Integrated Hybrid Drive Module

Abstract

A hybrid drive system in a drive train system includes the preliminary step of providing a cradle, a plurality of components of a hybrid drive system, and a drive train system. The cradle and the plurality of components are initially assembled together to provide an integrated cradle and hybrid drive module. Then, the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module are subsequently installed in the drive train system. The hybrid drive system may be actuated hydraulically, electrically, or otherwise as desired.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A vehicle comprising:
 a frame assembly;   a drive train system that is supported on the frame assembly, the drive train system including a source of rotational power, a power drive unit that is rotatably driven by the source of rotational power, and a rotatably driven device that is rotatably driven by the power drive unit; and   a hybrid drive system including an energy storage device that is adapted to store energy and a reversible energy transfer machine that is adapted to accumulate energy in the energy storage device by retarding the drive train system during braking and to supply energy stored in the energy storage device to assist in subsequently driving the drive train system, wherein the energy storage device and the reversible energy transfer machine of the hybrid drive system are supported on a cradle to provide an integrated cradle and hybrid drive module, and wherein the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module is supported on the frame assembly of the vehicle and separate from the drive train system.   
     
     
         2 . The vehicle defined in  claim 1  wherein the drive train system includes a source of rotational power, a power drive unit that is rotatably driven by the source of rotational power, and a rotatably driven device that is rotatably driven by the power drive unit. 
     
     
         3 . The vehicle defined in  claim 2  wherein the vehicle includes a frame assembly, and wherein the source of rotational power, the power drive unit, and the rotatably driven device are supported on the frame assembly. 
     
     
         4 . The vehicle defined in  claim 3  wherein the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module is supported on the frame assembly, and wherein the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module is connected to the power drive unit. 
     
     
         5 . The vehicle defined in  claim 2  wherein the vehicle includes a frame assembly, and wherein the source of rotational power and the rotatably driven device are supported on the frame assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The vehicle defined in  claim 5  wherein the cradle and the plurality of components of the hybrid drive system are initially assembled together to provide an integrated cradle and hybrid drive module, the power drive unit is supported on the cradle, and the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module are connected to the power drive unit. 
     
     
         7 . The vehicle defined in  claim 6  wherein the integrated cradle and hybrid drive module and the power drive unit are supported on the frame assembly. 
     
     
         8 . A hybrid drive system comprising:
 an energy storage device that is adapted to store energy; and   a reversible energy transfer machine that is adapted to accumulate energy in the energy storage device by retarding the drive train system during braking and to supply energy stored in the energy storage device to assist in subsequently driving the drive train system,   wherein the energy storage device and the reversible energy transfer machine of the hybrid drive system are supported on a cradle to provide an integrated cradle and hybrid drive module.