CN115398059A - Additive dispensing for washing machine apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

As provided herein, a washing machine appliance is provided that may include a cabinet, a tub located within the cabinet, a basket, an additive drawer, and a front baffle. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing. The additive drawer may define a cartridge compartment mounted to the cabinet. A front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the cartridge compartment and the wash chamber.

Description

Additive dispensing for washing machine apparatus

Technical Field

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine apparatuses, and more particularly to additive (e.g., additive cartridge) dispensing in washing machine apparatuses.

Background

Washing machine appliances typically comprise a tub for containing water or washing fluid, such as water and washing agents, bleaching agents or other washing additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a washing chamber for receiving articles to be washed. During normal operation of such a washing machine appliance, wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto the articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or agitation element may be rotated at various speeds to agitate the items in the washing chamber, to wring washing fluid from the items in the washing chamber, and the like.

During operation of certain washing machine apparatuses, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash or rinse items within the washing chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash fluid to enhance the cleaning or other characteristics of the wash fluid. Typically, the fluid additive is provided in the form of a powder or a concentrated liquid.

More and more consumers desire to use single cycle additives, such as a discrete additive cartridge with a washing appliance. The additive cartridge is typically filled with a predetermined volume of one or more detergent additives (e.g., detergent, softener, rinse aid, etc.). For example, both particulate detergent additives and liquid detergent additives may be packaged in a water-soluble housing to form discrete additive cartridges. The additive cartridges may make it easier to use the washing apparatus as they are typically self-contained and eliminate the need to measure the exact amount of wash additive. Furthermore, the use of an additive cartridge may ensure that the correct amount of wash additive is used for a given wash load.

Despite these advantages, there may be certain disadvantages to using additive cartridges. For example, in some systems, it may be difficult to ensure that the additive cartridge is completely dissolved. This is especially true during a cold water wash cycle. Users are often forced to place the additive cartridge directly into the basket. If the additive cartridge does not dissolve completely, residue from the additive cartridge (e.g., housing) may accumulate in the basket or tub. This risks damaging or soiling the items in the apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, over time, the cartridge material or housing may accumulate between the basket and tub, which may ultimately have a negative impact on the washing machine appliance. Furthermore, an undissolved cartridge is generally wasteful, as it may result in some volume of wash additive not being used in the intended wash cycle.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved additive dispenser. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an additive dispenser capable of accommodating an additive cartridge and ensuring improved dissolution of the additive cartridge during a washing operation.

Disclosure of Invention

Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In one exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a front loading washing machine apparatus is provided. A front-loading washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub located within the cabinet, a wash basket, an additive drawer, and a front baffle. The washing basket may be rotatably installed in the tub. The wash basket may define a wash chamber for receiving articles to be washed. The additive drawer may define a cartridge compartment mounted to the cabinet. A front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the cartridge compartment and the washing chamber.

In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a front loading washing machine apparatus is provided. A front-loading washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub located within the cabinet, a wash basket, an additive drawer, and a front baffle. The wash basket may be rotatably mounted within the tub and define an axis of rotation about which the wash basket rotates. The wash basket may further define a wash chamber for receiving articles to be washed. The additive drawer may define a cartridge compartment mounted to the cabinet. A front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an exit aperture along a fluid path between the cartridge compartment and the washing chamber. The outlet aperture may be disposed radially inwardly from the tub and above the axis of rotation.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

Drawings

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

Fig. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 provides a schematic side sectional view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of fig. 1 with a portion of the cabinet removed for clarity.

FIG. 4A provides a schematic side elevational view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B provides a schematic side elevational view of a portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5A provides a front elevational view of a portion of the exemplary washer apparatus of FIG. 1 with portions of the cabinet and door removed for clarity.

FIG. 5B provides a schematic front elevational view of a portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 provides a perspective view of a portion of an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 provides a cross-sectional view of a portion of the additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 provides an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the hinge bridge in a restricting position.

Fig. 9 provides an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of fig. 1 with the hinge bridge in the allowing position.

Detailed Description

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. Indeed, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

The terms "first," "second," and "third" may be used interchangeably to distinguish one element from another and are not intended to indicate the position or importance of the respective element. The terms "upstream" and "downstream" refer to relative flow directions with respect to fluid flow in the fluid path. For example, "upstream" refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows, and "downstream" refers to the direction of flow from which the fluid flows.

