Pendulum rocker damper with pivot for drive train

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pendulum rocker damper having an axis of rotation (2) for a drive train (3), comprising at least the following components: a primary side (4) torque-transmittingly connected to a first outer coupling (6), at least one rocker element (8), at least one first energy storage element (9) for exerting a first pretensioning force (10), at least one roller (11, 12), and a secondary side (5) torque-transmittingly connected to a second outer coupling (7), wherein the at least one roller (11, 12) is mounted such that it can roll on a rocker side roller track (13) and on an outer roller track (14) complementary to the rocker side roller track (13) and can be pretensioned against the roller tracks (13, 14) using a first pretensioning force (10) of the at least one first energy storage element (9). The pendulum rocker damper (1) is mainly characterized in that at least one second energy storage element (15) is provided in at least one of the rollers (11, 12) or roller tracks (13, 14) for exerting a second pretensioning force (16), and that the rollers (11, 12) are pretensioned against at least one of the roller tracks (13, 14) perpendicular to the track, at least in a rest position of the first energy storage element (9), using the second pretensioning force (16). By using the pendulum rocker element according to the invention, the interference noise can be reduced and the natural frequency can be moved into the non-critical range, thereby safely preventing roller sliding.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pendulum rocker damper having an axis of rotation for a drivetrain, a drivetrain having such a pendulum rocker damper, and a vehicle having such a drivetrain. [Background technology]

[0002] So-called pendulum rocker dampers are already known from the prior art. For example, the concept of adjusting the stiffness of a rotating shaft or a rotating shaft system in a drive train is known from DE 102019121204 A1 and DE 102019121205 A1. These pendulum rocker dampers comprise an input side and an output side, which are connected to one another (in both directions) so that a torque can be transmitted. A number of rocker elements (also called rockers) and a number of energy storage elements are interposed. The rocker elements are supported relatively displaceably by at least one rotating element of the input side and / or the output side. The rotating elements are completely clamped between the respective transmission raceway and the complementary mating raceway by spring elements, so that they can roll and are therefore called rollers. With this pendulum rocker damper, the relative torsion angle between the input side and the output side is converted into a deflection of the spring of the energy storage element. The ramp gear is formed by a transmission raceway, also called roller track, and a complementary mating raceway, which allows the transmission ratio to be set and thus the stiffness of the pendulum rocker damper to be adjusted. Here too, the transmission ratio does not have to be constant, but it is advantageous to be able to variably adjust the inclination of the ramp gear via the torsion angle from the input side to the output side.

[0003] In order to be able to realize the desired characteristic curve of the pendulum rocker damper under all boundary conditions, it must be ensured that the rollers are always in a defined position. This can only be achieved if the required roller movements relative to the adjacent contact counterparts, i.e. the rocker element and the primary side, as well as the secondary side or their roller tracks, are carried out exclusively by rolling movements (i.e. without superimposed slippage). For this reason, significant sliding movements between the rollers and the roller tracks, as well as temporary complete loss of contact forces, must be avoided in any case. If this is not guaranteed, there is also a risk of an increase in noise due to unnecessary roller movements, as well as a significant increase in wear of the contact surfaces on the rollers and on the roller tracks. It has been shown that during operation at minimum torsion angles or low torque levels, i.e. when the rollers are in their rest position, play can occur, which can result in rattle. When used in automobiles, this rattle is perceived by the automobile occupants as a negative acoustic effect (so-called noise, vibration and harshness).

[0004] Pendulum rocker dampers have internal vibration modes. In principle, at least one rocker element can be made to resonate in this respect by external excitation. If there are several rocker elements, they can vibrate either in phase with each other or in antiphase with each other. In this context, the natural frequency number of the system is determined at least by the first energy storage element, but also by the contact stiffness and the stiffness of the components, among others. At low loads, the lowest in-phase modes are in the frequency range of 15 Hz [15 Hertz] to 40 Hz. In a car, excitation can therefore occur during driving operation. The vibrations lead to an adjustment of the contact force on the roller. If this adjustment is greater than the applied static pretension, the roller will lift up, causing the aforementioned problems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to prevent all rollers or individual rollers from lifting and / or sliding out of at least one of their roller tracks as a result of dynamic actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Proceeding therefrom, the object of the present invention is to at least partially overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art. Features according to the invention arise from the independent claims, advantageous embodiments of which are set forth in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically reasonable way, and features from the explanations and drawings in the following description, including additional embodiments of the invention, can also be used for this purpose.

[0007] The present invention provides a pendulum rocker damper having an axis of rotation for a drive train, comprising the following components: a primary coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to the first outer coupling; at least one rocker element; at least one first energy storage element for exerting a first pretensioning force; at least one roller; a secondary coupled in a torque-transmitting manner to the second outer coupling part, The at least one roller relates to a pendulum rocker damper, the at least one roller being mounted such that the at least one roller can roll on a rocker side roller track and an outer roller track that is complementary to the rocker side roller track, and is pretensioned against the roller track by a first pretensioning force of at least one first energy storage element.

