Transmission (mechanics) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search "Gearbox" redirects here.

For the video game developer, see Gearbox Software. Five-speed + reverse gearbox from the 1600 Volkswagen Golf (2009). A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which prov ides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission a s an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaf t by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a live axle.[1] Often tran smission refers simply to the gearbox that uses gears and gear trains to provide speed and torque conversions from a rotating power source to another device.[2] [3] In British English, the term transmission refers to the whole drive train, inclu ding clutch, gearbox, prop shaft (for rear-wheel drive), differential, and final drive shafts. In American English, however, the distinction is made that a gear box is any device which converts speed and torque, whereas a transmission is a t ype of gearbox that can be shifted to dynamically change the speed-torque ratio such a s in a vehicle. The most common use is in motor vehicles, where the transmission adapts the outp ut of the internal combustion engine to the drive wheels. Such engines need to o perate at a relatively high rotational speed, which is inappropriate for startin g, stopping, and slower travel. The transmission reduces the higher engine speed to the slower wheel speed, increasing torque in the process. Transmissions are also used on pedal bicycles, fixed machines, and anywhere else where rotational speed and torque needs to be adapted. Often, a transmission will have multiple gear ratios (or simply gears ), with the abili ty to switch between them as speed varies. This switching may be done manually ( by the operator), or automatically. Directional (forward and reverse) control ma y also be provided. Single-ratio transmissions also exist, which simply change t he speed and torque (and sometimes direction) of motor output. In motor vehicles, the transmission will generally be connected to the crankshaf t of the engine. The output of the transmission is transmitted via driveshaft to one or more differentials, which in turn, drive the wheels. While a differentia l may also provide gear reduction, its primary purpose is to permit the wheels a t either end of an axle to rotate at different speeds (essential to avoid wheel slippage on turns) as it changes the direction of rotation. Conventional gear/belt transmissions are not the only mechanism for speed/torque adaptation. Alternative mechanisms include torque converters and power transfor mation (for example, diesel-electric transmission and hydraulic drive system). H ybrid configurations also exist. Contents 1 2 3 4 Explanation Uses Simple Multi-ratio systems 4.1 Automotive basics 4.2 Manual 4.3 Non-synchronous 4.4 Automatic 4.5 Semi-automatic 4.6 Bicycle gearing 5 Uncommon types 5.1 Dual clutch transmission

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5.2 Continuously variable 5.3 Infinitely variable 5.4 Electric variable Non-direct 6.1 Electric 6.2 Hydrostatic 6.3 Hydrodynamic See also References External links

Explanation Transmission types Manual Sequential manual Non-synchronous Preselector Automatic Manumatic Semi-automatic Electrohydraulic Dual clutch Saxomat Continuously variable Bicycle gearing Derailleur gears Hub gears v t e Interior view of Pantigo Windmill, looking up into cap from floor -- cap rack, b rake wheel, brake and wallower. Pantigo Windmill is located on James Lane, East Hampton, Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. Early transmissions included the right-angle drives and other gearing in windmil ls, horse-powered devices, and steam engines, in support of pumping, milling, an d hoisting. Most modern gearboxes are used to increase torque while reducing the speed of a prime mover output shaft (e.g. a motor crankshaft). This means that the output s haft of a gearbox will rotate at a slower rate than the input shaft, and this re duction in speed will produce a mechanical advantage, causing an increase in tor que. A gearbox can be set up to do the opposite and provide an increase in shaft speed with a reduction of torque. Some of the simplest gearboxes merely change the physical direction in which power is transmitted. Many typical automobile transmissions include the ability to select one of sever al different gear ratios. In this case, most of the gear ratios (often simply ca lled "gears") are used to slow down the output speed of the engine and increase torque. However, the highest gears may be "overdrive" types that increase the ou tput speed. Uses

Gearboxes have found use in a wide variety of different uch as wind turbines.

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Transmissions are also used in agricultural, industrial, construction, mining an d automotive equipment. In addition to ordinary transmission equipped with gears , such equipment makes extensive use of the hydrostatic drive and electrical adj ustable-speed drives.