What is better robot or automatic transmission. What is better automatic transmission or robot

31.07.2019

There are several automotive transmissions in the world. The most popular are mechanical box gear and automatic. On this moment many popular manufacturers began to use a robotic version in their new products. In the article, we will consider what it is - a robot gearbox, what reviews it receives and whether it has advantages and disadvantages.

Box Feature

The robot gearbox is, in fact, mechanical, it is just additionally built into it. automatic clutch and gear shifting. Accordingly, the operation of the transmission does not completely depend on the driver, as in other versions, but on the electronic control unit. The driver only needs to correctly transmit incoming information for correct operation transmission.

Device

Which gearbox is better, automatic or robot, we will consider a little later, first we need to know the device of the new invention. The automated gearbox received a friction-type clutch. This is a package of disks, or a built-in separate mechanism. The most reliable and durable can be called a design that has received a double clutch. Volkswagen Golf became the first car in the world to be equipped with a robotic gearbox. Reviews about the operation of the device were quite good, everyone noted a good response from the electronics, as well as perfect functionality during overclocking. In this case, the power flow was not interrupted. This is achieved by using a double clutch. In this case, switching speeds takes no more than 1 second. When working on Russian roads, unfortunately, the life of such a gearbox is reduced by at least half.

Peculiarities

The clutch drive can be electric, hydraulic. In the first case, it should be noted the presence of an electric motor and mechanical transmission. The second type of drive works due to the functioning of special cylinders that are controlled by a valve. electromagnetic type. In some cases, the robot gearbox, the variator of which is well arranged, is equipped with an electric motor. It moves the cylinders, and is also designed to maintain the operation of the hydromechanical unit. A similar device, which has a drive of this type, is distinguished by the duration of the gear change speed. As a rule, it varies from 0.3 to 0.5 seconds. However, when compared with hydraulic counterparts, the system will not need to constantly maintain a certain pressure. A striking example of such a car is Opel, the robot gearbox on this car generally pleases many drivers.

Hydraulic gearboxes have received a fast cycle, which provides gear changes in a time of 0.05 to 0.06 seconds. That is why such a transmission is most often used on race cars and supercars. Examples are Ferrari and Lamborghini. On machines that are budget class, such a gearbox cannot be delivered to a service station even as an additional option.

How does a checkpoint robot work?

Most of the mechanisms are regulated by special intelligent robot gearbox blocks. What it is? Thanks to this, that is, the work electronic system, you can track everything required parameters for the gearbox. The sensors also analyze the position of the transmission, oil pressure and other parameters for transmission to the main unit. After that, the electronics will form everything necessary actions to be performed. In the form of short signals, they will be sent to the electric drive and solenoid valves, respectively, this will allow you to quickly but smoothly shift the gearbox.

Operating modes

The design of the automatic variator and the robot gearbox remains incomprehensible to many. This device works on the principles of mechanics. However, if the user wishes, it can be switched to automation. After the person switches to the appropriate mode, the electronic unit will be blocked. The latter himself will begin to analyze the algorithm of work. The driver only needs to press the gas pedal and monitor what is happening on the road. Quite often in traffic jams, judging by the reviews, the robot gearbox becomes indispensable. If the mode is manual, then the driver will be allowed to independently shift gears from low to high, and vice versa. Operation can be carried out using a conventional gear lever.

Relevance of the box in Russia

Unfortunately, domestic producers practically do not use a robot gearbox to create cars. What it is, many drivers do not know. However, in 2015 it was announced that cars from VAZ, which belong to the Priora series, would be equipped with a robot. Such a box weighs about 35 kg, and it is fully adapted to Russian roads and weather conditions. For example, if old box the machine did not make it possible to start the car at temperatures below 25 degrees, then the robot can show Good work, even if this mark drops to -40. The warranty period for the robotic box is 3 years, but the manufacturer stated that the average period of operation is 10 years. This is how the company wanted to achieve a return of popularity for the Priora series cars.

Advantages

Reviews gearbox robot deserved very good. Let's consider its main advantages. Many say that it is convenient when the gearbox has all the advantages of an automatic and mechanics. Accordingly, a person working with the machine can experience the operation of an automatic transmission. But at the same time, he should not worry that too much fuel will be spent.

