Everyone knows that the main task of the engine is to develop the torque necessary to set the wheels in motion. However, not everyone is aware of exactly which devices and mechanisms are involved in this way, so that the moment is transmitted from the flywheel to the rim itself. Depending on the design of the car, different systems can be used here. However, they have one name - cardan drive. Its purpose, types and features will be considered right now.
Description
So what is this element used for? It serves to transmit torque between the shafts, which are at a specific angle relative to each other. As a rule, such a transmission is used in transmission units.
Using it, the following elements are connected:
- Engine and gearbox.
- Gearbox and transfer case.
- Transmission and final drive.
- Driving wheels and differential.
- Transfer transmission and final drive (found on SUVs).
As you can see, the node can interact in different mechanisms and assemblies.
Hinge
This is the main element in the gimbal device. What types does it happen? At the moment, there are several types of cardan gears, depending on the design of the hinge:
- With a joint of unequal angular velocities.
- With SHRUS.
- With a semi-cardan joint. It can be resilient or rigid. Currently not applicable in cars.
So, we will consider these types in more detail.
Transmission with a joint of unequal angular velocities
It consists of the following elements:
- Shank of the sliding fork.
- Intermediate shaft.
- The most fork with a deflector.
- Protective ring.
- Intermediate support.
- Bearing.
- Lock washer and A-plate.
- Slotted plugs.
- Crosses.
- The rear shaft.
- Flange of the main gear.
- Cardan joint.
- Sealing ring.
- Stopper with a bolt.
- Needle bearing.
Such a transfer in the common people was called "cardan". It is used on cars with rear or all-wheel drive. This is mainly SUVs or commercial vehicles. A similar cardan transmission on VAZs of classic models is also used. This unit includes joints of unequal angular velocities. They are located on the driveshafts. Some vehicles may use an intermediate bearing with a bearing (usually when the cardan consists of two parts). At the ends of this gear are connecting devices (flanges).
Such a hinge consists of two forks, which are located at an angle of 90 degrees. The crosspiece rotates thanks to a needle bearing, which is installed in the eyes of the forks. These bearings are maintenance free. Thus, the grease under the covers is pressed in for the entire service life and does not change during operation.
Among the features of this type of mechanism is worth noting the following. The transfer of effort is uneven (cyclically). So, in one revolution the driven shaft overtakes the drive twice and lags twice. To compensate for uneven rotation, at least two hinges are used in this unit. They are located one on each side of the driveshaft. And the forks of the opposite hinges rotate on the same plane.
If we talk about the number of shafts, there can be several or one. It all depends on the distance over which the power will be transmitted to the main gear of the car. When using a two-shaft scheme, the first shaft is intermediate, and the second is the rear. An element created by this principle, necessarily provides for the presence of an intermediate support. The latter is attached to the frame of the car (or, in the absence thereof, to the body). To compensate for the change in gear length, a splined connection is made in the first or second shaft . With transmission elements (gearbox and rear axle), the mechanism interacts through a clutch and flanges.
Transmission with SHRUS
Now this design is the most popular and practical in the world of cars. Often a similar scheme is practiced in front-wheel drive vehicles. The main goal of such a transmission is to connect the hub of the drive wheel and the differential.
Structurally, this node consists of the following elements:
- Half shafts.
- Clamp.
- Clips.
- Hinge bodies.
- Separator
- Circlip.
- Ball.
- Conical ring.
- Spring washer.
- Dirt cover.
Such a transmission includes two hinges. They are interconnected by a drive shaft. The SHRUS closest to the transmission is internal, and the opposite (from the drive wheel) is external.
Also, a similar scheme for the use of hinges is practiced on rear-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles (a vivid example of this is the domestic Niva). The use of such a scheme can significantly reduce noise during transmission. Compared to crosspieces, a constant velocity joint is a more modern design and provides torque transmission to a much larger angle with a constant angular velocity.
About SHRUS
The SHRUS itself is a clip, which is placed in a special case. Between the clips metal balls move. The body has a spherical shape. To move the balls, grooves are made in it. This design allows you to transmit torque at an angle of 30 or more degrees. The design also uses a separator that holds the balls in a certain position.
Anther
We should also say about the anther. This antisplash case is an indispensable element, without which the operation of the SHRUS is not possible. This boot mounts with clamps and prevents dirt, dust, and other deposits from entering the enclosure. During operation, you must always monitor the condition of the dirt cover. Otherwise, dust and water will destroy the hinge structure and wash out the grease.
Due to increased wear, the grenade may soon crack. Repairing the driveline will not allow it to return to its previous working condition. With such signs, the element changes entirely to a new one. Also note that in the manufacture of CV joints, a lubricant based on molybdenum disulfide is laid inside. It is laid for the entire life of the SHRUS. And in case of anther damage, when changing it, the lubricant also changes.
With half joint
It is rarely used now. Such a cardan transmission consists of the following elements:
- Loose leaf.
- Centering sleeve.
- Elastic element.
- Gearbox output shaft flange with bolt.
- Oil seal with clip.
- Secondary shaft.
- Dirt reflector.
- Cardan shaft.
- Flange mounting nuts.
- Centering rings.
- Traffic jams.
- Seal centering ring.
How does this node work? This mechanism transfers forces between two shafts, which are at a small angle, due to the deformation of the elastic element. Often, a Guibo clutch is used in such a circuit. It is a hexagonal elastic element. The coupling is mounted on both sides by flanges to the driven and drive shaft.
Conclusion
So, we found out what types happen and how the cardan transmission of the car is arranged. The most popular and perfect today is the transmission on SHRUS. However, there are still cars that use the old, proven for years cardan on the crosses. This is especially true for commercial vehicles. This design is the main one for trucks, buses and special equipment.