汽车专业英语unit1

UNIT 1 AUTOMOTIVE BASICS
背景知识：本节主要介绍汽车的基本组件。
Four major categories: engine, body, chassis and electrical equipment.
Engine: acts as the power unit. There are two types of engine: gasoline (also called a
spark-ignition engine) and diesel (also called a compression-ignition engine).
Body: It provides a protective covering for the engine, passengers, and cargo.
Chassis: support engine and any other assembly parts. It includes power train, running gear,
and steering and brake system.
Power train（传动系）：
― conveys the drive to the wheels. Include:
clutch、gear box
（变速器）、universal joint、propeller shaft（传动轴）、drive axle（驱动桥）。
Running gear（行驶系）：
― support the vehicle and ensure it stable running. Include:
frame（车架）、axle housing（桥壳）、suspension（悬架）、wheel（车轮）。
Steering（转向系）：
― controls the direction of the movement. Include: steering wheel,
column（转向管柱）,steering gears（转向器）, linkages（转向传动机构）.
Brake（制动系）：
― slows down the vehicle. Include: brake pedal, master cylinder, brake
lines（油管），brake cylinder（制动缸）and brakes（制动器）。

New Words:
课文翻译：
Automobiles, trucks, and buses are essential forms of transportation. They are complex ma-
chines made up of many parts. These parts can be grouped into a number of systems. An under-
standing of how the systems work will help you understand how the automobile works.
汽车、卡车和客车是交通运输工具的基本组成部分。它们是由多个零件构成的复杂机械
系统。这些零件可 以组合成许多系统，因此了解各个系统如何工作有助于理解汽车是如何工
作的。
An automobile can be divided into two basic parts—a body and a chassis. The body is the
enclosure that houses the engine, passengers, and cargo. It is the part of the automobile that you
see. The chassis is that part of the automobile beneath the body. Figure 1-1.
汽车可被分成两个主要的部件，车身和底盘。车身是覆 盖发动机、乘客和货物的外壳，
也就是你所看到的部分。底盘则是位于车身下方的部分。如图1－1所示 。
1.1 The Body
An automobile body is a sheet metal shell with windows, doors, a hood, and a trunk deck
built into it. It provides a protective covering for the engine, passengers, and cargo. The body is
designed to keep passengers safe and comfortable. For example, insulation in the body reduces
noise and protects against heat and cold. The body styling provides an attractive, colorful, modern
appearance for the vehicle. It is stream-lined to lessen wind resistance and to keep the car from
swaying at driving speeds. The automobile body has two basic parts—the upper body and the
under body.
汽车车身是一个钣金件壳体，它上面有车窗、车门、发动机罩和行李 舱门等部件。它
为发动机、乘客和货物提供防护罩。车身设计要保证乘客安全和舒适性。比如：通过车身 隔
离可降低噪声和避免车内温度冷暖不均。通过车身（造型）设计可使汽车具用漂亮的、色彩
丰 富的现代车身外观。一般把它设计成流线型来减小空气阻力和防止在一定行驶速度时的车
身摆动。汽车车 身主要由上下两个部分构成，即车身外壳和底板。

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1.2 The Chassis
The chassis is an assembly of those systems that are the major operating parts of a vehicle.
The chassis includes everything except the body. The three important parts of the chassis are the
frame, the engine, and the power train (also called the drive train). Each of these three parts is
made up of a number of systems. A system is a mechanical or electrical unit that performs a
specific function. Thus, each system (such as steering, brake, or fuel) has a certain job to do in
running a vehicle. We shall look at each of these parts and systems to see how they fit together to
form the automobile chassis.
底盘是车辆主要执行机构系统总成。它包括汽车车身以外的 其它部分。底盘最重要的
三个部件是车架、发动机和传动系（也称为驱动系）。其每个部件都由许多系统 组成。系统
是指执行某个特定功能的机械或电气单元。因而，每个系统（比如：转向、制动和燃料）在< br>汽车行驶时都有具体的工作任务。我们应当着眼于构成汽车底盘的各个部件和系统，看它们
之间是 如何连接装配的。
1.2.1 The Frame
The first major part of the chassis is the frame. It is made from tough steel sections welded,
riveted, or bolted together. The frame looks like a steel ladder, though it sometimes has an X shape
for extra strength. It forms a foundation for the car body and the parts of the several systems. The
body is joined to the frame with bolts. Rubber shock mounts or washers are used at each joint.
These reduce vibration and road noise. In most modern cars the frame is built into the body. A car
with the frame built into the body has a unitized body or unibody. The frame supports the
suspension system, steering system, and braking system.
底盘的首要部件是车架，它由韧性型钢焊接、铆接或螺栓连 接而成。车架看起来就像是
一个钢梯，尽管它有时会加有X形加强板。它是轿车车身和个别系统部件的承 载。车身通
过螺栓连接到车架上，并在每个连接点处加有橡胶隔震垫或垫圈，以此来减小振动和路面噪< br>音。在多数现代轿车上，车架固接在车身内部。这样的轿车为承载式车身结构。车架支撑着
悬架系 统、转向系统和制动系统。
The front and rear wheels are attached to the chassis by a suspension system. This system is
made up of springs, shock absorbers, control arms, and stabilizers. 'These support the vehicle and
cushion it from road bumps for better ride and handling.
前后车轮通过悬架系统 连到底盘上，这个系统由弹簧、减振器、控制臂和稳定器组成。
它们支撑着车身，并减缓由于路面不平引 起的颠簸，以儿获得更好的乘坐舒适性和操作稳定
性。
The steering system (Figure 1-2), controls the car's direction of travel. It includes a wheel and
column, steering gears, rods, and linkages. As the steering wheel is turned, its motion is
transferred to the idler arm and tie rods. These cause the front wheels to turn to the right or left.
On some cars, a power unit (called power steering) makes steering easier.
转向系统（图1 －2）控制着汽车的行驶方向，它包括转向盘（方向盘）、转向管柱、转
向器、转向拉杆和转向传动机构 。转动方向盘时，它的动作传递到随动臂和横拉杆，从而带
动前轮向右或向左转动。在某些轿车上采用动 力转向装置来使转向更轻松。
The brake system gives the automobile its stopping power. Figure 1-3. Hydraulic brakes are
found on all modern cars. As the brake pedal is pushed with the foot, brake fluid is forced through
brake lines into cylinders that press the brake shoes against a drum. This stops the motion of the
car. Power units (power brakes) are used to make braking easier. Most modern cars have disc
brakes on the front wheels. (Some have them on both the front and rear wheels.) Disc brakes work