The main advantage of such a gearbox is efficiency. According to users, the design received software, which rationally determines the torque. And when compared with an ordinary person, electronics do not get nervous, do not get tired, do not fall into depression, and physical activity does not affect it. That is why the robotic gearbox has become widespread in the world market.

At the moment, such a transmission is equipped in cars of classes A, B, C. It should be noted that Toyota Corolla also received a robot gearbox. More this device installed on German car Volkswagen Amarok. Moreover, this "German" can be bought in such a configuration both on the Russian and European markets.

However, this is not an exhaustive list of advantages, there are several more. Judging by the reviews, this transmission is highly reliable. Replacement of mechanisms will be required only after a run of 250 thousand km. Often, a clutch needs to be repaired, which does not tolerate heavy loads very well, especially when it comes to driving in difficult areas. The robotic box cost is much less than standard machine. Moreover, the robot gearbox is very unpretentious in maintenance. Oil is the only thing that must be changed every 60 thousand kilometers.

Weight features

Box weight is quite important question. By given parameter the transmission performs better than the automatic, as it is much lighter. The curb weight of such a box for cars will be no more than 50 kg, while the weight of the machine only starts from this mark and reaches 100 kg in maximum positions. Accordingly, with the robot, the car will be lighter, that is, shock absorbers, wheels and the engine are not under heavy load.

Flaws

What is a box machine robot, we have already considered, we also discussed the advantages of a machine running on such a device. However, it also has its drawbacks. You should find out which ones. For example, the main disadvantage is the speed of gear shifting. Because of this, strong pressure can be applied to the car, especially if a person is in a traffic jam. Often the car accelerates with jerks, which is more suitable for sports driving. That is why for all lovers of quiet driving, manufacturers of such a gearbox set a special mode. And if this problem can be dealt with, then the safety of driving on slopes on such a car is a rather urgent issue.

The robotic box does not receive constant signals from the engine. That is why it can often turn off, respectively, the car will roll down the slope. But, fortunately, judging by the reviews, few people got into such a situation. In general, considering all negative sides, this box can still be called one of the best.

Technological progress does not stand still, not so long ago it was believed that learning to drive is better on the mechanics, and it is cheaper to maintain it, but now everything has changed. automatic transmission or robotic box untie their hands when traveling, the driver no longer has to think about changing gears. Even racing cars equip with such gearboxes, to say nothing of ordinary motorists. To decide which is better, you must first understand the device of each variety, the pros and cons.

According to statistics, about half of the cars currently sold are with automatic transmission. Its purpose is to change the frequency and torque transmitted to the drive wheels in a wider range than the engine can provide. But different box designs do this a little differently.

Automatic transmission

An automatic transmission is a type of transmission where the gear ratio is selected automatically, depending on several factors. Only those gearboxes are called automatic, where there are necessarily two structural elements: a planetary gear and a torque converter. The transformer is responsible for transmitting torque from the engine, the rotation is transmitted due to the fluid - oil.

Automatic transmission device

The planetary gear appeared as structural element as early as the beginning of the 20th century. The first mass-produced car, the Ford T, had such an element in its design. It has been produced all over the world since 1908 for almost twenty years in millions of batches. But back in 1906 he began to produce Cadillac car, with fully automatic transmission.

The first car with a planetary gear - Ford T

The planetary gear resembles the movement of the planets around the sun. The components of this mechanism are listed below:

In the center of the gearbox is the so-called "sun" or small gear.
The carrier is a lever mechanism.
Large gear wheel with internal gears.
Satellites - an analogue of the planets of the solar system, gears, revolve around the "sun".

The device of the planetary automatic transmission system

Planetary system - several planetary gears. The torque converter transmits torque, but there is no rigid connection between the engine and the box, unlike mechanics. It's like a clutch in a manual transmission. There is a slight loss of power during the transmission of movement due to the lack of a rigid connection with the engine, but due to the hydraulics, the stroke is softer. Certain gears in the planetary system are blocked, and a reduction, overdrive or direct transmission is obtained.

