Direct drive washing machine: what is it, advantages and disadvantages

Choosing an automatic washing machine is not an easy task, the main difficulty of which lies in the large assortment of them. When purchasing, you need to take into account all the main characteristics of the model and one of the first features that you need to pay attention to is the direct drive or belt in the washing machine. In many ways, the consumer characteristics of the device and, of course, the price depend on this.

Device Features

Nowadays, automatic washing machines are presented in a huge range. Each consumer has the opportunity to choose the ideal model with all the necessary functions and configurations. Devices with direct motor drive are very popular today.

Direct drive means direct connection of the rotor to the drum axis. This device does not have a belt system.

Instead, a special coupling is provided. There are no brushes on the surface of the engine in such washing machines, since in this case there is no need for them.

This technology is called Direst drive. This name is given because the inverter motor is responsible for rotating the tank, and the speed is set by electromagnetic waves from the control board. Located under the hatch, the engine “reads” the weight of all items loaded for washing and automatically adjusts the optimal power levels.

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Advantages and disadvantages of both types of machines

The question of whether it is better to transmit rotation through a belt or direct connection is still open. Models of both designs continue to coexist peacefully on store shelves; manufacturers are in no hurry to adjust the model range, therefore, the choice remains with the buyer himself.

Pros and cons of belt drive

Machines in which the drum rotates thanks to a belt and pulleys are a time-tested design. Over the years, manufacturers have developed optimal assembly technologies, which ensure:

• significantly lower price of the device;
• fairly long service life (up to 15 years or more).
• low load on the engine, due to the absence of a rigid coupling between the motor and the drum.

It is also impossible not to note the main advantage of such a scheme - ease of repair. In the vast majority of cases, failure of the washing machine drive is caused by belt wear. Its price is extremely low, and the replacement can be done with your own hands in literally 20-30 minutes.

These are all advantages, and they are significant, but the belt also has disadvantages. Among other things:

• smaller tank volume with the same external dimensions of the body, which is caused by the need to place a belt and pulleys inside;
• high noise level, especially with uneven distribution of laundry;
• obviously higher load on bearings;
• the need to regularly replace the engine brushes and the belt itself.

These disadvantages are quite significant, but in most cases they are compensated by the low price of purchasing and operating the device.

Pros and cons of direct drive washing machines

Models with a new type of transmission mechanism are actively promoted on the market. Marketing specialists are full of compliments, describing all the advantages of direct drive, which eliminates belt drive. Some of their statements are controversial, but in general, such devices do have a number of advantages. Among other things, the following cannot be ignored:

• larger drum volume due to the absence of a belt and pulleys;
• high reliability due to the absence of an intermediate link between the engine and the drum;
• significant energy savings due to the use of inverter motors;
• low level of vibration and noise even at high speeds;
• load control, indication of exceeding the permissible weight of laundry;
• effective washing, simple diagnosis of problems with direct drive parts.

Most manufacturers of this kind of washing machines offer a ten-year warranty on the engine, which cannot but please buyers, but this does not exclude the possibility that some other part will fail during this period.

The advantages of direct drive washing machines look very significant, but before making a final decision, it is worth considering the obvious disadvantages; alas, they also exist. Those who are going to buy a washing machine of this type should take into account the following disadvantages:

• obviously higher price of purchase, operation, repair;
• sensitivity to power surges, such a washing machine should be turned on only through a stabilizer;
• quick erasing of the sealing gland.

It can be assumed that the above-mentioned disadvantages of direct drive are only a temporary phenomenon and over time, manufacturers will find a way to deal with them.

1

Differences between belt and direct drive of SMA

The drive belt connects the drum pulley to the electric motor and is responsible for transmitting torque. The service life of a product depends on the quality of the material from which it is made. Elasticity is provided by the fabric base of the inner side of the rubber ring and contributes to the smooth running of the drum.

Replacing a belt that has become unusable is not difficult and its price is low compared to the cost of the engine.

Belt drive motors:

• 1. Asynchronous - today they are made compact into 3 phases with the ability to regulate the speed. They consist of a stationary part - the stator and a rotating part - the rotor. Installed in simple budget SMA models with a drive belt.
• 2. Collector - mounted on 80% of household appliances. Unlike the first type of motor, the rotor is made in a commutator design, equipped with brushes for collecting current and equipped with a tachogenerator that controls the speed.

