Now the market is rich and oversaturated not only with classes and models of cars - the variety of types of gearboxes alone can plunge into bewilderment. We decided to resolve this issue.
HANDMADE
good old mechanical box programs are losing their relevance and adherents more and more every day - especially in big cities. The choice of mechanics is truly rational only if you drive mainly outside the city, especially on long distance: so far, most variants of cars with manual transmission are more economical than their counterparts with the same engines, but automatic transmissions.
Although there are more and more exceptions here: for example, Kia Sportage with 2 liter gasoline engine consumes less fuel in the automatic version. Undoubtedly, those who believe that it is such a transmission that allows you to fully control the car and get more emotional feedback from it will prefer a manual transmission.
In fairness, it should be noted that almost all modern automatic transmissions have long got rid of excessive thoughtfulness, and with the choice of a mode that is optimal for both dynamics and economy, they cope better than most drivers.
Another thing is that the mechanics will easily endure harsh driving manners and heavy loads(for example, off-road or when towing a heavy trailer), as opposed to much more gentle automatic transmissions.
Finally, mechanics are cheaper than all other types of gearboxes, not only in acquisition, but also in maintenance. The clutch of neat and skillful drivers, even in a metropolis, can last 120 thousand km or more, and oil for manual transmission, if you suddenly have to change it someday, is cheaper than for automatic transmissions.
FOR LAZY AND WORKWORKERS
If the presence of three pedals with two legs generates cognitive dissonance, then the choice is better to stop on the transmission, which will courageously take on the hard work of establishing the connection between the motor and the wheels. The automatic machine is definitely more convenient and, most importantly, safer in a big city.
The most common option is the traditional hydromechanical box gears: planetary box with the number of steps from four to seven and a torque converter instead of a clutch. It is also the most robust design: even French-made machines, previously considered capricious, have long been healed of childhood illnesses and regularly nurse the resource allotted to them with minimal maintenance costs.
Almost all hydraulic machines today are equipped with a function manual selection gears, which is useful, for example, for engine braking on long mountain descents. Easier and cheaper steel modern machines and maintenance: a significant part of these boxes do not require topping up or changing the oil during the entire service life.
Another proprietary drawback of such transmissions is becoming a thing of the past - increased consumption fuel. The main disadvantage of both a hydraulic machine, and generally any automated transmission– the need for careful, thrifty operation.
Automatic machines do not like a sharp, ragged pace of driving, they do not tolerate towing. When switching modes (e.g. from parking P to driving mode D or from D to reverse R) it is better to make at least a two-second pause before starting off - this will significantly increase the resource of the block hydraulic valves and extend the life of the transmission. You should never turn on neutral on the go - this destroys the machine! And in winter, it will not be superfluous to warm the box by turning on mode D for a couple of minutes before driving.
BETWEEN ANGEL AND DEMON
At the devilish instigation of marketers and economists, forced engineering genius spawned a kind of machine for the poor - a robotic manual gearbox. In essence, this is the same mechanics, but the gear shift and clutch in it is controlled by an automatic drive with an electric or hydraulic actuator.
The driver has almost the same selector as on cars with classic automatics, but the behavior of a car with a robot is noticeably different. And, alas, not better side. Even the most successful modern robotic boxes annoy with thoughtfulness, "nods" and unpredictable switching moments with long pauses.
In the city, this is not only inconvenient, but sometimes dangerous: while the box “thinks”, changing gear, the car stops accelerating. Someone cunning will think to squeeze in before you, and just at that moment the robot turns on next gear- your car with a jerk rushes forward again ...
Many robotic boxes turned out to be very unreliable - and at the same time very expensive to repair. And even their regular maintenance often costs a pretty penny: robots wear out the clutch many times faster than the most inept drivers - in conditions of intensive urban use, the clutches of some robotic boxes can withstand only 20 thousand km. The advantage of the robot is only one: it is noticeably more economical than any automatic machines, as well as mechanics.
GIVE A BELT
Since the mid-90s, another interesting unit has received great development - stepless variator. Its design is as follows: two pulleys with a variable diameter are interconnected by a chain or a metal V-belt. By changing their diameter, the pulleys regulate the gear ratio, and they are able to do this smoothly, without fixed steps - therefore, the first variators surprised the owners of the cars they equipped with the fact that the engine kept constant speed when accelerating at least up to 100 km / h.
