Pendulum rocker damper with a rotating shaft for a 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 motor vehicle having such a drivetrain. [Background technology]

[0002] So-called pendulum rocker dampers are already known in the prior art. For example, concepts for adjusting the stiffness of a rotating shaft or a rotating shaft system in a drive train are known from German Patent Applications DE 102019121204 A1 and DE 102019121205 A1. These pendulum rocker dampers comprise an input side and an output side, which are coupled to each other (bidirectionally) for torque transmission. A plurality of rocker elements (also referred to as rockers) and a plurality of energy storage elements are interposed. The rocker elements are supported by at least one rotating element on the input side and / or output side so as to be relatively displaceable. The rotating elements are completely sandwiched between respective transmission tracks and complementary mating tracks by spring elements, so that the rotating elements can roll, hence the name roller. With these pendulum rocker dampers, 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 a roller track, and a complementary mating raceway, which allows the transmission ratio to be set and thereby the stiffness of the pendulum rocker damper to be adjusted. Here too, the transmission ratio does not have to be constant, and it is advantageous to be able to variably adjust the inclination of the ramp gear via the helix angle from the input side to the output side.

[0003] To achieve the desired characteristic curve of a pendulum rocker damper under all boundary conditions, it is necessary to ensure that the rollers always remain in their defined positions. This can only be achieved if the required roller motion relative to the adjacent contacts, i.e., the rocker element and primary side, as well as the secondary side or their roller tracks, is exclusively rolling (i.e., without any superimposed slip). For this reason, significant sliding movements between the rollers and roller tracks, as well as temporary complete loss of contact force, must be avoided at all times. If this is not ensured, there is also a risk of increased noise due to unnecessary roller motion and significantly increased wear on the contact surfaces on the rollers and roller tracks. It has been shown that play can occur during operation at minimum torsion angles or low torque levels, i.e., when the rollers are in their rest position, which can result in rattle. When used in automobiles, this rattle is perceived by the vehicle 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 driven into resonance by external excitation. In the case of multiple rocker elements, they can vibrate in phase with each other or out of phase with each other. In this context, the natural frequency of the system is determined by at least the first energy storage element, but also by the contact stiffness and component stiffness, among other things. At low loads, the lowest in-phase mode is in the frequency range of 15 Hz to 40 Hz. Therefore, in a vehicle, excitation can occur during driving. 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, 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 off at least one of their roller tracks as a result of dynamic actions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] Proceeding therefrom, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the drawbacks known from the prior art. The features according to the invention arise from the independent claims, in which advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims. The features of the claims can be combined in any technically reasonable way, and features from the illustrations 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 a rotational axis for a drive train, comprising the following components: a primary coupled to the first outer coupling in a torque-transmitting manner; at least one rocker element; at least one first energy storage element for exerting a first pretensioning force; - at least one roller; a secondary side torque-transmittingly coupled to the second outer coupling part, The at least one roller relates to a pendulum rocker damper, wherein the at least one roller is mounted such that the at least one roller can roll on a rocker side roller track and an outer roller track complementary to the rocker side roller track, and is pretensioned relative to the roller track by a first pretensioning force of at least one first energy storage element.

[0008] The pendulum rocker damper is 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 the order or ranking of the specified components. An ordinal number greater than 1 does not necessarily imply that additional such components must be present.

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

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

[0012] To adjust 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 pretensioning 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 pivot, i.e., oscillate, relative to the direction of rotation (or be 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 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, and these energy storage elements 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 that 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 the absence of applied torque and is mounted within the roller track so as to be able to roll, and 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 so that additional (kinetic) energy or work is required to overcome the gradient. The required (kinetic) energy can be achieved by reducing torsional vibration or adjusting torque. 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 for adjusting torque transmission 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 with a linear spring axis. The energy storage element can be extended or contracted by moving the primary side and the secondary side relative to each other.

[0016] It is proposed that the pendulum rocker damper includes at least a second energy storage element configured to exert a second pretensioning force. The second pretensioning force is directed such that at least one roller pretensions at least one of the roller tracks perpendicular to the track. Note that the rollers form contact with the respective roller tracks (e.g., in the form of a line). A line passing through the roller center and 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, tuned material stiffness, a solid spring, a compression spring, an extension spring, or a lever spring. For example, the second energy storage element is radially supported on the outside (relative to the rotation axis of the pendulum rocker damper) and coupled to at least one roller so as to transmit force radially on the inside. Alternatively, the second energy storage element may be radially supported on the inside and radially coupled to the at least one roller so as to transmit force radially on the outside. Thus, the at least one roller is radially pretensioned relative to the corresponding radially inner and / or outer roller track. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one roller is radially pretensioned relative to the radially outer roller track (or vice versa) by the second energy storage element, which may be configured as a spring plate, for example.

[0017] Tolerances of components further exacerbate the problem, which can lead to a reduction in pretension. Therefore, in one embodiment, the roller is oversized so that the targeted second pretension force is achieved, taking into account extremes due to, for example, manufacturing tolerances.

[0018] The at least one second energy storage element compensates for the fact that in the rest position (also called the neutral position), the force of the first energy storage element is minimal, thereby maximizing the tendency for rattle. The minimum pretensioning force is ensured by the second energy storage element. This opens up the possibility of configuring the first energy storage element so that the first pretensioning force is very low in the rest position. In practice, configuration-related or tolerance-related play can result in the pretensioning force on the roller being too low, so low that rattle cannot be suppressed. With the second energy storage element, this can always be ensured by simple means, regardless of the configuration of the first pretensioning force. Thus, tolerance compensation can be achieved, so that pretensioning losses are minimized in tolerance-related situations.

[0019] According to a further aspect, the natural frequency of a pendulum rocker damper, particularly of a free-floating rocker element, can be changed by a second energy storage element. It is proposed here that the second energy storage element introduces a targeted elasticity into the system for the relevant load range. This elasticity shifts the problematic natural frequency to lower frequencies, so that it can no longer be excited during operation. As a result, robust functionality can be achieved, even with regard to dynamic behavior under all tolerance conditions. This is exemplarily confirmed by the simulation graph shown in Figure 2 (compare Figure 3).

[0020] It should be noted that in one embodiment, the second pretensioning force is directed only perpendicular to the track, causing the roller (at least in the rest position) to pretension 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, one or more rollers in a pendulum rocker damper are spring-loaded against one or both contacting partners. In a second embodiment, the radius of the roller and / or the shape of the associated roller track are selected to generate a defined second pretensioning force within the contact points. In a third embodiment, the resulting spring stiffness and pretensioning force are selected so that expected tolerances combined with expected dynamic relative motion between the roller and the contacting partner do not lead to loss of contact force. In a fourth embodiment, the resulting spring stiffness is selected so that resulting resonances are not excited within the drive range. In a fifth embodiment, changes in the stiffness characteristic curve caused by spring loading are 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] It is proposed here that the second energy storage element is formed by the (associated) roller track itself, and thus the second pretensioning 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 a suitable (low) stiffness. In one embodiment, the roller track is formed from a separate material that is connected to the base body of the respective element, for example plastic (such as polyamide [PA]), preferably connected to the base body by injection molding.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the roller track itself is formed in this respect 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, which is often 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 a second energy storage element in both rocker-side roller tracks. In this respect, this second energy storage element is, for example, arranged in the center of the rocker element, so that the rocker element is pushed apart and thereby presses with its (rocker-side) roller track against the two rollers, i.e., the 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 that is variable depending on the torsion angle between the primary side and the secondary side.

[0028] It is proposed here that the spring stiffness depends on the torsion angle (between the primary and secondary sides), so that the second pretensioning force is not constant across the entire torsion angle. For example, the second pretensioning force is variable in that the corresponding spring element is, for example, 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 a region. For example, the second pretensioning force is variable in that the second energy storage element has a locally dependent (variable) stiffness, and the second energy storage element 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 a smaller spring deflection outside this maximum curvature and is therefore stopped earlier 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. In this respect, the spring stiffness of the second energy storage element is configured 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 sides) is not equal to zero, i.e., such that 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 that decreases toward the rest position can be at least sufficiently compensated. This means that at least one roller is always pretensioned relative to 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, e.g., as a plastic coating, or as individual elements extending radially from the center of the roller, which may preferably be configured with different spring stiffnesses and / or different maximum spring deflection lengths, such that stiffness depending on the twist angle between the primary and secondary sides may also be reflected herein.

[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 achieved 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 in such a way that its second pretensioning force acts 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 center of gravity.

[0038] Asymmetric application or support of forces on the rocker element 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 can be, for example, a separately attached mass and / or the rocker element is shaped in a corresponding manner. Therefore, this additional mass is not necessarily recognizable as such. Rather, it is a mass that is redundant to the rocker element's other functions, namely, force transmission and providing a roller track and stop for at least one first energy storage element. The primary purpose of such additional mass is to shift 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. Shifting 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 drive train 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 manner regulated by a pendulum rocker damper.

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

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the drivetrain, 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 operate 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 drivetrain as a structural unit.

[0044] The proposed drivetrain including the pendulum rocker damper described above can 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 prevented from sliding by ensuring minimal pretension, even under dynamic conditions, and by shifting the natural frequencies into a 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 automobiles, the number of components increases, making installation space particularly small, and therefore using a compact drivetrain particularly advantageous. The desired so-called downsizing of the drivemachine and the simultaneous reduction in its operating speed increase the intensity of disruptive torsional vibrations. Similar problems arise in so-called hybridization, where electric drivemachines are increasingly used or form the main torque source, and where the smallest possible internal combustion engines are used, but which must be more frequently coupled to and disconnected from the drivetrain. Therefore, the challenge is to provide sufficient smoothing of rotational runout while simultaneously achieving low component costs and reducing available installation space.

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

[0048] In the proposed vehicle, the drive train of the vehicle includes the pendulum rocker damper described above, which can 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 ensure minimal pretension even under dynamic conditions, further preventing them from sliding by shifting their natural frequencies into a non-critical range.

[0049] Passenger cars are assigned to vehicle categories according to, 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 small 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 vehicles 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 invention described above will be explained 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 purely schematic drawings, which are not dimensionally accurate and are not suitable for defining proportions. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pendulum rocker damper about its axis of rotation. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the transmission behavior of components in an ideal pendulum rocker damper. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the component transmission behavior in a real pendulum rocker damper without a second energy storage element. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the component transmission behavior in a real pendulum rocker damper with a second energy storage element. [Figure 5] 2 is a detailed view of the pendulum rocker damper with a second energy storage element according to FIG. 1; FIG. [Figure 6]FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment having a stiff roller track. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 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. 10 is a schematic diagram of a roller track of a pendulum rocker damper in one embodiment having a flexible roller track. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 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. 10 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. 10 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] 1 is a top view of a vehicle having a drivetrain; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a pendulum rocker damper 1 centered about a rotation axis 2. Note that not all components of the pendulum rocker damper 1 are labeled with reference numerals, but rather are labeled as parts representing the whole, and in some cases, only one of several identical elements is labeled with a reference numeral. As shown, the rotation axis 2 extends into 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 to receive, for example, machine shafts 26, 27 (not shown here). The primary 4 is configured, for example, as a clutch disc or 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 are pretensioned in their rest position by two first energy storage elements 9. The rocker elements 8 are supported for torque-transmitting rolling by primary rollers 11 (here entirely optionally, two in each case) on the primary side 4 and one secondary roller 12 (here entirely optionally, single) on 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 an additional mass 18 (completely optional), which is configured to shift the center of gravity of the rocker element 8. Torque transmission from the secondary side 5 to the primary side 4 and vice versa can thus be performed by the rollers 11, 12 and the rocker element 8.

[0053] The first and second directions of relative rotation 28 and 29 of the primary side 4, i.e., the resulting relative torsion angle 17 between the primary side 4 and the secondary side 5, cause 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, to roll on the associated rocker elements 8. The roller tracks 13, 14 are configured in a ramp-like manner to convert this torsion between the primary side 4 and the secondary side 5 into compression of the (first) energy storage elements 9. That is, the roller tracks 13, 14 are configured to interact with the first energy storage elements 9 (corresponding to the number of rocker elements 8, here two) to form a ramp gear, which here each is configured as a completely optional helical compression spring with a linear spring axis. This ramp gear and the spring stiffness of the energy storage elements 9 allow for torque adjustment via a correspondingly shaped ramp gradient over the torsion angle 17. For example, high stiffness can be set at the beginning and end (ie, at the maximum torsion angle 17) with 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 rocker element 8, is displaced from its rest position (as shown here) in the process. 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 applied torque. The torsion angle-dependent torque stiffness or damping value is set by the slope 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 for regulating the torque transmission from the primary side 4 to the secondary side 5 or vice versa.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates the transmission behavior of the components in an ideal pendulum rocker damper 1. In the diagram shown here, the horizontal axis is the excitation frequency 32 (increasing to the right). In the top diagram, the vertical axis plots the torsion angle 17, i.e., the amplitude of the movement of each component. In the bottom diagram, the vertical axis plots the (pretension) force 33 acting on each roller 11, 12. In the top diagram, the torsion angle 17 is plotted as a result of excitation of the primary 4 (top line), rocker element 8 (middle line), and secondary 5 (bottom line) with each excitation frequency 32. These 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 their rest position as the frequency increases.

