Washing system with induction heating

Abstract

A laundry system includes an outer tub and a water heating system. The outer tub is configured to receive water and includes a cylindrical wall defined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The water heating system includes an induction heating element disposed at the outer tub and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

Description

Washing System with Induction HeatingCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application 63 / 624,946, filed on January 25, 2024. The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to a laundry system including an induction heater system.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] Laundry systems, and particularly washers, conventionally include a cabinet that houses a tub into which water is pumped in for processing laundry. For washing cycles that require warm water, hot water may be received from an external heating system, such as a boiler or central hot water supply. Alternatively, water may be heated using internal heating systems, such as gas heating elements or resistance-based electrical heating elements. While external water heaters are generally efficient, not all laundry systems have access to this separate system. Moreover, while conventional heating systems within the washing tub do not require an external hot water source, these systems are less efficient in time and energy consumption than external water heaters. Further, heating systems within the washing tub are generally directly exposed to the water, and, as such, may be subject to water hardness and lint.SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the disclosure provides a laundry system including an outer tub and a water heating system. The outer tub is configured to receive water and includes a cylindrical wall defined by an inner surface and an outer surface. The water heating systemincludes an induction heating element disposed at the outer tub and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

[0006] Implementations of the disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the induction heating element is disposed on one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the outer tub. In some examples, the induction heating element forms a portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub. In some implementations, the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil. In these implementations, the induction coil may be coupled to the heating liner by mechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner, positioning the induction coil near the heating liner, bonding the induction coil to the heating liner, attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner, or printing the induction coil on the heating liner. The heating liner may be a ferromagnetic liner.

[0007] In some examples, the induction heating element is integrated into the inner surface of the outer tub. In some implementations, the induction heating element is disposed adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the outer tub. In these implementations, the induction heating element may be disposed adjacent to a lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub. Here, the induction heating element may extend along the lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub to a height of 30% of a total height of the outer tub.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a laundry system including an outer tub, a fdl conduit, and a water heating system. The outer tub is configured to receive water. The fill conduit is fluidly coupled to the outer tub via an inlet in the outer tub. The water heating system includes an induction heating element integrated with at least part of the fill conduit and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

[0009] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the induction heating element includes a coiled portion. In some examples, the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil. In these examples, the induction coil may be coupled to the heating liner bymechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner, positioning the induction coil near the heating liner, bonding the induction coil to the heating liner, attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner, or printing the induction coil on the heating liner. The heating liner may be a ferromagnetic liner. The induction heating element may define at least a portion of the fill conduit. In some implementations, the induction heating element is disposed adjacent to the fill conduit.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure provides a laundry system including an outer tub and a water heating system. The outer tub defines a tub cavity configured to receive water, the outer tub including a cylindrical wall, an inlet formed in the cylindrical wall, an outlet formed in the cylindrical wall, and a heating conduit extending from the inlet to the outlet outside of the tub cavity. The water heating system includes an induction heating element integrated with the heating conduit, and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

[0011] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. In some implementations, the laundry system executes a rotation cycle to process laundry, the rotation cycle flowing the water received in the outer tub into the heating conduit via the inlet. In some examples, the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil. In these examples, the induction coil may be coupled to the heating liner by mechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner, positioning the induction coil near the heating liner, bonding the induction coil to the heating liner, attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner, or printing the induction coil on the heating liner.

[0012] Another aspect of the disclosure provides a laundry system including an outer tub, a water reservoir, and a water heating system. The outer tub is configured to receive water. The water reservoir is disposed below the outer tub, the water reservoir fluidly connected to the outer tub and configured to deliver water in the water reservoir to the outer tub. The water heating system includes an induction heating element disposed at the water reservoir and an induction frequency generator disposed remotely from the water reservoir and connected to the induction heating element. Here, the induction heating element is configured to heat the water in the water reservoir.

[0013] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features. Tn some implementations, the water reservoir is connected to the outer tub by a reservoir conduit, the reservoir conduit configured to deliver the water in the water reservoir to the outer tub by one or more of cascading, wash action, or pumping. In other implementations, the water reservoir is an integral part of the outer tub as a sump cavity. In some examples, the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil. In these examples, the induction coil is coupled to the heating liner by mechanically coupling the induction coil to an external surface of the water reservoir, positioning the induction coil near the water reservoir, bonding the induction coil to an external surface of the water reservoir, attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to an external surface of the water reservoir, or printing the induction coil on an external surface of the water reservoir. In some implementations, the induction coil is disposed on an external surface of the water reservoir. The heating liner may be a ferromagnetic liner.

[0014] The details of one or more implementations of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a laundry system configured to include a water heating system according to principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of an example configuration of a water heating system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of another example configuration of a water heating system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a side perspective cross-sectional view of another example of a water heating system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of another example of a water heating system of according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0020] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of configurations of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be embodied in many different forms, and that the specific details and the example configurations should not be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a laundry system 10 is illustrated and includes a washer 100 having a water heating system 200. The washer 100 includes a cabinet 102, an outer tub 104, and an inner tub 106. The outer tub 104 is cylindrical and is disposed within the cabinet 102, and the inner tub 106 is cylindrical and nested within and rotatably coupled to the outer tub 104. The water heating system 200 includes a heating element 202 coupled to an induction frequency generator 204 (e.g., an AC inverter) by wiring 206. Advantageously, the heating element 202 is disposed within the cabinet 102 of the washer 100, while the induction frequency generator 204 is external to the outer tub 104 of the washer 100 to isolate the induction frequency generator 204 from water 12 in the washer 100. Notably, because the heating element 202 is disposed within the cabinet 102, the laundry system 10 does not rely on separately piped hot water from an external water heater. As such, during operation of a warm water wash cycle, the water 12 is heated by the portion of the water heating system 200 disposed within the cabinet 102 before entering the outer tub 104 or immediately thereafter. As shown, the laundry system 10 includes a single washer 100 that includes the cabinet 102 that operates in a conventional matter, however the laundry system 10 may include any number of washers 100 with corresponding cabinets 102, such as vertically stacked washer-and-dryer units , a single combined washer / dryer, or a washer stacked with a dryer. While the laundry system 10 includes a front load washer 100, it may alternatively include a top load washer style.

[0023] The laundry system 10 additionally includes a control board 14 including a user interface 16 in communication with the water heating system 200. Here, when a user selects a wash cycle that includes warm water 12, the control board 14 may send a signal (e.g., in response to a user selecting a warm cycle) to the water heating system 200 to begin heating water 12 entering the laundry system. The control board 14 includes data processing hardware 18 and memory hardware 20. The data processing hardware 18 can process instructions for execution within the control board 14, including instructions stored in the memory hardware 20 to display information in the user interface 16 or to initiate one or more functions of the laundry system 10. In some implementations, the user interface 16 is rendered for display on a screen of the control board 14 and responds to any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback, and input from the user can be received in any form including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 16 includes one or more mechanical buttons and / or lights for a user to interact with.

[0024] With reference to the examples of FIG. 2, the outer tub 104 includes a cylindrical wall 108 extending from a rear panel 110 to define a hollow cavity 109 in which a substantially hollow rotary inner tub 106 is disposed. The cylindrical wall 108 is defined by an inner surface 112 and an outer surface 114 formed on an opposite side of the cylindrical wall 108 from the inner surface 112, and may include a water inlet 116 for water introduction into the outer tub 104 and a drainage system (not shown) for water extraction from the outer tub 104. For example, the water inlet 116 is formed through a thickness of the cylindrical wall 108 from the inner surface 112 to the outer surface 114, while the drainage system may include a plurality of drain holes extending through the thickness of the cylindrical wall 108. During a wash cycle, the water inlet 116 flows water 12 into the outer tub 104 by cascading, wash action, or by pumping.

