STEERING WHEEL CONTROL DEVICE AND METHOD OF AN SBW SYSTEM

Abstract

Steering wheel control device of an SBW (steer-by-wire) system (20), comprising: a dominant control (10) configured to generate a start-up signal while a vehicle's ignition switch is off; a motor drive unit (27) configured to generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel (22) by means of a motor; and a steering wheel control configured to generate the steering reaction force to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling the motor drive unit (27) according to the start-up signal, wherein the steering wheel control short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit (27) to generate an electromotive counterforce against the motor when the steering wheel (22) is turned by an external force, characterized in that that the dominant control (10) generates the start-up signal when a smart key is pressed while the ignition switch is off, or when a vehicle door handle is pressed to open a door while the ignition switch is off.

Description

BACKGROUND AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a steering wheel control device and a steering wheel control device according to the preamble of claim 1 and a steering control method according to the preamble of claim 5 of an SBW (Steer-By-Wire) system, and more particularly to a method of an SBW system capable of generating a steering reaction force against a steering wheel while an ignition switch is turned off. EXPLANATION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0002] An SBW system can remove the mechanical connection between a steering wheel and a front wheel of a vehicle and steer the front wheel according to an electrical signal generated by steering wheel rotation.

[0003] The SBW system has no physical connection between a steering force actuator (SAF) and a road wheel actuator (RWA). The SAF is physically connected to the steering wheel, which can be operated by the driver, and the RWA is physically connected to a tire, which is effectively steered.

[0004] The SBW system can normally be activated and operated when a driver starts the vehicle or the ignition key is turned on.

[0005] The related art of the present disclosure is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Laid-Open No. KR 10 2019 0 066 995 A, titled "Method for Generating Steering Reaction Force of Steer-By-Wire System," published on June 14, 2019. DE 10 2014 016 017 A1 discloses a steering wheel control device having the features of the preamble of claim 1. DE 10 2019 208 201 B3 discloses another steering wheel control device.

[0006] The conventional SBW system places no mechanical / electrical stress on the steering wheel and the SFA column structure. This allows the steering wheel to be turned easily with minimal effort, even when the ignition key is off. As a result, if a driver enters or exits the vehicle with their hand on the steering wheel, the steering wheel may be turned suddenly and momentarily. In this case, the driver may be injured or dissatisfied with the steering wheel quality. SUMMARY

[0007] Various embodiments are directed to a steering wheel control device and method of an SBW system that can generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel while an ignition switch is off and prevent steering wheel rotation even though a driver holds the steering wheel when entering or exiting a vehicle. The above-mentioned problem is solved by a steering wheel control device having the features of claim 1 and by a steering wheel control method having the features of claim 5. Advantageous further developments emerge from the subclaims.

[0008] In one embodiment, a steering wheel control device of an SBW system may include: a dominant controller configured to generate a startup signal while an ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off; a motor drive unit configured to generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel by a motor; and a steering wheel controller configured to generate the steering reaction force to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling the motor drive unit according to the startup signal.

[0009] According to the invention, the dominant controller generates the commissioning signal when a smart key is operated while the ignition switch is off.

[0010] Alternatively, the dominant controller generates the commissioning signal when a vehicle door handle is operated to open a door while the ignition switch is off.

[0011] The steering wheel controller can generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel for a preset time after receiving the commissioning signal.

[0012] The steering wheel controller can generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel until the ignition switch is turned on after receiving the startup signal.

[0013] The steering wheel controller may include: a steering wheel control unit configured to control the motor drive unit to generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel; a controller configured to supply operating power to the steering wheel control unit; a power switch configured to control the power supplied to the controller from a battery; a switching control unit configured to control the power switch to supply power from the battery to the controller or to cut off power; and a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver configured to receive the startup signal from the dominant controller and control the switching control unit.

[0014] According to the invention, the steering wheel control short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit in order to generate an electromotive counterforce against the motor when the steering wheel is turned by an external force.