[0008] The pendulum rocker damper is particularly characterized in that at least one second energy storage element is provided on at least one of the rollers or roller tracks for exerting a second pretensioning force, and the roller is pretensioned against at least one of the roller tracks, perpendicular to the track, by the second pretensioning force, at least in the rest position of the first energy storage element.

[0009] In the following, unless otherwise specified, when axial, radial or rotational directions and corresponding terms are used, reference is made to the specified axis of rotation. Unless otherwise specified, ordinal numbers used in the preceding and following descriptions are used for distinguishing purposes only and do not indicate an order or ranking of the named components. An ordinal number greater than 1 does not necessarily imply that there must be additional such components.

[0010] The pendulum rocker damper is configured to regulate torque in a drive train such that the torque being transmitted is aligned about an axis of rotation during operation, in which respect the pendulum rocker damper is balanced (preferably rotationally symmetrically) with respect to this axis of rotation.

[0011] The pendulum rocker damper further comprises a primary side which is torque-transmittingly connected to the first outer connection and a secondary side which is torque-transmittingly connected to the second outer connection, the primary side and / or the secondary side being preferably made from sheet metal in the form of a disk or disk segment, particularly preferably made by stamping and / or sheet metal forming.

[0012] To regulate the torque, the pendulum rocker damper comprises at least one rocker element and at least one first energy storage element configured to exert a first pretension force. The rocker element is mounted on the primary side and / or on the secondary side by at least one or more (preferably two or three) rollers, so that it can be pivoted, i.e. swung, with respect to the direction of rotation (or superimposed on the direction of rotation). Preferably, two energy storage elements and two rocker elements are provided.

[0013] If two or more rocker elements are provided, at least one energy storage element is preferably provided between the two rocker elements, and the rocking movement of the two rocker elements results in a relative movement of the two rocker elements relative to each other. This relative movement results in a change in the energy potential of the at least one energy storage element. If two rocker elements are provided, preferably one or two energy storage elements are provided, which are preferably arranged at both ends of the rocker element in each case. If three rocker elements are provided, preferably three energy storage elements are provided. If only one rocker element is provided, the energy storage element is preferably arranged between the rocker element and either the secondary side or the primary side, so that the energy potential of the energy storage element changes during the relative movement between the rocker element and the secondary side or the primary side, which occurs as a result of the rocking movement.

[0014] In this regard, at least one roller is disposed on the rocker side roller track and the complementary outer roller track such that during operation, the at least one roller is at a rest position within the roller track in an untorqued state and is mounted within the roller track so as to be able to roll. The at least one roller is pretensioned relative to the roller track by or a first pretensioning force exerted by the at least one energy storage element, thereby forming a ramp gear.

[0015] The roller track has a gradient selected such that additional (kinetic) energy or work is required to overcome the gradient. The required (kinetic) energy can be achieved by reducing the torsional vibration or the torque being adjusted. For example, the stiffness or damping value can be defined or adjusted by the gradient of the roller track and / or the stiffness of the energy storage element and thus the absolute value of the first pretension force. This allows the torque transmission to be adjusted from the primary side to the secondary side or vice versa. The at least one energy storage element is, for example, a helical compression spring, a bow spring or a gas accumulator, for example with a linear spring axis. The energy storage element can be expanded or contracted by the movement of the primary side and the secondary side relative to each other.

[0016] It is proposed here that the pendulum rocker damper comprises at least a second energy storage element, which is configured to exert a second pretensioning force. The second pretensioning force is directed such that at least one roller is pretensioned with respect to at least one of the roller tracks perpendicular to the track. It should be noted that the rollers form contacts (for example in the form of a line) with the respective roller tracks. A line passing through the roller center and the contact point of each roller is perpendicular to the track. A line perpendicular to this is tangential to the track. The applied torque is transmitted or supported by the rollers, resulting in a tangential force component on all rollers. In one embodiment, the second energy storage element is formed by a specific adjusted material stiffness, a solid spring, a compression spring, a tension spring or a lever spring. The second energy storage element is, for example, radially supported on the outside (with respect to the rotation axis of the pendulum rocker damper) and coupled to at least one roller in such a way that it transmits a force radially on the inside. Alternatively, the second energy storage element is coupled to the at least one roller, for example, radially supported on the inside and radially transmitting force on the outside. Thus, the at least one roller is pretensioned radially with respect to the corresponding radially inner roller track and / or radially outer roller track. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one roller is pretensioned radially inwardly with respect to the radially outer roller track (or vice versa) by the second energy storage element, for example configured as a spring plate.

