Patent Description:
In recent years, load-bearing performance required for the automotive gear oil has reached a level of API (American Petroleum Institute) gear oil type GL-<NUM> to GL-<NUM> as an output of an automobile increases.

Further, for automobile gear units that are driven in response to various road conditions, it is necessary to assume driving at low speed conditions in which oil film is difficult to form. Moreover, a gear oil temperature rises due to heat generated by reduction in gear oil filling amount associated with downsizing of the unit, and oil film breakage due to reduction in viscosity tends to occur, and thus further durability is required for the gear oil.

The gear oil that requires such durability has generally employed SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity number <NUM> in order to maintain oil film formation on a gear tooth surface.

However, on the other hand, fuel saving is also required, and in order to achieve this, it is necessary to reduce stirring resistance and to reduce the viscosity in order to address this. In order to satisfy these requirements for both gear tooth surface protection and low viscosity, if a method of increasing an amount of extreme pressure additive added to low viscosity base oil based on the conventional method is employed, phosphorus/sulfur-based additives used as the extreme pressure additive increase adverse effects of corrosiveness on parts containing copper components, and there is a high risk of shortening equipment life. Therefore, an additive composition for the gear oil that reduces such corrosion of copper and copper alloys has also been proposed (Patent Literature <NUM>).

Also proposed is a technology that uses hydrocarbon-based synthetic oils and ester- based synthetic oils as the base oil to maintain the GL-<NUM> level, while achieving low viscosity and achieving both durability and fuel saving (Patent Literature <NUM>).

Further, a technique has also been proposed in which good seizure resistance of differential gear portion can be achieved by combining a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil with a polyalphaolefin and an ester compound (Patent Literature <NUM>). On the other hand, reduction in wear resistance of bearing due to reduction in viscosity requires counter-measures such as restriction of load conditions and change in structure of the bearing, and it was difficult to completely replace the gear unit that requires the con- ventional SAE viscosity number <NUM> with a low viscosity oil. Examples of wear of the bearing here include wear of a tapered roller bearing that supports a pinion gear on an input side of a hypoid gear. It is known that when the bearing is worn, a positional re- lationship between the pinion gear and a ring gear cannot be properly maintained, and as a result, the durability of the gear is reduced (Patent Literature <NUM>).

<CIT> discloses a lubricating oil composition for automatic transmissions characterised in that it comprises: <NUM> to <NUM> mass% of a Fischer-Tropsch synthetic oil with a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s as a low- viscosity base oil; <NUM> to <NUM> mass % of an olefin copolymer with a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/s as a high-viscosity base oil; and a polymethacrylate with a weight-average molecular weight of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>; and in that the viscosity index of the composition is not less than <NUM>, the Brookfield viscosity is not more than <NUM>, <NUM> mPa s at low temperature (-<NUM>), the kinematic viscosity at <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, and the rate of reduction of the kinematic viscosity after a KRL shear stability test (<NUM>, <NUM> hours) is kept to within not more than <NUM>%.

Furthermore, it is known that reduction in viscosity of the lubricating oil affects an oil film forming ability, and causes a problem of scoring on the gear tooth surface or the like, and it is required to achieve good scoring resistance.

An object of the present invention is to provide the lubricating oil composition that can be used as GL-<NUM> level automotive gear oil or the like that can achieve good wear resistance and good scoring resistance of the bearing in addition to further fuel saving while maintaining durability and seizure resistance that can be used as the gear oil for a high-output, high-speed gear mechanism of a high-output automobile or the like.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention relates to the use of a lubricating oil composition as a GL-<NUM> automotive hypoid gear oil, wherein the lubricating oil composition comprises: a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s; a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s; an ester compound which is an ester of a trivalent or higher polyol having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s; and a partial ester compound of an unsaturated fatty acid and a polyol wherein the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) is a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and glycerol, a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and trimethylolpropane or a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and pentaerythritol, or a com-bination thereof, and wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is the un-saturated fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and the lubricating oil composition has a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, wherein the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is contained <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on a total mass of the composition, the polyalphaolefin is contained <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the composition, and the ester compound is contained <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the composition and wherein the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid is contained <NUM> to2 mass% based on the total mass of the composition.

The lubricating oil composition satisfies the GL-<NUM> level in API gear oil type and has a viscosity index of <NUM> or more.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide the lubricating oil composition capable of achieving good wear resistance and good scoring resistance of the bearing in addition to further fuel saving while maintaining durability and seizure resistance that can be used as the gear oil for the high-output, high-speed gear mechanism of the high-output automobile or the like. Further, the lubricating oil composition satisfies the API GL-<NUM> level and has a viscosity index of <NUM> or more in order to be used effectively in the automotive gear oil, the hypoid gear oil, and the like.

In order to save fuel consumption of a gear mechanism, it is necessary to achieve a high balance between mainly three points (<NUM>) to reduce slip between gear tooth surfaces caused by contact between metals, (<NUM>) to reduce energy required for a rotating gear to stir lubricating oil, and (<NUM>) to reduce sliding friction that occurs between the gear tooth surfaces with a lubricating oil film therebetween under high pressure conditions.

In order to achieve such a balance, it is usually conceivable to take measures (<NUM>) for the above (<NUM>), to reduce friction coefficient by effectively utilizing an oilbased agent added, (<NUM>) for the above (<NUM>), to reduce viscosity by using a low viscosity base oil, and (<NUM>) for the above (<NUM>), to reduce traction coefficient by selecting a base oil havinga small shearing force.

In order to achieve good load bearing capacity, it is necessary, for example, (<NUM>) to form a strong metal film on the gear tooth surface by using an extreme pressure additive, and (<NUM>) to form an oil film that hinders contact between the metals. Further, retention of the oil film also affects fatigue life of a bearing.

In order to achieve such both fuel saving and load bearing capacity, it is one of important points to first select a main composition material of a lubricating oil com- position. That is, a composition material having a low viscosity at a low temperature and a low stirring resistance, and a high viscosity at an extreme pressure state generated at high temperature is preferable. Those that are close to such a preferable composition material have a high viscosity index (VI) with a small change in viscosity with temperature, and a VI value of <NUM> or more is required, and particularly a high viscosity index of <NUM> or higher is required to achieve good seizure resistance and good wear resistance at high temperature.

In order to improve the VI, a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil can be mixed and used in addition to a polyalphaolefin, particularly a highly viscous polyalphaolefin and an ester base oil.

In addition to such improvements in fuel saving and load bearing capacity, in order to improve the fatigue life in a differential gear of an automobile and the like, it is an effective means to mix and use the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil in addition to the polyalphaolefin and an ester compound. Further, in order to achieve good wear resistance of the bearing supporting a pinion gear, it is effective to mix and use a partial ester compound of an unsaturated fatty acid and a polyol in addition to the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil, the polyalphaolefin and the ester compound.

Furthermore, in order to achieve good scoring resistance on the gear tooth surface and the like, it is effective to use a combination of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil having a low kinematic viscosity at high temperature, the polyalphaolefin having a high kinematic viscosity at high temperature, and the ester compound of a trivalent or higher polyol having a low kinematic viscosity at high temperature. Components of the present invention will be described below.

The Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil, which is a component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention, is known in the art. The term "Fischer-Tropsch derived" means that the base oil is a synthetic product of Fischer-Tropsch method or is derived from the synthetic product. The Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil can also be referred to as a Gas-To-Liquids (GTL) base oil. Suitable Fischer-Tropsch derived base oils that can be conveniently used as the base oil in the lubricating oil composition are disclosed, for example, in <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT>.

The kinematic viscosity of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s at <NUM>. If the kinematic viscosity of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil at <NUM> is less than <NUM><NUM>/s, an amount of evaporation at high temperature is large, the viscosity of the composition is increased, and an effect of fuel saving is reduced. If the kinematic viscosity of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil at <NUM> exceeds <NUM><NUM> / s, it is not desirable because it is difficult to increase the VI of the composition by mixing with a high viscosity PAO.

The kinematic viscosity of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil at <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, preferably <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s from a viewpoint of oil film formation.

The content of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on a total mass (<NUM> mass%) of the lubricating oil composition. If the content of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is less than <NUM> mass%, in order for the lubricating oil composition to maintain the viscosity of about <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s at <NUM>, a large amount of polyalphaolefin (PAO) having a high viscosity (<NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s) is used and a ratio of synthetic oil is increased, which is not economical. If the content of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil exceeds <NUM> mass%, a blending amount of high viscosity polyalphaolefin (PAO) is limited, and it is necessary to increase a blending amount of a viscosity index improver in order to maintain the viscosity index of <NUM> or more of the composition while keeping the viscosity of the lubricating oil composition not more than <NUM><NUM>/s, which is not economical. The content of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil is <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, and most preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on a total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil of the present invention include a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil available on the market from Royal Dutch Shell plc as Risella X415.

One type of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The polyalphaolefin (PAO), which is a component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention, includes polymers of various alpha-olefins, or hydrides thereof. Any alpha-olefin can be used, and examples thereof include ethylene, propylene, butene, and α-olefins having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms.

