New TL direct drive technology

[spin-it]

Would like some info on the Direct Drive technology for the TL Whirlpool trio(Elite, Oasis, Bravo) and GE Profile. From the exploded view drawings I see the motor stator is bolted to the bottom of the outer tub and the rotor is bolted thru couplings, hubs collars etc to the inner basket.
I don't see a shifting mechanism to shift from water plate action and basket spin action. How is that accomplished? Also, can those inverter driven motors actually reverse immediately fom clock-wise to counter-clockwise without a few second delay? I am familiar with VSD's and inverter technology in the A/C field (pumps, fans and compressors) and to reverse rotation there is usually a pause, much like the direct drive LG front loader operation. What is the life expectancy of these motors?

I am amazed at the reduced amount of parts in these machines. I know it's all accomplished electronically and I've read that the main boards fail often. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[mrb627]

Harmony

I know the Harmony and I expect the LG's use a shifting motor to change states between basket drive and impeller drive. The Whirlpool gen machines use a floating wash basket. No basket drive while there is water in the machine.

Malcolm

 

[DADoES]

 
The Oasis/Cabrio/Bravos machines use Fisher & Paykel's SmartDrive motor and basket drive.  It's not new, F&P has had it for years.  I have an F&P GWL08 washer (2nd-generation machine on the U.S. market) bought in 1999, never any repairs or trouble.  Also an IWL12 bought in 2004, again no repairs or trouble.  Yes, the motor can reverse immediately.

The agitator (or wash impeller in case of the O/C/B) is bolted securely to the motor shaft, but the basket can shift vertically by about 3/8" to engage/disengage from the drive coupler.  Upon the tub filling, air is caught beneath the basket causing it to float and disengage so the agitator can move separately.  It's a very simple and reliable system.

This is my IWL12 running fabric sensing, then several minutes of agitation beginning at 1:15.  The 'grindy' operational noises are perhaps alarming but are normal for this machine.  It's not as loud as it seems, the camera exaggerates the sound.

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[spin-it]

New TL Direct Drive Technology

To DADoes: Thanks for the info. Where is the pressure sensing switch located and is it a rubber diaphram type switch? Ive researched the F&P newer eco smart machines and they get very good reviews and reliability also looks good. The various service sites give it a thumbs up for robust parts and ease of repair.
I also like the price tags, less than $700 for the WL42T26KW1 and it has a 4.2 capacity and a wash plate like the O,A,B and GE with less cost. The matching drier looks awesome with a pull out drawer top load! Anywhere to get a parts, exploded view diagram?

 

[mayguy]

I thought the FP used less water??? That's a full tub of water there!

 

[DADoES]

 
The water level pressure transducer is integral to the controller board. A typical pressure tube runs from the tub up to the transducer.

AquaSmart is the sibling to O/C/B. EcoSmart is the agitator model. My IWL12 is known as Intuitive Eco, which is no longer available on the U.S. market. IWL16 was the last version of it.

I also have a DEGX1 topload dryer, which was the first model offered. Best dryer I've ever used, although I suppose I haven't used all that many.

SearsPartsDirect.com has parts diagrams. Or, check your e-mail for a treat.

 

[DADoES]

 
MayGuy,

F&P EcoSmart and Intuitive Eco are full-fill agitator machines. Only the AquaSmart models are low-fill HE.

 

[cornutt]

On the Harmony the motor rotor is hard-coupled to the impellor. When the motor turns, the impellor turns, period. There's a locking clutch mechanism on the basket; it couples the basket to the frame for agitate (so it can't move), and it couples to the impellor for spin, so that the basket and impellor spin as a unit. It has a little motor that drives the clutch between positions, and it can only change when everything is stopped; it takes a couple of seconds. The impellor motor is a big-azz stepper with tons of torque; it can stop *very* quickly when it feels like it (although the software doesn't usually do that).

 

[rapunzel]

I thought the FP used less water??? That's a full tub of

It has the eco option which, if selected, cuts out the deep rinse and only delivers spray rinses. Also, because it has the auto-sense fill it is supposed to be more water efficient. Some people complain about the eco rinse function, others love it and say that it's very effective.

 

[JaredH]

F&P Agitator machines.

DaDeos,You forgot about the "Elva"
Sears outlet only!

 

[DADoES]

The Elba model is an EcoSmart with slight difference in cycle selections/options.

 

[JaredH]

Oh.