WO2021204119A1

WO2021204119A1 - Additive dispensing for washing machine appliances

Info

Publication number: WO2021204119A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/085699
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fikreadam Abebe Damtew; James Quentin Pollett
Original assignee: Qingdao Haier Washing Machine Co., Ltd.; Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc.; Haier Smart Home Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2020-04-08
Filing date: 2021-04-06
Publication date: 2021-10-14
Also published as: US20210317607A1; CN115398059A

Abstract

A washing machine appliance is provided, as provided herein, may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash 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 pod compartment mounted to the cabinet. The front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the pod compartment and the wash chamber.

Description

ADDITIVE DISPENSING FOR WASHING MACHINE APPLIANCES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash fluid (e.g., water and detergent, bleach, or other wash additives) . A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash fluid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash fluid is directed into the tub in order to wash or rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash fluid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash fluid. Conventionally, the fluid additives are provided be in powder or concentrated liquid form.

Increasingly, there is a desire by consumers to use single-cycle additives, such as discrete additive pods with washing appliances. The additive pods are often filled with a premeasured volume of one or more wash additives (e.g., detergents, softeners, rinse aids, etc. ) . For instance, a granular wash additive and liquid wash additive may both be encased within a water-soluble casing to form a discrete additive pod. Since they are generally self-contained and eliminate the need for measuring exact amounts of wash additives, additive pods may make using a washing appliance easier. Moreover, use of an additive pod may ensure that the correct amount of wash additive is used for a given wash load.

In spite of these advantages, using additive pods can also present certain drawbacks. For example, in some systems, it may be difficult to ensure that the additive pod dissolves completely. This may be especially true during a cold-water wash cycle. Oftentimes, users are forced to deposit additive pods directly into the wash basket. If the additive pod does not dissolve completely, remnants of the additive pod (e.g., the casing) may accumulate within the basket or tub. This risks damaging or staining articles within the appliance. Additionally or alternatively, pod material or casings may accumulate between the basket and the tub over time, which may ultimately have a negative impact on the washing machine appliance. Moreover, an undissolved pod is generally wasteful since it can result in some volume of the wash additive not being used for an intended wash cycle.

As a result, there is a need for improved additive dispensers. In particular, it would be advantageous to provide an additive dispenser that can accommodate an additive pod and ensure improved dissolution of the additive pod during a washing operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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-load washing machine appliance is provided. The front-load washing machine appliance may include a cabinet, a tub positioned within the cabinet, a wash 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 p

od compartment mounted to the cabinet. The front baffle may extend between the tub and the cabinet. The front baffle may define an outlet aperture along a fluid path between the pod compartment and the wash chamber.

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

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.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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 appliance according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a side, schematic, 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, wherein a portion of the cabinet has been removed for clarity.

FIG. 4A provides a side, sectional, elevation view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

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

FIG. 5A provides a front, elevation view of a portion of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, wherein a portion of the cabinet and door have been removed for clarity.

FIG. 5B provides a front, schematic elevation 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 sectional view of a portion of an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an articulating bridge is in a restrictive position.

FIG. 9 provides a magnified perspective view of a portion of an additive dispenser assembly of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1, wherein an articulating bridge is in a permissive 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. In fact, 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 of the invention. 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 covers such modifications and variations as 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 signify location or importance of the individual elements. The terms “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the relative flow direction with respect to fluid flow in a fluid pathway. For example, “upstream” refers to the flow direction from which the fluid flows, and “downstream” refers to the flow direction to which the fluid flows.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary front-load washing machine appliance 100, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of washing machine appliance 100. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of washing machine appliance 100 wherein a front panel 130 of the cabinet 102 has been removed for clarity. FIGS. 4A and 5A provide elevation views of various portions of washing machine appliance 100. FIGS. 4B and 5B provide schematic elevation views of a tub 124, basket 120, and dispensing assembly 148 of washing machine appliance 100 (e.g., during a fill phase) . FIGS. 6 through 9 provide various views of dispensing assembly 148, separate from other portions of washing machine appliance 100.

As illustrated, washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is defined. Washing machine appliance 100 includes a cabinet 102 that extends between a top 104 and a bottom 106 along the vertical direction V, between a left side 108 and a right side 110 along the lateral direction L, and between a front 112 and a rear 114 along the transverse direction T.

A wash tub 124 is positioned within cabinet 102 and is generally configured for retaining wash fluids during an operating cycle. As used herein, “wash fluid” may refer to water, detergent, fabric softener, bleach, or any other suitable wash additive (including combinations thereof) . Wash tub 124 is substantially fixed relative to cabinet 102 such that it does not rotate or translate relative to cabinet 102.

A wash basket 120 is received within wash tub 124 and defines a wash chamber 126 that is configured for receipt of articles for washing. More specifically, wash basket 120 is rotatably mounted within wash tub 124 such that it is rotatable about an rotation axis A. Generally, rotation axis A is defined non-parallel to the vertical direction V (e.g., closer to perpendicular than parallel) . According to the illustrated embodiments, the rotation axis A is substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. In this regard, washing machine appliance 100 is generally referred to as a “horizontal-axis” or “front-load” washing machine appliance 100. Thus, tub 124 (e.g., at front opening 132) may define an uppermost or top apex 124A and a lowermost or bottom apex 124B.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of front load washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that front load 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 utilized with the present subject matter as well.

Wash basket 120 may define one or more agitator features that extend into wash chamber 126 to assist in agitation and cleaning articles disposed within wash chamber 126 during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, a plurality of ribs 128 extends from basket 120 into wash chamber 126. In this manner, for example, ribs 128 may lift articles disposed in wash basket 120 during rotation of wash basket 120.

Washing machine appliance 100 includes a motor assembly 122 that is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100) . According to the illustrated embodiments, motor assembly 122 is a pancake motor. However, it should be appreciated that any suitable type, size, or configuration of motor may be used to rotate wash basket 120 according to alternative embodiments.

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

In some embodiments, a central body 136 of door 134 is provide on a perimeter rim 135 that extends about (e.g., radially about) at least a portion of central body 136. In optional embodiments, central body 136 is provided as a window and permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 134 is in the closed position (e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100) . Generally, door 134 defines a footprint on a front portion of cabinet 102 (e.g., in a plane defined by the lateral direction L and the transverse direction T) . For instance, when door 134 is in the closed position, central body 136 and perimeter rim 135 may extend across the footprint and thus cover the area of the front panel 130 within the footprint (e.g., when viewed along the transverse direction T directly in front of washing machine appliance 100) . As shown, particularly in FIG. 3, the footprint may extend radially outward from opening 132. Thus, the footprint may encompass and define a larger width (e.g., diameter) than opening 132. In some such embodiments, central body 136 extends across and, optionally, within opening 132. Perimeter rim 135 may extend radially outward from opening 132 and define the extrema of the footprint.

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

As shown, wash basket 120 defines a plurality of perforations 140 in order to facilitate fluid communication between the interior or wash chamber 126 of basket 120 and wash tub 124. A sump 142 is defined by wash tub 124 at a bottom of wash tub 124 along the vertical direction V. Thus, sump 142 is configured for receipt of, and generally collects, wash fluid during operation of washing machine appliance 100. For example, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, wash fluid may be urged (e.g., by gravity) from basket 120 to sump 142 through plurality of perforations 140. In some embodiments, a pump assembly 144 is located beneath wash tub 124 for gravity assisted flow when draining wash tub 124 (e.g., via a drain 146) . Pump assembly 144 may also be configured for recirculating wash fluid within wash tub 124.

In some embodiments, washing machine appliance 100 includes a spout or fluid line 150. For example, fluid line 150 may be in fluid communication with a water supply in order to direct fluid (e.g., clean water or wash fluid) into wash basket 120. In particular, fluid line 150 may direct fluid through an outlet aperture 172 defined through front baffle 138. Generally, outlet aperture 172 may be defined through a sidewall of front baffle 138 and, thus, be non-parallel to the front opening 132. In some embodiments, outlet aperture 172 may define a spray path 170 that is directed into the wash basket 120 or wash chamber 126. For instance, the spray path 170 may be directed rearward and away from front baffle 138. Thus, the water or wash additive from fluid line 150 may be advantageously conveyed directly to articles within wash basket 120.

As illustrated, an additive container box 151 or drawer 152 may be mounted (e.g., statically or, alternatively, slidably mounted) on cabinet 102. For instance, drawer 152 may be mounted within front panel 130 (e.g., to selectively move through front panel 130, for instance, as motivated by a user) . Additionally or alternatively, additive container box 151 may be mounted to and within cabinet 102 rearward from front panel 130. As shown, drawer 152 may be attached to additive container box 151 (e.g., such that drawer 152 is indirectly mounted on cabinet 102) .

In some embodiments, drawer 152 may move (e.g., slide) along the transverse direction T (e.g., outward from cabinet 102) between a retracted position (FIG. 1) and an extended position (e.g., as indicated in phantom lines in FIG. 2) . Thus, drawer 152 may be movably or slidably mounted to cabinet 102 or additive container box 151. In the retracted position, drawer 152 is generally received within cabinet 102 or additive container box 151. By contrast, in the extended position, at least a portion of drawer 152 is held outside of cabinet 102 or additive dispenser box 151 (e.g., to receive an additive pod provided by user) . As shown, drawer 152 may be mounted above wash basket 120 or tub 124. Thus, in both the retracted position and the extended position, drawer 152 may be held above wash basket 120 (e.g., such that gravity may advantageously motivate additive or wash fluid from drawer 152 to wash basket 120) .

