What is better mechanics automatic variator or robot. We choose a gearbox - automatic, robot or CVT - which is better, experienced advice

31.07.2019

CVT and robot - two new and enough promising developments in the field of automatic transmissions. One is a kind of machine gun, the other is mechanics. What is better variator or robot? Let's spend comparative characteristic both transmissions, we will determine their advantages and disadvantages and make the right choice.

All about the variator device

- a type of automatic transmission. It is designed to smoothly transfer torque from the engine to the wheels and stepless change gear ratio in a fixed range.

CVT chain variator

Often in the technical documentation for the car, you can find the abbreviation CVT as a designation for the gearbox. This is the variator, translated from English - “constantly changing gear ratio transmission” (Continuously Variable Transmission).

The main task of the variator is to ensure a smooth change in torque from the engine, which makes the acceleration of the car smooth, without jerks and dips. Machine power is used to the maximum, and fuel is consumed to a minimum.

The control of the CVT is practically the same as the control of the automatic transmission, except for the stepless change in torque.

Briefly about the types of CVT

V-belt variator. He received most widespread. This variator consists of a belt stretched between two sliding pulleys. The principle of operation of the V-variator is to smoothly change the gear ratio due to the synchronous change in the contact radii of the pulleys and the V-belt.
Chain variator. Less common. Here, the role of the belt is played by the chain, which transmits the pulling force, rather than the pushing force.
Toroid variator. Worthy of attention is the toroidal version of the transmission, consisting of disks and rollers. The transmission of torque here is carried out due to the friction force of the rollers between the disks, and the gear ratio changes by moving the rollers relative to the vertical axis.

Toroid variator

CVT parts are expensive and hard to get, and the box itself will cost a lot, and problems can arise with its repair. Most an expensive option there will be a toroid box, which requires high strength steel and high precision to manufacture machining surfaces.

Advantages and disadvantages of a CVT gearbox

The text has already mentioned both positive and negative sides variator. For clarity, we present them in a table.

Advantages	Flaws
1. Smooth car movement, stepless acceleration	1. The high cost of the box and its repair, expensive Consumables and butter
2. Fuel economy by using the full potential of the engine
3. Simplicity and less weight of the box compared to the classic automatic transmission	3. The "thoughtful effect" when shifting gears (although, in comparison with the robot, the variator "slows down" less)
4. Ability to drive at maximum engine torque	4. Restrictions on installation on vehicles with high power engines

In order for the device not to let the driver down during operation, the following conditions must be observed:

monitor the oil level in the transmission and change it in time;
do not load the box during the winter cold at the beginning of the movement, when towing a car and while driving off-road;
periodically check the unit connectors and wiring for breaks;
monitor the operation of the sensors: the absence of a signal from any of them can lead to incorrect operation of the box.

The CVT is a new and not yet optimal transmission system that has many drawbacks. Despite this, developers and designers predict a great future for her. CVT is the simplest type of transmission in terms of technical device, as well as the principle of operation.

Despite the apparent advantages that provide fuel economy and driving comfort, CVT is rarely used today and mainly in cars or motorcycles. Let's see how the robot is doing.

Robotic gearbox

(robot) – mechanical transmission, in which the functions of gear shifting and clutch control are automated. This role is played by two drives, one of which is responsible for controlling the gearshift mechanism, the second for engaging and disengaging the clutch.

The robot is designed to combine the advantages manual transmission and automatic. It combines driving comfort (from the automatic), as well as reliability and fuel economy (from the mechanics).

The device and principle of operation of the robot

The main elements that make up robotic gearbox, are:

Manual Transmission;
clutch and clutch drive;
gear change drive;
Control block.

The principle of operation of the robot is practically the same as the functioning conventional mechanics. The difference lies in the control system. This is done in the robot by hydraulic and electric drives. Hydraulic elements provide fast switching, but require additional resources. In electric drives, on the contrary, the costs are minimal, but delays in their operation are possible.

Robotic gearbox device

The robotic transmission can operate in two modes: automatic and semi-automatic. IN automatic mode electronic control creates a certain sequence of box control. The signals of the input sensors are taken as the basis of the process. In semi-automatic (manual) mode, the gears are switched sequentially using the shift lever. In some sources, the robotic transmission is called " sequential box gears ”(from Latin sequensum - sequence).

Advantages and disadvantages of the robot

In a robotic gearbox, all the advantages of an automatic and mechanics are collected. However, it cannot be said that it is devoid of shortcomings. These disadvantages include:

Difficulties with the adaptation of the driver to the checkpoint and the unpredictability of the behavior of the robot in difficult road conditions.
Uncomfortable city driving abrupt starts, shocks and jerks when shifting gears keep the driver in constant voltage).
Overheating of the clutch is also possible (in order to avoid overheating of the clutch, it is necessary to turn on the “neutral” mode during stops, which, in itself, is also tiring).
"Effect of thoughtfulness" when shifting gears (by the way, the CVT has the same minus). This not only annoys the driver, but also creates dangerous situation when overtaking.
The impossibility of towing, which is also inherent in the variator.
The ability to roll the car back on steep climb(this is not possible with a variator).

From the above, we conclude that the robotic gearbox is still far from the comfort of the machine. Let's move on to the positive aspects of the robotic transmission:

Low cost in comparison with the same machine or variator.
Economic consumption fuel (here the mechanics are even inferior, but the variator is better in this regard: smooth and stepless switching saves more fuel).
Rigid connection of the engine with the drive wheels, due to which it is possible to “gas” the car out of a skid or to carry out engine braking.

Robot with two clutches

Due to the numerous disadvantages inherent in a robotic gearbox, the developers decided to go further and still realize the idea of creating a gearbox that would combine all the advantages of an automatic transmission and mechanics.

This is how the dual-clutch robot developed by Volkswagen was born. He received the name, which in English means "synchronous shift gearbox". Preselective transmission is another name for the second generation of robots.

The box is equipped with two clutch discs: one includes even gears, the other odd. Both gears are constantly on. While the car is moving, one clutch disc is in constant readiness, and the other is in a closed state. The first will turn on its transmission as soon as the second opens. As a result, gear shifting is almost instantaneous, and the smoothness of operation is comparable to the variator.

The double clutch box has the following characteristics:

she more economical than an automatic;
more comfortable than simple robotic box;
transmits more torque than the variator;
provides the same rigid connection of the wheels with the engine, as well as mechanics.

On the other hand, the cost of this box will be higher than the cost of mechanics, and the consumption is higher than that of a robot. In terms of comfort, CVT and automatic still win.

Drawing conclusions

What is the difference between a variator and a robot, and which of these gearboxes is still better? The variator is a kind of automatic transmission, and the robot is still closer to mechanics. It is on this basis that it is worth making a choice in favor of a particular gearbox.

Preferences in choosing a gearbox usually come from the driver himself and are based on his requirements for the car, as well as his driving style. important to you comfortable conditions movement? Then choose a variator. Are reliability and the ability to drive in difficult road conditions a priority? Your choice is definitely a robot.

When choosing a car, the driver must personally "test" both options for the boxes. It should be remembered that both the robot and the variator have their advantages and disadvantages. The purpose for which you plan to use the car will also help you make a choice. In a calm urban rhythm, a variator will be preferable to a robot that simply will not “survive” in endless traffic jams. Outside the city, in difficult road conditions, when driving high speeds or for sports driving, a robot would be preferable.

I first encountered this type of gearbox when I rented a Fiat Grande Punto in Italy in the middle of the 2000s with a 90-horsepower turbodiesel and a single-disc robot.

The car rolled backwards so quickly so treacherously that it almost damaged the wall of the castle, which had stood there since the 14th century. From other memories - ugly acceleration, inadequate behavior in traffic jams. Editorial Vesta and Xray with AMT also showed themselves not with better side while traveling around the city. Jerky and unpleasant to drive cars. And the clutch resource, according to a colleague who constantly drives, turned out to be very low.

