Ten years ago, before buying a car, all drivers always decided with which gearbox to buy a car without any problems and confusion. The choice was not difficult. Today, making such a choice is much more difficult. If there are no problems with a manual transmission, then any buyer may have difficulties, since at the moment there are several types of automatic transmissions on the market that differ not only in their design, but also have different principle work.
However, on some more expensive models, automakers have also begun to install new 9-speed transmissions, which in a few years will most likely also appear on cheaper cars.
Conventional automatic transmissions use a torque converter in their design, which does the same job as the clutch in a manual transmission. But unlike mechanics, the torque converter does not turn on when the clutch pedal is pressed, but automatically.
This happens with hydraulic system, in which the oil passes through special channels and enters certain sections of the box, creating pressure in the system, through which the computer determines what speed to turn on.
Thanks to the hydraulic interface, modern automatic transmission shifts gears very smoothly. , since automatic transmissions first appeared on the car market in 1940.
Since those times classic box gears improved in their characteristics, but, nevertheless, the principle of operation and the arrangement of the box remained practically unchanged.
However, even modern automatic transmissions change gears more slowly than, for example, an automatic transmission with two clutches, which primarily affects fuel consumption.
Therefore, a car with a conventional gearbox consumes more fuel than similar machine with a box with two clutches.
Designations of automatic transmissions on , and : ZF8HP; ZF9HP; Tiptronic
Dual clutch automatic transmission
The PDK gearbox, which is installed on cars, is one of the best in the world.
box with double clutch, as its name suggests, it has two clutches in its design. This of course does not mean that a car with such a box has two clutch pedals.
Of course, the whole process of the double clutch box is electronically controlled and without the participation of the driver (there is no need to press the clutch pedal and shift gears yourself).
For example, one clutch controls odd gears, the other even. At the moment when you are driving in one gear, adding engine speed, torque begins to be transmitted to another shaft ( automatic switching transmission) with virtually no delay, since the second clutch is already ready to shift the clutch to transmit torque.
As a result of these actions, the gear shifting process is faster than experienced driver shifts speed manually on a manual transmission.
In addition, some dual clutch transmission systems are more economical than manual transmissions. That is, some cars with a dual-clutch gearbox consume much less fuel than cars equipped with automatic and manual transmissions.
True, there is one minus. This is the process at the beginning of the movement of the car. At first, the box may pause in order to engage the clutch on the shaft where the first gear is located. It is also felt when maneuvering on low revs engine. For example, you may feel a jerk in the car.
It is worth noting that the design of a dual clutch gearbox is very complex, and in view of the fact that this type of transmission has appeared on the market quite recently, it is too early to talk about its reliability. It takes about 10 years for experts and automakers to understand how similar the type of transmission of the pillars to the front long service life car.
The most famous designations for dual clutch transmissions are: DSG, PDK, M-DCT and Powershift.
Automated manual transmission
Even though Up is small compact car during acceleration, gear shifting is jerky due to automated mechanical box gear
With the advent of the dual clutch, automated manual transmissions are becoming a rarity in the automotive world, but some companies still continue to install this type of transmission on many vehicles.
In a car that uses this type of gearbox, as well as a dual clutch gearbox, there is no clutch pedal, but there is a gear shift knob, like on traditional mechanics.
By switching the speed, the box cuts off the transmission of torque from the engine to the box, transfers the transmission of torque to desired shaft, and then again turns on the transfer of energy from the engine to the box. And all this without the participation of the driver.
This type of transmission may at first appear to have an advantage over conventional automatic transmissions, many of which do not allow drivers to shift gears themselves, but there are actually disadvantages to the operation of an automated manual transmission.
So there are problems with the speed and smoothness of the transmission. The problem is that these transmissions take time to shift without a clutch to do the necessary steps in the correct order. Therefore, the whole process is too slow to cause discomfort to passengers and the driver.
But, despite this, many drivers often note that cars with such boxes accelerate very slowly, which is associated with huge delays between gear changes.
