JPH0440227B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

(Industrial Application Field) The present invention provides a keyless entry system (the keyless entry system will be described later) in which a key code is entered into a keyboard provided on the outside of the vehicle body as an electronic key to unlock the door, etc. This invention relates to an electric tilt steering device that allows the steering wheel (steering wheel) to be tilted up and down using an electric motor or the like in a vehicle owned by a vehicle. That is. (Prior Art) In recent automobiles, sufficient consideration has been given to riding comfort for passengers, such as by allowing seats to be adjusted in a wide variety of ways. The same goes for the position of the steering wheel.In the past, the position was set based on the greatest common denominator after considering occupants of various physiques, but recently the vertical position of the steering wheel can be adjusted within a certain range. The adoption of so-called tilt steering makes it possible to set the appropriate position for occupants of different physiques, making driving easier and more comfortable. If tilt steering is used,
In addition to the advantage of being able to set the appropriate steering wheel position for each driver, for example, the steering wheel can be tilted up when getting on and off the vehicle, increasing the space around the driver's seat and making it easier to get on and off the vehicle. . Regarding this point, for example,
No. 13063 proposes tilting up the steering wheel when the driver's side door is opened. On the other hand, it is not only the ride comfort of the car, but also the handling of the car,
Various considerations are being made to simplify operations and reduce the burden on the driver as much as possible. For example, a key code containing a personal code unique to the occupant can be entered into a keyboard that serves as an electronic key installed on the outside of the vehicle body to unlock the door or adjust the mirror position to suit each occupant. One example is a keyless entry system that reduces the hassle of manual entry by passengers. When using this keyless entry system, the conventionally used metal keys for door locks and engine starts are no longer required, and the driver does not need to carry the key with him or her, and can simply lock the key in the car. No more troubles. With this type of keyless entry system, keys are completely unnecessary.
Similar to this, for example, JP-A-57-
No. 90236 proposed using a magnetic card unique to each passenger to adjust mirror positions and operate various switches to suit the passenger, in place of the conventional key, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 7737/1983 proposed a wireless system. Proposals have been made to enable door locks to be unlocked and mirror positions to be adjusted remotely from outside the vehicle using a portable key consisting of a transmitter. Both proposals aim to reduce the burden on the driver by simplifying the handling of the car and various operations, but it is also possible to link the operation of the tilt steering wheel to the keyless entry system mentioned above, and enter a key code from the keyboard, for example. If the door lock is released and the steering wheel is tilted up when the occupant is about to get into the vehicle, and then tilted down to a predetermined position once the occupant gets in the vehicle, in addition to the effect of the keyless entry system, the tilt steering will improve the ease of getting in and out. Effects can be obtained at the same time, and the burden on the driver can be further reduced.
When tilting down the steering wheel, if the steering wheel is tilted down to a pre-memorized setting position suitable for the occupant according to the occupant's personal code entered into the keyboard, all one has to do is input the key code including the personal code from the keyboard. When an occupant gets on the vehicle, the steering wheel can be automatically tilted down to a position suitable for the occupant, which is very desirable. In addition, when the tilt steering operation when getting on and off the vehicle is made so that when the driver's side door is opened, the steering wheel is tilted up in conjunction with the opening of the door, as disclosed in Utility Model Application Publication No. 13063/1983. Although it is possible to secure a space when getting on the vehicle, it is cumbersome for the driver as the steering wheel must be repositioned each time after getting on the vehicle.
