixtures. The nesting portion <NUM> includes a first chemistry reservoir <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> includes a second chemistry reservoir <NUM>. Typically, the first chemistry reservoir <NUM> can hold a greater volume of laundry chemistry than the second chemistry reservoir <NUM>. The different volumes of the chemistry reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM> may be advantageous for dispensing two types of laundry chemistries in different quantities. For example, a laundry cycle may utilize more detergent than fabric softener. In this example, the detergent is housed in the nesting portion <NUM>, allowing for greater storage of the detergent, and the fabric softener is housed within the insert portion <NUM>.

The insert portion <NUM> is an interchangeable section of the overall dispensing cartridge 20C. The interchangeable nature of the insert portion <NUM> allows the user to change a secondary laundry chemistry used for certain laundry cycles. The nesting portion <NUM> may be utilized independently of and in combination with the insert portion <NUM>. However, the insert portion <NUM> may not typically be used independently of the nesting portion <NUM>.

The insert portion <NUM> is selectively received by a supplemental receiver <NUM> defined by the nesting portion <NUM>. The insert portion <NUM> is configured to be seated or nested in a receiving area defined by the nesting portion <NUM>. The supplemental receiver <NUM> can have a variety of configurations for selectively receiving the insert portion <NUM>. For example, the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> may each include mating latches for coupling the insert portion <NUM> to the nesting portion <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the nesting portion <NUM> may have an outer wall that defines a space for receiving the insert portion <NUM>, where the outer wall extends around a perimeter of the insert portion <NUM>. In additional examples, one or both of the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> can include interlocking features, snap features, sliding members, or other mating or engageable features.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a first side of the nesting portion <NUM> may have a shorter length to allow the insert portion <NUM> to be coupled and nested into the nesting portion <NUM>. As such, the insert portion <NUM> is spaced from the engagement panel <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20D is illustrated. The overall volume of laundry chemistry stored within the triple-sized dispensing cartridge 20D is approximately triple the volume as the single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A. Similar to the double-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20C, the triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20D includes the nesting portion <NUM> having the first chemistry reservoir <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> having the second chemistry reservoir <NUM>. The first chemistry reservoir <NUM> holds a greater volume of laundry chemistry than the second chemistry reservoir <NUM>. In this configuration, the engagement panel <NUM> of the nesting portion <NUM> includes the supplemental receiver <NUM>.

The engagement panel <NUM> has a greater width than a width of the portion that defines the first chemistry reservoir <NUM>. The increased width of the engagement panel <NUM> provides the receiving space and the supplemental receiver <NUM> for receiving the insert portion <NUM>. The insert portion <NUM> is selectively coupled to the engagement panel <NUM> and has a substantially similar length as the nesting portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the insert portion <NUM> is nested into a receiving space defined between the portion of the nesting portion <NUM> having the first chemistry reservoir <NUM> and the engagement panel <NUM>. It is contemplated that the insert portion <NUM> may be spaced apart from the engagement panel <NUM>, similar to the configuration illustrated in <FIG>. It is also contemplated that the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may be a triple-sized, single chemistry dispensing cartridge <NUM> without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a quad-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20E is illustrated. The quad dispensing cartridge 20E generally includes four times the overall volume of laundry chemistry relative to the single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A. Similar to the triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridge 20D, the insert portion <NUM> is coupled to the engagement panel <NUM>. It is contemplated that a smaller insert portion <NUM> may be utilized similar to the configuration in <FIG>. Further, it is contemplated that the quad dispensing cartridge 20E may have the single chemistry reservoir <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an additional or alternative configuration of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is illustrated as the double-sized, single-dose dispensing cartridge 20F. The dispensing cartridge 20F includes single-dose chemistry reservoirs <NUM>. Each of these chemistry reservoirs <NUM> is configured to receive a single dose of laundry chemistry. The single-dose may be in liquid form, powder form, a tablet, or a pouch and positioned within the chemistry reservoirs <NUM> prior to a laundry cycle. The dispensing cartridge 20F may be utilized for laundry chemistries that are used less frequently by the user, such that a bulk dispensing cartridge <NUM> may be less advantageous.