For washing machines with direct drive, a special coupling is used that replaces the pulley and drive belt, connecting the rotor shaft directly to the drum axis. The direct drive design - the Direct Drive system - includes an inverter brushless motor in which the rotation speed is set by electromagnetic waves. It is able to determine the load from the laundry being washed and, depending on this, change the power consumption.

How to clean the drain hose in a washing machine

Prices for direct drive washing machines

Quiet operation without noise or vibration is the main advantage that distinguishes direct drive washing machines. What is the difference between washing machines with DirectDrive motors and models with belt drive? A standard belt drive for a washing machine consists of a motor, a belt, and a pulley that is attached to the drum shaft. The motor transmits rotation to the drum through a belt, which drives a pulley. The direct drive motor has no transmission elements and is attached directly to the drum shaft. Torque is transmitted using a clutch.

The first direct drive washing machines were released under the LG brand in 1991. Most modern models labeled “DirectDrive” are manufactured by LG, which provides a 10-year warranty on machine engines. Some models of Samsung, Daewoo and Whirpool washing machines are also equipped with direct drive. Prices for direct drive washing machines depend on functionality, load volume and equipment characteristics.

Pros and cons of direct drive washing machines

The main disadvantage of direct drive machines is their higher price, which is due to the complex structure of the electronic control module. This is compensated by the advantages of the “DirectDrive” models: – the built-in motor provides better balancing of the drum, thereby reducing vibration and noise levels; – in a balanced drum, things are washed better and wrinkle less, since they are distributed more evenly; – the motor does not consume excess energy thanks to the inverter, which determines the degree of loading and regulates the rotation speed; – washing quality improves as the drum rotates back and forth; – large capacity of the machine without increasing the depth (the engine does not take up space).

Washing machines with direct drive also have disadvantages: – a direct drive motor is controlled by complex instrument electronics, vulnerable to voltage surges (pay attention to the energy security class; use voltage stabilizers); – water can get directly into the engine if the oil seal fails (it is recommended to regularly replace the oil seal); – higher load on rolling bearings due to the absence of an additional support point (transmission elements).

LG guarantees trouble-free operation of direct drive motors for 10 years. The guarantee is due to the high reliability of three-phase brushless electric motors, which rarely fail due to the reduction of moving elements.

Subtleties of repair

It happens that in direct drive machines the drum does not spin. A similar problem may arise for the following reasons:

• the sensor has failed;
• the fault lies in the control module or engine of the machine;
• The drum bearing is worn out.

You can replace the bearing yourself with a new one, suitable for a specific device model. If we are talking about more complex system breakdowns or problems with the engine, then it is better to entrust the repair of the device to specialists. In devices with direct drive, the spin may stop working. This happens due to a breakdown of the sensor or engine, or problems with the control module. An ordinary user is unlikely to be able to fix such problems himself, so a trip to the service is inevitable.

If spinning does not occur due to the tank being overloaded, then it is enough to remove unnecessary things. Or report if there are too few of them in the drum.

In the event of any malfunction, automatic direct drive machines usually indicate this on an informative display. This way the user can find out what exactly the problem is and what actions should be taken. You should not repair such equipment yourself if you do not understand anything about its structure and the machine is still under warranty. In such cases, you need to visit a service center.

Tips for choosing

When choosing an inverter washing machine, it is important to consider such characteristics.

In order to take full advantage of the inverter motor, it is important that everything else installed in your unit is also highly efficient. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the energy efficiency class of the model in question - for options without a dryer it should be no lower than A (preference should be given to class A models), and washer-dryers should not be less than class B. At the same time, the device must not have a washing class lower than A.

All direct drive options can provide spin speeds of 1200 rpm, but some models can support higher speeds. The optimal machine from the point of view of the combination of price and spin efficiency would be a machine that provides a mode of 1600 rpm. It makes sense to purchase models with higher speeds only if you often wash items made of coarse or dense fabrics that can go through an ultra-high-speed spin without wear or damage.

