Consumables, consumable chips and image forming apparatus

Abstract

This application relates to consumables, consumable chips, and image forming apparatus. The consumables are detachably mounted on the body of the image forming apparatus, and the consumables include: an imaging component; the imaging component is connected to conductive contacts for receiving power from a power supply module; a consumable chip including electrical contacts, the electrical contacts including power contacts and communication contacts, the communication contacts being electrically connected to a communication pin on the image forming apparatus body when the consumables are mounted on the image forming apparatus body; and a conductive unit for electrically connecting the conductive contacts to the power contacts. Embodiments of this application can save on the cost of designing the image forming apparatus structure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of image forming technology, and more particularly to a consumable and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In existing technologies, consumables such as toner cartridges can be detachably installed in image forming devices such as printers and copiers. These consumables typically have a consumable chip with contacts. When the consumable is installed onto the image forming device body, the contacts on the consumable chip connect with pins on the image forming device body, thereby enabling communication between the consumable chip and the image forming device body.

[0003] However, the inventors of this application discovered in their research that with the development of technology, the types of consumables will gradually change. For example, the previously integrated processing box will be changed to a separate processing box, or the number of consumables will gradually increase, and the total number of contacts on the consumable side will gradually increase. Correspondingly, in order to communicate normally, the image forming apparatus body side also needs to set more and more pins, which leads to the structure of the image forming apparatus body side becoming larger and more complex. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides consumables and an image forming apparatus, which can reduce the number of pins on the main body of the image forming apparatus used for electrical connection with consumables, thereby saving the cost of structural design of the image forming apparatus.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides a consumable material that is detachably mounted on the body of an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0006] Imaging components;

[0007] The imaging component is connected to conductive contacts, which are used to receive power from the power supply module;

[0008] The consumable chip includes electrical contacts, which include power contacts and communication contacts. When the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the communication contacts are electrically connected to the communication pins on the image forming apparatus body side.

[0009] And a conductive unit for electrically connecting the conductive contact to the power contact.

[0010] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the conductive unit includes a voltage regulation circuit, which is connected to both the conductive contact and the power contact.

[0011] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the conductive unit is a wire.

[0012] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumable chip includes a substrate, with the communication contact and the power contact located on different surfaces of the substrate; or, the power contact and the communication contact are located on the same surface of the substrate, with the power contact located on one side of the substrate and the communication contact located on the other side of the substrate.

[0013] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumable chip further includes:

[0014] A detection unit is connected to the conductive contact and is used to detect whether the conductive contact receives power.

[0015] The chip control unit is configured to, upon receiving a communication request from the image forming apparatus body, acquire the detection result of the detection unit, not respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact has not received power, and respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact has received power.

[0016] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, the imaging component includes any one of a charging roller, a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, and an image carrier for carrying developer during imaging in the image forming apparatus.

[0017] In conjunction with the first aspect, in one feasible implementation, when the imaging member is an image carrier for carrying developer during imaging in an image forming apparatus, the image carrier includes a conductive substrate connected to the conductive contact.

[0018] Secondly, this application provides a consumable chip, installed in a consumable, comprising:

[0019] Storage unit;

[0020] The electrical contacts include power contacts and communication contacts, wherein the communication contacts are electrically connected to the communication pins on the image forming apparatus body when the consumables are mounted on the image forming apparatus body.

[0021] A conductive unit is used to connect the power contact to a conductive contact provided on the consumable, wherein the conductive contact is electrically connected to an imaging component included on the consumable, and is used to receive power from the power supply unit when the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body.

[0022] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one feasible implementation, the conductive unit includes:

[0023] A voltage regulation circuit is electrically connected to the conductive contact and the power contact, respectively.

[0024] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one feasible implementation, the conductive unit is a wire.

[0025] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumable chip includes a substrate, with the communication contact and the power contact located on different surfaces of the substrate, or the power contact and the communication contact located on the same surface of the substrate, with the power contact located on one side of the substrate and the communication contact located on the other side of the substrate.

[0026] In conjunction with the second aspect, one feasible implementation also includes:

[0027] A detection unit, electrically connected to the conductive contact, is used to detect whether the conductive contact is receiving power.

[0028] The chip control unit is configured to acquire the detection result of the detection unit when it receives a communication request sent by the image forming apparatus body, and respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is powered, and not respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is not powered.

[0029] Thirdly, this application provides a consumable that is detachably mounted on the body of an image forming apparatus, including an imaging component and the consumable chip described in the second aspect above. The imaging component is connected to a conductive contact, which is used to receive power from a power supply module.

[0030] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumable includes a developer container.

[0031] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumables have a split structure, and the consumables include a developing cartridge and a drum cartridge that can be disassembled from each other.

[0032] In conjunction with the third aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumable is an integrated structure, comprising a developer container, a developer component, a developer delivery element, and a photosensitive component.

[0033] Fourthly, this application provides an image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0034] An image forming unit is used to perform image forming operations;

[0035] Conductive pins are used to electrically connect to conductive contacts provided on the consumable when the consumable is installed in the image forming apparatus, wherein the conductive contacts are electrically connected to the imaging component and the consumable chip included in the consumable respectively;

[0036] A communication pin is provided for electrical connection with communication contacts included in the consumable chip when the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus.

