An automatic water level controller for coal mines

By combining buoyancy drive components and water level detection components, real-time monitoring and automatic control of underground water levels in coal mines have been achieved. This solves the problems of response lag and misoperation in traditional water level control methods, improves the efficiency and accuracy of water level control, and ensures safe production in coal mines.

CN224328355UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-05HEBEI ZHIAN COAL MINE EQUIPMENT CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
HEBEI ZHIAN COAL MINE EQUIPMENT CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-25
Publication Date
2026-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional water level control methods are difficult to implement accurately in underground coal mines, especially when water levels fluctuate frequently, which can easily lead to delayed response or misoperation, increasing labor costs and reducing water resource management efficiency.

Method used

By combining buoyancy drive components, water level detection components, and drainage control components, and utilizing floats, transmission rods, sliding blocks, photoelectric sensors, and controllers, automated water level monitoring and control are achieved. Through the combination of mechanical transmission and intelligent control technologies, water level changes are monitored in real time and the drainage process is precisely controlled.

Benefits of technology

It enables real-time monitoring and automatic control of water level changes, improves the efficiency and accuracy of water level control, solves the problems of response lag and misoperation, and provides a reliable guarantee for safe production in coal mines.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model discloses a water level automatic controller for coal mine, it includes water storage tank body, buoyancy drive component, water level detection component and drainage control component. Buoyancy drive component drives the sliding block to move with the water level change through the float ball, and water level detection component utilizes photoelectric sensor to monitor water level in real time and sends signal to controller, and drainage control component opens and closes solenoid valve and water pump according to controller instruction to complete drainage. The present application can realize real -time monitoring and automatic control of water level, need not manual intervention, control efficiency and precision are improved significantly, and the device design is flexible and general simultaneously, adapts to different mine demand, effectively solves traditional mode response lag and misoperation problem, provides reliable guarantee for coal mine safety production.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of coal mine safety and automation control technology, and in particular to an automatic water level controller for coal mines. Background Technology

[0002] Water level control is a crucial aspect of ensuring safe production during coal mining. This process is especially important in underground mines, as the accumulation of groundwater not only affects the working environment but can also threaten equipment and personnel safety. Therefore, it is necessary to drain accumulated water in a timely manner to maintain normal production operations.

[0003] Because mine water levels are influenced by various factors, such as geological conditions and mining progress, traditional water level control methods rely heavily on manual monitoring and operation of drainage equipment. However, this method is difficult to achieve precise control, especially when water levels fluctuate frequently, easily leading to delayed response or misoperation. This not only increases labor costs but may also result in inefficient water resource management within the mine. Therefore, existing water level control methods have room for improvement in practical applications. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide an automatic water level controller for coal mines, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] This utility model is implemented as follows: an automatic water level controller for coal mines includes a base with a supporting frame on the base, and further includes: a water storage tank with an open top, the water storage tank being fixedly installed at the top center of the supporting frame, a drain pipe being installed at the bottom of the water storage tank, one end of the drain pipe being connected to the water storage tank, and the other end being connected to an external drainage system; a buoyancy drive assembly; the buoyancy drive assembly is located inside the water storage tank and includes a float, a transmission rod, and a sliding block. The float is fixedly connected to the sliding block via the transmission rod, and the sliding block is slidably installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank, with the sliding block and the transmission rod connected by a thread to achieve height adjustment; a water level detection assembly; the water level detection assembly is located outside the water storage tank and includes multiple photoelectric sensors spaced vertically, the photoelectric sensors being electrically connected to the controller via signal lines, the controller receiving signals from the photoelectric sensors and outputting control commands; and a drainage control assembly; the drainage control assembly includes a solenoid valve and a water pump, the solenoid valve being installed on the drain pipe, the water pump being connected to the outlet end of the drain pipe, and the controller being electrically connected to the solenoid valve and the water pump via control lines.

[0006] Preferably, the inner wall of the water storage tank is provided with a vertical guide rail groove, and the two sides of the sliding block are symmetrically provided with protrusions that cooperate with the guide rail groove. The sliding block is slidably installed by embedding the protrusions into the guide rail groove. Limiting blocks are provided at both ends of the guide rail groove to prevent the sliding block from disengaging from the guide rail groove.

