Patent Description:
Patent document <NUM> discloses a tire comprising a tread part having a cap rubber being grounded to a road surface and a base rubber being arranged on the inner side of the cap rubber in the tire radial direction, wherein the cap rubber is configured to be a rubber layer having a relatively high rigidity, the base rubber is configured to be a rubber layer having a relatively low rigidity, and the thickness of the base rubber is offset in the tire width direction to reduce the difference in ground contact pressure, improving braking performance.

A further pneumatic tire is described in Patent Document <NUM>.

However, with the tire disclosed in Patent document <NUM>, the followability to the road surface is easily lost due to the cap rubber having a relatively high rigidity and, moreover, the base rubber being low in rigidity cannot produce a sufficient reaction force, so that there is room for improvement with steering stability on a wet road surface. Furthermore, there is also a concern that abrasion resistance drastically deteriorates when the base rubber is exposed, so that there is also room for improvement with abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling.

An object of the present invention is to provide a tire having an improved overall performance of steering stability performance on a wet road surface and abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling.

As a result of intensive studies, the inventor has found that the previously-described problem could be solved by providing a tread part with three or more rubber layers and providing the concentration gradient of a free sulfur amount toward a rubber layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction from a rubber layer on the inner side in the tire radial direction, and completed the present invention.

In other words, the present invention relates to:.

According to the present invention, a tire having an improved overall performance of steering stability performance on a wet road surface and abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling is provided.

A tire being one embodiment of the present disclosure is a tire having a tread at least comprising a first layer constituting a tread surface, a second layer being arranged adjacent on the inner side of the first layer in the radial direction, and a third layer being arranged adjacent on the inner side of the second layer in the radial direction, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer are composed of a rubber composition comprising a rubber component, wherein a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the third layer is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer, and wherein the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the first layer.

Comprised in a vulcanized rubber composition being vulcanized with sulfur is an unreacted sulfur, or in other words, free sulfur, which is present in a state not chemically bonded to a rubber component and is not contributing to a crosslinking reaction of the rubber component. In the present disclosure, the "free sulfur" means free sulfur being present in a state not chemically bonded to the rubber component and not contributing to the crosslinking reaction and "a free sulfur amount" means an amount of free sulfur comprised in the vulcanized rubber composition.

Although it is not intended to be bound by theory, in the present disclosure, the following can be considered as a mechanism in which steering stability performance on a wet road surface and abrasion resistance can be improved in a well-balanced manner.

Free sulfur, not chemically bonded to the rubber component and not contributing to the crosslinking reaction, reacts with the rubber component due to heat dissipation during traveling on an uppermost surface (a tread surface) being in contact with a road surface. As a result, abrasion resistance on the tread surface can be improved and it is made possible for the rubber composition constituting the first layer to maintain hardness equivalent to that immediately after vulcanization.

While sulfur in the rubber composition constituting the first layer is to be consumed due to heat dissipation during traveling in this way, sulfur in the rubber composition can move between rubber layers due to the concentration gradient. Then, providing the concentration gradient of the free sulfur amount toward a rubber layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction from a rubber layer on the inner side in the tire radial direction makes it possible to continually cause a predetermined amount of sulfur to reach the first layer and friction between the tread surface and the road surface makes it easy for free sulfur and the rubber component to bond at a tread surface portion and makes it possible to increase rigidity, making it easy for a reaction force to be produced. Moreover, the rubber layers in total do not accompany a large change in rigidity and the followability to the road surface is not impaired, making it possible to improve steering stability performance on a wet road surface. Moreover, it is considered that, at this time, improvement in abrasion resistance at the tread surface portion can also be achieved. Furthermore, it is considered that, when the second layer is exposed, a crosslinking form equivalent to that of the first layer is secured and a drastic decrease in abrasion resistance can be prevented, so that no drastic deterioration in abrasion resistance is invited, making it possible to maintain and improve abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling.

Conversely, it is considered that providing the concentration gradient of the free sulfur amount toward the rubber layer on the inner side in the tire radial direction from the rubber layer on the outer side in the tire radial direction causes the free sulfur amount consumed in the first layer to increase and causes the crosslinking density of the first layer to be too large, so that steering stability performance on a wet road surface deteriorates. Moreover, it is considered that it also causes a decrease in abrasion resistance after the first layer is worn to be large.

A difference (X<NUM>-X<NUM>) between a mass change rate X<NUM> (%) before and after soaking the rubber composition constituting the first layer in toluene at <NUM> for <NUM> hours, which mass change rate X<NUM> (%) is measured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>, and a mass change rate X<NUM> (%) before and after soaking the rubber composition constituting the second layer in toluene at <NUM> for <NUM> hours, which mass change rate X<NUM> (%) is measured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>, is preferably <NUM>% or less.

Each of a tan δ at <NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer and the rubber composition constituting the second layer is preferably <NUM> or more.

The difference between hardness of the rubber composition constituting the second layer and hardness of the rubber composition constituting the first layer is preferably <NUM> or less.

Each of the specific gravity of the rubber composition constituting the first layer and that of the rubber composition constituting the second layer is preferably <NUM> or less. The specific gravity of the rubber composition constituting the first layer is more preferably <NUM> or less, further preferably <NUM> or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> or less. The specific gravity of the rubber composition constituting the second layer is more preferably <NUM> or less, further preferably <NUM> or less, and particularly preferably less than <NUM>. It is considered that setting the specific gravity to be within the previously-described range makes it possible to decrease energy applied to the tread when the tire rolls, prevent consumption of free sulfur inside the rubber layers, and improve steering stability on a wet road surface, and abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling.

An acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the second layer is preferably greater than an acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer.

A modulus of the rubber composition constituting the second layer at <NUM>% elongation at <NUM> is preferably greater than a modulus of the rubber composition constituting the first layer at <NUM>% elongation at <NUM>.

Each of the rubber composition constituting the first layer and the rubber composition constituting the second layer preferably comprises a butadiene rubber.

Preferably, each of the rubber composition constituting the first layer and the rubber composition constituting the second layer comprises a reinforcing filler and a silane coupling agent, and each of a content of silica in the reinforcing filler in the rubber composition constituting the first layer and a content of silica in the reinforcing filler in the rubber composition constituting the second layer is <NUM>% by mass or more.

Each of the silane coupling agent comprised in the rubber composition constituting the first layer and the silane coupling agent comprised in the rubber composition constituting the second layer is preferably a mercapto-based silane coupling agent.

The rubber composition constituting the second layer preferably comprises a resin component.

The thickness of the third layer is preferably less than the thickness of each of the first layer and the second layer.

Preferably, the tread has a land part being partitioned by a plurality of circumferential grooves, and a deepest part of the groove bottom of at least one of the circumferential grooves is formed to be located on the inner side of the outermost part of the second layer in the tire radial direction.

The land part is preferably provided with a sipe, neither end of which sipe is opened to the circumferential groove.

A procedure of producing the tire being one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. Besides, in the specification, a numerical range shown using the recitation "to" is to include the numerical values at both ends thereof.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing a part of a tread of a tire. In <FIG>, the up-down direction is the tire radial direction, the left-right direction is the tire width direction, and the direction being perpendicular to the paper surface is the tire circumferential direction.

