Long medium

Abstract

Provided is a long medium in which the remaining amount can be grasped in detail. The long medium of the present disclosure is provided with: second transport holes formed at a second pitch along a second long side; the second index holes are formed along the second long sides in second index hole forming regions set to have second lengths smaller than the first lengths between the adjacent second reference holes. And a plurality of first circulation holes formed continuously at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch with respect to the second index holes adjacent to the starting end side, and second circulation holes formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch with respect to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side are formed alternately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elongated strips of media. Background Art

[0002] Long strips of media for printing patterns and texts on signs and the like are known. Such long strips of media have release paper and an adhesive sheet temporarily fixed to the release paper. If the long strip of media wound into a roll is mounted on a printer, patterns and texts are printed on the adhesive sheet, the adhesive sheet is cut in half into a prescribed shape using the printer's cutting device and the release paper is peeled off, the adhesive sheet printed with the pattern and the like and cut into the desired shape can be pasted on a wall, window or paper, etc. Here, half-cutting means: only the adhesive sheet is cut, and the release paper is not cut (including the case where an incision is made in the release paper but the release paper is not completely cut in the thickness direction).

[0003] In such a strip of medium, if the strip of medium runs out in the middle of printing, the printing so far will be wasted. Therefore, a strip of medium that can visually easily grasp the remaining amount of the strip of medium is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the strip of medium, holes that serve as references and holes indicating the remaining amount that are respectively provided between two adjacent holes that serve as references and are equally spaced are formed along a side edge. The holes indicating the remaining amount are provided at different positions between the two holes that serve as references according to the remaining amount of the strip of medium. According to such a strip of medium, since the holes indicating the remaining amount are formed in a manner that moves away from the hole that serves as reference on one side and approaches the hole that serves as reference on the other side as the remaining amount decreases, the user can visually grasp the remaining amount of the strip of medium based on the position of the hole that indicates the remaining amount relative to the hole that serves as reference.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 4771023 Summary of the invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] The strip medium described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which the remaining amount of the strip medium is indicated by applying the full length of the strip medium having a length of more than 10 m to the spacing of the holes serving as a reference. Therefore, the user can only grasp the approximate amount of the remaining amount of the strip medium. If only the approximate amount of the remaining amount of the strip medium is known, the user cannot accurately judge whether the remaining amount of the strip medium is greater than the length of the pattern to be printed. Furthermore, if it is assumed that the strip medium is forcibly printed even though the remaining amount of the strip medium is less than the length of the pattern to be printed, a large amount of ink, strip medium, and printing time used for printing will be wasted.

[0009] In order to solve such a problem, a long medium capable of understanding the remaining amount in more detail is desired.

[0010] Therefore, it is also conceivable to adopt a structure that can grasp the remaining amount in more detail in the long strip medium described in Patent Document 1. That is, the long strip medium described in Patent Document 1 has a structure that indicates the remaining amount of the long strip medium by applying the entire length of the long strip medium to the spacing of the holes that serve as a reference. Therefore, if the spacing of the holes that serve as a reference is increased or the number of holes that serve as scales formed between the holes that serve as a reference is increased, the remaining amount of the long strip medium can be indicated in detail. For example, if the spacing of the holes that serve as a reference is doubled, or if the number of holes that serve as scales formed between the holes that serve as a reference is doubled, the remaining amount of the long strip medium can be indicated with a resolution that is doubled in theory.

[0011] However, if the spacing between the holes that serve as the reference is increased, it becomes difficult to find the holes that serve as the reference formed in the long strip of medium wound into a roll and the holes that indicate the remaining amount, and it becomes difficult to grasp the relative position of the holes that indicate the remaining amount relative to the holes that serve as the reference. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the user to visually grasp the remaining amount of the long strip of medium. On the other hand, if the number of holes that serve as scales formed between the holes that serve as the reference is increased, it becomes difficult to read at a glance. In addition, the number of holes that can be increased is only about twice at most.

[0012] Means for solving problems

[0013] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have come up with the idea of ​​using the other side edge portion of the long medium to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium in detail.

[0014] Here, if the long strip medium described in patent document 1 is applied, half of the full length of the long strip medium (the front half) is applied to the spacing of the holes serving as a reference at one side edge, and the other half of the full length of the long strip medium (the rear half) is applied to the spacing of the holes serving as a reference at the other side edge, then the remaining amount of the long strip medium can be represented with a resolution of twice without increasing the spacing of the holes serving as a reference and without increasing the number of holes serving as scales.

[0015] However, in such a structure, the user must find the hole indicating the remaining amount formed in one of the two side edges, so it is difficult to grasp the remaining amount of the long medium at a glance. In addition, since there are only two side edges, the remaining amount of the long medium can only be indicated with a resolution of twice at best.

[0016] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have come up with the idea of ​​using holes that are provided at irregular intervals (non-uniform intervals) and move in a circular manner in a region between adjacent reference holes to indicate in detail the remaining amount of the long medium.

[0017] One aspect of the present disclosure shows a long strip of medium, which has a starting end, an ending end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end. The long strip medium is provided with: a first reference hole formed at a first pitch along the first side edge; a first conveying hole formed at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch along the first side edge, and N holes (where N is a positive integer) are formed between adjacent first reference holes; a first index hole formed at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch along the first side edge, and respectively located in a first index hole forming area set between adjacent first reference holes; a second reference hole formed at the first pitch along the second side edge; a second conveying hole formed at the second pitch along the second side edge, and the N holes are formed between adjacent second reference holes; and a second index hole located in a second index hole forming area set between adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, and formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second index hole adjacent to the starting end side and a second circulation hole formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation hole adjacent to the starting end side.

[0018] Here, the second index hole forming area is set to be an area from the first second conveying hole to the Mth second conveying hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side on the terminal side (where M is a positive integer less than N), and when the first pitch is set to P1, the second pitch is set to P2, the third pitch is set to P3, the fourth pitch is set to P4, the fifth pitch is set to P5, the first reference length is set to L1, the first scale is set to S1, the second reference length is set to L2, and the second scale is set to S2,

[0019] S1=P2 / L1,

[0020] L2=L1 / (M-1),

[0021] S2=P2 / L2,

[0022] P3=P1-P1×S1,

[0023] P4=P1-P1×S2,

[0024] The relationship is P5=P2×(M-1)+P4.

[0025] Moreover, for the first indicator hole, the closer the first indicator hole is formed in the first indicator hole forming area which is closer to the starting end and away from the end, the closer the first indicator hole is formed to the position farther away from the starting side end of the first indicator hole forming area and closer to the end side end of the first indicator hole forming area; for the multiple first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes, the closer the first circulation holes are formed in the second indicator hole forming area which is closer to the starting end and away from the end, the closer the first circulation holes are formed to the position farther away from the starting side end of the second indicator hole forming area and closer to the end side end of the second indicator hole forming area; relative to the multiple first circulation holes, the second circulation holes adjacent to the multiple first circulation holes on the starting side are formed at positions further away from the starting side end of the second indicator hole forming area which forms the second circulation holes and further closer to the end side end of the second indicator hole forming area.

[0026] According to the long strip medium of the present disclosure, the first indicator hole formed along the first side edge portion can indicate the remaining amount of the long strip medium based on the first scale that applies the first reference length to the second spacing, and on the other hand, the second indicator hole formed along the second side edge portion can indicate the remaining amount of the long strip medium based on the second reference length obtained by dividing the first reference length by (M-1) and applied to the second scale of the second spacing. Therefore, the second indicator hole can be used to indicate the remaining amount of the long strip medium below the first reference length. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1A It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0028] Figure 1B It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0029] Figure 1C It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0030] Figure 1D It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 2A It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0032] Figure 2B It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0033] Figure 3 It is a part of the long strip medium of one embodiment.

[0034] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a modification of the long medium according to one embodiment.

[0035] Figure 5This is a modified example of the long medium of one embodiment.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a cutting device for printing on a long medium according to one embodiment.

[0037] Fig. 7A It is a part of the long strip medium of other embodiments.

[0038] Figure 7B It is a part of the long strip medium of other embodiments.

[0039] Fig. 8A It is a part of the long strip medium of other embodiments.

[0040] Figure 8B It is a part of the long strip medium of other embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the long medium of the present disclosure will be described using the drawings.

[0042] [First embodiment]

[0043] Figure 1A 1 is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the end FE of the long medium 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1D 1 is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the start end SE of the long medium 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1B and Figure 1C Each of the plan views shows a portion of the long medium 1 between the start end SE and the end end FE.

[0044] As shown in these drawings, the strip medium 1 of the present embodiment is formed into a strip shape whose long sides are extremely long compared to the short sides, and has two short sides, namely, a starting end SE and an end FE, and a first side edge LS1 and a second side edge LS2 respectively connecting the starting end SE and the end FE. The first side edge LS1 connects the starting end SE and the end FE of the strip medium 1 at one end in the width direction of the strip medium 1. The second side edge LS2 connects the starting end SE and the end FE of the strip medium 1 at the other end in the width direction of the strip medium 1. In the present embodiment, the main parts of the first side edge LS1 and the second side edge LS2 are each formed in a straight line, so the first side edge LS1 and the second side edge LS2 are sometimes referred to as the first long side LS1 (an example of a "first side edge portion") and the second long side LS2 (an example of a "second side edge portion"), respectively.

[0045] However, the strip medium is not limited to the shape shown in this embodiment. For example, at least one of the two side edges of the strip medium may not be formed into a straight line as shown in this embodiment, but may be formed to have fine concave and convex shapes. At least one of the two side edges of the strip medium may also be formed into a sawtooth shape. Alternatively, at least one of the two side edges of the strip medium may also be formed into a curved wave shape. Furthermore, only a part of the side edge of the strip medium (for example, only the periphery of the starting end portion or the periphery of the terminal portion) may be formed to have a concave and convex shape as described above.

[0046] Typically, the strip medium 1 is used in a roll shape and is wound around a paper tube. The starting end SE of the strip medium 1 corresponds to the lengthwise end of the side that is used first, and the ending end FE of the strip medium 1 corresponds to the lengthwise end that is used last. When wound into a roll shape, the starting end SE corresponds to one end (short side) on the outer diameter side, and the ending end FE corresponds to the other end (short side) on the inner diameter side (paper tube side). It should be noted that in this specification, the direction in which the first side edge (first long side LS1) and the second side edge (second long side LS2) extend is sometimes referred to as the long side direction ("long side direction" may also be referred to as the "length direction"), and the direction connecting the first side edge and the second side edge (the direction parallel to the starting end SE and the ending end FE in this embodiment) is referred to as the short side direction ("short side direction" may also be referred to as the "width direction"). Sometimes, the direction in the long side direction or the length direction where the start end SE is located relative to a certain object is referred to as the "start end SE direction" or the "start end SE side", and sometimes, the direction in the long side direction or the length direction where the end FE is located relative to a certain object is referred to as the "end FE direction" or the "end FE side". Depending on the main application, the length of the long medium 1 in the width direction, that is, the length of the start end SE and the end FE, can be, for example, not less than 5 cm and not more than 50 cm, and the length of the long medium 1 in the length direction, that is, the length of the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2, can be, for example, not less than 1 m and not more than 20 m.