Referring still to <FIG>, as well as to <FIG>, the cabinet <NUM> of the laundry appliance <NUM> defines the cartridge port <NUM> for receiving at least one dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The size and shape of the cartridge port <NUM> correspond with the size and shape of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The size and shape of the cartridge port <NUM> may also depend on the size and configuration of the laundry appliance <NUM>.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge port <NUM> is configured to receive the single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A. The bottom of the cartridge port <NUM> defines a groove <NUM> to slidably receive a rounded bottom of the dispensing cartridge 20A. As illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge port <NUM> has two grooves <NUM> and is configured to receive one double-sized dispensing cartridge 20B, 20C, 20F or two single-sized dispensing cartridges 20A. The cartridge port <NUM> is a single opening with both grooves <NUM> configured to receive the bottom of one or more dispensing cartridges <NUM>. For example, each groove <NUM> can receive a single-sized dispensing cartridge 20A. Two single-sized dispensing cartridges 20A are arranged parallel to one another, with each dispensing cartridge 20A disposed within one groove <NUM>. Alternatively, some of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may utilize both grooves <NUM>. For example, the double-sized dispensing cartridge 20B, 20C, 20F includes two rounded portions that slidably engage the two grooves <NUM> (see <FIG>). The dispensing cartridge <NUM> is shaped to mate with the shape of the cartridge port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the cartridge port <NUM> includes three grooves <NUM>. The cartridge port <NUM> may receive one triple-sized dispensing cartridge 20D or a combination of double-sized dispensing cartridges 20B, 20C, 20F and single-sized dispensing cartridges 20A. The cartridge port <NUM> may be a single opening, which provides increased flexibility for combinations of dispensing cartridges <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the cartridge port <NUM> may include partitions disposed between some or all of the adjacent grooves <NUM> to define separate receiving spaces. The separate receiving spaces may limit what dispensing cartridges <NUM> can be used within certain portions of the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a cartridge port <NUM> having four grooves <NUM> is illustrated. The four receiving spaces are linearly arranged and can receive a single quad-sized dispensing cartridge 20E or a combination of single, double, and triple-sized dispensing cartridges 20A-20D, 20E. The cartridge port <NUM> may be a single opening, which provides increased flexibility for combinations of dispensing cartridges <NUM> within the four grooves <NUM>. It is contemplated that the cartridge port <NUM> may include one or more partitions to limit which dispensing cartridges <NUM> can be received in certain receiving spaces of the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring still to <FIG>, the configuration of the cartridge port <NUM> allows for a number of combinations of dispensing cartridges <NUM> to be positioned within the laundry appliance <NUM>. While the receiving spaces are illustrated as grooves <NUM> in a horizontal arrangement, other configurations may be utilized depending on the configuration of the laundry appliance <NUM>. The receiving spaces may be arranged horizontally, vertically, a combination of horizontally and vertically, linearly, in different portions of the cabinet, or other practicable arrangements. The cartridge ports <NUM> described herein may be defined in the upper portion of the cabinet <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, in the first drawer <NUM>, and/or the second drawer <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The laundry appliance <NUM> may include covers for concealing all of the cartridge ports <NUM> and/or cartridge ports <NUM> not currently housing the dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the laundry appliance <NUM> includes a dispensing system <NUM> to automatically dispense the laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The dispensing system <NUM> includes various electrical and/or data connections that couple with a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> has a processor <NUM>, a memory <NUM>, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routines <NUM> are stored in the memory <NUM> and executable by the processor <NUM>. The controller <NUM> may be an appliance control unit of the laundry appliance <NUM> or may be a designated control unit for the dispensing system <NUM>. During operation of the laundry appliance <NUM>, various signals and commands are delivered to the dispensing system <NUM>, typically via the controller <NUM>, for operating the dispensing device <NUM> and other aspects of the dispensing system <NUM>.

The dispensing system <NUM> generally includes an identification device <NUM> disposed proximate to the cartridge port <NUM>. The identification device <NUM> is configured to read or otherwise determine information about the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from an identification feature <NUM> coupled to the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. As the dispensing system <NUM> allows the interchangeability between the dispensing cartridges <NUM> and portions of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> (e.g., the insert portion <NUM>), the identification feature <NUM> provides information to the controller <NUM> about the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the laundry chemistry contained therein.

The identification feature <NUM> may include information relating to content within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, the size of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, a manufacturer or brand, a remaining amount of laundry chemistry, and an initial amount of laundry chemistry based on the size of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, recognition of whether a bulk dispensing cartridge <NUM> or a single-dose dispensing cartridge <NUM> is in the cartridge port <NUM>, or combination thereof. The identification feature <NUM> may provide data relating to the authentication of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the identification feature <NUM> may be utilized to maintain an approximate volume remaining in the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Further, data communicated from the identification device <NUM> and/or the identification feature <NUM> to the controller <NUM> may influence how the laundry chemistry in the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is dispensed. In additional or alternative examples, the identification feature <NUM> provides information to the controller <NUM> relating to current volume, concentration, density, and/or type of laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. In this way, the identification feature <NUM> identifies a variety of information for the controller <NUM>. The information communicated to the controller <NUM> is utilized by the laundry appliance <NUM> for dispensing the laundry chemistry.

