Interlocked light source shutoff safety system and method

Abstract

The application provides a linkage type light source cut-off safety system and method, and belongs to the field of mine safety lighting and optical fiber transmission safety control. The application solves the problems of low safety of existing mine lighting and inability to cut off the lighting in time to avoid safety hazards. The linkage type light source cut-off safety system comprises a ground light source unit, an output end of the ground light source unit being connected with an input end of a downhole optical fiber light guide unit, and the downhole optical fiber light guide unit being used for providing high-energy light required by downhole lighting, wherein an output end of the downhole optical fiber light guide unit is arranged in a downhole target lighting area; a terminal signal monitoring unit is used for continuously sending an infrared detection signal to the ground direction, wherein the infrared detection signal is reversely transmitted to the ground along the downhole optical fiber light guide unit; and a linkage control unit is connected with the terminal signal monitoring unit at a signal receiving end, and is used for receiving the infrared detection signal and controlling the ground light source unit to start and stop. The application is mainly used for mine safety lighting.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of mine safety lighting and fiber optic transmission safety control, and in particular relates to a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system and method. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of underground mine lighting, fiber optic light guiding technology, with its core characteristics of photoelectric separation and no electrical spark generation, has become the preferred lighting solution for hazardous environments such as high gas and dust explosion risks. Through the design of a dedicated protective cladding, it can reduce the probability of mechanical damage to the optical fiber caused by friction and compression to a certain extent. Some technologies only improve protective performance by optimizing the material and structure of the fiber cladding, but do not design proactive prevention measures for the risk of high-energy light leakage after the fiber breaks.

[0003] Existing conventional optical fiber cladding mostly uses ordinary plastic materials (such as traditional PVC, polyethylene, etc.), which only have basic physical protection functions and lack flame retardant and heat insulation properties. When the optical fiber is broken due to mechanical collision or pulling in the mine, the transmitted high-energy light will form local high temperature accumulation on the irregular fracture surface. If the underground gas concentration exceeds the standard, it is very easy to cause an explosion risk, which cannot meet the safety requirements of the dangerous environment of the mine.

[0004] Currently, most optical fiber cladding for mines with certain protective performance adopts a metal armor structure (such as steel wire armor or steel tape armor). Although this can improve mechanical strength and protection, the material cost and laying cost are extremely high. For long-distance optical fiber guiding systems in mines, the overall economic efficiency is very poor, making it difficult to promote and apply on a large scale.

[0005] Traditional cladding materials either focus on mechanical protection but are expensive, or are cheaper but lack toughness, are prone to aging and cracking, and generally lack the core safety performance of flame retardancy and heat insulation. They cannot meet the comprehensive requirements of "low cost, high toughness, flame retardancy and heat insulation" and are not suitable for the extreme environment of mines. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the present invention aims to propose a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system and method to solve the problems of low safety of existing mine lighting and the inability to cut off lighting in time to avoid safety hazards.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: According to a first aspect of the present invention, a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system is provided, comprising: The ground light source unit has its output end connected to the input end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit to provide high-energy light required for downhole illumination. The output end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit is located in the downhole target illumination area to directionally transmit high-energy light to the downhole target illumination area. The terminal signal monitoring unit is installed at the illumination output end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit and is used to continuously send infrared detection signals toward the ground. The infrared detection signals are transmitted in the opposite direction to the ground along the downhole fiber optic light guide unit. The linkage control unit, whose signal receiving end is connected to the end signal monitoring unit, is used to receive infrared detection signals and control the start and stop of the ground light source unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the wavelength of the infrared detection signal is misaligned with the wavelength of the high-energy light output by the ground light source unit.

[0009] Furthermore, the linkage control unit is equipped with a reset module with an access control function, which is used to restart the ground light source unit after confirmation through a preset verification method.

[0010] Furthermore, the terminal signal monitoring unit is equipped with at least two independent signal transmission modules, each of which outputs an infrared detection signal with a different encoding. The linkage control unit identifies and distinguishes fault types through encoding.

[0011] Furthermore, the system is also equipped with a fault location module, which is used to analyze the degree of optical signal attenuation and transmission time before the signal is interrupted to determine the location of the break.

[0012] Furthermore, the system is also equipped with an environmental linkage module, which is used to collect signals from the mine gas sensor and oxygen concentration sensor, and transmits the signal to the linkage control unit when an excessive signal is detected.

[0013] Furthermore, the terminal signal monitoring unit is equipped with an intrinsically safe infrared signal generation module.

