The principle of operation of the variator. Variator: device and principle of operation

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:41

The beginning of the creation of variable programs was laid in the last century. Even then, a Dutch engineer mounted it on a vehicle. After such mechanisms were used on industrial machines.

A variator is a mechanism that provides a smooth transmission of torque from the power plant to the elements that set the vehicle in motion. Often such a device has the name of the most compact continuously variable box. It is difficult for an ordinary car owner to distinguish between variable and automatic transmissions in control.

The principle of operation of the variator provides for effective synchronization with the crankshaft, and the transmission of torque occurs continuously, which makes it possible to significantly save fuel consumption. Transmissions of this type can be used on cars, motorcycles, scooters, but the gearbox is under such a load that it does not allow its installation on trucks. This article will consider: variator, variator gearbox, device, principle of operation.

Design

So, let's take a look at the components. device andthe principle of operation of the variator - has a large number of parts. The main units are:

• crankshaft and transmission disconnect device;
• variable speed;
• additional reverse unit (gears of this type do not provide for the reverse movement design, a conventional planetary gearbox is mounted for this);
• control unit that controls torque transmission and acceleration;
• automatic clutch mechanism of centrifugal action and an additional unit consisting of an electromagnet and controlled by an electronic system;
• hydraulic type transformer.

This is the general structure of the variation box. There are also different assemblies of such transmissions, differing in the type of torque transmission.

Variator - principle of operation, types of variators

design improvements have led to several operating principles for this device:

V-belt design. The rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to the propellers using one or two strong belts. Manufactured using special technology to ensure a high working resource. This belt drive is mounted on two pulleys, consisting of pairs of conical discs.

The trick of this design solution is the variable diameter of the pulleys. Reducing and increasing the size of the cones occurs with the participation of the hydraulic system, centrifugal force and spring supports. The cones are placed at an angle that allowsminimize friction.

One of the first such transmissions often failed due to belt wear. Modern automotive industry produces belt drives using innovative technologies that provide a service life of up to 2,000,000 kilometers traveled. Belts are made by weaving special wire, tying and fastening steel plates together. At the same time, such a transmission has good flexibility. It was these technical solutions that made it possible to classify such a gearbox as separate types of transmissions.

CVTs with wedge-chain drive. As a belt, a link chain is used, which has good flexibility. With this system, the conical pulleys are made of special types of steel due to the high loads. Such a scheme and principle of operation of the variator have a high efficiency. And all because energy losses are significantly reduced.

How does it work?

What is a variator, how does a variator work? The variable gearbox can only be controlled electronically. This requires a quick response to an increase in crankshaft speed and the calculation of the movement of the cones to change the diameters of the pulleys. Moreover, the electronics takes into account the specific mode of the power plant, clutch and other components in real time.

The driver controls the transmission with a lever that has a set of functions similar to an automatic transmission. Electronics calculates the diameter of the pulleys that corresponds to the highest efficiency. When the speed at the output of the motor increases, then the conical disks approach each other and an increase occurs.pulley bore diameter. In parallel, the value of the gear ratio decreases. Moreover, there is a system responsible for the synchronism of the movement of the cone parts. Their position and gaps are controlled by a sensor-regulator.

In the case of extension of the conical parts, the belt belt goes around the pulley in a small circle and, when narrowed, in a large diameter. Many motorists do not even ask themselves the question: what is a variator, device and principle of operation? They simply call this device a box machine, but they differ significantly in design.

Transmission behavior during acceleration and climbing

When the car accelerates, it does not indicate a parallel increase in engine speed.

They remain the same during the increase in speed. The variable box independently and smoothly changes the gear ratio. In the case of uphill driving, when the car starts to slow down somewhat, the variator will reduce the gear ratio and reverse the procedure. Engine modes with such a transmission are advantageous.

Maintenance

The device and principle of operation of the variator makes its service inspection and troubleshooting an expensive and time-consuming operation. Repairing serious damage to a belt or other parts is a costly affair. A special gear oil is used for the lubrication system and has a high cost in the absence of a warranty serviceservice.

The on-board computer, which has a self-diagnosis function and a diagnostic connector, can warn about emerging problems. With the help of the latter, service workers are connected to the electronics system for reading fault codes and their subsequent cleaning. CVTs can be used on vehicles of a small traction class.

Do I need to warm up the engine when starting the movement?

Vehicles equipped with variable transmissions must be warmed up to set off.

This is due to the need to heat the lubricating fluid and deliver it to all units and assemblies. If lubrication is not supplied to some parts, this will increase wear and accelerate the need for repairs. You also need to periodically check the gear oil level. Only after the warm-up procedure can you start driving. To avoid overloads and malfunctions, it is worth refusing to tow cars and drive on roads that are in poor condition.

Variator (clutch) - principle of operation, device

To transfer the speed of the crankshaft to the variable gearbox, a clutch mechanism is used. It consists of a housing, driven and driven disc with damper springs and friction linings, release mechanism. One disc is mounted on the motor shaft and rotates with the shaft. The second element is installed at the inlet of the box and under the actiondownforce will connect, transmitting torque to the gearbox.

After that, the rotation will be transferred to the wheels.

Positive aspects

The principle of operation of the variator allows you to make the car work dynamically. Efficient engine operation shows good fuel economy. When driving on slippery road surfaces, the slip effect will be eliminated. In motion, there will be no shocks and jerks, unlike a mechanical box. Emissions will be lower than conventional cars, and acceleration will be faster.