Automatic washing machine: reviews, popular manufacturers

A few interesting facts about the history of automatic home appliances

The ancestor of the washing machine according to James King. Patent founder technology, make life easier for many women, was issued in 1851. The machine was a drum, equipped with holes for discharging liquid, which was filled with soap and water and clothes fit. Despite the fact that the drum has to turn by hand, this unit immediately gained immense popularity. And it has been patented in 20 years more than a thousand inventions, some of which could actually be used for washing clothes, and the rest remained on paper drawings. An interesting model of the device was manufactured in the same 50 years of XIX century. Instead of manual force for scrolling drum used animals, particularly mules.

Production of washing machines in Europe dates back to the beginning of the XX century. In 1908 appeared the first devices equipped with an electric drive. Machine was simultaneously presented for all to see two American companies: Bendix Corporation and General Electric. From that moment on automatic machines for washing becomes the dream of all housewives, and the majority of manufacturers of household appliances of the time put on the market similar models.

However, popular mechanisms are quite noisy and dangerous, as all units of washing machines are opened, and the ingress of water can cause a short circuit. Thanks to a little-known engineers (at the time) the company Whirlpool, designed the first machine, coated with plastic for noise reduction. device body was painted in several different colors, allowing the customer to choose the right shade. So clunky and sparking device as an elegant technique, which we used to enjoy.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic washing machines

As with every household appliance, washing machines have their advantages and disadvantages. In fact, deficiencies in the automatic devices are very few:

However, this can not be called serious disadvantages of this type of art, since the unit is always installed in a bathroom or kitchen, that is not far from the water. New models of cars have power-saving features and is often consumed, in general, significantly less than semi-automatic.

But the benefits of such devices is much greater:

Device washing machine

All units are located inside the washing machine casing, equipped with a lid, the front and back panels made of metal. Let's look at the internal structure of the device.

Tank

Generally, in a washing machine tank is made of durable plastic or stainless steel and consists of two parts connected to each other. The newest models can be equipped with not folding tank, which greatly complicates the repair of parts or makes it impossible.

Drum

Inside the tank is a cylindrical drum shape with perforations. In it (depending on device type) has an opening through which we load the clothes for washing. The drum and the motor are connected to drive means (belt or directly) with each other, it enables rotation of the cylinder during washing.

Counterweight

In order to exclude the possibility of an imbalance on the tank-mounted special weighting balances, which are made of concrete or plastic.

Engine

The motor rotates the drum. Fixing to the drum motor can be direct or via a belt transmission. Devices are equipped with a belt drive pulley in the rear of the tank, which is connected with the engine belt. In direct drive drum is mounted directly to the engine itself.

Shock absorbers

To dampen the oscillations of the washing machine used shock absorbers and springs are attached to the housing and the tank.

TEN

To heat the water used thermoelectric heater which allows the device to self-heat the water to the required temperature. In most cases, the power heating element ranges from 800 to 2200 W

Pressure switch

Relay water level - the name of this device says it all. When exceeding the allowable liquid level activated solenoid valve that shuts off the water supply.

batcher

In the upper left portion of the housing is a dispenser which is filled in a detergent powder or gel filled. Through openings in the upper part, enters into dispenser tank water leachable detergent into the drum.

hatch lock (UBL)

In the washing machine of the front-type uses a special device that allows you to block the door to the washing.

water pump

Drain pump consists of a motor, equipped with a propeller, and "snail", connected to the drain hose. This device allows to pump liquid from the tank.

An electronic control unit (ECU)

To control the electrical machinery in the washing machine is installed, the electronic control unit. ECU is equipped with a processor, memory in which laid all sorts of modes of washing.

The operating principle of the washing machine

Program washing machine can be divided into 5 stages, which begin after the user selects the desired wash cycle and pressing the button "Start". At this point, there is an operation of the hatch lock, and the process begins.

1. Soak. Engine is switched on, the speed of which is regulated by a special sensor or a tachometer. From the completed dispenser is sucked mixture of liquid and detergent, and at this time the tank is filled with cold water.
2. main wash. Use of PETN water is heated to the desired temperature and turns on the washing mode limited to the selected mode.
3. Rinsing. At the end of the main wash signal is fed to the drain pump, the liquid is drained from the tank, and the water level switch informs the CPU of the empty tank. After that there is a set of clear liquid and rinse.
4. extraction. By the end of the rinsing water occurs and spin plums.
5. Re-rinse. After extraction occurs several cycles of filling the tank with clean water and a short spin to completely rinse the clothes.
6. The final spin. This mode takes place at high speed. Simultaneously with the last spin, the drain pump, which pumps the liquid to be wrung. At the end of the program the processor sends a signal to shut down and unlock the door to open.

