Abstract: A crankshaft drive for an internal-combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a connecting rod assembly coupled to the crankshaft, and a balancing shaft arranged parallel to the crankshaft and at a distance r from the crankshaft. A balancing weight extends from the balancing shaft for balancing mass forces caused by the rotation of the crankshaft. A recess is formed in the balancing weight, so that during rotation of the balancing shaft, the balancing weight does not interfere with the rotating crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. The inclusion of the recess allows the distance r between the crankshaft and the balancing shaft to be reduced. Preferably, a rib is formed on one side of the balancing shaft to strengthen the balancing shaft.

Abstract: A crankshaft drive for an internal-combustion engine includes a crankshaft, a connecting rod assembly coupled to the crankshaft, and a balancing shaft arranged parallel to the crankshaft and at a distance r from the crankshaft. A balancing weight extends from the balancing shaft for balancing mass forces caused by the rotation of the crankshaft. A recess is formed in the balancing weight, so that during rotation of the balancing shaft, the balancing weight does not interfere with the rotating crankshaft and connecting rod assembly. The inclusion of the recess allows the distance r between the crankshaft and the balancing shaft to be reduced. Preferably, a rib is formed on one side of the balancing shaft to strengthen the balancing shaft.