In short, my opinion: a single-disk robot - for nothing. It’s better to dance a jig on the service pedals in wild Moscow traffic jams, when sometimes you trudge ten kilometers for an hour, than such machines.

Robot with two clutches

Usage examples: some models of Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mini, Ford, most cars Volkswagen Group including Audi, Skoda, Seat.

The essence of the idea is that separate input shafts and, accordingly, separate clutch discs are responsible for even and odd gears. If you are moving in first gear, then the second shaft is already rotating in second! Due to this, switching occurs very quickly - in milliseconds. Man is incapable of such agility. At the same time, no jerks during gear changes are practically not felt. They are used as "wet" clutch discs operating in oil - then this six speed box DSG 6, and "dry" - 7-speed DSG. "Dry" clutches are very limited and almost never reach 100,000 km, and with aggressive driving sometimes do not exceed 30,000 km.

Skoda with a robotic box DSG gear. A dream during the first 30-80 thousand kilometers.

Skoda with DSG robotic gearbox. A dream during the first 30-80 thousand kilometers.

Personal impressions are limited to trips on cars that are provided to our publisher for testing. Russian representative offices various brands. These cars are practically new, with low mileage, on which characteristic problems double-disk robots have not yet appeared. Everything looks great: fast, powerful, quiet - some pluses. If you choose a car for personal use, and the mileage is to be rolled up a lot, then it is better to prefer a traditional hydromechanical automatic machine or good old mechanics as a gearbox.

Variators

The buzz from such a box is that the usual step switching basically not here! Cone-shaped disks are fixed on the input and output shafts, which together form a kind of pulley with a variable diameter. The shafts are connected by a transmission - V-belt, chain, etc. By shifting the cones relative to each other, you can smoothly change the gear ratio. The toy is not cheap. It requires a special transmission fluid, the level of which must be carefully monitored.

There are quite a few varieties - the main ones are listed below.

V-belt variator

Usage examples: Nissan Qashqai, Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and etc.

V-belt variator is by far the most common type stepless boxes gears. The torque is transmitted by a metal pushing belt. The ends of the trapezoidal elements put on the tape, in contact with the cones, cause them to rotate. At the same time, a conventional torque converter with blocking is used, as on hydromechanical machines. When starting off, the torque converter increases the engine torque up to four times the torque. The use of this node provides a smooth start of movement when moving in urban traffic jams.

V-chain variator

Usage examples: Audi A6, Subaru Forester.

The device is similar to a V-belt variator, but instead of a belt, a metal chain is used as a transmission, consisting of plates connected by wedge-shaped axles. It is the ends of these axles that transmit torque. Another difference is that in Audi boxes a clutch package and a dual-mass flywheel are used instead of a torque converter.

Both types of continuously variable transmissions have recently been made with virtual steps. Allegedly, drivers like it more, because the engine does not howl on one note.

According to consumer properties, the variator - best type gearboxes. She provides fast acceleration, and as for the monotonous sound ... I remember that Hottabych removed the sound of the engines of a flying aircraft, but what did this lead to? The participants in the events barely escaped ... On a flat highway, at a car speed of just over a hundred, the engine speed does not reach 2000. There is engine braking. Personally, I am afraid for the resource of the belt and in the winter I even warm up not the engine, but the variator. And so - perfect box(ugh, no gear)!

And, yes, I forgot: CVTs on a slope do not roll back!

Good old hydromechanical gearbox

Usage examples: almost all the lineup Korean and American brands, as well as relatively powerful cars from other manufacturers.

Represents a stepwise planetary box gear connected to the engine through a torque converter. The selection and shifting of the planetary gears used to be carried out hydromechanically, but now the ubiquitous electronics, together with the engine management system, determines which gear to work in power unit V this moment. The number of steps is constantly increasing, reaching nine on the most expensive cars.

