JP2014237782A - Lubricant composition - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lubricant composition excellent in oxidation stability, extreme-pressure performance, frictional characteristics, and electrical insulation.SOLUTION: The lubricant composition contains a lubricant base oil and, based on the total mass of the lubricant composition, (A) 0.2-0.5% of an ashless dispersant and (B) 0.05-0.15% of one or more acidic phosphate esters selected from compounds represented by formula (I) RO-P(=O)(OH)or formula (II) (RO)P(=O)(OH) [where R's are each independently a C6-C12 alkyl group] and does not contain a sulfur-based extreme-pressure agent.

Description

The present invention relates to a lubricating oil composition. In particular, the present invention relates to a lubricating oil composition suitably used for a transmission of an electric motor mounted vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle.

In recent years, hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles have been developed from the viewpoint of environmental protection, and these are equipped with electric motors. In such an automobile, transmission lubricating oil is also used for cooling the electric motor in order to enhance the cooling effect of the electric motor. That is, the transmission lubricating oil directly contacts the electric motor to perform the cooling function. Therefore, the lubricating oil used for such applications is required to have high electrical insulation.

On the other hand, automatic transmission lubricating oil (ATF) and continuously variable transmission lubricating oil (CVTF) are generally known as lubricating oils used in automobile transmissions. These transmission lubricants have characteristics required as transmission lubricants, in particular, oxidation stability, extreme pressure performance (abrasion resistance), and good friction characteristics for wet clutches. In order to have (friction characteristics), various additives are contained in specific amounts. However, the addition of additives generally reduces the electrical resistance.

Currently, since these transmission lubricating oils that are inferior in electrical insulation are used for cooling the electric motor, there is no choice but to limit the performance of the electric motor. Therefore, there is a demand for a lubricating oil that has characteristics required as a lubricant for transmissions and is excellent in electrical insulation.

As a lubricating oil composition for a transmission, one containing an ashless dispersant, a sulfur extreme pressure agent, and a phosphorus extreme pressure agent together with a base oil is known (for example, Patent Document 1). The composition is excellent in friction characteristics and seizure resistance, and is suitable for a metal belt type continuously variable transmission. This document does not describe that the above composition is used in a vehicle equipped with an electric motor, or is used for cooling the electric motor, and there is no description regarding electrical insulation. Moreover, the said composition does not necessarily have sufficient electrical resistance, and is insufficient in electrical insulation.

As a lubricating oil composition for a transmission that is also used for cooling an electric motor, a base oil, (A) a hydrocarbon group-containing zinc dithiophosphate, (B) a triaryl phosphate, and (C) a triaryl thiophosphate are selected. A composition containing a phosphorous compound to be produced and having a volume resistivity at 80 ° C. of 1 × 10 ⁸ Ωm or more has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 2). Further, a composition containing (a) a base oil, (b) an oil-soluble phosphorus-containing substance, and (c) a corrosion inhibitor has been proposed (for example, Patent Document 3). Dialkyl phosphites, trialkyl phosphites and trialkyl phosphates are described as the oil-soluble phosphorus-containing substances. In addition, a lubricating oil composition is proposed that includes (a) a neutral phosphorus compound, (b) an acidic phosphate amine salt and / or acidic phosphite, and (c) a sulfur compound together with the base oil. (For example, Patent Document 4). None of these compositions is necessarily sufficient in terms of electrical insulation.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-8081 International Publication No. 02/097017 Pamphlet JP 2008-195942 A International Publication No. 2011/080970 Pamphlet

An object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating oil composition that is excellent in oxidation stability, extreme pressure performance, frictional properties, and excellent in electrical insulation.

The present inventors have found that the above object can be achieved by including a specific acidic phosphate as a phosphorus-containing substance and not including a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent.

That is, the present invention provides (A) 0.2 to 0.5% ashless dispersant and (B) 0.05 to 0.15 based on the total mass of the lubricating base oil and the lubricating oil composition. % Of the following formula (I) or (II):
RO-P (= O) (OH) ₂ (I)
(RO) ₂ P (═O) (OH) (II)
[Wherein, each R is independently an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. ] The lubricating oil composition characterized by including one or more acidic phosphates selected from the compounds represented by the above formula, and not containing a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention is excellent in oxidation stability, extreme pressure performance and friction characteristics, and also in electrical insulation. Therefore, in an automobile equipped with an electric motor such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle, it can be suitably used not only as a lubricating oil for a transmission but also for cooling an electric motor.

The base oil in the lubricating oil composition of the present invention includes mineral oil, synthetic oil and any mixed oil thereof. There is no restriction | limiting in particular about the kind of mineral oil or synthetic oil, Arbitrary things can be suitably selected and used from the conventional mineral oil and synthetic oil currently used as a base oil of lubricating oil.

Examples of mineral oils include paraffinic mineral oils, naphthenic mineral oils, and intermediate base mineral oils obtained by ordinary purification methods such as solvent refining and hydrogenation refining.

Synthetic oils include, for example, polybutenes, polyolefins (α-olefin homopolymers and copolymers (for example, ethylene-α-olefin copolymers)), various esters (for example, polyol esters, dibasic acid esters, Phosphate esters, etc.), various ethers (eg, polyphenyl ethers), polyglycols, polyglycol derivatives (eg, polyoxyalkylene glycols, polyoxyalkylene glycol esters, polyoxyalkylene glycol ethers, etc.), alkylbenzenes, alkylnaphthalenes And silicone oil.

Although there is no restriction | limiting in particular about the viscosity of the said base oil, Although it changes according to the use of a lubricating oil composition, it is preferable that the kinematic viscosity in the temperature of 100 degreeC is 3-15 mm < ² > / s, and is 3-8 mm < ² > / s. Preferably there is. When the kinematic viscosity at 100 ° C. is 3 mm ² / s or more, the evaporation loss is small. On the other hand, when the kinematic viscosity is 15 mm ² / s or less, the power loss due to the viscous resistance is small and the fuel efficiency improvement effect is obtained.

Moreover, as said base oil,% CA by ring analysis is 3.0 or less, and a sulfur content is 50 mass ppm or less preferably. Here,% CA by ring analysis indicates the ratio (%) of aromatic content calculated by ring analysis (ndM method). The sulfur content is a value measured according to the method described in JIS K2541.

A base oil having a% CA of 3.0 or less and a sulfur content of 50 mass ppm or less has good oxidation stability, can suppress an increase in acid value and generation of sludge, and has little corrosiveness to metals. A lubricating oil composition can be provided. More preferable% CA is 1.0 or less, and further 0.5 or less, and a more preferable sulfur content is 30% by mass or less.

Furthermore, the viscosity index of the base oil is preferably 70 or more, more preferably 100 or more, and still more preferably 120 or more. The base oil having such a viscosity index has a small viscosity change due to a change in temperature, and a viscosity improving effect can be obtained even at a low temperature.

Specific examples of base oils include, for example, Group III base oils according to API (American Petroleum Institute) classification.

Ingredient (A)
The ashless dispersant is not particularly limited as long as it does not contain a metal such as an alkaline earth metal in the molecule and can be dissolved or uniformly dispersed in a lubricating base oil to mainly exhibit sludge dispersion performance. There is no. As such a thing, imide compounds, such as a monoimide, bisimide, or those boron containing substances, can be mentioned, for example. Specific examples include succinimide having an alkyl or alkenyl substituent, succinamide having an alkyl or alkenyl substituent, benzylamine, succinate, succinate amide, and boron-containing compounds thereof. One or a combination of two or more can be used.

