Modern manufacturers install a variety of gearboxes on cars, and this is not only about automatic transmission systems. Even structurally simple mechanical boxes are divided into various types and have features. Let's look at the existing types of gearboxes. Photos and not only - further in the article.
Mechanical transmission
More than a hundred years have passed since the invention of the mechanical transmission. For all these years, designers and engineers made a lot of changes to the gearbox mechanism, which made it possible to bring this mechanism to perfection, and now there are practically no serious shortcomings in the mechanical box.
Manual transmission is today considered one of the simplest and most convenient, although there are more complex types of gearboxes. But you can call simple and convenient only the box where the number of steps is no more than 5 - this is the most optimal option. Modern manufacturers produce manual transmissions and with a large number of stages, for example, there are some types of mechanical transmissions with six stages. However, this does not affect the efficiency of modern engines.
Sequential mechanical gearboxes
This transmission system according to the device and the principle of operation also applies to mechanical. The idea to use such a device in civilian cars came to the minds of motorsport engineers. This solution works on the basis of a traditional mechanical gearbox, however, the drive is controlled by electronic systems here. The main feature that distinguishes these types of gearboxes is that they follow the basic principle of shifting and consistency. This ensures convenience and comfort in the process of driving - and no matter what distance you need to go.
Among the advantages of sequential transmission, one can single out the possibility of choosing the optimal speed modes through fast shifts, sequential switching actions without any harm to the engine at high speeds. In addition, the advantage is the way the driver controls the changes - on the steering wheel there are special paddle shifters that allow you to instantly switch on the desired gear at high speed. In these gearboxes, gears with straight teeth are used, but there are no synchronizers, which are in traditional mechanics. The speed of rotation of the gears is aligned using a speed sensor in the control unit. These types of boxes are very fond of race car drivers, because the time for switching on the necessary gear is reduced by 80%. This makes driving comfortable for both beginners and professional drivers.
Robotic gearbox
Robotic systems are types of gearboxes that are neither mechanical nor automatic. A robotic gearbox can be compared with sequential transmissions, but in them the electronics are responsible for shifting, and in robotic decisions, a special electromechanical drive is responsible for changing the gear. What makes these mechanical boxes similar is that the traditional manual transmission is at the heart of this design, but each shaft is equipped with its own clutch. A design feature that these types of gearboxes possess is the ability to calculate the gear, which at the moment will be the most optimal in a particular mode. One can say about such transmissions that they are related to manual gearboxes. However, this is an intermediate link between mechanics and automatic transmission both in price and in functionality.
Mechanical transmission structure
There are different types. The gearbox of a car can be different in design and structure. All existing boxes in the world can be divided into two- and three-shaft. In each case, there are advantages and features.
Twin Shaft Manual
The drive shaft on such a transmission system fully guarantees coupling with the clutch. The driven shaft is positioned so that it has a block with gears. Both provide different differential angular speeds. The switching mechanism can be provided using rods or using special cables. The simplest, most effective, and also reliable option is considered to be the cables. Some types of gearboxes (VAZ-2107, for example) are equipped with this type of drive. This is also the most common drive.
The principle of operation of such a gearbox is very similar to the algorithm of the three-shaft gearbox. The main difference between them in some features of the inclusion of gears. When the gear is engaged, the lever is split in both longitudinal and transverse directions. And the choice of the necessary transmission is provided with the help of all the elements and their interaction with each other.
Three-shaft manual transmission
The design of the gearbox provides for the presence of the leading and driven shafts. They are equipped with synchronizers and gears, as well as a gear shift mechanism. Using the drive shaft, the mechanism is connected to the clutch. In addition to the drive shaft, there is also an intermediate one, which includes gears from the block. The shift mechanism is located in the gearbox housing. Its construction consists of sliders with forks. In order to exclude the work of two gears at the same time, remote control mechanisms are used. These boxes do not provide for the transmission of torque to the front wheels. When the driver moves the shift lever, the couplings move. With its help, speeds are synchronized.
Types of Automatic Transmissions
Residents of megacities choose a machine.
The most important argument for automatic transmission is convenience. And yes, in fact, with automatic transmission, the control process in traffic jams is greatly simplified. But what is hidden under the word “automatic” familiar to every motorist? Let's see what types of gearboxes modern manufacturers offer.
Torque converter automatic transmission
This is a classic among automatic transmissions. The mechanism is a mechanical gearbox and torque converter. The process of transmitting torque from the engine to the first is carried out using the second. The torque converter is a pump wheel, which is also driven by a motor. The wheel transmits torque to the oil, and it makes the element rotate the gearbox input shaft. With all its advantages, the torque converter has a very low efficiency. But this outweighs the ease of control, a smooth change in torque, as well as a significant reduction in the load on the transmission parts.
Tiptronic
This is a hydromechanical box with manual control. For the first time, these systems were installed in the 1990s on Porsche cars, and later they became interested in typronics in BMW, Audi, as well as other automakers. An interesting fact - the manufacturer is sure that this is not one of the types of automatic transmission, but only the type of shift. In normal mode, this automatic transmission works in the same way as a traditional automatic machine. However, the driver has the opportunity at any time to drive the car manually - this is very convenient in some cases. For example, using tiptronic, engine braking can be applied.
Among the advantages of these solutions, fuel consumption is distinguished, which is lower than that of a traditional converter. The downside is that tiptronic has large overall dimensions, and the switching speed is slow.
Multitronic
This system was developed by engineers from Audi. The design feature is that there are no steps in this gearbox. But at the same time the driver has the ability to manually shift gears. The principle of operation of this system is built on V-belt transmission. As the main node, a variator is used here, which changes the torque. However, one cannot compare multitronics with modern CVT stepless variators - its design differs from the stepless variator in the direction of complexity and special chains are used instead of a belt.
Among the advantages, one can distinguish smooth acceleration, good dynamic characteristics and low fuel consumption. Performance indicators are not inferior to cars with manual transmission. Minus - high prices, difficulties in repair and maintenance, a small resource.
Stepless CVT, or CVT
In appearance, these transmission systems are not much different from the traditional automatic transmission, but the principle of operation here is completely different. There really aren't any gears, and nothing changes here.
Gear ratios, and accordingly the torque changes constantly regardless of whether the car accelerates or decelerates.
Summary
The modern automobile industry does not stand still. Something new and more efficient is constantly being created. There are other types of gearboxes - unfortunately, it is simply impossible to tell about everything in the world.