Magnetic eraser and microcapsule magnetophoretic display system

Abstract

In order to obtain a magnetic eraser capable of erasing an erasing target in a precise range and to obtain a magnetic eraser that has an expanded degree of freedom with regard to the size of the magnetic eraser which conforms to the size of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display, provided is a magnetic eraser for scanning a recording-surface surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and thereby erasing a magnetic-recording display body displayed on the microcapsule magnetophoretic display. As an erasing means, a multipolar magnetized rubber magnet 2 is used. One surface of the multipolar magnetized rubber magnet 2 is set as an erasing-surface side 3 that scans the recording-surface surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display and thereby erases the magnetic-recording display body displayed on the recording-surface surface. The density of magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing-surface side 3 is controlled so as to be a magnetic force suitable for causing magnetic particles in microcapsules to aggregate in the center of the microcapsules.

Description

Magnetic erasing tool and microcapsule magnetophoretic display system

[0001] The present invention relates to a microcapsule magnetophoretic display system including a magnetic erasing tool for scanning the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erasing the magnetically recorded display of black characters or images by applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display, and a magnetic writing tool for writing the black characters or images by applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display.

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a magnetic eraser that rotates a magnet inside a housing as a magnetic eraser that applies a magnetic field to a microcapsule magnetophoretic display to erase the displayed black characters or images on the magnetic recording display from the surface side of the recording surface.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a magnetic erasing tool in which a magnet and a magnetic body are arranged in a housing, and the magnetic body controls the strength and direction of the magnetic field lines from the magnet.

[0004] Patent Document 3 discloses a magnetic erasing tool that rotates a magnet, similar to Patent Document 1, and a magnetic erasing tool that arranges multiple magnets in a housing to control the direction of magnetic lines of force.

[0005] Japanese Patent No. 6213886 Japanese Patent No. 6835383 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2022-178567

[0006] In Patent Document 1, the direction of the magnetic field lines is continuously rotated by rotating a magnet at a constant speed, and the magnetic particles inside the microcapsules of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display rotate and aggregate in response, allowing the black magnetic particles to gather near the center of the microcapsules, resulting in excellent erasing performance.However, a driving member is required to rotate the magnet, which increases the weight and cost of the magnetic erasing tool, and if the motor is driven by a battery, the microcapsule magnetophoretic display system combined with this magnetic erasing tool cannot be said to be a 100% eco-friendly product.

[0007] In Patent Document 2, the strength and direction of the magnetic lines of force are controlled by arranging a magnetic body without rotating the magnet, so although it is lighter, less expensive, and more eco-friendly than the magnetic erasing tool in Patent Document 1, its erasing performance is inferior to that of the magnetic erasing tool in Patent Document 1.

[0008] Furthermore, the magnetic erasure tool of Patent Document 2 has a problem in that the magnets and magnetic materials are arranged in the internal space of the housing structure, which limits the degree of freedom in the size of the magnetic erasure tool.

[0009] In order to improve the erasure performance of the magnetic eraser of Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3 aims to achieve the same erasure performance as Patent Document 1 without rotating the magnets by arranging multiple magnets in a housing perpendicular to the scanning direction of the magnetic eraser, and by alternating north and south poles when the magnetic eraser is scanned, but when multiple magnets are arranged side by side in a housing, the direction, strength, and reach of the magnetic field lines generated by the magnets differ significantly between the areas where the magnets are adjacent and the ends where there are no adjacent magnets, so it is necessary to control the strength and direction of the magnetic field lines by arranging a magnetic material, as in Patent Document 2. Therefore, the magnetic eraser disclosed in Patent Document 3, which arranges multiple magnets in a housing to control the direction of the magnetic field lines, requires the arrangement of a magnetic material in addition to the use of multiple magnets, which not only increases the weight and cost of the magnetic eraser, but also significantly limits the degree of freedom in the shape and size of the magnetic eraser.

