WO2021161338A1

WO2021161338A1 - A latching mechanism of a modular vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2021161338A1
Application number: PCT/IN2021/050130
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gaurav DADHEECH; Anuj Jain; Rajat Bhardwaj; Ankit Agarwal; Satyendra Dhar DWIVEDI
Original assignee: Hero MotoCorp Limited
Priority date: 2020-02-11
Filing date: 2021-02-11
Publication date: 2021-08-19

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a latching mechanism of a modular vehicle (10) to convert the vehicle (10) from a first vehicle to a second vehicle. The vehicle comprises a first body frame (106) extending longitudinally; an attachment structure (300) adapted to be detachably couple with the vehicle (100), the attachment structure (300) comprising a second body frame (308), and at least one latching mechanism (350); wherein the latching mechanism (350) configured to detachably couple the second body frame (308) to the first body frame (106) to selectively convert the vehicle (10) from a first vehicle to a second vehicle.

Description

“A LATCHING MECHANISM OF A MODULAR VEHICLE” TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a modular vehicle having multiple configurations. More particularly, the present disclosure, discloses a latching mechanism of the modular vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles such as, but not limited to, motorized scooters, motorcycles, etc., have a plurality of components and assemblies, such as a body frame, a power unit, a passenger seating area, a storage space, and a set of ground engaging members. The power unit is adapted to provide the necessary power to the ground engaging members, to drive the vehicle. The power unit, seating area, storage space, etc., are all carried by the body frame. The ground engaging members are connected to the body frame. Therefore, the body frame is designed to carry the load of the vehicle, including the weight of the power unit, other components, and sub-assemblies of the vehicle. Such weight carried by the body frame is transferred, through the ground engaging members, to the ground.

[0003] There are situations or needs which require a vehicle to be ridden as a two wheeled at one instance and as a three wheeled vehicle at other.

[0004] However, providing such modular vehicles which may be transformed from a two-wheeled vehicle to a three-wheeled vehicle and vice versa according to need is a difficult and cumbersome task. Such conversion is expensive and requires considerable time and physical efforts. Further, conventional systems do not provide any mechanism which can cater to the requirements put forth by these modular vehicles. [0005] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY

[0006] A vehicle is disclosed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle as disclosed in present disclosure can be easily converted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice versa according to the requirements. The latching mechanism facilitates detachably coupling of the first body frame to the second body frame to convert a modular vehicle from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice versa according to the requirements. [0007] The vehicle comprises a first body frame extending longitudinally; an attachment structure adapted to be detachably coupled with the vehicle, the attachment structure comprises a second body frame, and at least one latching mechanism; wherein the latching mechanism configured to detachably couple the second body frame to the first body frame to selectively convert the vehicle from the first vehicle to the second vehicle.

[0008] In an aspect, the first vehicle is selected from of group of a two wheeled vehicle and a three -wheeled vehicle and, the second vehicle is selected from of group of the three -wheeled and a four-wheeled vehicle.

[0009] In an aspect, the latching mechanism comprises a first latching member and a latching unit.

[00010] In an aspect, the first body frame comprises a down frame stemming into a first down tube, and a second down tube.

[00011] In an aspect, the first latch member is coupled with the first down tube of the first body frame. In another aspect, the first latch member is coupled to the second body frame and the latching unit is disposed on the first body frame. [00012] In an aspect, the first latch member is a plate shaped member disposed on the first body frame of the vehicle, configured to engage a two wheeled vehicle with the attachment structure. In another aspect, the first latch member is a bracket member having a plurality of rollers disposed on the first body frame of the vehicle, configured to engage a two wheeled vehicle with the attachment structure.

[00013] In an aspect, the latching unit is disposed on a front portion of the second body frame, the latching unit is configured to move between an open position and a primary latch position.

[00014] In an aspect, the latching unit in the open position configured to acts as a stand for the attachment structure.

[00015] In an aspect, the latching unit comprises an arm engaging member, a rotating second arm member, and a connector arm member whereby the arm engaging member is fixedly coupled to the rotating second arm member with help of a pin such that the arm engaging member is rotatable with the rotating second arm member. [00016] In an aspect, the arm engaging member is configured to latch the first latch member, when the latching unit moves from the open position to the primary latch position.

[00017] In an aspect, wherein the rotating second arm member is rotatably supported on the front portion of the second body frame. [00018] In an aspect, wherein a first end of the connector arm member is rotatably coupled to the rotating second arm member, and a second end of the connector arm member is configured with a push-pull mechanism.

[00019] In an aspect, the arm engaging member comprises a latch receiving portion configured to engage the first latch member. [00020] In an aspect, the latch receiving portion embodies a cut-out portion configured to receive the first latch member.

[00021] In an aspect, the arm engaging member comprises a stand portion disposed at one end of the arm engaging member, configured to engage a resting surface.

[00022] In an aspect, the first latch member extends from a floorboard in the width direction of the two wheeled vehicle.

[00023] In an aspect, the attachment structure comprises a seat unit, a second body frame, at least two rear ground engaging members disposed below the seat unit and the second body frame, at least one power generating motor, at least one suspension device disposed on a hub of the rear ground engaging member at the second body frame and a left side cover and a right side cover disposed on both sides of attachment structure to cover lower sides of the seat unit.

[00024] A method for converting two-wheeled configuration to three-wheeled configuration is disclosed in accordance with the embodiment of the present disclosure. The method comprising steps of inserting a first body frame into an attachment structure such that a first latch member is positioned above a latching unit; and moving the latching unit by a push-pull mechanism from an open position to a primary latch position to secure the first latch member and an arm engaging member of the latching unit.

[00025] In an aspect, the push-pull mechanism selectively holds the arm engaging member in primary latch position to secure the first body frame to the second body frame.

[00026] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent with reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [00027] The disclosure itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which: [00028] Figure 1 illustrates a view of an exemplary modular vehicle in two wheeled vehicle configuration, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00029] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a first body frame the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00030] Figure 3 illustrates a view of an attachment structure of the modular vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00031] Figure 4 illustrates a view of the modular vehicle having a latching unit in an open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00032] Figure 5 illustrates a view of a latching mechanism of the modular vehicle having a latching unit in the open position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00033] Figure 6 illustrates a view of the latching unit in a primary latch position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[00034] Figure 7 illustrates a view of the latching unit in the primary latch position, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and [00035] Figure 8 illustrates a view of the latching mechanism of the modular vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[00036] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00037] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, an embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described here below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.

[00038] The term “comprises”, comprising, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, structure or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

[00039] For a better understanding of this disclosure, reference would now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the accompanying Figures and description here below, further, in the following Figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views. [00040] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, latching mechanism and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle”, “EV” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.

[00041] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing Figures.

[00042] Referring to Figures 1 and 6, an exemplary modular vehicle (10) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted. The modular vehicle (10) (hereinafter alternatively referred to as the vehicle (10)) is a vehicle which can be converted from a first vehicle to a second vehicle and vice-versa. The first vehicle may be a two- wheeled vehicle or a multi-wheeled vehicle such as a three wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. The second vehicle may be a two- wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle. In the illustrated example, the first vehicle embodies a two- wheeled vehicle, and the second vehicle embodies a three- wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the first vehicle may be a three- wheeled vehicle or a four-wheeled vehicle without limiting the scope of the disclosure. Alternatively, the second vehicle may be a two-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle without limiting the scope of the disclosure. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the modular vehicle (10) comprises a two- wheeled vehicle (100) and an attachment structure (300). The two-wheeled vehicle (100) referred to herein, embodies a scooter type electric vehicle. Alternatively, the two- wheeled vehicle (100) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as electric motorcycle etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure. The modular vehicle (10) can be interchanged between two- wheeled configuration (as shown in Figure 1) and three- wheeled configuration (as shown in Figure 6). Alternatively, the vehicle (10) may embody any other ridden vehicle such as electric motorcycle etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00043] In the illustrated example, the two-wheeled electric scooter is converted to a three-wheeled vehicle. Alternatively, the modular vehicle (100) may be a trike or a four-wheeled vehicle, which may be converted to a two-wheeled vehicle without limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[00044] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, the modular vehicle (10) in two- wheeled configuration is illustrated. The two- wheeled vehicle (100) (herein after interchangeably referred to as vehicle (100)) comprises a front end structure (102), a floorboard (134), and a rear end structure (104). The front end structure (102) comprises a steering mechanism (113), a leg shield (108), a front ground engaging member (110), a dash assembly (not shown), a head lamp unit (118), and a plurality of winkers (120). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a handlebar (114). The handlebar (114) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The steering mechanism (113) comprises a plurality of front forks (136) disposed at the front portion of the vehicle (100). The steering mechanism (113) is operatively coupled to the front ground engaging member (110) via the plurality of front forks (136).

