Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the present invention includes a ROPS, a front seat and a rear seat arranged in a riding space, a cargo bed changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded in the riding space, and a plurality of seatbelt apparatuses for all passengers including a driver, wherein each of the seatbelt apparatuses is a three point seatbelt apparatus including a webbing, a bottom anchor, a top anchor, a lower buckle and a retractor, and in at least one of the three point seatbelt apparatuses, the top anchor is provided on a cross member of the ROPS.

Abstract: A slider bar for use with two-door style motor vehicles for anchoring the lap belt for front seat occupants. The slider bar allows the lower anchorage point of the lap belt to freely move in the fore and aft direction to enhance rear seat compartment passenger ingress and egress. The slider bar further incorporates a pyrotechnic lap pretensioner (PLP) function for exerting pretensioning motion of the lap belt in response to a vehicle impact. The slider bar incorporates an internal piston which acts on the belt webbing position on the outside of the slider bar tube. Various embodiments are described incorporating alternate means of mounting the lap belt lower end to the slider bar, as well as various configurations for transferring the motion of the internal piston to the lap belt lower anchorage.

Abstract: The motor drive current has a value increased for a time necessary for the clutch operation to mechanically connect the motor and spool and, after the clutch operation, the drive current has a value necessary only for preventing the rotation of the spool due to the belt tension. In this way, the power necessary only for restraining the occupant is consumed after the operation of the clutch is ensured. Then, it is possible to reduce the motor power consumption and suppress heat generation of the motor.

Abstract: A method and a device for control or regulation of a restraint system in a vehicle having a safety belt and at least one of an operation or convenience function. The operation and convenience functions of the restraint system adapt in a situation-related fashion and set the belt retraction force that acts on the safety belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a belt buckle presenter for a seat belt system of a vehicle comprising a belt buckle which is coupled to a spindle drive (16) through force transmission means (14), the force transmission means (14) including a locking member (40) which in normal operation is movable along a threaded spindle (30) of the spindle drive (16) in axial direction and in the case of restraint can be deformed by a restraining force acting on the belt buckle (12) so as to adopt a locking position in which the locking member (40) positively engages in the threaded spindle (30).

Abstract: A self-locking belt retractor with a belt shaft which is mounted rotatably in a frame having a belt-sensitive a blocking device. A disc cam (1) mounted rotatably on the belt shaft, is pretensioned by a spring in the extension direction of the seat belt and on which an inertial mass (5) is mounted pivotably about a pivot axis (S). A projection (11) limits relative movement between the inertial mass (5) and the disc cam (1) is provided on the inertial mass (5) and/or on the disc cam (1).

Abstract: A utility vehicle according to the present invention includes a ROPS, a front seat and a rear seat arranged in a riding space, a cargo bed changeable between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded forward into the riding space and a non-expanded state in which the cargo bed is not expanded in the riding space, and a plurality of seatbelt apparatuses for all passengers including a driver, wherein each of the seatbelt apparatuses is a three point seatbelt apparatus including a webbing, a bottom anchor, a top anchor, a lower buckle and a retractor, and in at least one of the three point seatbelt apparatuses, the top anchor is provided on a cross member of the ROPS.

Abstract: A steering operation force detection device for a steering wheel including a steering wheel rim having a right-side rim section and a left-side rim section. The device includes load cells that detect six component forces of the steering operation force acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section consisting of forces in three axial directions and moments about three axes. The device includes a steering angle detection sensor that detects a steering angle of the steering wheel, and an inertial force component correcting unit that derives an inertial force component acting on the right-side rim section and the left-side rim section due to rotation of the steering wheel, based on an amount of displacement of the steering angle detected by the steering angle detection sensor, and that corrects the component force detected by the load cells to eliminate an effect of the derived inertial force component.

Abstract: Various embodiments of seat harness pretensioning devices for use in land, air, and sea vehicles are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat unit for use in a military land vehicle or helicopter includes a stroking device that enables the seat to move downwardly in response to an explosion or hard landing, respectively. The seat unit also includes a seat belt or harness that extends around the occupant in the seat. Downward movement of the seat in response to an explosion or hard landing causes a tensioning system to automatically pretension the seat harness.

