TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a front end assembly for a vehicle. Aspects of the invention relate to a front end assembly of a vehicle, a front end of a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of providing a step on a front end assembly for a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

There is an ongoing need to improve the accessibility capabilities of the front end of commercial vehicles. Commercial vehicles include vehicles for transporting goods, such as trucks, and public service vehicles for transporting passengers, such as buses and coaches. Commercial vehicles typically have a high front end. That is, the front end extends a significant distance from the surface on which the vehicle is stood, such that a typical user is unable to reach an upper extent of the front end. Such vehicles have a windscreen towards the upper extent of the front end. To provide access to the upper extent of the front end of the vehicle, it is known to provide a recess in the front end which defines a step into which a user may place their foot to raise themselves from the ground. However, such a step arrangement necessitates a recess in which other vehicular components then cannot be disposed. Other recesses provided in the vehicle front end to admit cooling air to the vehicle cooling pack have hitherto also provided convenient foot-holds for users to raise themselves from the ground. However, the applicant has realised that such recesses are becoming less prevalent on new vehicles as a consequence of improvements in the aerodynamic efficiency of vehicles and integration of active grille shutter technology in the vehicle front end. At least in certain embodiments, the present invention seeks to overcome or ameliorate at least some of the shortcomings associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a front end assembly for a vehicle, a front end of a vehicle, a vehicle, and a method of providing a step on a front end assembly for a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims. According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a front end assembly for a vehicle comprising a support; and a step configured to be extended from a front side of the front end assembly; the step having a stepping face; wherein the step is movable along a plane substantially parallel to the stepping face of the step between a retracted condition, in which the step is at least partially retracted in the support, and an extended condition, in which the step is extended from the support.

Such an arrangement allows a user to be spaced from the front end and so aids the user standing on the step. Furthermore, the space required to provide a step is minimised.

The step may be configured to slide between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The step may be configured to move along a substantially linear path between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The step may be configured to pivot about an axis perpendicular to the stepping face between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The step may be a panel.

The step may be cantilevered from the support in the extended condition. The front end assembly may comprise a number plate. The number plate may be disposed on the step. The number plate may be arranged at a free end of the step.

The support may comprise a channel configured to at least partially receive the step in the retracted condition.

At least part of the step may be supported in the channel in the extended condition.

The step may comprise a handle which is configured to be user operable to move the step between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The front end assembly may comprise an actuator configured to move the step between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The front end assembly may comprise a control module configured to operate the actuator.

The step may be recessed behind the front side of the front end assembly in the retracted condition. The step may be a first step and the front end assembly may comprises a second step spaced from the first step.

The second step may be offset from the first step in a direction parallel to the stepping face. The second step may be spaced apart from the first step in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the stepping face of the first step.

The first step may be at least partially above the second step. The second step may protrude further from the front side of the front end assembly than the first step. Accordingly, the second step may extend from the front side of the front assembly by a greater distance than that by which the first step extends when both steps are in the extended condition. The front end assembly may comprise an air vent wherein the air vent is disposed at least partially between the first and second steps.

The front end assembly may comprise an end stop arrangement configured to limit the range of motion of the or each step.

The front end assembly may comprise a locking arrangement configured to lock the or each step in one or both of the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The support may comprise a structural frame of a front end of a vehicle. The support may be a structural frame of a front end of a vehicle. The front end assembly may comprise a front bumper assembly of a front end of a vehicle. The front end assembly may be a front bumper assembly of a front end of a vehicle.

The front end assembly may comprise a front panel assembly of a front end of a vehicle. The front end assembly may be a front panel assembly of a front end of a vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a front end of a vehicle comprising the front end assembly as described above. According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a front end as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a step on a front end assembly for a vehicle, the step comprising a stepping face; wherein the method comprises moving the step along a plane substantially parallel to the stepping face of the step between a retracted condition, in which the step is at least partially retracted in the support, and an extended condition, in which the step is at least partially extended from the support. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product downloadable from a communication network and/or stored on a machine readable medium, comprising program code instructions for implementing a method as described above.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium comprising the above computer program product.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly for a vehicle comprising a support; and a step configured to be extended from the support. Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which :

Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic front elevation view of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3A is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with the steps shown in an extended condition; Figure 3B is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of the part of the front end assembly of Figure 3A, with the steps shown in a retracted condition;

Figure 4A is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of the part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with a step shown in the extended condition;

Figure 4B is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of the part of the front end assembly of Figure 4A, with the step shown in the retracted condition ;