[0007] Preferably, the float is made of a lightweight and corrosion-resistant material, and the float is designed to be elliptical in shape. Its surface is provided with multiple annular grooves, which are used to reduce the resistance of water flow to the movement of the float and at the same time enhance the stability of the float.

[0008] Preferably, the transmission rod has a scale mark in the middle, which indicates the height of the float relative to the water storage tank. Both ends of the transmission rod are provided with locking nuts, which are used to fix the position of the sliding block and prevent the sliding block from shifting due to vibration or water flow impact.

[0009] Preferably, the number of photoelectric sensors is four, which are evenly distributed in the vertical direction. The distance between two adjacent photoelectric sensors is 10 cm. The detection end of the photoelectric sensor faces the outer wall of the water storage tank, and there is a 2 mm gap between the detection end of the photoelectric sensor and the outer wall of the water storage tank.

[0010] Preferably, the controller is installed on one side of the support frame. The controller housing is designed to be waterproof and dustproof. The controller input terminal is electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor via a signal line. The controller output terminal is electrically connected to the solenoid valve and the water pump via control lines. The controller is equipped with a microprocessor and a memory. The microprocessor is used to process the signals from the photoelectric sensor and generate control commands. The memory is used to store preset water level thresholds and historical data.

[0011] Preferably, the inlet end of the solenoid valve is connected to the drain pipe via a flange, and a sealing ring is provided on the flange. The sealing ring is made of corrosion-resistant rubber material. The outlet end of the solenoid valve is connected to the inlet of the water pump via a flexible hose. Both ends of the flexible hose are provided with clamps to fix the hose and prevent leakage.

[0012] Preferably, the outlet of the water pump is connected to an external drainage pipe, and a shock-absorbing pad is provided at the bottom of the water pump. The shock-absorbing pad is made of high-density foam material and is used to absorb the vibration generated during the operation of the water pump, thereby reducing the impact on the support frame.

[0013] This utility model provides an automatic water level controller for coal mines, the working principle of which is as follows: When water flows into the water storage tank in the mine, the float moves with the rising water level. The float drives the sliding block to slide upward along the guide rail groove via a transmission rod. When the sliding block reaches the detection area of ​​a photoelectric sensor, the photoelectric sensor sends a signal to the controller. The controller determines whether the current water level exceeds a preset threshold based on the received signal. If it exceeds the threshold, the controller outputs a control command to start the solenoid valve and water pump, discharging the water in the storage tank to the external drainage system. When the water level drops, the sliding block moves downward with the float, the photoelectric sensor sends a signal again, and the controller closes the solenoid valve and water pump, stopping the drainage. Through the coordinated work of multiple photoelectric sensors, water level changes can be monitored in real time and the drainage process can be precisely controlled.

[0014] The technical advantages of this invention are reflected in the following aspects: First, by combining the buoyancy drive component with the water level detection component, real-time monitoring and automatic control of water level changes are achieved without manual intervention, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of water level control. Second, the special design of the float and the adjustable function of the transmission rod enable the device to adapt to the actual needs of different mines, enhancing its versatility and flexibility. Finally, through the intelligent processing of the controller and the rapid response of the solenoid valve and water pump, the problems of response lag and misoperation in traditional water level control methods are effectively solved, providing a reliable guarantee for safe production in coal mines. In summary, this invention, through the close cooperation between its components, achieves automatic water level control while also possessing high efficiency, accuracy, and reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a magnified view of a portion of the buoyancy-driven component.

[0017] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0018] 1. Water storage tank; 2. Float; 3. Transmission rod; 4. Sliding block; 5. Photoelectric sensor; 6. Controller; 7. Solenoid valve; 8. Water pump; 9. Guide rail groove; 10. Drain pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0019] This utility model provides an automatic water level controller for coal mines, the specific implementation of which is described in conjunction with the appendix. Figure 1 To be continued Figure 2 Please provide a detailed explanation. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a base, a support frame, a water storage tank 1, a buoyancy drive assembly, a water level detection assembly, and a drainage control assembly. The specific structure, connection relationship, and operation process of each component are described below.

