Field Of Invention:
The invention generally relates to an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, particularly to the construction and functioning of the said tractor, comprising a novel engine and driveline assembly. Said engine and driveline assembly of the hybrid tractor is so constructed that it is capable of generating power ~50 Hp from diesel fuel and additional ~5-8 Hp from BLDC motor connected to Li-ion battery. Hybrid power source tractors are required to be developed in such a manner that it can meet modern days’ requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
Background of the invention and prior arts:
Indian agriculture and farming requires practices to get higher yield per hectare for food to ever growing population. This is possible through extensive mechanization and precision based agro solutions. However, as we go for agriculture machinery specifically tractors, today most of them are powered by diesel engines. Some of the major negative effects of diesel tractors are smog-producing environment polluting gases, high running cost of the machine due to high prices, high maintenance cost for the diesel engine etc. We have to switch to alternate clean fuel to reduce carbon foot print of agriculture operations for a better tomorrow.
A hybrid tractor is one that uses more than one means of power - that is combining diesel engine with an electric motor. Hybrid technology does offer superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions and pave the path towards sustainable agriculture platform. Hybrid vehicles produce fewer gas emissions than conventional. Generally, larger the power of the machine greater the difference in emissions between the hybrid and conventional versions. The main advantages of a hybrid power source are that it consumes less fuel and emits less carbon dioxide, preferably ~10% -15% less CO2.
As the field of manufacturing hybrid vehicle is relatively new, continuous R&D is going on world over, depending upon the nature of power source and control mechanism involved therein, utility of the vehicle, specific structural/functional requirements in the vehicle, specific requirement of the environment and law of the land.
One prior art US20110114398A1, published on 19/05/2011 discloses a battery power system for a plug-in hybrid or electric tractor trailer employs a battery module which is carried by the trailer. A cable communicates with the battery module and connects with a connector on the cab for supplying power to power the electric motor of the cab. The cab can be disconnected from the trailer while the battery module on the trailer is charged. The cab can then be driven by the electric motor powered by the battery supply of the cab.
One Korean prior art KR20150031794A titled Driving methods of hybrid-tractor's booster using boost system, published on 25/03/2015, relates to a booster operating method for a hybrid tractor wherein a boost system is applied including an engine of an internal combustion engine; an engine control unit for controlling the engine; a transmission for changing a rotational speed of the engine; a transmission control unit controlling the transmission; a motor-generator connected to the engine; a motor-generator control unit controlling the motor-generator; a battery providing electricity for the motor-generator and storing electricity; and a battery control unit controlling the battery. The present invention provides the booster operating method for the hybrid tractor including i) an engine-starting step, ii) a step of determining whether a booster operating switch is turned ON or OFF, iii) a step of determining whether the battery is charged or not, iv) a basic hybrid algorithm operating step v) a discharging step of forcibly operating the motor by discharging the battery vi) a motor operation determining step, and vii) a motor residual output determining step. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an efficient operation strategy for operating the booster system by achieving results such as charging or discharging, or stopping of charging and discharging.
Another prior art CN205871718U, published on 11/01/2017, describes a utility model discloses a four wheel drive hybrid tractor, including chassis and wheel, the chassis includes oil tank, engine, transfer case, generator, power output shaft, driving motor, electric coupling, storage battery, battery charger and machine controller, and engine and generator are basic power supply, and storage battery is the auxiliary power source, be equipped with the transfer case between engine and motor, but the power of engine is power output shaft and generator respectively through the transfer case provides switch that power and two strands of power of independent control flow with big or small, four driving motor pacify respectively in four wheels and drive four wheels, and the wheel passes through the transmission system transmission with driving motor, the oil tank passes through the oil circuit with the engine to be connected, is mechanical connection between engine and transfer case, transfer case and generator and the power output shaft. The utility model has the advantages of the low emission, application range is wide, and the fault point is few, the ground adhesion is high, and tractive performance is good, and is easy and simple to handle.