When choosing between narrow (up to 45 cm) and regular models, it is worth assessing in advance whether the possible savings in free space are worth the increased costs (narrow models usually cost more than their larger counterparts).

Despite the fact that all direct drive models are on average quieter than classic models, relatively quiet and loud options also stand out among them. The minimum noise level achievable for such devices during washing is 41 dB, but if you and your household do not have increased hearing sensitivity, then a model with a noise level of less than 55 dB will be sufficient for comfort.

As for additional functions, you should give preference to machines with automatic mode selection technologies, for example, OptiSense or Fuzzy Logic.

The following video shows the LG Direct Drive inverter motor.

When the choice arises regarding which washing machine to buy, the answer cannot be unambiguous, because only the buyer knows what price he expects and what functionality he expects from the equipment. It is worth paying attention to models from time-tested manufacturers, for example Indesit or the well-proven Ariston brand. It would be useful to read reviews about a particular tire, thoroughly study the functions and clearly decide which of them are necessary and which are not.

We suggest you familiarize yourself with the Indesit washing machine programs do not work

The main goal of every consumer who chooses a unit is to select equipment that meets all his needs for a long time and does not require expensive repairs. According to expert reviews, washing machines with direct drive are distinguished by reliable engine operation, but in other components and parts malfunctions occur no less often than in units with a traditional type of motor, and in some even more often.

When buying household appliances, worry about filters if hard water flows from the tap. You should remember the instructions for the equipment, where the manufacturer clearly indicates how to properly maintain it. If the instructions are thoroughly studied, then it does not matter what drive is in the washing machine - in any case, it will last a long time.

It should be noted that among direct drive washing units there are no models with a depth of up to 35 cm. However, you can easily choose a narrow home assistant (45 cm wide).

To summarize, let’s say that a direct drive washing machine model can be capricious, requiring special care and caution in operation, and therefore it is better to carefully weigh the pros and cons before purchasing it.

It should be noted that direct drive in washing machines began to be used not so long ago, and such washing machines have not yet been tested by time. Therefore, it is quite difficult to objectively evaluate the quality of such washing machines. About models with a belt drive, we can say with confidence that they can be used for up to 15 years.

These two technologies are very similar and beltless machines do not have many advantages. Should you buy machines with this technology? It is quite difficult to answer this question accurately.

When purchasing, you should compare the cost, design and functionality of different models. When choosing a device, it is advisable to pay attention to reputable manufacturers, as well as reviews from owners.

A machine without a belt is usually purchased by people for whom the quiet operation of the equipment is very important.

To make your machine last as long as possible, use filters for hard water, as well as special additives. It is also necessary to periodically clean the equipment in accordance with the instructions. Then your machine, regardless of the type of drive, will serve for a long time.

Brands

High-quality direct drive machines are produced by such well-known brands.

• LG. It produces excellent machines with electronic control, economical consumption of water and electricity. The equipment is high-quality and durable, equipped with a large number of necessary modes and programs.

• Samsung. This brand offers durable and practical devices with an attractive design, large tank capacity, and a high level of all-round safety.

• Bosch. It produces high-quality direct-drive machines with improved functionality, good spin power, and economical consumption of water and electricity. Equipment can have not only large, but also compact dimensions.

Which motor is better, or what is the difference in washing machine motors, see below.

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Review of some models

The South Korean brands Samsung, LG and the German concern Bosch have a well-deserved reputation in the domestic market in the segment of direct drive washing machines. The products of these companies are distinguished by their technological effectiveness and the introduction of the most advanced technologies.

Samsung units use EcoBubble washing technology, the essence of which is the use of a foam generator; it mixes washing powder, water and air in the tank, and the resulting foam, penetrating deeply into the fabric, effectively removes dirt. Samsung also equips its units with the VoltControl system, which protects the machine from voltage surges and can withstand surges of up to 400 Volts, which is especially important for devices with inverter motors. In addition, Samsung provides a 10-year warranty on inverter motors.

The main feature of washing machines from the Korean company LG is the Invert Direct Drive with Six Motion technology, which implies six different drum rotation algorithms to achieve the best washing results. LG specialists are also confident in the quality of their inverter motors and guarantee their trouble-free operation for a ten-year period.

German Bosch quality has long been known to consumers of household appliances. A distinctive feature of Bosch washing machines has always been and remains high reliability, but in introducing innovations, Europeans do not lag behind their Asian competitors. Bosch direct drive washing machines equipped with EcoPerfect and SpeedPerfect technologies can significantly reduce energy costs, which is especially important during a time of constant increase in energy prices.

Narrow LG F1273ND

The increased reliability of this model is confirmed by Inverter Direct Drive - a ten-year direct drive warranty from LG.

This LG direct drive washing machine model guarantees low vibration and noise levels.

• Wool Mark standard - certification for compliance includes a special Opti Swing washing program, which guarantees maximum care for woolen items. You can wash linen and woolen items recommended for hand washing.

• “Baby Clothes” is a program designed for baby clothes that need to be washed thoroughly and often. This program will carefully remove complex stains from diapers and baby clothes at optimal temperatures and conditions. For particularly difficult stains, you can choose a temperature of 95˚C. This washing mode also includes a special rinse - “Super Rinse / Rinse +”, in which the last rinse is carried out at a temperature of 40 ° C. Normal rinsing is always done in cold water.

Which washing machine is better?

When wondering whether to buy a direct drive washing machine, you need to weigh the pros and cons. The design of these types is constantly being improved, which eliminates the inherent disadvantages of washing machines. As for cost, well-known brands offer lines of direct drive washing machines of both premium and economy class. In general, prices for units with and without a belt have begun to level out, and with all characteristics being equal, the design without a belt drive is still a technological step forward. Long service life, high reliability and low power consumption distinguish direct drive devices from their competitors.

Sources used:

• https://profservice64.ru/docs/pryamoi_privod_v_stiralnoi_mashine.html
• https://stirkin.ru/reyting/luchshie-stiralnye-mashiny-s-pryamym-privodom
• https://vsestiralki.ru/vidy/stiralnaya-mashina-s-pryamym-privodom

Pros of not having a belt drive

• First of all, the owners of such washing machine models do not need to worry that sooner or later the belt will break and will have to be replaced. This is one of the most common breakdowns in traditional machines.
• Unlike machines that operate on a belt, washing machines with direct motion are much better balanced. Therefore, they work much quieter and almost never jump around the bathroom during the spin cycle.
• Because the drum wobbles less from side to side, items in direct drive machines are less susceptible to damage. The quality of washing increases slightly.
• Due to the minimal presence of rubbing parts, the engine usually lasts longer and does not require special maintenance. As a result, energy savings increase slightly. True, the savings will not be so great that you notice it.
• These machines have a special control system that can independently determine the weight of the laundry, the rotation speed of the drum and the amount of water required for washing.
• Direct drive washing machines are capable of washing more items at a time than their “belt” counterparts. This is due to the presence of a powerful engine and more free space.
• Extended warranty period. For example, the manufacturer LG provides a 10-year warranty on the engines of its washing machines.

What to choose

The behavior of conventional devices equipped with a belt, as well as possible problems with their operation, have been tested for decades and are well studied.

Unlike direct drive washing machines, belt ones are represented by a large number of brands. Loading can be either vertical or horizontal, and the built-in modes and programs are varied.

Despite the fact that various equipment and electronics using direct drive have been known for a very long time, this design began to be used in washing machines only recently. If a washing machine with a belt has already shown its owners that it can work without breakdowns for up to 15 years, then due to its novelty, models without a drive belt cannot boast of such indicators. Perhaps in the future it will be possible to say the same about them, but we need to wait a little.

In comparison, the two technologies are very similar, and the advantages of a beltless washing machine are not many. It is not so easy to accurately answer the question of whether it makes sense to overpay for new technology. Each buyer decides for himself, comparing the functionality, price and design of specific models of household appliances. When choosing equipment, it is better to pay attention to trusted manufacturers, customer reviews and the availability of functions that you need. After all, it is important for the consumer to use the purchased equipment for its intended purpose for as long as possible and without expensive repairs.

When purchasing any machine, do not be lazy to take measures to maintain it in working condition, use filters if you have hard water, special additives, and regularly clean the device as described in the instructions for your household appliance. Then, regardless of the type of drive, your washing machine will last a long time and will not be frustrating with frequent breakdowns.

