Seatbelt retractors and associated systems and procedures

Abstract

This document describes seat belt retractors (100) with webbing locking mechanisms (122). In some embodiments, a seat belt retractor (100) comprises an inertial locking mechanism (320) functionally connected to a spool (322) around which a seat belt (122) is wound. The retractor (100) further comprises a webbing locking mechanism (470) functionally connected to the inertial locking mechanism (320). The webbing locking mechanism (470) may include a drive element (471) that is actuated by the engagement of the inertial locking mechanism (320) with the webbing spool (322) in response to a rapid withdrawal of the belt (122) from the retractor (100).Actuation of the drive element (471) drives a first and a second clamping section (482A, 482B) towards each other, thereby clamping the belt (122) between the clamping elements (482A, 482B) and preventing the belt (122) from moving further out of the retractor (100).

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION(S)

[0001] The present application claims precedence over preliminary US application No. 63 / 504,678, filed on May 26, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to seat belt restraint devices and in particular to seat belt restraint devices for use with occupant restraint systems in aircraft. BACKGROUND

[0003] Seatbelt restraint systems in aircraft, automobiles, and other vehicles often include a retractor that is functionally connected to one end of a seatbelt webbing (also known as the seatbelt strap). The retractor typically includes a spring-loaded spool onto which the webbing is wound. During normal vehicle operation, the retractor releases the webbing from the spool and retracts it as needed to accommodate normal occupant movement in their seat. However, if the webbing is rapidly pulled from the retractor by a movement of the occupant's body, such as in response to a crash or other dynamic event exceeding a preset threshold, the retractor locks the spool to prevent further webbing release and restrain the occupant in their seat.

[0004] A problem associated with conventional seatbelt retractors arises from a condition known as webbing spool formation. When the retractor spool locks during a dynamic event, the webbing wound onto the spool is compressed, allowing an additional portion of webbing to be pulled off the spool before the webbing bears the full load and prevents further occupant displacement. In seatbelt systems where a significant portion of the webbing is wound onto the retractor spool, this spooling can result in several centimeters of additional webbing being released from the retractor after the spool locks. This additional release of webbing is generally undesirable because it can cause additional displacement (e.g.,a forward deflection) of the occupant's body and possible contact with impact hazards during an accident or other significant dynamic event.

[0005] Many first and business class seats in commercial aircraft that convert into lie-flat seats must be equipped with three-point seat belts that secure the occupant in both upright and reclined positions. Depending on the restraint system configuration, this requirement can result in a shoulder belt length significantly longer than that of a seat that does not convert into a lie-flat seat. In some cases, the increased shoulder belt length can complicate government certification of these restraint systems under dynamic conditions, as the additional belt retraction caused by the longer belt allows for greater occupant movement. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a belt retractor for such seat configurations that reduces the amount of excess belt dispensed due to belt retraction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a front and a rear view of a seat with a seat belt restraint system comprising a seat belt retractor configured according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 1C and Fig. Figure 1D are partially schematic side views of a vehicle occupant secured in a seat by a seat belt restraint system with a seat belt webbing retractor configured according to other embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B shows a right and a left isometric view of a seatbelt webbing retractor configured according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B are partially exploded right and left isometric views of the seatbelt webbing retractor from the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, which show an inertial locking mechanism configured according to embodiments of the present technology, and Fig. 3C is an enlarged isometric view of a locking pawl and pawl arm of the inertial locking mechanism. Fig. 4A is a partially exploded isometric view of the right side of the seatbelt webbing retractor. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, which shows a band locking mechanism configured according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 4B is a right-hand view of the seatbelt webbing retractor. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, wherein certain components have been removed for illustration and the belt retractor is in an unlocked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 4C is an enlarged right side view of part of the webbing locking mechanism made of Fig. 4A, wherein certain components have been removed for illustration and the webbing retractor is in an unlocked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 4D is a right side view of the webbing retractor. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B and resembles Fig. 4B, however with the webbing retractor in a locked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. Fig. 4E is an enlarged right side view of part of the seatbelt locking mechanism made of Fig. 4A and resembles Fig. 4C, however with the webbing retractor in a locked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0006] The following disclosure describes various embodiments of seat belt webbing retractors comprising one or more clamping elements that lock the webbing when it is pulled from the retractor at a speed exceeding a preset limit. For example, in some embodiments, the webbing retractors described herein include an inertial locking mechanism functionally coupled to a webbing spool. When the webbing is rapidly pulled from the spool, the rotational acceleration of the spool causes the inertial locking mechanism to engage the spool with a webbing locking mechanism and move a pair of clamping elements toward each other, clamping the webbing between them and preventing further unwinding of the webbing from the retractor as a result of the webbing winding up.Because the clamping elements are attached to the retractor frame, the load exerted by the occupant during an accident or other dynamic event is transferred directly from the portion of the shoulder belt around the occupant, via the retractor frame, to the retractor mounting structure. This removes the length of the seat belt webbing wound around the retractor spool from the path of the load, resulting in little or no rewinding of the webbing, which allows additional webbing to unwind from the retractor during the dynamic event.

[0007] Certain details are in the following description and in the Fig. 1 A-4E is set forth in detail to provide a comprehensive understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. In other instances, known structures, materials, processes, and / or systems commonly associated with seat belt systems, belt retractors, aircraft seats, and seating arrangements, etc., are not shown or described in detail in the following disclosure in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the various embodiments of the technology. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the present technology can be implemented without one or more of the details set forth herein or with other structures, processes, components, etc.

[0008] The accompanying figures show embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to limit its scope. The sizes of the various elements shown are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these elements may have been arbitrarily enlarged for the sake of readability. Component details may have been abstracted in the figures to omit details such as the position of components and certain precise connections between such components, if such details are not necessary for a complete understanding of the manufacture and use of the invention. Furthermore, many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the figures may serve only to illustrate certain embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments may have different details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.Experts in this field will recognize that further embodiments of the invention can be realized without some of the details described below.

[0009] In the figures, identical reference numbers denote identical or at least generally similar elements. To facilitate the discussion of a particular element, the most significant digit(s) of a reference number refer to the figure in which that element is first introduced. For example, the element 112 is first introduced in relation to Fig. 1 A presented and discussed.