When you have to get to work through traffic jams, it is more convenient to use automatic transmission. Then the driver does not have to press a lot of levers, and control does not require such concentration as when operating the mechanics. Indeed, after several hours in the stream of cars, the legs get tired, and the loss of concentration can lead to an emergency. People for whom manual transmission is incomprehensible choose automation, and many of the students include themselves among them. At the same time, the service life of the above models is the same. The impact on the human factor is also reduced, there is no need to constantly monitor the machine.

The gear shifts smoothly, the car moves without sharp jerks. The gearbox adapts to the driver, so the ride is comfortable, regardless of the chosen driving style. Clutch discs and release bearing last longer, and this feature is noted even by experienced drivers who have used manual transmission all their lives. Automatic machines began to be produced earlier, so there are fewer pitfalls in their behavior. Measures are constantly taken to improve the design, as a result, fuel consumption is reduced.

For comfort during the trip, soft acceleration, you have to pay a higher cost of the gearbox and a decrease in efficiency. During hydraulic transmission, there is a mismatch between the rotational frequencies of the turbine and pump wheels. This process is called hydraulic transmission slip, it is present in any mode of operation of the transmission. But, if the speed is constant, there is no braking and acceleration, torque converter blocking is applied. The hydraulic transformer is excluded from the torque transmission circuit. The motor is directly connected to the gearbox shaft.

Automatic transmission in the context

You will have to leave a considerable amount in a car service if something breaks. The reason for this is the complexity of the mechanism. If the battery dies, you won't be able to start the car. folk methods. With a manual transmission, you can simply push the car, and automatic transmission will break when using this method. Machines in budget cars may be delayed in responding to commands. The decision is made by the system, not the person, so it is more difficult to control the machine.

The car owner will have to exercise caution when driving. In the cold season, you often have to skid in the snow in order to get through difficult area. When iron Horse equipped with automatic transmission, such manipulations lead to its overheating. If you continue like this, the car will quickly break down.

Handling with automatic transmission in winter is slightly worse than on mechanics

The conclusion is the following — handling in winter is worse than in summer, especially when traveling out of town. The automatic transmission is more suitable for quiet city conditions, rather than cross-country racing. In the event of a breakdown, you can not tow the car, you will have to pay for a tow truck. You can not abruptly start off, switch to parking mode or park carelessly, otherwise you will have to repair the device ahead of schedule.

It works on the same principle as a mechanical one, has a similar design with gears. But the separation of the crankshaft of the motor from power transmission vehicle and gear shifting in the box is carried out automatically. The device is controlled by electronics, and the motorist only submits information to the input.

Management is carried out electronic unit with servo drives or actuators, which are of two types - hydraulic and electric motors. When the actuators are given the command to shift, one actuator depresses the clutch. The other one turns on the required speed by moving the synchronizers.

Hydraulic drive is more expensive, and it is installed only on cars executive class or sports cars. Operation involves the use brake fluid. It is under pressure and accelerates the switching process to 0.05 sec. Therefore, hydraulics are chosen by racers and street racers. The electric drive is used more often, as it is cheaper. But the switching delay is tenths of a second, which is felt at the time of acceleration.

Left - hydraulic drive, right - electric drive

There are two operating modes of the box - automatic and manual. In the first case, the computer sends an order to change gears based on the collected data. various systems. This includes the speed of movement, the number of engine revolutions and other indicators. If manual mode is activated, a person gives commands using the control levers - the paddles under the steering wheel and the gear selector. The motorist himself adjusts the selector and sets a limit on the gear change by the robot.

Paddle shift paddle

To fully understand how the robotic box works, it is worth considering its design. The device is identical to the manual transmission. It consists of a body called the crankcase. Inside are shafts arranged parallel to each other. Gears are attached to them, which are engaged in pairs. The box is two-shaft or three-shaft.

Robotic gearbox device

Torque is transmitted from the motor to the primary, also called the drive shaft. The converted moment is sent to the drive wheels from the secondary - the driven one. The difference between the shafts is that on the secondary, the gears can rotate freely, while on the drive they are rigidly attached. Often the slave is divided into two to reduce its length and, accordingly, the dimensions of the box. To prevent the torque from being applied to the wheels, select the "neutral" position. In this mode, the gears rotate freely on the driven shaft.