[00045] In the illustrated example, the dash assembly (116) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). The dash assembly (116) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information relating to the vehicle (100) to the rider. The dash assembly (116) may comprise additional components such as, LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the head lamp unit ( 118) is provided on the steering mechanism (113). Alternatively, the head lamp unit (118) may be provided on the leg shield (108), without limiting the scope of the invention. [00046] The leg shield (108) is disposed on the front portion of the vehicle (100). The leg shield (108) encloses the steering mechanism (113). The leg shield (108) comprises an inner leg shield (109) and an outer leg shield (111). The leg shield (108) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (100). In the illustrated example, the plurality of the winkers (120) is disposed on the leg shield (108). Alternatively, the plurality of the winkers (120) may be provided on the steering mechanism (113) of the vehicle (100), without any limitations. The floorboard (134) is disposed behind the front end structure (102) and the rear end structure (104). The floorboard (134) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (100).

[00047] The vehicle (100) comprises the first body frame (106). The front body frame (106) extends along the longitudinal length of the vehicle (100). The first body frame (106) comprises a head tube (122), a down frame (124), a first cross member (126), a left seat rail (128), and a right seat rail (130). The down frame (124) extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head tube (122). The down frame (124) extends between the head tube (122) and the first cross member (126). The steering mechanism (113) is pivotally supported on the first body frame (106). More particularly, the head tube (122) supports the steering mechanism (113). Further, at least portion of the head tube (122) and the down frame (124) is enclosed by at least portion of the leg shield (108). The left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130) extend rearward and upward from the first cross member (126). Further, in an embodiment, the bottom portion of the down tube (124) stems into two pipes namely, the first down tube (518), and the second down tube (520).

[00048] The vehicle (100) comprises a passenger’s seat (170). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170) are disposed on the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). The rider’s seat (112) and the passenger seat (170) may be formed as a single unit or may be individual members, without any limitations. The vehicle (100) comprises a control unit (not shown). The control unit controls various operations of the modular vehicle (10) in both two-wheeled configuration and the three- wheeled configuration.

[00049] The vehicle (100) comprises a front side cover (141), a left side cover (142) and a right side cover (not shown). The front side cover (141) is disposed adjacent to the floorboard (134) and covers front area below the rider’s seat (112).

The left side cover (142) and the right-side cover (not shown) are disposed on both sides of a vehicle body and covers lower sides of the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170). Further, the vehicle (100) comprises a first battery unit (not shown). In the illustrated example, the first battery unit is disposed below the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). In one example, the first battery unit may be disposed within the leg shield (108). In another example, the first battery unit is disposed underneath the floorboard (134), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00050] Referring to Figures 1, and 3, the vehicle (100) comprises the rear end structure (104). The rear end structure (104) is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle (100). The rear end structure (106) comprises a swing arm (160), a tail lamp

( 182) and a rear side cover (188). The rear side cover ( 188) is disposed on rear portion of the vehicle (100) and covers hind area below the passenger’s seat (170). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp (182) is disposed on the rear side cover (188). A plurality of turn signal indicators (183) are disposed on either side of the tail lamp (182).

[00051] The rear end structure (104) comprises a rear ground engaging member (184), a power generating motor (179), a second battery unit (not shown), and at least one suspension device (185). In the illustrate example, the rear ground engaging member (184) is disposed below the rider’s seat (112) and the passenger’s seat (170). In the illustrated example, the second battery unit (not shown) is disposed below the rider’s seat (112). In another example, at least portion of the passenger’s seat (170) overlaps the at least portion of the second battery unit (not shown). In the illustrated example, the second battery unit is disposed on the second battery holding portion (not shown) disposed below the left seat rail (128) and the right seat rail (130). The second battery unit (not shown) stores the energy required to power the power generating motor (179). The second battery unit is electrically coupled to the power generating motor (179) via the control unit. The first battery unit is electrically coupled to the control unit and the power generating motor (179) and provides necessary power if and when required.

