CN108368774B

CN108368774B - Reciprocating piston engine with a connecting rod of adjustable length and an inductively operable control valve

Info

Publication number: CN108368774B
Application number: CN201680071484.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 马里奥·泰斯尔
Original assignee: AVL List GmbH
Current assignee: AVL List GmbH
Priority date: 2015-12-14
Filing date: 2016-12-14
Publication date: 2021-04-16
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-14
Also published as: CN108368774A; WO2017102815A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a reciprocating piston engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, comprising: at least one length-adjustable connecting rod (1) connected to a crank pin (21) of a crankshaft (26), wherein the connecting rod (1) has at least one length adjustment device (6) and at least one electrically switchable and inductively actuable control valve (7). In order to achieve a flexible change of the compression ratio in a manner that is as simple and space-saving as possible and reliable, the connecting rod (1) has at least one sensor device (11) which is arranged in the region of a large connecting rod bore (5) of the connecting rod (1) in a position formed in the connecting rod (1) starting from at least one end face (13) of the connecting rod (1) and being arranged at a crank pin distance (a) away from a longitudinal axis (21a) of the crank pin (21), wherein the sensor device (11) is or can be electrically connected to the control valve (7) and in the sensor device (11) an electric current can be induced in the rotational movement of the crankshaft (20) by means of at least one excitation device (14) which is fixed relative to the crankshaft.

Description

Reciprocating piston engine with a connecting rod of adjustable length and an inductively operable control valve

Technical Field

The invention relates to a reciprocating piston engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, having at least one connecting rod of adjustable length connected to a crank pin of a crankshaft, wherein the connecting rod has at least one electrically switchable and inductively operable control valve.

Background

In order to optimize internal combustion engines with regard to emissions and consumption, variants with variable compression ratios are increasingly being attempted. Full load operation at a lower compression ratio, part load operation at an increased ratio and start-up are possible by varying the compression of the engine. Here, the consumption is improved in the partial load range, the compression pressure is increased at the start with an increased compression ratio and the injection pressure is reduced at high power with a reduced ratio and knocking is prevented.

To this end, different solutions are known which, in particular, solve the problem of controlling the compression ratio in different ways. In DE 102007040699 a1, an actuator is arranged in a cylinder in the piston, said actuator being made of magnetostrictive material and being arranged between the piston pin and the piston base. The length of the actuator is changed by means arranged outside the cylinder for generating different magnetic fields. The disadvantage is, in particular, that magnetostrictive materials are susceptible to wear and do not ensure reproducible properties over a long period of time.

A solution with a length-adjustable linkage is disclosed in AT 514071B 1, in which length adjustment is achieved via selective filling of a high-pressure chamber. The selective filling takes place here via a control valve arranged in the connecting rod. In one embodiment variant, the control valve has a control piston which can be operated electromagnetically via an induction coil arranged in the crank housing. A similar solution is described in DE 10230427 a 1. In this case, difficulties arise in the inductive energy transmission over a long operating time, for example due to dirt or the like in the transmission path. Furthermore, the known solutions are space-consuming and laborious to manufacture.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is therefore to avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and to achieve a flexible change of the compression ratio in a manner that is as simple and space-saving as possible and reliable.

According to the invention, the invention is characterized in that the connecting rod has at least one sensor device, which is arranged in the region of a large connecting rod bore of the connecting rod, preferably in a recess, in a position formed in the connecting rod starting from at least one end side of the connecting rod and arranged at a crankpin distance from the longitudinal axis of the crankpin, wherein the sensor device can be electrically connected or electrically connected to the control valve and in the sensor device an electric current can be induced during the rotational movement of the crankshaft by means of at least one excitation device fixed relative to the crankshaft. In this way, the compression ratio of the internal combustion engine can be switched quickly and easily when the control valve is operated inductively, for example by a control unit arranged in the crankshaft housing, and the internal combustion engine can be operated continuously and with very low wear. In particular, the invention enables active switching of the compression ratio independently of the operating point, which enables a conversion of the emission and consumption advantages.

An inductive device is understood here to be an element in which a voltage is induced when the crankshaft rotates. The excitation means is an element which causes a change in the magnetic flux and thus enables the formation of an electric field in the induction means.