[0037] In conjunction with the fourth aspect, one feasible implementation includes:

[0038] The control module and the switching circuit are respectively electrically connected to the control module and the conductive pin.

[0039] The control module is used to control the switching circuit to be in a conducting state or a cut-off state. When the switching circuit is in a cut-off state, the control module is used to send a communication request to the consumable chip through the communication pin. When the response information corresponding to the communication request is received, it is determined that the consumable does not meet expectations.

[0040] Fifthly, this application provides an image forming apparatus, including a detachably interconnected image forming apparatus body and at least one consumable;

[0041] The consumables are those described in the first aspect above;

[0042] The image forming apparatus body includes a power module, a control module, conductive pins, and communication pins; the power module is connected to the control module.

[0043] The conductive pin is used to be electrically connected to the conductive contact when the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body;

[0044] The communication pin is used to electrically connect with the communication contacts of the consumable chip when the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body.

[0045] In conjunction with the second aspect, in one feasible implementation, the consumables include consumables corresponding to four colors: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y).

[0046] In conjunction with the fifth aspect, in one feasible implementation, the image forming apparatus body further includes a switching circuit, which is connected to the power supply module and the conductive pin respectively;

[0047] The control module is used to control the switching circuit to be in a conducting state or a cut-off state. When the switching circuit is in a cut-off state, the control module is used to send a communication request to the consumable chip through the communication pin. When the response information corresponding to the communication request is received, it is determined that the consumable does not meet expectations.

[0048] The consumables and image forming apparatus provided in this application include an imaging component and a consumable chip at the consumable end. The imaging component is connected to conductive contacts. When the consumables are installed on the image forming apparatus body, the image forming apparatus body supplies power to the imaging component and the consumable chip through the conductive contacts. In this way, the consumable chip does not need to be directly connected to the image forming apparatus body through power contacts. Therefore, there is no need to design corresponding power pins for the consumable chip on the image forming apparatus body, thereby reducing the number of pins on the image forming apparatus body side used for electrical connection with the consumables and saving the cost of image forming apparatus structural design. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2a This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a consumable provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 2b This is a structural schematic diagram of a consumable provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection structure of an image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical connection structure of another image forming apparatus provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0055] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the consumable chip in the embodiments of this application;

[0056] Figure 6 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the consumables in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0057] To better understand the technical solution of the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] It should be understood that the described embodiments are merely some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0059] The terminology used in the embodiments of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used in the embodiments of this invention and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0060] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used in this article is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this article generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0061] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe terminals in the embodiments of the present invention, these terminals should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish terminals from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of the embodiments of the present invention, a first terminal may also be referred to as a second terminal, and similarly, a second terminal may also be referred to as a first terminal.

[0062] Depending on the context, the word "if" as used here can be interpreted as "when," "when," "in response to determination," or "in response to detection." Similarly, depending on the context, the phrase "if determination" or "if detection (of the stated condition or event)" can be interpreted as "when determination," "in response to determination," "when detection (of the stated condition or event)," or "in response to detection (of the stated condition or event)."

[0063] This application provides an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus can be used to perform image forming jobs, such as, but not limited to, image generation, printing, receiving, and transmitting image data. Examples of the image forming apparatus in this application include: inkjet printers, laser printers, LED (Light Emitting Diode) printers, copiers, scanners, or multifunction fax machines, as well as multifunction peripherals (MFPs) that perform the above functions in a single device.

[0064] In this embodiment of the application, the image forming apparatus includes a control module and an image processing module. The control module is used to control the image forming apparatus as a whole, and the image processing module is used to form an image on the medium such as paper that is being transported, based on image data and under the control of the control module.

[0065] The control module can be a SoC (System on Chip), which is a miniature system composed of multiple system components. It is configured to control the imaging processing operations of the image forming device, such as performing linear correction, noise reduction, bad pixel removal, and detail enhancement on image data to improve the quality of image output. The control module is also used to perform data transmission and reception, command transmission and reception, and processing operations related to the printing engine control of the image. For example, it can transmit and receive data, print engine control commands, and status through interface units (including but not limited to USB ports, wired network ports, wireless network ports, or other interfaces).

[0066] The image forming apparatus in this embodiment includes an image forming apparatus body. Consumables can typically be toner cartridges, developer cartridges, and drum cartridges, or other easily damaged and replaceable components, parts, or units within the image forming apparatus, such as paper trays. Consumables can be detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. Generally, consumables are equipped with a consumable chip. When the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the electrical contacts on the consumable chip can be electrically connected to the control module within the image forming apparatus body via electrical contacts on the image forming apparatus body side. This allows communication with the control module, for example, detecting the quantity of toner or the operating status of components, and transmitting this data to the control module. In this embodiment, the electrical contacts can be structures in the form of conductive planes, conductive probes, conductive coils, etc. For ease of distinction, the electrical contacts on the body side will be referred to as pins, and the electrical contacts on the consumable chip side will be referred to as electrical contacts.

[0067] See Figure 1 This application provides a partial structural schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus.