[00052] The control unit controls the supply of the electric power from the second battery unit and the first battery unit to the power generating motor (179). In the illustrated example, the power generating motor (179) is disposed on a hub of the rear ground engaging member ( 184). Alternatively, the power generating motor (179) may be disposed on the swing arm (160) without limiting the scope of the invention. The power generating motor (179) drives the rear ground engaging member (184). The swing arm (160) is pivotally coupled to the first body frame (106). The rear ground engaging member (184) is rotatably supported on the swing arm (160). [00053] The rear end structure ( 104) comprises the at least one suspension device

(185). In the illustrated example, the rear end structure (104) comprises one suspension device (185) which is operatively coupled between the first body frame (106) and the swing arm (160). The suspension device (185) embodies a shock absorber. The rear end structure (104) may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00054] Further, the vehicle (100) comprises first electronic connections (not shown) and first hydraulic connections (not shown). The first electronic connections may embody a wire harness. The first hydraulic connections may embody fluid hoses. Further, the vehicle (100) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors, front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00055] Referring to Figures 3, 4 and 6, the modular vehicle (10) comprises the attachment structure (300). The attachment structure (300) is adapted to be detachably couple to the vehicle (100) to convert the modular vehicle (10) from the two- wheeled configuration to the three-wheeled configuration (as shown in Figures 1 and 6). The attachment structure (300) comprises a seat unit (302), a tail lamp (not shown), a rear side cover (not shown), a left side cover (not shown), a right cover (not shown) and a second body frame (308). The rear side cover is disposed on rear portion of the attachment structure (300) and covers hind area below the seat unit (302). In the illustrated example, the tail lamp is disposed on the rear side cover. A plurality of turn signal indicators (not shown) are disposed on either side of the tail lamp. The left side cover and the right side cover are disposed on both sides of attachment structure (300) and cover lower sides of the seat unit (302).

[00056] Further, the attachment structure (300) comprises more than one rear ground engaging member (306), at least one power generating motor (312), a third battery unit (not shown), and at least one suspension device (318). In the illustrate example, the attachment structure (300) comprises two rear ground engaging members (306). The rear ground engaging members (306) are disposed below the seat unit (302) and the second body frame (308). In the illustrated example, the attachment structure (300) comprises one power generating motor (312). The power generating motor (312) is disposed on the second body frame (308). In another example, the attachment structure (300) comprises two power generating motors (312). Each of the two power generating motors (312) are disposed on a hub of the rear ground engaging member (306).

[00057] In the illustrated example, the third battery unit is disposed below the seat unit (302) in a battery holding case (314). The third battery unit stores the energy required to power the power generating motor (312). The third battery unit is electrically coupled to the power generating motor (312) via the control unit of the vehicle (100), when the attachment structure (300) is coupled to the two wheeled vehicle (100). The attachment structure (300) may have an additional control unit to control various operations. When the attachment structure (300) is coupled to the two- wheeled vehicle (100), the additional control unit is in electronic communication with the control unit of the vehicle (100).

[00058] The control unit controls the supply of the electric power from the third battery unit and the first battery unit to the power generating motors. Each of the power generating motors drives each of the rear ground engaging members.

[00059] The attachment structure (300) comprises the at least one suspension device (318). In the illustrated example, the attachment structure (300) comprises two suspension devices (318), one of the suspension device (318) is operatively coupled between an axle of the one of the rear ground engaging member (306) and the second body frame (308), and another one of the suspension device (318) between an axle of another rear ground engaging member (306) and the second body frame (308).

[00060] The attachment structure (300) comprises third electronic connections (not shown) and third hydraulic connections (not shown). The third electronic connections may embody a wire harness. The third hydraulic connections may embody fluid hoses. The attachment structure (300) may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00061] The second body frame (308) is detachably coupled to the first body frame (106) to convert the modular vehicle (10) from the two wheeled configuration (as shown in Figure 1) to the three wheeled configuration (as shown in Figure 6). The modular vehicle (10) comprises a latching mechanism (350). The latching mechanism (350) is configured to removably couple the two wheeled vehicle (100) to the attachment structure (300). More particularly, the latching mechanism (350) detachably couples the first body frame (106) with the second body frame (308) of the attachment structure (300).

