ZA200609552B

ZA200609552B - A drive control system

Info

Publication number: ZA200609552B
Application number: ZA200609552A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Nel Gert Hendrik Jacobus
Original assignee: Tangenel Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-08-18
Filing date: 2006-11-16
Publication date: 2009-09-30

Description

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION :

[0001] The invention relates to a drive control system which is for example used in underground mining works.

[0002] The word “drive” is used in this specification with reference to a means of converting power into motion in a winch or belt conveyor arrangement. An example of such a drive is an electrical or fuel driven motor which is used to impart movement to a winch or conveyor arrangement.

[0003] Winch and conveyor arrangements are used in mining operations to transport ore, for example, from an underground work face to a hopper loading bay. These operations take place in an hostile environment where workers can stray into contact with the winch or conveyor arrangement.

[0004] The operator of a ‘winch or conveyor arrangement often cannot see or monitor the entire line of the arrangement. If the arrangement breaks down or snags the operator deactivates the arrangement and inspects the line to rectify - the breakdown or snag. When the arrangement is operational the operator retums to his post and activates the arrangement.

[0005] The applicant is aware of serious accidents which occurred during the use of arrangements of this kind which resulted in disfigurement and death.

These accidents occur when workers stray into contact with the arrangement,

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. ' a D08r0gss, when the arrangement is activated while workers are in dangerous proximity to the arrangement and when the arrangement is activated by unauthorised personnel while the operator is inspecting or repairing the arrangement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] This invention aims to provide an alternative control system for winch and conveyor arrangements which might improve the safety of personnel working in proximity to the arrangements.

[0007] The invention provides a drive control system which includes at least one receiver module which has a first receiver unit to receive a first signal from a tag and a first transmitter unit connected to the first receiver unit, a control station which is in communication with the receiver module which has a second receiver unit to receive a second signal from the first transmitter unit, an actuator circuit which is connected to the control station and a drive which is connected to the actuator.

[0008] Preferably the system includes a plurality of receiver modules which are in communication with the control station.

[0009] The receiver module may include a first power supply and a first input means with which information can be communicated to the receiver module. The

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‘ ' first input means may be in the form of a keyboard or a reader such as a biometric scanner.

[0010] The receiver module may include a first central processing unit to control the operations of the receiver module. The first transmitter unit may be connected to the first receiver unit via the first central processing unit. The receiver module may include a database which is connected to the first central processing unit. f [0011] The tag may be in the form of a passive or an active electronic device.

The tag may include a second power supply and a second transmitter unit which is connected to the second power supply.

[0012] The control station may include a third power supply which is connected to the second receiver unit. The control station may include a second central processing unit which is connected to the second receiver unit. The control station may include an output means which is connected to the second central 16 processing unit.

[0013] The output means may include a third transmitter unit. The output means may be directly connected to the actuator circuit. Altemnatively the output means may be in remote communication with the actuator circuit. p20735/va

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[0014] The drive may be connected to a winch arrangement or a conveyor arrangement.

[0015] The invention further provides a drive control system which includes a "plurality of receiver modules, each of which has a first receiver unit to receive a first signal from a tag and a first transmitter unit connected to the first receiver unit, a control station which is in communication with each of the receiver modules, which has a second receiver unit to receive a second signal from any one of the first transmitter units, an actuator circuit which is. connected to the control station, a drive which is connected to the actuator and a winch arrangement which is connected to the drive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention is further described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a drive control system according to the : invention; and :

Figure 2 is a plan view of the control system of Figure 1 in use.

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DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a drive control system 10 which has at least one receiver module 12 which is in communication with a plurality of tags 14 and a control station 16.

[0018] The module 12 has a first power supply 18 which is connected to a first central processing unit (“CPU") 20. Input means 22 and a first database 24 are connected to the first CPU 20. The input means 22 can be in any appropriate form such as for example a reader 26 such as a biometric scanner, a control pad (not shown), a keyboard (not shown) or a movement sensor (not shown). The first database 24 is of a known kind and contains identity information relating to the tags 14. A first receiver unit 28 and a first transmitter unit 30 are connected to the first CPU 20 and to one another via the first CPU 20. The first receiver unit 28 is of a known kind and receives first signals 32 from the tags 14. The first transmitter unit 30 is of a known kind and transmits a second signal 34 from the module 12 to the station 16.

[0019] The first receiver unit 28 can also receive input to the module 12 from the station 16 by way of retumn signals 35 received from the station 16.

