Eraser

Abstract

To provide an eraser which can be used as a substitute for a touch pen or a stylus pen for directly inputting information to a display of an information equipment terminal, and which can maintain excellent erasability.SOLUTION: The eraser of the present invention includes a continuously extending conductive erasing portion, and a non-conductive erasing portion disposed alongside the conductive erasing portion, in which, on the same side, both a part of the conductive erasing portion and a part of the non-conductive erasing portion are exposed. According to the present invention, it is possible to perform both erasing on paper and inputting information to an information equipment terminal without switching between the eraser and a stylus pen or a touch pen as in the conventional art.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an eraser, and more particularly to an eraser that is excellent in both stylus function and erasability. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, information devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones have adopted a wide range of technologies that allow users to input text by handwriting directly onto the display. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2019, elementary, junior high, and high schools have begun distributing tablet devices to students, and there has been a growing trend to provide educational opportunities through distance learning. Furthermore, the use of distance learning to provide educational opportunities is not limited to these schools; it is now also widely adopted by universities, vocational schools, cram schools, and preparatory schools.

[0003] In such educational settings, children, pupils, and other students often take classes with their information device devices placed on their desks. This means that on their desks are placed textbooks, notebooks, pencils or mechanical pencils, felt-tip pens, rulers, erasers, as well as the touch pens and styluses used to input text onto the information device devices and displays, forcing students to take classes in a clearly cluttered environment. This cluttered environment also applies when holding online meetings.

[0004] Therefore, some ideas have been proposed to free students from classes in such cluttered environments. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes that an eraser be given a conductive function to assist in inputting characters into the information device terminal in place of a touch pen or a stylus pen. An eraser with a conductive function is also useful as a substitute for a lost touch pen or a stylus pen.

[0005] However, it is known that the conductive particles such as graphite contained in such erasers to obtain the conductive function reduce the erasability itself. As a result, while it is possible to input characters onto a display, it is difficult to say that pencil characters written on notebooks, etc. are erased very cleanly. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-074713 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention aims to solve the above problems, and its object is to provide an eraser that can be used as a touch pen or stylus pen to directly input information to the display of an information device terminal, and that can maintain excellent erasability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a device comprising: a conductive erasable portion extending continuously; and a non-conductive erasable portion disposed adjacent to the conductive erasable portion; The eraser has both a portion of the conductive erasable portion and a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion exposed on the same surface.

[0009] In one embodiment, the eraser is composed of two bottom surfaces and a side surface disposed between the two bottom surfaces, Both a portion of the conductive erasable portion and a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion are exposed on the bottom surface, and a portion of the conductive erasable portion is exposed on the side surface.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a portion of the conductive erasable portion is exposed at the center of the bottom surface.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the intersection of the bottom surface and the side surface comprises a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion.

[0012] In one embodiment, the eraser has a conductive sleeve disposed on the outermost periphery.

[0013] In one embodiment, the conductive erasable portion contains a carbon source. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, while maintaining erasure properties, the excellent stylus function enables information input from the display of an information device terminal. This makes it possible to erase characters on paper and input information to an information device terminal without having to switch between the eraser and the stylus pen or touch pen as in the past. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an eraser of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship between the eraser and fingers when the eraser shown in FIG. 1 is held in the right hand. FIG. [Figure 3] 1(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining how the eraser shown in FIG. 1 is housed as a main body in a conductive sleeve, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic diagram for explaining how the eraser with the conductive sleeve shown in FIG. 1(a) is held in a hand. [Figure 4] 10(a) to 10(l) are views of the erasers as viewed from the bottom, illustrating other examples of the eraser of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a photograph of the bottom surface of eraser samples produced in Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Examples 3 and 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an eraser of the present invention.

[0018] The eraser 100 shown in Fig. 1 is composed of two bottom surfaces 102a, 102b and a side surface 104 provided between the bottom surfaces 102a, 102b. In Fig. 1, the side surface 104 is composed of four rectangular surfaces 104a, 104b, 104c, and 104d, and the eraser 100 is depicted as having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the eraser 100 may have the shape of a cylinder in which a side surface composed of a curved surface is arranged between two circular bottom surfaces, or may have the shape of a triangular prism in which a side surface composed of three rectangular surfaces is arranged between two triangular base surfaces, or may have the shape of a polygonal prism in which a side surface composed of a plurality of corresponding rectangular surfaces is arranged between two polygonal base surfaces (e.g., excluding triangles and squares).

[0019] The eraser 100 of the present invention comprises a conductive erasing portion 110 and a non-conductive erasing portion 120 .

[0020] The conductive erasable portion 110 is molded so as to extend continuously within the eraser 100 (i.e., integrally, not intermittently). The conductive erasable portion 110 is itself conductive, and can react to static electricity from the human body that touches it to cause a change in capacitance. Furthermore, the conductive erasable portion 110 itself has a moderate erasability.

[0021] The conductive erasable portion 110 contains a substrate component and a carbon source.

[0022] Examples of the base material component include thermoplastic elastomers, vinyl chloride resins, and rubbers, as well as combinations thereof.

[0023] Examples of thermoplastic elastomers include styrene-based thermoplastic elastomers, olefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, acrylic-based thermoplastic elastomers, vinyl chloride-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyester-based thermoplastic elastomers, polyurethane-based thermoplastic elastomers, nylon-based thermoplastic elastomers, and chlorinated polyethylene copolymer crosslinked alloys, as well as combinations thereof. Styrenic thermoplastic elastomers are preferred due to their excellent erasability. A more specific example of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer (SBS) thermoplastic elastomer is SBS.

[0024] An example of a vinyl chloride resin is polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC). The vinyl chloride resin that can be used to form the conductive erasable portion 110 is preferably a paste vinyl chloride resin having an average degree of polymerization of 650 to 5000, more preferably 700 to 3700, and even more preferably 1100 to 1500. In the present invention, if the average degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride resin is less than 650, the hardness of the resulting eraser will decrease, and the erasability of the conductive erasable portion itself will decrease, which may result in insufficient erasability for the entire eraser. If the average degree of polymerization of the vinyl chloride resin is more than 5000, it will be relatively difficult to match the vinyl chloride resin with the plasticizer, making the resulting eraser prone to breaking. The vinyl chloride resin may be a vinyl chloride homopolymer or a copolymer containing vinyl chloride as a primary structural unit and comonomers such as vinyl acetate, ethylene, methyl acrylate, and methyl methacrylate. In the present invention, the vinyl chloride resin is preferably a vinyl chloride homopolymer in order to obtain adequate flexibility.

[0025] Examples of rubber include natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and combinations thereof. Specific examples of synthetic rubber include diene-based rubbers such as isoprene rubber, butadiene rubber, styrene-butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, and acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, and combinations thereof; and non-diene-based rubbers such as butyl rubber, ethylene-propylene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, acrylic rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, and fluororubber, and combinations thereof.

[0026] The carbon source is added as a type of filler in the eraser and to impart conductivity to the conductive erasable portion 110. Examples of carbon sources that can be used to form the conductive erasable portion 110 include graphite, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon black, as well as combinations thereof. Due to its versatility and ease of availability, carbon black is preferred. The carbon source content in the conductive erasable portion 110 is preferably 4% to 30% by mass, more preferably 5% to 15% by mass, relative to the total mass of the eraser of the present invention. If the carbon source content in the conductive erasable portion 110 is less than 4% by mass, the conductive erasable portion may not have sufficient conductivity, and the resulting eraser may not have satisfactory stylus function. If the carbon source content in the conductive erasable portion 110 exceeds 30% by mass, the erasability of the conductive erasable portion itself may be impaired, and the resulting eraser may not have satisfactory erasability.

[0027] The conductive erasable portion 110 also preferably contains a filler material.

[0028] The filler serves to disintegrate the eraser itself into eraser dust when the eraser is used. This appropriate disintegration can enhance the erasability of the eraser. Meanwhile, the conductive erasing portion 110 constituting the eraser 100 of the present invention contains a carbon source as described above. Since the carbon source also plays a similar role to the filler in a broad sense, it is preferable that the filler contained in the eraser 100 of the present invention be composed of filler components other than the carbon source.

[0029] Examples of fillers that can be contained in the conductive erasable portion 110 include calcium carbonate, talc, and combinations thereof. Because of its versatility and ease of availability, the conductive erasable portion 110 preferably contains calcium carbonate as a filler. The content of the filler contained in the conductive erasable portion 110 is preferably 30 to 330 parts by mass, more preferably 60 to 280 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the base component contained in the conductive erasable portion 110. If the content of the filler that can be contained in the conductive erasable portion 110 is less than 30 parts by mass, the overall erasure rate of the resulting eraser may decrease. If the content of the filler that can be contained in the conductive erasable portion 110 is more than 330 parts by mass, the ability to remove written lines from the conductive erasable portion 110 during use may decrease, resulting in reduced erasing performance.

[0030] The conductive erasable portion 110 may also contain a softener (plasticizer) to provide it with suitable flexibility and abrasion resistance.

[0031] Examples of softeners include process oil, phthalate ester, adipate ester, and polyester, and combinations thereof.In the present invention, for example, because of the good compatibility with the base material component, when the base material component constituting the conductive erasable part 110 is a thermoplastic elastomer, the softener is preferably process oil, and when the base material component constituting the conductive erasable part 110 is a vinyl chloride resin, the softener is preferably phthalate ester, adipate ester, and polyester, and combinations thereof.

[0032] In the present invention, the content of the softener is not necessarily limited, but is preferably 30 to 200 parts by mass, more preferably 40 to 150 parts by mass, relative to 100 parts by mass of the base component. If the content of the softener is less than 30 parts by mass, the eraser obtained may become hard and lose adhesion, resulting in poor erasability. If the content of the softener is more than 200 parts by mass, the hardness of the eraser may decrease, making it difficult to use.

[0033] In the present invention, the conductive erasable portion 110 may also contain other components to the extent that they do not significantly impair the above-mentioned conductivity, erasability, etc. Such other components include, for example, stabilizers and colorants, and combinations thereof.