Some drivers, to smooth out the shifting process, slightly lower the gas pedal before switching to another speed. But cars with traditional automatic and dual-clutch transmissions accelerate cars much faster and the shifting process is smoother.
The most famous designations for automated manual transmissions are: Informally, this type of transmission is called semi-automatic, ASG, EGC and ETG.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - CVT
The new generation is equipped with a CVT, which allows the car to dynamically pick up speed, but the owners pay for this with a loud engine sound.
Bes step box gears in their design is not similar to any other transmission. In the variator you will not find a single spare part that is used in other types of gearboxes. The continuously variable transmission uses two pairs of metal cones, each with pointed ends.
One set of cones is attached to the engine and the other two cones are attached to the wheels vehicle. A belt is stretched between these pairs of cones. The cones move towards each other, usually under computer control.
In modern variators, the design of the box allows using a computer to change the angle of the belt located between the two cones, which ultimately allows you to change the gear ratios.
It sounds strange, but in fact, this gearbox design allows you to constantly change the gear ratios, instead of using the fixed values \u200b\u200bset at the factory.
This means that gear ratios can be adjusted indefinitely, allowing the engine to run more efficiently as it picks up speed. In fact, when accelerating, there is no gear shifting, which creates the effect that the car accelerates without delay.
But just like, there are also disadvantages in the operation of the variator.
For example, it's annoying loud noise operation of the engine, which is constantly running on increased speed. That is, if your car is equipped with a CVT, during acceleration, the engine speed will not drop, as it happens, for example, on automatic or manual gearboxes (when changing gear, engine speed decreases).
The most famous designations stepless boxes gears: E-CVT, CTV and Multitronic.
Wherein for a long time automatic transmission was installed on middle-class cars and premium segment, but later the unit became massive.
Due to the huge popularity, as well as taking into account the constant tightening of norms and standards regarding fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness, manufacturers are constantly improving automatic transmission, offering innovative solutions etc.
As a result, today it is possible to distinguish at least three main types of "automatic machines", which differ greatly from each other in design and principles of operation, but each of them is called automatic transmission. Next, we will talk about what automatic boxes are, as well as what features this or that unit has.
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Boxes - automatic: types, types and differences
If we talk about the advantages, the hydraulic machine has a fairly long resource (in some cases up to 500 thousand km.), And also provides a good level of driving comfort.
As for the main disadvantages, such a box is expensive to repair, requires regular maintenance demanding on quality gear oil, afraid of prolonged loads and difficult conditions operation, is not very economical, . We also note that losses in the gas turbine engine lead to the fact that the efficiency of hydromechanical automata decreases compared to analogues. As a result, acceleration dynamics suffer.
- (variator CVT transmission) is a separate type of automata, which for a number of reasons is not as widespread as a hydromechanical automaton.
Such a transmission, like an automatic transmission, has a torque converter to transmit torque from the internal combustion engine, but the box itself is very different. In short, there are two pulleys mounted on the variator shafts. These pulleys are interconnected by a belt or chain. Depending on the load and speed, the driving and driven pulleys change their diameter, as a result of which the torque on the wheels also changes. And it happens extremely smoothly.
Taking into account the fact that there are no usual fixed speeds (steps), thanks to this feature, the box CVT variator called continuously variable transmission(flexible change gear ratio). This type of automatic machine differs from analogues in maximum smoothness, since the gear change does not actually occur. The engine speed is also kept at the same level, without a sharp increase and decrease.
As in the case of automatic transmission, additional modes can be implemented (winter, economical, sports, as well as Tiptronic with imitation manual switching gears). When driving a car with a CVT, drivers note the complete absence of tangible shocks, vibrations, etc. You should also highlight the good acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency.
However, there are also disadvantages. First of all, no difference great resource, extremely difficult and expensive to repair, demanding on the quality and level of oil. This means that such a box is not installed in tandem with powerful engines during operation, it is highly recommended not to load the transmission.