Generally, detergent drawer 152 may define a pod compartment 174 within which an additive pod may be received. For instance, the pod compartment 174 may be defined as an open chamber or a cup within drawer 152 within which one or more additive pods may be inserted (e.g., vertically) when the drawer 152 is extended. During use, water may dissolve an additive pod placed within pod compartment 174 upstream from wash basket 120 to create a wash liquid to be dispensed downstream from pod compartment 174 and into wash basket 120. Advantageously, an additive pod within pod compartment 174 may be wetted to initiate dissolution prior to the flowing to wash basket 120 (e.g., as a dissolved wash additive or a partially-dissolved pod mass) . Additionally or alternatively, during use, any portions of an additive pod that are undissolved prior to exiting drawer 152 may advantageously be prevented from passing to the region of tub 124 between tub 124 and basket 120 (e.g., sump 142) .

In optional embodiments, an articulating bridge 180 is mounted within drawer 152. For instance, articulating bridge may be disposed within pod chamber 174 to selectively separate or block pod chamber 174 from a chamber outlet 182 upstream from a separate portion of additive dispenser box 152 or wash chamber 126. Generally, articulating bridge 180 is movable (e.g., pivotable) between an restrictive position (FIG. 8) and a permissive position (FIG. 9) . In some embodiments, articulating bridge 180 is pivotably mounted within pod chamber 174. In the restrictive position, articulating bridge 180 extends along an interior bottom surface of drawer 152 between pod chamber 174 and chamber outlet 182, thereby blocking or holding liquid additives (e.g., detergent) within pod chamber 174. Optionally, articulating bridge 180 is pivotable toward chamber outlet 182. In turn, pressure from a user or flowing water within pod chamber 174 may pivot articulating bridge 180 to the permissive position. In the permissive position, a free end of articulating bridge 180 is spaced apart from at least a portion of the interior surface of drawer 152 (e.g., such that fluid communication between pod chamber 174 and chamber outlet 182 is permitted) . Moreover, one or more additive pods or granular additives (e.g., detergent) may rest within pod chamber 174. During use, water flowing to and through pod chamber 174 may thus mix with or dissolve one or more additives within pod chamber 174 (e.g., to generate a wash fluid) before being flowed to chamber outlet 182. Advantageously, pod chamber 174 may selectively and alternately accept liquid additives, granular additives, or additive pods (e.g., based on user preference for a particular load) .

According to exemplary embodiments, detergent drawer 152 is coupled to fluid line 150 (e.g., directly or indirectly through additive container box 151) to facilitate the complete and accurate dispensing of water or wash fluid from drawer 152. In some such embodiments, 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 pod compartment 174 and wash chamber 126 such that second end 178 is downstream from first end 176. When assembled, first end 176 may be mounted to detergent drawer 152 or additive container box 151 (e.g., downstream from pod compartment 174) . Second end 178 may be mounted to front baffle 138 (e.g., upstream from outlet aperture 172) . Additionally or alternatively, second end 178 may be positioned forward from first end 176 (e.g., closer to front panel 130) . Thus, water or wash additive may be conveyed from a rearward interior location to a forward interior location (e.g., at front baffle 138) .

When assembled, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed radially inward from tub 124. Thus, the sidewall portion of front baffle 138 defining outlet aperture 172 may be positioned radially inward (e.g., closer to rotation axis A) than an outer wall of wash tub 124. In some embodiments, the outlet aperture 172 is defined above the rotation axis Along a vertical direction V. In turn, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed proximal to top apex 124A (i.e., distal to bottom apex 124B) relative to the vertical direction V. As shown, outlet aperture 172 may be defined on the top half of baffle 138 or tub 124. Additionally or alternatively, outlet aperture 172 may be circumferentially offset from the top and

bottom apexes

124A, 124B. Thus, outlet aperture 172 may be disposed at a portion of front baffle 138 that is not aligned with either top apex 124A or bottom apex 124B.

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

In some embodiments, one or more dispensing pumps or valves are mounted in fluid communication with additive drawer 152. Such dispensing pumps or valves may be configured for selective delivery of water or wash additive to basket 120. Optionally, one or more pumps (not pictured) may be in fluid communication with drawer 152 to selectively motivate water or wash fluid to wash basket 120.

In some embodiments, a control panel 160 including a plurality of input selectors 162 is coupled to front panel 130. Control panel 160 and input selectors 162 may collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a display 164 indicates selected features, a countdown timer, or other items of interest to machine users.