[00062] Referring to Figures 2 to 8, the latching mechanism (350) comprises a first latch member (352) and a latching unit (354). In the illustrated example, the first latch member (352) is a plate shaped member disposed on the first body frame (106) of the vehicle (100). In another example, as shown in figure 2, the first latch member (352) is a bracket member having a plurality of rollers (370) which facilitates in easy engagement of the two wheeled vehicle (100) with the attachment structure (300). The first latch member (352) extends from the floorboard (134) in the width direction of the two wheeled vehicle (100). The first latch member (352) is coupled to the first down tube (518) of the first body frame (106).

[00063] In yet another example, the first latch member (352) is coupled to the second body frame (308), without any limitations. When the first latch member (352) is coupled to the second body frame (308), the latching unit (354) is disposed on the first body frame (106), without limitations.

[00064] In the illustrated example, the latching unit (354) is disposed on a front portion (309) of the second body frame (308). The latching unit (354) is configured to move between an open position (A) (as shown in Figure 5) and a primary latch position (B) (as shown in Figure 6). The latching unit (354) in the open position (A) acts as a stand. In the illustrated example, as shown in figure 5, the latching unit (354) in the open position (A) acts as a stand for attachment structure (300).

[00065] As shown in figure 8, the latching unit (354) comprises an arm engaging member (360), a rotating second arm member (362), and a connector arm member (366). The connector arm member (366) is coupled to a push-pull mechanism (not shown). The push-pull mechanism may be a hydraulic actuator or may be an electric servo motor configured to push and pull the connector arm member (366). The connector arm member (366) is rotatably coupled to the rotating second arm member (362). The rotating second arm member (362) is rotatably fixed to the second body frame (308). More particularly, the rotating second arm member (362) is rotatably fixed to the front portion (309) of the second body frame (308). [00066] The rotating second arm member (362) is fixedly coupled to the arm engaging member (360) via a pin (369). The rotating second arm member (362) is coupled to the arm engaging member (360) such that as the rotating second arm member (362) is rotated the arm engaging member (360) rotates. The arm engaging member (360) is configured to latch the first latch member (352), when the latching unit (354) moves from the open position (A) to the primary latch position (B).

[00067] Referring to Figures 3 to 8, the arm engaging member (360) comprises a latch receiving portion (364) and a stand portion (368). The stand portion (368) is disposed at one end of the arm engaging member (360). Another end of the arm engaging member (360) is coupled to the rotating second arm member (362). The stand portion (368) is configured to engage a resting surface (for e.g., ground surface) when the latching unit (354) is in the open position (A). The stand portion (368) acts as a stand to the attachment structure (300). The latch receiving portion (364) is disposed at substantially middle portion of the arm engaging member (360). The latch receiving portion (364) is configured to engage the first latch member (352), when the latching unit (354) is moved to a primary latching position (B). The latch receiving portion (364) embodies a cut-out portion configured to receive the first latch member (352).

[00068] When the modular vehicle ( 10) is required to be converted from the two wheeled configuration to three-wheeled vehicle configuration. The two wheeled vehicle (100) is removably coupled to the attachment structure (300). In order to couple the two wheeled vehicle (100) to the attachment structure (300), the first body frame (106) of the vehicle (100) is inserted into the attachment structure (300) such that the first latch member (352) is positioned above the latching unit (354), thereafter the latching unit (354) is moved from the open position (A) to the primary latch position (B) by the push-pull mechanism. As the latching unit (354) moves towards the primary latch position (B), the first latch member (352) is received by the latch receiving portion (364) on the arm engaging member (360), thereby securing the first latch member (352) and the arm engaging member (360). The first latch member (352) secured to the arm engaging member (360) of the latching unit (354) by the push-pull mechanism which holds the arm engaging member (360) in primary latch position (B), thereby securing the first body frame (106) to the second body frame (308). Thereby converting the modular vehicle (10) from two-wheeled configuration to three-wheeled configuration.

[00069] In the illustrated example, only one latching mechanism (350) is depicted. Alternatively, the modular vehicle (10) may include multiple latching mechanisms (350) disposed on either side of the modular vehicle (10), without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00070] Herein the above description of the invention only one control unit is being used to control the operations of the modular vehicle (10), however multiple control units in communication with one another may be used, without limiting the scope of the invention. [00071] Herein the above description, the fastening members may be nuts, bolts, rivets etc., without limiting the scope of the invention.