The induction means and the excitation means are arranged such that a defined small air gap is formed therebetween in the axial direction, i.e. in a direction along the crankshaft axis. The excitation device is arranged in a side of the crank arm of the crank shaft adjacent to the connecting rod facing the induction device.

In one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the induction device has a coil arrangement arranged around a core of magnetically conductive material, wherein the core and the coil arrangement are preferably arranged in the recess in a loss-proof manner. The magnetically conductive material can be, for example, ferrite, soft iron or permanent magnets such as steel, alnico or rare earth magnets (neodymium iron boron or samarium cobalt). The loss-proof arrangement can be made, for example, by gluing, screwing, releasable snap connections, etc.

The induction device formed by the coil arrangement and the core can be inserted directly into a lateral recess of the connecting rod, wherein the recess can be arranged in a bearing cap of the connecting rod bearing. Alternatively, the sensor device can also be arranged in a housing which is inserted into the recess and is open on the end side of the connecting rod. The housing can be formed, for example, in the form of a cup and, with the sensor device, inserted into the recess and secured in a loss-proof manner.

To prevent fromPreventing or reducing the formation of eddy currents in a connecting rod bearing cap, at least one region of the connecting rod or of the connecting rod bearing cap adjacent to the recess being made of a material having a specific electrical conductivity σ and/or of a material having a magnetic permeability μ of at least 1000 (more advantageously between 1000 and 3000)_rAnd/or a magnetic permeability μ of maximum 140000 (more advantageously between 50000 and 140000)_rThe surface coating for suppressing magnetic force lines. The bearing cap of the connecting rod or at least the region of the connecting rod surrounding the induction device(s) is manufactured from a material which is magnetically well conductive but poorly conductive. As a result, magnetic lines of force are prevented from penetrating into the connecting rod bearing cap and thus from forming eddy currents, which can lead to heat formation in the connecting rod and thus lead to a reduction in efficiency.

Preferably, the excitation device has at least one magnet element, preferably a permanent magnet element, which is firmly connected to the crankshaft and which is arranged at a crank pin distance from the longitudinal axis of the crank pin. In this case, the excitation device can also have a plurality of magnet elements which are firmly connected to the crankshaft and which are arranged in the radial direction at a crankshaft pin distance from the longitudinal axis of the crankpin, wherein preferably each two adjacent magnet elements have a different magnetic polarity on the end-side of the connecting rod. A variable magnetic flux is thereby generated in the induction device by the crankshaft rotation and induces a voltage. Alternatively to the plurality of magnet elements, the excitation device can be formed by a ring element which is firmly connected to the side of the crank arm of the crankshaft on the crank pin side or is formed in one piece and at least partially surrounds the longitudinal axis of the crank pin.

The ring element can be designed as at least one of the following groups: a magnet ring having a radius at least equal to the crankpin spacing, wherein preferably at least two adjacent pole segments oriented towards the end side of the connecting rod have different magnetic polarities; a segmented ring having a radius at least equal to a crank pin pitch, the segmented ring having at least one recess and at least one projection adjacent thereto, wherein the recess and the projection are extensibly oriented in a radial direction; a toothed ring having a radius at least equal to the crankpin pitch, the toothed ring having at least one recess and at least one projection adjacent thereto, wherein the recess and projection are delimited in an axial direction, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crankpin, toward the end side of the connecting rod; a defined undulating region with alternating projections and recesses in the radial direction or in the circumferential direction, which projections and recesses are formed relative to a normal plane which runs in the side of the crankpin side normal to the longitudinal axis of the crankpin.

Different variants of the ring element achieve a variable magnetic field in the case of a magnet ring, in the remaining case the air gap between the induction device and the excitation device changes during the rotation of the crankshaft, thereby causing a change in the magnetic flux and thus an electric field, which leads to a voltage being induced in the induction device.

In a simple embodiment of the invention, a single sensor device is provided in the connecting rod bearing cap. If higher electrical power is required, a plurality of, preferably two or three, induction devices can also be provided in the connecting rod bearing cap, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged parallel to the longitudinal axis of the crank pin. The sensors are each arranged at least at a crank pin distance from the longitudinal axis of the crank pin.

