In the long history of the automobile industry, the transmission system plays a vital role as a bridge connecting the engine and the wheels. It is responsible for efficiently and smoothly transmitting the power generated by the engine to the wheels to drive the vehicle forward. There are many types of car transmission system accessories with different functions, which together constitute this complex and sophisticated mechanical system. This article will deeply analyze the accessories of the automobile transmission system, covering multiple core components such as clutch, transmission, drive shaft, differential, and other related accessories, to reveal the mystery of the automobile transmission system for you.
1. Clutch: The "switch" of power transmission
The clutch is an important component in the automobile transmission system. It is located between the engine and the transmission and is responsible for connecting or disconnecting the power transmission between the engine and the transmission. The main functions of the clutch include:
Smooth start: When the vehicle starts, the clutch can gradually engage the power transmission between the engine and the transmission, so that the vehicle starts smoothly and avoids engine stalling or sudden vehicle rushing out.
Smooth gear shifting: During the gear shifting process, the clutch can temporarily disconnect the power transmission between the engine and the transmission, making the gear shifting smoother and reducing the gear shifting shock.
Overload protection: When the vehicle encounters an emergency and requires emergency braking, the clutch can quickly disconnect the power transmission to prevent the transmission system from overload damage.
There are various types of clutches, the most common of which are diaphragm spring clutch, cable clutch, hydraulic clutch, etc. When choosing a clutch, you need to consider the vehicle’s usage conditions, driving habits, clutch durability, shifting smoothness and other factors.
2. Transmission: Regulator of speed and power
The transmission is another core component in the vehicle’s transmission system. It is responsible for changing the engine’s output speed and torque to adapt to different driving speeds and load conditions. There are various types of transmissions, the most common of which are manual transmissions, automatic transmissions, continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) and dual clutch transmissions (DCTs).
Manual transmission:
The transmission ratio is changed by manually operating the shift lever to achieve different driving speeds and power outputs. The manual transmission has the advantages of simple structure, high transmission efficiency and low maintenance cost, but it requires the driver to have certain driving skills and shifting experience.
Automatic transmission:
Automatic shifting is achieved through devices such as torque converters or wet clutches, without the need for manual operation by the driver. Automatic transmission has the advantages of convenient driving and smooth shifting, but the transmission efficiency is relatively low and the maintenance cost is high.
Continuously variable transmission:
It realizes stepless speed change through transmission media such as metal belts or chains, and can continuously change the transmission ratio in a wider range. Continuously variable transmission has the advantages of smooth shifting and good fuel economy, but the life and durability of the transmission belt or chain are relatively limited.
Dual clutch transmission:
It combines the advantages of manual transmission and automatic transmission, and controls the shifting process of odd and even gears respectively through two independent clutches. Dual clutch transmission has the advantages of fast shifting speed, high transmission efficiency and low fuel consumption, but the structure is complex and the maintenance cost is high.
When choosing a transmission, it is necessary to consider the vehicle’s usage scenario, driving habits, and the performance, durability, and maintenance cost of the transmission.
3. Drive shaft: the bridge of power
The drive shaft is one of the important components in the automobile transmission system. It is responsible for transmitting the power output of the transmission to the drive wheel. There are various types of drive shafts, and the common ones are constant velocity universal joint drive shafts and unequal velocity universal joint drive shafts.
Constant velocity universal joint drive shaft: The constant velocity universal joint is used to change the angles at both ends of the drive shaft without affecting the power transmission efficiency and stability. Constant velocity universal joint drive shaft has the advantages of high transmission efficiency and good stability, but the structure is relatively complex and the cost is high.
Unequal velocity universal joint drive shaft: The unequal velocity universal joint is used to change the angles at both ends of the drive shaft, but it will affect the power transmission efficiency and stability to a certain extent. Unequal velocity universal joint drive shaft has the advantages of simple structure and low cost, but the transmission efficiency and stability are relatively poor.
When selecting a drive shaft, factors such as the vehicle’s use conditions, driving speed, and the durability and transmission efficiency of the drive shaft need to be considered.
4. Differential: A wise man who adapts to complex road conditions
The differential is one of the important components in the automobile transmission system. It allows the wheels on both sides to rotate at different speeds to adapt to complex road conditions and driving conditions. There are various types of differentials, and the common ones are open differentials, limited slip differentials, locking differentials, etc.
Open differential:
allows the wheels on both sides to rotate at different speeds, but when one wheel slips, it cannot effectively transfer power to the other wheel. The open differential has the advantages of simple structure and low cost, but the off-road capability is relatively limited.
Limited slip differential:
limits the speed difference of the wheels on both sides by mechanical or electronic means to improve the off-road capability and driving stability of the vehicle. The limited slip differential has the advantages of strong off-road capability and good driving stability, but the structure is relatively complex and the cost is high.
Locking differential:
under certain conditions, it can completely lock the speed difference of the wheels on both sides to achieve stronger traction and passability. The locking differential has the advantages of extremely strong off-road capability and large traction, but the operation is relatively complex and requires high requirements from the driver.
When choosing a differential, it is necessary to consider the vehicle’s driving environment, off-road requirements, and the performance and durability of the differential.
5. Other transmission system accessories
In addition to the above core components, the automotive transmission system also includes many other accessories, such as half shafts, universal joints, drive axles, etc. These accessories work together to ensure the normal operation and performance of the transmission system.
Axle: A shaft component that transmits the power output of the differential to the wheel. There are various types of axles, and the common ones are solid axles and hollow axles. When choosing axles, factors such as the vehicle’s driving conditions, load capacity, and durability and strength of the axles need to be considered.
Universal joint: A joint component that connects the drive shaft to the wheel or differential, allowing the drive shaft to rotate flexibly within a certain angle range. There are various types of universal joints, and the common ones are cross-axis universal joints and ball cage universal joints. When choosing a universal joint, factors such as the angle variation range, load capacity, and durability and flexibility of the drive shaft need to be considered.
Drive axle: A component that distributes the power transmitted by the drive shaft to the wheels on both sides, including the main reducer, differential, etc. There are various types of drive axles, and the common ones are integral drive axles and disconnected drive axles. When choosing a drive axle, factors such as the vehicle’s driving environment, off-road capabilities, and durability and passability of the drive axle need to be considered.
car transmission system accessories are also constantly updated
As a bridge connecting the engine and the wheels, automotive transmission system accessories play a vital role in the driving process of the car. The selection and matching of clutch, transmission, drive shaft, differential and other accessories directly affect the vehicle’s driving performance, fuel economy and service life. Therefore, when selecting and matching transmission system accessories, it is necessary to comprehensively consider the vehicle’s usage scenario, driving conditions, and the performance, durability, and maintenance costs of the accessories.
With the continuous development and innovation of automotive technology, transmission system accessories are also constantly updated. In the future, we will see more intelligent, efficient, and environmentally friendly transmission system accessories emerge, bringing a better future to the automotive industry. As consumers and car owners, we should pay close attention to industry dynamics and technological development trends, choose transmission system accessories that suit us, and regularly maintain and maintain them to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle.