Laminating systems and programs

Abstract

This method reduces waste of laminating film and lowers costs without damaging the equipment or deliverables. [Solution] The laminating system (System 1) is a laminating system that includes a laminating processing unit (laminating unit 24) for laminating laminating films (films F1, F2) onto paper, and includes a calculation unit (control unit 21) that calculates the remaining amount of laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed, and a control unit 21 that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of laminating film is below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the laminating film is in a near-empty state, and the calculation unit updates the remaining amount of laminating film by subtracting a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of laminating film in response to a problem occurring in the laminating system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laminating system and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In a laminating apparatus that performs a laminating process by bonding a laminating film (film) onto a sheet, when the roll-shaped film reaches the end of the roll during the laminating process, the following problems occur. Specifically, when the conveyance of the film suddenly stops, the conveyance of the stopped film and the sheet become misaligned, causing significant damage to the driving mechanisms of the film and the sheet. Defects in the laminating process occur due to the sudden stop of the film conveyance.

[0003] Regarding the above problems, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, it is described that when the remaining amount of the film decreases (near-empty state), the conveyance of the film and the sheet is stopped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] [[ID=三十九]] If problems such as paper jamming or wrinkles in films F1 and F2 occur in the laminating machine or a device connected to the laminating machine, the laminating processing unit may stop at an unexpected time. In this case, as shown in Figure 7, film F1 fed from film roll 410 and film F2 fed from film roll 420 may become unusable. If films F1 and F2 become unusable, the user must perform a troubleshooting procedure. Specifically, the user removes film cartridge 400 from the laminating device. Next, as shown in Figure 8, the user manually pulls out the problematic portion of film F1 and F2 from film cartridge 400 and cuts off the problematic portion. After that, the user reinserts film cartridge 400 into the laminating device.

[0006] The length of film F1 and F2 manually pulled out by the user during troubleshooting cannot be detected by the laminating device. In other words, the length of film F1 and F2 consumed to resolve the problem cannot be detected by the laminating device. Therefore, in conventional inventions, the remaining amount of film used to detect a near-empty state includes a margin of film length consumed during troubleshooting, depending on the frequency of the problem. However, if no problems occur, the margin of film length consumed during troubleshooting becomes unnecessary, and the unnecessary film may be wasted. Since film is an expensive consumable, wasting film leads to increased costs.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a lamination system and program that can reduce waste of laminating film and lower costs without damaging the equipment or the resulting products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The laminating system according to claim 1 is A laminating system comprising a laminating section for laminating a laminating film onto paper, A calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of the laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed, A control unit that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of the laminating film is below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the laminating film is in a near-empty state, Equipped with, The calculation unit updates the remaining amount of the laminating film by subtracting a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of the laminating film in response to a problem occurring in the laminating system.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is a laminating system described in claim 1, The calculation unit subtracts the predetermined amount from the remaining amount of the laminating film each time the trouble occurs.

[0010] The invention described in claim 3 relates to the laminating system described in claim 2, The predetermined amount is variable.

[0011] The invention described in claim 4 is a laminating system described in claim 3, The calculation unit calculates the predetermined amount based on the type of laminate film.

[0012] The invention described in claim 5 is a laminating system described in claim 3, The calculation unit calculates the predetermined amount based on the type of trouble.

[0013] The invention described in claim 6 is a laminating system described in claim 5, After the cartridge for storing the laminate film is removed from the laminating system and then the same cartridge is attached to the laminating system again, the calculation unit determines that the type of trouble is a laminating defect.

[0014] The invention according to claim 7 is, in the laminating system according to claim 1, comprising an image forming unit that forms an image on the paper, The laminating processing unit laminates the paper after the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0015] The program according to claim 8 is causing a computer of a laminating system having a laminating processing unit that laminates a laminate film on a paper to function as a calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of the laminate film based on the feeding amount of the laminate film, a control unit that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of the laminate film is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and determines that the laminate film is in a near-empty state, and the calculation unit updates the remaining amount of the laminate film by subtracting a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of the laminate film according to the trouble occurring in the laminating system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce waste of the laminate film and suppress costs without causing damage to the device and the product.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] It is a front view showing a schematic configuration of the laminating system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a functional block diagram showing a control structure of the laminating system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3]It is a flowchart showing the flow of the lamination control process. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of a trouble consumption length selection screen. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of a trouble consumption length input screen. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing a state where no trouble has occurred in the laminate film. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing a state where trouble has occurred in the laminate film. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a state where the laminate film is manually pulled out.

Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0019] (Configuration of the Lamination System) [ As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lamination system (hereinafter, System 1) according to the present embodiment includes a paper feeding device 30, an image forming device 10, and a lamination device 20.

[0020] (Configuration of the Paper Feeding Device) The paper feeding device 30 includes a paper feeding unit 31 and a conveying unit 32, and conveys paper from any of the paper feeding trays 311 to 313 of the paper feeding unit 31 to the image forming device 10 according to a job. The conveying unit 32 includes a conveying path 321 connecting from the paper feeding unit 31 to the image forming device 10, and conveys the paper. The paper feeding unit 31 has paper feeding trays 311 to 313 for storing paper for each predetermined paper type and / or size. [ Depending on the printing amount, paper type used, etc. in System 1, the paper feeding device 30 may not be provided in System 1, and the paper may be conveyed only from the paper feeding unit 15 (described later) of the image forming device 10.

[0021] (Configuration of the Image Forming Device) The image forming apparatus 10 forms a color image by electrophotography based on image data obtained by reading an image from a document, or on job image data received from an external device (not shown). The image forming apparatus 10 then discharges the formed paper to the laminating apparatus 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 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 storage unit 17, a communication unit 18, and an image processing unit 19.

[0022] The operation unit 11 includes a touch panel formed to cover the display screen of the display unit 12, and various operation buttons such as number buttons and a start button. The operation unit 11 outputs operation signals based on user operations to the image forming control unit 16.

[0023] The display unit 12 is equipped with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and displays various screens according to the instructions of the display signals input from the image formation control unit 16.

[0024] The document reading unit 13 includes an automatic document feeder (ADF), a scanner, and the like. The document reading unit 13 reads the image of the document and outputs the resulting image data to the image forming control unit 16.

[0025] The image forming unit 14 forms an image on the paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 15 or paper feeding device 30 based on the image data processed by the image processing unit 19. In this embodiment, the paper is a single sheet. The image forming unit 14 includes photosensitive drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K corresponding to 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.

[0026] The image forming unit 14 uniformly charges the photoreceptor drum 141Y and then scans and exposes it with a laser beam based on yellow image data to form an electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 141Y. Next, the image forming unit 14 develops the electrostatic latent image on the photoreceptor drum 141Y by depositing yellow toner onto it using a developing unit (not shown). The photoconductor drums 141M, 141C, and 141K are the same as the photoconductor drum 141Y, except for the different colors they handle, so we will omit their explanation.

[0027] The image forming unit 14 sequentially transfers the toner images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K onto a rotating intermediate transfer belt 142 (primary transfer). That is, the image forming unit 14 forms a color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142 in which the toner images of the four colors are superimposed. The image forming unit 14 is equipped with a cleaning blade (not shown) to remove any remaining toner on the photoreceptor drums 141Y, 141M, 141C, and 141K after the primary transfer. The image forming unit 14 transfers the color toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 142 onto the paper all at once using the secondary transfer roller 143 (secondary transfer).

[0028] 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 pressurizes the paper, thereby fixing the color toner image to the paper through heating and pressurizing.

[0029] The paper feeding unit 15 is equipped with paper trays 151 to 153 and supplies paper to the image forming unit 14. Each paper tray 151 to 153 stores paper according to predetermined paper types and / or sizes.

[0030] The image forming control unit 16 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The CPU of the image forming control unit 16 reads various processing programs stored in ROM and loads them into RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM, it comprehensively controls the operation of the image forming apparatus 10. When lamination is to be performed on the paper output from the image forming apparatus 10, the image forming control unit 16 issues an instruction to the laminating apparatus 20 to perform a predetermined lamination process.

[0031] The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage device such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 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 so that it can be read and written by the image formation control unit 16. The memory unit 17 stores information such as the type and size of paper stored in the paper trays 311 to 313 of the paper feed device 30 and the paper trays 151 to 153 of the paper feed unit 15, for each paper tray.

[0032] The communication unit 18 includes, for example, a communication control card such as a LAN (Local Area Network) card. The communication unit 18 transmits and receives various types of data with external devices (for example, personal computers) connected to a communication network such as a LAN or WAN (Wide Area Network).