As shown, a tread part of the tire of the present disclosure comprises a first layer <NUM>, a second layer <NUM>, and a third layer <NUM>, an outer surface of the first layer <NUM> constitutes a tread surface <NUM>, the second layer <NUM> is arranged adjacent on the inner side of the first layer <NUM> in the radial direction, and the third layer <NUM> is arranged adjacent on the inner side of the second layer <NUM> in the radial direction. The first layer <NUM> typically corresponds to a cap tread. The second layer <NUM> and the third layer <NUM> typically correspond to a base tread or an under tread. Moreover, as long as the object of the present disclosure is achieved, it can be further have one or a plurality of rubber layers between the third layer <NUM> and a belt layer.

In <FIG>, a two-way arrow t1 is the thickness of the first layer <NUM>, a two-way arrow t2 is the thickness of the second layer <NUM>, and a two-way arrow t3 is the thickness of the third layer <NUM>. In <FIG>, an arbitrary point on a tread surface, on which tread surface no grooves are formed, is shown as a symbol P. A straight line shown with a symbol N passes through a point P and is a straight perpendicular line (a normal line) with respect to a contact plane of this point P. In the specification, thicknesses t1, t2, and t3 are measured along a normal line N being drawn from the point P on the tread surface, at which point P no grooves are present, in a cross section of <FIG>.

While the thickness t1 of the first layer <NUM> is not particularly limited in the present disclosure, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance, it is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM> or more. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of heat generation, the thickness t1 of the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and further preferably <NUM> or less.

While the thickness t2 of the second layer <NUM> is not particularly limited in the present disclosure, it is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM> or more. Moreover, the thickness t2 of the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and further preferably <NUM> or less.

While the thickness t3 of the third layer <NUM> is not particularly limited in the present disclosure, it is preferably <NUM> or more and more preferably <NUM> or more. Moreover, the thickness t3 of the third layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and further preferably <NUM> or less.

The tread of the present disclosure has a circumferential groove <NUM> in a plurality, which circumferential groove <NUM> extends continuously in the tire circumferential direction. While the circumferential groove <NUM> extends linearly along the circumferential direction, it is not to be limited to such as an aspect, so that, for example, it may extend in a wave-like, sinusoidal wave-like, or zigzag manner along the circumferential direction.

The tread of the present disclosure has a land part <NUM> being partitioned by the circumferential groove <NUM> in the tire width direction.

A groove depth H of the circumferential groove <NUM> is determined by the distance between an extension line <NUM> of the land part <NUM> and an extension line <NUM> of a deepest part of the groove bottom of the circumferential groove <NUM>. Besides, in a case that the circumferential groove <NUM> is in a plurality, for example, the groove depth H is the distance between the extension line <NUM> of the land part <NUM> and the extension line <NUM> of the deepest part of the groove bottom of the circumferential groove <NUM> having the greatest groove depth of the plurality of circumferential grooves <NUM> (the circumferential groove <NUM> on the left in <FIG>).

In the present disclosure, the circumferential groove <NUM> is formed such that the deepest part of the groove bottom of the circumferential groove <NUM> is located on the inner side of the outermost part of the second layer <NUM> of the land part <NUM> in the tire radial direction. Specifically, immediately below the circumferential groove <NUM> (on the inner side in the tire radial direction), the second layer <NUM> has a recessed part being recessed on the inner side of the above-mentioned outermost part in the tire radial direction, and a part of the first layer <NUM> is formed with a predetermined thickness within the above-mentioned recessed part of the second layer <NUM>. The circumferential groove <NUM> is formed such that it gets into the inner side of the recessed part of the second layer <NUM> beyond the outermost part of the second layer <NUM>.

<FIG> is a schematic view of a ground contact surface when the tread is pressed against a flat surface. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a tread <NUM> constituting the tire according to the present disclosure has a circumferential groove <NUM> extending continuously in a tire circumferential direction C (extending linearly along the tire circumferential direction in the example in <FIG>), and a lateral groove <NUM> and sipes <NUM>, <NUM> extending in the width direction.

The tread <NUM> has the circumferential groove <NUM> in a plurality, which circumferential groove <NUM> extends continuously in the tire circumferential direction C. While three of the circumferential grooves <NUM> are provided in <FIG>, the number of circumferential grooves is not particularly limited, so that it may be <NUM> to <NUM>, for example. Moreover, while the circumferential groove <NUM> extends linearly along the circumferential direction in the present disclosure, it is not limited to such an aspect, so that, for example, it may extend in a wave-like, sinusoidal wave-like, or zigzag manner along the circumferential direction.

The tread <NUM> has the land part <NUM> being partitioned by the plurality of circumferential grooves <NUM> in a tire width direction W. A shoulder land part <NUM> is a land part in a pair, which land part is formed between the circumferential groove <NUM> and a tread end Te. A center land part <NUM> is a land part formed between the pair of shoulder land parts <NUM>. While two of the center land parts <NUM> is provided in <FIG>, the number of center land parts is not particularly limited, so that it may be <NUM> to <NUM>, for example.

The land part <NUM> is preferably provided with a lateral groove and/or sipe traversing the land part <NUM>. Moreover, the land part <NUM> is more preferably provided with a sipe, neither end of which sipe is opened to the circumferential groove <NUM>. In <FIG>, the shoulder land part <NUM> is provided with the plurality of shoulder lateral grooves <NUM>, a terminal end of each of which plurality of shoulder lateral grooves <NUM> is opened to the circumferential groove <NUM>, and the plurality of shoulder sipes <NUM>, neither end of which plurality of shoulder sipes <NUM> is opened to the circumferential groove <NUM>, and the center land part <NUM> is provided with a plurality of center sipes <NUM>, one end of which plurality of center sipes <NUM> is opened to the circumferential groove <NUM>, but they are not limited to such an aspect.

Besides, in the specification, the "groove" including the circumferential groove and the lateral groove refers to a recess having a width greater than at least <NUM>. On the other hand, in the specification, the "sipe" refers to a narrow notch having a width of <NUM> or less and preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

In the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified, dimensions and angles of each member of the tire are measured with the tire being incorporated into the normal rim and filled with air so as to achieve the normal internal pressure. At the time of measurement, no load is applied to the tire. Besides, in the specification, the "normal rim" is a rim defined, in a standard system including a standard on which the tire is based, for each tire by the standard, and is, for example, a standard rim for JATMA, a "Design Rim" for TRA, and a "Measuring Rim" for ETRTO. In the specification, the "normal internal pressure" is an air pressure defined for each tire by the standard, and is a maximum air pressure for JATMA, a maximum value described in the table "TIRE LOAD LIMITS AT VARIOUS COLD INFLATION PRESSURES" for TRA, or "INFLATION PRESSURE" for ETRTO.

"The free sulfur amount" in the present disclosure may be determined as follows. A sulfur amount Ts (% by mass) in a vulcanized rubber test piece is calculated using the oxygen flask combustion method according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber - Determination (quantitative) of total sulfur content by ion chromatography". Next, the previously-described test piece is soaked in acetone for <NUM> hours to extract the soluble component in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber-Determination (quantitative) of solvent extract". The test piece with the soluble component being extracted is heated and dried and solvent in the test piece is removed, and then a sulfur amount As (% by mass) in the test piece is calculated using the oxygen flask combustion method according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>. A difference (Ts - As) between the sulfur amount Ts and the sulfur amount As can be calculated to determine the free sulfur amount. Besides, the free sulfur amount in the rubber composition can be appropriately adjusted in accordance with a compounding amount of sulfur, and the type and a compounding amount of a vulcanization accelerator.