Figure 5 is a schematic cross-sectional, side elevation view of part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with steps shown in an extended condition in which the steps extend to different extents from a front end of the front end assembly;

Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with steps shown in an extended condition in which the steps are offset from each other;

Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with steps shown in an extended condition in which the steps are offset from, but overlap, each other;

Figure 8A is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of the part of a front end assembly according to an embodiment of the invention, with a pivoting step shown in an extended condition;

Figure 8B is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of part of the front end assembly of Figure 8A, with a pivoting step shown in a partially extended condition;

Figure 8C is a schematic cross-sectional, plan view from above of part of the front end assembly of Figure 8B, with a pivoting step shown in a retracted condition; and

Figure 9 is a schematic view of part of a vehicle including a step of Figures 1 to 8. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A vehicle 10 is shown in Figures 1 and 2. The vehicle 10 shown is a truck. The truck is a commercial vehicle which is configured to carry goods, although the type of vehicle is not limited thereto. Alternative vehicles include coaches, vans and buses.

The vehicle 10 comprises a vehicle front end 20. The vehicle front end 20 has a front bumper assembly 21 . The vehicle front end also has a front panel assembly 22. Each of the front bumper assembly 21 and the front panel assembly 22 define a front end assembly. The front bumper assembly 21 and the front panel assembly 22 may together define a front end assembly, and may be integrally formed. The front end of vehicles typically includes a cooling assembly 1 1 , also known as a cool pack disposed behind the front bumper assembly 21 . The cooling assembly includes a combination of heat exchangers such as an engine cooling system heat exchanger (radiator), a condenser for a HVAC system, a transmission oil cooler, a charge air cooler. The configuration and combination of the cooling assembly depends on the vehicle requirement. The cooling assembly 1 1 is disposed in the vehicle 10. An interior space 12 of the vehicle 10 is typically arranged to receive one or more occupants. The front bumper assembly 21 is disposed at a lower portion of the vehicle front end 20. The front panel assembly 22 is disposed above the front bumper assembly 21 . A windscreen 27 is disposed at an upper portion of the vehicle front end 20.

The front bumper assembly 21 , acting as a front end assembly, has a front side 23. The front side 23 defines a front face of the vehicle. The term 'front side' in the present description refers to the side of the vehicle which faces the direction of travel of the vehicle during normal operation.

The front bumper assembly 21 comprises a frame 30. The frame 30 is a structural configuration of the front bumper assembly 21 . The frame 30 comprises structural components, including cross members 31 . The cross members 31 extend in a width-ways direction of the front bumper assembly 21 and substantially parallel with a lateral axis of the vehicle 10. The front bumper assembly 21 comprises a vent system 24. The vent system 24 provides air flow to other parts of the vehicle 10, including the HVAC system 1 1 . The vent system 24 comprises an upper vent 25 and a lower vent 26. The number and arrangements of vents may differ. The upper vent 25 is disposed above the lower vent 26. The upper and lower vents 25, 26 are elongate and extend in a width-ways direction along the front bumper assembly 21 and substantially parallel with a lateral axis of the vehicle 10. The upper and lower vents 25, 26 are defined within the frame 30. The upper vent 25 is spaced from the lower vent 26 by the frame 30.

The upper vent 25 is defined by an opening in the front bumper assembly 21 . The lower vent 26 is defined by an opening in the front bumper assembly 21 . The openings extend through the front bumper assembly 21 along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle.

The vehicle front end 20 comprises a step arrangement. The step arrangement includes a first step 40 and a second step 50. The first step 40 and the second step 50 are disposed at the vehicle front end 20. The first step 40 and the second step 50 are configured to be moveable to protrude from the vehicle front end 20. The first step 40 is configured to be retractable with respect to the front side 23. The second step 50 is configured to be retractable with respect to the front side 23. As such, the steps are extendable from the vehicle front end 20.

As described herein, the first step 40 is the upper step and the second step is the lower step. That is, the first step 40 is a greater distance from the surface on which the vehicle 10 stands than the second step 50. However, in other embodiments, the second step 50 is the upper step and the first step 40 is the lower step. Furthermore, in some embodiments the first and second steps 40, 50 lie on the same plane. That is, the first and second steps 40, 50 are equal distance from the surface on which the vehicle 10 sits.

The first step 40 has a stepping face 41 . The stepping face 41 is configured to receive a user thereon. The stepping face 41 is configured in a substantially horizontal orientation, that is the stepping face 41 lies substantially parallel, but spaced from, the surface on which the vehicle 10 stands. The stepping face 41 is substantially flat.

The first step 40 is supported by the frame 30. The frame 30 acts as a support. The first step 40 extends from the frame 30. The first step 40 is movable along a plane substantially parallel to the stepping face 41 between a retracted condition, in which the step is at least partially retracted in the support, and an extended condition, in which the step is extended from the support. The first step 40 is shown in the extended condition in Figure 3A, and in the retracted condition in Figure 3B. The first step 40 extends into the frame 30. The frame 30 comprises a first guide 32. The first guide 32 supports the first step 40, and guides its motion. The first guide 32 comprises a channel 33 in the frame 30. The guide 32 further comprises guide members 34. The guide members 34 include, for example, guide surfaces and bearing surfaces. An end stop configuration 35 limits the range of motion of the first step 40.

The first step 40 is configured to slide in the frame 30 between the retracted condition and the extended condition. In the present embodiment, the first step 40 is configured to move along a substantially linear path between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The first step 40 comprises a panel section 42, acting as a step body. The shape of the step body may vary. The panel section 42 forms the stepping face 41 . A portion of the panel section 42 is received by the frame 30 in the extended condition to form a retained portion 44. A portion of the panel section 42 extends from the frame 30 in the extended condition to form an exposed section 43. The exposed section 43 protrudes from the front side 23.

The retained portion 44 is held by the frame 30, with the exposed portion 43 protruding therefrom. The first step 40 is rigid in a direction substantially normal to a plane containing the panel section 42 and / or the stepping face 41 . The first step 40 is therefore cantilevered from the frame 30 in the extended condition.

The first step 40 has a free end 45. The free end 45 is the distal end of the panel section 42 from the frame 30. A flange 46 extends from the free end 45. The flange 46 forms a handle 48. The handle 48 is user operable. That is, a user is able to move the first step 40 between the retracted condition and the extended condition through use of the handle 48. It will be understood that alternative actuating arrangements may be used, for example a lever or an actuating motor. The first step 40 can be withdrawn from its retracted condition by exerting a withdrawing force on the first step 40, for example by pulling on the handle 48. The first step 40 can be retracted into its retracted condition by exerting a closing force on the first step 40, for example by pushing on the handle 48.

The flange 46 comprises a number plate 47, also known as a license plate. The number plate 47 may be integrally formed with the flange 46 or may be mounted to the flange 46. An alternative mounting arrangement for the number plate to the free end 45 of the first step 40 is also anticipated. The number plate 47 may be omitted. The lower vent 26 is disposed between the first and second steps 40, 50.

The second step 50 has a stepping face 51 . The stepping face 51 is configured in a substantially horizontal orientation ; that is the stepping face 51 lies substantially parallel with, but spaced from, the surface on which the vehicle 10 stands. The stepping face 51 is substantially flat. The second step 50 is supported by the frame 30. The frame 30 acts as a support. The second step 50 extends from the frame 30. The second step 50 is movable along a plane substantially parallel to the stepping face 51 between a retracted condition, in which the second step 50 is at least partially retracted in the frame 30, and an extended condition, in which the second step 50 is extended from the frame 30. The second step 50 is shown in the extended condition in Figure 3A, and in the retracted condition in Figure 3B.

The second step 50 extends into the frame 30. The frame 30 comprises a second guide 36. The second guide 36 supports the second step 50, and guides its motion. The second guide 36 comprises a channel 37 in the frame 30. The guide 36 further comprises guide members 38. An end stop configuration 39 limits the range of motion of the second step 50. The second step 50 is configured to slide in the frame 30 between the retracted condition and the extended condition. In the present embodiment, the second step 50 is configured to move along a substantially linear path between the retracted condition and the extended condition.

The second step 50 comprises a panel section 52, acting as a step body. A portion of the panel section 52 is received by the frame 30 in the extended condition to form a retained portion 54. A portion of the panel section 52 extends from the frame 30 in the extended condition to form an exposed section 53. The exposed section 53 protrudes from the front side 23.

The retained portion 54 is held by the frame, with the exposed portion 53 protruding therefrom. The second step 50 is rigid in a direction substantially normal to a plane containing the panel section 52 and / or the stepping face 51 . The second step 50 is therefore cantilevered from the frame 30 in the extended condition.

The second step 50 has a free end 55. The free end 55 is the distal end of the panel section 52 from the frame 30. A handle 58 extends from the free end 55. The handle 58 is user operable. That is, user is able to move the second step 50 between the retracted condition and the extended condition through use of the handle 58. It will be understood that alternative actuating arrangements may be used, for example a lever or an actuating motor. The step arrangement includes a locking arrangement 59. The locking arrangement 59 is configured to restrict motion of the first and second steps 40, 50. The locking arrangement 59 is configured to selectively restrict motion of the first and second steps 40, 50 in the retracted and extended conditions. In embodiments, the locking arrangement 59 is configured to selectively restrict motion of the first and second steps 40, 50 in one of the retracted and extended conditions. The locking arrangement 59 may be a latch for each of the first and second steps. The first and second steps 40, 50 may be locked individually or together. Although the vehicle front end 20 has two steps, it will be understood that the number of steps may differ. For example, one of the first and second steps may be omitted. The vehicle front end 20 may therefore have one step only. In such an embodiment, the vehicle front end 20 has a single step which is movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition. Such an arrangement in shown in Figures 4A in which the first step 40 is a single step arrangement, with the step 40 shown in its extended condition. In Figure 4B the step is shown in its retracted condition.

In the above described embodiments, the steps are configured to be retracted from the front side 23 of the front bumper assembly 21 , acting as the front end assembly, in their retracted condition. That is, the steps do not protrude from the front side 23 in their retracted condition. The steps 40, 50 extend level with or may be retracted behind the front side 23 of the front bumper assembly 21 in their retracted condition. In another embodiment, the steps 40, 50 are partially retracted from the front side 23 of the front bumper assembly 21 , acting as the front end assembly, in their retracted condition. That is, the steps 40, 50 are at least slightly protruding from the front side 23 in their retracted condition. The steps are then moved to protrude further from the front side 23 when moved from their retracted condition into their extended condition. The extent of protrusion of each step 40, 50 in their respective retracted conditions may differ. For example the free end 45 of the first step 40 may partially protrude from the front side 23 in its retracted condition, with the free end 55 of the second step 50 being level with or retracted behind the front side 23 in its retracted condition. This may aid the positioning of the handle or number plate on the first step 40, for example in an embodiment in which the first and second step are dependency operated as will be described below. As shown in Figure 5, the first and second steps 40, 50 may extend to different extents from the front side 23 in their extended condition. In this arrangement, the free end 55 of the second step 50 is a greater distance from the frame 30 than the free end 45 of the second step 40. As such, the free ends 45, 55 are offset from each other in a direction normal to the front side 23. In this configuration, the stepping face 41 of first step 40 only partially overlaps the stepping face 51 of second step 50 in the vertical direction when the steps 40, 50 are in the extended condition. The locking arrangement 59 may be configured to effect the different extents to which the first and second steps 40, 50 respectively extend from the front side 23 in the extended condition. This arrangement maximises the ease with which a user is able to stand on the lower step.

In Figure 6, another embodiment is shown in which the first and second steps 40, 50 are shown in their extended condition. In this embodiment, the first and second steps 40, 50 are offset from each other in a direction extending parallel to the front side 23, in other words offset from each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle 10. The first and second steps 40, 50 are spaced from each other in a horizontal direction, that is substantially parallel to the surface on which the vehicle 10 is stood. The first and second steps 40, 50 may be offset from each other in a vertical direction, that is the distance from the surface on which the vehicle 10 is stood, or may be disposed on the same plane.

In a variation to the embodiment shown in Figure 6 the first and second steps 40, 50 may extend by different distances or extents from the front side 23 in their extended condition. In this arrangement, the free end 55 of the second step 50 is a greater distance from the frame 30 than the free end 45 of the second step 40. Alternatively, the free end 55 of the second step 50 is a smaller distance from the frame 30 than the free end 45 of the second step 40. As such, the free ends 45, 55 are offset from each other in a direction normal to the front side 23. The locking arrangement 59 may be configured to effect the different extents to which the first and second steps 40, 50 respectively extend from the front side 23 in the extended condition. This arrangement may facilitate use of the steps.

Figure 7 shows another embodiment in which the first and second steps 40, 50 are offset from each other in the horizontal direction. However, in this embodiment the first and second steps 40, 50 at least partially overlap each other in the horizontal direction. The first and second steps 40, 50 are spaced from each other in the vertical direction.

In a variation to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the locking arrangement may be configured to restrict movement of one or more of the first and second steps 40, 50 so that, in the extended condition, the first and second steps 40, 50 at least partially overlap each other in the horizontal direction and extend by different distances, extents or lengths in the direction normal to the front side 23 (i.e. along a direction parallel with the longitudinal axis of the vehicle). Specifically, the distance by which the first step 40 is extendable may be restricted by the locking arrangement to be less than the distance by which the second step 50 is extendable. This arrangement may facilitate use of the steps. In each of Figures 5, 6 and 7, the steps 40, 50 are shown in their extended condition, and are movable between their extended condition and their retracted condition.