[0010] The magnetic erasing tools in Patent Documents 1 to 3 use permanent magnets, and therefore even if a magnetic body is placed and the strength and direction of the magnetic lines of force are controlled, the magnetic lines of force extend over a wide area, making it difficult to erase the target area in the case of partial erasure.

[0011] The present inventors have conducted extensive research and testing to solve these problems, and have come to the conclusion that a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet can be used as the magnet for the magnetic erasure tool.

[0012] Multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets are used and distributed in many products under names such as rubber magnets, magnetic sheets, plastic magnets, and magnetic belts. There are different types of multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets, including isotropic and anisotropic, and they differ in thickness and magnetization pitch (the distance between the south and north poles). Generally, anisotropic magnets are stronger than isotropic magnets, and the thicker the magnetization pitch, the stronger the magnetic force, and the range of influence of the magnetic field lines changes depending on the magnetization pitch. Because the magnetic field lines emerge from the adjacent north pole and enter the south pole, the density of the magnetic field lines does not decrease even at distances from the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet as the magnetization pitch widens in proportion to the magnetization pitch.

[0013] When the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display is scanned with the magnetization direction of a multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet perpendicular to the direction of travel, the magnetic particles inside the microcapsules form needle-like connections along the magnetic field lines, and rotate as the south and north poles pass by alternately. After the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet has passed, the magnetic particles inside the microcapsules aggregate due to residual magnetization.

[0014] As a result of test research, it was discovered that when a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is scanned along the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetic phoretic display, if the magnetic force of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is strong, the magnetic particles inside the microcapsules rotate but are attracted by the magnetic force and agglomerate near the surface of the display, resulting in a black recording surface; however, if the magnetic force is weak, the magnetic particles inside the microcapsules are not attracted by the magnetic force, and the recording surface of the display becomes white.

[0015] As a result, we discovered that by controlling the magnetic force of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet to a magnetic force that causes the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to aggregate near the center of the microcapsules, it is possible to apply a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase the displayed magnetic recording display of black letters or images, which led to the creation of this invention.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a magnetic erasing tool that can erase the erasure target within a precise range, and that maintains excellent erasing performance, light weight, and eco-friendliness while achieving further cost reduction and increasing the degree of freedom in size of the magnetic erasing tool to match the size of a microcapsule magnetic phoretic display, as well as to provide a microcapsule magnetic phoretic display system that combines this magnetic erasing tool with a magnetic writing tool.

[0017] In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a magnetic erasing device for erasing the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed by scanning the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display, characterized in that a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used as the erasing means, and one side of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is set as the erasing surface side that scans the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display to erase the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface, and the density of the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side is controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0018] According to the invention of claim 1, a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used as the erasing means, and one side of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is set as the erasing surface side that scans the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display to erase the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface, and the density of the magnetic field lines emitted from the erasing surface side is controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, when the erasing surface side set on the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used to scan the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display, the magnetic particles in the microcapsules after the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet has passed are caused to agglomerate near the center of the microcapsules due to residual magnetization, and the recording surface turns white, making it possible to erase the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface.

[0019] Furthermore, since a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used as the erasing means, it is possible to obtain a magnetic erasing tool that is lightweight, maintains eco-friendliness, and achieves further cost reduction, while also allowing for greater freedom in the size of the magnetic erasing tool to suit the size of a microcapsule magnetic migration display.

[0020] The invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 2, the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, the spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material lowers the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side, and by simply changing the thickness of the spacer layer, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0022] The invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 3, the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side is lowered by the magnetic lines passing through the spacer layer made of magnetic material, and by the simple means of changing the thickness of the spacer layer, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0024] The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic material and non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0025] According to the invention described in claim 4, a spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic materials is provided on the erasing surface side of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, by controlling the thickness of each spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic materials, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0026] The invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the thickness of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet being selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0027] According to the invention described in claim 5, the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the thickness of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, by simply selecting and setting the thickness of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0028] The invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet being selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0029] According to the invention described in claim 6, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, the density of the magnetic lines of force can be adjusted by the simple means of selecting the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, and the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0030] The invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material being provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0031] According to the invention described in claim 7, the non-magnetized surface of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, the spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material lowers the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side, and by simply changing the thickness of the spacer layer, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0032] The invention described in claim 8 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic material being provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0033] According to the invention described in claim 8, the non-magnetized surface of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side is lowered by the magnetic lines passing through the spacer layer made of magnetic material, and by the simple means of changing the thickness of the spacer layer, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0034] The invention described in claim 9 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in claim 1 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, with the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic material being provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.