[0017] Component tolerances further exacerbate the problem, which can lead to a reduction in pretension. Thus, in one embodiment, the rollers are oversized so that a targeted second pretension force is obtained, taking into account, for example, extremes due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0018] This at least one second energy storage element compensates for the fact that in the rest position (also called neutral position) the force of the first energy storage element is minimal and thus the tendency to rattle is maximal. A minimum pretensioning force is ensured by the second energy storage element. This opens up the possibility of configuring the first energy storage element such that in the rest position the first pretensioning force is very low, which in practice could result in a configuration-related or tolerance-related play resulting in an excessively low pretensioning force on the rollers, so low that rattle cannot be suppressed. By means of the second energy storage element this can always be ensured by simple means, regardless of the configuration of the first pretensioning force. Thus, a tolerance compensation can be achieved, so that pretension losses are minimized in tolerance-related situations.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the natural frequency of the pendulum rocker damper, in particular of the free-floating rocker element, can be changed by means of a second energy storage element. It is proposed here to introduce a targeted elasticity into the system for the relevant load range by means of the second energy storage element. This elasticity can shift the problematic natural frequency to lower frequencies and, as a result, not be excited during operation. As a result, a robust function can be achieved, also for dynamic behavior under all tolerance conditions. This is exemplarily confirmed in the simulation graph shown in FIG. 2 (compare FIG. 3).

[0020] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the second pretensioning force is directed only perpendicular to the track, so that the roller (at least in the rest position) pretensions the corresponding roller track perpendicular to the track. Alternatively or additionally, the second pretensioning force includes a force component tangential to the track in addition to a force component perpendicular to the track. The second pretensioning force never includes only a force component tangential to the track.

[0021] In a first embodiment, the roller or rollers in the pendulum rocker damper are spring loaded against one or both contact partners. In a second embodiment, the radius of the roller and / or the shape of the associated roller track are selected such that a defined second pretension force is generated in the contact points. In a third embodiment, the resulting spring stiffness and pretension force are selected such that the expected tolerances in combination with the expected dynamic relative motion between the roller and the contact partner do not lead to the disappearance of the contact force. In a fourth embodiment, the resulting spring stiffness is selected such that the resulting resonance is not excited in the drive range. In a fifth embodiment, the change in the stiffness characteristic curve caused by the spring loading is taken into account in the configuration. In one embodiment, at least two of the aforementioned characteristics are combined.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper, it is further proposed that the second pretensioning force is exerted on the associated roller by at least one roller track, preferably the roller track having a stiffer material than the second energy storage element.

[0023] Here, it is proposed that the second energy storage element is formed by the (associated) roller track itself, and thus the second pretension force is exerted by the roller track itself on the associated roller. In one embodiment, a separate spring element is introduced between the respective element (rocker element, primary or secondary) and the roller track. Alternatively, the roller track itself is made of a material with suitable (low) stiffness. In one embodiment, the roller track is formed from a separate material that is bonded to the base body of the respective element, for example plastic (such as polyamide [PA]), preferably bonded to the base body by injection molding.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the roller track itself is in this respect formed from a material that is stiffer than the second energy storage element, so that the roller is prevented from sinking into the roller track, which would create a hurdle that the roller must first overcome. In many cases, this is undesirable to avoid slippage. In one embodiment, the roller track is hardened (the rollers or their surfaces are not hardened).

[0025] In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper, it is further proposed that the rocker element is supported on the primary side and on the secondary side by at least one roller in each case, and that a second energy storage element is arranged between the rocker side roller tracks in order to exert a second pretensioning force on at least two rollers in each case.

[0026] It is proposed here to provide both rocker side roller tracks with a second energy storage element. In this respect, this second energy storage element is arranged, for example, in the middle of the rocker element, so that the rocker element is spread apart and thus presses with its (rocker side) roller track against the two rollers, i.e. primary and secondary. Such a second energy storage element is, for example, a helical compression spring or a leaf spring.

[0027] In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper it is further proposed that the second pretensioning force of the second energy storage element has a spring stiffness which is variable depending on the torsion angle between the primary side and the secondary side.

[0028] Here, it is proposed that the spring stiffness depends on the torsion angle (between the primary and secondary sides), so that the second pretensioning force is not constant over the entire torsion angle. For example, the second pretensioning force is variable in that the corresponding spring element, for example, stops a leaf spring. For example, the second pretensioning force is variable in that the second energy storage element is arranged to act only on the roller or roller track in the area. For example, the second pretensioning force is variable in that the second energy storage element has a locally dependent (variable) stiffness, which is then preferably arranged on the roller track side and is, for example, composed of a plurality of individual spring elements. Alternatively, for example, the locally dependent stiffness of the second energy storage element is formed by using a curved leaf spring (clamped on both sides) which has a maximum spring deflection at its maximum extension outward from the associated roller track and has a smaller spring deflection outside this maximum curvature and is therefore stopped sooner compared to the maximum curvature.

[0029] In one embodiment, the second energy storage element is configured as a cantilever, particularly preferably made of a spring plate, which in addition to a spring action that is variable depending on the position on the cantilever, preferably acts in a manner that is locally confined to a roller or roller track.

[0030] In one embodiment, the second energy storage element is configured as a cantilever made of a spring plate and is configured to derive the spring stiffness required for the second pretensioning force from the bending deformation of the cantilever. In this respect, the spring stiffness indicates the ratio between the force acting on the spring plate (in this case the second pretensioning force) and the resulting deflection of the spring plate. The spring stiffness of the second energy storage element is configured in this respect to have a predetermined spring stiffness in the direction of the second pretensioning force.