Referring now to the drawings, fig. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary front loading washing machine appliance 100, and fig. 2 is a side sectional view of the washing machine appliance 100. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the washing machine appliance 100 with the front panel 130 of the cabinet 102 removed for clarity. Fig. 4A and 5A provide elevational views of various portions of the washing machine apparatus 100. Fig. 4B and 5B provide schematic elevational views of the tub 124, basket 120, and dispensing assembly 148 of the washing machine apparatus 100 (e.g., during a fill phase). Fig. 6-9 provide various views of the dispensing assembly 148, separated from the rest of the washing machine appliance 100.

As shown, the washing machine apparatus 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is perpendicular to each other such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. The washing machine arrangement 100 includes a cabinet 102 extending in a vertical direction V between a top 104 and a bottom 106, in a lateral direction L between a left side 108 and a right side 110, and in a transverse direction T between a front 112 and a rear 114.

The wash tub 124 is located within the cabinet 102 and is generally configured to hold wash fluid during an operating cycle. As used herein, "wash fluid" may refer to water, cleaning agents, fabric softeners, bleaches, or any other suitable wash additive, including combinations thereof. The washtub 124 is substantially fixed relative to the cabinet 102 such that the washtub does not rotate or translate relative to the cabinet 102.

The wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 configured for receiving items to be washed. More specifically, the basket 120 is rotatably mounted within the tub 124 such that the basket is rotatable about an axis of rotation a. Typically, the axis of rotation a is defined to be non-parallel to the vertical direction V (e.g., closer to perpendicular than parallel). According to the embodiment shown, the axis of rotation a is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, the washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a "horizontal axis" or "front-loading" washing machine appliance 100. Accordingly, the bucket 124 (e.g., at the front opening 132) may define an uppermost or top apex 124A and a lowermost or bottom apex 124B.

Although described in the context of particular embodiments of a front-loading washing machine appliance 100 using the teachings disclosed herein, it should be understood that the front-loading washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be used with the present subject matter.

The wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into the wash chamber 126 to assist in agitating and cleaning items disposed within the wash chamber 126 during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extend from the basket 120 into the washing chamber 126. In this manner, for example, the ribs 128 may lift items disposed in the basket 120 during rotation of the basket 120.

The washing machine apparatus 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is mechanically connected with the basket 120 to selectively rotate the basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or rinse cycle of the washing machine apparatus 100). According to the illustrated embodiment, the motor assembly 122 is a flat-type motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate the basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the cabinet 102 also includes a front panel 130 that at least partially defines an opening 132 that allows a user to access the basket 120 of the wash tub 124. More specifically, the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a door 134 positioned over the opening 132 and rotatably mounted to the front panel 130 (e.g., about a door axis substantially parallel to the vertical direction V). In this manner, the door 134 allows selective access to the opening 132 by being movable between an open position (not shown) that facilitates access to the washtub 124 and a closed position (fig. 1) that inhibits access to the washtub 124. Optionally, a locking assembly 182 may be secured to the cabinet 102 to selectively lock or retain the free end of the door 134 to the cabinet 102 when the door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during certain operations or wash cycles).

In some embodiments, the central body 136 of the door 134 is disposed on a peripheral rim 135 that extends around (e.g., radially around) at least a portion of the central body 136. In an alternative embodiment, the central body 136 is configured as a window and allows viewing of the basket 120 when the door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100). Generally, the door 134 defines a footprint (e.g., in a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) on a front portion of the cabinet 102. For example, when the door 134 is in the closed position, the central body 136 and the peripheral rim 135 may extend across the footprint, thereby covering an area of the front panel 130 within the footprint (e.g., when viewed along the transverse direction T directly in front of the washing machine apparatus 100). As shown, particularly in fig. 3, the footprint may extend radially outward from the opening 132. Thus, the footprint may encompass and define a greater width (e.g., diameter) than the opening 132. In some such embodiments, the central body 136 extends across the opening 132, and optionally within the opening. Peripheral rim 135 may extend radially outward from opening 132 and define an edge of the footprint.

The door 134 may also include a handle (not shown), which may be pulled by a user, for example, when opening and closing the door 134. Further, although the door 134 is shown mounted to the front panel 130, it should be understood that the door 134 may be mounted to another side of the cabinet 102 or any other suitable support according to alternative embodiments. Additionally or alternatively, a front gasket or baffle 138 may extend between the tub 124 and the front panel 130 around the opening 132 covered by the door 134 to further seal the tub 124 from the cabinet 102. For example, the flap 138 may contact the central body 136 in sealing engagement and within the footprint of the door 134 when the door 134 is in the closed position.

As shown, the wash basket 120 defines a plurality of perforations 140 to facilitate fluid communication between the interior of the wash chamber 126 of the basket 120 and the wash tub 124. The water tank 142 is defined by the washing tub 124 at the bottom of the washing tub 124 in a vertical direction V. Accordingly, the water tank 142 is configured to receive and generally collect wash fluid during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100. For example, during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, wash fluid may be forced (e.g., by gravity) from the basket 120 to the sink 142 through the plurality of perforations 140. In some embodiments, the pump assembly 144 is located below the wash tub 124 for gravity assisted flow (e.g., via drain 146) when the wash tub 124 is emptied. The pump assembly 144 may also be configured to recirculate the wash fluid within the wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, the washing machine apparatus 100 includes a spout or fluid line 150. For example, the fluid line 150 may be in fluid communication with a water source to direct fluid (e.g., cleaning water or wash fluid) into the basket 120. Specifically, the fluid line 150 may direct fluid through the outlet aperture 172 formed through the front baffle 138. Generally, the outlet apertures 172 may be defined through the sidewall of the front baffle 138 and thus are not parallel to the front opening 132. In some embodiments, the outlet apertures 172 may define a spray path 170 that is directed into the basket 120 or the wash chamber 126. For example, the spray path 170 may be directed rearward and away from the front baffle 138. Thus, water or wash additive from the fluid line 150 may advantageously be delivered directly to the items within the basket 120.

As shown, the additive container tank 151 or the drawer 152 may be mounted (e.g., statically or alternatively, slidably mounted) on the cabinet 102. For example, the drawer 152 may be mounted within the front panel 130 (e.g., selectively moved through the front panel 130 upon user actuation, for example). Additionally or alternatively, the additive container tank 151 may be mounted to and within the cabinet 102 rearwardly from the front panel 130. As shown, the drawer 152 may be attached to the additive container tank 151 (e.g., such that the drawer 152 is indirectly mounted on the cabinet 102).

In some embodiments, the drawer 152 may be movable (e.g., slidable) along the transverse direction T (e.g., outward from the cabinet 102) between a retracted position (fig. 1) and an extended position (e.g., as shown in phantom in fig. 2). Thus, the drawer 152 may be movably or slidably mounted to the cabinet 102 or the additive container tank 151. In the retracted position, the drawer 152 is generally received within the cabinet 102 or within the additive container tank 151. In contrast, in the extended position, at least a portion of the drawer 152 remains outside of the cabinet 102 or the additive-dispensing bin 151 (e.g., to receive an additive cartridge provided by a user). As shown, the drawer 152 may be mounted above the wash basket 120 or tub 124. Thus, in the retracted and extended positions, the drawer 152 may remain above the basket 120 (e.g., such that gravity may advantageously push additives or wash fluid from the drawer 152 to the basket 120).

Generally, the cleaning agent drawer 152 may define a cartridge compartment 174 in which an additive cartridge may be received. For example, the cartridge compartment 174 may be defined as an open chamber or cup within the drawer 152 into which one or more additive cartridges may be inserted (e.g., vertically) when the drawer 152 is extended. During use, water may dissolve an additive cartridge placed within cartridge compartment 174 upstream of basket 120 to produce wash liquid that is dispensed downstream from cartridge compartment 174 and into basket 120. Advantageously, the additive cartridge within cartridge compartment 174 may be wetted to begin dissolving (e.g., as dissolved wash additive or partially dissolved cartridge mass) prior to flowing to wash basket 120. Additionally or alternatively, during use, any portion of the additive cartridge that is not dissolved may advantageously be prevented from passing through the region of the barrel 124 between the barrel 124 and the basket 120 (e.g., the water trough 142) prior to exiting the drawer 152.

In an alternative embodiment, the hinge bridge 180 is mounted within the drawer 152. For example, a hinged bridge may be provided within the cartridge chamber 174 to selectively separate or block the cartridge chamber 174 from a chamber outlet 182 located upstream of a separate portion of the additive dispenser tank 152 or the washing chamber 126. Generally, the hinge bridge 180 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between a restrained position (fig. 8) and an allowed position (fig. 9). In some embodiments, the hinge bridge 180 is pivotally mounted within the cartridge chamber 174. In the restrictive position, the hinge bridge 180 extends along the interior bottom surface of the drawer 152 between the cartridge chamber 174 and the chamber outlet 182, thereby blocking or retaining the liquid additive (e.g., cleaning agent) within the cartridge chamber 174. Optionally, the hinge bridge 180 may pivot toward the chamber outlet 182. In turn, pressure from the user or flowing water within the cartridge chamber 174 may pivot the hinge bridge 180 to the allowed position. In the allowed position, the free end of the hinge bridge 180 is spaced from at least a portion of the interior surface of the drawer 152 (e.g., such that fluid communication between the cartridge chamber 174 and the chamber outlet 182 is allowed). In addition, one or more additive cartridges or particulate additives (e.g., cleaning agents) may be disposed within cartridge chamber 174. During use, water flowing to and through the cartridge chamber 174 may thus mix with or dissolve one or more additives within the cartridge chamber 174 (e.g., to produce a wash fluid) prior to flowing to the chamber outlet 182. Advantageously, the cartridge chamber 174 may selectively and alternately receive liquid additives, granular additives, or additive cartridges (e.g., based on a user's preference for a particular load).

