Isolation circuit, image forming apparatus, and circuit isolation method

Abstract

The application discloses an isolation circuit, an image forming device and a circuit isolation method. The isolation circuit comprises a power supply end, a grounding end and a first switching unit. When the first processing box is installed in the image forming device, the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding end. When the first processing box is installed in the image forming device and the grounding end is in the ungrounded state, the first switching unit controls the power supply end and the first power supply unit to be in the disconnected state. When the grounding end is switched from the grounded state to the ungrounded state, the first switching unit can control the power supply end and the first power supply unit to be switched from the electrically connected state to the disconnected state, signal crosstalk can be prevented, thus the deviation of the grounding detection can be prevented, and the detection accuracy is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of image forming technology, specifically to an isolation circuit, an image forming apparatus, and a circuit isolation method. Background Technology

[0002] The main principle of laser printing is that a photosensitive drum absorbs developer, which is then transferred to the printing medium. Fixing then fixes the developer onto the printing medium. The development process is primarily provided by the processing cartridge, which contains a processing cartridge consumable chip. After the processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the processing cartridge consumable chip needs to communicate with the image forming apparatus. If the grounding contact of the processing cartridge consumable chip is unstable, it may damage the chip. Therefore, grounding needs to be checked. Currently, the main grounding detection method is to disconnect the grounding of the consumable chip and detect the potential of the corresponding port of the image forming apparatus. However, the current circuit settings can affect the detected potential value, leading to inaccuracies in the grounding detection. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the prior art, the main objective of this application is to provide an isolation circuit, an image forming apparatus, and a circuit isolation method that can prevent grounding detection from deviating and improve detection accuracy.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, this application specifically adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an isolation circuit for mounting in an image forming apparatus, wherein the isolation circuit is electrically connected to a first chip in a first processing box, the first processing box being mounted in the image forming apparatus, and the first chip having a power terminal and a first grounding portion, comprising:

[0006] The power supply terminal, when the first processing box is installed in the image forming apparatus, is used to electrically connect the first power supply unit and the power receiving terminal respectively;

[0007] A grounding terminal is used to be electrically connected to the first grounding part, and the grounding terminal is electrically connected to a second power supply unit different from the first power supply unit. When the first processing box is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding terminal.

[0008] The first switching unit is configured to control whether the power supply terminal and the first power supply unit are in an electrically connected state or a disconnected state.

[0009] When the first processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus and the grounding terminal is in the ungrounded state, the first switching unit controls the power supply terminal to be disconnected from the first power supply unit.

[0010] Secondly, this application provides an image forming apparatus, including a main body and an isolation circuit as described in the first aspect, wherein the isolation circuit is at least partially disposed on the main body.

[0011] Thirdly, this application provides a circuit isolation method, comprising the following steps:

[0012] The image forming device enters grounding detection mode;

[0013] The grounding terminal of the image forming apparatus switches from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, and the power supply terminal of the image forming apparatus switches from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state with the first power supply unit.

[0014] The power supply terminal is used to electrically connect to the power connection terminals of the first power supply unit and the first chip of the first processing box, respectively. The grounding terminal is used to electrically connect to the first grounding part of the first processing box and the second power supply unit different from the first power supply unit, so that the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding terminal.

[0015] Compared to existing technologies, when the first processing box is installed on the image forming apparatus, the first grounding part on the first chip of the first processing box is grounded through the grounding terminal. When it is necessary to check the grounding status of the first chip, the grounding terminal can be switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state. If the first grounding part of the first chip cannot be grounded through the grounding terminal of the image forming apparatus at this time, the grounding status can be judged by the potential at the first grounding part or the grounding terminal. When the grounding terminal is switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, the power supply terminal and the first power supply unit can be controlled to switch from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state, which can prevent signal crosstalk. The voltage of the first power supply unit will not affect the potential judgment at the first grounding part or the grounding terminal through the internal circuit of the first chip. Therefore, it can prevent deviations in grounding detection and improve the accuracy of detection. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the image forming apparatus provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0017] Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the interaction between the isolation circuit and the first processing box and the second processing box provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the interaction between the isolation circuit provided in the embodiments of this application and the four first processing boxes and the four second processing boxes.

