CAT "robot" - what is it? How does the checkpoint "robot" work?

As is known, in the world there are several types of automobile transmissions: all known mechanics and the so-called automatic machine. But recently, automakers began to staff their new items with a robotic box. CAT "robot" - what kind of transmission and how is it arranged? About all this and not only - later in our article.

Characteristics of the box

CAT "robot" - what kind of transmission? It is a mechanical box in which the functions of engaging clutch and gear change are automated. Thus, all the work of the checkpoint does not depend on the driver, but on the electronic unit with a certain control algorithm. The driver himself gives only the input information for the transmission.

Device

The robotic box may differ slightly in design, but its overall structure is invariable. This type of transmission is a mechanical transmission with a transmission and clutch control system. And it does not matter which producer this unit was made of.

Automated "robots" have a clutch of friction type. It can be either a disk package or a separate mechanism. The most reliable and durable is the design with a double clutch. "Volkswagen Golf" was the first car to be equipped with a modernized checkpoint "robot". The drivers' comments noted a good reaction of electronics and speed of switching of speeds at dispersal. In addition, the design of the box with a double clutch made it possible to ensure the transmission of torque without breaking the power flow. At the same time, the switching speed was less than one second. But, as practice showed, such boxes "survive" only on flat German autobahns. When used on our roads (primer, gravel and permanent pits), the life of the gearbox with double clutch is halved.

But back to the device design. The clutch drive itself can be both electric and hydraulic. In the first case, the actuators are an electric motor and a mechanical transmission. Hydraulic drive is carried out with the help of special cylinders. The latter, in turn, are controlled by a solenoid valve.

In some cases, the robotic electrical boxes have a hydromechanical unit with an electric motor that moves the clutch actuator cylinder. A striking example of this is the Easytronic transmission, which was used on Opel cars.

"Robot", gearbox with an electric drive, is characterized by a relatively low gear change speed (from 0.3 to 0.5 seconds). However, it does not need to maintain constant pressure in the system, as is necessary for hydraulic analogs.

At the same time, hydraulic gearboxes have a faster gear shift cycle, which ranges from 0.05 to 0.06 seconds. For this reason, this type of transmission is used on most modern racing cars and supercars (such as "Ferrari" and "Lamborghini"). On vehicles of a budget class, such boxes are not used even as an "option".

How does the checkpoint "robot" work?

Work and control over most of the mechanisms of this transmission is carried out by an electronic system, which includes the main control unit, as well as a number of auxiliary sensors. The latter monitor all the necessary parameters of the gearbox (the position of the shift and selector forks, oil pressure, etc.) and transfer them to the main unit. After the electronics forms further actions and sends them in the form of short signals to the actuators (electric drive and electro valves). So there is a smooth and fast gear shift.

Modes of operation

Despite the fact that the design of the robotic box is based on the principles of the mechanics, at the request of the driver, it can function in an automatic mode. How does the checkpoint "robot" work in this case? When switching to automatic mode, the electronic unit independently implements the programmed control algorithm of the box. The driver only has to press the gas pedal and monitor the situation on the road. In traffic jams, the work of the robot "on the machine" very much helps. In manual mode, the driver is able to independently switch gears from low to high and vice versa. Control is carried out with the help of a classic gearshift lever.

The relevance of the box in Russia

Unfortunately, our automakers have not yet introduced the practice of installing robotic transmissions on their cars. However, more recently, the VAZ plant has stated that since 2015, the "robot" checkpoint will be installed serially on VAZ "Priora" cars. The weight of the box is about 34 kilograms, while it is very resistant to Russian winters. And if the former automaton blocked the engine starting at -27 degrees, then the current "robot" can work even at 40-degree frost. Also, the VAZ announced the nominal life of this checkpoint, which will be exactly 10 years (although, for some reason, the warranty period is over by the third year). Thus, the plant VAZ is trying to revive the former popularity of the domestic "Priora". Now he is set up to produce the 2170-2172 series at least until 2020.