When using a manual transmission, you must press the clutch pedal before changing gear. Otherwise input shaft will not be disconnected from the vehicle engine. Electronics built into robotic modifications relieves the burden on the driver. Therefore, while driving, a person does not need to press the clutch pedal with his foot.

After the clutch has actuated, the driver moves the synchronizers using the gear lever. They are special mechanisms that equalize the speed of the driven shaft and the activated gear. When the clutch is engaged, the torque is transferred to the driven shaft with the desired coefficient. It is then fed to main gear and wheels.

The first robots were presented as an invention that combined positive traits mechanics and automatic. New items with an electronic control unit inherited a robust design from the manual transmission. In the event of a breakdown, it is not difficult to find a master who will repair it.

Improved mechanisms are also distinguished low consumption fuel and oil in comparison with automatic transmission. Compared to many torque converters, robotic modifications consume 30% less fuel.

CVT and torque converter models have a more complex design and break more often. A distinctive feature of robots is simpler control than when operating mechanics.

The advantages of robotic devices include comfort during the trip. To get rid of jerks in modern models two independent clutches are installed. Such boxes are called preselective, they switch gears in 0.02 seconds. They allow you to activate the next stage when the gear is engaged, without interrupting work and maintaining traction. Comfort during the trip and improved dynamics is achieved by reducing the moment of power breaking.

Dual-plate clutch in a robotic gearbox

The robot can have up to 10 speeds, as in the recently introduced by the company Volkswagen auto. If you choose manual transmission, maximum amount gears - only 8. Devices with an electronic control unit were invented about 20 years ago and launched in mass production. Now you can find it like budget sedan, and a tuned sports car with a robotic gearbox.

Unlike a live driver, the robot cannot feel the moment when the discs close and smoothly change speed. Therefore, the movement can occur with jerks. To make it smoother, the creators of robotic gearboxes have taken steps. In improved modifications, at the moments of gear change, the electronics for some time breaks the power flow transmitted to the wheels from the motor. Therefore, unpleasant dips disappear during acceleration.

The principle of operation of the robotic gearbox

Such designs are smaller, with a smoother ride, but they will cost more. A single electromagnetic servo drive is installed in them. The gear selection mechanism is quicker and the power break time is shortened.

Robots require compliance with the rules of operation. The driver should not press hard on the gas, and when braking, it is recommended to press the pedal harder. With a sharp set or slipping, the gearbox may fail. It is necessary to ensure that the clutch does not overheat during movement.

Automation adjusts to the driving style of the car owner. The firmware of the robot control unit is set to a mode that supports only one style. Another disadvantage is that for racing on the track you will have to buy a modification with a hydraulic drive, and it will cost much more. Manual transmission repairs will be cheaper, and when traveling on worn-out road surfaces, such a mechanism will last longer. The electronic mechanism may fail after an incorrectly performed flashing or chip tuning. In the worst case, you will have to change the clutch.

Automatic or robot - the choice is not easy, but there is also a variator. But the variator does not switch speeds, since there they change smoothly. That is, it is not a speed changer. And a robot with automation can be quite compared in terms of material parameters, acceleration dynamics, behavior in adverse conditions- when slipping, maneuvering on difficult road surfaces.

If we consider the comfort of the trip, in the first place is the automatic transmission. When it is more important to strive for profit, the robotic gearbox is in the lead, in which less consumption fuel and oil. But automatic transmissions are considered more predictable when traveling. In appearance when buying, it can be difficult to assess whether a robot or machine is in front of a future owner. In both options, there is no clutch pedal, so you need to ask in advance which gearbox the selected model is equipped with.

