Continuously Variable Transmissions On The Rise Worldwide

 “With its smooth and dynamic acceleration, continuously variable transmission makes driving easy and enjoyable,” says Stefan Seiberth, the president of the Bosch Gasoline Systems division. “CVT especially comes into its own in urban stop-and-go traffic. It can reduce fuel consumption by as much as 7 percent, since the engine is constantly kept at its most efficient operating point.” Bosch manufactures the push belts that are a central component of CVT. They make it possible for the transmission to drive engines with a torque range between 60 and 450 Newton meters and an output of more than 300 horsepower (220 kilowatts). Using an electronic control, a number of different settings are possible, from economical to sporty.

In addition, the continuously variable transmission is extremely compact, since it comprises just a few components. The control unit, for example, can be integrated directly into the system. The compact construction keeps the manufacturing cost down, and also means that this transmission fits into small urban vehicles. This also explains why CVT is especially popular in Japan. However, its market share is also growing in China and North America. Currently, every fifth automatic in the world is equipped with CVT. In just a few years, this share will grow to one-quarter. The technology is currently available in some 300 production models.

Flexible, yet as rigid as a solid steel rod

Bosch is also benefiting from this increase in market share. In 2012, the automotive supplier manufactured its 25 millionth CVT push belt. The component comprises hundreds of specially punched steel elements, stacked together in a high-alloy steel ring package. This design makes the push belt very flexible, but at the same time as rigid as a solid steel rod. This means that the Bosch component is very adaptable. It does not have to be developed separately for each vehicle, but often requires some adjustment only.

The way a CVT works is always the same. It closely resembles a set of bicycle gears: when the transmission ratio is higher, the diameter of the belt is larger on the drive shaft and smaller on the driven shaft. When the transmission ratio is lower, the situation is reversed, with a smaller belt diameter on the drive shaft and a larger one on the driven shaft. This stepless adjustment is made possible by the movement of the push belt. On both the drive and driven shaft, it moves between two cones that face each other. Depending on engine speed and torque, these pairs of cones alter the diameter traveled by the belt. In this way, there is always an optimum balance between required torque and engine speed.

Continuously variable transmissions are equally suitable for diesel, gasoline, and hybrid powertrains. And while this technology saves fuel in classic internal-combustion engines, it can also increase hybrid powertrains' electric range. This is because the CVT allows the internal-combustion engine to run at a higher speed, close to the optimum operating point. As a result, part of the energy released can be used for forward propulsion, while the rest can be stored in the rechargeable battery.

More information about continuously variable transmissions is available online.

At the 65th International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Bosch is showcasing technical solutions for connected mobility. A variety of innovations are helping to make road traffic cleaner and more efficient, as well as safer and more comfortable. Bosch is exhibiting its highlights at booth A04 in hall 8.

Automotive Technology is the largest Bosch Group business sector. In 2012, its sales came to 31.1 billion euros, or 59 percent of total group sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading automotive suppliers. Its roughly 177,000 Automotive Technology associates worldwide mainly work in the following areas of business: injection technology for internal-combustion engines, alternative powertrain concepts, efficient and networked powertrain peripherals, systems for active and passive driving safety, assistance and comfort functions, technology for user-friendly infotainment as well as car-to-car and Car2X communication, and concepts, technology, and service for the automotive aftermarket. Bosch has been responsible for important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP® anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.