Depending on the configurations, the Original Elbe Universal Joint Shafts consist of fork parts, joint crosses, needle- or roller bearings, splined length extension and precision tubing.
Fork parts are made using closed die forgings while joint crosses are made from cold press or closed die forgings. Highly stressed areas of the universal drive shafts are heat treated to obtain an optimum combination of hardness and toughness. Subsequently, joint cross journals and bearing seats are ground to very fine tolerances.
Series 0.200 Drive Shafts were developed to meet the specific demands of agricultural and engineering equipment and the use of the Cardan Shaft in powered steering axles. Series 0.200 shafts are typified by large deflection angles and large length compensations. Since agricultural equipment applications require fast and simple mounting arrangements, a flange version was not considered. Rather a hub arrangement was chosen. Depending on the size, these drive shafts are equipped with needle bearings or roller bearings. Upon request, series 0.200 Cardan Shafts can be equipped with fast disconnecting or clamping devices. Basic design and manufacturing are similar to 0.100 series.
The series 0.300 is available in two configurations.
As a Centered Double Joint in connection with a single Joint with length compensation. This arrangement is mainly encountered on construction equipment with articulated steering. The centered double joint has the advantage of not requiring the support by an intermediate bearing. This results in a cost saving and in lower installation times for the drive lines.
The second configuration consists of two Centered Double Joints with length extension. Since the difference in an angle between both single joints is up to approximately 3 degrees, this configuration almost assures uniform speed and torque transmittal. The difference in angle creates a fluctuation smaller than 0.0027, an amount, so small that it can be disregarded.
The centered double joint consists of two fork parts which incorporate a centering device enclosed in a rubber boot for protection against dirt and moisture.
This Double Joint is used primarily in vehicles with powered steering axles.The forks can function as hubs and/or fork shafts. The connection between the forks and the center piece is provided by the cross, as is the case with all other Cardan Shafts.Each hub is equipped with an internal spline which provides a positive connection to the input and output shaft. The outside diameter, which serves as a seat for support bearings, is ground to a very fine finish.
The fork shafts are equipped with a tooth system - that transfers the torque - and bearing points. Type and size of the tooth system can be designed individually. There are also different requirements on the surface characteristics of the bearing blocks.
This Double Joint is used for the same application as series 0.400, namely in steering axles of all wheel drive vehicles. However. the design of series 0.500 differs slightly from that of series 0.400.
The joint pivots are not located in one plane thus enabling a more compact design. This feature shortens the distance between the centerpiece which results in a shorter installation length.
Series 0.500 offers more joint sizes than series 0.400 thus covering a wider torque range.
Precision needle bearing joints and shafts according to DIN 808 are used when precise power transmission at high speeds (up to 5000/minute) is to be ensured. The hardened and ground spider journals rest in sealed needle bearing bushings. Due to permanent lubricating with high-quality special roller bearing grease, the joints are entirely maintenance-free and are therefore preferably used in areas with limited access in mechanical engineering. A considerable advantage compared to sliding bearing supported joints is the enormously high efficiency at a given deflection angle.
Cardan joints and cardan shafts according to DIN 808 are supported by sliding bearings and their use is consequently restricted to low-speed drives. The respective permissible maximum speeds depend on the deflection angle and the load must not exceed 1000/minute. To ensure trouble-free operation, the joints must always be sufficiently lubricated. This may also be done by means of bellows and grease filling.
Max. angle of deflection : 45°
Torque range : 6 Nm up to 450 Nm
Material : 9 SMn Pb 28 k
Material No. : 1.0718
Special material : X17 CrNi 16-2
Material No. : 1.4057 (corrosion - and acid-resistant)
Ball and socket joints and shafts of production series 0.800 are supported by gliding bearings and therefore can only be used at low speeds. The permissible maximum speeds depend on the deflection angle and the load, however, they should not exceed 500/minute. Unlike cardan joints, ball and socket joints can not be exposed to axial stress. To ensure trouble-free operation, the joints must always be sufficiently lubricated. This may also be done by means of bellows with grease or oil filling.
The main advantage of the wing style version is the positive-fit connection resulting from the key of the bearing housing and the key-way of the flange.Therefore the torque is transmitted in a more defined way in comparison to the friction connection.
