Dispensing Assembly for Appliance

This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/163,919, filed on Feb. 1, 2021, entitled “DISPENSING ASSEMBLY FOR APPLIANCE,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to a dispensing assembly for an appliance, and more specifically, to a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance that utilizes a removable cartridge.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a cartridge port. A dispensing device is coupled to the cabinet and extends into the cartridge port. A dispensing cartridge is selectively received by the cartridge port. The dispensing cartridge selectively engages the dispensing device when in an installed position within the cartridge port. The dispensing cartridge includes a nesting portion configured to house a first laundry chemistry. An insert portion is configured to house a second laundry chemistry. The nesting portion selectively receives the insert portion.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance includes a cabinet defining a cartridge port. A dispensing cartridge is selectively received in the cartridge port. A dispensing actuator is coupled to the cabinet and configured to selectively engage the dispensing cartridge when the dispensing cartridge is in an installed position in the cartridge port. A cover is operably coupled to the cabinet. The cover is operable between a closed position and an opened position to selectively allow access to the dispensing cartridge. The cover biases the dispensing cartridge into the installed position when the cover is in the closed position.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a dispensing system for a laundry appliance includes a first dispensing cartridge having a first chemistry reservoir and a second dispensing cartridge has a second chemistry reservoir. The second dispensing cartridge is disposed proximate to the first dispensing cartridge. A dispensing device is in selective communication with the first chemistry reservoir and the second chemistry reservoir. An engagement assembly is operably coupled to at least one of the dispensing device, the first dispensing cartridge, and the second dispensing cartridge. The engagement assembly is operable between a first position and a second position. A controller is in communication with the engagement assembly. The controller adjusts the engagement assembly between the first position and the second position to selectively engage the dispensing device with a selected one of the first dispensing cartridge and the second dispensing cartridge.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein.

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.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the disclosure as oriented in. Unless stated otherwise, the term “front” shall refer to the surface of the element closer to an intended viewer, and the term “rear” shall refer to the surface of the element further from the intended viewer. However, it is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The terms “including,” “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “comprises a . . . ” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises the element.

Referring to, reference numeralgenerally designates to a dispensing assembly for a laundry appliance. A cabinetof the laundry appliancedefines a cartridge port. A dispensing deviceis coupled to the cabinetand extends into the cartridge port. A dispensing cartridgeis selectively received by the cartridge port. The dispensing cartridgeselectively engages the dispensing devicewhen in an installed positionwithin the cartridge port. The dispensing cartridgeincludes a nesting portionconfigured to house a first laundry chemistry and an insert portionconfigured to house a second laundry chemistry. The nesting portionselectively receives the insert portion.

Referring to, the dispensing assemblyis utilized within the laundry applianceto dispense laundry chemistry to a treatment chamber. As illustrated in, the laundry appliancemay be a horizontal axis laundry appliance. In such configurations, the dispensing assemblyis typically positioned in an upper portion, such as an upper corner, of the cabinet. As illustrated in, the laundry appliancemay be a vertical axis laundry appliance. In such configurations, the laundry applianceincludes at least one of a first drawerpositioned proximate to an opening into the treatment chamber of the laundry applianceand a second drawerpositioned in a lower portion of the cabinetbelow the treatment chamber. The dispensing assemblymay be positioned in either one or both of the first drawerand the second drawer.

The cabinetdefines the cartridge portto receive the dispensing cartridge. At least one of the dispensing cartridgeand the cartridge portincludes alignment features for aligning the dispensing cartridgewithin the cartridge portto engage the dispensing device. The dispensing cartridgeis in fluid communication with a dispensing channel. The dispensing deviceis configured to dispense the laundry chemistry housed within the dispensing cartridgeto the dispensing channel, which delivers the laundry chemistry to the treatment chamber. The dispensing deviceserves to dose a specific amount of laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridge. 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.

Referring still to, as well as to, the dispensing cartridgemay have a variety of configurations, which includes dispensing cartridgesA-F, collectively referred to herein as the dispensing cartridges. Depending on the configuration of the dispensing cartridge, at least a volume of laundry chemistry, a number of laundry chemistries, and the type of laundry chemistries can be adjusted. Generally, the dispensing cartridgeis 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. The dispensing cartridgeis configured to house a predetermined amount of laundry chemistry within a chemistry reservoir. 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 panelis coupled to an end of the dispensing cartridge. The engagement panelincludes a handlethat extends along a top edge of the engagement paneland creates a grasping location for a user to draw or pull the dispensing cartridgerelative to the cartridge port. The engagement panelextends a greater height than a portion of the dispensing cartridgethat defines the chemistry reservoir, which may obscure connectors extending between the dispensing cartridgeand the laundry appliance.