What distinguishes the washing machine of semiautomatic

Differences in these two devices abound. But the most important is that the automatic washing machine do not require human intervention in the process of washing. Automatic devices can be built into furniture, have a front and top-loading, as well as a large range of sizes, allowing the machine to pick up in any room. In order to wash the laundry in a semiautomatic device, you will need to pour the heated water, start the timer device, in contrast to the machine, which he will choose the right time for a particular wash. Similarly, the drains in the semiautomatic - involving the consumer.

Another serious difference is that even though the tank is equipped with semi-automatic machines for pressing, move the laundry from the main tank will have to manually. Despite the above loss, semiautomatic devices can take the palm in the price range - they are much cheaper. And that can work virtually in the field (for them just enough to an electrical outlet) and thus have a relatively low weight, which makes it easy to carry them. While the machines are set permanently and require connection to the water supply and sanitation.

Washing machine from the front and top-loading

Automatic washing machines can vary the type of load.

vertical load

Washer and dryers are compact and reliable. Drum in such devices is fixed on two sides, which reduces the vibration and long service life. Another bonus is the ability to add laundry in the washing process. However, the narrow hatch to load linen and lack of diversity in the models putting these cars on the second place after the frontal.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Washing machines and dryersIn a special publication of our portal, we describe in detail about typewriters and dryers. You will learn the main and auxiliary functions of washing machines with top loading, possible problems in the operation and the rating of popular manufacturers.

Front loading

Most bought and popular models of washing machines are machines with frontal load. This technique can be placed under a sink (which can not do with the vertical) and inserted into the furniture. Huge range of sizes and a variety of models to help you choose the car for every taste and for any interior. Capacity linen in such typewriters can reach 11 kg, which is extremely convenient to use in large families and a wide opening for loading the drum makes it possible to lay even a duvet.

Of course, the technique with horizontal loading has its drawbacks. Advantages of washing machines with front-loading:

Disadvantages:

Built-in washing machine

Devices of this type are intended to be embedded in kitchen furniture and bathroom. Due to the fact that cell phones completely hidden behind the facades retained a certain interior design and individual style.

Narrow and Full Size machines with frontal load

If the room where you are going to install a washing machine, very little space, the ideal option would be to purchase a narrow and compact equipment. Tank capacity in such devices - up to 3.5 kg, but it is quite enough for a small family. In such a machine can be downloaded bed linen at a time. If there is enough space, then, of course, better to buy a unit of standard size, which will allow a much greater volume of wash things.

The main technical parameters of the washing machines

Let's look at the main technical characteristics of the washing machine, you need to know when choosing equipment.

Engine type and drive washing machine

There are several types of motor installed in the washing machine:

• asynchronous;
• collector;
• inverter.

induction motor

The main components of the motor are the stator and rotor carrying drum rotation. Since the beginning of 2000 in washing machines stopped using the two-phase asynchronous motors. At the three-phase motors used with variable frequency speed.

The commutator motor

Most of the home appliance is equipped with a commutator motor, and, of course, washing machines are no exception. This type of engine is gradually replacing the two-phase asynchronous devices. Such apparatus comprises a stator in the structure, the collecting rotor, the generator speed and the brushes.

inverter motor

Inverter (brushless) or direct-drive motor - innovative technology, developed by LG concern. This type of motor is installed on washing machines since 2005 and has received excellent evaluation from experts and consumers. The device consists of a motor rotor and stator, similarly asynchronous. However, the drive connection is performed directly without mediation of a belt transmission (the most vulnerable part of the motor). That is why these engines are the most reliable.

The drum washing machine

Material from which made washing machine drum, is one of the most important criteria for the selection of this technique. There are only a few options:

• stainless steel;
• composites (polymers);
• enamelled steel.

Firing the enamel coating takes place at a temperature of about 800 ° C, which provides a high corrosion rate of the material. stainless steel and enameled steel drums are considered the most reliable and durable, but have a higher noise level. Polymer or composite materials are used for several decades and showed their excellent performance properties, they are lightweight, durable and highly resistant to corrosion. Due to the high thermal insulation and soundproofing properties of a drum will retain heat longer and work almost silently.

