Control Method For Vehicle With Electronic Steering Column Lock

摘要

Side loads on an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) can prevent the ESCL from releasing upon command. An Electric Power-Assisted Steering (EPAS) system is used to reduce or eliminate any side load on the ESCL to mitigate this problem. The EPAS system is activated in response to driver authentication before the driver requests a transition to a ready-to-drive state. The ready-to-drive state is entered only if the ESCL is unlocked. If a predetermined time elapses between driver authentication and the request to enter ready-to-drive state, the EPAS is deactivated and the ESCL is commanded to re-lock.

主权项

1. A vehicle comprising:
a steering column; an Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) engageable to limit rotation of the steering column; an Electronic Power-Assisted Steering system (EPAS) including a sensor configured to detect a torque on the steering column and a motor configured to relieve the torque; and a controller programmed to respond to authentication of an operator by activating the EPAS to relieve a load on the ESCL and commanding disengagement of the ESCL.