The electric motor rotating shaft is horizontal, the travel pinion spin axis is also horizontal. The trouble is that these axes are not aligned, they happen to be parallel to one another. 
The Cardan Shaft redirects the drive shaft to the drive pinion without changing the path of rotation.
Widely used in industry, cardan shafts have proven practical upon applications where space is limited-as well as in conditions where an element in the device train (e.g. paper roll) might need to always be actuated (dynamically positioned) to an alternate position when the machines are not operating. The universal joint allows for limited movements without uncoupling. To make sure satisfactory lubrication circulation, which in turn prevents the universal joints from seizing, cardan shafts are normally installed with an position from 4 to 6 6 degrees at the universal joints. Experience, though, has demonstrated that the position between the shafts of the driver and powered unit should be kept to the very least, preferably less than 4.36 mrads (0.25 degrees). Preferably, the angles between your driver and powered shafts and the cardan shaft, displayed as β1 and β2 in Fig. 1, would be equal. Geometrically, this might equate to zero angularity existing between your driver and driven unit: Quite simply, the shafts of the driver and driven machine will be parallel to each other.
Usually it contains a tubular shaft, two sets of Universal Joints and glove system – ferrule stepper, amongst others. It is normally a element of the transmission system, its function is definitely to redirect the engine turning movements, after moving through the gearbox and the travel to the wheel, going through the ‘planetary and satellite’ system etc.
Our specialised staff will gladly support you in finding the right universal joint for your application or will develop a suitable solution according to your unique requirements.
Cardan shaft, also referred to as cardinal shaft, is an element of torque transmission.