[0010] The Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a front view and a rear view of a seat 112 with a occupant restraint system 120 having a seat belt webbing retractor 100, configured according to embodiments of the present technology. The seat 112 can be brought into a tilted position or fixed in a generally upright configuration. With reference to the Fig. 1 A and Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the personal restraint system 120 comprises a shoulder strap 122 (which may also be referred to as the "seatbelt strap 122") and a lap belt 123. The lap belt 123 comprises a first webbing 124 and a second webbing 128. The first webbing 124 comprises a first end section that is fixedly attached to a seat frame 116 on the left side of the seat 112, and a second end section that carries a belt connector tongue. The second webbing 128 comprises a first end section that is fixedly attached to the right side of the seat frame 116, and a second end section that carries a belt buckle 126 configured to engage releasably with the connector tongue to secure the lap belt 123 in a conventional manner.

[0011] The shoulder strap 122 comprises a strap with a first end section that is functionally connected to the belt retractor 100, and a second end section that carries a connector 127 for attaching the shoulder strap 122 to the lap belt 123 near the connecting tongue. In some embodiments, the connector 127 can be configured to detachably attach the shoulder strap 122 to the lap belt 123, so that the shoulder strap 122 can be separated from the lap belt 123 when it is not needed. In other embodiments, the connecting element 127 can form a permanent attachment of the shoulder strap 122 to the lap belt 123. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder strap 122 passes through an opening 114 in the seat 112 and in the seat frame 116 and then downwards to be attached to the belt retractor 100.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, the belt tensioner 100 is, for example, firmly attached to the rear of the seat frame 116 by means of a suitable fastening element (e.g., a screw). In other embodiments, the belt tensioner 100 can be attached to other locations on the seat 112 and / or to adjacent parts of the vehicle structure. In some embodiments, the retractor 100 can, for example, be attached directly to the base of the seat 112.

[0013] The Fig. 1 C and Fig. Figure 1D shows side views of an aircraft passenger 130 secured in a seat 142 by a restraint system 150 comprising the belt retractor 100 configured according to a further embodiment of the present technology. Fig. In 1C, seat 142 is positioned in a generally upright configuration, and in Fig. 1D, seat 142 was reclined into a flat configuration. Referring to Fig. In the illustrated embodiment, the restraint system 150 comprises a shoulder strap 152 (which may also be referred to as the "shoulder strap 152") and a lap belt 153. The lap belt 153 comprises a first webbing 154 and a second webbing 158. The first webbing 154 comprises a first end section that is fixedly attached to a seat frame 146 on the left side of the seat 142, and a second end section that carries a belt connector tongue. The second webbing 158 comprises a first end section that is fixedly attached to the right side of the seat frame 146, and a second end section that carries a belt buckle 156 configured to engage releasably in the connector tongue to secure the lap belt 153 around the passenger 130 in a conventional manner.

[0014] The shoulder strap 152 comprises a webbing strip with a first end section functionally connected to the belt retractor 100 and a second end section that carries a connector for attaching the shoulder strap 152 to the lap belt 153 near the connecting tongue. In some embodiments, the connector can be configured to detach the shoulder strap 152 to the lap belt 153, allowing the shoulder strap 152 to be separated from the lap belt 153 when not needed. In other embodiments, the connecting element can provide a permanent attachment of the shoulder strap 152 to the lap belt 153. In the illustrated embodiment, the shoulder strap 152 extends over one shoulder of the passenger 130, through an opening 144 in the backrest 148, and then downwards to be attached to the webbing retractor 100.

[0015] In the illustrated embodiment, the seatbelt tensioner 100 is, for example, firmly attached to a floor 140 of the aircraft's passenger cabin behind and / or below the seat 142 by means of a suitable fastener (e.g., a screw). In other embodiments, the retractor 100 can be attached to other locations on the seat 602 and / or to adjacent parts of the aircraft structure. In some embodiments, the retractor 100 can, for example, be attached directly to the base of the seat 142.

[0016] In Fig. In 1D, seat 142 was brought into a flat configuration by rotating the backrest 148 downwards and sliding the entire seat 142 forwards relative to the seat frame 146. As this view illustrates, when seat 142 is brought into the flat position, a substantial portion of the shoulder belt 152 must be retracted into the belt retractor 100 to ensure that the shoulder belt 152 fits snugly enough around passenger 130. As explained above, the use of conventional belt retractors in such a situation can result in undesired unwinding of the belt if the aircraft experiences an accident or other significant dynamic event that causes passenger 130 to be thrown forwards against the restraint system 150.For example, significant winding of the webbing 152 may occur because the entire length of webbing wound around the retractor's spool must contract before the webbing 152 can withstand the full tensile force required to restrain the passenger 130. Furthermore, significant stretching of the webbing 152 may occur when the tensile load is applied due to the considerable length of the webbing 152 wound around the retractor's spool 100. Both factors can cause the webbing 152 to extend further out of the retractor 100 before the passenger 130 is fully restrained in the seat 142, and this additional extension can lead to excessive deflection of the passenger 130 and the possibility of the passenger impacting an obstacle.

[0017] Conversely, the use of the webbing retractor 100 in such applications can significantly reduce the undesired unwinding of the webbing, as described in more detail below. Accordingly, in some embodiments, webbing retractors configured according to the present technology can advantageously be used with relatively long seat belts without causing excessive deflection of the passenger due to the winding of the webbing or stretching under load.

[0018] The Fig. 2A and Fig. Figures 2B show right and left isometric views of the seatbelt webbing retractor 100, configured according to embodiments of the present technology. With reference to the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B together, the tape retractor 100 comprises a spool housing 204, which is attached to a retractor frame 202. As below with reference to Fig. As described in more detail in Figure 3A, the spool housing 204 encloses a spool shaft which is functionally connected at one end to an inertial locking mechanism contained under a right-hand cover 206, and at the other end to a torsion spring contained under a left-hand cover 208. As also described in more detail below, a safety webbing 122 is wound around the spool shaft within the housing 204 and extends functionally from the retractor 100 through a webbing opening 212 in a webbing guide 210 to the outside. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2B, the rear sections of the frame 202 and the housing 204 each include a corresponding flange 214 with an opening 216 configured to receive a bolt or other fastener to attach the belt retractor 100 to a seat frame (such as in Fig. 1A-1B shown), an aircraft structure (such as in Fig. to attach to 1C-1D) or to another attachment point in the aircraft or other vehicle in which the Retractor 100 is installed.

