Laminate system and program

Abstract

To provide a laminate system capable of reducing waste of a laminate film to reduce cost without generating damage on a device and result products.SOLUTION: A laminate system (system 1) includes: a laminate processing section (laminate section) subjecting a laminate film (film F) to lamination processing on a sheet; a transporting section 23 transporting the sheet to the laminate processing section; an acquiring section (control section 21) acquiring residual quantity information being information corresponding to a residual quantity of the laminate film; and the control section 21 controlling the residual quantity of the laminate film to be changed corresponding to residual quantity related information acquired with the acquisition section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a lamination system and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In laminating devices that perform lamination processing by laminating a laminate film (film) onto paper, the following problems occur when the rolled film reaches the end of the roll during the lamination process. Specifically, the film transport suddenly stops, causing the stopped film and paper transport to become misaligned, resulting in significant damage to the film and paper drive mechanisms. The sudden stop of film transport causes defects in the lamination process.

[0003] To address the above problem, the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 detect when the remaining amount of film is low (near empty state) and stop the transport of film and paper. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 05-229000 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 06-126832 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the inventions described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the remaining amount of film used to detect the near-empty state is set to a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size. Therefore, if the paper size to be laminated is smaller than the maximum paper size, the near-empty state may be detected even if there is more than enough film remaining for one sheet of paper, and the lamination process may be interrupted, resulting in the film being wasted. Because film is an expensive consumable material, wasting film leads to increased costs.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a laminating system and program that can reduce waste of laminating film and keep costs down without damaging the equipment or the finished product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The lamination system described in claim 1 is made to achieve the above object, a lamination processing unit that laminates a lamination film onto the paper; a conveying unit that conveys the paper to the lamination processing unit; an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount related information, which is information corresponding to the remaining amount of laminating film; a control unit that controls the remaining amount of the laminate film so as to be changeable in accordance with the remaining amount-related information acquired by the acquisition unit; Equipped with.

[0008] The invention described in claim 2 is the lamination system described in claim 1, The remaining amount related information is information corresponding to the size of the target paper to be laminated.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is the lamination system described in claim 2, The control unit controls the transport of the paper in the transport unit so that the lamination process is performed until the remaining amount of the laminate film becomes less than a predetermined length according to the size of the target paper.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount-related information from job setting information.

[0011] The invention described in claim 5 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount-related information input by a user.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The control unit calculates the current remaining amount of the laminate film based on the amount of the laminate film fed.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is the laminating system described in claim 6, The control unit calculates the feed amount based on the driving time or driving amount of the roll of laminate film.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is the laminating system described in claim 3, The predetermined length is longer than the unusable length, which is the length from the roll core of the laminate film to the position where the laminate film contacts the paper.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is the lamination system described in claim 8, The predetermined length is the sum of the unusable length and the length based on the size of the target paper.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is the lamination system described in claim 8, The control unit stops the transport of the paper in the transport unit before the remaining length of the laminate film becomes shorter than the unusable length.

[0017] The invention described in claim 11 is the laminating system described in claim 1, an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper; The laminating unit laminates the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming unit.

[0018] The invention described in claim 12 is the lamination system described in claim 11, The remaining amount related information is information corresponding to the size of the paper set as the paper on which the image is to be formed by the image forming unit.

[0019] The invention described in claim 13 is the laminating system described in claim 1, a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; When the control unit detects that the remaining amount of the laminate film is equal to or less than a first length, the control unit stops feeding of the paper from the paper feeding unit.

[0020] The invention described in claim 14 is the lamination system described in claim 13, The control unit adjusts the first length in accordance with a paper size set in a job.

[0021] The invention described in claim 15 is the laminating system described in claim 13, The control unit adjusts the first length in accordance with a paper size and a paper transport distance set in a job.

[0022] The invention described in claim 16 is the lamination system described in claim 13, the paper feed unit includes a plurality of paper feed trays; The transport distance of the paper is set according to the paper feed tray selected in the job.

[0023] The invention described in claim 17 is the laminating system described in claim 1, a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; When the control unit detects that the remaining amount of laminate film is equal to or less than a second length corresponding to the maximum paper size, the control unit adjusts the timing to stop paper feeding according to the paper size set in the job.

[0024] The invention described in claim 18 is the lamination system described in claim 17, The control unit determines the number of sheets of paper to be additionally fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminate film is equal to or less than the second length, according to the number of sheets of paper already fed and the size of the sheets.

[0025] The invention described in claim 19 is the lamination system described in claim 1, a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; When the control unit detects that the remaining amount of laminate film is equal to or less than a third length corresponding to the maximum paper transport distance, the control unit adjusts the timing to stop paper feeding according to the paper transport distance set in the job.

[0026] The invention described in claim 20 is the lamination system described in claim 19, The control unit determines the number of sheets of paper to be additionally fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminate film is equal to or less than the third length, based on the number of sheets of paper already fed and the size of the sheets of paper.

[0027] The invention described in claim 21 is the lamination system described in claim 19, the paper feed unit includes a plurality of paper feed trays; The transport distance of the paper is set according to the paper feed tray selected in the job.

[0028] The invention described in claim 22 is the lamination system described in claim 19, The maximum transport distance is set depending on the configuration of the device disposed between the lamination processing unit and the paper supply unit and the configuration of the paper supply unit.

[0029] The invention described in claim 23 is the laminating system described in claim 3, The predetermined length is set according to the lamination conditions.

[0030] The program according to claim 24 comprises: A computer of a lamination system having a lamination processing unit that laminates a lamination film onto paper, An acquisition step of acquiring remaining amount related information which is information corresponding to the remaining amount of laminating film; a changing step of changing the remaining amount of the laminate film in accordance with the remaining amount-related information acquired in the acquiring step; Execute the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the waste of laminate film and keep costs down without damaging the device or the product. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a laminating system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the control structure of the laminating system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a sheet is transported in a continuous band according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lamination control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the consumed length of film for one sheet of paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5B] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the consumed length of film for one sheet of paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 5C] 4 is a diagram showing an example of the consumed length of film for one sheet of paper according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6A]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of calculation of a remaining paper feed stop amount according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of calculation of a remaining paper feed stop amount according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of calculation of a remaining paper feed stop amount according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a lamination control process according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing timing for stopping paper feeding according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing timing for stopping paper feeding according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a paper feed stop remaining amount calculation process according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the laminating system. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the laminating system. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view showing another example of the schematic configuration of the laminating system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0034] First Embodiment (Lamination system configuration) The laminating system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as system 1) includes a paper feeder 40, a laminating device 20, and a stacker device 30, as shown in FIGS.

[0035] (Paper feeder configuration) The paper feed device 40 includes a paper feed section 41 and a transport section 42, and transports paper (cut paper) from one of the paper feed trays 411 to 413 of the paper feed section 41 to the laminating device 20. The transport unit 42 includes a transport path 421 that connects the paper feed unit 41 to the laminating device 20, and transports the paper. The paper feed unit 41 has paper feed trays 411 to 413 that store paper sheets according to predetermined paper types and / or sizes.

[0036] (Paper feeder configuration) The laminating device 20 is installed between the paper feeding device 40 and the stacker device 30 . The laminating device 20 includes a control unit 21, a memory unit 22, a conveying unit 23, a continuous conveying unit 24, a laminating unit 26 which is a laminating processing unit, a cutting unit 27, an operation unit 281, a display unit 282, and a communication unit 29.

[0037] The control unit 21 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and controls the overall operation of the laminating device 20 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. The control unit 21 issues an instruction to the paper feed device 40 to execute a predetermined paper feed process. The control unit 21 issues an instruction to the stacker device 30 to execute a predetermined paper discharge process.

[0038] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs. The storage unit 22 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 21 to read and write the data.

[0039] Conveying section 23 includes a conveying path 231 and a plurality of rollers, and conveys the paper conveyed from paper feeder 40 to continuous conveying section 24, laminating section 26, and cutting section 27 in that order. Next, conveying section 23 conveys the paper that has been laminated to stacker device 30.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1, the continuous conveying unit 24 is provided upstream of the laminating unit 26 on the paper conveying path. The continuous conveying unit 24 conveys the sheets in a continuous band shape without gaps by overlapping the trailing edge of the preceding sheet with the leading edge of the succeeding sheet by a predetermined overlap amount. A known method can be used to overlap the sheets (see, for example, JP 2009-073668 A). Figure 3 shows an example of conveying paper in a continuous band. The arrows in Figure 3 indicate the paper conveyance direction. The top view of Figure 3 shows the paper as seen from above. The bottom view of Figure 3 shows the paper as seen from a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction on the paper. An image has been formed on the paper in the example shown in Figure 3 by an external image forming device.

[0041] The laminating unit 26 performs laminating processing by continuously attaching a film F (laminating film) to the surface (front surface) of the paper on the positive side in the Z axis direction. The laminating unit 26 includes a film roll 261, a transport path 262, a laminating unit 263, a fixing unit 264, and the like.

[0042] The film roll 261 is a roll of film F made up of two layers: a transparent resin film layer as a base layer, and an adhesive layer. The transport path 262 transports the film F from the film roll 261 to the nip portion of the laminating section 263 .

[0043] 1, the laminating unit 263 includes two rollers, and the paper and film F are sandwiched in a nip formed by the two rollers, thereby adhering the adhesive layer of film F to the surface of the paper. In this way, the paper and film F are laminated together.

[0044] The fixing unit 264 includes a heating roller that heats the paper sheet to which the film F is attached, and a pressure roller that applies pressure to the paper sheet. The fixing unit 264 melts the adhesive layer of the film F by applying heat, and fixes the film F to the paper sheet by applying pressure.

[0045] The cutting unit 27 includes a detection unit 271, a cutter 272, and the like. The detection unit 271 detects the edge of the paper and outputs the detection result to the control unit 21.

[0046] The cutter 272 includes a blade (not shown) and a movement mechanism (not shown) that moves the blade in the width direction of the paper. Under the control of the control unit 21, the cutter 272 inserts its blade between the overlapping ends of the leading and trailing sheets at the rear edge of the leading sheet. Next, the cutter 272 presses down and releases the overlapping end of the trailing sheet with the blade, and by moving the blade in the width direction of the sheets, cuts the continuously laminated film F along the rear edge of the leading sheet. This allows the sheets to be separated from each other.

[0047] The operation unit 281 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 282, and various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button. The operation unit 281 outputs an operation signal to the control unit 21 based on an operation by the user.

[0048] The display unit 282 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the control unit 21.

[0049] The communication unit 29 includes a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card, etc. The communication unit 29 transmits and receives various data to and from an external device (for example, a personal computer) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or a WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0050] (Stacker device configuration) The stacker device 30 is installed downstream of the laminating device 20 . The stacker device 30 includes a control unit 31, a conveying unit 32, a large-capacity paper discharge tray T1, a sub-tray T2, and the like. The large-capacity paper discharge tray T1 has a stage that moves up and down, and can accommodate a large amount of paper stacked on the stage. The sheets are discharged onto the sub-tray T2 in an exposed and visible state.

