摘要 |
<p>An internal combustion engine comprises a fixed crankshaft about which an assembly of a drum 1, pistons 2 and piston chambers 7 rotates in use. The pistons 2 are mounted on the drum for rocking movement and engage the fixed crank pin 5 of the crankshaft by way of sliding surfaces 6. Rotation of the drum 1, pistons 2, and chambers 7 assembly in use tends to throw the pistons radially outwardly, and this effect is used to compress the working mixture during compression strokes. During power strokes the centrifugal forces on the pistons help to contain the chamber gases resulting in a reduced load on the crankshaft. Counterweights (29, Figure 3) may be provided to counteract the centrifugal forces. <IMAGE></p> |