How is a washing machine automatic?

The washing machine starts with a set of water. It occurs with the help of a water inlet hose connected to the water supply. To ensure that the amount of water collected corresponds to the necessary, the pressure switch monitors. It is also called a level sensor or level switch. By the way, smart cars are able to find out how much laundry is in the tank. And pour just as much water as you need to wash this amount.

Moving water during washing

In the washing process, water is not only poured, but also drained when necessary. And the drain pump (pump) does this. It is located at the bottom of the washing machine. In order to prevent foreign objects from getting inside the pump, a filter is installed in front of it. It is designed to protect the pump from small things. Such as:

• Coins
• Paper clips
• Buttons
• Pins
• And so on.

These items often get inside the machine along with things for washing.

It is advisable to clean the drain pump filter at least once every half a year. This is done quite simply. The filter is located at the bottom of the washing machine on the front side. In order to get to it you need to remove the bottom socket, then unscrew the filter. Clean it and put it back in place. While you will take out the filter from the machine water will pour. Therefore, prepare a rag or small container.

To show you the whole process of cleaning the filter, we decided to add a video. See:

Also, the drain pump can participate in the wash in another way. For example, it can circulate water up the tank or towards the dispenser. Some models use a separate pump for this.

The movement of water in the lower part of the washing machine tank there dissolves the remaining detergent. This helps to improve the quality of washing and not drain part of the detergent into the drain.

An additional amount of a solution of washing powder and water gets on things from the edges of the tank, which are located on its inside. They perform a mechanical action on the laundry, lifting and dropping it during rotation of the tank. Also, for many models of cars, ribs also additionally water the laundry with a solution.

When the required amount of water is collected in the tank, the heater (heating element) is connected to the operation. It is located under the tank of the machine. In some models, it is located in front, in others at the back. The heating temperature is controlled by a special device that allows you to heat water to the required number of degrees specified in the washing program.

Water heating and rotation of the drum of the washing machine

For normal washing, use warm water, detergent and mechanical stress. For heating water, a heating element is used, as a means, washing powder, and for mechanical action, the rotation of the drum is used. In order for the drum to rotate, the engine of the washing machine is used. It is located at the bottom of the machine under the tank.

A pulley is mounted on the back of the tank. It and the engine are connected by a drive belt. The motor rotates the belt, and he, in turn, creates a rotation of the drum inside the tank. This design of the machine is considered normal and quite acceptable. But it also has its drawbacks. The constant contact of the belt with moving elements creates the effect of friction. And sooner or later the belt wears out. Also, due to this design, unnecessary machine vibrations can occur.

Therefore, the device of washing machines of some models does not use a belt drive. It was replaced by direct (DD - direct drive English). Such washing machines are actively doing in LG (AlGi). In them, the motor is mounted directly on the drum. This design allows you to spend less energy for rotation, reduces the force of vibration and makes it possible to save space inside the machine.

The motor used is less noisy and due to minimizing the necessary space allows you to make more compact cars.

Spin and Wash

During washing, the drum spins slowly. One way, then the other. And during the spin cycle, the rotation speed of the drum reaches its maximum. A large number of revolutions is necessary in order to make the laundry as dry as possible. For the light of centrifugal force, water from squeezed things goes into the small openings of the tank. Then it discharges the drain pump.

The spin speed increases gradually. This is necessary so that the laundry is evenly placed on the inner surface of the drum. Due to this, it is possible to avoid unnecessary vibrations.

If suddenly the balance inside the tank is broken, then the rotation speed slows down again and the laundry is redistributed inside the drum. Then, the washing machine again picks up speed and continues spinning.

Control module

The control module manages control over all processes during the execution of washing programs. He decides when it is time to turn on or off the heater. It turns on the drain pump when it is necessary to remove water from the tank. He decides when and at what speed the drum should rotate. He also monitors the performance of a variety of sensors that are provided during washing. Not a single modern washing machine can do without such a control system.

The control module is one of the most expensive parts of the machine. Its high price is due to the fact that it has a very complicated device. Also, if this part is damaged, we do not recommend replacing it yourself. With such a nuisance, it is better to consult a specialist. They will select the necessary part and replace the defective one.

Tank and drum

The drum of the washing machine is inside the tank. It is in the drum that we load the dirty laundry. Water is poured into the tank and detergent enters. Due to the presence of small holes, a solution of water and washing powder is in contact with things in the tank.

The drum is made of stainless steel. The tank can consist of both stainless steel and plastic. More often it is made of two parts. There are also such tanks that are not disassembled and consist of a solid "piece". There are craftsmen who, if necessary, cut non-separable tanks into two parts. And then, when assembling, they are connected with bolts and a water-tight sealant.

Plastic tanks are lighter, cheaper, but also have disadvantages. For example, they are more fragile than metal. There are models of cars where tanks have a slope. But usually they are located strictly horizontally.

For those people who prefer a visual demonstration of the washing machine, we decided to add a video. In this video you will see not only the design of washing machines, but also their brief history. Watch the video: