Elongated medium

Abstract

To provide a long medium whose residual amount can be grasped in detail.SOLUTION: Second transport holes that are formed at a second pitch along the second long side, and second index holes that are each formed in a second index hole forming region that is set to have a second length that is shorter than the first length between adjacent second reference holes along the second long side, and a second index hole in which a plurality of first circulation holes continuously formed at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch with respect to a second index hole 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 hole adjacent to the starting end side are alternately formed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to elongated media. [Background technology]

[0002] Long media for printing designs and text on signs and the like are known. Such long media have a release paper and an adhesive sheet temporarily attached to the release paper. The long media wound in a roll is loaded into a printer, the design and text are printed on the adhesive sheet, and the printer's cutting device half-cuts the adhesive sheet into a predetermined shape and peels off the release paper. The adhesive sheet with the printed design and cut to the desired shape can then be attached to a wall, window, paper, or the like. Here, half-cutting refers to cutting only the adhesive sheet and not the release paper (including cutting the release paper but not completely cutting it in the thickness direction).

[0003] When such long media runs out midway through printing, all the printing up to that point goes to waste. Patent Document 1 therefore discloses a long medium that allows users to easily visually grasp the remaining amount of the long medium. This long medium is formed with reference holes spaced at equal intervals along one side edge, and holes indicating the remaining amount are provided between two adjacent reference holes. The holes indicating the remaining amount are located at different positions between the two reference holes depending on the remaining amount of the long medium. With this long medium, the holes indicating the remaining amount are formed so that as the remaining amount decreases, they move away from one reference hole and approach the other reference hole. This allows users to visually grasp the remaining amount of the long medium based on the position of the holes indicating the remaining amount relative to the reference holes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4771023 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The long media described in Patent Document 1 is configured to indicate the remaining amount of long media by matching the entire length of the long media, which in some cases can be 10 meters or longer, to a reference hole pitch. This allows users to only roughly grasp the remaining amount of long media. Knowing only a rough estimate of the remaining amount of long media makes it difficult for users to accurately determine whether the remaining amount of long media is actually equal to or greater than the length of the design or other element to be printed. Furthermore, if printing is forced even though the remaining amount of long media is less than the length of the design or other element to be printed, the large amount of ink, long media, and printing time required for printing will be wasted.

[0006] To solve this problem, a long medium is desired that allows the remaining amount to be grasped in more detail. Therefore, it may be possible to adopt a configuration for the long medium described in Patent Document 1 that allows for a more precise understanding of the remaining amount. That is, since the long medium described in Patent Document 1 is configured to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium by matching the entire length of the long medium to the pitch of the reference holes, if the pitch of the reference holes is increased or the number of holes that serve as scales formed between the reference holes is increased, the remaining amount of the long medium can be indicated in detail. For example, if the pitch of the reference holes is doubled or the number of holes that serve as scales formed between the reference holes is doubled, it is theoretically possible to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium with double the resolution.

[0007] However, if the pitch of the reference holes is increased, it becomes difficult to find the reference holes formed on the rolled long media, as well as the holes indicating the remaining amount. It also becomes difficult to grasp the relative position of the holes indicating the remaining amount relative to the reference holes, making it more difficult for users to visually grasp the remaining amount of the long media. On the other hand, if the number of scale holes formed between the reference holes is increased, it becomes difficult to read at a glance. Furthermore, the number of holes that can be increased is at most about twice as many. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Therefore, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​using the other side edge of the long medium to indicate in detail the remaining amount of the long medium. Here, by applying the long medium described in Patent Document 1 and matching one half (first half) of the total length of the long medium to the pitch of the reference holes on one side edge, and the other half (second half) of the total length of the long medium to the pitch of the reference holes on the other side edge, it becomes possible to display the remaining amount of the long medium with twice the resolution without increasing the pitch of the reference holes or the number of holes that serve as scales. However, with this configuration, the user must find the hole on either side edge that indicates the remaining amount, making it difficult to determine the remaining amount of the long media at a glance. Also, because there are only two side edges, the remaining amount of the long media can only be displayed with double the resolution at best.

[0009] The inventors of the present application therefore came up with the idea of ​​using holes that are arranged at an irregular pitch (non-uniform pitch) and that move as if circulating through the area between adjacent reference holes to indicate in detail the remaining amount of long media.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a long medium having a starting end, a finishing end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end. The long medium includes first reference holes formed at a first pitch along the first side edge, first transport holes formed at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch along the first side edge, N first reference holes formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer), first indicator holes formed at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch along the first side edge, each located within a first indicator hole forming region set between adjacent first reference holes, second reference holes formed at the first pitch along the second side edge, and N first transport holes formed at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch along the second side edge. The second reference holes are formed at a pitch of N, with N second conveying holes formed between adjacent second reference holes, and second reference holes are located along the second side edge within second reference hole forming areas respectively set between adjacent second reference holes, and the second reference holes are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes formed continuously with a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second reference holes adjacent to the starting end side and second circulation holes formed with a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side. Here, the second index hole forming area is set to an area from the first second transport hole adjacent to the end side of the second reference hole on the start end side to the Mth second transport hole (where M is a positive integer equal to or less than N), and when the first pitch is P1, the second pitch is P2, the third pitch is P3, the fourth pitch is P4, the fifth pitch is P5, the first reference length is L1, the first scale is S1, the second reference length is L2, and the second scale is S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3 = P1 - P1 × S1, P4 = P1 - P1 × S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4 have the following relationship. Furthermore, the first indicator hole is formed at a position farther away from the starting end end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the terminal end end than the first indicator hole formed in the first indicator hole forming region that is close to the starting end and far from the terminal end, and the multiple first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes are formed at a position farther away from the starting end end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the terminal end end than the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region that is close to the starting end and far from the terminal end, and the second circulation hole adjacent to the starting end side of the multiple first circulation holes is formed at a position further away from the starting end end of the second indicator hole forming region in which this second circulation hole is formed and closer to the terminal end end.

[0011] According to the long medium of the present disclosure, the first indicator hole formed along the first side edge indicates the remaining amount of the long medium based on a first scale that matches the first reference length to the second pitch, while the second indicator hole formed along the second side edge can indicate the remaining amount of the long medium based on a second scale that matches the second reference length, obtained by dividing the first reference length by (M-1), to the second pitch. Therefore, it is possible to use the second indicator hole to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium that is equal to or shorter than the first reference length. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a portion of an elongated medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a portion of a long medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a modified example of a long medium according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a modified example of a long medium according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a cutting device for printing on a long medium according to one embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A shows a portion of a long medium according to another embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B shows a portion of a long medium according to another embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A shows a portion of a long medium according to another embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B shows a portion of a long medium according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a long medium according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [First embodiment] Figure 1A is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the end FE of the long medium 1 in this embodiment, Figure 1D is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the start SE of the long medium 1 in this embodiment, and Figures 1B and 1C are plan views respectively showing a portion of the long medium 1 between the start SE and the end FE.

[0014] As shown in these drawings, the long medium 1 according to this embodiment is formed in a strip shape with long sides that are significantly longer than the short sides. It has two short sides, a starting end SE and a finishing end FE, and a first side edge LS1 and a second side edge LS2 that connect the starting end SE and the finishing end FE, respectively. The first side edge LS1 connects the starting end SE and the finishing end FE of the long medium 1 at one end in the short direction of the long medium 1. The second side edge LS2 connects the starting end SE and the finishing end FE of the long medium 1 at the other end in the short direction of the long medium 1. In this embodiment, the first side edge LS1 and the second side edge LS2 are each formed with a linear main portion, and therefore may be referred to as the first long side LS1 (an example of a "first side edge") and the second long side LS2 (an example of a "second side edge"), respectively.

[0015] However, the shape of the long medium is not limited to that shown in this embodiment. For example, at least one of the two side edges of the long medium may be formed to have fine irregularities rather than being formed in a straight line as shown in this embodiment. At least one of the two side edges of the long medium may be formed in a sawtooth shape. Alternatively, at least one of the two side edges of the long medium may be formed in a curved, wavy shape. Furthermore, only a portion of the side edge of the long medium (for example, only around the starting end or the ending end) may be formed to have an irregular shape as described above.

[0016] The long medium 1 is typically used after being wound around a cardboard tube in a roll shape. The starting end SE of the long medium 1 corresponds to the longitudinal end that is first used, and the ending end FE of the long medium 1 corresponds to the longitudinal end that is last used. When wound into a roll, 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 (cardboard tube side). Note 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 (the "long side direction" may also be referred to as the "longitudinal direction"). 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 sometimes referred to as the short side direction (the "short side direction" may also be referred to as the "transverse direction"). Of the long side directions or longitudinal directions, the direction in which the starting end SE exists with respect to an object may be referred to as the "starting end SE direction" or "starting end SE side," and the direction in which the ending end FE exists with respect to an object may be referred to as the "ending end FE direction" or "ending end FE side." Depending on the main use, the length of the long medium 1 in the short direction, i.e., the length of the starting end SE and ending end FE, may be, for example, 5 cm or more and 50 cm or less, and the length of the long medium 1 in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the length of the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2, may be, for example, 1 m or more and 20 m or less.

[0017] The long medium 1 according to this embodiment has a release paper RS ​​and an adhesive sheet AS temporarily attached to the release paper RS. The adhesive sheet AS is an area on which patterns and characters 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 attached to the center of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction. Therefore, both ends of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction are exposed and not covered by the adhesive sheet AS. In this embodiment, one end of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction that is exposed and not covered by the adhesive sheet AS and has a first side edge (first long side LS1) may be referred to as the first side edge. The other end of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction that is exposed and not covered by the adhesive sheet AS and has a second side edge (second long side LS2) may be referred to as the second side edge. The various holes formed in the long medium 1 according to this embodiment are formed at both exposed ends of the release paper RS ​​in the short side direction. First, we will explain the various holes formed along the first long side LS1, which is an example of the first side edge. Note that some holes may not be numbered to avoid overcomplicating the drawings.

[0018] [First reference hole and first transfer hole] 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 ending end FE at a constant first pitch P1 (hereinafter, the value of the first pitch P1 may be simply referred to as P1. The same applies to other pitches.) As will be described later, the user can determine the approximate remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the position of the first indicator hole IH1 relative to the first reference hole RH1. Note that each area virtually dividing the long medium 1 in the longitudinal direction at the positions where the first reference hole RH1 and the second reference hole RH2 (described later) are formed may be called a division, section, or section.

[0019] FIG. 1A shows sections from the 0th section S0 including the end FE to the first section S1, the second section S2, and a portion of the third section S3. FIG. 1B shows sections from the second section S2 (a portion) to the third section S3, the fourth section S4, and a portion of the fifth section S5. FIG. 1C shows sections from the fifth section S5 (a portion) to the sixth section S6, the seventh section S7, and a portion of the eighth section S8. As shown in FIG. 1A, depending on the manufacturing process, the section including the end FE and the section including the starting end SE may have a length less than the first pitch P1. The value obtained by multiplying the first pitch P1 by the number of sections corresponds to approximately the total length of the long medium 1 (the length in the longitudinal direction of the first long side LS1 and the second long side LS2). (Note, however, that this is an approximate number because sections having a length less than the first pitch P1 may be provided at the starting end SE and / or the end FE.)

[0020] The first transport holes TH1 are holes 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 ending end FE. Because the first transport holes TH1 are holes formed at the constant second pitch P2 smaller than the first pitch P1, they may be used to transport the long medium 1, and may be used, for example, as holes for engaging with a sprocket 20 provided in the cutting device 2 described below. In this embodiment, the first transport hole TH1 is formed at the same position as the first reference hole RH1 in the short side direction.

[0021] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D, 16 first transport holes TH1 (an example of "N") are formed between each pair of 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 holes RH1 are formed long in the short-side direction and short in the long-side direction so that the two holes can be distinguished, while the first transport hole TH1 is formed circular. Forming the first reference hole RH1 long in the short-side direction and short in the long-side direction makes it easier to grasp the position of the first reference hole RH1 in the long-side direction, which in turn makes it easier to grasp the position of the first indicator hole IH1 in the long-side direction relative to the first reference hole RH1. This allows the user to easily grasp the approximate remaining amount of long medium 1.

[0022] However, the size of the first pitch P1 and the second pitch P2 and other dimensions of the long medium 1, the formation positions, and the shapes of the holes are not limited to the example shown in this embodiment and can be changed as appropriate depending on the type and application of the long medium. For example, two first transport holes TH1 may be formed between each two adjacent first reference holes RH1, or the first transport holes TH1 may be formed at a different position in the short side direction from the first reference holes RH1.

[0023] [1st index hole] The first indicator holes IH1 are holes formed at a constant third pitch P3 smaller than the first pitch P1 along the first long side LS1 of the elongated medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE. Here, one first indicator hole IH1 is formed in each first indicator hole forming area IA1 that is set to have a first length between two adjacent first reference holes RH1.

[0024] 2A is a diagram showing the area cut out along the first long side LS1 from the 0th section S0 to the 8th section S8, and aligned in the vertical direction of the paper so that the positions of the first reference holes RH1 in each section are the same in the horizontal direction of the paper. Note, however, that the first reference hole RH1 on the start end SE side of a certain section (e.g., the first section S1) is the same as the first reference hole RH1 on the end end FE side of the next section adjacent to the start end SE (e.g., the second section S2).

[0025] 2A, the first index hole forming area IA1 in this embodiment is defined as the area between two adjacent first reference holes RH1, extending from the first transfer hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 at the beginning SE to the first transfer hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 in the same section. In each section, the first first transfer hole TH1 adjacent to the end FE side of the first reference hole RH1 at the beginning SE (left side of the drawing) is referred to as first transfer hole TH1-1, the second first transfer hole TH1 adjacent to this hole at the end FE side is referred to as first transfer hole TH1-2, and the other first transfer holes TH1 are sometimes referred to in the same manner. The first transfer hole TH1 adjacent to the beginning SE side of the first reference hole RH1 at the end FE side (right side of the drawing) corresponds to the 16th first transfer hole TH1 in this embodiment, and is therefore sometimes referred to as first transfer hole TH1-16.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 2A, in this embodiment, 16 first transfer holes TH1 are formed between each pair of adjacent first reference holes RH1, and therefore the length of each first indicator hole formation area IA1 in the long side direction is P2 × 15 (an example of the "first length"). Fig. 2A and Figs. 1A to 1D show one first indicator hole IH1 formed in each first indicator hole formation area IA1, which is set to have a length of P2 × 15 within each section.

[0027] In this configuration, the first indicator holes IH1 are formed at a third pitch P3 different from the first pitch P1, and are therefore formed at different positions relative to the first reference hole RH1 of that section. For example, the first indicator hole IH1 (FIG. 2A) formed in the first section S1 is formed in a position slightly toward the end FE in the long side direction from the first transport hole TH1-1, which is located closest to the starting end SE, in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the first section S1. On the other hand, the first indicator hole IH1 (FIG. 2A) formed in the second section S2 is formed in a position further toward the end FE in the long side direction from the first transport hole TH1-1 in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the second section S2. Similarly, as the section progresses and the remaining amount of the long medium 1 increases, the position of the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first indicator hole forming area IA1 moves from the end closer to the starting end SE to the end closer to the end FE. In other words, as the remaining amount of the long 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 terminating end FE side of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 to the end on the starting end SE side.

[0028] With this configuration, the user can roughly determine the remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the position of the first indicator hole IH1 relative to the first reference hole RH1.

[0029] 2A, the first indicator holes IH1 are formed at a third pitch P3 that is smaller than the first pitch P1. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2A, the closer the first indicator holes IH1 are to the first indicator hole forming area IA1 that is closer to the starting end SE and farther from the ending end FE, i.e., the closer the first indicator holes IH1 are to the section where the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is, the farther the first indicator holes IH1 are to the starting end SE end and the closer the ending end FE end of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 in which the first indicator holes IH1 are formed. In other words, the closer the first indicator holes IH1 are to the first indicator hole forming area IA1 that is farther from the starting end SE and near the ending end FE, i.e., the closer the first indicator holes IH1 are to the section where the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is small, the farther the first indicator holes IH1 are to the starting end SE end and the farther the ending end FE end of the first indicator hole forming area IA1 in which the first indicator holes IH1 are formed. In order to prevent a second first indicator hole IH1 from being formed within the first indicator hole forming area IA1 in which the first indicator hole IH1 formed at a position close to the end on the starting end SE side is provided, it is preferable that the third pitch P3 be larger than the difference between the first pitch P1, which is the length of the long side of the first indicator hole forming area IA1, and the second pitch P2, i.e., (P1-P2).

[0030] With this configuration, the user can grasp that the remaining amount of long medium 1 is decreasing as the first indicator hole IH1 approaches the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side, or as it moves away from the first reference hole RH1 on the ending end FE side relative to the first indicator hole IH1.

[0031] In addition, in this embodiment, the first indicator hole forming area IA1 is set to most of the area between two adjacent first reference holes RH1, i.e., the area from the first transport hole TH1 (in this embodiment, the first transport hole TH1-1) adjacent to the first reference hole RH1 on the starting end SE side on the terminal end FE side to the first transport hole TH1 (in this embodiment, the first transport hole TH1-16. Here, the first transport hole TH1-16 is an example of the ``Nth first transport hole'').

[0032] For example, the first indicator hole IH1 (Figures 1A and 2A) formed in the 0th section S0 is formed at the same position in the long side direction as the first transport hole TH1 located closest to the starting end SE within the same section, and the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the first section S1 is formed at a position slightly toward the end FE in the long side direction from the first transport hole TH1-1 located closest to the starting end SE within the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set within the first section S1.Similarly, the first indicator hole IH1 formed in a position where the long medium 1 is used and the remaining amount is small is formed at a position closer to the first reference hole RH1 on the end FE side, and the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the 93rd section S93 shown in Figure 1D is formed at the same position (or a position close to) in the long side direction as the first transport hole TH1 located closest to the end FE within the first indicator hole forming area IA1 set in the 93rd section S93.

[0033] With this configuration, it is possible to display the remaining amount of long medium 1 using the area having a length of (P2 × 15) from first transport hole TH1-1 to first transport hole TH1-16, which corresponds to most of the area between two adjacent first reference holes RH1. This allows the user to grasp the approximate remaining amount of long medium 1 with relatively high accuracy.

[0034] However, the long medium 1 shown in this embodiment does not necessarily have to be wound onto the paper core from section S0 shown in Figure 1A. For example, the long medium 1 may be wound onto the paper core from a section having a configuration corresponding to any section between section S0 and section S93 (for example, a section having a configuration corresponding to section S4 shown in Figure 1B). Even with such a configuration, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount or used amount of the long medium 1.

[0035] Similarly, the long medium 1 shown in this embodiment does not necessarily have to have a starting point in section S93 shown in Figure 1D. For example, the long medium 1 may be configured so that the starting point SE is a section having a configuration equivalent to any section between sections S0 and S93 (for example, a section having a configuration equivalent to the 50th section). Even with this configuration, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user can still grasp the approximate remaining amount or amount of long medium 1 used.

[0036] Similarly, the long medium 1 shown in this embodiment may be wound onto the paper tube from any section between sections S0 and S93, with any section being the starting point SE. Even with this configuration, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount or amount of long medium 1 that has been used.

[0037] The above configuration simply applies the area of ​​length (P2 x 15) from the first conveying hole TH1-1 to the first conveying hole TH1-16 to approximately the entire length of the long medium 1, so by using the first conveying hole TH1 as a scale, the user can grasp the approximate remaining amount of the long medium 1 as a length rather than a ratio.

[0038] Here, the value (an example of a "first reference length") obtained by dividing the total length of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE by (N-1) (where N is the number of first transport holes TH1 formed between adjacent first reference holes RH1) corresponds to the second pitch P2, which is one graduation of the first transport holes TH1. In other words, the user can use the value obtained by dividing the second pitch P2 by the first reference length (which in this embodiment corresponds to approximately 1 m, which is the value obtained by dividing the total length of the long medium 1 (approximately 15 mm in this embodiment) by (N-1) (15 in this embodiment)) as a first scale to grasp the remaining amount and amount of long medium 1 used. For example, if the second pitch P2 is 10 mm, the first scale (an example of a "first scale") is 10 mm ÷ approximately 1000 mm = approximately 1 / 100. That is, when the first reference length is L1 and the first scale is S1, there is a relationship of S1=P2 / L1.

[0039] Therefore, if the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed, for example, near the 14th first transport hole TH1-14 (Figure 2A) when counting from the starting end SE side in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approximately 13 meters because it is 13 graduations away from the first transport hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE. Similarly, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed, for example, near the second first transport hole TH1-2 when counting from the starting end SE side in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approaching approximately 1 meter because it is one graduation away from the first transport hole TH1-1 closest to the starting end SE.

[0040] Here, by setting the third pitch P3 as the difference between the first pitch P1 and the value obtained by multiplying the first scale S1 (the value obtained by dividing the second pitch P2 by the first reference length L1) described above (for example, if the first pitch P1 is approximately 160 mm, then approximately 1.6 mm), and the first pitch P1 (for example, if the first pitch P1 is approximately 160 mm, then approximately 158.4 mm), that is, by setting P3 = (P1 - P1 × S1), it is possible to more accurately indicate the remaining amount of long medium 1. In other words, by setting S1=P2 / L1=(P1-P3) / P1, it is possible to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium 1 with higher accuracy.

[0041] In the above embodiment, the first reference length L1 is set as the total length of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE divided 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.

[0042] For example, the first reference length L1 may be set to 1 m regardless of the length of the long medium. Even with this setting method, the user can use P2 / L1, which is the value obtained by dividing the second pitch P2 by 1 meter, as the first scale S1 to determine the remaining amount and amount of long medium used. For example, even if the first reference length L1 is set to 1 meter for a long medium with a total length of 5 m, the user can determine the remaining amount and amount of long medium used based on the first scale S1 (=P2 / L1), in which the second pitch P2, which is one graduation of the first transport hole TH1, corresponds to 1 meter.

[0043] Similarly, the first reference length L1 may be set to any value taking into consideration the use of the long medium, the expected user, etc., and may be, for example, 50 cm, 2 m, or 1 foot (approximately 30 cm). Similarly, the length of the long medium may be any value, such as 5 m or 10 m.

[0044] [Second reference hole and second transfer hole] Next, various holes formed along the second long side LS2, which is an example of the second side edge portion, will be described. The second reference holes RH2 are holes formed at a constant first pitch P1 along the second long side LS2 of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE. As will be described later, the user can grasp the precise remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the position of the second indicator hole IH2 relative to the second reference hole RH2. As shown in FIG. 1A etc., the second reference hole RH2 may be formed at the same position as the first reference hole RH1 in the long side direction.

[0045] The second transport holes TH2 are holes formed at a second pitch P2 along the second long side LS2 of the long medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE. The second transport holes TH2 may be used to transport the long medium 1, for example, as holes for engaging with a sprocket 20 provided in the cutting device 2. As shown in FIG. 1A and other figures, the second transport holes TH2 may be formed at the same position as the first transport holes TH1 in the long side direction. Furthermore, the second transport holes TH2 may be formed at the same position as the second reference holes RH2 in the short side direction. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1A to 1D and other figures, 16 second transport holes TH2 (an example of "N") are formed between each pair of adjacent second reference holes RH2. Like the first reference holes RH1 and other figures, the second reference holes RH2 are formed long in the short side direction and short in the long side direction, and the second transport holes TH2 are formed in a circular shape.

[0046] [Second index hole] Long media come in a variety of colors and materials. Therefore, users may select the appropriate long media for each application and load or install it into a device such as the cutting device 2 described below. Even if users continue to use the same long media, many users remove the long media from the device after use and store it in a plastic bag or similar to prevent dust and dirt from adhering to the surface. In addition, some users keep several long media even when there is only a small amount left, rather than discarding them, in order to use them for printing shorter designs, etc. Replacing long media from the device in this way is not limited to when the long media has been used up, but can occur frequently on a daily basis, and each time this occurs, users must be aware of the amount of long media remaining at that time. The inventors of the present application focused on the problem that the first indicator hole IH1 alone may not adequately indicate the remaining amount of long medium 1. For example, when attempting to print a 1.55 m long design on long medium 1, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed near the third first transport hole TH1-3 (FIG. 2A) counting from the starting end SE in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, it is possible to determine that the remaining amount of long medium 1 is approximately 2 m, and therefore that a 1.55 m design can be printed. On the other hand, if the first indicator hole IH1 is formed near the second first transport hole TH1-2 counting from the starting end SE in the first indicator hole forming area IA1, it is possible to determine that the remaining amount of long medium 1 is approximately 1 m, and therefore that the remaining amount of long medium 1 is insufficient to print a 1.55 m design. However, if the first indicator hole IH1 were formed near the middle between the first transport holes TH1-2 and TH1-3, it would be difficult for the user to accurately determine whether the remaining length of the long medium 1 was actually 1.55 m or more. If the printer were to go ahead and print a 1.55-m design when the remaining length of the long medium 1 was actually less than 1.55 m, the large amount of ink, long medium 1, and printing time required for printing would be wasted. Therefore, if the user found it difficult to accurately determine whether the remaining length of the long medium 1 was 1.55 m or more, they would have no choice but to load a new long medium 1 into the printer and use it. Therefore, after much trial and error, the inventors of the present application came up with the idea of ​​providing a second indicator hole IH2 in the long medium 1 as a configuration for more precisely determining the remaining length.

[0047] The second indicator hole IH2 is a hole formed along the second long side LS2 of the elongated medium 1 from the starting end SE to the ending end FE. Here, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed one by one in each second indicator hole forming area IA2 that is set between two adjacent second reference holes RH2 and has a second length that is smaller than the first length.

[0048] 2B shows the area along the second long side LS2 from the 0th section S0 to the 8th section S8, cut out and aligned vertically so that the positions of the second reference holes RH2 in each section are the same horizontally. Note, however, that the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side of a section (e.g., the 1st section S1) is the same as the second reference hole RH2 on the ending end FE side of the section adjacent to the starting end SE (e.g., the 2nd section S2). As shown in FIG. 2B, as the long medium 1 is used, i.e., as the long medium 1 progresses from the 8th section S8 to the 0th section S0, the second reference holes IH2 are formed so as to move at a constant pitch (fourth pitch P4) within the second reference hole forming area IA2 from the ending end FE side to the starting end SE, and then move again at a constant pitch (fourth pitch P4) from the ending end FE side to the starting end SE. As a result, the holes are formed to circulate (loop) within the second reference hole forming area IA2 multiple times as the long medium 1 is used.

[0049] Compared to Figure 2A, the second indicator hole IH2 is pitched so that it moves more when the same amount of long medium 1 is used than the first indicator hole IH1, allowing for a more precise display of the remaining amount of long medium 1. Also, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed so that it circulates multiple times within the second indicator hole forming area IA2, compared to the first indicator hole IH1, which does not circulate within the first indicator hole forming area IA1. This will be described in detail below.

[0050] As shown in Figure 2B, the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in this embodiment is set to an area that is shorter in the long side direction than the area between two adjacent second reference holes RH2, from the second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the terminal end FE side of the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side to the second transport hole TH2 adjacent to the starting end SE side of the second reference hole RH2 on the terminal end FE side. Therefore, it is possible to provide the type indication portion TR by utilizing the area along the second long side LS other than the second indicator hole forming area IA2. As shown in Figure 2B, in each section, the first second conveying hole TH2 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side (left side of the paper) on the terminal FE side is called the second conveying hole TH2-1, the second second conveying hole TH2 adjacent to this hole on the terminal FE side is called the second conveying hole TH2-2, and other second conveying holes TH2 may be referred to in the same manner.

[0051] In this embodiment, the second indicator hole forming area IA2 is set in the area from second transfer hole TH2-1, which is the first second transfer hole TH2 adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side (left side of the paper) on the terminal end FE side, to second transfer hole TH2-11, which is the eleventh second transfer hole TH2 (an example of the "Mth hole," where M=11) in the terminal end FE direction. Therefore, the length of the long side of each second indicator hole forming area IA2 is P2×10 (an example of the "second length"). Figure 2B and Figures 1A to 1D show second indicator holes IH2 formed one by one in each second indicator hole forming area IA2, which is set to have a length of P2×10 within each section.

[0052] Here, the second indicator hole IH2 is configured by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes R1 formed consecutively 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 hole R1 adjacent to the starting end SE side.

[0053] For example, the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the first section S1 is formed at a position further in the direction of the terminal FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the second indicator hole IH2 in the adjacent second section S2 on the starting end SE side (FIG. 1A), the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the second section S2 is formed at a position further in the direction of the terminal FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the second indicator hole IH2 in the third section S3 on the starting end SE side, and the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the third section S3 is formed at a position further in the direction of the terminal FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the second indicator hole IH2 in the fourth section S4 on the starting end SE side (FIG. 1B).

[0054] Similarly, the second indicator holes IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming areas IA2 in the fourth section S4 and the fifth section S5 are formed at positions further in the direction of the end FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the adjacent second indicator holes IH2 on the starting end SE side. Therefore, the total of five second indicator holes IH2 (an example of "plurality of first circulation holes") formed in each of the first section S1 to the fifth section S5 are first circulation holes R1.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in Figure 1C, the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the sixth section S6 is formed at a position further in the terminal FE direction than the second indicator hole IH2, which is the first circulation hole R1, formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the seventh section S7 adjacent to the starting end SE, at a fifth pitch P5 greater than the first pitch P1. Therefore, the one second indicator hole IH2 formed in the sixth section S6 is the second circulation hole R2.

