Abstract: An assist step assembly includes a linkage assembly including a first linkage member and a second linkage member, an assist step coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first assist step position to a second assist step position, an aerodynamic member coupled to the linkage assembly and movable from a first aerodynamic member position to a second aerodynamic member position, a movement mechanism coupled to the aerodynamic member and configured move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position, and a controller in electronic communication with the movement mechanism, the controller configured to determine an operating condition, determine a position of the assist step based on the operating condition, and generate one or more control signals to move the aerodynamic member from the first aerodynamic member position to the second aerodynamic member position.

Abstract: A workpiece support is provided for a pickup truck tailgate. The tailgate includes a retractable step including a pair of step support members. The attachment brackets include a workpiece support bar and a riser that are attached to the step support members and to each other at a right angle. The workpiece support bar and riser may be fixedly attached to each other or attached by a pivot connector. Detachable connectors are provided to connect a workpiece support bar and riser detachably to the step support members.

Abstract: The vehicle dent protection system attaches to and protects a vehicle from dents while said vehicle is parked. A plurality of instantiations of the vehicle dent protection system are attached to the vehicle such that the plurality of instantiations form a protected space around the vehicle. The vehicle dent protection system is a sacrificial structure that receives and dissipates an impact before the impact can damage the vehicle. The vehicle dent protection system includes a plurality of telescopic structures, a plurality of pivot structures, a sacrificial module, and a frame mount. The plurality of pivot structures interconnect the plurality of telescopic structures such that the plurality of telescopic structures can rotate. The plurality of telescopic structures attach the sacrificial module to the frame mount such that the position of the sacrificial structure relative to the frame mount is adjustable.

Abstract: A tailgate assembly of a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to provide a boundary of a cargo area, and a hinge assembly coupled to the tailgate and coupled to the vehicle. The hinge assembly is configured to control a trajectory of the tailgate. The tailgate is configured to achieve a vertical closed position, a horizontal open position, and a vertical open position rotated about 180° from the first position. The hinge assembly includes a hinge arm coupled to the vehicle at a first hinge and coupled to the tailgate at a second hinge. In some embodiments, a cable assembly is used to control the position of the tailgate. In the vertical closed position, the cable end is not engaged. In the horizontal open position, the cable end is engaged. In the vertical open position rotated about 180° from the closed position, the cable end is not engaged or under tension.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.

Abstract: A power box step on a vehicle having a safety arrangement that provides noticeable controlled failure of the power box step if damaged. The controlled failure is accomplished by using vertical and horizontal shear pins that are designed to break when the horizontal or vertical load applied to the step is too great. The failure of the step is controlled by vertical and horizontal movement limit pins that prevent the step from moving too far in the vertical or horizontal direction when failure occurs.

Abstract: The present disclosure relate to a vehicle running board apparatus and a retractable device thereof. In some embodiments, a retractable device includes a running board holder and an arm assembly. The running board holder has a connecting portion, and the arm assembly is configured to drive the running board holder to move between an extended position and a retracted position. The arm assembly includes a first arm and a second arm. The first arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the first arm is pivotally connected to the connecting portion of the running board holder. The second arm has a first end and a second end. The second end of the second arm is pivotally connected to the connecting portion of the running board holder. The second end of at least one of the first arm or the second arm straddles the connecting portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a running board system for vehicles, which comprises at least two drive groups at each side of the running board system and a driving member, where said driving member is fixed onto a drive flange such that rotational motion provided by said driving member is transferred through to a worm gear. Said running board system further comprises a bracket gear whereby movement is transferred from worm gear to bracket gear and a middle bracket centered to bracket gear. Said running board system further comprises a torque arm whereby movement from the side with driving member is transferred to the side without driving member in a synchronized manner and thereby running board is opened and closed parallel to vehicle, and the running board is driven parallel to the ground in a horizontal and vertical opening-closing motion.

