Mining intrinsic safety type coal piling sensor
By employing lidar and a sealed design in the coal pile detection equipment, the problems of poor durability and environmental interference have been solved, achieving highly sensitive and stable coal pile detection and ensuring the safe operation of coal mines.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423226822.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-06
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing coal pile detection equipment suffers from poor durability, low sensitivity, and susceptibility to environmental interference, leading to delayed responses, coal spills, false alarms, or reduced sensor lifespan.
Employing lidar technology, the sensor utilizes a non-contact laser ranging principle, combined with a sealed design and detachable structure, to ensure stable operation in the complex environment of mines, avoiding interference from coal dust and moisture, and improving detection accuracy and reliability.
It enables accurate measurement of coal pile height in mining environments, reduces wear and malfunctions, extends sensor life, provides timely warnings of coal pile anomalies, prevents accidents, and ensures equipment and personnel safety.
Smart Images

Figure CN223770400U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sensor technology, specifically to an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining. Background Technology
[0002] In coal mining operations, belt conveyors are crucial transportation equipment, and their coal pile protection devices play a vital role in ensuring the normal operation of coal mine equipment and protecting the safety of mine workers. Traditional coal pile detection methods mostly employ contact sensors, such as yaw sensors or electrode sensors, but these methods have certain technical limitations. Yaw sensors have a small contact area, making them prone to failing to react promptly when coal is piled up or the silo is full, leading to the escalation of accidents. Electrode-type coal pile sensors are easily affected by the complex mine environment, such as coal dust and moisture, resulting in measurement errors and affecting the reliability and lifespan of the sensors.
[0003] Existing coal pile detection equipment suffers from problems such as poor durability, low sensitivity, and susceptibility to environmental interference. It fails to respond promptly when coal piles occur, easily leading to coal spills in the bunker and damage to the belt conveyor. Furthermore, it is susceptible to factors such as coal dust and moisture during coal pile detection, causing false alarms, malfunctions, or reduced sensor lifespan.
[0004] Therefore, existing technologies have shortcomings and need to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This utility model provides an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, which addresses the problems of poor durability, low sensitivity, and susceptibility to environmental interference in existing coal pile detection equipment. These devices often fail to respond promptly when coal piles occur, easily leading to coal spills in the bunker and damage to the belt conveyor. Furthermore, they are susceptible to the effects of coal dust and moisture during coal pile detection, resulting in false alarms, malfunctions, or reduced sensor lifespan.
[0006] This utility model provides an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, including a housing, a cover detachably connected to the top of the housing, a lifting lug on the cover, and a first hole penetrating the cover, through which a plug is airtightly connected; a control board is fixed in the inner cavity of the housing, a display is fixed on the outer surface of the housing, and a lidar is also fixed in the inner cavity, the lidar being located below the control board with its laser emission direction facing away from the cover; the display and the lidar are electrically connected to the control board, and the control board is electrically connected to the plug; a viewing window is detachably connected to the bottom of the housing, and the viewing window is transparent.
[0007] Furthermore, the cover has at least one threaded hole penetrating the cover, and the outer shell has a recessed groove matching the first threaded hole on its surface for contacting the cover. A screw is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole in the first groove.
[0008] Furthermore, the shell cover has two protruding protrusions, which are arranged opposite each other. Each protrusion has a second hole that penetrates through it, and the centers of the second holes of the two protrusions are on the same straight line. Two rotating rods are fixed on the outer contour of the lifting lug. One end of the rotating rod that is not fixed to the lifting lug is rotatably connected to one of the second holes, and the other end of the rotating rod that is not fixed to the lifting lug is rotatably connected to the other second hole. The end of the rotating rod that is rotatably connected to the second hole extends out of the second hole, and a limit sleeve is fixed on the rotating rod that extends out of the second hole.
[0009] Furthermore, the window has at least one second threaded hole that penetrates the window, and the surface of the housing that contacts the window has a second groove that matches the second threaded hole. The second groove and the second threaded hole are internally threaded with a screw.
[0010] Furthermore, a sealing ring is attached to the surface of the cover that contacts the outer shell.
[0011] Furthermore, a sealing ring is affixed to the surface of the window that contacts the housing.
[0012] Furthermore, the window is a glass window, and the glass window comprises at least two layers of glass.
[0013] Furthermore, a stud is fixed to the surface of the shell cover facing the inner cavity of the outer shell, and at least one counterweight is threaded onto the stud.
[0014] Furthermore, a third hole penetrating the outer surface of the outer shell is provided, and an airtight vent valve is connected in the third hole.
[0015] Furthermore, an indicator light is fixed on the housing, and the indicator light is electrically connected to the control board.
