A Explosion-proof and Intrinsically Safe Gateway for Coal Mines

Abstract

This utility model relates to the technical field of underground communication and electrical explosion-proof equipment in coal mines, and particularly to a flameproof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines. It includes a housing assembly, a flameproof battery chamber, an intrinsically safe chamber, a battery module, a data exchange unit, a power supply unit, a battery information display unit, an intrinsically safe component, an observation window assembly, a light panel assembly, an explosion-proof cable entry device, and an explosion-proof cable connector. The housing is made of metal, and an internal partition divides it into the flameproof battery chamber and the intrinsically safe chamber. The flameproof battery chamber houses the battery module and a rotary switch that provide independent power to the equipment. The data exchange unit collects and converts multiple RS485 signals, and the power supply unit provides intrinsically safe power and monitors the status in real time. The intrinsically safe component in the intrinsically safe chamber converts the signals into standard Ethernet and optical signals for output to the ground system. The battery information display unit displays the equipment's operating status in real time through the observation window, and the light panel assembly provides auxiliary lighting. This gateway possesses excellent flameproof and intrinsically safe performance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of underground communication and electrical explosion-proof equipment technology in coal mines, and in particular to an explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous advancement of intelligent and information-based construction in coal mines, the demand for data interaction among various underground mining, transportation, monitoring, and ventilation systems is increasing daily. Traditional single communication modes are no longer sufficient to meet the high reliability and inherent security requirements for data acquisition, processing, and remote transmission in complex operating environments. To ensure the real-time nature of underground production scheduling and safety management, more and more coal mining enterprises are deploying edge gateway devices to achieve the convergence, protocol conversion, and uploading of multi-source signals underground.

[0003] However, due to the typical explosive gas environment in underground coal mines, the use of any electrical equipment must meet the requirements of the national "Coal Mine Safety Regulations" and related explosion-proof standards. In practical applications, on the one hand, the equipment must not pose an explosion risk in the event of a malfunction or abnormal condition; on the other hand, it must have sufficient communication capabilities and stable power supply performance. Currently, common underground gateway equipment generally suffers from the following problems: First, the explosion-proof design is inadequate, and the explosion-proof structure and intrinsically safe circuit layout are unreasonable, posing safety hazards; second, the power supply method is singular, unable to meet the needs of subsequent operation or redundant power supply after a power outage; third, the number of data acquisition channels is limited, communication protocol compatibility is poor, and it is difficult to adapt to the access needs of heterogeneous communication systems with multiple devices.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to provide a gateway device that is compact in structure, fully functional, and has both explosion-proof and intrinsically safe protection capabilities. It should be able to achieve efficient acquisition, processing and safe transmission of multi-channel data while ensuring the intrinsic safety requirements of the underground environment, and have good information display and maintenance interfaces to improve the convenience and reliability of equipment operation and maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway, comprising a housing assembly, an explosion-proof battery cavity, an intrinsically safe cavity, a battery module, a rotary switch, a data exchange unit, a power supply unit, an intrinsically safe component, a battery information display unit, an observation window assembly, a light panel assembly, an explosion-proof through-wall terminal, an explosion-proof cable entry device, and an explosion-proof cable connector. The housing assembly is made of metal and is internally divided into a left-right parallel explosion-proof battery cavity and an intrinsically safe cavity by a metal partition. The battery module is installed in the explosion-proof battery cavity and provides an independent power supply for the entire unit. The rotary switch is connected in series with the battery module for manually cutting off the battery output circuit. The data exchange unit and the power supply unit are located in the explosion-proof battery cavity. The intrinsically safe component is located in the intrinsically safe cavity and is electrically connected to the data exchange unit through the explosion-proof through-wall terminal. The battery information display unit is installed on the top of the housing and connected to the power supply unit. The observation window assembly is located outside the battery information display unit, and the light panel assembly is located below the observation window assembly.

[0007] According to the above technical solution, the data exchange unit includes a data processing module and a data isolation module. The data processing module is used to collect RS485 signals from the outside and convert them into MODBUS TCP protocol signals. The data isolation module is used to perform intrinsically safe processing and isolation output on the signals.

[0008] According to the above technical solution, the power supply unit includes an AC / DC conversion module, a DC / DC conversion module, an intrinsically safe power conversion module, and a power status monitoring module. The power supply unit is used to provide intrinsically safe power to the internal modules and to monitor voltage, current, and fault status in real time.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the intrinsically safe component is used to convert RS485 and Ethernet signals from the data isolation module into standard Ethernet signals and optical signals, respectively, and output them to the ground monitoring system through an RJ45 interface or an optical fiber interface.

[0010] According to the above technical solution, the battery information display unit is a high-definition LCD screen used to display the voltage, current, power, fault information of the battery component, as well as the communication status and alarm information of the data exchange unit.