[0035] According to the invention described in claim 9, the non-magnetized surface of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic materials is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules to the center of the microcapsules.Therefore, by controlling the thickness of each spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic materials, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules.

[0036] The invention described in claim 10 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in any one of claims 5 to 9 is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, and a magnetic material is placed on the magnetized surface.

[0037] According to the invention described in claim 10, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, and a magnetic material is placed on the magnetized surface, so that when the magnetic force of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is weak, the magnetic force emanating from the non-magnetized surface can be strengthened, and even when the magnetic force is strengthened, the density of the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles near the center of the microcapsules by controlling the thickness of the spacer layer.

[0038] The invention described in claim 11 is characterized in that the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet described in any one of claims 1 to 10 has ends on both sides in the scanning direction that are curved in a direction away from the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetic phoretic display.

[0039] According to the invention described in claim 11, cutting of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet causes disturbances in the density and direction of the magnetic lines of force at the ends on both sides of the scanning direction, but since the ends of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet on both sides of the scanning direction are curved away from the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetic phoretic display, the ends where disturbances in the density and direction of the magnetic lines of force have occurred cannot be used as the erasing surface, and therefore the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetic phoretic display becomes an erasing surface with a more uniform color tone.

[0040] The invention described in claim 12 is characterized in that one or more of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets described in any one of claims 1 to 11, which are equipped with a control means for controlling the density of magnetic lines of force emerging from the erasure surface side, and one or more multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets without erasure function, which do not have a control means and turn the recording surface black by scanning the recording surface, are arranged in parallel, parallel to the magnetization direction.

[0041] According to the invention described in claim 12, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet equipped with a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force coming out from the erasure surface side described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and one or more non-erasing multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets that do not have a control means and turn the recording surface black by scanning the recording surface are arranged in parallel parallel to the magnetization direction.Therefore, by scanning the recording surface, the non-erasing multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet activates the magnetic particles and turns the recording surface black, and the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet equipped with a control means can erase the black color on the recording surface, so that the activation of magnetic particles and the erasure of the black color on the recording surface can be performed in a single operation.

[0042] The invention described in claim 13 is a microcapsule magnetophoretic display system, characterized in that it includes a microcapsule magnetophoretic display, a magnetic writing instrument for applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display to write and display a magnetic recording display of black letters or images on the recording surface, and a magnetic eraser described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

[0043] According to the invention described in claim 13, the invention includes a magnetic erasing device described in any one of claims 1 to 12, a microcapsule magnetophoretic display, and a magnetic writing instrument for applying a magnetic field to display a magnetic recording display of black letters or images.Therefore, the magnetic writing instrument can be used to write and display a magnetic recording display of black letters or images on the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display, and the magnetic erasing device can be used to erase the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface, all of which can be done efficiently and without stress.

[0044] As described above, the magnetic erasing tool of the present invention uses a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet, which allows for erasure of the target within a precise range, simplifies the structure of the magnetic erasing tool, reduces the number of components, and reduces costs.In addition, the freedom in the size of the magnetic erasing tool is increased, making it possible to provide a magnetic erasing tool that is suited to the size and erasure area of ​​the microcapsule magnetic phoretic display.

[0045]

[0023] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a first example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of how the first example is used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a second example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of how the second example is used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a third example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of how the third example is used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display. Fig. 4 and fifth examples of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of how the fourth and fifth examples are used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display.

[0033] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a sixth embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the sixth embodiment being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display.

[0034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the seventh embodiment being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display.