[0033] The image processing unit 19 performs necessary image processing on image data stored in the storage unit 17, image data obtained by reading an image from a document by the document reading unit 13, and image data input from an external device. The image processing unit 19 transmits the processed image data to the image forming unit 14. This image processing includes gradation processing, halftone processing, color conversion processing, etc. Gradation processing is the process of converting the gradation value of each pixel of the image data into gradation values ​​that have been corrected so that the density characteristics of the image formed on the paper match the density characteristics of the target. Halftone processing includes error diffusion processing, screen processing using systematic dithering, etc. Color conversion processing is the process of converting each RGB gradation value into each CMYK gradation value.

[0034] (Configuration of the laminating machine) The laminating device 20 is installed downstream of the image forming apparatus 10 in the paper transport direction and performs lamination on the image-formed paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10. The laminating device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a transport unit 23, a laminating unit 24 which is a laminating processing unit, a waste bin 25, a paper output tray T1, etc. The waste bin 25 is located downstream of the laminating unit 24 in the paper transport direction and collects the scraps generated when the film is cut by the cutting unit 245, which will be described later. The paper output tray T1 holds the paper discharged from the laminating device 20.

[0035] The control unit 21 includes a CPU, RAM, ROM, etc. The CPU of the control unit 21 reads various processing programs stored in ROM and loads them into RAM, and in cooperation with the various programs loaded into RAM, it comprehensively controls the operation of the laminating device 20. The control unit 21 performs lamination on the paper via the laminating unit 24 in accordance with the instruction signal received from the image forming apparatus 10.

[0036] The storage unit 22 is a non-volatile storage device such as an 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 so that it can be read and written by the control unit 21.

[0037] The transport unit 23 includes a transport path 231 and a plurality of rollers. The plurality of rollers include transport rollers 231c that are positioned between the bonding section 243 (described later) and the crimping section 244 (described later) in the transport path 231. The transport unit 23 transports the paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10 to the laminating unit 24. Next, the transport unit 23 transports the paper laminated by the laminating unit 24 along the transport path 231b and discharges it outside the machine (outlet tray T1). The transport unit 23 transports the cutting waste generated when the film is cut by the cutting unit 245 to the waste bin 25 via the transport path 231a. The transport unit 23 may include a transport path that discharges the paper transported from the image forming apparatus 10 to the output tray T1 without passing through the laminating unit 24.

[0038] The laminating unit 24 includes a first film supply unit 241, a second film supply unit 242, a bonding unit 243, a pressure bonding unit 244, and a cutting unit 245.

[0039] The first film supply unit 241 supplies film F1 from a film roll 410, which is formed in a roll shape and consists of a transparent synthetic resin film layer and an adhesive layer. The film F1 has an adhesive layer applied to one side (the side that contacts the paper). The film F1 is transported from the first film supply unit 241 to the nip portion of the lamination unit 243 and adhered to the image surface of the paper.

[0040] The second film supply unit 242 supplies film F2 from a film roll 420, which is formed in a roll shape from a transparent synthetic resin film layer. In other words, the film F2 does not have an adhesive layer formed on it. The film F2 is transported from the second film supply unit 242 to the nip portion of the lamination unit 243. At this time, the film F2 is positioned on the non-image side of the paper. Film F2 may have an adhesive layer. Film rolls 410 and 420 are stored in film cartridge 400.

[0041] The bonding section 243 is equipped with a pair of rollers, and the paper and films F1 and F2 are sandwiched between the nip portion formed by the pair of rollers, thereby bonding the adhesive layer of film F1 to the surface of the paper. As a result, the paper and film F1 are bonded together. Between the sheets, the bonding section 243 bonds film F2 to the adhesive layer of film F1 by sandwiching film F1 and film F2 between the nip portion formed by the pair of rollers. As a result, film F1 and film F2 are bonded together, and the adhesive applied to film F1 is prevented from coming into contact with the transport path after the bonding section 243.

[0042] The crimping section 244 is equipped with a pair of rollers, and the adhesive layer of film F1 is pressed onto the paper or film F2 by clamping the paper and films F1 and F2 in the nip portion formed by the pair of rollers and applying pressure.

[0043] The cutting section 245 is located downstream of the crimping section 244 in the transport path 231 and cuts the leading and trailing ends of the transported paper, film F1 and film F2.

[0044] (Laminating system operation) Next, the operation of System 1 according to this embodiment will be described. System 1 executes the lamination control process shown in Figure 3 in the following cases: Specifically, when the image forming apparatus 10 receives a job including lamination processing from an external device, or when it is input by a user via the operation unit 11.

[0045] A job contains its configuration information. The job settings include the size of the paper to be laminated, the type of film F1 and F2, and the lamination processing conditions. The lamination conditions include information on whether to consume a predetermined amount of film F1 and F2 over a predetermined length relative to the length of the paper in the transport direction, consume the same length of film F1 and F2, or consume a predetermined amount less of film F1 and F2. When consuming a predetermined amount of film F1 and F2 over a predetermined length relative to the length of the paper in the transport direction, or when consuming a predetermined amount less of film F1 and F2, the lamination conditions include information on the predetermined amount.

[0046] (Lamination control process) The control unit 21 of the laminating device 20 obtains the current remaining amount of films F1 and F2 loaded in the laminating unit 24 (step S1). Specifically, the control unit 21 calculates the current amount of film F1 fed since the film roll 410 was loaded into the first film supply unit 241, based on the driving time or amount of driving of the transport mechanism that transports film F1. Next, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F1 by subtracting the current amount of film F1 fed from the length of film F1 when the film roll 410 was loaded into the first film supply unit 241. Similarly, the control unit 21 calculates the current remaining amount of film F2. In other words, the control unit 21 calculates the remaining amount of films F1 and F2 (laminating films) based on the amount of film F1 and F2 being fed. The control unit 21 functions as a calculation unit.

[0047] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 obtained in step S1 is longer than the near-empty length (step S2). In this embodiment, the near-empty length is the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 at the timing when the control unit 21 detects the near-empty state. The near-empty length includes, for example, the unusable length of film F1 and F2. The unusable length of film F1 and F2 is the transport distance of film F1 and F2 from the roll core of film rolls 410 and 420 to the bonding section 243. The near-empty length of this embodiment does not include the margin of the film lengths F1 and F2 consumed to resolve problems that occurred in System 1 during the user's troubleshooting process. In the following, the lengths of film F1 and F2 consumed to resolve a problem that occurred in System 1 during the user's troubleshooting process will also be referred to as "trouble consumption length."

[0048] If the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 at this point is longer than the near-empty length (step S2; YES), the control unit 21 starts laminating one sheet of target paper using the laminating unit 24 based on the laminating conditions (step S3). Next, the control unit 21 determines whether or not a problem has occurred in system 1 (step S4). The problem may be a paper jam, a lamination defect such as wrinkles in film F1 and F2, etc.

[0049] If a problem occurs in System 1, the user removes the film cartridge 400 from the laminating device 20 as a troubleshooting step. Next, the user manually pulls out films F1 and F2 from the film cartridge 400 and cuts the problematic portion. After that, the user reinserts the film cartridge 400 into the laminating device 20.

[0050] If a problem occurs in System 1 (Step S4; YES), the control unit 21 updates the current remaining amount of film F1 and F2 by subtracting the length of film F1 and F2 consumed due to the problem from the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 obtained in Step S1 (Step S5). Next, the control unit 21 moves the lamination control process to Step S2.

[0051] In step S5, the control unit 21 sends an instruction signal to the image forming apparatus 10 to display, for example, the trouble consumption length selection screen 121 (see Figure 4) on the display unit 12. Next, the control unit 21 receives an operation signal from the image forming apparatus 10 to select the trouble consumption lengths of films F1 and F2 via the operation unit 11, which was received on the trouble consumption length selection screen 121 by the user. Films F1 and F2 are thin and easily damaged, such as by wrinkles. Furthermore, because film F1 has adhesive applied to it, it is difficult for users to manually pull out the correct length of film F1 during troubleshooting. Therefore, the amount of film F1 and F2 consumed during troubleshooting varies depending on the user's skill level. In the example shown in Figure 4, the control unit 21 displays selection buttons 121a on the trouble consumption length selection screen 121 for selecting a trouble consumption length of "20cm" when the user's skill level is "high", "40cm" when the user's skill level is "medium", or "60cm" when the user's skill level is "low". When the skill level is "high," the trouble consumption length of "20cm" is, for example, the transport distance of films F1 and F2 from the position where they separate from film rolls 410 and 420 to the bonding section 243.

[0052] In step S5, the control unit 21 may send an instruction signal to the image forming apparatus 10 to display the trouble consumption length input screen 122 (see Figure 5) on the display unit 12. In this case, the control unit 21 receives an operation signal from the image forming apparatus 10 to input the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 via the operation unit 11, which has been received in the input field 122a of the trouble consumption length input screen 122.

