Patent Application
20250215634
The present subject matter relates generally to home appliances, and more particularly to heating assemblies for laundry treatment appliances.
Laundry treatment appliances may perform one or more laundry operations, such as washing and/or drying. As such, laundry treatment appliances generally include a cabinet with a drum rotatably mounted therein. During operation, a motor rotates the drum, e.g., to tumble articles located within a chamber defined by the drum. Laundry appliances capable of performing a drying operation also generally include a heater assembly that passes heated air through the chamber in order to dry moisture-laden articles positioned therein. Typically, an air handler or blower is used to urge the flow of heated air from chamber, through a trap duct, and to the exhaust duct where it is exhausted from the dryer appliance. Dryer appliances may further include filter systems for removing foreign materials, such as lint, from passing into the exhaust conduit, which can impair dryer performance and may present a fire hazard due to the potential for combustion.
Conventional heater assemblies include electrical resistance heaters such as wire coils that generate heat when electrical current is passed through them. Notably, these resistance heaters are typically only 70-80% efficient, resulting in significant wasted energy during operation. In addition, large gradients are formed in the air supplied to the drum, resulting in hot spots which may damage articles in the drum, and cold spots which may be ineffective at drying the articles. Therefore, the temperature within the drum may not be controlled linearly, resulting in significant operating restrictions and limited versatility in terms of using different operating cycles to dry various load types.
Accordingly, a laundry treatment appliance which obviates one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks would be desirable. In particular, laundry treatment appliances including features for efficiently providing heat to air supplied to the drum would be beneficial.
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 laundry treatment appliance is provided. The laundry treatment appliance may include a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet, the tub defining a receiving space; and a heating assembly positioned within the cabinet. The heating assembly may include a duct forming an air passageway in fluid communication with the tub, the duct defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction; a vessel positioned within the duct, the vessel configured to store a quantity of liquid; and a heating element provided around the vessel, the heating element configured to selectively provide heat to the vessel, wherein the heating element is positioned outside of the air passageway.
In another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a heating assembly for a laundry treatment appliance is provided. The laundry treatment appliance may include a drum. The heating assembly may include a duct forming an air passageway in fluid communication with the drum, the duct defining an axial direction, a radial direction, and a circumferential direction; a liquid vessel positioned within the duct, the liquid vessel configured to store a quantity of liquid, the liquid vessel being fluidly isolated from the air passageway; a heating element provided around the liquid vessel, the heating element configured to selectively provide heat to the liquid vessel, wherein the heating element is positioned outside of the air passageway; and a sleeve positioned around the heating element such that the heating element is positioned between the sleeve and the liquid vessel, wherein the sleeve is tapered toward an upstream end of the air passageway along the axial direction.
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.
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.
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.
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.
As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and/or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and/or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10 percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.
The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, 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.
Cabinet 102 includes a front panel 104. A door 112 is mounted to front panel 104 and is rotatable between an open position (not shown) facilitating access to a wash drum or basket 120 (
A control panel 108 including a plurality of input selectors 110 is coupled to front panel 104. Control panel 108 and input selectors 110 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. For example, in some embodiments, control panel 108 includes a display 111 (
Operation of laundry treatment appliance 100 may be controlled by a processing device or controller 180 that is operatively coupled to control panel 108 for user manipulation to select washing and/or drying cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 108, controller 180 may operate the various components of laundry treatment appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.
Controller 180 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. 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 180 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/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 108 and other components of laundry treatment appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 180 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.
While described in the context of a specific embodiment of horizontal axis laundry treatment appliance 100, it will be understood that horizontal axis laundry treatment appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other laundry treatment appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter, including, for example, vertical axis laundry treatment appliances. Other combination washing machine or dryer appliances having different configurations, different appearances, or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well. Thus, the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to use with laundry treatment appliance 100.