[0034] The stabilizer is one commonly used in the field of resin molding, and is preferably a heat stabilizer for the base component (e.g., vinyl chloride resin). Examples of heat stabilizers for vinyl chloride resin include metal soaps of metals such as barium, zinc, and calcium with organic acids such as stearic acid, lauric acid, ricinoleic acid, naphthenic acid, and 2-ethylhexanoic acid. Other examples of stabilizers include antioxidants, UV absorbers, and light stabilizers. Examples of antioxidants include hindered phenol-based antioxidants, phosphorus-based antioxidants, and sulfur-based antioxidants. Examples of UV absorbers include benzotriazole-based UV absorbers, triazine-based UV absorbers, benzophenone-based UV absorbers, cyanoacrylate-based UV absorbers, salicylate-based UV absorbers, and oxanilide-based UV absorbers. Examples of light stabilizers include various hindered amine-based light stabilizers, oxalic acid derivatives, salicylic acid derivatives, and hydrazine derivatives.

[0035] The colorant is preferably one that is generally used for the base material component, and examples of the colorant include inorganic pigments, organic pigments, disperse dyes, and reactive dyes.

[0036] The non-conductive erasable portion 120 is arranged next to the conductive erasable portion 110 within the eraser 100. In the eraser 100, such arrangement may be achieved, for example, by co-extrusion of the constituent materials of the conductive erasable portion 110 and the non-conductive erasable portion 120, or by first producing the conductive erasable portion 110 and the non-conductive erasable portion 120 separately and then integrating them by heat welding or by bonding them together with a predetermined adhesive.

[0037] The non-conductive erasable portion 120 has properties different from the conductive erasable portion 110 in that it does not itself have conductivity (i.e., is non-conductive) or has lower conductivity than the conductive erasable portion 110. Furthermore, the non-conductive erasable portion 120 itself has sufficient erasability.

[0038] The non-conductive erasable portion 120 contains the same base material components as the conductive erasable portion 110 (for example, thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin (PVC), and / or rubber).

[0039] Furthermore, like the conductive erasable portion 110, the non-conductive erasable portion 120 contains filler components other than the carbon source. Because of its versatility and easy availability, the non-conductive erasable portion 120 preferably contains calcium carbonate as a filler. The content of the other filler that may be contained in the non-conductive erasable portion 120 is preferably 50 to 350 parts by mass, more preferably 80 to 300 parts by mass, per 100 parts by mass of the base component contained in the non-conductive erasable portion. If the content of the other filler that may be contained in the non-conductive erasable portion is less than 50 parts by mass, the overall erasability of the resulting eraser may decrease. If the content of the other filler that may be contained in the non-conductive erasable portion exceeds 350 parts by mass, the ability to remove written lines from the non-conductive erasable portion 120 during use may decrease, resulting in poor erasing performance.

[0040] The non-conductive erasable portion 120 may also contain softeners (plasticizers) and / or other ingredients (e.g., stabilizers and colorants, and combinations thereof) similar to those contained in the conductive erasable portion 110. The content of the softeners and / or other ingredients that may be contained in the non-conductive erasable portion 120 is the same as that contained in the conductive erasable portion 110, for example, and an appropriate content can be selected by one skilled in the art.

[0041] Referring again to FIG. 1, in the eraser 100 of the present invention, both a portion of the conductive erasable portion 110 and a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion 120 are exposed on the same surface.

[0042] 1, conductive eraser portions 110 are arranged in a cross shape on bottom surface 102a, and non-conductive eraser portions 120 are arranged side by side at the four corners of this cross-shaped conductive eraser portion 110. As a result, both a portion of conductive eraser portion 110 and a portion of non-conductive eraser portion 120 are kept exposed on bottom surface 102a.

[0043] 1, on the other hand, portions of the conductive eraser portion 110 are kept exposed at rectangular surfaces 104b, 104c, etc. of the side surface 104. More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, portions of both the conductive eraser portion 110 and the non-conductive eraser portion 120 are kept exposed at rectangular surfaces 104b, 104c, etc. of the side surface 104.

[0044] In the eraser 100 of the present invention, the conductive eraser portion 110 and the non-conductive eraser portion 120 are arranged in this manner, so that when a person holds the eraser 100 in use, for example, as shown in Fig. 2, one or more of the thumb 212, index finger 214, and middle finger 216 can touch the conductive eraser portion 110 that appears on the side surface 104 of the eraser 100. In addition, since the conductive eraser portion 110 that appears on the side surface 104 also appears continuously on the bottom surface 102a, when the display of an information device terminal comes into contact with the conductive eraser portion 110 on the bottom surface 102a, operations such as character input can be performed through the display.

[0045] On the other hand, when the eraser 100 of the present invention is used to erase (erase) a line written on paper with a pencil or mechanical pencil, the non-conductive erasing portions 120 arranged at the four corners come into contact with the paper surface more, making it possible to erase the line in the same way as with a conventional eraser. In particular, as shown in Fig. 1, the intersections (intersecting edges) between the bottom surfaces 102a, 102b and the side surfaces 104 are made up of part of the non-conductive erasing portions 120, so that when erasing, the non-conductive erasing portions 120 arranged at these intersections can come into contact with the line written on the paper more.