Among them, preferred ashless dispersants are succinimides having alkyl or alkenyl substituents (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as “succinimide compounds”) and boron-containing substances thereof, which are used alone. However, they may be mixed. The alkyl or alkenyl substituent of the succinimide compound is preferably a polybutenyl group. Although the molecular weight of a polybutenyl group is not specifically limited, 500-5000 are preferable and 1000-4000 are more preferable. In addition, the nitrogen content in the succinimide compound and the ratio of the boron and nitrogen content in the boron-containing succinimide compound (may be expressed as B / N ratio) should be arbitrary. Although not limited, as nitrogen content in a succinimide compound, 0.3-2.0 mass% is preferable, and 0.5-1.5 mass% is more preferable. As boron content in a succinimide compound, 0.0-1.5 mass% is preferable, and 0.0-1.5 mass% is preferable. Therefore, the succinimide compound may or may not contain boron. When the boron-containing succinimide compound is used, the content ratio of boron and nitrogen is preferably 0.1 to 1.0. Furthermore, each of the succinimide compound and its boron-containing material includes two types, bisimide and monoimide, both of which can be used, and both bisimide and monoimide may be used in combination. When used in combination, both bisimide and monoimide are both boron-containing succinimide compounds, both are only boron-free succinimide compounds, and one or both of them are boron-free succinimides. Any embodiment in the case of an acid imide compound and a boron-containing succinimide compound may be used.

In the present invention, the amount of the ashless dispersant is 0.2 to 0.5% by mass, preferably 0.2 to 0.4% by mass, more preferably based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. 0.2 to 0.3% by mass. If the upper limit is exceeded, sufficient electrical insulation cannot be obtained, and if it is less than the lower limit, sufficient friction characteristics and oxidation stability cannot be obtained.

Ingredient (B)
The acidic phosphate ester in the present invention is one or more selected from compounds represented by the following formula (I) or (II).
RO-P (= O) (OH) ₂ (I)
(RO) ₂ P (═O) (OH) (II)
Here, each R is independently an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, preferably an alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms, and more preferably an alkyl group having 10 to 12 carbon atoms. When the carbon number of R exceeds the upper limit, the extreme pressure performance is inferior, and when it is less than the lower limit, the electrical insulation is inferior.

Specific examples of the acidic phosphate represented by the formula (I) include, for example, monohexyl acid phosphate, monoheptyl acid phosphate, monooctyl acid phosphate, mono-2-ethylhexyl acid phosphate, monononyl acid phosphate, monodecyl acid phosphate , Monoundecyl acid phosphate, monolauryl acid phosphate, and specific examples of the acidic phosphate represented by the formula (II) include, for example, dihexyl acid phosphate, diheptyl acid phosphate, dioctyl acid phosphate, di-2- Ethylhexyl acid phosphate, dinonyl acid phosphate, didecyl acid phosphate, diundecyl acid phosphate, dilauryl acid Dohosufeto and the like.

In the present invention, the amount of the acidic phosphate ester is 0.05 to 0.15% by mass, preferably 0.05 to 0.12% by mass, more preferably 0, based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. 0.05 to 0.08 mass%. If the upper limit is exceeded, sufficient electrical insulation cannot be obtained, and if it is less than the lower limit, sufficient extreme pressure performance cannot be obtained.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention is characterized by not containing a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent from the viewpoint of ensuring electrical insulation, in addition to containing the components (A) and (B). The above-mentioned sulfur-based extreme pressure agent means those commonly used in lubricating oils, for example, sulfurized fats and oils that are sulfides of animal and vegetable oils and synthetic oils, sulfurized olefins, dihydrocarbyl polysulfides, sulfide mineral oils, thiocarbamate compounds, Examples include thioterpene compounds and dialkylthiodipropionate compounds. In addition, even if it uses a sulfur type extreme pressure agent and a phosphorus type extreme pressure agent together, electrical insulation cannot be ensured. This will become clear by disclosing examples and comparative examples described later.

In the lubricating oil composition of the present invention, other additives such as a viscosity index improver, an antioxidant, a metal deactivator, and a metal-based detergent are added as necessary as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired. Further, a pour point depressant, an antifoaming agent and the like can be added as appropriate.