[0025] In some implementations, the outer tub 104 includes a maximum fill level 118 corresponding to the maximum height Hus of water 12 that the outer tub 104 can hold during a washing cycle in the laundry system 10. For example, the maximum fill level 118 may be 30% of a diameter or height H104 of the outer tub 104. However, the maximum fill level 118 may be lower than 30% (e.g., 20%) or higher than 30% (e.g., 40%). In otherimplementations, such as top load washers, the maximum fill level 118 may be defined by a height from a bottom panel of the outer tub 104.

[0026] The inner tub 106 is a substantially hollow rotary drum and is disposed within and rotatably coupled to the outer tub 104. For example, the inner tub 106 and the outer tub 104 may be concentric, whereby the inner tub 106 is rotatable about a central axis A104 of the outer tub 104. The inner tub 106 may include a plurality of holes (not shown) extending through a wall of the inner tub 106 (i.e., from an inner surface to an outer surface of the inner tub 106) that allow the water 12 within the outer tub 104 to flow into the inner tub 106 for processing the laundry. Optionally, the water inlet 116 extends through the wall of the inner tub 106 to dispense water 12 directly into the inner tub 106 that is in fluid communication with the outer tub 104. In some implementations, the inner tub 106 and / or the outer tub 104 include one or more temperature sensors (not shown) configured to measure a temperature of the water 12 and communicate the measured temperature to the control board 14. The control board 14 is configured to evaluate the measured temperature of the water 12 to detect operating conditions of the laundry system 10.

[0027] With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and as described above, the laundry system 10 includes the water heating system 200 for induction heating the water 12 for warm wash cycles. While the present disclosure is generally directed to washing cycles, it should be understood that the water heating system 200 may be used in drying cycles as well. In particular, the water heating system 200 includes the heating element 202 coupled to the induction frequency generator 204 by wiring 206. The heating element 202 is disposed within the cabinet 102 and includes a heating liner 208 coupled to an induction coil 210, while the induction frequency generator 204 is external to the outer tub 104 to ensure that the induction frequency generator 204 is isolated (i.e., disposed remotely) from the water 12 in the outer tub 104. The water heating system 200 executes induction heating of the water 12 in the laundry system 10 by using a high-frequency magnetic field generated when applying current from the induction frequency generator 204 to the induction coil 210, where the generated high-frequency magnetic field flowing from the induction coil 210 rapidly heats the heating liner 208. In turn, by thermal conduction, the heat induced in the heating liner 208 heats the water 12 in the outer tub 104.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, the heating liner 208 forms part a portion of the cylindrical wall 108 of the outer tub 104 and extends continuously and uninterrupted along the cylindrical wall 108 of the outer tub 104 and from the bottom of the outer tub 104 to the height Hus of the maximum fill level 118 of the outer tub 104. In other words, a height H208 of the heating liner 208 corresponds to the height Hus of the maximum fill level 118. In this example the heating liner 208 may be integrated with and form at least a portion of the inner surface 112 or the outer surface 114 of the cylindrical wall 108 of the outer tub 104, or the heating liner 208 may extend through the thickness of the cylindrical all from the inner surface 112 to the outer surface 114. Optionally, the outer tub 104 may be entirely formed by the heating liner 208. Conversely, the height H208 of the heating liner 208 may correspond to a minimum fill level of the outer tub 104. Alternatively, the heating liner 208 may line a portion of the inner surface 112 or the outer surface 114 of the cylindrical wall 108 of the outer tub 104. In implementations where the heating liner 208 lines at least a portion of the outer surface 114 of the outer tub 104, the outer tub 104 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to transfer the heat generated by the heating liner 208. The heating liner 208 may further be a single piece. While the heating liner 208 is shown as a single continuous piece, the heating liner 208 may include multiple pieces arranged in a pattern to maximize heat transfer, reduce local heat stress, and / or decrease costs of materials or manufacturing.