[0046] Furthermore, since the conductive erasable portion 110 itself has suitable erasability, even after the non-conductive erasable portions 120 at the four corners and / or the above-mentioned intersections are worn away with use, the remaining non-conductive erasable portions 120 and the conductive erasable portions 110 can maintain high erasability.

[0047] It is considered that erasing the written lines on the paper surface causes the four corners of the bottom surface 102a or 102b of the eraser 100 to be worn away preferentially rather than the center, causing the center to protrude compared to the four corners. In such a case, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the conductive eraser portion 110 is exposed at the center, so that it is easier to contact the display of the information device terminal, and the operability of character input, etc. can be improved.

[0048] FIG. 3(a) is a schematic diagram for explaining how the eraser shown in FIG. 1 is housed as a main body in a conductive sleeve.

[0049] In another embodiment of the present invention, the eraser 300 may have a conductive sleeve 340 disposed on the outermost periphery of the eraser body 100, which corresponds to the eraser shown in FIG.

[0050] The conductive sleeve 340 is a case that houses the eraser body 100, and its inner and outer surfaces are made of a conductive material. Materials that make up the conductive sleeve 340 include conductive metals such as aluminum, iron, and copper; paper or resin with a conductive film or conductive coating; etc. The inner surface of the conductive sleeve 340 is designed to be sized to contact at least a portion of the outer surface of the eraser body 100 (particularly the side surface 104).

[0051] When a person holds the eraser 300 with the eraser main body 100 housed in the conductive sleeve 340, one or more of the thumb 312, index finger 314, and middle finger 316 can touch the conductive eraser part 110 appearing on the side surface 104 through the conductive sleeve 340 of the eraser 300, as shown in Fig. 3(b). In addition, since the conductive eraser part 110 appearing on the side surface 104 also appears continuously on the bottom surface 102a, when the display of an information device terminal comes into contact with the conductive eraser part 110 on the bottom surface 102a, operations such as character input can be performed through the display.

[0052] On the other hand, when the eraser 300 of the present invention is used to erase (erase) lines written on paper with a pencil or mechanical pencil, the non-conductive erasing parts 120 arranged at the four corners come into contact with the paper surface more, making it possible to erase the lines in the same way as with conventional erasers.

[0053] 1 to 3, the erasers 100 and 300 are described in which the non-conductive erasable portions 120 are arranged at the four corners of the cross-shaped conductive erasable portion 110 in the direction of the bottom surface 102a, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

[0054] The eraser of the present invention may have a conductive eraser portion and a non-conductive eraser portion arranged in the bottom direction, for example, in the form shown in (a) to (l) of Fig. 4. In the following description, in Fig. 4, the upper surface of the drawing will be referred to as the upper surface 402, the lower surface of the drawing will be referred to as the lower surface 404, the left surface of the drawing will be referred to as the left side surface 406, and the right surface of the drawing will be referred to as the right side surface 408.

[0055] The eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(a), for example. In Fig. 4(a), a portion of the conductive eraser portion 410a is exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408, but is not exposed on the top surface 402 and the bottom surface 404. On the other hand, a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion 420a is arranged to be exposed on the top surface 402 and the bottom surface 404.

[0056] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410a exposed on either the left side 406 or the right side 408, the eraser 400a functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410a that comes into contact with the eraser 400a. In addition, the eraser 400a can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420a.

[0057] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(b), for example. In Fig. 4(b), a portion of the conductive eraser portion 410b is exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, but is not exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408. On the other hand, a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion 420b is arranged to be exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408.

[0058] In this case, when a person's hand comes into contact with the conductive erasable portion 410b exposed on either the upper surface 402 or the lower surface 404, the eraser 400b functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410b that comes into contact with the eraser 400b. In addition, the eraser 400b can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420b.

[0059] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(c), for example. In Fig. 4(c), a portion of the conductive erasable portion 410c is exposed on the upper surface 402, the left side surface 406, and the right side surface 408, but is not exposed on the lower surface 404. On the other hand, a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion 420c is arranged to be exposed on the lower surface 404, the left side surface 406, and the right side surface 408.

[0060] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410c exposed on either the top surface 402, the left side surface 406, or the right side surface 408, the eraser 400c functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410c that is in contact with the eraser 400c. In addition, the eraser 400c can exhibit excellent erasability due to the non-conductive erasable portion 420c.

[0061] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(d), for example. In Fig. 4(d), two conductive eraser portions 410d extending in the vertical direction are partially exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, and are not exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408. On the other hand, non-conductive eraser portions 420d are arranged vertically between and on both sides of the two conductive eraser portions 410d, and are arranged so that portions of them are exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, the left side surface 406, and the right side surface 408.

[0062] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410d exposed on either the upper surface 402 or the lower surface 404, the eraser 400d functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410d that is in contact with the eraser 400d. In addition, the eraser 400d can exhibit excellent erasability due to the non-conductive erasable portion 420d.

