FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to a Hybrid tractor, particularly to the construction and functioning of said tractor, comprising novel engine and driveline assembly. Said engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that it is capable of generating power either from fluid fuel or from battery based electricity or from both. Hybrid power source tractors are required to develop in such a manner that it can meet modern day’s requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECT OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] A hybrid vehicle is one that uses more than one means of power, that is normally using fuel burning engine and one electricity generator, such as an electric motor. Hybrid technology offer superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions and pave the path towards Sustainable Agriculture platform.
[0003] Hybrid vehicles produce fewer gas emissions than conventional. Generally the larger the power, the greater will be the difference in emissions between the hybrid and conventional versions. The main advantages of a hybrid are that it consume less fuel and emit 10% -15% less CO2.
[0004] Indian Agriculture & 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 only. However as we go for agriculture machinery specifically tractors, today most of them are powered by Diesel Engines. One of the major negative effects of Diesel tractors on the environment is smog-producing gases. We have to switch to alternate clean fuel to reduce carbon foot print of agriculture operations for a better tomorrow.
[0005] Utilizing the hybrid power sources in off-road vehicles, particularly in tractors is very challenging task, wherein synchronizing the power transmission from more than two power sources are smooth changeover, obtaining enough functional energy for transport/agri-activities/hydraulic functions of the tractor, effectively saving the fuel, generating enough electricity and charging the battery are major technical areas of concerns for a person skilled in the are towards providing a successful and commercially successful product. It is required to develop hybrid tractor in such a manner that it can meet modern day’s requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
[0006] It is the prime object of the invention to provide an effective hybrid tractor with novel engine and driveline assembly, particularly comprising of an assembly of High Voltage (HV) battery, fuel burning engine, E-motor, power transmission means including the gear-box and the means for re-generative breaking.
[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a hybrid tractor, wherein said engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that it is capable of generating power either from fluid fuel or from battery based electricity or from both for meeting overall power requirements of the said tractor towards performing its transport and other functionalities effectively.
[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a hybrid tractor, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly termed as Escorts “FT 6090 EH”, is first Hybrid Tractor of its own type, that is in 90 horsepower category; wherein the said preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor is characterized in the followings:-
• It runs on dual power from a ~70hp Diesel Engine and ~20hp electric power of a HV battery.
• It works in FOUR different modes based on the requirement of Farmer, i.e. Hybrid, Electric, Engine & Charging.
• This tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Inverter, Cooling System, etc.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0009] The present invention relates to an effective hybrid tractor with novel engine and driveline assembly, particularly comprising of an assembly of High Voltage (HV) battery, fuel burning engine, E-motor, power transmission means including the gear-box and the means for re-generative breaking.
[0010] In the said hybrid tractor of the present invention, said engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that it is capable of generating power either from fluid fuel or from battery based electricity or from both for meeting overall power requirements of the said tractor towards performing its transport and other functionalities effectively.
[0011] The preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor disclosed herein, particularly termed as Escorts “FT 6090 EH”, is first Hybrid Tractor of its own type, that is in 90 horsepower category; wherein the said preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor is characterized in the followings:-
• It runs on dual power from a ~70hp Diesel Engine and ~20hp electric power of a HV battery.
• It works in FOUR different modes based on the requirement of Farmer, i.e. Hybrid, Electric, Engine & Charging.
• This tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Inverter, Cooling System, etc.
[0012] Hybrid management is controlled through a HMI screen where operator can select various functions as following –
1. Hybrid or boost Mode : Tractor utilizes power from both sources i.e. Diesel Engine/Battery, based on Power requirements
2. Electric drive mode: It can work on Electric Power completely with Diesel Engine shut off.
3. Engine drive mode: It works like any conventional Diesel Engine tractor.
4. Charging mode: Diesel Engine Charges the HV Battery at idle Engine RPMs. (No dependency on external power source).
5. It also Charges the battery with Recuperation, Load point shifting and Plug-in charging.
[0014] Power transmission and battery charging mechanism, created for the most preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor of the instant invention is mainly due to novel construction and customized assembly of the HV Battery, the engine power transmission means, electric motor, gear-box with drive-wheels. The description of the inventive aspects of the said hybrid tractor is substantially described herein below with the help of several schematic drawings.
