Direct drive washing machine, who invented it, expert reviews

Sometimes in everyday life or in advertising there is such a term as a washing device with a direct drive. There is a popular belief that this kind of technique is better than typical, but why - not everyone knows. A machine where a direct drive is installed does have some advantages, which we will talk about later, considering all the features of this kind of technology.

What a direct drive looks like in a washing machine

What does “direct drive” mean and what are its differences from other types of machines

First you need to understand how exactly this type of drive works. The implementation of the standard version of the part is obtained thanks to the installed belt, which means that there is a motor at the bottom of the “washing machine”, which makes the drum rotate through the special pulley through the belt. In fact, this is the same gear inherent in the belt type. Often it is built into the mechanisms of vehicles.

Another design does not provide a special belt that would allow the drum to spin around its axis. Here the engine and the drum are connected to each other, without the use of additional elements, directly.

This technology was invented for a long time already, and it is used in the creation of most household appliances and other technical means. It is worth noting that such devices for washing appeared relatively recently, but this time was more than enough to gain popularity among buyers of equipment. The first company to start manufacturing washing machines using this technology is LG. They actually started an entire advertising campaign by announcing their invention - washing machines with the DirectDrive system. To confirm the reliability of this technology and gain trust among customers, the manufacturer gives a guarantee of ten years of engine life!

What is the part for?

A washing machine with a direct drive made in it is an electric device capable of triggering a rotating mechanism or moving a linear type by converting electromagnetic waves. Similar type motor (it may also be called inverter) involves moving the direction of energy input directly to the rotor using an air gap, which prevents the possibility of failure of parts that move and rotate.

Inverter drive against belt

The drive is almost the most important part, which is installed in absolutely all washing machines. The work of rotation mechanisms depends a lot on it. Today, many companies produce similar models, where only a part without a belt is installed.

How the equipment is arranged and how it differs from conventional machines

Back view

In the devices familiar to all, there is a special transmission, which is responsible for the rotation of the drum around its axis. In these "washers" the drum is fixed using a belt, through a chain reaction driving mechanisms, in particular, the moment emanating from the shaft. It is they who, after prolonged use, wear out, wear out and become unusable. The main sign of wear is noise and vibration during the cycle.

1. The main feature of such equipment is the lack of connecting parts in the motor, such as a belt or brushes. Therefore, the engine in such a device is really reliable and durable.
2. Carefully inspect the equipment from the outside. There should be a sticker marked “DirectDrive” on the front side of the main panel.
3. Engine power in cars of this type is higher than in conventional ones. Also in the bunker is much more space, unlike non-power machines.
4. Standard equipment carries out the washing process mainly of those things that are in the drum below. In the "washing" of the modern type, dirt is removed from the laundry by rotating the drum back and forth during the cycle.

How is the mechanism

For direct-drive washing machines, the connection of the engine and the drum in the tank without the aid of wires and belts is characteristic. This happens without the use of pulleys and belts. Their functions are assigned to the clutch, which is the moving part for the gearbox. Due to the fact that this device does not use extra parts and connecting, transmission elements, it is very compact.

Now is the time to analyze the main advantages and disadvantages of direct drive in a washing machine.

Advantages of direct drive

Positive aspects of the use of modern washing machines

Such washers have their pros and cons. Let's talk about merits first.

• • practically do not contain small, unreliable, quickly deteriorating parts, compared with machines with a belt drive;
  • unlike ordinary washing machines, which make a very loud noise and vibrate, direct-drive cars produce almost no sound, except for the barely audible rustling of the laundry moving in the drum;
  • the design without a belt drive guarantees good stability of the machine, so direct drive helps to make the drum work as balanced as possible;
  • the absence of vibration during operation, which is ensured by good balance and stability, contributes to a more thorough spreading and removal of dirt;
    

    Different types of drive

• the motor does not need to be regularly cleaned, lubricated and repaired by contacting the service department;
• in automatic mode, it is possible to identify the degree of drum load and the weight of things, which helps to choose the required power and the right amount of water to eliminate unnecessary waste.

Key Cons

Cons of modern devices

1. A significant disadvantage in direct-drive washing machines is the high price. For a lower cost, it is quite possible to find a decent ordinary washing machine, which has multiple positive characteristics and reviews, so it can easily replace the drive unit. The high pricing policy of the “washer” with direct drive is explained by the difficult design of the electric module, which is an essential part in controlling the operation of the engine. In addition, repair of such household appliances will be expensive.
2. Direct drive washing machines are often affected by power outages. Therefore, for safety, it is recommended to use special voltage stabilizers for such machines.
3. Due to the fact that this type of washing machine does not have a pulley, and the bearings are too close to each other, a significant load falls on them. As a result of this, the bearing will have to be changed regularly: because they often become unusable.

Which machine to choose: with a belt or direct drive?

Right choice

It is impossible to objectively evaluate washing machines with direct drive, since they appeared relatively recently and it is still not possible to say exactly about the disadvantages and disadvantages, because this requires time and thorough testing. It is known that machines with a typical drive can work even 15 years without requiring repair and replacement of any parts (naturally, this is not the case with everyone and not always).Direct drive washing machines began to appear not so long ago, and how they will behave after 10-15 years of operation is still unknown.

Here are a few points that users of both types of washing machines noted for themselves:

1. The service life does not depend on the drive, but is justified by the quality of the washing machine itself. So, if all the parts or a separate element of the “washer” are unreliable, fragile, low-quality, then even the drive will not help to avoid malfunctions or breakdowns.
2. Undoubtedly, direct-drive cars produce less noise than ordinary ones, but this is not such an important aspect when choosing a high-quality washing machine. In addition, the usual "washer" can be selected quite quiet.
3. Repair work for a washing machine with a belt drive will cost much less than for a “washing machine” with a direct drive.

We talked about the advantages and disadvantages of washing machines with direct drive. The structure diagram of a washing machine of this type should help you make the choice.

Direct and Belt Drive Washer Diagram

It is also important to add that when choosing a washing machine, like other household appliances, you need to take into account the ratio of price policy, quality and functions performed, and not buy a device just because of the presence of some kind of super-modern technology. Only in this way will you choose for yourself exactly what will serve you faithfully for many years.

Part disassembled

Carefully before buying this or that washing machine, study its characteristics, all the positive and negative aspects in the work. Such an approach to buying will allow you to choose exactly the model that will be ideally suited to your individual case, and the washing process will not take up much time and effort.