What is CVT? Understand its Definition and Components
Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) is a type of automatic transmission technology that can change gear ratios automatically without shifting gears like in manual or conventional automatic transmissions.
This type of automatic transmission is popular among drivers. This is certainly because CVT is more practical as gear shifting does not require moving the gear lever like in manual cars. This ease is certainly supported by the fact that the components of CVT transmission in cars are quite complex, ensuring its excellent performance.
So, what are the components of a car's CVT transmission that can provide lightweight and very smooth performance? Broadly speaking, the components consist of a torque converter, oil pump, metal belt, and differential gear. You can directly check the following explanation for a clearer understanding!
1. Torque Converter
Usually, the term transmission in front-wheel drive cars like CVT is referred to as a transaxle. This CVT transaxle is equipped with a torque converter to transfer the rotation from the engine to the input shaft of the transaxle.
The torque converter also functions to increase the engine's torque when there is a difference in rotation between the engine and the input shaft of the transaxle. This mechanism is then equipped with a lock-up clutch to make the torque converter's performance more efficient.
2. Metal Belt
This is the hallmark of the CVT transmission component in cars, namely the metal belt. The metal belt connects the primary pulley (input) and the secondary pulley (output). These two pulleys can change their shape, widening and narrowing, and moving left and right, causing the metal belt to also have a changing diameter.
This change in diameter allows it to transmit energy to the engine, thus regulating the gear ratio. The gear ratio will increase when the primary pulley is smaller than the secondary pulley, and vice versa. This is what makes the engine run smoothly.
3. Forward and Reverse Drive Mechanism
The next component of the CVT transmission in cars is the forward and reverse drive mechanism, which can move the CVT transmission forward and backward. When the forward clutch is engaged, the input shaft and primary pulley will connect, allowing it to move forward.
When the car is moving backward, the reverse brake will engage, causing the planetary gear unit to make the engine rotate, which is then transmitted to the CVT, reversing the direction.
4. Oil Pump and Reduction Gear
The oil pump is a component of the CVT transmission in cars that functions to generate fluid pressure to regulate the diameter of the pulleys. The fluid pressure is then maximally controlled to adjust the primary and secondary pulleys depending on the sensors operating in the CVT.
The reduction gear mechanism allows the CVT to transmit power to the wheels effectively. Thus, the vehicle moves well even on uneven terrain.
5. Parking Lock Mechanism
The next component of the CVT transmission in cars is the parking lock mechanism, which allows the car to be parked even on uneven surfaces. This is because when the automatic transmission lever is positioned to P, the parking lock pawl will hold the parking lock gear, causing it to engage with the secondary pulley.
This then causes the secondary pulley to remain stationary, preventing the front wheels from turning, thus allowing the car to be parked securely.
6. CVT Fluid Warmer
The CVT transmission in cars has indeed proven to make fuel consumption more efficient. This is due to the presence of a CVT fluid warmer component in the car's CVT. This component maintains the fluid temperature, making fuel absorption more efficient.
What are the advantages of CVT?
It is very comfortable to use; automatic cars are known for their automatic transmission system, which is considered one of their advantages. This system allows the driver not to use the clutch pedal, as they only need to press the accelerator pedal to move and the brake pedal to stop.
What are the disadvantages of CVT?
One of the main disadvantages of cars using CVT transmission is that they tend to be more expensive compared to manual or conventional automatic cars. Not only that, but the cost of regular maintenance is often higher, especially if there is damage that requires repairs.
When should CVT components be serviced?
Maintaining the condition of the CVT in your automatic scooter is very important. It is recommended to routinely service the CVT every 10,000 km. During this service, the CVT components are thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Additionally, the use of lubricants is also an integral part of this service, aimed at reducing friction that occurs during CVT operation, avoiding potential heat effects that could harm your vehicle.
Those are some components of the CVT transmission in cars along with their functions. Wow, it turns out to be quite complex. No wonder if CVT repairs can be quite costly. For sure, do not drive a car with CVT transmission with high acceleration, as it can cause the engine to wear out quickly.
Author: Nisa Maulan Shofa