The uniform itching of the engine was unusual and did not cause bright emotions among motorists - therefore, soon the manufacturers began to program the operation of the variators so that they simulate gear changes with a slight change in speed and, accordingly, the sound of the engine. All modern variators, like hydraulic machines, have a manual gear selection mode - that's only in this case gears should be understood as a set of fixed gear ratios between pulleys.
The CVT boasts a very cheerful responsiveness to the accelerator pedal - it is more lively than a hydraulic machine. And in terms of efficiency, it is the same - after all, instead of a clutch, it also has an inert torque converter, which eats up a significant share of the power flow.
Maintenance continuously variable transmission more expensive than a hydraulic automatic: modern CVTs, as a rule, no longer require periodic replacement of the chain or belt, but the oil in them needs to be changed - usually every 90 thousand km. In addition, the variator is considered by mechanics to be a rather delicate design - driving on serious off-road with slipping is especially undesirable for him.
CLUTCH? GIVE TWO!
Another alternative to a hydraulic automatic is a preselective robotic gearbox with two clutches. This design became famous thanks to Volkswagen Group, who was the first to master the production of such gearboxes called DSG - today almost all cars in model lines all brands of the concern, with a few exceptions, are equipped with these boxes.
And more powerful motors equipped with six-speed DSG, and less powerful - seven-speed. At the same time, the concern has almost three lines of these boxes, which differ slightly from each other structurally: these are DSG, S-tronik and PDK. The idea was also picked up by other manufacturers, including the Chinese.
The main advantage of a preselective box over a hydraulic machine is cardinally best indicator efficiency: a dual-clutch robot can reduce fuel consumption by 15-20% compared to a traditional automatic transmission.
The behavior of the transmission resembles a hydraulic automatic: the preselective robot is also not devoid of thoughtfulness, so for a confident overtaking, it is better to switch the box to either sports or manual mode.
Unlike a conventional automatic, this robot does not keep the car uphill when the brake pedal is released: the car rolls back just like with a manual transmission. There are also questions about the reliability of these transmissions: for example, problems with seven-speed DSGs are widely known.
The manufacturer basically solves them under warranty, but if the latter runs out, then the owner will not find it a little: the cost of a clutch kit, for example, exceeds $ 1,000.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
So, if everything is more or less clear with the mechanics, then in terms of automatic transmissions, you can try to choose a traditional hydraulic automatic - this is the most reliable, well-studied and practical transmission in operation.
For those who usually do not leave the asphalt (and if they do, they do not go into all serious trouble on muddy roads and off-road), a good alternative is a variator. It will please you with better responsiveness, although maintenance will cost a little more.
Well, experiments with robots of any type - so far the lottery "lucky - not lucky": perhaps these types of boxes still need to ripen.
Despite all of the above, the choice is yours. Happy and safe driving!
Along with the manual transmission, automatic transmission has already become almost standard. At least, this will not surprise anyone. Another thing is a robotic gearbox (RCP) or a robot. It starts to appear on new cars: Chery India, Opel Corsa, LADA Priora and others. Let's figure out what a robot gearbox is, consider its main pros and cons.
In fact, the robot gearbox is an ordinary manual gearbox. Its creation was the desire to provide the driver maximum comfort driving, and achieve unpretentiousness in maintenance. Special electronic equipment is installed on the mechanics, by means of which clutch and gear shifting are automated. As a result of the modification, two pedals remained in the passenger compartment. The peculiarity of such an innovation is that the ability to control the speed remains, only its direct switching is already performed by electronics based on the indicators of the sensors.
For example, in a standard gearbox, the clutch is first depressed (all gears are free), then the driver moves the lever to the desired position, which drives the gear at a certain speed. When riding a robot, switching is performed in a slightly different way.
Sectional box robot
To features robotic box can be attributed to the presence of shocks during the change of speed. Getting rid of them is quite simple - slow down the engine speed when switching.