The only negative material is hypersensitivity to physical exertion and shorter term use. A compromise solution offered «Ardo» Group engineers. The rear wall tanks created using «Eco carbon + inox» technology consists of stainless steel, and the side portions - of composite materials. This combination increases the lifetime of the product, allows you to perfectly retain heat and reduces operation noise.

control type

Two types of control are used in washing machines:

• electronic;
• mechanical.

electronic control

The electronically controlled system, all programs are run by an electronic control unit that allows you to use a variety of additional functions and increases the effectiveness of washing. The presence of the display allows you to monitor the progress of the process and to be fully informed about the possibility of breakage. The disadvantage of this type is sensitive to changes in voltage and the high cost of repair and replacement of control modules. For optimum performance of machines with electronic control recommended to use voltage regulators.

mechanical control

Simple and reliable type of management - mechanics. These systems are used in the first automat machines and have passed the test of time endurance. The main element of the device - a mechanical switch with which you can select the desired wash cycle. Reliability and maximum simplicity of the device, as well as low-cost parts are the main advantages of this type. However, the inclusion and the switching operation takes place using a large number of moving parts that wear out and require maintenance.

Basic and advanced features washing machine

The main functions of which are equipped with almost every washing machine:

• cotton - a mode which is used for washing cotton and linen fabrics, with a permissible temperature to 95 ° C and the maximum possible spin;
• synthetics - mode, which is intended for washing synthetic things to spin up to 1000 rev / min and the temperature to 60 ° C;
• hand - delicate cycle, with which you can wash delicate fabrics and wool (if there are no special programs);
• prewash - is used for especially dirty things;
• intensive - rapid washing course dense tissues accessible temperature to 95 ° C;
• daily washing - A program that permits an incomplete filling of the drum with the water temperature to 30 ° C, is used for slightly contaminated laundry items;
• wool, silk - special treatment for a certain type of tissue, gently cleansing the things warping.

Describe various additional functions, which are used in washing machines, is quite difficult. Let those who are the most common:

• loading tank half - quick wash, which allows not fully load the drum;
• inclusion postponement - the ability to set the time of switching machines;
• fluid control - contributes to saving water;
• balance when spinning - This mode reduces noise and load units during the spin cycle, thanks to the gradual unwinding of the drum and the uniform laying there underwear;
• liquid transparency - Rinsing improves;
• extraction - Allows the user to select the spin speed;
• timer - indicates the time until the end of the washing program;
• Diagnosing problems - the display shows the error code that lets you know the cause of the problem.

Spin and allowed to dry

Key extraction modes:

• Cotton and linen - up to 1400 revolutions per minute;
• silk and delicate fabrics - 400-600 rpm;
• synthetics - 600 rev / min;
• denim items and synthetics - 800 rpm.

There are washing machines distribution class extraction, from A to E, etc (all classes 7), where A - the highest efficiency class. Washing machines, equipped with a drying function, have an additional heater which is used for heating air. The air stream is injected into the tank of the machine and facilitates drying of the tissue. Condensate during drying is collected in a special container. During operation, the drum rotates slowly, facilitating uniform drying.

Noise level and type of protection against leaks washing machine

When choosing a washing machine should pay attention to the noise that it emits during operation. It is preferable to no more than 55 dB during the wash and 70 - during the spin cycle. washing devices are equipped with a special feature - the protection from leakage. Depending on the model, it may be total or partial. In partial protection in bulk special hoses inserted electromechanical valves that stop the water supply hose at fault. It may also be installed casing protection, where the water supply is terminated on reaching a certain level. Full protection - installation of the valve body and protection simultaneously.

Energy class washing machine

Energy efficiency measures how the washing machine consumes electricity. There are currently 9 Classes of energy efficiency:

• A +++ - less than 0.13 kWh per kilogram of laundry;
• A ++ - less than 0.15 kW;
• A + - from 0.17 kW;
• A - 0.19 kW;
• B - from 0,23kVt;
• C - from 0.27 kW;
• D - from 0.31 kW;
• E - from 0.35 kW;
• F - from 0.39 kW;
• G - above 10.39 kW.

It is worth noting that the energy efficiency of washing machines, equipped with drying, is considerably lower than that of conventional devices.

Features small washing machines, installed under the sink

Advantages compact stiralok:

However, certain rules must be followed during the installation of such equipment:

• a sink and a siphon must be a certain configuration that will not interfere with the machine;
• to connect the need to install separate electrical outlet;
• sink must stand for edge apparatus 1-2 cm.

Review of popular manufacturers of washing machines and consumer reviews

Bosch

One of the most popular manufacturers with more than a century of history, known for the excellent quality of its products.

LG

Technical developments have allowed the Group to equip the LG washing machines are essentially a new technology direct drive, which allows to significantly increase the duration of operation and reduce noise during work.

Samsung

The South Korean company, founded at the beginning of the XX century, which manufactures washing machines, are extremely popular.

conclusion

Choosing a washing machine in the first place should be guided by the availability of space. In small rooms can be installed vertically or narrow car with front-loading. To use the device with a spin at 1000 rpm is fine at home. When installing the machine in the bathroom, observe all safety rules.

Review was prepared by the editors of Internet portal Tehno.guru. If you have any questions or want to share information - always welcome feedback.