[0011] According to the above technical solution, the observation window assembly is sealed to the box panel, and the light panel assembly adopts a high-brightness LED light source to provide illumination and status indication functions for the observation window assembly.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, the explosion-proof through-wall terminal includes multiple layers of metal explosion-proof partitions and sealing components, which are used to realize the electrical connection and airtight isolation between the explosion-proof battery cavity and the intrinsically safe cavity.

[0013] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: This utility model, by setting up an explosion-proof battery cavity and an intrinsically safe cavity and using explosion-proof components for physical isolation, achieves the organic integration of the battery power supply system and the data exchange system within the same device. This satisfies both the explosion-proof safety requirements for power supply equipment in underground coal mines and achieves intrinsically safe isolation during data communication. Furthermore, by setting up a data exchange unit and intrinsically safe components, the non-standard RS485 communication protocol can be converted to the standard MODBUS-TCP protocol and output as an intrinsically safe signal, achieving safe and efficient communication with the ground monitoring system. Combined with the visual design of the battery information display unit and the data transceiver display unit, maintenance personnel can intuitively obtain equipment status, improving equipment maintenance efficiency and fault diagnosis capabilities. The overall structural design is compact and reasonable, possessing good safety, compatibility, and practicality, and is suitable for the actual needs of intelligent power supply and communication devices in the complex working environment of underground coal mines. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway proposed in this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway proposed in this utility model.

[0017] In the diagram, 1 is the enclosure assembly, 2 is the rotary switch, 3 is the explosion-proof battery chamber, 31 is the explosion-proof component, 32 is the data exchange unit, 33 is the power supply unit, 4 is the intrinsically safe chamber, 41 is the intrinsically safe component, 5 is the battery component, 6 is the light panel assembly, 7 is the observation window assembly, 8 is the explosion-proof through-wall terminal, 9 is the explosion-proof cable entry device, 10 is the explosion-proof cable connector, and 11 is the battery information display unit. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0019] Example:

[0020] Reference Figure 1-2A coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway includes a housing assembly 1, a rotary switch 2, an explosion-proof battery chamber 3, an intrinsically safe chamber 4, a battery module 5, a light panel assembly 6, an observation window assembly 7, an explosion-proof through-wall terminal 8, an explosion-proof cable entry device 9, an explosion-proof cable connector 10, and a battery information display unit 11. The overall housing of the gateway is made of metal, forming the housing assembly 1. The interior of the housing assembly 1 is divided into two parallel chambers by a partition: the right side is the explosion-proof battery chamber 3, and the left side is the intrinsically safe chamber 4. The top, sides, and bottom of the housing assembly 1 are pre-reserved and reinforced with installation positions to secure the functional units and achieve explosion-proof sealing. Mounting feet are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the housing, which are bolted to a frame or bracket to ensure the equipment is stable and does not shake in the underground environment.

[0021] Within the right-side inner cavity of the enclosure assembly 1, specifically the explosion-proof battery chamber 3, a battery pack 5 is installed to provide independent power to the entire unit. The battery pack 5 is housed in a sealed metal chamber that meets explosion-proof standards. An explosion-proof component 31, airtightly connected to the outer shell of the enclosure assembly 1, is located on its side to prevent leakage of any sparks or high-temperature gases that may be generated within the chamber. A rotary switch 2, connected in series with the battery pack 5, is fixed to the side wall of the enclosure. External rotation of the switch allows for manual disconnection or connection of the battery output circuit, facilitating rapid power cut-off during underground maintenance or battery replacement to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment. The output of the rotary switch 2 is directly welded to the positive and negative cables of the battery pack 5 via a through-wall sealed interface.

[0022] The explosion-proof battery cavity 3 also houses a data exchange unit 32 and a power supply unit 33. The data exchange unit 32 includes a data processing module and a data isolation module. The former is connected in parallel with the battery assembly 5 via welding, while the latter is electrically connected to the intrinsically safe component 41 within the intrinsically safe cavity 4. The two are connected by a wire bundle passing through the explosion-proof through-wall terminal 8. The data exchange unit 32 can collect at least eight RS485 signals from external sources, convert them to the MODBUS-TCP standard protocol after protocol conversion, and isolate and output the intrinsically safe signals in the intrinsically safe processing circuit after the explosion-proof component 31. The power supply unit 33 consists of an AC / DC conversion module, a DC / DC conversion module, an intrinsically safe power conversion module, and an intrinsically safe power status monitoring module. Its input is directly connected to the battery assembly 5, and its output provides a stable intrinsically safe power supply to the data exchange unit 32, other circuits within the explosion-proof battery cavity 3, and the battery information display unit 11 via wiring terminals. Simultaneously, it monitors the voltage, current, and fault status of each circuit in real time.