[0014] Furthermore, the infrared signal generating module is powered by fiber optic energy and / or an explosion-proof battery.

[0015] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for using a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system as described above is provided, comprising the following steps: The ground light source unit outputs high-energy illumination light, which is directionally transmitted to the target illumination area in the well via the downhole fiber optic light guide unit. At the same time, the terminal signal monitoring unit is powered by the downhole fiber optic light guide unit and continuously generates an infrared detection signal of a certain wavelength, which is transmitted in reverse along the downhole fiber optic light guide unit to the ground linkage control unit. The linkage control unit receives and analyzes the infrared detection signal in real time. When the linkage control unit detects that the infrared detection signal is completely interrupted, it cuts off the high-energy light output of the ground light source unit. After troubleshooting, the normal lighting and signal monitoring process is restored by resetting the module.

[0016] Furthermore, after the power supply to the downhole fiber optic light guide unit fails, the explosion-proof battery begins to supply power to the end signal monitoring unit.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention constructs a closed-loop linkage mechanism of end signal monitoring, reverse signal feedback, and rapid light source cutoff. After the optical fiber breaks, the high-energy light output can be stopped within 50ms, completely avoiding the dangers of gas explosion and dust combustion caused by high temperature accumulation at the fracture surface. At the same time, combined with the optical fiber protective cladding, a dual safety system combining passive protection and active cutoff is formed, which significantly improves the intrinsic safety level of mine lighting.

[0018] 2. The linkage control unit responds to signal interruptions at the millisecond level, far exceeding the fault detection efficiency of manual inspection. It can cut off the light source the instant a fault occurs, minimizing the duration of danger and significantly reducing the probability of accidents.

[0019] 3. The underground terminal signal monitoring unit adopts an intrinsically safe low-voltage design, which generates no electrical sparks. It also ensures operational stability through a dual power supply mode, with fiber optic power as the main power source and explosion-proof batteries as backup power source. This fully complies with the safety standards for high-gas, flammable and explosive environments in mines. The infrared detection signal and the high-energy light wavelength are set to be offset to effectively avoid signal interference and ensure the reliability of monitoring and lighting functions.

[0020] 4. The multi-coded infrared detection signal can accurately distinguish the fault type. Combined with the fault location module, it can quickly determine the location of the fiber break (location error ≤ ±1m), which greatly reduces the difficulty and time cost of fault diagnosis for staff. The permission lock and reset function further avoids the risk of accidental start and improves the security of system operation.

[0021] 5. The environmental linkage module is linked with gas and oxygen concentration sensors to achieve dual early warning and cut-off for fiber optic integrity monitoring and environmental parameter monitoring, making it more capable of responding to complex risk scenarios in mines. The system has a simple structure, adding an end signal monitoring unit and ground linkage control module to the existing fiber optic light guiding system without requiring major modifications to the main fiber optic structure. It has strong compatibility, low manufacturing cost, and can be quickly adapted to existing or newly built mine fiber optic lighting projects, with broad prospects for promotion and application. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a system block diagram of a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to the present invention; Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the system usage method of a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other, and the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments.

[0024] It should be noted that the descriptions of "left," "right," "left side," "right side," "upper part," "lower part," "top," and "bottom" in this invention are defined based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are merely for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the described structure must be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0025] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0026] Referring to the accompanying drawings, this embodiment describes a mine optical fiber breakage linkage light source cut-off safety system, which includes a ground light source unit, an underground optical fiber light guiding unit, an end signal monitoring unit, and a linkage control unit. Each unit is stably connected through preset lines and optical fibers to form a closed-loop safety protection system.

[0027] Specifically, the ground-based light source unit uses a high-energy LED light source module with a preset power, the power of which can be adjusted according to the underground lighting needs. It outputs high-energy light as the underground lighting source, and its output end is fixedly connected to the input end of the underground fiber optic light guide unit via a flange to ensure efficient light transmission. Specifically, a CREE XP-G3 series high-energy LED light source module (model: XP-G3S5) is selected, with a rated power of 30W, a luminous efficacy of 180lm / W, and an output wavelength of 5700K (cool white light). This light source module is suitable for underground mines 50-100m deep. 2Lighting coverage requirements; the drive module is equipped with a Mean Well LPF-60-24 switching power supply, with an output voltage of 24VDC and a current of 2.5A. It features triple protection: overvoltage protection with a threshold of 28V, overcurrent protection with a threshold of 3A, and short circuit protection. When connecting to the downhole fiber optic light guide unit, an FC / APC type flange is used. The flange material is 316L stainless steel, resistant to the humid and corrosive environment of the downhole environment.