[0015] In one embodiment, a steering wheel control method of the steering wheel controller of the SBW system according to the present invention may include: generating a startup signal by a dominant controller while an ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off; and generating a steering reaction force by a steering wheel controller to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling a motor drive unit according to the startup signal.

[0016] According to the invention, when generating the steering reaction force for affecting the steering wheel rotation, the steering wheel controller short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit to generate a counter electromotive force against the motor when the steering wheel is rotated by an external force.

[0017] In one embodiment, the steering wheel control device of the SBW system may include: a motor drive unit configured to generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel by a motor; and a steering wheel controller configured to generate the steering reaction force to restrict steering wheel rotation by controlling the motor drive unit when an ignition cut-off signal is received.

[0018] The steering wheel controller can generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel for a preset time after the ignition cut-off signal is input.

[0019] The steering wheel controller may generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel until a door handle of a vehicle is operated to close a door after the ignition cut-off signal is input.

[0020] The steering wheel control can generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel until no driver is detected in the vehicle after the ignition cut-off signal is input.

[0021] The steering wheel controller may include: a steering wheel control unit configured to generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel by controlling the motor drive unit when the ignition cutoff signal is input; a regulator configured to supply operating power to the steering wheel control unit; a power switch configured to control the power supplied to the regulator from a battery; a switching control unit configured to control the power switch to supply power from the battery to the regulator or to cut off power; and a CAN transceiver configured to receive the ignition cutoff signal and enter a sleep mode according to a control signal of the steering wheel controller.

[0022] According to the invention, the steering wheel control short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit in order to generate an electromotive counterforce against the motor when the steering wheel is turned by an external force.

[0023] In one embodiment, the steering wheel control method of the SBW system may include: receiving an ignition cutoff signal by a steering wheel controller; and generating a steering reaction force by the steering wheel controller to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling a motor drive unit.

[0024] According to the invention, when generating the steering reaction force for affecting the steering wheel rotation, the steering wheel controller short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit to generate a counter electromotive force against the motor when the steering wheel is rotated by an external force.

[0025] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the steering wheel control apparatus and method of the SBW system may generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel while the ignition switch is off, so that the steering wheel is not turned even though a driver holds the steering wheel when entering or exiting the vehicle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a steering wheel control device of an SBW system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing the SBW system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a steering wheel controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a motor drive unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a steering wheel control method of an SBW system when entering a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a steering wheel control method of the SBW system 20 when exiting a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] As is common in the relevant art, some example embodiments may be shown in the drawings in the form of functional blocks, units, and / or modules. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these blocks, units, and / or modules may be physically implemented by electronic (or optical) circuits, such as logic circuits, separate components, processors, hard-wired circuits, memory elements, cable connections, and the like. When implemented by processors or similar hardware, the blocks, units, and / or modules may be programmed and controlled using software (e.g., code) to perform various functions described herein. Alternatively, each block, unit, and / or module may be implemented by dedicated hardware or as a combination of dedicated hardware for performing some functions and a processor (e.g.,one or more programmed processors and associated circuitry) to perform other functions. Each block, unit, and / or module of some example embodiments may be physically separated into two or more interacting and separate blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept. Furthermore, blocks, units, and / or modules of some example embodiments may be physically combined into more complex blocks, units, and / or modules without departing from the scope of the inventive concept.

[0027] A steering wheel control device and method for an SBW (steer-by-wire) system will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings using various exemplary embodiments. It should be noted that the drawings are not to scale, and the thickness of the lines or the size of the components may be exaggerated solely for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, the terms used herein are defined with the functions of the invention in mind and may be changed according to the habits or intentions of users or operators. Therefore, the definitions of the terms should be in accordance with the general disclosures set forth herein.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a block configuration diagram showing a steering wheel control device of an SBW system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 2 is a block configuration diagram showing the SBW system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, Fig. 3 is a block configuration diagram showing a steering wheel controller according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, and Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a motor drive unit according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] With reference to Fig. 1, a steering wheel control device of an SBW system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a dominant controller 10, an SBW system 20, and a sensor unit 30.