[0020] The base serves as the supporting foundation for the entire device, upon which a support frame is fixedly installed. The support frame is a rectangular steel frame structure, possessing sufficient strength and stability to support other components. The water storage tank 1 is fixedly installed at the top center of the support frame. The top of the water storage tank 1 is open to receive accumulated water from the mine. A drain pipe 10 is installed at the bottom of the water storage tank 1. One end of the drain pipe 10 connects to the bottom of the water storage tank 1, and the other end connects to the external drainage system via a flange. A sealing ring made of corrosion-resistant rubber is installed at the flange connection of the drain pipe 10 to ensure a tight seal and prevent leakage.

[0021] The buoyancy drive assembly is located inside the water storage tank 1 and mainly consists of a float 2, a transmission rod 3, and a sliding block 4. The float 2 is made of lightweight, corrosion-resistant material and has an elliptical shape with multiple annular grooves on its surface. These grooves reduce the resistance of the water flow to the float's movement and enhance its stability. The float 2 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 4 via the transmission rod 3. A scale mark is located in the middle of the transmission rod 3 to indicate the height of the float 2 relative to the water storage tank 1, allowing operators to visually monitor water level changes. Locking nuts are located at both ends of the transmission rod 3 to secure the sliding block 4 and prevent displacement due to vibration or water flow impact.

[0022] The sliding block 4 is slidably installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank 1. A vertical guide groove 9 is provided on the inner wall of the water storage tank 1. Symmetrical protrusions that mate with the guide groove 9 are provided on both sides of the sliding block 4. The sliding block 4 is slidably installed by embedding the protrusions into the guide groove 9. Limit blocks are provided at both ends of the guide groove 9 to prevent the sliding block 4 from disengaging from the guide groove 9, thus ensuring that the sliding block 4 always moves up and down along a predetermined trajectory. The sliding block 4 and the transmission rod 3 are connected by a thread to achieve an adjustable height. The operator can adjust the height of the float 2 according to actual needs, allowing the device to adapt to the actual application requirements of different mines.

[0023] The water level detection component is located inside the water storage tank 1 and mainly consists of multiple photoelectric sensors 5. For example... Figure 1As shown, there are four photoelectric sensors 5, evenly distributed vertically, with a spacing of 10 cm between adjacent sensors. The detection end of each photoelectric sensor 5 faces the outer wall of the water storage tank 1, and a 2 mm gap is maintained between the detection end and the outer wall to ensure accurate detection of position changes of the sliding block 4. The photoelectric sensors 5 are electrically connected to the controller 6 via signal lines. The controller 6 is mounted on one side of the support frame and features a waterproof and dustproof casing to withstand the harsh conditions of coal mine operations. The controller 6 contains a microprocessor and a memory. The microprocessor processes the signals from the photoelectric sensors 5 and generates control commands, while the memory stores preset water level thresholds and historical data.

[0024] The drainage control assembly includes a solenoid valve 7 and a water pump 8. The solenoid valve 7 is mounted on the drain pipe 10, and its inlet is connected to the drain pipe 10 via a flange. A sealing ring made of corrosion-resistant rubber is installed on the flange to ensure a tight seal at the connection. The outlet of the solenoid valve 7 is connected to the inlet of the water pump 8 via a flexible hose. Both ends of the hose are fitted with clamps to secure the hose and prevent leakage. The outlet of the water pump 8 is connected to an external drainage pipe. A shock-absorbing pad made of high-density foam is installed at the bottom of the water pump 8 to absorb vibrations generated during operation and reduce the impact on the support frame. A controller 6 is electrically connected to both the solenoid valve 7 and the water pump 8 via control lines to control their start and stop based on water level changes.

[0025] The working principle and operation process of this utility model are as follows: When the accumulated water in the mine flows into the water storage tank 1, the float 2 moves with the rise in water level, and the float 2 drives the sliding block 4 to slide upward along the guide rail groove 9 through the transmission rod 3. Figure 2 As shown, the protrusion of the sliding block 4 is always embedded in the guide groove 9, ensuring that it moves along a predetermined trajectory. When the sliding block 4 reaches the detection area of ​​a certain photoelectric sensor 5, the photoelectric sensor 5 sends a signal to the controller 6. After receiving the signal, the controller 6 determines whether the current water level exceeds the preset water level threshold. If the water level exceeds the threshold, the controller 6 outputs a control command to start the solenoid valve 7 and the water pump 8, draining the water in the water storage tank 1 to the external drainage system. During this process, the solenoid valve 7 opens, the water pump 8 starts, and the accumulated water is quickly discharged through the drain pipe 10. When the water level in the water storage tank 1 drops, the float 2 moves down with the water level, and the sliding block 4 moves down with the float 2 to the detection area of ​​the next photoelectric sensor 5. The photoelectric sensor 5 sends a signal to the controller 6 again, and the controller 6 closes the solenoid valve 7 and the water pump 8, stopping the drainage process. Through the coordinated work of multiple photoelectric sensors 5, water level changes can be monitored in real time and the drainage process can be precisely controlled.