With reference to
According to some embodiments (e.g., as shown in
Laundry treatment appliance 100 may include a heating assembly 140. Heating assembly 140 may be positioned within cabinet 102. Heating assembly 140 may be in fluid communication with drum 120. For instance, heating assembly 140 may be configured to provide heat to air which is then supplied to drum 120 to remove moisture from articles positioned within drum 120. According to at least some embodiments, heating assembly 140 includes an air handler (e.g., a fan) configured to force or urge air through a ducting system. As shown in
Referring now primarily to
Duct 142 may be a corrugated duct. For instance, duct 142 may define a helix pattern along the axial direction A (e.g., from the inlet toward the outlet). As such, one or more ridges may be formed into duct 142 (e.g., along the radial direction R). Additionally or alternatively, a plurality of parallel ridges may be formed into duct 142. For instance, the plurality of ridges may be spaced along the axial direction A from the inlet toward the outlet of duct 142. As such, duct 142 may define an outer diameter D1 and an inner diameter D2 such that outer diameter D1 is greater than inner diameter D2. Advantageously, air flowing through air passageway 144 may be subjected to a swirling effect, resulting in increased mixture and reduced temperature gradients within the air entering drum 120.
Heating assembly 140 may include a vessel or liquid vessel 146. Vessel 146 may be positioned within duct 142. Vessel 146 may be configured to store a quantity of liquid (e.g., water) therein. For instance, vessel 146 may be a tank, container, cartridge, reservoir, or other liquid-tight case capable of containing a liquid. Vessel 146 may be formed from a ferrite or ferrous material. For instance, vessel 146 may exhibit magnetic and metallic properties. Accordingly, vessel 146 may interact with magnetic fields formed therearound.
Vessel 146 may be positioned at or near a radial center of air passageway 144. Moreover, vessel 146 may extend along the axial direction A within air passageway 144. Accordingly, air flowing through air passageway 144 may flow around vessel 146 (e.g., along the radial direction R). In other words, the air within air passageway 144 may flow in the axial direction A between vessel 146 and duct 142 along the radial direction R.
Vessel 146 may include a water inlet or liquid inlet 148. Water inlet 148 may provide fluid communication between an interior of vessel 146 and a water supply source (e.g., a municipal water supply, a faucet, etc.). Water inlet 148 may include one or more valves which selectively open and close water inlet 148. For instance, water inlet 148 (e.g., a valve) may be operable connected with controller 180. As such, water inlet 148 may receive signals from controller 180 to open to allow water into vessel 146 and to close to restrict fluid access to vessel 146.
Vessel 146 may include a water outlet or liquid outlet 150. Water outlet 150 may be provided in addition to or alternatively from water inlet 148. Water outlet 150 may include one or more valves which selectively open and close water outlet 150. For instance, water outlet 150 (e.g., a valve) may be operable connected with controller 180. As such, water outlet 150 may receive signals from controller 180 to open to allow water out of vessel 146 and to close to restrict fluid access to vessel 146. As shown in
A temperature sensor 152 may be incorporated into appliance system 50. For instance, with reference to
A valve 154 may be incorporated into appliance system 50. Referring still to
According to an embodiment, for example, a washing operation may be initiated at washing machine appliance 101. A controller (e.g., controller 180) may determine a temperature of the water stored within vessel 146 upon receiving the initiation signal. If the temperature is above a predetermined temperature, the controller may open valve 154 to allow the heated water from vessel 146 into washing machine appliance 101. In the instance the temperature of the water within vessel 146 is below the predetermined temperature, the controller may maintain valve 154 in the closed position.
Heating assembly 140 may include a heating element 156. Heating element 156 may be provided around vessel 146. For instance, heating element 156 may be wrapped around vessel 146 in a coil shape. Heating element 156 may thus be provided as a coil extending along the circumferential direction C around vessel 146 and along the axial direction A. Heating element 156 may be connected to a power source to receive power therefrom (e.g., a voltage). Heating element 156 may thus selectively provide heat or energy to vessel 146.