[0047] The long strip medium 1 of the present embodiment has a release paper RS ​​and an adhesive sheet AS temporarily fixed to the release paper RS. The adhesive sheet AS is the area where patterns and texts are printed. The length of the adhesive sheet AS in the short side direction is smaller than the length of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction, and the adhesive sheet AS is temporarily fixed to the central part of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction. Therefore, the two ends of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction are not covered by the adhesive sheet AS and are exposed. In the present embodiment, one end of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction that is not covered by the adhesive sheet AS and is exposed and has a first side edge (first long side LS1) may also be referred to as the first side edge. In addition, the other end of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction that is not covered by the adhesive sheet AS and is exposed and has a second side edge (second long side LS2) may also be referred to as the second side edge.

[0048] The various holes formed in the strip medium 1 of the present embodiment are respectively formed at the two ends of the exposed short side direction of the release paper RS. First, the various holes formed along the first long side LS1, which is an example of the first side edge, are described. It should be noted that in order to prevent the drawings from being overly complicated, some of the holes are sometimes not marked with reference numerals.

[0049] [First reference hole and first transport hole]

[0050] The first reference hole RH1 is a hole formed along the first long side LS1 of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the end FE at a constant first spacing P1 (hereinafter, the value of the first spacing P1 is sometimes referred to as P1. The same applies to other spacings.). As described later, the user can grasp the approximate margin of the long medium 1 based on the position of the first indicator hole IH1 relative to the first reference hole RH1. It should be noted that the regions obtained by imaginarily dividing the long medium 1 at the positions where the first reference hole RH1 and the second reference hole RH2 described later are formed in the length direction are sometimes referred to as partitions, intervals or sections.

[0051] exist Figure 1A The interval from the zeroth interval S0 including the end FE to the first interval S1, the second interval S2 and the third interval S3 (part) is shown in FIG. Figure 1B The section from the second section S2 (a part) to the third section S3, the fourth section S4 and the fifth section S5 (a part) is shown in FIG. Figure 1C , the intervals from the fifth interval S5 (a part) to the sixth interval S6, the seventh interval S7 and the eighth interval S8 (a part) are shown. Figure 1A As shown, depending on the manufacturing process, the section including the end FE and the section including the start end SE sometimes have a length smaller than the first pitch P1. The value obtained by multiplying the first pitch P1 by the number of sections is equivalent to the approximate total length of the long strip medium 1 (the length in the length direction of the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2) (however, please note that sometimes a section having a length smaller than the first pitch P1 is provided at the start end SE and / or the end FE, so it becomes an approximate number).

[0052] The first transport hole TH1 is a hole formed at a constant second pitch P2 smaller than the first pitch P1 along the first long side LS1 of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the end FE. The first transport hole TH1 is a hole formed at a constant second pitch P2 smaller than the first pitch P1, and thus can be used to transport the long medium 1, for example, can be used as a hole engaged with a sprocket 20 provided in the cutting device 2 described later. The first transport hole TH1 of the present embodiment is formed at the same position as the first reference hole RH1 in the short side direction.

[0053] In the case of this embodiment, if Figures 1A to 1D As shown in the figure, 16 (an example of "N") first transport holes TH1 are formed between two adjacent first reference holes RH1. In other words, the first pitch P1 in this embodiment is N times (16 times) or approximately N times (approximately 16 times) the second pitch P2. In this embodiment, the first reference hole RH1 is formed into a shape that is longer in the short side direction and shorter in the long side direction, and on the other hand, the first transport hole TH1 is formed into a circular shape so that the two holes can be distinguished. Here, by forming the first reference hole RH1 into a shape that is longer in the short side direction and shorter in the long side direction, it is easy to grasp the position of the first reference hole RH1 in the long side direction, and further, it is easy to grasp the position of the first indicator hole IH1 in the long side direction relative to the first reference hole RH1. Therefore, the user can easily grasp the approximate remaining amount of the long strip medium 1.

[0054] However, the size of the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 and other dimensions, formation positions and shapes of holes of the long medium 1 are not limited to the example shown in this embodiment, and can be appropriately changed according to the type and purpose of the long medium. For example, two first transport holes TH1 can be formed between two adjacent first reference holes RH1, and the first transport hole TH1 can also be formed at a position different from the first reference hole RH1 in the short side direction.

[0055] [First index hole]

[0056] The first index hole IH1 is a hole formed at a constant third pitch P3 smaller than the first pitch P1 from the start end SE to the end end FE along the first long side LS1 of the long medium 1. Here, one first index hole IH1 is formed in each first index hole forming area IA1 set between two adjacent first reference holes RH1 and each having a first length.

[0057] Figure 2A This is a diagram obtained by cutting out the area along the first long side LS1 from the zeroth section S0 to the eighth section S8 and arranging these areas in the vertical direction of the paper so that the positions of the first reference holes RH1 of each section are the same in the horizontal direction of the paper. However, please note that the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side of a section (for example, the first section S1) and the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side of the next section (for example, the second section S2) adjacent to the starting end SE side are the same hole.

[0058] like Figure 2AAs shown, the first index hole forming area IA1 of the present embodiment is set as an area between two adjacent first reference holes RH1, from the first conveying hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side to the first conveying hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side of the same section. Here, in each section, the first first conveying hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side (left side of the paper) is sometimes referred to as the first conveying hole TH1-1, the second first conveying hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the hole is sometimes referred to as the first conveying hole TH1-2, and the other first conveying holes TH1 are also referred to in the same way. In the present embodiment, the first conveying hole TH1 adjacent to the starting end SE side of the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side (right side of the paper) is equivalent to the 16th first conveying hole TH1, and is therefore sometimes referred to as the first conveying hole TH1-16.

[0059] like Figure 2A As shown, in the present embodiment, 16 first transfer holes TH1 are formed between two adjacent first reference holes RH1 , and therefore the length in the longitudinal direction of each first index hole forming area IA1 is P2×15 (an example of “first length”). Figure 2A and Figure 1A to Figure 1D It is shown that one first index hole IH1 is formed in each first index hole forming area IA1 set in each section so as to have a length of P2×15.

[0060] In such a structure, the first index hole IH1 is formed at a third pitch P3 different from the first pitch P1, so that the first reference hole RH1 is formed at a different position relative to the first interval according to the interval. Figure 2A ) is formed in the first index hole forming area IA1 set in the first section S1, at a position slightly advanced toward the end FE in the longitudinal direction relative to the first conveying hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE. On the other hand, the first index hole IH1 ( Figure 2A) is formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the second section S2, at a position further in the long side direction toward the end FE direction relative to the first conveying hole TH1-1. Similarly, as the section progresses, the more the residual amount of the long strip medium 1 increases, and the position of the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 moves from the end on the starting end SE side of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 to the end on the end FE side. In other words, as the residual amount of the long strip medium 1 decreases, the position of the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 moves from the end on the end FE side of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 to the end on the starting end SE side.

[0061] According to such a configuration, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the position of the first index hole IH1 relative to the first reference hole RH1 .

[0062] Here, the first index hole IH1 is formed at a third pitch P3 which is smaller than the first pitch P1. Figure 2A As shown, for the first indicator hole IH1, the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 closer to the starting end SE and farther from the end FE, that is, the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the interval with more residual amount of the long medium 1, is formed at a position farther from the starting end SE side end of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 where the first indicator hole IH1 is formed and closer to the end FE side end. In other words, the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 farther from the starting end SE and closer to the end FE, that is, the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the interval with less residual amount of the long medium 1, is formed closer to the starting end SE side end of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 where the first indicator hole IH1 is formed and farther from the end FE side end. It should be noted that in order to prevent the formation of a second first indicator hole IH1 in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 in which the first indicator hole IH1 is formed at a position close to the end portion of the starting end SE side, the third spacing P3 is preferably larger than the difference between the first spacing P1 and the second spacing P2, which are the lengths of the long side direction of the first indicator hole forming area IA1, that is, (P1-P2).

[0063] According to such a configuration, the user can understand that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is smaller as the first index hole IH1 is closer to the first reference hole RH1 on the start end SE side or as the first index hole IH1 is farther away from the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side.

[0064] In addition, the first indicator hole forming area IA1 in the present embodiment is set to the majority of the area between the two adjacent first reference holes RH1, that is, the area from the first transport hole TH1 adjacent to the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side relative to the starting end SE side (the first transport hole TH1-1 in the present embodiment) to the first transport hole TH1 adjacent to the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side relative to the starting end SE side (the first transport hole TH1-16 in the present embodiment. Here, the first transport hole TH1-16 is an example of "the Nth first transport hole").

[0065] For example, the first index hole IH1 ( Figure 1A and Figure 2A ) is formed at the same position in the long side direction as the first transport hole TH1 closest to the starting end SE in the section, and the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first section S1 is formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the first section S1, which is slightly further toward the end FE side in the long side direction than the first transport hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE. Similarly, the first indicator hole IH1 formed at a position where the long medium 1 is used and the remaining amount becomes less is formed closer to the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side, and the first indicator hole IH1 formed at the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the first section S1 is formed at a position slightly further toward the end FE side in the long side direction. Figure 1D The first index hole IH1 of the ninety-third section S93 shown is formed at the same position (or a position close to) in the long-side direction as the first transport hole TH1 on the most end FE side in the first index hole forming area IA1 set in the ninety-third section S93.

[0066] According to such a configuration, the remaining amount of the long medium 1 can be indicated using an area having a length of (P2×15) from the first transport hole TH1-1 to the first transport hole TH1-16, which corresponds to most of the area between two adjacent first reference holes RH1. Therefore, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount of the long medium 1 with relatively high accuracy.

[0067] However, the long strip medium 1 shown in this embodiment does not necessarily need to be Figure 1A For example, the long strip medium 1 may be wound around the paper tube from the section S0 shown in FIG. Figure 1B As those skilled in the art will appreciate, even with such a structure, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount or usage amount of the long medium 1.

[0068] Likewise, the long strip medium 1 shown in this embodiment does not necessarily need to be Figure 1DThe section S93 shown has a starting end. For example, the long strip medium 1 may be configured such that a section having a structure equivalent to any section provided between the sections S0 to S93 (for example, a section having a structure equivalent to the 50th section) becomes the starting end SE. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, even with such a structure, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount or usage amount of the long strip medium 1.

[0069] Similarly, the long strip medium 1 shown in this embodiment can also be configured to be wound around the paper tube from any interval set between interval S0 and interval S93, and any interval becomes the starting end SE. As those skilled in the art understand, even with such a structure, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount or usage of the long strip medium 1.

[0070] The above structure applies the area of ​​the length (P2×15) from the first transport hole TH1-1 to the first transport hole TH1-16 to the approximate entire length of the long medium 1. Therefore, by using the first transport hole TH1 as a scale, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount of the long medium 1 in the form of length rather than ratio.

