Cardan shafts, also called driveshafts, originated in the automotive industry. The first appearance was in the mid-19th century. The Cardan shaft appeared in Stover's newly issued patent on planing and matching machines, where the belt drive above the drive was replaced with a Cardan shaft. The second appearance of the Cardan shaft was in a patent for the Watkins and Bryson horse-drawn lawn mower, also in . A driveshaft in this context refers to the shaft that transmits power from the machine's wheels to the gear set.
In , Battles referred to the shaft that drives the locomotive and the driving truck as the Cardan shaft, and Stillman referred to the shaft that connects the crankshaft to the rear axle of his axle-driven bicycle as the Cardan shaft. In , Bukey used the Cardan shaft to describe the shaft that transmits power from the wheels to the driven machinery via a universal joint. In the same year in describing his Marine Velocipede, used the Cardan shaft to refer to the gear-driven shaft that transmits power to the propeller shaft through a universal joint. Crompton used the Cardan shaft to refer to the shaft between the transmission and the Cardan shaft on his steam-powered motor car.
The pioneering company in the automobile industry was Autocar, which was the first to use a Cardan shaft in a gasoline-powered car. This car was produced in and is now in the Smithsonian Institution's collection. For more on automotive Cardan shafts, see Wikipedia.
What is an Industrial Cardan Shaft?
The Cardan shaft is composed of a shaft tube, a telescopic sleeve, and two cross joints. The telescopic sleeve can automatically adjust the change of the distance between the transmission and the drive axle. The cross joint ensures the change of the angle between the transmission output shaft and the drive axle input shaft and realizes the equal angle speed transmission of the two shafts.
In high-speed heavy-duty power transmission, some Cardan shafts also have the role of cushioning, vibration damping, and improving the dynamic performance of the shaft system. The Cardan shaft is composed of two halves, connected to the main shaft and the driven shaft respectively. Most of the general power machines are coupled to the working machine with the help of Cardan shafts.
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Cardan Shaft helps to transmit more power and torque when the machine is running, as well as cushioning, damping, and improving the dynamic performance of the shaft system.
In our traditional industry, transmission is usually carried out using drive belts or chains, which transmit torque with little torque, short working time and require frequent maintenance.
However, by using Cardan Shafts for transmission, in addition to solving the problem of transmission in different planes, it is possible to transmit at different angles (0-45°).
In addition, the Cardan Shaft uses a one-piece forkhead, which is easy to transport. At the same time, when using the Cardan Shaft to transmit power, the transmission efficiency can reach 98-99.8%, the transmission industry recognized as a good helper in energy saving;
Finally, the cross Cardan Shaft structure is simple, easy to maintain, only needs to regularly refuel the cross u joint.
Although Cardan Shafts are widely used in the automotive industry, with the development of industrial technology, Cardan Shafts have been used more often in mechanical engineering.
Depending on their structure, Cardan Shafts are usually divided into light Cardan Shafts, long-life Cardan Shafts, medium Cardan Shafts, heavy Cardan Shafts, through Cardan Shafts, and ultra-short Cardan Shafts.
Light Cardan Shafts have large mounting angles and low inertia. Usually used for paper-making machinery, general machinery, pumping equipment, and test machines. Flange diameters range from 58-225 mm and torques typically range from 180-22,000 N.m.
Long series Cardan Shafts with a lightweight design, maximum bearing life, low inertia, and high torsional rigidity. They are typically used in large paper machines, Down coiler, pumping equipment, and marine drives. Flange diameters range from 160-390mm and torques from 40,000-225,000N.m.
Medium-sized Cardan Shafts, which are the most versatile product line. Compact rhythm and high torque. Typically used in steel rolling mills, large marine drives, cranes, and straightening machines. Flange diameters range from 160-620 mm and torques from 21,000-1,250,000 N.m.
Heavy-duty Cardan Shafts, made of fixed raw materials and special heat treatment processes. Usually used in tube piercer, plate mills, crushers, and windmill test machines. Flange diameters range from 680- mm, torques 1,640,000-9,000,000 N.m.
Hollow penetration Cardan Shafts, widely used in Danieli-type mills, is mainly used for applications where large expansion and contraction are required, but the installation length is limited. It is mainly used in bar mills and H-beam mills. Flange diameter range from 225-490mm, torque 56,000-700,000
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Ultra-short Cardan Shafts, mainly used in applications where the installation length is extremely limited and the design is very compact. They are mainly used in locomotives, Marines, and Windmills. Flange diameters range from 275-405mm, torques 25,000-90,000N.m
There are more structures and models of Cardan Shafts. Based on the correct understanding of the varieties, types, and specifications, the Cardan Shaft can be selected according to the needs of the transmission system.
Although the Cardan Shaft does not require much maintenance, the cross u joint itself has a service life, usually one year. During use, it needs to be refueled regularly and avoid exceeding the limit torque specified by the product.
There are many manufacturers of Cardan Shafts on the market, and prices vary. The price of the key factors in addition to the cross u joint itself, there is the production process of quenching process, quenching process can be carried out on a variety of equipment, some higher value, some lower. we usually use the higher value of the quenching manufacturer's equipment on the Cardan Shaft parts flange, shaft fork for purification quenching.
Cardan Shafts need to be replaced at a certain stage of use, and replacement is not a waste of cost, but a better way to make your machine work properly and efficiently. Because of the production cycle of the Cardan Shaft, we generally recommend six months in advance and the Cardan Shaft manufacturers to communicate, confirmation of drawings and production, ready for emergencies.
Lynnuo in this field for over 30 years. We are a small factory here in China. Like the word 'The sparrow is small, but all the organs are there' We have our own design and development team. Processing center with the latest technology and veteran engineers with more than 40 years of experience. If you want to know more information or any technical support from us, please feel free to contact us at any time.
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Lynn@Lynnuo Cardan Shaft
If you're upgrading or replacing the drive shaft in your Jeep, Toyota, or other truck or SUV, you may be wondering what type of drive shaft is best for your vehicle. One decision you'll need to make is whether to use a single-cardan or double-cardan drive shaft.
A single-cardan drive shaft, also known as a conventional or non-constant velocity (CV) drive shaft, has a single universal joint at each end. This type of drive shaft can be prone to vibrations when the operating angle of the drive shaft is too severe.
A double-cardan drive shaft, also known as a CV drive shaft, has two universal joints at the upper end of the drive shaft, near the transfer case or transmission. The two universal joints work together to reduce vibrations and provide smoother operation, even at severe operating angles. This type of drive shaft is often used in Jeeps and other off-road vehicles because it provides the smoothest drive shaft operation. A common misconception about the double cardan is that the second joint will allow the shaft to flex twice as far before binding. This is not true. It may flex a little further before binding but will not always flex further than a single joint. Again, smooth operation is the purpose of the double cardan.
So, when should you consider upgrading to a double-cardan drive shaft? First, if your stock shaft is/was a double cardan you should almost always replace it with a double cardan. The change from single to double cardan is often made on lifted vehicles that are experiencing angle-related drive shaft vibrations. When a vehicle is lifted, the operating angle of the drive shaft can become too severe for a single-cardan drive shaft to operate smoothly, causing annoying drive shaft vibrations and potential damage to the drive shaft and other drivetrain components.
Upgrading to a double-cardan drive shaft can help reduce vibrations and wear, but it's important to note that the change may require modifications to your vehicle such as installing a slip yoke eliminator on your transfer case and/or adjusting your pinion angle with shims or adjustable control arms.
In summary, if your vehicle is experiencing drive shaft related vibrations after installing a lift, you should upgrade to a double cardan drive shaft.