Automatic Transmission Car Components
Introduction
An automatic transmission is a type of gearbox that automatically changes gears as the car’s speed changes. This makes driving easier, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when driving on hills.
Automatic transmissions are more complex than manual transmissions, and they have a number of different components. These components include the torque converter, the planetary gearset, the valve body, and the governor.
Torque Converter
The torque converter is a fluid coupling that transfers power from the engine to the transmission.
The torque converter is made up of three main components: the impeller, the turbine, and the stator.
The impeller is attached to the engine’s crankshaft. The turbine is attached to the transmission’s input shaft. The stator is located between the impeller and the turbine.
When the engine is running, the impeller spins the transmission fluid. The transmission fluid then pushes against the turbine, which causes the transmission’s input shaft to spin.
The stator helps to increase the torque output of the torque converter. The stator is stationary, and it redirects the transmission fluid back to the impeller.
Planetary Gearset
The planetary gearset is a set of gears that changes the speed and direction of the transmission’s output shaft.
The planetary gearset is made up of three main components: the sun gear, the planet gears, and the ring gear.
The sun gear is the central gear in the planetary gearset. The planet gears are the gears that rotate around the sun gear. The ring gear is the gear that is attached to the transmission’s output shaft.
When the sun gear rotates, the planet gears also rotate. The planet gears are attached to the carrier, which is attached to the transmission’s output shaft. The ring gear rotates in the opposite direction of the sun gear.
Valve Body
The valve body is a hydraulic control unit that directs the flow of transmission fluid to the different components of the transmission.
The valve body is made up of a number of different valves and passages. These valves and passages control the flow of transmission fluid to the torque converter, the planetary gearset, and the governor.
Governor
The governor is a speed-sensing device that controls the shifting of the transmission.
The governor is located on the transmission’s output shaft. When the transmission’s output shaft speed increases, the governor moves a valve that controls the flow of transmission fluid to the shift solenoids.
The shift solenoids are located on the valve body. These shift solenoids control the flow of transmission fluid to the different clutches and bands in the transmission.
Other Components
In addition to the torque converter, the planetary gearset, the valve body, and the governor, automatic transmissions also have a number of other components.
These components include the transmission case, the transmission fluid pump, the transmission fluid filter, and the transmission fluid pan.
The transmission case is the housing that contains all of the transmission’s components.
The transmission fluid pump circulates transmission fluid throughout the transmission.
The transmission fluid filter removes impurities from the transmission fluid.
The transmission fluid pan is the reservoir that holds the transmission fluid.
Conclusion
Automatic transmissions are complex pieces of machinery, but they are also very reliable. With proper maintenance, an automatic transmission can last for many years.
