Washing machines with direct drive: features
Contents
Life is movement. And “life” in the home appliances market is the accelerated motion according to the principle “faster, higher, stronger”. High competition and the desire to occupy a more favorable position in the eyes of the customers motivates manufacturers to improve their product step by step, minimizing the number of faults and endowing equipment with new chips.
Not this Cup and the already familiar in the home washing machine. Many decades of Housewives around the world enjoyed a great machines with a belt drive that performed (and actually do) their work on the conscience and are sometimes more than 10 years.
But at one point the designers of the company LG (and this is the South Korean company became a pioneer in terms of the so-called frameprivate washing machines) have decided that it is time to change something – the machine should run quieter, better, and be more energy efficient. And engaged in the development of the washing machine, which will run from the engine directly.
Hardly anyone not heard of this know-how, as PR company LG was very ambitious, and also later on about this technology went such venerable brands as Bosch, Samsung, Zanussi and Candy. But in fact, it added more questions to the buyer when selecting a new washing machine.
If earlier it was enough to determine the volume, dimensions, energy consumption class and type of loading (vertical or frontal), now need to understand more than a washing machine with a direct drive is different from the good old belt.
Well, let’s see how the end justifies the means and whether there was the novelty of such a revolutionary step forward, as they say.
The advantages and disadvantages of washing machines with direct drive
So, in order to enjoy all the pleasures of washing machines with direct drive in the first place is to understand the principle of its work. In these cars the engine is located directly behind the drum, which is driven directly from the engine “without intermediaries.”
For comparison, in belt drive models the motor is under the drum (or side) and in order to move the reel seat, use the belt. Where, in fact, gave the name. The principle is similar to that used in cars.
What are the advantages of direct drive? First and foremost, this design is more balanced since the engine is in the center, behind the main movable parts of the drum. As a result, the machine operates with less vibration and quieter. However, not enough to call it completely silent.
Due to the fact that excluded some of the coupling elements (in this case, the belt and the pulley), the drum becomes more agile – faster starts and stops, reverses easier and can reach higher revs, which ultimately has a positive impact on the quality of the wash. And this, by the way, affects the speed of washing.
The lack of parts and ensures a longer life of the motor, as do the extra work the engine is not necessary. Engines with direct drive is more energy efficient compared to a belt, but if You expect to see this very effective in practice (i.e. a reduction in electricity bills), here You can expect some disappointment.
Another undeniable plus – replacement strap the cars so obviously not needed. Usually problems with strap be the case, if the washing machine is overloaded. “Smart” filling models with a direct drive just generates an error and will not start, and the classic belt will, with the tenacity to fight heavy weight linen, which can lead to chafing.
Dignity considered. How about flaws?
First and foremost is the issue price. The machines with direct drive are more expensive and repairing them in the event of a problem will also hit the wallet. What can break in a fairly expensive washer?
First, the engine itself. Since it is located in close proximity to the drum, when the flow of oil seal motor can expect a flood and, consequently, a complete failure. Alas, this can not be insured.
Second, it is sensitive to voltage electronics. If the electricity supplier does not spoil Your house is a constant voltage, it can be a problem. And it is not cheap.
Third, although the belt change and not have to, but bearings. The load assigned to them is not small, and the gap for them in washing machines with direct drive is too small, so change them still occasionally have. Let the price of this replacement compared to the main parts of the device and is not so high, but the fact remains.
The advantages of direct drive:
- The machine runs quieter and with less vibration
- High quality and speed of washing (due to the greater dynamism of the asynchronous motor)
- Less load on the engine and less wear
Cons:
- A higher price tag
- A relatively large variety of models and manufacturers
Washing machine with direct drive or with belt?
What can answer belt washing machines innovative machines with direct drive? Perhaps the greater availability (and of most machines, and its subsequent maintenance) and reliability that has been tested in more than one decade.
It is impossible to accurately say which one will be more durable because the service life of the machine usually depends on many factors, including the quality of parts and workmanship, degree of loading and correct operation.
Generally speaking, completely eliminate the risks of breakdowns neither in the first nor in the second case, therefore, in choosing a new washing machine to do the type of drive the fundamental point is not advisable. To better define the functionality, format the device and, of course, budget.
The results
Comparing these two types of washing machines, it is difficult to conclude with certainty which of them is better. But to answer the question, did promotiona machine a long awaited revolution in the world of machines possible: rather no than Yes.
Any technology, whether it is a relatively ancient (and almost classics) or only recently born in the minds of engineers top manufacturers has its pros and its cons.
On the one hand, new developments and finding the best solutions – is still moving forward. But on the other hand, these technologies have some way to understand that ultimately did not buy the cat in the bag, going on about advertising or solicitation of sellers tips to choose a more expensive model. While there is an obvious advantage: the more different solutions offers us a market, the greater for us a springboard from which to select.
What washing machine do You use?