[0056] The second indicator holes IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the seventh section S7 and the eighth section S8 are formed at positions further toward the terminal end FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the second indicator holes IH2 that are the second circulation holes R2 adjacent to them on the starting end SE side. Similarly, the second indicator holes IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the ninth section, the tenth section, and the eleventh section are formed at positions further toward the terminal end FE of the fourth pitch P4 than the second indicator holes IH2 formed in the eighth section, the ninth section, and the tenth section, respectively, that are adjacent to them on the starting end SE side. Therefore, the total of five second indicator holes IH2 (an example of "plurality of first circulation holes") formed in each of the seventh section S7 to the eleventh section S11 are first circulation holes R1.

[0057] On the other hand, the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the 12th section is formed at a position further in the direction of the end FE of the fifth pitch P5 than the second indicator hole IH2, which is the first circulation hole R1 formed in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the 13th section adjacent to the starting end SE. Therefore, the one second indicator hole IH2 formed in the twelfth section is the second circulation hole R2.

[0058] In this way, the second indicator hole IH2 is configured such that a plurality of first circulation holes R1 are arranged alternately with respect to the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the starting end SE at a fourth pitch P4 that is smaller than the third pitch P3, and second circulation holes R2 are arranged alternately with respect to the first circulation hole R1 adjacent to the starting end SE at a fifth pitch P5 that is larger than the first pitch P1. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the number of first circulation holes R1 between adjacent second circulation holes R2 may not be constant, and in this embodiment, it is five to six.

[0059] As a result of this configuration, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed so as to move at an equal pitch within the second indicator hole forming area IA2 from the terminal FE side to the starting SE side as the long medium 1 is used, and when it reaches near the starting SE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, it moves at a larger fifth pitch, returns to near the terminal FE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, moves again at an equal pitch within the second indicator hole forming area IA2 from the terminal FE side to the starting SE side, and when it reaches near the starting SE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, it moves again at a larger pitch, returning to near the terminal FE side end of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, repeating this process; in other words, it is formed so as to circulate (loop) multiple times within the second indicator hole forming area IA2.

[0060] 2B, among the plurality of first circulation holes R1 (five or six in this embodiment) formed between adjacent second circulation holes R2, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed at a position farther away from the end of the second indicator hole formation area IA2 on the start end SE side and closer to the end of the second indicator hole formation area IA2 on the end FE side of the first circulation hole R1 (for example, the first circulation hole R1 formed in the first section S1) that is closer to the start end SE and farther from the end end FE. In other words, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed at a position farther away from the end of the second indicator hole formation area IA2 on the end FE side and closer to the end of the second indicator hole formation area IA2 on the start end SE side of the first circulation hole R1 (for example, the first circulation hole R1 formed in the first section S1) that is closer to the end end FE and farther from the start end SE.

[0061] In addition, the second circulation hole R2, which is adjacent to the starting end SE side of the multiple first circulation holes R1, is formed at a position further away from the starting end SE side end than these multiple first circulation holes R1 and closer to the terminal end FE side end.

[0062] In other words, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed at a position further toward the terminal end FE of the fourth pitch than the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the starting end SE, so that it moves from the terminal end FE side to the starting end SE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2 as the remaining amount of the long medium 1 decreases.However, when the position further toward the terminal end FE of the fourth pitch than the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the starting end SE side is outside the second indicator hole forming area IA2, the second indicator hole IH2 is formed at a position further toward the terminal end FE of the fifth pitch than the second indicator hole IH2 adjacent to the starting end SE side, so that it returns to a position close to the terminal end FE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2.

[0063] With this configuration, it is possible to use the area between two adjacent second reference holes RH2, having a length of P2 × 10 from the second transport hole TH2-1 to the second transport hole TH2-11, to indicate the precise remaining amount of long medium 1. Here, because the fourth pitch P4 is smaller than the third pitch P3, that is, it is possible to form the second indicator hole IH2 in a position different from the first indicator hole IH1 when the same amount of long medium 1 is used, the user can grasp the remaining amount of long medium 1 in more detail than when only a single first indicator hole IH1 is formed.

[0064] Here, the fourth pitch P4 is set based on a second scale in which the length P2 × 10 from the second transport hole TH2-1 to the second transport hole TH2-11 assigned as the second indicator hole formation area IA2 is the first reference length. That is, in this embodiment, for the first transport hole TH1, the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is displayed based on the first scale (P2 / first reference length) in which one graduation of the first transport hole TH1 corresponds to the first reference length of approximately 1 meter, and for the second transport hole TH2, the remaining amount of the long medium 1 is displayed based on the second scale (P2 / second reference length) in which the length P2 × 10 from the second transport hole TH2-1 to the second transport hole TH2-11 corresponds to the first reference length of approximately 1 meter, that is, one graduation of the second transport hole TH2 corresponds to the second reference length obtained by dividing the first reference length of approximately 1 meter by (M-1), thereby making it possible to display the remaining amount of the long medium 1 in more detail.

[0065] In this embodiment, the second index hole forming area IA2 is set from the first second transport hole TH2-1, which is adjacent to the second reference hole RH2 on the starting end SE side toward the end FE, to the eleventh second transport hole TH2-11, counting in the end FE direction from this second transport hole TH2-1 as a reference, so M is 11. Therefore, the second reference length obtained by dividing the first reference length of approximately 1 m by (M-1) is approximately 0.1 m. Therefore, the user can accurately grasp the remaining amount of the long medium 1 by dividing the second pitch P2 by approximately 0.1 m as the second scale. For example, if the second pitch P2 is 7 to 8 mm, the second scale (an example of the "second scale") is 7 to 8 mm ÷ approximately 100 mm = approximately 1 / 14 to 1 / 12.5. That is, if the second reference length is L2 and the second scale is S2, then L2=L1 / (M-1) and S2=P2 / L2.

[0066] The fourth pitch P4 is set as the difference between the second scale S2 multiplied by the value of the first pitch P1 (for example, approximately 10 to 13 mm if the first pitch P1 is approximately 150 to 160 mm) and the first pitch P1 (for example, approximately 137 to 150 mm if the first pitch P1 is approximately 150 to 160 mm), i.e., by setting P4 = (P1 - P1 x S2), it is possible to indicate the remaining amount of long medium 1 based on the second standard length L2, which is less than the first standard length L1. That is, there is a relationship of S2=P2 / L2=(P1-P4) / P1.

[0067] For example, if the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed near the third first transport hole TH1-3 (Figure 2A) counting from the starting end SE side within the first indicator hole forming area IA1, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approximately 2 m; if the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the same section is formed near the third second transport hole TH2-3 (Figure 2B) counting from the starting end SE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approximately 2 m + approximately 20 cm, since it is two graduations away from the second transport hole TH2-1 closest to the starting end SE.

[0068] Similarly, if the first indicator hole IH1 formed in the currently used section is formed near the second first transport hole TH1-2 (Figure 2A) counting from the starting end SE side within the first indicator hole forming area IA1, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approximately 1 meter, and if the second indicator hole IH2 formed in the same section is formed near the sixth second transport hole TH2-6 (Figure 2B) counting from the starting end SE side within the second indicator hole forming area IA2, the user can determine that the remaining length of the long medium 1 is approximately 1.5 meters, which is approximately 1 meter plus approximately 50 cm.

[0069] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the fifth pitch P5 is the sum of the length of the second indicator hole forming area IA2, P2 × (M-1) (M = 11 in this embodiment), and the fourth pitch P4, i.e., P5 = (P2 × (M-1) + P4). By providing the fifth pitch P5 in this manner, it is possible to form the second indicator hole IH2 in the second indicator hole forming area IA2 in the section adjacent to the end FE side.

[0070] As described above, according to the long medium 1 of this embodiment, the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2 are formed at different pitches, so that when the same amount of long medium 1 is used, the remaining amount of long medium 1 can be grasped in detail based on the different indicators. Here, the second indicator hole IH2 has a special configuration in which a plurality of first circulation holes R1 formed consecutively at a fourth pitch P4 smaller than the third pitch P3 and second circulation holes R2 formed at a fifth pitch P5 larger than the first pitch P1 are alternately formed. With this configuration, even though the holes are 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 long 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 precise remaining amount of long medium 1 based on the second scale S2. As a result, the long medium 1 of this embodiment is able to exhibit the unique effect that the first indicator hole IH1 indicates the quotient when the long medium 1 is divided by the first reference length L1, and the second indicator hole IH2 indicates the remainder.

[0071] In this embodiment, M=11 is used to realize a decimal representation, but this is not limited to this; for example, M may be 5 (base 4), 9 (base 8), or 17 (base 16). For example, this embodiment may be modified so that M=5, the first reference length L1 of 1 m is divided into four, and one scale mark between adjacent second conveying holes TH2 indicates 25 cm, i.e., a 1 / 4 display. Furthermore, N may be 11, i.e., N may be M. In a configuration where N=M, the partial area described below does not need to be provided, or the long medium may be configured so 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 is the partial area. The first indicator hole formation area IA1 may be shorter than the second indicator hole formation area IA2. For example, if the length of the long medium is 5 m, the reference length may remain 1 m, and the first indicator hole formation area IA1 may be set to a length shorter than the second indicator hole formation area IA2 (for example, P2 × 5). As will be 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 a numerical range of the above value ±30%), it is possible to indicate the remaining amount of the long medium 1 in some detail. The fifth pitch P5 may be changed in accordance with a change in the magnitude of the fourth pitch P4.

[0072] [Type display section] Next, we will explain the type indicator TR provided on the long medium 1. The inventors of the present application noticed that even if the type of long medium is different, it is difficult to tell at a glance what type it is, and came up with the idea of ​​providing a type indicator that displays the type of long medium on the long medium itself. Here, in the long medium 1 of this embodiment, the second indicator hole IH2 is provided in the second indicator hole forming area IA2, which has a second length shorter than the first pitch P1. Therefore, we came up with the idea of ​​providing the type indicator TR and a tab, described below, in the partial area PA, which is the remaining area of ​​the second side edge of the long medium 1 excluding the second indicator hole forming area IA2. However, as described above, the long medium may be configured so that the area from the Mth second transport hole TH2 in that section to the first second transport hole TH2 in the section adjacent to the end FE side is the partial area.

[0073] The type display unit TR indicates the type of the long medium 1. Long media, including the long medium 1, can be classified based on various criteria, such as the cutting pressure, which indicates the strength of the cutting force required to cut the long medium (and the cutting pressure, which indicates the strength of the cutting force required to cut the adhesive sheet AS and partially cut the long medium 1 without completely cutting the release paper RS). The type display unit TR of this embodiment can be used to display the cutting pressure required to cut the long medium 1. However, this is not limited to this, and the type display unit TR may also be used to indicate the type of long medium based on different criteria (e.g., the color of the adhesive sheet AS or the material of the long medium). For example, the type display unit TR may be used to indicate the type of long medium based on the material of the long medium, such as when one type display hole TRH indicates that the long medium is made of polyvinyl chloride, and when two type display holes TRH indicate PET.

[0074] Here, in the long medium 1 of this embodiment, the second indicator hole IH2 is provided in the second indicator hole forming area IA2, which has a second length that is shorter than the first length, so it is possible to provide a type display section TR and a knob section, which will be described later, in the remaining partial area PA excluding the second indicator hole forming area IA2.

[0075] Specifically, the partial area PA is set to the area along the second long side LS2 provided in each section, from the second transport hole TH2-11, which is the Mth (M=11 in this embodiment) second transport hole TH2, to the second transport hole TH2-16, which is the Nth (N=16 in this embodiment) second transport hole TH2 (however, this area excludes the second indicator hole forming area IA2).

[0076] 3 is a plan view showing a portion of the long medium 1 including the starting end SE of the long medium 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, a partial area PA is set in the area from the second transport hole TH2-11 to the second transport hole TH2-16 in the long side direction.

[0077] In this embodiment, the type indication portion TR is formed as a type indication hole TRH. In this embodiment, the cutting pressure for long media is indicated according to the following rules: when the type indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-16 and the second transport hole TH2-15 in the long side direction, the cutting pressure is "2," when the type indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-15 and the second transport hole TH2-14, the cutting pressure is "3," when the type indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-14 and the second transport hole TH2-13, the cutting pressure is "4," when the type indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-13 and the second transport hole TH2-12, the cutting pressure is "5," and when the type indication hole TRH is formed between the second transport hole TH2-12 and the second transport hole TH2-11, an additional cutting pressure of "0.5" is added.

[0078] 3, two type indication holes TRH are formed in the long side direction between second conveyance hole TH2-11 and second conveyance hole TH2-12, and between second conveyance hole TH2-14 and second conveyance hole TH2-15, which indicates that a cutting pressure of "3.5" is recommended for long medium 1. For long media of different types (cutting pressures), it is possible to indicate the type of long medium by forming type indication holes TRH in different positions (for example, between second conveyance hole TH2-12 and second conveyance hole TH2-13, or between second conveyance hole TH2-15 and second conveyance hole TH2-16) and / or by forming different numbers of type indication holes TRH. The relationship between the position and number of holes and the cutting pressure may be other.

[0079] In this embodiment, at least one type display hole TRH is formed at a midpoint in the long-side direction between two adjacent second conveyance holes TH2. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3, at least one type display hole TRH may be formed at a position different from the second conveyance holes TH2 in the short-side direction.

[0080] As described above, the second transport hole TH2 and at least one type display hole TRH are formed at different positions in the long side direction. As will be described later, the long medium 1 is transported with the sprocket 20 inserted into the second transport hole TH2. Therefore, if the strength around the second transport hole TH2 is weak, the driving of the sprocket 20 during transport may tear the area around the second transport hole TH2, making it difficult to transport the medium properly. With the long medium 1 of this embodiment, the above-described configuration makes it possible to prevent the long medium 1 from tearing around the second transport hole TH2 and becoming unable to be transported properly.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 3, four recesses CP2 are formed on the second long side LS2 of the partial area PA so as to recess in a direction approaching the first long side LS1.

[0082] This configuration allows the user to distinguish between the second indicator hole forming area IA2 and the partial area PA, making it easier to distinguish between the second indicator hole IH2 and the type indication hole TRH. In particular, as shown in this embodiment, the second indicator hole IH2 and the type indication hole TRH are formed with the same shape and at the same position in the short side direction, so when looking at a hole with the same shape as the second indicator hole IH2, it becomes easy to distinguish between the two based on whether or not the recess CP2 is provided on the second long side LS2.

[0083] The recess CP2 may be a single recess CP2 formed in the second long side LS2 of the partial region PA so as to be recessed across the second long side LS2, or two or more recesses CP may be formed as in this embodiment. Modified examples of the configuration of the second side edge portion in the partial region PA will be described later with reference to FIG.

[0084] [Knob] Next, we will explain the second gripping portion PP2 provided on the long medium 1. A strip-shaped long medium is printed with the same design or the like repeatedly at equal intervals, and is then cut at equal intervals for each design into strip-shaped sheets. The sheets with the printed design or the like are then stacked and stored in a box or the like. The inventors of the present application noticed that when removing a sheet from such a stack, touching the surface of the sheet will stain the printed portion, and came up with the idea of ​​a gripping portion configuration that uses the release paper portion to make it easy to remove a single sheet from the stack.

[0085] The second gripping portion PP2 is a portion that makes it easy to pick up and remove a single sheet when, for example, the same design or the like is printed repeatedly at a first pitch P1 on the long medium 1, the long medium 1 is cut at the first pitch P1 for each design, and then the sections with the printed design or the like are stacked and stored. Grip portions such as the second gripping portion PP2 are sometimes called tabs, protrusions, or the like.

[0086] Specifically, a second gripping portion PP2 is formed on each second long side LS2 of the partial area PA provided in each section, protruding in a direction away from the first long side LS1 (downward in the plane of FIG. 3).

[0087] With this configuration, compared to when the second long side LS2 is formed in a straight line, the recess CP2 provided in the second long side LS2 to distinguish between the second index hole IH2 and the type indication hole TRH can also be used as a hook for the fingers, making it possible to grasp the second gripping portion PP2 adjacent to the recess CP2 or its surrounding area. This makes it easier to grasp and remove a single sheet from a stack, whereas in the past, there was nowhere to grip it, which sometimes required removing the printed portion while soiling or damaging it.

[0088] The second long side LS2 may have a single second gripping portion PP2 or two or more second gripping portions PP2 formed thereon.

[0089] The second gripping portion PP2 may be used as the type display portion TR. That is, the shape and number of the second gripping portion PP2 may be changed depending on the type of long medium, so that the second gripping portion PP2 may be used as the type display portion TR.

[0090] In the above configuration, the shapes of the two second gripping portions PP2 formed in adjacent sections (e.g., the first section S1 and the second section S2) may be different from each other, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. For example, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the distance between the second gripping portion PP2 formed on the start end SE side of the first section S1 and the second reference hole RH2 located on the start end SE side of the first section S1 may be different from the distance between the second gripping portion PP2 formed on the start end SE side of the second section S2 and the second reference hole RH2 located on the start end SE side of the second section S2.

[0091] With this configuration, when the sheets are cut at the first pitch P1 and stacked, the second gripping portions PP2 adjacent to each other above and below are formed in different positions, and the second gripping portions PP2, which are like tabs, do not overlap with the lower layer, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state after cutting at the first pitch P1.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the first long side LS1 may also be formed with a first gripping portion PP1 having a single (or multiple) recessed portion recessed in a direction approaching the second long side LS2. This configuration makes it easy to pick up the long medium 1 from either the first long side LS1 or the second long side LS2. Here, as with the second gripping portion PP2, the distance between two adjacent sections, for example, the distance between the first gripping portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the first section S1 and the first reference hole RH1 located on the starting end SE side of the first section S1, and the distance between the first gripping portion PP1 formed on the starting end SE side of the second section S2 and the first reference hole RH1 located on the starting end SE side of the first section S2, may be different (Figure 3). Similarly to the second gripping portion PP2, the first gripping portion PP1 may be provided so as to protrude in a direction away from the second long side LS2.

[0093] When both the first pinching portion PP1 and the second pinching portion PP2 are formed on the long medium 1 in this manner, the distance (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 distance (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 be the same.

[0094] In this way, by forming the first gripping portion PP1, etc. so that they are synchronized, i.e., so that the relative position of the second gripping portion PP2 to the first gripping portion PP1 is the same regardless of the section, it becomes possible to easily pick up and remove one piece of long medium 1 from the long medium 1 that has been cut and stacked every first pitch P1.

[0095] [Variations] Hereinafter, a modified example of the second side edge portion in the partial area PA will be described with reference to FIG. 4 (however, the type display hole TRH is omitted).

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the second side edge (second long side LS2) may be provided with a plurality of recesses CP21 formed by connecting curves (including arcs) that are convex in a direction away from the first side edge (first long side LS1).

[0097] As illustrated in Figure 4B, the second side edge (second long side LS2) may be provided with a single recess CP22 that is recessed by a certain amount in a direction approaching the first side edge (first long side LS1) and extends along the second side edge (second long side LS2).

[0098] As illustrated in Figure 4C, the second side edge (second long side LS2) may be provided with a second gripping portion PP23, which is a convex portion formed with a certain amount of protrusion in a direction away from the first side edge (first long side LS1) and extending along the second side edge (second long side LS2), and two recesses CP23 formed on both ends of this second gripping portion PP23.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 4D, the second side edge (second long side LS2) may be provided with a plurality of recesses CP24 at the connection portions connecting curves (including arcs) that are convex in a direction away from the first side edge (first long side LS1), and two further recesses CP24 formed at both ends of these configurations.

[0100] The second gripping portion does not necessarily have to be formed by deforming the second long side LS2 from a straight line, but may be formed by other configurations that are easy to grip with the user's fingers. For example, as illustrated in Fig. 4E, the second gripping portion PP25 may be formed as a hole extending along the second long side LS2 between the second long side LS2 and the second transport hole TH2.

[0101] With this configuration, the user can easily pick up and remove one sheet by grasping the narrow section between the second long side LS2 and the second gripping portion PP25. Furthermore, because printing has already been completed on the adhesive sheet AS, even if the release paper RS ​​is torn when the sheet is picked up and pulled, the possibility of damaging the printed portion of the adhesive sheet AS can be reduced. Further, a further modification of the second side edge portion in the partial area PA will be described using Figure 5. The inventors of the present application have conceived a configuration for displaying multiple types of long media. The multiple types include, but are not limited to, cutting pressure (an example of a "first type") and color (an example of a "second type").

[0102] Therefore, we came up with a configuration in which the type indication hole TRH displays one type depending on the position of the second gripping portion PP2, even for the same long media 1. For example, when the second gripping portion PP2 is located relatively closer to the end FE as in the first section S1 of Fig. 5, the type indication hole TRH1 in the first section S1 may display the cutting pressure, and when the second gripping portion PP2 is located relatively closer to the beginning SE as in the second section S2 of Fig. 5, the type indication hole TRH2 in the second section S2 may display a color.

[0103] [Cutting device] As shown in FIG. 6, the long medium 1 described above is loaded into the cutting device 2 in a rolled state like roll paper. Specifically, a roll of the long medium 1 is rotatably loaded (installed) in a storage section (not shown) within the main body of the cutting device 2. The long medium 1 is pulled out from the roll and travels while being guided by a guide member through a sprocket 20 engaged with the first transport hole TH1 and the second transport hole TH2. The cutting device 2 further includes a thermal head 21 that applies heat energy in accordance with print data and is disposed facing a platen 22, upstream of the sprocket 20 in the travel direction of the long medium 1. An ink ribbon cartridge 23 is also loaded into the cutting device 2, and an ink ribbon 24 is interposed between the thermal head 21 and the platen 22. The ink ribbon 24 is superimposed between the thermal head 21 and the platen 22, and the ink ribbon 24 is pressed against the printed layer that constitutes the adhesive sheet AS of the long medium 1. Thermal energy is applied to the long medium 1 by the thermal head 21 in accordance with print data, causing the dye of the ink ribbon 24 to transfer to the print layer of the long medium 1, thereby forming an image.

[0104] Furthermore, a cutting mechanism 25 for half-cutting the printed long medium 1 is provided downstream 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 cuts the adhesive sheet of the long medium 1 into a predetermined shape as the cutter 25a moves in the width direction (short side direction) of the long medium 1 and the long medium 1 travels.

[0105] A remaining amount detection sensor 26 may be provided upstream of the thermal head 21 or downstream of the cutting mechanism 25. As the remaining amount detection sensor 26, the cutting device 2 includes a configuration in which a plurality of first light-emitting elements 26b are provided on the lower side to detect the first reference hole RH1 and the first indicator hole IH1, respectively, and a plurality of first light-receiving elements 26a are provided on the upper side to detect the light emitted from the first light-emitting elements 26b, respectively, and are arranged opposite each other. The cutting device 2 further includes a configuration in which a plurality of second light-emitting elements 26d are provided on the lower side to detect the second reference hole RH2 and the second indicator hole IH2, respectively, and a plurality of second light-receiving elements 26c are provided on the upper side to detect the light emitted from the second light-emitting elements 26d, respectively, and are arranged opposite each other.

[0106] The cutting device 2 uses a control unit 27, such as a microcomputer, to control the motor that drives the sprocket 20, the remaining amount detection sensor 26, the cutting mechanism 25, the thermal head 21, etc. For example, while the long medium 1 is traveling, the control unit 27 calculates the remaining amount of the long medium 1 based on the output of the first and second light receiving units 26a and 26c of the remaining amount detection sensor 26. Furthermore, 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 via the display unit and speaker.

[0107] The printing means of the cutting device 2 is not limited to a configuration equipped with a thermal head 21, but may also be other configurations capable of printing on the long medium 1, such as a configuration equipped with an inkjet type head that presses ink with pressure generated by a heater or piezoelectric element, ejects the pressed ink as droplets from an ejection port onto the long medium 1, and prints images and characters on the long medium 1. The cutting device 2 may be configured with only a cutting mechanism for half-cutting, without including a printing means such as the thermal head 21. Furthermore, the cutting device 2 may be equipped with a cutting mechanism that can cut the release paper of the long medium 1 in addition to the half-cut function.

[0108] As described above, the long medium 1 of this embodiment makes it possible to display the remaining amount of long medium 1 in detail, thereby preventing a situation in which the large amount of ink, long medium 1, and printing time required for printing are wasted because the remaining amount is insufficient compared to the length of the pattern or the like to be printed. As described above, it is also possible to have the cutting device 2 or the like grasp the remaining amount of the long medium 1, and to control printing based on the grasped remaining amount information.

[0109] Furthermore, various modifications of the present disclosure are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the various holes disclosed in this embodiment, such as the first reference hole RH1 and the first indicator hole IH1, may be realized by drilling through holes in a release paper and covering the through holes with a light-transmitting film or the like. Even with such a configuration, the first reference hole RH1 and the like can be detected by a device having a configuration such as the cutting device 2.

[0110] Furthermore, the various holes disclosed in this embodiment do not necessarily have to be entirely covered by the long medium 1. For example, they may be realized as a configuration connected to the first long side LS1 or the second long side LS2 that form the outer edge of the long medium 1. For example, the first reference hole RH1 may be realized as a hole that is connected to the first long side LS1 and extends in the short side direction. Alternatively, a hole may be connected to another hole. Even with this configuration, the first reference hole RH1 and the like can be detected by a device having a configuration such as the cutting device 2.

[0111] As described above, the various holes disclosed in this embodiment, such as the first reference hole RH1 and the first indicator hole IH1, are understood to include the modified configurations described above. While it is possible to achieve the objectives of the present disclosure by printing on release paper, the surface of the release paper is generally coated to promote release, making it unsuitable for printing. Similarly, the back side of the release paper may be coated to prevent moisture. Furthermore, general-purpose base rolls often have grids, logos, etc. printed on them as pre-printing, so when long media are manufactured based on these base rolls, these grids, etc. may also be printed on the release paper. Therefore, a configuration that indicates the remaining amount or amount used using holes, like the long media disclosed herein, can be used for general purposes with a variety of materials.

[0112] [Second embodiment] The following describes the long medium 1X according to this embodiment, but components having the same or similar configurations, shapes, or functions will be assigned the same or similar reference numerals and explanations will be omitted, and only different parts will be described.

[0113] 7A and 7B are plan views showing a portion of a long medium 1X including a terminal end FE of the long medium 1X according to this embodiment. As shown in the figures, the first side edge LS1X of the long medium 1X differs from the first side edge LS1 of the long medium 1 in that it is formed straight or linearly in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the second side edge LS2X of the long medium 1X differs from the second side edge LS2 of the long medium 1 in that it is formed straight or linearly in the longitudinal direction. As a result, the long medium 1X also differs from the long medium 1 in that the partial area PA of the long medium 1X does not have a structure equivalent to a tab.

[0114] The partial area PA of the long medium 1X has a first partial area PA1 in which a first type indication hole TRH1 for indicating a first type of the long medium 1X is formed, and a second partial area PA2 in which a second type indication hole TRH2 for indicating a second type of the long medium 1X is formed. The first partial area PA1 and the second partial area PA2 are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the long medium 1X.

[0115] Therefore, for example, when the partial area PA of the first section S1 is used as the first partial area PA1 for displaying the first type of long medium 1X, the partial area PA of the following second section S2 is used as the second partial area PA2 for displaying the second type of long medium 1X, the partial area PA of the following third section S3 is again used as the first partial area PA1, and the partial area PA of the following fourth section S4 is used as the second partial area PA2, and so on, with the first partial area PA1 and the second partial area PA2 being arranged alternately and repeatedly.

[0116] As described in the first embodiment, the multiple types include, for example, the cutting pressure of the long medium (an example of a "first type") and the material of the long medium (an example of a "second type"), but are not limited to these. The method of indicating information about the long medium depending on the positions and number of type indication holes TRH formed therein has been described above with reference to FIG. 3 and so on, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0117] As described above, the long medium 1X according to this embodiment not only has the effect based on the configuration common to the long medium 1, but also makes it possible to indicate multiple types (for example, cutting pressure and material) on a single long medium.

[0118] There are many methods that can be used to distinguish between the first type hole TRH1 formed in the first partial area PA1 and the second type hole TRH2 formed in the second partial area PA2. For example, values ​​of the second reference length L2 and M, etc., may be set so that the first type hole TRH1 and the second type hole TRH2 can be distinguished depending on whether the remaining amount of the long medium 1, which is determined based on the position of the second indicator hole IH2, is an even or odd number.

[0119] With this configuration, when determining the exact remaining amount based on the position of the second indicator hole IH2, it is possible to determine the first or second type of the long medium based on the combination of the position of the second indicator hole IH2 and the position of the first type hole TRH1 or the second type hole TRH2.

[0120] Alternatively, the number of first type holes TRH1 formed in a single first partial region PA1 may be one, and the number of second type holes TRH2 formed in a single second partial region PA2 may be two or more, so that the two can be distinguished from each other.

[0121] 8A and 8B are plan views showing a portion of a long medium 1X including the end FE of the long medium 1Y according to a modification of this embodiment. The long medium 1Y according to this modification differs from the long medium 1Y of this embodiment in that a specific hole SH is formed in the second partial area PA2 to specify that the type indication hole TRH formed in the second partial area PA2 indicates the second type rather than the first type. The specific hole SH may be formed at a predetermined position in the second partial area PA2. With this configuration, it is possible to distinguish whether the hole formed in the partial area PA is the first type hole TRH1 or the second type hole TRH2, depending on whether the specific hole SH is present or not.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 8A and other figures, the specific hole SH may be formed between the (N-1)th second transfer hole TH2 and the Nth second transfer hole TH2. According to this configuration, the specific hole SH is formed at a position closer to the starting end SE side than the second reference hole RH2, so that the specific hole SH can be easily visually grasped.