Additional characteristics:

• Washing programs: “Children's clothes”, “Cotton”, “Cotton: quick wash”, “Delicate wash”, “Wool”, “Quick wash 30”, “Duvet”, “Synthetics”.
• Steam function - no.
• Functions: “Pre-wash”, “Rinse delay”, “Intensive wash”, “Super rinse”, “Easy ironing”, “No spin”, “Delayed start”, “BIO”, “Tank and drum cleaning”.

Peculiarities:

• intelligent washing system;
• noise level washing/spin – 54/67 dB;
• load detector;
• auto balancing;
• error indicator;
• foam control system;
• 0 W standby;
• child lock;
• duty cycle indicator.

Types of washing machines by rotation transmission method

Washing machines presented in the retail chain have different designs and technical characteristics, but each of them can use only one of two methods of transmitting rotation from the motor to the drum. A distinction is made between transmission by belt and pulleys and direct drive. Each of these methods has its own advantages and disadvantages. To figure out which is better, it’s worth taking a closer look at them.

Belt transmission

This type of washing machine was the first to appear on the market and still enjoys stable popularity. Each manufacturer, without exception, has belt drive models in its product line. The main feature of units of this type is clear from the name itself - a pulley is mounted on the shaft of the commutator motor, which drives the machine through an elastic belt.

There are two types of belts:

• wedge-shaped (single-stranded);
• polywedge-shaped (multi-stranded).

The second type of belts is most common. They are large, their working surface is several identical “streams”, each of which moves in its own groove on the pulley. Due to their design, such belts are obviously more durable, provide better grip, and thus better transmission of torque.

The belt is made of high quality rubber, which is reinforced with strong threads. Due to its elasticity, the drum starts and stops smoothly, without jerking, which reduces the load on the engine. The tachogenerator is responsible for regulating the speed. Depending on the selected program, it increases or decreases the current in the windings.

Direct drive

Most modern washing machines in the upper price segment do not have a belt drive. In them, the drum is installed directly on the rotor shaft using a special bushing; this is the so-called direct drive. Such units use an inverter motor, the speed of which is regulated by changing the frequency of the supplied current.

You can often find models of this type that “know how” to weigh loaded laundry. Based on this indicator, the control module adjusts the rotation speed, providing ideal conditions for washing.

3

Some budget cars with different drives

To illustrate the price difference between the conventional SMA and models with inverter motors, the characteristics of washing machines with front-loading drums in a 6 kg cycle are given. All brands of devices have energy consumption class - A, washing class - A, spin class - C (1000 rpm). All of them have wide functionality and have 16 washing programs.

Here is the list in descending order of price:

Judging by the presented characteristics, the parameters of the direct drive are not too different from those of the SMA with a belt drive, but the cost of the latter, all other things being equal, looks more attractive. The drive method does not matter: you should choose a washing machine based on the ratio of functionality, efficiency, quality and price. If these factors are correctly correlated, the device will last more than 10 years without failure and with full efficiency.

Kollmorgen direct drive series

Let's look at the features of several types of Kollmorgen direct drives.

The KBM series (Fig. 4) is designed for direct integration into a machine, machine tool or robot.

Rice. 4. Design features of servomotors with a through shaft in the open-frame version of the KBM series

Main characteristics:

• fully encapsulated stator windings;
• operating temperature of the internal winding +155 °C;
• overload protection - PTC thermistor (avalanche type);
• fail-safe bands over rotor magnets;
• RoHS compliant;
• additional blocking digital Hall sensors with pre-alignment.

Kollmorgen Cartridge DDR servo motors (Fig. 5) combine the benefits of a frameless motor with easy installation. They are equipped with a high resolution feedback device. The unique bearingless design connects directly to the load, using the machine's own bearings to support the rotor. Most models can be installed in less than five minutes.

Rice. 5. Design features of servomotors with a through shaft in the housing and with a feedback sensor of the Cartridge DDR series

Main characteristics of these servomotors:

• 5 standard sizes;
• 230/400/480 VAC windings available;
• 4.5–510 Nm continuous torque;
• speed up to 2500 rpm;
• rated powers 775–11,700 W;
• Built-in sine wave feedback sensor provides a resolution of more than 134 million marks per revolution;

Built-in thermistor provides protection against overheating.