How to distinguish a robot from an automatic machine or a variator
The fact is that manufacturers strive to simplify the entire process of interaction between the driver and the box as much as possible. For this reason, for example, a robot can have the same selector and modes (P-R-N-D) as a CVT or automatic transmission.
As for the driving experience (provided that the transmission and the car itself are in perfect working order), you can pay attention to the following:
- AT - often denotes a hydromechanical machine;
- CVT - CVT;
- AMT- robotic box with one clutch;
You can also ask a question at specialized auto forums, study technical literature separately, etc.
Summing up
As you can see, each automatic transmission has both strong and weak sides. Also, taking into account the diversity, you may be faced with the fact that it is difficult to immediately determine which automatic transmission is on a particular car.
Finally, we note that during operation it is important to separately take into account certain features of a particular machine, depending on the type of transmission and type of automatic transmission. You also need to strictly follow the rules for servicing an automatic transmission, which allows you to increase the resource of the unit.
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The transmission of any car is a system that performs the functions of converting, distributing and bringing torque from the engine to the drive wheels. Gearbox is the most important element this system.
Gearbox: functions and main types
The gearbox of the car is designed to convert and distribute the engine torque for subsequent bringing it to the drive wheels, as well as to change the volume tractive effort at various conditions vehicle movement. In addition, it is designed to ensure the disconnected operation of the drive wheels and the engine (for example, when the engine is warming up or running in neutral).
On this moment There are four main types of boxes:
- mechanical;
- robotic;
- automatic;
- variable speed drive.
Manual transmission ("mechanics", manual transmission) has the simplest principle of operation. It is a cylindrical gearbox, for which a manual gear shifting method is provided.
The main types of manual transmission
We focus on the "mechanics". This will be the most optimal, if only because knowledge of the manual transmission will allow, with certain skills and abilities, to implement it ongoing maintenance and even repairs.
"Mechanics" is a manual gearbox. In other words, the principle of operation of mechanics is as follows: the engine torque changes in steps - pairs of gears interacting with each other. Each stage has a certain gear ratio that converts the rotation speed of the engine crankshaft and provides rotation with the required angular velocity.
The number of steps that a gearbox is equipped with is the basis for the classification of manual transmissions. So, allocate:
- four-stage;
- five-speed;
- six or more.
Most the best option specialists consider a five-speed gearbox, which is the most common in the “mechanics” environment. 
The second criterion for classifying a mechanical box is the number of shafts used in the conversion and distribution of engine torque. There are three-shaft gearboxes (used mainly on rear-wheel drive vehicles) and two-shaft gearboxes (used on front-wheel drive vehicles).
The device of a two-shaft gearbox and the principle of its operation
We confine ourselves to the analysis of the most common type of mechanical gearbox - two-shaft. The mechanical transmission device includes the following parts and assemblies:
- primary (or driving) shaft;
- gear block input shaft;
- secondary (or driven) shaft;
- gear block secondary shaft;
- gear shift mechanism;
- synchronizer clutches;
- crankcase;
- main gear;
- differential.
The functions of the input shaft are reduced to the transmission of engine torque (by connecting to the clutch). The block of gears of the primary shaft is rigidly fixed on the shaft.
The secondary shaft is parallel to the primary. Its gears, freely rotating on the shaft, are engaged with the gears of the input shaft. In addition, a gear is in a rigidly fixed state on the driven shaft - an element main gear.
The purpose of the main gear and differential is to transmit torque to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The shift mechanism provides the choice of the necessary gear in specific driving conditions of the car.
Despite the fact that the device of the box (two - and three-shaft) are different, the principle of their operation is the same. 
Neutral excludes the supply of torque from the engine to the wheels. Moving the lever (shifting) means moving the synchronizer clutch with a special fork. Clutch synchronizes angular velocities output shaft and corresponding gear. The clutch ring gear then engages the gear ring gear, which locks the output shaft gear on the shaft itself. As a result, the box transmits torque with a certain gear ratio from the car engine to the drive wheels.