[0019] Attached image labels:

[0020] 100. First processing box; 11. Photosensitive drum; 12. Charging roller; 13. Developing roller; 14. First chip; 15. Second chip; 200. Image forming apparatus; 201. Paper tray; 202. Feed roller; 203. First transfer roller; 204. Laser; 205. Transfer roller; 206. Fixing unit; 207. Second transfer roller; 208. Paper discharge tray; 209. Power supply terminal; 210. Grounding terminal; 211. Second switching unit; 212. First switching unit; 213. First power supply unit; 214. Second power supply unit; 215. Potential detection circuit; 216. Controller; 216a. First control unit; 216b. Second control unit; 300. Paper; 400. Second processing box. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance; unless otherwise specified or explained, the term "multiple" refers to two or more, and the term "various types" refers to two or more; the terms "connection," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, an integral connection, or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In the description of this specification, it should be understood that the directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" used in the embodiments of this application are used to describe the angles shown in the accompanying drawings and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application. Furthermore, in the context, it should also be understood that when it is mentioned that an element is connected "upper" or "lower" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower," or indirectly connected to the other element "upper" or "lower" through an intermediate element.

[0024] Reference Figure 1As shown, the operating principle of the image forming apparatus 200 is illustrated by example. The image forming apparatus 200 includes a paper tray 201, a feed roller 202, a first conveyor roller 203, a laser 204, a transfer roller 205, a fixing unit 206, a second conveyor roller 207, and an output paper tray 208. The first conveyor roller 203 is disposed in the paper feed path of the image forming apparatus 200, and the second conveyor roller 207 is disposed in the paper output path of the image forming apparatus 200. The paper tray 201 is used to store paper 300, the feed roller 202 is used to convey the paper 300 stored in the paper tray 201 to the paper feed path, and the first conveyor roller 203 is used to convey the paper 300 to the clamping area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 205. The charging roller 12 charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, the laser 204 emits a laser beam to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11, and the developing roller 13 transports the developer to the photosensitive drum 11 to develop a developer image on its surface. When the paper 300 passes through the clamping area of ​​the photosensitive drum 11 and the transfer roller 205, the developer image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 11 is transferred to the paper 300 by the action of the transfer roller 205, etc. The fixing unit 206 fixes the developer image on the paper 300, and the fixed paper 300 is transported to the discharge tray 208 by the second conveyor roller 207.

[0025] The above is a typical structure of an image forming apparatus, but it does not mean that this application can only be applied to the above image forming apparatus 200. In fact, this application can be applied to various image forming apparatuses with image forming functions, such as laser printing and inkjet printing.

[0026] The first processing cartridge 100 includes a cartridge body, and / or an imaging assembly, and / or a developing assembly. The cartridge body 11 has a cavity for receiving developer (which may be, for example, toner). The imaging assembly includes at least a photosensitive drum 11 and a charging roller 12, and the developing assembly includes at least a developing roller 13. Of course, the first processing cartridge 100 may also be an ink cartridge containing ink.

[0027] Reference Figure 2As shown, one embodiment of this application discloses an isolation circuit for installation in an image forming apparatus 200. The isolation circuit is electrically connected to a first chip 14 of a first processing box 100. The first processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200. The first chip 14 has a power terminal and a first grounding portion. The isolation circuit includes a power supply terminal 209, a grounding terminal 210, and a first switching unit 212. When the first processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200, the power supply terminal 209 is electrically connected to the first power supply unit 213 and the power terminal, respectively, and the grounding terminal 210 is electrically connected to the first grounding portion. The grounding terminal 210 is electrically connected to a second power supply unit 214, which is different from the first power supply unit 213. When the first processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200, the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding terminal 210. The first switching unit 212 is configured to control the power supply terminal 209 to be electrically connected or disconnected from the first power supply unit 213. When the first processing box 100 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200 and the grounding terminal 210 is in an ungrounded state, the first switching unit 212 controls the power supply terminal 209 to be disconnected from the first power supply unit 213.

[0028] Compared to existing technologies, when the first processing box 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 200, the first grounding portion on the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100 is grounded through the grounding terminal 210. When it is necessary to check the grounding status of the first chip 14, the grounding terminal 210 can be switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state. If the first grounding portion of the first chip 14 cannot be grounded through the grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 at this time, the grounding status can be judged by the potential at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210. When the grounding terminal 210 is switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, the first switching unit 212 can control the power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 to switch from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state, which can prevent signal crosstalk. The voltage of the first power supply unit 213 will not affect the potential judgment at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210 through the internal circuit of the first chip 14. Therefore, it can prevent deviations in grounding detection and improve the accuracy of detection.

[0029] The power terminal on the first chip 14 is electrically connected to the first grounding part through the internal circuit of the first chip 14. If the electrical connection between the power terminal and the first power supply unit 213 is not disconnected, the first power supply unit 213 can affect the voltage provided by the second power supply unit 214 to the grounding terminal 210 through the power terminal and the internal circuit of the first chip 14, which will cause abnormal potential detection of the grounding terminal 210 and thus cause deviation in grounding detection.

[0030] In addition, refer to Figure 2As shown, the image forming apparatus 200 also includes a potential detection circuit 215, which is electrically connected to the connection between the ground terminal 210 and the second power supply unit 214. The potential detection circuit 215 can detect the potential of the ground terminal 210 near the second power supply unit 214 so as to determine the grounding status of the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100.

[0031] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the isolation circuit also includes a controller 216, and the first switching unit 212 is configured to receive information from the controller 216 and control the power supply terminal 209 to have an electrical connection state or a disconnection state with the first power supply unit 213.

[0032] The controller 216 is located on the image forming apparatus 200.

[0033] The potential detection circuit 215 is electrically connected to the controller 216, and the controller 216 can determine the grounding status of the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100 based on the potential obtained by the potential detection circuit 215.

[0034] Furthermore, the power supply terminal 209 and the grounding terminal 210 are terminals or ports of the controller 216;

[0035] Alternatively, the power supply terminal 209 and the grounding terminal 210 may be circuits electrically connected to the terminals or ports of the controller 216.

[0036] Optionally, the isolation circuit further includes a second switching unit 211, which is configured to control the ground terminal 210 to have a grounded state or an ungrounded state, wherein:

[0037] When the first processing box 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 200, and the second switching unit 211 controls the grounding terminal 210 to be in an ungrounded state, the first switching unit 212 controls the power supply terminal 209 to be disconnected from the first power supply unit 213.

[0038] Optionally, in addition to the first grounding part, the first chip 14 may also have a second grounding part. The grounding paths of the first grounding part and the second grounding part are different, that is, the second grounding part is not grounded through the grounding terminal 210. If the grounding detection mode is entered, the grounding terminal 210 is controlled to change from a grounded state to an ungrounded state. The first grounding part of the first chip 14 cannot be grounded through the grounding terminal 210, and the second power supply unit 214 will supply power to the grounding terminal 210 or provide a high level. At this time, the detection is whether the grounding of the second grounding part is normal. If the grounding of the second grounding part is also abnormal, the potential at the grounding terminal 210 or the first grounding part is high. At this time, the first switching unit 212 will make the power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 disconnected. The first power supply unit 213 will not affect the potential at the first grounding part and the grounding terminal 210 through the power supply terminal 209 and the internal circuit of the first chip 14, which can ensure that the abnormal grounding of the second grounding part is detected in time through the grounding detection mode. In addition, the first chip 14 may only have a first grounding part, and at least two grounding paths may be provided at the grounding end 210. For example, the grounding end 210 is electrically connected to the controller 216 through the internal circuit of the image forming apparatus 200 and grounded through the controller 216 to form a grounding path. At the same time, the grounding end 210 is also electrically connected to the frame of the image forming apparatus 200 through an external wire to form another grounding path. If the grounding detection mode is entered, the grounding path of the control grounding end 210 grounded through the controller 216 is changed to an ungrounded state.

[0039] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2 As shown, the controller 216 includes a first control unit 216a and a second control unit 216b. The first control unit 216a and the second control unit 216b are electrically connected. The first switching unit 212 is configured to receive information from the first control unit 216a and control the power supply terminal 209 to have an electrically connected state or a disconnected state with the first power supply unit 213. The second switching unit 211 is configured to receive information from the second control unit 216b and control the grounding terminal 210 to have a grounded state or a non-grounded state.

[0040] Specifically, the first control unit 216a is a SoC (System on Chip), and the second control unit 216b is a MCU (Microcontroller Unit).

[0041] Furthermore, the second switching unit 211 and the first switching unit 212 are components capable of receiving control information and turning on or off the corresponding circuits. The second switching unit 211 and the first switching unit 212 can be electronic switches such as transistors and field-effect transistors (FETs). Of course, it is understood that the second switching unit 211 and the first switching unit 212 can use the same type of electronic switch, or different electronic switches can be used according to different requirements. For example, the second switching unit 211 can be a transistor, and the first switching unit 212 can be a field-effect transistor.

[0042] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the isolation circuit also includes a first power supply unit 213, and a first switching unit 212 is electrically connected to the first power supply unit 213 and the power supply terminal 209 respectively.

[0043] The first power supply unit 213 is located inside the image forming apparatus 200 and is used to supply power to the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100, so that the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100 can communicate with the image forming apparatus 200.

[0044] Optionally, refer to Figure 2 As shown, the isolation circuit also includes a second power supply unit 214, which provides a high level to the ground terminal 210.

[0045] When the grounding terminal 210 is in an ungrounded state, the second power supply unit 214 provides a high level to the grounding terminal 210.

[0046] Furthermore, the first power supply unit 213 and the second power supply unit 214 may be located within the image forming apparatus 200; or the second power supply unit 214 may be an external power supply.

[0047] Optionally, the isolation circuit further includes a mounting sensor element for detecting whether a second processing box 400, different from the first processing box 100, is installed in the image forming apparatus 200. When the mounting sensor element detects that the second processing box 400 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200, the first switching unit 212 controls the power supply terminal 209 to be disconnected from the first power supply unit 213. When a second processing box 400, different from the first processing box 100, is installed, the electrical connection between the first power supply unit 213 and the power supply terminal 209 can be disconnected, that is, the power supply from the first power supply unit 213 to the first processing box 100 can be disconnected. This reduces the impact of the first processing box 100 on the initialization or other operations of the second chip 15 of the installed second processing box 400, and the first processing box 100 being unpowered also provides better safety.

[0048] When the second processing box 400 is installed into the image forming apparatus 200, the image forming apparatus 200 is typically opened. At this time, the high voltage inside the image forming apparatus 200 is shut off to ensure the operator's safety. If the installed sensing element detects that the second processing box 400 has been installed into the image forming apparatus 200, the power can be turned on. The power can be connected to the second chip 15 of the second processing box 400 to initialize or perform other operations on the second chip 15. Meanwhile, the first power supply unit 213 shuts off the power supply to the first processing box 100, which does not affect the operation of the second chip 15 of the second processing box 400. Subsequently, the first power supply unit 213 re-energizes the first processing box 100, enabling the first processing box 100 to perform initialization or other operations, thereby reducing the startup time of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0049] Specifically, when the second processing box 400 is a powder cartridge, a sensing element is installed to detect the insertion of the powder cartridge and output a powder cartridge insertion signal.