As illustrated in, the dispensing cartridgeis configured as a single-sized dispensing cartridgeA, which houses the predefined amount of laundry chemistry within the single chemistry reservoir. In comparison, as illustrated in, the dispensing cartridgeB is configured as a double-sized, single chemistry cartridge. The dispensing cartridgeB includes a single chemistry reservoirthat is configured to hold approximately double the volume of laundry chemistry relative to the single-sized dispensing cartridgeA.

The double-sized, dual chemistry laundry dispensing cartridgeC is illustrated in. In an overall volume of laundry chemistry, the dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeC is generally configured to hold about the same volume of laundry chemistry as the single chemistry dispensing cartridgeB. However, the dispensing cartridgeC includes the nesting portionand the insert portionfor 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 portionincludes a first chemistry reservoirand the insert portionincludes a second chemistry reservoir. Typically, the first chemistry reservoircan hold a greater volume of laundry chemistry than the second chemistry reservoir. The different volumes of the chemistry reservoirs,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, allowing for greater storage of the detergent, and the fabric softener is housed within the insert portion.

The insert portionis an interchangeable section of the overall dispensing cartridgeC. The interchangeable nature of the insert portionallows the user to change a secondary laundry chemistry used for certain laundry cycles. The nesting portionmay be utilized independently of and in combination with the insert portion. However, the insert portionmay not typically be used independently of the nesting portion.

The insert portionis selectively received by a supplemental receiverdefined by the nesting portion. The insert portionis configured to be seated or nested in a receiving area defined by the nesting portion. The supplemental receivercan have a variety of configurations for selectively receiving the insert portion. For example, the nesting portionand the insert portionmay each include mating latches for coupling the insert portionto the nesting portion. Additionally or alternatively, the nesting portionmay have an outer wall that defines a space for receiving the insert portion, where the outer wall extends around a perimeter of the insert portion. In additional examples, one or both of the nesting portionand the insert portioncan include interlocking features, snap features, sliding members, or other mating or engageable features.

As illustrated in, a first side of the nesting portionmay have a shorter length to allow the insert portionto be coupled and nested into the nesting portion. As such, the insert portionis spaced from the engagement panel.

Referring to, a triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeD is illustrated. The overall volume of laundry chemistry stored within the triple-sized dispensing cartridgeD is approximately triple the volume as the single-sized dispensing cartridgeA. Similar to the double-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeC, the triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeD includes the nesting portionhaving the first chemistry reservoirand the insert portionhaving the second chemistry reservoir. The first chemistry reservoirholds a greater volume of laundry chemistry than the second chemistry reservoir. In this configuration, the engagement panelof the nesting portionincludes the supplemental receiver.

The engagement panelhas a greater width than a width of the portion that defines the first chemistry reservoir. The increased width of the engagement panelprovides the receiving space and the supplemental receiverfor receiving the insert portion. The insert portionis selectively coupled to the engagement paneland has a substantially similar length as the nesting portion. Accordingly, the insert portionis nested into a receiving space defined between the portion of the nesting portionhaving the first chemistry reservoirand the engagement panel. It is contemplated that the insert portionmay be spaced apart from the engagement panel, similar to the configuration illustrated in. It is also contemplated that the dispensing cartridgemay be a triple-sized, single chemistry dispensing cartridgewithout departing from the teachings herein.

Referring to, a quad-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeE is illustrated. The quad dispensing cartridgeE generally includes four times the overall volume of laundry chemistry relative to the single-sized dispensing cartridgeA. Similar to the triple-sized, dual chemistry dispensing cartridgeD, the insert portionis coupled to the engagement panel. It is contemplated that a smaller insert portionmay be utilized similar to the configuration in. Further, it is contemplated that the quad dispensing cartridgeE may have the single chemistry reservoir.

Referring to, an additional or alternative configuration of the dispensing cartridgeis illustrated as the double-sized, single-dose dispensing cartridgeF. The dispensing cartridgeF includes single-dose chemistry reservoirs. Each of these chemistry reservoirsis 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 reservoirsprior to a laundry cycle. The dispensing cartridgeF may be utilized for laundry chemistries that are used less frequently by the user, such that a bulk dispensing cartridgemay be less advantageous.

Referring still to, as well as to, the cabinetof the laundry appliancedefines the cartridge portfor receiving at least one dispensing cartridge. The size and shape of the cartridge portcorrespond with the size and shape of the dispensing cartridge. The size and shape of the cartridge portmay also depend on the size and configuration of the laundry appliance.

For example, as illustrated in, the cartridge portis configured to receive the single-sized dispensing cartridgeA. The bottom of the cartridge portdefines a grooveto slidably receive a rounded bottom of the dispensing cartridgeA. As illustrated in, the cartridge porthas two groovesand is configured to receive one double-sized dispensing cartridgeB,C,F or two single-sized dispensing cartridgesA. The cartridge portis a single opening with both groovesconfigured to receive the bottom of one or more dispensing cartridges. For example, each groovecan receive a single-sized dispensing cartridgeA. Two single-sized dispensing cartridgesA are arranged parallel to one another, with each dispensing cartridgeA disposed within one groove. Alternatively, some of the dispensing cartridgemay utilize both grooves. For example, the double-sized dispensing cartridgeB,C,F includes two rounded portions that slidably engage the two grooves(see). The dispensing cartridgeis shaped to mate with the shape of the cartridge port.

As illustrated in, the cartridge portincludes three grooves. The cartridge portmay receive one triple-sized dispensing cartridgeD or a combination of double-sized dispensing cartridgesB,C,F and single-sized dispensing cartridgesA. The cartridge portmay be a single opening, which provides increased flexibility for combinations of dispensing cartridges. It is also contemplated that the cartridge portmay include partitions disposed between some or all of the adjacent groovesto define separate receiving spaces. The separate receiving spaces may limit what dispensing cartridgescan be used within certain portions of the cartridge port.

Referring to, a cartridge porthaving four groovesis illustrated. The four receiving spaces are linearly arranged and can receive a single quad-sized dispensing cartridgeE or a combination of single, double, and triple-sized dispensing cartridgesA-D,E. The cartridge portmay be a single opening, which provides increased flexibility for combinations of dispensing cartridgeswithin the four grooves. It is contemplated that the cartridge portmay include one or more partitions to limit which dispensing cartridgescan be received in certain receiving spaces of the cartridge port.

Referring still to, the configuration of the cartridge portallows for a number of combinations of dispensing cartridgesto be positioned within the laundry appliance. While the receiving spaces are illustrated as groovesin a horizontal arrangement, other configurations may be utilized depending on the configuration of the laundry appliance. 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 portsdescribed herein may be defined in the upper portion of the cabinet, as illustrated in, in the first drawer, and/or the second drawer, as illustrated in. The laundry appliancemay include covers for concealing all of the cartridge portsand/or cartridge portsnot currently housing the dispensing cartridge.

Referring to, the laundry applianceincludes a dispensing systemto automatically dispense the laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridge. The dispensing systemincludes various electrical and/or data connections that couple with a controller. The controllerhas a processor, a memory, and other control circuitry. Instructions or routinesare stored in the memoryand executable by the processor. The controllermay be an appliance control unit of the laundry applianceor may be a designated control unit for the dispensing system. During operation of the laundry appliance, various signals and commands are delivered to the dispensing system, typically via the controller, for operating the dispensing deviceand other aspects of the dispensing system.

The dispensing systemgenerally includes an identification devicedisposed proximate to the cartridge port. The identification deviceis configured to read or otherwise determine information about the dispensing cartridgefrom an identification featurecoupled to the dispensing cartridge. As the dispensing systemallows the interchangeability between the dispensing cartridgesand portions of the dispensing cartridge(e.g., the insert portion), the identification featureprovides information to the controllerabout the dispensing cartridgeand the laundry chemistry contained therein.

The identification featuremay include information relating to content within the dispensing cartridge, the size of the dispensing cartridge, 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, recognition of whether a bulk dispensing cartridgeor a single-dose dispensing cartridgeis in the cartridge port, or combination thereof. The identification featuremay provide data relating to the authentication of the dispensing cartridge. Additionally or alternatively, the identification featuremay be utilized to maintain an approximate volume remaining in the dispensing cartridge. Further, data communicated from the identification deviceand/or the identification featureto the controllermay influence how the laundry chemistry in the dispensing cartridgeis dispensed. In additional or alternative examples, the identification featureprovides information to the controllerrelating to current volume, concentration, density, and/or type of laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge. In this way, the identification featureidentifies a variety of information for the controller. The information communicated to the controlleris utilized by the laundry appliancefor dispensing the laundry chemistry.

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

The identification deviceand the corresponding identification featuremay 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 systemcan identify information about the dispensing cartridgeinserted into the cartridge port, as well as the laundry chemistry within the dispensing cartridge. The information can be obtained when the dispensing systemdetects a new dispensing cartridgedisposed within the cartridge port, prior to the start of any laundry cycle, or at any other practicable time. The identification featuremay identify information to the controllerabout the dispensing cartridge, about the laundry chemistry in the dispensing cartridge, and other information for providing the laundry chemistry to the laundry appliance.

Referring to, the dispensing assemblymay include a variety of engagement featuresthat assist in inserting, removing, and/or retaining the dispensing cartridgein the cartridge port. The engagement featuresdirected to inserting the dispensing cartridgegenerally provide visual or tactile feedback to the user as confirmation that the dispensing cartridgeis fully seated within the cartridge port. The engagement featuresdirected to withdrawing or removing the dispensing cartridge assist in moving or adjusting the dispensing cartridgepartially out of the cartridge portto be fully withdrawn by the user. The engagement featuresdirected to retaining the dispensing cartridgewithin the cartridge portgenerally operate to bias the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge portas the laundry chemistry is dispensed by the dispensing device. It is contemplated that the specific configurations of the engagement featuresillustrated herein are merely exemplary and that aspects of the various engagement featuresmay be used in combination with one another.

When seated within the cartridge port, the dispensing deviceengages the dispensing cartridgeto dispense laundry chemistry into the treatment chamber. The dispensing deviceincludes at least one of a pumpand a dispensing actuatorthat engages the pump. The pumpmay be disposed within the dispensing cartridge, within the cartridge port, or otherwise coupled with an insertion endof the dispensing cartridge. The pump is in communication with the chemistry reservoir. For configurations of the dispensing cartridgehaving the nesting portionand the insert portion, two pumpsmay be used, with a single pumpin fluid communication with each chemistry reservoir,or a single movable pumpmay be used, as disclosed further herein.

The dispensing actuatoris coupled to the cabinetand extends into the cartridge port. The dispensing actuatoris in selective communication with the chemistry reservoirof the dispensing cartridge. The dispensing actuatoris configured to engage the pumpto dispense the laundry chemistry from the dispensing cartridgeinto the treatment chamber of the laundry appliance. When the pumpis disposed within the dispensing cartridge, the dispensing actuatoris configured to extend into the dispensing cartridgeto engage the pump. For configurations of the dispensing cartridgehaving the nesting portionand the insert portion, two dispensing actuatorsmay be used, with a single dispensing actuatorin fluid communication with each chemistry reservoir,or a single movable dispensing actuatormay be used, as disclosed further herein.

Activation of the dispensing actuatorto dispense the laundry chemistry applies a forceto the insertion endof the dispensing cartridge. Some or all of the engagement featuresassist in overcoming this forceto retain the dispensing cartridgewithin the cartridge port.

As illustrated in, an outer wallof the dispensing cartridgedefines a rack gearadjacent to the insertion end. The rack gearengages an insertion assemblycoupled with the cabinetadjacent to the cartridge port. The insertion assemblygenerally includes a latchcoupled to the cabinetwith a first biasing memberand a pinion gearcoupled to the cabinetvia a second biasing member. The pinion gearand the latcheach extend into the cartridge portto engage the dispensing cartridge.

Prior to the insertion of the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge port, as illustrated in, the latchengages the pinion gearand retains the pinion gearin a loaded or cocked position. In this way, the latchovercomes an outward biasing forceof the second biasing member. The user may adjust the dispensing cartridgerelative to the cartridge portwith a user-applied insertion forceA and a user-applied removal forceB. The user-applied insertion forceA moves the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge portand into engagement with the insertion assembly. When the dispensing cartridgeengages the latch, the dispensing cartridgepushes the latchaway from the pinion gearto disengage the pinion gearfrom the latch. The outward biasing forceof the first biasing memberrotates the pinion gear, which consequently pulls the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge portvia the engagement with the rack gear. The second biasing memberis extended, against an inward biasing forceby the movement of the dispensing cartridgerelative to the latch.

The opposing biasing forces,operate to adjust the insertion assemblybetween the loaded position, as illustrated in, and an engaged position, as illustrated in, where the insertion assemblyis engaged with the dispensing cartridge. The biasing members,may be springs that form the spring-loaded pinion gearand the spring-loaded latch. The spring-loaded pinion gearis operated to draw the dispensing cartridgein an insertion direction (e.g., into the cartridge port). Accordingly, when the dispensing cartridgeis inserted partially into the cartridge port, the insertion assemblyengages the dispensing cartridgeand completes the installation of the dispensing cartridge.

