Human-machine interface operating device for underground mining machines

Abstract

The invention relates to a human-machine interface operating device (14) of an underground mining machine, comprising a rotationally and axially actuatable control element (18) for controlling functions of the underground mining machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a human-machine interface operating device for an underground mining machine and an underground mining machine equipped with the human-machine interface operating device. Background Art

[0002] Underground mining machines are subject to high potential hazards during operation due to their operating environment. In particular, underground mining machines are often used in environments with potentially explosive atmospheres, including the presence of methane. Therefore, such systems must meet strict regulatory requirements regarding explosion protection to prevent any ignition sources from being exposed to the potentially explosive atmosphere surrounding the mining machine during operation.

[0003] Large underground mining machines, such as longwall mining machines, are equipped with control cabinets that have human-machine interface devices (HMIs) for receiving operator input and controlling the mining machine's functions. These control cabinets are often exposed to potentially explosive atmospheres and, therefore, must meet stringent regulatory requirements for explosion protection.

[0004] Control cabinets for underground mining machines are known to be equipped with a human-machine interface formed by a plurality of separately provided control elements for controlling the functions of the mining machine and its components. These control elements may be provided in the form of translationally actuatable buttons, i.e., they are actuated when pushed by an operator. Alternatively or additionally, control elements may be employed that are actuated when rotated or pivoted by the operator. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Starting from the prior art, the present invention aims to provide an improved human-machine interface operating device for use in underground mining machines. A further object of the present invention is to provide a human-machine interface operating device that has, in particular, improved user operability while meeting regulatory requirements for such applications. Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide an underground mining machine equipped with such a human-machine interface operating device.

[0006] These objects are solved by a human-machine interface operating device and an underground mining machine according to the independent claims.Preferred embodiments are set forth in the description, the drawings and the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] 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:

[0008] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a front view of a human-machine interface of a control cabinet installed in an underground mining machine;

[0009] Figure 2 Schematically shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an operating device of the human-machine interface depicted in FIG; and

[0010] Figure 3 Schematically shows Figure 1 and 2 Exploded view of the operating device depicted in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] 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 repeated descriptions thereof may be omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0012] Figure 1 A human-machine interface (HMI) 12 is shown installed in a control cabinet of an underground mining machine (not shown), such as a longwall mining machine, hereinafter referred to as a "mining machine." Specifically, the control cabinet may be arranged in the mining machine such that the HMI 12 is disposed on an exterior surface thereof for easy operator access. As such, the HMI 12 is exposed to the environment of the mining machine and, therefore, may be subject to a potentially explosive atmosphere during operation.

[0013] Generally, the HMI 12 refers to the interface of the mining machine via which an operator interacts with the mining machine, ie its control cabinet (not shown), for controlling functions or for monitoring its operating conditions.

[0014] In the illustrated configuration, the HMI 12 includes an input unit in the form of a human-machine interface operating device 14 for receiving user input from an operator, in response to which the functions of the mining machine are controlled. Furthermore, the HMI 12 includes a display unit 16 for providing information, such as feedback information, to the operator regarding operating conditions or parameters of the mining machine. In other words, via the HMI 12, the operator can control and supervise the operation of the mining machine.

[0015] To receive user input, the operating device 14 is provided with a physical component in the form of a control element 18, which is intended and configured to be actuated by an operator, i.e., the operator's hand. Thus, the operating device 14 enables the operator to provide input to a control cabinet that controls the mining machine. Specifically, by actuating the control element 18 of the operating device 14, the operator can control functions of the mining machine, such as setting operating parameters, setting operating conditions, reading operating parameters, accessing status messages, executing test functions, etc. More specifically, to do so, the operator can use the control element 18 to navigate, e.g., scroll, through a menu list displayed to the user by the display unit 16 and select individual menu items from the menu list, thereby causing the control cabinet or mining machine to execute the function associated with the selected menu item.

[0016] To this end, display unit 16 may be a touch-sensitive display unit, i.e., having a touchscreen, and may constitute an additional input unit, i.e., in addition to operating device 14. In this configuration, HMI 12 is provided with redundancy to increase its reliability. In other words, the operator can control the functions of the mining machine using either operating device 14 or the touchscreen of display unit 16.

[0017] Below, refer to Figure 2 and 3 The structural configuration of the operating device 14 constituting the human-machine interface operating device will be described.

[0018] The operating device 14 is configured and designed so that in the installed state of the operating device 14, wherein the operating device 14 is fixed to a Figure 2 In the control cabinet housing 20 depicted in FIG, the operating device 14 forms a fireproof enclosure according to IEC 60079-1, specifically IEC 60079-1:2014, for sealing the interior of the control cabinet from the exterior. In other words, the operating device 14 shown forms a fireproof enclosure for the control cabinet that meets the requirements set forth in IEC 60079-1, specifically IEC 60079-1:2014. To this end, the operating device 14 is configured and designed such that, in the installed state, it has a pressure resistance of greater than 5 bar, for example, 10 bar. In other words, the operating device 14 is designed to withstand pressure differences between the interior and exterior of the control cabinet housing 20, for example, 5 bar or greater. This pressure difference could arise due to a fault, particularly an accidental explosion within the control cabinet.

[0019] With this configuration, the interior of the control cabinet can be fully sealed from its exterior when used for its intended application. In other words, even if an unintentional explosion occurs within the housing 20 of the control cabinet during operation of the mining machine, the potentially explosive atmosphere existing around the control cabinet can be prevented from igniting, particularly through flames propagating through the housing 20, the operating device 14, or the joints therebetween.

[0020] Regarding its structural configuration, the operating device 14 includes a base 22 fixed to the housing 20 of the control cabinet. The base 22 supports a portion of the control element 18 housed therein. Specifically, the base 22 includes a through-hole 23 extending along the longitudinal axis L of the operating device 14, and the control element 18 is housed within the through-hole 23. The through-hole 23 extends from an inner end 24 of the operating device 14 toward an outer end 26 and opens into a recess 28 provided at the outer end 26. In the context of the present invention, the term "inner end" refers to the end of the operating device 14 that is housed within the interior of the control cabinet when the operating device 14 is fixed to the housing 20 of the control cabinet. Accordingly, the term "outer end" refers to the end of the operating device 14 that is arranged opposite the inner end 24 and, in the installed state, is exposed to the exterior of the control cabinet, i.e., the ambient atmosphere of the mining machine.

[0021] The circumferential outer surface of the base 22 includes three adjacent cylindrical portions having different diameters. In particular, at the outer end 26, the base 22 includes a threaded portion 30 that is releasably secured to the housing 20 via a threaded connection. Specifically, the housing 20 is provided with a hole, the inner surface of which is provided with another threaded portion 32 that is designed to complement and engage with the threaded portion 30 of the base 22.

[0022] Adjacent to the further portion 30 , the base body 22 comprises a protruding portion 34 which extends beyond the threaded portion 30 in the radial direction of the base body, i.e. perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis L. In particular, the protruding portion 34 is designed and configured such that, in the mounted state, a lateral outer surface (i.e. facing the outer end 26 ) abuts against a lateral inner surface of the housing 20 (i.e. facing the interior of the control cabinet).

[0023] Furthermore, at the inner end 24, the base body 22 also includes a lower portion 36 having a smaller diameter than the threaded portion 32. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, three spaced screws 38 are fixed on the end surface of the lower portion 36, and the circuit board 40 of the operating device 14 is fixed at a predetermined position relative to the base 22 by the screws. Specifically, the circuit board 40 is fixed by Figure 3 The further screws shown are fastened to the spacer screws 38 , wherein the circuit board 40 is not shown for reasons of clarity.

[0024] As described above, the base body 22 is secured to the housing 20 via a threaded connection. In this configuration, the connection between the base body 22 and the housing 20 is designed to form a fire-resistant enclosure in accordance with IEC 60079-1, specifically IEC 60079-1:2014. To this end, the threaded connection between the base body 22 and the housing 20 is designed to meet the corresponding requirements set forth in IEC 60079-1, specifically IEC 60079-1:2014. Specifically, to form a fire-resistant enclosure, the gap formed between the engaging threaded portions 30, 32 of the base body 22 and the housing 20 has a certain gap width and a certain gap length. In the illustrated configuration, the threaded connection between the base body 22 and the housing 20 has dimensions of M95, a pitch of 1.5, and a fit of 6g / 6H. Furthermore, the threaded connection extends over 23 mm along the longitudinal axis L. In other words, the threaded connection has a length l1 of 23 mm.

[0025] like Figure 2 As shown, the longitudinal axis L of the operating device 14 coincides with the longitudinal or rotational axis of the control element 18. The control element 18 is composed of a plurality of separate parts that are releasably fixed to each other to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the operating device 14. In essence, the control element 18 includes a shaft 42 that extends through the through hole 23 of the base body 20 so that its outer end 44 projects into the recess 28. Figure 2 As shown, shaft 42 comprises two adjacent cylindrical portions having different diameters. Specifically, shaft 42 includes an engagement portion 46, which is received within through-hole 23 of base 22 and is designed to complement the through-hole. At inner end 24, shaft 42 includes a widened portion 48 having a larger diameter than engagement portion 46 of shaft 42. In other words, widened portion 48 protrudes radially beyond engagement portion 46 of control element 18. Control element 18 also includes a knob 50, which is releasably and forcefully mounted to outer end 44 of shaft 42 via a connecting screw 52. The knob 50 has a larger diameter than engagement portion 46 of shaft 42. Furthermore, knob 50 is received within recess 28. This arrangement protects control element 18 from unintentional large forces. For example, when used in a mine, control element 18 is shielded from rock falling through the mine roof. Furthermore, in order to improve its operability, the knob is provided with a knurled surface, in particular on its circumferential outer surface.

[0026] The control element 18 further comprises a helical spring element 54 arranged around the outer surface of the shaft 42, in particular around its outer end 44. Specifically, the spring element 54 is inserted between the knob 50 and the outer surface of the operating device 14, in particular between the inner bottom of the recess 28 of the base body.

[0027] In the illustrated configuration, control element 18 is provided in the form of a rotatable and axially actuatable control element for controlling functions of an underground mining machine. In other words, control element 18 is configured and designed so that it can be actuated by an operator by rotating it. Furthermore, control element 18 is configured and designed so that it can be actuated by an operator by translating it. Thus, by rotationally or axially actuating control element 18, the operator can navigate through a menu list displayed on display unit 16 and select individual menu items to perform functions associated with the mining machine. For example, by rotating control element 18, the operator can navigate through a menu list to highlight a desired menu item. Then, by pushing, i.e., translating, actuating control element 18, the operator can select the highlighted menu item to perform the function associated therewith.

[0028] More specifically, the control element 18 is designed and configured so that it is rotationally actuatable about its longitudinal axis L and axially actuatable along its longitudinal axis L. To this end, the control element 18 is rotationally and translationally supported in the base 22 of the operating device 14 by means of a sliding bearing 56. With this configuration, the control element 18 can rotate about its longitudinal axis L relative to the base 22 when rotationally actuatable by the operator. Furthermore, the control element 18 can translate or move axially along its longitudinal axis L relative to the base 22 when translationally actuatable, i.e. pushed, by the operator. The axial movement of the control element 18 is restricted. This means that the control element 18 can translate and move in the base 22 within a predetermined area. Specifically, as Figure 2 As shown, the relative translational movement between the control element 18 and the base body 22 is limited on one side by the widened portion 48 of the shaft 42 and on the other side by the knob 50. This structural configuration can contribute to the pressure resistance of the operating device 14.

[0029] The sliding bearing 56 of the operating device 14 is formed by the mutually engaged shaft 42 (i.e., its engagement portion 46) and the through-hole 23 of the base 22. To allow the control element 18 to be actuated relative to the base 20 in a manner convenient for the operator, a defined gap is provided between the shaft 42 (i.e., its engagement portion 46) and the through-hole 23 of the base 22. This creates a flush fit between the shaft 42 (i.e., its engagement portion 46) and the through-hole 23 of the base 22. The sliding bearing 56 forms a flameproof enclosure according to the IEC 60079-1 standard, in particular the IEC 60079-1:2014 standard. This prevents the propagation of flames or any other medium capable of igniting a potentially explosive atmosphere present outside the control cabinet through the gap between the shaft 42 and the slot 23 in the event of an unintentional explosion inside the control cabinet. To this end, the clearance between the shaft 42 and the base 22 of the operating device 14 is designed to meet the corresponding requirements set forth in IEC 60079-1, specifically IEC 60079-1:2014. Specifically, in the proposed plain bearing 56, the clearance between the shaft 42 and the base 22 has a certain clearance width and a certain length. In the illustrated configuration, the flat fit between the shaft 42 and the through-hole 23 has a nominal dimension range of approximately 14 mm and a fit of H8 / d9. In other words, the clearance fit between the shaft 42 and the through-hole 23 can have a tolerance between 0 and +70 μm. Furthermore, the plain bearing 56 extends over 25 mm along its longitudinal axis. In other words, the plain bearing 56 has a length l2 of 25 mm.