Abstract: A retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle or truck, such as at the rear portion. The vehicle step facilitates access to a cargo hold of the vehicle. Advantageously, the vehicle step provides clearance space relative to a tailgate of the vehicle by displacing a stepping member of the vehicle step in a generally lateral direction. The vehicle step desirably has a covered and protected biasing mechanism for transitioning between retracted and extended positions of the stepping member. Another advantage is that the vehicle step is readily attachable to the vehicle using already existing connection members, thereby generally eliminating or mitigating the need for customized retrofitting and avoiding undesirable installation cost and time. Further, the vehicle step may be pulled out from under the vehicle by the foot of a user.

Abstract: An emergency egress system for a multi-passenger vehicle such as a school bus (10) includes a housing (30) that operatively supports a ramp (34) in movable connection therewith. Opening an emergency exit door (18) of the bus causes a housing door (24) to open and the ramp to move outwardly from a retracted position toward an extended position. Opening the emergency exit door also causes the suspension of the bus to be automatically lowered to place the emergency exit opening (16) closer to the ground (166).

Abstract: A compact deployable/retractable running board assembly for a motor vehicle including a running board, linkage coupled to the running board, and a motor assembly coupled to an actuator, the running board moveable between at least one stowed position and at least one deployed position. The linkage includes a drive arm connected to a pivot shaft within a housing at a location on the pivot shaft between two bushings that are coupled to the pivot shaft within the housing. The linkage also includes an idler arm connected to a pivot shaft within an idler housing. The actuator is operably coupled to the linkage to cause rotation of the linkage to move the running board between the at least one stowed position generally under the motor vehicle and at least one deployed position to provide a step surface for a user.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and front and rear doors having front and rear powered latches, front and rear anti-pinch sensors, and front and rear electrically-powered door openers. The vehicle further includes a controller that is configured to receive an unlatch signal from unlatch sensors/switches and generate a signal to unlatch the front and rear powered latches and actuate the front and rear door openers after the front and rear powered latches are unlatched. The controller may also be configured to actuate the rear door opener to retain the rear door in an open position when the front pinch sensor detects a hand to thereby prevent pinching.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate with a power up-down system may employ a method of operating a vehicle tailgate that may include detecting a step is deployed from the tailgate, detecting the tailgate is less than fully open, and automatically actuating a power up-down system to drive the tailgate to fully open.

Abstract: An articulating step assembly for a vehicle which includes a mount for attachment to a vehicle, a step member and an articulating linkage connecting the mount and the step for stowing and deploying the step. A motor is attached to the linkage to provide raising and lowering of the step. A weather sealed non-contact switch located on the assembly for actuating the motor and linkage in response to movement of the step in a predetermined direction for deploying the step.

Abstract: A vehicle and a running board device for the vehicle are provided. The vehicle includes: a vehicle body; a vehicle door; a running board mounted to the vehicle body and movable between an extended position and a retracted position; an actuator connected to the running board; a magnet mounted to the vehicle door; a magnetic induction element mounted to the vehicle body and that cooperates with the magnet so as to be triggered to generate a door-opening signal and a door-closing signal; a signal transmission line having a first end of the signal transmission line connected with the magnetic induction element; and a controller mounted to the vehicle body and connected with a second end of the signal transmission line and the actuator, so as to actuate the running board to move between the extended position and the retracted position according to the door-opening signal and the door-closing signal.

Abstract: The invention discloses an automobile electric pedal which includes a driving support bracket, a driven support bracket and a pedal mounted on the driving support bracket and the driven support bracket. The driving support bracket includes a rotation mechanism having a lower support wall and an upper support wall, the angle b between the lower support wall and a horizontal plane being in the range of 10-30°. The rotation mechanism is provided with a connection column fixedly matched with the automobile pedal. Matching walls of a connection groove provided with the rotation mechanism cooperate with the connection column to stably fix the pedal on the driving support bracket.

Abstract: A control system incorporated with a power running board assembly. In particular, incorporating a radio frequency control system for a retractable power running board assembly to move the assembly between a stowed or retracted position and a deployed or extended position. The present invention uses a transmit/acknowledge scheme of door transceivers and receivers to reduce transmissions necessary to monitor door status changes and operation of the retraction and deployment of the running board, which significantly reduces the number of transmissions and wear on the door transceivers battery to extend battery lifetime.

