Alarm device of control module

Abstract

The present invention relates to an alarm device for a mining control module that is easy to replace. Therefore, an alarm device for a mining control module is proposed, comprising: a housing (10) configured to couple with an opening provided on an outer surface of the control module, wherein the housing (10) defines an inner cavity (22); and an alarm module (28) arranged in the cavity (22) and configured to be releasably coupled to an internal control unit of the control module via the opening for receiving a control signal. The housing (10) comprises a first portion (12) and a radially extending second portion (16), the first portion extending along a longitudinal axis (14) and configured to extend at least partially through the opening, the radially extending second portion being configured to extend on the outer surface of the control module so as to cover the opening when the device is coupled to the control module. The device further comprises a fixing device (18, 38) arranged on the second portion (16) and configured to releasably engage the outer surface of the control module so as to fix the device to the control module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an alarm device for a mining control module, so as to facilitate the replacement of the alarm device, and a corresponding mining control module comprising the alarm device. Background Art

[0002] It is known that an alarm device such as a buzzer or a beeper interacts with a control interface or control unit of an electronic device that monitors the operating conditions of a system component and warns a user in the event that an adverse condition is detected or a predetermined threshold is exceeded. For example, a control unit configured to control one or more functions of the device may be coupled to a pressure or proximity sensor and may output an alarm signal when pressure or proximity is detected and, for example, it is determined via control or evaluation logic that the pressure or proximity exceeds a predetermined tolerance. In this case, the alarm signal may be provided in the form of an acoustic signal so that the user's attention is drawn to a potential fault or critical operating condition.

[0003] In mining applications, such alarm functions are absolutely necessary in order to provide a safe working environment for users working in underground conditions. For example, the various modules of a longwall mining system require precise adjustment to underground conditions, which change dynamically and continuously and can depend on the application. For example, the top support or shield is usually advanced sequentially, where the jamming of the guide rails and / or the sudden top rise may require manual intervention or inspection, thereby notifying the user through an alarm device or buzzer connected to the corresponding programmable control module of the longwall system.

[0004] Underground conditions generally provide a wet and rather rough environment, which is further increased by mining operations. For example, water may be used for cooling purposes and may be sprayed from, for example, a top support to facilitate mining applications. Furthermore, shearing activities fill the air with dust and particles and may result in waste or debris being pushed toward the control module of the corresponding top support. Therefore, water, dust and waste particles may all impact the outer surface of the control module, such that the control module must be interpreted and constructed to have a predetermined level of robustness in order to avoid any damaging influence of an opponent and be compatible with underground operations.

[0005] For this purpose, current buzzers are usually welded to the outer surface of the corresponding control module in order to prevent water from penetrating into the internal electronic components of the control module and to provide structural resistance to avoid damage in the event of an impact. However, for safety reasons and in order to guarantee the functionality of the buzzer, the buzzer needs to be replaced after a predetermined period of time, usually after about five years. Disassembly requires considerable effort and involves the breakdown of the material bonds provided by the welding. In addition, the connection of the buzzer to the internal control logic of the control module is arranged inside the control module and is therefore not directly accessible from the outside.

[0006] Therefore, maintenance cannot be performed underground, so that the control module needs to be returned to the surface, resulting in replacement that may take several hours. This makes the corresponding shield or top support inactive during the replacement, which therefore causes significant downtime of the longwall system, which is uneconomical and significantly reduces overall shear and production.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to facilitate and expedite the replacement of buzzers for mining control modules in order to reduce downtime of longwall systems. Summary of the invention

[0008] Starting from the prior art, the object of the present invention is to provide a new and inventive alarm device for a mining control module. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide an alarm device that facilitates replacement with reduced implementation effort while ensuring the sealing of the electronic components included in such a mining control module.

[0009] This object is solved by a warning device having the features of claim 1 and a mining control module having the features of claim 14. Preferred embodiments are set forth in the description, the drawings and the dependent claims.

[0010] Therefore, an alarm device for a mining control module is proposed, comprising: a housing configured to couple with an opening provided on an outer surface of the control module, wherein the housing defines an inner cavity; and an alarm module arranged in the cavity and configured to be releasably coupled to an internal control unit of the control module via the opening for receiving a control signal. The housing comprises a first portion and a radially extending second portion, the first portion extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to at least partially extend through the opening, the radially extending second portion being configured to extend on the outer surface of the control module when the device is coupled to the control module so as to cover the opening. The device further comprises a fixing device arranged on the second portion and configured to releasably couple to the outer surface of the control module so as to fix the device to the control module.

[0011] Furthermore, a mining control module is proposed, comprising an internal control unit, an outer surface with an opening, and a corresponding alarm device, wherein the alarm device is fixed to the outer surface by the fixing device, the second part covers the opening, and the first part is received by the opening, wherein the control unit is releasably coupled to an alarm module of the alarm device via wiring and the opening. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1depicts a schematic side view of a housing of an alarm device;

[0014] Figure 2 Describes the basis Figure 1 A top view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 Describes the basis Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line AA of the embodiment depicted in FIG.

[0016] Figure 4 Describes the basis Figures 1 to 3 A top perspective view of a housing;

[0017] Figure 5 Describes the basis Figures 1 to 3 A bottom perspective view of a housing;

[0018] Figure 6 Describes the basis Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line AA of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 with other components of the alarm device;

[0019] Figure 7 Describes the basis Figure 2 A cross-sectional view along line BB of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 with other components of the alarm device;

[0020] Figure 8 Describes the basis Figure 6 A bottom perspective view of the alarm device; and

[0021] Fig. 9 Describes the basis Figure 6 A top perspective view of an alarm device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, the same elements are represented by the same reference numerals, and in order to avoid repetition, repeated description thereof may be omitted.

[0023] exist Figure 1 , an alarm device is schematically shown in a side view, wherein the housing 10 of the alarm device comprises a first portion 12, which extends along a longitudinal axis 14. Here, the first portion 12 comprises a substantially cylindrical shape, which intersects with a second portion 16 of the housing 10, extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis 14. While the first portion 12 is adapted to be received by the interior of the opening and the control module, including chamfers or guide surfaces at opposite ends of the second portion 16, the second portion 16 is adapted to extend over the outer surface of the opening and the control module so as to completely cover the opening.

[0024] exist Figure 2A more detailed view of the second part 16 is provided in , which represents a top view of the housing 10 of the alarm device. Thus, the second part 16 comprises a cross section having an ellipsoidal shape, such that the second part 16 comprises two radially extending or flared arms. Each of the arms comprises a fixing means 18, which is here depicted as a corresponding through hole. By means of the fixing means 18, the second part 16 can be attached to an outer surface of the control module, such that the second part 16 is flush with the outer surface and covers the opening of the first part 12 of the housing 10. The first part 12 is Figure 2 1 and 12 as a circular shape extending through or from the second portion 16.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first portion 12 is sized and dimensioned to be completely received by the opening and the interior of the control module, with only minimal spacing between the first portion 12 and the opening. Thus, when the alarm device is coupled to the control module, the ellipsoidal shape of the second portion 16 completely covers the opening, such that the second portion 16 seals the opening. However, it should be understood that various shapes and sizes are possible, such as polygonal and rectangular shapes, as long as the size and shape of the second portion 16 are suitable for covering the opening of the control module. Therefore, the shapes described herein are not limiting.

[0026] The second part 16 also includes a plurality of through holes 20 or openings, which provide fluid communication between the inner cavity (not shown) of the housing 10 and are configured to accommodate an alarm module (not shown). Thus, the alarm signals generated by the alarm module, such as visual, acoustic, vibration and / or tactile signals, can be more easily propagated and converted to the surrounding environment and / or detected. The openings or through holes 20 thus form a cover for the inner cavity, which is merely optional and can be further integrated with the first part 12 or the second part 16.

[0027] Figure 3 Describes the basis Figure 2 2. A cross-sectional view of the alarm device along line AA of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2. Thus, the inner cavity 22 is described as a continuous interior space having an open end opposite the second portion 16. In addition, the first portion 12 and the second portion 16 substantially form a T-shape in the cross-sectional profile of the housing along line AA and define a shoulder 24 at the connection interface. The shoulder 24 can accommodate a sealing member to provide a fluid seal of the opening of the control module when the alarm device is secured to the control module.

[0028] Alternatively, the second portion 16 or its flared arms may be at least partially formed of a flexible and / or elastic material that provides a seal when the fixture 18 is secured. Such a flexible material may be embedded, for example, as an additional layer or coating, or the second portion 16 may be formed of such a material at least at the flared arms.

[0029] The fixing means 18 are also arranged radially outwardly from the shoulder 24, which facilitates fixing and provides an improved distribution of the fixing force by providing a larger contact area. This also allows the seal to be unaffected by the fixing.

[0030] The radial arms of the second portion 16 also facilitate manipulation of the alarm device by providing a gripping portion for the user and by facilitating alignment of the alarm device relative to the opening of the control module, ie by defining orientation markings for proper alignment.

[0031] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Depicted in top and bottom perspectives according to Figures 1 to 3 Here, the flaring or radial arms of the second portion 16 are more apparent and demonstrate how the housing 10 can be rotated into a predetermined position even after the first portion 12 has been inserted into the opening of the control module to properly align the alarm device. The ellipsoidal surfaces are arranged symmetrically but bias the alarm device in a predetermined position, wherein the alarm device can also be inserted in reverse.

[0032] exist Figure 6 In the Figure 2 , wherein the alarm device and its housing 10 include additional components. Thus, the housing 10 defines an inner cavity 22, which extends from the second part 16 to the opposite end of the first part 12 and accommodates an alarm module 28, which is depicted as a piezoelectric element and is electrically connected to an electrical coupling element 30 for receiving power and control signals. The alarm module 28 is firmly held in the inner cavity 22 by a potting material 32 on the open end of the first part 12 and the second part 16 on the opposite end, and is also held by the inner wall of the inner cavity 22. The alarm module 28 is configured as an acoustic module in order to provide an acoustic alarm signal. However, an alarm module, for example a visual alarm module in the form of an alarm light and / or a tactile alarm module, for example in the form of an electromechanical transducer, may also be implemented.

[0033] By means of the warning module 28 and the inner cavity 22 which may partially define the sound box, an acoustic or other warning signal may be generated and output based on a control signal received from a control unit of the control module via the electrical coupling component 30. The acoustic signal may, for example, provide a warning signal that alerts a user to a potential problem or failure in the system (e.g., a longwall mining system). To improve propagation and conduction, the outer surface of the second portion 16 includes a plurality of through holes 20 or openings, as shown above. Figure 3 described.

[0034] In order to ensure that the interior of the control module accommodating the electronic components and the electronic components of the alarm device are protected from water or other liquids and dirt that enter through the opening, the housing 10 further includes a sealing member 34 that is arranged between the piezoelectric element and the inner surface of the second portion 16. The sealing member 34 may be formed as an O-ring or the like that circumferentially surrounds the piezoelectric element.

[0035] For the same reason, the shoulder 24 of the housing 10 accommodates a sealing member 26 which, when coupled to the control module, ensures that the opening of the control module is fluid-tight. As shown, the through hole or the fixing device 18 is arranged radially outward from the sealing member 26 so that the received fixing element (e.g., a screw) does not interfere with the sealing member 24.

[0036] Figure 7 Describes the basis Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the line BB of the example of the depicted embodiment is similar to Figure 6 , which has other components of the alarm device. Therefore, the radially extending arms are not shown, but the shoulder 24 extends fully around the circumference of the second part 16 to accommodate the seal 24 along the entire circumference.

[0037] The case of an electrical coupling element 30 is also shown, wherein the alarm device is electrically coupled to the control unit of the control module via a second electrical coupling element 36 of the control unit. Such a second electrical coupling element 36 can be connected to the control unit via corresponding wiring, so that when the alarm device is disassembled and removed from the opening of the control module, the coupling connection can be removed from the interior of the control module. The electrical coupling elements 30, 36 are also optionally connected via a snap-fit ​​arrangement, wherein the elastic member of the second electrical coupling element 36 includes a guide surface or chamfer and provides a mechanical interlock with a corresponding pawl or protrusion formed on the electrical coupling element 30 of the alarm device. By adjusting the elastic member, the two elements 30, 36 can be separated accordingly, so that a replacement alarm device can be connected to the corresponding control module. Therefore, the user can replace it from the outside of the control module under underground conditions without exposing the circuits and electronic components contained in the control module.

[0038] Figure 8 Describes the basis Figure 6 and Figure 7A bottom perspective view of an alarm device of , wherein the second electrical coupling element 36 is shown as having four electrical channels for providing the required power connection and receiving control signals. In addition, the radial arm including the fixture 18 in the form of a through hole is shown with a received screw 38, the size and dimension of the screw 38 being arranged to engage a corresponding hole on the outer surface of the control module. Therefore, when the alarm device is securely attached to the control module, the screw 38 extends from the surface of the second part 16 flush with the outer surface of the control module, and wherein the sealing member 26 provides a continuous seal of the opening to prevent fluid ingress. In addition, the fixture 18 and the screw 38 are arranged so that when the alarm device is fixed to the control module, radial, axial and rotational movement of the alarm device is prevented.

[0039] Thus, the alarm device provides a robust device that is easy to implement, requiring only the fixing of the fixing device 18 and the coupling of the electrical coupling element 30 to the corresponding interface of the control module. Due to the optional flared, radial arms, e.g. Fig. 9 , further facilitates proper positioning and operation of the alarm device so that a user can perform replacements in an underground environment without significantly affecting the operating time of a mining system, such as a longwall mining system.

[0040] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these embodiments and projects only depict examples of multiple possibilities. Therefore, the embodiments shown here should not be understood to form restrictions on these features and configurations. Any possible combination and configuration of the described features can be selected according to the scope of the present invention.

[0041] This is the case in particular with regard to the following optional features, which can be combined with some or all of the previously mentioned embodiments, items and / or features in any technically feasible combination.

[0042] An alarm device for a mining control module may be provided.

[0043] The alarm device comprises: a housing configured to couple with an opening provided on an outer surface of the control module, wherein the housing defines an inner cavity; and an alarm module arranged in the cavity and configured to be releasably coupled to an internal control unit of the control module via the opening so as to receive a control signal. The housing comprises a first portion and a radially extending second portion, the first portion extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to at least partially extend through the opening, the radially extending second portion being configured to extend on the outer surface of the control module when the device is coupled to the control module so as to cover the opening. The device further comprises a fixing device arranged on the second portion and configured to be releasably coupled to the outer surface of the control module so as to fix the device to the control module.

[0044] The opening of the control module thus provides access from the outside of the control module to the interior, which houses electronic components including a control unit and / or a power supply circuit. The first portion of the housing may be, for example, substantially cylindrical in shape, which protrudes into the opening and facilitates placing the alarm device in the correct position. For example, the first portion may include a substantially cylindrical shape with a continuous outer circumference and / or be generally symmetrical so that the first portion can be easily inserted into the opening.

[0045] To further facilitate insertion, the end of the first part opposite the second part may further be beveled.

[0046] Alternatively, the first portion may include an asymmetric shape such that the first portion of the housing can be inserted into the opening in only a limited number of orientations, preferably biasing the housing in a single predetermined position relative to the control module. For example, the first portion may include a rectangular, triangular, or polygonal cross-section and / or may include one or more protrusions that match one or more recesses or cutouts of the opening.

[0047] The second portion extends radially outwards, i.e. in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the housing or the first portion. Thus, when the first portion is inserted into the opening, the second portion extends over the outer surface of the control module and covers the opening of the control module. The first portion and the second portion may be integrally formed, i.e. may be made from a single piece, so that a connecting portion may be provided, from which the longitudinal portion and the radial portion extend. Alternatively, the portions may also form separate components of the housing. Thus, the housing may form a shield or cover, sealing the opening and protecting the inner cavity of the control module from external influences.

[0048] The housing may be formed from a polymer, metal, ceramic or composite material. Preferably, the housing is made from a polymer material, thereby providing an economical and robust solution, and the housing may be manufactured by, for example, injection molding or extrusion.

[0049] The device further includes a securing device disposed on the second portion and configured to releasably couple to an outer surface of the control module to secure the device to the control module.

[0050] The fixing means may for example comprise clamps or fasteners or other means to securely attach the housing to the control module, preferably sealing the interior of the control module against external influences.

[0051] The releasable attachment eliminates the need for the user to perform cutting, welding or brazing techniques to remove the housing from the control module, and replacement can be performed in underground conditions, thereby significantly reducing the time spent replacing the alarm device and system downtime.

[0052] In order to provide the alarm signal, the device also includes an alarm module, which is housed in the housing and is configured to provide an alarm signal to warn a user, for example, in the event of a system failure or a detected problem. The alarm module can, for example, be configured to provide an audio, visual, vibration and / or tactile signal. Configured as an acoustic module, the alarm module can be configured to provide a continuous or periodic sound, which can be monotonous or have a varying pitch and / or frequency. The device can also be configured to stop the output of the alarm signal when the user inputs on the interface of the control module, so that the physical presence of the user is required, and thus it can be ensured that the output is stopped only before the manual intervention of the user.

[0053] To further facilitate coupling of the alarm device to the control module, the alarm module may include an electrical coupling element configured as a wired electrical coupling element releasably connectable to the control unit via the opening.

[0054] The electrical coupling may be formed, for example, as a plug or socket matching the terminals of the wired electrical coupling element. This allows the electrical coupling element to be easily removed from the interior of the control module due to the extended wiring after the fixing means have been loosened and the housing has been removed from the outer surface of the control module. Alternatively, the electrical coupling may directly engage a corresponding geometry of the control unit, for example by means of a protruding element.

[0055] Thus, a user may simply replace the alarm device by loosening the fixture and pulling the wiring out of the control module via the opening while removing the housing. The user may then detach the electrical coupling element and attach the electrical coupling element of the replacement alarm device to the coupling element of the control module, and may secure the replacement alarm device by inserting the wiring into the interior of the control module, inserting the first portion into the opening, and securing the fixture so that the second portion covers the opening and is securely attached to the control module. Thus, when a welded fixation is provided and the control module needs to be brought to the surface for replacement, the replacement may be performed in minutes rather than hours. Furthermore, such replacement may not even require a complete shutdown of the control module and corresponding mining equipment, such as by providing a configuration of the control module and the alarm system, which allows the replacement to occur under voltage and further reduces downtime of the longwall system.

[0056] The electrical coupling element is preferably configured to couple by interference fit, positive locking or snap fit. For example, the electrical coupling element may be formed as a body with a resilient member, and it may be inserted into a corresponding socket having a shape matching the body or a smaller size, so that the body needs to be pressed into the socket and held by friction. For the same reason, the resilient member may include a protrusion that snaps into a corresponding recess or groove of the socket when inserted and can be released by actuating the resilient member.

[0057] Preferably, the electrical coupling element is configured as a plug-in connector or a screw connector. Such a connector is easily available and can further facilitate the coupling and separation between the control unit and the alarm module of the alarm device. Since both electrical coupling elements are accommodated in an inner cavity of the control module and / or the housing, for example in an inner cavity provided in the first part, the electrical coupling elements are protected from external influences and are therefore generally only susceptible to forces acting on the control module due to normal operation. Therefore, the plug-in connector or the screw connector provides sufficient connection stability while providing a releasable attachment that can be manipulated by the user when replacing without the need for specific tools.

[0058] Since mining conditions provide a humid environment and may result in liquids coming into contact with the control module, the housing preferably fluidly seals the opening so as to prevent water or other fluids from entering the interior of the control module. Therefore, the second portion preferably includes a flexible portion so as to fluidly seal the opening when the device is coupled to the control module. Therefore, when the fixing device fixes the alarm device to the control module, such a flexible portion can conform to an outer surface of the control module adjacent the opening, thereby providing a contact interface. Therefore, the contact interface prevents fluid communication between the interior of the control module and the exterior of the control module in the area of ​​the alarm device, thereby protecting electronic components housed in the control module from fluid ingress and electronic damage.

[0059] The second part may for example be at least partially formed of a flexible material. Such a flexible or elastic material may be provided by a polymer material which, when the devices are coupled, is provided as a top layer on the second part facing the outer surface of the control module. Due to the fixing, the flexible material is compressed and thus forms a seal preventing fluid from entering the opening covered by the second part.

[0060] The first part and the second part may also define a shoulder, wherein the sealing member is arranged at the shoulder. For example, the first part and the second part may be formed as a T-shape, wherein the second part defines a smaller portion, so that the longitudinal portion of the first part extends from the second part, and the shoulder is defined at the connection area. The sealing member may, for example, be provided as an O-ring, which may be received by a recess formed at the connection area or the shoulder. Therefore, the O-ring may be directly arranged at the circumference of the opening, thereby reducing the radial extension of the second part and providing greater versatility of the fixture and its arrangement.

[0061] Therefore, the securing means is preferably arranged radially outwardly from the shoulder and the sealing member.

[0062] For example, the shoulder and the sealing member may be arranged at the inner circumference of the second part, while the fixing means are arranged at the region of the outer circumference of the second part. This has the following advantages: the forces acting on the second part due to the fixing means (e.g. compression forces) are also applied to the sealing member, while these forces can be more evenly distributed and provide improved structural stability without compromising the seal.

[0063] In order to facilitate the fixing and removal of the alarm device, the fixing means preferably comprises two or more screws, wherein the second part comprises two or more through holes for receiving the two or more screws. Although the through holes can be arranged at different positions on the second part relative to the longitudinal axis of the first part, the through holes are preferably arranged symmetrically and at equal intervals from each other, for example along a circular cross section or circumference of the second part.

[0064] The use of screws ensures that the compression force can be adjusted and provides a certain degree of flexibility with respect to the outer surface of the control module, for example in the case of recesses or varying depths of the outer surface between different control modules. Furthermore, this allows the fixing device to be easily released without requiring considerable strength to remove and replace the alarm device. Furthermore, the screw fixing ensures that no loosening occurs due to axial or radial forces generated during operation of the control module and the corresponding mining equipment.

[0065] The alarm module may also include an acoustic module or an electromechanical transducer, preferably a piezoelectric element. Thus, a robust signal generator is provided, which can output acoustic and / or tactile or vibration signals as required according to control signals received from a control unit of the control module. Furthermore, the electromechanical transducer may be arranged to completely cover the inner cavity of the housing, so that external factors (such as moisture or liquid or fluid accumulation) cannot enter the interior of the control module via the alarm device.

[0066] The alarm module may also communicate with the exterior of the second portion to provide a more direct output. Such communication may be provided, for example, by a flexible member covering the alarm module and transmitting an alarm or sound signal. Preferably, the second portion includes at least one opening or through hole that communicatively couples the alarm module with the exterior of the second portion, wherein a second sealing member is disposed between the alarm module and the second portion to fluidically seal the inner cavity.

[0067] In other words, the alarm module may be covered by the second part, but an air cavity may be provided between the outer surface of the second part and the alarm module, wherein the outer surface of the second part preferably comprises a plurality of holes, which allow the alarm signal to propagate from the alarm device to the surrounding environment and be detected. In order to ensure that no liquid or fluid enters the interior of the control module, a second sealing member is provided, which is arranged at a border or edge of the alarm module facing the second part and is arranged between the alarm module and the inner surface of the second part. The second sealing member may, for example, be formed as an O-ring or a sealing ring made of a flexible material.

[0068] For ease of insertion and correct placement of the housing of the alarm device, the circumference and shape of the first portion may substantially correspond to the circumference and shape of the opening, wherein the shape is preferably substantially circular or elliptical. By providing a circular shape in a cross-sectional view of the first portion, insertion may not require a specific orientation and correct placement may be provided after insertion, for example by rotation of the alarm device along the longitudinal axis. This also ensures that insertion may be provided in a variety of openings, such as circular openings and rectangular or elliptical openings with a larger cross section.

[0069] Alternatively, an ellipsoidal surface may be provided which biases the alarm device in a predetermined position.Preferably, the alarm device and the fixing device are arranged symmetrically so that the alarm device can also be inserted in reverse.

[0070] To further ensure that the alarm module is retained in the inner cavity, a potting material may be arranged at a portion of the inner cavity opposite the second portion and arranged to at least fix the alarm module in the housing. For example, the potting or compound may be an epoxy-based material or polyurethane that seals the end of the first portion protruding into the control module and forms a boundary with a positive lock for the alarm module, so that the alarm module is retained on one end by the potting and the second portion is retained on the second end, while radial and / or rotational movement may be prevented by the inner wall of the inner cavity.

[0071] Furthermore, a mining control module is proposed, comprising an internal control unit, an outer surface with an opening, and a corresponding alarm device, wherein the alarm device is fixed to the outer surface by the fixing device, the second part covers the opening, and the first part is received by the opening, wherein the control unit is releasably coupled to an alarm module of the alarm device via wiring and the opening.

[0072] Preferably, such a mining control module is configured for controlling a roof support shroud.

[0073] Thus, an alarm device can be implemented in a longwall system, wherein a programmable control module can control various functions of a corresponding top support shield. If the alarm device (e.g. a buzzer) needs to be replaced, the fixing means can simply be loosened and a first part of the alarm device can be pulled out of an opening in the control module, wherein the electrical coupling is provided by a wired corresponding electrical coupling element of the control unit, which wired corresponding electrical coupling element can be separated from the outside by pulling out the connecting wire. The replacement alarm device can then be coupled to the wiring, after which the wiring and the first part are inserted into the opening and the second part is fixed to the outer surface of the control module by the fixing means. Thus, the longwall system can have only a downtime of a few minutes, or can even be operated continuously, for example by a corresponding configuration of the control module allowing replacement under voltage.

[0074] Industrial Applicability

[0075] With reference to the accompanying drawings, an alarm device for a mining control module and a mining control module equipped with such an alarm device are proposed. The above-proposed alarm device is applicable to any mining equipment, such as a longwall mining system or a roof support shield, which is controlled by a corresponding control module and requires safety monitoring. In addition, the alarm device can replace a conventional welded and wired alarm device as a replacement or improved part, which can be replaced, for example, during maintenance.

Claims

1. An alarm device for a mining control module, comprising: a housing (10) configured to couple with an opening provided on an outer surface of the control module, the housing (10) defining an inner cavity (22), an alarm module (28) disposed in the inner cavity (22) and configured to be releasably coupled to an internal control unit of the control module via the opening so as to receive a control signal, The housing (10) includes a first portion (12) extending along a longitudinal axis (14) and configured to extend at least partially through the opening, and the housing (10) also includes a second portion (16) extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis (14), the radially extending second portion being configured to extend on an outer surface of the control module to cover the opening when the alarm device is coupled to the control module, The alarm device includes a fixing device (18, 38) disposed on the second portion (16) and configured to releasably engage an outer surface of the control module to fix the alarm device to the control module.

2. The alarm device according to claim 1, wherein the alarm module (28) comprises an electrical coupling element (30), the electrical coupling element (30) being configured as a wired electrical coupling element (36) releasably connected to the control unit via the opening.

3. The alarm device according to claim 2, wherein the electrical coupling element (30) is configured to be coupled by interference fit, positive locking or snap fit.

4. The alarm device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the electrical coupling element (30) is configured as a plug-in connector or a screw connector.

5. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the second portion (16) comprises a flexible portion so as to fluidly seal the opening when the alarm device is coupled to the control module.

6. Alarm device according to claim 5, wherein the second portion (16) is at least partially formed from a flexible material.

7. The alarm device according to claim 5, wherein the first portion (12) and the second portion (16) define a shoulder (24), and wherein a sealing member (26) is arranged at the shoulder (24).

8. An alarm device according to claim 7, wherein the fixing means (18, 38) is arranged at a position radially outward from the shoulder (24) and the sealing member (26).

9. An alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein the fixing device (18, 38) comprises two or more screws (38), and wherein the second part (16) comprises two or more through holes (18) for receiving the two or more screws (38).

10. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein the alarm module (28) comprises an acoustic module or an electromechanical transducer.

11. An alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein the second part (16) includes at least one opening or through hole (20), and the at least one opening or through hole (20) couples the alarm module (28) with the outside of the second part (16) in a communicative manner, and wherein a second sealing member (34) is arranged between the alarm module (28) and the second part (16) so as to fluidically seal the inner cavity.

12. The warning device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein the circumference and shape of the first portion (12) substantially correspond to the circumference and shape of the opening.

13. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8 comprises a potting material (32), which is arranged in the inner cavity (22) at a portion opposite to the second portion (16) and is arranged to at least fix the alarm module (28) in the housing (10).

14. The alarm device according to any one of claims 1-3 and 6-8, wherein the alarm module comprises a piezoelectric element.

15. The alarm device of claim 12, wherein the shape is substantially circular or elliptical.

16. A mining control module comprising an internal control unit, an outer surface having an opening, and an alarm device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alarm device is fixed to the outer surface by the fixing device (18, 38), the second part (16) covers the opening, and the first part (12) is received by the opening, and wherein the control unit is releasably coupled to the alarm module (28) of the alarm device via wiring and the opening.

17. The mining control module of claim 16 configured for controlling a roof support shroud.

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