Guide element for guiding a coupling pawl of a belt retractor and method for adjusting a coupling pawl of a belt retractor

Abstract

The invention relates to a guide element (52) for guiding a coupling pawl (34) of a belt retractor, which coupling pawl is used to connect a reversible belt tensioner drive to a belt reel of the belt retractor, wherein a recess (56) is formed in the guide element (52), which forms a guide contour (60), wherein the guide element (52) has a free end (58), in which region the recess (56) opens, and wherein the free end (58) is designed as a return stop (66) for a guide pin (42) of the coupling pawl (34). The invention further relates to a method for adjusting a coupling pawl (34) of a belt retractor.

Description

[0001] ZF Automotive Germany GmbH

[0002] Industriestraße 20

[0003] 73553 Alfdorf

[0004] 216660- WO- POT

[0005] August 12, 2025

[0006] Guide element for guiding a coupling pawl of a belt retractor and method for adjusting a coupling pawl of a belt retractor

[0007] The invention relates to a guide element for guiding a clutch pawl of a seatbelt retractor. The invention also relates to a method for adjusting a clutch pawl of a seatbelt retractor.

[0008] Seatbelt retractors for vehicles are well-known and usually feature a safety device in the form of one or more seatbelt tensioners.

[0009] Seatbelt pretensioners provide restraint for vehicle occupants in a deployment scenario or shortly before a potential deployment scenario by tightening the seatbelts in contact with the occupants before an occupant is thrown forward and other occupant restraint devices are triggered. Tightening the seatbelts eliminates belt slack (loose webbing against the occupant) and the film reel effect (loosely wound webbing on the retractor), allowing the occupant to participate in the vehicle's deceleration sooner. Different types of seatbelt pretensioners are available.

[0010] Firstly, reversible belt tensioner drives are known which can rotate the belt spool in the tensioning direction and reversibly tighten the belt. The reversible belt tensioner drive typically comprises an electric motor, gears, and a pawl. The pawl can engage with a drive wheel coupled to the belt spool. Thus, via the gears, the ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 12 August 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] The rotary motion of the electric motor, with the clutch pawl engaged, is applied to the belt spool and rotated in the tightening direction.

[0013] On the other hand, there are high-performance belt tensioners. These tighten the belt in a triggering scenario and are usually pyrotechnically driven. The ignition of a propellant charge in a gas generator provides enough energy in a very short time to tighten the belt and rotate the belt reel in the tightening direction.

[0014] Force limiters are used in conjunction with seatbelt pretensioners. These ensure that the restraining force of the seatbelt acting on the vehicle occupant after pretensioning does not increase excessively during vehicle deceleration. This is achieved by allowing the force limiter to rotate the belt reel against a high resistance force in the unwinding direction, even in a locked state, when a certain torque is exceeded. This torque is exerted on the belt reel due to high tensile force. Thus, a certain length of webbing can be unwound from the belt reel.

[0015] However, the rotation of the belt spool also rotates the drive wheel coupled to it in the opposite direction to the tensioning direction. This means that if the clutch pawl engages with the drive wheel, it would, via the gears, also rotate the electric motor of the reversible belt tensioner drive, resulting in a resistive torque. Consequently, when limiting the force, not only would the resistive torque of the force limiter itself have to be overcome, but also an unpredictable resistance originating from the electric motor and the gearbox between the electric motor and the belt spool.

[0016] To prevent this, in the prior art the torque transmission between clutch pawl and drive wheel is interrupted when the power tensioner is triggered.

[0017] For example, the high acceleration of the drive wheel by the activated pretensioner is used to eject the clutch pawl. However, it is possible that the clutch pawl is not accelerated sufficiently and / or does not lock into the disengaged position. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0018] - 3 -

[0019] The object of the invention is to provide a mechanism for a belt rewinder in which the reversible belt tensioner drive is reliably disconnected from the belt spool when the power tensioner drives the belt spool.

[0020] This problem is solved according to the invention by a guide element for guiding a clutch pawl of a belt winder, which serves to connect a reversible belt tensioner drive to a belt spool of the belt winder, wherein a recess is formed in the guide element which forms a guide contour, wherein the guide element has a free end in the area of ​​which the recess is open, and wherein the free end is designed as a backstop for a guide pin of the clutch pawl.