In production of the polyalphaolefin, one of the above alphaolefins may be used alone, or two or more of them may be used in combination.

As the alpha-olefin, ethylene and propylene are preferable, and a combination of ethylene and propylene is more preferable because it exhibits a high thickening effect. A ratio of the combination of ethylene and propylene may be any ratio, but the ratio of ethylene and propylene is preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>, and more preferably <NUM>:<NUM> to <NUM>:<NUM>.

As the polyalphaolefin, those having various viscosities can be obtained depending on a type of alpha-olefin used, a degree of polymerization and the like, however, the polyalphaolefin having a high viscosity is preferably used.

As the polyalphaolefin, the high viscosity polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s is used. If the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at <NUM> is less than <NUM><NUM>/s, it is not preferable because the effect of improving the viscosity index of the lubricating oil composition is low. If the kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at <NUM> exceeds <NUM><NUM>/s, it is not preferable because an oil film thickness of the lubricating oil composition is thin.

The kinematic viscosity of the polyalphaolefin at <NUM> is <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, preferably <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s, and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s.

The polyalphaolefin is blended in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. If the content of the polyalphaolefin is less than <NUM> mass%, the viscosity of the lubricating oil composition is low and the oil film thickness is thin, which is not preferable. If the content of the polyalphaolefin exceeds <NUM> mass%, the viscosity of the lubricating oil composition is increased and fuel saving is reduced, which is not preferable. The content of the polyalphaolefin is <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, and even more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass%.

One type of the polyalphaolefin may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

Examples of the ester compound, which is a component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention, include an ester of the trivalent or higher polyol.

A polyol ester given as an example of the component (A-<NUM>) includes a fatty acid ester obtained from at least one selected from the group consisting of trivalent and tetravalent polyols and their ethylene oxide adducts, and fatty acids having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. The ester of divalent or lower polyol may have a low kinematic viscosity and may result in excessive seal swelling. Hereinafter, the trivalent and tetravalent polyols and their ethylene oxide adducts will be described in sequence.

Specific examples of polyols having three or more hydroxyl groups include trimethylolethane, trimethylolpropane, trimethylolbutane, di-(trimethylolpropane), tri-(trimethylolpropane), pentaerythritol, di-(pentaerythritol), tri-(pentaerythritol), glycerol, polyglycerol (dimer to icosamer of glycerol), <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-pentantriol, sorbitol, sorbitan, sorbitol glycerol condensate, polyhydric alcohols such as adonitol, arabitol, xylitol and mannitol, sugars such as xylose, arabinose, ribose, rhamnose, glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, sorbose, cellobiose, maltose, isomaltose, trehalose, sucrose, raffinose, gentianose and melezitose, partially etherified products thereof, and methyl glucosides (glycosides).

Of these, a polyol having three hydroxyl groups is preferable because it has a good balance between thermal oxidative stability, additive solubility and low temperature fluidity, and trimethylolpropane is most preferable.

The above-mentioned polyol ethylene oxide adduct is obtained by adding ethylene oxide to the above-mentioned polyol at a ratio of <NUM> to <NUM> mol, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mol. Preferably, it is an ethylene oxide adduct of neopentyl glycol, trimethylolpropane, or pentaerythritol. If the number of added moles exceeds <NUM>, the heat resistance of the fatty acid ester obtained may be reduced.

As the above-mentioned trivalent or tetravalent polyol and its ethylene oxide adduct, one type may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The fatty acid used as a raw material for the ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is not particularly limited, and a saturated fatty acid, an unsaturated fatty acid, and a mixture thereof can be used, and further the fatty acid may be a linear fatty acid, a fatty acid having a branch, or a mixture thereof. Examples of the saturated fatty acid include the saturated fatty acid containing <NUM> mol% or more of linear saturated fatty acid and the saturated fatty acid containing <NUM> mol% or more of branched saturated fatty acid. The saturated fatty acid is preferable, and the linear saturated fatty acid is particularly preferable, because the fatty acid ester obtained has stability at high temperature, has an appropriate viscosity as the lubricating oil, and has a high viscosity index.

The above-mentioned fatty acid is a fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, preferably a fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and more preferably a fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. When fatty acids with <NUM> or less carbon atoms are used, an expected effect of adding the ester may not be sufficient. On the other hand, when the fatty acid having more than <NUM> carbon atoms is used, the obtained ester may be inferior in low temperature fluidity.

Examples of the linear saturated fatty acid include butyric acid, pentanoic acid, caproic acid, heptyl acid, capric acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecanoic acid, and lauric acid.

Of these, caprylic acid and capric acid are preferable because they exhibit the most appropriate viscosity, and a mixture of caprylic acid and capric acid is more preferable.

The ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is obtained by reacting at least one selected from the group consisting of the above trivalent and tetravalent polyols and their ethylene oxide adducts with the fatty acid at any ratio. The ester compound is obtained by reacting <NUM> mol of the polyol and its adduct with the fatty acid preferably at a ratio of about <NUM> to <NUM> mol, more preferably about <NUM> to <NUM> mol.

The ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is preferably a complete ester compound in which alcohol portions are completely esterified, for example, a complete ester compound of the trivalent or higher polyol.

The ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is preferably a triol ester. The most preferred ester compound is an ester compound of trimethylolpropane and a linear carboxylic acid having <NUM> and <NUM> carbon atoms.

The ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is an ester compound having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s. If the kinematic viscosity of the ester compound at <NUM> is less than <NUM><NUM>/s, an amount of evaporation loss at high temperature is large, which is not preferable. If the kinematic viscosity at <NUM> exceeds <NUM><NUM>/s, the low temperature fluidity is reduced, which is not preferable. The kinematic viscosity of the ester compound of the present invention at <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s.

The ester compound which is the component (A-<NUM>) of the present invention is blended in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. If the content of the ester compound is less than <NUM> mass%, solubility of the additive is lowered, which is not preferable. If the content of the ester compound exceeds <NUM> mass%, it is not preferable, for example, because it may be hydrolyzed, and competitive adsorption with the extreme pressure additive on a metal surface may occur. The ester compound of the present invention is blended in an amount of preferably7 to <NUM> mass%, and more preferably8 to <NUM> mass%.

One type of the ester compound may be used alone, or two or more types may be used in combination.

The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol, which is a component (B-<NUM>) of the present invention, will be described. In the present invention, the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol is the monoester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol.

The unsaturated fatty acid in the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol, which is the component (B-<NUM>) of the present invention, is an unsaturated fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. If the number of carbon atoms of the unsaturated fatty acid is less than <NUM>, it affects odor and corrosion of products, which is not preferable. On the other hand, if the number of carbon atoms exceeds <NUM>, low temperature characteristics are deteriorated, which is not preferable. More preferably, it is the unsaturated fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. Examples of the unsaturated fatty acid include myristoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, sapienic acid, oleic acid, elaidic acid, vaccenic acid, gadoleic acid, eicosenoic acid, linoleic acid, eicosadienoic acid, α-linolenic acid, γ-linolenic acid, pinolenic acid, α-eleostearic acid, β-eleostearic acid, mead acid, dihomo-γ-linolenic acid, eicosatrienoic acid, stearidonic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosatetraenoic acid, adrenic acid, bosseopentaenoic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. The number of unsaturation in unsaturated fatty acid molecule is not particularly limited, however, the number of unsaturation is preferably1 in terms of oxidative stability. For example, the palmitoleic acid, the oleic acid, the elaidic acid, the gadoleic acid, the eicosenoic acid and the like can be mentioned, and the oleic acid is particularly preferable.

The polyol in the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) of the present invention is include glycerol, trimethylolpropane, and pentaerythritol. Of these, glycerol and trimethylolpropane are particularly preferable, and glycerol is most preferable.

The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) of the present invention is the monoester compound in terms of affinity for the metal surface and the solubility in the lubricating oil, and in order to exhibit a predetermined performance. The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) of the present invention, is glycerol monooleate, trimethylolpropane monooleate, pentaerythritol monooleate or a combination thereof, and the glycerol monooleate is most preferable.

The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) of the present invention may be purchased as a commercially available product or prepared. Examples of the commercially available product include those available from Kao Corporation as Exepearl PE-MO and Emazole MO-<NUM>.

The partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol, which is the component (B-<NUM>) of the present invention, must be blended in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. If it is less than <NUM> mass%, an effect of improving the wear resistance cannot be obtained, which is not preferable. If it exceeds <NUM> mass%, it may lead to a decrease in oxidative stability and a decrease in solubility, which is not preferable. In order to maximize the performance by adding the component, it is particularly preferable to blend the component in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, and further in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass%.

In addition to the above components, various additives can be appropriately used as needed in order to further improve the performance. Examples of the additives include the extreme pressure additive, the viscosity index improver, an antioxidant, a metal deactivator, an oiliness improver, a defoamer, a pour point lowering agent, a cleaning dispersant, a rust inhibitor, an anti-emulsifier, and other known lubricating oil additives.

As the extreme pressure additive, a sulfur-based extreme pressure additive, a phosphorus compound, a combination thereof, a phosphorothionate, or the like can be used. As the sulfur-based extreme pressure additive, hydrocarbon sulfide represented by the following general formula (<NUM>), terpene sulfide, sulfurized fat and oil which is a reaction product of fat and oil and sulfur, or the like is used.

(Chemical <NUM>)     R<NUM>-Sy-(R<NUM>-Sy)n-R<NUM> (<NUM>).

In the above general formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are monovalent hydrocarbon groups, which may be the same or different, R<NUM> is a divalent hydrocarbon group, y is an integer of <NUM> or more, preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, each y may be the same or a different number in a repeating unit, and n is <NUM> or an integer not less than <NUM>.

Examples of the monovalent hydrocarbon groups of R<NUM> and R<NUM> include linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms (for example, alkyl groups and alkenyl groups), and aromatic hydrocarbon groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atom, and specific examples thereof include an ethyl group, a propyl group, a butyl group, a nonyl group, a dodecyl group, a propenyl group, a butenyl group, a benzyl group, a phenyl group, a tolyl group, and a hexylphenyl group.

Examples of the divalent hydrocarbon group of R<NUM> include linear or branched saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and aromatic hydrocarbon groups having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, and specific examples thereof include an ethylene group, a propylene group, a butylene group, and a phenylene group.

Typical hydrocarbon sulfides represented by the above general formula (<NUM>) are sulfur olefins and polysulfide compounds represented by the general formula (<NUM>).

(Chemical <NUM>)     R<NUM>-Sy-R<NUM> (<NUM>).

In the above general formula (<NUM>), R<NUM> and R<NUM> are the same as the above general formula (<NUM>), and y is an integer of <NUM> or more.

Specifically, examples of the hydrocarbon sulfides include diisobutyl disulfide, dioctyl polysulfide, di-tertiary-nonyl polysulfide, di-tertiary butyl polysulfide, di-tertiary benzyl polysulfide, and sulfide olefins obtained by sulfurizing olefins such as polyisobutylene and terpenes with a sulfurizing agent such as sulfur.

Specific examples of the phosphorothionate include tributyl phosphorothionate, tripentyl phosphorothionate, trihexyl phosphorothionate, triheptyl phosphorothionate, trioctyl phosphorothionate, trinonyl phosphorothionate, tridecyl phosphorothionate, triundecyl phosphorothionate, tridodecyl phosphorothionate, tritridecyl phosphorothionate, tritetradecyl phosphorothionate, tripentadecyl phosphorothionate, trihexadecyl phosphorothionate, triheptadecyl phosphorothionate, trioctadecyl phosphorothionate, trioleyl phosphorothionate, triphenyl phosphorothionate, tricresyl phosphorothionate, trixylenyl phosphorothionate, cresyldiphenyl phosphorothionate, xylenyldiphenyl phosphorothionate, tris(n-propylphenyl) phosphorothionate, tris(isopropylphenyl) phosphorothionate, tris(n-butylphenyl) phosphorothionate, tris(isobutylphenyl) phosphorothionate, tris(s-butylphenyl) phosphorothionate, and tris(t-butylphenyl) phosphorothionate.

Phosphorus compounds can also be used to impart extreme pressure properties and wear resistance. Examples of the phosphorus compounds suitable for the present invention include a phosphoric acid ester, an acidic phosphoric acid ester, an amine salt of acidic phosphoric acid ester, a chlorinated phosphoric acid ester, a phosphite ester, the phosphorothionate, zinc dithiophosphate, an ester of a dithiophosphoric acid and an alkanol or a polyether type alcohol, or a derivative thereof, a phosphorus-containing carboxylic acid, and a phosphorus-containing carboxylic acid ester.

Examples of the phosphoric acid ester include tributyl phosphate, tripentyl phosphate, trihexyl phosphate, triheptyl phosphate, trioctyl phosphate, trinonyl phosphate, tridecyl phosphate, triundecyl phosphate, tridodecyl phosphate, tritridecyl phosphate, tritetradecyl phosphate, tripentadecyl phosphate, trihexadecyl phosphate, triheptadecyl phosphate, trioctadecyl phosphate, trioleyl phosphate, triphenyl phosphate, tris(iso-propylphenyl) phosphate, triallyl phosphate, tricresyl phosphate, trixylenyl phosphate, cresyldiphenyl phosphate, and xylenyldiphenyl phosphate.

Specific examples of the acidic phosphoric acid ester include monobutyl acid phosphate, monopentyl acid phosphate, monohexyl acid phosphate, monoheptyl acid phosphate, monooctyl acid phosphate, monononyl acid phosphate, monodecyl acid phosphate, and monoundecyl acid phosphate, monododecyl acid phosphate, monotridecyl acid phosphate, monotetradecyl acid phosphate, monopentadecyl acid phosphate, monohexadecyl acid phosphate, monoheptadecyl acid phosphate, monooctadecyl acid phosphate, monooleyl acid phosphate, dibutyl acid phosphate, dipentyl acid phosphate, dihexyl acid phosphate, diheptyl acid phosphate, dioctyl acid phosphate, dinonyl acid phosphate, didecyl acid phosphate, diundecyl acid phosphate, didodecyl acid phosphate, ditridecyl acid phosphate, ditetradecyl acid phosphate, dipentadecyl acid phosphate, dihexadecyl acid phosphate, diheptadecyl acid phosphate, dioctadecyl acid phosphate, and dioleyl acid phosphate.

Examples of the amine salt of acidic phosphoric acid ester include salts of acidic phosphoric acid ester with amines such as methylamine, ethylamine, propylamine, butylamine, pentylamine, hexylamine, heptylamine, octylamine, dimethylamine, diethylamine, dipropylamine, dibutylamine, dipentylamine, dihexylamine, dihep-tylamine, dioctylamine, trimethylamine, triethylamine, tripropylamine, tributylamine, trypentylamine, trihexylamine, triheptylamine, and trioctylamine.

Examples of the phosphite ester include dibutyl phosphite, dipentyl phosphite, dihexyl phosphite, diheptyl phosphite, dioctyl phosphite, dinonyl phosphite, didecyl phosphite, diundecyl phosphite, didodecyl phosphite, dioleyl phosphite, diphenyl phosphite, dicresyl phosphite, tributyl phosphite, tripentyl phosphite, trihexyl phosphite, triheptyl phosphite, trioctyl phosphite, trinonyl phosphite, tridecyl phosphite, triundecyl phosphite, tridodecyl phosphite, trioleyl phosphite, triphenyl phosphite, and tricresyl phosphite.

The extreme pressure additives can be used alone or appropriately mixed and used. The extreme pressure additives may be added in an amount of <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. An extreme pressure additive package, which is a mixture of a sulfur-based compound and a phosphorus-based compound by selecting the additives, is suitable for product quality control. Examples of the extreme pressure additive package include Anglamol <NUM>, 98A and <NUM> from the Lubrizol Corporation, and HiTECH <NUM> and <NUM> series from Afton Chemical Corporation.

The viscosity index improver or the pour point lowering agent can be added to the lubricating oil composition of the present invention in order to improve viscosity characteristics and the low temperature fluidity.

Examples of the viscosity index improver include non-dispersion type viscosity index improvers such as polymethacrylates, ethylene-propylene copolymers, styrene-diene copolymers, olefin polymers such as polyisobutylene and polystyrene, and dispersion type viscosity index improvers obtained by copolymerizing them with a nitrogen-containing monomer. The viscosity index improver may be added in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass%, preferably <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. From an economic point of view, the viscosity index improver is preferably not used.

Examples of the pour point lowering agent include polymethacrylate-based polymers. The pour point lowering agent can be added in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition. From the economic point of view, the pour point lowering agent is preferably not used.

As the antioxidant used in the present invention, those used for the lubricating oil are practically preferable, and examples thereof include a phenol-based antioxidant, an amine-based antioxidant, and a sulfur-based antioxidant. These antioxidants can be used alone or in combination in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the metal deactivator that can be used in combination with the lubricating oil composition of the present invention include benzotriazole, benzotriazole derivatives such as <NUM>-alkyl-benzotriazoles such as <NUM>-methyl-benzotriazole and <NUM>-ethyl-benzotriazole, <NUM>-alkyl-benzotriazoles such as <NUM>-methyl-benzotriazole and <NUM>-ethyl-benzotriazole, <NUM>-alkyl-benzotriazoles such as <NUM>-dioctylaminomethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-benzotriazole, <NUM>-alkyl-tolutriazoles such as <NUM>-dioctylaminomethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-tolutriazole, benzimidazole, benzimidazole derivatives such as <NUM>-(alkyldithio)-benzimidazoles such as <NUM>-(octyldithio)-benzimidazole, <NUM>-(decyldithio)-benzimidazole and <NUM>-(dodecyldithio)-benzimidazole, <NUM>-(alkyldithio)-toluimidazoles such as <NUM>-(octyldithio)-toluimidazole, <NUM>-(decyldithio)-toluimidazole and <NUM>-(dodecyldithio)-toluimidazole. These metal deactivators can be used alone or in combination in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