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like a pair of pliers squeezing a rotating disc. Drum brakes are also used.
制动系统 给汽车带来制动力。如图1－3，所有现代轿车采用液压制动器。当驾驶员踩
下制动踏板时，制动液顺着 制动管压入制动轮缸，推动制动蹄压向制动鼓。这使轿车停止运
动。动力制动使制动非常轻松。许多现代 轿车在前轮采用了盘式制动器。（一些甚至在前后
轮都采用盘式制动器）。盘式制动器制动时就像是一副 钳子挤压正在旋转的制动盘。并同时
使用鼓式制动器。
Push在词典中为“推、按、压”， 而这里从实际出发，为“踩”的意思，注意正确选择
词义。
1.2.2 The Engine
The engine provides power to move the automobile. The most common type of automotive
engine is the gasoline-burning piston engine. It is found in most automobiles. Diesel-fuel burning
engines are also used in modern passenger cars, as well as in large trucks. All engines have fuel,
exhaust, cooling, and lubrication systems. Gasoline engines also have an ignition system.
发动机为汽车行驶提供动力。最普通的汽车发动机类型为汽油机， 它在大多数汽车上采
用。柴油机也常见用于在现代客车和大型卡车上。所有发动机具有燃料供给系、排放 系、冷
却系和润滑系，汽油机同时还具有点火系统。
The ignition system supplies the electric spark needed to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the
cylinders. When the ignition switch is turned on, current flows from the 12-volt storage battery to
the ignition coil. The coil boosts the voltage to produce the strong spark of 20,000 V needed to ig-
nite the engine fuel. The distributor directs the electrical current to the right spark plug at the right
time. Diesel engines use the heat caused by engine compression to ignite the fuel charge. These
engines are called compression ignition engines.
点火系统为点燃气缸中的油气混合物 （可燃混合气）提供所必需的电火花。当接通点火
开关时，电流从12V蓄电池流向点火线圈，点火线圈 产生点燃发动机燃料所需的达20000V
的高压电火花。分电器在适当时候将电流分配到相应的火花塞 。柴油机通过发动机压缩气体
所产生的热量来点燃供给燃料。这种发动机称为压燃式发动机。
The automobile supplies all the electricity it needs through its electrical system. For example,
the electrical system supplies electricity for the ignition, horn, lights, heater, and starter. The
electricity level is maintained by a charging circuit. This circuit consists of the battery, alternator
(or generator), and the regulator. The battery stores electricity. The alternator changes the engine’s
mechanical energy into electrical energy and recharges the battery. The regulator prevents damage
to the system by regulating the maximum voltage in the circuit.
汽车由电气系统提供所需的电源。比如，电气系统为点火、喇叭、照明、加热器和起 动
机供电。电压由充电电路维持。它包括蓄电池、交流发电机和调节器。蓄电池存储电能。发
电 机把发动机的机械能转化为电能，储存到蓄电池中。调节器通过调节电路的最大电压来防
止系统损伤。
The fuel system stores liquid fuel and delivers it to the engine. The fuel is stored in the tank,
which is connected to a fuel pump by a fuel line. The fuel is pumped from the fuel tank through
the fuel lines. It is forced through a filter (which removes moisture and dirt) into the carburetor,
where it is mixed with air, or into the fuel injection system. The fuel is mixed with air to form a
combustible mixture in the carburetor, the manifold, or the cylinders themselves.
燃油系统存储液体燃料并将它传送到发动机。燃料储存在油箱中，油箱通过输 油管连接
到燃油泵。燃油通过油管从油箱中吸出，然后经滤清器过滤，去除水分和杂质后，压入到化油器与空气混合，或者直接进入到燃油喷射系统。燃油在化油器、歧管或气缸中与空气混合

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形成可燃混合气。
The exhaust system has four jobs:
1. To collect burned gases from the engine.
2. To remove dangerous emissions that pollutes the air.
3. To reduce exhaust noises.
4. To get rid of the exhaust gases.
排气系统有4个功能：
1． 从发动机中收集燃烧废气。
2． 除去污染空气的有害排放物质。
3． 降低排放噪声。
4． 排除废气。
Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and oxides of nitrogen.
Since all of these are harmful, the exhaust system is designed to reduce them as much as possible.
In the United States all modern automobiles have emission control systems.
废气包 含一氧化碳、未燃碳氢化合物、氮氧化合物。因为这些都是有害的，所以设计的
排放系统要尽可能地减小 其排放。在美国，所有的现代轿车都带有排放控制系统。
The cooling system removes excessive heat from the engine. The temperature in engine
combustion chambers is about 2,000°F (1,094°C). Since steel melts at around 2,500°F (1,354°C),
this heat must be carried away to prevent engine damage. Air and a coolant are used to carry away
the heat. The radiator is filled with a coolant. The water pump circulates this coolant through the
hollow walls of the engine block and head. Constant circulation of the coolant through the engine
and the radiator removes heat from the engine. Heat also is removed by the radiator fan, which
draws air through the narrow fins of the radiator. This system also supplies heat to the passenger
compartment and the window defrosters.
冷却系统把发动机所产生的过多热量散发出去。发动机燃烧室的温度大约在2 000华氏
（1094摄氏度）。由于钢铁熔点在2500华氏（1354摄氏度），因此这些热量必须 散发出去，
以防止发动机损坏。空气和冷却液被用于带走热量。散热器内充满冷却液，水泵使冷却液在< br>发动机机体和气缸盖中的冷却水套内循环流动。冷却液通过在发动机和散热器之间的不断循
环来散 发发动机所产生的热量。热量也可由散热器风扇来散发，风扇吸进空气使其通过散热
器片。这个系统也可 为车厢和风窗除霜器提供热源。
The lubrication system is important in keeping the engine running smoothly. Motor oil is the
lubricant used in the system. The lubrication system has four functions:
1. It cuts down friction by coating moving parts with oil.
2. It produces a seal between the piston rings and the cylinder walls.
3. It carries away sludge, dirt, and acids.
4. It cools the engine by circulating the motor oil.
润滑系统对保持发动 机平稳运转是非常重要的。机油是系统中所使用的润滑剂，润滑系
统有以下4个功能：
1． 通过在运动部件表面形成覆上一层油膜来减小磨擦。
2． 在活塞环和气缸壁之间起到密封作用。
3． 带走（摩擦表面产生的）金属碎屑、污物和酸性物质。
4． 通过机油的循环来冷却发动机。
To keep this system working efficiently, oil filters and motor oil must be changed regularly.
All other moving parts in an automobile must also be lubricated. These include the transmission,

