Anti-tamper devices and image forming equipment

Abstract

This utility model provides an anti-tamper device and an image forming apparatus, wherein a conductive module and an apparatus control module are included; the conductive module is used to electrically connect with the apparatus control module so that the conductive module and the apparatus control module form an anti-tamper detection circuit; the anti-tamper detection circuit is used to generate an anti-tamper detection signal to determine whether the apparatus is safe when the original relative position between the housing of the protected apparatus and the apparatus control module changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the apparatus control module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of image formation technology, and more specifically, to an anti-tamper device and an image forming apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the security of certain devices is often overlooked. For example, printers may be used to process sensitive information and trade secrets. In such cases, if the device is not properly protected, it could become a vulnerability for information theft. Furthermore, operating a printer while it is disassembled poses a risk of data theft and information leakage. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct tamper-proof testing on the entire printer to ensure its security. Utility Model Content

[0003] This utility model embodiment provides at least one anti-tampering device and an image forming device.

[0004] In a first aspect, this utility model provides an anti-tampering device, including: a conductive module and a device control module; the conductive module is used to be electrically connected to the device control module so that the conductive module and the device control module form an anti-tampering detection circuit;

[0005] The tamper detection circuit is used to generate a tamper detection signal to determine whether the equipment is safe when the original relative position between the housing and the control module of the protected equipment changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the control module.

[0006] In one optional implementation, the tamper detection circuit includes a first tamper detection sub-circuit;

[0007] The conductive module includes a protective circuit, which is laid on at least one surface of the housing, and a first output terminal of the protective circuit is used to communicate with a first input terminal of the device control module, so that the protective circuit and the device control module are connected to form a first tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0008] The first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the equipment control module changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, resulting in a change in the connection state between the protection circuit and the equipment control module.

[0009] In one optional embodiment, the tamper detection circuit further includes a second tamper detection sub-circuit; the device control module is provided with a first tamper line that is spaced out.

[0010] The conductive module includes a first tamper switch for connection to a break in the first tamper circuit;

[0011] The first anti-tamper circuit is used to connect to the second access terminal of the equipment control module through the first anti-tamper switch to form the second anti-tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0012] The second tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate a tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the device control module changes, causing a change in the connection state between the first tamper switch and the device control module.

[0013] In one optional implementation, the device control module is provided with a second tamper-proof line that is spaced out.

[0014] The conductive module also includes a second tamper switch for connecting to the discontinuity of the second tamper circuit;

[0015] The second anti-tamper circuit is used to connect to the second output terminal of the protection circuit through the second anti-tamper switch to form the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0016] The first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the device control module changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module.

[0017] In one optional implementation, it further includes: a detection module;

[0018] The signal terminal of the detection module is connected to the access terminal of the equipment control module, and is used to determine whether the equipment is safe based on the tamper detection signal generated by the tamper detection circuit.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the first tamper switch includes: a first connector, one end of which is disposed on the housing, and the other end of which is used to connect to the discontinuity of the first tamper circuit, so as to make the intermittently disconnected first tamper circuit conduct.

[0020] In one optional embodiment, the second tamper switch includes: a second connector, one end of which is disposed on the housing, and the other end of which is used to connect to the discontinuity of the second tamper circuit, so as to make the discontinuous second tamper circuit conduct.

[0021] In one optional embodiment, at least one first connection point is provided on the first tamper-proof line that is spaced apart as a discontinuity point; each first connection point includes an electrical contact that is spaced apart and electrically insulated.

[0022] One end of each first connector is fixed on the housing, and the other end of each first connector is conductive. When it comes into contact with the corresponding first connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding first connection point are connected, so that the first anti-tamper circuit that is disconnected at intervals is connected.

[0023] In one optional embodiment, at least one second connection point is provided on the spaced-out second tamper protection line as a discontinuity point; each second connection point includes an electrical contact that is spaced-out and electrically insulated.

[0024] One end of each second connector is fixed on the housing, and the other end of each second connector is conductive. When it comes into contact with the corresponding second connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding second connection point are connected, so that the second anti-tamper circuit that was previously disconnected is now conductive.

[0025] In one optional implementation, the protection circuit consists of circuits that are spaced out.

[0026] The conductive module also includes a third tamper switch for connecting the interrupted protection circuit to make the interrupted protection circuit conductive.

[0027] In one optional embodiment, the third tamper switch includes: a third connector; and a device control module fixed to the housing;

[0028] One end of the third connector is mounted on the housing or equipment control module, and the other end of the third connector is used to connect the protection line that is interrupted at intervals.

[0029] In one alternative implementation, the device control module includes at least one of the data board of the image forming device and the LSU module.

[0030] In one optional implementation, the device control module includes a data board and an LSU module of the image forming device;

[0031] The data board is used to connect to a conductive module on a housing associated with the data board, so that the conductive module on the housing and the data board form an anti-tamper detection circuit;

[0032] The LSU module is used to connect to a conductive module on at least one housing associated with the LSU module, so that the conductive module on each housing forms another tamper detection circuit with the LSU module.

[0033] In one optional implementation, a detection module is provided on the data board; one tamper detection circuit and another tamper detection circuit are respectively connected to the detection module on the data board;

[0034] The detection module on the data board is used to determine whether the data board and / or LSU module are safe based on the tamper detection signal generated by the tamper detection circuit.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of the present invention also provide an image forming apparatus, including an anti-tamper device according to any one of the first aspects above, wherein the anti-tamper device is used to perform anti-tamper detection on the image forming apparatus.

[0036] The anti-tampering device and image forming apparatus provided by this utility model have at least the following technical effects:

[0037] In the tamper-proof device and image forming apparatus of this utility model embodiment, the tamper-proof device includes a conductive module and an equipment control module. The conductive module can be electrically connected to the equipment control module to form a tamper-proof detection circuit. Therefore, when the original relative position between the equipment control module and the housing of the protected equipment changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the equipment control module, a tamper-proof detection signal is generated to determine whether the equipment is secure. In each embodiment of this utility model, the tamper-proof detection circuit is formed through the mutual cooperation between the conductive module and the equipment control module. When destructive acts such as prying open the housing, drilling through the housing, or removing the equipment control module occur to steal the equipment or confidential information, the tamper-proof detection circuit can generate a tamper-proof detection signal to detect the incident in a timely manner and provide a protective warning. Therefore, the tamper-proof device and image forming apparatus of this utility model have a simple structure and are easy to implement, which can further effectively improve the reliability of equipment tamper-proofing.