There is a problem in that the steering wheel tilts up just by opening the door, even if the intention is not to get out of the car. In addition, when the steering wheel is configured to tilt down to a setting position suitable for the occupant that is stored in advance according to the occupant's unique personal code as described above, the personal The code will be able to be registered, and the configuration will be such that the handle setting position unique to the occupant corresponding to each personal code can be stored in correspondence with those multiple personal codes, but in this case, users other than the owner When storing this user-specific handle setting position, there is a risk that the already stored owner-specific handle setting position may be changed by mistake. (Object of the Invention) In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention combines a keyless entry system and an electric tilt steering device, and uses the keyless entry system to detect the state of exiting the vehicle and the state of boarding the vehicle. In this case, the steering wheel is tilted down to the appropriate position suitable for each occupant according to the personal code, making it easier to get on and off and reducing the burden on the occupant. The purpose is to prevent it from being changed. (Structure of the Invention) The electric tilt steering device for an automobile equipped with an electronic key of the present invention includes a keyboard provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body for inputting a key code including a personal code unique to an occupant, and a keyboard for operating the tilt steering device. A tilt steering drive means that adjusts the position by tilting up or down the steering wheel, and a tilt steering drive means that reads a key code input to the keyboard and determines whether or not this key code is a pre-registered key code. Key code determination means that sends out a door lock release signal when the code is a registered key code; Exit detection means that detects the state of the occupant getting off the vehicle and sends out a signal when the vehicle enters the state of getting off the vehicle; and the detection means that detects the state of the occupant riding the vehicle. and a boarding detection means that sends a boarding signal when the passenger enters a boarding state; and a boarding detection means that can register a plurality of personal codes and store a plurality of handle setting positions unique to the occupant in correspondence with each personal code; After receiving the door lock release signal, the handle is tilted up to the highest position, and unless the door is locked again after receiving the door lock release signal, the handle is tilted up according to the key code entered on the keyboard. a tilt steering control means that sends a control signal to the tilt steering drive means for tilting down to a steering wheel setting position unique to the occupant stored in advance in accordance with a personal code unique to the occupant; and a personal code of the owner when turned on. The vehicle is characterized by a secret switch that prohibits changes to the owner's unique steering wheel setting position stored in correspondence with the vehicle owner. (Effects of the Invention) According to the present invention, after unlocking the door by inputting a key code including a personal code unique to the occupant from the keyboard, when getting on or off the vehicle, the vehicle automatically locks the vehicle in response to the boarding signal and the exiting signal. Since the steering wheel can be tilted down and tilted up, it is possible to widen the space for getting on and off and improve the ease of getting on and off, and when the steering wheel is tilted down, the pre-memorized personal code for this occupant is Since the vehicle can be tilted down to a suitable position, the trouble of adjusting the handlebar position after getting on the vehicle is eliminated, and the operational burden on the occupant can be reduced. In addition, it is equipped with a secret switch that prohibits changes to the owner's unique steering wheel setting position stored in correspondence with the car owner's personal code when the secret switch is activated (when turned on). ) can prevent the possibility that the stored handle setting position unique to the owner will be changed by mistake when storing the handle setting position unique to the user for use by a person other than the owner. . In addition, even in that case, the handle setting position is configured to be memorized in correspondence with multiple personal codes, so while the memory of the handle setting position unique to the owner is retained, the handle setting position unique to the user can be stored. It is possible to memorize the handle setting position, and the usability is not hindered. (Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an electrical circuit diagram showing a keyless entry system having an electric tilt steering device of the present invention. What is a keyless entry system?
By inserting a key code containing a personal code unique to the occupant into a numerical key switch (keyboard) installed on the outside of the vehicle instead of the key used to unlock the doors of a car, it can be used not only to unlock the doors but also to unlock the mirrors. This system allows in-vehicle equipment such as seats to be automatically set to the adjustment position specific to the occupant. 1 is a keyboard attached to the vehicle body so as to be operable from outside the vehicle body. this keyboard 1
is the number keys from 0 to 9 and the “ENT” key,
It has a "lock" key and a "rear deck" key, and by inputting a key code consisting of a series of numbers from this keyboard 1, the door lock can be unlocked, etc., which was done with a conventional car key. It is becoming possible to do this. The keyboard 1 is connected to a door-side control box 10, and a code signal corresponding to the input key code is sent to the door-side control box 10. In addition to the keyboard 1, this door-side control box 10 includes a buzzer 2, an outer handle switch 3, a door lock relay 4, a door unlock relay 5, a driver's door switch 6, a key illumination 7, and a battery 9 via an evening switch 8. are connected to each other, and these are controlled by a door-side control box 10, preferably composed of a microcomputer, to release the door lock, etc. Specifically, when opening the door from a closed state, first turn on the outer handle switch 3 attached to the handle for opening and closing the door (that is, pull the handle) to activate the keyless entry system. That is, the outer handle switch 3 serves as a trigger for the activation of the keyless entry system. When the ON signal is sent from the outer handle switch 3 to the door side control box 10, the key illumination 7 is lit by this control box 10, and the keyboard 1 is turned on.
