Laminate system and program

Abstract

To inhibit deterioration of productivity in lamination processing.SOLUTION: A laminate device 20 includes: a plurality of film supply units (a first film supply unit 241 and a second film supply unit 242) which may supply films F1, F2 to be laminated on a sheet; and a laminate processing unit (a laminate unit 24) which laminates the films F1, F2 supplied from the film supply units on the sheet. The film supply units which supply the films F1, F2 are switchable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, laminating devices that laminate a laminate film (hereinafter referred to as a film) onto paper have been known (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-338039 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, with conventional laminating devices, if the film runs out during the laminating process, the laminating device must be stopped to replace the film. Therefore, when the film runs out, the laminating device must be stopped midway through the laminating process. In particular, commercial printing jobs require laminating a large number of sheets of paper, so there is a high possibility that the film will run out midway through the laminating process and the film will need to be replaced. In this case, downtime occurs due to the work of replacing the film, which significantly reduces the productivity of the laminating device.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a lamination system and program that can suppress a decrease in productivity in lamination processing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The lamination system of the invention described in claim 1 is made to achieve the above object, a plurality of film supply units capable of supplying films to be laminated onto the paper; a laminating unit that laminates the film supplied from the film supply unit onto the paper; Equipped with The film supply unit that supplies the film is switchable.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is the lamination system described in claim 1, The film supply unit that supplies the film is switched depending on the remaining amount of the film.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is the lamination system described in claim 1, A plurality of laminating devices each including the film supply unit and the laminating unit can be connected together.

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is the lamination system described in claim 3, A plurality of the laminating devices is provided, Each of the laminating devices has, as a transport path for the paper, a first path that passes through the laminating processing unit and a second path that bypasses the first path.

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is the laminating system described in claim 4, Among the plurality of laminating devices, while one laminating device is laminating the paper on the first path, the other laminating devices transport the paper on the second path.

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is the laminating system described in claim 4, When the paper is being transported through the first path and the remaining amount of the film falls below a predetermined amount, the transport path of the paper is switched from the first path to the second path.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is the lamination system described in claim 1, a laminating device having the laminating processing unit and the plurality of film supply units; In the laminating device, the film supply unit that supplies the film to one of the laminating units can be switched.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is the lamination system described in claim 7, The laminating device has a connecting portion that, when switching the film supply portion, connects the film in the film supply portion before switching to the film in the film supply portion after switching.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is the lamination system described in claim 1, a laminating device having a plurality of laminating processing sections on a common conveying path; the plurality of film supply units are capable of supplying the films to the corresponding lamination processing units, In the laminating device, the laminating unit that laminates the film onto the paper can be switched.

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is the laminating system described in claim 9, The laminating unit corresponding to the film supply unit in which the remaining amount of the film is less than a predetermined amount is separated from the common transport path.

[0016] The invention described in claim 11 is the laminating system described in claim 1, A detector is provided for detecting the remaining amount of film.

[0017] The invention described in claim 12 is the lamination system described in claim 11, The detection unit detects the remaining amount of film based on at least one of the diameter of the film roll, the number of rotations of the film roll, the travel distance of the film roll, and a mark on the film roll.

[0018] The invention described in claim 13 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The interval between the sheets when the film supply unit is switched is adjusted according to the time required to switch the film supply unit.

[0019] The invention described in claim 14 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The laminating unit laminates the film onto the paper sheets.

[0020] The invention described in claim 15 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The laminating unit laminates the film onto only one side of the paper, or onto both sides of the paper.

[0021] The invention described in claim 16 is the laminating system described in claim 1, an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit; The laminating unit laminates the film onto the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit.

[0022] The invention described in claim 17 is the laminating system described in claim 1, The operating status of the plurality of film supply units is displayed on a display unit.

[0023] The invention described in claim 18 is the lamination system described in claim 17, The display unit displays at least one of the remaining amount of film in each of the plurality of film supply units, the fact that the remaining amount of film is less than a predetermined amount, and the fact that the film is not loaded.

[0024] The invention described in claim 19 is the lamination system described in claim 1, If the remaining amount of the film is less than the amount of the film required for lamination processing, a notification is given urging the user to replace the film.

[0025] The invention described in claim 20 is the lamination system described in claim 1, When the film supply unit that supplies the film is switched, the fact is notified.

[0026] The invention described in claim 21 is the laminating system described in claim 1, During the lamination process by the lamination unit, the film in the film supply unit that is not being used in the lamination process can be replaced.

[0027] The program of the invention described in claim 22 is a plurality of film supply units capable of supplying films to be laminated onto the paper; a laminating unit that laminates the film supplied from the film supply unit onto the paper; A computer of a lamination system comprising: The film supply unit functions as a control unit that switches the film supply unit that supplies the film. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity in lamination processing. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] [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] 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of a laminating device control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a usage status screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a usage status screen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a laminating system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a schematic configuration of a laminating system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0031] First Embodiment The laminating system according to this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as system 1) includes a paper feeder 40, an image forming apparatus 10, a first laminating apparatus 20A, a second laminating apparatus 20B, and a cutting apparatus 30, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0032] The paper feeding device 40 includes a paper feeding section (not shown) and a paper transport section (not shown), and transports paper sheets from either of the paper feeding sections to the image forming device 10 depending on the job. The paper transport unit is connected from each paper feed unit to the image forming apparatus 10 and transports the paper. The paper feed unit stores paper sheets according to predetermined paper types, sizes, etc. Depending on the amount of printing in the system 1, the type of paper used, etc., the system 1 may not be provided with a paper feeder 40, and paper may be transported only from the paper feed unit 15 of the image forming apparatus 10.

[0033] 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 first laminating device 20A. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming device 10 includes an operation unit 11, a display unit 12, a document reading unit 13, an image forming unit 14, a paper feeding unit 15, an image forming control unit 16, a memory unit 17, a controller IF (Interface) 18, and an image processing unit 19.

[0034] The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 12, as well as various operation buttons such as numeric buttons and a start button. The operation unit 11 outputs an operation signal to the image formation control unit 16 based on a user's operation.

[0035] The display unit 12 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various screens according to instructions of a display signal input from the image formation control unit 16.

[0036] The document reading unit 13 includes an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), a scanner, etc. The document reading unit 13 reads an image of the document and outputs the obtained image data to the image formation control unit 16.

[0037] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on a sheet of paper supplied from the paper supply unit 15 or the paper supply device 40 based on the image data that has been image processed by the image processing unit 19 . 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.

[0038] The image forming unit 14 uniformly charges the photosensitive drum 141Y, and then scans and exposes the photosensitive drum 141Y with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 141Y. 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.

[0039] 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] The paper feed unit 15 includes paper feed trays 151 to 153, and supplies paper to the image forming unit 14. Each of the paper feed trays 151 to 153 stores paper of a predetermined type, size, etc. for that paper feed tray.

[0042] The image forming control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the image forming control unit 16 reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10 in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM. When laminating the output paper, the image formation control unit 16 instructs the first laminating device 20A or the second laminating device 20B to perform a predetermined laminating process. When cutting the output paper, the image formation control unit 16 instructs the cutting device 30 to perform a predetermined cutting process.

[0043] The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs and image data. The storage unit 17 stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the image formation control unit 16 to read and write the data. The storage unit 17 stores switching setting information indicating whether or not automatic switching of the laminating device is to be performed in the laminating device control process described later.

[0044] The controller IF 18 receives image data input from an external device.

[0045] The image processing unit 19 performs the necessary image processing on the image data stored in the storage unit 17, the image data obtained by reading an image from an original using the original reading unit 13, and the image data input from an external device. The image processing unit 19 sends the processed image data to the image forming unit 14. The image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. The gradation processing is a process of converting the gradation values ​​of each pixel of the image data into corrected gradation values ​​so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the target density characteristics. The halftone processing is an error diffusion process, a screen process using an ordered dithering method, etc. The color conversion processing is a process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value.

[0046] The first laminating device 20A is installed between the image forming device 10 and the second laminating device 20B. The first laminating device 20A includes a control unit 21A, a storage unit 22A, a conveying unit 23A, a laminating unit 24A which is a laminating processing unit, a cutting unit 25A, and the like.

[0047] The control unit 21A includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 21A reads out various processing programs stored in the ROM and loads them into the RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into the RAM, comprehensively controls the operation of the first laminating device 20A. Control unit 21A performs lamination processing on the paper in response to an instruction signal received from image forming apparatus 10. Alternatively, control unit 21A transports the paper through bypass path 232 in response to an instruction signal received from image forming apparatus 10.

[0048] The storage unit 22A is a non-volatile storage device such as a HDD or semiconductor memory that stores various data such as programs, etc. The storage unit 22A stores data such as program data and various setting data in a manner that allows the control unit 21A to read and write data.

[0049] The transport section 23A includes a transport path 231 as a first path, a bypass path 232 as a second path, a transport path switching section 233, a plurality of rollers, and the like. Under the control of the control unit 21A, the conveying unit 23A switches the path along which the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 is conveyed to the conveying path 231 or the bypass path 232 by the conveying path switching unit 233. Conveying section 23A conveys the paper conveyed from image forming device 10 by a plurality of rollers to laminating section 24A and cutting section 25A in that order on conveying path 231. Conveying section 23A discharges the paper after lamination processing to second laminating device 20B. Alternatively, the conveying unit 23A conveys the paper conveyed from the image forming device 10 by a plurality of rollers on a bypass path 232 that does not pass through the laminating unit 24A and the cutting unit 25A, and discharges the paper to the second laminating unit 20B.

[0050] The laminating section 24A includes a first film supply section 241, a second film supply section 242, a bonding section 243, and a laminate fixing section 244.

[0051] The first film supply unit 241 supplies the film F1, which is formed in a roll and is made of a transparent synthetic resin film layer and an adhesive layer. The film F1 has a heat-melting adhesive applied to one side (the side that comes into contact with the paper) to form the adhesive layer. The film F1 is transported from the first film supply unit 241 to the nip portion of the laminating unit 243 and is adhered to the image surface of the paper.

[0052] The second film supply unit 242 supplies the film F2 formed in a roll and made of a transparent synthetic resin film layer. That is, the film F2 does not have an adhesive layer formed thereon. The film F2 is transported from the second film supply section 242 to the nip section of the laminating section 243 (the non-image side of the paper).

[0053] The bonding unit 243 includes a pair of rollers, and sandwiches the paper and films F1 and F2 in a nip formed by the pair of rollers. As a result, the bonding unit 243 adheres the adhesive layer of film F1 to the surface of the paper. As a result, the paper and film F1 are bonded together. The bonding unit 243 sandwiches films F1 and F2 between the papers in a nip formed by the pair of rollers. As a result, the bonding unit 243 adheres film F2 to the adhesive layer of film F1. As a result, films F1 and F2 are bonded together, and the adhesive applied to film F1 can be prevented from coming into contact with the transport path after the bonding unit 243.

[0054] The laminating and fixing unit 244 includes a heating roller that heats the paper to which the films F1 and F2 are attached, and a pressure roller that applies pressure to the paper. The laminating and fixing unit 244 melts the adhesive layer of the film F1 by heating, and fixes the film F1 to the paper or film F2 by applying pressure.

[0055] The housing of the first laminating device 20A has an opening / closing door (not shown) for replacing the films F1 and F2, and a locking mechanism (not shown) for the opening / closing door. By opening the opening / closing door of the first laminating device 20A, the user can access the portion of the first laminating device 20A where the films F1 and F2 are attached. In the first embodiment, the control unit 21A locks the locking mechanism of the door of the first laminator 20A while the laminator 24A is performing the lamination process. The control unit 21A unlocks the locking mechanism of the door of the first laminator 20A when the laminator 24A is not performing the lamination process.

[0056] The cutting unit 25A is provided on the conveying path 231 downstream of the laminating unit 24A. The cutting section 25A cuts the films F1 and F2 between the transported sheets.

[0057] The second laminating device 20B is installed between the first laminating device 20A and the cutting device 30. The second laminating device 20B includes a control unit 21B, a storage unit 22B, a conveying unit 23B, a laminating unit 24B which is a laminating processing unit, a cutting unit 25B, and the like. Control unit 21B, storage unit 22B, laminating unit 24B, and cutting unit 25B have the same configurations as control unit 21A, storage unit 22A, laminating unit 24A, and cutting unit 25A, respectively, and therefore descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The transport section 23B includes a transport path 231 as a first path, a bypass path 232 as a second path, a transport path switching section 233, a plurality of rollers, and the like. Under the control of the control unit 21B, the conveying unit 23B switches the conveying path switching unit 233 to either the conveying path 231 or the bypass path 232 as the path along which the paper sheet conveyed from the first laminating device 20A is conveyed. Conveyance unit 23B conveys the paper conveyed from first laminating device 20A by a plurality of rollers to laminating unit 24B and cutting unit 25B in that order on conveyance path 231. Conveyance unit 23B discharges the paper after lamination processing to cutting device 30. Alternatively, the conveying section 23B conveys the paper conveyed from the first laminating device 20A by a plurality of rollers on a bypass route 232 that does not pass through the laminating section 24B and the cutting section 25B, and discharges the paper to the cutting device 30.

[0059] As described above, the system 1 includes a plurality of film supply units (a plurality of first film supply units 241) that can supply the film F1 to be laminated onto the paper. The system 1 includes a plurality of film supply units (a plurality of second film supply units 242) that can supply the film F2 to be laminated onto the paper.

[0060] Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B, they will be referred to as laminating devices 20. When there is no need to distinguish between control unit 21A, memory unit 22A, conveying unit 23A, laminating unit 24A, cutting unit 25A, control unit 21B, memory unit 22B, conveying unit 23B, laminating unit 24B, and cutting unit 25B, they will be referred to as control unit 21, memory unit 22, conveying unit 23, laminating unit 24, and cutting unit 25.

[0061] The cutting device 30 includes a conveying section 31, a cutting section 32, a paper discharge section 33, a wastebasket 34, and a paper discharge tray T1. The paper discharge tray T1 holds the paper discharged by the paper discharge section 33. The conveying section 31 conveys the paper conveyed from the second laminating device 20B to the cutting section 32, and conveys the paper that has been cut in the cutting section 32 to the paper discharge section 33. The cutting unit 32 cuts the paper conveyed by the conveying unit 31 at a predetermined cutting position. The paper discharge unit 33 discharges the paper conveyed by the conveyance unit 31 to the outside of the apparatus (onto the paper discharge tray T1). The waste box 34 is provided below the cutting unit 32 and stores cutting waste generated when the paper is cut by the cutting unit 32.

[0062] Next, the operation of the system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. The system 1 executes the laminating device control process shown in Fig. 3 in the following cases: Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a job including laminating processing from an external device, or when the job is input by the user via the operation unit 11. By executing the laminating device control process, the system 1 switches the laminating device that performs the laminating process in a job that includes laminating between the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B. In other words, by executing the laminating device control process, the system 1 switches the film supply unit that supplies the film to be laminated onto the paper. In the first embodiment, the image formation control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 functions as a control unit.

[0063] (Laminating device control processing) The control unit 21A of the first laminating device 20A calculates the current feed amount of the film F1 based on the drive time or drive amount of the transport mechanism that transports the film F1 after the film F1 is loaded into the first film supply unit 241 of the laminating unit 24A. Next, the control unit 21A calculates the current remaining amount of the film F1 by subtracting the current feed amount of the film F1 from the length of the film F1 at the time the film F1 was loaded into the first film supply unit 241 of the laminating unit 24A. The control unit 21A calculates the current feed amount of the film F2 based on the drive time or drive amount of the transport mechanism that transports the film F2 after the film F2 was loaded into the second film supply unit 242 of the laminating unit 24A. Next, the control unit 21A calculates the current remaining amount of the film F2 by subtracting the current feed amount of the film F2 from the length of the film F2 at the time the film F2 was loaded into the second film supply unit 242 of the laminating unit 24A. That is, the control unit 21A detects the current remaining amount of the films F1 and F2 attached to the laminating unit 24A. The control unit 21A functions as a detection unit. The control unit 21A may detect the remaining amount of film F1 attached to the laminating unit 24A based on at least one of the diameter of the film roll obtained by rolling film F1, the number of rotations of the film roll, the travel distance of the film roll, and a mark affixed to the film roll.The control unit 21A may detect the remaining amount of film F2 attached to the laminating unit 24A based on at least one of the diameter of the film roll obtained by rolling film F2, the number of rotations of the film roll, the travel distance of the film roll, and a mark affixed to the film roll. Next, the control unit 21A outputs to the image forming apparatus 10 the current remaining amounts of the films F1 and F2 attached to the laminating unit 24A. Similarly, control unit 21B of second laminating device 20B calculates the current remaining amounts of films F1 and F2 loaded in laminating unit 24B and outputs the amount to image forming apparatus 10. Control unit 21B functions as a detection unit. Next, the image formation control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 acquires the current remaining amounts of the films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating unit 24A from the first laminating device 20A. The image formation control unit 16 also acquires the current remaining amounts of the films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating unit 24B from the second laminating device 20B (step S1).

[0064] Next, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether the current remaining amount of the film F1, F2 attached to the first laminating device 20A or the second laminating device 20B obtained in step S1 is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount (step S2). The predetermined amount is, for example, the unusable length of films F1 and F2 and a length corresponding to the size of the target paper for the job. The unusable length of film F1 is the transport distance of film F1 from the roll core of film F1 to the bonding section 243. The unusable length of film F2 is the transport distance of film F2 from the roll core of film F2 to the bonding section 243. The predetermined amount may be a near-empty length, which will be described later.

[0065] If the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 loaded in the first laminating device 20A is less than a predetermined amount, and if the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 loaded in the second laminating device 20B is less than a predetermined amount (step S2; NO), the image forming control unit 16 terminates the laminating device control process. The case where the amount of film F1 and film F2 loaded in at least one of the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B is equal to or greater than the predetermined amount (step S2; YES) will be described below. In this case, the image formation control unit 16 determines the laminating device 20 (device to be used) to be used in the laminating process for the job (step S3). Specifically, if the amount of film F1 or film F2 loaded in either the first laminating device 20A or the second laminating device 20B is less than a predetermined amount, the image forming control unit 16 determines the laminating device 20 loaded with a predetermined amount or more of film F1 and film F2 as the device to be used. A case will be described in which the amount of film F1 and film F2 loaded in the first laminating device 20A and the amount of film F1 and film F2 loaded in the second laminating device 20B are both equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. In this case, the image formation control unit 16 selects the laminating device 20 with the least amount of film F1 and film F2 remaining as the device to be used. Alternatively, the image formation control unit 16 may select the laminating device 20 used in the previously executed laminating process as the device to be used.

[0066] Next, the image formation control unit 16 transmits a bypass transport instruction signal to one of the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B that is not the laminating device to be used as determined in step S3 (step S4). The control unit 21 of one laminating device 20 receives a bypass transport instruction signal from the image forming device 10. Next, the control unit 21 transports the paper transported from the upstream device on the bypass path 232 and discharges it to the outside.

[0067] Next, the image formation control unit 16 transmits a signal to instruct the other laminating device 20, which is the device to be used determined in step S3, out of the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B (step S5). The control unit 21 of the other laminating device 20 receives a signal instructing execution of laminating processing from the image forming device 10. Next, the control unit 21 carries the paper conveyed from the upstream device on the conveying path 231 to the laminating unit 24 and then the cutting unit 25, thereby carrying out the laminating processing. The control unit 21 of the other laminating device 20 determines whether the job is complete after laminating each sheet of paper. If the job is complete, the control unit 21 notifies the image forming device 10 that the job is complete.

[0068] The control unit 21 of the other laminating device 20 determines whether the current remaining amount of film F1 and film F2 loaded in the other laminating device 20 is equal to or greater than the near-empty length each time a sheet of paper is laminated. The near-empty length is the remaining amount of film F1, F2 at the time the control unit 21 detects the near-empty state. The timing for detecting the near-empty state is earlier than the maximum time required to switch the device being used until the remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 reaches the unusable length. The time required to switch the device being used (switching time) includes the time it takes to transport film F1 from the first film supply section 241 to the bonding section 243. The switching time includes the time it takes to transport film F2 from the second film supply section 242 to the bonding section 243. The switching time includes the time it takes to move paper from the laminating device 20 before switching to the laminating device 20 after switching. The switching time includes the pre-processing time to ensure the quality of the laminating process. If the other laminating device 20 is in a near-empty state, the control unit 21 notifies the image forming device 10 that it is in a near-empty state. The control unit 21 of the other laminating device 20 may transmit the current remaining amounts of the films F1 and F2 attached to the other laminating device 20 to the image forming device 10 every time one sheet of paper is laminated.

[0069] Next, the image formation control unit 16 displays the usage status screen 121 (see FIG. 4) showing the usage status of the laminating device 20 on the display unit 12 (step S6). In the example shown in FIG. 4, the laminating device 20 performing the laminating process in the job is the first laminating device 20A. The laminating device 20 bypassing the paper is the second laminating device 20B. That is, the first film supply unit 241 and the second film supply unit 242 of the first laminating device 20A are operating in the example shown in FIG. 4. The first film supply unit 241 and the second film supply unit 242 of the second laminating device 20B are not operating in the example shown in FIG. 4. That is, while one of the multiple laminating devices (e.g., the first laminating device 20A) is laminating the paper on the first path (conveying path 231) including the laminating unit, another laminating device (e.g., the second laminating device 20B) is transporting the paper on the second path (bypass path 232) that bypasses the paper.

[0070] 4, the image formation control unit 16 displays the laminating device 20 that is performing laminating processing and the laminating device 20 that is transporting paper in a bypass on the usage status screen 121. On the usage status screen 121, the image formation control unit 16 displays the paper transport paths in the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B, for example, in bold. The image formation control unit 16 displays the remaining amounts of film F1 and film F2 loaded in each laminating device 20 on the usage status screen 121. If film F1 or film F2 is not loaded in the laminating device 20, the image formation control unit 16 displays this on the usage status screen 121. That is, image formation control unit 16 displays the operating status of the multiple film supply units on display unit 12. Image formation control unit 16 displays at least one of the remaining amount of film in each of the multiple film supply units, or the fact that no film is loaded, on display unit 12. Image formation control unit 16 may also display on display unit 12 that the remaining amount of film F1, F2 is less than a predetermined amount.

[0071] Next, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not a job completion notice has been received from the other laminating device 20 that is executing the laminating process (step S7). If the job completion notification is received (step S7; YES), the image formation control unit 16 ends the laminating device control process. If the job completion notification has not been received (step S7; NO), the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not a notification of a near-empty state has been received from the other laminating device 20 (step S8). If the notification of the near-empty state has not been received from the other laminating device 20 (step S8; NO), the image forming control unit 16 moves the laminating device control process to step S7.

[0072] If a notification of a near-empty state is received from the other laminating device 20 (step S8; YES), the image forming control unit 16 determines whether to automatically switch the device being used based on the switching setting information stored in the memory unit 17 (step S9). If the device to be used is not to be automatically switched (step S9; NO), the image formation control section 16 ends the laminating device control process. When the device to be used is automatically switched (step S9; YES), the image forming control unit 16 determines whether one of the laminating devices 20 is to be used (step S10). The one of the laminating devices 20 is the laminating device 20 that sent the bypass transport instruction signal in step S4. In step S10, the image forming control unit 16 determines that one laminating device 20 will not be used, for example, if the type of film F1, F2 attached to one laminating device 20 is different from the type of film F1, F2 attached to the other laminating device 20. In step S10, the image formation control unit 16 determines that one laminating device 20 is not to be used when, for example, one laminating device 20 is in a near-empty state. In step S10, for example, when the films F1 and F2 are not loaded in one laminating device 20, the image formation control unit 16 determines that the one laminating device 20 is not to be used.

[0073] If one laminating device 20 is not to be used (step S10; NO), the image forming control section 16 ends the laminating device control process. When one laminating device 20 is designated as the device to be used (step S10; YES), the image formation control section 16 transmits a bypass transport instruction signal to the other laminating device 20 (step S11). The control unit 21 of the other laminating device 20 receives a bypass transport instruction signal from the image forming device 10. Next, the control unit 21 transports the paper transported from the upstream device on the bypass path 232 and discharges it to the outside.

[0074] Next, the image formation control unit 16 transmits a signal to instruct one of the laminating devices 20 to perform laminating processing (step S12). The control unit 21 of one laminating device 20 receives a signal instructing execution of laminating processing from the image forming device 10. Next, the control unit 21 carries the paper conveyed from the upstream device on the conveying path 231 to the laminating unit 24 and then the cutting unit 25, thereby carrying out the laminating processing. The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 determines whether the job is complete each time a sheet of paper is laminated. If the job is complete, the control unit 21 notifies the image forming device 10 that the job is complete. Each time one sheet of paper is laminated, the control unit 21 of one laminating device 20 determines whether the other laminating device 20 is in a near-empty state. If the other laminating device 20 is in a near-empty state, the control unit 21 notifies the image forming device 10 that the other laminating device 20 is in a near-empty state. The control unit 21 of one laminating device 20 may transmit the current remaining amounts of the films F1 and F2 attached to the one laminating device 20 to the image forming device 10 every time one sheet of paper is laminated.

[0075] As described above, the image formation control unit 16 switches between the film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) that supply the films F1, F2 depending on the remaining amounts of the films F1, F2 loaded in the laminating device 20. When the other laminating device 20 is transporting paper through the first path to perform lamination processing and the remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the image forming control unit 16 switches the paper transport path from the first path to the second path.

[0076] The image formation control unit 16 executes steps S11 and S12 and adjusts the interval between sheets of paper conveyed to the first laminating device 20A. Specifically, the image formation control unit 16 adjusts the interval between sheets of paper in accordance with the time required to switch the device being used from the other laminating device 20 to one laminating device 20. When it is necessary to insert an insert sheet into the leading or trailing end of a sheet in the laminating section 24 of one of the laminating devices 20, the image forming control section 16 executes steps S11 and S12 and inserts the insert sheet into the sheet being fed from the paper feeding device 40 or the paper feeding section 15.

[0077] Next, as shown in FIG. 5, image formation control unit 16 displays a notification of switching of the film supply unit and a notification of film replacement on usage status screen 121 (step S13). In the example shown in FIG. 5, image formation control unit 16 notifies the user of the change of film supply unit by displaying on usage status screen 121 that the device being used has been changed to second laminating device 20B. The image formation control unit 16 displays on the usage status screen 121 a message urging the user to replace the film in the first laminating device 20A, which is in a near-empty state. That is, the image formation control unit 16 notifies the user to replace the film when the remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 is less than the amount of film F1 or F2 required for the laminating process. At this time, the control unit 21 of the first laminating device 20A unlocks the locking mechanism of the door. The user opens the door of the first laminating device 20A and replaces film F1 and / or film F2. In other words, in the system 1, during laminating process by the laminating unit 24B, film F1 and / or film F2 in the film supply unit (first film supply unit 241 and / or second film supply unit 242) of the laminating unit 24A that is not being used for the laminating process can be replaced.

[0078] Next, the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not a job completion notice has been received from one of the laminating devices 20 that is executing the laminating process (step S14). If the job completion notification is received (step S14; YES), the image formation control unit 16 ends the laminating device control process. If the job completion notification has not been received (step S14; NO), the image formation control unit 16 determines whether or not a notification of a near-empty state has been received from one of the laminating devices 20 (step S15). If the notification of the near-empty state has not been received from one laminating device 20 (step S15; NO), image formation control unit 16 shifts the laminating device control process to step S14.

[0079] When a notification of a near-empty state is received from one laminating device 20 (step S15; YES), image formation control unit 16 shifts the laminating device control process to step S1.