[0021] The basic idea of ​​the invention is to be able to realize a defined adjustment of the clutch pawl via the guide element on the one hand, and on the other hand to ensure, by means of the free end designed as a backstop, that when the guide pin exits the open recess at the free end along the recess, it can no longer be moved back into the recess of the guide element due to the backstop.

[0022] This is particularly relevant when the clutch pawl assumes a release position that prevents any torque transmission between the reversible seatbelt tensioner drive and the drive wheel. Accordingly, the clutch pawl is securely locked in the release position by the backstop.

[0023] According to one aspect of the invention, the recess can be groove-shaped and have a stop at the end opposite the opening.

[0024] If the recess is groove-shaped, this allows for easy insertion of the recess into the guide element. Furthermore, this enables precise adjustment of the coupling pawl via the guide pin, by moving the pin along the recess relative to the guide element.

[0025] The stop ensures that the guide pin of the coupling pawl has a defined end position.

[0026] The recess for guiding the clutch pawl via the guide pin can be adjusted between a starting position in which it does not engage a drive wheel. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0027] - 4 - engages, which is assigned to the belt spool, and serve as an engagement position in which it can engage with a drive wheel.

[0028] Accordingly, the recess of the guide element serves, on the one hand, to hold the coupling pawl in the starting position via the guide pin and, on the other hand, to adjust the coupling pawl in a defined manner by moving the guide pin along the recess, so that it can be adjusted into the engagement position or from the engagement position back to the starting position.

[0029] Furthermore, the guide pin can protrude into the recess when the clutch pawl is in the engaged position or in the starting position, and can be outside the recess when the clutch pawl is in a release position, i.e., it cannot engage with the drive wheel.

[0030] The advantages resulting from the guide pin protruding into the recess can be found in the paragraphs above.

[0031] Because the coupling pin is located outside the recess when the coupling pawl is in the release position, the coupling pin cannot re-enter the recess due to the backstop.

[0032] Consequently, the clutch pawl is securely held in the release position by the guide pin.

[0033] The backstop can be elastically deformable.

[0034] This allows for the implementation of a particularly simple, robust and reliable backstop.

[0035] Furthermore, the backstop can be elastically deformed when the guide pin of the clutch pawl moves out of the opening of the recess.

[0036] The elastic deformation ensures that a certain spring force must be overcome by the guide pin, preventing the clutch pawl from unintentionally moving into the release position as the clutch pin exits the recess. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0037] - 5 -

[0038] Furthermore, the backstop can be formed by at least one elastic ridge at the free end of the guide element. An elastic ridge is particularly easy to manufacture and can reliably perform the function of a backstop.

[0039] The backstop can also be formed by two elastic webs at the free end of the guide element, whereby their mutually facing sides can converge towards the free end and form a section of the recess.

[0040] The converging sides towards the free end of the two elastic webs ensure that the guide pin of the coupling pawl must push the two elastic webs apart and deform them accordingly.

[0041] If the guide pin emerges between the two elastic guide ribs, these move back to their original position and block the guide pin from re-entering the recess.

[0042] Furthermore, the backstop can have a support section at the free end on which the guide pin of the coupling pawl can be supported outside the recess.

[0043] Accordingly, the backstop not only ensures that the guide pin of the clutch pawl can no longer enter the recess, but also that the clutch pawl is held in the release position by the guide pin resting on the support section.

[0044] The guide element can be provided on a clutch disc that is frictionally coupled to a clutch ring.

[0045] This ensures that the guide element is held in position by the frictional engagement between the clutch disc and the clutch ring, and that relative movement between the clutch disc and the clutch ring only occurs above a certain torque, which can be adjusted by the design of the clutch disc and the clutch ring. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0046] - 6 -

[0047] Furthermore, the clutch disc can be arranged at least partially inside the clutch ring and pressed along its circumference against the inside of the clutch ring by a spring element.

[0048] By positioning the clutch disc inside the clutch ring, a particularly space-saving design can be achieved. Furthermore, the spring element is a cost-effective component, the design of which allows for adjustment of the frictional engagement between the clutch disc and the clutch ring.