[0068] exist Figure 1 As an example of an image forming apparatus, the image forming module of the image forming apparatus may include: a developer container 11, a developing component 12, a developer delivery element 13, a photosensitive component 14, a transfer component 15, and a fixing assembly 5, etc. The paper to be printed moves in the paper feeding direction, and after passing through the toner delivery element 13 for toner feeding and the developing component 12 for developing, it reaches the clamping area between the photosensitive component 14 and the transfer component 15 for transfer, and then passes through the fixing assembly 5 for fixing to complete the image forming operation. The developer container 11 is used to hold the developer, which may be a toner, carbon powder, or other materials. The developing component 12 includes a developing roller, etc. The developer delivery element 13 includes a toner delivery roller, etc. The photosensitive component 14 includes a photosensitive drum and a charging roller, etc., wherein the charging roller is used to charge the photosensitive drum.

[0069] Typically, image forming apparatuses have at least one consumable removably mounted, to Figure 1 Taking the image forming apparatus shown as an example, the image forming apparatus is detachably equipped with four consumables (respectively...). Figure 1 The consumables 1, 2, 3, and 4 shown are used to provide the image forming apparatus with four colors of developer: black (K), cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y), respectively. Of course, in other embodiments, the number of consumables installed in the image forming apparatus can be increased or decreased, for example, to five, six, or even more or fewer, etc. This invention does not limit this. The embodiments of this application are preferably applied to scenarios where the number of consumables installed in the image forming apparatus is greater than or equal to two.

[0070] In this embodiment, for the consumable chip, in one possible implementation, the consumable may only include a developer container 11. In other implementations, the consumable may be a separate structure, for example: the consumable (1, 2, 3, or 4) includes a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge that can be disassembled and reassembled. The developer cartridge includes a housing, a developer container 11, a developer component 12, and / or a developer delivery element 13; while the drum cartridge includes a photosensitive component 14, i.e., a photosensitive drum and a charging roller. The developer container 11 is located inside the housing and is used to contain developer. The developer delivery element 13 is used to deliver developer to the developer component 12, and the developer component 12 is used to deliver developer to the photosensitive drum. The developer delivery element may be a powder feeding roller or other components such as a powder pushing screw. In other implementations, the consumable may also be an integrated structure, for example: the consumable (1, 2, 3, or 4) simultaneously includes a developer container 11, a developer component 12, a developer delivery element 13, and a photosensitive component 14.

[0071] See Figure 2a This is a consumable provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0072] Specifically, in this embodiment, the consumable 100 is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body, including:

[0073] Imaging component 101; the imaging component 101 is connected to a conductive contact 1011, the conductive contact 1011 is used to receive power from the power supply module; consumable chip 102, the consumable chip 102 includes electrical contacts, the electrical contacts include power contacts and communication contacts, the communication contacts are electrically connected to the communication pins on the image forming apparatus body side when the consumable 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus body;

[0074] And a conductive unit 103 for electrically connecting the conductive contact 1011 to the power contact.

[0075] In one feasible implementation, the power supply template can be set on the image forming apparatus body.

[0076] In a specific embodiment of this application, the imaging component 101 includes any one of a charging roller, a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, and an image carrier for carrying developer during imaging in an image forming apparatus. When the imaging component is an image carrier for carrying developer during imaging in an image forming apparatus, the image carrier includes a conductive substrate, and the conductive substrate is connected to conductive contacts. For example, the imaging component may be a photosensitive drum, and the conductive substrate may correspond to the conductive substrate of the photosensitive drum.

[0077] In the embodiments of this application, the imaging component 101 receives power from the power supply module through the conductive contact 1011. The power supply module can be a power supply module disposed on the side of the image forming apparatus body.

[0078] The consumable chip in this embodiment includes electrical contacts, including power contacts and communication contacts. When the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the communication contacts are electrically connected to the communication pins on the image forming apparatus body side. The power contacts are connected to the conductive contacts of the imaging component through the conductive unit 103. Thus, the power contacts of the consumable chip do not need to be connected to the image forming apparatus body side, and there is no need to provide power pins corresponding to the power contacts on the image forming apparatus body side, thereby reducing the structural cost of the image forming apparatus body.

[0079] In embodiments of this application, the power supply module on the image forming apparatus body side can provide high-voltage power to the conductive contacts of the imaging component, while the power contacts of the consumable chip require low-voltage power. Therefore, the conductive unit 103 may include a voltage regulation circuit, such as a voltage divider circuit, to divide the high voltage received by the conductive contacts before supplying it to the power contacts of the consumable chip. In some embodiments, the voltage received by the conductive contacts of the imaging component may be equal to the power supply voltage of the consumable chip, and the conductive unit 103 may be a wire.

[0080] In the embodiments of this application, the consumable chip includes a substrate, and communication contacts and power contacts are located on different surfaces of the substrate, thereby facilitating the electrical connection between the communication contacts and the communication pins on the body side of the image forming apparatus to achieve communication, while the power contacts are connected to the conductive contacts of the imaging component through the conductive unit 103.