In the region of the recess, the connecting rod or the connecting rod bearing cap is preferably formed with a greater thickness than in the remaining regions of the connecting rod bearing cap and the connecting rod bearing bore, and as small an air gap as possible is formed between the connecting rod and the crank arm, in order to achieve the best possible effect. The remaining regions of the large connecting rod bores have a greater distance from the adjacent crank arms, so that the eddy currents in these regions have a slightly smaller adverse effect. In principle, it is therefore sufficient to provide the above-described measures in the region of the connecting rod bearing cap adjacent to the recess, in which region the connecting rod bearing cap has its maximum thickness.

In a further development of the invention, it is provided that at least one energy storage device is arranged in the connecting rod, said energy storage device being electrically connected or connectable to the sensor device and the control valve. The energy generated by induction can be stored by means of the energy storage device and provided when required. As energy storage unit, for example, batteries, accumulators, supercapacitors or the like can be used. Thereby, it is possible to ensure a switching function of, for example, a bistable control valve for increasing or decreasing control (aufsteuern oder zusteuern) of the passage in the connecting rod.

The embodiment variant according to the invention has all the advantages: the embodiment variant is simple and space-saving in design and production and allows flexible changes of the compression ratio to be achieved in a reliable manner. Depending on the rotational speed of the internal combustion engine and of the crankshaft, a power of between 1W and up to 5W (at approximately 3000U/min) can be provided, which enables a reliable switching of the control valves.

Drawings

The invention is described in detail hereinafter with reference to non-limiting examples of embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The figures show schematically:

figure 1 shows in side view a reciprocating piston engine according to the invention in a first embodiment with a control valve indicated in connection with a connecting rod,

figure 2 shows a further connecting rod according to the first embodiment in a side view,

figure 3 shows the connecting rod of figure 2 in a section along the line III-III in figure 2,

figure 4 shows the connecting rod with crankshaft and excitation device of figure 2 in a side view,

figure 5 shows the connecting rod of figure 4 in a section along the line V-V in figure 4,

figure 6 shows a connecting rod of a reciprocating piston engine according to the invention in a second embodiment in a side view,

figure 7 shows the connecting rod of figure 6 in a front view,

figure 8 shows the connecting rod of figure 6 in a section along the line VIII-VIII in figure 6,

figure 9 shows the crankshaft and the excitation device of the connecting rod belt portion of figure 6 in a side view,

figure 10 shows the connecting rod of figure 9 in a front view,

figure 11 shows the link in figure 9 in a section along the line XI-XI in figure 9,

figure 12 shows in a section similar to figure 5a connecting rod with crankshaft in a variant,

figure 13 shows in a section similar to figure 5a connecting rod with crankshaft in a variant,

figure 14 shows a connecting rod and an excitation device of a reciprocating piston engine according to the invention in a third embodiment of the invention in a side view,

figure 15 shows the connecting rod bearing cap with the excitation means in a section along the line XV-XV in figure 14,

figure 16 shows the connecting rod bearing cap with the excitation means in a section along line XVI-XVI in figure 14,

figure 17 shows the connecting rod bearing cap with the excitation device in a front view,

figure 18 shows the connecting rod bearing cap with excitation device of figure 14 in a perspective oblique view,

figure 19 shows in perspective oblique view the pole shoes of the induction device of the connecting rod bearing cap shown in figure 18,

FIG. 20 shows a pole piece in horizontal cross-section, an

Figure 21 shows in longitudinal section the induction device of a connecting rod of a reciprocating piston engine according to the invention in a fourth embodiment variant according to the invention.

Detailed Description

Functionally identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures of the embodiment variants.