Abstract: A swing body engages with a driving end roller of a linearly moved driving slider at a driving end section. The swing body engages with a guide groove in a driven slider at a driven end section. The driven slider is coupled to a gap filler plate by a driven end roller changeable in installation position in a predetermined direction. A gap filler has an inverse motion preventive structure that, when the gap filler plate is in either a fully protruded state or a fully stored state, enables only forward motion transfer from the driving slider to the swing body. The guide groove is formed in a direction orthogonal or almost orthogonal to forward and backward movement directions of the gap filler plate. The predetermined direction and the direction of the guide groove are parallel to each other in the fully stored state.

Abstract: A climbing device body (21) can assume by a rotation operation an erect, retracted position allowing a first end portion (21A) to be positioned above and a second end portion (21B) to be positioned below and a tilted, deployed position allowing the second end portion (21B) to be positioned sideways of the vehicular body outer than the first end portion (21A). A handrail (22) is engaged with the rotation operation to be capable of assuming a raised state allowing a gripping portion (22a) to assume a first position distant from the climbing device body (21) in a deployed position and a folded state allowing the gripping portion (22a) to assume a second position close to the climbing device body (21) in a retracted position.

Abstract: A first link mechanism section converts linear motion of a driving slider into swing motion of a swing end roller. A second link mechanism section swings in cooperation with the swing end roller on a roller contact surface of a second link lever section, and an output end roller changeable in attachment position presses a driven slider fixed to a gap filler plate. In a fully protruded state and a fully stored state of the gap filler plate, the direction of acting force of the roller contact surface pressing the swing end roller aligns with a straight line connecting the swing end roller and a swing shaft of a first link lever section.

Abstract: A first link mechanism section converts linear motion of a driving slider into swing motion of a swing end roller, and swings the swing end roller in cooperation with a second link mechanism section. An output end roller of the second link mechanism section engages in a guide groove in a driven slider fixed to a gap filler plate to move the gap filler plate linearly. In a fully protruded state and a fully stored state of the gap filler plate, the direction of acting force of the roller contact surface pressing the swing end roller aligns with a straight line connecting the swing end roller and a swing shaft of a first link lever section to act as a lock. The guide groove is formed orthogonal or almost orthogonal to movement directions of the gap filler plate.

Abstract: A vehicle step apparatus comprises a first extending and retracting device comprising a first mounting bracket, a first step bracket, and a first arm assembly configured to drive the first step bracket to move between a first extended position and a first retracted position; a second extending and retracting device comprising a second mounting bracket, a second step bracket, and a second arm assembly configured to drive the second step bracket to move between a second extended position and a second retracted position; a step mounted on the first and second step bracket; a first permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the first mounting bracket and coupled with the first arm assembly to drive the first arm assembly; and a second permanent magnet direct current motor mounted on the second mounting bracket and coupled with the second arm assembly to drive the second arm assembly.

Abstract: A guard for a vehicle includes a support tube. A pivoting step includes a pivot tube portion movable about the support tube between a stowed position and a deployed position and a step portion. A spring member is disposed between the support tube and pivot tube biasing the pivot tube toward one of the stowed position and deployed position.

Abstract: A trailer, retractable stair assembly, and method of operating same is provided. The trailer includes a frame that defines an interior cavity. A retractable stair assembly is movable between a stowed position in which the retractable stair assembly is positioned within the interior cavity and a deployed position in which the retractable stair assembly extends out of the trailer frame to establish a plurality of steps out of the trailer to an egress surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending a vehicle bed includes a tailgate for raising and lowering relative to the vehicle bed. The tailgate includes a retractable member adapted for extending vertically from the tailgate when lowered, and also for extending horizontally from the tailgate to form a handle. A ladder supported by the tailgate is adapted for moving from a lowered position for use in stepping into the vehicle bed using the handle to a raised position for connecting with the retractable member when oriented vertically from the tailgate, thus extending the effective length of the vehicle bed.

Abstract: A post of a trailer hitch step assembly has a front portion adapted for insertion into a standard square hollow trailer hitch receiver and a rear portion that closely fits to a socket formed in a step body of the assembly. The height of the step body is greater than the height of the post, permitting the post to be affixed to the step body with the aid of screws threading into threaded bores that upwardly extend from the socket ceiling. Planar facets of the rear portion of the post and of the socket coact to resist torsional forces imposed on the step body around any of three axes.

Abstract: A retractable running board (A) comprising at least one supplementary step that facilitates getting in/out of a vehicle (B) for the passengers, e.g. in vehicles (B) with high ground clearance, at least one driving member supplying the driving force required by the system, at least one drive shaft, at least two flanges in at least one of which said driving shaft is embedded, at least two levers that are engaged with said flanges and capable of performing rotational movement in y axis (y) perpendicular to the ground upon being actuated by the drive shaft, at least one intermediate lever, and at least two step brackets which are secured in said supplementary step and which, at the other end of the lever which is fixed to the flange, are capable of performing rotational movement in y axis (y) perpendicular to the ground relative to each other.

Abstract: A step assembly of a motor vehicle is described which may have a vehicle-attached bearing assembly for connecting the step assembly to a vehicle body, a lowerable step, and actuating kinematics for the lowerable step, wherein the actuating kinematics comprise a link assembly in each of the two end portions of the lowerable step, each link assembly being displaceable by a drive link assembly between a retracted position, in which the lowerable step is in a lifted position, and an extended position, in which the lowerable step is in its lowered position. Trim parts which cover the link assemblies at least in the lifted position of the lowerable step may be disposed on the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and front and rear doors having front and rear powered latches, front and rear anti-pinch sensors, and front and rear electrically-powered door openers. The vehicle further includes a controller that is configured to receive an unlatch signal from unlatch sensors/switches and generate a signal to unlatch the front and rear powered latches and actuate the front and rear door openers after the front and rear powered latches are unlatched. The controller may also be configured to actuate the rear door opener to retain the rear door in an open position when the front pinch sensor detects a hand to thereby prevent pinching.

Abstract: In some embodiments, shopping cart apparatuses are provided herein useful to enable a consumer to reach commercial products positioned above the consumer. In some embodiments, a cart frame having cart wheels coupled to the cart frame is provided. A slide mechanism is slidably cooperated with the cart frame. A weight-bearing platform is secured with the slide mechanism and sliding between stowed and deployed positions such that the weight-bearing platform is moved away from a rear portion of the cart frame when the slide mechanism is in the deployed position. A restricting element is positioned near a front cart wheel and restricts the rotation thereof when the slide mechanism is in the deployed position. A support element is affixed to the weight-bearing platform. An elevating element is secured to the slide mechanism and configured to elevate the cart frame when the threshold amount of pressure is applied upon the weight-bearing platform.

Abstract: A vehicle is provided, having a cargo compartment and a stowable vehicle ladder assembly. The stowable vehicle ladder assembly includes a cavity located on a body portion of the cargo compartment. A ladder is movable between stowed and extended positions with respect to the cavity. The ladder is also selectively recessible in the cavity. A plurality of linkages is pivotally attached to the body portion of the vehicle and the ladder. The plurality of linkages selectively moves the ladder to and from the cavity and to and from stowed and use positions.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body, a door, a step, a driving device for moving the step between an extending position and a retracting position, an on-board diagnostics for obtaining a state information of the door and having an interface, a vehicle data flow reading module, an emitter, a receiver and a controller. The on-board diagnostics is mounted on the vehicle body. The vehicle data flow reading module is coupled with the interface. The emitter is coupled with the vehicle data flow reading module and configured to emit the state information. The receiver is configured to receive and decode the state information from the emitter. The controller is coupled with the driving device and the receiver and configured to control the driving device to move the step between the extending position and the retracting position based on the state information.