[0035] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a ninth embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the ninth embodiment being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display.

[0036] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a fourteenth embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention. 15A and 15B are cross-sectional explanatory views showing a fifteenth example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the fifteenth example being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase a magnetic recording display.

[0046] The following describes an embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool and the microcapsule magnetophoretic display system according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] [Magnetic Eraser] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a first example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the first example being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetic phoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0048] The first example of the magnetic eraser 1 scans the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 and erasing the displayed magnetic recording display of black letters or images. A multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 is used as the erasing means, and one side of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 is set as the erasing surface side 3 that scans the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 and erases the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface 102. The density of the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side 3 is controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 in the microcapsules 103 to the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0049] In the first example, the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2 used as the erasing means is a single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2 a, with the magnetized surface 4 serving as the erasing surface side 3 .

[0050] Furthermore, as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 in the microcapsules 103 to the center of the microcapsules 103, a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a.

[0051] By providing a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a, the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material creates a space, which reduces the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3. The thickness of the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material is set to a thickness that can control the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0052] The spacer layer 5a made of a nonmagnetic material can be given other functions by selecting the material. For example, felt can be used to provide a scratch prevention function for the surface substrate 105 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, a silicone-treated surface material can provide a friction reduction function, or an antistatic material can provide an antistatic function. Furthermore, the spacer layer 5a made of a nonmagnetic material may be a frame only on the periphery, with a space in the center.

[0053] According to the first example of the magnetic eraser 1, a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, and the thickness of the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material is set to a thickness that can be controlled so that the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 becomes a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.Therefore, by controlling the thickness of the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be made a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0054] When the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1 is scanned over the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, the magnetic particles 104 that had aggregated on the surface side of the microcapsules 103 and formed a magnetic recording display of black letters or images rotate within the microcapsules 103 due to the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side 3 as the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a passes, and after the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a has passed, the magnetic particles 104 are aggregated near the center of the microcapsules 103 due to residual magnetization, causing the recording surface 102 to turn white and erasing the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 (see Figure 1).

[0055] In the first example, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 used as the erasing means is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, but in the case of a double-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet (not shown), the control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103 can be the same as in the first example.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a second embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the process of using the second embodiment to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0057] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the second example is the same in basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0058] The difference between the magnetic eraser 1 of the second example and the first example is that in the second example, a spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0059] By providing a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a, not only does the spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material create a space, but the magnetic lines of force pass through the spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material, thereby lowering the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3. The thickness of the spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material is set to a thickness that can control the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0060] The spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material is not particularly limited to its material, and in the lamination means, a plate-like material or foil may be attached by magnetic force or may be attached with an adhesive or pressure-sensitive adhesive. In the case of a thin film, coating or vapor deposition may be used.

[0061] According to the second example of the magnetic eraser 1, a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, and the thickness of the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material is set to a thickness that can be controlled so that the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 becomes a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.Therefore, by controlling the thickness of the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be made a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0062] When the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 is scanned with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, as in the first example, the magnetic particles 104 that had aggregated on the surface side of the microcapsule 103 and formed a magnetic recording display of black letters or images rotate within the microcapsule 103 due to the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side 3 as the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a passes, and after the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a has passed, the magnetic particles 104 are aggregated near the center of the microcapsule 103 due to residual magnetization, causing the recording surface 102 to turn white and erasing the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 (see Figure 2).

[0063] In the second example, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 used as the erasing means is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, but in the case of a double-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet (not shown), the control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103 can be the same as in the second example.

[0064] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a third embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the process of using the third embodiment to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0065] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the third example has the same basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first and second examples, and the same components as those of the first and second examples will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0066] The difference between the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the third example and the first and second examples is that in the third example, a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material are provided on the erasing surface side 3 as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0067] By providing a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material form a space, and the magnetic lines of force pass through the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material, thereby reducing the density of the magnetic lines of force emerging from the erasing surface side 3.

[0068] The thickness of the spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material and the spacer layer 5a made of non-magnetic material is set to a thickness that can control the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasure surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0069] The materials of the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material are the same as those in the first and second examples.