As the viscosity index improver, polymethacrylate, olefin copolymer (polyisobutylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer), polyalkylstyrene, styrene-butadiene hydrogenated copolymer, styrene-maleic anhydride ester copolymer, etc. are generally used. Can be mentioned. The viscosity index improver may be blended in an amount of 3 to 35% by mass, preferably 4 to 30% by mass, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition. Further, either a dispersion type polymer or a non-dispersion type polymer can be used, and the weight average molecular weight is not particularly limited, but is preferably 5,000 to 3,000,000, and 10,000 to 1,000,000. Is more preferable, and 10,000 to 300,000 is even more preferable.

Antioxidants generally include amine-based antioxidants such as alkylated diphenylamine, phenyl-α-naphthylamine, alkylated phenyl-α-naphthylamine, 4,4′-tetramethyl-diaminodiphenylmethane, and 2,6-di-tert. -Butyl-p-cresol, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, 4,4'-methylenebis- (2,6-di-tert-butylphenol), 4,4'-thiobis (6-di-tert-butyl) Phenolic antioxidants such as (-o-cresol), sulfur antioxidants such as dilauryl-3,3′-thiodipropionate, phosphorus antioxidants such as phosphite, and zinc dithiophosphate. In particular, amine-based antioxidants and phenol-based antioxidants are preferably used. The antioxidant is added in an amount of 0.05 to 5% by mass, preferably 0.1 to 3% by mass, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the metal deactivator include benzotriazole, triazole derivatives, benzotriazole derivatives, thiadiazole derivatives, and the like. The metal deactivator is blended in an amount of 0.01 to 3% by mass, preferably 0.01 to 2% by mass, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the metal detergent include sulfonates, phenates, salicylates, and phosphonates of metals such as Ca, Mg, Ba, and Na. The metallic detergent may be blended in an amount of 5% by mass or less, preferably 3% by mass or less, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition.

Pour point depressants generally include ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, condensates of chlorinated paraffin and naphthalene, condensates of chlorinated paraffin and phenol, polymethacrylate, polyalkylstyrene, and the like. In particular, polymethacrylate is preferably used. The pour point depressant is 0 to 10% by mass, preferably 0 to 8% by mass, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the antifoaming agent include dimethylpolysiloxane such as dimethylsilicone dilution. The antifoaming agent is blended in an amount of 0.0001 to 1% by mass, preferably 0.001 to 0.7% by mass, based on the total amount of the lubricating oil composition.

Furthermore, corrosion inhibitors can be used as desired.

Other antiwear agents include zinc dithiophosphate, metal dithiophosphate (Pb, Sb, Mo, etc.), metal salt of dithiocarbamate (Zn, Pb, Sb, Mo, etc.), metal naphthenate (Pb, etc.), Fatty acid metal salts (such as Pb) and boron compounds may be blended as desired.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention conforms to JIS C2101 (electrical insulation oil test) and has a volume resistivity of 1.2 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm or more measured at a voltage of 10 V and a temperature of 160 ° C. Excellent in properties. Therefore, the lubricating oil composition of the present invention can be suitably used not only as a lubricating oil for a transmission but also for cooling an electric motor in an automobile equipped with an electric motor such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. .

EXAMPLES The present invention will be described below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

Examples 1-6 and Comparative Examples 1-11
The following ingredients were blended in the amounts (mass%) shown in Table 1 to prepare a lubricating oil composition.
Base oil: Mineral oil (API, group III) (kinematic viscosity at 100 ° C. 3.4 mm ² / s, viscosity index 111)
Viscosity index improver: methacrylate polymer (non-dispersed, weight average molecular weight 30,000)
Antioxidant: combined use of phenol and diphenylamine metal deactivator: combined use of benzotriazole and thiazole C8-PE: trioctyl phosphite C4-AP: monobutyl acid phosphate and dibutyl acid phosphate C8-AP: monooctyl acid phosphate and dioctyl acid phosphate mixture C12-AP: monolauryl acid phosphate and dilauryl acid phosphate mixture C18-AP: monostearyl acid phosphate and distearyl acid acid Mixture with dophosphate C8-APOAS: oleylamine salt of C8-AP DBDS: dibenzyl disulfide SO: sulfurized olefin PIBSI: polyisobutenyl succinimide (number average molecular weight of polybutenyl group 3 00, the nitrogen content of 1% by mass, boron content 0.2 wt%, bisimide type)