In the present disclosure, a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM>, and the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM>. The difference between the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> and the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM>% or more, more preferably <NUM>% or more, and further preferably <NUM>% or more. The difference between the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> and the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM>% or more, more preferably <NUM>% or more, and further preferably <NUM>% or more.

In accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>: <NUM>, "the acetone extraction amount" in the present disclosure can be calculated using the below-described equation by soaking each of vulcanized rubber test pieces in acetone for <NUM> hours to extract the soluble component and measuring mass of each of the vulcanized rubber test pieces before and after extraction. Besides, the acetone extraction amount is to be an indicator of the concentration of an organic low-molecular compound within a plasticizer comprised in the vulcanized rubber composition. Moreover, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, the acetone extraction amount is a value measured by cutting out a sample from the tire.

An acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably greater than an acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM>. A difference (AE<NUM> - AE<NUM>) between the acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> and an acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass, and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% by mass. It is considered that setting the difference between the acetone extraction amounts to be within the previously-described range makes it easy for free sulfur to move within the plasticizer component in the second layer <NUM>, consequently making it easy for free sulfur to transfer from the second layer <NUM> to the first layer <NUM> during traveling.

A ratio (AE<NUM> / AE<NUM>) of the acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> with respect to the acetone extraction amount AE<NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, further preferably <NUM> to <NUM>, and particularly preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. It is considered that setting the ratio of the acetone extraction amounts to be within the previously-described range makes it easy for free sulfur to move within the plasticizer component in the second layer <NUM>, consequently making it easy for free sulfur to transfer from the second layer <NUM> to the first layer <NUM> during traveling.

In the present disclosure, as a measure reflecting the crosslinking density of the rubber composition, a mass change rate before and after toluene swelling is used. In the present disclosure, the mass change rate before and after toluene swelling can be calculated by measuring a mass change rate (%) before and after soaking each of vulcanized test rubber compositions in toluene at <NUM> for <NUM> hours in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic-Determination of the effect of liquids". It indicates that the less the numerical value, the higher the crosslinking density. Moreover, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise indicated, the mass change rate before and after toluene swelling is a value measured by cutting out a sample from the tire.

A difference (X<NUM>-X<NUM>) between a mass change rate X<NUM> (%) before and after soaking the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> in toluene at <NUM> for <NUM> hours, which mass change rate X<NUM> (%) is measured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>, and a mass change rate X<NUM> (%) before and after soaking the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> in toluene at <NUM> for <NUM> hours, which mass change rate X<NUM> (%) is measured in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>, is preferably <NUM>% or less, more preferably <NUM>% or less, further preferably <NUM>% or less, and particularly preferably <NUM>% or less. Setting the difference in mass change rate to be within the previously-described range cause the crosslinking density of the first layer <NUM> to be low and the difference thereof with the crosslinking density of the second layer <NUM> to decrease, making it possible to continually cause a predetermined amount of free sulfur to reach the first layer <NUM> and allowing good steering stability performance on a wet road surface and abrasion resistance to be sustained.

A modulus at <NUM>% elongation in the present disclosure refers to tensile stress at <NUM>% elongation in the grain direction, which modulus is measured under the condition of a tensile speed of <NUM>/second under an atmosphere at <NUM> in accordance with JIS K <NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic-Determination of tensile stress-strain properties". A sample can be of the No. <NUM> Dumbbell type, for example. A modulus at <NUM>% elongation of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> MPa or more, more preferably <NUM> MPa or more, and further preferably <NUM> MPa or more. Moreover, a modulus at <NUM>% elongation of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> MPa or more, more preferably <NUM> MPa or more, and further preferably <NUM> MPa or more. Besides, an upper limit of the modulus at <NUM>% elongation of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM>, the second layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM> is not particularly limited. Moreover, from the viewpoint of the effect of the present disclosure, the modulus at <NUM>% elongation at <NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably greater than the modulus at <NUM>% elongation at <NUM> of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM>. Besides, in the specification, "the grain direction" means the rolling direction when a rubber sheet is formed by an extrusion or shear process and matches the tire circumferential direction.

"<NUM> tan δ" in the present disclosure refers to loss tangent tan δ under conditions of temperature <NUM>, initial strain <NUM>%, dynamic strain <NUM>%, and frequency <NUM>. In a case of producing rubber compositions for testing (that can be made to have length <NUM> × width <NUM> × thickness <NUM>, for example) by cutting them out from a tire, they are cut out from a tread part of the tire such that the tire circumferential direction is a long side and the tire radial direction is the thickness direction. <NUM> tan δ of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, further preferably <NUM> or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> or more. Moreover, <NUM> tan δ of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM> or more. Setting <NUM> tan δ to be in the above-described range not only allows a good wet grip performance to be obtained because of hysteresis loss, but also makes it possible to cause heat to be generated on the tread surface <NUM> even when traveling on a wet road surface or on a low-temperature road surface, making it possible to further improve abrasion resistance. On the other hand, from the viewpoint of fuel efficiency, <NUM> tan δ of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM>, the second layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, further preferably <NUM> or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> or less. Besides, a value of <NUM> tan δ of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> is preferably greater than a value of <NUM> tan δ of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM>.

Rubber hardness in the present disclosure means a shore hardness (Hs) measured using a type A durometer under the atmosphere of <NUM> in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic-Determination of hardness". Specifically, the shore hardness (Hs) at <NUM> of each of vulcanized rubber layers can be measured by cutting a tire in the radial direction at a width of <NUM>, smoothing the cutting surface, and then pressing a type A durometer against it from the cross-sectional direction. In the present disclosure, the difference between rubber hardness of the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> and rubber hardness of the rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, further preferably <NUM> or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> or less. It is considered that setting the difference in rubber hardness to be in the above-described range makes it possible to suppress an excessive performance change when the second layer <NUM> is brought to be the uppermost surface due to abrasion.

The rubber composition constituting each rubber layer of the tread (rubber composition for the tread) according to the present disclosure preferably comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of an isoprene-based rubber, a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), and a butadiene rubber (BR) as rubber components. The rubber components constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> preferably comprise the SBR, more preferably comprise the SBR and the BR, or may be rubber components consisting of only the SBR and the BR. The rubber component constituting the third layer <NUM> preferably comprises the isoprene-based rubber, more preferably comprises the isoprene-based rubber and the BR, or may be a rubber component consisting of only the isoprene-based rubber and the BR.

Examples of the isoprene-based rubbers include a natural rubber (NR), an isoprene rubber (IR), a modified NR, a denatured NR, a denatured IR, and the like. As the NRs, those common in the tire industry such as SIR20, RSS#<NUM>, TSR20, and the like, for example, can be used. The IRs are not particularly limited, and, as the IRs, those common in the tire industry such as IR2200 and the like, for example, can be used. Examples of the modified NR include a deproteinized natural rubber (DPNR), an ultra pure natural rubber, and the like, examples of the denatured NR include an epoxidized natural rubber (ENR), a hydrogenated natural rubber (HNR), a grafted natural rubber, and the like, and examples of the denatured IR include an epoxidized isoprene rubber, a hydrogenated isoprene rubber, a grafted isoprene rubber, and the like. These isoprene-based rubbers may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

In the rubber component constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, a content of the isoprene-based rubber (preferably NR) in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition comprises the isoprene-based rubber (preferably NR) is, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance, preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, further preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM>% by mass or less. Moreover, while a lower limit of a content of the isoprene-based rubber when the rubber composition comprises the isoprene-based rubber is not particularly limited, it may be <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, or <NUM>% by mass or more, for example.