[0030] The dominant controller 10, the SBW system 20 and the sensor unit 30 are connected via a CAN (Controller Area Network) bus.

[0031] The dominant controller 10, the SBW system 20 and the sensor unit 30 send / receive various information or signals to / from each other via the CAN bus.

[0032] For example, the dominant controller 10 may transmit a commissioning signal to the SBW system 20 via the CAN bus, which is used to activate a steering wheel control 21 of the SBW system 20. The sensor unit 30 may transmit the sensed information to the SBW system 20 via the CAN bus. The information sensed by the sensor unit 30 may include, but is not expressly limited to, vehicle speed information and driver detection information.

[0033] As described above, the dominant controller 10, the SBW system 20, and the sensor unit 30 may be connected via the CAN bus. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto; rather, the dominant controller 10, the SBW system 20, and the sensor unit 30 may be connected through various communication methods or structures.

[0034] The dominant controller 10 is a controller that serves as the dominant controller and always maintains an activated state even when the ignition switch is turned off. In the present embodiment, the SBW system 20 can operate as the non-dominant controller 10.

[0035] The dominant controller 10 transmits a commissioning signal to the vehicle's SBW system 20 when a driver attempts to enter the vehicle before the vehicle is started, i.e., while the ignition switch is off. The SBW system 20 can be activated according to the commissioning signal received from the dominant controller 10.

[0036] The dominant controller 10 may include a SMK (Smart Key) controller 11 and a door handle controller 12.

[0037] The SMK controller 11 can detect a smart key (not shown) in the vehicle. When a door open button (not shown) of the smart key is held down, the SMK controller 11 can control the vehicle to open a door (not shown) corresponding to the held door open button. The SMK controller 11 can transmit the commissioning signal to the SBW system 20 of the vehicle when the vehicle's smart key is detected, the door open button of the smart key is held down, or a door handle of the vehicle is operated.

[0038] When the vehicle door handle is operated, the door handle controller 12 can transmit the commissioning signal to the SBW system 20.

[0039] In the present embodiment, the SMK controller 11 and the door handle controller 12 are illustrated as the dominant controller 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the dominant controller 10 may include any controllers as long as the controllers can verify the driver's intention to enter the vehicle.

[0040] The sensor unit 30 detects the driver or the speed of the vehicle and transmits the detection information to the SBW system 20 via the CAN bus.

[0041] The sensor unit 30 may include a driver sensor 31 and a vehicle speed sensor 32.

[0042] The driver sensor 31 detects a driver on board the vehicle.

[0043] The driver sensor 31 may include an image sensor configured to capture an image of the driver, a biological signal sensor configured to capture a biological signal of the driver, and a weight sensor installed in a driver's seat and configured to detect the driver's weight. The driver sensor 31 is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but may include any sensors as long as the sensors can detect a driver on board the vehicle.

[0044] The vehicle speed sensor 32 detects the vehicle speed. The vehicle speed sensor 32 may be a navigation system or a wheel speed sensor that detects the wheel speed, and the present disclosure is not expressly limited thereto.

[0045] The SBW system 20 can release the mechanical connection between a steering wheel 22 and a front wheel of the vehicle and steer the front wheel according to an electrical signal generated by the rotation of the steering wheel 22.

[0046] With reference to Fig. 2, the SBW system 20 comprises a steering wheel control 21 and a wheel control 25.

[0047] The steering wheel controller 21 controls the steering wheel 22 based on the steering direction, angle, and torque of the steering wheel 22 while the vehicle is traveling.

[0048] The steering wheel controller 21 is activated according to an activation signal input from the dominant controller 10 when the driver gets into the vehicle and generates a steering reaction force to affect the rotation of the steering wheel 22.

[0049] Even if an ignition cut-off signal is input when the driver gets out of the vehicle, the steering wheel controller 21 continuously maintains the activated state and generates a steering reaction force to affect the steering wheel rotation 22.

[0050] An SFA (Steering Force Actuator) controller may be used as the steering wheel controller 21. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto; rather, the steering wheel controller 21 may include any controllers as long as the controllers can be incorporated into the SBW system 20 and control the steering wheel 22.

[0051] The wheel control 25 controls the front wheel under the steering control of the steering wheel control 21.

[0052] An RWA (wheel actuator) controller may be used as the wheel controller 25. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto; rather, the wheel controller 25 may include any controllers as long as the controllers can be incorporated into the SBW system 20 and control the operation of a wheel.

[0053] The steering wheel controller 21 and the wheel controller 25 may not only be connected to each other via the CAN bus, but also to the dominant controller 10 and the sensor unit 30 via the CAN bus and send / receive various signals and various information as described above.

[0054] The steering wheel control 21 and the wheel control 25 can be operated with power from a battery (not shown).

[0055] In Fig. 2, reference numeral 26 represents a front wheel motor for rotating the front wheel.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 3, the steering wheel control 21 comprises a steering wheel control unit 213, a controller 212, a power switch 211, a switching control unit 215 and a CAN transceiver 214.

[0057] The CAN transceiver 214 receives a commissioning signal from the dominant controller 10. The CAN transceiver 214 inputs a control signal to the switching control unit 215 to turn on the power switch 211 according to the commissioning signal.

[0058] The power switch 211 controls the power supplied from the battery to the regulator 212. The power switch 211 is turned on or off according to the control signal input from the switching control unit 215.

[0059] The regulator 212 converts the power supplied from the battery via the power switch 211 into the operating power required to operate the steering wheel control unit 213, for example, 3.3 V or 5.0 V, and supplies the operating power to the steering wheel control unit 213.

[0060] The switching control unit 215 controls the power switch 211 to supply power from the battery to the controller 212 or to interrupt the power.

[0061] In this case, the switching control unit 215 turns on the power switch 211 when a control signal from the CAN transceiver 214 is initially input. Then, when the control signal from the steering wheel control unit 213 is input, the switching control unit 215 stores the control signal so that the power switch 211 maintains the on state. That is, the switching control unit 215 may have a latch structure and turn on the power switch 211 according to the control signal originally input from the CAN transceiver 214. Then, the switching control unit 215 may perform a latch function according to the control signal input from the steering wheel control unit 213 so that the power switch 211 continuously maintains the on state. In this way, the steering wheel control unit 213 can be stably supplied with operating power.

[0062] The steering wheel control unit 213 is operated with the operating voltage supplied by the controller 212.

[0063] The steering wheel control unit 213 can perform self-diagnosis. The steering wheel control unit 213 diagnoses faults in various elements in the steering wheel control unit 21, such as the controller 212, the power switch 211, the switching control unit 215, the CAN transceiver 214, and the like.

[0064] The steering wheel control unit 213 can transmit the diagnostic result to a cluster (not shown) via the CAN bus. The cluster outputs the diagnostic result of the SBW system 20 with a warning light or a sound, allowing the driver to detect a fault in the SBW system 20.

[0065] First, when the startup signal is input from the dominant controller 10 while the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off, the steering wheel control unit 213 is activated to generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22.

[0066] That is, when the commissioning signal is transmitted from the dominant controller 10, the CAN transceiver 214 inputs the control signal to the switching control unit 215. At this time, the switching control unit 215 turns on the power switch 211 according to the corresponding control signal.

[0067] When the power switch 211 is turned on, the battery power is input to the controller 212. The controller 212 converts the battery power into the operating power of the steering wheel control unit 213 and inputs the operating power to the steering wheel control unit 213. This activates the steering wheel control unit 213.

[0068] When the steering wheel control unit 213 is activated, the steering wheel control unit 213 inputs the control signal to the switching control unit 215. Then, when the control signal from the steering wheel control unit 213 is input, the switching control unit 215 latches the control signal so that the power switch 211 maintains the on state. Thus, the power switch 211 continuously maintains the on state, and the steering wheel control unit 213 is stably supplied with operating power.