[0019] In some embodiments, the housing 204 may be made of a cast plastic material with sufficient strength, and the frame 202 may be made of a suitable metal, such as extruded aluminum. In other embodiments, the housing 204 and / or the frame 202 may be made of other suitable materials. For example, in some embodiments, the housing 204 may be made of a suitable metal, such as aluminum, and / or the frame 202 may be made of metals other than aluminum, such as steel (e.g., stainless steel). During assembly, the frame 202 may be slid under the housing 204 and secured with one or more locking tabs, fasteners (e.g., screws), and / or other suitable fastening mechanisms.For example, the band 122 can, at least in general, resemble conventional seat belt webbing in structure and function, which is made, for example, of woven nylon fabric.

[0020] The Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B shows partially exploded right and left isometric views of the seatbelt webbing retractor 100, showing an inertial locking mechanism 320 configured according to embodiments of the present technology, and Fig. Figure 3C is an enlarged, partially exploded isometric view of a pawl 344 and a pawl arm 346 of the inertial locking mechanism 320. With reference to the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B the belt retractor 100 comprises a spool shaft 322 with a first end section 323a rotatably mounted in a first opening 326a formed in a right side wall 327a of the housing 204, and an opposing second end section 323b ( Fig. 3B), which is rotatably mounted in a second opening 326b formed in a left side wall 327b of the housing 204. The spool shaft 322 is configured to be fixed to an end section of the seat belt webbing 122 in a conventional manner, for example via a slot or other feature ( Fig. 2A). A torsion spring 324 (e.g., a torsion spring made of spring steel) is contained under the left side cover 208 and has an inner end section 332 that is received in a slot 330 formed in the second end section 323b of the coil shaft 322 to couple the torsion spring 324 to the coil shaft 322. The torsion spring 324 also comprises an outer end section 334 that is received in a slot 336 formed in the left side cover 208 to functionally couple the torsion spring 324 to the left side cover 208. In operation, the torsion spring 324 is pre-tensioned counterclockwise CCW before being attached to the coil shaft 322 to exert a clockwise pre-tension force on the coil shaft 322. This torsional force causes the coil shaft 322 to rotate clockwise CW and the safety belt webbing 122 ( Fig. 2A) winds onto it to retract the webbing 122 when, for example, the webbing 122 is loosened or the associated seat belt is unfastened by the seat occupant. This torsional force also eliminates loosening of the webbing 122 when worn by the seat occupant, while at the same time the spool shaft 322 can rotate counterclockwise CCW to unwind the webbing 122 as required so that the occupant can fasten the seat belt.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the inertial locking mechanism 320 comprises a locking gear 338, a ring gear 340, and an inertial disk 342. The locking gear 338 includes a central opening 339, which allows the locking gear 338 to be rotatably mounted on the first end section 323a of the coil shaft 322 within a recess 329 formed in the right side wall 327a of the housing 204. The locking gear 338 also comprises a first plurality of teeth 335 extending around its outer circumference and a second plurality of teeth 337 extending around the inner circumference of a concentric recess 341.The inertia disk 342 comprises opposing counterweight sections 353a, 353b and a central opening 343, which allows the inertia disk 342 to be rotatably mounted, at least partially, within the recess 341 formed in the locking gear 338 on the first end section 323a of the coil shaft 322. In some embodiments, the ring gear 340 can be fixedly mounted on an outer circumference 347 of the inertia disk 342 directly outside the locking gear 338.

[0022] With reference to Fig. 3C together with Fig. 3A The pawl arm 346 comprises a generally rectangular slot 348 and a cylindrical projection 360. The slot 348 is configured to fit tightly over a pin 328 on the first end section 323a of the coil shaft 322 to lock (and secure) the pawl arm 346 to the coil shaft 322. The cylindrical projection 360 extends into a corresponding cylindrical opening 352 in the pawl 344 to rotatably connect the pawl 344 between the pawl arm 346 and the inertia disk 342 to the pawl arm 346. Additionally, the pawl 344 also includes a projection 354 and a tooth or engagement surface 349. The projection 354 has a curved bearing surface 355, which is received in a corresponding recess 345 in the inertial disk 342.As described in more detail below, the engagement surface 349 is configured to engage with the teeth 337 on the inner circumference of the locking gear 338 when the web 122 (. Fig. 1A) is retracted from the spool shaft 322 above a preset or threshold acceleration. The inertial locking mechanism 320 further comprises a preload element (e.g., a tension spring 350) with a first end section 351a attached to a first hook section 356 of the pawl arm 346, and a second end section 351b attached to a second hook section 358 of the locking pawl 344. The inertial locking mechanism 320 is an example of a suitable mechanism that can be used to engage the shaft 322 with the locking gear 338 when the tape 122 is pulled out of the retractor 100 with a preselected acceleration. In other embodiments, other locking mechanisms can be used without deviating from the present disclosure.

[0023] Fig. Figure 4A is a partially exploded isometric view of the right side of the seatbelt webbing retractor 100, showing components of a webbing locking mechanism 470 configured according to embodiments of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment, the webbing locking mechanism 470 (which may also be referred to as the "webbing clamping mechanism 470") comprises a drive element 471 with a cam section or head section 474 and a collar section 472. The collar section 472 includes a longitudinal through-hole configured to receive a shaft 462. The shaft 462 is spaced apart from the spool shaft 322 and is rotatably mounted at opposite ends by opposing side walls of the housing 204.The shaft 462 includes an elongated longitudinal groove or keyway 464 configured to receive a suitably shaped elongated projection extending inward along the through-bore in the collar section 472 to securely fasten the drive element 471 to the shaft 462, causing the drive element 471 to rotate with the shaft 462. A driven gear 476 is fixedly attached to a first end section 463a of the shaft 462 by means of a tab or projection 475 on the driven gear 476 that engages in the keyway 464, causing the shaft 462 to rotate with the driven gear 476, thereby rotating the drive element 471.The head section 474 (which may also be referred to as the “cam section 474”) of the drive element 471 (which may also be referred to as the “cam 471”) comprises a bearing surface 473 on a distal marginal section thereof, which is configured to interact with other components of the track locking mechanism 470 as described in more detail below.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge locking mechanism 470 further comprises a rack 478, which is slidably received in an elongated recess 460 formed in the right side wall 327a and configured to slide back and forth between a first end section 461a and a second end section 461b of the elongated recess 460. The rack 478 includes at its front end section a receptacle 479, which receives a corresponding end section of a preloading element (e.g., a compression spring 477), the opposite end section of which is pressed against the second end section 461b of the elongated recess 460. As described in more detail below, the compression spring 477 preloads the rack 478 in the direction of the first end section 461a of the elongated recess 460.