[0081] The consumables and image forming apparatus provided in the above-described embodiments of this application include an imaging component and a consumable chip at the consumable end. The imaging component is connected to conductive contacts. When the consumables are installed on the image forming apparatus body, the image forming apparatus body supplies power to the imaging component and the consumable chip through the conductive contacts. In this way, the consumable chip does not need to be directly connected to the image forming apparatus body through power contacts, and there is no need to set a power supply pin on the image forming apparatus body to provide power to the consumable chip, thereby reducing the number of pins on the image forming apparatus body side and saving the cost of image forming apparatus structural design.

[0082] In subsequent embodiments of this application, the imaging component can be described as an image carrier that carries the developer during imaging by the image forming apparatus.

[0083] See Figure 2b This is the electrical connection structure of the consumables provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0084] In this embodiment, the consumable 200 is detachably mounted on the image forming apparatus body. The consumable 200 includes:

[0085] Image carrier 201 is used to carry developer during imaging in an image forming apparatus. Image carrier 201 includes a conductive substrate 2011. The conductive substrate 2011 is connected to a conductive contact 2013. When consumable 200 is mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the conductive contact 2013 is powered by the image forming apparatus body.

[0086] Consumable chip 202 has pins connected to electrical contacts, including power contacts. Figure 2b The diagram shows 2021) and communication contacts ( Figure 2b (Illustrated as 2022-2024), when the consumable 200 is installed on the image forming apparatus body, the communication contact is electrically connected to the pins on the image forming apparatus body side;

[0087] And a conductive unit 203 that electrically connects the conductive contact 2013 to the power contact 2021.

[0088] The consumable provided in the above-described embodiments of this application includes an image carrier and a consumable chip at the consumable end. The conductive substrate of the image carrier is connected to conductive contacts, and the pins of the consumable chip are connected to electrical contacts. The power contacts in the electrical contacts are connected to the conductive contacts through a circuit. When the consumable is installed on the image forming apparatus body, the image forming apparatus body supplies power to the image carrier and the consumable chip through the conductive contacts. In this way, the consumable chip does not need to be directly connected to the image forming apparatus body through the power contacts, and there is no need to design corresponding power pins for the consumable chip on the image forming apparatus body side, thereby reducing the number of pins on the image forming apparatus body side and saving the cost of image forming apparatus structural design.

[0089] The structure and working principle of the above-mentioned consumables are described below in a more detailed embodiment of this application.

[0090] Consumable 200 includes a housing. Consumable 200 includes an image carrier, which is installed in the housing. Specifically, the image carrier can be a photosensitive drum 201. The photosensitive drum 201 includes a photosensitive drum conductive substrate 2011 and a photosensitive film 2012 covering the photosensitive drum conductive substrate. The photosensitive drum conductive substrate can be, but is not limited to, an aluminum photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate. Generally, during the image formation process, the photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate 2011 can be connected to one side of the image forming apparatus body via conductive contacts 2013, with a constant voltage provided by the image forming apparatus body side. The photosensitive film 2012 can be made of different materials, such as selenium, organic materials, or ceramic materials, depending on the principle. During the image formation process, the photosensitive drum undergoes charging, exposure, and development processes, allowing it to carry toner, pigment, and other developers on its surface. In a specific embodiment of this application, since the photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate can rotate during operation, a rotatable conductive steel shaft can be used to connect the conductive contacts, specifically as follows... Figure 6 In the middle, the conductive contact is shown as 2013. The conductive contact 2013 is connected to the conductive steel shaft 26 through the conductive metal spring 27A, and the conductive steel shaft 26 is electrically connected to the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum.

[0091] The consumable chip includes a substrate on which the aforementioned electrical contacts are disposed.

[0092] Depending on the type of consumable chip used, the consumable chip can have different packages and different numbers of pins. Figure 2b In the illustration, the consumable chip 202 is only shown as a chip with four electrical contacts: power contact VCC, clock contact CLK, data contact DATA, and ground contact GND. In the prior art, depending on the number of electrical contacts on the consumable chip side, corresponding pins need to be designed on the image forming apparatus body side to achieve electrical connection upon contact. This results in a large number of pins being required on the body side when there are many consumables, leading to higher costs.

[0093] As an improvement, in this embodiment, the power contacts of the consumable chip 202 are connected to the conductive contacts 2013 via a preset conductive unit 203. This allows the consumable 200 to be installed on the image forming body side, enabling the body to simultaneously power both the photosensitive drum 201 and the consumable chip 202 via the conductive contacts 2013. This saves space on the power pins of the chip on the body side, and the number of power pins saved increases with the number of consumables. Furthermore, this embodiment eliminates the need for power pins to connect to the consumable chip on the body side, preventing power instability in the consumable chip even after multiple removals or installations.

[0094] In specific embodiments of this application, the consumable chip and the power contacts and communication contacts included in the consumable chip can have different design forms. Figure 5 For example, the consumable chip 202 includes a substrate 22, with communication contacts and power contacts located on different surfaces of the substrate. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the power contact 2021 of the consumable chip 202 is disposed on the upward-facing surface of the substrate, while the GND contact 2024, CLK contact 2022, and DATA contact 2023 of the consumable chip 202 are disposed on the downward-facing surface of the substrate. In other embodiments, the power contact 2021 and the communication contact are located on the same surface of the substrate 22. The communication contact includes the GND contact 2024, CLK contact 2022, and DATA contact 2023. The power contact is located on one side of the substrate 22, and the communication contact is located on the other side of the substrate 22. The distance between the power contact and the communication contact furthest from the multiple communication contacts is greater than a preset value (the preset value can be set according to actual conditions). That is, the power contact is located to the left or right of all the communication contacts, meaning the power contact is closer to the conductive contact. This makes it easier to connect the power contact and the conductive contact, resulting in lower design costs.

