Patent ID: 6702219
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A seatbelt retractor, comprising:a motor, a belt winding spool connected to the motor, a power transmission route interposed between the motor and the spool, a switching mechanism connected to the power transmission route for connecting and disconnecting the same, said switching mechanism connecting the power transmission route from the motor to the spool only when the motor rotates in a retracting direction, and a ratchet mechanism including a ratchet gear connected to the spool and having external teeth, a pawl situated adjacent to the ratchet gear to be engageable with the teeth of the ratchet gear, and electric driving means connected to the pawl for driving the pawl to engage one of the teeth of the ratchet gear, said ratchet mechanism allowing the spool to rotate only in the retraction direction when the pawl engages one of the teeth, and allowing the spool to rotate in retracting and withdrawing directions when the pawl does not engage one of the teeth.