[0063] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(e), for example. In Fig. 4(e), two horizontally extending conductive eraser portions 410e have portions exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408, and are not exposed on the top surface 402 and the bottom surface 404. On the other hand, non-conductive eraser portions 420e are arranged horizontally between and on both sides of the two conductive eraser portions 410e, and are arranged so that portions of them are exposed on the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, the left side surface 406, and the right side surface 408.

[0064] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410e exposed on either the left side 406 or the right side 408, the eraser 400e functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410e that the hand touches. In addition, the eraser 400e can exhibit excellent erasability due to the non-conductive erasable portion 420e.

[0065] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(f), for example. In Fig. 4(f), a portion of the conductive eraser portion 410f is exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, and the left side surface 406, but is not exposed on the right side surface 408. On the other hand, the non-conductive eraser portion 420f is disposed to the right of the conductive eraser portion 410f, and is disposed so that a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion 420f is exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, and the right side surface 408.

[0066] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410f exposed on either the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, or the left surface 406, the eraser 400f functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410f that is in contact with the hand. In addition, the eraser 400f can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420f.

[0067] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(g), for example. In Fig. 4(g), two conductive eraser portions 410(1)g, 410(2)g extending in the vertical direction are partially exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, but are not exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408. Furthermore, one conductive eraser portion 410(3)g extending in the horizontal direction is partially exposed on the left side surface 406 and the right side surface 408, but is not exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portions 410(1)g, 410(2)g extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(3)g extending in the horizontal direction intersect with each other internally to form a single unit. On the other hand, non-conductive erasable portion 420g is disposed between conductive erasable portions 410(1)g, 410(2)g, and 410(3)g, and is disposed so that portions of it are exposed on upper surface 402, lower surface 404, left side surface 406, and right side surface 408.

[0068] In this case, when a person's hand comes into contact with the conductive erasing portions 410(1)g, 410(2)g, and 410(3)g exposed on either the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, the left surface 406, or the right surface 408, the eraser 400g exhibits a stylus function through the conductive erasing portions 410(1)g, 410(2)g, and 410(3)g that come into contact with the eraser 400g. In addition, the eraser 400g exhibits excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasing portion 420g.

[0069] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Figure 4(h). In Figure 4(h), a single conductive eraser portion 410(1)h extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the top surface 402, bottom surface 404, and left side surface 406, but not on the right side surface 408. A single conductive eraser portion 410(2)h extending laterally is partially exposed on the bottom surface 404, left side surface 406, and right side surface 408, but not on the top surface 402. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portion 410(1)h extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(2)h extending laterally intersect with each other internally and are integrated. Meanwhile, the non-conductive eraser portion 420h is arranged to fill the area other than the conductive eraser portions 410(1)h and 410(2)h, and is partially exposed on the top surface 402 and right side surface 408.

[0070] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portions 410(1)h, 410(2)h exposed on either the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, or the left surface 406, the eraser 400h exhibits a stylus function through the conductive erasable portions 410(1)h, 410(2)h that come into contact with the eraser 400h. In addition, the eraser 400h can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420h.

[0071] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Figure 4(i), for example. In Figure 4(i), a single conductive eraser portion 410(1)i extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the top surface 402, bottom surface 404, and left side surface 406, but not on the right side surface 408. A single conductive eraser portion 410(2)i extending laterally is partially exposed on the left side surface 406 and right side surface 408, but not on the top surface 402 or bottom surface 404. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portion 410(1)i extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(2)i extending laterally intersect with each other internally and are integrated. Meanwhile, the non-conductive eraser portion 420h is arranged to fill the area other than the conductive eraser portions 410(1)i and 410(2)i, and is partially exposed on the top surface 402, bottom surface 404, and right side surface 408.

[0072] In this case, when a person's hand comes into contact with the conductive erasable portions 410(1)i, 410(2)i exposed on either the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, or the left surface 406, the eraser 400i exhibits a stylus function through the conductive erasable portions 410(1)i, 410(2)i that come into contact with the eraser 400i. In addition, the eraser 400i can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portions 420i.

[0073] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Figure 4(j), for example. In Figure 4(j), one conductive eraser portion 410(1)j extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, and the left side surface 406, but is not exposed on the right side surface 408. Another conductive eraser portion 410(2)j extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, but is not exposed on the left side surface 406 or the right side surface 408. Furthermore, one conductive eraser portion 410(3)j extending in the horizontal direction is partially exposed on the left side surface 406, but is not exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, or the right side surface 408. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portions 410(1)j and 410(2)j extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(3)j extending in the horizontal direction intersect with each other internally to form a single unit. On the other hand, non-conductive erasable portion 420g is disposed between these conductive erasable portions 410(1)j, 410(2)j, and 410(3)j, and is disposed so that portions of it are exposed on top surface 402, bottom surface 404, and right surface 408.

[0074] In this case, when a person's hand comes into contact with the conductive erasable portions 410(1)j, 410(2)j, 410(3)j exposed on either the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, or the left surface 406, the eraser 400j exhibits a stylus function through the conductive erasable portions 410(1)j, 410(2)j, 410(3)j that come into contact. In addition, the eraser 400j exhibits excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portions 420j.

[0075] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(k), for example. In Fig. 4(k), a single conductive eraser portion 410(1)k extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, but is not exposed on the left surface 406 and the right surface 408. Also, a single conductive eraser portion 410(2)k extending in the horizontal direction is partially exposed on the left surface 406, but is not exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, or the right surface 408. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portion 410(1)k extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(2)k extending in the horizontal direction intersect with each other internally to form a single unit. On the other hand, the non-conductive erasable portion 420g is arranged to fill the area other than the conductive erasable portions 410(1)k and 410(2)k, and is arranged so that a portion of it is exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, the right side surface 408, and the left side surface 408.

[0076] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portions 410(1)k, 410(2)k exposed on either the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, or the left surface 406, the eraser 400k exhibits a stylus function through the conductive erasable portions 410(1)k, 410(2)k that are in contact. In addition, the eraser 400k can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420k.

[0077] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(k), for example. In Fig. 4(k), a single conductive eraser portion 410(1)k extending in the vertical direction is partially exposed on the upper surface 402 and the lower surface 404, but is not exposed on the left surface 406 and the right surface 408. Also, a single conductive eraser portion 410(2)k extending in the horizontal direction is partially exposed on the left surface 406, but is not exposed on the upper surface 402, the lower surface 404, or the right surface 408. Furthermore, the conductive eraser portion 410(1)k extending in the vertical direction and the conductive eraser portion 410(2)k extending in the horizontal direction intersect with each other internally to form a single unit. Meanwhile, the non-conductive erasable portion 420g is arranged to fill the area other than these conductive erasable portions 410(1)k, 410(2)k, with portions of it exposed on the top surface 402, bottom surface 404, right surface 408, and left surface 408. In this case, when a person's hand comes into contact with the conductive erasable portion 410(1)k, 410(2)k exposed on either the top surface 402, bottom surface 404, or left surface 406, the eraser 400k exhibits a stylus function due to the conductive erasable portion 410(1)k, 410(2)k that comes into contact. Furthermore, the eraser 400k can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420k.

[0078] Alternatively, the eraser of the present invention may have a structure as shown in Fig. 4(l), for example. In Fig. 4(l), one conductive eraser portion 410l is arranged at one corner of the bottom surface, with parts of it exposed on the top surface 402 and the right side surface 408, and not exposed on the bottom surface 404 and the left side surface 406. On the other hand, the non-conductive eraser portions 420k are arranged to fill the areas other than the conductive eraser portions 410l, with parts of them exposed on the top surface 402, the bottom surface 404, the right side surface 408, and the left side surface 408.

[0079] In this case, when a person's hand touches the conductive erasable portion 410l exposed on either the top surface 402 or the right surface 408, the eraser 400l functions as a stylus due to the conductive erasable portion 410l that the hand touches. In addition, the eraser 400l can exhibit excellent erasability through the non-conductive erasable portion 420l.

[0080] The eraser of the present invention can be produced, for example, by separately melt-kneading the components constituting the conductive erasable portion and the components constituting the non-conductive erasable portion, and then co-extruding them. Alternatively, the conductive erasable portion and the non-conductive erasable portion may be molded separately by extrusion molding or the like, and then bonded together using an adhesive or the like well known in the art.

[0081] The molding temperature is not necessarily limited, but is, for example, 100 to 130°C, preferably 110 to 120°C, and the heating time is, for example, 20 to 40 minutes. For example, after co-extrusion, the eraser of the present invention can be obtained by cooling to a predetermined temperature and cutting to a predetermined size.

[0082] As described above, the eraser of the present invention has a conductive erasing portion and a non-conductive erasing portion, so that when performing operations such as character input through the display of an information device terminal, the stylus function can be exerted from any portion of the eraser where the conductive erasing portion is located by grasping the conductive erasing portion or conductive sleeve that appears on the surface with one's hand. Furthermore, since the non-conductive erasing portion also appears on the surface, it can also exhibit excellent erasability for lines drawn on paper with a pencil or mechanical pencil. Furthermore, since this conductive erasing portion is continuously extended within the eraser, even if the eraser itself becomes worn down through use, it can still exhibit both stylus function and erasability, just like a new one.