[0025] The bridge locking mechanism 470 further comprises a first clamping element 482a and a second clamping element 482b (the clamping elements 482a, 482b may also be referred to as "clamping sections", "clamping plates", "jaws", and the like). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b are physically identical or at least substantially physically identical. Each clamping element 482a / b comprises a projection 484a / b extending from one side thereof, a recess 486a / b on the other side thereof, and a projection 481a / b on each side thereof (in Fig. 4A only the projection 481 a is visible). Each projection 481 a / b is configured to extend into a corresponding end section of a preload element 480a / b (e.g., a compression spring), one of which is functionally installed on each side of the clamping elements 482a, 482b (in Fig. In 4A only the preload element 480a is visible). The preload elements 482a, 482b push the clamping elements 482a, 482b away from each other, and the projections 481a, 481b hold the preload elements 482a, 482b in their respective positions between the clamping elements 482a, 482b.

[0026] In addition to the foregoing, each of the clamping elements 482a, 482b further comprises a corresponding web contact or clamping surface 488a / b with a plurality of, for example, projecting ribs or teeth (in Fig. 4A (only the first clamping surface 488a is visible) for gripping the safety belt track 122, and has a bearing or sliding surface 489a / b oriented at a non-zero angle relative to the corresponding clamping surface 488a / b. In some embodiments, for example, the sliding surface 489a / b on each of the clamping elements 482a / b may be positioned at an angle of 2 degrees to 30 degrees, 5 degrees to 20 degrees, 5 degrees to 15 degrees, 7 degrees to 12 degrees, or 10 degrees relative to the corresponding clamping surface 488a / b. In the assembled state, the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b are arranged vertically such that the clamping surfaces 488a, 488b are opposite each other, the projection 484a / b of one clamping element 482a / b is slidably received in the recess 486a / b of the other clamping element 482a / b, and the pretensioning elements 480 pretension the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b away from each other.

[0027] The band locking mechanism 470 further comprises a clamping housing 490 with a lower wall 495a and an upper wall 495b, which are arranged at an angle to each other (i.e., not parallel to each other) to define a conical cavity a between them, which slidably receives the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b. In some embodiments, for example, the angle between the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b can be between 4 degrees and 60 degrees, between 8 degrees and 40 degrees, between 10 degrees and 30 degrees, between 12 degrees and 24 degrees, or 20 degrees. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 4B-4E, in the illustrated embodiments, the sliding surface 489a presses against the lower wall 495a and is in sliding contact with it, and the sliding surface 489b presses against the upper wall 495b and is in sliding contact with it. The distance between the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b of the cavity 492 decreases in the direction of F ( Fig. 4G) linearly, so that, as described in more detail below, the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482a and the second clamping element 482b are driven in direction F by the drive element 471 to move towards each other in order to reduce the distance between the clamping surfaces 488a, 488b.

[0028] When the band locking mechanism 470 is assembled, the driven gear 476 can be positioned within a recess 465 of the housing 204 and firmly engaged with the first end section 463a of the shaft 462. The first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b can be positioned, at least partially, in recesses 466 on the inner surfaces of the side walls 467 of the housing 204. The recesses 466 can have upper and lower edge sections shaped to slide in contact with the sliding surfaces 489a, 489b of the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b. The terminal housing 490 can be firmly connected to the coil housing 204 via tabs or other fastening elements 468 of the coil housing 204 which fit into corresponding recesses or other fastening elements 494 of the terminal housing 490 (e.g. snap into place).Similarly, the web guide 210 can be securely fastened to the front of the clamping housing 490 by means of tabs 498 on each side of the web guide 210, which engage in corresponding recesses 496 on the sides of the clamping housing 490. The clamping housing 490 can be securely connected to the frame 202 by means of fasteners 491 (e.g., screws) that engage in threads in holes 490a, 490b in the opposite side walls of the frame 202 or otherwise fit into them.

[0029] For example, the various components of the web locking mechanism 470, such as the locking gear 338, the drive element 471, the driven gear 476, the rack 478, the clamping housing 490, and the first and second clamping elements 492a, 482b, can be made of one or more of the following materials: polyetherimide (e.g., PEI Ultem 1000 natural), polyoxymethylene (e.g., Acetal Delrin 570, 20% glass-filled), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and / or alloy steel. In other embodiments, the various components of the web locking mechanism 470 can be made of other suitable materials, such as other types of thermoplastics, metal, etc.

[0030] Fig. Figure 4B is a right-side view of the belt retractor 100 with the belt locking mechanism 470 in an unlocked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. More precisely, it shows Fig. 4B the belt retractor 100, with the frame 202, the spool housing 204, the right side cover 206 and the left side cover 208 removed to illustrate certain functional features of the belt locking mechanism 470. Fig. Figure 4C is an enlarged right side view of part of the belt locking mechanism 470, with the belt locking mechanism 470 in the unlocked configuration and additional components removed to better illustrate the operation of the drive element 471 and the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b.