The following tests (1) to (4) were performed on the obtained lubricating oil composition. The results are shown in Tables 1-2.
(1) Volume resistivity Based on JIS C2101 (electrical insulation oil test), the volume resistivity at a voltage of 10 V and a temperature of 160 ° C. was measured. Since the volume resistivity generally decreases with increasing temperature, the above temperature is determined assuming the highest temperature that can actually be reached in the transmission. If the volume resistivity at 160 ° C. is 1.2 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm or more, it is judged that the object of the present invention is satisfied.

(2) Extreme pressure performance test (Abrasion resistance test)
Based on ASTM D2783 (shell four-ball test), the number of revolutions was set to 1760 rpm, and the load (initial seizure load: ISL) when the diameter of wear marks generated on the hard sphere exceeded a certain value was evaluated as extreme pressure performance. If the initial baking load is 80 kg or more, it is determined that the object of the present invention is satisfied.

(3) Oxidation stability test According to JASO M315-04 (Indiana Stirring Oxidation Test: ISOT), the lubricating oil composition was stirred with a stir bar at 150 ° C for 96 hours, and applied to a varnish bar. The presence or absence of lacquer-like substance or sludge was visually evaluated. If there is no deposit, it is judged that the object of the present invention is satisfied.

(4) Friction property test In accordance with JASO M348, SAE No. Using two testing machines (friction characteristics testing machine), the friction characteristics at the time of shifting were evaluated as follows. While rotating the wet clutch plate of the automatic transmission is engaged in a steel plate, the friction coefficient was measured mu _d in the course of stopping 1800 rpm. If the friction coefficient mu _d is 0.13 or more when it was repeated 3000 cycles, it is determined to satisfy the object of the present invention.

As is clear from Table 1, the composition of the present invention is excellent in extreme pressure performance, oxidation stability and frictional properties, and has a volume resistivity of 1.2 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm or more, and therefore has an electrical insulation property. Also excellent.

On the other hand, as is clear from Table 2, the composition of Comparative Example 1 not containing the component (B) and the composition of Comparative Example 5 in which the amount of the component (B) is less than the range of the present invention are inferior in extreme pressure performance. The compositions of Comparative Examples 2 to 4 and 9 using a phosphorus compound other than the acidic phosphate ester of the present invention as the component (B) are inferior in extreme pressure performance or electrical insulation. Moreover, the composition of the comparative example 10 which uses a sulfur type extreme pressure agent instead of a component (B) is inferior to extreme pressure performance. The composition of Comparative Example 6 in which the amount of component (B) is larger than the range of the present invention is inferior in electrical insulation. The composition of Comparative Example 7 in which the amount of component (A) is less than the range of the present invention is inferior in friction characteristics, and the composition of Comparative Example 8 in which the amount of component (A) is greater than the range of the present invention is electrically insulating. Inferior. The composition of Comparative Example 11 that further contains a sulfur-based extreme pressure agent in addition to components (A) and (B) is inferior in electrical insulation.

Claims (4)

(A) 0.2 to 0.5% ashless dispersant and (B) 0.05 to 0.15% of the following formula (I) based on the total mass of the lubricating base oil and lubricating oil composition ) Or (II):
RO-P (= O) (OH) ₂ (I)
(RO) ₂ P (═O) (OH) (II)
[Wherein, each R is independently an alkyl group having 6 to 12 carbon atoms. ] The lubricating oil composition characterized by including 1 or more acidic phosphate ester selected from the compound represented by this, and not containing a sulfur type extreme pressure agent. The lubricating oil composition according to claim 1, wherein R in the formulas (I) and (II) is each independently an alkyl group having 8 to 12 carbon atoms. The lubricating oil composition according to claim 1, wherein the volume resistivity at 160 ° C. is 1.2 × 10 ¹⁰ Ωcm or more. The lubricating oil composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lubricating oil composition is used for a transmission of an automobile equipped with an electric motor.