[0051] The control unit 31 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and controls the overall operation of the stacker device 30 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. In response to an instruction signal received from the laminating device 20, the control unit 31 executes a paper discharge process to discharge the laminated paper conveyed from the laminating device 20 onto the large-capacity paper discharge tray T1 or the sub-tray T2.

[0052] The transport unit 32 includes a transport path 321 and a plurality of rollers, and under the control of the control unit 31, ejects the laminated paper transported from the laminating device 20 onto the large-capacity paper ejection tray T1 or the sub-tray T2.

[0053] Depending on the printing volume, the type of paper used, etc., a paper output tray may be provided in the laminating device 20 without providing the stacker device 30. In this case, the conveying unit 23 of the laminating device 20 conveys the sheets that have been laminated to the paper output tray.

[0054] (Lamination system operation) Next, the operation of the system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The system 1 executes the lamination control process shown in Fig. 4 when the lamination device 20 receives a job to execute a lamination process from an external device via the communication unit 29. Alternatively, the system 1 executes the lamination control process shown in Fig. 4 when a job to execute a lamination process is input by a user via the operation unit 281. The job includes the setting information of the job. The job setting information includes the size of the paper to be laminated (target paper), lamination conditions which are processing conditions for the lamination process, and the like.

[0055] The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 receives the job from an external device or inputs it from the user, and thereby acquires the job setting information including the remaining amount related information (acquisition step). The control unit 21 functions as an acquisition unit. The remaining amount related information is information corresponding to the remaining amount of film F, and is information corresponding to the size of the target paper that is the target of the lamination process.

[0056] The job setting information may include, instead of the size of the target paper, selection information of one of the paper feed trays 411-413 of the paper feed device 40 in which the target paper is stored. In this case, the control unit 21 acquires the size of the target paper based on the selection information of the paper feed tray in which the target paper is stored and paper information including the paper size associated with the paper feed tray.

[0057] The control unit 21 may acquire the size of the target paper or the selection information of the paper feed trays 411 to 413 in which the target paper is stored, through an input operation by the user via the operation unit 281.

[0058] (Lamination control process of the first embodiment) The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 acquires the current remaining amount of film F loaded in the laminating unit 26 (step A1). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the current feed amount of film F based on the drive time or drive amount of the transport mechanism that transports film F after the film roll 261 is loaded in the laminating unit 26. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F by subtracting the current feed amount of film F from the length of film F at the time when the film roll 261 was loaded in the laminating unit 26.

[0059] Next, the control unit 21 starts the job received from the external device, that is, starts the laminating process by the laminating unit 26 (step A2).

[0060] Next, the control unit 21 calculates a paper feed stop remaining amount (first length), which is the remaining amount of film F at the timing to stop feeding of the target paper (step A4). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the paper feed stop remaining amount based on the unusable length of film F, the transport distance of the target paper, the lamination processing conditions, and the size of the target paper. The unusable length of film F is the transport distance of film F from the roll core of film roll 261 to bonding section 263. In other words, the unusable length of film F is the length from the roll core of film roll 261 formed by film F to the position where film F comes into contact with the target paper. The transport distance of the target paper is the distance from one of the paper feed trays 411 to 413 of the paper feed device 40 in which the target paper is stored to the laminating unit 26. In other words, the transport distance of the target paper is set according to the paper feed tray selected in the job. The lamination conditions include information on whether to consume film F a predetermined amount longer than the length of the paper in the transport direction, the same length as the length of the paper, or a predetermined amount shorter than the length of the paper. When consuming film F a predetermined amount longer than the length of the paper in the transport direction, or a predetermined amount shorter than the length of the paper, the lamination conditions include information on the predetermined amount.

[0061] 5A to 5C show examples of the length of film F consumed for one sheet of paper. 5A shows a case where the film F is consumed by a predetermined amount relative to the length of the paper in the transport direction. In this case, for example, the film F is consumed by 5 mm from the end of the paper in the transport direction at the front and rear of the paper in the transport direction. FIG. 5B shows a case where the film F is consumed by the same length as the length of the paper in the transport direction. 5C shows a case where the film F is consumed in a predetermined amount shorter than the length of the paper in the transport direction. In this case, for example, the film F is consumed in a length shorter than the end of the paper in the transport direction by 5 mm at the front and rear of the paper in the transport direction.

[0062] 6A to 6C show examples of calculation of the remaining paper feed stop amount. In the example shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C, the unusable length of film F is 300 mm. In FIG. 6A, the transport distance of the target paper (in the case of FIG. 6A, A4-sized paper) is 1000 mm. The lamination processing conditions include consuming film F 5 mm longer than the edge of the paper in the transport direction, both before and after the paper transport direction. The length of the target paper in the transport direction is 210 mm. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates 1520 mm, which is the total of the distances of the above items, as the remaining paper feed stop amount. In FIG. 6B, the transport distance of the target paper (a postcard in the case of FIG. 6B) is 1100 [m]. The lamination processing conditions include consuming the same length of film F as the length of the paper in the transport direction. The length of the target paper in the transport direction is 100 [mm]. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates 1500 [mm], which is the total of the distances of the above items, as the remaining paper feed stop amount. In Figure 6C, the transport distance of the target paper (long paper in the case of Figure 6C) is 1200 [m]. The lamination processing conditions include consuming film F 5 [mm] shorter than the end of the paper in the transport direction at the front and rear of the paper in the transport direction. The length of the target paper in the transport direction is 1200 [m]. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates 2690 [mm], which is the total of the distances of the above items, as the remaining paper feed stop amount.