According to an exemplary embodiment, the wash agent drawer 152 is coupled to the fluid line 150 (e.g., directly or indirectly through the additive container tank 151) to facilitate complete and accurate dispensing of water or wash fluid from the drawer 152. In some such embodiments, the fluid line 150 extends from a first end 176 to a second end 178. A fluid path 168 (e.g., including fluid line 150) is defined between cartridge compartment 174 and wash chamber 126 such that second end 178 is downstream of first end 176. When assembled, the first end 176 may be mounted to the cleaning agent drawer 152 or the additive container tank 151 (e.g., downstream of the cartridge compartment 174). The second end 178 may be mounted to the front baffle 138 (e.g., upstream of the outlet aperture 172). Additionally or alternatively, the second end 178 may be positioned forward from the first end 176 (e.g., closer to the front panel 130). Thus, water or wash additive may be transported from a rearward interior location to a forward interior location (e.g., at the front baffle 138).

When assembled, the outlet aperture 172 may be disposed radially inward from the barrel 124. Accordingly, the sidewall portion of the front baffle 138 defining the outlet aperture 172 may be positioned radially inward (e.g., closer to the axis of rotation a) than the outer wall of the wash tub 124. In some embodiments, the outlet aperture 172 is defined above the axis of rotation along the vertical direction V. In turn, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed proximal to top vertex 124A (i.e., distal to bottom vertex 124B) with respect to vertical direction V. As shown, the outlet aperture 172 may be defined on an upper half of the baffle 138 or the barrel 124. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet apertures 172 may be circumferentially offset from the top and bottom vertices 124A, 124B. Thus, the outlet apertures 172 may be disposed at portions of the front baffle 138 that are not aligned with the top apex 124A or the bottom apex 124B.

Advantageously, the described positioning or arrangement of the outlet apertures 172 may prevent the outlet apertures 172 from being blocked or restricted (e.g., by items within the basket 120) during use or during a wash cycle.

In some embodiments, one or more dispensing pumps or valves are mounted in fluid communication with the additive drawer 152. Such a dispensing pump or valve may be configured to selectively deliver water or wash additive to the basket 120. Optionally, one or more pumps (not shown) may be in fluid communication with the drawer 152 to selectively propel water or wash fluid to the basket 120.

In some embodiments, a control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to the front panel 130. The control panel 160 and the input selector 162 may collectively form a user interface input for an operator to select machine cycles and features. For example, in the exemplary embodiment, display 164 indicates a selected feature, a countdown timer, or other item of interest to the machine user.

The operation of the washing machine appliance 100 is generally controlled by a controller or processing device 166. In some embodiments, the controller 166 is in operable communication with (e.g., electrically or wirelessly connected to) the control panel 160 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of the control panel 160, the controller 166 operates various components of the washing machine apparatus 100 to perform selected machine cycles and features (e.g., as part of a washing operation).

The controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-volatile memory) and a microprocessor, such as a general purpose or special purpose microprocessor, operable to execute programmed instructions or microcontrol code associated with washing operations. The memory may represent random access memory (such as DRAM), or read only memory (such as ROM or flash memory). In one embodiment, a processor executes programming instructions stored in a memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be contained on-board within the processor. Alternatively, the controller 166 may be constructed without the use of a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuits such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, and gates, etc.) to perform the control functions rather than relying on software. The control panel 160 and other components of the washing machine apparatus 100, such as the motor assembly 122 and the dispensing assembly 148, may be in operable communication with the controller 166 via one or more signal lines or a shared communication bus. Additionally or alternatively, other features, such as an electronic lock assembly 182 for the door 134 may be in operable communication with the controller 166 via one or more other signal lines or a shared communication bus.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the washing machine apparatus 100, laundry items are loaded into the basket 120 through the opening 132 and a wash cycle is initiated by an operator manipulating the input selector 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that the wash tub 124 is filled with water, a cleaning agent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via the dispensing assembly 148 or the fluid line 150 during a fill phase). For example, water may be directed through the drawer 152 at the cartridge compartment 174 (e.g., to dissolve additive cartridges therein) before the water or generated wash fluid is directed through the fluid line 150 to the wash chamber 126. Generally, one or more valves may be controlled by the washing machine apparatus 100 to fill the basket 120 to an appropriate level for a large quantity of articles being washed or rinsed. Alternatively, the filling phase may be performed according to predetermined instructions. In particular, the wash fluid may be directed to the wash tub 124 in discrete indications or segments (e.g., measuring a set volume of wash fluid or a period of time that wash fluid flows to the tub 124). Thus, filling the washing tub 124 may be performed by indicating the volume of the washing fluid. After each indication or segment, the volume of water within the wash tub 124 may be measured. If the desired volume of wash fluid within the wash tub 124 has not been reached, a new indication or segment may be performed.