[0050] Furthermore, when the isolation circuit also includes a first power supply unit 213, the first switching unit 212 is electrically connected to the first power supply unit 213 and the power supply terminal 209 respectively, and the second processing box 400 is installed in the image forming apparatus 200, the first power supply unit 213 is used to electrically connect to the second chip 15 of the second processing box 400. During normal operation, the first power supply unit 213 simultaneously supplies power to both the first processing box 100 and the second processing box 400. When the first processing box 100 is already present in the image forming apparatus 200, and the second processing box 400 needs to be replaced, after the second processing box 400 is installed, the power supply from the first power supply unit 213 to the second chip 15 of the first processing box 100 can be turned off, and the power supply from the first power supply unit 213 to the second chip 15 of the second processing box 400 can be turned on, so that the second processing box 400 starts the initialization operation first, and then the power supply from the first power supply unit 213 to the first processing box 100 can be turned on. By supplying power to the second processing box 400 and the first processing box 100 sequentially, the time required for initialization can be reduced, and the startup speed of the image forming apparatus 200 can be improved.

[0051] Optionally, the second processing box 400 is a powder cartridge.

[0052] The first processing box 100 may be an imaging component, which includes at least a photosensitive drum 11;

[0053] Alternatively, the first processing box 100 may be a developing assembly, which includes at least a developing roller 13.

[0054] The number of first processing boxes 100 can be set according to different forms of the image forming apparatus 200. For example, when the image forming apparatus 200 is used for monochrome printing, it generally has only one set of first processing boxes 100; when the image forming apparatus 200 is used for multicolor printing, it has multiple sets of first processing boxes 100, with different first processing boxes 100 used for printing different colors. Correspondingly, when a second processing box 400 is needed in addition to the first processing box 100 based on the function of the image forming apparatus 200, the number of second processing boxes 400 is the same as the number of first processing boxes 100. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, when the image forming apparatus 200 has four color second processing cartridges 400, and each second processing cartridge 400 is a toner cartridge, there is also a corresponding first processing cartridge 100. The first power supply unit 213 simultaneously supplies power to all four color second processing cartridges 400, and the first power supply unit 213 also simultaneously supplies power to all four color first processing cartridges 100. Specifically, the developer colors stored in the four second processing cartridges 400 are yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively.

[0055] One embodiment of this application discloses an image forming apparatus 200, which includes a main body and an isolation circuit as described above, the isolation circuit being at least partially disposed on the main body.

[0056] Compared to existing technologies, when the first processing box 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 200, the first grounding portion on the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100 is grounded through the grounding terminal 210. When it is necessary to check the grounding status of the first chip 14, the grounding terminal 210 can be switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state. If the first grounding portion of the first chip 14 cannot be grounded through the grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 at this time, the grounding status can be judged by the potential at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210. When the grounding terminal 210 is switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, the first switching unit 212 can control the power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 to switch from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state, which can prevent signal crosstalk. The voltage of the first power supply unit 213 will not affect the potential judgment at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210 through the internal circuit of the first chip 14. Therefore, it can prevent deviations in grounding detection and improve the accuracy of detection.

[0057] Optionally, the main body includes a frame. When the first processing box 100 is mounted on the image forming apparatus 200, the frame is used to electrically connect to the second grounding portion of the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100, so that the second grounding portion is grounded through the frame. The frame is generally a sheet metal part, and the second grounding portion can be grounded through the frame.

[0058] In fact, the image forming apparatus 200 has a "reference zero potential," which is the "ground" in grounding. Both the first grounding part and the second grounding part are ultimately connected to the aforementioned "reference zero potential," making both the first grounding part and the second grounding part grounded. Generally speaking, sheet metal parts such as the housing or frame of the image forming apparatus 200 can serve as components with a "reference zero potential." The first grounding part is connected to the controller 216 through the grounding terminal 210. The controller 216 is connected to the frame through metal parts such as screws, so that the first grounding part is also connected to the frame and ultimately grounded.

[0059] Optionally, the main body includes a component mounting space and a powder cartridge mounting space. The component mounting space is used to install the first processing box 100, and the powder cartridge mounting space is used to install the second processing box 400. The isolation circuit is as described above. In this case, the isolation circuit can detect the installation and grounding status of the first processing box 100, and can also cut off the power supply from the first power supply unit 213 to the first processing box 100 before and after the second processing box 400 is installed, so that the second processing box 400 can be quickly initialized and the interference of the first processing box 100 can be reduced.

[0060] Furthermore, the component installation space and the powder cylinder installation space can be set apart, or they can be different areas within the same space.

[0061] Of course, the isolation circuit may be located entirely or partially on the image forming apparatus 200. In other embodiments, the isolation circuit may also be located at least partially on the first processing box 100 or the second processing box 400.

[0062] One embodiment of this application discloses a circuit isolation method, including the following steps:

[0063] Image forming apparatus 200 enters ground detection mode;

[0064] The grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 is switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, and the power supply terminal 209 of the image forming apparatus 200 is switched from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state with the first power supply unit 213. The power supply terminal 209 is used to electrically connect to the first power supply unit 213 and the power connection terminal of the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100, respectively. The grounding terminal 210 is used to electrically connect to the first grounding part of the first processing box 100 and the second power supply unit 214, which is different from the first power supply unit 213, respectively, so that the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding terminal 210.

[0065] Compared to existing technologies, when the first processing box 100 is installed on the image forming apparatus 200, the first grounding portion on the first chip 14 of the first processing box 100 is grounded through the grounding terminal 210. When it is necessary to check the grounding status of the first chip 14, the grounding terminal 210 can be switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state. If the first grounding portion of the first chip 14 cannot be grounded through the grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 at this time, the grounding status can be judged by the potential at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210. When the grounding terminal 210 is switched from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, the control power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 can be switched from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state, which can prevent signal crosstalk. The voltage of the first power supply unit 213 will not affect the potential judgment at the first grounding portion or the grounding terminal 210 through the internal circuit of the first chip 14. Therefore, it can prevent deviations in grounding detection and improve the accuracy of detection.

[0066] Optionally, if the first switching step is for the grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 to switch from a grounded state to a non-grounded state, and the second switching step is for the power supply terminal 209 of the image forming apparatus 200 to switch from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state with the first power supply unit 213, then the order of the first switching step and the second switching step can be at least as follows:

[0067] First, the second switching step is completed later than the first switching step.

[0068] II. The second switching step is completed simultaneously with the first switching step;

[0069] Third, the second switching step is completed before the first switching step.

[0070] If the second switching step is completed later than the first switching step, the grounding detection should begin after the second switching step is completed, or before the second switching step is completed. However, the data measured after the second switching step is completed is usable data, while the data measured before the second switching step needs to be processed or discarded.

[0071] Optionally, the above circuit isolation method further includes the following steps:

[0072] Control the image forming apparatus 200 to exit the ground detection mode;

[0073] The grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 is switched from an ungrounded state to a grounded state. Maintaining the grounded state when not in ground detection mode prevents grounding instability.

[0074] Optionally, the second switching unit 211 switches the grounding terminal 210 from a grounded state to an ungrounded state; and / or the first switching unit 212 controls the power supply terminal 209 to switch the first power supply unit 213 from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state.

[0075] Optionally, the above circuit isolation method further includes the following steps:

[0076] Obtain the powder cartridge insertion signal;

[0077] The power supply terminal 209 of the control image forming apparatus 200 is disconnected from the first power supply unit 213.

[0078] When the insertion of the toner cartridge is detected, the connection between the power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 is disconnected, which enables the toner cartridge to start the initialization operation in advance, thereby speeding up the start-up speed of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0079] One embodiment of this application discloses a control device, including:

[0080] The first switching module is used to control the grounding terminal 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 to switch from a grounded state to an ungrounded state;

[0081] The second switching module is used to control the switching between the power supply terminal 209 of the image forming apparatus 200 and the first power supply unit 213 from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state.

[0082] Furthermore, the second switching module can be used to control the first switching unit, so that the power supply terminal 209 and the first power supply unit 213 are switched from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state.

[0083] Furthermore, the first switching module can be used to control the second switching unit, so that the grounding terminal 210 is switched from a grounded state to an ungrounded state.