In a specific example, the current fill volume of laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may be communicated to the controller <NUM>. If a certain laundry cycle uses more than the current fill volume of laundry chemistry, the information communicated to the controller <NUM> may be communicated to a user that the current fill volume is insufficient for the requested laundry cycle. The user can then exchange the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and perform the selected laundry cycle. If the current fill volume information was not communicated to the controller <NUM>, the selected laundry cycle may have been performed with less laundry chemistry. Accordingly, the current fill volume information may be communicated to the controller <NUM> to optimize performance of the laundry cycle and the laundry appliance <NUM>. Additionally or alternatively, the information relating to the current fill level of laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge <NUM> allows the user to be notified when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is at a low fill level or an empty fill level and should be exchanged with a new dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

The identification device <NUM> and the corresponding identification feature <NUM> may include, for example, switches, a near field communication (NFC) reader and associated tags, a radio frequency identification (RFID) device and associated tags, or other similar electrical and data interfaces. Accordingly, the dispensing system <NUM> can identify information about the dispensing cartridge <NUM> inserted into the cartridge port <NUM>, as well as the laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The information can be obtained when the dispensing system <NUM> detects a new dispensing cartridge <NUM> disposed within the cartridge port <NUM>, prior to the start of any laundry cycle, or at any other practicable time. The identification feature <NUM> may identify information to the controller <NUM> about the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, about the laundry chemistry in the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, and other information for providing the laundry chemistry to the laundry appliance <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispensing assembly <NUM> may include a variety of engagement features <NUM> that assist in inserting, removing, and/or retaining the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge port <NUM>. The engagement features <NUM> directed to inserting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> generally provide visual or tactile feedback to the user as confirmation that the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is fully seated within the cartridge port <NUM>. The engagement features <NUM> directed to withdrawing or removing the dispensing cartridge assist in moving or adjusting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> partially out of the cartridge port <NUM> to be fully withdrawn by the user. The engagement features <NUM> directed to retaining the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM> generally operate to bias the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM> as the laundry chemistry is dispensed by the dispensing device <NUM>. It is contemplated that the specific configurations of the engagement features <NUM> illustrated herein are merely exemplary and that aspects of the various engagement features <NUM> may be used in combination with one another.

When seated within the cartridge port <NUM>, the dispensing device <NUM> engages the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to dispense laundry chemistry into the treatment chamber. The dispensing device <NUM> includes at least one of a pump <NUM> and a dispensing actuator <NUM> that engages the pump <NUM>. The pump <NUM> may be disposed within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, within the cartridge port <NUM>, or otherwise coupled with an insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The pump is in communication with the chemistry reservoir <NUM>. For configurations of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> having the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM>, two pumps <NUM> may be used, with a single pump <NUM> in fluid communication with each chemistry reservoir <NUM>, <NUM> or a single movable pump <NUM> may be used, as disclosed further herein.

The dispensing actuator <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and extends into the cartridge port <NUM>. The dispensing actuator <NUM> is in selective communication with the chemistry reservoir <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The dispensing actuator <NUM> is configured to engage the pump <NUM> to dispense the laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the treatment chamber of the laundry appliance <NUM>. When the pump <NUM> is disposed within the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, the dispensing actuator <NUM> is configured to extend into the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to engage the pump <NUM>. For configurations of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> having the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM>, two dispensing actuators <NUM> may be used, with a single dispensing actuator <NUM> in fluid communication with each chemistry reservoir <NUM>, <NUM> or a single movable dispensing actuator <NUM> may be used, as disclosed further herein.

Activation of the dispensing actuator <NUM> to dispense the laundry chemistry applies a force <NUM> to the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Some or all of the engagement features <NUM> assist in overcoming this force <NUM> to retain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, an outer wall <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> defines a rack gear <NUM> adjacent to the insertion end <NUM>. The rack gear <NUM> engages an insertion assembly <NUM> coupled with the cabinet <NUM> adjacent to the cartridge port <NUM>. The insertion assembly <NUM> generally includes a latch <NUM> coupled to the cabinet <NUM> with a first biasing member <NUM> and a pinion gear <NUM> coupled to the cabinet <NUM> via a second biasing member <NUM>. The pinion gear <NUM> and the latch <NUM> each extend into the cartridge port <NUM> to engage the dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Prior to the insertion of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> engages the pinion gear <NUM> and retains the pinion gear <NUM> in a loaded or cocked position. In this way, the latch <NUM> overcomes an outward biasing force <NUM> of the second biasing member <NUM>. The user may adjust the dispensing cartridge <NUM> relative to the cartridge port <NUM> with a user-applied insertion force 112A and a user-applied removal force 112B. The user-applied insertion force 112A moves the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM> and into engagement with the insertion assembly <NUM>. When the dispensing cartridge <NUM> engages the latch <NUM>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> pushes the latch <NUM> away from the pinion gear <NUM> to disengage the pinion gear <NUM> from the latch <NUM>. The outward biasing force <NUM> of the first biasing member <NUM> rotates the pinion gear <NUM>, which consequently pulls the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM> via the engagement with the rack gear <NUM>. The second biasing member <NUM> is extended, against an inward biasing force <NUM> by the movement of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> relative to the latch <NUM>.