[0069] As described above, the steering wheel control unit 213 is activated to receive the vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 32 and determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on the vehicle speed.

[0070] When the vehicle is stopped, the steering control unit 213 determines whether the ignition switch is off based on the ignition cut-off signal.

[0071] When the ignition switch is turned off, the steering wheel control unit 213 controls a motor drive unit 27 to generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction of a turning direction by an external force.

[0072] At this time, a torque sensor 24 detects the torque of the steering wheel 22 and inputs the detected torque to the steering wheel control unit 213. The steering wheel control unit 213 generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction to the turning direction by the external force, according to the torque of the steering wheel 22 input from the torque sensor 24. The process of generating the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 by the motor drive unit 27 will be described below.

[0073] In this case, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 during a preset entry time after receiving the start-up signal from the dominant controller 10.

[0074] The entry time typically indicates the time it takes for the driver to enter the vehicle after the smart key is detected. The entry time can be set to various values ​​depending on the distance at which the smart key is detected or the driving speed of a typical driver, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0075] The steering wheel control unit 213 can generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 until the ignition switch is turned on after receiving the startup signal from the dominant controller 10. When the ignition switch is turned on, the steering wheel control unit 213 must perform a normal steering assist function. Thus, the steering wheel control unit 213 provides the steering reaction force to the steering wheel 22 until the ignition switch is turned on.

[0076] Then, when the ignition switch of the vehicle is turned off because the travel has been stopped, that is, when the ignition cut-off signal is input while the ignition switch is on, the steering wheel control unit 213 does not enter a sleep mode but generates a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22.

[0077] In this case, the steering wheel control unit 213 controls the CAN transceiver 214 not to input the control signal to the switching control unit 215.

[0078] Furthermore, the steering wheel control unit 213 continuously inputs the control signal to the switching control unit 215. Since the power switch 211 continuously maintains the on state to stably supply operating power to the steering wheel control unit 213, the steering wheel control unit 213 maintains an activated state.

[0079] The steering wheel control unit 213 then controls the motor drive unit 27 to generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction to the turning direction by the external force.

[0080] At this time, the torque sensor 24 detects the torque of the steering wheel 22 and inputs the detected torque to the steering wheel control unit 213. The steering wheel control unit 213 generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction to the turning direction by the external force, corresponding to the torque of the steering wheel 22 input from the torque sensor 24.

[0081] In this case, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 during a preset exit time after inputting the ignition cut-off signal.

[0082] The exit time indicates the time it takes for the driver to exit the vehicle after turning off the ignition. The exit time can be set to various values ​​based on the exit time of a typical driver.

[0083] In addition, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate a steering reaction force until the door handle of the vehicle is operated to close the door after the ignition cut-off signal is input to the steering wheel 22.

[0084] In addition, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate a steering reaction force on the steering wheel 22 until the driver sensor 31 no longer detects a driver.

[0085] The motor drive unit 27 generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 through a steering wheel motor 23 according to the control signal of the steering wheel control unit 213.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 4, the motor drive unit 27 comprises a trailing edge driver and a pre-driver.

[0087] The trailing edge driver switches off two or more phases of the steering wheel motor 23 by controlling the trailing edge switches 232 connected to the respective phases of the steering wheel motor 23.

[0088] The pre-driver short-circuits two or more phases of the steering wheel motor 23 by controlling the corresponding switches within an inverter 231, which controls the rotational speed of the steering wheel motor 23.

[0089] That is, the pre-driver turns on one or more of the upper switches and one or more of the lower switches of six switches within the inverter 231 and turns on two or more trailing edge switches 232 connected to the upper and lower switches of the trailing edge driver.

[0090] Therefore, two or more phases of the steering wheel motor 23 are short-circuited. The number of short-circuited phases can be adjusted according to the performance of the steering wheel motor 23 or the like.