In the rubber component constituting the third layer <NUM>, a content of the isoprene-based rubber (preferably NR) in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition comprises the isoprene-based rubber (preferably NR) is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and further preferably <NUM>% by mass or more. Moreover, an upper limit of a content of the isoprene-based rubber in the rubber component is not particularly limited and it may be <NUM>% by mass.

The SBR is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a solution-polymerized SBR (S-SBR), an emulsion-polymerized SBR (E-SBR), denatured SBRs thereof (a denatured S-SBR, a denatured E-SBR), and the like. Examples of the denatured SBR include an SBR denatured at its terminal and/or main chain, a denatured SBR coupled with tin, a silicon compound, etc. (a denatured SBR of condensate or having a branched structure, etc.), and the like. Furthermore, hydrogenated additives of these SBRs (hydrogenated SBRs) and the like may also be used. Among them, an S-SBR is preferable and a denatured S-SBR is more preferable.

Examples of the denatured SBR include a denatured SBR into which a functional group commonly used in this field is introduced. Examples of the above-described functional group include, for example, an amino group (preferably an amino group in which a hydrogen atom of the amino group is substituted with a C<NUM>-<NUM> alkyl group), an amide group, a silyl group, an alkoxysilyl group (preferably a C<NUM>-<NUM> alkoxysilyl group), an isocyanate group, an imino group, an imidazole group, an urea group, an ether group, a carbonyl group, an oxycarbonyl group, a mercapto group, a sulfide group, a disulfide group, a sulfonyl group, a sulfinyl group, a thiocarbonyl group, an ammonium group, an imide group, a hydrazo group, an azo group, a diazo group, a carboxyl group, a nitrile group, a pyridyl group, an alkoxy group (preferably a C<NUM>-<NUM> alkoxy group), a hydroxyl group, an oxy group, an epoxy group, and the like. Besides, these functional groups may have a substituent. Examples of the substituent include, for example, a functional group such as an amino group, an amide group, an alkoxysilyl group, a carboxyl group, and a hydroxyl group. Moreover, examples of the denatured SBR include a hydrogenated SBR, an epoxidized SBR, a tin-denatured SBR, and the like.

As the SBR, an oil-extended SBR can be used, or a non-oil-extended SBR can be used. When the oil-extended SBR is used, an oil-extended amount of SBR, that is, a content of an oil-extended oil comprised in the SBR, is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass based on <NUM> parts by mass of a rubber solid content of the SBR.

The SBRs listed previously may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination. As the SBRs listed previously, those manufactured by/commercially available from Sumitomo Chemical Co. , JSR Corporation, Asahi Kasei Corporation, Zeon Corporation, ZS Elastomer Co. , etc., for example, may be used.

A styrene content of the SBR is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, from the viewpoints of securing damping in the tread part and wet grip performance. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less and more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, from the viewpoints of temperature dependence of grip performance and abrasion resistance. Besides, in the specification, the styrene content of the SBR is calculated by <NUM>H-NMR measurement.

A vinyl content of the SBR is preferably <NUM> mol% or more, more preferably <NUM> mol% or more, and further preferably <NUM> mol% or more, from the viewpoints of ensuring reactivity with silica, rubber strength, and abrasion resistance. Moreover, the vinyl content of the SBR is preferably <NUM> mol% or less, more preferably <NUM> mol% or less, and further preferably <NUM> mol% or less, from the viewpoints of preventing temperature dependence from increasing, wet grip performance, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance. Besides, in the specification, the vinyl content (<NUM>,<NUM>-bond butadiene unit amount) of the SBR is measured by infrared absorption spectrometry.

A weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the SBR is preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, from the viewpoint of abrasion resistance. Moreover, the Mw is preferably <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> or less and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> or less, from the viewpoints of cross-linking uniformity, and the like. Besides, the Mw can be determined in terms of a standard polystyrene based on measurement values obtained by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (for example, GPC-<NUM> Series, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, Detector: differential refractometer, Column: TSKGEL SUPERMULTIPORE HZ-M, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation).

In the rubber component constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, a content of the SBR in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition comprises the SBR is, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance, preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, further preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM>% by mass or more. Moreover, an upper limit of a content of the SBR in the rubber component is not particularly limited and it may be <NUM>% by mass. Besides, a content of the SBR in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> comprises the SBR is not particularly limited.

The BR is not particularly limited, and those commonly used in the tire industry can be used, such as, for example, a BR having a cis content of less than <NUM> mol% (a low cis BR), a BR having a cis content of <NUM> mol% or more (a high cis BR), a rare earth-based butadiene rubber synthesized using a rare earth element-based catalyst (a rare earth-based BR), a BR containing a syndiotactic polybutadiene crystal (an SPB-containing BR), a denatured BR (a high cis denatured BR, a low cis denatured BR), and the like. Examples of the denatured BR include a BR denatured with a functional group or the like similar to that described in the SBRs above. These BRs may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

As the high cis BR, those commercially available from Zeon Corporation, Ube Industries, Ltd. , JSR Corporation, etc. can be used, for example. When a high cis BR is comprised, abrasion resistance can be improved. The cis content is preferably <NUM> mol% or more, more preferably <NUM> mol% more, further preferably <NUM> mol% or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> mol% or more. Besides, in the specification, the cis content (cis-<NUM>,<NUM>-bond butadiene unit amount) is a value calculated by infrared absorption spectrometry.

As the rare earth-based BR, those synthesized using a rare earth element-based catalyst and having a vinyl content of preferably <NUM> mol% or less, more preferably <NUM> mol% or less, and further preferably <NUM> mol% or less, and a cis content of preferably <NUM> mol% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> mol% or more, further preferably <NUM> mol% or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> mol% or more can be used. As the rare earth-based BR, those commercially available from LANXESS, etc. can be used, for example.

Examples of the SPB-containing BR include those in which a <NUM>,<NUM>-syndiotactic polybutadiene crystal is chemically bonded with the BR and dispersed, but not those in which the crystal is simply dispersed in the BR. As such an SPB-containing BR, those commercially available from Ube Industries, Ltd. , etc., can be used.

As the denatured BR, a denatured butadiene rubber (denatured BR) denatured with a functional group comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, nitrogen, and oxygen at its terminal and/or main chain is suitably used.

Examples of other denatured BRs include those obtained by polymerizing <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene with a lithium initiator and then adding a tin compound and in which a denatured BR molecule is bonded by a tin-carbon bond at its terminal (a tin-denatured BR), and the like. Moreover, the denatured BR may be hydrogenated or may not be hydrogenated.

The previously-listed BRs may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the BR is preferably -<NUM> or less, more preferably -<NUM> or less, and further preferably -<NUM> or less from the viewpoint of preventing low temperature fragility. On the other hand, while a lower limit of the above-mentioned Tg is not particularly limited, from the viewpoint of abrasion resistance, it is preferably -<NUM> or more, more preferably -<NUM> or more, and further preferably -<NUM> or more. Besides, the glass transition temperature of the BR is a value measured under the condition of a temperature increase rate of <NUM>/min using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>.

A weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the BR is preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM>,<NUM> or more, from the viewpoint of abrasion resistance. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> or less, from the viewpoints of cross-linking uniformity and the like. Besides, the Mw can be determined in terms of a standard polystyrene based on measurement values obtained by a gel permeation chromatography (GPC) (for example, GPC-<NUM> Series, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation, Detector: differential refractometer, Column: TSKGEL SUPERMULTIPORE HZ-M, manufactured by Tosoh Corporation).