Automatic transmissions are confidently replacing the mechanics in modern models cars. The word "automatic" refers to one of three types transmissions: classic automated, robotic or CVT. Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages, so before buying a car, you should find out what is the difference between robot and automatic boxes, and which one to choose depending on your own preferences.

How to distinguish "machine" from "robot" visually

Distinguish the classic automatic transmission from robotic easily by looking at the gear lever. Top position Automatic transmission is marked with the icon "P" - parking. When instead of this icon there are only the designations “N” - neutral and “R” - rear, we have a robotic device.

The automatic gearbox is a complex, but at the same time reliable, time-tested design. Unlike mechanics, such a box arrangement allows the driver not to constantly use the clutch pedal and shift gears with a lever: all this is controlled by automation instead. Automatic transmissions are currently equipped with cars and trucks, such a box is also applicable in buses.

The presence of the “P” position on the gear lever indicates that we have a “thoroughbred machine”

Automatic transmission design

At the heart of the automatic transmission are two main modules:

Reducer. Carries out the transmission of force through a system of various variations of gear engagement. The number of steps in boxes of various variations is from 4 to 6. In latest models auto and more steps are possible.
Torque converter. Analog clutch on a mechanical box. Provides smooth gear shifting without bumps and jerks. The system receives a signal about the number of engine revolutions, driving mode and load, and, based on the analysis of this information, switches the speed.

Gear shifting in automatic transmission occurs when the engine reaches a certain number of revolutions, and in oil system pressure builds up. The participation of the driver during the shift is not required.

An analog of the clutch in an automatic transmission is a torque converter that transmits torque from the engine to the transmission.

The main difference between the automatic transmission and the usual mechanical ones is gear shifting without breaking the power. When you turn off one speed, another turns on at the same time, excluding jerks. It dampens jerks when switching speeds with a torque converter. They cannot boast of smooth switching of model speeds sports class. Shocks during switching are present in them, and they are explained by a very fast gear change, which contributes to accelerated acceleration.

Advantages and disadvantages

A feature of automatic transmission artificial intelligence is the ability to “adjust” to the driving style of a particular motorist. If the driver presses on the gas smoothly, measuredly, the controller does not bring the engine to a power mode of operation and consumes fuel economically. The nervousness of the driver and the rapid pressure on the gas pedal makes the automation work faster. The computer automatically switches the box to sports mode. As soon as the gas pedal starts to work again slowly and smoothly, the smart box switches the engine to normal operation.

Designers are constantly working on improving automatic transmissions. New models with 7th and 8th steps allow you to save gasoline, select the driving mode: "Sport", "Winter", etc.

One of the novelties is the ability to switch to the manual control mode "Tiptronic". You can also select the following benefits automatic transmission:

Convenience and ease of use.
No risk of overheating with inept use;
Smoothness of movement.
Availability passive system safety, preventing movement when the machine stops on a slope.
Durability of work at the correct service and competent operation.

The disadvantages of automatic transmission are the high cost of the car itself and its maintenance, low Engine efficiency due to the impossibility of using dynamic settings. A significant disadvantage of automatic transmission is the need to constantly monitor the level, condition and quality transmission fluid, and also change it every 50-60 thousand kilometers.

It is important! In new models of eight-speed automatic transmissions from Jeep, Toyota and Volkswagen, range rover these shortcomings are absent. Their gearboxes fully reveal the potential of the engine, quietly switch speeds, and are distinguished by the possibility of dynamic settings. In addition, there are already so-called maintenance-free boxes - the liquid in them does not need to be changed at all.

Robotic gearbox

The robot box is an improved version of traditional mechanics, in which the gearshift functions are automated. Cars with manual transmission do not have a clutch pedal. Control over timely gear shifting is carried out electronic unit.

The only difference between a manual transmission and a manual transmission is that servos are responsible for closing and opening the clutch, as well as gear selection in the second case.