[0095] exist Figure 6 In the consumable chip 202, the power contact 2021 and the communication contact are located on different surfaces of the substrate. In order to facilitate electrical connection, the power contact 2021 points to the conductive contact 2013, and the conductive contact 2013 condenses the power contact 2021 through the conductive metal carbon sheet 27B.

[0096] In the embodiments of this application, Figure 2b The power contact 2021 is connected to the conductive contact 2013 via the conductive unit 203. The conductive unit 203 can have different design forms. Figure 6In this design, the conductive unit has been simplified to a conductive metal spring 27B, i.e., a wire. This form is mainly used in scenarios where the voltage supplying the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum on the image forming apparatus body is equal to the power supply voltage of the consumable chip, such as a scenario where both the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum and the consumable chip have a power supply voltage of +5V. In other scenarios, such as when the power supply voltage of the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum is higher than the power supply voltage of the consumable chip, the conductive unit 203 can also be a voltage regulation circuit. Through the voltage regulation unit, the power supply voltage of the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum can be adjusted to meet the power supply requirements of the consumable chip. The voltage regulation circuit may include, but is not limited to, voltage divider circuits. Of course, for stable signal transmission, the conductive unit 203 may also include voltage regulator circuits, filter circuits, etc., which will not be described in detail here. The consumable chip includes a voltage divider circuit, which divides the signal received by the voltage divider circuit to obtain a divided signal, specifically reducing the voltage of the signal input to the voltage divider circuit; a voltage regulator circuit, which regulates the signal received by the voltage regulator circuit to obtain a regulated signal, serving to stabilize the voltage and prevent damage to the circuit from excessive voltage; the voltage regulator circuit may also include components or circuits that can regulate voltage; and / or a filter circuit, which filters the signal received by the filter circuit to obtain a filtered signal, specifically filtering out some signals to prevent breakdown of connected modules and protect the circuit from damage. In embodiments of this application, the consumable chip may further include a detection unit connected to the conductive contact, which detects whether the conductive contact is receiving power. The consumable chip may also include a chip control unit, which, upon receiving a communication request from the image forming apparatus body, acquires the detection result of the detection unit, and does not respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is not receiving power, and responds to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is receiving power.

[0097] In another aspect of the embodiments of this application, a consumable chip is also provided.

[0098] The aforementioned consumable chips include:

[0099] Storage unit;

[0100] The electrical contacts include power contacts and communication contacts. When the consumables are mounted on the image forming apparatus body, the communication contacts are electrically connected to the communication pins on the image forming apparatus body side.

[0101] A conductive unit is used to connect the power contact to a conductive contact provided on the consumable, wherein the conductive contact is electrically connected to an imaging component included on the consumable, and is used to receive power from the power supply unit when the consumable is mounted on the image forming apparatus body.

[0102] The aforementioned consumable chip can be installed in the consumables in the foregoing embodiments. It will not be repeated here, but you can refer to the relevant description of the consumables in the foregoing embodiments.

[0103] In one aspect of the embodiments of this application, an image forming apparatus is also provided.

[0104] Image forming apparatus, comprising:

[0105] An image forming unit is used to perform image forming operations;

[0106] Conductive pins are used to electrically connect to conductive contacts provided on the consumable when the consumable is installed in the image forming apparatus. The conductive contacts are respectively electrically connected to the imaging component and the consumable chip included in the consumable.

[0107] A communication pin is used to electrically connect with the communication contacts included in the consumable chip when the consumable is installed in the image forming apparatus described above.

[0108] Please refer to the following: Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image forming apparatus described above will be explained in the detailed embodiments of this application.

[0109] See Figure 3 In one embodiment of this application, an image forming apparatus is also provided.

[0110] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a detachably interconnected image forming apparatus body 300 and at least one consumable 200.

[0111] The image forming apparatus body 300 includes a power supply module 301, a control module 302, and an image processing module 303; the power supply module 301 is connected to the control module 302 and the image processing module 303 respectively, and the control module 302 is connected to the image processing module 303.

[0112] Specifically, the power module 301 includes an AC power interface, through which it connects to an AC power source (e.g., but not limited to 220V AC power). The power module 301 also includes a rectifier circuit to convert AC power into DC power, and a voltage converter circuit to further convert the DC power into different DC voltage values, such as +24V, +12V, +5V, +3.3V, and +1.8V, to power various chips and devices in the control module 302 and the image processing module 303.

[0113] The control module 302 can be a system-on-a-chip (SoC) used to control the image forming apparatus as a whole. The control module 302 is designed with conductive pins for connection to communication contacts on the consumable side when the consumable 200 is mounted on the main body. Specifically, the conductive pin CLK of the control module 302 is connected to the communication contact 2022 on the consumable side.