A handleis coupled to an exposed endof the dispensing cartridge. The handleallows the user to overcome the outward biasing forceof the second biasing memberwith the user-applied removal forceB to withdraw the dispensing cartridgein an exit direction out of the cartridge port. The withdrawal of the dispensing cartridgereadjusts the pinion gearand the latch. The inward biasing forceof the first biasing memberreturns the first biasing memberto a non-extended position, and the second biasing memberis adjusted to an extended position with the movement of the dispensing cartridgeout of the cartridge port. The adjustment of the first and second biasing members,adjust the latchand the pinion gearto return to the loaded position once again.

Referring to, the engagement featuresinclude biasing membersdisposed within the cartridge portproximate to the dispensing actuator. The biasing membersare generally sponge-like or rubber materials that elastically deform. To overcome an ejecting or outward biasing forceof the biasing members, the dispensing cartridgedefines a notchon the outer wallproximate to the exposed end. A latchis coupled to a front surfaceof the cabinetand configured to engage the notch, overcoming the outward biasing force.

When the user inserts the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge port, the force the user applies (e.g., the user-applied insertion forceA) overcomes the outward biasing forceof the biasing membersuntil the latchengages the notch. When the latchis engaged with the dispensing cartridge, the engagement between the latchand the notchovercomes the outward biasing forceof the biasing membersto retain the dispensing cartridgewith the cartridge port. The biasing membersremain in a compressed state while the latchis engaged. To release the dispensing cartridgefrom the cartridge port, the user engages the latchto disengage the latch from the notch. The latchmay be a push-push latch, may be pushed to engage and pulled to disengage, or may be another practicable configuration. When the latchis disengaged, the outward biasing forceof the biasing memberscauses the dispensing cartridgeto be adjusted partially out of the cartridge portto be fully removed by the user. It is contemplated that a cover or inlay may be disposed over the latchand coupled to the front surfaceof the cabinetto substantially conceal the latchfrom view.

Referring to, the engagement featuresinclude a first biasing memberdisposed within the cartridge portproximate to the dispensing actuatorand a second, mating biasing membercoupled to the insertion endof the dispensing cartridge. The first and second biasing members,may be configured as magnets that magnetically attract one another (e.g., opposing and attracting biasing forcesA,B toward one another) to retain the dispensing cartridgewithin the cartridge port.

The dispensing cartridgegenerally includes the handleextending from the exposed end. The user can apply the user-applied removal forceB to the handleto overcome the attracting biasing forcesA,B between the first and second biasing members,to withdraw the dispensing cartridgefrom the cartridge port.

Referring to, a damper, such as a pneumatic damper, is coupled to the cabinetproximate to the dispensing actuator. The pneumatic damperprovides controlled resistance in installing the dispensing cartridge. The pneumatic damperslows the insertion movement resulting from the attracting biasing forcesA,B of the first and second biasing members,. The pneumatic dampergenerally provides a “soft-close” experience for inserting the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge port. The handlemay be used to disengage the first biasing memberfrom the second biasing memberand withdraw the dispensing cartridgefrom the cartridge port.

Referring to, the engagement featuresinclude the rack gearextending along the entire outer wallof the dispensing cartridge. The rack gearis utilized in combination with the first and second biasing members,. The damper, such as a viscous damper, is coupled to the cabinetadjacent to the cartridge portand is configured to engage the rack gear. The viscous dampercan engage the rack gearupon insertion of the insertion endof the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge port. This allows the viscous damperto engage the rack gearfor the entire, or a substantial portion, of the insertion of the dispensing cartridge.

The viscous dampercontrols the resistance of insertion of the dispensing cartridge. The viscous dampermay also provide the “soft-close” experience for inserting the dispensing cartridgeinto the cartridge port. The handlemay be utilized by the user to pull the dispensing cartridgefrom the cartridge port. The viscous dampermay also control the resistance of the withdrawal of the dispensing cartridgefrom the cartridge port.

Referring to, the engagement featuresinclude a notchdefined in the outer wallof the dispensing cartridgeproximate to the insertion endand a latchthat extends into the cartridge portto engage the notch. The latchis coupled to a biasing memberthat extends further toward an interior of the cabinet. The biasing memberis generally configured as a spring that biases the latchdirection toward the interior of the cabinetwith an inward or seating biasing force.