VCR UNIVERSAL DRIVE

1 . An internal combustion engine with variable compression ratio comprising:

a crankshaft ( 1 ) that is pivotably supported ( 2 );

a flywheel ( 3 ) fixed on the crankshaft ( 1 ); and

a connection shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) that is arranged between the crankshaft ( 1 ) and an input shaft ( 23 ) of a shift transmission.

2 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the connection shaft has at least one of an articulated shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) and a flexible shaft.

3 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 2 , wherein the articulated shaft has a first stub shaft ( 10 ), which is connected to the crankshaft ( 1 ), and a second stub shaft ( 26 ), which is connected to the transmission input shaft ( 23 ).

4 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 3 , wherein the flywheel ( 3 ) is arranged between the crankshaft ( 1 ) and the connection shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ).

5 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 2 , wherein the articulated shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) has at least two joints ( 10 , 28 ; 26 , 28 ).

6 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 5 , wherein an intermediate shaft ( 27 ) is arranged between each two neighboring joints ( 10 , 28 ; 26 , 28 ).

7 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the crankshaft ( 1 ) and the connection shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) has at least one ball plunging joint.

8 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 5 , wherein the at least two joints have at least one of a universal joint ( 28 ), constant-velocity joint, ball joint, tripod joint, and curved-tooth gear coupling.

9 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 1 , wherein the crankshaft ( 1 ) is aligned in a defined pivot position with the transmission input shaft ( 23 ).

10 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 9 , wherein the defined pivot position corresponds to a predeterminable compression ratio.

11 . The internal combustion engine according to claim 9 , wherein the defined pivot position corresponds to a maximum compression ratio.

12 . A drivetrain for a motor vehicle comprising:

an internal combustion engine ( 1 ) according to claim 1 ;

a shift transmission having an input transmission shaft ( 23 );

wherein:

the connection shaft ( 10 , 26 , 27 , 28 ) is arranged between the crankshaft ( 1 ) and the input transmission shaft ( 23 ).

13 . The drivetrain according to claim 12 , wherein the input transmission shaft ( 23 ) is supported by a bearing.