[0031] The cantilevers are preferably inserted or oriented such that the twist angle (between the primary and secondary) is not equal to zero, i.e., when the first pretensioning force of the at least one first energy storage element increases, the second pretensioning force decreases. Conversely, a first pretensioning force decreasing towards the rest position can be at least sufficiently compensated. This means that at least one roller is always pretensioned against the corresponding roller track during operation.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper, it is further proposed that at least one of the second energy storage elements is constituted by one of the rollers, preferably each of the rollers comprising one of the second energy storage elements.

[0033] In this embodiment, at least one of the rollers itself has a second energy storage element, for example formed around the circumference, for example as a plastic coating, or as individual elements extending radially from the roller center. The individual elements can preferably be configured with different spring stiffnesses and / or different maximum spring deflection lengths, such that the stiffness depending on the twist angle between the primary and secondary sides can also be reflected in this specification.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper it is further proposed that at least one of the second energy storage elements is arranged to exert a second pretensioning force in a locally confined manner on the associated roller.

[0035] In this embodiment (as already explained above in another context), the dependence of the second pretensioning force on the twist angle between the primary and secondary sides is caused by the second energy storage element acting on the respective roller only in a locally limited manner. For example, the second energy storage element is configured to be arranged with its second pretensioning force acting on the respective roller only in the rest position or in the area of ​​the rest position. Outside the rest position or outside the area of ​​the rest position, the second pretensioning force does not act on the roller. To this end, the second energy storage element is either integrated into the respective roller track or is a separate element acting on the respective roller parallel to the roller track.

[0036] It should be noted that when the roller is outside the locally limited zone, it is not the case that there is generally no pretensioning force acting on the roller, but rather only the pretensioning force coming from the second energy storage element is no longer effective or at least becomes negligible compared to the other applied forces.

[0037] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the pendulum rocker damper it is proposed that the rocker element comprises an additional mass for shifting its centre of gravity.

[0038] Asymmetric application or support of forces on the rocker elements, or an unfavorable location of the center of gravity, will amplify resonant vibrations.

[0039] It is proposed here that the rocker element includes an additional mass. This additional mass is, for example, a separately attached mass and / or the rocker element is shaped in a corresponding manner. This additional mass is therefore not necessarily recognizable as such. Rather, it is a mass that is superfluous to the other roles of the rocker element, namely the transmission of forces and the provision of roller tracks and stops for at least one first energy storage element. The real purpose of such an additional mass is to move the center of gravity of the rocker element so as to change the natural frequency of the rocker element suspended on the pendulum rocker damper. Moving the center of gravity of the rocker element changes the dynamic inertia (Steiner's theorem) and therefore the natural frequency of the system.

[0040] To reduce the tilt component of the rocker element in the relevant vibration mode, the center of gravity of the rocker element is shifted by the additional mass to an optimal point relative to the point of force application.

[0041] According to a further aspect, a drive train is proposed, which comprises the following components: at least one drive machine for outputting a torque; at least one consumer for receiving a torque; a transmission for transmitting torque between at least one drive machine and a consumer; - a pendulum rocker damper according to one embodiment as described above, Torque may be transmitted between at least one driving machine and a consumer in a regulated manner by a pendulum rocker damper.

[0042] The drive train proposed here comprises a first driving machine, for example an internal combustion engine with an internal combustion engine shaft, and a transmission for transmitting torque between the internal combustion engine shaft and a consumer, for example the driving wheels of a motor vehicle. The torque transmission between the internal combustion engine and the consumer can be performed by a pendulum rocker damper configured according to an embodiment as described above. The torque transmission between the consumer and the internal combustion engine shaft is preferably possible in both directions, for example in a motor vehicle, in order to accelerate the vehicle (traction mode) and in the opposite direction (overrun mode), for example to use engine braking to decelerate the vehicle or to recover this deceleration energy.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the drive train, an electric drive machine with a rotor shaft is also coupled to the torque flow at the output side of the pendulum rocker damper and upstream of the consumer. For example, when the clutch is disengaged, the consumer can be operated fully electrically. In one embodiment, the electric drive machine and the clutch together (with or without the pendulum rocker damper) form a so-called hybrid module, which can be easily integrated into the drive train as a structural unit.

[0044] The proposed drive train including the pendulum rocker damper described above allows to achieve a reduction in torsional vibrations and disturbing acoustic noise in the internal combustion engine and transmission or in the pendulum rocker damper. Preferably, the rollers are further safely prevented from sliding by ensuring a minimum pretension even under dynamic conditions, moving the natural frequency into the non-critical range.

[0045] According to a further aspect, a motor vehicle is proposed having a drive train according to an embodiment described above and at least one drive wheel, the at least one drive wheel being capable of being driven by the drive train to propel the motor vehicle.

