Basic Functions of Cardan Shafts
Application Areas of Cardan Shafts
Design of Cardan Shafts
Introduction to Cardan Shafts Technology
Basic Functions of Cardan Shafts
Cardan shafts perform several basic functions within the driveline. They are not only couplings for torque transmission, but also enable the flexible compensation of movements and positional changes between the input and output sides.
Torque and Speed Transmission
Cardan shafts ensure reliable power transmission from the driving machine to the driven machine, even under changing loads and dynamic operating conditions.
Compensation of Length Changes
Thanks to their telescopic design, cardan shafts compensate for changes in the distance between the input and output sides. This is particularly relevant for machines that move vertically or horizontally during operation.
Compensation for Angular Misalignment
Cardan shafts compensate for angular misalignment. This allows for flexible machine layouts without complex foundation work.
Your Benefits at a Glance
- Reliable torque transmission
- Flexibility through compensation of length changes and misalignments
- Easy integration into a wide range of drivelines
Application Areas of Cardan Shafts
RINGSPANN Cardan Shafts are used in a wide range of machines and systems. The main applications are:
- Rolling mill drives (e.g. hot and cold rolling stands, transport lines)
- Paper machines (e.g. wet and dry sections)
- Pump drives (e.g. wastewater and service water pumps)
- Test benches (e.g. for engines, gearboxes, other drive components)
- Heavy machinery construction (e.g. presses, crushers, shredders)
- General machinery and plant engineering (e.g. conveyor systems, mixers, mine fans)
- Rail vehicles and ships (main and auxiliary drives)
Application Example: Pumps
RINGSPANN Cardan Shafts have been used in pump drives for decades – from water and wastewater pumps to process pumps in industrial plants.
- Function: Bridging large vertical distances between motor and pump.
- Features: Driveline consisting of cardan shafts with intermediate bearings and cardan shafts with length compensation.
- Benefits: Smooth running, long service life and reliable continuous operation even under demanding conditions.
Application Example: Rolling Mills
In rolling mills, RINGSPANN Cardan Shafts ensure reliable torque transmission between the main drive and the rolling stands.
- Function: Transmission of very high torques in a compact design, even under highly fluctuating loads caused by varying material thicknesses and widths as well as roll separating forces.
- Features: Robust design, high wear resistance and optimized lubrication for continuous operation in demanding environments.
- Benefits: Reliable function even under shock and vibration loads, increased machine availability and reduced downtime costs.
Design of Cardan Shafts
RINGSPANN Cardan Shafts consist of precisely matched components that ensure high reliability and a long service life:
Journal Cross
- Drop-forged from high-quality casehardened steel for high loads and wear resistance.
- Journals with low surface roughness, high roundness accuracy and a case-hardened surface for an above-average bearing service life.
Bearing Assembly
- Durable and highly load-bearing, developed in collaboration with leading European roller bearing manufacturers.
- RINGSPANN developed sealing system, designed to meet the specific requirements and characteristics of rolling bearings in cardan shaft.
- Available in either maintenance-free or low-maintenance versions.
Yoke
- With closed bearing eyes to ensure even load distribution and to prevent harmful stress peaks and notch effects.
Length Compensation consisting of
Splined Shaft and Splined Sleeve
- Made from high-quality quenched and tempered steels or ductile cast iron: high strength, torsionally rigid, and bendingresistant.
- Splines of the splined shaft manufactured either by hobbing or cold rolling.
- Splined sleeves with polymer coating to reduce friction and thus axial forces.
Cardan Shaft Tube
- Made from high-quality structural steel, seamless drawn or precision-welded.
- Uniform wall thickness and minimal geometric deviations for smooth and trouble-free operation.
- Maximum machining lengths up to 6 000 mm or 236.22 in.
Flange Yoke
- Made from high-quality quenched and tempered steels or ductile cast iron.
- High-strength, torsionally rigid, and with high bending stiffness to ensure a long service life of the joint bearing.
- Available in five standard versions. Special versions available on request.