[0016] Beneficial effects:
[0017] As can be seen from the above technical solution, this utility model provides an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining. Utilizing lidar technology, it overcomes the technical defects of traditional coal pile detection equipment. Through non-contact laser ranging, it can operate stably in the complex environment of a mine, avoiding interference from coal dust and moisture, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of coal pile detection. The lidar technology allows for precise measurement of coal pile height, unaffected by environmental factors such as coal dust and moisture, exhibiting higher sensitivity and stability. The non-contact design reduces wear and the probability of failure, extending the sensor's lifespan. Real-time and accurate coal pile detection helps to promptly warn of abnormal coal pile conditions, preventing accidents caused by overfilling of the coal bunker, thus ensuring the safety of mine workers and the normal operation of coal mine equipment.
[0018] It should be understood that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and the additional concepts described in more detail below can be considered part of the inventive subject matter of this disclosure, provided that such concepts do not contradict each other.
[0019] The foregoing and other aspects, embodiments, and features of the teachings of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Other additional aspects of the invention, such as features and / or beneficial effects of exemplary embodiments, will become apparent from the following description or may be learned through practice of specific embodiments according to the teachings of the present invention. Attached Figure Description
[0020] The accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale. In the drawings, each identical or nearly identical component shown in the various figures may be denoted by the same reference numeral. For clarity, not every component is labeled in each figure. Embodiments of various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, as described in an embodiment of this application.
[0022] Figure 2 This is a structural cross-sectional view of an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, as described in an embodiment of this application.
[0023] Explanation of icon numbers:
[0024] 1. Outer shell; 2. Cover; 201. Protrusion; 202. Rotating rod; 3. Viewing window; 4. Vent valve; 5. Plug; 6. Cable; 7. Lifting lug; 8. Limiting bushing; 9. Display; 10. Control board; 11. LiDAR; 12. Indicator light; 13. Counterweight. Detailed Implementation
[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the described embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention. Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains.
[0026] The terms "first," "second," and similar words used in the specification and claims of this patent application do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms of "an," "a," or "the," etc., do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding "comprising" encompasses the features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components listed following "comprising" or "including," and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or collections thereof. Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; these relative positional relationships may change accordingly when the absolute position of the described object changes.
[0027] Existing coal pile detection equipment suffers from problems such as poor durability, low sensitivity, and susceptibility to environmental interference. When coal piles occur, it may fail to respond promptly, easily leading to coal spills in the bunker and damage to the belt conveyor. Furthermore, the detection process is susceptible to factors such as coal dust and moisture, resulting in false alarms, malfunctions, or reduced sensor lifespan.
[0028] In view of this, this utility model embodiment provides an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, referring to... Figures 1-2 The system includes an outer shell 1, a cover 2 detachably connected to the top of the outer shell 1, a lifting lug 7 on the cover 2, and a first hole penetrating the cover 2, through which a plug 5 is airtightly connected; a control board 10 is fixed inside the outer shell 1, a display 9 is fixed on the outer surface of the outer shell 1, and a lidar 11 is also fixed inside the outer shell 1, located below the control board 10 with its laser emission direction facing away from the cover 2; the display 9 and lidar 11 are electrically connected to the control board 10, and the control board 10 is electrically connected to the plug 5, the other end of which can be connected to a belt conveyor system to achieve control of coal piles on the belt; a viewing window 3 is detachably connected to the bottom of the outer shell 1, and the viewing window 3 is a transparent viewing window.
[0029] The lidar 11 and control board 10 are connected via a ribbon cable. The lidar 11 measures the height of the coal pile by emitting a laser and receiving the reflected light to determine the distance to the coal pile. The control board 10 processes the signals measured by the lidar 11 and transmits the data to the display 9, which shows the height of the coal pile in real time. Once a threshold height is set for the coal pile, the conveyor belt can be controlled. Window 3 protects the lidar 11 and ensures that it can successfully transmit and receive signals. Plug 5 can be a five-pin aviation connector, which connects to cable 6 to enable connection to external devices, such as power supplies or data transmission systems, and can also connect to sensors.
[0030] The accuracy and stability of the coal pile sensor are improved by adopting LiDAR technology. A non-contact LiDAR ranging method is used, avoiding malfunctions or false alarms caused by contact friction or contamination compared to traditional contact sensors. The window 3 design ensures the accuracy of the laser signal and avoids interference from the external environment. The detachable design facilitates the installation, maintenance, and replacement of the equipment.
[0031] In some embodiments, the cover 2 has at least one first threaded hole penetrating the cover 2, and the outer shell 1 has a first groove matching the first threaded hole recessed on the surface of the cover 2. The first groove is threadedly connected to the first threaded hole by a screw.
[0032] The cover 2 is fixed to the outer casing 1 with screws, providing a robust mechanical connection and ensuring that the sensor is not affected by external forces during use, thus improving the device's sealing and durability. The engagement of the threaded hole and the screw achieves both tightening and sealing. This simplifies the connection between the cover 2 and the outer casing 1, making device assembly more convenient. The design of the threaded hole and screw fixing method increases the structural stability of the device, preventing loosening or damage during long-term operation.