Abstract: A seat belt arrangement for a vehicle seat having a seat part and a back part and which is positioned substantially centrally between the nearside and offside of a vehicle. First and second anchorage points are provided on the vehicle structure on opposite sides of the seat part, the first anchorage point providing an anchorage for one end of the seat belt and the second anchorage point comprising a latching mechanism for receiving a latch carried by the seat belt. A third anchorage point comprising a retractor system is located on the vehicle structure behind the seat. The first, second and third anchorage points are each located at a relatively low position; and an upper mounting provided on the back part (towards an upper end thereof) is at a higher level than the first, second and third anchorage points.

Abstract: A seat belt system comprising a webbing configured to restrain an occupant, a pretensioner coupled to the webbing and configured to apply a tensile force to the webbing when a dynamic vehicle event is detected, and a connector assembly for connecting the webbing to the pretensioner. The connector assembly includes a first coupling member having a first end and a second end connected to the webbing, and a second coupling member having a first end and a second end connected to the pretensioner. The first end of the second coupling member is configured to be detachably coupled to the first end of the first coupling member. The first end of the first coupling member includes a cavity configured to receive the first end of the second coupling member, and the relative positions of the first and second coupling members are fixed when the first end of the second coupling member is inserted into the cavity and rotated relative to the first coupling member into a locked position.

Abstract: A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body, a seat mounted onto the vehicle body, a seat belt configured to be fastened by a person seated on the seat, a retractor for winding in the seat belt, and a retractor mounting device mounted to the vehicle body. The retractor mounting device includes a retractor bracket, and a cover disposed outward relative to the retractor bracket to cover the retractor bracket from an outward direction, and the retractor is mounted to an inner surface of the retractor bracket in the vehicle width direction.

Abstract: A seatbelt device comprises a seatbelt including a shoulder belt to restrain a passenger's upper body and a lap belt to restrain a passenger's waist portion, a tongue fixed to the seatbelt and parting the seatbelt into the shoulder belt and the lap belt, a first retractor fixed to a pillar and coupled to a tip of the shoulder belt, a second D ring attached to a position of an inner panel of a side sill below the pillar and supporting the lap belt so as to let the lap belt slide therein, and a second retractor fixed to another position of the inner panel of the side sill located in front of the second D ring and below a seat slide rail, the second retractor being coupled to a tip of the lap belt.

Abstract: A seat belt pretensioner for a belt retractor includes a member that rotates relative to a frame of the belt retractor in response to a vehicle condition to rotate a spool of the belt retractor relative to the frame. A drive device rotates the member in response to the vehicle condition. The drive device applies a first torque to the member during a first stage of rotation of the member and the spool and applies a second torque greater than the first torque during a second stage of rotation of the member and the spool. A flexible drive member rotates the member relative to the frame. The flexible drive member extends around an axis of the member more than 360° after activation of the pretensioner.

Abstract: Devices that can be releasably attached to seat belts and other restraint system webs to adjust the operational tension in the webs are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat belt web passes through a clamping device that includes a button movably coupled to a housing. In this embodiment, manual operation of the button in a first direction causes the device to clamp onto the adjacent portion of the seat belt web, thereby preventing the portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Manual operation of the button in a second direction causes the device to release the web.

Abstract: The motor drive current has a value increased for a time necessary for the clutch operation to mechanically connect the motor and spool and, after the clutch operation, the drive current has a value necessary only for preventing the rotation of the spool due to the belt tension. In this way, the power necessary only for restraining the occupant is consumed after the operation of the clutch is ensured. Then, it is possible to reduce the motor power consumption and suppress heat generation of the motor.

Abstract: When releasing a connection between a motor and a spool, the value of a drive voltage is increased at start-up of the motor. After the rotating shaft of the motor starts rotating, the value of the drive voltage is set to a minimum value necessary to maintain the rotation of the rotating shaft. By this means, it is possible to prevent the number of revolutions of the rotating shaft of the motor from increasing unnecessarily and reduce the sound produced from the motor.