For example, once basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of basket 120 may be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of the clothes in basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may be driven at a set speed (e.g., a first speed or tumble speed) about the axis of rotation a. As the basket 120 rotates, the contents of the basket 120 may be lifted and allowed to fall therein.

After the washing operation or agitation phase of the washing cycle is completed, the wash tub 124 may be emptied (e.g., through an emptying phase). The laundry may then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinsing phase) by again adding fluid to the wash tub 124, depending on the specific details of the wash cycle selected by the user. The ribs 128 may again provide agitation within the basket 120. One or more dehydration stages may also be used. In particular, a spin-down phase may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring out the washing fluid from the items being washed. During the dewatering phase, the basket 120 rotates at a relatively high speed. For example, the basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., a second speed or a pre-attach speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., a third speed or an attach speed). It is understood that the pre-attach velocity may be greater than the tumble velocity and the attach velocity may be greater than the pre-attach velocity. Further, as the basket 120 increases its rotational speed, agitation or tumbling of the articles may be reduced such that the attachment speed maintains the articles in a substantially fixed position relative to the basket 120.

After items placed in the basket 120 are cleaned (or the wash cycle is otherwise ended), the user may remove the items from the basket 120 (e.g., by opening the door 134 and extending into the basket 120 through the opening 132).

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also 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 may 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 include 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.

Claims (19)

1. A front-loading washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub positioned within the cabinet;

a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a washing chamber for receiving items to be washed;

an additive drawer defining a cartridge compartment mounted to the cabinet; and

a front baffle extending between the tub and cabinet, the front baffle defining an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the cartridge compartment and a wash chamber.

2. The front-mounted washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive drawer is mounted above the basket.

3. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly in a lateral direction along the cabinet.

4. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the washing chamber.

5. The front-mounted washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the spray path is directed rearwardly into the washing chamber and away from the front baffle.

6. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash basket defines an axis of rotation, and wherein the outlet aperture is defined in a vertical direction above the axis of rotation.

7. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the tub defines a top apex and a bottom apex, and wherein the outlet aperture is circumferentially offset from the top apex and the bottom apex.

8. The front-loading washing machine apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a door movably attached to the cabinet for movement between an open position allowing access to the opening and a closed position restricting access to the opening, the door including a central body and a peripheral rim extending outwardly from the central body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the bezel in the closed position.

9. The front-loading washing machine apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid line extending from a first end mounted to the additive drawer downstream of the cartridge compartment to a second end mounted to the front baffle upstream of the outlet aperture.

10. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 9, wherein the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.

11. A front-loading washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub positioned within the cabinet;

a basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the basket defining a washing chamber for receiving articles to be washed and an axis of rotation about which the basket rotates;

an additive drawer defining a cartridge compartment mounted to the cabinet; and

a front baffle extending between the tub and the cabinet, the front baffle defining an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the cartridge compartment and the washing chamber, the outlet aperture disposed radially inward from the tub and above the axis of rotation.

12. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the additive drawer is mounted above the wash basket.

13. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly in a lateral direction along the cabinet.

14. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the washing chamber.

15. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 14, wherein the spray path is directed rearwardly into the washing chamber and away from the front baffle.

16. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the tub defines a top apex and a bottom apex, and wherein the outlet aperture is circumferentially offset from the top apex and the bottom apex.

17. The front-loading washing machine apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:

a door movably attached to the cabinet for movement between an open position allowing access to an opening and a closed position restricting access to the opening, the door including a central body and a peripheral rim extending outwardly from the central body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the front bezel in the closed position.

18. The front-loading washing machine apparatus as claimed in claim 11, further comprising:

a fluid line extending from a first end mounted to the additive drawer downstream of the cartridge compartment to a second end mounted to the front baffle upstream of the outlet aperture.

19. The front-loading washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.

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