[0070] According to the third example of the magnetic eraser 1, a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material are provided on the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, and the thicknesses of the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material are set to thicknesses that can be controlled so that the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 becomes a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.Therefore, by controlling the thicknesses of the spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and the spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 4 can be made a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0071] When the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 is scanned with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, as in the first and second examples, the magnetic particles 104 that had aggregated on the surface side of the microcapsule 103 and formed a magnetic recording display of black letters or images rotate within the microcapsule 103 due to the magnetic field lines emanating from the erasing surface side 3 as the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a passes, and after the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a has passed, the magnetic particles 104 are aggregated near the center of the microcapsule 103 due to residual magnetization, causing the recording surface 102 to turn white and erasing the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 (see Figure 3).

[0072] In the third example, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 used as the erasing means is a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a, but in the case of a double-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet (not shown), the control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103 can be the same as in the third example.

[0073] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the process of using the fourth embodiment to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0074] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the fourth example is the same in basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0075] The difference between the magnetic eraser 1 of the fourth example and the first example is that the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is the erasing surface side 3, and the thickness of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0076] In the fourth example, the thickness of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a is selected, and the thickness of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a is set to a thickness that is suitable for the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to aggregate the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103, with the thickness of the surface substrate 105 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 as a space.

[0077] When the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is used as the erasing surface 3, the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a itself serves as the spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material in the second example, and the surface substrate 105 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 serves as the spacer layer 5a made of non-magnetic material in the first example, so that the magnetic eraser 1 can be made simply by selecting the thickness of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a.

[0078] Then, by scanning the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 can be erased, as in the first example (see Figure 4).

[0079] FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, as well as a fifth embodiment.

[0080] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the fifth example is basically the same as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the fourth example, and the same components as those of the fourth example will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0081] The difference between the magnetic eraser 4 of the fifth example and the first example is that the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is the erasing surface side 3, and the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0082] In the fifth example, the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a is selected, and the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a is set to a magnetization pitch suitable for the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasure surface side 3 to aggregate the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103, with the thickness of the surface substrate 15 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 as the space.

[0083] By selecting a single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a with a narrow magnetization pitch, the density of the magnetic lines of force decreases over a short distance, and the thickness of the surface substrate 105 of the microcapsule magnetic phoretic display 101 can be used as a space to create a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsule 103.

[0084] Then, by scanning the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 can be erased, as in the first example.

[0085] In addition, as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 to the center of the microcapsules 103, the selection of the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the fifth example and the selection of the thickness of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the fourth example may be used in combination.

[0086] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the sixth embodiment being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0087] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the sixth example is the same in basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0088] The difference between the magnetic eraser 1 of the sixth example and the first example is that the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is the erasing surface side 3.

[0089] In the sixth example, as in the first example, a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0090] According to the sixth example of the magnetic eraser 1 configured in this manner, as in the first example, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be made to be a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103, and by scanning the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 can be erased (see Figure 5).

[0091] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a seventh embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the seventh embodiment being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0092] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the seventh example is the same in basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0093] The difference between the magnetic eraser 1 of the seventh example and the first example is that, like the sixth example, the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is the erasing surface side 3.

[0094] In the seventh example, as in the second example, a spacer layer 5b made of magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side 3 as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0095] According to the seventh example of the magnetic eraser 1 configured in this manner, as in the second example, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be made to be a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103, and by scanning the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 can be erased (see Figure 6).

[0096] Figure 7 is an eighth example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a schematic representation of the eighth example being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0097] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the eighth example is the same in basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals.

[0098] The difference between the magnetic eraser 1 of the eighth example and the first example is that, like the sixth example, the non-magnetized surface 6 of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2a is the erasing surface side 3.

[0099] In the eighth example, as in the third example, a spacer layer 5b made of a magnetic material and a spacer layer 5a made of a non-magnetic material are provided on the erasing surface side 3 as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103.