is illuminated to let you know that the key code can be entered from outside. Here, if you input a key code consisting of a series of numbers including a personal code into the keyboard 1 and finally press the "ENT" key, it will be determined whether this key code matches the pre-stored code. This is done by the door side control box 10, and when the two match, the door unlock relay 5 is operated to release the door lock. Note that when the door is locked when exiting the vehicle, the door lock relay 4 is activated by pressing the "lock" key on the keyboard 1. It is designed to operate only when it is judged that there is a problem. Furthermore, you can open the rear trunk by pressing the "Rear Decks" key instead of the "ENT" key following the above key code. Buzzer 2 makes a buzzer sound for approximately 0.1 seconds each time a key is pressed to notify that each key has been pressed when keyboard 1 is operated, and also to prevent mischief, theft, etc. If you turn it on three times, it will sound continuously for about 15 seconds. Further, for the purpose of battery protection, the keyboard 1 and key illumination 7 are automatically turned off if the keyboard 1 is not operated for 15 seconds or more after operating the outer handle switch 3. The key code input to the keyboard 1 can be set in any number of combinations of numbers, but in this embodiment, two types can be set: an owner code for the car owner and an others code for other people. It is said that A request line 1 is connected between the door side control box 10 and the indoor control box 20 to notify the input of the key code.
0a, , _D1 data line 10b, and _D2 data line 10c are connected by three lines, and the key code entered from keyboard 1 is compared with the pre-stored code and determined to match. , a request signal as a trigger for operating the indoor control box 20 from the request line 10a, and _D1 and _D2 data lines 10b and 10c.
A data signal corresponding to the input code to the keyboard 1 is sent to the indoor control box 20. The data lines 10b and 10c are two lines because each line can transmit two types of signals, on and off. It is designed to send seed data signals.

[Table] Among the signals shown in Table 1, the door lock signal is a signal to turn off the indoor control box 20 when the door is locked when exiting the vehicle, and the inhibit signal is a signal to prevent malfunction as shown below. Used as a signal. When the correct key code is entered from the keyboard 1 and the door-side control box 10 is activated, both the _D1 and _D2 data lines 10b and 10c are in the ON state, that is, the inhibit signal is continuously sent.
When an owner code or the like is sent, data signals are sent from the _D1 and _D2 data lines 10b and 10c together with a request signal from the request line 10a. For example, when the owner code is entered from keyboard 1, request line 10
A request signal is sent from _D1 data line 10
ON signal from b, _D2 data line 10c
An OFF signal is sent to inform indoor control box 20 that the owner code has been input. After the owner code is transmitted, the inhibit signal is continuously transmitted again. For example, if the D ₂ data line is disconnected, the D ₂ data line
It turns OFF and becomes the owner code signal state, but in this case there is no request signal, so the indoor control box 20 judges this signal to be a disconnection and does not operate to prevent malfunction. It's summery. The interior control box 20 is preferably composed of a microcomputer, and creates a state in which the steering wheel, rearview mirror, and door mirrors are set at predetermined positions in response to signals from the data line, and the engine can be started at the same time. , door side control box 1
The above lines 10a, 10b, 10c connected to 0
In addition, a manual switch 21 for manually operating the left and right door mirrors and a room mirror, a steering switch and indicator 24 for controlling the tilt angle of the steering wheel, a memory switch 25, a buzzer 26, an ignition switch 27, and a secret switch. 28, vehicle speed sensor 29, left door mirror control 30, right door mirror control 33, room mirror control 34, steering control 35, and seat control box 40 are connected to connection lines 20a, . . . , 20f, respectively. ,Operate. To adjust the positions of the left and right door mirrors and the room mirror, operate the manual switch 21 to send an operating signal to the interior control box 20. Based on this operating signal, the left and right door mirror controls 30, 33 and the room mirror control 3 are activated.
On the other hand, the tilt angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted by manually operating the steering switch and indicator 24 and driving the steering control 35 from the indoor control box 20 in the same manner as described above. Manual switch 21 is changeover switch 2
3 and a position adjustment switch 22, the changeover switch 23 can be switched to four positions: an off contact 23a, a left door mirror contact 23b, a right door mirror contact 23c, and a rearview mirror contact 23d, and the position adjustment switch 22 has a front contact 22a, a rear contact Direction contact 22b
It is possible to adjust the direction forward, backward, left, and right using the direction changeover switch, the leftward contact 22c, and the rightward contact 22d. Therefore, the positions of the left and right door mirrors 30, 31 and the room mirror 32 described above can be adjusted by combining these switch operations. The steering switch & indicator 24 consists of a steering switch 24a and a steering indicator 24b.