[0029] In some examples, the heating liner 208 includes material formed from a ferromagnetic liner or a ferrimagnetic liner. The induction coil 210 may be coupled to the heating liner 208 by one of mechanically coupling (i.e., using fasteners), positioning the induction coil 210 near, but not in direct contact with the heating liner 208 (e.g., wrapping the induction coil 210 around the heating liner 208), bonding the induction coil 210 to the heating liner 208, attaching the induction coil 210 to an intermediate substrate that is then attached to the heating liner 208, or printing the induction coil 210 on a surface of the heating liner 208.

[0030] Referring again to FIG. 2, during a washing cycle operation of the laundry system 10, a user places laundry in the inner tub 106, selects a cycle mode (e.g., via the user interface 16), and starts the washing cycle. The laundry system 10 then provides water 12to the outer tub 104 via the water inlet 1 16, filling the outer tub 104 with the water 12 to a level at or below the maximum fill level 118. In implementations where the user selects a cycle that requires warm water 12, the control board 14 instructs the induction frequency generator 204 to generate a current that, when applied to the induction coil 210, generates a high-frequency magnetic field that heats the heating liner 208, which heats the water 12 in the outer tub 104.

[0031] Advantageously, the water heating system 200 of the laundry system 10 may be retrofit to existing cabinets 102 that may or may not have an internal heating system or access to external hot water (e.g., a hot water heater). For example, the heating liner 208 and the induction coil 210 may be disposed adjacent or attached to the outer surface 114 of an outer tub 104 of a laundry system 10. Placing the induction frequency generator 204 adjacent to the outer surface 114 of the outer tub 104 eliminates the need for electrical systems inside the outer tub 104 that may otherwise come into contact with wash liquid, lint, and hard-water. Moreover, the speed of induction heating generated by the water heating system 200 is significantly faster than a system using standard resistive elements.

[0032] With particular reference to FIG. 3, another example of a washer 100a is provided and includes the cabinet 102 and water heating system 200a. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the washer 100 with respect to the washer 100a, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 3, the washer 100a may include the cabinet 102 for processing laundry and the outer tub 104 disposed within the cabinet 102 and configured to receive water 12 for washing the laundry. The washer 100a further includes a fill conduit 120 fluidly coupled to the outer tub 104 (i.e., via the water inlet 116) and configured to deliver the water 12 into the outer tub 104, the water heating system 200a including a heating element 202a disposed within the cabinet 102, and an induction frequency generator 204 isolated from the water 12 in the outer tub 104. As shown, unlike the heating element 202 that is disposed on the outer tub 104, as discussed previously, the heating element 202a of FIG. 3 is incorporated with the fill conduit 120.

[0034] In one example, at least a portion of the fill conduit 120 is defined by a tubular heating element 202a. In some implementations, the heating element 202a includes a coiled portion to increase the surface area that contacts the water 12 as it flows through the fill conduit 120. Like the heating element 202, the heating element 202a may include a heating liner 208a coupled to an induction coil 210a. Here, the heating liner 208a may define a tube formed from a ferromagnetic material, and the induction coil 210a is wrapped around the heating liner 208a. In some implementations, the heating liner 208a lines at least a portion of an outer surface of the fill conduit 120. Here, the fill conduit 120 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to transfer the heat generated by the heating liner 208a. The induction coil 210a may be coupled to the heating liner 208a by one of mechanically coupling (i.e., using fasteners), positioning the induction coil 210a near, but not in direct contact with the heating liner 208a (e.g., wrapping the induction coil 210a around the heating liner 208a), bonding the induction coil 210a to the heating liner 208a, attaching the induction coil 210a to an intermediate substrate that is then attached to the heating liner 208a, or printing the induction coil 210a on a surface of the heating liner 208a.

[0035] During a washing cycle operation of the laundry system 10, a user places laundry in the inner tub 106 of the washer 100a, selects a cycle mode (e.g., via the user interface 16), and starts the washing cycle. The laundry system 10 then provides water 12 to the outer tub 104 via the fill conduit 120, filling the outer tub 104 with the water 12 to a level at or below the maximum fill level 118. In implementations where the user selects a cycle that requires warm water 12, the control board 14 instructs the induction frequency generator 204 to generate a current that, when applied to the induction coil 210a, generates a high-frequency magnetic field that heats the heating liner 208a, which heats the water 12 as it flows through the portion of the fill conduit 120 that corresponds to the heating element 202a. Accordingly, the water 12 is already heated before it enters the outer tub 104 via the water inlet 116.

[0036] With particular reference to FIG. 4, another example of a washer 100b is provided and includes the cabinet 102 and water heating system 200b. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the washer 100 with respect to the washer 100b, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawingsto identify like components while like reference numerals containing letter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, the washer 100b may include the cabinet 102 for processing laundry and the outer tub 104 disposed within the cabinet 102 and configured to receive water 12 for washing the laundry. The washer 100b further includes the fill conduit 120 fluidly coupled to the outer tub 104 (i.e., via the water inlet 116) and configured to deliver the water 12 into the outer tub 104, a water heating system 200b including a heating element 202b disposed within the cabinet 102, and the induction frequency generator 204 isolated from the water 12 in the outer tub 104. As shown, unlike the heating element 202a that is integrated with or defines a portion of the fill conduit 120, the heating element 202c of FIG. 4 is a separate component from the fill conduit 120.

[0038] In particular, the outer tub 104 further includes a heating inlet 122 and a heating outlet 124 formed through the thickness of the cylindrical wall 108 from the inner surface 112 to the outer surface 114. Here, the heating element 202b includes a heating conduit 126 that fluidly connects the heating inlet 122 of the outer tub 104 with the heating outlet 124 of the outer tub 104 and is in fluid communication with the water 12 within the outer tub 104. In some implementations, the heating conduit 126 of the heating element 202b includes a coiled portion to increase the surface area (i.e., overall length) that contacts the water 12 as it flows through heating element 202b. Like the heating element 202a, the heating element 202b includes a heating liner 208b adjacent or coupled to an induction coil 210b. Here, the heating liner 208b may be formed from a ferromagnetic material and may be integrated with or define a portion of the heating conduit 126, while the induction coil 210b is wrapped around the heating liner 208b. In some implementations, the heating liner 208b lines at least a portion of an outer surface of the heating conduit 126. Here, the fill heating conduit 126 may be formed of a thermally conductive material to transfer the heat generated by the heating liner 208b. The induction coil 210b may be coupled to the heating liner 208b by one of mechanically coupling (i.e., using fasteners), positioning the induction coil 210b near, but not in direct contact with the heating liner 208b (e.g., wrapping the induction coil 210b around the heating liner 208b), bonding the induction coil 210b to the heating liner 208b, attaching the induction coil 210b to an intermediate substrate that isthen atached to the heating liner 208b, or printing the induction coil 210b on a surface of the heating liner 208b.

[0039] During a washing cycle operation of the laundry system 10, a user places laundry in the inner tub 106 of the washer 100b, selects a cycle mode (e.g., via the user interface 16), and starts the washing cycle. The laundry system 10 then provides water 12 via the fill conduit 120 coupled to the water inlet 116 and fills the outer tub 104 to a level at or below the maximum fill levell 18. In implementations where the user selects a cycle that requires warm water 12, the control board 14 instructs the induction frequency generator 204 to generate a current that, when applied to the induction coil 210b, generates a high- frequency magnetic field that heats the heating liner 208b. When the inner tub 106 executes a rotation cycle, the rotation cycle flows the water 12 in the outer tub 104 into the heating inlet 122 of the heating element 202b. The water then flows through the heating conduit 126 and is heated by the heating element 202b. Heated water is returned to the outer tub 104 from the heating conduit 12b via the heating outlet 124. Thus, water is continuously caused to cycle or flow through the heating conduit 126 via the rotational force exerted on the water by baffles (not shown) of the inner tub 106. Additionally or alternatively, the water is cycled or flowed through the heating conduit 126 by incorporating a dedicated pump and / or by an existing pump in the laundry system 10 (e.g., a drain pump).