The defoamer may be added to the lubricating oil composition of the present invention in order to impart antifoaming properties. Examples of the defoamer suitable for the present invention include organo-silicates such as dimethyl polysiloxane, diethyl silicate and fluorosilicone, and non-silicone defoamers such as poly(alkyl acrylate). The defoamer can be added alone or in combination in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

Examples of the anti-emulsifier suitable for the present invention include known ones usually used as the lubricating oil additive. The anti-emulsifier can be added in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the lubricating oil composition.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention can be prepared by mixing in any order any one, two or more of Fischer-Tropsch derived base oils, polyalphaolefin, ester compounds, and partially ester compounds of unsaturated fatty acids, and further any additives.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention has a kinematic viscosity in the range of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s at <NUM>. If it is lower than <NUM><NUM>/s, reliability of a differential may be impaired. If it is higher than <NUM><NUM>/s, expected fuel saving may not be obtained.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention has a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM><NUM>/s or more, preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more and less than <NUM><NUM>/s, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/s or more and less than <NUM><NUM>/s, and particularly preferably <NUM><NUM> /s or more and less than <NUM><NUM>/s. If it is less than <NUM><NUM>/s, the reliability of the differential may be impaired. If it is <NUM><NUM>/s or more, the expected fuel saving may not be obtained.

Further, the lubricating oil composition of the present invention has a viscosity index (VI) of <NUM> or more, and particularly <NUM> or more, in order to achieve both fuel saving and lubricity.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention can further achieve the wear resistance of the bearing of the pinion gear of the actual differential. The wear resistance of the bearing of the pinion gear can be roughly determined by measuring an average value (mm) of wear scar diameters in a Shell four-ball test with reference to ASTM D4172. In the Shell four-ball test here, the average value (mm) of the wear scar diameters is measured under both conditions of spindle speed <NUM> rpm, load 98N, oil temperature <NUM>, <NUM> minutes of operation (condition <NUM>), and spindle speed <NUM> rpm, load 98N, oil temperature <NUM>, and <NUM> minutes of operation (condition <NUM>).

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention has an average value of wear scar diameters of <NUM> or less under any of the conditions (condition <NUM> and condition <NUM>), and can achieve good wear resistance.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention can achieve good scoring resistance by forming a sufficient additive film while having a lower viscosity. Scoring resistance performance of the lubricating oil composition of the present invention can be roughly determined by measuring a seizure load (lbs (or kg)) in the Timken extreme pressure test with reference to JIS K2519. The Timken extreme pressure test here is to measure the seizure load, which is the maximum load that does not cause seizure, under a condition of a step load in which a rotational speed is <NUM> rpm, the oil temperature is <NUM>, an initial load is <NUM> lbs (<NUM>), and the load is increased by <NUM> lbs (<NUM>) every <NUM> minutes in a stepwise manner.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention has a seizure load of <NUM> lbs (<NUM>) and can achieve good scoring resistance performance.

As a result, the lubricating oil composition of the present invention can achieve scoring resistance equal to or higher than that of commercially available high-viscosity gear oil having an API gear oil type of GL-<NUM> level and SAE viscosity grade of 75W-<NUM>, and can achieve good seizure resistance of the differential gear.

The lubricating oil composition of the present invention can be used as a gear oil for a high-output, high-speed gear mechanism of a high-output automobile or the like. In particular, the lubricating oil composition maintains excellent durability and seizure resistance of the API gear oil type of GL-<NUM> level, while achieving good wear resistance and good scoring resistance of the bearing in addition to further fuel saving, and can be used effectively in GL-<NUM> level automotive gear oil, hypoid gear oil, and the like.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to Examples, Comparative Examples, and Reference Examples, however, the present invention is not limited to these Examples.

In preparing Examples and Comparative Examples, materials having the following compositions were prepared.

Stearic acid: Reagent stearic acid, purity <NUM>% or more.

Glycerol monooleate: Product obtained by purifying a commercially available glycerol monooleate having a mono ratio of <NUM>% or more to produce one having a mono ratio of <NUM>%.

Viscosity index improver: Polymethacrylate having a mass average molecular weight of <NUM>,<NUM> to <NUM>,<NUM>; one having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of about <NUM><NUM>/s.

Sulfur-phosphorus based extreme pressure agent: Extreme pressure agent package (GL-<NUM> additive package) containing olefin sulfide, phosphate ester amine salt, or the like, with a phosphorus content of about <NUM>% and a sulfur content of about <NUM>%.