In Figure 8, an embodiment with another motion of the steps between the retracted and extended conditions is shown. In this embodiment the steps are configured to pivot about a pivot axis 49 perpendicular to the stepping face between the retracted condition and the extended condition. The first step 40 only is shown, however this motion may also apply to the second step 50. Figures 8A, 8B and 8C show the first step 40 in the extended condition (Figure 8A), partially retracted (Figure 8B) and in the retracted condition (Figure 8C). The first step rotates by 90 degrees between the retracted condition and the extended condition. However, the arc of rotation may differ. For example, in embodiments the first step 40 rotates by up to 45 degrees, by up to 60 degrees or by up to 120 degrees. The motion of the first step 40 is on a plane. The shape of the first step 40 may differ. The shape of the first step 40 may differ from the shape of the second step 50. In Figure 8, the pivot axis 49 extends in the frame 30, but may extend from the front side 23.

The first and second steps 40, 50 pivot in the same or opposing directions from the extended condition to the retracted condition. The first and second steps 40, 50 may pivot by differing angles. In the present embodiment, the first and second pivot axes are co-linear, such that the first and second steps 40, 50 pivot about a common pivot axis. Alternatively, the first step 40 pivots about a first pivot axis, and the second step 50 pivots about a second pivot axis. The first and second pivot axes 49a, 49b may be co-parallel but spatially offset from one another. The first and second steps 40, 50 are on the front bumper assembly 21 , acting as the front end assembly. However, in other embodiments one or each of the steps 40, 50 is on the front panel assembly 22.

In the above described embodiments, the first and second steps 40, 50 are independently operable. That is, the first step 40 may be moved between its extended and retracted conditions independently of the second step 50. Similarly, the second step 50 may be moved between its extended and retracted conditions independently of the first step 40. In other embodiments, the first and second 40, 50 steps are dependently operable. That is, movement of one of the steps between the extended and retracted conditions causes the other step to move between the extended and retracted conditions. Such a linked configuration may, for example, use a mechanical linkage or co-ordinated actuators. With this arrangement, it is necessary for a user to actuate movement of one step only, with the other step moving in dependence on that one step. For example, a user may pull on a handle of the first step 40 to move the first step 40 from its retracted condition to its extended condition, with the linked configuration causing the second step 50 to move from its retracted condition to its extended condition.

In the above described embodiments, the steps 40, 50 are configured to be manually operable by a user. However, alternative configurations are envisaged. For example, referring to Figure 9, in embodiments an actuator 60 is operable to move the steps 40, 50 between the retracted and extended conditions. The actuator 60 may include a stepper motor. A control module 70 is configured to operate the actuator 60. The control module 70 includes a processor and a memory.

The control module 70 is operable to operate the actuator 60 in response to an input from a user interface 90. The user interface 90 in one embodiment is a button. The user interface 90 may be in wireless or wired connectivity with the control module 90. The user interface 90 may be on a fob. A power supply 80 is configured to supply power to the actuator 60.

In the above described embodiments, the first and second step 40, 50 have the same motion when moving between their extended and retracted conditions. For example, in Figures 3A and 3B, the first step 40 and second step 50 slide perpendicularly from the front side 23. However, the motion of different steps 40, 50 of the vehicle front end 20 may differ when moving between their extended and retracted conditions. For example, the first step 40 may pivot between the extended and retracted conditions, and the second step 50 may slide along a substantially linear path between the extended and retracted conditions (or vice versa). In embodiments, the first and second steps 40, 50 may pivot in opposing directions.

In another embodiment, the vehicle front end 20 has three or more steps. The configuration of the three or more steps may differ. For example, two steps may be one or more of adjacent to each other, overlap each other, be spaced from each other in a vertical arrangement and/or a horizontal arrangement. Furthermore, the free ends of the two or more steps may have a stepped arrangement, that is the free ends extend from the front side 23 by differing distances. In another embodiment, one step is movable between an extended condition and a retracted condition, and another step is a fixed step. That is, the fixed step is fixed in position and so cannot move. One such configuration has a stepping face on the upper side of the cross member 31 , or another upper surface on which a user may step. Such a fixed step is accessible from the front side 23 of the vehicle front end 20. The fixed step does not protrude from the front side 23.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features, whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance, it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings, whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.