[0028] The underground fiber optic light guiding unit uses mining-specific quartz optical fiber of a preset diameter. The fiber body is made of Φ10mm mining-specific quartz optical fiber with a core diameter of 8mm, a cladding diameter of 10mm, a numerical aperture of 0.22, a transmission loss of ≤0.2dB / km, and a bending radius of ≥30mm (dynamic) / 15mm (static) diameter. The above materials and diameters are preferred options and can be adapted to actual scenarios. The outer layer is wrapped with three layers of explosion-proof protective cladding: an inner layer of polytetrafluoroethylene insulation, a middle layer of stainless steel braided protective layer, and an outer layer of flame-retardant rubber. This ensures directional transmission of high-energy light and resists damage from underground mechanical collisions and corrosion. The fiber also supports reverse transmission of infrared signals, with wavelengths offset from the high-energy light to effectively avoid signal interference. Specifically, the high-energy illumination light wavelength is 5700K (visible light), and the infrared detection signal wavelength is 1310nm (near-infrared), with a wavelength interval of ≥500nm to avoid transmission crosstalk. Other configuration methods can also be selected according to actual needs, and are not limited to the above settings.

[0029] The terminal signal monitoring unit is fixedly installed at the lighting output end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit. Its core component is an intrinsically safe infrared signal generating module. Products that meet the intrinsically safe equipment standards are selected. Specifically, the intrinsically safe driving circuit is built using the TITPS61021 chip, with an operating voltage of 3.3V DC, a safe voltage range of ≤12V, and an output power of ≤10mW. The model is only an example and does not limit the scope of protection of this invention. The operating voltage is selected within the safe range where no electric sparks are generated. This unit contains two independent signal transmission modules: a first signal transmission module and a second signal transmission module. The first signal transmission module outputs an infrared detection signal with a first preset code, corresponding to fiber optic continuity monitoring. The second signal transmission module outputs an infrared detection signal with a second preset code, corresponding to power supply status monitoring. By differentiating the codes, the fault type can be distinguished. Specifically, the first signal transmission module (fiber optic continuity monitoring) uses an SFH 4770 infrared emitting diode with an output wavelength of 1310nm, Manchester encoding (baud rate 9600bps), and a code value of "0x0001". The second signal transmission module (power supply status monitoring) uses an SFH 4750 infrared emitting diode with an output wavelength of 1310nm, the same encoding format, and a code value of "0x0002". The encoding type is determined based on the actual selection. In order to meet various differentiation situations, it is not limited to the two aforementioned transmitting modules, but all are within the spirit of the invention of this application. The power supply module includes an optical fiber power supply module and a miniature explosion-proof battery power supply module. The optical fiber power supply module converts the weak light energy transmitted by the optical fiber into electrical energy through a photovoltaic conversion chip to power the infrared signal generating module. When the optical fiber breaks and the optical power supply is interrupted, the explosion-proof battery power supply module automatically starts to supply power to ensure that the signal transmission continues uninterrupted. The fiber optic power supply module converts the weak light energy transmitted through the fiber optic cable into electrical energy using the TI TPS61200 photovoltaic conversion chip (input optical power ≥10μW to start, output voltage 3.3V±0.1V, conversion efficiency ≥65%). The explosion-proof battery power supply module uses a Tadiran SL-760 / S lithium thionyl chloride battery with a capacity of 500mAh, a nominal voltage of 3.6V, an operating temperature of -55℃ to 85℃, an IP68 sealing rating, and complies with the GB 3836.1-2010 explosion-proof standard. The backup power supply time is ≥72h, and it automatically starts when the optical fiber breaks and the light power supply is interrupted.

[0030] The linkage control unit is integrated into the control box of the ground light source unit. Its signal receiving and parsing module uses a microcontroller, the model of which is selected appropriately according to actual needs. It receives and decodes infrared detection signals through a fiber optic signal receiver. The cut-off control module uses an electromagnetic relay, connected in series with the power supply circuit of the ground light source unit. When the signal receiving and parsing module detects an interruption or encoding abnormality in the infrared detection signal, it immediately controls the electromagnetic relay to open, cutting off the power supply to the light source, meeting the design requirement of ≤50ms. The reset module uses an access control module with a password keypad. A preset administrator password is used, and password verification is an example method. Other verification methods such as access cards and biometrics can also be used. After troubleshooting, the correct password must be entered to close the relay and restart the light source. Alternatively, a manual reset button can be used, with certain access requirements, to manually reset and restart the light source.