[0063] Returning to FIG. 4, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining amount of film F at the present time is longer than the remaining amount of film F before paper feed is stopped calculated in step A3 (step A4). If the current remaining amount of film F is longer than the remaining amount until paper feed is stopped (step A4; YES), control unit 21 feeds the target paper using paper feed device 40. Next, control unit 21 performs lamination processing by attaching film F to the target paper using lamination unit 26 based on the lamination processing conditions (step A5). Next, control unit 21 subtracts the length of film F consumed in the lamination process in step A5 from the remaining amount of film F to update the current remaining amount of film F (step A6). Next, control unit 21 transitions the lamination control process to step A4.

[0064] On the other hand, if the current remaining amount of film F is equal to or less than the paper feed stop remaining amount (step A4; NO), control unit 21 stops feeding of the target paper from paper feed unit 41 of paper feed device 40 (step A7). Next, based on the lamination processing conditions, control unit 21 causes laminating unit 26 to apply film F to the target paper that has been fed and is placed on the transport path from the paper feed tray containing the target paper to laminating unit 26, thereby performing lamination processing (step A8). Next, control unit 21 ends the lamination control process. In other words, control unit 21 stops transport of the target paper by transport unit 23 before the remaining amount of film F becomes shorter than the unusable length.

[0065] By the lamination control process, the lamination process can be carried out until the remaining length of the film F becomes shorter than a predetermined length, which is the sum of the unusable length and the consumed length of the film F for one sheet of target paper. In the lamination control process, the control unit 21 controls the remaining amount of laminate film to be discarded so as to be changeable in accordance with the remaining amount related information (changing step).

[0066] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0067] The near-empty length (second length) in the second embodiment is the length corresponding to the maximum size of the target paper. The near-empty length is the remaining amount of film F at the timing when the control unit 21 detects the near-empty state. For example, if the maximum size of the target paper is 1200 [mm], which is the length in the transport direction of long paper, the unusable length of film F is 300 [mm], and the transport distance of the maximum size paper is 1000 [mm], the near-empty length is the sum of these, 2500 [mm]. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of the lamination control process in the second embodiment.

[0068] (Lamination control process of the second embodiment) The control unit 21 executes steps B1 and B2 similar to steps A1 and A2 of the lamination control process in the first embodiment. Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining amount of film F at the present time is longer than the near-empty length (step B3). If the current remaining length of film F is longer than the empty length (step B3; YES), control unit 21 executes steps B4 and B5 similar to steps A5 and A6 of the lamination control process in the first embodiment, and transitions the lamination control process to step B3.

[0069] On the other hand, if the remaining amount of film F at the current time is less than the empty length (step B3; NO), that is, if control unit 21 has detected a near-empty state. In this case, control unit 21 calculates the length of film F that can be used (usable length) after detecting the near-empty state (step B6). Specifically, control unit 21 determines the length obtained by subtracting the unusable length of film F from the remaining amount of film F at the current time as the usable length after detecting the near-empty state.

[0070] 8A and 8B show examples of timings for stopping the feeding of target paper. Fig. 8A shows the case where the target paper is A4 size. Fig. 8B shows the case where A4 size paper and A3 size paper are fed alternately as target paper. In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the usable length after the near-empty state is detected is 2150 [mm].

[0071] Next, the control unit 21 calculates the length of film F to be consumed for one sheet of target paper to be laminated next (step B7). 8A and 8B, the length of the next sheet to be laminated, i.e., the first sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state, is 210 mm in the transport direction. The lamination conditions include consuming 5 mm of film F from the edges of the sheet in the transport direction before and after the sheet in the transport direction. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates the length of film F to be consumed for the next sheet to be laminated as 5 + 210 + 5 = 220 mm.

[0072] Next, control unit 21 determines whether the current usable length of film F is shorter than the consumed length of film F calculated in step B7 (step B8). In the example shown in Figures 8A and 8B, the current usable length of film F is 2150 [mm], and the consumed length of film F for the next sheet of target paper to be laminated is 220 [mm]. Thus, the case where the current usable length of film F is equal to or greater than the consumed length of film F calculated in step B7 (step B8; NO) will be described. In this case, control unit 21 calculates the usable length of film F after laminating the next sheet of target paper to be laminated (step B9). Specifically, control unit 21 determines the length obtained by subtracting the consumed length of film F for the next sheet of target paper to be laminated from the current usable length of film F as the usable length of film F after laminating the next sheet of target paper to be laminated. In the example shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the control unit 21 calculates that the usable length of the film F after laminating one target sheet to be laminated next is 2150-220=1930 [mm].

[0073] Next, the control unit 21 proceeds to step B7 of the lamination control process and calculates the length of film F consumed for the second target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state. In the example shown in Fig. 8A, the length of film F consumed for the second target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state is 220 [mm]. In the example shown in Fig. 8B, the length of film F consumed for the second target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state is 430 [mm]. In step B8, the control unit 21 determines whether the usable length of film F after laminating the first target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state is shorter than the consumed length of film F for the second target sheet. In step B9, the control unit 21 calculates the usable length of film F after laminating the second target sheet by subtracting the consumed length of film F for the second target sheet from the usable length of film F after laminating the first target sheet after detecting the near-empty state. In the example shown in FIG. 8A, the usable length of film F after laminating the second target sheet is 1930-220=1710 [mm]. In the example shown in FIG. 8B, the usable length of film F after laminating the second target sheet is 1930-430=1500 [mm]. Thereafter, the control unit 21 executes the same process as the above process.

