Sequential gearbox. The principle of operation, design features

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

Sellers of new cars in the showrooms try not to use such a frightening term as "sequential transmission". But if you do not go into details, then for the user it can be different variations of automatic transmission with certain operating features (switching is carried out sequentially).

In essence, a sequential gearbox is a manual transmission with a separate mechanism that automatically controls the clutch. That is, as in the classic "automatic", in this case, the car will have 2 pedals, but the driver switches gears on his own. In some situations, they switch automatically for the convenience of the driver.

It turns out that, unlike the usual "automatic", the sequential gearbox requires certain skills, because if the car is used improperly,equipped with this unit, there is a high probability of serious damage. As a rule, when buying such a vehicle, the client receives instruction in the car dealership regarding the use of its devices, including the checkpoint. But, unfortunately, not all buyers and do not always listen to the advice of managers in the showroom.

The situation is even worse in the secondary market - when buying a used car, a person receives at best a couple of lessons from the former owner, and for more detailed information it does not hurt to contact a specialist or at least read the relevant literature.

The fact is that the repair of automatic transmissions is generally quite expensive, and sequential is no exception in this. And it breaks down quite easily - it can be enough to overload it several times and then you have to change the units of the unit.

That is, it turns out that the sequential gearbox is a rather fragile and capricious thing. As for the positive aspects of using this unit, they are also enough. Firstly, this is the absence of the need to squeeze the clutch, which is an indisputable advantage regarding the "mechanics". Secondly, efficiency relative to the classic "automatic". Thirdly, saving time (which is very important in all sorts of races and competitions, for which it was invented). A sequential gearbox, when used correctly, can reduce fuel consumption to the level of a car with a manual transmission and even lower. And, in the end, if such carssomeone buys, therefore, they are in demand. And they are getting more and more often.

The principle of operation of such a design is similar to a conventional mechanical box, but the clutch is not controlled by the driver, but by the computer. Due to this, the parts wear out much less. After all, maximum wear occurs when it is not fully squeezed out when switching.

In addition, the box mechanism itself is equipped with a hydraulic system. This, on the one hand, makes operation more comfortable, and on the other hand, it plays an important role in increasing the cost of the unit and its repair.

It turns out that this design is still a failure of a manual transmission, but modernized in terms of control. In this regard, the driver receives additional comfort, but pays for it with expensive maintenance and repairs.