How many types of transmissions are there?
4 Answers
Transmissions are divided into four types: AT transmission, CVT transmission, AMT transmission, and dual-clutch transmission. Also known as a gearbox, the transmission is an automotive component used to alter the speed and torque from the engine, and it can fix or change the transmission ratio between the output shaft and the input shaft in different gears. The transmission consists of a gear transmission mechanism and a control mechanism, with some vehicles also including a power output mechanism. It can be categorized into stepped, continuously variable, and integrated transmissions, providing functions such as enabling reverse driving, interrupting power transmission, and changing gear ratios. The transmission is a crucial component in vehicles, as it can alter the gear ratio and expand the torque and speed effects on the driving wheels. Currently, diesel engines are widely used in construction machinery, but their torque and speed variation range is limited, making it unable to meet the requirements for traction and driving speed under various operating conditions. Therefore, transmissions are employed to resolve this contradiction.
Actually, there are mainly three types of transmissions. Manual transmission is the kind that requires you to press the clutch and shift gears yourself, demanding coordination between hands and feet while driving. Although it's a bit more cumbersome, it's cheaper to repair and more fuel-efficient. Nowadays, fewer and fewer people drive this type. Automatic transmission is much more convenient; you only need to manage the accelerator and brake while the system determines the shifting timing on its own, which is especially hassle-free during city traffic jams. Dual-clutch transmission can be considered a hybrid of manual and automatic, offering fast shifting speeds and low fuel consumption, making it particularly favored in sports cars and performance vehicles. There's also the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has no fixed gears, providing exceptionally smooth acceleration but isn't very suitable for aggressive driving. Hybrid vehicles may also feature electronically controlled transmissions, which rely on the coordination between electric motors and engines. With the current trend toward new energy vehicles, transmission technology continues to evolve.
The classification of transmissions is quite interesting. When I was learning car repair, my mentor emphasized focusing on the power transmission method. Manual transmissions require the driver to operate the clutch and gear stick, making them suitable for experienced drivers who enjoy a sense of control. Traditional automatic transmissions use a torque converter to transmit power, offering effortless driving but slightly higher fuel consumption. Dual-clutch transmissions employ two sets of clutches that alternate, providing gear shifts as quick as those in sports cars. CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) uses a steel belt drive, always staying in the optimal RPM range for great fuel efficiency. Some four-wheel-drive vehicles even have special transfer case transmissions. Nowadays, for regular family use, automatic transmissions are the most practical choice. Those seeking driving pleasure might consider manual or dual-clutch options, while hybrid vehicles come with their own specialized transmission systems.
There are five basic types of transmissions. Manual transmissions are well-understood by everyone, requiring the use of a clutch to shift gears. Automatic transmissions need no introduction, as they are ubiquitous nowadays. Dual-clutch transmissions come in two varieties: dry and wet, commonly used in cars like the Focus and Golf. Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs) are frequently found in Japanese vehicles, offering exceptionally smooth operation. Then there are hybrid-specific transmissions for new energy vehicles, such as Toyota's planetary gear structure in their hybrids. Additionally, special types like part-time four-wheel-drive transmissions are used in off-road vehicles. Over the more than 100 years of automotive development, transmissions have evolved from the simplest mechanical structures to increasingly intelligent systems, with many modern cars even capable of memorizing your driving habits to automatically adjust shift logic.
