Structure for use in a seat belt retractor and method of using the structure to make a seat belt retractor

摘要

A structure (10) is provided for use in a seat belt retractor (11) having a frame (13), a spool (15) supported in the frame and rotatable in belt winding and unwinding directions, a spring member (75) biasing the spool in the belt winding direction, and a spring cover (26) attachable to the frame for enclosing the spring member. The structure includes a first plastic portion (22) which is at least a part of the frame (13) of the retractor (11). The structure also includes a second plastic portion (26) which comprises the spring cover. A plastic hinge portion (28) interconnects the first and the second plastic portions (22, 26). The plastic hinge portion (28) enables the first and second plastic portions (22, 26) to pivot relative to each other and into position with the second plastic portion (26) covering the spring member (75).