Crankshaft for a reciprocating internal combustion engine

Abstract

The invention relates to a crankshaft (1) for a reciprocating internal combustion engine, in which the connecting rods are mounted, with an eccentric sleeve (4) connected in between, on the crankshaft journal (3) of a crankshaft (1). A rotation of the eccentric sleeve (4) with respect to the crankshaft journal (3) therefore leads to a change in the effective length of the connecting rod. The rotation of the sleeve (4) is brought about via an electric or hydraulic motor (7) which drives a worm (6) which engages in an outer toothing (5) of the sleeve (4). By means of the active drive, rotation of the sleeve (4) is ensured even if the auto-rotation is impaired due to the occurrence of wear. Furthermore, a self-locking design of the worm gear has the effect of the sleeve (4) being retained in its set position when the drive (7) is switched off.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.