[0030] In order to support the sealing effect of the gap provided between the shaft 42 and the through hole 23, a sealing ring 58 is arranged between the shaft 42 and the through hole 23. Specifically, the sealing ring 58 is provided in a groove provided at the inner surface of the through hole 23 in the base body 22, thereby forming a sealed joint between the shaft 42 and the through hole 23 of the base body 22.

[0031] Furthermore, at the inner end 24, the control element 18 is connected, in particular via the widened portion 48 of the shaft 42, with a force-fit or form-fit connection to a sensor unit 60 mounted on the circuit board 40. The sensor unit 60 is configured to sense or determine a rotational movement of the control element 18 relative to the base body 22 about its longitudinal axis L. Furthermore, the sensor unit 60 is configured to sense or determine a translational movement of the control element 18 relative to the base body 22 along its longitudinal axis L. Based on the sensed or determined movement of the control element 18, the sensor unit 60 generates an electrical information signal, which is transmitted to a data processor in the control cabinet, which processes and interprets the received information signal in order to control the functions of the mining machine.

[0032] As described above, the control element 18 includes the spring element 54 interposed between the knob 50 and the base 22. In this way, the control element 18 is directed toward Figure 2, wherein at least one of the axial position or orientation of the control element 18 is predetermined relative to the base 22 of the operating device 14. In other words, when the operator actuates and subsequently releases the control element 18, the control element 18 returns from its actuated position to its neutral position due to the elastic force applied to the control element 18 by the spring element 56.

[0033] 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 features can be selected according to the scope of the present invention.

[0034] This is the case in particular with regard to the following optional features, which can be combined in any technically feasible combination with some or all of the previously mentioned embodiments, items and / or features.

[0035] A human-machine interface operating device of an underground mining machine, hereinafter referred to as "operating device", may be provided. The operating device may comprise a rotatable and axially actuatable control element for controlling functions of the underground mining machine, hereinafter referred to as "mining machine".

[0036] By providing a control element that can be actuated by the operator both rotationally and translationally, the proposed operating device for a mining machine can be operated in a more intuitive and convenient manner. Compared to known operating devices that provide rotationally or translationally actuable control elements, the proposed operating device enables the operator to provide input to a single control element while allowing a greater degree of freedom in interacting with it. As a result, the proposed operating device has improved operability.

[0037] The proposed operating device can be used in control cabinets of underground mining machines, such as longwall mining machines, but is not limited to such applications. Rather, it can be used in any application with strict regulatory requirements regarding explosion protection.

[0038] Specifically, the operating device can be configured and designed such that, when the operating device is mounted on the housing of the control cabinet, it forms a flameproof enclosure according to IEC 60079-1, in particular IEC 60079-1:2014. Furthermore, the operating device can be configured and designed such that, in the mounted state, it has a compressive strength or pressure resistance of 5 bar or greater, for example, 10 bar.

[0039] In a further development, the control element can be rotationally actuatable about a longitudinal axis of at least one of the operating device and the control element, and axially actuatable along the longitudinal axis. To this end, the operating device can include a base configured to be fixed to a housing of a control cabinet of an underground mining machine. In this configuration, the control element is rotationally and translationally supported in the base. More specifically, the control element can be rotationally and translationally supported in the base via a sliding bearing. The sliding bearing can be formed by a shaft of the control element and a through-hole provided in the base. The shaft and base can be engaged with each other to form the sliding bearing.

[0040] Furthermore, the plain bearing may form a fireproof enclosure according to IEC 60079-1, in particular IEC 60079-1: 2014. In other words, the plain bearing may form a fireproof enclosure with protection class "d" according to IEC 60079-1.

[0041] Specifically, the plain bearing can be configured so that the shaft and the through-hole have a flush fit relative to each other. This flush fit provides a sealing effect in the gap between the shaft and the through-hole, which can contribute to a fire-resistant enclosure. For example, the flush fit provided between the shaft and the through-hole can have a nominal size range of approximately 14 mm and a flush fit of H8 / d9. Furthermore, the plain bearing can extend along the longitudinal axis by at least 15 mm, for example, by at least 20 mm. In one configuration, the plain bearing can extend along the longitudinal axis by approximately 25 mm. The proposed operating device is not limited to this configuration. Rather, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any plain bearing that meets the requirements set forth in IEC 60079-1 falls within the scope of the proposed operating device.