[0074] On the other hand, the case where the usable length of film F is shorter than the consumed length of film F calculated in step B7 (step B8; YES) will be described. For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, this is the case where the usable length of film F after laminating the ninth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state is 170 [mm] and the consumed length of film F for the tenth target sheet is 220 [mm]. Or, as shown in Fig. 8B, the case where the usable length of film F after laminating the sixth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state is 200 [mm] and the consumed length of film F for the seventh target sheet is 220 [mm]. In this case, control unit 21 determines the timing when the usable length of film F becomes shorter than the consumed length of film F calculated in step B7 as the paper feed stop timing (step B10). The paper feed stop timing is the timing when feeding of the target paper from paper feeder 40 is stopped. Specifically, in the example shown in Fig. 8A, the control unit 21 determines the timing to stop feeding to be after the ninth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state has been fed and before the tenth target sheet to be fed. In the example shown in Fig. 8B, the control unit 21 determines the timing to stop feeding to be after the sixth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state has been fed and before the seventh target sheet to be fed.

[0075] Next, the control unit 21 determines the number of target sheets to be additionally fed after detecting the near empty state, according to the number of target sheets that have already been fed (step B11). 8A, up to the sixth target sheet to be laminated after the near-empty state is detected has been fed. The timing for stopping feeding is after the ninth target sheet to be laminated after the near-empty state is detected has been fed, but before the tenth target sheet is fed. In this case, control unit 21 determines that the number of target sheets to be additionally fed after the near-empty state is detected is three. 8B, up to the fifth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state has been fed. The timing for stopping feeding is after feeding the sixth target sheet to be laminated after detecting the near-empty state and before feeding the seventh target sheet. In this case, control unit 21 determines that the number of target sheets to be additionally fed after detecting the near-empty state is one.

[0076] Next, control unit 21 performs lamination processing on the target sheets that have been fed and are placed on the transport path using lamination unit 26. Control unit 21 also feeds the number of target sheets determined in step B11, performs lamination processing on the additionally fed target sheets (step B12), and ends the lamination control processing.

[0077] The near-empty length in the second embodiment may correspond to the maximum transport distance of the target paper. In this case, the near-empty length is a third length, which is the sum of the maximum transport distance of the target paper, the unusable length of film F, and the size of the target paper transported at the maximum transport distance.

[0078] The system 1 may include other devices such as an image forming device and a post-processing device between the sheet feeding device 40 and the laminating device 20. The sheet feeding device 40 may include multiple sheet feeding units 41. In this case, the maximum conveying distance is set according to the configuration of the other devices arranged between the laminating unit 26 and the sheet feeding unit 41 and the configuration of the sheet feeding unit 41.

[0079] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described. The following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment. In the third embodiment, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining paper feed stop amount based on the system productivity, the system conveying speed, the length of the target paper in the conveying direction, the conveying distance of the target paper, the lamination processing conditions, and the unusable length of the film F. In the lamination control process of the third embodiment, the control unit 21 executes a paper feed stop remaining amount calculation process shown in FIG. 9 instead of step A3.

[0080] (Paper feed stop remaining amount calculation process in the third embodiment) Control unit 21 calculates the number of target sheets (accommodation number) that can be placed on the transport path from any one of paper feed trays 411 to 413 of paper feeder 40 in which the target sheets are stored to laminating unit 26 (step C1). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the number of sheets that can be accommodated based on the system productivity, the system transport speed, the length of the target paper in the transport direction, and the transport distance of the target paper. For example, if the system productivity is 100 ppm, the processing time per target sheet is 600 ms. If the system transport speed is 500 mm / s and the length of the target paper in the transport direction is 210 mm, the transport time per target sheet is 420 ms. In this case, the time obtained by subtracting the transport time per target sheet from the processing time per target sheet is 180 ms, so the distance between target sheets is 90 mm. The distance between target sheets is the distance from the trailing edge of the preceding target sheet to the leading edge of the following target sheet on the transport path. Therefore, the length required to accommodate one target sheet on the transport path is 300 mm, which is the sum of the length of the target paper in the transport direction (210 mm) and the distance between target sheets (90 mm). If the transport distance of the target paper is 3,000 [mm], the number of sheets that can be accommodated is 3,000 [mm] ÷ 300 [mm] = 10 sheets.

[0081] Next, the control unit 21 calculates the length of film F consumed for one sheet of target paper (step C2). For example, assume that the length of the target paper in the transport direction is 210 mm, and the lamination conditions include consuming 5 mm of film F from the end of the paper in the transport direction, before and after the paper in the transport direction. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates the length of film F to be consumed for one sheet of target paper as 5 + 210 + 5 = 220 mm.

[0082] Next, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining paper feed stop amount based on the unusable length of the film F, the number of sheets stored calculated in step C1, and the consumed length of the film F calculated in step C2 (step C3). Specifically, if the unusable length of film F is 300 [mm], the number of sheets stored calculated in step C1 is 10, and the consumed length of film F for one sheet of target paper calculated in step C2 is 220 [mm], the control unit 21 calculates the remaining paper feed stop amount as 300 [mm] + 10 sheets × 220 [mm] = 2,500 [mm].

[0083] <Other> The configuration of the laminating system is not limited to the example shown in the above embodiment. The laminating system (system 1a) shown in FIG. 10 does not include a paper feeder, but includes a laminating device 20 and a stacker device 30. Laminating device 20 includes manual feed tray T3, which is a paper feed unit. In this case, conveying unit 23 conveys the paper on manual feed tray T3 to continuous conveying unit 24, laminating unit 26, and cutting unit 27 in that order. Next, conveying unit 23 conveys the paper that has been laminated to stacker device 30.

[0084] Conventionally, in system 1a, for example, to perform lamination processing on 1,000 sheets of A4-sized paper, four 60-meter film rolls are required as film roll 261. In this case, when a near-empty state is detected and the lamination processing is interrupted, approximately 4 meters of film is discarded. 4 meters of film is worth 400 yen, which is equivalent to 400 sheets of A4-sized paper. By executing the lamination control processing of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of discarded film.

[0085] The laminating system (system 1b) shown in FIG. 11 includes three paper feeders 40, an image forming apparatus 10, a laminating apparatus 20, and a stacker apparatus 30. The laminating device 20 of the system 1b does not include the operation unit 281 and the display unit 282.

[0086] The image forming apparatus 10 is provided between the paper feeding device 40 and the laminating device 20 . The image forming apparatus 10 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by reading an image from an original or image data of a job received from an external device (not shown). The image forming apparatus 10 discharges the paper on which the image has been formed to the laminating device 20. As shown in FIG. 11, the image forming apparatus 10 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, and the like. The operation unit 11 has the same configuration as the operation unit 281 of the laminating device 20 of the first embodiment. The display unit 12 has the same configuration as the display unit 282 of the laminating device 20 of the first embodiment.

[0087] The document reading unit 13 includes an ADF (automatic document feeder), a scanner, etc., and reads an image of a document to generate read image data.

[0088] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on a sheet of paper supplied from one of the paper feeders 40 based on the image data. The image forming unit 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K corresponding to the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), an intermediate transfer belt 142, a secondary transfer roller 143, a fixing unit 144, and the like.

[0089] The image forming unit 14 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 141Y, then scans and exposes it with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image. Next, the image forming unit 14 deposits yellow toner onto the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y to develop it. The photosensitive drums 141M, 141C, and 141K are similar to the photosensitive drum 141Y except for the colors they handle, and therefore, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] The image forming unit 14 sequentially transfers (primary transfer) the toner images of each color formed on the photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K onto the rotating intermediate transfer belt 142. That is, the image forming unit 14 forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142 in which the toner images of four colors are superimposed. The image forming unit 14 transfers the color toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 142 onto a sheet of paper all at once by the secondary transfer roller 143 (secondary transfer).

[0091] The fixing unit 144 includes a heating roller that heats the paper onto which the color toner image has been transferred, and a pressure roller that presses the paper, and fixes the color toner image onto the paper by applying heat and pressure.

[0092] The laminating unit 26 of the system 1b laminates the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming unit 14. In this case, the remaining amount-related information is information corresponding to the size of the paper set as the paper on which the image will be formed by the image forming unit 14.

[0093] Conventionally, in system 1b, for example, to perform lamination processing on 1,000 sheets of A4-sized paper, four 60-meter film rolls are required as film roll 261. In system 1b, the paper transport distance from paper feeder 40 to laminating unit 26 may be longer than in system 1a, so the near-empty state is detected and the lamination processing is interrupted, resulting in approximately 12 meters of film being discarded. 12 meters of film is worth 1,200 yen, or the equivalent of 1,200 sheets of A4-sized paper. By executing the lamination control processing of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of film discarded.

[0094] The laminating system (system 1c) shown in FIG. 12 includes three paper feeders 40, an image forming apparatus 10, three post-processing apparatuses 50, a laminating apparatus 20, and a stacker apparatus 30. The laminating device 20 of the system 1c does not include the operation unit 281 and the display unit 282.

[0095] The post-processing device 50 is provided between the image forming device 10 and the laminating device 20 . The post-processing device 50 performs post-processing on the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming device 10, and discharges the post-processed paper to the laminating device 20. The post-processing includes, for example, decurling and inspection.

[0096] Conventionally, in system 1c, for example, to perform lamination processing on 1,000 sheets of A4-sized paper, four 60-meter film rolls are required as film roll 261. In system 1c, the paper transport distance from paper feeder 40 to laminating unit 26 is longer than in system 1b, so when a near-empty state is detected and the lamination processing is interrupted, approximately 20 meters of film is discarded. 20 meters of film is worth 2,000 yen, or the equivalent of 2,000 sheets of A4-sized paper. By executing the lamination control processing of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the amount of discarded film.

[0097] <Effects> As described above, the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a laminating unit (laminating unit) that laminates a laminating film (film F) onto a sheet. The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a conveying unit 23 that conveys sheets to the laminating unit. The laminating system according to this embodiment includes an acquisition unit (control unit 21) that acquires remaining amount-related information, which is information corresponding to the remaining amount of laminating film. The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a control unit 21 that controls the remaining amount of laminating film so as to be changeable in accordance with the remaining amount-related information acquired by the acquisition unit. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the remaining amount information, which reduces waste and costs without damaging the device or the finished product, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0098] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the remaining amount-related information is information corresponding to the size of the target paper to be laminated. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the size of the target paper, which reduces waste and costs without damaging the device or the product, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0099] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 controls the conveyance of the paper in the conveying unit so that the laminating process is continued until the remaining amount of laminating film is less than a predetermined length according to the size of the target paper. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to be determined according to the size of the target paper.