These figures show a two-piece connecting rod 1 of a reciprocating piston engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, having: an upper first rod 2 with a small connecting rod opening 3 for connection to a piston, not shown in detail; and a second link member 4 having a lower portion with a large link hole 5 constituting a link bearing 5a for connection with a crank shaft 20 such as seen in fig. 5, 12 or 13. The rotational symmetry axis of the small connecting rod bore 3, which coincides with the piston pin axis, not shown, is designated by the reference numeral 3 a. The first lever 2 is adjustable relative to the second lever 4 along the longitudinal axis 1a of the connecting rod 1 between a pulled-out position and a pushed-in position about an adjustment range defined by end stops not further visible. For this purpose, a length adjustment device 6 is provided, which is shown in fig. 1 and which can be of any desired design, as described, for example, in the applicant's AT 514071B.

The length adjustment can then take place, as shown in AT 514071B, by means of a piston element which is fastened in the upper first rod 2 and is guided in a guide cylinder of the lower second rod 4 of the connecting rod 1 so as to be axially displaceable (along the longitudinal axis 1a of the connecting rod 1), wherein a high-pressure chamber develops between a first end face of the piston element facing the large connecting rod bore 5 and the second rod 4 or the guide cylinder, said high-pressure chamber being connected via an oil channel to a control valve 7 which is designed as a switching valve and can optionally apply oil pressure to the high-pressure chamber. Fig. 1 then shows a connecting rod 1 which can be adjusted in length by means of a length adjustment device 6 and a control valve 7. The length adjustment device 6 may be constructed in different ways and is not part of the invention.

For controlling the control valve 7 (i.e. for selectively applying oil pressure to the high-pressure chambers or for respectively different actuation of the length adjustment device 6), a control unit 8 is provided, which receives control signals, for example, via a transmitting/receiving unit, not shown in the figures, provided in the crankcase. The control valve 7 forms a fluid-operated device 10 of the connecting rod 1. An energy storage device provided in the connecting rod 1 is denoted by reference numeral 9 and is connected to the control unit 8. The energy storage means 9 may be, for example, a battery, a storage battery, a super capacitor (i.e. a super or super capacitor for storing electrical energy), or the like.

The control valve 7 is electrically connected or connectable via an electrical line 19 to at least one sensor device 11, which is arranged in the region of the large connecting rod bore 5 of the connecting rod 1 or in the leg region 12a of the connecting rod bearing cap 12 or in the connecting rod leg. In the induction device 11, current can be induced in at least one position of the connecting rod 1 or in the rotary motion of the crankshaft 20 by means of at least one excitation device 14 fixed relative to the crankshaft. The induction device 11 has at least one coil device 15 and is arranged in a recess 16 of the connecting rod 1 or of a connecting rod bearing cap 12 of the connecting rod bearing 5a, starting from at least one end side 13 of the connecting rod 1, which recess 16 is arranged at a crankpin distance a (axial distance) away from a longitudinal axis 21a of a crankpin 21 of the crankshaft 20. In principle, two or more induction devices 11, each of which is arranged at a crank pin spacing a, can also be provided. The crank pin spacing a is assumed here to be the spacing in the radial direction between the longitudinal axis 21a and the midpoint of the recess 16.

The exciter arrangement 14 is arranged on or in a side face (Flanke)22 of a crank arm 23 of the crank shaft 20 on the crank pin side and can be designed in different ways, as explained further below.

The coil arrangement 15 is formed, for example, as a wound coil of electrically conductive material and is arranged around a, for example, cylindrical core 17, which is fixedly inserted into the recess 16 (see fig. 2 to 5, 13). The core 17 is made of a magnetically conductive material such as, for example, ferrite or soft iron or of a permanent or permanently magnetic material such as steel, alnico or rare earth magnets (e.g., neodymium iron boron, samarium cobalt or others) in the exemplary embodiment shown. The diameter of the core 17 is approximately 80% of the outer diameter of the coil arrangement 15 surrounding the core. At least one line 19 leads from the induction device 11 to the control valve 7, while a second line, not shown, can be connected to ground, wherein the connecting rod 1 can be used as a reference potential.

In order to avoid unintentional detachment of the sensor device 11, it can be glued, pressed or screwed into the recess 16 or otherwise arranged in a loss-proof manner. The core 17 surrounded by the coil arrangement 15 can be inserted directly into the recess. Alternatively, it is also possible for the core 17 with the coil arrangement 15 to be inserted as a structural unit into a housing 18 which is open on the end side 13 of the connecting rod 1 and which has a cup-shaped appearance, and for this structural unit to be inserted in the recess 16 in a loss-proof manner as a whole.