[0031] With reference to the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C together: When a seat occupant pulls the seat belt webbing 122 outwards from the retractor 100 in the direction F, the movement of the belt 122 rotates the spool shaft 322 counterclockwise COW. If the belt 122 is retracted with an acceleration below a preset value (e.g., below 1.5 g (i.e., below 48.25 ft / s)), <2> ) and / or below a speed or acceleration corresponding to a potentially fatal accident or other rapid deceleration of the vehicle), the counterclockwise rotation of the coil shaft 322 (COW) moves the pawl arm 346 counterclockwise (CCW), which in turn causes the pawl 344 to also rotate counterclockwise (CCW) due to the tension in the spring 350, which pulls the pawl 344 inward toward the coil shaft 322 and into the retracted position. When the pawl 344 rotates in this position, the projection 354 ( Fig. 3C) against the side wall of the recess 345 ( Fig. 3A) in the inertia disk 342, which also causes the inertia disk 342 to rotate counterclockwise as the seat belt webbing 122 unwinds from the spool shaft 322. Since the pawl 344 is held in the retracted position by the spring 350, the engagement surface 349 rotates freely from the teeth 337 on the inner surface of the recess 341 in the ratchet wheel 338. As a result, the ratchet wheel 338 remains stationary and the rack 478 also remains stationary in a rearward position relative to the first end section 461a of the elongated recess 460 ( Fig. 4A). As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4B, when the rack 478 is in this rear position, it positions the driven gear 476 such that the drive element 471 is in a lowered or retracted position. More precisely, as shown in Figure 4B, the rack 478, when in this rear position, positions the driven gear 476 such that the drive element 471 is in a lowered or retracted position. Fig. As shown, a first rounded surface section 485a of the support surface 473 contacts a lower section of a support surface 487 at the rear end of the second clamping element 482b when the drive element 471 is in the retracted position. In some embodiments, a second rounded surface section 485b may also be provided below the first rounded surface section 485a to create a smooth surface on which the seat belt webbing 122 can slide if necessary when the drive element 471 is in the retracted position.

[0032] The preload elements 480a, 480b push the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b away from each other and towards the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b of the cavity 492 of the clamping housing 490, respectively. Since the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b are arranged at a non-zero angle to each other and the conical cavity 492 tapers inwards towards F, the preload elements 480a, 480b also push the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b rearward in the direction of R and press the bearing surface 487 of the second clamping element 482b against the bearing surface 473 of the drive element 471. When the drive element 471 is in the lower position and the clamping elements 482a, 482b are in the Fig. In the rear, retracted position shown in 4C, the first and second clamping surfaces 488a, 488b are sufficiently spaced apart so that the safety belt webbing 122 can be freely pulled out of the retractor 100 in direction F, or conversely, retracted in direction R into the retractor 100 and wound onto the spool shaft 322 when the belt 110 is held in place by the torsion spring 324 ( Fig. 3A) is released. In addition, the belt opening 212 ( Fig. 2A) Position the safety belt 122 in the belt guide 210 between the opposing first and second clamping surfaces 488a, 488b, so that the belt 122 does not noticeably rub against one of the clamping surfaces 488a / b during extension and retraction and may not wear down on the teeth or ribs protruding from it.

[0033] Fig. Figure 4D is a right-side view of the belt retractor 100 with the belt locking mechanism 470 in a locked configuration according to embodiments of the present technology. As shown in Fig. 4B shows Fig. 4D the belt retractor 100, with the frame 202, the spool housing 204, the right side cover 206 and the left side cover 208 removed to illustrate certain functional features of the web locking mechanism 470. Fig. Figure 4E is an enlarged right side view of part of the webbing locking mechanism 470, wherein the webbing locking mechanism 470 is in the locked configuration and additional components have been removed to better show the function of the drive element 471 and the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b.

[0034] In the Fig. 4D and Fig. 4E, the belt 122 was temporarily subjected to a relatively high speed (e.g., an acceleration of more than 1.5 g (i.e., over 48.25 ft / s)). 2 ) and according to the forward movement of the seatbelt user's body in response to an impact or other potentially harmful dynamic event) from the belt retractor 100, thereby withdrawing the retractor 100 from the position described above in relation to the Fig. 4B and Fig. 40 described unlocked configuration into the in the Fig. 4D and Fig. The locked configuration shown in Figure 4E moves. More precisely, when the seatbelt webbing 122 is pulled out of the retractor 100 at this or a higher speed, it drives the spool shaft 322 and thus the pawl arm 346 at a correspondingly high counterclockwise (CCW) rotation. Normally, the counterclockwise rotation of the pawl arm 346 would also drive the locking pawl 344 and the inertia disc 342 counterclockwise (CCW). However, when the belt 122 is pulled out of the retractor 100 at high speed, the rotational inertia of the counterweight parts 353a, 353b ( Fig. 3A) against the rotational acceleration, which causes the tension spring 350 to stretch, and the contact surface 355 on the pawl 344 ( Fig. 3C) presses against the opposite surface of the recess 345 in the inertial disk 342 ( Fig. 3A), whereby the pawl 344 is driven radially outwards by the spool shaft 322. The outward movement of the pawl 344 causes the engagement surface 349 on the pawl 344 to engage with one of the teeth 337 on the inner diameter of the locking gear 338. This locks the spool shaft 322 against the locking gear 338, which in turn rotates the locking gear 338 counterclockwise CCW and drives the rack 478 forward in direction F, thereby pressing the compression spring 477 against the second end section 461b of the elongated recess 460 ( Fig. 4A). As is known to experts, the tension in the spring 350 can be adjusted so that the inertial locking mechanism 320 engages in the locking gear 338 and thus in the rack 478 at practically any selected speed of the coil shaft 322.

[0035] As the rack 478 moves in the direction F, the driven gear 476 rotates counterclockwise CCW, causing the shaft 462 to rotate counterclockwise CCW due to the engagement of the driven gear 476 with the shaft 462. The drive element 471, which is fixedly connected to the shaft 462, also rotates counterclockwise CCW, generally pressing the bearing surface 473 of the drive element 471 upwards against the bearing surface 487 of the second clamping element 482b. Since the bearing surface 487 is inclined upwards towards the axis of rotation 469 of the drive element 471, the upward movement of the bearing surface 473 against the bearing surface 487 drives the second clamping element 482b forwards in the direction F. More precisely, in the illustrated embodiment, the radial distance of the support surface 487 from the axis of rotation 469 of the drive element 471 decreases towards the upper edge of the support surface 487.As a result, the upward movement of the support surface 473 against the support surface 487 pushes the second clamping element 482b forward in the direction of F to create clearance for the rotation of the drive element 471. Since the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b are oriented due to the sliding engagement of the projections 484a, 484b and the recesses 486a, 486b ( Fig. 4A), which restrict the lateral movement of the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b relative to each other, the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b move together in the direction of F when the driven element 471 drives the second clamping element 482b forward. As the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b slide forward in the direction of F along the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b of the cavity 492, the angle between the walls drives the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b towards each other, clamping the safety belt webbing 122 between the first and second clamping surfaces 488a, 488b. Additionally, the sustained tension on the webbing 122 tends to pull the clamping elements 482a, 482b towards F and to drive the clamping elements 482a, 482b further towards each other due to the friction between the webbing 122 and the clamping surfaces 488a, 488b.As a result, the clamping elements 482a, 482b firmly grip the track 122 between them and prevent further movement of the track 122 out of the retractor 100.