[0049] Furthermore, the clutch disc can be rotatable relative to a gear associated with the belt tensioner drive and on which the clutch pawl is pivotally mounted, whereby a relative movement between the gear and the clutch disc can be accompanied by an adjustment of the clutch pawl via the guide element.

[0050] The clutch disc is held in place by the clutch ring during movement relative to the gear. This allows the clutch pawl, located on the gear, to move relative to the clutch disc, where the guide element is also located, so that it presses against the clutch pawl or its guide pin and adjusts the clutch pawl.

[0051] The aforementioned problem is also solved by a method for adjusting a clutch pawl of a belt retractor with a rotatably mounted belt spool on which a belt can be received and to which a drive wheel is assigned, a gear via which the belt spool can be rotated in the tensioning direction by means of a drive unit, a clutch disc which is frictionally coupled to a clutch ring and which has a guide element with a recess and a free end, a clutch pawl pivotably mounted on the gear which has a guide pin which serves to adjust the clutch pawl via the guide element, wherein the free end is designed as a backstop for the guide pin, with the following steps: a) The gear with the clutch pawl is moved relative to the clutch disc, wherein the clutch pawl is moved from a starting position. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 12.August 2025 216660-WO-PCT.

[0052] - 7 - and the guide pin of the clutch pawl is moved along the recess of the guide element; b) the clutch pawl is pivoted relative to the gear towards the drive gear via the guide pin interacting with the recess of the guide element, with continued relative movement between the gear and the clutch disc; c) the clutch pawl reaches an engaged position with a still-driven gear, and a positive connection is formed between the clutch pawl and the drive gear; d) the power tensioner is released; e) the clutch pawl is pivoted via the drive gear from the engaged position to the release position; f) the guide pin moves along the recess of the guide element towards the free end of the guide element, which is designed as a backstop;and g) the guide pin is moved out of the recess of the guide element and held in the release position outside the recess of the guide element by the backstop.

[0053] The resulting advantages are explained in the paragraphs above. Furthermore, the gear can be adjusted by the drive unit in steps a) and b), and the clutch disc can be held rotationally fixed by friction with the clutch ring, whereby in step c) a relative movement between the clutch disc and the clutch ring is possible.

[0054] The resulting advantages can be found in the paragraphs above.

[0055] The invention is described below with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These show:

[0056] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a seatbelt retractor with belt spool and belt tensioners in a fully assembled state; ZF Automotive Germany GmbH, August 12, 2025

[0057] 216660-WO-PCT

[0058] - 8 -

[0059] Figure 2 shows a part of a gearbox located within section B of the belt retractor marked in Figure 1, with a guide element according to the invention and a clutch pawl in the initial state;

[0060] Figure 3 shows the components from Figure 2 in an exploded view;

[0061] Figure 4a shows the clutch latch in a perspective view;

[0062] Figure 4b shows the clutch latch in a front view;

[0063] Figure 5a shows a clutch disc in a perspective view;

[0064] Figure 5b shows a clutch disc in another perspective view;

[0065] Figures 6-8 show the part of a gearbox from Figure 2 with a clutch pawl moving from the starting position;

[0066] Figures 9-10 show the part of a transmission from Figure 2 with a clutch pawl in the engaged position; and

[0067] Figures 11-13 show the part of a gearbox from Figure 2 with a clutch pawl in the release position.

[0068] Figure 1 shows a belt retractor 10 with a belt spool 12. A webbing 14 of a motor vehicle seat belt can be wound onto the belt spool 12.

[0069] The belt retractor also includes a power tensioner 16, which can rotate the belt spool 12 in a tightening direction. The power tensioner 16 can, for example, be a pyrotechnic power tensioner.

[0070] In addition, a reversible belt tensioner drive 18 is assigned to the belt winder 10, which includes a drive unit 20 and a gearbox 22.

[0071] Figure 2 shows the end face of the belt spool 12, which, together with the gearbox 22, is located on the same side of the belt retractor 10, and parts of the reversible belt tensioner drive 18 in a detailed view. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0072] - 9 -

[0073] The belt spool 12 is associated with a drive wheel 24, which, together with the belt spool 12, can be rotated about the axis of rotation A. The drive wheel 24 has a drive tooth 26.