Another Chinese prior art CN209833375U, published on 24/12/2019, relates to a utility model of a hybrid tractor, wherein the hybrid tractor comprises a main body; a power system, wherein said power system comprises a battery pack and a fuel cell stack, wherein said fuel cell stack is electrically connected to said battery pack and adapted to charge said battery pack, and said fuel cell stack is capable of charging said battery pack during travel; and an electric motor, said storage battery and said fuel cell stack electrically connecting said fuel cell stack in parallel, said electric motor having a plurality of power modes, different power modes in which said fuel cell stack charges said storage battery differently; and a tractor control system disposed on the main body, the tractor control system being controllably connected to the power system, and the tractor control system controlling the fuel cell stack to charge the battery pack.
Another prior Chinese patent application dated 18/10/2018, published as CN210133015U, describes a utility model of a hybrid tractor, wherein the hybrid tractor comprises a main body; a power system disposed on the main body, wherein the power system comprises: a battery pack disposed on the main body; a fuel cell stack provided on the main body; and an electric motor, wherein said battery pack and said fuel cell stack are electrically connected in parallel to said electric motor and adapted to power said electric motor, wherein the ratio of power supplied by said battery pack and said fuel cell stack can be adjusted to accommodate different power supply modes; and a tractor control system disposed on the main body and drivingly connected to the tractor control system such that the tractor control system performs corresponding operations.
Another prior patent publication CN106080163B dated 02/04/2019, titled A kind of four-wheel driven hybrid power tractor, discloses a kind of four-wheel driven hybrid power tractors, including chassis and wheel, chassis includes fuel tank, engine, transfer gear, generator, power output shaft, driving motor, electric coupler, battery group, battery charger and electric machine controller, engine and generator are basic motive source, and battery group is auxiliary power source;Be equipped with transfer gear between engine and motor, the power of engine through transfer gear be respectively power output shaft and power electric generators and can two strands of kinetic currents of independent control switch and size;Four driving motors are positioned in four wheels respectively and four wheels, wheel and driving motor are driven to be driven by transmission system;Fuel tank, by oil circuit connection, is mechanical connection between engine and transfer gear, transfer gear and generator and power output shaft with engine. The advantages that present invention has low emission, and use scope is wide, and fault point is few, ground adhesion is high, and hauling ability is good, easy to operate.
Object of the invention:
Manufacturing a hybrid vehicle, particularly a hybrid tractor for performing all agriculture and transport activities, is an effort which involves substantial technical expertise, resource utilization and innovative skills.
Prime object of the present invention is to provide an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, particularly termed as Escorts 50 HP Hybrid Tractor, which is first Auto Hybrid Tractor of its own type in 50 horsepower category.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, wherein the preferred embodiment of the said hybrid tractor:-
• runs on dual power from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power;
• works in FOUR AUTO MODES based on the load requirement, i.e. (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements;
• utilizes the Hybrid concept for power as “on the Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position”, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, wherein this hybrid tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Battery, Controller, Electronic Control Unit, Cooling System, etc.; wherein the customized assembly of its said components creates such a specialized machine which is capable of performing synergistic operations towards:-
• running on dual power, preferably from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power;
• working in four AUTO MODES based on the load requirement, i.e. (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements;
and wherein its hybrid concept works on the Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors.
BRIEF SUMMARY / MECHANISM
The present invention discloses a Hybrid tractor, particularly an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, more particularly to the construction and functioning of said tractor, comprising novel engine and driveline assembly. Said engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that the most preferred embodiment of the said hybrid tractor is capable of generating power ~ 50 Hp from diesel fuel and additional ~5-8Hp from BLDC motor connected to Li-ion battery. Said hybrid tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Battery, Controller, Electronic Control Unit, Cooling System, etc. and is capable of functioning in any of the modes indicated in figure 1 to 6 hereinbelow.
The hybrid power source for the Hybrid tractors are so developed that it can meet modern days’ requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
Said Hybrid tractor is one, which uses more than one means of power - that is combining diesel engine with an electric motor. Hybrid technology does offer superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions and pave the path towards Sustainable Agriculture platform.
The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as disclosed and illustrated herein is particularly characterized in the Inline Mechanical Engine in the said Hybrid Tractor, which does not use any electronic fuel injection pump, and wherein the fuel injection pump and Mild hybrid option are kept independent of each and the Mild Hybrid functioning of the said hybrid tractor is based on load/rpm drop, which is coming from actual application; and therefore the Mild Hybrid Options towards power transmission in the auto Hybrid Tractor herein is not link with fuel injection pump, as this engine (6) type is inline. Therefore, the said engine type of the instant Hybrid Tractor is termed as “Inline Mechanical Engine”.