Abstract: If a power supply is provided to a circuit necessary to control a switch for switching a path after wakeup, or if a buckle switch is switched while a microcomputer is asleep, an electrical current necessary for reliable operation of the buckle switch cannot be supplied during sleep, so that the buckle switch will not operate normally. This creates the possibility that wakeup cannot be performed. To permit the electrical current necessary for reliable operation of the buckle switch to be secured if the buckle switch is switched while the microcomputer is asleep, an FET capable of being kept ON or OFF by a power supply acting during sleep, a resistor connected with the FET, and a resistor of large resistance for blocking excessive dark current if the buckle switch is connected are arranged in parallel. The combined resistance of the parallel combination of these elements is used as a pull-up resistance at the input of a control unit.

Abstract: An occupant protection device includes a plurality of gas generators that actuate respective mechanisms, and a control portion that actuates the gas generators. If a condition for actuating at least one of the gas generators is fulfilled and a condition for actuating the other gas generators are unfulfilled, the other gas generators are controlled by the control portion at a timing that is uninfluential on an actuation state of one of the mechanism actuated by the one of the gas generators and that is different from a preset timing for actuating the other mechanisms actuated by the other gas generators.

Abstract: A restraint system for a transportation vehicle may comprise a restraint member movably mounted to the vehicle. The restraint member may have a first leg and a second leg that travel together along opposite sides of a seat carried by the vehicle as the restraint member moves relative to the vehicle. A restraint harness may include a retractor that may be mounted to one of the first and second legs, and a lap web having one end mounted within the first retractor and an opposite end mounted to the other of the first and second legs. The lap web may be configured to restrain an occupant of the seat when the restraint member is moved to an occupant restraint position. At least one lock may be mounted to the vehicle and configured to secure the restraint member to the vehicle when the restraint member is in the occupant restraint position.

Abstract: A vehicle rear seat assembly having a center child safety restraint system comprises a pair of outboard seats and a center console positioned between the outboard seats and stationary with respect to the outboard seats. The console includes a storage compartment disposed at a forward portion of the console and having an opening which allows an associated object to be selectively placed within the storage compartment. A pair of spaced apart recesses is disposed at a rear portion of the console. A first child safety restraint attachment is located within the storage compartment. A pair of second child safety restraint attachments is provided, each second attachment being located in one of the recesses. The first attachment and the pair of second attachments allow a child safety restraint to be selectively secured to the center console.

Abstract: A seatbelt apparatus for a vehicle includes a control device for controlling an amount of electric current fed to a motor for winding a seatbelt. The control device controls the motor such that a predetermined amount of electric current is applied to the motor in a behavioral state of the vehicle requiring emergency measures, and such that when the seatbelt is wound a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount of winding is maintained.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (1) is provided which comprises a rotation sensor (8) for detecting the withdrawn amount of a seat belt, a control amount setting unit for setting a first control amount for winding up the seat belt (3) and a second control amount to which the amount reaches after the first control amount according to the winding of the seat belt (3), an electric motor (6) having a two-stage winding speed composed of at least a high speed and a low speed as the speed winding the seat belt (3), and a winding speed adjusting unit for setting the winding speed of the electric motor (6) to the high speed between the time when the electric motor (6) starts the winding of the seat belt (3) and the time when the amount reaches the first control amount, setting the winding speed of the electric motor to the low speed when the amount exceeds the first control amount, and stopping the winding action of the seat belt (3) after the amount exceeds the second control amount, thereby quickly accommodating the seat belt

Abstract: A method for controlling an electric belt retractor (16) which has an electric motor (20) which can drive a belt spool (18) in a belt band retraction direction and/or in a belt band withdrawal direction, and a blocking catch which is able to be guided into blocking teeth in order to block a rotation of the belt spool (18) in the belt band withdrawal direction, comprises the following steps: Operating the electric motor (20) in belt band retraction direction for tensioning the belt band (26); Detecting a possible belt band withdrawal; Determining a stable vehicle state; and Re-operating the electric motor (20) in belt band retraction direction only when a belt band withdrawal is detected.

Abstract: A component of a vehicle occupant restraint system, the vehicle occupant restraint system having a webbing with a lap belt portion and a shoulder belt portion contiguous with the lap belt portion, the component including a web engaging device adapted to toggle between an open and an engaged condition, wherein in the open condition the webbing is moveable relative to the web engaging device in two directions along the webbing, wherein in the engaged condition the webbing is moveable relative to the web engaging device in only one direction along the webbing, and wherein the web engaging device is lockable in the open condition. A vehicle occupant restraint system including a webbing with lap and shoulder belt portions, a component having a web engaging device adapted to toggle between an open and an engaged condition, and a tensioner configured to respond to at least one of the open and engaged conditions.