[0100] According to the eighth example of the magnetic eraser 1 configured in this manner, as in the third example, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be made to be a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103, and by scanning the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 with the erasing surface side 3 of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a of the magnetic eraser 1, the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed on the recording surface 102 can be erased (see Figure 7).

[0101] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a ninth embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a schematic representation of the process of using the ninth embodiment to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0102] The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the ninth example has the same basic configuration as the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the fourth example, and the same components as those of the first example will be described using the same reference numerals. The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the ninth example differs from the fourth example in that a magnetic material 7 is provided on the magnetized surface 4.

[0103] According to the ninth example of the magnetic erasing tool 1, a magnetic material 7 is placed on the magnetized surface 4, so that the magnetic force emanating from the non-magnetized surface 6 can be strengthened when the magnetic force of the single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is weak. Even when the magnetic force is strengthened, the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 can be controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles 104 near the center of the microcapsules 103 by controlling the thickness of the spacer layer 5a.

[0104] Although not shown, in the tenth example of the magnetic erasure tool 1, a magnetic material 7 is placed on the magnetized surface 4 of the fifth example, in the eleventh example of the magnetic erasure tool 1, a magnetic material 7 is placed on the magnetized surface 4 of the sixth example, in the twelfth example of the magnetic erasure tool 1, a magnetic material 7 is placed on the magnetized surface 4 of the seventh example, and in the thirteenth example of the magnetic erasure tool 1, a magnetic material 7 is placed on the magnetized surface 4 of the eighth example.

[0105] The effects of the magnetic erasing tools 1 of the tenth to thirteenth examples are similar to that of the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the ninth example.

[0106] In the first to thirteenth examples of the above-described embodiments, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 used is not particularly limited in shape or size, and may have any shape and size that is easy to handle as a magnetic erasing tool.

[0107] 9 is a perspective view showing a fourteenth embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention. The magnetic erasing tool 1 of the fourteenth embodiment is based on the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first embodiment, and the ends on both sides of the scanning direction (arrow direction) of the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2 of the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the first embodiment are curved in a direction away from the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101.

[0108] In Figure 9, the 14th example of the magnetic erasing tool 1 is based on the 1st example of the magnetic erasing tool 1, but other examples of the 14th example of the magnetic erasing tool 1 can be based on the 2nd to 13th examples of the magnetic erasing tools 1, although these are not shown.

[0109] In the fourteenth example, cutting the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 causes disturbances in the density and direction of the magnetic lines at the ends, but since the ends of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 are curved away from the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, the ends where disturbances in the density and direction of the magnetic lines can be avoided from being used as the erasure surface side 3, and the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 becomes an erasure surface with a more uniform color tone.

[0110] Figures 10(A) and (B) are respectively a 15th example of an embodiment of a magnetic erasing tool according to the present invention, and a cross-sectional explanatory diagram showing a schematic representation of the 15th example being used to scan the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetic phoretic display (in the direction of the arrow) and erase the magnetic recording display.

[0111] The magnetic eraser 1 of the 15th example has one or more multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets 2 equipped with a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3 of the first to thirteenth examples, and one or more non-erasing multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets 8 arranged in parallel in the magnetization direction, each of which is equipped with a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side 3, and which do not have a control means and turn the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 black by scanning the recording surface 102. A known multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used for the non-erasing multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 8.

[0112] If the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 is not used frequently and is not used for a long time, the mobility of the magnetic particles 104 in the microcapsules 103 during writing and erasing may decrease. In this case, it is necessary to impart magnetism to the magnetic particles 104 to activate them and improve their mobility.

[0113] In the fifteenth example, a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 equipped with a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force coming out from the erasure surface side 3, and a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 8 without an erasure function that does not have a control means and turns the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 black by scanning the recording surface 102, are arranged in parallel, one or more of each parallel to the magnetization direction.By scanning the recording surface 102, the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 8 without an erasure function activates the magnetic particles 14 in the microcapsules 103 and turns the recording surface 102 black, and the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2 equipped with a control means can erase the black color of the recording surface 102, so that the activation of the magnetic particles 104 and the erasure of the black color of the recording surface 102 can be performed in a single operation.

