Every house now uses a washing machine. These are effective assistants to any housewife. These household appliances are relevant for families with children and simply for those who value their time. But few people think about the design of a washing machine. We will talk about this in our article today.
Typical washing machine design
Before you consider in detail how each separate unit is arranged and why, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the diagram of this equipment.
Any machine consists of a housing, an electric motor, a tank, a drum, pumps, electronics and a power unit. There are other elements in the device.
Electronic control module
This is the basis of any modern washing machine. This unit controls all processes when washing starts. The control unit receives data from various sensors, and also sends commands to the control devices. In this block, inside there are special programs that are involved during washing. The number of these programs in cars can be different. There are advanced models in which there are a large number of operating modes - about ten. There are simpler models - they contain only a set of the simplest functions (up to five).
Whatever the unit, the control unit is in any case in the device of the washing machine. When the electronic control unit breaks, errors in the operation of the unit appear. The machine may refuse to start. It can be impossible to start the wash, or the device cannot be stopped at all.
So that the control unit can fully control the washing processes, it needs data from various elements of the unit. For this, the machine is equipped with sensors that send the necessary signals to the electronic brain.
So, among the sensors, one can distinguish a device for controlling the water level, a thermostat, a motor speed sensor. This is a basic set, but there may be more sensors - it all depends on the machine.
Water quantity sensor
It is designed to control the amount of water in the tank of the machine. With this sensor, the electronics will know how full the tank is. The sensor works together with the air chamber, which, as the tank is full, supplies pressure to it.
Tachometer
It is designed to control the number of revolutions of rotation of the motor of the washing machine. It is always available in the device of the washing machine, regardless of the manufacturer and model.
Thermostat
This item can be found at the very bottom of the drum. It is partially embedded in it. Its task is to measure the temperature of the water, as well as submit data to the electronic control unit.
Other electronic equipment
It can be various relays (for example, hatch closing), light indication, displays. For example, in the device of automatic washing machines Atlant there are panels based on LEDs, symbolic or LCD displays.
Elements of washing machines
After receiving data from numerous sensors, the control unit processes this data, and then gives commands to the control elements of the washing machine. After that, the unit starts up.
Among these elements, one can distinguish locks closing the hatch, valves for supplying water, an electric motor, a heater, pumps and much more.
Hatch lock
All models of household washing units are equipped with a hatch - it is needed to load dirty laundry. For example, Ariston models can be distinguished - the hatch in them has a large diameter, which greatly facilitates the operation process. When the owner starts one of the washing programs, a signal is given to the lock and it closes until the program is completed.
Water supply valves
After the door is locked, the control module sends a signal to the intake valves. As a result, they open and the set of water begins. The latter will be dialed until data is received from the liquid level sensor. Then the water supply will stop.
Engine
To the drum began to move, the control module gives the appropriate command to start. In most models, the motor is connected to the drum via pulleys and a belt drive. The LG washing machine has a direct drive - there is no belt drive here. A drum is nothing but a rotor that rotates in a magnetic field. Also direct drive models from Samsung. The frequency of rotation of the drum is determined by the parameters of the washing program.
TEN
To heat the water in the tank of the washing machine, manufacturers use tubular heaters. It receives current after a command from the control module. Water is heated strictly to the programmed temperature. The latter is constantly monitored, and when the desired level is reached, the electronic module is turned off and no longer warms.
You need to know that during the operation of the machine, the heater can be covered with thick layers of scale. It significantly affects heat transfer. Because of this, the heater overheats and burns out. Experts recommend cleaning the electric heater at certain times. But this is not true for all models. For example, in the device of Samsung washing machines, special heating elements with a special two-layer coating based on ceramics are installed.
water pump
After washing, the electronic unit sends commands to the exhaust pump, which starts the device. After switching on, the electric pump motor pumps water into the sewer system.
The same will happen if rinse is selected. The pump is arranged as follows. On the one hand he has a "snail" in which the filter is located. On the other, a cross-shaped impeller motor is installed. The filter is in an accessible place. It can be reached through the front panel of the machine. Periodically, remove and clean the filter. If this is not done, the pump will certainly fail.
Washing machine tank
The tank is the largest element in the washing machine system. So, if you carefully consider the scheme, you can see that the tank takes up almost all the space inside the unit. Inside, a drum is built in, where they put dirty laundry. The tank is a container made of plastic, in which a thermostat, a drum of a washing machine and a heater are built-in. In Atlant cars, it is made of polypropylene. The device of the automatic washing machine "Electrolux" with a vertical load of linen has significant differences.
So, for greater comfort, the tank may comprise two or more parts. They can be interconnected by bolts or brackets. The tank has fasteners for pipes through which water is poured or drained. Due to the fact that the tank is quite heavy, the drum is fixed on top through special springs. Below it is installed through shock absorbers. Such a device of a washing machine makes it possible to significantly reduce the intensity of vibrations.
Drum
The drum casings in most washing machines are made of stainless alloys. There are many holes in the walls - this improves the circulation of water. During the movement of the drum, the laundry loaded into it will turn over. Thus, the washing takes place.
To keep the system airtight, the front of the drum communicates with the tank through a special rubber cuff. At the rear, the drum has a shaft that exits through the back of the tank. An oil seal and bearing are installed on this shaft. The device of the Ardo automatic washing machine is a little different. A door for loading laundry is located on the side of the drum.
Other items
We examined all the basic elements of a typical machine. But this is far from all - washing machines have other necessary elements. So, any machine is equipped with a container for detergents, a system of balances and a housing that performs the function of a supporting structure.
Powder container
The washing machine dispenser has a special container designed for washing powder or rinse aid. Pipes are connected to this tank through which water flushes detergents. Such a capacity is in most models of washing machines.
Zanussi models have certain differences - so, due to a special system, the washing solution is in constant circulation and more thoroughly soaks dirty laundry. Machine systems can accurately determine the moment when the laundry is already sufficiently saturated with a solution of water and washing powder. In this case, the water can be turned off.
Counterweight
To be able to balance the vibrations that occur during the spin process, special counterweights are installed in the housing. These are concrete blocks fixed to the top of the tank. There are models where the counterweight can be located below. These elements significantly increase the curb weight of household appliances. But you cannot do without them. Otherwise, the washing machine will walk with a shake when starting the spin cycle. A concrete block prevents this and limits the movement of the unit.
Housing
If you remove all the internal elements from the unit, then only the housing remains, where there is a hatch for laying clothes. The housing performs the function of the frame, on which all additional nodes are attached. Regardless of the device and the operation of the automatic washing machine, the casing always performs the same function.
Hoses
To fill, as well as to drain the liquid from the tank of the machine, hoses are connected to it.
The drain hose is connected to the sewer system, and the inlet to the water supply.
Finally
So, we figured out the design of this unit. Knowing how the washing machine is arranged and works, you can not only better understand it, but also, if necessary, carry out easy repairs. It doesn’t matter which model is used. The device of the Veko washing machine does not have any serious differences from the same Samsung or Zanussi.