[0038] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, preferred embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. These drawings are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. They illustrate embodiments conforming to this utility model and, together with the specification, serve to explain the technical solutions of this utility model. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of an anti-tamper device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 2 This diagram shows a structural schematic of the first type of anti-tamper detection sub-circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the wiring layout of the protective circuitry within the housing of an anti-tamper device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another anti-tampering device provided in an embodiment of this utility model is shown;

[0044] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the structure of the second type of first tamper detection sub-circuit provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a result of a second connection point provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 7 The circuit diagram of the first tamper detection sub-circuit corresponding to a data board provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0047] Figure 8 The circuit diagram of the first tamper detection sub-circuit of an LSU module provided in this embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates the structure of the third type of first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the structure of a second tamper detection sub-circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the structure of a protective circuit with intermittent disconnection provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0051] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of yet another anti-tampering device provided in an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0052] Figure 13 This diagram shows an overall effect of the housing associated with an LSU module provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 14 This illustration shows a schematic diagram of the effect of an LSU module mounted on sheet metal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 15 An exploded view of the upper and lower housings of an LSU module associated with an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0055] Figure 16 This illustration shows a front view of the inner surface of the upper housing of a protected device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 17 This diagram shows the internal structure of the LD drive board protective cover in an LSU module provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 18This diagram illustrates the connection relationship between the LD driver board and the anti-tamper circuit of the upper housing of the LSU module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this utility model provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed utility model, but merely represents selected embodiments of the utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0059] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0060] In this document, the term "and / or" merely describes a relationship, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent three cases: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. Furthermore, the term "at least one" in this document means any combination of at least two of any one or more elements. For example, including at least one of A, B, and C can mean including any one or more elements selected from the set consisting of A, B, and C.

[0061] Printers are critical devices that operate frequently in modern offices, often performing printing tasks that may contain sensitive information and trade secrets. If the device is not properly protected, for example, if the printer's hardware components are disassembled, this could lead to the leakage of confidential information. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct tamper-proof testing on the entire printer to ensure its security.

[0062] Based on the above research, this utility model provides an anti-tampering device. See also... Figure 1 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of an anti-tamper device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. The anti-tamper device includes a conductive module 10 and a device control module 20. The conductive module 10 is electrically connected to the device control module 20 so that the conductive module 10 and the device control module 20 form an anti-tamper detection circuit.

[0063] Tamper detection circuitry is used to detect tampering within the housing of the protected device. Figure 1 When the original relative position of the conductive module 10 and the device control module 20 changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module 10 and the device control module 20, an anti-tamper detection signal is generated to determine whether the device is safe.

[0064] In the anti-tamper device provided in this embodiment of the utility model, the conductive module can be disposed at at least one location inside the housing, outside the housing, or on the housing. There can be multiple device control modules, each of which can be connected to one or more conductive modules, wherein the device control module and the corresponding conductive module form an anti-tamper detection circuit. Here, the number of device control modules can be multiple, and these multiple device control modules can be disposed in different locations on the image forming device. For example, the device control modules can be located on the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right sides of the image forming device. Through this arrangement, more comprehensive anti-tamper protection can be provided for the image forming device from multiple directions. The device control modules can be disposed inside or outside the housing. Each device control module can be disposed corresponding to one housing; alternatively, multiple device control modules can be disposed corresponding to one housing. The correspondence between the device control modules and the housing can be set according to actual needs, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0065] In one feasible implementation, the device control module can be located outside or inside the housing. A change in the original relative position between the housing and the device control module refers to situations where the housing is pried up, moved, or the device control module is moved, causing a change in their original relative positions. When this occurs, the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module may change, causing the tamper detection circuit to generate an tamper signal. Furthermore, if the housing of the device control module is damaged (e.g., drilled), the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module may also change, generating an tamper detection signal. Therefore, this embodiment of the invention can protect not only the device control module but also the components installed and housed within the housing.

[0066] In the tamper detection circuit, the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module can be either disconnected or connected. When the original relative position between the housing and the device control module remains unchanged and / or the housing is not damaged, the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module in the tamper detection circuit can be either disconnected or connected, depending on the mounting method and type of the conductive module relative to the housing. Conversely, when the original relative position between the device control module and the housing changes and / or the housing is damaged, the connection state between the two changes; for example, it can switch from a disconnected state to a connected state, or from a connected state to a disconnected state, thereby triggering the generation of a tamper detection signal.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, if there are multiple device control modules, the anti-tamper detection signal can be configured to carry directional information, and the location of the device control module corresponding to the anti-tamper detection signal can be determined through the directional information.

[0068] In the above embodiments, the tamper detection circuit formed by the conductive module and the device control module can detect whether the original relative positions of the device control module and the housing in the image forming apparatus have changed, and / or detect whether the housing has been damaged. When the original relative positions of the device control module and the housing have changed, and / or the housing has been damaged, an tamper detection signal is generated to ensure the safety of the image forming apparatus and to serve as a tamper warning so that protective measures can be taken in a timely manner. Through the above processing method, the image forming apparatus can be protected against tampering from at least one disassembly angle, thereby improving the comprehensiveness of the tamper detection protection and enhancing the safety of the equipment.

[0069] The anti-tamper device of this embodiment includes a conductive module and a device control module. The conductive module is electrically connected to the device control module to form an anti-tamper detection circuit. Therefore, when the original relative position of the device control module and the housing changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module, an anti-tamper detection signal is generated to determine whether the device is secure. This embodiment of the invention forms an anti-tamper detection circuit through the cooperation between the conductive module and the device control module. When destructive acts such as prying open the housing, drilling through the housing, or removing the device control module occur to steal the device or confidential information, the anti-tamper detection circuit generates an anti-tamper detection signal to detect the incident in a timely manner, providing a protective warning. Therefore, the anti-tamper device provided by this embodiment of the invention has a simple structure and is easy to implement, further effectively improving the reliability of device anti-tamper protection.

[0070] In this embodiment of the invention, the device control module includes at least one of a data board of an image forming device and an LSU module. The LSU module can be an LD (laser diode) driver board in a laser scanning unit.

[0071] In this case, the data board is connected to a conductive module on a housing associated with the data board, so that the conductive module on the housing and the data board form an anti-tamper detection circuit.

[0072] The LSU module is used to connect to a conductive module on at least one housing associated with the LSU module, so that the conductive module on each housing forms another tamper detection circuit with the LSU module.

[0073] As described above, a corresponding conductive module can be set for each device control module, and then the conductive module and the corresponding device control module form an anti-tamper detection circuit.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, the housing associated with the LSU module may include the housing containing the LD driver board in the laser scanning unit, and / or the housing containing the imaging optical path components in the laser scanning unit. This provides tamper protection for the LD driver board and the imaging optical path components of the laser scanning unit, or the entire LSU module. Here, a conductive module can be provided on the housing containing the imaging optical path components, wherein the conductive module is electrically connected to the device control module to form a tamper detection circuit. Alternatively, a conductive module can be provided on the housing containing the LD driver board, wherein the conductive module is electrically connected to the device control module to form another tamper detection circuit.

[0075] Since the data board and LSU module are located in different positions of the image forming equipment, this processing method can form tamper detection circuits in different positions of the image forming equipment, thereby enabling more comprehensive tamper protection for the image forming equipment and ensuring the safe operation of the equipment.

[0076] Based on the above implementation method, the data board is also equipped with a detection module; one tamper detection circuit and another tamper detection circuit are respectively connected to the detection module on the data board. The detection module on the data board is used to determine whether the data board and / or LSU module are safe based on the tamper detection signal generated by the tamper detection circuit.

[0077] Here, a detection module can be set on the data board. At this time, each tamper detection circuit is connected to the detection module. The detection module is used to determine whether the corresponding device control module is safe based on the tamper detection signal generated by any tamper detection circuit.

[0078] Specifically, assume there are tamper detection circuit 1 and tamper detection circuit 2. Tamper detection circuit 1 is formed by the data board and its corresponding conductive module, and tamper detection circuit 2 is formed by the LSU module and its corresponding conductive module. Tamper detection circuit 1 and tamper detection circuit 2 are both connected to the detection module. If the connection state of tamper detection circuit 1 and / or tamper detection circuit 2 changes, the detection module generates a tamper detection signal, determining that the data board and / or LSU module is unsafe. The detection module can be the MCU module on the data board.

[0079] In this embodiment of the invention, a detection module can be set up for the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the data board and the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the LSU module, respectively. That is, the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the data board and the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the LSU module are respectively connected to their corresponding detection modules. For example, if the data board contains multiple MCU modules, the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the data board can be connected to one MCU module, and the tamper detection circuit corresponding to the LSU module can be connected to another MCU module. This detection module can determine whether the data board and / or the LSU module are secure.

[0080] In an optional embodiment, the tamper detection circuit includes a first tamper detection sub-circuit. In this case, the conductive module includes a protective line laid on at least one surface of the housing, and the first output terminal of the protective line is used to communicate with the first access terminal of the device control module, so that the protective line and the device control module are connected to form the first tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0081] Here, the first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the equipment control module changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the protection line and the equipment control module.

[0082] In this circuit, one end of the protection line can be grounded, and the other end can serve as the first output terminal; alternatively, both ends of the protection line can be the first output terminal. The first input terminal of the equipment control module can serve as a detection terminal connected to the detection module and / or as a grounding terminal. For example, one end of the protection line can be grounded, and the other end of the protection line (i.e., the aforementioned first output terminal) can be connected to the first input terminal serving as the detection terminal. Here, the winding of the protection line only needs to be able to form a first tamper detection sub-circuit after being connected to the equipment control module; the specific connection method is not limited. Figure 2 As shown, both ends of the protection line set on at least one surface of the housing are first output terminals (A and B), which are used to connect with the first input terminals (MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1) of the device control module to form a first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit. At this time, the first input terminal serves as the detection terminal.

[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the protection line can be disposed on at least one surface of the inner and / or outer side of the housing. For example, the protection line can be disposed on at least one surface of the inner side of the housing, and / or on at least one surface of the outer side of the housing.

[0084] For example, protective wiring can be attached to and laid on the upper surface inside the housing, covering the entire surface, or protective wiring can be attached to and laid on a designated area of ​​the upper surface, which can be a part of the upper surface with a high probability of damage. For example, such as Figure 3 As shown, it is possible to Figure 3 Protective wiring is laid in the medium gray area, including, for example Figure 3 The area shown is a schematic diagram of the inner surface of the upper housing (hereinafter referred to as the upper surface). In addition, it can be installed on other surfaces. The location of the protection circuit can be set according to actual needs; for example, it is preferably installed on the upper surface, left surface, and right surface. Here, there are no specific limitations on the placement of the protection circuit.

[0085] Here, the protection line can be a closely distributed line with a specific spacing between the lines, or it can be a continuous line that is parallel and does not intersect. In addition, it can be other lines laid out according to a certain density. This embodiment of the utility model does not specifically limit the type of protection line.

[0086] The protection circuit has a first output terminal, and the equipment control module has a first input terminal. When the housing is in a normal installation state (e.g., not pried up), the first output terminal and the first input terminal are connected, forming a first tamper detection sub-circuit between the protection circuit and the equipment control module. When the housing is not in a normal installation state (e.g., the housing is pried up) or the equipment control module is removed, the connection between the first output terminal and the first input terminal of the protection circuit may be broken, causing the first tamper detection sub-circuit between the protection circuit and the equipment control module to disconnect. That is, the connection state between the protection circuit and the equipment control module changes from the original conducting state to the disconnected state. At this time, an tamper detection signal is generated, and the equipment can be determined to be in a dangerous state by using this tamper detection signal.

[0087] If the first output terminal of the protection line is connected to the first input terminal of the equipment control module, and the surface on which the protection line is laid is not damaged, then the first tamper detection sub-circuit formed by the protection line and the equipment control module is not disconnected, and no tamper detection signal is generated. If the surface on which the protection line is laid is damaged, for example, by drilling, then the first tamper detection sub-circuit formed by the protection line and the equipment control module is disconnected, and an tamper detection signal is generated.

[0088] In the above embodiments, the conductive module includes protective wiring laid on at least one surface of the housing, thereby forming a first tamper detection sub-circuit with the device control module to achieve the tamper protection function. Furthermore, it can help generate a timely tamper detection signal when the original relative position of the housing and the device protection module changes and / or the housing is damaged, so as to know whether the device is safe and take protective measures.

[0089] In this embodiment of the invention, the anti-tamper device further includes a detection module 30, wherein the signal terminal of the detection module is connected to the access terminal of the device control module, and is used to determine whether the device is safe based on the anti-tamper detection signal generated by the anti-tamper detection circuit.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, the detection module 30 can be mounted on the device control module 20 or externally mounted to the device control module 20. The detection module 30 can be an MCU module. The access terminal of the device control module is connected to the signal terminal of the detection module 30. For example... Figure 2 and Figure 10 As shown, the access terminals of the device control module 20 include a first access terminal (MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1) and a second access terminal (MCU_KEY_2 and MCU_KEY_3).

[0091] In the application embodiment, the anti-tamper device also includes a detection module. After the conductive module and the device control module are connected to form an anti-tamper detection circuit, the access terminal of the device control module can be connected to the signal terminal of the detection module to realize the detection of the anti-tamper detection signal and achieve the anti-tamper protection function. Its functional module settings are relatively complete.

[0092] In this embodiment of the invention, the protection circuit can be a continuous circuit or an intermittently disconnected circuit. If it is an intermittently disconnected circuit, the conductive module further includes a third tamper switch for connecting the intermittently disconnected protection circuit to enable the intermittently disconnected protection circuit to conduct. Figure 11 As shown.

[0093] Here, the protective circuit can have one or more intervals. To provide more comprehensive protection for the image forming equipment, evenly distributed intervals can be set, with each interval corresponding to a third tamper switch. Thus, the protective circuitry on the housing can be connected to the equipment control module via the third tamper switch to form a tamper detection circuit.

[0094] When the housing is installed normally, the third tamper switch connects to the corresponding interval point, thereby activating the protection circuit and subsequently the first tamper detection sub-circuit. If the housing is pried open or the protection circuit is torn, the third tamper switch disconnects from the protection circuit, causing the first tamper detection sub-circuit to disconnect, generating a tamper detection signal that indicates the equipment is in a dangerous state.

[0095] Here, the third tamper-proof switch can be at least one of a mechanical switch, a photoelectric switch, or conductive rubber. For example, for a mechanical switch, when the housing is normally installed, the pressure plate on the housing can press the mechanical switch, thereby making the interval point conductive.

[0096] If the protective wiring is continuous, and someone tears it off, the tamper detection circuit may remain conductive, thus failing to detect the tampering and creating a security vulnerability. To prevent this, in the above embodiment, when the conductive module is the protective wiring laid on the surface of the housing, by setting the protective wiring as a discontinuous line and connecting it to a third tamper switch, it is possible to prevent someone from tearing off the protective wiring without detection. Therefore, the reliability of the tamper device and the completeness of its detection function are further improved.

[0097] In one optional embodiment, the third tamper switch includes: a third connector; the device control module is fixed to the housing; one end of the third connector is disposed on the housing or the device control module, and the other end of the third connector is used to connect to the intermittently disconnected protection circuit.

[0098] The equipment control module is fixed on one side of the housing, and the protection line can be set on one side of the housing covering the equipment control module. One end of the third anti-tamper switch can be fixed on the housing or the equipment control module, and the other end is used to connect the protection line that is disconnected at the interval.

[0099] When the housing is normally installed, the other end of the third connector contacts the corresponding interval point, thus maintaining the protective circuit. If the housing is pried open or the equipment control module is disassembled, the other end of the third connector may no longer contact the corresponding interval point. In this case, the interval point disconnects, the protective circuit is broken, and an anti-tamper detection signal is generated, indicating that the equipment is unsafe. Damage to the protective circuit, such as tearing, may cause a change in the original relative position between the other end of the third connector and the corresponding interval point, resulting in a broken protective circuit. For example, the third connector can be conductive rubber, with one end fixed to the housing or equipment control module. When the housing is normally installed, the other end of the conductive rubber contacts the corresponding interval point, maintaining the protective circuit; conversely, it will disconnect the protective circuit. Damage to the protective circuit on the housing, such as tearing, will cause the protective circuit to disconnect from the fixed third connector, resulting in a broken protective circuit and triggering an anti-tamper detection signal from the anti-tamper detection circuit.

[0100] By setting a third tamper switch, an tamper detection signal can be triggered when the housing is pried open, the equipment control module is disassembled, or the protection circuit is damaged. This tamper detection signal indicates that the equipment is in a dangerous state. Through the above-mentioned processing method, not only can theft such as prying open of the housing and / or equipment control module be prevented, but also various acts of damage to the protection circuit can be effectively monitored, thereby further improving the reliability of the equipment's tamper detection.

[0101] Based on the above implementation, the device control module is provided with a second tamper-proof line that is intermittently disconnected. The conductive module also includes a second tamper-proof switch for connecting to the discontinuity of the second tamper-proof line; wherein, the second tamper-proof line is used to connect to the protection line through the second tamper-proof switch to form a first tamper-proof detection sub-circuit.

[0102] The first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the device control module and the housing changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module.

[0103] In the embodiments of the application, the protection line and the second anti-tamper line can be connected in series to form a first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit. In one implementation, one end of the protection line is grounded, and the other end serves as a first output terminal, connected to the first access terminal of the device control module via the second anti-tamper line. In another implementation, both ends of the protection line serve as first output terminals to connect to the first access terminal of the device control module via the second anti-tamper line. In yet another implementation, at least one end of the protection line serves as a first output terminal connected to the first access terminal of the device control module, and at least the other end of the protection line serves as a second output terminal connected to one end of the second anti-tamper line, thereby grounding or connecting to the device control module via the other end of the second anti-tamper line. Depending on the connection method, the first access terminal of the device control module can serve as a ground terminal or as a detection terminal connected to the detection module; the other end of the second anti-tamper line can be connected to the protection line, grounded, or used as a detection terminal connected to the detection module. Here, the protection line and the second anti-tamper line only need to be connected in series to form the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit; the specific connection method is not limited here.

[0104] As one possible approach, the second tamper protection line is installed on the device control module. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the protection circuit includes two first output terminals A and B, and two second output terminals C and D. The first output terminal A is used to connect to the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 of the device control module, and the first output terminal B is used to connect to the first access terminal MCU_KEY_1 of the device control module. The second anti-tamper circuit is connected to the second output terminals C and D of the protection circuit through the second anti-tamper switch, thereby forming the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0105] In this embodiment of the invention, the second tamper switch can be disposed on the housing or on the second tamper circuit. The second tamper switch and the spaced-out second tamper circuit are correspondingly configured. The spaced-out second tamper circuit includes multiple interval points, each interval point corresponding to one second tamper switch.

[0106] The connection state between the conductive module containing the second tamper switch and the device control module can be either disconnected or connected. When the original relative positions of the housing and the device control module remain unchanged, for example, when the housing is in a normal installation state, the second tamper switch can be in a closed or open state depending on the type and installation method of the second tamper switch used. Conversely, for example, when the housing is pried open or the device control module is removed, the second tamper switch can switch from the original closed state to the open state, or from the original open state to the closed state, thereby changing the connection state between the conductive module containing the second tamper switch and the device control module, causing the formed first tamper detection sub-circuit to generate a tamper detection signal.

[0107] When the device housing is in its normal installation state, the second tamper switch is closed, and the interrupted second tamper circuit is conductive. This second tamper switch connects to the protection circuit, forming the first tamper detection sub-circuit. In this state, the connection between the second tamper switch and the device control module remains conductive. If the housing or device control module is pried open at this time, at least one second tamper switch may open as the housing or control module moves, causing the conductive second tamper circuit to disconnect. This changes the connection between the second tamper switch and the device control module, leading to the disconnection of the first tamper detection sub-circuit and generating a tamper detection signal indicating that the device is unsafe.

[0108] In this embodiment of the invention, the second tamper switch is used to connect to a second tamper circuit that is spaced out on the device control module, thereby connecting with the protection circuit to form a first tamper detection sub-circuit. That is, in this embodiment of the invention, the first tamper detection sub-circuit includes a protection circuit disposed on the housing and a second tamper circuit disposed on the device control module. The two are connected in series to achieve tamper detection. The circuit function is relatively complete, not only preventing prying and theft but also preventing drilling into the housing and other forms of theft. It also reduces hardware design costs and saves design space and I / O port resources.

[0109] Therefore, the anti-tampering device in this embodiment of the utility model has a relatively complete anti-tampering function module. When the relative position between the device control module and the housing changes or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module, an anti-tampering detection signal is generated, thereby enabling timely detection of whether the device is safe or not, so as to take timely protective measures.

[0110] As originally Figure 5 As shown, assuming the second output terminal of the protection line includes a second output terminal C and a second output terminal D, and the second tamper protection line includes a line connection terminal 2 and a line connection terminal 3. When the device is in a safe state, the first output terminal A is connected to the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0, the first output terminal B is connected to the first access terminal MCU_KEY_1, the second output terminal C is connected to the line connection terminal 2, and the second output terminal D is connected to the line connection terminal 3. At this time, the first tamper detection sub-circuit can be formed.

[0111] If the protection circuit in the first tamper detection sub-circuit is damaged, a tamper detection signal will be generated, indicating that the device is unsafe. If a change in the relative position of the device control module and the housing causes at least one first output terminal or at least one second output terminal of the protection circuit to disconnect, or causes at least one second tamper switch to disconnect from the second tamper circuit, the first tamper detection sub-circuit will disconnect, and then a tamper detection signal indicating that the device is unsafe will be generated.

[0112] In the embodiments of this utility model, such as Figure 9 As shown, the second tamper switch can be at least one of the following conductive components that can conduct the tamper circuit: mechanical switch, photoelectric switch, conductive rubber, etc.

[0113] If the second tamper switch is a mechanical switch, then the mechanical switch needs to be installed on the second tamper circuit. When the housing is normally installed, the mechanical switch contacts the housing, and a pressure plate on the housing presses down the mechanical switch, causing the mechanical switch to close and making the tamper circuit conductive. When the housing is pried up, the pressure plate lifts up, and the mechanical switch opens, causing the second tamper circuit to disconnect. The mechanical switch can be a contact push button switch. In addition, it can be other switches that can achieve the above functions. This utility model does not specifically limit the type of mechanical switch, as long as it can be implemented.

[0114] If the second tamper switch is a photoelectric switch, then the photoelectric switch needs to be installed on the second tamper circuit. This photoelectric switch can be a through-beam photoelectric switch. When the housing is normally installed, a baffle can be placed between the through-beam photoelectric switches, causing them to be off. When the housing is pried open, the baffle between the through-beam photoelectric switches is lifted, turning them on. The change from off to on by the through-beam photoelectric switches will alter the connection state between the tamper switch and the device control module; for example, the output levels of the first access terminals MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1 will change.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown, when the housing is normally installed, the photoelectric switch is off, thus disconnecting the second anti-tamper circuit. At this time, the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 outputs a high level due to the pull-up resistor R2, while the first access terminal MCU_KEY_1 outputs a low level due to the pull-down resistor R1. When the housing is pried up, the baffle is lifted, the photoelectric switch is turned on, thus connecting the second anti-tamper circuit. At this time, both the first access terminals MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1 output a high level. Since the levels of the first access terminals MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1 change, this resulting level change signal serves as the anti-tamper detection signal. Figure 9 The resistor R3 is a current-limiting resistor used to provide overcurrent protection for the first tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0116] In addition, the second tamper switch also includes: a second connector; one end of the second connector is disposed on the housing, and the other end of the second connector is used to connect to the discontinuity of the second tamper circuit so as to make the discontinuous second tamper circuit conduct.

[0117] If the second tamper switch includes a second connector, then at least one second connection point is provided on the spaced-out second tamper circuit as a discontinuity point; each second connection point includes an electrical contact that is electrically insulated from the spaced-out connection point; one end of each second connector is provided as a fixed end on the housing, and the other end of each second connector is provided as a conductive end so that when it abuts against the corresponding second connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding second connection point are connected, so that the spaced-out second tamper circuit is conductive.

[0118] The second connection point can be implemented in the following ways: It can be configured as two electrical contacts, where connecting these two contacts allows them to be connected; it can be configured as two pairs of electrical contacts, where each pair contains multiple electrical contacts, allowing them to be connected; or it can be configured as two conductive sheets, allowing them to be connected.

[0119] Preferably, the second connection point can be achieved through, for example... Figure 6 Implemented as shown, such as Figure 6 As shown, the second connection point can be an open loop containing electrically insulated contacts spaced apart from each other. When the second connector is connected to the open loop, the corresponding contacts in the open loop can be connected, thus making the loop open. This method improves the conductivity of the second tamper-proof switch.

[0120] In this embodiment of the invention, the housing includes an upper housing and / or a lower housing. The second connecting member may be provided only on the upper housing, only on the lower housing, or on both the upper and lower housings. The number of second connecting members on the upper and lower housings may be the same or different, and the number of second connecting members is positively correlated with the area of ​​the corresponding housing. For example, a larger housing area can have more second connecting members to cover a larger area. The second connecting member can be conductive rubber; alternatively, it can be a connecting member with the same conductive principle as conductive rubber. This invention does not specifically limit its application in this regard.

[0121] When the upper and / or lower housings are installed normally, one end of the conductive rubber is positioned on the corresponding housing, and the other end abuts against the corresponding second connection point. At this time, adjacent electrical contacts at the second connection point are connected, thus making the previously disconnected second tamper-proof circuit conductive. When the upper and / or lower housings are pried up, or when the device control module is moved, the conductive rubber no longer contacts the corresponding second connection point. At this time, adjacent electrical contacts at the second connection point are disconnected, thus breaking the second tamper-proof circuit.

[0122] In the above embodiment, when the housing is pried open, the second anti-tamper switch disconnects, thereby disconnecting the second anti-tamper circuit. At this time, the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit formed by the second anti-tamper circuit and the protection circuit generates an anti-tamper detection signal to indicate that the device is unsafe. Through the above processing method, the device can be pried open for detection, thereby conducting a more comprehensive safety inspection of the device.

[0123] In this embodiment of the invention, the device control module includes a data board and an LSU module of the image forming device.

[0124] The following is combined Figures 7 to 9 The first tamper detection sub-circuit described above will be introduced.

[0125] In one possible implementation, such as Figure 7 The diagram shows the first tamper detection sub-circuit corresponding to the data board. For this first tamper detection sub-circuit, protective lines with specific spacing can be densely distributed on the inner surface of the housing, covering the entire surface to prevent damage to the housing (including drilling, cutting, etc.) and theft of device information. The protective lines can be connected to the second tamper detection line and the access terminal on the data board via conductive wires such as zebra strips. For example, as shown... Figure 3 As shown, zebra strip contacts can be provided on the inner surface of the upper housing of the cavity containing the device control module. These zebra strip contacts serve as the first and second output terminals of the protection circuit. The protection circuit can be connected to the data board via the zebra strip contacts, thus establishing a connection between the protection circuit, the second tamper protection circuit, and the data board input terminal.

[0126] like Figure 7 As shown, the data board includes the first access terminals, namely MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1, and also includes line connection terminals, namely pins 1-4. Among them, as... Figure 7As shown, the second tamper protection circuit between pins 2 and 3 has five discontinuities for connecting conductive rubber, namely K1, K2, K3, K4, and K5. K1, K2, and K3 can be placed on the top layer of the data board and used to contact the upper housing via the conductive rubber. K4 and K5 are placed on the bottom layer of the data board and used to contact the lower housing via the conductive rubber. After the upper and lower housings are installed, the conductive rubber will connect the discontinuous second tamper protection circuit, forming a conductive loop between pins 2 and 3. Pins 1 and 4 are the connection terminals for two other protective circuits located on the housing, thus connecting the protective circuits to the first access terminals (MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1) on the data board, thereby transmitting the generated tamper detection signal to the detection module on or outside the data board. The first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 is connected to a pull-up resistor R2, and the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 is connected to a pull-down resistor R1. Figure 7 As shown, filter capacitors C6 and C5, and a ferrite bead L3 are installed on the line between pin 1 and the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0. Simultaneously, filter capacitors C1, C2, C3, and C4, and a ferrite bead L4 are installed on the line between pin 4 and the first access terminal MCU_KEY_1. Ferrite beads L1 and L2 are also installed on the second tamper-proof line. The ferrite beads suppress high-frequency electromagnetic interference in the first tamper-proof detection sub-circuit. Furthermore, diodes D1 to D4 are installed on each of pins 1 to 4 to provide electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection for the first tamper-proof detection sub-circuit.

[0127] Under safe conditions, such as when the casing is properly installed without any disassembly, Figure 7 When the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit shown is turned on, the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 outputs a high level, and MCU_KEY_1 outputs a high level.

[0128] In unsafe situations, such as when the housing is pried open, the control module is moved, the housing is drilled, or other situations occur that could change the relative position of the data board and the housing, the protection circuit in the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit or the second anti-tamper switch disconnects from the second anti-tamper circuit, causing the circuit to break. In this case, the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 outputs a high level, and MCU_KEY_1 outputs a low level. The resulting level change signal serves as the anti-tamper detection signal.

[0129] In another possible implementation, such as Figure 8The diagram shows the first tamper detection sub-circuit corresponding to the LSU module, used to protect the LSU module, such as the LD driver board, imaging optical path components, or the LSU module as a whole. For this first tamper detection sub-circuit, protective lines at specific intervals can be densely distributed on the inner surface of the upper housing, covering the entire surface to prevent damage (including drilling, cutting, etc.) to the housing and theft of device information. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the protection circuit can be connected to the corresponding second tamper protection circuit and the access terminal of the device control module via conductive wires such as zebra strips. In this case, the device control module can be an LD driver board, or connected to the data board via an LD driver board. The access terminal of the LD driver board can be connected to the signal terminal of the detection module on the data board.

[0130] As above Figure 8 As shown, the first access terminal of the LD driver board includes MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1, and also includes line connection terminals, namely pins 1-4. Among them, as... Figure 8 As shown, the second tamper-proof circuit between pins 2 and 3 has two discontinuities, K6 and K7, for connecting conductive rubber. When the LSU module is installed normally, the conductive rubber will connect the discontinuous second tamper-proof circuit, forming a conductive loop between pins 2 and 3. Pins 1 and 4 are the connection terminals for two other protective circuits located on the housing, thus connecting the protective circuits to the first access terminals (MCU_KEY_0 and MCU_KEY_1) on the LD driver board, allowing the generated tamper detection signal to be transmitted to the data board. For example... Figure 8 As shown, filter capacitors C6 and C5, and a ferrite bead L3 are installed on the line between pin 1 and the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0. Meanwhile, filter capacitors C1, C2, C3, and C4, and a ferrite bead L4 are installed on the line between pin 4 and the first access terminal MCU_KEY_1. Ferrite beads L1 and L2 are also installed on the second tamper-proof line. The ferrite beads can suppress high-frequency electromagnetic interference in the first tamper-proof detection sub-circuit.

[0131] Under safe conditions, such as when the casing is properly installed without any disassembly, Figure 8 As shown, the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit is turned on, the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 is at a high level, and MCU_KEY_1 is at a high level.

[0132] In unsafe situations, such as when the housing is pried up, the equipment control module is moved, the housing is drilled, or other situations occur that could change the original relative position between the LUS module and the housing, the protection circuit in the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit or the second anti-tamper switch disconnects from the second anti-tamper circuit, causing the circuit to break. In this case, the first access terminal MCU_KEY_0 outputs a high level, and MCU_KEY_1 outputs a low level. The resulting level change signal serves as the anti-tamper detection signal.

[0133] As described above, the tamper-proof circuit containing the tamper switch and the protection circuit can be connected to form a whole tamper-proof detection circuit. In addition, the protection circuit and the tamper-proof circuit containing the tamper switch can be set up as two separate tamper-proof detection circuits to prevent drilling into the housing, prying open the housing, and taking away the equipment control module, etc., and to prevent damage and theft.

[0134] In this embodiment of the invention, where the tamper detection circuit further includes a second tamper detection sub-circuit, and the device control module is provided with a first tamper line that is spaced out, the conductive module includes a first tamper switch for connecting to the discontinuity of the first tamper line. The first tamper line is used to connect to the second access terminal of the device control module via the first tamper switch to form the second tamper detection sub-circuit.

[0135] The second tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the device control module and the housing changes, causing a change in the connection state between the first tamper switch and the device control module.

[0136] In this circuit, one end of the first anti-tamper circuit can be grounded, and the other end can be connected to the second access terminal of the device control module. Alternatively, both ends of the first anti-tamper circuit can be connected to the second access terminal of the device control module. The second access terminal of the device control module can serve as a detection terminal connected to the detection module and / or as a grounding terminal. Here, the winding of the first anti-tamper circuit only needs to be able to form a second anti-tamper detection sub-circuit after being connected to the device control module; no specific restrictions are imposed. Figure 10 As shown, the two ends of the first anti-tamper circuit can be connected to the second access terminals (MCU_KEY_2 and MCU_KEY_3) of the device control module through the first anti-tamper switch to form a second anti-tamper detection sub-circuit. At this time, the second access terminal serves as the detection terminal.

[0137] In this embodiment of the invention, the first tamper switch can be mounted on the housing or on the circuit board where the device control module is located. The first tamper switch and the discontinuity on the first tamper circuit are correspondingly arranged. The discontinuous first tamper circuit includes multiple interval points, each interval point corresponding to one first tamper switch.

[0138] The connection state between the first tamper switch and the equipment control module includes, for example, an open state or a closed state. When the original relative positions of the housing and the equipment control module remain unchanged, such as when the housing is in a normal installation state, the first tamper switch can be in a closed or open state depending on the type and installation method of the first tamper switch used. Correspondingly, when the original relative positions of the housing and the equipment control module change, such as when the housing or the equipment control module is pried up, the first tamper switch can switch from the original closed state to the open state, or from the original open state to the closed state, thereby changing the connection state between the first tamper switch and the equipment control module, causing the formed second tamper detection sub-circuit to generate a tamper detection signal.

[0139] When the device casing is in its normal installation state, the first tamper switch is closed, the interrupted first tamper circuit is conductive, and the first tamper circuit is connected to the second access terminal of the device control module through the first tamper switch to form the second tamper detection sub-circuit. In other words, the connection between the first tamper switch and the device control module remains conductive at this time. If the casing is pried open at this time, at least one first tamper switch may open with the movement of the casing, causing the conductive first tamper circuit to disconnect. This changes the connection between the first tamper switch and the device control module, thereby causing the second tamper detection sub-circuit to disconnect and generating a tamper detection signal indicating that the device is unsafe.

[0140] In this embodiment of the present invention, the first tamper switch may be at least one of a mechanical switch, a photoelectric switch, conductive rubber, or other conductive components that can conduct the tamper circuit.

[0141] If the first tamper switch is a mechanical switch, then the mechanical switch needs to be installed on the first tamper circuit. When the housing is normally installed, the mechanical switch contacts the housing, and a component on the housing presses down the mechanical switch, causing the mechanical switch to close and making the tamper circuit conductive. When the housing is pried up, the mechanical switch opens and the tamper circuit is disconnected. The mechanical switch can be a contact push button switch. In addition, it can be other switches that can achieve the above functions. This utility model does not specifically limit the type of mechanical switch, but only those that can achieve the function.

[0142] If the first tamper switch is a photoelectric switch, then the photoelectric switch needs to be installed on the first tamper circuit. This photoelectric switch can be a through-beam photoelectric switch. When the housing is normally installed, a baffle can be placed between the through-beam photoelectric switches, causing them to disconnect. When the housing is pried open, the baffle between the through-beam photoelectric switches is lifted, turning them on. The change from disconnected to on by the through-beam photoelectric switches will change the connection state between the tamper switch and the device control module; for example, the output levels of the second access terminal MCU_KEY_2 and the second access terminal MCU_KEY_3 will change. Here, pull-up resistors and pull-down resistors can be set at the two output terminals of the first tamper circuit, respectively. For example, a pull-up resistor can be connected to the output terminal connected to MCU_KEY_2, and a pull-down resistor can be connected to the output terminal connected to MCU_KEY_3. When the housing is normally installed, the photoelectric switch disconnects, causing the first tamper circuit to disconnect. At this time, MCU_KEY_2 outputs a high level, and MCU_KEY_3 outputs a low level. When the housing is pried open, the photoelectric switch housing is pried open, causing the first anti-tamper circuit to be connected. At this time, both MCU_KEY_2 and MCU_KEY_3 output a high level, which can generate an anti-tamper detection signal.

[0143] In addition, the first tamper switch includes: a first connector; one end of the first connector is disposed on the housing, and the other end of the first connector is used to connect to a break point in the first tamper circuit, so that the interrupted first tamper circuit is conductive. When the first tamper switch includes the first connector, at least one first connection point is provided as a break point on the interrupted first tamper circuit; each first connection point includes electrically insulated electrical contacts; one end of each first connector is disposed on the housing as a fixed end, and the other end of each first connector is disposed as a conductive end so that when it abuts against the corresponding first connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding first connection point are connected, so that the interrupted first tamper circuit is conductive.

[0144] The first connection point can be implemented in the following ways: It can be configured as two electrical contacts, where connecting these two contacts with the first connector enables the two contacts to be connected; it can be configured as two electrical contact pairs, where each electrical contact pair contains multiple electrical contacts, and connecting these two electrical contact pairs with the first connector enables the two electrical contact pairs to be connected; or it can be configured as two conductive sheets, where connecting these two conductive sheets with the first connector enables the two conductive sheets to be connected.

[0145] Preferably, the first connection point can be reached through, for example... Figure 6 Implemented as shown, such as Figure 6As shown, the first connection point can be a broken loop containing electrically insulated electrical contacts spaced apart from each other. When the first connector connects to the broken loop, the corresponding electrical contacts in the broken loop can be connected, thereby making the loop continuous. This process improves the conductivity of the first tamper-proof switch.

[0146] In this embodiment of the utility model, the housing includes an upper housing and / or a lower housing. The first connecting member may be provided only in the upper housing, or only in the lower housing, or both the upper and lower housings may have the first connecting member provided. The number of the first connecting members provided in the upper and lower housings may be the same or different, and the number of the first connecting members provided is positively correlated with the area of ​​the corresponding housing. For example, a housing with a larger area may have more first connecting members to cover a larger anti-tamper detection area.

[0147] Here, the first connector can be conductive rubber. Alternatively, it can be a connector with the same conductive principle as conductive rubber; this invention does not specifically limit its application. In this case, one end of the conductive rubber can be mounted on the upper and lower housings. When the upper and lower housings are normally installed, the conductive rubber enables the first, intermittently disconnected anti-tamper circuit to conduct electricity.

[0148] When the upper and / or lower housings are normally installed, one end of the conductive rubber is positioned on the housing, and the other end abuts against the corresponding first connection point. At this time, adjacent electrical contacts at the first connection point are connected, thus ensuring the continuity of the interrupted first tamper protection circuit. When the upper and / or lower housings are pried up, or the equipment control module is moved, the other end of the conductive rubber no longer contacts the corresponding first connection point. At this time, adjacent electrical contacts at the first connection point are disconnected, thus breaking the first tamper protection circuit.

[0149] In the above embodiments, when the original relative positions of the housing and the device control module change due to prying or movement of the housing, the connection state between the first tamper switch and the device control module is changed to generate an tamper detection signal, indicating whether the device is safe or not. Through this processing method, tamper detection can be performed on the device, thereby providing a more comprehensive safety inspection.

[0150] The above content will be described below with reference to specific implementation methods.

[0151] like Figure 3 and Figure 12As shown, zebra strips can be used as connecting wires. Zebra strip contacts are correspondingly installed on the upper housing of the data board, serving as the first and second output terminals of the protection circuit. When the zebra strip contacts are connected to the zebra strip, the protection circuit, tamper switch, tamper circuit, and the signal input terminals (GPIO_1, GPIO_2) of the detection module MCU can jointly form a tamper detection circuit. Zebra strip contacts are also provided on the LSU module housing, serving as the first and second output terminals of the protection circuit. When these contacts are connected to the zebra strip, the protection circuit, tamper switch, tamper circuit, and data socket can jointly form another tamper detection circuit. This other tamper detection circuit is electrically connected to the signal detection terminals (GPIO_3, GPIO_4) of the data board's detection module MCU via an FFC cable.

[0152] The following example uses the LSU module as the equipment control module, combined with... Figures 13 to 18 The setup method of the above-mentioned tamper detection circuit is described.

[0153] like Figure 13 As shown, the housing of the LSU module includes an upper housing, a lower housing, and a protective cover for the LD driver board. The imaging optical path components of the LSU module are located inside the housing, and the LD driver board is located on the side of the housing and is protected by the protective cover.

[0154] Here, corresponding anti-tamper detection circuits are set for the imaging optical path components of the LSU module, i.e., the laser scanning unit, and the LD driver board, respectively.

[0155] In this embodiment of the invention, the LD driver board and the imaging optical path components located within the housing can be protected against tampering. Therefore, a tamper detection circuit can be provided for the LD driver board, and another tamper detection circuit can be provided for the imaging optical path components.

[0156] For example, such as Figure 9 and Figure 14 As shown, protective wiring can be laid on the six sides of the housing—the top, left, right, front, rear, and bottom—to prevent drilling and other acts that could damage the housing, thus preventing the theft of data signals.

[0157] like Figure 14 As shown, the lower housing of the casing includes a load-bearing base, such as sheet metal, wherein the load-bearing base is a structural component for supporting and fixing the LSU module or other components. In this embodiment of the invention, protective wiring can be laid on the surface of the lower housing, for example, protective wiring can be laid on the surface of the load-bearing base. Figure 14As shown, the bottom of the LSU module is usually located on the support shell. Therefore, if someone damages the LSU module from the bottom, the support shell must be damaged first. At this time, the integrity of the LSU module is ensured by laying protective circuits on the surface of the support shell, thus ensuring that important components are not damaged.

[0158] like Figure 15 The diagram shown is an exploded view of the upper and lower shells. Figure 16 The image shown is a front view of the upper shell surface. (See image.) Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, a protective circuit can be laid on the inner surface of the upper housing, and zebra strip contacts are provided on the inner surface of the upper housing. The zebra strip contacts correspond to the first and second output terminals of the protective circuit. This protective circuit can be connected to the corresponding tamper-proof circuit and the access terminal of the device control module (e.g., LD driver board) through the zebra strip contacts. Simultaneously, a zebra strip fixing block is provided on the upper housing for fixing the zebra strip. Figure 3 and Figure 15 As shown, a conductor rubber contact point (i.e., the electrical contact point described above) is also provided on the inner surface of the upper housing. When the conductive rubber and the conductor rubber contact point come into contact, the relative protection circuit is connected.

[0159] like Figure 17 As shown, the LD driver board protective cover contains a zebra strip and a zebra strip mounting bracket. The zebra strip is mounted inside the LD driver board protective cover via the zebra strip mounting bracket. Protective wiring can be laid inside the LD driver board protective cover, and this protective wiring is connected to the corresponding tamper protection wiring and the access terminal of the device control module (e.g., the LD driver board) via the zebra strip.

[0160] like Figure 15 As shown, when the upper and lower housings are installed normally, the zebra strip contacts on the inner surface of the upper housing are connected to the zebra strips to connect the protection circuit to the device control module on the housing, forming an anti-tamper detection circuit. At the same time, one end of the conductive rubber in the lower housing abuts against the corresponding electrical contact (i.e., the conductive rubber contact point) on the upper housing to conduct the protection circuit.

[0161] In this embodiment of the invention, a protective circuit, zebra strip contacts, and conductive rubber contacts can be provided on the inner side of the LD driver board protective cover, and a zebra strip and conductive rubber can be provided on the LD driver board. When the LD driver protective cover is installed normally, the zebra strip and zebra strip contacts are connected accordingly, thereby making the protective circuit conductive; and the contacts of the conductor rubber and conductive rubber are connected accordingly, at which time the intermittently disconnected anti-tamper circuit can be made conductive. The circuit structure of the anti-tamper circuit can be the circuit structure of the first anti-tamper circuit in the above embodiment or the circuit structure of the second anti-tamper circuit. At this time, an anti-tamper detection circuit can be formed between the anti-tamper circuit and the protective circuit; or, an anti-tamper detection circuit can be formed between the protective circuit and the LD driver board, and another anti-tamper detection circuit can be formed between the anti-tamper circuit and the LD driver board.

[0162] like Figure 15 and Figure 18 As shown, the tamper detection circuit inside the LSU module housing can be connected to the input terminal of the LSU module's LD driver board via an adapter board. The LD driver board is then connected to the signal terminal of the detection module in the data board.

[0163] If the housing is drilled, the protection circuit will disconnect, generating an tamper detection signal. If the housing is opened, the conductive rubber or zebra strip will disconnect from the corresponding contacts, thus disconnecting the tamper detection circuit and generating an tamper detection signal. Similarly, if the LD driver protective cover is drilled, the protection circuit will disconnect, generating an tamper detection signal. If the LD driver protective cover is opened, the conductive rubber or zebra strip will disconnect from the corresponding contacts, thus disconnecting the tamper detection circuit.

[0164] In this embodiment of the invention, the protection circuit can be configured as a series of intermittently disconnected lines. For each discontinuity in the protection circuit, a corresponding tamper-proof switch (i.e., the third tamper-proof switch in the above embodiment) can be installed. For example, the third tamper-proof switch can be conductive rubber, with one end of the conductive rubber fixedly mounted on the housing or the device control module. When the device is in a safe state, the conductive rubber conducts the intermittent protection circuit, thus forming a complete protective wiring on the housing. Any prying or other destructive actions will result in poor contact, causing an open circuit in the protection circuit. This method improves the accuracy of tamper detection.

[0165] In an alternative implementation, this embodiment of the invention also provides an image forming apparatus including the aforementioned anti-tamper device, wherein the anti-tamper device is used to perform anti-tamper detection on the image forming apparatus.

[0166] The specific embodiments of this utility model are used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features, within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model. Such modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An anti-tamper device, characterized in that, include: A conductive module and a device control module; the conductive module is used to electrically connect with the device control module so that the conductive module and the device control module form an anti-tamper detection circuit; The tamper detection circuit is used to generate an tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing of the protected device and the device control module changes and / or the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module, so as to determine whether the device is safe.

2. The anti-tamper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tamper detection circuit includes a first tamper detection sub-circuit; The conductive module includes a protective circuit, which is laid on at least one surface of the housing, and a first output terminal of the protective circuit is used to communicate with a first input terminal of the device control module, so that the protective circuit and the device control module are connected to form the first tamper detection sub-circuit. The first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate the tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the device control module changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the protection line and the device control module.

3. The anti-tamper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tamper detection circuit also includes a second tamper detection sub-circuit; the device control module is provided with a first tamper line that is intermittently disconnected. The conductive module includes a first tamper switch for connection at the discontinuity of the first tamper circuit; The first anti-tamper circuit is used to connect to the second access terminal of the device control module through the first anti-tamper switch to form the second anti-tamper detection sub-circuit. The second tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate the tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the device control module changes, causing a change in the connection state between the first tamper switch and the device control module.

4. The anti-tamper device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The device control module is equipped with a second anti-tamper circuit that is intermittently disconnected. The conductive module also includes a second tamper switch, which is used to connect to the discontinuity of the second tamper circuit; The second anti-tamper circuit is used to connect to the protection circuit through the second anti-tamper switch to form the first anti-tamper detection sub-circuit. The first tamper detection sub-circuit is used to generate the tamper detection signal when the original relative position between the housing and the device control module changes and / or at least one surface of the housing is damaged, causing a change in the connection state between the conductive module and the device control module.

5. The anti-tamper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Detection module; The signal terminal of the detection module is connected to the access terminal of the device control module, and is used to determine whether the device is safe based on the anti-tamper detection signal generated by the anti-tamper detection circuit.

6. The anti-tamper device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first tamper switch includes: a first connector; one end of the first connector is disposed on the housing, and the other end of the first connector is used to connect to the discontinuity of the first tamper circuit, so as to make the discontinuous first tamper circuit conduct.

7. The anti-tamper device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The second tamper switch includes: a second connector; one end of the second connector is disposed on the housing, and the other end of the second connector is used to connect to the discontinuity of the second tamper circuit, so as to make the discontinuous second tamper circuit conduct.

8. The anti-tamper device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first anti-tamper line with the interval is provided with at least one first connection point as an interruption point; each first connection point includes an electrical contact that is electrically insulated from the interval. One end of each of the first connectors is fixed on the housing, and the other end of each of the first connectors is conductive. When it abuts against the corresponding first connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding first connection point are connected, so that the first anti-tamper circuit that is disconnected at intervals is connected.

9. The anti-tamper device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second anti-tamper line, which is disconnected at intervals, is provided with at least one second connection point as a discontinuity point; each second connection point includes an electrical contact that is electrically insulated at intervals. One end of each of the second connectors is fixed on the housing, and the other end of each of the second connectors is conductive. When it abuts against the corresponding second connection point, any adjacent electrical contacts on the corresponding second connection point are connected, so that the second anti-tamper circuit that is disconnected is made conductive.

10. The anti-tamper device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protection circuit consists of intermittently disconnected lines; The conductive module also includes a third tamper switch for connecting the intermittently disconnected protection line to make the intermittently disconnected protection line conductive.

11. The anti-tamper device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The third tamper-proof switch includes: a third connector; the device control module is fixed to the housing; One end of the third connector is disposed on the housing or the device control module, and the other end of the third connector is used to connect the intermittently disconnected protection line.

12. The anti-tamper device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that, The device control module includes at least one of the data board of the image forming device and the LSU module.

13. The anti-tamper device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device control module includes a data board and an LSU module for the image forming device; The data board is used to connect to a conductive module on a housing associated with the data board, so that the conductive module on the housing and the data board form a tamper detection circuit; The LSU module is used to connect to a conductive module on at least one housing associated with the LSU module, so that the conductive module on each housing forms another tamper detection circuit with the LSU module.

14. The anti-tamper device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The data board is equipped with a detection module; one of the anti-tamper detection circuits and another of the anti-tamper detection circuits are respectively connected to the detection module on the data board; The detection module on the data board is used to determine whether the data board and / or the LSU module are safe based on the tamper detection signal generated by the tamper detection circuit.

15. An image forming apparatus, characterized in that, The image forming apparatus includes any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the anti-tamper device is used to perform anti-tamper detection on the image forming apparatus.

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