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

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

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

[0059] Figure 4 shows 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 an amplitude response that is nearly identical to 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 constant 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 according to FIG. 1, including the second energy storage element 15. This detailed view shows the ramp gear components between the secondary 5 and one of the rocker elements 8. However, the illustrated principles can also be applied to the primary 4 and 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, resulting in the rollers 11, 12 in the pendulum rocker damper 1 being prone to lift. Lifting of the rollers 11, 12 can result, for example, from tolerance-related play and / or 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 (here entirely optional) is arranged on the secondary 5, rigidly coupled to the secondary 5 at one end and forming 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 to pretension the secondary roller 12 on the rocker side roller track 13 perpendicular to the track in the rest position of the pendulum rocker damper 1, thereby preventing lift-off.

[0062] This exemplary embodiment, as well as (the following exemplary embodiments according to Figures 6-7), can also be applied to the primary roller 11, and (as long 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 should further be noted that in one embodiment the second energy storage element 15 is formed by a coating of a material having an elasticity different from the elasticity of the base body or primary side 4 or secondary side 5 of the rocker element 8, and is alternatively or additionally formed, for example, by a leaf spring.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (e.g., according to FIG. 1 ) in one embodiment, which has highly rigid 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 rigid element. In this exemplary embodiment, the second pretensioning force 16 applied to the roller 12 by the second energy storage element 15 (represented here by two compression springs) is first transmitted to the rocker-side roller track 13. Due to the rigidity of the highly rigid rocker-side roller track 13, the second pretensioning force 16 is applied to the roller 12 evenly across the considered rolling path. In this way, the second pretensioning force 16 is applied to the roller 12 perpendicular to the track, even outside the rest position of the pendulum rocker damper 1, preventing the roller 12 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 one embodiment with a central second energy storage element 15 in the rocker element 8. This construction is similar to that of Figure 6. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 6, both rocker-side roller tracks 13 are pretensioned against their respective rollers 11, 12 by the central second energy storage element 15. This requires very little installation space and, if required, can favorably influence the mass or center 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 one embodiment, having 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 pretensioning force 16 of the second energy storage element 15 (here represented by multiple compression springs) is transmitted almost directly to the roller 11 in this exemplary embodiment. The multiple compression springs, which can also be understood as infinitesimally small parts of the roller tracks 13, 14, allow for setting a stiffness that depends on the torsion angle 17.

[0066] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 (e.g., according to FIG. 1) in one embodiment, in which roller 11 is pretensioned so as to be locally confined. In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, rocker-side roller track 13 is formed in part by a separate (e.g., rigid) element, which is movably connected to the remaining roller track 13 and 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 exerted on 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 also variably (completely optionally) transmitted to rocker-side roller track 13 depending on torsion angle 17. In a practical embodiment, the element would be formed, for example, by a cantilever 37, preferably made of spring steel (in which case it would not be rigid).

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

[0068] In this exemplary embodiment, the roller 12 is rigidly configured, for example made of tool steel, and the circumferential second energy storage element 15 is also rigidly configured, 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 should be noted that this exemplary embodiment can alternatively or additionally be 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 can be sufficient for the other roller 12, 11, respectively. This applies analogously to the other exemplary embodiments shown.

[0069] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of a roller 11 having a second energy storage element 15 between the roller tracks 13, 14 of a pendulum rocker damper 1 in an alternative embodiment to that 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 to be elastic as a whole. 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 against the outer roller track 14, with the roller 12 undergoing a reversible deformation in the process.