The tilt angle of the steering wheel is adjusted by the operation, and the current position is displayed by the steering indicator 24b. In this way, the position of each mirror and the tilt angle of the steering wheel can be adjusted arbitrarily by operating a switch.
5, so that the left door mirror control 30 has, for example, an actuator 31a for the longitudinal direction, an actuator 32a for the lateral direction, a longitudinal position detection sensor 31b, and a lateral position detection sensor 32b.
It has a position adjustment actuator and a position detection sensor, and can detect the position or angle at the same time as adjusting the position or angle of each mirror and steering wheel. For this reason,
The driver sets the position of the mirrors etc. that suits him/her,
By storing this position in the indoor control box 20 using the memory switch 25, even if the position of the mirror etc. is changed, the memorized position can be reset to the original position by operating the memory switch 25. Become. The memory switch 25 consists of a set button and five buttons numbered 1 to 4.
By pressing any one of the above buttons, a total of four positions can be stored in the indoor control box 20. In addition, each time you operate each of the above buttons, the buzzer 26 will sound for a short time (approximately
0.1 seconds) to notify you when the button is pressed. In this embodiment, the memory switch 25 and the key code input to the keyboard 1 are linked, and since there are two types of key codes, an owner code and an others code, the memory switch 25 is linked for each code.
4 types of position settings corresponding to can be stored, making a total of 8 types of position settings possible. Furthermore, when an owner code is entered, for example, the first button is used to call up the memorized position, and the position of the mirror, etc. that suits the car owner is memorized in response to the first button. If this is done, each mirror etc. will be automatically set to a position suitable for the owner of the car at the same time as the owner code is entered from the keyboard 1. In this embodiment, the first button of the memory switch 25 is dedicated to the owner code, and in order to prevent the memory position of the mirror, etc. from being reset to another position by another person, there is a seek button that can only be operated by the owner. A let switch 28 is provided so that when the switch 28 is on, the memory by the first button of the memory switch 25 cannot be changed. The ignition switch 27 is a locking mechanism for the ignition 8 for starting the engine.
When a key code is entered into the keyboard 1 and an activation signal is sent to the indoor control box 20, the ignition switch 27 is activated and the ignition 8 is unlocked, making it possible to start the engine. Therefore, even when the ignition can be operated from the outside, such as when the window glass is open, the engine cannot be started unless the key code is input into the keyboard 1, thereby preventing theft. Further, the vehicle speed signal detected by the vehicle speed sensor 29 is used to limit the operation of the seat position adjustment actuator at a predetermined vehicle speed or higher, as will be described later. Next, a signal is sent from the interior control box 20 to the seat control box 40 via lines 20a, . . . , 20f. The seat control box 40 is preferably composed of a microcomputer and is for controlling each position of the seat.In addition to the lines 20a, . . . control 4
4, a driver's door switch 42, and a weight sensor 43 are connected respectively. seat control 4
Reference numeral 4 consists of an actuator and a position detection sensor, and the actuator and position detection sensor are provided according to the degree of freedom in adjusting the seat position. The seat position can be adjusted. Each actuator is driven via a seat control box 40 by a manual switch 41 consisting of five changeover switches corresponding to each actuator. The seat position set by the manual switch 41 is detected by the position detection sensor of the seat control 44, and corresponds to each button operation of the memory switch 25 by signals from the indoor control box sent via lines 20a, . . . , 20e. and can be stored in the seat control box 40. That is, by operating the memory switch 25, it is possible to memorize not only the positions of the respective mirrors, etc. described above, but also the seat position.Thereby, simply by operating the memory switch 25, the mirrors, etc. and the seat can be easily moved to the pre-memorized positions. Can be set. When adjusting the seat position using the manual switch 41, if the vehicle speed detected by the vehicle speed sensor 29 is determined to be equal to or higher than a predetermined value and an enable signal is sent from the line 20f, the operation of the actuator is restricted. This prevents sudden seat position changes from a safety perspective. Driver's door switch 42 and weight sensor 43
This is to detect the opening/closing of the driver's door and the seating of the driver.By doing this, for example, the steering wheel may be tilted up before the driver gets into the vehicle to make getting in and out of the vehicle easier. This enables various controls such as tilting the handle down to a predetermined position when the vehicle is pressed. In the above mechanism, the door side control box 10, the interior control box 20, and the seat control box 40 have been explained as being separate, but it goes without saying that they may be integrated to form one control box. be. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of the electric tilt steering device of the present invention. keyboard 1
When a key code is input to , a code signal corresponding to this key code is sent to the key code determination means 51 (first
The input key code is sent to the control box 10 on the door side (corresponding to the door side control box 10 in the figure), and it is determined whether the input key code matches the pre-stored code. If it is determined that the key code matches, the tilt A door lock release signal is output to the steering control means 53 (corresponding to the indoor control box 20 in FIG. 1). The tilt steering control means 53 receives a boarding signal from a boarding detection unit 54 that detects the boarding state using a seating detection switch 43 and the like, as well as an ignition switch 8 and a driver's door switch 42.