The opposing biasing forces <NUM>, <NUM> operate to adjust the insertion assembly <NUM> between the loaded position, as illustrated in <FIG>, and an engaged position, as illustrated in <FIG>, where the insertion assembly <NUM> is engaged with the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The biasing members <NUM>, <NUM> may be springs that form the spring-loaded pinion gear <NUM> and the spring-loaded latch <NUM>. The spring-loaded pinion gear <NUM> is operated to draw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in an insertion direction (e.g., into the cartridge port <NUM>). Accordingly, when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is inserted partially into the cartridge port <NUM>, the insertion assembly <NUM> engages the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and completes the installation of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

A handle <NUM> is coupled to an exposed end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The handle <NUM> allows the user to overcome the outward biasing force <NUM> of the second biasing member <NUM> with the user-applied removal force 112B to withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in an exit direction out of the cartridge port <NUM>. The withdrawal of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> readjusts the pinion gear <NUM> and the latch <NUM>. The inward biasing force <NUM> of the first biasing member <NUM> returns the first biasing member <NUM> to a non-extended position, and the second biasing member <NUM> is adjusted to an extended position with the movement of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> out of the cartridge port <NUM>. The adjustment of the first and second biasing members <NUM>, <NUM> adjust the latch <NUM> and the pinion gear <NUM> to return to the loaded position once again.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement features <NUM> include biasing members <NUM> disposed within the cartridge port <NUM> proximate to the dispensing actuator <NUM>. The biasing members <NUM> are generally sponge-like or rubber materials that elastically deform. To overcome an ejecting or outward biasing force <NUM> of the biasing members <NUM>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> defines a notch <NUM> on the outer wall <NUM> proximate to the exposed end <NUM>. A latch <NUM> is coupled to a front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> and configured to engage the notch <NUM>, overcoming the outward biasing force <NUM>.

When the user inserts the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>, the force the user applies (e.g., the user-applied insertion force 112A) overcomes the outward biasing force <NUM> of the biasing members <NUM> until the latch <NUM> engages the notch <NUM>. When the latch <NUM> is engaged with the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, the engagement between the latch <NUM> and the notch <NUM> overcomes the outward biasing force <NUM> of the biasing members <NUM> to retain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> with the cartridge port <NUM>. The biasing members <NUM> remain in a compressed state while the latch <NUM> is engaged. To release the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>, the user engages the latch <NUM> to disengage the latch from the notch <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be a push-push latch, may be pushed to engage and pulled to disengage, or may be another practicable configuration. When the latch <NUM> is disengaged, the outward biasing force <NUM> of the biasing members <NUM> causes the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to be adjusted partially out of the cartridge port <NUM> to be fully removed by the user. It is contemplated that a cover or inlay may be disposed over the latch <NUM> and coupled to the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> to substantially conceal the latch <NUM> from view.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement features <NUM> include a first biasing member <NUM> disposed within the cartridge port <NUM> proximate to the dispensing actuator <NUM> and a second, mating biasing member <NUM> coupled to the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The first and second biasing members <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured as magnets that magnetically attract one another (e.g., opposing and attracting biasing forces 134A, 134B toward one another) to retain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM>.

The dispensing cartridge <NUM> generally includes the handle <NUM> extending from the exposed end <NUM>. The user can apply the user-applied removal force 112B to the handle <NUM> to overcome the attracting biasing forces 134A, 134B between the first and second biasing members <NUM>, <NUM> to withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a damper, such as a pneumatic damper <NUM>, is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> proximate to the dispensing actuator <NUM>. The pneumatic damper <NUM> provides controlled resistance in installing the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The pneumatic damper <NUM> slows the insertion movement resulting from the attracting biasing forces 134A, 134B of the first and second biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>. The pneumatic damper <NUM> generally provides a "soft-close" experience for inserting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be used to disengage the first biasing member <NUM> from the second biasing member <NUM> and withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement features <NUM> include the rack gear <NUM> extending along the entire outer wall <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The rack gear <NUM> is utilized in combination with the first and second biasing members <NUM>, <NUM>. The damper, such as a viscous damper <NUM>, is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> adjacent to the cartridge port <NUM> and is configured to engage the rack gear <NUM>. The viscous damper <NUM> can engage the rack gear <NUM> upon insertion of the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>. This allows the viscous damper <NUM> to engage the rack gear <NUM> for the entire, or a substantial portion, of the insertion of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

The viscous damper <NUM> controls the resistance of insertion of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The viscous damper <NUM> may also provide the "soft-close" experience for inserting the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>. The handle <NUM> may be utilized by the user to pull the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>. The viscous damper <NUM> may also control the resistance of the withdrawal of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement features <NUM> include a notch <NUM> defined in the outer wall <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> proximate to the insertion end <NUM> and a latch <NUM> that extends into the cartridge port <NUM> to engage the notch <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is coupled to a biasing member <NUM> that extends further toward an interior of the cabinet <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is generally configured as a spring that biases the latch <NUM> direction toward the interior of the cabinet <NUM> with an inward or seating biasing force <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is moved into the cartridge port <NUM> by the user, the latch <NUM> engages the notch <NUM> and draws the dispensing cartridge <NUM> fully into the cartridge port <NUM>. The engagement between the latch <NUM> and the notch <NUM> also retains or seats the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM> in the installed position <NUM>. To disengage the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the latch <NUM>, the user applies a pulling force (e.g., the user-applied removal force 112B) to the handle <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The latch <NUM> translates against the seating biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> and toward an opening <NUM> of the cartridge port <NUM>.

