Cardan drives of Belkard Ltd and their design development prospects

Introduction. The cardan drive is a powerful generator of torsional and crooked movements, perceived subjectively as vibrations acting on components of the drive and structurally associated vehicle mechanisms. Torsional, bending and longitudinal vibrations of the “cardan drive” system are the main causes of the contact surfaces wear of nodes and their elements under the influence of force factors acting force and torque. One of the main reasons for the cardan transmission failure is the wear of its components and parts, which necessitates the solution of a complex of problems.

The purpose of the study was to improve the quality of driveshafts manufactured by Belkard Ltd. Methodology and research methods. The designs of new-generation driveshafts were being developed taking into account the changes in the elements manufacturing technology and the use of progressive materials.

Scientific novelty and results. New solutions were applied in the design and manufacturing technology of the hinge assembly. Low-hardened-ability steel 60PP was used to manufacture the crosspieces of the hinge assembly at the automotive enterprises of the Commonwealth of Independent States practically for the first time, due to which higher technical and economic indicators of the hinge assembly have been obtained. The problem of a movable splined joint of a cardan drive was solved, the design of which included an antifriction polymer coating of the splines and effective sealing of this joint. In order to increase the connective reliability of the universal joint transmission and the mating units, flange forks with end teeth were developed. The use of joints of equal angular velocities and cardan shafts pipes made of polymer composite materials was noted to be a promising direction in the design development of cardan gears. An automated virtual test complex was created. The priority of automotive components of new designs and developed technologies was protected by patents of the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, Ukraine.

Practical significance. Standard documentation regulating manufacturing technology and quality control has been developed and approved in the prescribed order. New designs were typical as to their transmitted torque, joint dimensions, spline joints, and connecting elements. A newly-created automated virtual test complex allowed to reduce the time of new cardan gear designs development.

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