Abstract: A structure for a vehicle includes a lower frame member and an upper frame member. A pillar extends from the lower frame member to the upper frame member and a step is carried by the pillar between the lower frame member and upper frame member.

Abstract: A step accessory for a receiver hitch for climbing into a truck bed. A step plate connected to the bottom of the receiver tube does not enter into or block the interior space of the receiver tube. The step plate is directly attached to the receiver tube, but not the bumper, the truck, the ball unit, or the tongue of a towed vehicle/trailer. The step plate extends horizontally and transversely to the longitudinal axis of the truck, centered relative to the right and left sides of the truck. Preferably, the step plate does not extend rearward of the opening of the receiver, or above the bottom surface of the receiver tube. The step plate extends under the bumper, distanced from the bottom of the bumper, to provide a toe space, resulting in a safe and stable position for the user's foot to prevent slips and falls.

Abstract: An electric step control device for a vehicle having a step provided movably by power of a motor from a retraction position where the step is retracted under a vehicle body to an overhang position where the step appears from the vehicle body or vice versa according to an opening and closure operation of a door, has a control unit. The control unit executes an overhang drive control that moves the step from the retraction position to the overhang position according to an occurrence of the opening operation of the door having been at a closure position. And the control unit starts a retraction drive control that moves the step from the overhang position to the retraction position according to an occurrence of the closure operation of the door having been at a full open position at a predetermined timing before the door reaches the closure position.

Abstract: A movable footboard for a door of a rail vehicle comprises a footboard extendable below a tread strip at least substantially transversely to the direction of travel. To minimize the level difference between the footboard and the tread strip a pivot shaft extends at least substantially parallel to the direction of travel on at least one longitudinal bar of the footboard at the end region of the footboard away from the vehicle, about which pivot shaft at least two pivoting bars are pivotably supported, which pivoting bars each bear a transverse profile element, each of the pivoting bars being rigidly connected to the transverse profile element associated with the pivot bar, while the other transverse profile elements lie freely on said pivot bar, and a lifting mechanism is fastened to the vehicle and lifts the transverse profile element located directly in front of the tread strip.

Abstract: The self-propelled working machine (1) comprises: moving means (2) configured for allowing movement of the machine on a bearing plane (3); propulsion means (4) operatively associated to the moving means and configured to cause and maintain the movement of the working machine on the bearing plane; a frame (5) supporting the moving means and the propulsion means, an operating member (6) and relative actuating means, a maneuver cab (7) arranged directly or indirectly on the frame (5) and comprising at least an access door (8), the cab (7) and the frame (5) defining an encumbering volume of the machine.

Abstract: An auxiliary pullout step for a vehicle having a yieldingly resilient mechanism for urging the step into the extended step position thereof and resisting movement of the step into a retracted position thereof and an indexing mechanism for selectively restraining the step in the retracted position thereof and selectively releasing the step from the restrained position thereof to allow the yieldingly resilient mechanism to move the step into the extended step position.

Abstract: A portable climbing system for mounting a tailgate includes a vehicle that has a tailgate. The tailgate has a front edge, a back edge and a first surface extending therebetween. The first surface is horizontally oriented when the tailgate is positioned in an open position. A climbing unit is removably coupled to the tailgate when the tailgate is positioned in the open position. The climbing unit facilitates climbing onto the tailgate from the ground.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retractable step assembly for a vehicle tailgate, comprising: a platform, the platform securable to the vehicle tailgate, the platform having a pair of frame arms, a pair of support arms, each support arm slidably connected to one of the frame arms; a pair of extension arms, each extension arm rotatably secured to one of the support arms; and a step, the step rotatably secured to each of the extension arms, wherein the step is extendable by movement of the support arms and extension arms to a position below the platform, and retractable by movement of the support arms and extension arms to a position in contact with the platform; and wherein the support arms, the extension arms and the step are all positioned within the perimeter of the platform when in a retracted position.