[0036] In some embodiments, only one of the clamping elements 482a, 482b can be movable relative to the clamping housing 490 in order to clamp the track 122 between the first and the second clamping surfaces 488a, 488b. For example, in such embodiments, the projections 484a, 484b can be omitted so that the second clamping element 482b is not restricted relative to the first clamping element 482a. Additionally, the first clamping element 482a can be connected to the clamping housing 490 (e.g., via fasteners, adhesives, welding, etc.), or in other embodiments, the first clamping element 482a can be formed integrally with the clamping housing 490. Therefore, when the head section 474 presses on the support surface 487 of the second clamping element 482b, the second clamping element 482b can slide along the upper wall 495b of the terminal housing 490 and move towards the first clamping element 482a to engage the web 122 between the first and second clamping surfaces 488a, 488b.

[0037] As explained above, the use of the belt retractor 100 can significantly reduce unwanted unwinding of the webbing because the belt locking mechanism 470 clamps the belt 122 near the belt opening 212 of the retractor 100, thereby removing the portion of the webbing wound onto the spool shaft 322 from the equation and preventing the unwinding of additional webbing due to film winding or webbing stretching. Accordingly, belt retractors configured according to this technology can be advantageously used with relatively long seat belts without causing excessive passenger deflection due to webbing spooling or stretching under load.

[0038] When the tension on the safety belt webbing 122 is released, the torsion spring 324 is driven ( Fig. 3A) The spool shaft 322 rotates clockwise CW, thereby pulling the seat belt webbing 122 towards the belt retractor 100. Additionally, the clockwise rotation of the spool shaft 322 also drives the pawl arm 346 clockwise CW, which in turn causes the pawl 344 to retract inwards under the preload force of the tension spring 350. This inward movement of the pawl 344 disengages it from the inner teeth 337 on the ratchet wheel 338. With the pawl 344 disengaged from the ratchet wheel 338, the compression spring 477 can move or drive the rack 478 rearward in the direction R, which in turn drives the driven gear 476 clockwise CW.The clockwise rotation of the driven gear 476 CW rotates the driven element 471 clockwise CW, which in turn causes the bearing surface 473 on the distal edge of the head section 474 on the bearing surface 487 of the second clamping element 482b to move downwards in the direction of the in . Fig. 4C moves to the position shown. When the support surface 473 moves downwards, the pretensioning elements 480a, 480b push the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b away from each other, causing the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b to slide backwards in the direction R on the lower and upper walls 495a, 495b respectively, due to the conical shape of the cavity 492. This simultaneously releases the tension in the seat belt webbing 122, unlocking the webbing retractor 100 and moving the first and second clamping elements 482a, 482b into the Fig. 4B and Fig. Position shown in 4C, allowing the tape 122 to be wound further onto the spool shaft 322 until it is fully retracted.

[0039] It should be noted that the inertial locking mechanism 320 described in detail above is only one example of a suitable inertial locking mechanism for a tape shaft that can be used with embodiments of the present technology. In other embodiments, other types of inertial locking mechanisms, which, for example, use other types of counterweights, can be used to lock the spool shaft 322 to the locking gear 338 according to the present technology.Accordingly, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art that the present technology is not limited to use with a particular inertial locking mechanism, but can also be used with other types of inertial or other locking systems which allow the spool shaft 322 to engage with the locking gear 338 and to displace or drive the rack 478 when the tape 122 is pulled out of the retractor 100 at a preset speed and / or acceleration or above.

[0040] In some embodiments, the belt retractor 100 may include an additional locking device that can be manually operated to engage the teeth of the ring gear 340 ( Fig.3A) to engage and lock the inertia disk 342 in a stationary position. Locking the inertia disk 342 in this way would, in turn, cause the locking pawl 344 to automatically engage the locking gear 338 after only a very slight counterclockwise rotation of the spool shaft 322, regardless of the speed at which the belt is pulled out of the retractor 100. This would, in turn, cause the belt retractor 100 to lock automatically as described above when tension is applied to the seat belt 122. In some embodiments, such manual locking devices may, for example, include a cable-operated push rod that can be manually actuated to engage the rod tip with the teeth of the gear 340.It is intended that other types of manual locking devices may be included in some embodiments of the present technology.