When a gear is shifted, there is no engagement when the lever is moved. desired speed(the driver does not directly control the processes in the box, but only gives a command). What happens next is something like this:
- A specially programmed system recognizes the action of a person;
- The signal is transmitted to the control center;
- The speed and other performance indicators of the car are analyzed using the information received (it is transmitted from sensors and transducers);
- When the system determines the optimal conditions for switching speed, the clutch is automatically squeezed out and the desired gear is transferred to the working position.
As a result, with good software(some can even remember the driving style of the car owner) excellent driving dynamics are achieved.
Robot and machine - what's the difference
It would seem that there should be a minimum of differences, because both boxes are aimed at simplifying and automating gear changes. In reality, an automatic transmission differs from a manual transmission in the same way as from a manual transmission. The main difference between an automaton and a robot is the speed change system.
automatic transmission
In the first case, switching occurs using a torque converter. When the engine speed is increased, automatic switching gears: the previous speed is wedged, and the next is wedged. This allows almost instantly and imperceptibly for the driver to perform switching.
RKPP
In the robotic version, switching is performed by depressing the clutch and engaging the desired gear (in absolute analogy with mechanics).
As can be seen from the above information, the difference between an automaton and a robot is significant.
Video about the robotic checkpoint
Pros and cons of a robotic box
The focus of many manufacturers on robotic gearboxes speaks of many prospects for their use. Of course, in most models, such gearboxes are installed as an experiment, because drivers are wary of unfamiliar technologies, preferring a mechanic or automatic. But in terms of the combination of convenience, operational life and maintenance costs, robotic models are in the first place.
Pros:
- High reliability. This is due to the similarity with a manual transmission. It is more durable than the variator and standard version machine.
- Long clutch life. Thanks to the control of its squeezing electronic system, the resource is increased by 1/3.
- Less oil. About 3 liters is enough for the robot to work. In the variator, it is required to fill in an average of more than 8 liters. At current prices for automotive oil results in significant savings.
- Manual switching. Many models of robotic boxes allow the driver to switch from automatic to manual mode. This is useful when the car is skidding. Just keep in mind that slipping can knock down the sensors of the system, so resort to it only in case of emergency.
- Fuel consumption. It is close to the minimum value. This is possible thanks to the same system manual transmission.
- Lots of gear. The car can be equipped with a manual transmission with 6 speeds, which has a positive effect on gas mileage and engine performance. When compared with a 6-speed automatic, the cost of work will be several times lower.
Minuses:
- Instability. The tuning of the electronic components responsible for the operation of the robotic box is such a delicate matter that even 2 machines of the same model can differ in operation. But this is only possible if the production of cars with this type of gearbox is only getting better. Companies with experience have already learned how to achieve stability.
- Delay in switching up to 2 seconds. The process of processing information and sending commands to execution can be slightly delayed. As a result, the speed is slower than in automatic transmission.
- Impossibility of setting. This disadvantage does not apply to all robotic models. But there are robots whose control program cannot be adjusted to a certain driving style. For example, you are used to speed, and the box is set to economy (switching is performed on low revs). In this case, the ride will not be comfortable enough.
- Jerks when switching or starting to move. Such a minus is corrected by changing the program or complete replacement robot (control unit).
- Software problems. Some manufacturer's transmissions may have problems in the form of firmware glitches that can affect gearshift speed. In some cases, a certain gear may not be included, or all together.
When purchasing a car, future car owners often do not even realize how versatile the concept of automatic transmission is. After all, now there are as many as three types of "machine" - classic, robotic and CVT. It is impossible to single out which transmission is better, otherwise the engineers would not have invented various designs. It all depends solely on the preferences and goals of the driver. Let's see what the differences are.
And after driving schools gave students the choice of the type of gearbox and were allowed to take exams on cars with an “automatic”, drivers appeared (mostly female) who have absolutely no idea why a third pedal and a lever with 5 applied to it might be needed -6 digits.
However, not everyone knows that behind the familiar word “automatic” there are several transmission variations. They differ not only in their design, but also in completely different ways. So, it is worth knowing them in more detail in order to choose the automatic transmission that is right for you.
Torque converter automatic transmission: a tribute to the classics
Let's start, perhaps, with the most "ancient" type of automatic transmission. The classical hydromechanical transmission was invented almost a century ago by specialists from General Motors, however, it is still popular now, being the most common of non-mechanical automatic transmissions. Here is the torque using transmission oil, circulating under pressure in a vicious circle, is transmitted from the engine to the transmission, and then to the wheels through a torque converter. That is last part the gearbox is not, performing, in fact, the role of the clutch.
Perhaps the most important advantage of a torque converter automatic transmission compared to other types of automatic transmission is high reliability. Of course, no one surpasses the good old "mechanics" in this indicator, but the classic "automatic machines" also show good results. Just think about it: automatic transmissions can easily drive 200,000 kilometers without any repairs. On the forums Japanese manufacturers in general, an indicator of 500 thousand kilometers is declared.
However, do not rush to rejoice. If you neglect the operating conditions, do not change the oil and filters as planned, do not flush the cooling radiator, your automatic transmission may not live up to the mark of 100 thousand kilometers.
Now it's time for the downsides. With all the reliability of the design, the "Achilles heel" classic automatic transmission is a hydraulic unit. Unfortunately, the repair of this element will cost a tidy sum. In Moscow, car services ask for a service from 15 to 35 thousand rubles, depending on the wear of the unit.
In addition, it is worth remembering that fuel consumption on a classic “automatic” is quite high, and it takes more time to accelerate a car, a week on cars with another type of automatic transmission.
Variator: "automatic" without steps
In fact, the variator is not quite a gearbox, because in this type there is no transmission at all. Let's not delve into technical subtleties, we only note that the design features allow the car to continuously transmit torque to the wheels, which means the car can accelerate without delay. No more jolts that you feel while shifting gears on other types of transmission.
In addition to fluidity, hallmark CVT is its fuel efficiency. Often in technical specification vehicle fuel consumption is lower than similar machines with manual transmission.
However, it was not without pitfalls. The first thing that catches your eye, or rather in your ears :) is a rather noisy and monotonous hum of the motor, which is constantly running on increased speed. Especially during acceleration of the car. Of course, automakers are trying in every possible way to solve this problem, but so far it remains relevant.
The second thing worth noting is the "capriciousness" of the variator. In no case should gearboxes of this type be overheated, therefore they are not installed on trucks and sports cars. To avoid a breakdown, you have to use a specific and not at all cheap oil, which must be changed approximately every 50-60 thousand kilometers. And after the end of the service life specified by the manufacturer (usually about 150 thousand kilometers), the transmission will have to be replaced completely. Due to the complex design, such repairs can significantly empty the car owner's wallet.
Robot: "trick" in two clutches
Without going into details, the robot is a “mechanics” in design and an “automatic” in control. In other words, this is a mechanical transmission in which the electronics will change gears and depress the clutch instead of the driver. The box weighs less than the classic "automatic", besides it is cheaper. Typically, it is placed on budget runabouts. Of the positive qualities, it is important to note that cars with robots need to be filled with fuel less often.
But every medal has back side. And here she is very annoying. When shifting gears, there is a break in the flow of torque, and because of this, the car seems to move in jerks during acceleration. On the "mechanics" such "failures" are also present, but at this time the driver is just busy depressing the clutch pedal and turning off or on the necessary gear. And when a robot performs these actions for the motorist, attention is focused on the “pause”.
However, automakers adequately got out of this situation by creating second generation robot - preselective. The transmission consists, in fact, of two gearboxes assembled in one housing. Even gears are switched by one, odd and reverse by the other.
In other words, this is an "automatic" with double clutch. This, of course, does not mean that a car with such a box has two clutch pedals. He doesn't have them at all. "Automatic" and "automatic" to keep driver involvement to a minimum, so this progressive transmission is controlled by a robot.
The main advantage of this type of transmission is instant gear shifting. Automakers note that it is equal to only one hundredth of a millisecond. Just think about it - you blink longer! And if we take into account that the preselective robot is more comfortable than the classic "automatic" and more economical than the "mechanics" (automation chooses optimal gears and, unlike the motorist, is not too lazy to switch them), you can safely call it the height of the automatic transmission evolution.
However, it also has imperfections. And quite serious. The complex design makes almost any box repair costly. And the purchase of the transmission itself will result in a tidy sum. So here the question is more to the motorist's wallet.
Summing up
It is obvious that the ideal transmission does not exist. The driver must select the unit for himself and his driving style. Fans of high-speed and sharp driving style should take a closer look at the preselective checkpoints. IN sport mode their dynamism rivals the speed of a professional racing driver. If you give preference to a leisurely measured style of driving on city streets, feel free to choose a classic "automatic" - you are guaranteed comfort. And for small cars, it’s just right to have an ordinary “robot” or"variator": practical and economical.
With a previously limited choice of transmissions, motorists when buying vehicle could give preference only to mechanics or automatic. Now active development automotive industry led to the emergence of new transmissions, and the choice is no longer so simple. Of interest is the box robot and automatic: what is the difference between these transmissions and how to choose between them?
What is the difference between a robot and an automaton
To understand how an automatic transmission differs from a robot, it is worth understanding the principle of operation of each of these transmissions and the structure of the system as a whole.
At the heart of automation is a control system, a torque converter and a planetary-type gearbox itself with specific gears and clutches. Thanks to this design, the speeds are switched offline without the participation of the driver. The reference point in this case are parameters such as driving mode, load and engine speed.
Read also a very informative article by our specialist, which tells about.
The relevance of the installation of the machine is observed on trucks and cars as well as buses. If the car is front-wheel drive, the automatic transmission design is complemented by a differential and.
The first thing that distinguishes a robot from an automaton is a special design that combines the capabilities of mechanical and automatic transmission. In fact, the mechanics in this case is supplemented by automatic control with executive mechanisms, which are responsible for gear shifting and clutch operation. Shifting occurs in the same way as in the case of a manual transmission, but the driver is not involved in this.
The primary goal of creating robotic gearbox was to reduce the cost of transmission and the simultaneous merger of all the advantages of mechanics and automatic. It's about ease of use and comfort. As a result, there are several variants of the system design.
- For example BMW cars M series, you can consider the most high-quality and well-known manual transmission called Sequental M Gearbox (SMG). The gearbox is 6-speed, mechanical, while electronically controlled hydraulics are responsible for shifting gears and disengaging the clutch. Transfers are switched in 0.08 seconds.
- For example Mercedes-Benz A-class you can consider another principle, where the electro-hydraulic clutch actuator is installed on the basis of mechanics. The driver participates in switching gears, but there are only two pedals. Electric drive independently monitors the position of the lever and the gas pedal, so the clutch in this case is absent and is turned off in automatic mode. The numbers on the ABS and engine gauges help the electronics in the calculations to avoid shifting jerks and sudden engine shutdowns.
- For example ford cars and Opel can consider the third principle, where the hydraulic pumps are replaced stepper motors. Despite the budget of this option, in practice it turned out not to be very successful, which is expressed in a delay in switching speeds and strong jerks. However, on Toyota Corolla a similar transmission is installed, and the mentioned shortcomings are absent here.
The main differences between automatic transmission and manual transmission
So, robot box and automatic: what is the difference between these two transmissions?
- The first difference is in the design. In the case of a robot, this is mechanics with a control unit, the automation device is completely different.
- The smoothness and speed of switching in automation is better.
- Almost all automatic transmissions have no function manual switching, while the robotic transmission given function is present.
- Another difference between a robot and an automatic machine is the budgetary repair and maintenance of the former.
- Savings are also expressed in the fact that the robot consumes less oil and fuel.
Advantages and disadvantages of transmissions
In order to finally draw conclusions about which is better: a robot or an automatic machine, it is worth analyzing the positive and negative sides each of the transmissions.
A comparative description of the advantages and disadvantages of automation is presented below.
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The next step is to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of robotic transmissions.
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When choosing which is better: a robot or an automatic machine, you should focus on three basic principles - comfort, cost and reliability.
Automatic transmissions will soon completely replace mechanical ones, but not everyone knows, and those who know are wondering what types of automatic transmissions exist and how they differ? In fact, there are many of them and each has its own characteristics, but today we will look at the two most popular types of gearboxes - these are classic machine And robotic mechanics.
How to distinguish an automaton from a robot visually
If you have already purchased a car or are just going to and do not know which machine is there, then these two boxes can be very easily distinguished from each other visually. Just look at the backstage (gear lever) if you see there, at the very top, the position " P”- Parking, then this is an automatic machine, and if you don’t see such a backstage position, but there is only“ N" - Neutral and " R- Back, then it's definitely a robot!
The principle of automatic transmission
The machine includes two main modules: reducer And torque converter. The function of the first is to transfer force through a system of gears, which can be meshed with each other in various variations, due to which this force changes. The second provides smooth gear shifting and performs a function similar to the clutch on the mechanics.
This type of box greatly simplifies control, freeing the driver from the need to permanent circulation to the clutch pedal, shift lever, and smooth start control. Automation does it for him. As a result, there appears more possibilities control the situation while driving.
At the same time, the reliability of the torque converter as a unit similar to the clutch in a manual transmission will be higher, and break it due to inability to use it, as they do inexperienced drivers, impossible. Due to it, the load on power unit and the undercarriage is reduced.
The speeds change when optimal speed, due to which the resource of the engine is preserved. Large quantity steps gear ratio enables fuel economy. passive system security will prevent the car from rolling while standing on a slope.
But besides these advantages, this type of gearbox has some disadvantages. When driving, there is less dynamics of acceleration in comparison with a mechanical transmission. Fuel is consumed less economically in inverse proportion to the number of gear stages. So, a box with four steps will be the most uneconomical.
Also, the power unit has a lower efficiency due to the torque converter, which takes part of the power to work. The unit itself is quite expensive, which significantly affects the entire cost of the product. Its repair and maintenance will not be cheap, while it is necessary to take into account the large volume of oil in the device and its considerable cost.
Features of the robotic box
This type of box is divided into two subspecies. In the first, it is practically a mechanical box in which automatic control. Switching is controlled electronically. Therefore, there is no habitual coupling either. Gears can be switched automatically and manually, as on the mechanics. In these boxes, the torque is interrupted, and dips occur during shifts.
The second type is more perfect than the previous one. It is installed on sports cars participating in races. Their technical features enclosed in two clutch systems responsible for different gears. Due to this, the switching speed is very fast.
In this type of checkpoint, there are many weaknesses, but at the same time there is a relatively low fuel consumption, which can be compared with mechanical transmissions. Such a box is cheaper not only in itself, but also in maintenance, and also consumes less Supplies. Its weight is inferior to automatic boxes. She has good dynamics and convenient shift buttons located on the steering wheel.
The disadvantages of such a transmission are its intermittent operation, which is audible when switching, and there is also a delay after the gear itself is engaged. When stopping, the gearshift lever must be moved to the neutral position. All slippage reduces its resource, so it is advisable to use a car with such a box on good roads.
What is the difference? Advantages and disadvantages
- Provides simplified control without the need to depress the clutch and shift gears;
- A more acceptable mode of operation of the engine, increasing its resource;
- Passive security system;
- Reduced fuel consumption at 6 or more shift stages.
Advantages of an automatic transmission:
- Relatively low cost;
- Economical fuel consumption;
- Less weight of the box;
- Acceptable driving dynamics.
Pros of a robotic box:
- Poor acceleration dynamics;
- Excessive fuel consumption;
- The high price of the device itself and maintenance;
- Decrease in efficiency due to the torque converter;
- Inertia when shifting gears.
Disadvantages of the Automaton:
- Less smooth switching even in comparison with the machine;
- Delay after switching on the transmission;
- Slippage reduces the life of the box;
- Manual translation of the lever of a neutral position at a stop.
Robot cons:
What to choose?
Comparative characteristics of both types of gearboxes do not show a clear advantage of any one over the other. Otherwise, transmission manufacturers would produce the best option. The choice of box type depends on the personal ideas of the car driver about the comfort and convenience of driving a car, as well as Money which he is willing to spend.
It can only be noted that the machine is more suitable for amateurs smooth ride, and the robot - preferring a more dynamic style, and a compromise between quality and cost.
