Charge changing control device, reciprocating engine and method for operating a charge changing control device

A method for operating a charge changing control device in a reciprocating engine having at least one cam follower configured for being pivotably actuated around a pivot axis (P) upon rotational movement of a camshaft, the method comprises the step of switching the device among at least three different charge-changing modes by translationally displacing the pivot axis (P) of the at least one cam follower relative to a rotational axis (R) of the camshaft,

• wherein the device is configured to switch the charge changing mode when at least one fuel parameter being indicative of a property of fuel to be combusted has reached a predefined threshold.

A charge changing control device for a reciprocating engine, comprising at least one cam follower configured for being pivotably actuated around a pivot axis (P) upon rotational movement of a camshaft, and an adjustment unit configured for setting at least three different charge-changing modes of the device by translationally displacing the pivot axis (P) of the at least one cam follower relative to a rotational axis (R) of the camshaft,

• wherein the device is configured to set the different charge-changing modes as a function of a knocking characteristic or an exhaust gas temperature of the engine such that the device switches a charge-changing mode when the knocking characteristic or the exhaust gas temperature has reached a predefined threshold value.