[0084] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium, wherein the computer-readable storage medium may store a program, wherein when the program runs, it can control the device where the computer-readable storage medium is located to execute some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments. Specifically, the computer-readable storage medium may be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory (ROM), or random access memory (RAM), etc.

[0085] Corresponding to the above embodiments, this application also provides a computer program product containing executable instructions that, when executed on a computer, cause the computer to perform some or all of the steps in the above method embodiments.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps described in the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of electronic hardware and software. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0087] Those skilled in the art will understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0088] In the several embodiments provided in this application, any function, if implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this application, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or a part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the methods described in the various embodiments of this application. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0089] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An isolation circuit for installation in an image forming apparatus, and the isolation circuit is configured to electrically connect with a first chip of a first process cartridge, the first process cartridge is configured to be installed in the image forming apparatus, and the first chip has a power connection terminal and a first ground portion, characterized in that, The isolation circuit comprises: a power supply end, when the first processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the power supply end is used for electrically connecting the first power supply unit and the power connection end respectively; a grounding end, the grounding end is used for electrically connecting with the first grounding part, the grounding end is electrically connected with a second power supply unit different from the first power supply unit, when the first processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first grounding part is grounded through the grounding end; a first switching unit configured to control the power supply end and the first power supply unit to have an electrically connected state or a disconnected state; wherein, when the first processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, and the grounding end is in a non-grounding state, the first switching unit controls the power supply end and the first power supply unit to be in a disconnected state.

2. The isolation circuit of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a controller, the first switching unit is configured to receive information of the controller and control the power supply end and the first power supply unit to have the electrically connected state or the disconnected state.

3. The isolation circuit of claim 2, wherein, Further comprising a second switching unit, the second switching unit is configured to control the grounding end to have a grounding state or a non-grounding state, wherein: when the first processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, and the second switching unit controls the grounding end to be in a non-grounding state, the first switching unit controls the power supply end and the first power supply unit to be in a disconnected state.

4. The isolation circuit of claim 3, wherein, The controller comprises a first control part and a second control part, the first control part and the second control part are electrically connected, the first switching unit is configured to receive information of the first control part and control the power supply end and the first power supply unit to have the electrically connected state or the disconnected state, the second switching unit is configured to receive information of the second control part and control the grounding end to have the grounding state or the non-grounding state.

5. The isolation circuit of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a first power supply unit, the first switching unit is electrically connected with the first power supply unit and the power supply end respectively.

6. The isolation circuit of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a second power supply unit, the second power supply unit is used for providing a high level to the grounding end, wherein, when the grounding end is in the non-grounding state, the second power supply unit provides a high level to the grounding end.

7. The isolation circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that Further comprising an installation sensing element, the installation sensing element is used for detecting whether a second processing cartridge different from the first processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, when the installation sensing element detects that the second processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first switching unit controls the power supply end and the first power supply unit to be in the disconnected state.

8. The isolation circuit of claim 7, wherein, When the isolation circuit is the isolation circuit of claim 5, and the second processing cartridge is installed in the image forming apparatus, the first power supply unit is used for electrically connecting with a second chip of the second processing cartridge.

9. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: Comprise a main body and the isolation circuit of any one of claims 1-8, the isolation circuit is at least partially arranged on the main body.

10. A method of circuit isolation, comprising: Applied to the isolation circuit of any one of claims 1-8, the circuit isolation method comprises the following steps: the image forming apparatus enters a grounding detection mode; the image forming apparatus enters a grounding detection mode; The ground end of the image forming device is switched from a grounded state to an ungrounded state, and the power supply end of the image forming device is switched from an electrically connected state to a disconnected state with the first power supply unit, The power supply end is used to be electrically connected with the first power supply unit and the first chip of the first processing cartridge, and the ground end is used to be electrically connected with the first ground part of the first processing cartridge and the second power supply unit different from the first power supply unit, so that the first ground part is grounded through the ground end.

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