[0080] In the first embodiment, the system 1 may include three or more laminating devices 20 between the image forming device 10 and the cutting device 30. In this case, in step S10 of the laminating device control process, the image forming control unit 16 may determine a preset laminating device 20 as the device to be used. Alternatively, in step S10, the image forming control unit 16 may determine the laminating device 20 to be used based on preset priorities.

[0081] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, the system 1 of the second embodiment includes a laminating device 20C between the image forming device 10 and the cutting device 30, instead of the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B.

[0082] The laminating apparatus 20C includes a plurality of laminating units 24A and 24B on a common transport path 231C. The laminating device 20C has a movement mechanism that separates the laminating unit 24 that is not used for laminating processing from the common conveying path 231C and places the laminating unit 24 that is used for laminating processing on the common conveying path 231C.

[0083] Next, the switching operation of the laminating unit 24 in the second embodiment will be described. In the system 1, it is assumed that the laminating unit 24A is disposed on the common conveying path 231C and is performing a laminating process, and the laminating unit 24B is spaced apart from the common conveying path 231C. At this time, it is assumed that the remaining lengths of the films F1 and F2 in the laminating unit 24B are equal to or greater than the near-empty length. During execution of a job including lamination processing, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20C detects the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 in the laminating unit 24A. When the control unit 21 detects that the current remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 in the laminating unit 24A is less than the near-empty length, the control unit 21 executes a switching operation of the laminating unit 24. In this switching operation, the control unit 21 cuts the films F1 and F2 supplied by the laminating unit 24A. Next, the control unit 21 causes the movement mechanism to move the laminating unit 24A away from the common transport path 231C. In other words, the control unit 21 moves the laminating unit 24 corresponding to the film supply unit (first film supply unit 241 or second film supply unit 242) in which the remaining amount of film F1 or film F2 is less than a predetermined amount away from the common transport path 231C. Next, control unit 21 causes the movement mechanism to place laminating unit 24B on common transport path 231C. Next, first film supply unit 241 of laminating unit 24B supplies film F1 to the nip portion of bonding unit 243. Also, second film supply unit 242 of laminating unit 24B supplies film F2 to the nip portion of bonding unit 243.

[0084] <Third embodiment> Next, a third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the system 1 of the third embodiment includes a laminating device 20D between the image forming device 10 and the cutting device 30, instead of the first laminating device 20A and the second laminating device 20B.

[0085] The laminating unit 24 of the laminating device 20D includes a plurality of first film supply units 241 and a plurality of second film supply units 242 on the transport path 231. The plurality of first film supply units 241 include first film supply units 241a, 241b, 241c, and 241d. The multiple first film supply units 241 can each slide to the right on the paper surface toward set position A under the control of control unit 21. The first film supply unit 241 moved to set position A supplies film F1 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243.

[0086] The plurality of second film supply sections 242 include second film supply sections 242a, 242b, 242c, and 242d. The second film supply units 242 are each slidable to the right of the drawing sheet toward set position B under the control of control unit 21. The second film supply units 242 moved to set position B supply film F2 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243.

[0087] The laminating unit 24 has a first connecting unit (not shown) that connects the film F1 supplied by the first film supply unit 241 before switching to the film F1 supplied by the first film supply unit 241 after switching when the first film supply unit 241 is switched. The laminating unit 24 has a second connecting unit (not shown) that connects the film F2 supplied by the second film supply unit 242 before switching to the film F2 supplied by the second film supply unit 242 after switching when the second film supply unit 242 is switched.

[0088] Next, the switching operation of the first film supply unit 241 in the third embodiment will be described. 7, the first film supply unit 241b is disposed at the set position A and supplies the film F1 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243. The control unit 21 of the laminating apparatus 20D detects the current remaining amount of film F1 in the first film supply unit 241b. When the control unit 21 detects that the current remaining amount of film F1 in the first film supply unit 241b is less than the near-empty length, the control unit 21 executes a switching operation of the first film supply unit 241. Control unit 21 cuts film F1 in first film supply unit 241b using the first jointer. Next, control unit 21 slides first film supply unit 241b to the right in the drawing, moving it away from set position A. Next, control unit 21 slides first film supply unit 241c to set position A and places it at set position A. Next, control unit 21 connects the trailing end of the cut film F1 to the leading end of film F1 in first film supply unit 241c using the first jointer. Next, first film supply unit 241c supplies film F1 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243.

[0089] Next, the switching operation of the second film supply section 242 in the third embodiment will be described. 7, the second film supply unit 242b is disposed at the set position B and supplies the film F2 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243. The control unit 21 of the laminating apparatus 20D detects the current remaining amount of the film F2 in the second film supply unit 242b. When the control unit 21 detects that the current remaining amount of the film F2 in the second film supply unit 242b is less than the near-empty length, the control unit 21 executes a switching operation of the second film supply unit 242. Control unit 21 cuts film F2 in second film supply unit 242b using the second splicer. Next, control unit 21 slides second film supply unit 242b to the right in the drawing, moving it away from set position B. Next, control unit 21 slides second film supply unit 242c to set position B and places it at set position B. Next, control unit 21 connects the trailing end of the cut film F2 to the leading end of film F2 in second film supply unit 242c using the second splicer. Next, second film supply unit 242c supplies film F2 to the nip portion of the bonding unit 243.

[0090] As described above, laminating apparatus 20D of the third embodiment is capable of switching between first film supply unit 241 that supplies film F1 to one laminating unit 24. Laminating apparatus 20D of the third embodiment is capable of switching between second film supply unit 242 that supplies film F2 to one laminating unit 24.