Below you can find a comparison table between automatic transmission and robotic transmission.

	automatic transmission	Robotic checkpoint
pros	Smooth acceleration and movement	The design is simpler than that of automatic transmission
	Ease of machine control	Fuel economy and higher efficiency compared to automatic transmission
	No need to constantly replace the clutch	Repair and maintenance is cheaper than automatic transmission
Minuses	Efficiency is lower than that of a robot	Jerking on start-up and gear changes
	Higher fuel consumption	Gear shifting slower
	High cost, including repairs	Unpredictability of behavior in severe road conditions

Summing up

It is impossible to say which system is better - automatic or robotic. If such a conclusion could be drawn for all machines, manufacturers have long been producing gearboxes of the same type. When purchasing a car, you need to consider the following factors:

Which roads are supposed to be driven - urban or suburban. For busy streets better automatic transmission, and when traveling on the tracks, a robot will also do, since you don’t have to accelerate and brake all the time.
Does fuel consumption matter - automatic transmission has it a little more.
Recommendations from those who have already tried this box.
The price of an automatic transmission, as well as its repair, is more expensive than a robotic one.
Driving with automatic transmission is more comfortable for both the driver and passengers, because there are no sharp shocks during acceleration.

Gearbox robot or automatic: which is better

5 (100%) 1 voted

It is worth noting that each of these types of checkpoints has its pros and cons. It is not surprising that when choosing a car, many potential owners are interested in which gearbox is on a particular model. Next, we will try to understand this issue and talk about which is better, a robot or an automatic transmission.

Read in this article

Robot or automatic transmission: which is better

Let's start with the fact that the robotic gearbox began to appear en masse on various cars relatively recently. At the same time, the hydromechanical automatic machine is a time-tested solution.

The automatic transmission is based on the valve plate () and the box itself, which is a planetary gearbox with a set of clutches and gears. This transmission can be installed all-wheel drive cars, cars with rear or front wheel drive. Transmission of this type able to work softly and smoothly, copes well with large volumes, is reliable and durable under the condition competent operation and timely quality service.

As a result, the owner receives comfort, smoothness, and the process of driving a car is greatly simplified. As for maintenance, this gearbox does not have the usual by analogy with or manual transmission, there is no need to periodically change this unit.

If we talk about the disadvantages of automatic transmission, first of all, it is worth highlighting increased consumption fuel and reduced efficiency, the high cost of maintaining and repairing a box or gas turbine engine, as well as changing such a fluid every 40-60 thousand km. run.

Also, initially, many cars of the same class are more expensive than analogues with a robotic gearbox. If speak about secondary market, on average, the difference can be 15-25%, which also often plays a role in the choice.

A robotic gearbox (robot box) can be represented by two options: the so-called or preselective box (for example,).

Although the robotic transmission copes with its task in the same way as an automatic transmission, that is, the gears are switched without the participation of the driver, such a box is fundamentally different from classic slot machines by design and principle of operation.

Let's start with simple single-clutch robots. In a nutshell, a robotic gearbox is a manual transmission where the clutch is switched on and off automatically instead of the driver. The selection and switching on / off of gears is also automatically implemented. Servo mechanisms that operate under the control are responsible for performing these functions.

In fact, we get ordinary mechanics with automatic control operation of the checkpoint. It is important to understand that gear shifting in this box occurs according to the same principle as in a manual transmission. This means that when driving, the driver may feel jolts at the moment of switching, the robot delays gear shifting, etc., that is, comfort suffers in comparison with automatic transmission.

We also add that the clutch on such boxes fails quite quickly (often faster than on a manual transmission). Even as the clutch wears out, this box needs to be “trained”, since the automation, unlike the driver who physically controls the clutch with a separate pedal on the manual transmission, is not able to “adjust” on its own and take into account the changed setting point.

The owners also note the short service life of the manual transmission servomechanisms. These devices are quite expensive and have low maintainability. However, even taking into account all the disadvantages, single-disk robots are the cheapest type of “automatic machines”. Compared with automatic transmissions, it is worth highlighting their high fuel efficiency, good acceleration dynamics and the relative ease of maintenance and repair of the box (with the exception of servo mechanisms).

Now let's move on to preselective robots. These boxes, in their design and principle of operation, are similar to conventional manual transmissions and AMTs, however, they have not one clutch, but two at once. As a result, while the car is in one gear, the next one is also almost completely engaged. This scheme allows you to switch very quickly, the driver simply does not notice the moments of switching, the comfort is significantly increased.