In a first variant of the embodiment shown, the exciter 14, which is fixed relative to the crankshaft, has at least one magnet element 24, for example a permanent magnet, which is firmly connected to the crankshaft 20 and is arranged at a crank pin distance a from the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21. The center point or center of the magnet element 24 is at a crank pin distance a from the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21. The excitation device 14 can be formed here by one or more magnet elements 24, which are designed individually as permanent magnets.

In the case of a plurality (for example ten, see fig. 4) of individual permanent-magnet-designed magnet elements 24 arranged annularly around the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21, adjacent permanent magnets each have a different magnetic polarity on the side of the end face 13 of the connecting rod 1.

In the event of a rotation of the crankshaft 20 during operation of the reciprocating piston engine or internal combustion engine, the magnet element 24 moves through the magnetically conductive core 17 and induces a voltage in the induction device 11 by means of the changing magnetic flux, which voltage can be used to operate the control valve 7.

In order to increase the efficiency of the device, according to a variant of the invention the following measures can be taken: the measures are to reduce or prevent eddy currents from being induced in the connecting rod. For this purpose, it is provided that the connecting rod 1 and/or the connecting rod cover 12 are made of a material having a specific electrical conductivity σ (which fluctuates several ten times depending on the material, taking into account the required coordination between magnetic and electrical conductivity) at least in the region adjacent to the recess 16 (which may also be, for example, the cup-shaped housing 18 here) but advantageously entirely in the region swept over by the excitation device 14, and/or are made of a magnetic permeability μ_rIs a material composition of at least 1000 to 3000, and/or has a magnetic permeability mu_rA surface coating for suppressing magnetic field lines of 50000 to 140000 at the maximum. With a material of this type, such as ferrite or another sintered material, which has good magnetic permeability but poor electrical conductivity, the current flowing in the connecting rod 1 and thus the heat losses due to eddy currents are prevented. A coating of a material such as Mu metal with a flux inhibiting effect prevents the flux from entering and inducing eddy currents.

The extension of the area adjacent to the recess 16 is related to different features, for example to the choice of magnet and/or magnetically conductive material used, the recess depth M1 (see fig. 5), the pole spacing, the magnetic permeability of the material of the connecting rod 1 and others. Advantageously, the surrounding portion of the recess 16 is constructed as described above, the dimensions of which (in the case of a circular recess 16 understood as extending radially from the recess edge 16) correspond to the quotient of the air gap width M2 divided by the recess depth M1.

As an alternative to the magnet elements 24 embodied as individual permanent magnets, it is also possible to use

ring elements

25, 26, 27 which are arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21 and at least partially surround the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21, are fixed in or on the side face 22 of the crank arm 23 of the crank shaft 20 and are connected thereto or are embodied in one piece.

The distance of the individual magnet elements 24 or the radius of the ring element 25 is equal to the crank pin distance a from the longitudinal axis 21a, i.e. as far as the longitudinal axis 21a as the induction device 11. The

ring elements

25, 26, 27 can be arranged in milled or etched grooves 22a of the side face 22 of the crank arm 23 (fig. 12) or fixed to the side face 22 (fig. 13).

Fig. 12 and 13 show a first variant of the ring element. The ring element is designed here as a magnet ring 25 with a (mean) radius equal to the crank pin spacing a, wherein the magnet ring 25 is arranged in or on the side face 22 of the crank arm 23 facing the end face 13 of the connecting rod 1. The magnet ring 25 is formed from pole segments of magnetic material, wherein each two adjacent pole segments have a different magnetic polarity oriented toward the end face 13 of the connecting rod 1.

Upon rotation of the crankshaft 20, a voltage is induced in the induction device 11 of the connecting rod 1 by means of the magnet element 24 or the magnet ring 25, which voltage can be used for current supply to the control valve 7 or for feeding the energy storage unit 9.