The principle of operation of a manual gearbox when shifting gears is absolutely identical.
The main malfunctions of the manual transmission
Manual transmission malfunctions are determined by the features of its design and operation. The most common technical problems manual transmission are as follows.
1. Difficulty shifting (or engaging) gears.
The indicated malfunction is due to the failure of the gear shift mechanism, wear and tear of synchronizers or gears, insufficient level or poor quality transmission oil in the crankcase.
2. Unintentional disengagement of gears.
This circumstance (colloquially referred to as “speed flies”) is determined by malfunctions of the locking device (for example, locking balls) and critical wear of synchronizers and gears.
3. Stable background noise during operation.
This error needs to be specified. Experts distinguish three of its manifestations:
- noise during operation of the box;
- noise during operation of only one particular gear;
- box noise in the neutral position of the control lever.
The overall noise of the box is due to wear or damage to bearings, gears, synchronizers, spline connections, as well as a low level of gear oil in the crankcase. Noise during operation of one of the gears is an indicator of wear or damage to specific gears and synchronizers. But the noise background in the "neutral" position most often indicates wear on the bearing of the drive (primary) shaft.
4. Gear oil leakage.
This gearbox problem is associated with an excess of lubricant in the gearbox or a general leak in the crankcase caused by damage to oil seals, seals, and loose covers.
Most often, the malfunctions described above associated with wear and damage to parts and assemblies are eliminated exclusively by their replacement. Moreover, the most preferable in this case is to contact a specialized car service.
Basics of operation and maintenance of manual transmission
Subject to the rules of operation, correct technical and after-sales service the driver should not have problems with the car's gearbox. In this case, it works until the end of the life of the vehicle. 
During the operation of the box, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of lubrication - gear oil - and maintain the required indicator, not allowing it to be exceeded or underestimated. In the first case, excessive pressure will be concentrated in the gearbox, in the second, proper lubrication of rubbing components and parts will not be provided, which will lead to a decrease in their life. In addition, important preventive measure is a periodic complete replacement of lubricant, which is carried out in accordance with the technical documentation of the vehicle. This principle of operation of the gearbox can be controlled by the driver independently, without the involvement of a specialist.
There are very frequent cases of mechanical failures of the box as a result of unreasonably aggressive and rough work of the driver with the gear lever. It is important to remember that switching gears is a change in the operating modes of the box (changing steps). A sharp and quick gear change can lead to a quick failure of the shift mechanism, synchronizers, and gear shafts.
And one more thing: it is important to control how the gearbox works. No one will ever replace the human factor: a driver who feels the non-standard operation of the checkpoint must either independently find and eliminate the cause of the malfunction, or (preferably) contact a service man at the service station.
The existing varieties of gearboxes, in fact, are the answer to the demand of motorists. The box, together with the steering wheel, makes it possible to effectively control the capabilities of a modern car. Someone likes comfort, someone quickly gets tired of control, someone knows nothing at all and is afraid of everything. IN modern classification There are three main types of gearboxes and their variants:
- mechanical system, manual gear shifting;
- automatic multi-stage gearbox;
- stepless variator system;
- robotic box.
Despite the fact that the latter type is considered a variant of a manual transmission, the existing differences from the classical scheme allow it to be singled out in a separate line. You can safely define it in separate view gearboxes.
Engine internal combustion is not able to work effectively in the widest range of rotational speeds, therefore, they use different kinds gearboxes that reduce the speed of rotation of the working shafts of the transmission. This happens either with the help of a set of gears and wheels, as in the main types of gearboxes, or with the help of pushing belts and pulleys - in the CVT scheme of the box.
The CVT most of all corresponds to the lifestyle of a modern person and allows you to completely abandon the control of the transmission. The first requires maximum participation of the driver in controlling the speed and torque of the wheels. The machine has greatly facilitated the life of a person behind the wheel, but requires a careful attitude to his work.
Before answering the question - what type of gearbox is better to choose, you should determine your attitude to the car and the degree of your participation in driving.
Simple and reliable manual systems
mechanical system shifting, also called "mechanics" or "handle" - the most common and simplest type of gearbox. IN modern cars it comes in two types:
- multi-shaft, in which the gears are on two or three parallel shafts and engage alternately, depending on the required gear ratio;
- planetary, in which the gears and gears are in constant mesh in several rows, the choice of a pair with the required gear ratio is performed using friction clutches or friction packs.
In wheeled transport, the planetary type of mechanics is used only in automatic transmissions, in mountain bikes and military equipment. The planetary is more compact and lighter than the multi-shaft type of mechanism, but much more expensive to manufacture.
Modern Cars with front-wheel drive have a two-shaft scheme and a minimum of 5 gears for moving forward and one reverse. More expensive models cars can be equipped six-speed boxes gears. At the same time, the 5th and 6th are boosting - the output shaft of the gearbox rotates with more high speed engine crankshaft. This is more than enough for manual control.
The main problem of a mechanical gearbox is to smoothly and shocklessly engage pairs of helical gears with different angular speeds when shifting on command. To equalize the speed in the box, each pair of gears is equipped with a synchronization ring made of bronze.
When shifting gears, the driver disengages the clutch, thereby allowing the synchronizers to equalize the speeds of rotation of the gears. After that, the shift knob either directly or through a system of rods or cable drives, move the engagement gear clutch inside the box body, thereby engaging the required pair of gears. It remains only to release the clutch pedal and continue driving.
Such mechanical boxes are called synchronized. It is quite simple and convenient to manage them if you have a certain driving skill. True, incomplete disengagement of the clutch, slippage or other problems with disabling the transmission lead to the fact that the synchronizers of the mechanics begin to wear out intensively, up to the impossibility of engaging the gear without intermediate setting the handle to the neutral position. Shifting to the next gear occurs after re-depressing the clutch. A similar switching method was widely used in the past and is now used on freight transport with mechanics not equipped with a synchronizer system.
Important! Worn synchronizers, in addition to difficult gear shifting, lead to intensive wear of the gear rims, local chipping of individual sections of the teeth.
A manual transmission is the most reliable and economical, it requires sufficient qualifications from the driver and hard work for constant gear shifting paired with practicing the clutch release pedal. But, oddly enough, many drivers consciously make a choice in favor of mechanics. In their opinion, mechanics, even with increased physical exertion, are more fun to drive a car than robotic or automatic boxes.
Sequential gearbox, as the highest point in the development of mechanics
It would be more accurate to call this box a manual gearbox with a sequential, or in-line, shifting method. The idea came from the field of development for sports high-speed cars. A modern sequential gearbox is built according to the scheme of a conventional manual gearbox with electronic control clutch drive and hydraulic drive gear shifting. feature sequential box is to follow a strict sequence of transmissions.
Among the advantages of the sequential mechanism are:
- the highest speed of gear shifting;
- observance of the switching sequence makes it possible to "painlessly" work with very high turnover engine and power;
- the control method using the steering wheel paddles allows you to comfortably control the movement even on high speeds or in difficult road conditions.
IN similar boxes use spur gears and do not use switching synchronizers. Alignment of the speeds of rotation of the gear and the wheel is carried out by a computer using a speed sensor. Instead of gear clutch there is a cam gear shifting mechanism. Due to this, the speed-on time is approximately 70-80% less than that of conventional mechanics. For the operation of hydraulic drives, a separate unit is used - the battery working fluid high pressure.
Robotic gearbox systems
Unlike sequential systems, the robotic type of the box has an electromechanical drive for turning on a pair of gears. The basis of the scheme is a mechanical gearbox built on a system of two working shafts-gear rows. Even numbers are collected on one shaft, odd numbers - on the other. Each of the shafts has its own clutch disc and can be turned on and off independently.
This kind of box uses the preselective mode. The trick of the design is that the computer in advance, using data on the mode of operation of the transmission, calculates the most suitable for switching on the next gear. Using a solenoid, it engages it in the opposite gear range with the clutch disengaged. At the moment of switching, it remains only to engage the clutch and continue driving. Due to this, the switching takes place with a very high speed.
In their own way, robot boxes occupy an intermediate position between automatic boxes and mechanics. At the same time, according to the functions performed and the degree of computerization, this type of box can be called more automatic than existing hydromechanical systems.
The most famous and advertised robotic view The gearbox is called the seven-speed DSG system boxes installed on VW models with a small engine size. Reviews about the work - from advertising and laudatory enthusiasm to openly negative.
If you decide to buy a car with similar system gear, consider the following:
- A robotic box is a very complex mechanism, least of all this type of box is intended for high-speed burning of rubber in crazy races. Boxes are difficult to manage, maintain and repair.
- It takes at least two weeks to get used to driving on the DSG. To fans of mechanics, this view seems slow and unpredictable, to drivers who have moved from hydromechanical boxes- pulling out of place.
- Already, the quality of robots allows us to provide 5 summer warranty and 150 thousand mileage.
Interesting! With all the criticisms, robots are cheaper to manufacture, have more high efficiency and, according to experts, it is possible that this type will force outdated hydromechanics from the market cars.
The most complex type of transmission - automatic and CVT
The more functions a gearbox performs, the more difficult it is to manufacture, the lower the reliability and the higher the cost. The most expensive and uneconomical have always been and remain all types of automatic car transmissions. The design of this type is represented by hydromechanical and adaptive gearboxes. The scheme is based on two main units - a torque converter and a planetary gearbox.
In modern automatic transmissions, the torque converter acts as a compensator that increases or decreases the main gear by a small amount. planetary gear. Thus, teamwork two units provides optimal number transmission transmission under specific conditions.
Big losses in hydraulics forced engineers to somewhat improve the operation of this type of machine. Now the operation of the torque converter at speeds over 20 km / h is blocked by the clutch, and the torque is transmitted directly through the clutches to the planetary gearbox.
In some cases, instead of connecting a torque converter, its functions in transient conditions are provided by slipping of packages friction linings which is simpler and more efficient.
One of the varieties automatic transmission is an adaptive automatic transmission in which the computer control unit selects the most suitable gear ratio in the planetary gearbox.
This type of automatic transmission is still out of competition in auto transmission. off-road, off-road vehicles and cars with a large engine capacity. It is difficult to maintain and repair, requires high qualifications and high-quality Supplies.
CVT systems
As a result of 30 years of evolution of the first variators for low-power motorized sidecars and scooters, technologists managed to increase the level of reliability and durability of the pushing belt (the main element stepless variator) to a completely acceptable mileage of 150 thousand km. The push belt itself is a marvel of engineering. It is made of a large number of absolutely identical metal elements, thanks to which the belt can be flexible and rigid at the same time.
In operation, it interacts with two pulleys - input and output, providing almost any gear ratio of the gearbox. Modern CVTs received an acceptably high efficiency and the ability to work with engines up to 100 hp. The variator can be called the first of the systems that are truly capable of continuously changing the gear ratio of the transmission.
This type of automation does not like slippage, it is extremely vulnerable at low quality hydraulic fluid. In most cases, the variator is equipped with a torque converter.
Advantages - very accurate selection of the required gear ratio of the transmission. This type of box is capricious, expensive to manufacture and maintain, and is unlikely to leave the niche in the near future. small cars.
More information about various types of checkpoints on the video:
Every year, more and more automakers notify us of the appearance of the latest technologies to improve the car's cross-country ability, acceleration dynamics and other characteristics.
As a rule, this applies not only to the engine, but also to the transmission. In this article, we will look at Various types Gearbox, manual transmission, and also what are the automatic transmissions on a car other than a manual one.
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Gearbox types
The transmission (gearbox) provides transmission to the wheels, while the gearbox is a mechanism by which the torque is converted (increase or decrease), change in speed and direction of movement.
There are four generally recognized types of transmission:
- (known as "manual" or "manual" transmission);
- (automatic torque converter gearbox);
- (robotic gearbox);
- (stepless, CVT gearbox);
As you can see, in addition to mechanical gearboxes, engineers have also developed an automatic transmission, which greatly facilitates driving. Today, drivers get the opportunity to choose in favor of the mechanics or the machine of one type or another. Let's look at the types of gearboxes in more detail.
Mechanical (manual) gearbox
The first gearbox was a mechanical one, which was designed even at the time of the advent of cars. Initially, such a manual transmission consisted of two gears (one forward and one reverse). After a while, the engines became more powerful, as a result of which the unit received three gears forward and one back.
Soon, they developed four forward gears at all. Such gearboxes were the standard for quite a long time before five gears appeared (the so-called “five-speed” box). But the modification process did not stop, so further manual transmissions began to receive six, seven and even eight gears (speeds) forward and one reverse.
Today the standard is five-speed gearbox, many drivers choose this type of manual transmission. The main advantage is reliability and the ability to personally control the transmission of torque to the wheels of the car, which allows you to fully control the car.
It should be noted that many sports cars often equipped with mechanics, since this type of transmission allows the driver to perform “drifts”, break the car into a controlled skid, etc. With automatic transmission it is very difficult or even impossible.
You can also highlight other advantages of manual transmission. For example, the engine can be spun up to maximum speed, flexibly switch from high to low, without much risk to operate the car off-road, tow a trailer and other cars, etc.
There are two main types of mechanical box: with 2 shafts and 3. In the first case, a two-shaft box has a drive and a driven shaft. The second also has an intermediate shaft, and the box itself is three-shaft. The two-shaft and three-shaft type of mechanics has some differences, but they are not fundamental.
Drivers operating mechanics know from experience that the device has. Inside the car there is a third pedal that allows you to turn on / off the clutch. The clutch is designed to transmit torque, and disengaging it allows you to shift gears and do it smoothly.
So, we can distinguish the following advantages of the manual transmission:
- affordable cost;
- light weight;
- economy and ease of maintenance;
- a small amount of gear oil;
- the ability to actively operate the vehicle;
- it is allowed to push the car when starting the engine;
- ease of starting in the cold season.
There are also disadvantages of manual transmission:
- various difficulties and difficulties in driving (more often observed in novice drivers);
- the need to change the clutch every 80-100 thousand km. run;
- the risk of burning the clutch ahead of time (usually for an inexperienced driver);
Hydromechanical automatic transmission with torque converter
This type of gearbox consists of two devices - the gearbox itself and. GDT was originally used on ships, realizing the connection between the lead screw and the shaft. Later, the solution began to be applied on cars, and the torque converter itself is an automatic transmission clutch. This type of gearbox appeared a long time ago and is no less common than manual transmission. Initially, the machines had three gears, but today their number reaches eight gears (like the "mechanics").
The difference between "automatic" and "mechanics" is the absence of the usual friction clutch. Simply put, the torque converter is actually a turbine, transmitting torque through oil (ATF) to the impellers. The first impeller is attached to the engine flywheel, and the second to the box shaft.
Also in the box is a set planetary gears and , in which oil also circulates through the channels under pressure. The oil in this case acts on executive mechanisms, allowing you to turn gears on and off in automatic mode. It is not difficult to guess that such an automaton, taking into account a number of features, needs in large numbers oil (can reach up to 12 liters or more).
Today machines of this type can be or have a mode, as well as a number of other additional modes. Tiptronic is an imitation manual mode, that is, the driver independently shifts gears "up" and "down". The adaptive look of the machine "adapts" to the driving style of a particular driver, spinning the engine and shifting gears so that the driver gets the desired result.