[0033] In some embodiments, reference is made to Figures 1-2 The cover 2 has two protrusions 201 protruding upwards, which are arranged opposite each other. Each protrusion 201 has a second hole that passes through it. The centers of the second holes of the two protrusions 201 are on the same straight line. Two rotating rods 202 are fixed on the outer contour of the lifting lug 7. One end of the rotating rod 202 that is not fixed to the lifting lug 7 is rotatably connected to one of the second holes, and the other end of the rotating rod 202 that is not fixed to the lifting lug 7 is rotatably connected to the other second hole. The end of the rotating rod 202 that is rotatably connected to the second hole extends out of the second hole. A limit sleeve 8 is fixed on the rotating rod 202 that extends out of the second hole.
[0034] One end of the rotating rod 202 is connected to the lifting lug 7, forming an integral part with the lifting lug 7, while the other end of the rotating rod 202 is inserted into the second hole. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the rotating rod 202 consists of multiple segments, including a first segment connected to the lifting lug 7, a third segment inserted into the second hole, and a second segment connecting the first and third segments of the rotating rod 202. This multi-segment design allows the rotating rod 202 to hook and pull up the cover 2, ensuring that the rotation of the cover 2 does not affect the lifting lug 7, thus guaranteeing smooth rotation of the cover 2. The lifting lug 7 is fixed in the second hole by the rotating rod 202, providing suspension and support functions to ensure the sensor can be safely hoisted. The limiting sleeve 8 is fitted at the end of the third segment to prevent the rotating rod 202 from falling. The structure of the rotating rod 202 enhances the stability and flexibility of the lifting lug 7, making it easier to suspend the sensor during installation and maintenance. The design ensures that the lifting lug 7 will not fall off due to vibration or external force, thereby improving equipment safety. The design of the rotating rod 202 and the protrusion 201 makes the connection between the lifting lug 7 and the cover 2 more secure and adjustable, increasing the convenience of installation and disassembly.
[0035] In some embodiments, the window 3 has at least one second threaded hole that penetrates the window 3, and the surface of the housing 1 that contacts the window 3 has a second groove that matches the second threaded hole. The second groove and the second threaded hole are internally threaded with screws.
[0036] The viewing window 3 is secured to the housing 1 via threaded holes and screws, ensuring that it is not affected by damage or displacement, and will not fall off under vibration or external force. The threaded connection provides sealing and stability, preventing external environmental influences on the internal structure of the equipment. It also enhances the seal between the viewing window 3 and the housing 1, helping to prevent external dust or moisture from entering. The combination of threaded holes and screws makes replacement and maintenance of the viewing window 3 more convenient, improving the long-term stability of the equipment.
[0037] In some embodiments, a sealing ring is attached to the surface of the cover 2 that contacts the outer casing 1.
[0038] In some embodiments, a sealing ring is attached to the surface of the window 3 that is in contact with the housing 1.
[0039] The sealing rings are designed between the cover 2 and the outer shell 1, and between the viewing window 3 and the outer shell 1, forming an effective sealing barrier to prevent external substances from seeping into the equipment, thus providing a waterproof seal. The sealing rings are typically made of materials with good elasticity and wear resistance, capable of withstanding the high humidity and temperature variations in the underground environment. This effectively improves the equipment's protection level, extends its service life, enhances the reliability of sensors in harsh underground environments, and prevents sensor malfunctions due to moisture or dust ingress. By using the sealing rings, the equipment achieves higher protection standards and meets the special requirements of the coal mine environment.
[0040] In some embodiments, the window 3 is a glass window 3, comprising at least two layers of glass. This multi-layered glass design ensures successful emission and reception of the laser beam emitted by the lidar 11, while also increasing the durability and impact resistance of the window 3. The multi-layered glass provides better protection and improves the emission and reception performance of the lidar 11. By enhancing the strength of the window 3, damage caused by collisions or external forces during coal mining operations is prevented. The multi-layered design improves the heat and sound insulation of the window 3, thereby enhancing the stability of the equipment. The multi-layered glass window 3 design not only improves mechanical strength but also optimizes the performance of the equipment in complex mining environments.
[0041] In some embodiments, a stud is fixed to the surface of the cover 2 facing the inner cavity of the outer shell 1, and at least one counterweight 13 is threadedly connected to the stud.
[0042] Generally, the outer shell 1 and the cover 2 are made of plastic. Plastic is lightweight and easily shakes in a light breeze. By adding counterweights to increase the weight, the device is prevented from shaking significantly during actual testing, reducing testing errors. The number of counterweights 13 can also be increased according to actual needs, thereby improving the applicability of the device. In some embodiments, the cover 2 contains a long rod extending into the inner cavity of the outer shell 1. The rod is non-conductive, and a lidar 11 is fixed to its end. A counterweight 13 is installed between the lidar 11 and the cover 2, and a control board 10 is fixed between the counterweight 13 and the lidar 11, thus securing the entire device.
