What to choose machine or robot. "Automatic" or "mechanics": the pros and cons of gearboxes

31.07.2019

Choosing a car is a long and troublesome business. After all, you need to decide on the class, manufacturer, specific model. Before many car owners there is another very important question - which gearbox to choose? On this moment the choice is quite wide: the simplest machine has become an alternative to the usual mechanics. But two fundamentally different options have entered the market for a long time: robot and variator. And if almost every boy knows about the first two, then about the latter there is many questions. The choice must of course be based on personal preferences and the requirements of the driver, who will have to press the pedals and shift gears. Each car enthusiast has his own style, his own priorities and goals, his own driving style, which determines the final choice. For example, sharp lover start and racing on the roads (and off-road) will not give up the usual mechanical box . He presses the pedals "on the machine", without thinking about his actions. And not a single machine or CVT will allow him to achieve the desired result. But people who are tired of constantly shifting gears, getting into traffic jams, gladly give this "right" automatic box. So the choice between mechanics and automatic is quite obvious. But what about the other options? How to determine which is better: CVT or automatic transmission?

CVT or automatic: which is more reliable?

This issue worries many drivers, because in the event of a breakdown and the need for repairs, car owners will have to pay a considerable amount of money. Only experienced mechanics who are professionally engaged in the repair of automatic transmissions can fix the problem on their own. Such high complexity of work, of course, leads to significant cost, incomparable with the price of repairing a manual transmission. But such an item as reliability requires a special attitude. First you need to decide what the variator is, what is its exclusivity.

The difference between a variator and an automatic

Habitual automatic transmission noticeably makes life easier for the driver, eliminating the clutch pedal and the need to manually shift to new gear. This (far from the most pleasant process) is done by smart electronics, so that the owner of the car only needs to switch between desired modes Yes, control the brake and gas pedal. Nevertheless, the gears are switched, the number of steps starts from four and can go up to eight. The transition between them is as smooth as possible, but it is still felt.

Variable speed drive same has unlimited number of "speeds", it is simply impossible to count them. Difference between the variator and the machine is primarily that the variator has no gears to be switched. Gear ratios change constantly because the design consists of two pulleys between which the belt rotates. Of course, such a description greatly simplifies real device this complex apparatus. The strength of the belt is very high, because it consists of small metal plates and looks more like a chain. There can be no question of any gear shifting in this case. The variator independently selects the optimal position of the belt, which explains the rapid change in gear ratio.

If you do not know how to distinguish a variator from an automatic, then simply ride in the car. Gear shifting (even the smoothest) will be felt. This is especially noticeable at the time of picking up speed. And here variable speed drive characterized by incredible soft ride without jerks. You can also notice a faster set of speeds due to the fact that the variator does not need to spend time switching gears.

It is very difficult to compare the reliability of these devices. It is worth noting the fact that the variator is controlled by a large number of different sensors As a result, the chance of breakage is much lower. But even if at least one sensor fails, the rest can follow it. Besides automatic transmission repair will cost less than the repair of the variator. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is a small number of qualified specialists.

What is the difference between a robot and an automatic machine and a variator?

The robotic gearbox brings drivers back to the already well-known manual. It is very similar to its predecessor, but differs in that computer takes control. Of course, you will not find clutch pedals here either. Automatic and CVT suggest large quantity sensors and options for controlling the vehicle electronically. If you decide what better robot or a variator, then you need to proceed from a specific situation. For example, drivers accustomed to sharp style ride and machine control, quickly run out of robot resources. A large load is already placed on the clutch assembly, fast acceleration And hard braking lead to breakdown. However, the repair of such a box will cost only a little more than a mechanical one.

Variator: pros and cons

There are certain advantages and disadvantages of this type of gearbox. Some of them are subjective, but others deserve special attention when choosing a car.

pros:

Smooth ride without jerks and sensations of gear changes.
Fuel economy.
Low noise level.
Fast acceleration.