The Hybrid tractor of the present invention, mainly due to its unique construction and customization of power sources, mainly electric motor, diesel engine towards synergistic operations of power consuming components/assemblies, produce fewer gas emissions than conventional, characterized in the fact that (i) the larger the power, the greater the difference in emissions between the hybrid and conventional versions; and (ii) The main advantages of a hybrid are that it consumes less fuel and emit 10% -15% less CO2.
The preferred embodiment of the auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine of the present invention, “Escorts 50HP hybrid Tractor”, is first Auto Hybrid Tractor of its own type, that is in 50 horsepower category, which works on Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors. Said preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor comprises following advantageous and characteristic constructional/structural/ functional features:
• It runs on dual power from a 50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power of a battery.
• Unique Hybrid Architecture with Engine RPM and throttle position as inputs.
• It works in four different AUTO modes based on the load requirement, particularly (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes.
Brief description of the drawings:
Figure-1: Represents schematic view of the assembly of electric motor and flange through the universal joint propeller shaft.
Figure-2: Represents schematic exploded view of the electric motor, propeller shaft, flange and crank-pulley, assembled together.
Figure-3: Represents comparative flow-chart scheme of the traditional power flow as “Traditional Tractor Skeleton” and hybrid power flow under heading “Hybrid Tractor Skeleton”.
Figure-4: Represents schematic flow-chart scheme for the architecture of hybrid power generation and management/utilization in the most preferred embodiment of the said hybrid tractor of the invention.
Figure-5: Represents another schematic flow-chart scheme for the architecture of hybrid power generation and management/ utilization in the most preferred embodiment of the said hybrid tractor of the invention.
Figure-6: Represents schematic flow-chart scheme for the working modes of the preferred embodiment of the Hybrid Tractor of the invention.
List of numeric references, indicating the inventive constructional and functional features of the instant invention:
Number, used in the drawings as reference Particulars of the numeric reference used in the labelling of accompanying drawings, indicating the structural component /constructional aspect or functional aspect, involved with the instant inventive concept
1 Motor
2 Universal Joint, provisioned in the Propeller Shaft (4)
3 Flange
4 Universal Joint Propeller Shaft
5 Crank Pulley
6 Engine
7 Gear Box
8 Differential
9 Wheel Hub
10 PTO + TPL
11 Motor Controller
12 HV Battery
13 ETU (Electronic Trip Unit)
14 Vehicle Control Unit (VCU)
15 Motor Encoder
16 Cluster
17 Hand and Foot Throttle
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH THE HELP OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS:-
The present invention generally relates to an auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, particularly to the construction and functioning of the said tractor, comprising a novel engine and driveline assembly. Said engine and driveline assembly of the hybrid tractor is so constructed that it is capable of generating power ~50 Hp from diesel fuel and additional ~5-8 Hp from BLDC motor connected to Li-ion battery.
Hybrid power source tractors are required to be developed in such a manner that it can meet modern days’ requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
The present discloser provides an Auto Hybrid Tractor with Inline Mechanical Engine, comprising major aggregates like Engine (6), Transmission (including Gear Box (7), differential (8), wheel Hub (9) and PTO+TPL (10)), Hydraulics, Electric Motor (1), Battery (12), Motor Controller (11), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (14), Electronic Control Unit (or ETU) (13), Cooling System, etc.; wherein the said Hybrid tractor is characterized in its novel customized assembly of its components towards performing synergistic operations namely:-
• running on dual power, preferably from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power;
• working in four AUTO MODES based on the load requirement, i.e. (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements;
and wherein its hybrid concept works on the Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors.
Said auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Battery, Controller, Electronic Control/Trip Unit, Cooling System, etc.; wherein the customized assembly of its said components creates such a specialized machine which is capable of performing synergistic operations towards:-
• running on dual power, preferably from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power;
• working in four AUTO MODES based on the load requirement, i.e. (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements; and
wherein its hybrid concept works on the Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors.
