Based on the axial mobility, the ball cage universal joint can be divided into two types: fixed type and retractable type:
Fixed ball cage universal joint: The inner surface of its star sleeve is connected to the drive shaft through an internal spline, and the outer surface is designed with 6 arc-shaped grooves as the inner raceway of the steel ball, and the outer raceway is arranged on the inner surface of the spherical shell. The power transmission path is from the drive shaft to the spherical shell through the steel ball.
Retractable ball cage universal joint: The inner wall of the cylindrical shell and the outer surface of the star sleeve are both provided with cylindrical straight grooves, and the steel ball is installed in the hole of the cage. The inner hole of the star sleeve is designed with splines for connection with the input shaft, so that the star sleeve can move in the axial direction relative to the cylindrical shell.
Application scenario
Ball cage universal joints are widely used in automotive drive systems, especially in parts where the direction of the drive axis needs to be flexibly changed. For example, in front-engine front-wheel drive models, ball cage universal joints are usually installed on the inside of the steering wheel as a key component connecting the steering system.