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differential, wheel bearings, and steering linkage.
为保持此系统有效工作，机油滤清器和机油必须定期更换。汽车 上其它所有运动部件
也必须被润滑。这包括变速器、差速器、轮轴轴承和转向传动机构。
1.2.3 The Power Train
The power train, or drive system, delivers power from the engine to the wheels. Figure 1-4.
The power from the engine moves through the transmission. Transmissions are either standard,
with a manual shift lever and foot clutch, or automatic.
传动系统在发动机和车轮之间传递动力。如图1－4。功率从发动机传到变速器。变速
器可以是 普通的，带有一个手动换档杆和脚踩离合器，或自动的。
The transmission has gears that control the amount of power delivered to the wheels. The
transmission increases the power (torque) to start the car moving. This torque is reduced when the
transmission changes gears at higher speeds. The transmission also contains a set of gears that can
reverse the direction of the wheels. The transmission delivers the power to the differential. A drive
(or propeller) shaft with universal joints at either end of the drive shaft allows axle movement on
front-engine, rear-wheel drive cars. These flexible universal joints prevent the drive shaft from
breaking. The differential delivers power to the wheels through the axle. Certain gears allow one
wheel to turn faster than the other wheel when the vehicle is turning a corner.
变速 器通过齿轮来控制传递到车轮的功率大小。起步时，变速器要增加输出功率（转矩）。
而当变速器改变齿 轮传动比至较高速度运转时，将会降低输出转矩。变速器还包括一组能够
改变车轮运动方向的对齿轮。变 速器把动力传递到差速器。驱动轴两端带有万向节，它允许
前置发动机后轮驱动轿车驱动轴产生变角度运 动。万向节可防止驱动轴断裂。差速器通过半
轴将动力传递到车轮。其（它的）齿轮机构允许车辆转弯时 ，一侧车轮运转速度大于另一侧
车轮。
These are the basic systems of the automobile. Each of the systems is designed for a specific
job.
这些就是汽车的基本系统。每个系统都有其设计的特定功能。
EXERCISES
I. Answer the following questions:
1. What is the purpose of the rubber body mounts?
Reduce vibration and noise.
2. Why are car bodies streamlined?
Lessen wind resistance and to keep the car from swaying at driving speed.
3. List the main parts of the electrical system.
It includes battery, alternator, regulator, starter, light（照明）, ignition, instrument（仪表）
and any other electric equipment.
4. List the major functions of the exhaust system.
见第4页。
1. The automobile's further development will be determined by already existing and steadily
increasing requirements, by additional further requirements and by the technical possibilities for
meeting these requirements. The following focal points for development and research efforts can
be discerned:
汽车的深层次（进一步）发展将由现有的且不断增长的（社会）需求，额外（附 加）要
求以及满足这些要求的技术可能性所决定。从以下发展研究的焦点可以看出。
Further 深层次，进一步的 focal point 焦点，重点discern 识别，看出，领悟

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2. Further improvements of the automobile through product innovation in all classic
functions, i.e., performance, fuel economy, environmental impact, safety, comfort, and reliability.
汽车的进一步发展要靠各传 统功能的产品创新，比如：（工作）性能、燃油经济性、环
境影响、安全性、舒适性和可靠性。
Classic 古典的，传统的，标准的，常规的
3. Further development of new technologies such as electrics, alternative materials, new test
and production methods.
在电气设备、替代材料、新型测试和制造方法等方面新技术的进一步发展。
Alternative 可替换
4. Long-range solutions for traffic problems such as highway congestion, smog in cities and
carbon dioxide enrichment of our atmosphere.
交通问题的长远解决，比如道路堵塞，城市烟雾以及大气中二氧化碳富集等。
Long- range 长期的，长远的








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