[0114] The image processing module 303 is also provided with conductive pins, which are electrically connected to the conductive contacts 2013 when the consumable 200 is installed on the image forming apparatus body 300, so that the image processing module 303 can supply power to the conductive substrate 2011 of the image carrier 201.

[0115] For the consumable side, consumable 200 includes a housing. Consumable 200 includes an image carrier, which is installed within the housing. Specifically, the image carrier can be a photosensitive drum 201. The photosensitive drum 201 includes a photosensitive drum conductive substrate 2011 and a photosensitive film 2012 covering the photosensitive drum conductive substrate. The photosensitive drum conductive substrate can be, but is not limited to, an aluminum photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate. Generally, during the image formation process, the photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate 2011 can be connected to one side of the image forming apparatus body via conductive contacts 2013, with a constant voltage provided by the image forming apparatus body side. The photosensitive film 2012 can be made of different materials depending on the principle, such as selenium, organic materials, or ceramic materials. During the image formation process, the photosensitive drum undergoes charging, exposure, and development processes, allowing it to carry toner, pigment, and other developers on its surface. In a specific embodiment of this application, since the photosensitive drum conductive aluminum substrate can rotate during operation, a rotatable conductive steel shaft can be used to connect the conductive contacts, specifically as follows... Figure 6 In the middle, the conductive contact is shown as 2013. The conductive contact 2013 is connected to the conductive steel shaft 26 through the conductive metal spring 27A, and the conductive steel shaft 26 is electrically connected to the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum.

[0116] The power supply pin VCC of the consumable chip 202 is connected to the power contact 2021. The power contact 2021 is connected to the conductive contact 2013 through a preset conductive unit 203. Thus, when the consumable 200 is installed on the image forming body, the body can simultaneously supply power to both the photosensitive drum 201 and the consumable chip 202 through the conductive contact 2013. This saves space on the power supply pins of the chip on the body side, and the number of power supply pins saved increases with the number of consumables. A further beneficial effect of this embodiment is that it eliminates the need for power supply pins to connect to the consumable chip on the body side, and prevents power supply instability in the consumable chip after multiple removals or installations of the consumable.

[0117] In specific embodiments of this application, the consumable chip and the power contacts and communication contacts included in the consumable chip can have different design forms. Figure 5 For example, the consumable chip 202 includes a substrate 22, with communication contacts and power contacts located on different surfaces of the substrate. Figure 5 In this embodiment, the power contact 2021 of the consumable chip 202 is disposed on the upward-facing surface of the substrate, while the GND contact 2024, CLK contact 2022, and DATA contact 2023 of the consumable chip 202 are disposed on the downward-facing surface of the substrate. In other embodiments, the power contact 2021 and the communication contact are located on the same surface of the substrate 22. The communication contact includes the GND contact 2024, CLK contact 2022, and DATA contact 2023. The power contact is located on one side of the substrate 22, and the communication contact is located on the other side of the substrate 22. The distance between the power contact and the communication contact furthest from the multiple communication contacts is greater than a preset value (the preset value can be set according to actual conditions). That is, the power contact is located to the left or right of all the communication contacts, meaning the power contact is closer to the conductive contact. This makes it easier to connect the power contact and the conductive contact, resulting in lower design costs.

[0118] exist Figure 6 In the consumable chip 202, the power contact 2021 and the communication contact are located on different surfaces of the substrate. In order to facilitate electrical connection, the power contact 2021 points to the conductive contact 2013, and the conductive contact 2013 condenses the power contact 2021 through the conductive metal carbon sheet 27B.

[0119] In this embodiment, the power contact 2021 in FIG2 is connected to the conductive contact 2013 through the conductive unit 203. The conductive unit 203 can have different design forms. Figure 6In this design, the conductive unit has been simplified to a conductive metal spring 27B, i.e., a wire. This form is mainly used in scenarios where the voltage supplying the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum on the image forming apparatus body is equal to the power supply voltage of the consumable chip, such as a scenario where both the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum and the consumable chip have a power supply voltage of +5V. In other scenarios, such as when the power supply voltage of the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum is higher than the power supply voltage of the consumable chip, the conductive unit 203 can also be a voltage regulation circuit. Through the voltage regulation unit, the power supply voltage of the conductive aluminum base of the photosensitive drum can be adjusted to meet the power supply requirements of the consumable chip. The voltage regulation circuit may include, but is not limited to, voltage divider circuits. Of course, for stable signal transmission, the conductive unit 203 may also include voltage regulator circuits, filter circuits, etc., which will not be described in detail here. The circuit includes a voltage divider circuit, which divides the signal received by the voltage divider circuit to obtain a divided signal, specifically reducing the voltage of the signal input to the voltage divider circuit; a voltage regulator circuit, which regulates the signal received by the voltage regulator circuit to obtain a regulated signal, serving to stabilize the voltage and prevent damage to the circuit from excessive voltage, and may also include components or circuits that can regulate voltage; and / or a filter circuit, which filters the signal received by the filter circuit to obtain a filtered signal, specifically filtering out some signals to prevent breakdown of connected modules and protect the circuit from damage.