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

Controller 166 may include a memory (e.g., non-transitive memory) and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a wash operation. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 166 may be constructed without using a microprocessor (e.g., using a combination of discrete analog or digital logic circuitry, such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 160 and other components of washing machine appliance 100, such as motor assembly 122 and dispensing assembly 148, may be in operative communication with controller 166 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. Additionally or alternatively, other features, such as electronic lock assembly 182 for door 134 may be in operative communication with controller 166 via one or more other signal lines or shared communication busses.

In exemplary embodiments, during operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 132, and a wash cycle is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 162. For example, a wash cycle may be initiated such that wash tub 124 is filled with water, detergent, or other fluid additives (e.g., via dispensing assembly 148 or fluid line 150 during a fill phase) . For instance, water may be directed through drawer 152 at pod compartment 174 (e.g., to dissolve an additive pod therein) before such water or generated wash fluid is directed to wash chamber 126 through fluid line 150. Generally, one or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the mass of articles being washed or rinsed. Optionally, the fill phase may be performed according to a predetermined index. In particular, wash fluid may be directed to the wash tub 124 in discrete indices or segments (e.g., measured as a set volume of wash fluid or period of time in which wash fluid is flowed to tub 124) . Thus, filling the wash tub 124 may be performed by indexing the volume of wash fluid. After each index or segment, the volume of water within the wash tub 124 may be measured. If a desired volume of wash fluid within wash tub 124 has not yet been reached, a new index or segment may be executed.

By way of example, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with ribs 128) for an agitation phase of laundry items in wash basket 120. During the agitation phase, the basket 120 may be motivated about the rotation axis A at a set speed (e.g., first speed or tumble speed) . As the basket 120 is rotated, articles within the basket 120 may be lifted and permitted to drop therein.

After the agitation phase of the washing operation or wash cycle is completed, wash tub 124 can be drained (e.g., through a drain phase) . Laundry articles can then be rinsed (e.g., through a rinse phase) by again adding fluid to wash tub 124, depending on the particulars of the wash cycle selected by a user. Ribs 128 may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin phases may also be used. In particular, a spin phase may be applied after the wash cycle or after the rinse cycle in order to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin phase, basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. For instance, basket 120 may be rotated at one set speed (e.g., second speed or pre-plaster speed) before being rotated at another set speed (e.g., third speed or plaster speed) . As would be understood, the pre-plaster speed may be greater than the tumble speed and the plaster speed may be greater than the pre-plaster speed. Moreover, agitation or tumbling of articles may be reduced as basket 120 increases its rotational velocity such that the plaster speed maintains the articles at a generally fixed position relative to basket 120.

After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned (or the wash cycle otherwise ends) , a user can remove the articles from wash basket 120 (e.g., by opening door 134 and reaching into wash basket 120 through 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

A front-load washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub positioned within the cabinet;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing;

an additive drawer defining a pod 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 pod compartment and the wash chamber.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive drawer is mounted above the wash basket.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly along the cabinet in a transverse direction.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the wash chamber.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 4, wherein the spray path is directed rearward into the wash chamber and away from the front baffle.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the wash basket defines a rotation axis, and wherein the outlet aperture is defined above the rotation axis along a vertical direction.
The front-load 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 and bottom apexes.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a door movably attached to the cabinet to move between an open position permitting access to the opening and a closed position restricting access to the opening, the door comprising a central body and a perimeter rim extending outward from the central body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the front baffle in the closed position.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 1, further comprising:

a fluid line extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being mounted to the additive drawer downstream from the pod compartment, the second end being mounted to the front baffle upstream from the outlet aperture.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 9, wherein the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.
A front-load washing machine appliance comprising:

a cabinet;

a tub positioned within the cabinet;

a wash basket rotatably mounted within the tub, the wash basket defining a wash chamber for receiving articles for washing and a rotation axis about which the wash basket rotates;

an additive drawer defining a pod 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 pod compartment and the wash chamber, the outlet aperture being disposed radially inward from the tub and above the rotation axis.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the additive drawer is mounted above the wash basket.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the additive drawer is slidably mounted to move linearly along the cabinet in a transverse direction.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, wherein the outlet aperture defines a spray path directed into the wash chamber.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 14, wherein the spray path is directed rearward into the wash chamber and away from the front baffle.
The front-load 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 and bottom apexes.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, further comprising:

a door movably attached to the cabinet to move between an open position permitting access to the opening and a closed position restricting access to the opening, the door comprising a central body and a perimeter rim extending outward from the central body, wherein the central body is in selective contact with the front baffle in the closed position.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 11, further comprising:

a fluid line extending from a first end to a second end, the first end being mounted to the additive drawer downstream from the pod compartment, the second end being mounted to the front baffle upstream from the outlet aperture.
The front-load washing machine appliance of claim 18, wherein the first end is mounted rearward from the second end.