[0071] Here, the value obtained by dividing the total length of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the end FE by (N-1) (where N is the number of first transport holes TH1 formed between adjacent first reference holes RH1) (an example of the "first reference length") is equivalent to a scale measurement of the first transport holes TH1, namely, the second pitch P2. That is, the user can use the value obtained by dividing the second pitch P2 by the first reference length (in this embodiment, equivalent to the value obtained by dividing the total length of the long medium 1 (in this embodiment, about 15 mm) by (N-1) (in this embodiment, 15), namely, about 1 m.) as a first scale to grasp the remaining amount and usage amount of the long medium 1. For example, when the second pitch P2 is 10 mm, the first scale (an example of the "first scale") becomes 10 mm ÷ about 1000 mm = about 1 / 100.

[0072] That is, if the first reference length is L1 and the first scale is S1, then there is a relationship of S1=P2 / L1.

[0073] Therefore, if the first index hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed in the first index hole forming area IA1, for example, the 14th first transport hole TH1-14 ( Figure 2A), the distance from the first transport hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE is 13 scales, so the user can know that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is about 13m. Similarly, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, for example, near the second first transport hole TH1-2 counted from the starting end SE side, the distance from the first transport hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE is 1 scale, so the user can know that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is close to about 1m.

[0074] Here, by setting the third spacing P3 to the difference between the value obtained by multiplying the above-mentioned first scale S1 (the value obtained by dividing the second spacing P2 by the first reference length L1) by the value of the first spacing P1 (for example, when the first spacing P1 is approximately 160 mm, it is approximately 1.6 mm) and the first spacing P1 (for example, when the first spacing P1 is approximately 160 mm, it is approximately 158.4 mm), that is, by setting it to P3=(P1-P1×S1), the remaining amount of the long strip medium 1 can be further accurately represented.

[0075] In other words, by setting S1 = P2 / L1 = ( P1 - P3 ) / P1 , the remaining amount of the long medium 1 can be indicated with higher accuracy.

[0076] It should be noted that, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the first reference length L1 is set to the value obtained by dividing the total length of the long strip medium 1 from the starting end SE to the end FE by (N-1) (where N is the number of first transport holes TH1 formed between adjacent first reference holes RH1), but the first reference length L1 is not limited to this.

[0077] For example, the first reference length L1 may be set to 1m regardless of the length of the long medium. By setting in this way, the user can also use the value obtained by dividing the second spacing P2 by 1m, that is, P2 / L1, as the first scale S1 to grasp the remaining amount and the amount of use of the long medium. For example, for a long medium with a total length of 5m, even if 1m is set as the first reference length L1, the user can grasp the remaining amount and the amount of use of the long medium based on the first scale S1 (=P2 / L1) that the second spacing P2 is equivalent to 1m, which is 1 scale of the first transport hole TH1.

[0078] Likewise, the first reference length L1 can be set to any value in consideration of the purpose of the long medium, the intended user, etc., and may be, for example, 50 cm, 2 m, or 1 foot (approximately 30 cm).

[0079] Likewise, the length of the long strip of medium can be any value such as 5 m, 10 m, etc.

[0080] [Second reference hole and second transport hole]

[0081] Next, various holes formed along the second long side LS2 which is an example of the second side edge portion will be described.

[0082] The second reference hole RH2 is a hole formed at a constant first pitch P1 from the start end SE to the end end FE along the second long side LS2 of the long medium 1. As described later, the user can grasp the detailed margin of the long medium 1 based on the position of the second index hole IH2 relative to the second reference hole RH2. Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the second reference hole RH2 may be formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction as the first reference hole RH1 .

[0083] The second transport hole TH2 is a hole formed at a second pitch P2 from the start end SE to the end end FE along the second long side LS2 of the long medium 1. The second transport hole TH2 can be used to transport the long medium 1, for example, it can be used as a hole for engaging with the sprocket 20 of the cutting device 2. Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the second transport hole TH2 may be formed at the same position as the first transport hole TH1 in the long side direction. Also, the second transport hole TH2 may be formed at the same position as the second reference hole RH2 in the short side direction. In the case of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. Figure 1A to Figure 1D As shown in FIG. 1 , 16 (an example of "N") second transport holes TH2 are formed between two adjacent second reference holes RH2. Like the first reference hole RH1, the second reference hole RH2 is formed to be long in the short side direction and short in the long side direction, and the second transport hole TH2 is formed in a circular shape.

[0084] [Second index hole]

[0085] Among the long strip media, there are long strip media of various colors and materials. Therefore, users sometimes select appropriate long strip media each time according to the purpose and assemble or set it to the cutting device 2 described later. In addition, even in the case of continuous use of the same long strip media, there are many users who remove the long strip media from the device after use and put it into a plastic bag for storage in order to avoid dust, garbage, etc. adhering to the surface. In addition, there are also users who do not discard the long strip media but keep multiple strips for printing patterns of shorter lengths, etc., even if there is only a little left in the long strip media. Such an operation of replacing the long strip media with respect to the device is not limited to the situation where all the long strip media are used and there is no left, but it may occur frequently in daily life, and each time, the user must know the remaining amount of the long strip media at that time.

[0086] The inventor of the present application has focused on the problem that sometimes the first indicator hole IH1 alone cannot fully indicate the remaining amount of the long medium 1. For example, when a pattern with a length of 1.55 m is to be printed on the long medium 1, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, the third first transport hole TH1-3 ( Figure 2A ), it can be known that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is about 2m, and therefore it can be known that a pattern of 1.55m can be printed. On the other hand, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed near the second first transport hole TH1-2 from the starting end SE side in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, it can be known that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is about 1m, and therefore it can be known that the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is not enough to print a pattern of 1.55m. However, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed near the middle of the first transport hole TH1-2 and the first transport hole TH1-3, it is difficult for the user to accurately know whether the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is more than 1.55m. Furthermore, if it is assumed that a pattern of 1.55m is forcibly printed even though the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is actually less than 1.55m, a large amount of ink, the long medium 1 and the printing time used for printing will be wasted, and the user has to install a new long medium 1 in the printer and use it when it is difficult for the user to accurately know whether the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is more than 1.55m. Therefore, the inventors of the present application have come up with the idea of ​​providing the second indicator hole IH2 in the long medium 1 as a structure for grasping the remaining amount in more detail as a result of trial and error.

[0087] The second index hole IH2 is a hole formed from the start end SE to the end FE along the second long side LS2 of the long medium 1. Here, one second index hole IH2 is formed in each second index hole forming area IA2 set between two adjacent second reference holes RH2 with a second length smaller than the first length.

[0088] Figure 2B This is a diagram obtained by cutting out the area along the second long side LS2 from the zeroth interval S0 to the eighth interval S8 and arranging these areas in the vertical direction of the paper in such a way that the positions of the second reference holes RH2 of each interval are the same in the horizontal direction of the paper. However, please note that the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side of a certain interval (for example, the first interval S1) and the second reference hole RH2 on the end FE side of the interval adjacent to the starting end SE side (for example, the second interval S2) are the same hole. Figure 2BAs shown, as the long strip medium 1 is used, that is, as it moves from the eighth interval S8 to the zeroth interval S0, the second indicator hole IH2 moves from the end FE side to the starting end SE side at equal intervals (fourth interval P4) in the second indicator hole forming area IA2, and then moves again from the end FE side to the starting end SE side at equal intervals (fourth interval P4). As a result, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed as a hole that circulates (loop) multiple times in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 as the long strip medium 1 is used.

[0089] If Figure 2A In contrast, the second indicator hole IH2 is provided with a spacing so as to move more significantly than the first indicator hole IH1 when the same amount of the long medium 1 is used, thereby enabling a more detailed representation of the remaining amount of the long medium 1. In addition, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed to circulate in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 more times than the first indicator hole IH1 that does not circulate in the first indicator hole forming area IA1. This is described in detail below.

[0090] like Figure 2B As shown, the second indicator hole forming area IA2 of the present embodiment is set as an area between two adjacent second reference holes RH2, which is shorter in the long side direction than the area from the second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the end FE side relative to the starting end SE side to the second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the end FE side.

[0091] Therefore, the category indication portion TR can be provided by utilizing the region other than the second index hole forming region IA2 in the region along the second long side LS.

[0092] Here, if Figure 2B As shown, in each interval, the first second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side (left side of the paper) is sometimes called the second transport hole TH2-1, and the second second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the hole on the end FE side is called the second transport hole TH2-2, and the other second transport holes TH2 are referred to in the same way.

[0093] The second indicator hole forming area IA2 of the present embodiment is set as an area from the first second conveying hole TH2, i.e., the second conveying hole TH2-1, adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the side of the starting end SE (left side of the paper) on the side of the end FE to the end FE direction to the 11th (an example of "Mth", where M=11) second conveying hole TH2, i.e., the second conveying hole TH2-11. Therefore, the length of the long side direction of each second indicator hole forming area IA2 is P2×10 (an example of "second length"). Figure 2B and Figure 1A to Figure 1DIt is shown that one second index hole IH2 is formed in each second index hole forming area IA2 set in each section so as to have a length of P2×10.

[0094] Here, the second indicator hole IH2 is composed of a plurality of first circulation holes R1 continuously formed at a fourth pitch P4 smaller than the third pitch P3 relative to the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the starting end SE side, and second circulation holes R2 formed at a fifth pitch P5 larger than the first pitch P1 relative to the first circulation holes R1 adjacent to the starting end SE side.

[0095] For example, the second index hole IH2 formed in the second index hole forming area IA2 in the first section S1 is formed at a position that is a fourth pitch P4 away from the second index hole IH2 in the second section S2 adjacent to the start end SE side toward the end FE direction ( Figure 1A ), the second index hole IH2 formed in the second index hole forming area IA2 in the second section S2 is formed at a position which is advanced by a fourth pitch P4 in the direction of the end FE relative to the second index hole IH2 in the third section S3 adjacent to the starting end SE, and the second index hole IH2 formed in the second index hole forming area IA2 in the third section S3 is formed at a position which is advanced by a fourth pitch P4 in the direction of the end FE relative to the second index hole IH2 in the fourth section S4 adjacent to the starting end SE ( Figure 1B ).

[0096] Similarly, the second index holes IH2 formed in the second index hole forming area IA2 in the fourth section S4 and the fifth section S5 are formed at positions a fourth pitch P4 away from the second index holes IH2 adjacent to the start end SE in the direction toward the end FE.

[0097] Therefore, a total of five second index holes IH2 (an example of “a plurality of first circulation holes”) formed in the first section S1 to the fifth section S5 are first circulation holes R1.

[0098] On the other hand, Figure 1C As shown, the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the sixth interval S6 is formed at a position where the first circulation hole R1, i.e., the second indicator hole IH2, formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the seventh interval S7 adjacent to the starting end SE side moves toward the end FE at a fifth pitch P5 larger than the first pitch P1.