Advantages of invention:
[0015] The preferred embodiment of the hybrid tractor, mainly due to its synchronized engine, and drive-line assembly, including the battery, e-motor effective changeover mechanism thereof, is associated with several advantageous constructional and functional features. Major advantageous features are as under:-
• Higher (~90) Horse Power work from low horsepower (~70) Engine;
• Lower service cost / effort;
• Fuel Saving 10-15% comparing equivalent Higher Horsepower Engine;
• Environment friendly as less fuel burning;
• Zero Emissions in Electric Mode during transportation & light haulage.
Short details of the drawings:
[0016] Figure 1: It represents a schematic assembly battery, engine and driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor, provisioned for operating its power generation and power transmission in different optional modes, and particularly provisioned for in hybrid power transmission and electricity generation/storage thereof.
[0017] Figure 2(A) and 2(B): Such schematic drawings 2(A) and 2(B) represent hybrid/boost drive mode of the synchronized assembly of the e-motor, engine and driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor, including the battery thereof; wherein such drawings provide the scheme of hybrid/boost drive mode for utilizing both the power sources, electricity source(s) and fuel burning engine, towards hybrid power transmission to meet the tractor’s transport and/or other functional requirements.
[0018] Figure 3(A) and 3(B): Such schematic drawings 3(A) and 3(B) represent pure electric drive mode of the synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor; wherein such drawings provide the scheme of pure electric drive mode for utilizing battery, involving the E-motor, as the power sources to meet the tractor’s transport and/or other functional requirements. It represents the power saver mode of the hybrid tractor wherein such electric drive mode is supported with the provisions of operating the drive line in recuperation mode.
[0019] Figure 4(A) and 4(B): Such schematic drawings 4(A) and 4(B) represent pure engine drive mode of the synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor; wherein such drawings provide the scheme of pure engine drive mode for utilizing fuel burning engine as the single power source to operate drive line assembly to meet the tractor’s transport and/or other functional requirements.
[0020] Figure 5(A) and 5(B): Such schematic drawings 5(A) and 5(B) represent the charging mode of the synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor; wherein such drawings provide the scheme of operating the fuel burning engine towards charging of the HV battery.
[0021] Figure 6(A) and 6(B): Such schematic drawings 6(A) and 6(B) represent scheme for functioning of the synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor in the recuperation mode and support the battery charging and energy saving thereof.
[0022] Figure 7(A) and 7(B): Such schematic drawings 7(A) and 7(B) represent load point shifting mode of the synchronized assembly of the e-motor, engine and driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor, including the battery thereof; wherein such drawings provide the scheme for operating the fuel burning engine as the main power source for simultaneous battery charging as well as operating the driveline towards power transmission to meet the tractor’s transport and/or other functional requirements.
[0023] Figure 8(A) and 8(B): Such schematic drawings 3(A) and 3(B) represent plug-in charging mode of the battery of the synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly for the hybrid tractor; wherein the battery through its charger means is directly connected to the mains power supply.
[0024] Figure 9: It represents different views of the hybrid tractor of the instant invention, wherein its synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly thereof is mounted on the main chassis of the vehicle and it’s overall looks is very much similar, from all directions, to the conventional tractors having fuel burning engines as their power source.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0025] Said figures 1-9 are suitably labeled with numeric references to indicate constructional features of the said battery, engine and driveline assembly. Said drawings 1-9 are also labeled with certain alphabets, which represent the functional features of the battery, engine and driveline assembly, mainly towards power transmission as well as battery charging.
Numbers/ Alphabets as references used in drawings Particulars of the constructional/functional features indicated by the number/alphabet
1 Rechargeable High Voltage (HV) Battery as the electric power source for the hybrid tractor.
2 Fuel burning engine, preferably a diesel engine as one of the power sources in the hybrid tractor.
3 Electric motor (or E-motor), in direct with the rechargeable HV battery (1); wherein it not only acts as drive motor and receives electric power from battery (1) to operate the gearbox (5) of the driveline, but it is also provisioned to act as alternator towards charging the said HV battery (1).
4 The main transmission shaft of the drive-line assembly, duly assembled with the fuel burning engine (2) as well as the E-motor (3) towards receiving the operational power from either one of them or from both simultaneously. Said main transmission shaft plays its role during operation of the E-motor (3) as alternator, once the synchronized battery, engine and driveline assembly of the hybrid tractor functions either (i) in pure charging mode or (ii) in lode point shifting mode or (iii) in the recuperation mode towards supporting the charging of the HV battery (1) thereof.
