Apparatus and method for controlling steer-by-wire system to prevent rotation of steering wheel

Abstract

A steer-by-wire system comprises a steering shaft connected to a steering wheel; and a mechanical stop defining end-to-end travel limits of the steering shaft, the end-to-end travel limits comprising a first travel limit end of a first direction and a second travel limit end of a second direction opposite to the first direction. A controller rotates, in response to a signal related to first preset condition(s), the steering shaft toward the first direction until the steering shaft reaches the first travel limit end. And, the controller rotates, in response to a signal related to second preset condition(s), the steering shaft toward the second direction until the steering shaft reaches the second travel limit end. The system can prevent the rotation of the steering wheel using end-to-end travel limits of a mechanical stop of the steering shaft without a locking mechanism when the driver enters or exits the vehicle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.