Manual transmission design

The robotic gearbox was originally designed to reduce the cost of the machine while maintaining its advantages over mechanics.

The operation of the manual transmission combines automation and mechanics. When shifting gears and pressing the gas pedal, a signal is transmitted to the control unit. The box gives a signal about the current and necessary speed at this stage of movement. Block selects optimal mode and the moment of switching to the required speed. The work of hydromechanics, that is, the process of coupling and disengagement, is controlled by the system unit. The switching process coincides with the movement of the handle and is completely invisible to the driver.

Cars with manual transmission are equipped with on-board computers, which are also involved in the control system. In memory on-board computer work algorithms are laid down that process the signals incoming to them and control the operation of the box and gear shifting.

The sports car uses a robotic transmission with two clutches to top speed gear shifting. In a robotic box with two clutches, there are two drive shafts equipped with a clutch, one inside the other. Gears for even gears are located on the outer shaft, gears for odd gears are located on the inner shaft.

These boxes are based on preselective robots. When the car is in one gear, the next one is already in operation, so the shifting is quick and smooth, which improves comfort significantly.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to an automatic machine, robotic boxes have more low cost, easier to repair and maintain, increase engine efficiency. But at the same time, the RPP has significant drawbacks:

Long and hard gear shifting;
Shocks during switching;
Jerks during the start, after a short stop.
The need to switch to "neutral" during short stops (traffic jams, traffic lights, stops along the way, etc.);
The unpredictability of the behavior of the car in difficult road conditions.

The original design of the manual transmission is much cheaper to repair and maintain, as a result of which many motorists prefer it

It is important! If the car is used in difficult road conditions, the robotic box should be abandoned. Manual transmission is designed for driving on smooth, high-quality road surfaces. Spinning operation will result in premature wear engine.

Comparison of two checkpoints: what is the difference between a robot and an automatic

According to experienced drivers, in terms of reliability and predictability of behavior in difficult road conditions, both gearboxes are inferior to mechanics. Although the automatic transmission is more predictable, unlike the robot.

Automatic transmission has nothing to do with manual transmission, so their device and principle of operation are fundamentally different. Manual transmission differs from mechanics only in the presence of an electronic control unit. The basic principle of operation of this type of box is similar to mechanics.
Automatic transmission - fully automatic. The manual transmission has two modes: automatic and semi-automatic. Clutch control from the driver's side is completely excluded. In automatic mode, the electronic unit implements the transmission operation algorithms pre-set in the program. Semi-automatic mode controls speed transitions using a selector.
One of the features of the robot box is an unstable transmission. Even in the same car models, the gearbox works differently. The driver needs to adapt to such a box, and even with skillful driving, dots and jerks are felt during gear changes.

This is interesting! Most modern automakers are actively refusing robotic boxes on their models, equipping them with classic machine with hydrotransformer.

The most popular cars with automatic transmission among Russians are: Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Camry and Volkswagen Polo

Which box to choose

Considering all the pros and cons of these types of checkpoints, and focusing on your own preferences, as well as driving conditions, specific model should be chosen according to three principles: comfort, reliability, price. Based on the ratio of these qualities, experts give the following recommendations:

Automatic transmission is suitable for car owners who prefer a comfortable ride.
Robotic boxes are economical in every respect: the cost of a car, repairs, modest consumption of gasoline and fuels and lubricants.
In terms of reliability, none of the boxes can be compared with the usual mechanics. But the automatic transmission behaves more predictably and rarely presents "surprises" on the road.
The robot can be completely switched to manual control, and in many automatic transmissions this function is not available.
The automatic transmission clearly wins when driving in traffic jams, where you need to constantly switch on manual control.
Recently, especially picky drivers have the opportunity to reprogram automatic transmission control units, customizing it to their own driving style. To increase the acceleration speed, the moments of switching from gear to gear are reduced. This is one of the arguments in favor of the machine for lovers of high-speed driving.

It is important! Manual transmission is recommended for car owners who are able to independently fix minor engine breakdowns. Having experience in repair, many breakdowns can be eliminated with your own hands, without resorting to expensive craftsmen.

Comparative characteristics of the two box options do not show the unambiguous advantage of any option. Otherwise, all car manufacturers would produce exclusively models with the best transmission.

There is only one conclusion from all that has been said - each driver must choose a gearbox, focusing on a set of parameters. The absence of a clutch pedal, both on the machine and on the robot, can mislead an inexperienced driver, so before buying, you must carefully study the characteristics of the selected car model. You need to choose the most comfortable, safe and affordable car for yourself, based on the choice of driving style and conditions.

Today, automatic transmission is at the peak of its popularity around the world. At the same time, manufacturers offer consumers different kinds machines.

It should also be noted that an automatic transmission consumes more fuel (by 10-15%) compared to other automatic transmissions, and the acceleration dynamics of a car with such a transmission may be somewhat worse.

The variator box, unlike an automatic transmission or a robot, is continuously variable transmission. The design uses a torque converter, but there are no clearly fixed gears in the gearbox itself.

To make it clear in simple words, instead of the usual gears (as in manual transmissions, automatic transmissions or robots), shafts, pulleys and a variator belt are used. By changing the diameter of the pulleys, a smooth change occurs gear ratio. It turns out that the CVT variator has a large number of options for changing the gear ratio.

As a result given type The checkpoint makes it possible to achieve the highest level comfort, there are no switching moments, there is no power gap when switching. Also, the variator is a fairly economical type of gearbox, there is a mode that simulates manual step shifting.

If it speaks of cons, although the variator is cheaper to manufacture and a car with such a box is more affordable than in the case of automatic transmission and even some manual transmissions.

The variator is afraid of loads, slippage, abrupt starts, trailer towing, driving with constantly high speed etc. A car with such a gearbox is more suitable for a calm driver who usually operates the car in the city or drives along the highway at an average speed.

It should also be noted that there is a high sensitivity to quality transmission oil, which in the variator needs to be changed every 30-40 thousand km. At the same time, experts and experienced car enthusiasts note the extremely low maintainability of the variator, as well as the high cost of spare parts for boxes of this type.

This means that not every car service is able to repair the variator or service it (for example, replacing a chain or belt CVT variator), as well as to this repair qualitatively.

For this reason, the practice of aggregate replacement of a faulty variator with a contract one is widespread, while the used variator box in good condition is quite expensive.

(robot box) was developed a long time ago, however, for a number of reasons, manufacturers.

Today, thanks to the active development of technology, this type of gearbox is the most progressive. The robot box is actively mounted on different models cars, both in the budget and in the premium segment.

As for the device of the robot box, in fact it is a conventional manual gearbox (such gearboxes are also called), while the clutch is turned on and off, as well as the selection and shifting of gears occurs automatically. Also present manual mode, which allows the driver to independently upshift and downshift.

Please note that there are two types of robotic boxes:

single clutch robot (single disc);
preselective box with two clutches;

The first option has only a couple of advantages - affordable price both new and used cars with such a box, as well as fuel efficiency compared to automatic transmissions and some CVTs.

First of all, the single disk robot is simple and cheap to manufacture. Simply put, this is a manual transmission with an electronic control unit and servo actuators that control the operation of the clutch, as well as shift gears instead of the driver.

At the same time, while driving, such a box twitches at the moments of gear shifting, the driver often has to adapt himself to the algorithm of operation of such a machine, intuitively guessing and releasing gas before shifting.

There are no problems with the reliability of the box itself, but this does not apply to servo mechanisms (actuators) and the clutch. As a rule, the clutch within the framework of urban operation requires replacement already by 50-60 thousand km. run. Also, the automation on many cars with such a robot does not know how to “take into account” clutch wear, which requires constant adaptation every 20-25 thousand km.