This type of gearbox can rightly be considered the most economical, since the fastest possible gear changes make it possible to achieve an almost constant and inseparable transmission of traction from to the drive wheels. As for the disadvantages of preselective gearboxes with two clutches compared to automatic transmissions, these are a smaller resource, problems with servo mechanisms, high cost and complexity of repairs, the need to change clutch packs as they wear out.

As you can see, it will not work to immediately give an unambiguous answer to the question, a robot or an automatic transmission, which is better to choose and why. The fact is that, having considered all the strong and weak sides robots and hydromechanical gearboxes, choose among them the best machine It's hard enough.

First of all, it is recommended to independently conduct a test drive of models similar in characteristics with different types vending machines to immediately receive general idea about how the types of transmissions in question behave when driving.
On the one hand, if we compare a single-disk robot and a classic automatic transmission, the first option will be the most affordable and economical, and ease of repair is also noted.
As for the automatic transmission, this box is a comfortable and often quite reliable solution, but such a unit is more expensive to maintain and repair.
If we talk about robots with two clutches, they are no longer inferior to automatic transmissions in terms of comfort, while they win in terms of acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency, and they are also cheaper to maintain.

It would seem that it is preselective gearboxes of the DSG type and other similar analogues that are in the lead in all respects, but do not forget about reliability. In less.

Now let's go directly to the choice and immediately start with new cars. If the cost of the car is the main determining factor, that is, it is needed, then it is quite possible to look towards single-disk robots.

If a car of average or high class, then a preselective gearbox with two clutches will be the best solution. The only thing, both in the first and in the second case, you can count on uptime robotic transmission to the mark of 100-150 thousand km.

In the case when it is planned to drive a lot by car or the car is purchased based on long term operation, then it is better to immediately pay attention to models with a reliable classic hydromechanical automatic transmission.

In a situation where you plan to buy a used car, you need to remember that the resource of robots is usually less than automatic transmission. Also, the repair of a preselective robotic box may require no less investment than a classic machine.

This means that automatic transmission models in the secondary market are usually more preferable than a robot. The reason is quite obvious, since it is more likely that such a box still has an acceptable residual life and will not require expensive repairs in the near future.

All about the variator device

- a type of automatic transmission. It is intended for smooth transmission torque from the engine to the wheels and stepless change in the gear ratio in a fixed range.

Chain CVT 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 gear ratio is changed by moving the rollers about 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 the positive and negative sides of the 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 most simple view transmissions as per technical device, as well as the principle of operation.

Despite the apparent advantages that provide fuel economy and driving comfort, the 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 of a manual transmission and an automatic transmission. 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 the robotic gearbox are:

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

The principle of operation of the robot is practically no different from the functioning of 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 box control sequence. 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 robot's behavior 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 robot came into being. double clutch, developed Volkswagen Group. 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 a 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.

When it's time to choose new car, we tend to think about what type of engine and gearbox our future car. If earlier the choice consisted of two options - mechanical or automatic transmission, today, along with the usual "mechanics", you can choose an automatic, robotic or continuously variable transmission. In this article, we will look at the pros and cons of the transmissions listed above.

Simple complex "mechanics"

According to its design, a manual gearbox is just an arranged unit, unless, of course, we compare it with automatic and robotic transmissions. This simplicity determines the low cost of a car equipped with such a box, and ease of maintenance and operation.

However, one can argue about the latter: the principle of operation of a manual transmission involves the active participation of the driver, and therefore the role of the human factor in the operation of the "mechanics" is very large. It's one thing if he drives a car with a manual transmission experienced driver who knows at what speeds it is necessary to switch to one or another gear, and who knows how to operate in difficult conditions(for example, if the car is stuck in snow or sand). It is a completely different matter when a novice drives a car with this type of transmission. There is a big risk here that, due to banal ignorance of the manual transmission operating rules, a novice driver can, as they say, ruin the box in a relatively short period of time (while maximum resource such a unit can be hundreds of thousands of kilometers). Those who still decide to choose a car with a manual transmission should know all about the positive and negative sides this type of transmission.

Advantages of manual transmission:

1) Simplicity of design, relative cheapness of repair and maintenance.

2) Long service life (some gearboxes of this type can be used even after the “native” car engine fails).