In the rubber component constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, a content of the BR in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition comprises the BR is, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance, preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, further preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM>% by mass or less. Moreover, a lower limit of a content of the BR when the rubber composition comprises the BR is not particularly limited and it may be <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, <NUM>% by mass or more, or <NUM>% by mass or more, for example. Besides, a content of the BR in <NUM>% by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> comprises the BR is not particularly limited.

As the rubber component according to the present disclosure, rubber components other than the above-described isoprene-based rubbers, SBRs, and BRs may be contained. As other rubber components, a crosslinkable rubber component commonly used in the tire industry can be used, such as, for example, a styrene-isoprene-butadiene copolymer rubber (SIBR), a styrene-isobutylene-styrene block copolymer (SIBS), a chloroprene rubber (CR), an acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (NBR), a hydrogenated nitrile rubber (HNBR), a butyl rubber (IIR), an ethylene propylene rubber, a polynorbornene rubber, a silicone rubber, a polyethylene chloride rubber, a fluororubber (FKM), an acrylic rubber (ACM), a hydrin rubber, and the like. These other rubber components may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

The rubber composition for the tread according to the present disclosure preferably comprises a reinforcing filler, which reinforcing filler includes carbon black and/or silica. Moreover, the reinforcing filler may be a reinforcing filler composed of only carbon black and silica. The rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> preferably comprises silica and more preferably comprises carbon black and silica as the reinforcing filler. The rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> preferably comprises carbon black as the reinforcing filler.

Carbon black is not particularly limited, and those common in the tire industry can be used, such as GPF, FEF, HAF, ISAF, SAF, and the like, or specifically, N110, N115, N120, N125, N134, N135, N219, N220, N231, N234, N293, N299, N326, N330, N339, N343, N347, N351, N356, N358, N375, N539, N550, N582, N630, N642, N650, N660, N683, N754, N762, N765, N772, N774, N787, N907, N908, N990, N991, and the like can be suitably used, and, besides these, an in-house synthetic product, and the like can also be suitably used. These carbon blacks may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

A nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N<NUM>SA) of carbon black is preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more, and further preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more from the viewpoints of weather resistance and reinforcing property. Moreover, from the viewpoints of dispersibility, fuel efficiency, fracture properties, and pinch cut resistance, it is preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or less and more preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or less. Besides, the N<NUM>SA of carbon black in the specification is a value measured according to method A of Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>-<NUM> "Carbon black for rubber-Fundamental characteristics-Part <NUM>: Determination of specific surface area-Nitrogen adsorption methods-Single-point procedures".

When the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> comprises carbon black, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, from the viewpoints of weather resistance and reinforcing property. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less from the viewpoint of chipping resistance improvement caused by suppression of heat dissipation of the tread part. When the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> comprises carbon black, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass, more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass, and further preferably <NUM> to <NUM> parts by mass.

Silica is not particularly limited, and those common in the tire industry can be used, such as silica prepared by a dry process (anhydrous silica), silica prepared by a wet process (hydrous silica), and the like, for example. Among them, hydrous silica prepared by a wet process is preferable because it has many silanol groups. These silicas may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

A nitrogen adsorption specific surface area (N<NUM>SA) of silica is preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more, further preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or more, and particularly <NUM><NUM>/g or more from the viewpoints of reinforcing property, and securing of damping in the tread part. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or less, more preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or less, and further preferably <NUM><NUM>/g or less, from the viewpoints of heat generation and processability. Besides, the N<NUM>SA of silica in the specification is a value measured by the BET method according to ASTM D3037-<NUM>.

The average primary particle size of silica is preferably <NUM> or less, and more preferably <NUM> or less. The lower limit of the average primary particle size is not particularly limited and is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and further preferably <NUM> or more. When the average primary particle size of silica is in the above-described ranges, the dispersibility of silica can be improved more, and the reinforcing property, fracture properties, and abrasion resistance can be further improved. Besides, the average primary particle size of silica can be determined by observing it with a transmission or scanning electron microscope, measuring <NUM> or more primary particles of silica observed in the field of view, and averaging them.

The content of silica based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component in the rubber composition constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM> is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more from the viewpoints of securing of damping in the tread part and wet grip performance. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less from the viewpoint of reducing the specific gravity of rubber and achieving a reduced weight and the viewpoint of pinch cut resistance improvement caused by suppression of heat dissipation in the tread part. Besides, the content of silica based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component in the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM> is not particularly limited.

As reinforcing fillers other than silica and carbon black, those commonly used in the tire industry conventionally, such as aluminum hydroxide, calcium carbonate, alumina, clay, talc, and the like can be used.

In the rubber compositions constituting the first layer <NUM> and the second layer <NUM>, a containing percentage of silica in <NUM>% by mass in total of silica and carbon black is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, further preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM>% by mass or more. Moreover, the containing percentage of silica is preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM>% by mass or less. It is considered that setting the containing percentage of silica to be in the previously-described range allows reducing the interaction between the reinforcing filler and free sulfur and makes it easy to transfer free sulfur to the first layer <NUM>.

In the rubber composition constituting the third layer <NUM>, a containing percentage of carbon black in <NUM>% by mass in total of silica and carbon black is preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, more preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, further preferably <NUM>% by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM>% by mass or more.

A total content of the reinforcing filler based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less from the viewpoint of reducing the specific gravity of rubber and achieving a reduced weight. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more from the viewpoints of reinforcing property and securing of damping in the tread part.

Silica is preferably used in combination with a silane coupling agent. The silane coupling agent is not particularly limited, and any silane coupling agent conventionally used in combination with silica in the tire industry can be used, and examples thereof include, for example, a mercapto-based silane coupling agent as follows; a sulfide-based silane coupling agent such as bis(<NUM>-triethoxysilylpropyl)disulfide and bis(<NUM>-triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulfide; a thioester-based silane coupling agent such as <NUM>-octanoylthio-<NUM>-propyltriethoxysilane, <NUM>-hexanoylthio-<NUM>-propyltriethoxysilane, and <NUM>-octanoylthio-<NUM>-propyltrimethoxysilane; a vinyl-based silane coupling agent such as vinyltriethoxysilane and vinyltrimethoxysilane; an amino-based silane coupling agent such as <NUM>-aminopropyltriethoxysilane, <NUM>-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and <NUM>-(<NUM>-aminoethyl) aminopropyltriethoxysilane; a glycidoxy-based silane coupling agent such as γ-glycidoxypropyltriethoxysilane and γ-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane; a nitro-based silane coupling agent such as <NUM>-nitropropyltrimethoxysilane and <NUM>-nitropropyltriethoxysilane; a chloro-based silane coupling agent such as <NUM>-chloropropyltrimethoxysilane and <NUM>-chloropropyltriethoxysilane, and the like. Among them, the silane coupling agent containing a sulfide-based silane coupling agent and/or a mercapto-based silane coupling agent is preferable. These silane coupling agents may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

The mercapto-based silane coupling agent is preferably a compound represented by the following Formula (<NUM>) and/or a compound comprising a bond unit A represented by the following Formula (<NUM>) and a bond unit B represented by the following Formula (<NUM>):
<CHM>
(Wherein, each of R<NUM>, R<NUM>, and R<NUM> independently represents an alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, an alkoxy having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or a group represented by -O-(R111-O)z-R<NUM> (z pieces of R<NUM> each independently represents a divalent hydrocarbon group having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; R<NUM> represents an alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, an alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, an aryl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or an aralkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; and z represents an integer of <NUM> to <NUM>); and R<NUM> represents an alkylene having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms. )
<CHM>
<CHM>
(Wherein, x represents an integer of <NUM> or more; y represents an integer of <NUM> or more; R<NUM> represents hydrogen atom, or an alkyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, an alkenyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms or an alkynyl having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms optionally substituted with a halogen atom, hydroxyl or carboxyl; R<NUM> represents an alkylene having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, an alkenylene having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms, or an alkynylene having <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms; where R<NUM> and R<NUM> may together form a ring structure.