A get-off signal from the get-off detecting means 52 for detecting the getting-off state is inputted thereto, and a drive signal for tilting up and tilting down the steering wheel in response to the door lock release signal, boarding signal, or getting off signal is inputted. The tilt handle drive means 55 (steering control 3 in Fig. 1)
(equivalent to 5) and drive control of this. FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of a steering wheel portion of an automobile having an electric tilt steering device of the present invention. A front windshield 55 is attached with its lower end supported by an attachment panel 57 in front of the driver's seat, and a first bracket 5 is attached to the lower part of the attachment panel 57.
8 supports the steering shaft 56a. The steering shaft 56a has its lower end attached to the lower dash panel 52 with a second bracket 53.
Supported by The steering shaft 56a is supported so as to be movable up and down in the support portion formed by the first bracket 58, and the steering shaft 56a is rotatable in the vertical direction using the support portion 53a formed by the second bracket 53 as a fulcrum. A handle 51 fixed to the driver's seat side end of the handle 56a is movable in the vertical direction (in the direction indicated by arrow A), that is, can be tilted up and down. Tilt-up and tilt-down operations are performed by driving an electric drive motor 35d attached to the first bracket 58, and this drive motor 35d is electrically driven by a control signal sent from the indoor control box 20 via a line 35a. Ru. Furthermore, steering switch 2
By operating 4a, manual tilt-up and tilt-down are possible.
In this case, a manual lever may be used instead of the steering switch 24a for mechanical operation. To first store the steering wheel position suitable for the occupant, operate the steering switch 24a to move it to the desired position, and then store it using the storage switch 25 shown in FIG. Further, the rotation of the steering wheel 51 steered by the driver is transmitted to a steering device (not shown) via a steering shaft 56a and an intermediate shaft 56b, and steering is performed. FIG. 4 is an electrical circuit diagram for driving the above-mentioned drive motor 35d, which is controlled by an indoor control box 20 consisting of a microcomputer which is part of the keyless entry system shown in FIG. Indoor control box 20
There is an ignition switch 8 for starting the engine, a driver's door switch 42 that detects the opening and closing of the door, and a seating detection switch (weight sensor) that uses a micro switch installed at the bottom of the seat that is activated by the driver's weight. ) 43 and the keyboard 1 via the door-side control box 10 (key code determination means 51) are connected, and their outputs are input. moreover,
Indoor control box 20 is on line 35
The line 35a is connected to the steering control 35, which is the tilt steering drive means 53, through the lines 35a and 35b, the line 35a is connected to the drive motor 35d via the transistor bridge drive circuit 35c, and the line 35b is connected to the steering control 35, which is the tilt steering drive means 53. It is connected to a rotation amount detector 35e that detects the rotation amount of the drive motor 35d. Therefore, when the door-side control box 10 determines that the key code entered from the keyboard 1 is the correct code, a door lock release signal is sent to the indoor control box 20.
Thereafter, when the riding state is detected by the seating detection switch 43, which is the riding detection means 54, and a riding signal is output, a line 35a is sent from the indoor control box 20 to the transistor bridge drive circuit 35.
