Types of gearboxes: description, photo

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

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 more - further in the article.

Manual transmission

More than a hundred years have passed since the invention of the mechanical transmission. Over the years, designers and engineers have made a lot of changes to the gearbox mechanism, which made it possible to bring this mechanism almost to perfection, and now there are practically no serious shortcomings in the mechanical gearbox.

Mechanical transmission today is considered one of the most simple and 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 not more than 5 - this is the best option. Modern manufacturers produce manual transmissions and witha large number of steps, for example, there are some types of manual gearboxes with six steps. However, this does not affect the efficiency of modern engines in any way.

Sequential manual transmissions

This transmission system is also mechanical in terms of design and principle of operation. The idea to use such a device on civilian vehicles came to the minds of motorsport engineers. This solution works on the basis of a traditional mechanical box, but the drive is controlled here through electronic systems. The main feature that distinguishes these types of gearboxes is that they follow the basic switching principle and sequence. This ensures convenience and comfort while driving - no matter how far you need to drive.

Among the advantages of a sequential transmission is the ability to select the optimal speed modes through quick shifts, sequential shifting actions without any harm to the motor at high speeds. In addition, the way the driver controls the shifts is considered an advantage - there are special paddle shifters on the steering wheel that allow you to instantly select the desired gear at high speed. These gearboxes use gears with straight teeth, but the synchronizers that are in traditional mechanics are absent. The speed of rotation of the gears is aligned using a speed sensor in the control unit. These types of boxes are veryrace car drivers love it, because it reduces the time it takes to shift into the desired gear by 80%. This makes driving comfortable for both beginners and professional drivers.

Robotic gearboxes

Robotic systems are types of transmissions that are neither mechanical nor automatic. A robotic gearbox can be compared with sequential transmissions, but in them electronics are responsible for switching, and in robotic solutions a special electromechanical drive is responsible for changing gears. These boxes have in common with mechanical ones that this design is based on a traditional manual transmission, but each shaft is equipped with its own clutch. A design feature possessed by these types of gearboxes is the ability to calculate the transmission, which at the moment will be the most optimal in a particular mode. We can say about such transmissions that they are related to mechanical boxes. However, this is an intermediate link between mechanics and automatic transmission, both in terms of price and functionality.

Mechanical transmission structure

There are different types. The gearbox of a car can be different in design and structure. All boxes existing in the world can be divided into two- and three-shaft. In each case, there are advantages and features.

Two-shaft manual transmission

The drive shaft on such a transmission system fully guarantees the connection with the clutch. The driven shaft is located in such a way that there is a block with gears on it. Both provide different angular speed differential. The switching mechanism can be provided with the help of rods or with the use of special cables. Cables are considered the simplest, most effective, and also reliable option. Some types of gearboxes (VAZ-2107, for example) are equipped with just this type of drive. It is also the most common drive.

The principle of operation of such a gearbox is very similar to the algorithm of a three-shaft gearbox. The main difference between them is in some features of gear shifting. When the gear is engaged, the lever splits both longitudinally and transversely. And the choice of the desired gear is provided with the help of all the elements and their interaction with each other.

Three-shaft manual transmissions

The design of the gearbox provides for the presence of a driving and driven shaft. They are equipped with synchronizers and gears, as well as a gear shift mechanism. With the help of 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 design consists of sliders with forks. In order to exclude the operation 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 clutches move. With its help, speeds are synchronized.

Types of automatic transmissions

Residents of megacities choose the machine.

The most important argument for automatic transmission is convenience. And yes, in fact, with automatic transmission, the process of driving 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 a torque converter. The process of transferring 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 provides torque to the oil, and it makes the element that rotates the gearbox input shaft work. With all the advantages, the torque converter has a very low efficiency. But this is outweighed by ease of operation, smooth change in torque, as well as a significant reduction in stress on transmission parts.

Tiptronic

This is a hydromechanical gearbox with manual control. For the first time, these systems were installed in the 90s on Porsche cars, and later BMW, Audi, as well as other automakers became interested in tipronik. An interesting fact - the manufacturer is sure that this is not one of the types of automatic transmission, but only a type of switching. In normal mode, this automatic transmission works in the same way as a traditional automatic. However, the driver has the ability to manually drive the car at any time, which is very convenient in some cases. For example, usingTiptronic can apply engine braking.

Among the benefits of these solutions is fuel consumption, which is lower than that of a traditional torque converter. The downside is that the 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 checkpoint. But at the same time, the driver has the ability to manually shift gears. The principle of operation of this system is based on V-belt transmission. As the main node, a variator is used here, which changes the torque. However, one cannot compare the multitronic with modern CVT stepless variators - its design differs from the stepless variator in the direction of complication and special chains are used instead of a belt.

Among the advantages are smooth acceleration, good dynamic performance and low fuel consumption. Indicators for dynamic characteristics are not inferior to cars with manual transmission. Minus - high prices, difficulties in repair and maintenance, a small resource.

Stepless variator, or CVT

In appearance, these transmission systems are not much different from a traditional automatic transmission, but the principle of operation here is completely different. There aren't really any gears here, and nothing shifts here.

Gear ratios and, accordingly, torquechanges constantly whether the car is accelerating or decelerating.

CV

Modern automotive 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 that is in the world.