Electric machine lubrication system

A work vehicle comprising:

• an engine;
• a transmission operatively connected to the engine, the transmission including a housing including a first aperture, a second aperture, and a chamber;
• and
• an electric drive operatively connected to the housing, the electric drive including:
• i) an oil-cooled electric generator having an input drive configured to be driven by the engine, an electrical output configured to provide generator electrical power, and a generator oil output configured to deliver a flow of oil from the electric generator;
• and ii) an oil-cooled electric motor including a motor input, a motor driver configured to provide mechanical power, and a motor oil output configured to deliver a flow of oil from the electric motor;
• wherein the first aperture is operatively connected to the generator oil output and the second aperture is operatively connected to the motor oil output, wherein the chamber is operatively connected to the first aperture and to the second aperture, and a chamber output is operatively connected to a pump drive, wherein the pump drive is configured to drive one or more pumps for a lubrication circuit of the transmission.

A method for controlling the speed of an infinitely variable transmission having a housing, a pump drive, and a primary sump configured to hold oil, the method comprising:

• providing an oil cooled electric generator operatively connected to the housing and an oil cooled motor operatively connected to the housing, the electric generator having a generator oil output configured to deliver a flow of oil from the electric generator to the housing and an electrical output operatively connected to the oil cooled motor, the oil-cooled electric motor having a motor oil output configured to deliver a flow of oil from the electric motor and a drive shaft extending into the housing;
• connecting the generator oil output to a first aperture of the housing and connecting the motor oil output to a second aperture of the housing;
• providing a chamber within the housing operatively connected to the first aperture and to the second aperture, the chamber including a chamber output operatively connected to the pump drive;
• delivering a flow of oil into the chamber from the first aperture and the second aperture, wherein the delivered flow of oil is separated from the primary sump;
• and
• controlling the speed of the drive shaft to control the speed of the infinitely variable transmission.