The latest example is Kollmorgen's ICH series linear direct drives (Fig. 6). They increase throughput by 40% compared to other drive systems and reduce the weight and dimensions of the machine, machine or robot in which they are used.

Rice. H series linear servomotors

Main characteristics:

• feed force 405–12726 N (peak) and 175–5341 N (continuous operation);
• operating voltage - up to 480 V AC;
• built-in digital sensors;
• Compatible with all Kollmorgen servo amplifiers and safety and energy saving modules.

Advantages

From the main advantage of direct drive - reliability - other advantages follow: long service life, no need to maintain the motor and replace parts subject to constant loads (for example, a belt).

It should be noted that direct drive units produce less noise during operation. This is explained by the absence of a belt and pulley, and in the case when the motor is an inverter, then by its design (it does not have brushes, which constantly make rustling sounds).

Since the motor is located on the same axis as the drum and is directly connected to it, such washing machines are better balanced and vibrate less.

The combination of direct drive and a new type of motor (inverter) improves the maneuverability of the drum - it can accelerate and stop faster, it is easier to reverse and develop a higher rotation speed, and it can more accurately carry out commands coming from the control unit. All this means that the quality of washing in washing machines is better than in traditional models with the same parameters. The speed of program execution in such units will also be higher.

Beltless motors are more energy efficient than conventional motors, but unfortunately the difference will not be noticeable to the user.

What is the difference between the design

To clearly understand how one washing machine differs from another, let’s first remember how a regular washing machine works. This unit has a traditional working drive via a belt. This means that there is a motor located at the bottom of the housing, which drives the drum through a pulley and drive belt. If you are at least a little familiar with the structure of a car, you will easily notice the similarities.

A direct drive washing machine is designed a little differently. Here the motor is “mounted” directly on the drum. In this design there is no belt and pulley at all, and the engine and tank are a single unit. On the one hand, this provides a number of advantages, but on the other hand, it is not without its disadvantages, which also cannot be ignored.

See also -

Washing machine for the kitchen - rules for choosing

Troubleshooting basic problems yourself

You can fix many problems with LG washing machines yourself; you don’t have to call a technician. The only exception is the replacement of worn bearings, which will require complete disassembly of the control unit, as well as repair of a damaged control unit, which requires the participation of a qualified technician.

Diagnostics and replacement of the tubular heater

Such repairs do not require special qualifications. The heating element often burns out due to hard water, which forms limescale on its surface. To prevent such damage, install an additional filter with cassettes for water softening on the water supply.

To clean the tank and heating element from scale, you can use citric acid, as well as other commercially available products. Checking and replacing the heater is easy. To do this, de-energize the SM and perform a number of actions:

• Unscrew the fasteners and remove the back wall of the SMA.
• From the heating element located at the bottom of the tank, disconnect the two contacts, and also remove the connector from the temperature sensor.
• Check the resistance of the heating element with a multimeter. If its value is within 25–40 Ohms, the heater is working. If the value is less than 20 Ohms or the device shows a break, the heating element needs to be replaced.
• Unscrew the nut located in the center of the heater and remove the ground wire. There is another fastening nut under it, which should also be unscrewed. Using a screwdriver and WD-40 lubricant, carefully pry up the rubber seal and remove the heating element from the mounting niche.
• Clean the niche from scale and dirt, lubricate the rubber seal of the new heating element with liquid detergent so that it fits into the groove more easily, then install it in its seat.
• Connect all terminals to the heater and the connector to the thermistor.
• Check whether the heater seal is not leaking water from the tank.

Several common models with different transmission types

To get a complete picture and simplify the choice of a new washing machine, it is worth comparing two types of machines from the same manufacturer. This will give you the opportunity to navigate the parameters and evaluate the difference in cost.

Washing machines from the LG range

Models F-80B8LD0 and F-80B8MD have completely identical technical characteristics, the only difference is the type of drive. The first has a direct drive drum, the second has a belt drive. Both of these devices belong to the class of front-loading machines.

The machines are narrow, the dimensions of each of them are 60x44x85 cm. They have the same energy consumption at level A+, washing class A, maximum spin speed of the drum 800 rpm. Both machines offer the same set of programs and additional features. At the same time, a model with direct drive is sold for an average of 25 thousand rubles, the price of a machine with a belt fluctuates at the level of 21-23 thousand rubles.

Hotpoint-Ariston RST 702 X and VML 7023

These models are also almost identical. There are minor nuances in terms of design, but otherwise there are no significant differences, except for the type of drive. Both washing machines can load up to 7 kg of dry laundry, and both have low energy consumption. The maximum spin speed of the drum can reach 1000 rpm, and there are 16 programs to choose from.

With completely comparable technical characteristics, a model with direct drive is sold for 20 thousand rubles, a device with a belt drive for only 16 thousand rubles. The difference in cost is quite significant.

Bosch models with different drive types

As in previous cases, the WAT 28541 and WAW 28740 models have completely identical parameters, the difference lies in the type of transmission. Each of them, with energy consumption class A+++, can efficiently wash up to 9 kg of dry laundry. You can choose from a complete list of necessary programs and a number of additional functions, including delayed start, drum illumination, etc. At the same time, a model with a belt drive will cost the buyer about 50 thousand rubles, and a similar one with direct drive will cost almost 70 thousand rubles.

A variety of washing machines is always good; the buyer should have the opportunity to choose. Which model to take: with a time-tested belt drive or a modern innovative one with an inverter motor and direct drive is, of course, up to the buyer to decide. At the same time, it is important to take into account all the technical characteristics of the device; this is guaranteed to protect you from disappointment in the purchase.

General information

The term "servo" comes from the Latin word servus, which translates to "servant" or "helper". This is the name for any type of mechanical drive with a feedback device for position, speed or force, as well as the drive itself, which performs the function of automatically controlling a given parameter. Servo drives are widely used in machine tools, the production of packaging, filling and filling machines, robotics - in general, when high precision movement of the executive body is required.

In this article we will not consider hydraulic servos and by servo we will mean an electric drive with negative feedback.

There are two types of such servos: rotary and linear motion. For rotational motion, asynchronous and synchronous electric motors are used, and for linear motion, a mechanical transmission in the form of a ball screw pair with a carriage moving on rails, linear actuators and linear servomotors are mainly used.

As we noted above, servos ensure precise movement of the actuator. But what degree of accuracy can we talk about? If the accuracy of rotational motion is measured in degrees, then it is more advisable to use servo drives based on asynchronous electric motors, where the role of a feedback device is played by a built-in encoder or placed on a shaft, and the role of a drive is played by the familiar frequency converter. But if we are talking about the accuracy of rotational motion, calculated in minutes of arc, and at the same time switching from direct to reverse rotation occurs with high intensity, then in this case, synchronous electric motors with permanent magnets will be the best option. In Fig. 1 shows the design features of synchronous electric motors using the example of Kollmorgen products.

Prevention of breakdowns

To avoid repairs, you need to take a number of simple steps that will help save your machine from breakdown.

• The machine should be connected by a specialist, and not by a neighbor in the stairwell.
• A separate outlet is required that will automatically turn off during power surges.
• The machine must be installed on a straight surface; if necessary, an anti-slip mat must be placed under it.
• If possible, it is necessary to install a special filter that will help soften too hard water.
• It is also worth using various descalers.
• Before loading items into the drum, check the pockets and remove all small debris and accumulated change.
• Every 15 washes, turn on the drum cleaning mode, which many LG machines have.

If you follow these simple rules, your washing machine will serve for a long time without interruption.

The most complex failures of an LG washing machine

Quite rarely, a situation arises when it is almost impossible to independently identify and eliminate problems. In this case, it is recommended to contact service center specialists who know how to help and troubleshoot problems.

The most difficult and common problems include inoperability of sensors indicating the water level, heavy load on the electric motor and a tank overfilled with water.

As you know, repairing a washing machine is a constant stress, worry and tension. Especially when it comes to doing the work yourself. To avoid breakdowns, it is recommended to regularly perform maintenance on the elements of the washing machine. In addition, clean the rubber seal located between the drum and the door, since deposits form on it over time, preventing stable operation. Experts advise not to forget about keeping the tray clean, where powder and other detergents are poured.