[0023] An intrinsically safe cavity 4, arranged parallel to the explosion-proof battery cavity 3, is electrically connected to and hermetically isolated from the former via an explosion-proof through-wall terminal 8. The explosion-proof through-wall terminal 8 employs a special multi-layer metal explosion-proof partition and sealing structure, which is threaded and then welded to the partition wall of the enclosure assembly 1. An intrinsically safe component 41 and a data transceiver display unit are installed inside the cavity 4. The intrinsically safe component 41 is connected to the output terminal of the data isolation module in the explosion-proof battery cavity 3 via a wiring harness, and can convert intrinsically safe RS485 signals and intrinsically safe Ethernet signals into standard Ethernet electrical signals and optical signals, respectively, and safely output them to the well surface system through an RJ45 interface or fiber optic interface located on the side wall of the enclosure assembly 1. The data transceiver display unit is fixed to the inner side wall of the intrinsically safe cavity 4, and is connected in parallel with the intrinsically safe component 41 inside.

[0024] A battery information display unit 11 is installed at the top center of the enclosure assembly 1. This display unit is a high-definition LCD screen. Its bottom is directly connected to the power supply unit 33 and data exchange unit 32 in the explosion-proof battery chamber 3 via wiring harnesses. It can acquire the equipment's operating status in real time and display, as needed, the battery's charging and discharging voltage, current, power level, fault information, as well as the communication status and alarm information of the data exchange unit. The outer side of the display unit 11 corresponds to the observation window assembly 7 on the enclosure panel. Through close cooperation with the light panel assembly 6, it allows maintenance personnel to clearly read the screen content in low-light environments underground. The light panel assembly 6 uses multiple high-brightness LED strips, fixed to a plate frame on the inner side of the enclosure assembly 1 adjacent to the observation window 7, and directly connected to the power supply unit 33 via wiring terminals. This provides auxiliary lighting and status indication for the observation window, ensuring accurate reading of information even in extremely low ambient light conditions.

[0025] The side walls and bottom plate of the enclosure assembly 1 are respectively equipped with an explosion-proof cable entry device 9 and an explosion-proof cable connector 10. Both are fixed to the front end of the enclosure assembly 1 via threaded interfaces and sealing sleeves. The explosion-proof cable entry device 9 is used to safely introduce external mining power cables into the cavity; the explosion-proof cable connector 10 connects to external communication fiber optic or Ethernet cables via a dedicated explosion-proof connector. The connector 10 employs a sealing gasket and spring compression structure internally to ensure airtightness and electrical reliability at the interface. The metal shells of both are equipotentially connected to the enclosure assembly 1, and the grounding stud is connected to the underground grounding grid through the enclosure, further improving the overall explosion-proof safety.

[0026] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0027] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway, comprising a housing assembly (1), an explosion-proof battery chamber (3), an intrinsically safe chamber (4), a battery module (5), a rotary switch (2), a data exchange unit (32), a power supply unit (33), an intrinsically safe component (41), a battery information display unit (11), an observation window assembly (7), a light panel assembly (6), an explosion-proof through-wall terminal (8), an explosion-proof cable entry device (9), and an explosion-proof cable connector (10), characterized in that: The enclosure assembly (1) is made of metal, and its interior is divided into two parallel explosion-proof battery chambers (3) and intrinsically safe chambers (4) by a metal partition. The battery assembly (5) is installed inside the explosion-proof battery chamber (3) to provide an independent power supply for the whole machine; The rotary switch (2) is connected in series with the battery assembly (5) and is used to manually cut off the battery output circuit; The data exchange unit (32) and the power supply unit (33) are located inside the explosion-proof battery cavity (3); The intrinsically safe component (41) is located inside the intrinsically safe cavity (4) and is electrically connected to the data exchange unit (32) through the explosion-proof through-wall terminal (8); The battery information display unit (11) is installed on the top of the housing and connected to the power supply unit (33); The observation window assembly (7) is located outside the battery information display unit (11), and the light panel assembly (6) is located below the observation window assembly (7).

2. The explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The data exchange unit (32) includes a data processing module and a data isolation module. The data processing module is used to collect RS485 signals from the outside and convert them into MODBUS TCP protocol signals. The data isolation module is used to perform intrinsically safe processing and isolation output on the signals.

3. The explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply unit (33) includes an AC / DC conversion module, a DC / DC conversion module, an intrinsically safe power conversion module and a power status monitoring module. The power supply unit is used to provide intrinsically safe power to the internal modules and to monitor voltage, current and fault status in real time.

4. The explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that: The intrinsically safe component (41) is used to convert RS485 and Ethernet signals from the data isolation module into standard Ethernet signals and optical signals, respectively, and output them to the ground monitoring system through an RJ45 interface or an optical fiber interface.

5. A coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that: The battery information display unit (11) is a high-definition LCD screen used to display the voltage, current, power, fault information of the battery assembly (5) and the communication status and alarm information of the data exchange unit (32).

6. A coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that: The observation window assembly (7) is sealed to the housing panel, and the light panel assembly (6) uses a high-brightness LED light source to provide lighting and status indication functions for the observation window assembly (7).

7. A coal mine explosion-proof and intrinsically safe gateway according to claim 1, characterized in that: The explosion-proof through-wall terminal (8) includes multiple layers of metal explosion-proof partitions and sealing components, used to achieve electrical connection and airtight isolation between the explosion-proof battery cavity (3) and the intrinsically safe cavity (4).

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