A control signal is sent to the drive motor 35d via the drive motor 35d to drive the drive motor 35d and tilt down the handle 51. At this time, the rotation amount of the drive motor 35d is detected by the rotation amount detector 35e and fed back to the indoor control box 20 through the line 35b, so the position of the handle can be detected based on this feedback information, and the handle can be moved to any position. can be tilted down. Therefore, it is possible to automatically tilt down the handle to a pre-stored setting position in response to a personal code entered into the keyboard 1. Next, when the ignition switch 8 and the driver's door switch 42 as the exit detection means 52 detect the exit state and output an exit signal, the indoor control box 20 sends a control signal to the drive motor 35d, and the steering wheel is turned upward. Tilt up to the desired position. In this case, the indoor control box 20 plays the role of tilt steering control means. Although the seat detection switch is shown as the boarding detection means and the ignition switch and the driver's door switch are shown as the exit detection means, it is sufficient that both detection means can detect the boarding state and the exiting state, respectively. Of course, it is not limited to those. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the indoor control box 20 for driving the drive motor 35d. This operation flow starts with determining whether or not a door lock release signal has been sent from the door-side control box 10 in accordance with the key code entered into the keyboard 1. When the door lock release signal is not sent out, this flow is repeated until the door lock release signal is sent out, and no other operations are performed. When the door lock release signal is sent, the stored handle position corresponding to the personal code included in the input key code is recalled, and this recalled position is set as a target value. Next, it is determined whether the driver is seated, that is, the output from the seat detection switch 43 is determined. When the driver is not seated,
The seating determination is repeated until the driver is seated.
When it is determined that the driver is seated, the drive motor 3
5d to tilt the handle down to the specified position. (Before the door lock is released, the steering wheel is tilted up to the highest position.) If the car is operated with the steering wheel tilted down to the specified position, the next time the car is stopped and exited, the steering wheel is tilted up to the highest position. Is ignition switch 8 on?
Determine whether it is OFF. When ignition switch 8 is ON, it is assumed that the vehicle is not getting off the vehicle, and this state is maintained. When the ignition switch 8 is turned off, it is determined whether the door is opened or remains closed. If the door remains closed, it is assumed that the vehicle has not yet exited the vehicle, and the vehicle remains in this state. When the door is opened, it is assumed that the vehicle is getting out of the vehicle, and the steering wheel is tilted up to its highest position to increase the space for getting in and out. When the driver gets out of the car, there are two cases: the door is locked when the driver gets off the car, and the door is not locked and the driver gets off the car temporarily and then gets in the car. Then, the process returns to the seat occupancy determination step and performs the flow after determining whether or not the seat is occupied. When the door is locked, the flow returns to the beginning of the flow and the presence or absence of the door lock release signal is determined again. In this manner, the steering wheel can be tilted up and down in response to the driver getting on and off the vehicle, and the steering wheel can also be tilted up and down in response to the personal code entered into the keyboard, to adjust the steering wheel to a position suitable for the passenger using this personal code. The handle can be tilted down, and it is also possible to prevent the already memorized handle setting position unique to the owner from being changed by mistake.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an electric circuit diagram of a keyless entry system having an electric tilt steering device of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the operation of the electric tilt steering device of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an electric tilt steering device of the present invention. 4 is an electric circuit diagram for driving the drive motor, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing program operation in an indoor control box. 1... Keyboard, 2... Buzzer, 3... Outer handle switch, 4... Door lock, 5...
Door unlock, 6... Driver's door switch, 7
...Key illumination, 10...Door side control box, 20...Indoor control box, 2
1...Manual switch, 24...Steering switch & indicator, 25...Memory switch, 29...Vehicle speed sensor, 30...Left door mirror control, 35...Steering control, 35d...Drive motor, 40...Seat control box, 42...driver's door switch, 43...seating detection switch, 51...handle.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A keyboard provided on the outer surface of the vehicle body for inputting a key code including a personal code unique to the occupant; a tilt steering drive means for operating a tilt steering device to adjust the position of the steering wheel by tilting it up or down; a key code determining means that reads a key code input to the keyboard, determines whether or not this key code is a pre-registered key code, and sends a door lock release signal when this key code is a registered key code; a getting-off detection means that detects the getting-off state of the occupant and sends out a getting-off signal when the occupant gets into the getting-off state; a getting-off detecting means that detects the getting-in state of the occupant and sends the getting-boarding signal when the riding state is reached; and a plurality of personal codes. It is possible to register a plurality of steering wheel setting positions unique to the occupant corresponding to each personal code, and upon receiving the alighting signal, the steering wheel is tilted up to the highest position, and upon receiving the door lock release signal, the door lock is activated. Unless the door is locked again after the door lock is released, upon receiving the boarding signal, the steering wheel is moved to a pre-stored handle setting position unique to the passenger according to a personal code unique to the passenger included in the key code input to the keyboard. a tilt steering control means that sends a control signal for tilting down to the tilt steering drive means; and a seek control means that, when turned on, prohibits changes to the owner's unique steering wheel setting position stored in correspondence with the owner's personal code. An electric tilt steering device for an automobile equipped with an electronic key consisting of a let switch.