Meaning of the INLINE MECHANICAL ENGINE: -
Conventionally, all Mild Hybrid options has two separate ECU (Electronic control Unit), one of which controls engine’s functionalities and the second ECU controls. In conventional Mild Hybrid Options, both are then connected as Master slave concept for working as complete system.
In the conventional practice, the electronic controlled system needs electronic fuel injection pump, for example like in mild hybrid optioned used in cars.
In contrast to the conventional practice, said Hybrid Tractor of the instant invention does not use any electronic fuel injection pump, and wherein the fuel injection pump and Mild hybrid option are kept independent of each and the Mild Hybrid functioning of the said hybrid tractor is based on load/rpm drop, which is coming from actual application; and therefore the Mild Hybrid Options towards power transmission in the auto Hybrid Tractor herein is not link with fuel injection pump, as this engine type is inline. Therefore, the complete system is called INLINE MECHANICAL ENGINE.
The preferred embodiment of the present invention, that is the auto hybrid tractor with inline mechanical engine, comprises at least one of the following advantages of the inventive concept disclosed herein:
• Higher (~55) Horse Power work from low horsepower (~50) Engine;
• Lower service cost / effort;
• Fuel Saving 10-15% comparing equivalent Higher Horsepower Engine;
• Environment friendly as less fuel burning.
The preferred embodiment of the Hybrid tractor of the present invention, is so constructed and designed with respect to its functionality and operational capabilities, that it is capable of adopting any of the major mode of its action/function, namely boost mode, pure engine drive mode, charging mode, Automatic switching in between modes based on load requirements and plug-in charging mode option, as also indicated and illustrated in Fig 1-6 schematic drawings.
As indicated in Figures 1 and Figure 2, Hybrid Tractor design incorporates direct coupling of Electric motor (1) with Crank pulley (5) of engine (6). Said motor (1), with the provision of universal joint propeller shaft (4), is connected to engine crank pulley (5) and both are rotating parts, so rigid joint will not work, in that case Universal joint propeller shaft (4) provided to provide degree of freedom while rotation. The Motor (4) will assist engine (6) to provide additional power boost, as per field load requirement, duly interfaced by the integrated motor controller (11).
Said motor controller (11), is provisioned to sense the motor’s RPM and the variable loads of the hybrid tractor in real time and automatically regulate and boost the overall power transmission by engaging battery (12) as additional power supply to the said motor (1), directly linked to the engine (6) through the mutually connected and rotatable components, namely universal joint propeller shaft (4) engine’s crank pulley (5).
Hybrid management is controlled through a Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (14), where operator can have various AUTO FUNCTIONS as following –
1. Normal Engine Mode: Tractor works like any conventional Diesel tractor i.e. Engine utilizes power from Diesel Engine up to 50hp power demand
2. Boost Mode: Tractor utilizes power from both sources i.e. Diesel Engine & Battery, based on load requirements
3. Charging Mode: Diesel Engine Charges the Battery
4. Automatic switching in between modes based on load requirements.
As it is indicated in Figures 3 to 6, said various modes of power transmission in the auto Hybrid Tractor of the instant invention having inline type engine (6) are duly managed and controlled by the highly integrated motor controller (11), which is provisioned with effective state-of-the art real time data processing and automatic command logics/mechanisms towards hybrid power transmission in the hybrid tractor, particularly to assist the optimum power utilization by consuming minimum diesel and automatically selecting one of the four AUTO MODES provisioned for the said hybrid tractor, particularly based on the load requirement, namely (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements.
ADVANTAGES
Advantages of the present invention mainly include:-
1. Higher (~55) Horse Power work from low horsepower (~50) IC Engine;
2. Lower service cost / effort;
3. Fuel Saving ~10-15% comparing equivalent Higher Horsepower Engine;
4. Environment friendly as less fossil fuel burning.
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiment, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiment, as well as alternate embodiment of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined.

