Patent ID: 6857496
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B60R,B62D

Abstract:
1. A steering apparatus for a vehicle, the steering apparatus comprising: a handwheel; a steering feel motor operatively connected to the handwheel, the steering feel motor being operable to provide resistance to rotation of the handwheel for providing a steering feel to the handwheel; a sensor for detecting operator applied steering inputs to the handwheel and for outputting a steering signal indicative of the monitored operator applied steering inputs; a controller for receiving the steering signal and for, in response to the received steering signal, controlling energization of the steering feel motor for providing the steering feel; and a security device operatively connected to the controller and actuatable for providing a lock steering signal to the controller, the controller, in response to the lock steering signal, entering a lock steering mode in which the controller controls energization of the steering feel motor to counterbalance all operator applied steering inputs and thereby prevent steering of the vehicle.