Kardánhajtások

Kardánhajtások, also known as Cardan shafts or driveshafts, are mechanical components used to transmit rotational power between two shafts that are not perfectly aligned. They are particularly useful when there is a need to connect components that may move relative to each other, such as in automotive drivetrains, or in industrial machinery. The fundamental principle behind a kardánhajtás involves a universal joint, or Cardan joint, which allows for angular misalignment between the input and output shafts.

A typical kardánhajtás consists of a shaft, often a hollow tube for reduced weight and increased strength, and one or two universal joints. A universal joint is a coupling made of two U-shaped yokes that are connected by a cross-shaped piece called a spider. This arrangement allows the driven shaft to rotate at the same average speed as the driving shaft, despite the angle between them. However, it's important to note that with a single universal joint, the output shaft's rotational speed fluctuates during each revolution if the input shaft rotates at a constant speed, which can lead to vibrations.

To counteract this speed fluctuation and ensure smooth power transmission, many kardánhajtások employ two universal joints, often connected by a sliding joint that allows for changes in length due to suspension movement or thermal expansion. In automotive applications, kardánhajtások are commonly found in rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles, connecting the transmission to the differential. Their ability to accommodate varying angles and distances makes them a crucial element in transmitting power effectively in dynamic systems.