[0123] The specific hole SH may be formed in a shape different from that of the second type hole TRH2, for example, in a shape having a larger or smaller area than the second type hole TRH2. For example, the dimension of the specific hole SH in the longitudinal direction of the long medium 1X may be larger or smaller than the dimension of the second type hole TRH2 in the longitudinal direction of the long medium 1X. With this configuration, the specific hole SH can be easily visually identified. In particular, since the user's line of sight moves in the longitudinal direction of the long medium 1X, by making the dimensions of the specific hole SH in this longitudinal direction different from the dimensions of the second type hole TRH2, the specific hole SH can be easily identified.

[0124] Furthermore, although the long medium 1X of this embodiment is configured to alternately display the first and second types of the long medium 1X, this is not limited thereto, and the long medium may display three or more types. For example, the long medium may have a first partial area PA1 in which a first type display hole TRH1 for displaying the first type of the long medium (e.g., cutting pressure) is formed, a second partial area PA2 in which a second type display hole TRH2 for displaying the second type of the long medium (e.g., material) is formed, and a third partial area (not shown) in which a third type display hole (not shown) for displaying the third type of the long medium (e.g., color) is formed, which are arranged in order in the longitudinal direction of the long medium.

[0125] With this configuration, it is possible to display information about three or more types of a single long medium.

[0126] The present disclosure further includes the following embodiments. [Appendix 1] (Appendix 1-1) a plurality of first conveying holes and a plurality of second conveying holes provided at equal intervals at a second pitch on both side edges in the longitudinal direction; a plurality of first reference holes provided repeatedly at equal intervals in a straight line at a first side edge portion, the first side edge portion being one of the side edge portions, and at a first pitch larger than the second pitch; a plurality of first indicator holes provided repeatedly at a third pitch shorter than the first pitch on a straight line different from the row of the first reference holes in the first side edge portion; a plurality of second reference holes provided repeatedly at equal intervals at the first pitch on a straight line in a second side edge portion that is the other side edge portion; the second side edge portion is provided with a plurality of second indicator holes repeatedly provided on a straight line different from the row of the second reference holes, and the second indicator holes are formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes formed consecutively with a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second indicator holes adjacent to the starting end side of the long medium and a plurality of second circulation holes formed with a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side, the interval between the first conveying holes in the first side edge portion forms a scale indicating a first reference length set as a first unit length of the elongated medium; a first ratio between the second pitch and the first reference length and a second ratio between the difference between the first pitch and the third pitch and the first pitch are set to be substantially equal to each other; the first indicator hole is provided so as to gradually approach the first reference hole at the beginning end of the elongated medium as it approaches the end of the elongated medium, an interval between the second conveying holes in the second side edge portion is set as a second unit length of the elongated medium, and constitutes a scale indicating a second reference length that is shorter than the first reference length; a third ratio between the second pitch and the second reference length and a fourth ratio between the difference between the first pitch and the fourth pitch and the first pitch are set to be substantially equal to each other, The second indicator holes are provided so that, toward the end of the long medium, a plurality of first circulation holes that gradually approach the first reference hole at the start end of the long medium and a second circulation hole that again approaches the first reference hole at the end end of the long medium appear alternately. Long media.

[0127] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 1-1, it is possible to display the remaining amount based on a first ratio between the second pitch and the first standard length, as well as a third ratio between the second pitch and the second standard length, making it possible to display the remaining amount in detail.

[0128] (Appendix 1-2) N first transfer holes are formed between each of the adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer), the N second transfer holes are formed between adjacent first reference holes, the first reference holes are located within first reference hole forming regions respectively defined between the adjacent first reference holes, The second indicator holes are located between adjacent second reference holes and within second indicator hole forming regions that are set in a region from the first second conveyance hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the end side to the Mth second conveyance hole (where M is a positive integer equal to or less than N), When the first pitch is P1, the second pitch is P2, the third pitch is P3, the fourth pitch is P4, the fifth pitch is P5, the first reference length is L1, the first ratio is S1, the second reference length is L2, and the third ratio is S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3 = P1 - P1 × S1, P4 = P1 - P1 × S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4 and the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes are formed at positions farther away from the start end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end of the second indicator hole forming region than the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region that are closer to the start end and farther from the end end, The second circulation hole adjacent to the starting end side of the plurality of first circulation holes is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region in which the second circulation hole is formed and further closer to the terminal end side end. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendix 1-1.

[0129] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 1-2, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second indicator hole can accurately represent the remainder when the remaining amount of the long medium in that section is divided by the first reference length.

[0130] (Appendix 1-3) a type display section that indicates the type of the long medium is provided in a partial area from the Mth second transport hole to the Nth second transport hole, based on the first second transport hole that is adjacent to the end side of the second reference hole on the start side; The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendix 1-2.

[0131] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-3, it is possible to set the type of long medium on the long medium itself.

[0132] (Appendix 1-4) The type display portion has one or more type display holes formed therein. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-3.

[0133] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-4, it is possible to indicate the type of long medium by using holes formed in the long medium itself.

[0134] (Appendix 1-5) At least one of the type display holes is formed at a midpoint between adjacent second conveying holes in the longitudinal direction. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-4.

[0135] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-5, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the long medium caused by the type marking holes.

[0136] (Appendix 1-6) The second side edge of the type display section has one or more recesses formed therein that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-3.

[0137] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-6, it is possible to distinguish between the second indicator hole and the type display hole.

[0138] (Appendix 1-7) One or more second knobs are formed on the second side edge of the partial region, protruding in a direction away from the first side edge. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendix 1-3 or Appendix 1-6.

[0139] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-7, it becomes easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state.

[0140] (Appendix 1-8) a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side; 10. The elongated medium according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

[0141] 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, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0142] (Appendix 1-9) a first knob portion having one or more recesses recessed in a direction approaching the second edge portion is formed on the first side edge portion of the first indicator hole forming region; The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-8.

[0143] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 1-9, it becomes easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack from either the first side edge side or the second side edge side.

[0144] (Appendix 1-10) a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side, and a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side are different from each other; The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-9.

[0145] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 1-10, the first gripping portion of the lower sheet (a section surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes; the same applies below) does not overlap with the first gripping portion of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0146] (Appendix 1-11) The pitch between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region surrounded by the adjacent first reference hole and the adjacent second reference hole and the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions of another adjacent partitioned region is The pitch between one of the first knob portions formed in the one of the divided areas and another of the first knob portions formed in the adjacent one of the divided areas is the same. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 1, including Appendixes 1-10.

[0147] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 1-11, the first and second gripping portions of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first and second gripping portions of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0148] (Appendix 1-12) A long medium described in any one of Appendix 1, including Appendix 1-11, wherein the second gripping portion formed in one of the partial areas of one partition area and one of the first gripping portions formed in the one partition area are formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction.

[0149] 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, making it easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0150] [Appendix 2] (Appendix 2-1) A long medium having a starting end, a finishing end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, First reference holes formed at a first pitch along the first side edge; N first transfer holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and are formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer); second reference holes formed at the first pitch along the second side edge; N second transfer holes are formed at the second pitch along the second side edge, and the N second transfer holes are formed between adjacent second reference holes; a second gripping portion formed in a partial region between adjacent second reference holes, the partial region being a region from a first second transport hole adjacent to the end side of the second reference hole on the start end side to an Mth second transport hole to an Nth second transport hole counting in the end direction (where M is a positive integer less than N), and protruding in a direction away from the first side edge; is established, a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side; Long media.

[0151] 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, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state.

[0152] (Appendix 2-2) The first side edge is formed with a first gripping portion having one or more recesses recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-1.

[0153] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-2, it becomes easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack from either the first side edge side or the second side edge side.

[0154] (Appendix 2-3) a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side, and a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side are different from each other; A long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-2.

[0155] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 2-3, the first gripping portion of the lower sheet (a section surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes; the same applies below) does not overlap with the first gripping portion of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state.

[0156] (Appendix 2-4) The pitch between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region surrounded by the adjacent first reference hole and the adjacent second reference hole and the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions of another adjacent partitioned region is The pitch between one of the first knob portions formed in the one of the divided areas and another of the first knob portions formed in the adjacent one of the divided areas is the same. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-3.

[0157] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 2-4, the first and second gripping portions of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first and second gripping portions of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0158] (Appendix 2-5) A long medium described in any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-4, wherein the second gripping portion formed in one of the partial areas of one partition area and one of the first gripping portions formed in the one partition area are formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction.

[0159] 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, making it easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0160] (Appendix 2-6) The partial area is provided with a type display section that indicates the type of the long medium. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-5.

[0161] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-6, it is possible to set the type of long medium on the long medium itself.

[0162] (Appendix 2-7) The second side edge of the type display section has one or more recesses formed therein that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-6.

[0163] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-7, it is possible to distinguish between the second indicator hole and the type display hole.

[0164] (Appendix 2-8) The type display portion has one or more type display holes formed therein. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-7.

[0165] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-8, it is possible to indicate the type of long medium by using holes formed in the long medium itself.

[0166] (Appendix 2-9) At least one of the type display holes is formed at a midpoint between adjacent second conveying holes in the longitudinal direction. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-8.

[0167] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 2-9, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the long medium caused by the type marking holes.

[0168] (Appendix 2-10) first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, the first reference holes being respectively positioned within first reference hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; a plurality of second indicator holes positioned within second indicator hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, the second indicator holes being formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes formed consecutively at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second indicator 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; is further established, the second index hole forming region is set in a region from the first second conveyance hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side to the Mth second conveyance hole (where M is a positive integer equal to or less than N), When the first pitch is P1, the second pitch is P2, the third pitch is P3, the fourth pitch is P4, the fifth pitch is P5, the first reference length is L1, the first scale is S1, the second reference length is L2, and the second scale is S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3 = P1 - P1 × S1, P4 = P1 - P1 × S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4 and the first indicator hole is formed at a position farther away from the start end side end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end than the first indicator hole formed in the first indicator hole forming region that is closer to the start end and farther from the end end, the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes are formed at positions farther away from the start end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end of the second indicator hole forming region than the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region that are closer to the start end and farther from the end end, The second circulation hole adjacent to the starting end side of the plurality of first circulation holes is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region in which the second circulation hole is formed and further closer to the terminal end side end. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 2, including Appendix 2-1.

