| 摘要 |
Balance shaft assemblies are used in internal combustion engines to dampen primary and second order inertia forces. Known balance shaft assemblies typically require precision manufacturing and a rigid frame or housing. A balance shaft assembly ( 1 ) in accordance with this invention provides a low cost and less complex solution to engine balancing. The balance shaft assembly ( 1 ) includes an elongate housing ( 2 ) having a front end and a rear end, a balance shaft ( 5 ) which is rotatably supported between a front end bearing ( 6 ), a rear end bearing ( 7 ) and an intermediate bearing ( 12 ) in the housing ( 2 ). The housing ( 2 ) is transversely flexible relative to the balance shaft ( 5 ) to accommodate misalignment of the intermediate bearing ( 12 ) relative to the front and rear end bearings ( 6, 7 ). Consequently, the balance shaft assembly ( 1 ) can be less complicated and manufactured at a lower cost than known balance shaft assemblies. |