Abstract: To allow an occupant to easily wear a seat belt without twisting his or her body when the occupant sits in a seat. When a door sensor 60 detects the opening of a door, a motor is driven to wind up a seat belt 2 so as to move a belt guide 4 against biasing force of a spring 9, thereby evacuating the seat belt 2 to a rear side of a vehicle relative to a seat back 1a. When the door sensor 60 detects the closing of the door and a seat sensor 61 detects the sitting of the occupant, the motor is driven in the reverse direction to make a clutch mechanism 34 in the disconnected state so as to protrude the seat belt 2 in the forward direction of the vehicle by the biasing force of the spring 9.

Abstract: An ATV safety roll bar system including a safety belt, a seat back, and a collapsible emergency shelter adapted to secure to the roll bar and ATV. The roll bar may prevent injury or death in cases of ATV rollover accidents or crashes by absorbing the brunt of the force from the rolling or falling ATV. The seat back may include a rope or strap laced between metal bars having a series of holes, the metal bars being integrated onto the roll bar. The safety belt may be attached to the roll bar at various points and may be configurable to meet the preference of the ATV operator. The system may include a seat belt retractor to secure the operator on the ATV. The system may include rollover stop bars that extend in response to near rollover conditions. The system may include a tilt sensor and alarm warning system.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a cylindrical member, a torsionally deformable shaft arranged inside the cylindrical member and having one end side connected to the cylindrical member, a plate mounting member arranged in the cylindrical member and disposed on an outer periphery of the shaft, a locking mechanism for preventing a rotation of the plate mounting member, and a plate member having one end portion fixed to the plate mounting member and the other end portion engaging an inner periphery of the cylindrical member. The plate member is plastically deformable so that the plate member is wound onto the plate mounting member. The plate mounting member includes a first reducing radius portion having a radius gradually decreasing toward a downstream in a winding direction, and a second reducing radius portion located on the downstream side and having a radius reducing rate greater than that of the first reducing radius portion.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle may include a tongue configured to slidably engage a seat belt; a retractor coupled to a portion of the vehicle, the retractor configured to receive the seat belt; and a height adjuster. The height adjuster may include a guide webbing configured to be secured to a portion of the vehicle; a frame supporting a locking mechanism; and a supporting surface to support the seat belt as the seat belt changes direction. The position of the frame relative to the guide webbing is adjustable. The locking mechanism is configured to lock the frame in a position relative to the guide webbing by clamping the guide webbing without input from the user and stays in position during a crash.

Abstract: A vehicle seatbelt apparatus includes a belt, a belt reel, a position detector, a motor, a clutch, and a control device. The belt is wound around the belt reel. The position detector is configured to detect a rotational position of the belt reel. The motor is configured to rotate the belt reel. The clutch is configured to connect or disconnect the motor and the belt reel. The control device is configured to control the clutch and a current supplied to the motor. The control device includes a return amount detector which is configured to detect a return amount of the belt reel in a drawing direction of the belt based on the rotational position of the belt reel detected by the position detector after the belt is wound around the belt reel and then the clutch disconnects the motor and the belt reel.

Abstract: A belt latch including a connection plate, for connecting it to a buckle, and a latch main body rigidly connected thereto. The latch main body may have a cut-open hollow cylindrical portion housing a bending and clamping element arranged to rotate in relation thereto from a deflecting position to a clamping position if the force in an associated belt exceeds a defined force. A lid may be arranged to cover the cut-open hollow cylindrical portion.

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant restraint apparatus includes: a retracting device that retracts one end side of a webbing for restraining an occupant so that the webbing can be withdrawn; a webbing holding portion that holds the other end side of the webbing; and a fixing member to which the retracting device and the webbing holding portion are attached.

Abstract: A pre-tensioning device for a seat belt with a piston which is guided in a bent tube, and which in case of triggering is influenced by gas generated by a gas generator located in one section of the tube, to which a cable led into the tube by a cable opening is attached. The gas generator section (12) of tube (10) which accommodates gas generator (16) is offset from the piston path section (11) of tube (10) which accommodates piston (17) by creation of a narrowed cross-section inside the tube with a defined gas flow path (29, 41).

Abstract: A system is provided for utilizing belt movement information in a motorized seat belt (MSB) control system algorithm to achieve better levels of comfort and safety. The MSB control system algorithm controls execution of multiple modes including a no friction mode, a stowage mode, a slack reduction mode, an out of position warning mode, a medium pull-back mode, and a high pull-back mode. The MSB control system algorithm also controls execution of a low power mode initiated after the other vehicle modules are put to sleep to provide the ability to stow the seat belt after the vehicle has been turned off for some period of time. The MSB control system algorithm also controls belt monitoring functions defined based on a buckle switch state that indicates the buckled or unbuckled state of the seat belt. Belt monitoring consists of belt movement being converted to counts based on a resolution provided by a belt movement sensor.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor (6) according to the present invention, when mounted on a vehicle body, has an ECU (16) laid out in such a manner that an ECU connector (16c) faces a vehicle side connector (18) mounted to a predetermined position of the vehicle body. Such a vehicle side connector (18) is connected to a power supply (17). Such a layout of the ECU (16) allows the ECU connector (16c) to be directly electrically connected to the vehicle side connector (18).

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicular frame, a utility bed, and a passenger restraint assembly. The utility bed is coupled with the vehicular frame and includes a bed floor, a side wall, and a rear scat. The passenger restraint assembly includes a securing member, a belt and a retractor. The securing member is coupled with the utility bed adjacent to the rear seat. The belt includes a first end; a second end, and a securing portion. The securing portion is configured for selective engagement with the securing member. The retractor is coupled with the side wall. The retractor includes a carrier that is coupled with the first end of the belt and is configured to facilitate selective dispensation of the belt.

Abstract: Devices that can be releasably attached to seat belts and other restraint system webs to adjust the operational tension in the webs are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat belt web passes through a clamping device that includes a button movably coupled to a housing. In this embodiment, manual operation of the button in a first direction causes the device to clamp onto the adjacent portion of the seat belt web, thereby preventing the portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Manual operation of the button in a second direction causes the device to release the web.

Abstract: In a method for operating a preventive-action protection system in a vehicle having safety devices for diminishing the consequences of accidents, driving state data is acquired by a driving state sensor system and is monitored with respect to the longitudinal deceleration of the vehicle and a braking torque request by the driver. A state of emergency braking is determined by a braking request evaluation means, and at least one of the safety devices is triggered only if a longitudinal deceleration below a longitudinal deceleration threshold is simultaneously present.

Abstract: A torsion bar, constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, an elongated bar has a first end, a second end, and a mid-section between the first and second ends. The first end of the elongated bar has a material void. The first end preferably has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the mid-section. In one design, the material void is a slot extending longitudinally, and the first end may also define a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots extending longitudinally. In another design, the material void is a bore extending longitudinally, and the first end may also define a plurality of slots extending longitudinally and extending from the bore through an exterior surface of the elongated bar to leave a plurality of fingers at the first end. In these designs and other, the torsion bar and the material void may be cold forged, thereby eliminating a second forming step.

Abstract: The disclosed seat belt retractor and seat belt apparatus may comprise: an electric motor; a spool that is capable of winding and unwinding a seat belt for occupant restraint in association with the driving of the electric motor; and a controller for controlling the electric motor. A starting condition can be defined by the state of the seat belt relative to a vehicle occupant and the state of a vehicle door corresponding to the seat belt and, in cases where a starting condition is satisfied, the controller can be configured to control the electric motor to rotate in the belt winding direction such that the motor output of the electric motor is varied according to a satisfaction pattern of the starting condition.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes a frame having a back plate and a side wall protruding from each of multiple side edges of the back plate. The seat belt retractor also includes a spool supported by the frame and configured to rotate and wind a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit configured to drive and control the motor. The electronic control unit is mounted between the side walls of the frame and the back plate is disposed in an inner space of a vehicle body member and faces a vehicle interior direction.