Abstract: A vehicle dirt protection device having a longitudinal extension extending larger than its lateral extension, and is placed along a lateral side of a vehicle for urging dirt, preferably dust, to extend horizontally and/or rearward during forward movement of the vehicle rather than upwards. This protects the seating area of the vehicle against dirt, and in particular against dirt.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a vehicle body; a door moveable between an opened position and a closed position, a step moveable between an extending position and a retracting position, a driving device for moving the step between the extending position and the retracting position, a magnetic member, an emitter, a receiver and a controller. The magnetic member is mounted on one of the vehicle body and the door, and the magnetic induction member is magnetically coupled with the magnetic member so as to generate a signals. The emitter is coupled with the magnetic induction member and configured to emit the signals and the receiver receives the signals from the emitter. The controller is coupled with the driving device and the receiver so as to drive the step to move between the extending position and the retracting position based on the signals.

Abstract: A step assembly of a vehicle is provided herein. A step pad is pivotally coupled to a quarter panel of the vehicle and is movable between a stowed position and deployed position. At least one light source is provided in the step pad and the step pad transmits light emitted by the at least one light source in an outward direction.

Abstract: A horizontally moving retractable vehicle step is attachable to a vehicle, such as a low to the ground vehicle like a van. The horizontal vehicle step can provide access to different portions of the vehicle. Further, the horizontal vehicle step can act as a safety mechanism to reduce potential harm to a user in accidentally stepping in gaps between the vehicle and a curb.

Abstract: A trailer hitch step assembly is configured to be secured to the rearward end of a receiver hitch mounted at the rear end of a pick-up truck. The trailer hitch step assembly is selectively pivotally movable from an operative position to a folded stowed position. When the trailer hitch step assembly is in its operative position, the steps thereof are positioned rearwardly of the tailgate of the truck when the tailgate is in its open position. The trailer hitch step assembly, when in its stowed position, enables the trailer hitch step assembly to be easily transported by the truck or removed from a truck and stowed.

Abstract: A variable deflector apparatus for a side step of a vehicle may include a slide plate receiving power from a drive device to be received in and drawn out from the side step, and a side-step deflector comprising a plurality of joints connected to each other in a row to be coupled with the slide plate and folded or unfolded with respect to a junction of each of the joints, in which the side-step deflector is configured to be received together with the slide plate when it is received in the side step and to be drawn out together with the slide plate and simultaneously separated therefrom when the slide plate is drawn out from the side step, and a drawn-out portion of the side-step deflector separated from the slide plate is configured to be perpendicularly deployed downwards from the side step, thus improving aerodynamic performance of the vehicle.

Abstract: An extendable step with a receiver assembly and a step assembly for a pickup truck is provided. The receiver assembly includes a receiver tube with an internal channel. The receiver tube is configured to attach to a hitch of a vehicle, such as a pick-up truck. The step assembly may include an elongated step tube that slidably engages with the receiver tube. A step plate is attached to the elongated step tube and a foot pedal is attached beneath the step plate and protrudes downward and away from the step plate. A user may place there foot onto the foot pedal and pull the step plate from a retracted position to an extended position In which the step plate extends from the receiver tube.

Abstract: A running board assembly for a vehicle may include a stationary board fixed to a vehicle body, a movable board separately coupled to the stationary board and selectively movable up and down with respect to the stationary board, a stopper pin selectively coupling the movable board and the stationary board to stop a vertical motion of the movable board to a predetermined position, and a stopper pin-manipulation unit included in the movable board and connected to the stopper pin, wherein when the movable board may be subjected to a load, the stopper pin-manipulation unit decouples magnetically the stopper pin from the stationary board, and wherein when the movable board may be not subjected to the load, the stopper pin-manipulation unit maintains a state of the stopper pin being coupled to the stationary board.

Abstract: An intelligent side step apparatus for a vehicle includes a step panel (13) that protrudes and expands to a side of a vehicle body (16) when a getting-off mode signal of a passenger is generated. The step panel (13) moves down to a side of the vehicle body when a getting-on mode signal of a passenger is generated. A step lamp (14) mounted on the step panel (13) is turned on when a night mode signal is generated.