The latch <NUM> is slidably engaged with a channel <NUM> that extends along the cartridge port <NUM> toward the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the latch <NUM> is disposed proximate to the front surface <NUM> when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is not within the cartridge port <NUM>. The channel <NUM> defines a sloped portion <NUM> that retains the latch <NUM> in the position proximate to the front surface <NUM> against the seating biasing force <NUM>. The sloped portion <NUM> also operates to tilt the latch <NUM>. As the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is moved into the cartridge port <NUM>, the notch <NUM> engages the latch <NUM>. The engagement tilts and moves the latch <NUM> out of the sloped portion <NUM>. Once out of the sloped portion <NUM>, the seating biasing force <NUM> operates the pull the latch <NUM> along the channel <NUM> toward the interior of the cabinet <NUM>, and consequently, draw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the port to the installed position <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>.

The user-applied removal force 112B applied to the handle <NUM> operated to pull the dispensing cartridge <NUM> out of the port <NUM>. The latch <NUM> travels along the channel <NUM> and into the sloped portion <NUM>. The change in the movement direction of the sloped portion <NUM> operates to tilt the latch <NUM>, which disengages the latch <NUM> from notch <NUM>, thereby allowing complete withdrawal of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may have a generally cylindrical shape. The insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> defines a bayonet <NUM>. The cartridge port <NUM> defines a channel <NUM> to receive the bayonet <NUM>. The bayonet <NUM> defines threads <NUM> which rotatably engages mating threads <NUM> defined by the cartridge port <NUM>. The dispensing cartridge <NUM> is moved in the insertion direction into the cartridge port <NUM> and then rotated to secure the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The rotation may be in a range of from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°. The threads <NUM>, <NUM> may be high angled threads to reduce the amount of rotation to secure the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM>. An O-ring <NUM>, or other sealing members, is disposed around the bayonet <NUM> to seal the engagement between the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the cartridge port <NUM>.

The exposed end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> defines a handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> provides a grasping location for the user to rotate the dispensing cartridge <NUM> relative to the cartridge port <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the dispensing assembly <NUM> includes the engagement features <NUM> configured as a cover <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> proximate to the cartridge port <NUM>. The cover <NUM> is operable between an opened position <NUM> and a closed position <NUM>. The opened position <NUM> allows access to the dispensing cartridge <NUM> or the cartridge port <NUM>. When in the closed position <NUM>, the cover <NUM> biases the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the installed position <NUM> and into the engagement with the dispensing actuator <NUM> with an inward or retaining biasing force <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> is configured to rotate about a rotational axis <NUM>, which is generally set back from the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. In this way, when the cover <NUM> is in the closed position <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is generally flush with the front surface <NUM>. The rotational axis <NUM> is illustrated as a horizontal axis, however, the cover <NUM> may rotate about a vertical or angled axis without departing from the teachings herein.

Referring to <FIG>, a switch <NUM> is disposed on the cabinet <NUM> proximate to the cover <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, the switch <NUM> is disposed proximate to the rotational axis <NUM> of the cover <NUM> and within the cabinet <NUM>. The cover <NUM> engages the switch <NUM> when the cover <NUM> is in the opened position <NUM> and disengages the switch <NUM> in the closed position <NUM> or when rotating to the closed position <NUM>.

The switch <NUM> is in communication with the dispensing actuator <NUM>. When engaged by the cover <NUM>, the switch <NUM> sends a signal to activate the dispensing actuator <NUM>. As previously stated, the dispensing actuator <NUM> applies the force <NUM> to the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> when activated. When activated by the switch <NUM>, the dispensing actuator <NUM> applies the force <NUM> to the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and, with the cover <NUM> in the opened position <NUM>, moves the dispensing cartridge <NUM> partially through the opening <NUM> of the cartridge port <NUM>. The user may then withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>. The signal from the switch <NUM> is separate from a signal to the dispensing actuator <NUM> to dose the laundry chemistry.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and coupled to a biasing member <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> extends between the cover <NUM> and a position more interior in the cabinet <NUM> relative to the rotational axis <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is coupled to the cover <NUM> proximate to the rotational axis <NUM> and extends away from the front surface <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> extends along a portion of a depth of the cartridge port <NUM> and provides an inward biasing force <NUM> on the cover <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> is generally configured as a spring. In the illustrated configuration, the biasing member <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> proximate to a central portion of the cartridge port <NUM>. Further, in the illustrated configuration, the cover <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM> are each coupled to the cabinet <NUM> below the cartridge port <NUM>.