Abstract: A vehicular seatbelt device whereby slack in a lap belt is sufficiently eliminated according to a traveling state of a vehicle, and a comfortable ride for a vehicle occupant is maintained. A seatbelt device comprises a belt retraction part and an actuator for driving the belt retraction part. The belt retraction part pulls part of a belt in a direction opposite the direction in which the belt is wound up by a belt reel so as to restrain the vehicle occupant. A controller includes a plurality of pre-set control modes for controlling a motor and the actuator in accordance with the traveling state of the vehicle, and selects and implements one control mode corresponding to the traveling state from among the plurality of control modes. The control modes include a mode for drivably controlling both the motor and the actuator, a mode for drivably controlling only the motor, and a mode for drivably controlling only the actuator.

Abstract: A vehicle seatbelt apparatus includes a power supply voltage fluctuation detecting section incorporated in a control device for detecting fluctuations of power supply voltage occurring when an engine cranking operation is being performed. The control device changes drive mode of the motor when such fluctuations of the power supply voltage are detected by the power supply voltage fluctuation detecting section.

Abstract: A safety restraint system for selectively restraining an occupant of a motorized vehicle is provided. The safety restraint system includes a safety belt webbing that is operatively mounted inside the vehicle passenger compartment, proximate to a seat assembly. An inflatable airbag cushion is engaged with a first end portion of the belt webbing. The cushion is configured to selectively transition from a non-expanded state, in which the cushion is in a stowed condition, to an expanded state, in which the cushion is in an inflated condition. An inflation device, operable to release inflation fluid, is in fluid communication with the cushion. Activation of the inflation device operates to transition the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state. Transitioning of the cushion from the non-expanded state to the expanded state operates to retract a predetermined length of the belt webbing, thereby increasing the tension of the belt webbing.

Abstract: A pretensioner for restraining an occupant with a seat belt by withdrawing a seat belt buckle upon occurrence of an impact on a vehicle. The pretensioner includes a wire. One end portion of the wire is connected to the seat belt buckle and the other end portion of the wire is connected to a piston. The pretensioner further includes a cylinder slidably accommodating the piston and a gas generator supplying gas into the cylinder. The pretentioner further includes a guiding member, having a bent passage portion, that bends the wire toward the direction of the cylinder. On an inner wall surface of the bent passage portion of the guiding member, convex portions are formed in a direction orthogonal to the sliding direction of the wire. The convex portions prevent the wire from being pushed in along the direction of the cylinder.

Abstract: A tensioner mechanism that winds a webbing to restrain a passenger seated in a seat when a vehicle crash is detected is provided near the seat. A headrest body is provided to protect the passenger at the vehicle rear crash. A drive mechanism is coupled to the tensioner mechanism via a connection member, and configured to drive the headrest body in accordance with a webbing-winding operation of the tensioner mechanism. Accordingly, the seat structure can be simple.

Abstract: A cap is provided for a seat belt retractor having a housing. The cap is placed onto a side of the seat belt retractor facing a sensor. The cap is made of aluminum and is equipped with an adhesive plate by which the cap is glued onto the housing. The adhesive plate may consist of a butyl adhesive.

Abstract: A safety belt includes a length adjuster for securement of one end of a belt webbing, with the length adjuster being constantly biased in a direction of retraction of the belt webbing. A locking mechanism, when rendered effective, inhibits the length adjuster from turning in a direction of protraction of the belt webbing and is operatively connected to a control unit which, when activated, applies a locking function to inhibit the belt member from being pulled out of the retractor and being retracted, thereby preventing a lengthening and shortening of the belt webbing. Operatively connected to the control unit is an actuator which is constructed to allow an occupant, upon actuation, to override the locking function and thereby render the locking mechanism ineffective to enable the occupant to adjust a length of the belt webbing.

Abstract: A seat belt retractor includes at least one frame having a back board and side walls extending from side rims of the back board, a spool supported by the at least one frame configured to wind up a seat belt, a motor configured to rotate the spool, and an electronic control unit mounted to the frame for controlling the driving of the motor. The electronic control unit includes a base, an electronic control unit board fixed to the base, and a cover attached to the base to cover the electronic control unit board. The electronic control unit includes an opening at a lower end that opens an interior of the electronic control unit to an exterior.