[0040] With particular reference to FIG. 5, another example of a washer 100c is provided and includes the cabinet 102 and water heating system 200c. In view of the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with the washer 100 with respect to the washer 100c, like reference numerals are used hereinafter and in the drawings to identify like components while like reference numerals containing leter extensions are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 5, the washer 100c may include the cabinet 102 for processing laundry and the outer tub 104 disposed within the cabinet 102 and configured to receive water 12 for washing the laundry. The washer 100c further includes a water reservoir 128 below the outer tub 104, the water heating system 200c including a heating element 202c adjacent to or at least partially disposed within the water reservoir 128, and the induction frequency generator 204 isolated from the water reservoir 128. Unlike the washer 100 thatpumps water directly from the fill conduit 120connected to the water inlet 116, the fill conduit 120 of the washer 100c provides water 12 into the water reservoir 128, where the heating element 202c heats the water before it is pumped from the water reservoir 128 via a reservoir conduit 130 fluidly coupled to the water inlet 116 of the outer tub 104. While the water reservoir 128 of FIG. 5 is shown below the outer tub 104, it may optionally be integrated with the outer tub 104 as a sump cavity. For example rather than being connected to the outer tub 104 via the reservoir conduit 130, the water reservoir 128 may be mounted (i.e., welded) to the outer surface 114 of the outer tub 104 and directly fluidly connected to the outer tub 104 by an passage or opening formed through thickness of the cylindrical wall 108 of the outer tub 104. In this example, the water 12 in the water reservoir 128 may flow into the outer tub 104 via the passage.

[0042] In these implementations, the heating element 202c includes a heating liner 208c coupled to an induction coil 210c. Here, the heating liner 208c is disposed adjacent to or within the water reservoir 128 and may be formed from a ferromagnetic material. The induction coil 210c is disposed outside of the outer tub 104. The induction coil 210c may be coupled to the heating liner 208c by positioning the induction coil 210c near the heating liner 208c external to the water reservoir 128. For example, the induction coil 210c may be coupled to an external surface of the water reservoir 128 by one of mechanically coupling (i.e., using fasteners), positioning the induction coil 210c near, but not in direct contact with an external surface of the water reservoir 128 (e.g., wrapping the induction coil 210c around the water reservoir 128), bonding the induction coil 210c to an external surface of the water reservoir 128, attaching the induction coil 210c to an intermediate substrate that is then attached to an external surface of the water reservoir 128, or printing the induction coil 210c on an external surface of the water reservoir 128.

[0043] During a washing cycle operation of the laundry system 10, a user places laundry in the inner tub 106 of the washer 100c, selects a cycle mode (e.g., via the user interface 16), and starts the cycle. The laundry system 10 then provides water 12 to the water reservoir 128 via the fill conduit 120. In implementations where the user selects a cycle mode that requires warm water 12, the control board 14 instructs the induction frequency generator 204 to generate a current that, when applied to the induction coil 210c, generatesa high-frequency magnetic field that heats the heating liner 208c, which heats the water 12 as it sits in the water reservoir 128. Thereafter, during cascading, washing action, or pumping, the heated water 12 is pumped from the water reservoir 128, through the reservoir conduit 130, and through the water inlet 116 and into the outer tub 104. Accordingly, the water 12 is already heated before it enters the outer tub 104 via the water inlet 116.

[0044] The foregoing description has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0046] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a likefashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0047] The terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example configurations.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A laundry system comprising: an outer tub configured to receive water and including a cylindrical wall defined by an inner surface and an outer surface; and a water heating system including an induction heating element disposed at the outer tub and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

2. The laundry system of Claim 1, wherein the induction heating element is disposed on one of the outer surface and the inner surface of the outer tub.

3. The laundry system of Claims 1 or 2, wherein the induction heating element forms a portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub.

4. The laundry system of any of Claims 1-3, wherein the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil.

5. The laundry system of Claim 4, wherein the induction coil is coupled to the heating liner by: mechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner; positioning the induction coil near the heating liner; bonding the induction coil to the heating liner; attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner; or printing the induction coil on the heating liner.