[0074] Furthermore, a force limiter, for example in the form of a torsion bar, can be provided on the belt spool 12 (not shown in the drawings).

[0075] Furthermore, a gear 28 is provided on the end face of the belt spool 12 facing the belt tensioner drive 18. The gear 28 is part of the transmission 22.

[0076] A clutch pawl 34 is arranged on the gear 28. This pawl is adjustable at one end about a pivot axis 36 fixed to the gear 28.

[0077] The clutch pawl 34 can thus be adjusted between an engagement position in which the clutch pawl 34 is coupled to the drive wheel 24 (see Figure 2) and an initial position in which the clutch pawl 34 is not coupled to the drive wheel 24.

[0078] Furthermore, it is possible that the clutch pawl 34 is moved into a release position in which it does not engage with the drive wheel 24, which will be discussed in more detail in later explanations.

[0079] The clutch pawl 34 has a curved shape and, in the engaged position, runs along the outer contour of the drive wheel 24 (see Figures 10 and 11).

[0080] Furthermore, the clutch pawl 34 has a tooth 38 which is located on the side of the clutch pawl 34 associated with the drive wheel 24.

[0081] When the clutch pawl 34 is in the engaged position, tooth 38 engages with the drive teeth 26 of the drive wheel 24.

[0082] Furthermore, tooth 38 forms an ejection geometry 40.

[0083] Furthermore, a guide pin 42 is provided on the clutch pawl 34, which extends in the direction of the axis of rotation A and serves to adjust the clutch pawl 34 (see Figures 4a and 4b). ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0084] - 10 -

[0085] On the side of the clutch pawl 34 opposite the drive wheel 24, a recess 44 is also provided, by means of which the clutch pawl can be locked.

[0086] In addition, a clutch disc 46 is provided which is frictionally coupled to a clutch ring 48 (see in particular Figures 5a and 5b).

[0087] The clutch disc 46 is arranged inside the clutch ring 48 and is pressed along the circumference onto the inside of the clutch ring 48 by a spring element 50.

[0088] The clutch disc 46 is provided with a radially inwardly projecting guide element 52 and a radially inwardly projecting holder 54.

[0089] The holder 54 serves to engage the coupling pawl 34 via the recess 44 in the initial position of the coupling pawl (see Figure 2), so that a pivoting movement in the coupling pawl 34 about the pivot axis 36 is blocked.

[0090] The guide element 52 has a recess 56 which extends from a free end 58 along the guide element 52 and forms a guide contour 60.

[0091] The recess 56 has an opening 62 in the area of ​​the free end 58 and extends from the opening 62 in a groove-like shape through the guide element 52 to a stop 64.

[0092] The recess 56 serves to guide the coupling pawl 34 over its guide pin 42, whereby a movement of the guide pin 42 along the recess 56 of the guide element 52 results in an adjustment of the coupling pawl 34 from the initial position, in which the guide pin 42 contacts the stop 64, towards the coupling position.

[0093] The guide pin 42 therefore projects into the recess 56 when the clutch pawl 34 is in the engaged or disengaged position, so that the clutch pawl 34 is guided through the recess 56 via the guide pin 42. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0094] - 11 -

[0095] When the clutch pawl is in the release position, the guide pin 42 is outside the recess 56.

[0096] The free end 58 of the guide element 52 is designed as a backstop 66 for the guide pin 42 of the clutch pawl 34.

[0097] The backstop 66 is elastically deformable and formed by two elastic webs 70, the sides of which facing each other converge towards the free end 58, with the two elastic webs 70 each forming a section of the recess 56.

[0098] Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the backstop 66 is formed by only one elastic bridge or by more than two elastic bridges at the free end 58.

[0099] An elastic deformation of the backstop 66 occurs when the guide pin 42 of the clutch pawl 34 moves out of the opening 62 of the recess 56.

[0100] If the guide pin 42 of the clutch pawl 34 is outside the recess 56, it can be supported by a support section 72 of the backstop 66.