5 Main gearbox of the drive-line, which also comprises the vertical shaft (9), provisioned for operating optional hydraulic attachments of the tractor.
6 Shaft of the gearbox (5), which is attached at its both ends with the drive wheels, preferably comprising the regenerative breaking provisions.
7 Pair of drive wheels, attached with the main shaft (6) of the gearbox.
8 Visual and/or audio indicator(s) provisioned in the HV battery to show its status such as charged/discharged and/or charging/discharging.
9 The vertical shaft of the main gearbox (5), provisioned for operating optional hydraulic attachments of the tractor.
10 The power point of the mains power supply, at which the HV battery (1), through its charging means, is attached directly for recharging.
A Represents scheme for supply of electric power to the drive line through the E-motor (3).
B Represents scheme for mechanical power supply from the fuel burning engine (2) to the driveline through the main transmission shaft (4).
C Represents scheme for mechanical power supply from the E-motor (3), acting as drive-motor, to the drive line.
D Represents scheme for mechanical power transmission from the main transmission shaft (4), through the gearbox (5), to the shaft (6) and/or vertical shaft (9).
E Represents scheme for mechanical power transmission from the fuel burning engine (2) to the E-motor (3) towards its action as alternator for charging the HV battery (1).
F Represents scheme for charging the HV battery (1) by the E-motor (3), acting as alternator.
G Represents scheme for mechanical power transmission from the gearbox (5), mainly during the recuperation mode of the drive-line, to the E-motor (3).
H Represents scheme for mechanical power transmission from the drive-wheels (7) with regenerative breaking, mainly during the recuperation mode of the drive-line, via the gearbox (5), to the main transmission shaft (4) and then to E-motor (3).

[0026] The instant hybrid tractor comprises a novel synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly so that it is not only capable of getting operated using either the battery as electric power source (in pure electric drive mode), or the fuel burning engine (in pure engine drive mode) as the power source or both the power sources simultaneously (in the hybrid/boost drive mode). When the said hybrid tractor operates in hybrid power mode, then it saves substantial volume of fuel and discharges the battery’s electricity.
[0027] The synchronized assembly of the HV-battery, e-motor, engine and the driveline assembly of the said hybrid tractor is provisioned for charging the HV battery using the mains power supply or by using the E-motor (3) by selecting suitable drive/function mode, as illustrated in at least one of the Figures 2-8 herein.
[0027] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments 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.

CLAIMS:We claim:
1. Hybrid tractor, particularly to the construction and functioning of said tractor, comprising such a novel engine and driveline assembly. Said engine and driveline assembly is so constructed that it is capable of generating power either from fluid fuel or from battery based electricity or from both; and wherein said hybrid tractor has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor, Inverter, Cooling System, etc. and is capable of functioning in any of the modes indicated in figure 1 to 7.
2. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said hybrid power source tractors is so developed that it can meet modern days requirements with respect to high field performance and least possible maintenance.
3. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-2, said 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.
4. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-3, 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; an (ii) The main advantages of a hybrid are that it consume less fuel and emit 10% -15% less CO2.
5. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-4, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention, particularly termed as Escorts “FT 6090 EH”, is first Hybrid Tractor of its own type, that is in 90 horsepower category and wherein said preferred embodiment comprises following advantageous and characteristic constructional/structural/functional features:
• It runs on dual power from a ~70hp Diesel Engine and ~20hp electric power of a HV battery;
• Transmission design & Driveline;
• Unique Hybrid Architecture (P 2.5);
• It works in FOUR different modes based on the requirement of Farmer;
• Software to run all four modes and change in Modes;
• has major aggregates like Engine, Transmission, Hydraulics, Electric Motor;
• Inverter, Cooling System, etc.
6. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-5, wherein the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprises at least one of the following advantages of the inventive concept disclosed herein:
• Higher (~90) Horse Power work from low horsepower (~70) Engine
• Lower service cost / effort
• Fuel Saving 10-15% comparing equivalent Higher Horsepower Engine
• Environment friendly as less fuel burning
• Zero Emissions in Electric Mode during transportation & light haulage
7. Hybrid tractor, as claimed in any of the claims 1-6, 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 hybrid/boost mode, pure electric drive mode, pure engine drive mode, charging mode, repercussion mode, load point shifting mode, and plug-in charging mode, as also indicated and illustrated in following schematic drawings: