The operating principle of a semi-automatic washing machine
Semi-automatic machines are clearly inferior to modern automatic washing machines in functionality and convenience. But they continue to be produced, since such equipment is cheaper and is not tied to central communications. An excellent option for a summer house or country house. Washing on “old” units is more difficult - they require more action and knowledge. In order not to get confused, let's figure out how a semi-automatic washing machine works and what it is like.
How does a semi-automatic machine work?
The design and operating principle of the semi-automatic device are quite simple. The machine itself is a large tank with a motor. As soon as the user selects the “Wash” mode using a mechanical programmer, the engine begins to spin the activator - a circle with longitudinal convex blades. When rotating, the activator “ribs” constantly “mix” the laundry and foam the detergent. As a result, the fabric is washed away.
There is no pump on semi-automatic washing machines. The drain system consists of a valve and a drain hose, and there is no provision for pumping out water - the waste liquid leaves by gravity. The user only needs to switch the programmer to the “Drain” position, which will lead to the “opening” of the valve flap.
Semi-automatic washing machines are equipped with an activator - a circle with convex “ridges” that are spun by a motor.
The main problem with semi-automatic machines is the lack of transition from washing to rinsing. To rinse laundry, you need to perform a number of manipulations:
drain dirty water;
rinse the tank with the items in it with plenty of clean water;
re-empty the tank;
rinse things again (this must be repeated until the foam completely leaves the tank);
drain the water;
collect clean water;
start the washing mode.
You can go the other way: transfer the washed items into a bathtub filled with water, rinse them and immediately put them in a centrifuge for spinning. Washing time is reduced, but the process takes more effort. You will have to carry heavy laundry several times.
The second difficulty concerns pouring water. The semi-automatic machine can be connected to the central water supply, but more often you have to draw water manually. It is necessary to heat the bucket with a boiler, dilute it with cold water and fill the “drum”.
The best semi-automatic washing machines
Semi-automatic devices have been serving people for more than 30 years, but there have been no significant changes in their design. Modern washing machines remain just as cheap, reliable and difficult to use. But the range has expanded significantly - manufacturers are producing more models of varying functionality and cost. Let's look at the most popular of them.
RENOVA WS-30ET. Activator free-standing machine with vertical loading. The washing tank can hold up to 3 kg of laundry. If you need to add clothes after starting the cycle, you can open the top cover and throw the clothes into the drum. The washing machine is controlled by a mechanical programmer, which ensures a long service life of the equipment. As for the dimensions, the unit is 41 cm wide, 33 cm deep, and about 64 cm high. The cost starts from 4 thousand rubles.
Evgo WS-30ET. White and burgundy washing machine with activator and top loading. It washes up to 3 kg of laundry at a time, is controlled mechanically and has standard dimensions for a semi-automatic machine. You cannot add things to the tank after starting the cycle - when you lift the lid, the program turns off. In addition to the regular wash cycle, there is a delicate cycle. Costs 4290 rubles.
In semi-automatic washing machines, laundry is placed into the tub through the top lid.
RENOVA WS-50 PET. It is an improved semi-automatic device, equipped with a drain pump and a connector for connecting to hot water. The controls remain mechanical, but the tank has been increased in volume, which allows you to wash up to 5 kg of laundry per cycle. Additional loading of laundry is possible. There is also a centrifuge in which up to 4.5 kg can be squeezed out at a time. Price – 8690 rub.
Evgo WS-40PET. Another “double” semi-automatic machine - with a built-in centrifuge for spinning clothes. The washing tank on the WS-40PET is designed for 4 kg of clothes. In addition to the main washing program, there is a second one for delicate cleaning of fabrics. There is a reloading function, the unit body is made in white and burgundy. The top covers are transparent. Cost – 6390 rub.
Snow White XPB 3000S. A model that stands out with its blue body and transparent walls of the washing tank. This is a single semi-automatic machine with a maximum load of laundry of 3 kg and mechanical control. There is no way to add things after starting the program and select the gentle mode. The rated power consumption reaches 250 W, the designated service life is 5 years, the price is 3,790 rubles.
VolTek Princess SM-1 Blue. A compact semi-automatic machine with a width of 34 cm, a depth of 30 cm and a height of 45 cm. The tank can hold up to 1 kg of laundry and about 1.5 buckets of water. The side walls of the case are transparent and have a blue tint. The unit provides one program lasting about 15 minutes. There is no spin. The cost starts from 4 thousand.
VolTek VT-SMP4DRU. A miniature washing machine, complemented by a centrifuge for spinning clothes.It features low noise, reverse rotation of the activator and optimal tank loading of 4 kg. The design is classic, white body color and transparent windows on the top covers. The programmer is mechanical, reloading is carried out through the main hatch. The width of the equipment is 68 cm, and it costs about 9 thousand.
Bravo WMM-72PT. Capacious 2-in-1 activator machine with a maximum load of 7.2 kg. In addition to the washing tank, there is a centrifuge that spins clothes almost dry. Due to its volume, the tank has impressive dimensions: width – 77 cm, depth – 43 cm and height – 86 cm. There is no delicate program; reloading is possible through the top cover. Costs about 9.5 thousand.
Semi-automatic machines are the best option for cottages and private homes. It is more difficult to wash with them, but still easier than washing by hand.
Semi-automatic machines are clearly inferior to modern automatic washing machines in functionality and convenience. But they continue to be produced, since such equipment is cheaper and is not tied to central communications. An excellent option for a summer house or country house. Washing on “old” units is more difficult - they require more action and knowledge. In order not to get confused, let's figure out how a semi-automatic washing machine works and what it is like.
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