[0091] <Effects> As described above, the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a plurality of film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) capable of supplying films F1, F2 to be laminated onto sheets. The laminating system includes a laminating unit (laminating unit 24) that laminates films F1 and F2 supplied from a film supply unit onto sheets of paper. In the laminating system, the film supply units that supply the films F1 and F2 are switchable. Therefore, while a job including lamination is being executed, it is possible to switch the film supply unit that supplies the film used in the lamination process, which prevents the lamination process from being interrupted to replace the film when the film runs out during the lamination process, thereby suppressing a decrease in productivity in the lamination process.

[0092] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) that supply films F1, F2 are switched depending on the remaining amounts of films F1, F2. Therefore, the lamination process can be performed using a film supply unit in which the remaining length of films F1 and F2 is equal to or greater than the near-empty length, which prevents the lamination process from being interrupted to replace the film due to the film running out during the lamination process.

[0093] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, a plurality of laminating devices 20, each including a film supply unit (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) and a laminating processing unit (laminating unit 24), can be connected together. Therefore, even if one laminating device 20 becomes empty, the other laminating device 20 can be used to carry out the laminating process.

[0094] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a plurality of laminating devices (first laminating device 20A, second laminating device 20B). Each of the laminating devices has, as a transport path for the paper, a first path (transport path 231) that passes through a laminating processing unit (laminating unit 24) and a second path (bypass path 232) that bypasses the first path. Therefore, it is possible to carry out the lamination process in one laminating device 20 and convey the paper in the other laminating device 20 without carrying out the lamination process.

[0095] In the laminating system (system 1) of this embodiment, among the multiple laminating devices (first laminating device 20A, second laminating device 20B), while one laminating device is laminating paper on a first path (conveying path 231), the other laminating devices transport paper on a second path (bypass path 232). Therefore, it is possible to carry out the lamination process in one laminating device 20 and convey the paper in the other laminating device 20 without carrying out the lamination process.

[0096] In the laminating system (system 1) of this embodiment, when paper is being transported along the first path (transport path 231) and the remaining amount of film F1, F2 becomes less than a predetermined amount, the paper transport path is switched from the first path to the second path (bypass path 232). Therefore, in the laminating device 20 that is in a near-empty state, the paper can be transported without performing the laminating process.

[0097] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a laminating apparatus 20D having a laminating section (laminating section 24) and a plurality of film supply sections (first film supply section 241, second film supply section 242). In laminating device 20D, the film supply unit that supplies the film to one laminating unit can be switched. Therefore, while a job including lamination is being executed, it is possible to switch the film supply unit that supplies the film used in the lamination process, thereby preventing the lamination process from being interrupted to replace the film when the film runs out during the lamination process.

[0098] In the laminating system (system 1) of this embodiment, the laminating device 20D has connecting sections (first connecting section, second connecting section) that connect the films F1, F2 of the film supply section before switching to the films F1, F2 of the film supply section after switching when switching the film supply section (first film supply section 241, second film supply section 242). Therefore, the film supply unit can be switched without interrupting the lamination process.

[0099] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a laminating apparatus 20C having a plurality of laminating processing sections (laminating sections 24A and 24B) on a common transport path 231C. The plurality of film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) can supply films F1 and F2 to the corresponding lamination processing units, respectively. In the laminating device 20C, the laminating units that laminate the films F1 and F2 onto the paper can be switched. Therefore, while a job including lamination is being executed, the laminating unit 24 to be used for the lamination can be switched, thereby preventing the lamination from being interrupted to replace the film when the film runs out during the lamination process.

[0100] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the laminating processing units (laminating units 24A, 24B) corresponding to the film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) in which the remaining amount of film is less than a predetermined amount are separated from the common conveying path 231C. Therefore, it is possible to carry out the laminating process in one laminating unit 24 and convey the paper in the other laminating unit 24 without carrying out the laminating process.

[0101] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes a detection unit (image formation control unit 16, control unit 21) that detects the remaining amounts of films F1 and F2. The detection unit detects the remaining amount of the films F1 and F2 based on at least one of the diameter of the film roll in which the films F1 and F2 are rolled, the number of rotations of the film roll, the travel distance of the film roll, and a mark on the film roll. Therefore, the remaining amounts of films F1 and F2 can be easily detected.

[0102] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment adjusts the interval between sheets when switching between film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) according to the time required to switch between the film supply units. Therefore, the film supply unit can be switched between sheets without interrupting the lamination process.

[0103] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the laminating section (laminating section 24) laminates films F1 and F2 onto sheets of paper as paper. The laminating section laminates the film onto only one side of the paper, or onto both sides of the paper. Therefore, even in the laminating system having the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the laminating process from being interrupted to replace the film when the film runs out during the laminating process.

[0104] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on a sheet fed from a paper feed unit. The laminating section (laminating section 24) laminates films F1 and F2 onto the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming section 14. Therefore, even in an in-line laminating system, it is possible to prevent the laminating process from being interrupted to replace the film when the film runs out during the laminating process.

[0105] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment displays on display unit 12 the operating states of a plurality of film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242). Therefore, the user can easily know which film supply unit is being used in the lamination process.

[0106] The laminating system (system 1) of this embodiment displays on the display unit 12 at least one of the remaining amount of films F1 and F2 in each of the multiple film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242), the fact that the remaining amount of films F1 and F2 is less than a predetermined amount, and the fact that films F1 and F2 are not attached. Therefore, the user can easily grasp at least one of the remaining amount of films F1, F2 to be attached to the laminating section 24, that the remaining amount of films F1, F2 has fallen below a predetermined amount, and that films F1, F2 have not been attached.