Minuses:

Very expensive repair, a small number of professionals who understand this type of gearbox.
Many sensors that control the operation of the variator. If one fails, the whole system can fail, which will lead to serious damage.
The variator is rarely installed on cars with a powerful engine.
You will need a special expensive fluid that is only suitable for certain brands of cars.

You can also note the fact that the CVT does not allow the car to make a roar during acceleration. Electronics and electrics control the condition of the car, avoiding high speeds.

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 terms, 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 in the gear ratio occurs. It turns out that the CVT variator has a large number of gear ratio options.

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 gear 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 electronic unit control and actuator servo mechanisms 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 servos are difficult to repair, which often requires them 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 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 economy.

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.

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 manual transmission system.
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 save (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 completely replacing the 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.

"Automatic", CVT or robot?
Which gearbox should be preferred

"Automatic" or mechanics? Residents of megacities and big cities are increasingly choosing automatic transmissions. The actual question, in fact, is one - which transmission to prefer?

Hydromechanical gearbox

In the people it is called the usual or classic "automatic". Actually, it is classic because it began to be used in the first half of the last century, and became widespread already in the 1960s. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that there is no rigid connection between the wheels and the engine. Torque is transmitted to the wheels through working fluid through two turbines.

Imagine a fan. By turning it on, we get air flow. And now let's take a children's propeller flower on a stick and bring it to a working fan. The propeller will start spinning. The hydromechanical “automatic” works exactly the same way. Only instead of air there transmission fluid(rather viscous), under pressure and enclosed in a sealed case. On the one hand, a screw coming from the engine (instead of a fan), and on the other, a screw that finally connects to the wheels (propeller).

Thanks to the liquid, it is possible to move smoothly and make the shifts soft, without strong jerks. As for gear shifts, they used to take place at the command of hydraulic control units, and now with the help of electronics. Thanks to her, by the way, in modern boxes appeared winter, sports and economical modes, as well as the possibility manual switching gears.

Previously, the norm for a torque converter "automatic" was 4 steps, which replaced the entire range of 5-speed mechanics. Typical examples such boxes remained with Peugeot and Renault. But for last years engineering thought has stepped far forward: no one can be surprised by 6-, 7-, 8-speed "automatic machines". Jeep, for example, is already putting 9-speed automatic transmissions on its SUVs, and the mass appearance of 10-speed ones is just around the corner, despite the fact that some engineers have previously stated that a car does not need more than seven gears.

Of course, there are also disadvantages. Switching is still felt and not as fast as we would like. In such a transmission, quite big losses Efficiency for mixing oil. And the most important thing - increased consumption fuel compared to mechanical and robotic gearboxes. Many of these problems have been successfully dealt with by engineers in the last decade. However, manufacturers do not recommend towing a car with such a transmission on a cable for a long time and slipping.

The advantages include high reliability traditional "automatic", the possibility of its use not only on paved roads, but also off-road. It is comfortable in the city and on the highway. In addition, such a box has a service life of about 200-250 thousand kilometers, or even more with proper care. It can be repaired, and most importantly, there are enough specialists in our country who are able to give it a new life.

Variable speed drive

According to the principle of operation, such a transmission is as close as possible to a bicycle gearbox. Several sprockets front and rear are connected by a chain. I threw the chain onto the rear sprocket of a larger diameter - and it became easier to go uphill, but you need to pedal more often. From the hill, on the contrary - the asterisk should be larger in front, and smaller in the back.

In cars, instead of sprockets, there are two pulleys (truncated cones), which, unlike sprockets, change their diameter smoothly. And instead of a chain, as a rule, belts made of metal plates are installed. Although in the designs of Subaru and Audi you can find chain drive. Due to the fact that the diameter of the pulleys can change smoothly, the gear ratios also change smoothly, that is, there are no gear shifts at all. Because of this, CVTs are also called continuously variable transmissions.

In theory, such a design should help save fuel, accelerate the car faster, since the electronics accurately select the best gear ratio and constantly supports it, and be incredibly comfortable in terms of smoothness. The last statement is a fact. Since you don’t need to switch, then jerks have nowhere to come from. But with all the other statements you can argue.

Previously, when CVT automatic transmissions first appeared, they were connected to the engine using the same torque converter, with all the ensuing pluses (torque increase in transients) and minuses (hydrodynamic resistance). Hence the extra energy costs and, as a result, fuel efficiency at the level of traditional automatic machines (under certain conditions a little more, under others - a little less). But in recent years, a wet or dry clutch block has been used as a link, so that the economy has improved by an order of magnitude.

However, there is work to be done. The belt is not a very reliable thing, it can break when heavy loads. Hence another limitation - you can not use the variator on too powerful machines and diesels with high traction. In addition, the variator cannot be listened to like other gearboxes; when driving, it freezes at certain (the most efficient) speeds and buzzes like a trolleybus. Engineers are fighting this by introducing the possibility of manual shifting and developing an electronic algorithm that simulates the operation of a stepped transmission. But in this case, the very idea is called into question.

These gearboxes are very common in cars. Japanese made and every year they become more comfortable and reliable. CVTs, with proper care, can last a very long time, but categorically do not like slippage, which makes their use off-road and in mud unproductive. The maintainability of the variator is a moot point, we have few specialists who can figure it out.

If we consider buying a used car with a CVT, it should be borne in mind that this type of transmission is frictional, that is, working on friction. And friction is wear and tear. Unlike other boxes, where friction occurs only at the moment of switching, here it is constant. So for drivers who love to drive and skid, the variator wears out very quickly.

Robotic mechanics

The classic robot is an automated manual transmission. They are put, for example, on Smart, Peugeot, Citroen. Its device is the same as that of a conventional manual box, but the clutch pedal has been replaced by an electronic unit, which, based on the conditions and driving mode, opens and closes the clutch itself when necessary, clicking gears. Hence the pauses during switching, jerks and pecks during intense acceleration. Like traditional mechanics, the robot does not like slippage.

Main advantage robotic mechanics- high fuel efficiency, usually even better than three-pedal cars. In addition, when buying new car the robot will cost less than other automatic transmissions. However, when buying a used car, you should be careful: Schumachers do not have such boxes for a long time - in best case you will need to change the clutch discs, at worst - the entire box. In addition, during operation, you still need to wield the gear lever. In traffic jams, you must always switch to neutral so as not to overheat the clutch, and on the slopes the car rolls back unhindered.

Frankly, the evolutionary branch of such boxes has reached a dead end, giving rise to more advanced mechanisms.

Preselective transmission or dual clutch robot

The most famous of all such developments is the box DSG gear, massively installed on Volkswagen cars. Today, this is perhaps the most advanced type of transmission. In fact, these are two ordinary robotic boxes combined together. The first is responsible for odd gears, and the second for even ones. Due to this, two gears are turned on at the same time, as it were, with the only caveat that the disk of one of them is closed, and the other is open.

This decision helped to get rid of the main disadvantages of conventional robots - long pauses during switching and jerking. As soon as the first disk opens, the second immediately closes. So fast that you don't have time to blink an eye. The switching time of, say, a DSG box is seven milliseconds. Thanks to this scheme, the smoothness of the ride is comparable to the CVT - we just do not have time to notice the interruption in the supply of torque to the wheels. So, a robot with two independent clutches switches not only up, but also down. The gearbox control unit analyzes the data on the pedals and steering gear and prepares in advance the most advantageous gear for the given situation. Thanks to electronics, this transmission has a sport and manual mode.

Not only VW has such boxes, but also, say, Porsche-PDK, Ford PowerShift. However, all of them are united not only by convenience and a similar design principle, but also by a high price, as well as the complexity of the design. Repair of such gearboxes is not a cheap pleasure, and not all professional service shops take up the work of restoring such “machines”, more often they have to be changed as a whole assembly.

And they can be disabled by long-term slipping, towing and simply careless handling. However, it is these boxes that get everyone widespread not only on civil vehicles, but also sports cars and even supercars.