[0114] Figure 10(A) shows one example of the 15th example, and Figure 10(B) shows another example of the 15th example, in the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the 15th example shown in Figure 10(A), the non-erasing function multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 8 is positioned at the front end of the scanning direction (arrow direction) of the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2, and in the magnetic erasing tool 1 of the 15th example shown in Figure 10(B), the non-erasing function multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 8 is positioned in the center of the scanning direction of the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2. The position of the non-erasing function multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 8 on the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2 is not particularly limited, as long as it is not at the rear end of the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet 2 in the scanning direction.

[0115] The magnetic erasing tools 1 of Examples 1 to 15 configured as described above have multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets 2 that can be easily cut or punched and are flexible, which allows for greater freedom in size and shape of the magnetic erasing tool 1 and allows for lighter weight, so that the tool can easily accommodate even a large microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 the size of a whiteboard, for example.

[0116] The present invention will be specifically explained below with reference to Examples and Comparative Examples shown in Table 1, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0117] The recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display that can be erased from the recording surface side was scanned with a 2.0 mm pitch, 250 gauss, multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet without erasure function to produce a black surface, and the recording surface was scanned back and forth twice with various combinations of multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets and spacers, and the whiteness of the erased surface was measured using an X-Rite 504 spectrodensitometer.

[0118] The multi-pole magnetized rubber magnets A to F used are as follows: A: 0.45 mm thick, 2.0 mm pitch, 200 gauss B: 2.0 mm thick, 2.0 mm pitch, 250 gauss C: 1.0 mm thick, 2.5 mm pitch, 450 gauss D: 1.0 mm thick, 3.0 mm pitch, 500 gauss E: 2.0 mm thick, 4.0 mm pitch, 700 gauss F: 3.0 mm thick, 5.0 mm pitch, 800 gauss

[0119] The results are shown in Table 1.

[0120]

[0121] Judgment (evaluation): ◎ is an erasing surface with particularly excellent whiteness. ○ is an erasing surface with good whiteness. △ is an erasing surface with low whiteness but usable. × is an erasing surface with poor whiteness that cannot be used, or cannot be erased.

[0122] The measurement value of the X-Rite 504 spectrodensitometer indicates that the smaller the value, the whiter the image, and the larger the value, the blacker the image. When a non-erasable multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet was scanned to produce a black surface, the measurement value was 0.55, and many of the examples showed good erasability. Neither an insufficient nor excessive spacer thickness, as used in the comparison, resulted in a good white surface.

[0123] [Microcapsule Magnetophoretic Display System] Next, a microcapsule magnetophoretic display system according to the present invention will be described.

[0124] A microcapsule magnetophoretic display system 11 according to the present invention includes a microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, a magnetic writing implement 12 for applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 to write and display a magnetic recording display of black characters or images on a recording surface 102, and a magnetic eraser 1 of any of the first to fifteenth examples. The magnetic writing implement 12 is not particularly limited, and any known magnetic writing implement can be used.

[0125] In the microcapsule magnetophoretic display system 11 configured in this manner, the magnetic writing instrument 12 and the magnetic eraser 1 may be configured separately or integrally. When the magnetic writing instrument 12 and the magnetic eraser 1 are separate, magnetic erasers 1 of different sizes can be easily obtained, making it suitable for adjusting the size of the magnetic eraser 1 to any size screen on the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101. Furthermore, when the magnetic writing instrument 12 and the magnetic eraser 1 are integrated, the magnetic eraser 1 is necessarily small, which can be easily accommodated by the magnetic eraser 1 of the present invention, and is particularly suitable for cases where the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 has a small screen, and even for large screens where partial corrections are required during writing.

[0126] Figure 11 shows an example of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display system 11 in which a magnetic writing instrument 12 and a magnetic eraser 1 are integrated, with the magnetic eraser 1 provided at two locations: one axial end of the body 13 of the magnetic writing instrument 12 (the end opposite the pen tip) and one on the side of the body 13.