Examples of the compound represented by Formula (<NUM>) include, for example, <NUM>-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, <NUM>-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, <NUM>-mercaptoethyltrimethoxysilane, <NUM>-mercaptoethyltriethoxysilane, and a compound represented by Formula (<NUM>) below (Si363 manufactured by Evonik Degussa), and the compound represented by Formula (<NUM>) below can be suitably used. They may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

Examples of the compound comprising the bond unit A represented by Formula (<NUM>) and the bond unit B represented by Formula (<NUM>) include those manufactured by and/or commercially available from Momentive Performance Materials, and the like, for example. They may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

A content of the silane coupling agent based on <NUM> parts by mass of silica when the rubber composition comprises the silane coupling agent is, from the viewpoint of enhancing the dispersibility of silica, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing a decrease in abrasion resistance.

The rubber composition for the tread according to the present disclosure preferably comprises a plasticizer. Examples of the plasticizer include a resin component, oil, a liquid rubber, and the like, for example.

The rubber composition constituting the second layer <NUM> preferably comprises a resin component. The resin component is not particularly limited, examples thereof include a petroleum resin, a terpene-based resin, a rosin-based resin, a phenol-based resin, and the like, which are commonly used in the tire industry, and they may be hydrogenated. These resin components may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

In the specification, a "C5-based petroleum resin" refers to a resin obtained by polymerizing a C5 fraction. Examples of the C5 fraction include, for example, a petroleum fraction equivalent to <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as cyclopentadiene, pentene, pentadiene, isoprene, and the like. As the C5-based petroleum resin, cyclopentadiene-based resins are suitably used. Examples of the cyclopentadiene-based resins include a dicyclopentadiene resin (DCPD resin), a cyclopentadiene resin, a methylcyclopentadiene resin (a cyclopentadiene-based resin not hydrogenated), and these cyclopentadiene-based resins being subjected to a hydrogenation process (hydrogenated cyclopentadiene-based resins). As the cyclopentadiene-based resins, those commercially available from Exxon Mobil Chemical, Co. , etc., can be used, for example.

In the specification, "aromatic-based petroleum resins" refers to resins obtained by polymerizing a C9 fraction, and they may be hydrogenated or denatured. Examples of the C9 fraction include, for example, a petroleum fraction equivalent to <NUM> to <NUM> carbon atoms such as vinyltoluene, alkylstyrene, indene, and methyl indene. As specific examples of the aromatic-based petroleum resin, for example, a coumarone indene resin, a coumarone resin, an indene resin, and an aromatic vinyl-based resin are suitably used. As the aromatic vinyl-based resin, a homopolymer of α-methylstyrene or styrene or a copolymer of α-methylstyrene and styrene is preferable, and a copolymer of α-methylstyrene and styrene is more preferable, because it is economical, easy to be processed, and good in heat generation. As the aromatic vinyl-based resin, for example, those commercially available from Kraton Corporation, Eastman Chemical Company, etc. can be used.

In the specification, a "C5-C9-based petroleum resin" refers to a resin obtained by copolymerizing the C5 fraction and the C9 fraction, and may be hydrogenated or denatured. Examples of the C5 fraction and the C9 fraction include the above-described petroleum fractions. As the C5-C9-based petroleum resin, for example, those commercially available from Tosoh Corporation, Zibo Luhua Hongjin New Material Co. , etc. can be used.

Examples of the terpene-based resins include a polyterpene resin consisting of at least one selected from terpene compounds such as α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, dipentene, and the like; an aromatic-denatured terpene resin made from the terpene compound and an aromatic compound; a terpene phenol resin made from a terpene compound and a phenol-based compound; and these terpene-based resins being subjected to a hydrogenation process (hydrogenated terpene-based resins). Examples of the aromatic compound used as a raw material for the aromatic-denatured terpene resin include, for example, styrene, α-methylstyrene, vinyltoluene, divinyltoluene, and the like. Examples of the phenol-based compound used as a raw material for the terpene phenol resin include, for example, phenol, bisphenol A, cresol, xylenol, and the like. As the terpene-based resins, for example, those commercially available from Yasuhara Chemical, Co. , etc. can be used.

The rosin-based resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, for example, a natural resin rosin, and a denatured rosin resin. As the rosin-based resin, for example, those commercially available from Arakawa Chemical, Co. , Harima Chemical, Co. , etc. can be used.

The phenol-based resin is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a phenolformaldehyde resin, an alkylphenolformaldehyde resin, an alkylphenol acetylene resin, an oil-denatured phenolformaldehyde resin, and the like.

A softening point of the resin component is preferably <NUM> or higher and more preferably <NUM> or higher, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> or lower, more preferably <NUM> or lower, and further preferably <NUM> or lower, from the viewpoints of processability and improvement in dispersibility of a rubber component with a filler. Besides, in the specification, the softening point can be defined as a temperature at which a sphere drops when the softening point specified in Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>-<NUM>: <NUM> is measured with a ring and ball softening point measuring device.

When the rubber composition comprises the resin component, the content of thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of suppression of heat generation.

Examples of oil include, for example, a process oil, a vegetable oil and fat, an animal oil and fat, and the like. Examples of the process oil include a paraffin-based process oil, a naphthene-based process oil, an aromatic-based process oil, and the like. Moreover, as an environmental measure, a process oil having a low content of a polycyclic aromatic compound (PCA) can also be used. Examples of the process oil having a low content of a PCA include mild extraction solvates (MES), a treated distillate aromatic extract (TDAE), a heavy naphthenic oil, and the like.

When the rubber composition comprises the oil, the content of thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of processability, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of abrasion resistance. Besides, in the specification, the content of oil also includes an amount of oil contained in an oil-extended rubber.

A liquid rubber is not particularly limited as long as it is a polymer in liquid state at room temperature (<NUM>), and examples of the liquid rubber include, for example, a liquid butadiene rubber (liquid BR), a liquid styrene-butadiene rubber (liquid SBR), a liquid isoprene rubber (liquid IR), a liquid styrene-isoprene polymer (liquid SIR), a liquid farnesene rubber, and the like. These may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

When the rubber composition comprises the liquid rubber, the content of thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, a content of the liquid rubber is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less.

When the rubber composition comprises the plasticizer, a content of the plasticizer (when the plasticizer is used in a plurality, a total content of all of the plasticizers) based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, from the viewpoint of wet grip performance. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of processability.

The rubber composition for the tread according to the present disclosure can appropriately comprise compounding agents commonly used in the tire industry conventionally, such as, for example, wax, a processing aid, stearic acid, zinc oxide, an antioxidant, a vulcanizing agent, a vulcanization accelerator, and the like, in addition to the previously-described components.

When the rubber composition comprises the wax, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of weather resistance of a rubber, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing whitening of a tire due to bloom.