[0099] Therefore, one second index hole IH2 formed in the sixth section S6 is the second circulation hole R2.

[0100] The second indicator hole IH2 of the second indicator hole forming area IA2 formed in the seventh interval S7 and the eighth interval S8 is formed at a position that has advanced to the end FE direction by the fourth pitch P4 relative to the second circulation hole R2, i.e., the second indicator hole IH2, which is adjacent to the starting end SE side. Similarly, the second indicator hole IH2 of the second indicator hole forming area IA2 formed in the ninth interval, the tenth interval, and the eleventh interval is formed at a position that has advanced to the end FE direction by the fourth pitch P4 relative to the second indicator hole IH2, which is adjacent to the starting end SE side, which is formed in the eighth interval, the ninth interval, and the tenth interval.

[0101] Therefore, a total of five second index holes IH2 (an example of “a plurality of first circulation holes”) formed in the seventh section S7 to the eleventh section S11 are first circulation holes R1.

[0102] On the other hand, the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the twelfth interval is formed at a position which is the fifth pitch P5 away from the first circulation hole R1, i.e., the second indicator hole IH2, formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the thirteenth interval adjacent to the starting end SE side, toward the end FE.

[0103] Therefore, one second index hole IH2 formed in the twelfth section is the second circulation hole R2.

[0104] In this way, the second index hole IH2 has a structure in which a plurality of first circulation holes R1 are formed at a fourth pitch P4 smaller than the third pitch P3 relative to the second index hole IH2 adjacent to the start end SE side, and second circulation holes R2 are formed at a fifth pitch P5 larger than the first pitch P1 relative to the first circulation hole R1 adjacent to the start end SE side. It should be noted that, as understood by those skilled in the art, the number of first circulation holes R1 between adjacent second circulation holes R2 is sometimes not fixed, and is 5 or 6 in the present embodiment.

[0105] As a result of such a structure, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed to move at equal intervals from the end FE side to the starting SE side in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 as the long strip medium 1 is used, and is formed to move at a larger fifth interval and return to the vicinity of the end FE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2 if it reaches the vicinity of the starting SE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, and then move at equal intervals from the end FE side to the starting SE side in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 again, and if it reaches the vicinity of the starting SE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, then move at a larger interval again and return to the vicinity of the end FE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, and repeat this process. In other words, multiple loops are performed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2.

[0106] For such a second index hole IH2, Figure 2B As shown, the first circulation holes R1 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 close to the starting end SE and far from the end FE (for example, the first circulation holes R1 formed in the first interval S1) among the plurality of (5 or 6 in the present embodiment) first circulation holes R1 formed between the adjacent second circulation holes R2 are formed at a position away from the end portion on the side of the starting end SE of the second indicator hole forming area IA2 and close to the end portion on the side of the end FE. In other words, the first circulation holes R1 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 close to the end FE and far from the starting end SE (for example, the first circulation holes R1 formed in the first interval S1) are formed at a position away from the end portion on the side of the end FE of the second indicator hole forming area IA2 and close to the end portion on the side of the starting end SE.

[0107] Furthermore, the second circulation holes R2 adjacent to the start end SE side of the plurality of first circulation holes R1 are formed at positions farther from the end on the start end SE side and closer to the end on the end FE side than the plurality of first circulation holes R1.

[0108] In other words, the second indicator hole IH2 is configured to be formed at a position where the fourth pitch has been advanced toward the end FE side relative to the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the start end SE side, thereby forming a long strip of medium 1, where the smaller the remaining amount, the more it moves from the end FE side to the start end SE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2; however, when the position where the fourth pitch has been advanced toward the end FE side relative to the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the start end SE side is located outside the second indicator hole forming area IA2, it is formed at a position where the fifth pitch has been advanced toward the end FE side relative to the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the start end SE side, thereby returning to a position close to the end FE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2 again.

[0109] According to such a configuration, the area between two adjacent second reference holes RH2, which has a length of P2×10 from the second transport hole TH2-1 to the second transport hole TH2-11, can be used to indicate the detailed remaining amount of the long medium 1. Here, the fourth pitch P4 is smaller than the third pitch P3, that is, the second indicator hole IH2 can be formed at a position different from the first indicator hole IH1 when the same amount of the long medium 1 is used, so the user can grasp the remaining amount of the long medium 1 in detail compared to the case where only one first indicator hole IH1 is formed.

[0110] Here, the fourth pitch P4 is set based on the second scale that the length P2×10 from the second transport hole TH2-1 to the second transport hole TH2-11 allocated to the second index hole forming area IA2 is the first reference length. That is, in the present embodiment, the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is represented based on the first scale (P2 / first reference length) in such a manner that one scale of the first transport hole TH1 corresponds to about 1m as the first reference length, and the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is represented based on the second scale P2 / second reference length in such a manner that one scale of the second transport hole TH2 corresponds to about 1m as the first reference length, that is, in such a manner that one scale of the second transport hole TH2 corresponds to the second reference length obtained by dividing about 1m as the first reference length by (M-1), thereby being able to represent the remaining amount of the long medium 1 in more detail.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the second index hole forming area IA2 is set from the first second conveying hole TH2-1 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the end FE side relative to the starting end SE side to the 11th second conveying hole TH2-11 counted in the end FE direction based on the second conveying hole TH2-1, so M is 11. Therefore, the second reference length obtained by dividing the first reference length of about 1m by (M-1) is about 0.1m. Therefore, the user can use the value obtained by dividing the second spacing P2 by about 0.1m as the second scale to grasp the remaining amount of the long strip medium 1 in detail. For example, when the second spacing P2 is 7~8mm, the second scale (an example of the "second scale") becomes 7~8mm÷about 100mm=about 1 / 14~1 / 12.5.

[0112] That is, when the second reference length is L2 and the second scale is S2, it is represented by L2=L1 / (M-1) and S2=P2 / L2.

[0113] By setting the fourth spacing P4 to the difference between the value obtained by multiplying the second scale S2 by the value of the first spacing P1 (for example, approximately 10 to 13 mm when the first spacing P1 is approximately 150 to 160 mm) and the first spacing P1 (for example, approximately 137 to 150 mm when the first spacing P1 is approximately 150 to 160 mm), that is, by setting P4=(P1-P1×S2), the margin of the long strip medium 1 can be represented based on the second reference length L2 which is smaller than the first reference length L1.

[0114] That is, there is a relationship of S2=P2 / L2=(P1-P4) / P1.

[0115] For example, if the first index hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed in the first index hole forming area IA1, the third first transport hole TH1-3 ( Figure 2A ), the user can know that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is about 2 m. If the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the same section is formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2, the third second transport hole TH2-3 ( Figure 2B ), the distance from the second transport hole TH2-1 closest to the start end SE is 2 scales, so the user can understand that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is about 2.2m, which is obtained by adding about 20cm to about 2m.

[0116] Similarly, if the first index hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed in the first index hole forming area IA1, the second first transport hole TH1-2 ( Figure 2A ), the user can know that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is about 1 m. If the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the same section is formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2, the 6th second transport hole TH2-6 ( Figure 2B ), the user can understand that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is about 1.5 m, which is about 1 m plus about 50 cm.

[0117] It should be noted that, as understood by those skilled in the art, the fifth pitch P5 is the sum of the length of the second index hole forming area IA2, i.e., P2×(M-1) (in this embodiment, M=11) and the fourth pitch P4, i.e., P5=(P2×(M-1)+P4). By setting the fifth pitch P5 in this way, the second index hole IH2 can be formed in the second index hole forming area IA2 of the section adjacent to the end FE side.

[0118] As described above, according to the strip medium 1 of the present embodiment, since the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2 formed at different pitches are formed, the remaining amount of the strip medium 1 can be grasped in detail based on different indicators when the same amount of the strip medium 1 is used. Here, the second indicator hole IH2 has a special structure in which a plurality of first circulation holes R1 continuously formed at a fourth pitch P4 smaller than the third pitch P3 and a second circulation hole R2 formed at a fifth pitch P5 larger than the first pitch P1 are alternately formed. According to such a structure, although formed at the same pitch, the first transport hole TH1 formed along the first side edge (first long side LS) can be used to indicate the approximate remaining amount of the strip medium 1 based on the first scale S1, and the second transport hole TH2 formed along the second side edge (second long side LS2) can be used to indicate the detailed remaining amount of the strip medium 1 based on the second scale S2.

[0119] As a result, the long medium 1 of the present embodiment can exert a unique effect that the first index hole IH1 indicates the quotient obtained by dividing the long medium 1 by the first reference length L1 and the second index hole IH2 indicates the remainder.

[0120] It should be noted that in the present embodiment, the decimal-based representation is achieved by setting M=11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, M may also be 5 (quaternary), 9 (octal) or 17 (hexadecimal).

[0121] For example, the present embodiment may be modified as follows: M=5, 1 m as the first reference length L1 is divided into four parts, and one scale mark between adjacent second transport holes TH2 represents 25 cm, that is, 1 / 4.

[0122] Furthermore, N may be set to 11, that is, N = M. In the configuration of N = M, the partial area described below may not be provided, or the long medium may be configured such that the area from the Mth second transport hole TH2 in the section to the first second transport hole TH2 in the section adjacent to the end FE side becomes the partial area.

[0123] In addition, the first index hole forming area IA1 may be shorter than the second index hole forming area IA2. For example, when the length of the long medium is 5 m, the reference length may be kept at 1 m and the first index hole forming area IA1 may be set to a length shorter than the second index hole forming area IA2 (for example, P2×5).

[0124] In addition, as understood by those skilled in the art, even if the fourth pitch P4 is a value slightly different from the above value (for example, a value smaller than the third pitch P3 and within the numerical range of ±30% of the above value), it is possible to express the remaining amount of the long medium 1 in detail to a certain extent. The fifth pitch P5 may also be changed as the size of the fourth pitch P4 is changed.

[0125] [Category display]

[0126] Next, the category indication portion TR provided in the strip medium 1 is described. The inventor of the present application focused on the fact that even if the categories of the strip media are different, it is not possible to know the categories at a glance, and thought of providing a category indication portion indicating the category of the strip media in the strip medium itself. Here, the strip medium 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a second indicator hole IH2 in a second indicator hole forming area IA2 having a second length shorter than the first pitch P1. Therefore, it is thought of providing the category indication portion TR and the pinching portion described later in the remaining area except the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the second side edge portion of the strip medium 1, that is, in the partial area PA. However, as described above, the strip medium may also be configured so that the area from the Mth second transport hole TH2 in the interval to the first second transport hole TH2 in the interval adjacent to the end FE side becomes a partial area.