[0042] In a further development, a sealing ring can be arranged between the shaft and the base body, for example in the region of the inner end of the plain bearing, i.e. in its through-bore. In the context of the present invention, the term "inner end of the plain bearing" can refer to its end which faces the interior of the control cabinet housing when the operating device is installed.

[0043] The control element may be connected to a sensor unit. The sensor unit may be configured to sense or determine rotational and axial movement of the control element. Specifically, the sensor unit may be configured to sense or determine rotational movement of the control element about its longitudinal axis and axial movement of the control element along its longitudinal axis.

[0044] In a further development, the control element can be biased towards an intermediate or inactive position in which at least one of the axial position or the actual orientation of the control element relative to the base body is predetermined. To this end, the operating device can be provided with a spring element, which is inserted between the base body and the control element.

[0045] Furthermore, the control element may be provided with a widened portion at its inner end, projecting radially beyond the engaging portion of the shaft, i.e., engaging with the through-hole of the base body. Furthermore, the control element may be provided with a knob at its outer end, opposite its inner end, that is releasably mounted to the shaft. In this configuration, a spring element may be interposed between the knob and the outer surface of the base body.

[0046] In addition, an underground mining machine equipped with the above-mentioned human-machine interface operating device can be provided. Since the proposed underground mining machine is equipped with the above-mentioned human-machine interface operating device, the technical features described in conjunction with the operating device in the present invention can also be related to and applied to the underground mining machine.

[0047] Industrial Applicability

[0048] With reference to the accompanying drawings, a human-machine interface operating device 14 and an underground mining machine equipped with such operating device 14 are provided. The operating device 14 described above can be applied to any control cabinet of an underground mining machine. Furthermore, the operating device 14 can replace conventional human-machine interface operating devices and can be used as a replacement or retrofit component.

Claims

1. A human-machine interface operating device (14) for an underground mining machine, comprising: a rotationally and axially actuatable control element (18) for controlling functions of the underground mining machine; a base body (22) configured to be fixed to a housing (20) of a control cabinet of the underground mining machine, wherein the control element (18) is rotationally and translationally supported in the base body (22); wherein the control element (18) is provided with a widened portion (48) at an inner end portion, the widened portion protruding beyond an engagement portion (46) of a shaft (42) of the control element (18) in a radial direction of the control element (18), wherein the control element (18) is provided with a knob (50) at an outer end portion which is releasably mounted on the shaft (42); The knob (50) is entirely accommodated in a recess (28) of the base body (22), which is provided at the outer end (26) of the operating device (14).

2. The human-machine interface operating device according to claim 1 is configured and designed so that when the operating device (14) is fixed to the housing (20) of the control cabinet, the human-machine interface operating device forms a fireproof enclosure according to the IEC 60079-1 standard. 3 . The human-machine interface operating device according to claim 1 , wherein the human-machine interface operating device is configured and designed such that, in the installed state, the human-machine interface operating device has a pressure resistance of 5 bar.

4. The human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control element (18) is rotationally actuatable about its longitudinal axis (L) and axially actuatable along its longitudinal axis (L).

5. A human-machine interface operating device according to claim 4, wherein the control element (18) is supported rotationally and translationally in the base (22) by a sliding bearing (56), the sliding bearing (56) being formed by the shaft (42) of the control element (18) and a through hole (23) arranged at the base (22), and the shaft (42) and the through hole (23) are engaged with each other.

6. The human-machine interface operating device according to claim 5, wherein the sliding bearing (56) forms a fireproof housing according to the IEC60079-1 standard.

7. The human-machine interface operating device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the shaft (42) and the through hole (23) are provided with a flat fit with a nominal size range of 14 mm and a fit of H8 / d9.

8. The human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the sliding bearing (56) extends over at least 15 mm along the longitudinal axis (L) of the control element (18).

9. A human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein a sealing ring (58) is provided between the base body (22) and the shaft (42) of the control element (18) within the range of the inner end of the sliding bearing (56).

10. The human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the control element (18) is connected to a sensor unit (60), and the sensor unit (60) is configured to sense rotation and axial movement of the control element (18).

11. A human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the control element (18) is biased toward a neutral position, in which at least one of the axial position or orientation of the control element (18) relative to the base (22) is predetermined.

12. The human-machine interface operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein a spring element (54) is inserted between the knob (50) and the inner bottom of the recess (28).

13. An underground mining machine having a human-machine interface operating device (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

Images