The engagement between the biasing member <NUM> and the cover <NUM> operates to retain the cover <NUM> in each of the opened position <NUM> and the closed position <NUM>. Accordingly, the cover <NUM> is biased to the closed position <NUM> by the biasing member <NUM>, which, consequently, biases the dispensing cartridge <NUM> toward the installed position <NUM>. The user may rotate the cover <NUM> to the open position, and the biasing member <NUM> retains the cover <NUM> in the opened position <NUM>, to allow the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to be manually withdrawn, partially withdrawn by the dispensing actuator <NUM>, or a combination thereof.

Referring to <FIG>, an additional or alternative configuration of the cover <NUM> and the biasing member <NUM> is illustrated. The cover <NUM> includes a panel <NUM> and arms <NUM> that extend from the panel <NUM> and toward the interior of the cabinet <NUM>. The cover <NUM> also includes a flange <NUM> extending in opposing direction relative to the arms <NUM>, which provides a grasping location for the user. The user can grasp the flange <NUM> and swing the cover <NUM> between the opened position <NUM> and the closed position <NUM>.

When in the closed position <NUM>, the panel <NUM> is disposed over the opening <NUM> of the cartridge port <NUM> to provide the retaining biasing force <NUM> to retain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in the installed position <NUM>. When in the opened position <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is disposed substantially within the cabinet <NUM>, for example, below the cartridge port <NUM>. The flange <NUM> may remain exposed to be grasped by the user to pull the cover <NUM> over the dispensing cartridge <NUM> or an empty cartridge port <NUM>. The remainder of the cover <NUM> may be substantially disposed and obscured within the cabinet <NUM>.

The biasing member <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> proximate an upper central location of the cartridge port <NUM>. The extension of the biasing member <NUM> between the upper central location and the arms <NUM> provides for the swinging, rotational motion of the cover <NUM> about the rotational axis <NUM> between the opened and closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>. The cover <NUM> may be substantially flush with the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> when in the opened and closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> via linkages <NUM>. The cover <NUM> includes tabs <NUM> extending toward the interior of the cabinet <NUM>. The linkages <NUM> are rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and the tabs <NUM> of the cover <NUM>. In the illustrated configuration, each side of the cover <NUM> (e.g., on each side of the cartridge port <NUM>) is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> via two linkages <NUM>. Due to the linkages <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is maintained in a position substantially parallel to the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> as the cover <NUM> rotates between the opened and closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is operably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> and a handle <NUM>. A linkage <NUM> extends between the cover <NUM> and the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is also configured to rotate between an opened position <NUM> and a closed position <NUM> with the rotation of the cover <NUM>. The rotational axis <NUM> of the cover <NUM> is offset from a rotational axis <NUM> of the handle <NUM>. The handle <NUM> provides a mechanical advantage for closing or clamping the cover <NUM> over the opening <NUM> of the cartridge port <NUM>. The user can rotate the handle <NUM> to the selected position and the cover <NUM> will be rotated concurrently.

According to various aspects, a biasing member <NUM> is coupled to the dispensing actuator <NUM>. An outward or ejecting biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> is applied to the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is in the cartridge port <NUM>. The cover <NUM> and the handle <NUM> bias the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the installed position <NUM>, overcoming the ejecting biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM>. The mechanical advantage provided by the handle <NUM> provides greater convenience for the user in overcoming the ejecting biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM>. When the handle <NUM> is rotated to the opened position <NUM>, the cover <NUM> is also rotated to the opened position <NUM>, allowing the ejecting biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> to act on the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to at least partially move the dispensing cartridge <NUM> through the opening <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cabinet <NUM> on a first side of the cartridge port <NUM> and a latch <NUM> is coupled to the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM> on an opposing side of the cartridge port <NUM>. The latch <NUM> is coupled to the cabinet <NUM> via a biasing member <NUM>, which provides an outward latch biasing force <NUM> that biases the latch <NUM> away from the front surface <NUM>. When biased outward, the latch <NUM> is generally substantially flush with the front surface <NUM> of the cabinet <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be pressed, to compress the biasing member <NUM>, to engage or disengage the cover <NUM>.