Using the above-mentioned composition materials, the lubricating oil compositions of Example <NUM> and Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> were prepared according to com- positions shown in Table <NUM>.

Reference Example <NUM> is a passenger car gear oil, which satisfies conditions that the API gear oil type is GL-<NUM> level and the SAE viscosity grade is 75W-<NUM>.

Reference Example <NUM> is a passenger car gear oil, which uses the extreme pressure agent package having a high sulfur content. The passenger car gear oil satisfies conditions that the API gear oil type is GL-<NUM> level and the SAE viscosity grade is 75W-<NUM>.

For the lubricating oil composition of the present invention, the Shell four-ball test was conducted under two conditions with reference to ASTM D4172, assuming load and temperature of a worn portion under a specific pattern condition of the bearing assuming a pattern durability test of an actual taper roller bearing. The wear resistance of the lubricating oil compositions of Example <NUM>, Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> and Reference Example <NUM> was compared.

(Condition <NUM>): With reference to ASTM D4172, the operation was carried out at the spindle speed of <NUM> rpm, the load of <NUM> N, the oil temperature of <NUM>, and <NUM> minutes. The wear scar diameter of a steel ball after the test was measured.

The Shell four-ball tests were all performed for two or more times and the average value of the wear scar diameters was compared. An acceptance criterion was <NUM> or less.

For the lubricating oil composition of the present invention, in the Timken extreme pressure test with reference to JIS K2519, under the condition of the step load in which the rotational speed is <NUM> rpm, the oil temperature is <NUM>, the initial load is <NUM> lbs (<NUM>), and the load is increased by <NUM> lbs (<NUM>)every <NUM> minutes in a stepwise manner, the seizure load, which is the maximum load that does not cause seizure, was compared for the lubricating oil compositions of Example <NUM> and Reference Example <NUM>. The acceptance criterion was <NUM> lbs (<NUM>) or more.

Results of the tests are shown in Table <NUM>.

As is apparent from the results shown in Table <NUM>, the passenger car gear oil of Reference Example <NUM> satisfies the conditions that the API gear oil type is GL-<NUM> level, the SAE viscosity grade is 75W-<NUM>, and a Shell four-ball wear amount is small and it has sufficient durability (wear resistance of the bearing). However, since the kinematic viscosity is high, a stirring loss due to the oil is large, and it is difficult to achieve the expected fuel saving.

On the other hand, in all of Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> in which the kinematic viscosity at <NUM> was adjusted as low as <NUM><NUM>/s in order to suppress the stirring resistance for the purpose of improving the fuel saving, and further Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM> in which the viscosity index (VI) was adjusted to be <NUM> or more, the Shell four-ball wear amount is large and they do not meet the acceptance criterion of the wear scar diameter of <NUM> or less.

In Comparative Example <NUM>, the ester compound TMP (A-<NUM>) of Example <NUM> was changed to the ester compound DINA, however, the Shell four-ball wear amount is large and it does not meet the acceptance criterion of the wear scar diameter of <NUM> or less.

In contrast, in Example <NUM> which is the lubricating oil composition of the present invention, the Shell four-ball wear amount is smaller than that of Comparative Examples <NUM> to <NUM>, and further it is possible to achieve the high viscosity index (IV) of <NUM> or more.

Claim 1:
Use of lubricating oil composition as a GL-<NUM> automotive hypoid gear oil, said lubricating oil composition comprising:
(A-<NUM>) a Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s;
(A-<NUM>) a polyalphaolefin having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s;
(A-<NUM>) an ester compound which is an ester of a trivalent or higher polyol having a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM> to <NUM><NUM>/s; and (B-<NUM>) a partial ester compound of an unsaturated fatty acid and a polyol, wherein
the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) is a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and glycerol, a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and trimethylolpropane or a monoester of the unsaturated fatty acid and pentaerythritol, or a combination thereof, and wherein the unsaturated fatty acid is the un-saturated fatty acid having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms,
and the lubricating oil composition has a kinematic viscosity at <NUM> of <NUM><NUM>/s to <NUM><NUM>/s,
wherein the amount of the Fischer-Tropsch derived base oil (A-<NUM>) is <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on a total mass of the composition, the amount of the polyalphaolefin (A-<NUM>) is <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the composition, and the amount of the ester compound (A-<NUM>) is <NUM> to <NUM> mass% based on the total mass of the composition,
wherein the amount of the partial ester compound of the unsaturated fatty acid and the polyol (B-<NUM>) is <NUM> to <NUM> mass % based on the total mass of the composition.