As for the actuators, these elements fail by 80-90 thousand km. It should be noted that servo mechanisms are difficult to repair, which often requires their complete replacement. At the same time, the cost of new devices is often quite high.

If we talk about robots with two clutches (for example, or PowerShift), in this case, such boxes successfully combine many of the advantages of a hydromechanical automatic machine and conventional mechanics. Gear shifting is smooth and very fast, and high fuel efficiency is achieved. At the same time, the box is not so afraid of loads, overheating, is less sensitive to oil quality, etc.

It is based on the same mechanics, ECU and servo mechanisms, however, unlike single-disk robots, there are already two clutches. Simply put, two mechanical boxes are combined in one gearbox housing at once, one has a shaft with even and the other with odd gears.

At the moment when the car is moving in one gear, the ECU also immediately prepares the next speed (preselective gearbox) for switching on and keeps it almost completely engaged. As a result, the shift time is minimal, the driver does not feel jerks and shocks, the power flow is almost not interrupted, the car accelerates dynamically.

The disadvantages of gearboxes of this type include not only the already known problems with servo mechanisms and clutch, but also a more complex device of the gearbox itself. As a rule, such a robot does not cause problems, on average, 120-170 thousand km. Further breakdowns may occur. At the same time, repairs can turn out to be very costly, approaching in cost and even exceeding the price of repairing “classic” hydromechanical automatic transmissions.

Summing up

As you can see, each of the types of checkpoints discussed above has its own strengths and weak sides. For this reason, it is necessary to take into account certain features when choosing a particular machine.

If the main criterion is reliability and residual life (which is relevant for secondary market), then you should look towards the "classic" automatic transmissions. If you need a car for a calm and comfortable ride, a variator, especially if the car is purchased new, will be an excellent choice.

As for single disk robots, for many this is the only opportunity to purchase within a strictly limited budget. In this case, you should not count on driving comfort, you also need to take into account the small resource of servos. However, it will be a plus affordable price auto and fuel efficiency.

If we talk about preselective gearboxes of the DSG type, this type of gearbox today is the best solution only if the car is purchased new. When buying used cars with such a robot, even if the mileage is relatively small (130-150 thousand km), the potential owner must be prepared in advance for possible serious financial investments in the near future.

It is for this reason that the leader among automatic transmissions on the used car market is still, albeit not the most economical, but at the same time proven and reliable hydromechanical automatic transmission.

The device of the robotic gearbox

Also, the indicated types of gearboxes may differ in design features. By the way, robotic options may differ among themselves and in some characteristics of the design. Common to all versions is the presence in the structure of the principle of manual transmission (manual box), which is controlled, as we found out earlier, by electronic "brains".

The manual transmission device assumes the presence of a friction type clutch. It can be single disk or multi-disk. Modern options robotic boxes use the system double clutch. This feature allows you to avoid serious losses in power while maintaining dynamics.

Drive of robotic gearboxes

Drive systems in manual transmissions can be of two types: based on hydraulics or electrics. In the case of using electrical controllers, the design contains special devices and mechanisms such as servomotors. If the drive is presented hydraulic view, then the work takes place thanks to special cylinders controlled by solenoid valves.

Prominent representatives of such transmission systems are Fords and Opels. It is worth noting that electrical type drives are characterized by insufficient speed. It would be good to understand that hydraulic drive systems provide constant pressure, that is, energy costs in this case increase significantly. Most often, such solutions are provided for sports cars.

Scope of use

Robotic shift boxes can often be found on economy cars. Prominent representatives are Mitsubishi, Fiat, Peugeot. Along with the growth of the prestige and cost of the car, the likelihood of using hydraulic systems in its design is also growing.

Management process

As noted earlier, the robot is controlled by a special electrical mechanism. Special sensors and execution systems are built into such a mechanism. Sensors monitor the main parameters.

It is worth noting that monitoring pressure and temperature for manual transmission is almost prerequisite for normal uninterrupted operation. The sensors transmit the collected data to electric block control, which, based on them, creates control signals due to the special algorithms embedded in it.

Hydraulic systems, among other things, are provided as a structural element hydraulic elements providing management processes. It's time to consider the features of the operation and design of an automatic gearbox in order to figure out which is better: a robot or an automatic.

Automatic transmission

The automatic transmission is represented by two main modules - a torque converter and a gearbox. The primary function of the torque converter is smooth switching gears. In a certain context, it also plays the role of a clutch that is present on machines with a manual gearbox. The gearbox of the machine contains a number of pairs of gears that are in continuous engagement. The gear stages are 4th, 5th and 6th.

Advantages and disadvantages of an automatic shift box

Some motorists believe that an automatic is better. Let's try to figure out why by considering the characteristic features of automata. So, automatic transmission allows you to control the machine with comparative simplicity. There is no need to master the skills of using the clutch, gear shifting is also assigned to the box, a difficult moment for beginners - how to start off correctly, etc. and so on. - all this is assigned to the automatic transmission device.

Provided that the torque converter is considered as an analogue of the clutch, a simple conclusion can be drawn: the traditional clutch, due to insufficient skills and abilities of some drivers, quickly becomes inappropriate, and the likelihood of gearbox deformations appears. In addition, it is important that the use of automatic gearboxes in the design of cars gives less loads than analogues of this option in the form of robots.

This allows us to draw the following conclusion: the resource of the motor is not spent in vain. It should also be understood that the coefficient useful action machines with automation is characterized by low rates. This feature is due to the fact that the torque converter spends most of its useful action on the implementation of its correct operation. An important feature is also the fact that automatic gearboxes work with a slight delay. Now that we have taken a closer look at what robotic and automatic boxes are, we can talk about their differences.

The difference between robots and machines

If we consider both versions of the gearbox from the standpoint of operational moments, then the difference between them is small. In an automatic gearbox, there is simply no clutch, although the robotic version provides for it, however, it completely takes over control. In general, robotic boxes are an analogue mechanical boxes, the machines also provide for the presence of a system of hydromechanical elements.

Perhaps this is the main feature and difference between robotic and automatic options. It is worth considering and it is important to understand the nuance of overclocking with some delay. Liquids in automatic machines do not cope with the effects of the driven shafts in a timely manner due to the non-rigid clutch. This design feature was created specifically to play the role of a kind of "fuse".

The transformer will rotate in free mode, even if something jams. The efficiency, as we noted earlier, is relatively small, which contributes to the loss of part of the power. Also, with the engine off automatic transmission gear just won't work.

Pros and cons

The undoubted advantage of the robot in relation to the machine is a small price. Not only when buying a car, but also during the subsequent repair and maintenance of the transmission. In addition, the basis of the robot is the classic "mechanics", which has been tested and proven over the years.

If we talk about reliability indicators, then the automatic transmission loses again, because statistics show that owners of automatic machines go to repair shops more often than their fellow car enthusiasts with robotic gearboxes.

There are also issues of efficiency: the robot is characterized by less fuel loss, especially when covering long distances. An additional plus in the piggy bank of automation: drive and speed, ease of maintenance and no need to find workshops that would take care of maintenance and repairs. There are far fewer professionals in the field of robots.

Outcome

As we found out, the difference between a robotic gearbox and an automatic one is very small: it lies in power indicators, subtleties of maintenance and durability. In general, speaking seriously and from the standpoint of opinion professional drivers or simply specialists who know from and to the features of both structural and working, and the options for automatic execution, and robotic, then an unambiguous answer to the question: which is better? - simply no.

In the event that on automotive market at present, a universal design solution would be presented, many world concerns would have adopted it long ago and produced cars with a unified gearbox.

The final decision on the choice of this or that side, this or that car, with a machine gun or a robot, must be made by you yourself, having determined what you want more: smoothness or dynamics. The first parameter is characterized by an automatic box, the second - a robotic one. Good luck on the road and all the best!