Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission design
The Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission is a six-speed automatic transmission with a planetary gear and multi-plate clutch. It consists of the following main components:
*Hydraulic Transformer: Transmits and regulates torque from the engine to the transmission.
* Planetary Gear: Consists of a set of gears that interact to change the gear ratio.
*Multi-plate clutches: Activated by hydraulic pressure to connect and disengage the various planetary gears.
*Hydraulic control unit: Regulates transmission fluid pressure to operate multi-plate clutches and ensure proper gear shifting.
* Electronic Control Unit (ECU): Controls the hydraulic control unit based on inputs from various sensors such as engine speed sensor, vehicle speed sensor and gear position sensor.
Operating principle
The automatic transmission works as follows:
1. Torque Supply: When the engine is running, torque is transmitted from the flywheel to the hydraulic transformer.
2. Torque Conversion: The hydraulic transformer increases torque and ensures smooth gear shifting.
3. Torque transmission: The transformed torque is transmitted to the planetary gear.
4. Gear selection: The ECU selects the appropriate gear based on sensor data.
5. Gear Activation: The hydraulic control unit activates the corresponding multi-plate clutches, connecting the various planetary gears to achieve the desired gear ratio.
6. Fluid Pressure Control: The hydraulic control unit regulates transmission fluid pressure to ensure smooth gear shifting and protect the transmission from overload.
7. Electronic Control: The ECU continuously monitors transmission parameters and makes adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance and fuel efficiency.
Operating modes
The Chevrolet Cruze automatic transmission has several operating modes:
* Drive (D): Normal driving mode allowing automatic gear shifting.
* Sport (S): A sport driving mode that provides sharper gear changes and maintains higher engine speeds.
* Manual (M): Manual mode allowing the driver to manually change gears.
* Low (L): Low gear mode designed for starting off on slippery or rough terrain.