3) Fuel economy (compared to automatic transmission, a car on the "mechanics" consumes 10-15% less fuel) and high acceleration dynamics.

4) High percentage ratio useful action(allows you to use the full power of the engine and its torque).

5) Good acceleration of the car (speed of increase in engine speed) in which the driver himself chooses the style of driving, adjusting the moment of gear shifting.

6) Less weight than automatic transmission.

7) The ability to start the engine with a failed ignition and battery.

8) The ability to tow a car without using a tow truck, on a hard or flexible hitch for any distance.

Disadvantages of manual transmission:

1) Difficulty of operation for beginners (beginning drivers, due to the need to use the clutch, can damage both the clutch itself and the components of the box - for example, by turning on the reverse instead of the forward gear or not fully engaging the clutch).

2) Motor overload due to incorrect gear shifting (also applies to inexperienced drivers who may forget to switch to a higher or lower stage in time, thereby forcing the engine to run at high speeds).

3) Increased, in comparison with the automatic transmission, the shift interval (during the shift from the lowest to the highest stage and vice versa, the engine is disconnected from the transmission for a certain period of time, which leads to a loss of power).

4) Driver fatigue during the operation of the "mechanics" when driving in urban mode (you have to constantly turn on / off the gears).

Convenient, but expensive to maintain "automatic"

If a manual transmission is simple in design, then automatic quantity there are more components and assemblies, which, in turn, affects the high cost of its manufacture, repair and operation.

However, such a box is more convenient to use, especially when driving in the city, since it does not require constant engagement / disengagement of the clutch - this will appeal to novice drivers. Thus, human participation in work automatic transmission minimized. In addition, today the buyer can choose from several types of automatic transmissions: hydromechanical transmission (the usual "automatic"), manual transmission with two clutches, gearbox and continuously variable. Each of these types of transmissions has its pros and cons, which we will dwell on in more detail, but first we will point out the general positive and negative features of automatic transmissions.

Advantages of automatic transmission:

1) Ease of operation (no need to constantly engage the clutch).

2) No risk of overloading the engine (the “automatic” box itself chooses the optimal moment for switching up or down).

3) Reduced time between transitions with lower rung to higher and back without loss of engine power.

Disadvantages of automatic transmission:

1) Expensive repairs and maintenance.

2) The large weight of the unit (compared to a manual transmission).

3) Relatively low throttle response of the car (most typical for hydromechanical automatic transmissions).

4) Higher fuel consumption compared to "mechanics" (typical for hydromechanical, robotic gearboxes and variators).

5) The impossibility of towing a car on a flexible or rigid hitch (only with the help of a tow truck).

6) Lack of engine braking in drive mode(for this type of braking, you have to switch to a lower gear).

7) A small operating life compared to a manual transmission up to (maximum - up to 200 thousand kilometers).

Now let's dwell on the negative and positive qualities of each type of automatic transmission indicated here.

So, the advantages of a hydromechanical gearbox include the possibility of transmitting a large torque from the engine to the wheels, the reliability and durability of the structure. By cons - failures when shifting gears, the impossibility of towing.

TO positive aspects we attribute the relative cheapness (compared to other “automatic machines”) of production and operation to a robotic gearbox, and jerks when switching gears to the minuses.

The dual-clutch transmission delivers maximum torque at the level of a manual transmission without sacrificing engine power. But the negative point in the operation of such a box is its unreliable design and expensive repairs.

Finally, the advantages of a continuously variable variator include the smoothest gearshift of all the listed gearboxes and the ability to use the maximum efficiency of the engine. And to the minuses - a relatively short service life before overhaul (as practice shows, often carry out overhaul variators account for a run of 100-110 thousand kilometers) and the inability to transfer maximum torque from the engine to the wheels.

Outcome

So far, the most practical in many ways is a manual transmission. But progress does not stand still, and modern automatic transmissions are becoming more reliable, durable and, most importantly, economical. This type of transmission as a box with two clutches has already been "taught" to spend less fuel than normal manual transmission. But the complexity of the design and the resulting high cost of repair and maintenance of such transmissions so far does not speak in favor of "automatic".