[0120] In summary, when the consumable 200 is mounted on the image forming apparatus body 300, the image forming apparatus body 300 can provide stable power to both the image carrier 201 and the consumable chip simultaneously through the power module 301. Therefore, there is no need to design a corresponding power supply pin for the consumable chip on the control module 302, thus saving design costs.

[0121] In embodiments of this application, the consumable chip may further include a detection unit connected to a conductive contact, the detection unit being used to detect whether the conductive contact has received power. The consumable may also include a chip control unit, used to, upon receiving a communication request from the image forming apparatus, acquire the detection result of the detection unit, and not respond to the communication request if the detection result indicates that the conductive contact has not received power, and respond to the communication request if the detection result indicates that the conductive contact has received power.

[0122] See Figure 4 In an embodiment of this application, another image forming apparatus is provided.

[0123] In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus includes a detachably interconnected image forming apparatus body 300 and at least one consumable 200.

[0124] The aforementioned consumable 200 is the same consumable described in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that in this embodiment, the conductive unit 203 has been simplified to a wire.

[0125] The image forming apparatus body 300 includes a power supply module 301, a control module 302 (in this embodiment, the control module may be a SOC 302) and an image processing module 303. The power supply module 301 is connected to and supplies power to the SOC 302 and the image processing module 303, respectively, and the SOC 302 is connected to the image processing module 303.

[0126] The image processing module 303 is provided with conductive pins for electrical connection with the conductive contact 2013 when the consumable 200 is installed on the image forming apparatus body 300.

[0127] The SOC 302 is provided with communication pins (e.g., CLK, DATA, and GND) for electrical connection to the communication contacts (e.g., 2022 to 2024) of the consumable chip when the consumable 200 is mounted on the image forming apparatus body 300.

[0128] The embodiments of this application and Figure 3 The difference is that the image forming apparatus body 300 in this embodiment of the application further includes a switching circuit, which is connected to the power supply module and the aforementioned conductive pins respectively, and the control module is connected to the control terminal of the switching circuit.

[0129] In this embodiment, the switching circuit is electrically connected to the control module and the conductive pin respectively; the control module is used to control the switching circuit to be in a conducting state or a cut-off state. When the switching circuit is in a cut-off state, the control module is used to send a communication request to the consumable chip through the communication pin. When the response information corresponding to the communication request is received, it is determined that the consumable does not meet expectations.

[0130] Specifically, the working principle of the image forming apparatus in this application embodiment is as follows:

[0131] First, connect the image forming apparatus body 300 to the mains power, and then install the consumables 200 onto the body.

[0132] The control module 302 on the image forming apparatus body 300 controls the switch circuit to disconnect, thereby de-energizing the image carrier 201 and simultaneously cutting off the power supply to the consumable chip 202. At this time, the control module 302 sends a communication command to the consumable chip 202 to determine whether the consumable chip 202 provides feedback. If the consumable chip 202 provides feedback, it is determined that the consumable does not meet expectations. The possible reason is that the consumable chip has another path to obtain power, which poses some safety hazards.

[0133] Once the consumable meets expectations, the control module 302 controls the switch circuit to close, and the power module 301 can provide a stable voltage supply (e.g., +5V) to the aluminum substrate 2011 of the image carrier 201. Since the power pin VCC of the consumable chip 202 is connected to the power contact 2021, which is electrically connected to the aluminum substrate, the power module 301 on the main body side can simultaneously supply power to the consumable chip. The consumable chip 202 can then communicate with the control module 302; for example, the consumable chip 202 can send toner or colorant quantity data to the control module. Simultaneously, a detection unit can be set at the consumable chip 202 to detect whether the aluminum substrate is properly connected to the image forming apparatus main body. If the aluminum substrate is detected to be properly powered, the consumable chip will respond normally to the communication request from the image forming apparatus main body; if no power supply signal is detected, it will not respond to the communication request from the main body side.

[0134] The control module 302 can also be used to control the above-mentioned conductive pin to be grounded when the image processing module 302 performs image processing, and to control the above-mentioned conductive pin to be connected to a preset operating voltage (+5V) when the image processing module completes image processing, thereby reducing the DD220295I

[0135] Interference factors in image processing processes such as printing.

[0136] In summary, the consumables and image forming apparatus provided in this application include an image carrier and a consumable chip at the consumable end. The conductive substrate of the image carrier is connected to conductive contacts, and the pins of the consumable chip are connected to electrical contacts. The power contacts in the electrical contacts are connected to the conductive contacts through a circuit. When the consumable is installed on the image forming apparatus body, the image forming apparatus body supplies power to the image carrier and the consumable chip through the conductive contacts. In this way, the consumable chip does not need to be directly connected to the image forming apparatus body through the power contacts, and there is no need to design corresponding power pins for the consumable chip on the image forming apparatus body side. This reduces the number of contacts on the consumable side of the image forming apparatus and the number of pins on the image forming apparatus body side, saving the cost of image forming apparatus structural design.

[0137] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A consumable which is detachably mounted on an image forming apparatus body, characterized by, The consumable comprises: An imaging component; The imaging component is connected with an electrically-conductive contact point, which is used to receive power supply from a power supply module; A consumable chip, which contains an electric contact point, the electric contact point includes a power supply contact point and a communication contact point, the communication contact point is electrically connected with a communication pin on the image forming device body when the consumable is installed on the image forming device body; And an electrically-conductive unit for electrically connecting the electrically-conductive contact point with the power supply contact point.

