The first who began to develop washing machines was not unknown to us all company LG, which in addition to many interesting washing programs and additional functions patented direct drive.
But sometimes even such high-quality equipment can fail.
Direct drive washing machine
The meaning of the mechanism
This motor is designed to transfer action to the rotor by means of an air gap, which completely eliminates the possibility of wear and tear on the moving elements.
The direct drive is recognized as the most reliable electric motor.
The drive is the main structural element of any washing device. At the moment, direct drive and its device are used in the manufacture of their models of washing machines by such manufacturers as LG, Virpool, Sears and many others.
Differences of direct drive from other converters
Less noise
In conventional machines, it is common to transmit the rotation of the drum of the belt type. It turns out that in such devices, the drum is fixed on belts, which provide the transmission of torque from the shaft.
The most vulnerable part of this system are the belts, which from time to time wear out and need to be completely replaced. In addition, the washing and spinning in belt-driven washing machines is accompanied by a high level of noise and vibration.
The main distinguishing feature of machines that are equipped with direct drive is the complete absence of any brushes or belts in the motor, which are called contacting nodes.
More stuff
With more space in the cabinet and a more powerful motor, direct-drive models differ in that you can load more things in them than analog machines without direct drive.
Uniform cleaning of items
In conventional washing machines, the washing process is concentrated on the items that are located at the bottom of the drum, while in direct-drive washing machines, the removal of dirt is due to the spinning of the drum back and forth.
Design features of the device
In washing machines with direct drive, the motor is attached to the drum without a belt and pulleys, and instead a special clutch is used, which plays the role of an electric drive gearbox.
The absence of extra gear elements in such models makes it more compact.
In many cases, washing designs with direct drive have a three-phase motor with no collector. Its components are the rotor (permanent magnet) and the stator, which is equipped with 36 coils of inductance.
The rotor is attached to the drum shaft, and the permanent magnet shaft is also the shaft of the washing machine drum. The motor is controlled by sending meanders from the electronic module.
Direct drive. Advantages and disadvantages
Pros of direct drive
- In the design of the washing machine with a direct drive, the number of fragile parts and quickly worn parts is much less than in devices with transmission through the belt. That is why LG company is so confident in the quality of their equipment, that it gives a 10-year warranty on such a motor.
- Of the usual sounds that all of us can make washing machines with direct drive Direct Drive, you will hear only the measured rustle of laundry in the drum.
- Because belt drive technology is not used, the stability of the device is greatly improved. Thanks to the use of direct drive in washing machines, the work of the drum is as balanced as possible.
- Such motors do not require constant maintenance and regular lubrication.
- Direct-drive machines can automatically determine the level of load on the drum and the weight of the laundry, which allows you to choose the best power and avoid overconsumption of water and electricity. Thus, savings due to this technology sometimes reach up to 30%.
Disadvantages of direct drive
High cost of the machine
One of the disadvantages of washing machines with direct drive can be called a high price. In this price range, there are many simple and reliable models of many other manufacturers, which have shown themselves perfectly in the market of appliances for the home.
The high price in such models is due to a very complex device module, which is needed to control the work of the electric motor.
Dependence on good electricity
The direct drive in washing machines makes the device more vulnerable to power surges.
In such a case, in order to insure yourself against expensive repairs, we advise you to install a voltage stabilizer at once.
Liquid in a stuffing box.
Avoiding leaks is possible with regular replacement of the packing.
In direct-drive washing designs, there is a small chance of liquid getting into the packing.
Noise
Some users complain of a lot of noise when draining and water intake when washing.
Fast wear and tear of the bearings
Close enough to the bearings and the complete absence of a pulley increases the load. So they'll wear out faster and you'll have to replace them from time to time, which, as we said, is quite expensive.
