Working Principle Of Cardan Shaft Coupling

Universal shaft coupling is a critical mechanical transmission device, whose core function is to achieve reliable transmission of torque and rotational motion when there is an angular deviation between the two shafts.

Working principle

1. Universal couplings connect the driving shaft and the driven shaft through cardan shaft couplings (such as cross shafts or cage structures). When the active shaft rotates, the special geometric structure of the cardan shaft coupling allows the two shafts to deflect within an angle range of 5 °~45 ° while maintaining the continuity of motion.

2. Through the articulated structure of the cardan shaft coupling, axial, radial, and angular deviations can be compensated for, adapting to equipment installation errors or displacement changes during operation.

Cross axis cardan shaft coupling

1. Structure: Composed of two fork shaped joints and a cross shaft, the bearings are made of needle rollers or sliding bearings.

2. Characteristics: Strong load-bearing capacity (suitable for heavy-duty low-speed scenarios), but prone to vibration due to centrifugal force at high speeds.

3. Application: Engineering machinery, metallurgical rolling mills, etc.

Ball cage cardan shaft coupling

1. Structure: The spherical shell contains steel balls and a cage, which transmit torque through the ball path.

2. Features: Smooth transmission, high speed, but high manufacturing cost.

3. Applications: Automotive drive shafts, precision machine tools.

Double cardan shaft coupling

1. Design optimization: The intermediate shaft adopts a modular and detachable structure to improve maintenance efficiency.

2. Advantage: Eliminating speed fluctuations of single cardan shaft couplings, suitable for long-distance transmission.

Application scenarios

1. Automotive industry: The transmission shaft connects the gearbox and drive axle to adapt to wheel runout.

2. Construction machinery: excavator slewing mechanism, crane boom articulated.

3. Metallurgical equipment: Rolling mill roll system transmission, compensating for axis deviation during roll adjustment.

4. Aerospace: Helicopter rotor transmission system, solving the problem of misalignment between the engine and rotor shaft.

The design of the cardan shaft coupling cleverly combines the principles of mechanical geometry and dynamics, and its diverse structural forms provide flexible transmission solutions for modern industrial equipment.