Examples of the processing aid include, for example, a fatty acid metal salt, fatty acid amide, an amide ester, a silica surface active agent, a fatty acid ester, a mixture of a fatty acid metal salt and an amide ester, a mixture of a fatty acid metal salt and fatty acid amide, and the like. These processing aids may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination. As the processing aids, those commercially available from Schill & Seilacher, Performance Additives, etc., for example, can be used.

When the rubber composition comprises the processing aid, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of exhibiting the improvement effect of processability, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoints of abrasion resistance and breaking strength.

The antioxidant is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include, for example, each amine-based, quinoline-based, quinone-based, phenol-based, and imidazole-based compound, and an antioxidant such as a carbamate metal salt, preferably a phenylenediamine-based antioxidant such as N-(<NUM>,<NUM>-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-isopropyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, N,N'-di-<NUM>-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine, N-cyclohexyl-N'-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, and the like, and a quinoline-based antioxidant such as <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydroquinolin polymer, <NUM>-ethoxy-<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-trimethyl-<NUM>,<NUM>-dihydroquinolin, and the like. These antioxidants may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination.

When the rubber composition comprises the antioxidant, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of ozone crack resistance of a rubber, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoints of abrasion resistance and wet grip performance.

When the rubber composition comprises the stearic acid, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of processability, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of vulcanization rate.

When the rubber composition comprises the zinc oxide, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is, from the viewpoint of processability, preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of abrasion resistance.

Sulfur is suitably used as the vulcanizing agent. As sulfur, a powdered sulfur, an oil-treated sulfur, a precipitated sulfur, a colloidal sulfur, an insoluble sulfur, a highly dispersible sulfur, and the like can be used.

A content of sulfur based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component when the rubber composition comprises sulfur as the vulcanizing agent is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more, from the viewpoint of securing a sufficient vulcanization reaction. Moreover, it is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, from the viewpoint of preventing deterioration. Besides, a content of a vulcanizing agent when using an oil-containing sulfur as the vulcanizing agent shall be a total content of pure sulfur amounts comprised in the oil-containing sulfur.

Examples of vulcanizing agents other than sulfur include, for example, alkylphenol-sulfur chloride condensate, <NUM>,<NUM>-hexamethylene-sodium dithiosulfate dehydrate, <NUM>,<NUM>-bis(N,N'-dibenzylthiocarbamoyldithio)hexane, and the like. As these vulcanizing agents other than sulfur, those commercially available from Taoka Chemical Co. , LANXESS, Flexsys, etc. can be used.

Examples of the vulcanization accelerator include, for example, sulfenamide-based, thiazole-based, thiuram-based, thiourea-based, guanidine-based, dithiocarbamic acid-based, aldehyde-amine-based or aldehyde-ammonia-based, imidazoline-based, and xanthate-based vulcanization accelerators. These vulcanization accelerators may be used alone or two or more thereof may be used in combination. Among them, sulfenamide-based, guanidine-based, and thiazole-based vulcanization accelerators are preferable, and a combined use of sulfenamide-based and guanidine-based vulcanization accelerators is more preferable.

Examples of the sulfenamide-based vulcanization accelerator include, for example, N-tert-butyl-<NUM>-benzothiazolylsulfenamide (TBBS), N-cyclohexyl-<NUM>-benzothiazolylsulfenamide (CBS), N,N-dicyclohexyl-<NUM>-benzothiazolylsulfenamide (DCBS), and the like. Among them, N-cyclohexyl-<NUM>-benzothiazolylsulfenamide (CBS) is preferable.

Examples of the guanidine-based vulcanization accelerator include, for example, <NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylguanidine (DPG), <NUM>,<NUM>-di-o-tolylguanidine, <NUM>-o-tolylbiguanide, a di-o-tolylguanidine salt of dicatechol borate, <NUM>,<NUM>-di-o-cumenylguanidine, <NUM>,<NUM>-di-o-biphenylguanidine, <NUM>,<NUM>-di-o-cumenyl-<NUM>-propionylguanidine, and the like. Among them, <NUM>,<NUM>-diphenylguanidine (DPG) is preferable.

Examples of the thiazole-based vulcanization accelerator include, for example, <NUM>-mercaptobenzothiazole, a cyclohexylamine salt of <NUM>-mercaptobenzothiazole, di-<NUM>-benzothiazolyl disulfide, and the like. Among them, <NUM>-mercaptobenzothiazole is preferable.

When the rubber composition comprises the vulcanization accelerator, the content thereof based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more and more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or more. Moreover, the content of the vulcanization accelerator based on <NUM> parts by mass of the rubber component is preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, more preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less, and further preferably <NUM> parts by mass or less. When the content of the vulcanization accelerators is within the above-described ranges, there is a tendency to be able to secure breaking strength and elongation.

The rubber composition according to the present disclosure can be manufactured by a known method. For example, it can be manufactured by kneading each of the previously-described components using a rubber kneading apparatus such as an open roll, a closed type kneader (Bunbury mixer, kneader, etc.), and the like.

The kneading step comprises, for example, a base kneading step of kneading compounding agents and additives other than vulcanizing agents and vulcanization accelerators, and a final kneading (F kneading) step of adding vulcanizing agents and vulcanization accelerators to the kneaded product obtained in the base kneading step and kneading them. Furthermore, the base kneading step can be divided into a plurality of steps, if desired.

Kneading conditions are not particularly limited, and, for example, a method of kneading at a discharge temperature of <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes in the base kneading step and kneading at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes in the final kneading step is exemplified. Vulcanizing conditions are not particularly limited, and, for example, a method of vulcanizing at <NUM> to <NUM> for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes is exemplified.

The tire according to the present disclosure comprises a tread comprising the first layer <NUM>, the second layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM>, and may be a pneumatic tire or a non-pneumatic tire. Moreover, examples of the pneumatic tire include a tire for a passenger car, a tire for a truck/bus, a tire for a motorcycle, a high-performance tire, and the like. Besides, the high-performance tire in the specification is a tire having a particularly good grip performance and is a concept even including a racing tire used for a racing vehicle.

The tire comprising the tread comprising the first layer <NUM>, the second layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM> can be manufactured by a usual method using the previously-described rubber composition. In other words, the tire can be manufactured by extruding, with an extruder comprising a base having a predetermined shape, unvulcanized rubber compositions compounded with each of the above-described components based on the rubber component as necessary into shapes of the first layer <NUM>, the second layer <NUM>, and the third layer <NUM>, attaching them together with other tire members on a tire molding machine, and molding them by a usual method to form an unvulcanized tire, followed by heating and pressurizing this unvulcanized tire in a vulcanizing machine.

With the tire of the present disclosure, the tire inner cavity may be provided with a sealant, a noise damping body, a sensor or tag for tire monitoring, and a mounting member thereof.

As sealants, those generally used for a tire inner circumferential surface of the tread part for puncture prevention may be suitably used. Specific examples of a sealant layer as such include what is disclosed in <CIT>, for example. Normally, the thickness of the sealant is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>. Normally, the width of the sealant is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% and is preferably <NUM> to <NUM>% of the maximum width of the belt layer.