2. The consumable of claim 1, wherein, The electrically-conductive unit includes a voltage regulating circuit, which is connected with the electrically-conductive contact point and the power supply contact point respectively.

3. The consumable of claim 1, wherein, The electrically-conductive unit is a wire.

4. The consumable of claim 1, wherein, The consumable chip includes a substrate, the communication contact point and the power supply contact point are located on different surfaces of the substrate respectively; or the power supply contact point and the communication contact point are located on the same surface of the substrate, and the power supply contact point is located on one side of the substrate and the communication contact point is located on the other side of the substrate.

5. The consumable of claim 1, wherein, The consumable chip further comprises: A detection unit connected with the electrically-conductive contact point, the detection unit is used to detect whether the electrically-conductive contact point obtains power supply; A chip control unit, which is used to obtain the detection result of the detection unit after receiving the communication request sent by the image forming device body, not to respond to the communication request when the detection result is that the electrically-conductive contact point does not obtain power supply, and to respond to the communication request when the detection result is that the electrically-conductive contact point obtains power supply.

6. The consumable of any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The imaging component includes any one of a charging roller, a developing roller, a powder feeding roller, and an image carrier for carrying a developer when the image forming device images.

7. The consumable according to claim 6, characterized in that When the imaging component is an image carrier for carrying a developer when the image forming device images, the image carrier includes a conductive base connected with the electrically-conductive contact point.

8. A consumable chip mounted to a consumable, characterized by Comprise: A storage unit; An electric contact point, which includes a power supply contact point and a communication contact point, the communication contact point is electrically connected with a communication pin on the image forming device body when the consumable is installed on the image forming device body; An electrically-conductive unit for connecting the power supply contact point with an electrically-conductive contact point provided on the consumable, wherein the electrically-conductive contact point is electrically connected with an imaging component contained in the consumable, and is used to receive power supply from a power supply unit when the consumable is installed on the image forming device body.

9. The consumable chip of claim 8, wherein, The electrically-conductive unit includes: A voltage regulating circuit, which is electrically connected with the electrically-conductive contact point and the power supply contact point respectively.

10. The consumable chip of claim 8, wherein, The electrically-conductive unit is a wire.

11. The consumable chip of claim 8, wherein, The consumable chip includes a substrate, the communication contact point and the power supply contact point are located on different surfaces of the substrate respectively, or the power supply contact point and the communication contact point are located on the same surface of the substrate, and the power supply contact point is located on one side of the substrate and the communication contact point is located on the other side of the substrate.

12. The consumable chip of claim 8, wherein, Further comprise: A detection unit, which is electrically connected with the electrically-conductive contact point, and is used to detect whether the electrically-conductive contact point obtains power supply; A chip control unit is configured to obtain a detection result of the detection unit when receiving a communication request sent by the image forming device body, and to respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is powered, and to not respond to the communication request when the detection result indicates that the conductive contact is not powered.

13. A consumable detachably mounted to an image forming apparatus body, characterized by, The consumable chip comprises an imaging component and a conductive contact, and the imaging component is connected to the conductive contact.

14. The consumable of claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 13, wherein, The consumable comprises a developer accommodating portion.

15. The consumable of claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 13, wherein, The consumable is of a split structure, and comprises a developer cartridge and a drum cartridge which are detachably connected to each other.

16. The consumable of claim 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 or 13, wherein, The consumable is of an integrated structure, and comprises a developer accommodating portion, a developing component, a developer conveying element, and a photosensitive component.

17. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: The image forming unit is configured to perform an image forming operation. The conductive pin is configured to electrically connect to a conductive contact provided on the consumable when the consumable is installed in the image forming device, and the conductive contact is electrically connected to the imaging component and the consumable chip. The communication pin is configured to electrically connect to a communication contact included in the consumable chip when the consumable is installed in the image forming device. The control module and the switch circuit are electrically connected to each other.

18. The image forming apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that, The control module is configured to control the switch circuit to be in a conducting state or a non-conducting state, and when the switch circuit is in the non-conducting state, the control module is configured to send a communication request to the consumable chip through the communication pin, and when receiving response information corresponding to the communication request, to determine that the consumable does not meet an expectation. The image forming device body and the at least one consumable are detachably connected to each other. The consumable is any one of the consumables described in claims 1 to 7.

19. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: The image forming device body comprises a power supply module, a control module, a conductive pin, and a communication pin, and the power supply module is connected to the control module. The conductive pin is configured to electrically connect to the conductive contact when the consumable is installed in the image forming device body. The communication pin is configured to electrically connect to the communication contact of the consumable chip when the consumable is installed in the image forming device body. The image forming device body further comprises a switch circuit, and the switch circuit is connected to the power supply module and the conductive pin. The control module is configured to control the switch circuit to be in a conducting state or a non-conducting state, and when the switch circuit is in the non-conducting state, the control module is configured to send a communication request to the consumable chip through the communication pin, and when receiving response information corresponding to the communication request, to determine that the consumable does not meet an expectation.

20. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, characterized in that, ​ ​

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