[0041] The technology presented here is illustrated by various aspects, which for simplicity are described as numbered examples (1, 2, 3, etc.). These serve as examples and do not limit the technology presented here. It should be noted that each of the dependent examples can be combined in any way and inserted into a corresponding independent example. The other examples can be presented in a similar manner. 1. A seatbelt retractor, comprising: a spool shaft configured to accommodate a seat belt; and a belt locking mechanism functionally connected to the spool shaft, wherein the belt locking mechanism comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element and wherein at least one of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements is configured to move in the direction of the other of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements to clamp the belt between itself in response to a rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at a preset speed or above caused by the belt being pulled out of the belt retractor. 2. The seatbelt retractor from Example 1, wherein - the belt locking mechanism further comprises a clamping housing with a lower wall and an upper wall that form a cavity between them, the lower wall is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the upper wall, the first clamping element includes a first sliding surface that is positioned against the lower wall, the second clamping element includes a second sliding surface that is positioned against the upper wall, and the first sliding surface is configured to slide against the lower wall, and the second sliding surface is configured to slide against the upper wall in response to the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft at or above the preset speed. 3. The seatbelt retractor from Example 2, wherein - the first clamping element further comprises a first clamping surface opposite the first sliding surface, wherein the first clamping surface is configured to press against a first side of the safety belt, the second clamping element further comprises a second clamping surface opposite the second sliding surface, wherein the second clamping surface is configured to press against a second side of the safety belt, and at least one of (i) the first sliding surface is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the first clamping surface or (ii) the second sliding surface is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the second clamping surface. 4. The seat belt retractor from Example 2, wherein the non-zero angle between the lower wall and the upper wall of the clamping housing is between 5 degrees and 20 degrees. 5. The seat belt retractor from any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a drive element and wherein the drive element is configured to drive the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element in response to the rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at or above the preset speed in the direction of the other first clamping element or second clamping element. 6. The seat belt retractor from Example 5, wherein the drive element comprises a collar section configured to receive a shaft and a cam section extending outwards from the collar section, and wherein the drive element is configured to rotate about the shaft, whereby the cam section presses against the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element when the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft reaches or exceeds the preset speed. 7. The seat belt retractor from any of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a pretensioning element positioned to pretension the first and second clamping elements away from each other in order to define a space between them for the passage of the seat belt. 8. The seat belt retractor from any of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the first clamping element comprises a first clamping surface configured to press against a first side of the seat belt, and the second clamping element comprises a second clamping surface configured to press against a second side of the seat belt opposite the first side of the seat belt, and wherein at least one of the first or second clamping surfaces comprises a plurality of teeth configured to grip the seat belt. 9. The seat belt retractor from any of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the first clamping element comprises a projection, and wherein the second clamping element comprises a recess configured to slidably receive the projection in order to limit the lateral movement of the first and second clamping elements relative to each other when at least one of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements moves towards the other of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements. 10. The seat belt retractor from one of examples 1 to 9, which further comprises: an inertial locking mechanism that is functionally connected to the coil shaft and includes a locking gear, the belt locking mechanism further comprises: a drive element; an output gear coupled to the drive element; and a rack positioned to engage with the locking gear and the output gear, the locking gear being configured to rotate at or above the preset speed in response to the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft, thereby rotating the output gear via the rack and pressing the drive element against the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element. 11. The seat belt retractor from Example 10, wherein the rack is configured to displace in a first direction in response to the rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at or above the preset speed, and wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a pretensioning element positioned to pretension the rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction. 12. A seatbelt retractor, comprising: a coil shaft; a belt wound around the spool shaft; and a belt locking mechanism spaced apart from the spool shaft, wherein the belt locking mechanism comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, the first clamping element being configured to move towards the second clamping element to clamp the belt between them when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at a preset acceleration rate or above. 13. The seat belt retractor from Example 12, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a clamping housing with a conical cavity configured to slidably accommodate at least the first clamping element. 14. The seat belt retractor from Example 13, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a drive element configured to contact the first clamping element and push it into the conical cavity and thus in the direction of the second clamping element when the belt is retracted from the spool shaft at a preset acceleration rate or above. 15. The seat belt retractor from any of Examples 12 to 14, further comprising an inertial locking mechanism with a locking gear, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a cam, wherein the locking gear is configured to rotate in response to the belt being pulled off the spool shaft at or above the preset acceleration rate, and wherein the rotation of the locking gear is configured to rotate the cam against the first clamping element and drive the first clamping element towards the second clamping element. 16. The seat belt retractor from one of Examples 12-15, wherein the first and second clamping elements are configured to prevent unwinding of a portion of the seat belt extending between (i) the spool shaft and (ii) the first and second clamping elements that clamp the belt. 17. The seat belt retractor from one of Examples 12-16, wherein the second clamping element is configured to move towards the first clamping element to clamp the belt between them when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at a preset acceleration rate or a higher rate. 18. Method for operating a seatbelt retractor, the method comprising: as a reaction to the belt being pulled out of the retractor at or above the preset acceleration rate, rotation of a locking gear of an inertial locking mechanism; and in response to the rotation of the locking mechanism, moving at least one first clamping element or one second clamping element towards the other element, of the first clamping element or of the second clamping element, thereby clamping the belt between them. 19. Procedure according to Example 18, which further includes: In response to the rotation of the locking gear, a drive element rotates against the first clamping element to move the first clamping element towards the second clamping element. 20. Method according to Example 18 or Example 19, wherein the movement of the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element comprises: Moving the first and second clamping elements into a conical cavity defined by a lower and an upper wall; and Sliding of the first and second clamping elements against the lower and upper walls, respectively. 21. Method according to any one of Examples 18 to 20, wherein the rotation of the locking gear in response to the withdrawal of the seat belt from the retractor comprises rotating the locking gear in a first direction, and wherein the method further comprises: as a reaction to the release of tension in the seatbelt, the locking gear rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and in response to the rotation of the locking gear in the second direction, the movement of at least one first clamping element or the second clamping element away from the other first clamping element or second clamping element, thereby releasing the safety belt located between them.

[0042] References in the foregoing description to features, advantages, or similar formulations do not imply that all features and advantages that can be realized with the present technology should be, or are, included in a single embodiment of the invention. Rather, formulations relating to features and advantages are to be understood as meaning that a particular feature, advantage, or property described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Therefore, the discussion of features and advantages, as well as similar formulations, in this description may refer to the same embodiment, but need not necessarily do so. Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and properties of the present technology may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.A person skilled in the field will recognize that the present technology can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the present technology.

[0043] All patents and applications mentioned above, as well as other references, including all those listed in the accompanying application documents, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, except where waivers or exclusions apply and provided that the incorporated material does not contradict the express statements in this disclosure. In that case, the wording of this disclosure shall prevail. Aspects of the invention may be modified as necessary to utilize the systems, functions, and concepts of the various references described above and thus provide further implementations of the invention.

[0044] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the terms “comprise”, “comprehensive”, and similar terms throughout the description and claims are to be understood in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense, i.e., in the sense of “including but not limited to”. As used here, the terms “connected”, “coupled”, or any variant thereof, mean any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements may be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the terms “herein”, “above”, “below”, and similar terms, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to particular parts thereof.Where the context permits, terms in the detailed description above that are used in the singular or plural may also include the plural or singular, respectively. The word "or" in relation to a list of two or more items includes all of the following interpretations of the word: each of the items in the list, all the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0045] The foregoing detailed description of examples and embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact form disclosed above. While specific examples of the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the field will recognize. The teachings of the invention provided herein may be applied to other systems, not necessarily to the system described above. The elements and processes of the various examples described above may be combined to provide further embodiments of the invention. Some alternative embodiments of the invention may include not only additional elements to those mentioned above, but also fewer elements.Furthermore, all the specific numbers mentioned here are only examples: Alternative designs may use different values ​​or ranges.

