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How a Washing Machine Works

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A lid switch, which indicates whether the lid is open or closed, will interrupt some or all of the washing machine operations.

The water inlet valve connects to the water supply of your home and allows hot and cold water to flow into the tub.

The agitator is in the center of the inner tub. During the wash cycle, the agitator rotates back and forth (about 3/4 of turn) to pull the clothes through the water. At the conclusion of the wash cycle, the water is pumped from the outer tub and into the drain though the drain hose.

The pump, agitator and spin drum are driven by the motor. Some washing machines use direct drive, in which the motor is connected directly to the pump and transmission. Other machines uses a belt drive in which the motor drives the transmission through a pulley and belt. On belt driven machines, the pump is typically connected to the motor by a flexible coupling.

The transmission drives both the spin of the inner tub and the back and forth motion of the agitator. Your washer has either a single direction or a reversing motor. With a single direction motor, an electromechanical device controls whether the transmission drives the agitator or the drum. Reversing motors control the drum when they spin in one direction and the agitator when they spin in the other.

Most washing machines use a clutch to reduce the force generated by fast starting motors. The clutch allows the transmission to grab the drum or agitator in a gradual manner rather than all at once. Some washers use a clutch mechanism while others rely on slippage and gradual tension of the belt and pulley.

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