[0083] This eliminates the need to prepare a stylus pen or touch pen in addition to the eraser of the present invention on the desk of each attendee when conducting a distance learning class or an online meeting, etc. Also, if a stylus pen or touch pen is lost, the eraser of the present invention can be used as a substitute. [Example]

[0084] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0085] (Example 1: Preparation of eraser sample (E1)) Fabric (1) was prepared by heating and kneading 100 parts by weight of styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SBS), 250 parts by weight of heavy calcium carbonate, and 45 parts by weight of process oil in a kneader. Fabric (2) was prepared by heating and kneading 100 parts by weight of styrene-based thermoplastic elastomer (SBS), 220 parts by weight of heavy calcium carbonate, 40 parts by weight of carbon black, and 45 parts by weight of process oil in a kneader. Fabrics (1) and (2) were extruded to their respective predetermined thicknesses, then stacked, thermocompressed, and cut to obtain a three-layered rectangular eraser sample (E1) (thickness: 9.5 mm, width: 15.5 mm, length: 50.0 mm) consisting of a 4.5 mm thick non-conductive erasing portion, a 1.0 mm thick conductive erasing portion, and a 4.0 mm thick non-conductive erasing portion stacked in this order from the bottom (the bottom has a structure as shown in Figure 4(a)). In this eraser sample (E1), both a part of the conductive erasing portion and a part of the non-conductive erasing portion were exposed on both the short side surfaces and the bottom surface.

[0086] (Comparative Example 1: Preparation of eraser sample (C1)) The material (1) prepared in Example 1 was extruded alone at a cylinder temperature of 100°C and a screw rotation speed of 25 rpm, and then cut to obtain a rectangular eraser sample (C1) (thickness: 9.5 mm, width: 15.5 mm, length: 50.0 mm) consisting only of a non-conductive eraser portion. In this eraser sample (C1), only the non-conductive eraser portion was exposed on both the short side and bottom.

[0087] (Comparative Example 2: Preparation of eraser sample (C2)) The material (2) prepared in Example 1 was extruded alone at a cylinder temperature of 100°C and a screw rotation speed of 25 rpm, and then cut to obtain a rectangular eraser sample (C2) (thickness: 9.5 mm, width: 15.5 mm, length: 50.0 mm) consisting only of the conductive eraser portion. In this eraser sample (C2), only the conductive eraser portion was exposed on both the short side and the bottom.

[0088] (Smartphone operability) The two short sides of the eraser sample (E1) obtained in Example 1 were held between the thumb and index finger, and the bottom surface of the sample (E1) was pressed against the display of a smartphone. In this state, the eraser sample (E1) was slid parallel to the display, and the operability of the smartphone on the display was confirmed in accordance with the movement of the sample (E1). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0089] For the eraser samples (C1) and (C2) obtained in Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the two short sides were held between the thumb and index finger in the same manner as above, and pressed against the display of the smartphone, and the operability of the smartphone on the display was confirmed according to the movement of the samples (C1) and (C2). The results are shown in Table 1.

[0090] (HB pencil erasure rate measurement) The bottom surface (contact area with test paper) of each of the eraser samples (E1), (C1) and (C2) obtained in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 was scraped into an arc shape with a radius of 6±1 mm to obtain test pieces. Using these test pieces, the HB pencil erasure rate of the obtained samples was measured in accordance with JIS S 6050 (2002). The results are shown in Table 2.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] As shown in Table 1, the eraser sample (E1) obtained in Example 1 has good operability for smartphones and a high erasure rate, and it is clear that it is possible to achieve both the performance of the stylus function and excellent erasability. In contrast, the eraser sample (C1) of Comparative Example 1 has excellent erasability but lacks the stylus function, and the eraser sample (C2) of Comparative Example 2 can perform the stylus function but is somewhat inferior in erasability, and it was difficult for any of the eraser samples to achieve both of the above.

[0093] (Example 2: Preparation of eraser sample (E2)) The fabrics (1) and (2) prepared in Example 1 were extruded to their respective predetermined thicknesses, then cut to predetermined widths, and fixed in place by thermocompression bonding. The rectangular eraser sample (E2) (thickness: 11 mm, width: 21 mm, length: 50.0 mm) shown in Fig. 5(a) was obtained by cutting the cross-shaped conductive eraser portion in the bottom direction, with the four corners of the cross-shaped conductive eraser portion filled with non-conductive eraser portions. Regarding this eraser sample (E2), the thicknesses of the non-conductive eraser portion (lower surface), conductive eraser portion, and non-conductive eraser portion (upper surface) on the short side in the bottom direction were 3 mm, 5 mm, and 3 mm, respectively, and the thicknesses of the non-conductive eraser portion (lower surface), conductive eraser portion, and non-conductive eraser portion (upper surface) on the long side were all 7 mm. In addition, in this eraser sample (E2), both a part of the conductive erasing portion and a part of the non-conductive erasing portion were exposed on both the short side surfaces and the bottom surface.

[0094] (Example 3: Preparation of eraser sample (E3)) The fabrics (1) and (2) prepared in Example 1 were extruded to their respective predetermined thicknesses, and then the two fabrics were overlapped and thermocompressed, followed by cutting. As shown in Figure 5(b), an 11-striped rectangular eraser sample (E3) (thickness: 11 mm, width: 21 mm, length: 50.0 mm) was obtained, in which six conductive eraser layers and five non-conductive eraser layers were alternately stacked in the bottom direction. For this eraser sample (E3), the thicknesses of the conductive eraser layer and the non-conductive eraser layer on the short side in the bottom direction were both 1 mm. Furthermore, for this eraser sample (E3), both a portion of the conductive eraser portion and a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion were exposed on both the short side and the bottom.