[0053] The rigidity, adhesive properties, and other characteristics of films F1 and F2 vary depending on the type of film. Therefore, the difficulty of manually pulling out the appropriate length of film F1 or F2 during troubleshooting also varies depending on the type of film. Therefore, in step S5, the control unit 21 may calculate the trouble consumption length of film F1 and F2 for each type of film F1 and F2. For example, the control unit 21 calculates the trouble consumption length of film F1 and F2 by associating the types of film F1 and F2 measured in advance with coefficients related to the trouble consumption length of film F1 and F2. Specifically, if films F1 and F2 are thicker than standard films, the control unit 21 reduces the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 compared to the case of films of standard thickness. If films F1 and F2 are of the matte type with no gloss, the control unit 21 reduces the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 compared to the case of films of the gloss type with a high gloss. If the surfaces of films F1 and F2 are embossed or holographic, the control unit 21 reduces the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 compared to the case where the films are not embossed or holographic.

[0054] In step S5, the control unit 21 may calculate the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 according to the type of trouble occurring in system 1. The types of problems that can occur in System 1 include, for example, paper jams when there is no paper in the laminating unit 24, paper jams when there is paper in the laminating unit 24, and lamination defects. Lamination defects include situations where film F1 and film F2 are misaligned, or where wrinkles appear on films F1 and F2.

[0055] If a paper jam occurs in the laminating unit 24 when no paper is present, no troubleshooting is required in the laminating unit 24. Therefore, in this case, the trouble consumption length of films F1 and F2 is 0. On the other hand, if a paper jam occurs while paper is present in the laminating section 24, troubleshooting is required in the laminating section 24. Therefore, in this case, the length of film F1 and F2 consumed due to the trouble is at least the transport distance of film F1 and F2 from the position where film F1 and F2 separate from the film rolls 410 and 420 to the bonding section 243. If a lamination defect occurs, the user, in troubleshooting the issue, separates the bond between film F1 and film F2, corrects the misalignment between film F1 and film F2, and then reattaches them. Therefore, in this case, the length of film F1 and F2 consumed due to the problem is at least the transport distance from the bonding section 243 to the transport roller 231c.

[0056] In step S5, the control unit 21 determines that a lamination failure has occurred in system 1 if, while no paper jam has occurred in system 1, the same film cartridge 400 is reinserted into the laminating device 20 after being removed from the laminating device 20. Based on the identifier of the film cartridge 400, the control unit 21 determines whether the film cartridge 400 that has been attached to and removed from the laminating device 20 is the same film cartridge 400.

[0057] On the other hand, if no trouble occurs in system 1 (step S4; NO), the control unit 21 calculates the lengths of the films F1 and F2 consumed in the lamination process of step S3, based on the size of the target paper, lamination conditions, etc. For example, let's consider a case where the length of the target paper in the transport direction is 210 [mm], and the lamination conditions include consuming film F1 and F2 for a length of 5 [mm] from the edge of the paper in the transport direction, both before and after the paper's transport direction. In this case, the control unit 21 calculates the length of film F1 and F2 consumed per sheet of target paper in the lamination process of step S3 as 5 + 210 + 5 = 220 [mm]. Alternatively, the control unit 21 may calculate the length of film F1 and F2 consumed per sheet of target paper in the lamination process of step S3 based on the amount of film F1 and F2 fed. Next, the control unit 21 updates the current remaining amount of film F1 and F2 by subtracting the length of film F1 and F2 consumed in the lamination process in step S3 from the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 obtained in step S1 (step S6).

[0058] Next, the control unit 21 determines whether the job has been completed or not (step S7). If the job is completed (step S7; YES), the control unit 21 terminates the lamination control process. On the other hand, if the job is not completed (step S7; NO), the control unit 21 moves the lamination control process to step S2.

[0059] If the remaining amount of film F1 and F2 at this point is less than or equal to the near-empty length (step S2; NO), that is, if the control unit 21 detects a near-empty state, the control unit 21 stops the lamination process of the job (step S8) and terminates the lamination control process. In other words, the control unit 21 stops the laminating unit 24 (laminating processing unit) if the remaining amount of film F1, F2 (laminating film) at the present time is less than or equal to the near-empty length (a predetermined threshold), as it determines that the laminating film is in a near-empty state.

[0060] (effect) As described above, the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment includes a laminating processing unit (laminating unit 24) that laminates laminating films (films F1, F2) onto paper. The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a calculation unit (control unit 21) that calculates the remaining amount of laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed. The laminating system according to this embodiment includes a control unit 21 that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of laminating film is below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the laminating film is in a near-empty state. The calculation unit updates the remaining amount of laminating film by subtracting a predetermined amount (length consumed due to the trouble) from the remaining amount of laminating film, depending on the trouble that occurs in the laminating system. Therefore, the near-empty length no longer needs to include a margin for the film length consumed during troubleshooting. As a result, if no trouble occurs in System 1, this margin becomes unnecessary, preventing the film from being wasted. This reduces waste of laminating film and lowers costs without damaging the equipment or deliverables.

