Additive dispenser for an automatic washer

Abstract

A wash additive dispensing system for an automatic washer wherein the wash additive dispenser system includes a cup for receiving the additive, a tray pivotally supporting the cup for movement between an upright orientation for retaining the wash additive in the cup and a dumping orientation in which the additive in the cup is dispensed. The tray is disposed along the rear portion of an access opening provided in the cabinet enclosure and is slidable supported by a housing between a first position for adding wash additive to the cup and a second position for dispensing wash additive from the cup. When disposed in the second position, a handle portion of the tray forms part of the rear surface of the washer access opening. Further, when the tray is in the second position, the cup is supported above a portion of the wash tub which includes a chute having an opening into the interior of the tub such that wash additives dispensed from the cup fall into the chute and flow into the interior of the wash tub for subsequent application onto the clothes load. An actuation system is provided for selectively rotating the cup between the upright orientation to the dumping orientation for selectively dispensing the wash additive. A water inlet hose connected to a water supply valve is supported adjacent the cup for flushing the wash additive from the cup when dispensing is desired. The wash additive system preferably consists of a plurality of cup and tray assemblies for dispensing a plurality of wash additives.