[00072] Herein the above description, the coupling may be using fastening members, welding, or any other coupling methods known in the art, without limiting the scope of the invention. [00073] The present disclosure discloses the modular vehicle (10) which can be easily converted from a two wheeled vehicle to a three wheeled vehicle and vice versa according to the requirements. The modular vehicle (10) comprises the latching mechanism (350) which facilitates in detachably coupling the first body frame (106) to the second body frame (308). The latching mechanism (350) simplifies the overall process of changing of the modular vehicle (10) from the two wheeled configuration to the three wheeled configuration thus a user can convert the vehicle from the two wheeled configuration to the three wheeled configuration with ease and in cost effective manner.

[00074] While few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[00075] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this disclosure, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other modifications in the nature of the disclosure or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

The Claims:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising: a first body frame (106) extending longitudinally; an attachment structure (300) adapted to be detachably coupled with a vehicle (100), the attachment structure (300) comprising a second body frame (308); and at least one latching mechanism (350), wherein the at least one latching mechanism (350) configured to detachably couple the second body frame (308) to the first body frame (106) to selectively convert the vehicle (10) from a first vehicle to a second vehicle.

2. The vehicle ( 10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first vehicle is selected from of group of a two wheeled vehicle and a three-wheeled vehicle and, the second vehicle is selected from of group of the three-wheeled and a four-wheeled vehicle.

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the latching mechanism (350) comprises a first latching member (352) and a latching unit (354).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first body frame (106) comprises a down frame (124) stemming into a first down tube (518), and a second down tube (520).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 3 and 4, wherein the first latch member (352) is coupled with the first down tube (518) of the first body frame (106).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first latch member (352) is a plate shaped member disposed on the first body frame (106) of the vehicle (100), configured to selectively engage a two wheeled vehicle (100) with the attachment structure (300).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first latch member (352) is a bracket member having a plurality of rollers (370) disposed on the first body frame (106) of the vehicle (100), configured to selectively engage a two wheeled vehicle (100) with the attachment structure (300).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the latching unit (354) is disposed on a front portion (309) of the second body frame (308), the latching unit (354) is configured to move between an open position (A) and a primary latch position (B).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the latching unit (354) in the open position (A) configured to acts as a stand for the attachment structure (300).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first latch member (352) is coupled to the second body frame (308) and the latching unit (354) is disposed on the first body frame (106).

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the latching unit (354) comprises an arm engaging member (360), a rotating second arm member (362), and a connector arm member (366); the arm engaging member (360) is fixedly coupled to the rotating second arm member (362) such that the arm engaging member (360) is rotatable with the rotating second arm member (362).

12. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the arm engaging member (360) is configured to latch the first latch member (352), when the latching unit (354) moves from the open position (A) to the primary latch position (B).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the rotating second arm member (362) is rotatably supported on the front portion (309) of the second body frame (308).

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein a first end of the connector arm member (366) is rotatably coupled to the rotating second arm member (362), and a second end of the connector arm member (366) is configured with a push-pull mechanism.

15. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 3 and 11, wherein the arm engaging member (360) comprises a latch receiving portion (364) configured to engage the first latch member (352).

16. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the latch receiving portion (364) embodies a cut-out portion configured to receive the first latch member (352).

17. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the arm engaging member (360) comprises a stand portion (368) disposed at one end of the arm engaging member (360), configured to engage a resting surface.

18. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first latch member (352) extends from a floorboard ( 134) in the width direction of the two wheeled vehicle (100).

19. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the attachment structure comprises a seat unit (302), a second body frame (308), at least two rear ground engaging members (306) disposed below the seat unit (302) and the second body frame (308), at least one power generating motor (312), at least one suspension device (318) disposed on a hub of the rear ground engaging member (306) at the second body frame (308) and a left side cover and a right side cover disposed on both sides of attachment structure (300) to cover lower sides of the seat unit (302).

20. A method for converting two-wheeled configuration to three-wheeled configuration, comprising steps of: inserting a first body frame (106) into an attachment structure (300) such that a first latch member (352) is positioned above a latching unit (354); and moving the latching unit (354) by a push-pull mechanism from an open position (A) to a primary latch position (B) to secure the first latch member (352) and an arm engaging member (360) of the latching unit (354).

21. The method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the push-pull mechanism selectively holds the arm engaging member (360) in the primary latch position (B) to secure the first body frame (106) to a second body frame (308).