The cover <NUM> may engage the latch <NUM> to retain the cover in the closed position <NUM>. When the cover <NUM> is engaged with the latch <NUM>, the cover <NUM> overcomes the ejecting biasing force <NUM> of biasing member <NUM> to compress the biasing member <NUM> coupled to the dispensing actuator <NUM>. The cover <NUM> also maintains the engagement between the dispensing actuator <NUM> and the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The latch <NUM> may be a push-push latch or another similar configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the outer wall <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> defines the rack gear <NUM> proximate to the exposed end <NUM>. The cover <NUM> defines a cover gear <NUM> that engages the rack gear <NUM> when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is partially inserted into the cartridge port <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. Once the rack gear <NUM> engages the cover gear <NUM>, the user can rotate the cover <NUM> toward the closed position <NUM>. As the cover <NUM> is rotated, the cover gear <NUM> engages the rack gear <NUM> to further insert the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. The engagement between the rack gear <NUM> and the cover gear <NUM> overcomes the ejecting biasing force <NUM> of the biasing member <NUM> and retains the dispensing cartridge <NUM> in the cartridge port <NUM>.

When the user rotates the cover <NUM> to the opened position <NUM>, the engagement between the rack gear <NUM> and the cover gear <NUM> operates to partially withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> from the cartridge port <NUM>. The biasing member <NUM> may operate to press on the insertion end <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to further push the dispensing cartridge <NUM> through the opening <NUM> of the cartridge port <NUM> to be fully withdrawn by the user.

Referring again to <FIG>, as well as <FIG>, in an additional or alternative configuration, the engagement features <NUM> include an automatic adjustment assembly <NUM>. The automatic adjustment assembly <NUM> is in communication with the controller <NUM> to automatically adjust a position of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, a position of the cover <NUM>, or a combination thereof. The controller <NUM> communicates with an actuator <NUM>, such as, for example, a servomotor. The actuator <NUM> is operably engaged with a guide feature <NUM> that extends along a depth of the cartridge port <NUM>. The guide feature <NUM> may define a rack gear or other engaging feature for engaging the actuator <NUM> and for adjusting a position relative to the actuator <NUM>.

A protrusion <NUM> is defined on one end of the guide feature <NUM>, which is generally the side proximate to the dispensing actuator <NUM>. The end of guide feature <NUM> engages a channel <NUM> to guide the adjustment of the protrusion <NUM> relative to the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> selectively engages a notch <NUM> defined in the outer wall <NUM> of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. When the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is inserted into the cartridge port <NUM>, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is moved in the insertion direction until the protrusion <NUM> engages the notch <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> then adjusts the guide feature <NUM> in the insertion direction and, consequently, draws the dispensing cartridge <NUM> further into the cartridge port <NUM>.

On an end of the guide feature <NUM> opposite the protrusion <NUM>, the guide feature <NUM> is rotatably coupled to the cover <NUM>. As the guide feature <NUM> engages the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, the guide feature <NUM> and the actuator <NUM> operate to adjust the cover <NUM> between the opened and closed positions <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the guide feature <NUM> is disposed at an angle prior to insertion of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. As the dispensing cartridge <NUM> is drawn into the cartridge port <NUM>, the guide feature <NUM> may rotate or adjust, causing the rotation of the cover <NUM> to the closed position <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. To withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, the actuator <NUM> adjusts the guide feature <NUM> to rotate the cover <NUM> to the opened position <NUM>, withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM>, and disengage the protrusion <NUM> from the notch <NUM>. Accordingly, the automatic adjustment assembly <NUM> operates to automatically move the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the cover <NUM>. The automatic adjustment assembly <NUM> may be activated by the user through a user interface <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, as previously stated, multiple dispensing cartridges <NUM> can be positioned within the laundry appliance <NUM> at a single time. Once the dispensing cartridges <NUM> are installed in the cartridge port <NUM>, the controller <NUM> selectively operates the dispensing device <NUM>, including at least one of the pump <NUM> and the dispensing actuator <NUM>, to dispense the laundry chemistry from the selected dispensing cartridge <NUM>. The dispensing system <NUM> generally includes an engagement assembly <NUM> in communication with the controller <NUM>. The engagement assembly <NUM> is operably coupled with at least one of the dispensing device <NUM> and the dispensing cartridges <NUM> to adjust the position of the respective component (e.g., the dispensing device <NUM> or the dispensing cartridges <NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the engagement assembly <NUM> includes a carousel <NUM> coupled to each of the dispensing cartridges <NUM>. The carousel <NUM> is configured to be rotated by a motor <NUM>. The dispensing cartridges <NUM> are arranged in a circular or oblong configuration around the carousel <NUM>. In this configuration, the exposed end <NUM> is the end engaged by the dispensing device <NUM>, and the insertion end <NUM> is coupled to the carousel <NUM>.

The carousel <NUM> is rotated relative to the stationary dispensing device <NUM> to bring the selected dispensing cartridge <NUM> into communication with the dispensing device <NUM>. For example, in <FIG> four dispensing cartridges <NUM>-20J are illustrated, with the dispensing cartridge <NUM> initially engaged with the dispensing device <NUM> in <FIG>. When the carousel <NUM> is rotated, the adjacent dispensing cartridge <NUM> is engaged with the dispensing device <NUM>.