[0107] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment notifies the user to replace the films F1 and F2 when the remaining amount of the films F1 and F2 is less than the amount of film required for the laminating process. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the films F1 and F2 need to be replaced.

[0108] The laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment notifies the user when the film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) that supply the films F1 and F2 are switched. Therefore, the user can easily understand that the film supply unit has been switched.

[0109] In the lamination system (system 1) of this embodiment, during lamination processing by the lamination processing unit (lamination unit 24), the films F1 and F2 in the film supply units (first film supply unit 241, second film supply unit 242) that are not being used for the lamination processing can be replaced. Therefore, the film can be replaced without interrupting the lamination process.

[0110] 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. For example, the lamination method in the above embodiment is a hot lamination method in which the adhesive layer of the film F1 is melted and fixed by the lamination fixing unit 244, but is not limited to this. The lamination method may be a cold lamination method in which the film F1 is fixed by an adhesive layer that is adhesive at room temperature without heating in the lamination fixing unit 244.

[0111] In the above embodiment, the laminating unit 24 adheres the film F1 to the image side of the paper and the film F2 to the non-image side of the paper, but this is not limited to this. The laminating unit 24 may also adhere a film to either the image side or the non-image side of the paper. When a film is applied only to the image side of a sheet of paper and the length of the film used for laminating is shorter than the near-empty length, the control unit 21 may execute the following process. Specifically, the control unit 21 inverts the image side of the sheet of paper before laminating. Next, the control unit 21 executes laminating using the other film, which is longer than the near-empty length.

[0112] In the first embodiment, the case where the image forming control unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 10 executes the laminating device control process is exemplified, but this is not limiting. For example, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 may execute the laminating device control process. In this case, the control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 corresponds to the "control unit."

[0113] In addition, the detailed configuration and operation of each device that constitutes the laminating system can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1 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 15 Paper feed section 151, 152, 153 paper trays 16 Image formation control unit 17 Memory section 18 Controller Interface 20, 20C, 20D laminating equipment 20A First Laminating Device 20B Second laminating device 21, 21A, 21B Control section 22,22A,22B Storage section 23, 23A, 23B Conveying section 231 Transport Route (1st Route) 231C Common transport path 232 Bypass Route (Second Route) 233 Conveyor path switching unit 24, 24A, 24B Laminate section 241 First Film Supply Unit 242 Second film supply section 243 Bonding section 244 Laminate fixing section 25,25A,25B cutting section 30 Cutting device 31 Conveyor 32 Cutting section 33 Paper output section 34 boxes 40 Paper feeder F1, F2 film T1 output tray

Claims

1. a plurality of film supply units capable of supplying films to be laminated onto the paper; a laminating unit that laminates the film supplied from the film supply unit onto the paper; Equipped with A lamination system in which the film supply unit that supplies the film is switchable.

2. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the film supply unit that supplies the film is switched depending on the remaining amount of the film.

3. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of laminating devices each including the film supply unit and the laminating unit can be connected.

4. A plurality of the laminating devices is provided, The laminating system according to claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of laminating devices has, as a transport path for the paper, a first path that passes through the laminating processing section and a second path that bypasses the first path.

5. 5. The laminating system according to claim 4, wherein, while one of the plurality of laminating devices is laminating a sheet on the first path, the other laminating devices transport the sheet on the second path.

6. 5. The laminating system of claim 4, wherein when the paper is being transported via the first path and the remaining amount of film becomes less than a predetermined amount, the transport path of the paper is switched from the first path to the second path.

7. a laminating device having the laminating processing unit and the plurality of film supply units; 2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the film supply unit that supplies the film to one of the laminating units is switchable in the laminating device.

8. The laminating system according to claim 7 , wherein the laminating device has a connecting part that connects the film in the film supply part before switching to the film in the film supply part after switching when switching the film supply part.

9. a laminating device having a plurality of laminating processing sections on a common conveying path; the plurality of film supply units are capable of supplying the films to the corresponding lamination processing units, 2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the laminating device is capable of switching the laminating unit that laminates the film onto the paper.

10. The laminating system according to claim 9 , wherein the laminating unit corresponding to the film supply unit in which the remaining amount of the film is less than a predetermined amount is separated from the common transport path.

11. The laminating system according to claim 1 , further comprising a detector that detects the remaining amount of the film.

12. The laminating system of claim 11, wherein the detection unit detects the remaining amount of the film based on at least one of the diameter of the film roll, the number of rotations of the film roll, the travel distance of the film roll, and a mark on the film roll.

13. 2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the interval between the sheets when the film supply unit is switched is adjusted according to the time required to switch the film supply unit.

14. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the laminating unit laminates the film onto a sheet of paper as the paper.

15. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the laminating unit laminates the film onto only one side of the paper or onto both sides of the paper.

16. an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper fed from the paper feeding unit; The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the laminating unit laminates the film onto the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming unit.

17. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the operating status of the plurality of film supply units is displayed on a display unit.

18. The laminating system of claim 17, wherein the display unit displays at least one of the remaining amount of film in each of the plurality of film supply units, the remaining amount of film being less than a predetermined amount, and the film not being loaded.

19. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein when the remaining amount of the film is less than the amount of the film required for laminating processing, a notification is given to prompt replacement of the film.

20. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein when the film supply unit that supplies the film is switched, a notification to that effect is given.

21. The laminating system according to claim 1 , wherein the film in the film supply unit that is not being used in the laminating process is replaceable during the laminating process by the laminating unit.

22. a plurality of film supply units capable of supplying films to be laminated onto the paper; a laminating unit that laminates the film supplied from the film supply unit onto the paper; A computer of a lamination system comprising: a program that functions as a control unit that switches the film supply unit that supplies the film;

Images