What are the classifications of cardan shafts？

Drive Shaft

What are the classifications of cardan shafts？

Cardan shaft is a special type of drive shaft used to transmit power and torque, which can transmit power at different angles and axis deviations. According to their structure and characteristics, cardan shafts can be classified into the following types:

Cross-type Universal Joint: Cross-type Universal Joint is the most common and commonly used type of shaft. It consists of two cross-shaped parts that enable the shaft to bend in two mutually perpendicular planes. Universal joint shafts are commonly used in the drive train of vehicles, such as the drive shafts of cars and trucks.

Double Cardan Universal Joint: Double cardan universal joint consists of two cross cardan shafts connected by an intermediate connecting shaft. This structure can reduce the angle deviation when transmitting torque, and improve transmission efficiency and stability. Double cardan universal joint are widely used in four-wheel drive vehicles and heavy machinery.

Constant Velocity Joint: Constant velocity joint is a specially designed cardan shaft that keeps the output speed of the propagating shaft constant regardless of the propagating angle. It usually consists of two CV joints and an intermediate shaft set. CV cardan shafts are commonly used in drive systems of front-wheel-drive vehicles and some four-wheel-drive vehicles.

These are some common classifications of cardan shafts. Which type of cardan shaft to use depends on the requirements of the application, the needs of the design, and the range of angular and linear misalignments required.