[0127] The microcapsule magnetophoretic display system 11 configured as described above includes a microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, a magnetic writing implement 12 for applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 and writing and displaying a magnetic recording display of black letters or images on the recording surface 102, and a magnetic eraser 1 of any of the first to fifteenth examples.Therefore, the tasks of writing and displaying a magnetic recording display of black letters or images on the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101 using the magnetic writing implement 12 and erasing the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface 102 using the magnetic eraser 1 can be performed efficiently and without stress.

[0128] Furthermore, by making the magnetic writing implement 12 and the magnetic eraser 1 separate, the size of the magnetic eraser 1 can be easily adjusted to match the screen size of the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101, making it easy to write and erase regardless of the screen size of the recording surface 102 of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display 101.

[0129] Furthermore, the magnetic erasing tool 1, which is an integrated magnetic writing implement 12 and magnetic erasing tool 1, has an appropriate controlled magnetic force, so the magnetic effect on the surrounding area is small, and the target to be erased can be erased within an accurate range.

[0130] The present invention is widely used as a magnetic erasing tool for a microcapsule magnetophoretic display that can erase from the surface side of the recording surface, and as a microcapsule magnetophoretic display system, in stationery, toys, etc.

[0131] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Magnetic erasing tool 2 Multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 2a Single-sided multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet 3 Erasing surface side 4 Magnetized surface 5a Spacer layer made of non-magnetic material 5b Spacer layer made of magnetic material 6 Non-magnetized surface 7 Magnetic material 8 Multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet without erasing function 11 Microcapsule magnetophoretic display system 12 Magnetic writing implement 13 Body 101 Microcapsule magnetophoretic display 102 Recording surface 103 Microcapsule 104 Magnetic particles 105 Surface substrate

Claims

1. A magnetic eraser for erasing the magnetic recording display of black letters or images displayed by scanning the recording surface of a microcapsule magnetophoretic display and applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display, characterized in that a multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is used as the erasing means, one side of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is set as an erasing surface side for scanning the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetophoretic display to erase the magnetic recording display displayed on the recording surface, and the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side is controlled to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

2. A magnetic eraser as described in claim 1, characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

3. A magnetic eraser as described in claim 1, characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

4. A magnetic eraser as described in claim 1, characterized in that the magnetized surface of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet is the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a magnetic material and a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

5. The magnetic eraser described in claim 1, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the thickness of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsules.

6. The magnetic eraser described in claim 1, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and the magnetization pitch of the single-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is selected and set as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsules.

7. The magnetic eraser described in claim 1, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a one-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a non-magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

8. The magnetic eraser described in claim 1, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a one-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of a magnetic material is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsule.

9. The magnetic eraser described in claim 1, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a one-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, the non-magnetized surface being the erasing surface side, and a spacer layer made of magnetic and non-magnetic materials is provided on the erasing surface side as a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines of force emanating from the erasing surface side to a magnetic force suitable for agglomerating the magnetic particles in the microcapsules near the center of the microcapsules.

10. A magnetic erasing tool as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9, characterized in that the multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet is a one-sided multi-polar magnetized rubber magnet, with a magnetic material provided on the magnetized surface.

11. A magnetic erasing tool as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that both end portions of the multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet in the scanning direction are curved in a direction away from the recording surface of the microcapsule magnetic migration display.

12. A magnetic erasing tool characterized by having at least one multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet equipped with a control means for controlling the density of the magnetic lines emanating from the erasing surface side as described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and at least one multi-pole magnetized rubber magnet without erasing function that does not have a control means and turns the recording surface black by scanning the recording surface, arranged in parallel to the magnetization direction.

13. A microcapsule magnetophoretic display system comprising: a microcapsule magnetophoretic display; a magnetic writing instrument for applying a magnetic field to the microcapsule magnetophoretic display to display a magnetic recording display of black characters or images on the recording surface; and a magnetic eraser as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12.

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