[0031] Specifically, the core control chip is an STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller with a built-in 12-bit ADC acquisition module and a signal sampling rate of 1kHz. The signal receiving module uses an infrared receiver tube, specifically the Avago HFBR-2412TZ, with a receiving wavelength of 1200-1400nm and a receiving sensitivity of ≤-35dBm, and works with a MAX232 chip for level conversion. The cut-off control module uses an Omron G5LE-14-DC24 electromagnetic relay, connected in series in the power supply circuit of the ground light source unit, with a power-off action time of ≤50ms, which includes the total time for signal parsing and relay action. The reset module uses a DS2401 encryption chip for access control, supporting a 64-bit unique identification code + 8-bit password verification (password length ≥6 bits), and outputs a reset signal after successful verification using a 4×4 matrix keypad. The audible and visual alarm module uses an LTE-1101J buzzer (volume ≥85dB) + red LED. The alarm light (operating current 20mA) provides a dual alarm mode consisting of intermittent buzzer beeping and LED flashing.

[0032] The system also includes a fault location module that communicates with the linkage control unit via an interface. When an optical fiber breaks, the fault location module analyzes the optical signal attenuation curve and transmission time before the signal interruption, combined with the fiber's refractive index parameters, to calculate and display the break location, with a location error ≤ ±1m. The fault location module can be selected from existing modules based on actual needs. Specifically, the core component is an Agilent 86142B spectrometer, used in conjunction with a self-made optical power acquisition module. Location algorithm: Based on the principle of optical time-domain reflectometry (OTDR), the fracture location is calculated using the formula L = (c × t) / (2n), where c is the speed of light in vacuum (3 × 10⁻⁶). 8 (m / s, t is the signal round-trip time, n is the fiber refractive index 1.468), combined with the slope of the signal attenuation curve to determine the type of breakage. For example, a sudden attenuation ≥10dB is determined to be a breakage, and the positioning error is ≤±1m.

[0033] The environmental linkage module uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) such as the PLC-S7-200 series (model selected as an example). It collects real-time data from the mine's gas and oxygen concentration sensors via an analog input module. When the detected gas concentration is greater than or equal to a preset value, or the oxygen concentration is less than or equal to a preset value, a trigger signal is immediately sent to the linkage control unit. The linkage control unit then cuts off the light source and activates an audible and visual alarm. Specifically, the controller is a Siemens S7-200 SMART CPU SR20PLC, and the analog input module is an EM AE04. The sensor interface is compatible with the KGJ16B catalytic combustion gas sensor and the KGY-2 electrochemical oxygen sensor. Threshold setting: When the gas concentration is ≥0.8% CH4 (the alarm threshold specified in the Coal Mine Safety Regulations) or the oxygen concentration is ≤18% O2, the light source will be cut off.

[0034] The usage instructions for this system are as follows: S1, System Startup: The operator starts the ground light source unit in the ground control box. The light source outputs high-energy illumination light, which is transmitted to the underground tunneling face through the underground fiber optic light guide unit to provide stable lighting. At the same time, the fiber optic power supply module of the terminal signal monitoring unit converts the weak light energy transmitted by the fiber optic into electrical energy to drive the intrinsically safe infrared signal generation module. The first signal transmission module and the second signal transmission module continuously send their respective preset-coded infrared detection signals, which are transmitted in reverse along the underground fiber optic light guide unit to the signal receiving and parsing module of the ground linkage control unit to form a closed loop link.

[0035] S2, Real-time Monitoring and Linkage Cut-off: The signal receiving and parsing module of the linkage control unit decodes the infrared detection signal in real time. When the roof collapses underground, causing the optical fiber to break, the transmission path of the underground optical fiber guiding unit is interrupted, and the infrared detection signal cannot continue to be transmitted. The signal receiving and parsing module detects the signal interruption within a certain period of time and immediately controls the electromagnetic relay of the cut-off control module to disconnect, and the ground light source unit stops outputting high-energy light. At the same time, the fault location module analyzes the optical signal attenuation data, displays the location of the optical fiber break as "a certain distance from the ground light source unit", and prompts the fault type as "optical fiber break" through audible and visual alarms.

[0036] If the fiber optic power supply module of the terminal signal monitoring unit fails and switches to explosion-proof battery power, the code sent by the second signal transmission module changes to the third preset code. After the linkage control unit parses the code, it prompts "terminal power supply abnormality" but does not cut off the light source. It only issues an alarm prompt, allowing staff to carry out maintenance without affecting the lighting.