[0046] In motor vehicles, the installation space is particularly small due to the increasing number of components, and therefore it is particularly advantageous to use a compact drive train. The desired so-called downsizing of the drive machine and the simultaneous reduction of its operating speed increase the intensity of disruptive torsional vibrations. Similar problems also arise in so-called hybridization, where electric drive machines are used more and more frequently or form the main source of torque and the smallest possible internal combustion engine is used, but which must be more and more frequently coupled to the drive train and then disconnected from it again. The challenge is therefore to provide sufficient smoothing of the rotational vibrations at the same time with low component costs and little available installation space.

[0047] This problem is exacerbated in the case of passenger cars in the small car category according to the European classification, where the assemblies used in the small car category are not significantly reduced in size compared to the large car category, yet the available equipment space in the small car is significantly smaller.

[0048] In the proposed vehicle, the drive train of which includes the pendulum rocker damper described above, a reduction of torsional vibrations and disturbing acoustic noises can be achieved in the internal combustion engine and transmission, or in the pendulum rocker damper. Preferably, the rollers ensure a minimum pretension even under dynamic conditions, further preventing them from sliding by shifting their natural frequencies into the non-critical range.

[0049] Passenger cars are assigned to vehicle categories depending on, for example, size, price, weight, and performance, and this definition is constantly changing based on market needs. In the US market, vehicles in the small and extra small car categories according to the European classification are assigned to the subcompact car category, while in the UK market they correspond to the super compact and city car categories, respectively. Examples of the minicar category are the Volkswagen up! or the Renault Twingo. Examples of the small car category are the Audi A1, the Volkswagen Polo, the Opel Corsa, or the Renault Clio. Known hybrid cars are the BMW 330e or the Toyota Yaris Hybrid. Known mild hybrids are, for example, the Audi A6 50 TFSI e or the BMW X2 xDrive25e.

[0050] The above-mentioned invention will be described in detail below against the relevant technical background with reference to the associated drawings showing preferred developments. It should be noted that the invention is in no way limited by the use of the purely schematic drawings, which are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining proportions. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a pendulum rocker damper about its axis of rotation. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the transmission behavior of components in an ideal pendulum rocker damper. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the component transmission behavior in a practical pendulum rocker damper without a second energy storage element. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram of the component transmission behavior in a real pendulum rocker damper with a second energy storage element. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a detailed view of the pendulum rocker damper with a second energy storage element according to FIG. 1. [Figure 6]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment having a stiff roller track. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment with a central second energy storage element within the rocker element. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment having a flexible roller track. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment where the rollers are pretensioned to be locally confined. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller with a second energy storage element between the roller tracks of a pendulum rocker damper. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a roller having a second energy storage element between the roller tracks of a pendulum rocker damper in an alternative embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a top view of a vehicle having a drivetrain. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pendulum rocker damper 1, centered on a rotation axis 2. It should be noted that not all components of the pendulum rocker damper 1 are labeled with reference numbers, but rather as a part of the whole, and in some cases only one of several identical elements is labeled with a reference number. As shown, the rotation axis 2 extends in the image plane and is coaxial with a secondary outer coupling 7, which is torque-resistantly coupled to a secondary 5, and a primary outer coupling 6, which is torque-resistantly coupled to a primary 4. In this exemplary embodiment, the secondary outer coupling 7 is configured, for example, as a hub 25 of a shaft-hub coupling, and is configured, for example, to receive a machine shaft 26, 27 (not shown here). The primary 4 is configured, for example, as a clutch disk or is coupled to a primary mass (also called a flywheel) as a main damper. Two rocker elements 8 are arranged axially outside the secondary side 5 and are torque-transmittingly coupled to the secondary side 5, these rocker elements 8 being pretensioned in the rest position by two first energy storage elements 9. The rocker elements 8 are supported in a torque-transmitting rolling manner by primary rollers 11 (here entirely optionally, in each case two) of the primary side 4 and one secondary roller 12 (here entirely optionally, single) of the secondary side 5. In this respect, the primary side 4 and the secondary side 5 form an outer roller track 14, and the rocker elements 8 form a complementary rocker side roller track 13. In addition, as shown, the upper one of the rocker elements 8 includes (completely optionally) an additional mass 18, which is configured to shift the center of gravity of the rocker element 8. Thus, torque transmission from the secondary side 5 to the primary side 4 and vice versa can be performed by the rollers 11, 12 and the rocker element 8.

[0053] Due to the first and second directions of relative rotation 28 and 29 of the primary side 4, i.e. the resulting relative twist angle 17 between the primary side 4 and the secondary side 5, the primary roller 11, representing the first direction of roller rotation 30, and the secondary roller 12, representing the second direction of roller rotation 31, roll on the associated rocker element 8. The roller tracks 13, 14 are configured in a ramp-like manner in order to convert this twist between the primary side 4 and the secondary side 5 into a compression of the (first) energy storage element 9. That is, the roller tracks 13, 14 are configured to interact with the first energy storage elements 9 (here two, corresponding to the number of rocker elements 8) to form a ramp gear, which here are each configured, completely optionally, as a helical compression spring with a straight spring axis. This ramp gear and the spring stiffness of the energy storage element 9 allow the torque to be adjusted via a correspondingly shaped ramp gradient over the twist angle 17. For example, a high stiffness can be set at the beginning and end (ie, at the maximum torsion angle 17) with a low torsional stiffness in between.