Manual Transmission

Summing up, it is worth noting some of the advantages of conventional manual transmissions. First, they are the cheapest and most maintainable. With the desire and ability to restore it, you can even kneel in the field. Secondly, you decide how and when to shift gears, not electronics, which allows you to effectively brake the engine, enter a skid or "refuel" the car on a steeper trajectory.

Actually, the disadvantages are a continuation of the advantages. So, most of the time we drive calmly, and wielding with your left foot and right hand is annoying, especially in traffic jams. And the smoothness of the ride among drivers with little experience often suffers.

Our forecast

Robots with two clutches are gaining the greatest popularity. CVTs are developing well and will definitely impose a fight on robotic boxes, especially in a couple of years. But most of the market is now occupied by the classic torque converter "automatic", which has become very good in recent years and must have reached its maximum. But to say that his days are numbered is premature. But as for ordinary robots, they have almost sunk into oblivion. By the way, the manual transmission is no longer as popular as it used to be. Even fastidious Europeans have tasted modern “automatic machines” and do not want to change back to cars with three pedals.

If until relatively recently, motorists, when choosing a car, could only rely on automatic or mechanics, today the range of choice has expanded significantly. With the development of the automotive industry, new generation transmissions, such as a robotic gearbox and a variator, have come into use. What is the difference between a robotic gearbox and an automatic transmission, and which transmission is better (automatic or robotic) is necessary for every car buyer to know. The choice that the driver will eventually make depends on this.

General form automatic transmission

basis automatic transmission make up, the control system and the planetary gearbox itself with a set of clutches and gears. This design of the machine allows it to independently switch speeds depending on engine speed, load and driving mode. The participation of the driver is not required here.

The machine is installed on cars and trucks, it is applicable also in buses. main gear and differential complement the design of the automatic transmission if it is installed on front wheel drive car.

Pros and cons of automatic transmission

It has both advantages and disadvantages:

Robotic checkpoint

Combines the functions of both an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. It's essentially the same mechanics, but with automatic control. Control system using executive mechanisms controls clutch operation and gear shifting. In this case, the switching occurs in the same way as in mechanics, only without the participation of the driver.

Initially, a robotic gearbox was created in order to significantly reduce the cost of a gearbox in comparison with an automatic transmission and at the same time combine all the advantages of an automatic transmission and mechanics, which primarily include comfort and ease of operation.

In cars sports class a slightly different type of robotic transmission is used - with two clutches. This allows for maximum high speed gear shifting.

Advantages and disadvantages of the robot

For clarity, the advantages and disadvantages of a robotic transmission are also presented in the form of a table. At the same time we will comparative characteristic between two types of transmissions.

Advantages of a robotic gearbox	Disadvantages of a robotic gearbox
1. More simple design unlike automatic transmission	1. Jerks when starting and shifting gears (for manual transmission with one clutch)
2. Less expensive service and repair compared to automatic transmission	2. The need to move the lever to the neutral position during a long stop and roll back the car on the rise
3. Better fuel economy	3. The unpredictability of the behavior of the robotic gearbox in difficult road conditions
4. Higher efficiency	4. The effect of "thoughtfulness" when shifting gears

Drawing conclusions

What is the best gearbox? From the point of view of comfort, the automatic transmission undoubtedly wins, although the developers of the robot tried to win this position from the automatic transmission.

But the robot will be more cost-effective. The cost of the box itself, its maintenance and repair will be cheaper. Yes and fuel with oil car with robotic box consumes less than with automatic.

Now reliability. Here you can argue. Neither one nor the other box can be called absolutely reliable in comparison with the same mechanics. It is also unclear how both boxes will behave in difficult conditions. But automatic transmission is at least more predictable than a robot, from which it is not known what to expect.

Therefore, which gearbox will be better, each driver decides for himself, based on his ideas about the convenience and comfort of driving. It is worth noting that the robot can be easily mistaken for an automatic machine: often there is no clutch pedal for both automatic and robotic gearbox leads inexperienced drivers into confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the selected car in the buying process.