[0037] S3, Troubleshooting and System Reset: Based on the location displayed by the fault location module, the staff arrives at a certain location underground to find the broken optical fiber and performs fusion splicing repair; after the repair is completed, the infrared detection signal of the end signal monitoring unit resumes transmission, and the alarm of the linkage control unit is deactivated; the staff enters the correct administrator password into the ground control box, the reset module is unlocked, the electromagnetic relay is closed, the ground light source unit restarts, and normal lighting is restored.

[0038] S4, Emergency Linkage Response: If the underground gas sensor detects that the gas concentration has risen to the preset value, the environmental linkage module immediately sends a trigger signal to the linkage control unit. The linkage control unit does not need to wait for the infrared detection signal status, directly cuts off the power supply to the light source, and simultaneously activates the audible and visual alarm until the ventilation equipment reduces the gas concentration to below the preset value. After the staff has checked and found no safety hazards, the system is restarted through the reset module.

[0039] This embodiment effectively solves the safety hazard of continuous high-energy light output after fiber breakage in existing mine fiber optic light guiding systems through a linkage mechanism of end-point monitoring, reverse feedback, and rapid disconnection. Combined with fault location, access control reset, and environmental linkage functions, it forms a multi-dimensional, highly reliable safety protection system, fully adaptable to the usage requirements of mines in high-gas and complex geological environments. It solves the technical problems mentioned in the background section and has practical significance for lighting in flammable and explosive environments.

[0040] The sensors, controllers, and control methods mentioned above are all existing technologies and will not be elaborated upon.

[0041] The embodiments of the present invention disclosed above are merely illustrative of the invention. These embodiments do not exhaustively describe all details, nor do they limit the invention to the specific implementations described. Many modifications and variations can be made based on the content of this specification. This specification selects and specifically describes these embodiments to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to better understand and utilize the invention.

Claims

1. A linkage-type light source cut-off safety system, characterized in that, include: The ground light source unit has its output end connected to the input end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit to provide high-energy light required for downhole illumination. The output end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit is located in the downhole target illumination area to directionally transmit high-energy light to the downhole target illumination area. The terminal signal monitoring unit is installed at the illumination output end of the downhole fiber optic light guide unit and is used to continuously send infrared detection signals toward the ground. The infrared detection signals are transmitted in reverse along the downhole fiber optic light guide unit to the ground. The linkage control unit, whose signal receiving end is connected to the end signal monitoring unit, is used to receive infrared detection signals and control the start and stop of the ground light source unit.

2. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wavelength of the infrared detection signal is misaligned with the wavelength of the high-energy light output by the ground light source unit.

3. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linkage control unit is equipped with a reset module with an access control function, which is used to restart the ground light source unit after confirmation through a preset verification method.

4. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The terminal signal monitoring unit is equipped with at least two independent signal transmission modules, each of which outputs an infrared detection signal with a different encoding. The linkage control unit identifies and distinguishes fault types through encoding.

5. A linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The system is also equipped with a fault location module, which is used to analyze the degree of optical signal attenuation and transmission time before the signal is interrupted to determine the location of the break.

6. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The system is also equipped with an environmental linkage module, which is used to collect signals from the mine gas sensor and oxygen concentration sensor, and transmits the signal to the linkage control unit when an excessive signal is detected.

7. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The terminal signal monitoring unit is equipped with an intrinsically safe infrared signal generation module.

8. The linkage-type light source cut-off safety system according to claim 7, characterized in that: The infrared signal generating module is powered by fiber optic energy and / or an explosion-proof battery.

9. A method for using a linkage-type light source cut-off safety system as described in claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, or 8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The ground light source unit outputs high-energy illumination light, which is directionally transmitted to the target illumination area in the well via the downhole fiber optic light guide unit. At the same time, the terminal signal monitoring unit is powered by the downhole fiber optic light guide unit and continuously generates an infrared detection signal of a certain wavelength, which is transmitted in reverse along the downhole fiber optic light guide unit to the ground linkage control unit. The linkage control unit receives and analyzes the infrared detection signal in real time. When the linkage control unit detects that the infrared detection signal is completely interrupted, it cuts off the high-energy light output of the ground light source unit. After troubleshooting, the normal lighting and signal monitoring process is restored by resetting the module.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the power supply to the downhole fiber optic light guide unit fails, the explosion-proof battery starts to supply power to the end signal monitoring unit.

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