Fig. 9 to 11 or 15 to 20 show a further variant of the ring element, in which the excitation device 14 is formed by a segmented ring 26 (fig. 9 to 11) or a toothed ring 27 (fig. 15 to 20) which is firmly connected to the side face 22 on the crank pin side of the crank arm 23 of the crank shaft 20 and has at least one defined axial free position or recess 28 and at least one defined axial projection 29, wherein the free position or recess 28 and the projection 29 are arranged at least at a crank shaft distance a from the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21. In this variant, the core 17 of the induction device 11 is produced as a permanent magnet or from a permanently magnetic material.

The segmented ring 26 has according to fig. 9 a recess 28 and a projection 29 arranged side by side, which run in the radial direction, which means that: the radius of the segmented ring 26 is greater in the region of the projection 29 than in the region of the recess 28, wherein the average radius corresponds approximately to the crank pin spacing a. The radial extent of the segmented ring 26 is thus greater in the region of the projection 29 than the crank pin spacing and smaller in the region of the recess 28. What is achieved thereby is that, during rotation of the crankshaft 20, the sensing device 11 is swept in the connecting rod 1 by the segmented ring 26 only in the region of its projection 29, but the segmented ring 26 does not overlap the sensing device 11 in the region of the recess 28.

During the rotational movement of the crankshaft 20, the magnetic flux is thus changed in the induction device 11, whereby a voltage is induced in the induction device 15, which can be used to operate the control valve 7.

The ring gear 27, in particular according to fig. 15, 16 and 18, has a recess 28 and a projection 29 in the axial direction, i.e. parallel to the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21. The recess 28 and the projection 29 are formed here on the side of the toothed ring 27 facing the end side 13 of the connecting rod 1 and form a "toothing". The teeth also produce an alternating magnetic flux in the induction device 11 during rotation of the crankshaft 20, which magnetic flux induces a voltage. As shown in fig. 14 and 18, the toothed ring 27 has radial slots 31 to reduce the turbulence occurring during operation. This prevents heat formation in the toothed ring 27 due to eddy currents.

In a further variant of the ring element, the exciter device 14 is formed by defined undulating regions 32 in the crank arm 23 on the side 22 on the crank pin side, with recesses 28 and projections 29 which alternate with one another and are formed with respect to a normal plane running normal to the longitudinal axis 21a of the crank pin 21, as shown in fig. 21. The projections 29 and the recesses 28 can alternate with one another in the radial direction or in the circumferential direction. By sweeping of the induction device(s) 11 during operation or rotation of the crankshaft 20, a varying magnetic field is formed which induces a voltage in the induction device 11 provided with a core 17 constructed as a permanent magnet or of a magnetic material.

In a further variant of the invention, the core 17 of the induction device 11 has a pole shoe 30 with teeth, as shown in fig. 19 and 20. The toothed pole shoes 30 on the permanent magnets of the core 17 are designed like a toothed ring 27 and serve to increase the rate of change of the magnetic flux and thus the transmitted power.

During the rotational movement of the crank shaft 20, the magnetic flux of the permanent magnets or magnetically permeable material of the one or more cores 17 is changed by the variable air gap in the form of the recesses 28 and the protrusions 29, thereby inducing a voltage in the coil arrangement 15. The change in the magnetic flux is thus effected by the variable air gap 33 between the induction device 11 and the excitation device 14.

As described above, i.e., in the variant of fig. 4 (the excitation device 14 in the form of a magnet element 24 arranged in the crank arm 22, which is designed as a permanent magnet) and in the variants of fig. 12 and 13 (as an annular element with magnet rings 25 having alternating pole segments), the core 17 of the induction device 11 is made of a magnetically conductive material, while in the remaining variants the core 17 is designed as a permanent magnet or as a permanently magnetic material.

With the solution according to the invention, in the variant described, a power (effective value) of about 1W can be achieved by the induction device 11 in the idle state of the crankshaft 20 (about 700U/min), which can be increased to 5W at higher rotational speeds (for example, about 3000U/min). A reliable switching of the control valve 7 is thereby well achieved. Furthermore, the energy storage device 9 can be sufficiently supplied with energy to enable switching at times of low rotational speed.