[0026] In practical applications, this invention can be flexibly adjusted according to the specific working conditions of the mine. For example, by adjusting the threaded connection between the transmission rod 3 and the sliding block 4, the initial height of the float 2 can be changed to adapt to the water level monitoring needs of different mines. Furthermore, the internal memory of the controller 6 can be used to record historical data, facilitating operators to analyze water level change patterns and optimize drainage strategies. Through the close cooperation of the above components, this invention achieves real-time monitoring and automatic control of water level changes without manual intervention, significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of water level control. It also effectively solves the problems of response lag and misoperation existing in traditional water level control methods, providing a reliable guarantee for safe coal mine production.

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to fully understand and implement this utility model, the following supplementary explanation of the operating principle and implementation steps of this utility model is provided in conjunction with specific application scenarios.

[0028] In the underground working environment of coal mines, accumulated water usually flows naturally or is artificially diverted to the water storage tank 1. At this time, the float 2, due to the buoyancy of the water, moves with the rising water level. The elliptical design of the float 2 and its annular groove on its surface effectively reduce water flow resistance and ensure its motion stability. The float 2 is fixedly connected to the sliding block 4 via a transmission rod 3. When the float 2 rises, the transmission rod 3 drives the sliding block 4 to slide upwards along the guide rail groove 9. The protrusion of the sliding block 4 is embedded in the guide rail groove 9, ensuring its smooth vertical movement. Simultaneously, the limiting blocks at both ends of the guide rail groove 9 prevent the sliding block 4 from deviating from its predetermined trajectory. This process achieves precise mechanical transmission, providing a reliable basis for subsequent water level detection.

[0029] The displacement of slider 4 will trigger the detection signal of photoelectric sensor 5. For example... Figure 1 As shown, four photoelectric sensors 5 are evenly distributed vertically, with a spacing of 10 cm between adjacent sensors. When the sliding block 4 enters the detection area of ​​a photoelectric sensor 5, the sensor 5 sends a signal to the controller 6. Upon receiving the signal, the microprocessor inside the controller 6 determines whether the current water level exceeds the safe range based on a preset water level threshold in its memory. If the water level exceeds the threshold, the controller 6 generates a control command and activates the solenoid valve 7 and the water pump 8 via control lines. After the solenoid valve 7 opens, the accumulated water in the storage tank 1 flows into the external drainage system through the drain pipe 10; the water pump 8, once started, further accelerates the drainage process, ensuring that the accumulated water can be quickly discharged. During this process, the sealing rings at the flange connections and the clamps at both ends of the hose effectively prevent leakage, thus ensuring the stable operation of the device.

[0030] When the water level in the storage tank 1 drops, the float 2 moves downwards with the water level, and the transmission rod 3 drives the sliding block 4 to slide downwards along the guide rail groove 9. The displacement of the sliding block 4 is again captured by the photoelectric sensor 5, which transmits the signal to the controller 6. Based on the signal, the controller 6 determines that the current water level has dropped to a safe range and then outputs a shut-off command to stop the operation of the solenoid valve 7 and the water pump 8. This closed-loop control process is achieved through the coordinated work of multiple photoelectric sensors 5, ensuring that water level changes can be monitored in real time and precisely controlled.

[0031] Furthermore, in practical applications, operators can adjust the initial height of the float 2 by adjusting the threaded connection between the transmission rod 3 and the sliding block 4. For example, in mines with large water level fluctuations, the initial height of the float 2 can be set to a lower position to expand the water level monitoring range; while in mines with smaller water level fluctuations, the initial height of the float 2 can be set to a higher position to improve monitoring accuracy. This flexible adjustment function allows the device to adapt to the actual needs of different mines.

[0032] Meanwhile, the internal memory of controller 6 records historical data on each water level change. This data can be used to analyze water level fluctuation patterns and optimize drainage strategies. For example, by analyzing historical data, the trend of water level changes within a specific time period can be predicted, thereby adjusting the operating status of the drainage equipment in advance and avoiding safety hazards caused by sudden rises in water level. In addition, the waterproof and dustproof design of controller 6 and the shock-absorbing pad design at the bottom of water pump 8 further enhance the adaptability and stability of the device in harsh environments.

[0033] In summary, this invention achieves real-time monitoring and automatic control of water level changes through the close cooperation of the buoyancy drive component, water level detection component, and drainage control component. Its operating principle is based on the organic combination of mechanical transmission, photoelectric sensing, and intelligent control technologies, which not only significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of water level control but also effectively solves the problems of response lag and misoperation existing in traditional water level control methods, providing a reliable guarantee for safe production in coal mines.

[0034] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. An automatic water level controller for coal mines, comprising a base, on which a support frame is mounted, characterized in that, Also includes: The water storage tank (1) has an open top structure. The water storage tank (1) is fixedly installed at the top center of the support frame. A drain pipe (10) is provided at the bottom of the water storage tank (1). One end of the drain pipe (10) is connected to the water storage tank (1), and the other end is connected to the external drainage system. Buoyancy drive assembly; The buoyancy drive assembly is located inside the water storage tank (1). The buoyancy drive assembly includes a float (2), a transmission rod (3) and a sliding block (4). The float (2) is fixedly connected to the sliding block (4) through the transmission rod (3). The sliding block (4) is slidably installed on the inner wall of the water storage tank (1). The sliding block (4) and the transmission rod (3) are connected by a thread to achieve the function of adjustable height. Water level detection component; the water level detection component is located on the outside of the water storage tank (1). The water level detection component includes multiple photoelectric sensors (5) arranged at intervals along the vertical direction. The photoelectric sensors (5) are electrically connected to the controller (6) through signal lines. The controller (6) is used to receive the signals from the photoelectric sensors (5) and output control commands. Drainage control assembly; the drainage control assembly includes a solenoid valve (7) and a water pump (8). The solenoid valve (7) is installed on the drain pipe (10), and the water pump (8) is connected to the outlet end of the drain pipe (10). The controller (6) is electrically connected to the solenoid valve (7) and the water pump (8) respectively through control lines.

2. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank (1) has a vertical guide groove (9) on its inner wall. The sliding block (4) has symmetrical protrusions on both sides that cooperate with the guide groove (9). The sliding block (4) is slidably installed by embedding the protrusions into the guide groove (9). Limiting blocks are provided at both ends of the guide groove (9) to prevent the sliding block (4) from disengaging from the guide groove (9).

3. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The float (2) is made of lightweight and corrosion-resistant material. The float (2) is designed to be elliptical in shape and has multiple annular grooves on its surface. The annular grooves are used to reduce the resistance of the water flow to the movement of the float (2) and at the same time enhance the stability of the float (2).

4. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transmission rod (3) has a scale mark in the middle and locking nuts at both ends. The locking nuts are used to fix the position of the sliding block (4).

5. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of photoelectric sensors (5) is four. The four photoelectric sensors (5) are evenly distributed in the vertical direction. The distance between two adjacent photoelectric sensors (5) is 10 cm. The detection end of the photoelectric sensor (5) faces the outer wall of the water storage tank (1), and there is a 2 mm gap between the detection end of the photoelectric sensor (5) and the outer wall of the water storage tank (1).

6. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller (6) is installed on one side of the support frame. The housing of the controller (6) is designed to be waterproof and dustproof. The controller (6) is equipped with a microprocessor and a memory. The microprocessor is used to process the signal of the photoelectric sensor (5) and generate control commands. The memory is used to store preset water level thresholds and historical data.

7. The automatic water level controller for coal mines according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the solenoid valve (7) is connected to the drain pipe (10) via a flange. A sealing ring is provided on the flange. The sealing ring is made of corrosion-resistant rubber material. The outlet of the solenoid valve (7) is connected to the inlet of the water pump (8) via a hose. Both ends of the hose are provided with clamps. The clamps are used to fix the hose and prevent water leakage. The bottom of the water pump (8) is provided with a shock-absorbing pad. The shock-absorbing pad is made of high-density foam material.