[0169] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 2-10, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second indicator hole can accurately represent the remainder when the remaining amount of the long medium in that section is divided by the first reference length.

[0170] [Appendix 3] (Appendix 3-1) A long medium having a starting end, a finishing end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, First reference holes formed at a first pitch along the first side edge; N first transfer holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and are formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer); second reference holes formed at the first pitch along the second side edge; N second transfer holes are formed at the second pitch along the second side edge, and the N second transfer holes are formed between adjacent second reference holes; a type indication hole that indicates the type of the long medium, the type indication hole being formed in a partial area that is an area from the first second transport hole that is adjacent to the end side of the second reference hole on the starting end side to the Mth second transport hole to the Nth second transport hole counting in the end direction (where M is a positive integer less than N), among the areas between adjacent second reference holes; A long-length medium.

[0171] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-1, it is possible to set the type of long medium on the long medium itself.

[0172] (Appendix 3-2) At least one of the type display holes is formed at a midpoint between adjacent second conveying holes in the longitudinal direction. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-1.

[0173] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-2, it is possible to suppress a decrease in strength of the long medium caused by the type marking holes.

[0174] (Appendix 3-3) The type display hole is provided in a type display portion that indicates the type of the long medium, The second side edge of the type display section has one or more recesses formed therein that are recessed in a direction approaching the first side edge. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-2.

[0175] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-3, it is possible to distinguish between the second indicator hole and the type display hole.

[0176] (Appendix 3-4) One or more second knobs are formed on the second side edge of the partial region, protruding in a direction away from the first side edge. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-3.

[0177] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-4, it becomes easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state.

[0178] (Appendix 3-5) a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from a longitudinal distance between the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side; The long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-4.

[0179] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-5, the second gripping portion of the lower sheet and the second gripping portion of the upper sheet do not overlap, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stacked state.

[0180] (Appendix 3-6) The partial region further includes a second gripping portion formed to protrude in a direction away from the first side edge, a distance in the longitudinal direction between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side is different from a distance in the longitudinal direction between the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions between adjacent second reference holes and the second reference hole on the starting end side, the type indication hole formed in the one of the partial regions indicates the type of the long medium based on a first type, the type display hole formed in the other partial area displays the type of the long medium based on a second type; A long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-1.

[0181] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-6, it is possible to provide a classification based on at least two types of long medium (types selected from the color, cutting pressure, length, material, etc. of the long medium) on the long medium itself. (Appendix 3-7) The first side edge is formed with a first gripping portion having one or more recesses recessed in a direction approaching the second side edge. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-6.

[0182] According to the embodiment described in Supplementary Note 3-7, it becomes easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack from either the first side edge side or the second side edge side.

[0183] (Appendix 3-8) a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side, and a longitudinal distance between the first knob portion formed between adjacent first reference holes and the first reference hole on the starting end side are different from each other; The long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-7.

[0184] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 3-8, the first gripping portion of the lower sheet (a section surrounded by adjacent first reference holes and adjacent second reference holes; the same applies below) does not overlap with the first gripping portion of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0185] (Appendix 3-9) The pitch between the second knob portion formed in one of the partial regions of one partitioned region surrounded by the adjacent first reference hole and the adjacent second reference hole and the second knob portion formed in another of the partial regions of another adjacent partitioned region is The pitch between one of the first knob portions formed in the one of the divided areas and another of the first knob portions formed in the adjacent one of the divided areas is the same. The long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-8.

[0186] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 3-9, the first and second gripping portions of the lower sheet do not overlap with the first and second gripping portions of the upper sheet, making it easier to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0187] (Appendix 3-10) A long medium described in any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-9, wherein the second gripping portion formed in one of the partial areas of one partition area and one of the first gripping portions formed in the one partition area are formed at the same position in the longitudinal direction.

[0188] 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, making it easy to pick up and remove one sheet from the stack.

[0189] (Appendix 3-11) first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, the first reference holes being respectively positioned within first reference hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; a plurality of second indicator holes positioned within second indicator hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, the second indicator holes being formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes formed consecutively at a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second indicator 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; is further established, the second index hole forming region is set in a region from the first second conveyance hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side to the Mth second conveyance hole (where M is a positive integer equal to or less than N), When the first pitch is P1, the second pitch is P2, the third pitch is P3, the fourth pitch is P4, the fifth pitch is P5, the first reference length is L1, the first scale is S1, the second reference length is L2, and the second scale is S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3 = P1 - P1 × S1, P4 = P1 - P1 × S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4 and the first indicator hole is formed at a position farther away from the start end side end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end than the first indicator hole formed in the first indicator hole forming region that is closer to the start end and farther from the end end, the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes are formed at positions farther away from the start end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end of the second indicator hole forming region than the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region that are closer to the start end and farther from the end end, The second circulation hole adjacent to the starting end side of the plurality of first circulation holes is formed at a position further away from the starting end side end of the second indicator hole forming region in which the second circulation hole is formed and further closer to the terminal end side end. A long medium according to any one of Appendix 3, including Appendix 3-1.

[0190] According to the embodiment described in Appendix 3-11, the fourth pitch P4 is (P1-P1×S2) and the fifth pitch P5 is (P2×(M-1)+P4), so the second indicator hole can accurately represent the remainder when the remaining amount of the long medium in that section is divided by the first reference length.

[0191] Furthermore, within the scope of ordinary creativity of a person skilled in the art, some components in one embodiment may be added to other embodiments, and some components in one embodiment may be replaced with or removed from corresponding components in other embodiments. For example, the number of second transfer holes TH2 is not limited to this embodiment, the length of the second indicator hole formation area IA2 is not limited to this embodiment, and the positions of the various holes in the short side direction can be changed as appropriate.

[0192] Furthermore, the features disclosed herein, such as the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2, do not have to be provided in the entire length of the long medium 1, and may be provided only in a single section, in multiple consecutive sections, or in multiple sections spaced apart from one another. For example, the first indicator hole IH1, etc. may not be provided in a section near the end FE, where it is clear that only a small amount of the long medium 1 remains. Furthermore, the second indicator hole IH2, etc. may not be provided in a section near the beginning SE, where it is clear that a sufficient amount of the long medium 1 remains. Furthermore, the long medium may be formed so that, for example, one of two consecutive sections is provided with the features disclosed herein, such as the first indicator hole IH1 and the second indicator hole IH2, and the other section is provided with a different feature, repeating this configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0193] 1 Long media 2. Printer AS adhesive sheet CP2 recess FE Termination IA1 1st indicator hole formation area IA2 2nd indicator hole formation area IH1 1st indicator hole IH2 2nd indicator hole LS1 First side edge (first long side) LS2 Second side edge (second long side) P1 First pitch P2 2nd pitch P3 3rd pitch P4 4th pitch P5 5th pitch PA subarea PA1 First subregion PA2 Second subregion PP1 First knob PP2 Second knob R1 1st circulation hole R2 2nd circulation hole RH1 1st reference hole RH2 2nd reference hole RS release paper SE start TH1 First transport hole TH2 Second transport hole TR type display section TRH type display hole TRH1 First type display hole TRH2 Second type display hole SH specific hole

Claims

1. A long medium having a starting end, a finishing end, a first side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, and a second side edge connecting the starting end and the finishing end, First reference holes formed at a first pitch along the first side edge; N first transfer holes are formed along the first side edge at a second pitch smaller than the first pitch, and are formed between adjacent first reference holes (where N is a positive integer); first reference holes formed along the first side edge at a third pitch smaller than the first pitch, the first reference holes being respectively positioned within first reference hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent first reference holes; second reference holes formed at the first pitch along the second side edge; N second transfer holes are formed at the second pitch along the second side edge, and the N second transfer holes are formed between adjacent second reference holes; a plurality of second indicator holes positioned within second indicator hole forming regions respectively set between adjacent second reference holes along the second side edge, the second indicator holes being formed by alternating a plurality of first circulation holes formed consecutively with a fourth pitch smaller than the third pitch relative to the second indicator holes adjacent to the starting end side and a fifth pitch larger than the first pitch relative to the first circulation holes adjacent to the starting end side; Equipped with the second index hole forming region is set in a region from the first second transport hole adjacent to the second reference hole on the starting end side to the Mth second transport hole (where M is a positive integer equal to or less than N), When the first pitch is P1, the second pitch is P2, the third pitch is P3, the fourth pitch is P4, the fifth pitch is P5, the first reference length is L1, the first scale is S1, the second reference length is L2, and the second scale is S2, S1=P2 / L1, L2=L1 / (M-1), S2=P2 / L2, P3=P1-P1×S1, P4=P1-P1×S2, P5=P2×(M-1)+P4 and the first indicator holes are formed at positions farther away from the start end side end of the first indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end of the first indicator hole forming region than the first indicator holes formed in the first indicator hole forming region that are closer to the start end and farther from the end end, the plurality of first circulation holes formed between adjacent second circulation holes are formed at positions farther away from the start end side end of the second indicator hole forming region and closer to the end end side end of the second indicator hole forming region than the first circulation holes formed in the second indicator hole forming region that are closer to the start end and farther from the end end, the second circulation hole adjacent to the start end side of the plurality of first circulation holes is formed at a position further separated from the start end side end of the second indicator hole forming region in which the second circulation hole is formed and further closer to the terminal end side end, a type display section that indicates the type of the long medium is provided in a partial area from the Mth second transport hole to the Nth second transport hole, based on the first second transport hole that is adjacent to the end side of the second reference hole on the start side; The type display portion has one or more type display holes formed therein, The partial area in which one or more first type indication holes indicating the first type of the long medium are formed and the partial area in which one or more second type indication holes indicating the second type of the long medium are formed are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction. Long media.

2. The second type display hole further includes a specific hole for specifying that the second type is displayed. The long medium according to claim 1 .

3. At least one of the type display holes is formed at a midpoint between adjacent second conveying holes in the longitudinal direction. The long medium according to claim 2 .

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