6. The laundry system of Claims 4 or 5, wherein the heating liner is a ferromagnetic liner.

7. The laundry system of any of Claims 1-6, wherein the induction heating element is integrated into the inner surface of the outer tub.

8. The laundry system of any of Claims 1-7, wherein the induction heating element is disposed adjacent to the cylindrical wall of the outer tub.

9. The laundry system of Claim 8, wherein the induction heating element is disposed adjacent to a lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub.

10. The laundry system of Claim 9, wherein the induction heating element extends along the lower portion of the cylindrical wall of the outer tub to a height of 30% of a total height of the outer tub.

11. A laundry system comprising: an outer tub configured to receive water; a fill conduit fluidly coupled to the outer tub via an inlet in the outer tub; and a water heating system including an induction heating element integrated with at least part of the fill conduit and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

12. The laundry system of Claim 11, wherein the induction heating element includes a coiled portion.

13. The laundry system of Claims 11 or 12, wherein the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil.

14. The laundry system of Claim 13, wherein the induction coil is coupled to the heating liner by: mechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner; positioning the induction coil near the heating liner; bonding the induction coil to the heating liner; attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner; orprinting the induction coil on the heating liner.

15. The laundry system of Claims 13 or 14, wherein the heating liner is a ferromagnetic liner.

16. The laundry system of any of Claims 13-15, wherein the induction heating element defines at least a portion of the fill conduit.

17. The laundry system of any of Claims 11-16, wherein the induction heating element is disposed adjacent to the fill conduit.

18. A laundry system comprising: an outer tub defining a tub cavity configured to receive water, the outer tub including a cylindrical wall, an inlet formed in the cylindrical wall, an outlet formed in the cylindrical wall, and a heating conduit extending from the inlet to the outlet outside of the tub cavity; and a water heating system including an induction heating element integrated with the heating conduit, and an induction frequency generator located remotely from the outer tub and connected to the induction heating element.

19. The laundry system of Claim 18, wherein laundry system executes a rotation cycle to process laundry, the rotation cycle flowing the water received in the outer tub into the heating conduit via the inlet.

20. The laundry system of Claims 18 or 19, wherein the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil.

21. The laundry system of Claim 20, wherein the induction coil is coupled to the heating liner by: mechanically coupling the induction coil to the heating liner;positioning the coil near the heating liner; bonding the induction coil to the heating liner; attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to the heating liner; or printing the induction coil on the heating liner.

22. The laundry system of Claims 20 or 21, wherein the heating liner is a ferromagnetic liner.

23. A laundry system comprising: an outer tub configured to receive water; a water reservoir disposed below the outer tub, the water reservoir fluidly connected to the outer tub and configured to deliver water in the water reservoir to the outer tub; and a water heating system including an induction heating element disposed at the water reservoir and an induction frequency generator disposed remotely from the water reservoir and connected to the induction heating element, the induction heating element configured to heat the water in the water reservoir.

24. The laundry system of Claim 23, wherein the water reservoir is connected to the outer tub by a reservoir conduit, the reservoir conduit configured to deliver the water in the water reservoir to the outer tub by one or more of cascading, wash action, or pumping.

25. The laundry system of Claims 23 or 24, wherein the water reservoir is an integral part of the outer tub as a sump cavity.

26. The laundry system of any of Claims 23-25, wherein the induction heating element includes a heating liner coupled to an induction coil.

27. The laundry system of Claim 26, wherein the induction coil is coupled to the heating liner by:mechanically coupling the induction coil to an external surface of the water reservoir; positioning the induction coil near the water reservoir; bonding the induction coil to an external surface of the water reservoir; attaching the induction coil to a carrier, the carrier attached to an external surface of the water reservoir; or printing the induction coil on an external surface of the water reservoir.

28. The laundry system of Claims 26 or 27, wherein the induction coil is disposed on an external surface of the water reservoir.

29. The laundry system of any of Claims 26-28, wherein the heating liner is a ferromagnetic liner.

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