[0046] It is evident from the foregoing that specific embodiments of the invention have been described here for illustrative purposes, but that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the different embodiments of the invention. While various advantages of certain embodiments of the invention have been described above in connection with those embodiments, other embodiments may also have such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily have such advantages to fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited, except by the appended claims.

[0047] Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in specific claim forms, the applicant considers the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right, after filing this application, to pursue additional claims, either in this application or in a subsequent application. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 63 / 504,678

[0001]

Claims

[1] A seat belt retractor, comprising: a spool shaft configured to accommodate a seat belt; and a belt locking mechanism functionally connected to the spool shaft, wherein the belt locking mechanism comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element and wherein at least one of the first clamping elements or the second clamping elements is configured to move towards the other of the first clamping elements or the second clamping elements to clamp the belt between itself in response to a rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at or above a preset speed caused by the belt being pulled out of the belt retractor. [2] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, wherein - The belt locking mechanism further comprises a clamping housing with a lower wall and an upper wall, which form a cavity between them, the lower wall is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the upper wall, the first clamping element includes a first sliding surface that is positioned against the lower wall, the second clamping element includes a second sliding surface that is positioned against the upper wall, and the first sliding surface is configured to slide against the lower wall, and the second sliding surface is configured to slide against the upper wall, in response to the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft at or above the preset speed. [3] The seat belt retractor according to claim 2, wherein - the first clamping element further comprises a first clamping surface opposite the first sliding surface, wherein the first clamping surface is configured to press against a first side of the safety belt, the second clamping element further comprises a second clamping surface opposite the second sliding surface, wherein the second clamping surface is configured to press against a second side of the safety belt opposite the first side, and at least one of (i) the first sliding surface is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the first clamping surface or (ii) the second sliding surface is positioned at a non-zero angle relative to the second clamping surface. [4] The seat belt retractor according to claim 2, wherein the non-zero angle between the lower wall and the upper wall of the clamping housing is between 5 degrees and 20 degrees. [5] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a drive element and wherein the drive element is configured to drive the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element in response to the rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at or above the preset speed in the direction of the other first clamping element or second clamping element. [6] The seat belt retractor according to claim 5, wherein the drive element comprises a collar section configured to receive a shaft and a cam section extending outwards from the collar section, and wherein the drive element is configured to rotate about the shaft, whereby the cam section presses against the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element when the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft reaches or exceeds the preset speed. [7] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a pretensioning element positioned such that it pretensions the first and second clamping elements away from each other in order to define a space between them for the passage of the seat belt. [8] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping element comprises a first clamping surface configured to press against a first side of the seat belt, and the second clamping element comprises a second clamping surface configured to press against a second side of the seat belt opposite the first side of the seat belt, and wherein at least one of the first or second clamping surfaces comprises a plurality of teeth configured to grip the seat belt. [9] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping element comprises a projection, wherein the second clamping element comprises a recess configured to slidably receive the projection in order to limit the lateral movement of the first and second clamping elements relative to each other when at least one of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements moves towards the other of the first clamping elements or of the second clamping elements. [10] The seat belt retractor according to claim 1, further comprising: an inertial locking mechanism that is functionally connected to the coil shaft and includes a locking gear, the belt locking mechanism further includes: a drive element; an output gear coupled to the drive element; and a rack positioned to engage with the locking gear and the output gear, the locking gear being configured to rotate in response to the rotational acceleration of the coil shaft at or above the preset speed, thereby rotating the output gear via the rack and pressing the drive element against the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element. [11] The belt retractor according to claim 10, wherein the rack is configured to displace in a first direction in response to the rotational acceleration of the spool shaft at or above the preset speed, and wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a pretensioning element positioned to pretension the rack in a second direction opposite to the first direction. [12] A seat belt retractor, comprising: a spool shaft; a belt wound around the spool shaft; and a belt locking mechanism spaced apart from the spool shaft, wherein the belt locking mechanism comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, the first clamping element being configured to move towards the second clamping element to clamp the belt between them when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at a preset acceleration rate or above. [13] The seat belt retractor according to claim 12, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a clamping housing with a conical cavity configured to slidably receive at least the first clamping element. [14] The seat belt retractor according to claim 13, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a drive element configured to come into contact with the first clamping element and to push the latter into the conical cavity and thus in the direction of the second clamping element when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at a preset acceleration rate or above. [15] The seat belt retractor according to claim 12, further comprising an inertial locking mechanism with a locking gear, wherein the belt locking mechanism further comprises a cam, wherein the locking gear is configured to rotate when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at or above the preset acceleration rate, and wherein the rotation of the locking gear is configured to rotate the cam against the first clamping element and drive the first clamping element towards the second clamping element. [16] The seat belt retractor according to claim 12, wherein the first and second clamping elements are configured to prevent the slippage of a section of the seat belt which extends between (i) the spool shaft and (ii) the first and second clamping elements which clamp the belt. [17] The seat belt retractor according to claim 12, wherein the second clamping element is configured to move towards the first clamping element to clamp the belt between them when the belt is pulled off the spool shaft at or above the preset acceleration rate. [18] Method for operating a seat belt retractor, the method comprising: as a reaction to the belt being pulled out of the retractor at or above the preset acceleration rate, rotation of a locking gear of an inertial locking mechanism; and as a reaction to the rotation of the locking gear, moving at least one first clamping element or one second clamping element towards the other element, thereby clamping the belt between these two elements. [19] The method of claim 18, further comprising: In response to the rotation of the locking gear, a drive element rotates against the first clamping element to move the first clamping element towards the second clamping element. [20] Method according to claim 18, wherein the movement of the at least one first clamping element or second clamping element comprises: Moving the first and second clamping elements into a conical cavity defined by a lower and an upper wall; and Moving the first and second clamping elements against the lower and upper walls, respectively. [21] Method according to claim 18, wherein the rotation of the locking gear in response to the withdrawal of the seat belt from the retractor comprises rotating the locking gear in a first direction, and wherein the method further comprises: In response to the decrease in tension in the seatbelt webbing, the locking gear rotates in a second direction opposite to the first; and as a reaction to the rotation of the locking gear in the second direction, the movement of at least one first clamping element or the second clamping element away from the other first clamping element or second clamping element, thereby releasing the belt in between.

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