According to at least some embodiments, heating element 156 is an induction heating element. In detail, induction heating element 156 may generate a magnetic field to excite or energize certain items (e.g., such as vessel 146), causing the item to heat up. Induction heating element 156 may include a Lenz coil or wire. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, appliance 100 may supply a current to induction heating element 156. As such, current may pass through the Lenz coil and generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be a high frequency circulating magnetic field. As shown in
Heating assembly 140 may include a sleeve 158. Sleeve 158 may be positioned around heating element 156. For instance, heating element 156 may be positioned between vessel 146 and sleeve 158. Accordingly, sleeve 158 may function as a dust cover to prevent debris (e.g., lint, dust, particles, etc.) from contacting heating element 156. Sleeve 158 may include a ferrous or ferrite material (e.g., similar to vessel 146). Accordingly, sleeve 158 may generate heat when subjected to the magnetic field created by induction heating element 156. Sleeve 158 may extend along the circumferential direction C around each of vessel 146 and heating element 156, and along the axial direction A. As such, as seen in
Sleeve 158 may include a tapered portion 160. For instance, sleeve 158 may taper toward an upstream end of air passageway 144 (e.g., along the axial direction A). Accordingly, tapered portion 160 may be radially shorter than sleeve 158. According to some embodiments, tapered portion 160 tapers to a point such that no air flows into sleeve 158. As such, heating element 156 may be positioned outside of air passageway 144. Advantageously, air containing particles such as lint may be prevented from contacting heating element 156 or vessel 146.
Heating assembly 140 may include a coil spacer 162. Coil spacer 162 me be positioned between heating element 156 and vessel 146. Accordingly, heating element 156 may be maintained at a predetermined distance away from vessel 146. In other words, heating element 156 may be spaced apart from vessel 146. Coil spacer 162 may include one or more shafts, for instance, extending along the axial direction A. Coil spacer 162 may include a non-conducting material. Thus, coil spacer 162 may be non-reactive with respect to heating element 156 (e.g., when heating element 156 is the induction heating element 156). Additionally or alternatively, an air gap may be formed between spacer 162 and sleeve 158 (e.g., in which heating element 156 is positioned). Thus, as mentioned above, heating element 156 is maintained outside of air passageway 144 and away from vessel 146.
Heating assembly 140 may include a relief valve 164. Relief valve 164 may be a pressure relief valve. For instance, relief valve 164 may be in fluid communication with the interior space of vessel 146. Relief valve 164 may thus control or limit a pressure within vessel 146. As would be understood, relief valve 164 may selectively allow a release of high pressure fluid (e.g., steam) built up within vessel 146. Relief valve 164 may thus include one or more elements configured to open upon being subjected to a predetermined pressure. Relief valve 164 may selectively release the fluid from the vessel to an ambient atmosphere. According to some embodiments, relief valve 164 releases the fluid into air passageway 144. However, a release point of relief valve 164 may be provided at any suitable location and the disclosure is not limited to the examples provided herein.
Turning now to
Heating assembly 140 may include vessel 146. As shown particularly in
As shown in
According to the embodiments described herein, the heating assembly may be configured to heat air flowing through a duct (e.g., duct 142) to be supplied to a drum for a drying operation. The heating assembly may include an induction heating element configured to heat up a vessel containing water. The heating element may be controlled to varying power levels to produce desired energy outputs for controlled heating. As the water stored within the vessel is heated (e.g., by the ferrous vessel), the heated water may assist in heating the air travelling through the duct. Additionally or alternatively, the hot water stored within the vessel may optionally be supplied to a washing machine appliance for use in a washing operation requiring water heated to a predetermined temperature. Advantageously, the air supplied to the duct is evenly heated over a period of time, increasing drying efficiency and performance. Moreover, particles such as lint are prevented from contacting the heating element. Further still, heated water may be provided to an attached washing machine for use in washing operations, reducing the need for additional energy to heat up municipal water.
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.
