Double crankshaft combustion engine

A double crankshaft internal combustion engine is proposed with at least one cylinder in which a reciprocating piston is arranged to move back and forth. The engine has a first and a second crankshaft, wherein the two crankshafts run parallel to each other and rotate synchronously in opposite directions. Associated with the reciprocating piston are a first and a second connecting rod, wherein the first connecting rod is pivotably mounted at its first end in a first connecting rod pivot bearing about a first connecting rod pivot axis and is rotatably mounted at its second end on a crankpin of the first crankshaft. The same applies to the second connecting rod. Furthermore, a bearing element is provided on the reciprocating piston of the engine, which is pivotably mounted on the reciprocating piston about a bearing pivot axis that runs parallel to the connecting rod pivot axes. The first and second pivot bearings are provided on the bearing element. The engine finally has means for phase shifting the two crankshafts relative to each other. As a result, the compression ratio can be variably adjusted during operation without impairing the everyday practicality of the engine. Through variable compression, a substantial fuel saving is achieved.