[0101] The clutch disc 46 is rotatable relative to the gear 28. A relative movement between the gear 28 and the clutch disc 46 is accompanied by an adjustment of the clutch pawl 34 via the guide pin 42, since the guide pin 42 is displaced along the recess 56 of the guide element 52.

[0102] The procedure for adjusting the clutch pawl 34 of the belt winder 10 from the initial position to the release position will be explained below with reference to Figures 2 and Figures 6 to 13.

[0103] Figure 2 shows the initial state. In this state, the clutch pawl 34 is in its initial position and is held in this position by the positive locking mechanism formed between the recess 44 and the holder 54. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0104] - 12 -

[0105] In the first step, the gear 28 is driven by the drive unit 20 via the gearbox 22.

[0106] The clutch disc 46, on which the guide element 52 and the holder 54 are provided, is held in position by the clutch ring 48, so that a relative movement between the clutch disc 46 and the gear 28 results.

[0107] This results in the guide pin 42 being moved away from the stop 64 along the recess 56 of the guide element 52, thereby moving the clutch pawl 34 out of its initial position (see Figure 6).

[0108] With continuous relative movement between the gear 28 and the clutch disc 46, the clutch pawl 34 is pivoted towards the drive wheel 24 via the guide pin 42 guided in the recess 56 (see Figures 7 and 8).

[0109] This continues until the clutch pawl 34 reaches the engagement position and a positive connection exists between the clutch pawl 34 and the drive wheel 24 (see Figure 9). The positive connection is formed by the tooth 38 engaging in the drive teeth 26.

[0110] As the gear 28 continues to move, a stop 74 provided on the gear 28 comes into contact with the clutch disc 46, so that it is actively rotated by the gear 28.

[0111] This causes the frictional connection between the clutch disc 46 and the clutch ring 48 to break down, resulting in a sliding friction condition between the components (see Figure 10).

[0112] In this state, the guide pin 42 is already positioned in the immediate vicinity of the opening 62 of the recess 56. Due to the stop 74 contacting the clutch disc 46, no further relative movement between the gear 28 and the clutch disc 46 is possible. Therefore, no further adjustment of the guide pin 42 towards the opening 62 by relative movement is possible. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0113] - 13 -

[0114] Accordingly, the clutch disc 46 is moved at the same speed as the gear 28, while the clutch ring 48 remains stationary (see Figure 10).

[0115] In the state shown in Figure 10, the reversible belt tensioner drive 18 can be activated, so that the drive unit 20 and the gearbox 22 drive the gear 28 to rotate the drive wheel 24. This rotates the belt spool in the tensioning direction, thereby winding up the belt 14.

[0116] How the separation from the belt spool 12 and the belt tensioner drive 18 takes place when the power tensioner 16 is triggered is explained below with reference to Figure 10.

[0117] The power tensioner 16 is activated in a triggering scenario. The power tensioner 16 ensures that the webbing 14 is wound onto the belt spool 12 in a very short time.

[0118] As a result of the activation of the tensioner 16, the drive wheel 24 begins to rotate relative to the clutch pawl 34. The rotational movement occurs in the tensioning direction and thus counterclockwise.

[0119] The relative movement results in the clutch pawl 34 being moved from the clutch position into a pivoting movement around the pivot axis 36 towards the release position by the ejection geometry 40 formed by the drive tooth 26 and the tooth 38.

[0120] Simultaneously, the guide pin 42 moves towards the opening 62, so that the elastic webs 70 are spread open by the guide pin 42 and deform elastically (see Figure 11).

[0121] As soon as the guide pin 42 exits the recess 56 of the guide element 52, the elastic webs 70 of the backstop 66 move back to their original position (see Figure 12).

[0122] The clutch pawl 34 is held in the release position after the guide pin 42 exits the recess 56. ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT

[0123] - 14 -

[0124] This is achieved by the support section 72 of the backstop 66 supporting the guide pin 42. The elastic webs 70 of the backstop 66 prevent the guide pin 42 from penetrating the recess 56 (see Figure 13).

Claims

ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT - 15 - Patent claims 1. Guide element for guiding a coupling pawl (34) of a belt winder (10), which serves to connect a reversible belt tensioner drive (18) to a belt spool (12) of the belt winder (10), wherein a recess (56) is formed in the guide element (52) which forms a guide contour (60), wherein the guide element (52) has a free end (58) in the area of ​​which the recess (56) is open, and wherein the free end (58) is designed as a return stop (66) for a guide pin (42) of the coupling pawl (34).