Benefits

Many drivers say that the robotic box absorbed all the pluses of the machine and the mechanics. That is, while driving you simultaneously get the comfort of the action of the automatic transmission and do not worry about the increased fuel consumption. In general, high profitability is the main advantage of robotic boxes. At the heart of their design is a computer with a specific control program that distributes the torque forces as rationally as possible. Unlike a simple driver, electronics never "freaks out" in traffic jams, does not fall into depression, a stand for physical stress and fatigue. That is why such boxes very quickly gained popularity in the world market. Now the robotic transmission is installed on cars of class A, B and C (including the Toyota Corolla sedan). The checkpoint "robot" was delivered to the German all-wheel drive jeep "Volkswagen Amarok". Now the "German" in this configuration is available both in the European and Russian markets.

But this is not all the advantages that the robot can boast of. The owners' comments mark the high reliability of this transmission. And only with a run of 200-250 thousand kilometers, it may require the replacement of certain mechanisms. Repair of the checkpoint "robot" refers, in the main, to the clutch, which suffers heavy loads, especially on impassable road sections.

At its cost, this box is much cheaper than a standard machine. And the maintenance is very unpretentious checkpoint "robot". Changing the oil is, perhaps, the only operation that must be done with it every 50-60 thousand kilometers.

Weight features

And, of course, the weight of the box. By this parameter, it exceeds the automaton by several times. On average, the curb weight of the robotic gearbox for passenger cars is only 30-40 kilograms. At the same time, the machine weighs from 50 to 100 kilograms. That is, with the "robot" the car becomes more light, and accordingly, the load on the engine, wheels, shock absorbers, etc., decreases.

disadvantages

The main disadvantage of the robotic transmission is its gearshift speed. Yes, it is because of this factor that there are heavy loads on the engine of the car, which is in a traffic jam. The car starts to accelerate in jerks, which is more suitable for sports driving. Therefore, for fans of a smooth manner of movement on all "robots" there is a "tiptronic" mode.

And if the problem with the jerks of the manufacturers of these transmissions still managed to cope, then the issue of driving safety on the slopes has not yet been resolved. The fact is that the robotic box does not have a permanent connection with the engine. Therefore, when driving, the transmission can spontaneously turn off, and then the car on the slope rolls down. But, fortunately, there are very few such absurd situations. Therefore, the robotic box can be described as one of the best among all existing and as an excellent analogue of the machine.

Symptoms of a malfunction of a check point "robot"

What kind of transmission, we already found out. Now about where this box might break. The first symptoms, which say about the forthcoming repair of the robotic transmission, appear not soon (approximately for 8 years of operation or after 200 thousand kilometers of run). Upon reaching this point, the box begins to "work miracles", namely to switch spontaneously to "neutral". And this trouble happens in all modes of transmission.

Sometimes the symptom of a malfunction is jerking when the car starts to move. In this case, the cars "Nissan" and "Toyota" checkpoint "robot" requires replacing the slave clutch disc.

Of course, only specialists can determine the true malfunction. But more often on such checkpoint clutch breaks (not an exception and the Japanese car "Toyota"). The checkpoint "robot" in this case is repaired by installing the repair kit of the actuator or by completely replacing it with a new mechanism.

Also, the malfunction of the robotic box can be caused by the wear of the release bearing and its guide. Here you have to buy a new clutch kit, and sometimes change the front of the body assembly. But in any case, the renovated box will be usable for another 150-200 thousand kilometers.

Summing up

Let's sum up all the above. So, the "robot" is a mechanical transmission with a control unit. It can work both as a mechanic and as an automaton. At the same time its design is simpler than that of automatic transmission. Also, the "robot" is more reliable and unpretentious in maintenance. A car with this type of transmission consumes 10-15 percent less fuel than the one that is equipped with an automatic device. Plus, the driver almost does not waste time on shifting gears (concerns boxes with a hydraulic drive).

Conclusion

We found out how the "robot" works, what is this mechanism and what are its features. As you can see, this type of transmission is perfect for both mechanics and automaton fans. After all, at any moment it can be transformed from manual to automatic transmission. But still it was not fully investigated by our motorists, because most of them are afraid to buy a car with such a box. But, as you can see, this transmission practically does not need maintenance, besides it is very reliable.