Any one of noise damping bodies may be suitably used as long as it can exhibit a noise-damping effect in the tire inner cavity. Specific examples of a noise-damping body as such include what is disclosed in <CIT>, for example. The noise-damping body is composed of a porous sponge material, for example. The sponge material is a cavernous porous structural body including, in addition to a so-called sponge itself having interconnected cells formed by foaming a rubber or a synthetic resin, a web body formed of an animal fiber, a vegetable fiber, or a synthetic fiber and the like integrally interwoven, for example. Moreover, the "porous structural body" includes not only a body having the interconnected cells but also a body having closed cells. Examples of the noise-damping body include a sponge material having interconnected cells, which sponge material is made of polyurethane. As the sponge material, for example, synthetic resin sponges such as an ether-based polyurethane sponge, an ester-based polyurethane sponge, a polyethylene sponge, and rubber sponges such as a chloroprene rubber sponge (CR sponge), an ethylene-propylene rubber sponge (EDPM sponge), a nitrile rubber sponge (NBR sponge), and the like can be suitably used, and, in particular, a polyurethane-based or polyethylene-based sponge, including an ether-based polyurethane sponge, is preferable from the viewpoints of noise damping property, lightweight property, controllability of foaming, durability, and the like.

The noise-damping body has an elongated belt-like shape having a bottom surface fixed to the inner cavity surface of the tread part and extends in the tire circumferential direction. At this time, outer ends thereof in the circumferential direction may be made to be in contact with each other to form a substantially annular shape, and, in addition, the outer ends thereof may be spaced apart in the circumferential direction.

Although the present disclosure will be described based on Examples, the present disclosure is not to be limited to these Examples.

Various chemicals used in Examples and Comparative examples are shown below:.

Cyclohexane, tetrahydrofuran, styrene, and <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene were charged into a nitrogen-substituted autoclave reactor. The temperature of the contents of the reactor was adjusted to <NUM>, and n-butyllithium was added to initiate polymerization. Polymerization was performed under an adiabatic condition, and the temperature reached <NUM> of the maximum temperature. When a polymerization conversion rate reached <NUM>%, <NUM>,<NUM>-butadiene was added, and after further polymerization for <NUM> minutes, N,N-bis(trimethylsilyl)-<NUM>-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane was added as a denaturing agent to perform reaction. After completion of the polymerization reaction, <NUM>,<NUM>-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol was added. Next, the mixed product was removed of solvent by steam stripping and dried by a heat roll which temperature was adjusted to <NUM> to obtain an SBR <NUM>.

According to the compounding formulations shown in Table <NUM>, using a <NUM> closed Banbury mixer, all chemicals other than sulfur and vulcanization accelerators were kneaded for <NUM> to <NUM> minutes until a discharge temperature reached <NUM> to <NUM> to obtain a kneaded product. Next, using a twin-screw open roll, sulfur and vulcanization accelerators were added to the obtained kneaded product, and the mixture was kneaded for <NUM> minutes until the temperature reached <NUM> to obtain an unvulcanized rubber composition. The obtained unvulcanized rubber composition was used to extrude it into shapes of first layer (thickness: <NUM>), second layer (thickness: <NUM>), and third layer (thickness: <NUM>) of a tread and attached together with other tire members to produce an unvulcanized tire, followed by press vulcanization under a condition of <NUM> for <NUM> minutes to obtain each of test tires shown in Table <NUM> (size: <NUM>/65R15, rim: <NUM> × 6JJ, internal pressure: <NUM> kPa). Besides, the groove depth of the circumferential groove was set to be <NUM>.

A sulfur amount Ts (% by mass) in each of vulcanized rubber test pieces was calculated using the oxygen flask combustion method according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>. Next, in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>, the previously-described test piece was soaked in acetone for <NUM> hours to extract the soluble component. The test piece with the soluble component being extracted was placed in an oven and heated at <NUM> for <NUM> minutes, solvent in the test piece was removed, and then a sulfur amount As (% by mass) in the test piece was calculated using the oxygen flask combustion method according to Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>. Then, a difference (Ts - As) between the sulfur amount Ts and the sulfur amount As was calculated to determine a free sulfur amount. Besides, for each of rubber test pieces for the first, second, and third layers, what was cut out from the tread part of each of test tires was used.

Each of the vulcanized rubber test pieces was soaked in acetone for <NUM> hours to extract the soluble component in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>. Mass of each of the test pieces before and after extraction was measured and the acetone extraction amount was calculated using the below-described calculation equation. Besides, for each of rubber test pieces for the first, second, and third layers, what was cut out from the tread part of each of test tires was used.

In accordance with Japanese Industrial Standard JIS K <NUM>:<NUM>, mass before and after soaking each of vulcanized rubber test pieces in acetone for <NUM> hours was measured and a toluene swelling index was calculated using the below-described equation. The results are shown in Table <NUM>. A value in which <NUM> is subtracted from the calculated toluene welling index is to be a mass change rate (%). It indicates that the less the toluene swelling index and the mass change rate, the higher the crosslinking density.

A No. <NUM> dumbbell type test piece was produced by cutting it out from each of rubber layers of the tread part of each of the test tires such that the tire circumferential direction is the tensile direction. In accordance with JIS K <NUM>:<NUM> "Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastics-Determination of tensile stress-strain properties", a tensile test was performed for the No. <NUM> dumbbell type test piece under the condition of a tensile speed of <NUM>/second under an atmosphere at <NUM> and the modulus at <NUM>% elongation (Mpa) was measured.

Each of vulcanized rubber test pieces was produced by cutting it out at a length <NUM> × a width <NUM> × a thickness <NUM> from each of rubber layers of the tread part of each of the test tires such that the tire circumferential direction is a long side. Loss tangent tan δ of each of the rubber test pieces was measured under conditions of temperature <NUM>, initial strain <NUM>%, dynamic strain <NUM>%, and frequency <NUM> using an EPLEXOR series manufactured by GABO Qualimeter Testanlagen GmbH. Besides, the thickness direction of a sample was set to be the tire radial direction.

The shore hardness (Hs) at <NUM> of each of vulcanized rubber layers was measured by cutting a tire in the radial direction at a width of <NUM>, smoothing the cutting surface, and then pressing a type A durometer against it from the cross-sectional direction.

Each of the test tires was mounted to all wheels of a vehicle (domestic FF with a displacement of <NUM>,<NUM> cc), and the vehicle was made to make ten rounds on a test course having a wet asphalt surface. Based on feeling by <NUM> test drivers with respect to steering stability at each of entering, turning, and exiting at the time of cornering, scoring was made in ten steps to calculate a total score, and then the total score was converted into an index with a score of Comparative example <NUM> as <NUM>. It indicates that the greater the numerical value, the better the steering stability performance on a wet surface.

Each of the test tires was mounted to all wheels of a vehicle (domestic FF with a displacement of <NUM>,<NUM> cc), and a traveling distance up to exposing of a wear indicator was measured and the traveling distance was converted to an index with the traveling distance of Comparative example <NUM> as <NUM>. It indicates that the greater the index, the better the abrasion resistance in total up to the final stage of traveling.

Claim 1:
A tire having a tread at least comprising a first layer (<NUM>) constituting a tread surface (<NUM>), a second layer (<NUM>) being arranged adjacent on the inner side of the first layer (<NUM>) in the radial direction, and a third layer (<NUM>) being arranged adjacent on the inner side of the second layer (<NUM>) in the radial direction,
wherein the first layer (<NUM>), the second layer (<NUM>), and the third layer (<NUM>) are composed of a rubber composition comprising a rubber component,
wherein a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the third layer is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer, and
wherein the free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the second layer is greater than a free sulfur amount of the rubber composition constituting the first layer,
when the free sulfur amount is measured according to the description.