[0061] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 21) subtracts a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of laminating film (films F1, F2) each time a problem occurs. Therefore, the near-empty length no longer needs to include a margin for the film length consumed during troubleshooting. As a result, if no trouble occurs in System 1, this margin becomes unnecessary, preventing the film from being wasted.

[0062] In the laminating system according to this embodiment (System 1), the predetermined amount (trouble consumption length) is variable. Therefore, the trouble consumption length can be set to a length appropriate for various situations.

[0063] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 21) calculates a predetermined amount (trouble consumption length) based on the type of laminating film (film F1, F2). Therefore, the trouble consumption length can be set to an appropriate length according to the type of laminating film.

[0064] In the laminating system (system 1) according to this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 21) calculates a predetermined amount (trouble consumption length) based on the type of trouble that occurs in the laminating system. Therefore, the troubleshooting time can be set to an appropriate length according to the type of trouble.

[0065] In the laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment, the calculation unit (control unit 21) determines the type of problem to be a laminating defect when the cartridge (film cartridge 400) containing the laminating films (films F1, F2) is removed from the laminating system and then the same cartridge is reattached to the laminating system. Therefore, even if the laminating system does not have a reader to scan laminated paper, it is easy to determine if a lamination defect has occurred.

[0066] The laminating system (System 1) according to this embodiment includes an image forming unit 14 that forms an image on paper. The lamination processing unit (lamination unit 24) laminates the paper after the image has been formed by the image forming unit 14. As a result, even in a configuration where the image forming apparatus 10 is located upstream of the laminating apparatus 20, it is possible to reduce waste of laminating film and lower costs without damaging the apparatus or the finished product.

[0067] Although the present invention has been specifically described above based on embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified without departing from its spirit.

[0068] For example, the lamination method in the above embodiment is a cold lamination method in which the laminate film is fixed by an adhesive layer that can be bonded at room temperature without heating the laminate film, but it is not limited to this. The lamination method may also be a hot lamination method in which the adhesive layer of the laminate film is melted and fixed by a fixing unit.

[0069] Although the laminating section 24 in the above embodiment attaches laminating film to both sides of the paper, it is not limited to this. The laminating section 24 may attach laminating film to only one side of the paper.

[0070] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the laminating system can also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0071] 1. System (Laminating System) 10 Image forming apparatus 11 Control section 12 Display section 13. Manuscript 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 machine 21 Control Unit (Calculation Unit) 22 Memory section 23 Conveying section 231, 231a, 231b Transport routes 24. Laminating section (Laminating processing section) 241 First Film Supply Unit 242 Second Film Supply Unit 243 Bonding section 244 Crimping section 245 Cutting section 25 Trash cans 30 Paper feeder 31 Paper feed section 311, 312, 313 Paper feed tray 32 Conveying section 400 film cartridge 410,420 film rolls F1, F2 film (laminating film) T1 Paper Output Tray

Claims

1. A laminating system comprising a laminating section for laminating a laminating film onto paper, A calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of the laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed, A control unit that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of the laminating film is below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the laminating film is in a near-empty state, Equipped with, The calculation unit updates the remaining amount of the laminating film by subtracting a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of the laminating film in response to a problem occurring in the laminating system.

2. The laminating system according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit subtracts a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of laminating film each time the trouble occurs.

3. The laminating system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined amount is variable.

4. The laminating system according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates the predetermined amount based on the type of laminating film.

5. The laminating system according to claim 3, wherein the calculation unit calculates a predetermined amount based on the type of trouble.

6. The laminating system according to claim 5, wherein the calculation unit determines the type of problem to be a laminating defect when the cartridge containing the laminating film is removed from the laminating system and then the same cartridge is reattached to the laminating system.

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

8. A computer for a laminating system having a laminating processing unit that laminates a laminating film onto paper, A calculation unit that calculates the remaining amount of the laminating film based on the amount of laminating film fed. A control unit that stops the laminating processing unit when the remaining amount of the laminating film is below a predetermined threshold, indicating that the laminating film is in a near-empty state. To make it function as, The calculation unit is a program that updates the remaining amount of laminating film by subtracting a predetermined amount from the remaining amount of laminating film in response to a problem occurring in the laminating system.

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