[0043] In some embodiments, a third hole penetrating the outer surface of the outer casing 1 is provided, and an airtight vent valve 4 is connected in the third hole.
[0044] The vent valve 4 is suitable for dusty and humid environments in mines, serving as a dust and water barrier. It also allows airflow through the outer casing 1, preventing fogging on the viewing window 3. The vent valve 4 allows air to pass through, preventing pressure differences within the equipment caused by external temperature and humidity variations, thus preventing the outer casing 1 from cracking. The vent valve 4 ensures the equipment operates normally in a sealed environment. Incorporating the vent valve 4 into the casing 1 design optimizes internal pressure regulation, improves the equipment's safety and adaptability, enhances its protective performance, and prevents damage caused by air pressure changes, especially in applications requiring high airtightness.
[0045] In some embodiments, an indicator light 12 is also fixed on the housing 1, and the indicator light 12 is electrically connected to the control board 10.
[0046] Indicator light 12 is electrically connected to control board 10, indicating the operating status of the equipment; green indicates normal operation, and red indicates abnormal operation. Control board 10 determines the operating status based on real-time data from sensors and controls the illumination of indicator light 12. Through the cooperation of indicator light 12 and control board 10, the equipment status is displayed in real time, enhancing user-friendliness and operational safety. It provides intuitive feedback on the operating status, enabling operators to promptly identify the equipment status, improving operational convenience and safety, and reducing operational errors or equipment malfunctions.
[0047] In summary, this utility model provides an intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mining, employing LiDAR 11 technology to overcome the technical deficiencies of traditional coal pile detection equipment. Through non-contact laser ranging, it can operate stably in the complex environment of mines, avoiding interference from coal dust and moisture, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of coal pile detection. Using LiDAR 11 technology, the height of the coal pile can be accurately measured without interference from environmental factors such as coal dust and moisture, exhibiting higher sensitivity and stability. The non-contact design reduces wear and the probability of failure, extending the sensor's service life. Real-time and accurate coal pile detection helps to promptly warn of abnormal coal pile conditions, preventing accidents caused by overfilling of the coal bunker, thus ensuring the safety of mine workers and the normal operation of coal mine equipment.
[0048] While the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the claims.
Claims
1. A mine intrinsically safe coal pile sensor comprising a housing, characterized in that, The top of the shell is detachably connected with a shell cover, the shell cover is provided with an ear, a first hole is formed in the shell cover, a plug is airtightly connected in the first hole; a control panel is fixed in the inner cavity of the shell, a display is fixed on the outer surface of the shell, a laser radar is also fixed in the inner cavity, the laser radar is below the control panel and the laser emission direction of the laser radar faces away from the shell cover; the display and the laser radar are electrically connected to the control panel, and the control panel is electrically connected to the plug; the bottom of the shell is detachably connected with a window, and the window is a transparent window.
2. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one first threaded hole is formed in the shell cover, a first groove matched with the first threaded hole is recessed in the surface of the shell for contacting the shell cover, and a screw is threadedly connected in the first threaded hole and the first groove.
3. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 2, characterized in that, The shell cover protrudes upwardly with two protruding pieces, the two protruding pieces are oppositely arranged, a second hole is formed in each of the two protruding pieces, and the centers of the second holes of the two protruding pieces are located on the same straight line; two rotating rods are fixed on the outer contour of the ear, one end of one of the rotating rods is rotatably connected in one of the second holes, one end of the other rotating rod is rotatably connected in the other second hole, one end of the rotating rod rotatably connected in the second hole protrudes out of the second hole, and a limiting sleeve is fixed on the rotating rod protruding out of the second hole.
4. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one second threaded hole is formed in the window, a second groove matched with the second threaded hole is recessed in the surface of the shell for contacting the window, and a screw is threadedly connected in the second threaded hole and the second groove.
5. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 2, characterized in that, A sealing ring is pasted on the surface of the shell cover for contacting the shell.
6. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 4, characterized in that, A sealing ring is pasted on the surface of the shell for contacting the window.
7. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 4, characterized in that, The window is a glass window, and the glass window comprises at least two layers of glass.
8. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A stud is fixed on the surface of the shell cover facing the inner cavity of the shell, and at least one weight block is threadedly connected on the stud.
9. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 1, characterized in that, A third hole is formed in the outer surface of the shell, and a breather valve is airtightly connected in the third hole.
10. The intrinsically safe coal pile sensor for mine according to claim 1, characterized in that, An indicating lamp is also fixed on the shell, and the indicating lamp is electrically connected to the control panel.