We Claim:

1. Auto Hybrid Tractor with Inline Mechanical Engine, comprising major aggregates like Engine (6), Transmission (including Gear Box (7), differential (8), wheel Hub (9) and PTO+TPL (10)), Hydraulics, Electric Motor (1), Battery (12), Motor Controller (11), Vehicle Control Unit (VCU) (14), Electronic Control Unit (or ETU) (13), Cooling System, etc.; wherein the said Hybrid tractor is characterized in its novel customized assembly of its components towards performing synergistic operations namely:-
• running on dual power, preferably from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power;
• working in four AUTO MODES based on the load requirement, i.e. (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements;
and wherein its hybrid concept works on the Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors.
2. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Inline Mechanical Engine (6) in the said Hybrid Tractor does not use any electronic fuel injection pump, and wherein the fuel injection pump and Mild hybrid option are kept independent of each and the Mild Hybrid functioning of the said hybrid tractor is based on load/rpm drop, which is coming from actual application; and therefore the Mild Hybrid Options towards power transmission in the auto Hybrid Tractor herein is not link with fuel injection pump, as this engine (6) type is inline.
3. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said Hybrid Tractor incorporates direct coupling of Electric motor (1) with Crank pulley (5) of engine (6); said motor (1), with the provision of universal joint propeller shaft (4) is connected to engine crank pulley (5) and both are rotating parts, so rigid joint will not work, in that case Universal joint propeller shaft (4) provided to provide degree of freedom while rotation; wherein the Motor (4) assists engine (6) to provide additional power boost, as per field load requirement, duly interfaced by the integrated motor controller (11).
4. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said motor controller (11), is provisioned to sense the motor’s RPM and the variable loads of the said hybrid tractor in real time and automatically regulate and boost the overall power transmission by engaging battery (12) as additional power supply to the said motor (1), directly linked to the engine (6) through the mutually connected and rotatable components, namely universal joint propeller shaft (4) and engine’s crank pulley (5).
5. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that it is capable of generating power ~50 Hp from diesel fuel and additional ~5-8Hp from BLDC motor (4) connected to Li-ion battery (12) and wherein said hybrid tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Battery, Controller, Electronic Control Unit, Cooling System, etc. and is capable of functioning in any of the modes indicated in figure 1 to 6.
6. The Auto Hybrid Tractor with Inline Mechanical Engine, as claimed in claim 1, wherein various modes of power transmission in the said auto Hybrid Tractor having inline type engine (6) are duly managed and controlled by the highly integrated motor controller (11), which is provisioned with effective state-of-the art real time data processing and automatic command logics/mechanisms towards hybrid power transmission in the hybrid tractor, particularly to assist the optimum power utilization by consuming minimum diesel and automatically selecting one of the four AUTO MODES provisioned for the said hybrid tractor, particularly based on the load requirement, namely (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes based on load requirements.
7. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in claim 1, said hybrid power source tractors comprising the Inline Mechanical Engine (6) are so developed that:-
• it can meet modern days’ requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance;
• said hybrid tractor is one that uses more than one means of power - that is combining diesel engine with an electric motor.
8. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-7, said hybrid vehicle produce fewer gas emissions than conventional, characterized in the fact that (i) the larger the power, the greater the difference in emissions between the hybrid and conventional versions; and (ii) The main advantages of a hybrid are that it consumes less fuel and emit 10% -15% less CO2.
9. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-8, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention, “Escorts 50HP hybrid Tractor” is first Auto Hybrid Tractor of its own type, that is in 50 horsepower category which works on Inputs of Engine RPM and Throttle position, which is unique with Inline Mechanical Tractors, said preferred embodiment comprises following advantageous and characteristic constructional/structural/functional features:
• It runs on dual power from a ~50hp Diesel Engine and ~5-8 hp electric power of a battery.
• Unique Hybrid Architecture with with Engine RPM and throttle position as inputs.
• It works in four different AUTO modes based on the load requirement particularly (i) Normal mode, (ii) Boost mode, (iii) Charging mode & (iv) Automatically switching in between modes.
10. The Auto Hybrid Tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-9, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is so constructed and designed with respect to its functionality and operational capabilities, that it is capable of adopting any of the major mode of its action/function, namely boost mode, pure engine drive mode, charging mode, Automatic switching in between modes based on load requirements and plug-in charging mode option, as also indicated and illustrated in Fig 1-6 schematic drawings.