Claims

1. A reciprocating piston engine having: at least one length-adjustable connecting rod (1) connected to a crank pin (21) of a crank shaft (26), wherein the connecting rod (1) has at least one length adjustment device (6) and at least one inductively actuable control valve (7), wherein the connecting rod (1) has at least one sensor device (11) which is arranged in the region of a large connecting rod bore (5) of the connecting rod (1) in a position which is formed in the connecting rod (1) and which starts from at least one end face (13) of the connecting rod (1) and is arranged at a crank pin distance (a) away from a longitudinal axis (21a) of the crank pin (21), characterized in that the sensor device (11) is or can be electrically connected to the control valve (7) and in that in the sensor device (11) an electric current can be induced in the rotary motion of the crankshaft (20) by means of at least one excitation device (14) which is fixed relative to the crankshaft.

2. The reciprocating piston engine of claim 1, wherein said reciprocating piston engine is an internal combustion engine.

3. The reciprocating piston engine of claim 1, wherein said control valve is electrically switchable.

4. A reciprocating piston engine according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the sensing means (11) is arranged in a recess (16).

5. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 4, characterized in that the induction means (11) has a coil arrangement (15) arranged around a core (17) of magnetically conductive material.

6. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 5, characterized in that the core (17) and the coil arrangement (15) are arranged in the recess (16) in a loss-proof manner.

7. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one induction device (11) is arranged in a housing (18) which is inserted into a recess (16) and which is open on the side of the end side (13) of the connecting rod (1).

8. A reciprocating piston engine according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one area of the connecting rod (1) adjacent to the induction means (11) and/or recess (16) is made of a material with a magnetic permeability μ r of at least 1000 and/or has a magnetic permeability μm of at most 140000_rSurface coating for suppressing magnetic force linesAnd (3) a layer.

9. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 4, characterized in that the sensing means (11) and/or the recess (16) are provided in a bearing cap (17) of the connecting rod bearing (5 a).

10. A reciprocating piston engine according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the energizing means (14) has at least one magnet element (24) firmly connected with the crankshaft (20), which magnet element is arranged at a crankpin spacing (a) away from the longitudinal axis (21a) of the crankpin (21).

11. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 10, characterized in that the magnet elements (24) are permanent magnet elements.

12. A reciprocating piston engine according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that the energizing means (14) has a plurality of magnet elements (24) firmly connected with the crankshaft (20), which magnet elements are arranged in radial direction at a crankpin spacing (a) away from the longitudinal axis (21a) of the crankpin (21).

13. A reciprocating piston engine according to claim 12, characterized in that each two adjacent magnet elements (24) have a different magnetic polarity on the side of the end side (13) of the connecting rod (1).

14. The reciprocating piston engine as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the excitation means (14) is formed by an annular element (25, 26, 27) firmly connected or formed in one piece with the side face (22) of the crank arm (23) of the crank shaft (20) on the crank pin side, at least partially surrounding the longitudinal axis (21a) of the crank pin (21).

15. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 14, characterized in that the ring elements (25, 26, 27) are constituted by at least one from the group:

a magnet ring (25) having a radius at least equal to the crankpin spacing (a);

-a segmented ring (26) having a radius at least equal to the crank pin pitch (a), said segmented ring having at least one recess (28) and at least one projection (29) adjacent thereto, wherein said recess (28) and said projection (29) are oriented extensibly in a radial direction;

a toothed ring (27) having a radius at least equal to the crank pin spacing (a), the toothed ring having at least one recess (28) and at least one projection (29) adjacent thereto, wherein the recess (28) and the projection (29) are delimited in an axial direction, extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (21a) of the crank pin (21), toward the end face (13) of the connecting rod (1);

a defined wave-shaped region (32) having projections and recesses alternating in the radial direction or in the circumferential direction, which projections and recesses are formed relative to a normal plane which extends in the crankpin-side flank (22) normal to the longitudinal axis of the crankpin (21).

16. The reciprocating piston engine according to claim 15, characterized in that at least two adjacent pole segments oriented towards the end side (13) of the connecting rod (1) have different magnetic polarities.

17. A reciprocating piston engine according to any of claims 1-3, characterized in that at least one energy storage means (9) electrically connected or connectable with the sensing means (11) and control valve (7) is provided in the connecting rod (1).