Patent attributes
A vehicle lubrication system for a hybrid electric vehicle which includes (i) an engine, (ii) drive wheels, (iii) a power transmission apparatus including an output portion and configured to transmit a power transmitted from the engine and (iv) a driving rotary machine connected to the output portion. The vehicle lubrication system includes (a) a mechanically driven pump connected to the output portion; (b) a fluid passage connected to an outlet of the pump, and configured to supply a lubricant to the driving rotary machine; (c) a relief valve connected to a relieving portion of the fluid passage, which is located between the outlet of the pump and the driving rotary machine in the fluid passage; and (d) an ON-OFF valve provided between the relieving portion and the driving rotary machine in the fluid passage, and configured to selectively allow and inhibit supply of the lubricant to the driving rotary machine.