[0091] Since the phase-cut switch 232 and the inverter 231 for driving the steering wheel motor 23 are obvious to those skilled in the art, a detailed description is omitted here.

[0092] Thus, the steering wheel control unit 213 controls the motor drive unit 27 to short-circuit two or more phases of the steering wheel motor 23. In this case, when the steering wheel 22 is turned by the driver's operation, the steering wheel motor 23 operates like a generator to generate a counter electromotive force, thus generating a torque in the opposite direction to the driver's steering wheel operation direction.

[0093] That is, when the driver gets in or out of the vehicle, the steering wheel control unit 213 can generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction of a turning direction by an external force, so that the driver can get in or out of the vehicle while holding his hand on the steering wheel 22, which makes it possible to improve the convenience of getting in and out of the vehicle.

[0094] Hereinafter, a steering wheel control method of an SBW system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 described.

[0095] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing a steering wheel control method of an SBW system when entering a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] With reference to Fig. 5, the dominant controller 10 generates a startup signal in step S110 when a smart key is detected, a door button of the smart key is held down, or a door handle operation is detected in step S100 while the ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off.

[0097] In step S120, the steering wheel controller 21 is activated according to the commissioning signal received from the dominant controller 10.

[0098] When the steering wheel control 21 is activated, the steering wheel control unit 213 performs a fault diagnosis and outputs the result of the fault diagnosis via the cluster or the like.

[0099] If the diagnosis result indicates that there is no failure, the steering wheel control unit 213 receives a vehicle speed from the vehicle speed sensor 32 and determines whether the vehicle is stopped based on the vehicle speed in step S130.

[0100] When the determination result of step S130 indicates that the vehicle is stopped, the steering wheel control unit 213 determines whether the ignition switch is turned off based on the ignition turn-off signal in step S140.

[0101] When the determination result of step S140 indicates that the ignition switch is turned off, the steering wheel control unit 213 may short-circuit two or more phases of the steering wheel motor 23 by controlling the motor drive unit 27 according to the torque of the steering wheel 22 received from the torque sensor 24, thereby generating a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction to a turning direction by an external force in step S150.

[0102] In this case, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 during a preset entry time after receiving the startup signal from the dominant controller 10, or generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 until the ignition switch is turned on after receiving the startup signal from the dominant controller 10.

[0103] Fig. 6 is a flowchart showing a steering wheel control method of the SBW system 20 when exiting a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] With reference to Fig. 6, when the ignition switch is turned off or the ignition cut-off signal is applied in step S200 after the end of the drive, the steering wheel control unit 213 does not enter a sleep mode but maintains the activated state in step S210.

[0105] At this time, the torque sensor 24 detects the torque of the steering wheel 22 and inputs the detected torque to the steering wheel control unit 213, and the steering wheel control unit 213 short-circuits two or more of the phases of the steering wheel motor 23 by controlling the motor drive unit 27 according to the torque of the steering wheel 22 received from the torque sensor 24, thereby generating a steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 in the opposite direction to the turning direction by the external force in step S220.

[0106] In this case, the steering wheel control unit 213 may generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel 22 during a preset exit time after the ignition cut signal is input, generate the steering reaction force until the door handle of the vehicle is operated to close the door after the ignition cut signal is input to the steering wheel 22, or generate the steering reaction force until no driver is detected by the driver sensor 31.

[0107] Thus, the steering wheel control apparatus and method of the SBW system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure can generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel while the ignition switch is off, so that the steering wheel is not turned even though a driver holds the steering wheel when getting into or out of the vehicle.

[0108] The embodiments described in this document may be implemented, for example, with a method or process, an apparatus, a software program, a data stream, or a signal. Although a feature is discussed only in a single context (e.g., only in a method), the discussed feature may be implemented in another type (e.g., device or program). A device may be implemented in suitable hardware, software, or firmware. The method may be implemented in a device, such as a processor, which generally refers, for example, to a processing device such as a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic unit.The processor also includes a communication device, such as a computer, a mobile phone, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), or other device that facilitates information communication between end users.