[0070] 12, a motor vehicle 24 is shown in a top view, 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 position along a motor axis 38, transverse to a longitudinal axis 39, in front of a driver's seat 40 of the motor vehicle 24. This concept is referred to as a hybrid drive. The electric drive machine 20 is here arranged coaxially with the pendulum rocker damper 1 according to FIG. 1 and a separating clutch. The drive train 3 is configured to propel the motor vehicle 24 by driving a left drive wheel 21 and a right drive wheel 22 (here optionally the front axle of the motor vehicle 24) with torque output from at least one of the drive machines 19, 20. Torque transmission from the internal combustion engine 19 (and from the electric drive machine 20 in a corresponding configuration, e.g., P2) can be interrupted by a separating clutch, and rotational vibration of the internal combustion engine 19 is reduced early in the drivetrain 3 by a pendulum rocker damper 1. The rotor shaft 27 is permanently coupled to the transmission 23, configured, for example, as a continuously variable transmission (or can be disengaged using an additional torque clutch, not shown). A master system, e.g., a clutch pedal in the driver's seat 40 with a master cylinder, provides for fully optional hydraulic actuation of the separating clutch, which is coupled to the slave system in communication via the transmission input shaft 41, which is engaged during driving. Actuation of the separating clutch is often subject to control strategies, for example, for automated manual transmissions [AMT] and / or hybrid drivetrains, where carbon dioxide emissions are prioritized.

[0071] The pendulum rocker damper proposed here can be used to reduce disturbing noise and to reliably prevent roller sliding by shifting the natural frequency into a non-critical range, and a second energy storage element 15 is provided on at least one of the rollers 11, 12 or the roller tracks 13, 14 to exert a second pretensioning force 16, and the rollers 11, 12 are 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 axes 3 Drivetrain 4 Primary side 5 Secondary side 6 Primary outer joint 7 Secondary outer joint 8 Rocker Elements 9 First Energy Storage Element 10 First pretension force 11 Primary roller 12 Secondary roller 13 Rocker 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 Transmission 24 Automobiles 25 Hub 26 Internal combustion engine shaft 27 Rotor shaft 28 First rotation direction 29 Second Direction of Rotation 30 First roller rotation direction 31 Second roller rotation direction 32 Excitation Frequency 33 Power to Laura 34 Upper roller contact force 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) torque-transmittingly connected to a first outer connection (6); - two rocker elements (8), - two first energy storage elements (9) for exerting a first pretensioning force (10); a secondary (5) torque-transmittingly connected to the second outer connection (7); - two primary rollers (11) between the primary side (4) and each of the rocker elements (8) and one secondary roller (12) between each of the rocker elements (8) and the secondary side (5); and the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12) are mounted such that the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12) can roll on a rocker-side roller track (13) and an outer roller track (14) complementary to the rocker-side roller track (13), and are pretensioned against the rocker-side and outer roller tracks (13, 14) by the first pretensioning force (10) of the first energy storage element (9); a second energy storage element (15) is provided for exerting a second pretensioning force (16) on the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12), and the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12) are pretensioned against at least one of the rocker side and outer roller tracks (13, 14) by the second pretensioning force (16) perpendicular to the rocker side and outer roller tracks (13, 14), 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 primary and secondary rollers (11, 12) by the rocker side and outer roller tracks (13, 14), the rocker side and outer roller tracks (13, 14) having a stiffer material than the second energy storage element (15).

3. 3. The pendulum rocker damper (1) of claim 2, wherein the rocker element (8) is supported on the primary side (4) and the secondary side (5) by the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12), and the second energy storage element (15) is disposed between the rocker side roller tracks (13) for exerting the second pretensioning force (16) on the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12).

4. 4. The pendulum rocker damper (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second pretensioning 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. A pendulum rocker damper (1) as described in claim 1, wherein each of the primary and secondary rollers (11, 12) is provided with one of the second energy storage elements (15).

6. 2. The pendulum rocker damper (1) of claim 1, wherein the second energy storage element (15) is arranged to exert the second pretensioning force (16) on the associated primary and secondary rollers (11, 12).

7. 2. The pendulum rocker damper (1) of claim 1, wherein the rocker element (8) comprises an additional mass (18) for shifting its center 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 consumers (21, 22); - a pendulum rocker damper (1) according to claim 1, 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 consumer (21, 22) by means of the pendulum rocker damper (1).

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

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