[0127] The category indication portion TR indicates the category of the strip medium 1. The strip medium including the strip medium 1 can be classified based on various criteria, for example, it can be classified based on the cutting pressure indicating the strength of the cutting force for cutting the strip medium (and the cutting pressure indicating the strength of the cutting force for not completely cutting the release paper RS ​​but cutting the adhesive sheet AS and thus half-cutting the strip medium 1). The category indication portion TR of the present embodiment can be used to indicate the cutting pressure of the strip medium 1. However, it is not limited to this, and the category indication portion TR can also be used to indicate the category of the strip medium based on different criteria (such as the color of the adhesive sheet AS or the material of the strip medium). For example, the category indication portion TR can also be used to indicate the category of the strip medium based on the material, such as when the number of the category indication holes TRH is 1, it indicates that the material of the strip medium is polyvinyl chloride, and when the number of the category indication holes TRH is 2, it indicates that the material of the strip medium is PET.

[0128] Here, the long medium 1 of this embodiment has the second index hole IH2 in the second index hole forming area IA2 having a second length smaller than the first length, so that the category indication portion TR and the gripping portion described later can be provided in the remaining partial area PA except the second index hole forming area IA2.

[0129] Specifically, the partial area PA is set to be an area along the second long side LS2 of each interval, from the Mth (in the present embodiment, M=11) second transport hole TH2, i.e., the second transport hole TH2-11 to the Nth (in the present embodiment, N=16) second transport hole TH2, i.e., the second transport hole TH2-16 (however, excluding the second indicator hole forming area IA2).

[0130] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the end FE of the long medium 1 according to the present embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, in the long side direction, the partial area PA is set in the area from the second transfer hole TH2 - 11 to the second transfer hole TH2 - 16 .

[0131] The category indication portion TR in the present embodiment is formed as a category indication hole TRH. In the present embodiment, the cutting pressure of the long strip medium is indicated by the following rule: a cutting pressure of "2" is set when a category indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-16 and the second transport hole TH2-15 in the long side direction, a cutting pressure of "3" is set when a category indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-15 and the second transport hole TH2-14, a cutting pressure of "4" is set when a category indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-14 and the second transport hole TH2-13, a cutting pressure of "5" is set when a category indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-13 and the second transport hole TH2-12, and a cutting pressure of "0.5" is further added when a category indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-12 and the second transport hole TH2-11.

[0132] exist Figure 3 In the example, two category indication holes TRH are formed between the second transport holes TH2-11 and TH2-12 and between the second transport holes TH2-14 and TH2-15 in the long-side direction in the section, indicating that a cutting pressure of "3.5" is recommended for the long medium 1. By forming category indication holes TRH at different positions (for example, between the second transport holes TH2-12 and TH2-13, between the second transport holes TH2-15 and TH2-16) and / or in different numbers for long mediums of different categories (cutting pressures), the category of the long medium can be indicated.

[0133] It should be noted that the relationship between the position and number of holes and the cutting pressure may also be other relationships.

[0134] In this embodiment, at least one type of hole TRH is formed in the middle position of two adjacent second transport holes TH2 in the long side direction. Figure 3 As shown, at least one category indicating hole TRH may be formed at a position different from the second transport hole TH2 in the short side direction.

[0135] As described above, the second transport hole TH2 and at least one type indicating hole TRH are formed at different positions in the long side direction. As described later, the long medium 1 is transported in a state where the sprocket 20 penetrates the second transport hole TH2. Therefore, if the strength around the second transport hole TH2 is weak, the periphery of the second transport hole TH2 may be broken due to the driving of the sprocket 20 during transport, and sometimes it is difficult to achieve appropriate transport.

[0136] According to the long medium 1 of this embodiment, with the above-described structure, it is possible to suppress a situation in which the long medium 1 is torn from the periphery of the second transport hole TH2 and cannot be properly transported.

[0137] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, four recessed portions CP2 that are recessed in a direction approaching the first long side LS1 are formed on the second long side LS2 of the partial area PA.

[0138] With such a structure, the user can distinguish between the second indicator hole forming area IA2 and the partial area PA, and thus it is easy to distinguish between the second indicator hole IH2 and the category indication hole TRH. In particular, as shown in the present embodiment, the second indicator hole IH2 and the category indication hole TRH are formed in the same shape at the same position in the short side direction, so when observing a hole of the same shape as the second indicator hole IH2, it is easy to distinguish between the two based on whether the recessed portion CP2 is provided on the second long side LS2.

[0139] It should be noted that as the recess CP2, a single recess CP2 formed to be recessed in the entire second long side LS2 of the partial area PA can be provided on the second long side LS2, or more than two recesses CP can be formed as in the present embodiment. A modified example of the structure of the second side edge portion in the partial area PA will be described later using FIG. 4.

[0140] [Pinch part]

[0141] Next, the second gripping portion PP2 provided on the long medium 1 is described. For a strip-shaped long medium, the same pattern is sometimes repeatedly printed at equal intervals, and after being cut at equal intervals for each pattern to be divided into thin rectangular sheets, the sheets printed with the pattern are stacked and stored in a box, etc. The inventor of the present application focused on the fact that if the surface of a sheet is touched when taking out a sheet from such a stacked state, the printed part becomes dirty, and thought of a structure of a gripping portion that makes it easy to take out a sheet from a stacked state by using a peeling paper portion.

[0142] The second pinching portion PP2 is a portion for easily pinching and taking out a sheet when, for example, the same pattern is repeatedly printed at first pitch P1 on the long medium 1, and each portion printed with the pattern is stacked and stored after being cut at first pitch P1 for each pattern. The pinching portion such as the second pinching portion PP2 is sometimes referred to as a tab or a protruding portion.

[0143] Specifically, each second long side LS2 of the partial area PA provided in each section has a direction away from the first long side LS1 ( Figure 3 A second pinching portion PP2 protruding below the paper surface).

[0144] According to such a structure, compared with the case where the second long side LS2 is formed as a straight line, by also using the recessed portion CP2 provided on the second long side LS2 to distinguish the second indicator hole IH2 from the category indicating hole TRH for placing fingers, it is possible to pinch the second pinching portion PP2 adjacent to the recessed portion CP2 or its periphery, thereby making it easy to pinch and remove a sheet from a stacked state in which the printed portion had to be occasionally soiled or damaged and removed because there was no place to pinch.

[0145] It should be noted that a single second pinching portion PP2 may be formed on the second long side LS2, or more than two second pinching portions PP2 may be formed.

[0146] It should be noted that the second pinching portion PP2 may be used as the category display portion TR. That is, the second pinching portion PP2 and the like may be used as the category display portion TR by changing the shape and number of the second pinching portion PP2 and the like according to the type of the long medium.

[0147] In the above structure, if Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown in FIG. 1 , the shapes of the two second pinching portions PP2 formed in adjacent sections (eg, the first section S1 and the second section S2) may be different from each other. Figure 2A and Figure 2B As shown, the distance between the second pinching portion PP2 formed on the starting end SE side of the first interval S1 and the second reference hole RH2 located on the starting end SE side relative to it, and the distance between the second pinching portion PP2 formed on the starting end SE side of the second interval S2 and the second reference hole RH2 located on the starting end SE side relative to it may also be different.

[0148] According to such a structure, the upper and lower adjacent second pinching parts PP2 are formed at different positions when cutting and stacking at every first pitch P1. The second pinching part PP2 as a so-called protrusion does not overlap with the lower layer, so it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the state of cutting and stacking at every first pitch P1.

[0149] Moreover, if Figure 3 As shown, the first gripping portion PP1 having a single (or multiple) recessed portion recessed in a direction approaching the second long side LS2 may also be formed on the first long side LS1.

[0150] With such a structure, the long medium 1 can be easily grasped from either the first long side LS1 or the second long side LS2 .

[0151] Here, similarly to the second pinching portion PP2, the distance between two adjacent sections, for example, the distance between the first pinching portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the first section S1 and the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side thereof and the distance between the first pinching portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the second section S2 and the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side thereof may be different ( Figure 3 ).

[0152] Moreover, similar to the second pinching portion PP2 , the first pinching portion PP1 may be provided so as to protrude in a direction away from the second long side LS2 .

[0153] When both the first pinching portion PP1 and the second pinching portion PP2 are formed on the long medium 1 in this way, the interval (pitch) between two adjacent sections, for example, the first pinching portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the first section S1 and the first pinching portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the second section S2, and the interval (pitch) between the same two sections, for example, the second pinching portion PP2 formed on the starting end SE side of the first section S1 and the second pinching portion PP2 formed on the starting end SE side of the second section S2, may also be the same.

[0154] In this way, by forming the first pinching part PP1 in a so-called synchronous manner, that is, by forming the relative position of the second pinching part PP2 with respect to the first pinching part PP1 in the same manner regardless of the interval, it is also possible to easily pinch and remove one sheet from the long medium 1 cut and stacked at every first pitch P1.

[0155] [Modifications]

[0156] Hereinafter, a modification example of the second side edge portion in the partial area PA will be described with reference to FIG. 4 (however, the type indicating hole TRH is omitted).

[0157] like Figure 4A As illustrated, a plurality of recessed portions CP21 formed by connecting curved lines (including arcs) protruding in a direction away from the first side edge portion (first long side LS1 ) may be provided on the second side edge portion (second long side LS2 ).

[0158] like Figure 4B As illustrated, a single recessed portion CP22 may be provided on the second side edge portion (second long side LS2) so as to be recessed a certain amount toward the first side edge portion (first long side LS1) and to extend along the second side edge portion (second long side LS2).

[0159] like Figure 4CAs shown in the example, a convex portion, namely, a second pinching portion PP23, which is formed with a certain protrusion amount in the direction away from the first side edge portion (first long side LS1) and extends along the second side edge portion (second long side LS2), and two recessed portions CP23 formed at both ends of the second pinching portion PP23 can also be provided on the second side edge portion (second long side LS2).

[0160] like Figure 4D As illustrated, the second side edge portion (second long side LS2) may be provided with a plurality of recesses CP24 provided at the connecting portions connecting curves (including arcs) protruding in the direction away from the first side edge portion (first long side LS1) and another two recesses CP24 formed at both ends of these structures.

[0161] It should be noted that the second gripping portion does not necessarily need to be formed by deforming the shape of the second long side LS2 from a straight line, and may also be formed by other structures that are easily gripped by the user's fingers. Figure 4E As illustrated, the second pinching portion PP25 may be formed by a hole portion extending along the second long side LS2 between the second long side LS2 and the second transport hole TH2.

[0162] According to such a structure, the user can simply pinch and take out a sheet by pinching the elongated portion between the second long side LS2 and the second pinching portion PP25. In addition, since the printing on the adhesive sheet AS has been completed, even if the release paper RS ​​is broken when pinching and pulling, the possibility of damage to the printed portion connected to the adhesive sheet AS can be suppressed.

[0163] Further, use Figure 5 A further modification example of the second side edge portion in the partial area PA is described. The inventor of the present application has conceived a structure for representing multiple categories as categories of the long strip medium. The multiple categories include, but are not limited to, cutting pressure (an example of the "first category") and color (an example of the "second category").

[0164] Therefore, it is conceivable that even for the same long medium 1, the category indicating hole TRH indicates the category of one side according to the position of the second pinching part PP2. For example, the meaning of the category indicating hole TRH can be set so that: Figure 5 In the case where the second pinching portion PP2 is relatively arranged on the end FE side as in the first section S1, the type indicating hole TRH1 of the first section S1 indicates the cutting pressure. Figure 5 When the second pinching portion PP2 is relatively provided on the start end SE side as in the second section S2, the category indicating hole TRH2 of the second section S2 indicates a color.

[0165] [Cutting device]

[0166] like Figure 6 As shown, the long medium 1 described above is assembled to the cutting device 2 in a state of being wound like a roll of paper. Specifically, in the cutting device 2, a roll of the long medium 1 is rotatably assembled (set) in a storage section (not shown) in the main body of the device. For the long medium 1 pulled out from the roll, the sprocket 20 engages with the first conveying hole TH1 and the second conveying hole TH2, and the long medium 1 is guided by the guide member to move. In the cutting device 2, a heating head 21 capable of applying heat energy according to the printing data is also arranged opposite to the stamping member 22 at the upstream side of the moving direction of the long medium 1 relative to the sprocket 20. In addition, the cutting device 2 is equipped with an ink ribbon cartridge 23, and the ink ribbon 24 is between the heating head 21 and the stamping member 22. The ink ribbon 24 overlaps between the heating head 21 and the stamping member 22, and the ink ribbon 24 is pressed against the printing layer of the adhesive sheet AS constituting the long medium 1. By applying thermal energy according to the print data from the thermal head 21 , the dye of the ink ribbon 24 is transferred to the print layer of the long medium 1 , thereby forming an image on the long medium 1 .

[0167] Furthermore, a cutting mechanism 25 for half-cutting the printed long medium 1 is provided at the downstream side of the sprocket 20. The cutting mechanism 25 includes, for example, a cutter 25a that moves in the width direction (short side direction) of the long medium 1, and the cutter 25a moves in the width direction (short side direction) of the long medium 1 and the long medium 1 moves, thereby cutting the adhesive sheet of the long medium 1 into a predetermined shape.

[0168] It should be noted that a residual amount detection sensor 26 may also be provided on the upstream side of the heating head 21 or the downstream side of the cutting mechanism 25. As the residual amount detection sensor 26, the cutting device 2 has a structure in which a plurality of first light emitting portions 26b are provided on the lower side for respectively detecting the first reference hole RH1 and the first index hole IH1, and a plurality of first light receiving portions 26a are provided on the upper side for respectively detecting the light emitted from the first light emitting portions 26b, and are arranged opposite to each other. The cutting device 2 also has a structure in which a plurality of second light emitting portions 26d are provided on the lower side for respectively detecting the second reference hole RH2 and the second index hole IH2, and a plurality of second light receiving portions 26c are provided on the upper side for respectively detecting the light emitted from the second light emitting portions 26d, and are arranged opposite to each other.

[0169] The cutting device 2 uses a control unit 27 such as a microcomputer to control the motor driving the sprocket 20, the remaining amount detection sensor 26, the cutting mechanism 25, the heating head 21, etc. For example, when the long medium 1 is running, the control unit 27 calculates the remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the outputs of the first and second light receiving units 26a and 26c of the remaining amount detection sensor 26. In addition, when the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is shorter than the length of the printing area corresponding to the print data, the control unit 27 notifies the user of the shortage of the long medium through the display unit and the speaker.

[0170] It should be noted that the printing unit of the cutting device 2 is not limited to a structure having a heating head 21, but may also be other structures capable of printing on the long strip medium 1, such as a structure having an inkjet head, which uses the pressure generated by a heater and a piezoelectric element to press the ink, and ejects the pressed ink from the nozzle in the form of droplets to the long strip medium 1, thereby printing images and text on the long strip medium 1.

[0171] The cutting device 2 may not include a printing unit such as the heating head 21, but may be composed only of a cutting mechanism for half-cutting. In addition, the cutting device 2 may include a cutting mechanism capable of cutting the release paper of the long medium 1 in addition to the half-cutting function.

[0172] As described above, according to the long strip medium 1 of this embodiment, a detailed remaining amount of the long strip medium 1 can be displayed, thereby preventing the situation where the remaining amount is insufficient compared to the length of the pattern to be printed, etc., thereby wasting a large amount of ink, the long strip medium 1 and printing time used for printing.

[0173] Furthermore, as described above, it is also possible to cause the cutting device 2 or the like to grasp the remaining amount of the long medium 1 and perform printing control based on the grasped remaining amount information.

[0174] In addition, the present disclosure can be modified in various ways as long as it does not deviate from its main purpose. For example, the various holes disclosed in this embodiment, such as the first reference hole RH1 and the first index hole IH1, can also be realized by a structure in which a through hole is opened in the release paper and the through hole is covered with a light-transmitting film or the like. Even with such a structure, the first reference hole RH1 and the like can be detected by a device having a structure such as the cutting device 2.

[0175] In addition, the various holes disclosed in this embodiment may not necessarily be covered by the long strip medium 1 all around, and may be realized by, for example, a structure connected to the first long side LS1 or the second long side LS2 constituting the outer edge of the long strip medium 1. For example, the first reference hole RH1 may be realized by a hole of a structure extending in the short side direction connected to the first long side LS1. Alternatively, a certain hole may be connected to other holes. Even with such a structure, the first reference hole RH1 and the like can be detected by a device having a structure such as the cutting device 2.

[0176] As described above, it should be understood that various holes disclosed in the present embodiment, such as the first reference hole RH1 and the first index hole IH1, include the above-mentioned modified structure.

[0177] It should be noted that it is also possible to achieve the purpose of the present disclosure by printing on release paper, but generally speaking, a coating for promoting release is applied on the surface of the release paper, so it is not suitable for printing. Similarly, a coating is sometimes applied on the back of the release paper for moisture prevention. In addition, for general sheets, there are many cases where grids, logos, etc. are printed as pre-printed. Therefore, when long strips of media are manufactured based on these sheets, these grids, etc. are sometimes printed on the release paper. Therefore, by using a structure such as the long strip of media disclosed in the present invention that uses holes to indicate the remaining amount and the amount used, it can be universally applied to various materials.

[0178] [Second embodiment]

[0179] Hereinafter, the long medium 1X of the present embodiment will be described. However, components having the same or similar structure, shape, or function are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted, and description will be mainly focused on different parts.

[0180] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 1 is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1X including the end FE of the long medium 1X of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the first side edge LS1X of the long medium 1X is different from the first side edge LS1 of the long medium 1 in that it is formed as a straight line or a straight line along the length direction. Similarly, the second side edge LS2X of the long medium 1X is different from the second side edge LS2 of the long medium 1 in that it is formed as a straight line or a straight line along the length direction. As a result, the long medium 1X is also different from the long medium 1 in that the partial area PA of the long medium 1X is not provided with a structure corresponding to the pinching portion.

[0181] The partial area PA of the strip medium 1X includes a first partial area PA1 having a first type indicating hole TRH1 for indicating a first type of the strip medium 1X and a second partial area PA2 having a second type indicating hole TRH2 for indicating a second type of the strip medium 1X. The first partial area PA1 and the second partial area PA2 are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the length direction of the strip medium 1X.

[0182] Therefore, for example, when the partial area PA of the first interval S1 is used as the first partial area PA1 of the first category for representing the long strip medium 1X, the partial area PA of the next second interval S2 is used as the second partial area PA2 of the second category for representing the long strip medium 1X, the partial area PA of the next third interval S3 is used as the first partial area PA1 again, and the partial area PA of the next fourth interval S4 is used as the second partial area PA2. Similarly, the first partial area PA1 and the second partial area PA2 are alternately and repeatedly configured.

[0183] As described in the first embodiment, the plurality of categories include, for example, the cutting pressure of the long medium (an example of the “first category”) and the material of the long medium (an example of the “second category”), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0184] The method of indicating the information of the long medium according to the position and number of the type indicating holes TRH is to use Figure 3 As described above, the description is omitted.

[0185] As described above, according to the long medium 1X of this embodiment, in addition to the effects based on the structure common to the long medium 1, a plurality of categories (for example, cutting pressure and material) can be represented in a single long medium.

[0186] It should be noted that many methods can be used to distinguish between the first category holes TRH1 formed in the first partial area PA1 and the second category holes TRH2 formed in the second partial area PA2. For example, the second reference length L2 and M, etc. can be set in a manner that can distinguish between the first category holes TRH1 and the second category holes TRH2 based on whether the remainder of the long strip medium 1 determined based on the position of the second indicator hole IH2 is an even number or an odd number.

[0187] According to such a configuration, when the remaining amount is understood in detail based on the position of the second index hole IH2, the first or second type of the long medium can be understood based on the combination of the position of the second index hole IH2 and the position of the first type hole TRH1 or the second type hole TRH2.

[0188] Alternatively, the number of first type holes TRH1 formed in a single first partial area PA1 may be one, while the number of second type holes TRH2 formed in a single second partial area PA2 may be two or more, thereby enabling distinction between the two.

[0189] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B 1 is a plan view showing a portion of the strip medium 1X including the end FE of the strip medium 1Y of a modified example of the present embodiment. The strip medium 1Y of the modified example is different from the strip medium 1Y of the present embodiment in that the determination hole SH for determining that the category indicating hole TRH formed in the second partial area PA2 indicates the second category instead of the first category is formed in the second partial area PA2. The determination hole SH can be formed at a predetermined position in the second partial area PA2.

[0190] According to such a configuration, whether the holes formed in the partial area PA are the first type holes TRH1 or the second type holes TRH2 can be distinguished according to the presence or absence of the determination holes SH.

[0191] It should be noted that if Fig. 8AAs shown in FIG. 1 , the determination hole SH may be formed between the (N−1)th second transfer hole TH2 and the Nth second transfer hole TH2 .

[0192] According to such a configuration, since the determination hole SH is formed at a position close to the start end SE side with respect to the second reference hole RH2 , the determination hole SH can be easily grasped visually.

[0193] It should be noted that the determining hole SH may be formed in a shape different from the second type hole TRH2, for example, it may be formed in a shape having a larger or smaller area than the second type hole TRH2. For example, the size of the determining hole SH in the length direction of the long strip medium 1X may be larger or smaller than the size of the second type hole TRH2 in the length direction of the long strip medium 1X.

[0194] In particular, since the length direction of the long medium 1X is the direction in which the user's line of sight moves, the size of the determination hole SH in the length direction is different from the size of the second type hole TRH2, the determination hole SH can be easily grasped.

[0195] Moreover, the strip medium 1X of the present embodiment is configured to alternately represent the first category and the second category of the strip medium 1X, but is not limited thereto, and the strip medium may also represent more than three categories. For example, in the strip medium, a first partial area PA1 having a first category representation hole TRH1 for representing the first category (e.g., cutting pressure) of the strip medium, a second partial area PA2 having a second category representation hole TRH2 for representing the second category (e.g., material) of the strip medium, and a third partial area (not shown) having a third category representation hole (not shown) for representing the third category (e.g., color) of the strip medium may be repeatedly arranged in sequence in the length direction of the strip medium.