[0109] Although exemplary embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, one skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. The true technical scope of the disclosure should therefore be defined by the following claims.

Claims

[1] Steering wheel control device of an SBW (Steer-By-Wire) system (20), comprising: a dominant controller (10) configured to generate a startup signal while an ignition switch of a vehicle is off; a motor drive unit (27) configured to generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel (22) by a motor; and a steering wheel controller configured to generate the steering reaction force to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling the motor drive unit (27) according to the commissioning signal, wherein the steering wheel control short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit (27) to generate a counter electromotive force against the motor when the steering wheel (22) is rotated by an external force, characterized by , that the dominant controller (10) generates the commissioning signal when a smart key is operated while the ignition switch is off or when a door handle of the vehicle is operated to open a door while the ignition switch is off. [2] The steering wheel control device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel controller generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) for a preset time after receiving the start-up signal. [3] A steering wheel control device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel controller generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) until the ignition switch is turned on after receiving the start-up signal. [4] Steering wheel control device according to claim 1, wherein the steering wheel control comprises: a steering wheel control unit (213) configured to control the motor drive unit (27) to generate the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22); a controller (212) configured to supply operating power to the steering wheel control unit (213); a power switch (211) configured to control the power supplied to the controller (212) from a battery; a switching control unit (215) configured to control the power switch (211) to supply power from the battery to the controller (212) or to interrupt the power; and a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver (214) configured to receive the commissioning signal from the dominant controller (10) and to control the switching control unit (215). [5] A steering wheel control method of a steering wheel control device of an SBW system according to claim 1, comprising: generating a commissioning signal by a dominant controller (10) while an ignition switch of a vehicle is turned off; and generating a steering reaction force by a steering wheel controller to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling a motor drive unit (27) according to the commissioning signal, wherein the steering wheel controller, when generating the steering reaction force for affecting the steering wheel rotation, short-circuits a phase of the motor via the motor drive unit (27) to generate a counter electromotive force against the motor when the steering wheel (22) is rotated by an external force, characterized by , that the commissioning signal is generated by the dominant controller (10) when a smart key is operated while the ignition switch is off or when a door handle of the vehicle is operated to open a door while the ignition switch is off. [6] Steering wheel control device according to claim 1, comprising: a motor drive unit (27) configured to generate a steering reaction force against a steering wheel (22) by a motor; and a steering wheel controller further configured to generate the steering reaction force to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling the motor drive unit (27) when an ignition cut-off signal is received. [7] A steering wheel control device according to claim 6, wherein the steering wheel controller generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) for a preset time after the ignition cut-off signal is input. [8] A steering wheel control device according to claim 6, wherein the steering wheel controller generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) until a door handle of a vehicle is operated to close a door after the ignition cut-off signal is input. [9] A steering wheel control device according to claim 6, wherein the steering wheel controller generates the steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) until no driver is detected in the vehicle after the ignition cut-off signal is input. [10] Steering wheel control device according to claim 6, wherein the steering wheel control comprises: a steering wheel control unit (213) configured to generate a steering reaction force against the steering wheel (22) by controlling the motor drive unit (27) when the ignition cut-off signal is input; a controller (212) configured to supply operating power to the steering wheel control unit (213); a power switch (211) configured to control the power supplied to the controller (212) from a battery; a switching control unit (215) configured to control the power switch (211) to supply power from the battery to the controller (212) or to interrupt the power; and a CAN transceiver (214) configured to receive the ignition shutdown signal and to transition to a sleep mode according to a control signal from the steering wheel controller. [11] The steering wheel control method according to claim 5, further comprising: Receiving an ignition shutdown signal by a steering wheel control; and Generating the steering reaction force by the steering wheel controller to affect the steering wheel rotation by controlling a motor drive unit.

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