2. Guide element according to claim 1, characterized in that the recess (56) is groove-shaped and has a stop (64) at the end opposite the opening (62).

3. Guide element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess (56) serves to guide the clutch pawl (34) over the guide pin (42) between an initial position in which it does not engage in a drive wheel (24) associated with the belt spool (12) and an engagement position in which it can engage in the drive wheel (24).

4. Guide element according to claim 3, characterized in that the guide pin (42) projects into the recess (56) when the clutch pawl (34) is in the engagement position or in the starting position, and is outside the recess (56) when the clutch pawl (34) is in a release position in which the clutch pawl (34) cannot engage with a drive wheel (24).

5. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backstop (66) is elastically deformable.

6. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backstop (66) is elastically deformed when the guide pin (42) of the clutch pawl (34) moves out of the opening (62) of the recess (56). ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT - 16 - 7. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backstop (66) is formed by at least one elastic web (70) at the free end (58) of the guide element (52).

8. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backstop (66) is formed by two elastic webs (70) at the free end (58) of the guide element (52), the sides of which facing each other converge towards the free end (58) and form a section of the recess (56).

9. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the backstop (66) has a support section (72) at the free end (58) on which the guide pin (42) of the clutch pawl (34) can be supported outside the recess (56).

10. Guide element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (52) is provided on a clutch disc (46) which is frictionally coupled to a clutch ring (48).

11. Guide element according to claim 10, characterized in that the clutch disc (46) is arranged at least partially inside the clutch ring (48) and is pressed along the circumference by a spring element (50) onto the inside of the clutch ring (48).

12. Guide element according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the clutch disc (46) is rotatable relative to a gear (28) which is associated with the belt tensioner drive (18) and on which the clutch pawl (34) is pivotably mounted and a relative movement between the gear (28) and the clutch disc (46) is accompanied by an adjustment of the clutch pawl (34) via the guide element.

13. Method for adjusting a clutch pawl (34) of a belt winder (10) with a rotatably mounted belt spool (12) on which a belt (14) can be received and to which a drive wheel (24) is assigned, a gear (28) via which the belt spool (12) can be rotated in the tightening direction by means of a drive unit (20), a clutch disc (46) which is frictionally coupled to a clutch ring (48) and which has a guide element with a recess (56) and a free end (58), ZF Automotive Germany GmbH 12. August 2025 216660-WO-PCT - 17 - a clutch pawl (34) pivotably mounted on the gear (28), which has a guide pin (42) that serves to adjust the clutch pawl (34) via the guide element (52), wherein the free end (58) is designed as a backstop (66) for the guide pin (42), by the following steps: a) Moving the gear (28) with the clutch pawl (34) relative to the clutch disc (46), whereby the clutch pawl (34) is moved from a starting position and the guide pin (42) of the clutch pawl (34) is moved along the recess (56) of the guide element (52); b) the clutch pawl (34) is pivoted relative to the gear (28) towards the drive wheel (24) via the guide pin (42) which interacts with the recess (56) of the guide element (52), with continuous relative movement between the gear (28) and the clutch disc (46);c) the pawl (34) reaches an engagement position with a still-driven gear (28) and a positive connection is formed between the pawl (34) and the drive gear (24); d) the power tensioner (16) is released; e) the pawl (34) is pivoted from the engagement position to the release position via the drive gear (24); f) the guide pin (42) moves along the recess (56) of the guide element (52) towards the free end (58) of the guide element (52), which is designed as a backstop (66); and g) the guide pin (42) is moved out of the recess (56) of the guide element (52) and is held in the release position outside the recess (56) of the guide element (52) by the backstop (66).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the gear (28) is adjusted by the drive unit (20) in steps a) and b) and the ZF Automotive Germany GmbH August 12, 2025 216660-WO-PCT - 18 - The clutch disc (46) is held in a rotationally fixed position by a frictional engagement with the clutch ring (48) and in step c) there is a relative movement between the clutch disc (46) and the clutch ring (48).

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