The dispensing device <NUM> is illustrated as the pump <NUM>. Accordingly, the dispensing cartridges <NUM> selectively engage the pump <NUM> when rotated to the position adjacent to the pump <NUM>. However, the pump <NUM> may be included inside each dispensing cartridge <NUM>. In such configurations, the dispensing device <NUM> is the dispensing actuator <NUM>, which is configured to engage the pump <NUM> disposed within the selected dispensing cartridges <NUM>.

The identification device <NUM> is generally coupled to the dispensing device <NUM>. Each dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes the identification feature <NUM> configured to be read by the identification device <NUM>. The carousel <NUM> rotates the dispensing cartridges <NUM> to the position adjacent to the identification device <NUM>. The identification device <NUM> then reads the information from the identification feature <NUM>, which can be communicated to the controller <NUM>. Once the identification device <NUM> and/or the controller <NUM> determines that the dispensing cartridge <NUM> adjacent to the dispensing device <NUM> includes the selected laundry chemistry, the carousel <NUM> and the motor <NUM> are deactivated. The dispensing device <NUM> then engages the dispensing cartridge <NUM> to dispense the selected laundry chemistry.

Referring to <FIG>, in various examples, the dispensing cartridges <NUM> remain stationary and the dispensing device <NUM> is adjusted between multiple positions to engage the selected dispensing cartridge <NUM>. In such configurations, the engagement assembly <NUM> includes a rail <NUM> operably coupled with the motor <NUM>. The dispensing device <NUM> is slidably engaged with the rail <NUM> and translated along the rail <NUM> by the motor <NUM>. It is also contemplated that the movable dispensing device <NUM> may be used to adjust the position of the dispensing device <NUM> relative to the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM> to selectively engage the first and second chemistry reservoirs <NUM>, <NUM>.

The identification device <NUM> operates in a similar manner as discussed herein to identify the contents of the dispensing cartridges <NUM> through the identification feature <NUM>. Once the identification device <NUM> determines that the dispensing device <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the dispensing cartridge <NUM> with the selected laundry chemistry, the motor <NUM> is deactivated and the dispensing device <NUM> engages the selected dispensing cartridge <NUM>.

Accordingly, when multiple dispensing cartridges <NUM> are disposed within the laundry appliance <NUM>, the dispensing system <NUM> determines information about the dispensing cartridges <NUM> to allow the dispensing device <NUM> to engage the selected dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Further, the dispensing system <NUM> operates to dispense the selected laundry chemistry, as well as the selected volume of laundry chemistry, into the treatment chamber of the laundry appliance <NUM>. Moreover, when the dispensing cartridge <NUM> includes the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM>, the dispensing system <NUM> can differentiate between the two laundry chemistries through the identification features <NUM> and can dispense the selected volume based on the type of laundry chemistry.

Use of the present device may provide for a variety of advantages. For example, the cabinet <NUM> can define the cartridge port <NUM> to selectively receive multiple configurations of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Multiple combinations of different sized dispensing cartridges <NUM> may be inserted into the same cartridge port <NUM>. Further, the dispensing cartridge <NUM> may include two different types of chemistries, which may be housed in different volumes through the nesting portion <NUM> and the insert portion <NUM>. Also, the insert portion <NUM> may be an interchangeable section of the dispensing cartridge <NUM>. Additionally, the dispensing assembly <NUM> may include a variety of engagement features <NUM> to withdraw, insert, and/or retain the dispensing cartridge <NUM> within the cartridge port <NUM> to overcome the force applied by the dispensing actuator <NUM>. These engagement features <NUM> include various engagements between the dispensing cartridge <NUM> and the cabinet <NUM>, as well as the use of the cover <NUM> to bias the dispensing cartridge <NUM> into the cartridge port <NUM>. Moreover, the dispensing assembly <NUM> may include engagement features <NUM> that assist or automatically insert and/or withdraw the dispensing cartridge <NUM> relative to the dispensing the cartridge port <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A dispensing assembly (<NUM>) for a laundry appliance (<NUM>), comprising:
a cabinet (<NUM>) defining a cartridge port (<NUM>);
a dispensing device (<NUM>) coupled to the cabinet (<NUM>) and extending into the cartridge port (<NUM>); and
a dispensing cartridge (<NUM>, 20D, 20E) selectively received by the cartridge port (<NUM>), wherein the dispensing cartridge (<NUM>, 20D, 20E) selectively engages the dispensing device (<NUM>) when in an installed position (<NUM>) within the cartridge port (<NUM>), and wherein the dispensing cartridge (<NUM>, 20D, 20E) includes:
a nesting portion (<NUM>) configured to house a first laundry chemistry; and
an insert portion (<NUM>) configured to house a second laundry chemistry, wherein the nesting portion (<NUM>) selectively receives the insert portion (<NUM>),
wherein the nesting portion (<NUM>) includes an engagement panel (<NUM>) defining a handle (<NUM>) along an edge thereof,
characterized in that
the insert portion (<NUM>) is selectively coupled to the engagement panel (<NUM>).