[0054] When the two energy storage elements 9 are compressed, the first pretensioning force 10 on the rocker element 8 increases (here along the line of action of the helical compression spring). The pendulum rocker damper 1, and in particular its visibly rocker element 8, is displaced in the process from its rest position (position shown here). The rollers 11, 12 are simultaneously pretensioned against the roller tracks 13, 14 by the first pretensioning force 10 of the first energy storage element 9, so that they cannot slip or roll on the roller tracks 13, 14 due to the torque applied thereon. The torsion angle-dependent torque stiffness or damping value is set by the gradient of the roller tracks 13, 14 and / or the stiffness of the first energy storage element 9 and thus the absolute value of the first pretensioning force 10. This allows the torque transmission to be adjusted from the primary side 4 to the secondary side 5 or vice versa.

[0055] FIG. 2 is a diagram of the transmission behavior of the components of an ideal pendulum rocker damper 1. In the diagram shown here, the horizontal axis is the excitation frequency 32 (increasing towards the right). In the top diagram, the vertical axis plots the torsion angle 17, i.e. the amplitude of the movement of the respective component. In the bottom diagram, the vertical axis plots the (pretension) force 33 acting on the (respective) rollers 11, 12. In the top diagram, the torsion angle 17 is plotted as a result of excitation with the respective excitation frequency 32 of the primary 4 (top line), the rocker element 8 (middle line) and the secondary 5 (bottom line). The components are maximally excited at low excitation frequencies 32, for example up to a torsion angle 17 of 2° [2 degrees out of 360°], and approach the rest position as the frequency increases.

[0056] In the lower diagram, the (pretension) force 33 transmitted to the rollers 11, 12 is constant and greater than zero for the excitation frequency 32. Thus, in an ideal situation, the rollers 11, 12 would not lift off at any excitation frequency 32.

[0057] Figure 3 is a diagram of the transmission behavior of the components in a real pendulum rocker damper 1 without a second energy storage element 15. In comparison with the diagram shown in Figure 2, an excessive frequency rise is observed in the rocker element 8, since the latter resonates (the curve moves away from the illustrated portion, preferably the illustrated portion includes the maximum torsion angle 17).

[0058] In the lower (force 33) diagram it can be seen that the (pretension) force 33 on the rollers 11, 12 varies significantly as a result of the vibrations of the rocker element 8. The upper (upper contact force 34) and lower (lower contact force 35) envelopes of the rollers 11, 12 as well as the average value of the contact force 36 (shown in dashed lines) are shown. In particular, the lower contact force 35 reaches a value of zero as an extreme value. Thus, the associated roller 11, 12 may lift off.

[0059] Figure 4 is a diagram of the transmission behavior of the components in a real pendulum rocker damper 1 with a second energy storage element 15. Here, the rocker element 8 (and other elements) achieves approximately the same amplitude response as in the ideal case in Figure 2. No excessive frequency rise can be observed.

[0060] In the lower (force 33) diagram it can be seen that the (pretension) force 33 on the rollers 11, 12 only fluctuates slightly around a certain mean value in the low frequency range (between the upper and lower envelopes) as a result of the vibration of the rocker element 8. The (low) extreme values ​​of the lower contact force 35 do not reach a value of zero. Therefore there is no possibility of lifting of the associated rollers 11, 12.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the pendulum rocker damper 1 with the second energy storage element 15 according to FIG. 1. This detailed view shows the components of the ramp gear between the secondary side 5 and one of the rocker elements 8. However, the illustrated principle can also be applied to the primary side 4 and the rocker element 8. When the pendulum rocker damper 1 is in the illustrated rest position, i.e. when the torsion angle 17 is at 0° [0 degrees out of 360°], the first pretensioning force 10 is minimal, so that the rollers 11, 12 in the pendulum rocker damper 1 are prone to lifting. Lifting of the rollers 11, 12 results, for example, from tolerance-related play and / or from an insufficient first pretensioning force 10 of the (first) energy storage element 9. To prevent lifting in the rest position, a second energy storage element 15 is arranged (here completely optional) on the secondary side 5, which is firmly connected to the secondary side 5 at one end and forms an outer roller track 14 at the opposite end. The second energy storage element 15 is shown in this schematic arrangement as a number of compression springs. The resulting second pretensioning force 16 is directed in the rest position of the pendulum rocker damper 1 to pretension the secondary roller 12 on the rocker side roller track 13 perpendicular to the track, thereby preventing lift-off.

[0062] This exemplary embodiment, as well as (the following exemplary embodiment according to Figs. 6-7) can also be applied to the primary roller 11, and (as far as they are applicable to the other exemplary embodiments) the second energy storage element 15 can be arranged in the rocker side roller track 13 and / or in both roller tracks 13, 14 (assigned to rollers 11, 12). It is further noted that in one embodiment the second energy storage element 15 is formed by a coating of a material having an elasticity different from that of the base body of the rocker element 8 or of the primary side 4 or of the secondary side 5, alternatively or additionally by, for example, a leaf spring.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (eg according to FIG. 1) in an embodiment with stiff roller tracks 13, 14. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the rocker side roller track 13 is formed by a separate stiff element. The second pretension force 16 applied to the roller 12 by the second energy storage element 15 (here represented by two compression springs) is transferred in this exemplary embodiment first to the rocker side roller track 13. Due to the stiffness of the stiff rocker side roller track 13, the second pretension force 16 is applied to the roller 12 evenly over the considered rolling path. In this way, the second pretension force 16 is applied to the roller 12 perpendicular to the track even outside the rest position of the pendulum rocker damper 1, and the roller 12 is prevented from sinking into the roller track 13 without requiring additional installation space.

[0064] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (for example according to Figure 1) in an embodiment with a central second energy storage element 15 in the rocker element 8. The construction is similar to Figure 6. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, both rocker side roller tracks 13 are pretensioned against the respective rollers 11, 12 by the central second energy storage element 15. This requires very little installation space and, if necessary, allows a favorable influence on the mass or centre of gravity of the associated rocker element 8 (see Figure 1).

[0065] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (for example according to Figure 1) in an embodiment with flexible roller tracks 13, 14. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, the rocker-side roller track 13 is configured to be flexible. The second pretension force 16 of the second energy storage element 15 (here represented by a number of compression springs) is transferred in this exemplary embodiment almost directly to the roller 11. The number of compression springs, which can also be understood as infinitesimally small parts of the roller tracks 13, 14, allows to set a stiffness that depends on the torsion angle 17.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (for example according to FIG. 1) in an embodiment in which the roller 11 is pretensioned so as to be locally confined. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the rocker-side roller track 13 is formed in part by a separate (for example rigid) element, which is movably connected to the remaining roller track 13 and is pretensioned towards the complementary (here outer) roller track 14 by a second energy storage element 15 (here represented by a compression spring). Thus, the second pretension force 16 applied to the secondary roller 12 by the second energy storage element 15 and the separate element is not only locally confined in this exemplary embodiment but is variably (totally optionally) transmitted to the rocker-side roller track 13 depending on the torsion angle 17. In a practical embodiment, the element is formed, for example, by a cantilever 37, preferably made of spring steel (in that case it is not rigid).

[0067] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of a (optionally secondary) roller 12 with a second energy storage element 15 between the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (for example according to Figure 1). In this exemplary embodiment, the roller 12 is configured to be surrounded (here optionally completely circumferentially) by the second energy storage element 15. Due to the symmetrical arrangement of the second energy storage element 15, the roller 12 is spring loaded with respect to both the rocker side roller track 13 and the outer roller track 14 by a second pretensioning force 16. Thus, the roller 12 (with a constant distance between the outer roller track 14 and the rocker side roller track 13) is also pretensioned with respect to both roller tracks 13, 14 outside the rest position.

[0068] In this exemplary embodiment, the roller 12 is configured rigidly, for example made of tool steel, and the circumferential second energy storage element 15 is also configured rigidly, for example a spring plate, which in a practical implementation is supported on the roller 12, for example in the manner of a wave spring, or is made of plastic (for example injection molded). It is noted that this exemplary embodiment is alternatively or additionally also implemented with a primary roller 11. If only one of the rollers 11, 12 is configured in this way, the resulting second pretension force 16 may be sufficient for the other roller 12, 11, respectively. This applies analogously to the other illustrated exemplary embodiments.

[0069] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a roller 11 with a second energy storage element 15 between the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 in an alternative embodiment to the embodiment according to figure 10. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment of figure 10, the roller 12 and the second energy storage element 15 are integrally formed and are configured as a whole elastically. For example, the second energy storage element 15 or the roller 12 is configured as an elastomer. A second pretensioning force 16 is therefore applied such that the roller 12 is pretensioned both against the rocker side roller track 13 and also against the outer roller track 14, the roller 12 undergoing a reversible deformation in the process.

[0070] In Fig. 12, a motor vehicle 24 is shown in a top view diagrammatically with a drive train 3, in which a first drive machine 19, e.g. an internal combustion engine 19, with an internal combustion engine shaft 26, and a completely optional second drive machine 20, e.g. an electric drive machine 20, with a rotor shaft 27, are arranged in a lateral front arrangement along a motor axis 38, in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis 39, in front of a driver's seat 40 of the motor vehicle 24. This concept is called a hybrid drive. The electric drive machine 20 is here arranged coaxially with respect to the pendulum rocker damper 1 according to Fig. 1 and the separating clutch. The drive train 3 is configured to propel the motor vehicle 24 by driving the left and right drive wheels 21 and 22 (here optionally the front axle of the motor vehicle 24) by means of a torque output from at least one of the drive machines 19, 20. Torque transmission from the internal combustion engine 19 (and also from the electric drive machine 20 in a corresponding configuration, e.g. P2) can be interrupted by a separating clutch, and the rotational vibration of the internal combustion engine 19 is reduced early in the drive train 3 by a pendulum rocker damper 1. The rotor shaft 27 is permanently coupled (or can be disconnected by means of a further torque clutch, not shown) to the transmission 23, configured, for example, as a continuously variable transmission. A master system, e.g. a clutch pedal in the driver's seat 40 with a master cylinder, is provided for a completely optional hydraulic actuation of the separating clutch, which master system is coupled to the slave system in communication via the transmission input shaft 41, which is coupled during driving. The actuation of the separating clutch is often subject to a control strategy, e.g. an automated manual transmission [AMT] and / or a hybrid drive train, in which carbon dioxide emissions are prioritized.

[0071] The pendulum rocker damper proposed here can be used to reduce disturbing noise and also to reliably prevent the rollers from sliding by moving the natural frequency into a non-critical range, a second energy storage element 15 is provided on at least one of the rollers 11, 12 or the roller tracks 13, 14 for exerting a second pretensioning force 16, the rollers 11, 12 being pretensioned against at least one of the roller tracks 13, 14, perpendicular to the track, at least in the rest position of the first energy storage element 9, using the second pretensioning force 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Pendulum Rocker Damper 2 Rotation Axis 3 Drivetrain 4 Primary side 5 Secondary side 6 Primary outer joint 7 Secondary outer joint 8. Rocker Element 9 First Energy Storage Element 10 First pretension force 11 Primary roller 12 Secondary roller 13 Locker side roller track 14 Outer roller track 15 Second Energy Storage Element 16 Second pretension force 17 Twist angle 18 Additional Mass 19 Internal combustion engine 20 Electrically Driven Machines 21 Left drive wheel 22 Right drive wheel 23 Gearbox 24 Automobiles 25 Hub 26 Internal combustion engine shaft 27 Rotor shaft 28 First Rotation Direction 29 Second Rotation Direction 30 Direction of rotation of first roller 31 Second roller rotation direction 32 Excitation Frequency 33 Power to Laura 34 Upper contact force of roller 35 Lower roller contact force 36 Average roller contact force 37 Cantilever 38 Motor shaft 39 Longitudinal axis 40 Driver's seat 41 Transmission input shaft

Claims

1. A pendulum rocker damper (1) having an axis of rotation (2) for a drive train (3), comprising the following components: a primary (4) connected in a torque-transmitting manner to a first outer connection (6); at least one rocker element (8), at least one first energy storage element (9) for exerting a first pretensioning force (10); at least one roller (11, 12), a secondary (5) connected in a torque-transmitting manner to the second outer connection (7), the at least one roller (11, 12) is mounted such that the at least one roller (11, 12) can roll on a rocker side roller track (13) and on an outer roller track (14) that is complementary to the rocker side roller track (13) and is pretensioned against the roller tracks (13, 14) by the first pretensioning force (10) of the at least one first energy storage element (9); 1. A pendulum rocker damper (1), characterized in that at least one second energy storage element (15) is provided in at least one of the rollers (11, 12) or in at least one of the roller tracks (13, 14) for exerting a second pretensioning force (16), and in that the rollers (11, 12) are pretensioned against at least one of the roller tracks (13, 14) by the second pretensioning force (16) perpendicular to the track, at least in a rest position of the first energy storage element (9).

2. 2. The pendulum rocker damper (1) of claim 1, wherein a second pretensioning force (16) is exerted on the associated roller (11, 12) by at least one roller track (13, 14), preferably the roller track (13, 14) having a stiffer material than the second energy storage element (15).

3. 3. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to claim 2, wherein the rocker element (8) is supported on the primary side (4) and on the secondary side (5) by at least one roller (11, 12) in each case, and the second energy storage element (15) is arranged between the rocker side roller tracks (13) in each case for exerting the second pretensioning force (16) on the at least two rollers (11, 12).

4. 4. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second pretension force (16) of the second energy storage element (15) has a spring stiffness that is variable depending on the torsion angle (17) between the primary side (4) and the secondary side (5).

5. At least one of the second energy storage elements (15) is constituted by one of the rollers (11), 5. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of said rollers (11) is preferably provided with one of said second energy storage elements (15).

6. 6. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the second energy storage elements (15) is arranged to exert the second pretensioning force (16) on the associated roller (11) in a locally confined manner.

7. 7. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rocker element (8) is provided with an additional mass (18) for shifting its centre of gravity.

8. A drive train (3) comprising the following components: at least one drive machine (19, 20) for outputting a torque; at least one consumer (21, 22) for receiving a torque, a transmission (23) for transmitting torque between said at least one driving machine (19, 20) and the consumers (21, 22); - a pendulum rocker damper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A drive train (3), in which torque can be transmitted in a regulated manner between the at least one driving machine (19, 20) and the consumers (21, 22) by means of the pendulum rocker damper (1).

9. A motor vehicle (24) comprising a drive train (3) according to claim 8 and at least one drive wheel (21, 22), the at least one drive wheel (21, 22) being capable of being driven by the drive train (3) to propel the motor vehicle (24).

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