[0196] According to such a configuration, even with a single long medium, information related to three or more types of the long medium can be displayed.

[0197] Furthermore, the present disclosure includes the following additional embodiments.

[0198] [Note 1]

[0199] (Appendix 1-1)

[0200] A long strip of medium having:

[0201] A plurality of first conveying holes and a plurality of second conveying holes are arranged at equal intervals at a second pitch on a straight line at the side edges in two length directions;

[0202] A plurality of first reference holes are repeatedly provided at equal intervals on a straight line at a first pitch larger than the second pitch at one of the side edges, namely the first side edge;

[0203] A plurality of first index holes are repeatedly provided at a third pitch shorter than the first pitch on a straight line different from the row of the first reference holes at the first side edge portion;

[0204] A plurality of second reference holes are repeatedly provided at equal intervals at the first pitch on a straight line at the other side edge portion, namely the second side edge portion; and

[0205] A plurality of second index holes are repeatedly provided on a straight line different from the row of the second reference holes at the second side edge portion, and are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second index holes adjacent to the starting end side of the long medium and second circulation holes formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side.

[0206] The intervals between the first conveying holes of the first side edge portion constitute a scale indicating a first reference length set as a first unit length of the long medium.

[0207] A first ratio of the second interval to the first reference length and a second ratio of the difference between the first interval and the third interval to the first interval are set to be substantially the same,

[0208] The first index hole is provided in a manner that gradually approaches the first reference hole on the starting end side of the long medium as it goes toward the end of the long medium.

[0209] The intervals between the second conveying holes of the second side edge portion constitute scales indicating a second reference length that is set as a second unit length of the long medium and is shorter than the first reference length.

[0210] A third ratio of the second interval to the second reference length and a fourth ratio of the difference between the first interval and the fourth interval to the first interval are set to be substantially the same,

[0211] The second index holes are provided in a manner that a plurality of first circulation holes gradually approach the first reference hole on the starting end side of the long medium as going to the end of the long medium and a second circulation hole again approaching the first reference hole on the end side of the long medium appear alternately and repeatedly.

[0212] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-1, the margin indication based on the third ratio of the second pitch and the second reference length can be realized simultaneously with the margin indication based on the first ratio of the second pitch and the first reference length, so that detailed margin indication can be realized.

[0213] (Note 1-2)

[0214] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 1 including Supplement 1-1,

[0215] The first conveying holes are formed in N numbers (where N is a positive integer) between adjacent first reference holes.

[0216] The N second conveying holes are formed between adjacent first reference holes.

[0217] The first index holes are respectively located in first index hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes.

[0218] The second index holes are respectively located in a second index hole forming area set in an area from the first second transport hole to the Mth second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the terminal side relative to the second reference hole on the starting end side (where M is a positive integer less than N),

[0219] When the first pitch is set to P1, the second pitch is set to P2, the third pitch is set to P3, the fourth pitch is set to P4, the fifth pitch is set to P5, the first reference length is set to L1, the first ratio is set to S1, the second reference length is set to L2, and the third ratio is set to S2,

[0220] S1=P2 / L1,

[0221] L2=L1 / (M-1),

[0222] S2=P2 / L2,

[0223] P3=P1-P1×S1,

[0224] P4=P1-P1×S2,

[0225] P5=P2×(M-1)+P4,

[0226] For the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes, the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end are formed at positions farther from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end.

[0227] The second circulation hole adjacent to the plurality of first circulation holes on the starting end side is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second index hole forming region where the second circulation holes are formed and closer to the terminal end side end.

[0228] According to the method described in Supplement 1-2, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second index hole can accurately represent the remainder obtained by dividing the remaining amount of the long medium in this section by the first reference length.

[0229] (Notes 1-3)

[0230] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 1 including Supplement 1-2,

[0231] A type indicating portion indicating the type of the long medium is provided in a partial region of the Mth to Nth second transport holes based on the first second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the trailing end side with respect to the starting end side.

[0232] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Notes 1 to 3, the type of the long medium can be set on the long medium itself.

[0233] (Appendix 1-4)

[0234] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 1 including Supplements 1 to 3,

[0235] One or more category indication holes are formed in the category indication portion.

[0236] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-4, the type of the long medium can be indicated using the hole formed in the long medium itself.

[0237] (Appendix 1-5)

[0238] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 4,

[0239] At least one of the category-representing holes is formed at a middle position between adjacent second conveying holes in the length direction.

[0240] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the long medium due to the type indicating hole.

[0241] (Appendix 1-6)

[0242] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 1 including Supplements 1 to 3,

[0243] One or more recessed portions that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge portion are formed in the second side edge portion of the category indication portion.

[0244] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-6, the second index hole and the category indicating hole can be distinguished.

[0245] (Appendix 1-7)

[0246] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 1 including Supplement 1-3 or Supplement 1-6,

[0247] One or more second gripping portions are formed on the second side edge portion of the partial region and protrude in a direction away from the first side edge portion.

[0248] According to the method described in Supplementary Note 1-7, it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0249] (Appendix 1-8)

[0250] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 7,

[0251] The distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from the distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas between further adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side.

[0252] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-8, the second gripping portion of the lower sheet and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet do not overlap, so it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0253] (Appendix 1-9)

[0254] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 8,

[0255] A first gripping portion having one or more recessed portions recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge portion is formed at the first side edge portion of the first index hole forming area.

[0256] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-9, it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the stacked state, regardless of whether it is from the first side edge portion side or the second side edge portion side.

[0257] (Notes 1-10)

[0258] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 9,

[0259] The lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side is different from the lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between further adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side.

[0260] According to the method described in Note 1-10, the first pinching portion of the lower sheet (an area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes. The same applies below) does not overlap with the first pinching portion of the upper sheet, so it is easy to pinch and remove a sheet from the stacked state.

[0261] (Appendix 1-11)

[0262] The long strip medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 10,

[0263] The spacing between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas of a partition area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes and the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas of another adjacent partition area is the same as the spacing between one of the first pinching portions formed in the one partition area and another of the first pinching portions formed in another of the adjacent partition areas.

[0264] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-11, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0265] (Appendix 1-12)

[0266] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 1 to 11,

[0267] The second pinching portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region and the first pinching portion formed in the one partitioned region are formed at the same position in the length direction.

[0268] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-12, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the same sheet are formed at the same position, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from a stacked state.

[0269] [Note 2]

[0270] (Note 2-1)

[0271] A long strip of medium, comprising a starting end, an ending end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, wherein the long strip of medium is provided with:

[0272] first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a first spacing;

[0273] First conveying holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and N first conveying holes are formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer);

[0274] a second reference hole formed along the second side edge at the first spacing;

[0275] second conveying holes formed along the second side edge at the second pitch, with the N second conveying holes respectively formed between adjacent second reference holes; and

[0276] The second gripping portion is formed in an area between adjacent second reference holes, an area from the first second conveying hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the terminal side relative to the starting end side to the Mth second conveying hole to the Nth second conveying hole in the terminal direction (where M is a positive integer less than N), and protrudes in a direction away from the first side edge.

[0277] The distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from the distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas between further adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side.

[0278] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-1, the second gripping portion of the lower sheet and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet do not overlap, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0279] (Note 2-2)

[0280] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 2 including Supplement 2-1,

[0281] A first gripping portion having one or more recessed portions recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge is formed on the first side edge.

[0282] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-2, it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the stacked state, regardless of whether it is from the first side edge portion side or the second side edge portion side.

[0283] (Note 2-3)

[0284] The long strip of medium according to any one of Note 2 including Note 2-2,

[0285] The lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side is different from the lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between further adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side.

[0286] According to the method described in Note 2-3, the first pinching portion of the lower sheet (an area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes. The same applies below) does not overlap with the first pinching portion of the upper sheet, so it is easy to pinch and remove a sheet from the stacked state.

[0287] (Notes 2-4)

[0288] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 2 including Supplement 2-3,

[0289] The spacing between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas of a partition area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes and the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas of another adjacent partition area is the same as the spacing between one of the first pinching portions formed in the one partition area and another of the first pinching portions formed in another of the adjacent partition areas.

[0290] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-4, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0291] (Note 2-5)

[0292] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 2 to 4,

[0293] The second pinching portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region and the first pinching portion formed in the one partitioned region are formed at the same position in the length direction.

[0294] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-5, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the same sheet are formed at the same position, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from a stacked state.

[0295] (Appendix 2-6)

[0296] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 2 to 5,

[0297] A type indication portion indicating the type of the long medium is provided in the partial area.

[0298] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-6, the type of the long medium can be set on the long medium itself.

[0299] (Appendix 2-7)

[0300] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 2 to 6,

[0301] One or more recessed portions that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge are formed on the second side edge of the category indication portion.

[0302] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-7, the second index hole and the category indicating hole can be distinguished.

[0303] (Appendix 2-8)

[0304] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 2 to 7,

[0305] One or more category indication holes are formed in the category indication portion.

[0306] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-8, the type of the long medium can be indicated using the hole formed in the long medium itself.

[0307] (Appendix 2-9)

[0308] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 2 to 8,

[0309] At least one of the category-representing holes is formed at a middle position between adjacent second conveying holes in the length direction.

[0310] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-9, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the long medium due to the type indicating hole.

[0311] (Note 2-10)

[0312] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 2 including Supplement 2-1,

[0313] The long strip medium is also provided with:

[0314] first index holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, and respectively located in first index hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; and

[0315] The second index holes are respectively located in the second index hole forming areas respectively set between the adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, and are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second index holes adjacent to the starting end side and second circulation holes formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side.

[0316] The second index hole forming area is set to be an area from the first second transport hole to the Mth second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side on the ending end side (where M is a positive integer less than N).

[0317] When the first spacing is set to P1, the second spacing is set to P2, the third spacing is set to P3, the fourth spacing is set to P4, the fifth spacing is set to P5, the first reference length is set to L1, the first scale is set to S1, the second reference length is set to L2, and the second scale is set to S2,

[0318] S1=P2 / L1,

[0319] L2=L1 / (M-1),

[0320] S2=P2 / L2,

[0321] P3=P1-P1×S1,

[0322] P4=P1-P1×S2,

[0323] P5=P2×(M-1)+P4,

[0324] The first indicator hole is formed in the first indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end, and is formed at a position farther from the starting end side end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end.

[0325] For the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes, the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end are formed at positions farther from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end.

[0326] The second circulation hole adjacent to the plurality of first circulation holes on the starting end side is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second index hole forming region where the second circulation holes are formed and closer to the terminal end side end.

[0327] According to the method described in Supplement 2-10, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second index hole can accurately represent the remainder obtained by dividing the remaining amount of the long strip medium in this section by the first reference length.