[0095] (Example 4: Preparation of eraser sample (E4)) The fabrics (1) and (2) prepared in Example 1 were extruded to their respective predetermined thicknesses, and then the two fabrics were overlapped and thermocompressed, followed by cutting. As shown in Figure 5(c), a three-striped rectangular eraser sample (E4) (thickness: 11 mm, width: 21 mm, length: 50.0 mm) was obtained, in which two layers of non-conductive eraser portions were stacked in the bottom direction with one layer of conductive eraser portion placed between them. For this eraser sample (E4), the layer thickness of the conductive eraser portion on the short side in the bottom direction was 5 mm, and the layer thickness of each of the two non-conductive eraser portions was 3 mm. Furthermore, for this eraser sample (E4), both a portion of the conductive eraser portion and a portion of the non-conductive eraser portion were exposed on both the short side and the bottom.

[0096] (Comparative Example 3: Preparation of eraser sample (C3)) The material (2) prepared in Example 1 was extruded alone at a cylinder temperature of 100°C and a screw rotation speed of 25 rpm, and then cut to obtain a rectangular eraser sample (C3) (thickness: 11 mm, width: 21 mm, length: 50.0 mm) consisting only of the conductive erasing portion shown in Figure 5(d). In this eraser sample (C3), only the conductive erasing portion was exposed on both the short side and bottom.

[0097] (Comparative Example 4: Preparation of eraser sample (C4)) The material (1) prepared in Example 1 was extruded alone at a cylinder temperature of 100°C and a screw rotation speed of 25 rpm, and then cut to obtain a rectangular eraser sample (C4) (thickness: 11 mm, width: 21 mm, length: 50.0 mm) consisting only of the non-conductive erasing portion shown in Figure 5(e). In this eraser sample (C4), only the non-conductive erasing portion was exposed on both the short side and bottom.

[0098] (Smartphone operability of sample erasers with various sleeves attached) Each of the eraser samples (E2) to (E4) obtained in Examples 2 to 4 was housed in a paper sleeve (thickness: 0.25 mm) used for commercially available erasers. Each eraser sample was in close contact with the inner wall of the sleeve.

[0099] In this state, the two short sides of each sleeve were grasped with the thumb and index finger, and the bottom of each sample (E2) to (E4) was pressed against the smartphone display and slid, and the operability of the smartphone on the display was confirmed in accordance with the movement of each sample (E2) to (E4). The operability without the sleeve was also confirmed in the same way. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0100] Next, replace the paper sleeve with 3.0 x 10 5 Using a sleeve (conductive paper sleeve) made from paper (thickness: 0.25 mm) with a volume resistivity of Ω·cm, and a sleeve (aluminum sleeve) made from aluminum (thickness: 0.4 mm), we confirmed the operability of the smartphone on the display in response to the movement of samples (E2) to (E4). We also confirmed the operability without the sleeve attached. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0101] Furthermore, the eraser samples (C3) and (C4) obtained in Comparative Examples 3 and 4 were housed in a paper sleeve, a conductive paper sleeve, and an aluminum sleeve, respectively, in the same manner as described above. Next, the two short sides of these sleeves were held between the thumb and index finger and pressed against the display of a smartphone, and the operability of the smartphone on the display was confirmed in accordance with the movement of the samples (C3) and (C4). The operability without the sleeve was also confirmed in the same manner. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0102] [Table 2]

[0103] As shown in Table 2, when the eraser samples (E2) to (E4) obtained in Examples 2 to 4 were housed in a conductive sleeve (conductive paper or aluminum), the smartphone operability was as good as when they were not housed in a sleeve. Also, with the thickness adopted in this example, the smartphone could be operated well even when using a paper sleeve. [Explanation of symbols]

[0104] 100,300 characters erased 102a,102b Bottom 104 Side 104a,104b,104c,104d Rectangular surface 110 Conductive eraser part 120 Non-conductive eraser part 212 Thumb 214 index finger 216 middle finger 340 Conductive Sleeve

Claims

1. An eraser for erasing lines written on paper with a pencil or mechanical pencil, a conductive erasable portion extending continuously and a non-conductive erasable portion disposed adjacent to the conductive erasable portion; a portion of the conductive erasable portion and a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion are both exposed on the same surface; The non-conductive erasing portion comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic elastomer, vinyl chloride resin, and rubber.

2. The container is composed of two bottom surfaces and a side surface disposed between the two bottom surfaces, 2. The eraser of claim 1, wherein both a portion of the conductive erasable portion and a portion of the non-conductive erasable portion are exposed on the bottom surface, and a portion of the conductive erasable portion is exposed on the side surface.

3. 3. The eraser according to claim 2, wherein a portion of said conductive erasing portion is exposed at the center of said bottom surface.

4. 4. The eraser according to claim 2, wherein an intersection of said bottom surface and said side surface is formed as a part of said non-conductive erasing portion.

5. 5. The eraser according to claim 1, wherein a conductive sleeve is disposed on the outermost periphery.

6. The eraser according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the conductive erasing portion contains a carbon source.

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