If you drive smoothly, the automatic transmission will turn on as quickly as possible overdrive, shifts will occur at low speeds, fuel is saved significantly. If you constantly actively press the gas pedal, the system will stay in one gear longer and spin the internal combustion engine, allowing you to achieve active acceleration. The adjustable way to control the automatic transmission allows you to use various types of modes: sport mode, economy mode, winter mode etc.
Consider the main advantages of automatic transmission:
- lack of a clutch pedal, comfort and safety when driving (mainly for beginners);
- with proper maintenance, the unit has a long resource;
- Automatic transmission saves the engine, allowing you to avoid a number of errors;
- gears switch smoothly and without jerks;
- the car does not roll back when starting on a hill;
The disadvantages of automatic transmission should also be highlighted:
- in cold weather, more time is spent on warming up the car and gearbox, difficulties may arise when starting;
- a large amount of oil in the transmission;
- slippage, high loads are prohibited;
- expensive service and regular replacement oils;
- reduced efficiency due to losses in the gas turbine engine;
- increased fuel consumption;
Even taking into account the disadvantages, such an automatic machine is in great demand, as it greatly simplifies driving, increases safety and provides necessary comfort. Also, automatic transmission, subject to timely and quality service has a fairly large resource (at least 250 thousand km.).
Robotic gearbox with one and two clutches
Manual transmission is the result of the desire of engineers to combine all the advantages of a manual transmission and an automatic transmission. In fact, the robot box is a mechanic to which servos are attached. These mechanisms independently control the operation of the clutch, as well as select and turn on / off the gears.
In the cabin, as in the case of automatic transmission, there are two pedals (gas and brake), that is, it is easier to control such a machine. At the same time, the box itself has a friction clutch, a drive and a driven shaft (similar to a manual transmission), etc.
The main disadvantage can be considered that. Also, the unit shifts gears more slowly, delays are possible. Experts also note that although the box itself lasts a long time, the actuators quickly fail (already by 80-120 thousand km.). However, their cost is quite high.
To summarize, the disadvantages of the "robot" are as follows:
- the box is slow, makes jerks when switching;
- the car rolls back at the start;
- low resource of servomechanisms;
As for the advantages, the advantages of a robotic gearbox:
- no clutch pedal, gear shifting is automatic;
- lower fuel consumption;
- less losses better overclocking and higher efficiency;
- the use of a small amount of oil (similarly as in the case of manual transmission).
We also note that a robotic gearbox can be represented by another type. It is about (eg DSG). Such gearboxes are literally a symbiosis of an automatic machine and a robot, capable of providing high smoothness, excellent dynamics and fuel efficiency.
However, the downside is the high cost, the demands on the quality and quantity of oil and the level of service, as well as a noticeably shorter resource compared to automatic transmission (about 150 thousand km.). Again, clutch units, servomechanisms, and also (an analogue of a valve body in an automatic machine with a torque converter) are problematic.
Stepless CVT
The CVT variator is a competitor for all other automatic transmissions (both robotic and automatic). In its structure, such an “automatic machine” is very different from its analogues. Often, the clutch of a CVT gearbox is represented by a torque converter (similar to automatic transmission), but the CVT box itself has a number of design features.
The variator consists of two shafts (driven and driven), pulleys are located on them, which can constantly change their diameter. A variator belt is stretched between the belts. During the start of the car, the drive pulley is large in diameter, and the driven pulley, on the contrary, is smaller.
After sufficient acceleration, the driving pulley gradually decreases, changing the diameter, at which point the driven pulley increases in size. If we compare the “automatic” automatic transmission and the “variator”, then the coefficient useful action significantly higher in the "variator" due to a more rigid connection.
With the help of the most rational and smooth change in the diameter of the pulleys, the driver does not feel the transition from stage to stage, which eliminates shocks, jerks, delays. Power is transferred to the wheels constantly, without interruption. Even when the gas pedal is released, the pace and smoothness of the ride will be maintained after active acceleration.
Differences between the robot box and automatic transmission: what to pay attention to. How to distinguish a robot from an automaton (visually, in motion). Recommendations.
