Electrostatic occupant detection system

摘要

An electrostatic occupant detection system includes an electrostatic sensor and an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is switchable between an occupant determination state in which the electronic control unit outputs a sine wave having a constant amplitude and a diagnosis state in which the electronic control unit maintains a voltage of the electrostatic sensor at a constant level. The electronic control unit gradually changes at least one of an amplitude and a frequency of the sine wave either when the electronic control unit switches from the occupant determination state to the diagnosis state and/or when the electronic control unit switches from the diagnosis state to the occupant determination state.

主权项

1. An electrostatic occupant detection system, comprising:
an electrostatic sensor including an electrode disposed in a vehicle seat; and an electronic control unit configured to output a sine wave to the electrostatic sensor to have the electrode generate an electric field, the electronic control unit including a current detection resistor connected to the electrostatic sensor, the electronic control unit detecting an electric current or a voltage at the current detection resistor which changes in accordance with the electric field, the electric control unit determining the presence of an occupant based on the electric current or the voltage, wherein the electronic control unit is switchable between an occupant determination state in which the electronic control unit outputs a sine wave having a constant amplitude and a diagnosis state in which the electronic control unit maintains a direct current DC voltage of the electrostatic sensor at a constant level, and the electronic control unit gradually changes at least one of an amplitude and a frequency of the sine wave when the electronic control unit switches from the occupant determination state to the diagnosis state or when the electronic control unit switches from the diagnosis state to the occupant determination state.