[0100] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit (control unit 21) acquires remaining amount-related information from the setting information of the job. Therefore, the remaining amount related information can be easily obtained.

[0101] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the acquisition unit (control unit 21) acquires remaining amount-related information input by the user. Therefore, the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded can be determined according to the size of the target paper desired by the user.

[0102] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed. Therefore, the remaining amount of film F at the present time can be easily calculated.

[0103] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 calculates the feeding amount of the laminate film based on the driving time or driving amount of the roll of laminate film. Therefore, the remaining amount of film F at the present time can be easily calculated.

[0104] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the predetermined length is longer than the unusable length, which is the length from the roll core of the laminating film to the position where the laminating film contacts the paper. This prevents the transport of film F from suddenly stopping, causing the transport of the stopped film F and the paper to become misaligned, which could result in serious damage to the drive mechanism of film F and the paper, or defects in the lamination process due to the sudden stop of transport of film F.

[0105] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the predetermined length is the sum of the unusable length and the length based on the size of the target paper. This allows lamination processing to be carried out until the remaining amount of film F is shorter than the sum of the unusable length and the length based on the size of the target paper. Therefore, waste of film F can be reduced compared to when a uniform length of film F, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0106] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the control unit 21 stops the transport of the paper in the transport unit 23 before the remaining length of the laminate film becomes shorter than the unusable length. This prevents the transport of film F from suddenly stopping, causing the transport of the stopped film F and the paper to become misaligned, which could result in serious damage to the drive mechanism of film F and the paper, or defects in the lamination process due to the sudden stop of transport of film F.

[0107] The laminating system according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on a sheet of paper. The laminating section (laminating section 26) laminates the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 14. As a result, even in a configuration in which an image forming device 10 is provided upstream of a laminating device 20, waste of film F can be reduced and costs can be reduced without causing damage to the device or the finished product, compared to when a uniform length of film F, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0108] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the remaining amount related information is information corresponding to the size of the paper set as the paper on which the image is to be formed by the image forming unit 14. As a result, in a configuration in which the image forming device 10 is provided upstream of the laminating device 20, the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded can be determined according to the size of the paper on which the image is formed. Therefore, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded, it is possible to reduce waste of film F and keep costs down without damaging the device or the finished product.

[0109] The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 41 that feeds paper. When the control unit 21 detects that the remaining amount of the laminate film is equal to or less than the first length (the remaining amount at which paper feed is stopped), the control unit 21 stops paper feed from the paper feed unit 41. The control unit 21 adjusts the first length in accordance with the size of the paper set in the job. Control unit 21 adjusts the first length according to the paper size and paper transport distance set in the job. Paper feed unit 41 includes multiple paper feed trays 411 to 413. The paper transport distance is set according to the paper feed tray selected in the job. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the paper size and paper transport distance set in the job. Therefore, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded, it is possible to reduce waste of film F and keep costs down without damaging the device or the product.

[0110] The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 41 that feeds paper. When the control unit 21 detects that the remaining amount of the laminate film is equal to or less than the second length (near empty length) corresponding to the maximum paper size, the control unit 21 adjusts the timing to stop paper feeding according to the paper size set in the job. The control unit 21 determines the number of sheets of paper to be additionally fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminate film is equal to or less than the second length, according to the number of sheets of paper already fed and the size of the sheets. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the paper size set in the job, which reduces waste and costs without damaging the device or the finished product, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0111] The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a paper feed unit 41 that feeds paper. When the control unit 21 detects that the remaining amount of laminate film is less than a third length (near empty length) corresponding to the maximum paper transport distance, it adjusts the timing to stop paper feeding according to the paper transport distance set in the job. The control unit 21 determines the number of sheets of paper to be additionally fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminate film is equal to or less than the third length, according to the number of sheets of paper already fed and the size of the sheets. Paper feed unit 41 includes a plurality of paper feed trays 411 to 413. The paper conveyance distance is set according to the paper feed tray selected for the job. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the paper transport distance set in the job. Therefore, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded, it is possible to reduce waste of film F and keep costs down without causing damage to the equipment or the finished product. Because the maximum number of sheets can be loaded at the maximum transport distance, it is possible to maximize processing productivity in the lamination process.

[0112] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the maximum conveying distance is set according to the configuration of the devices arranged between the laminating processing unit (laminating unit 26) and the paper supply unit 41 and the configuration of the paper supply unit 41. This allows the final remaining amount of film F to be discarded to correspond to the configuration of the laminating system, which reduces waste and costs without damaging the equipment or the finished product, compared to when a uniform length, such as the length corresponding to the maximum paper size, is discarded.

[0113] In the laminating system according to this embodiment, the predetermined length is set according to the laminating conditions. This allows lamination processing to be performed until the remaining length of film F becomes shorter than the sum of the unusable length and the length based on the size of the target paper according to the lamination processing conditions.

[0114] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on the embodiments thereof, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified within the scope of the present invention.

[0115] For example, in the above embodiment, the continuous conveying unit 24 overlaps the trailing edge of a preceding sheet of paper by a predetermined overlap amount above the leading edge of a succeeding sheet of paper, but this is not limited to this. The overlap amount may be set to zero, that is, the sheets may be continuously conveyed so that the trailing edge of the preceding sheet and the leading edge of the succeeding sheet are in contact with each other. Alternatively, the trailing edge of the preceding sheet may overlap the leading edge of the succeeding sheet by a predetermined overlap amount below the leading edge of the succeeding sheet of paper. When the trailing edge of the preceding sheet overlaps the lower part of the leading edge of the succeeding sheet by a predetermined overlap amount, the film F is cut by the cutting section 27 along the leading edge of the succeeding sheet.

[0116] The lamination method in the above embodiment is a hot lamination method in which the adhesive layer of the film F is melted and fixed by the fixing unit 264, but is not limited to this. The lamination method may also be a cold lamination method in which the film F is fixed by an adhesive layer that is adhesive at room temperature without heating in the fixing unit 264. In the above embodiment, the laminating unit 26 adheres the film F to the surface (front side) of the paper on the positive side of the Z axis, but this is not limited to this. The laminating unit 26 may also adhere the film F to both the surface (front side) of the paper on the positive side and the surface (front side) of the Z axis.

[0117] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the laminating system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c system (laminate system) 10 Image forming device 11 Control section 12 Display section 13 Document reading unit 14 Image forming unit 141Y, 141M, 141C, 141K photoconductor drum 142 Intermediate transfer belt 143 Secondary transfer roller 144 Fixing section 20 Laminating equipment 21 Control unit (acquisition unit) 22 Memory section 23 Conveyor 231 Transport Route 24 Continuous conveying section 26 Laminating section (laminating processing section) 261 Film Roll 262 Transport Route 263 Bonding section 264 Fixing Unit 27 Cut section 271 Detection unit 272 Cutter 281 Operation section 282 Display section 29 Communications Department 30 Stacker device 31 Control Unit 32 Conveyor 40 Paper feeder 41 Paper feed section 411, 412, 413 Paper Trays 42 Conveyor 50 Aftertreatment device F film (laminate film) T1 large-capacity output tray T2 Sub-tray T3 manual feed tray (paper feed section)

Claims

1. a lamination processing unit that laminates a lamination film onto the paper; a conveying unit that conveys the paper to the lamination processing unit; an acquisition unit that acquires remaining amount related information, which is information corresponding to the remaining amount of laminating film; a control unit that controls the remaining amount of the laminate film so as to be changeable in accordance with the remaining amount-related information acquired by the acquisition unit; A lamination system comprising:

2. 2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the remaining amount information corresponds to the size of the target paper to be laminated.

3. The laminating system according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit controls the transport of the paper in the transport unit so that the laminating process is performed until the remaining amount of the laminating film is less than a predetermined length corresponding to the size of the target paper.

4. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount-related information from job setting information.

5. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the acquisition unit acquires the remaining amount-related information input by a user.

6. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit calculates the current remaining amount of laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed.

7. The laminating system according to claim 6 , wherein the control unit calculates the feed amount based on a driving time or driving amount of the roll of laminating film.

8. 4. The laminating system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined length is longer than an unusable length, which is the length from the roll core of the laminating film to the position where the laminating film contacts the paper.

9. The laminating system according to claim 8 , wherein the predetermined length is the sum of the unusable length and a length based on the size of the target paper.

10. The laminating system according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit stops the transport of the paper in the transport unit before the remaining length of the laminate film becomes shorter than the unusable length.

11. an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper; The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the laminating unit laminates the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming unit.

12. The laminating system according to claim 11 , wherein the remaining amount-related information corresponds to a size of a sheet set as a sheet on which an image is to be formed by the image forming unit.

13. a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit stops feeding of the sheet from the sheet feeding unit when it detects that the remaining length of the laminating film is equal to or less than a first length.

14. The laminating system according to claim 13 , wherein the control unit adjusts the first length in accordance with a paper size set in a job.

15. The laminating system according to claim 13 , wherein the control unit adjusts the first length in accordance with a paper size and a paper transport distance set in a job.

16. the paper feed unit includes a plurality of paper feed trays; The laminating system according to claim 13, wherein the transport distance of the paper is set according to a paper feed tray selected in a job.

17. a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; The lamination system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the timing of stopping paper feeding according to the paper size set in the job when it detects that the remaining amount of lamination film is less than a second length corresponding to the maximum paper size.

18. The laminating system of claim 17, wherein the control unit determines the number of additional sheets of paper to be fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminating film is less than the second length, based on the number of sheets of paper already fed and the paper size.

19. a paper feed unit that feeds the paper; The lamination system described in claim 1, wherein the control unit adjusts the timing of stopping paper feeding according to the paper transport distance set in the job when it detects that the remaining amount of laminate film is less than a third length corresponding to the maximum paper transport distance.

20. The laminating system of claim 19, wherein the control unit determines the number of additional sheets of paper to be fed after detecting that the remaining length of the laminating film is less than the third length, based on the number of sheets of paper already fed and the size of the sheets of paper.

21. the paper feed unit includes a plurality of paper feed trays; 20. The laminating system according to claim 19, wherein the transport distance of the paper is set according to the paper feed tray selected in the job.

22. 20. The laminating system according to claim 19, wherein the maximum transport distance is set according to the configuration of a device disposed between the laminating unit and the paper supply unit and the configuration of the paper supply unit.

23. The laminating system according to claim 3 , wherein the predetermined length is set in accordance with laminating conditions.

24. A computer of a lamination system having a lamination processing unit that laminates a lamination film onto paper, An acquisition step of acquiring remaining amount related information which is information corresponding to the remaining amount of laminating film; a changing step of changing the remaining amount of the laminate film in accordance with the remaining amount-related information acquired in the acquiring step; A program that executes the following.

Images