[0328] [Note 3]

[0329] (Appendix 3-1)

[0330] A long strip of medium, comprising a starting end, an ending end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, wherein the long strip of medium is provided with:

[0331] first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a first spacing;

[0332] First conveying holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and N first conveying holes are formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer);

[0333] a second reference hole formed along the second side edge at the first spacing;

[0334] second conveying holes formed along the second side edge at the second pitch, with the N second conveying holes respectively formed between adjacent second reference holes; and

[0335] The category representation hole is formed in the area between adjacent second reference holes, and the area from the first second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the end side relative to the starting end side to the Mth second transport hole to the Nth second transport hole in the end direction, that is, a partial area (where M is a positive integer less than N), represents the category of the long strip medium.

[0336] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-1, the type of the long medium can be set on the long medium itself.

[0337] (Note 3-2)

[0338] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 3 including Supplement 3-1,

[0339] At least one of the category-representing holes is formed at a middle position between adjacent second conveying holes in the length direction.

[0340] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-2, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the strength of the long medium due to the type indicating hole.

[0341] (Appendix 3-3)

[0342] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 3 including Supplement 3-2,

[0343] The type indication hole is provided in a type indication portion indicating the type of the long medium.

[0344] One or more recessed portions that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge are formed on the second side edge of the category indication portion.

[0345] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-3, the second index hole and the category indication hole can be distinguished.

[0346] (Note 3-4)

[0347] The long strip of medium according to any one of Note 3 including Note 3-3,

[0348] One or more second gripping portions are formed on the second side edge of the partial area and protrude in a direction away from the first side edge.

[0349] According to the method described in Supplementary Note 3-4, it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0350] (Notes 3-5)

[0351] The strip medium according to any one of Notes 3 to 4,

[0352] The distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from the distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas between further adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side.

[0353] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-5, the second gripping portion of the lower sheet does not overlap with the second gripping portion of the upper sheet, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0354] (Notes 3-6)

[0355] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 3 including Supplement 3-1,

[0356] A second gripping portion is also provided in the partial area and is formed to protrude in a direction away from the first side edge.

[0357] The distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas between the adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from the distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in another partial area between the further adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side.

[0358] The category indicating hole formed in the one of the partial regions indicates the category of the long medium based on the first category,

[0359] The type indicating hole formed in the other one of the partial regions indicates a type of the long medium based on a second type.

[0360] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-6, the categories based on at least two types of the long medium (selected from the types of color, cutting pressure, length, material, etc. of the long medium) can be set to the long medium itself.

[0361] (Appendix 3-7)

[0362] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 3 to 6,

[0363] A first gripping portion having one or more recessed portions recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge is provided on the first side edge.

[0364] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-7, it is easy to pinch and take out one sheet from the stacked state, regardless of whether it is from the first side edge portion side or the second side edge portion side.

[0365] (Appendix 3-8)

[0366] The long strip of medium according to any one of Notes 3 to 7,

[0367] The lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side is different from the lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between further adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side.

[0368] According to the method described in Note 3-8, the first pinching portion of the lower sheet (an area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes. The same applies below) does not overlap with the first pinching portion of the upper sheet, so it is easy to pinch and remove a sheet from the stacked state.

[0369] (Appendix 3-9)

[0370] The strip medium according to any one of Notes 3 to 8,

[0371] The spacing between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas of a partition area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes and the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas of another adjacent partition area is the same as the spacing between one of the first pinching portions formed in the one partition area and another of the first pinching portions formed in another of the adjacent partition areas.

[0372] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-9, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from the stacked state.

[0373] (Note 3-10)

[0374] The strip medium according to any one of Notes 3 to 9,

[0375] The second pinching portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region and the first pinching portion formed in the one partitioned region are formed at the same position in the length direction.

[0376] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-10, the first gripping portion and the second gripping portion of the same sheet are formed at the same position, so that it is easy to grip and take out one sheet from a stacked state.

[0377] (Appendix 3-11)

[0378] The long strip of medium according to any one of Supplement 3 including Supplement 3-1,

[0379] The long strip medium is also provided with:

[0380] first index holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, and respectively located in first index hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; and

[0381] The second index holes are respectively located in the second index hole forming areas respectively set between the adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, and are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second index holes adjacent to the starting end side and second circulation holes formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side.

[0382] The second index hole forming area is set to be an area from the first second transport hole to the Mth second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side on the ending end side (where M is a positive integer less than N).

[0383] When the first spacing is set to P1, the second spacing is set to P2, the third spacing is set to P3, the fourth spacing is set to P4, the fifth spacing is set to P5, the first reference length is set to L1, the first scale is set to S1, the second reference length is set to L2, and the second scale is set to S2,

[0384] S1=P2 / L1,

[0385] L2=L1 / (M-1),

[0386] S2=P2 / L2,

[0387] P3=P1-P1×S1,

[0388] P4=P1-P1×S2,

[0389] P5=P2×(M-1)+P4,

[0390] The first indicator hole is formed in the first indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end, and is formed at a position farther from the starting end side end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end.

[0391] For the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes, the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end are formed at positions farther from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end.

[0392] The second circulation hole adjacent to the plurality of first circulation holes on the starting end side is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second index hole forming region where the second circulation hole is formed and closer to the terminal end side end.

[0393] According to the method described in Supplement 3-11, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second index hole can accurately represent the remainder obtained by dividing the remaining amount of the long strip medium in this section by the first reference length.

[0394] Furthermore, within the scope of the ordinary creative ability of those skilled in the art, some constituent elements of a certain embodiment may be added to other embodiments. Also, some constituent elements of a certain embodiment may be replaced or removed with corresponding constituent elements of other embodiments.

[0395] For example, the number of the second transport holes TH2 is not limited to the present embodiment, and the length of the second index hole forming area IA2 is not limited to the present embodiment. In addition, the positions of various holes in the short-side direction can be changed as appropriate.

[0396] In addition, the structures disclosed in the present application, such as the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2, may not be provided in the entire portion of the long strip medium 1, but may be formed only in a single section, or in a plurality of continuous sections, or in a plurality of sections separated from each other. For example, if it is a section near the end FE, it is obvious that there is only a little surplus of the long strip medium 1, so the first indicator hole IH1, etc. may not be formed. In addition, if it is a section near the start end SE, it is obvious that there is enough surplus of the long strip medium 1, so the second indicator hole IH2, etc. may not be formed. Moreover, for example, the long strip medium may be formed into a structure in which the structures disclosed in the present application, such as the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2, are provided in one section of two continuous sections, and other structures are provided in the other section repeatedly.

[0397] Description of Reference Numerals

[0398] 1 Long strip media

[0399] 2 Printer

[0400] AS Adhesive Sheet

[0401] CP2 recess

[0402] FE end

[0403] IA1 First index hole forming area

[0404] IA2 Second index hole formation area

[0405] IH1 first index hole

[0406] IH2 Second index hole

[0407] LS1 First side edge (first long side)

[0408] LS2 Second side edge (second longest side)

[0409] P1 First spacing

[0410] P2 Second spacing

[0411] P3 Third spacing

[0412] P4 Fourth Pitch

[0413] P5 Fifth Pitch

[0414] PA Part of the area

[0415] PA1 Part I Area

[0416] PA2 Part II Area

[0417] PP1 First pinching part

[0418] PP2 Second pinching part

[0419] R1 First cycle hole

[0420] R2 Second loop hole

[0421] RH1 First reference hole

[0422] RH2 Second reference hole

[0423] RS Release Paper

[0424] SE beginning

[0425] TH1 First transport hole

[0426] TH2 Second delivery hole

[0427] TR Category Indicator

[0428] TRH category indication hole

[0429] TRH1 Category I indicates pores

[0430] TRH2 Category II indicates pore

[0431] SH determines the hole.

Claims

1. A long strip of medium, comprising a starting end, an ending end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the ending end, wherein: The long strip medium has: first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a first spacing; First conveying holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and N first conveying holes are formed between adjacent first reference holes, wherein N is a positive integer; first index holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, and respectively located in first index hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; a second reference hole formed along the second side edge at the first spacing; second conveying holes formed along the second side edge at the second pitch, with the N second conveying holes respectively formed between adjacent second reference holes; and The second index holes are respectively located in the second index hole forming areas respectively set between the adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, and are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second index holes adjacent to the starting end side and second circulation holes formed at a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side. The second index hole forming area is set to be an area from the first second conveying hole to the Mth second conveying hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side on the end side, where M is a positive integer less than N. When the first spacing is set to P1, the second spacing is set to P2, the third spacing is set to P3, the fourth spacing is set to P4, the fifth spacing is set to P5, the first reference length is set to L1, the first scale is set to S1, the second reference length is set to L2, and the second scale is set to S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3=P1-P1×S1, P4=P1-P1×S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4, For the first indicator hole, the first indicator hole is formed in the first indicator hole forming area closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end, and the first indicator hole is formed at a position farther from the starting end side end of the first indicator hole forming area and closer to the ending end side end of the first indicator hole forming area. For the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes, the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region closer to the starting end and farther from the ending end are formed at positions farther from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the ending end side end of the second indicator hole forming region. The second circulation hole adjacent to the plurality of first circulation holes on the starting side is formed at a position further away from the starting side end of the second indicator hole forming area forming the second circulation hole and closer to the terminal side end of the second indicator hole forming area.

2. The long strip medium according to claim 1, A type indicating portion indicating the type of the long medium is provided in a partial region from the Mth to Nth second transport holes based on the first second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the trailing end side with respect to the starting end side.

3. The long strip medium according to claim 2, One or more category indication holes are formed in the category indication portion.

4. The long strip medium according to claim 3, At least one of the category-representing holes is formed at a middle position between adjacent second conveying holes in the length direction.

5. The long strip medium according to claim 3, The partial area formed with one or more first type indicating holes indicating a first type of the long medium and the partial area formed with one or more second type indicating holes indicating a second type of the long medium are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the length direction.

6. The long strip medium according to claim 5, The second category representing holes also includes determining holes representing the second category.

7. The long strip medium according to claim 2, One or more recessed portions that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge are formed on the second side edge of the category indication portion.

8. The long strip medium according to claim 2 or 7, One or more second gripping portions are formed on the second side edge of the partial area and protrude in a direction away from the first side edge.

9. The long strip medium according to claim 8, The distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from the distance in the length direction between the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas between further adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side.

10. The long strip medium according to claim 9, A first gripping portion having one or more recessed portions recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge is formed at the first side edge of the first index hole forming area.

11. The long strip medium according to claim 10, The lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side is different from the lengthwise distance between the first pinching portion formed between further adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side.

12. The long strip medium according to claim 11, The spacing between the second pinching portion formed in one of the partial areas of a partition area surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes and the second pinching portion formed in another of the partial areas of another adjacent partition area is the same as the spacing between one of the first pinching portions formed in the one partition area and another of the first pinching portions formed in another of the adjacent partition areas.

13. The long strip medium according to claim 12, The second pinching portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region and the first pinching portion formed in the one partitioned region are formed at the same position in the length direction.

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