[0020] Each tag 14 can be either a passive or an active electronic device. In this example each tag 14 is in the form of an active electronic device which has a second power supply 36 which powers a second transmitter unit 38. Each tag 14

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. is programmable and has a unique identity code 40 which is constantly transmitted by way of the second transmitter unit 38 as the first signal 32. The signal strength of the first signal 32 emanating from each tag 14 can be electronically manipulated. Through appropriate programming of the module 12 and tags 14 each tag 14 is identified in the first database 24 as either an authorised tag 14A or an unauthorised tag 14B.

[0021] The station 16 has a third power supply 42 which is connected to a second CPU 44. The second CPU 44 receives input from a second input means 46. The second input means 46 can be in any appropriate form such as for example a control panel (not shown), a keyboard (not shown) and a second receiver unit 48. The second receiver unit 48 is of known construction and is capable of receiving the first signals 32 from the tags 14 and the second signal 34 from the module 12. A second database 49 is connected to the second CPU 44. The second database 49 contains information which is similar to the 16 information contained in the first database 24. Appropriate output means 50 is also connected to the second CPU 44. The output means 50 can be in the form of a third transmitter unit 52 or an actuator circuit 54. The output means 50 can include additional devices such as waming lights (not shown) and an alarm (not shown).

[0022] The actuator circuit 54 can be integrally formed with the station 16 or alternatively, as is shown in Figure 1, the circuit 54 is remote from the station 16.

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When the circuit 54 is integral with the station 16 the circuit 54 is directly connected to the output means 50 and second CPU 44. Where the circuit 54 is remote from the station 16 the station 16 is in indirect communication with the circuit 54 through the third transmitter unit 52.

[0023] The circuit 54 has a fourth power supply 56 which drives the circuit 54. In a step 58 the circuit 54 interrogates the station 16 and the module 12 through the station 16 for first signals 32 from tags 14. If a first signal 32 from a tag 14 is received the circuit 54 compares the identity code 40 of the tag 14 with the information contained in the first or second database 24, 49. If the identity code 40 of the tag 14 corresponds with an unauthorised tag 14B the circuit 54, in a step 64, deactivates and overrides any manual activation of a drive 62 which is connected to the circuit 54.

[0024] If the identity code 40 does not correspond to an unauthorised tag 14B the circuit 54, in a step 66, compares the identity code 40 with the identity codes for authorised tags 14A in the first and/or second database 24, 49. If the identity : code 40 corresponds with the identity code of an authorised tag -14A the circuit 54, in a step 68, activates the drive 62 to allow manual control of the drive 62. If the identity code 40 does not correspond with any tags logged on the first or second database 24, 49 the circuit 54, in a step 70, deactivates the drive 62.

[0025] When the drive 62 is deactivated by the circuit 54 an operator 100 (see

Figure 2) cannot manually initiate or control the drive 62 and a winch or conveyor

P20735/iva arrangement 102 which is driven by the drive 62 is stopped. When the drive 62 is activated by the circuit 54 the operator 100 can manually initiate and control the drive 62.

[0026] The circuit 54 scans and interrogates the station 16 and module 12 continuously for the presence of identity codes 40.

[0027] If the identity code 40 for an authorised tag 14A exists the range of the station 16 the circuit 54 automatically deactivates the drive 62. If any identity code 40 for an unauthorised tag 14 is located in proximity of the module 12 or station 16 the circuit 54 also immediately deactivates the drive 62. The drive 62 is only activated when no unauthorised tags 14B are in proximity of the module 12 and station 16 and an authorised tag 14A is in proximity of the station 16.

[0028] The first, second, third and fourth power supply 18, 36, 42 and 56 can be of an appropriate kind and can for example be in the form of an electrical main power supply or a rechargeable battery pack.

[0029] The first and second CPU's 20, 44 are of a known kind.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a winch arrangement 102 which is installed in underground mining works 104. The arrangement 102 has a rope or cable 106 which extends from the drive 62 through a plurality of pulleys 108. The winch arrangement 102 is of a known kind and has a plurality of containers or scrapers

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110 which transport ore (not shown) from a working face 112 to a hopper loading bay 114.

[0031] A plurality of modules 12 are located along the travel path of the rope 106 and a station 16 is located at the drive 62. In use each member of personnel who accesses the works 104 is issued with a tag 14 which is programmed and loaded on to the first or second databases 24, 49 by way of the first and second input means 22, 46. Each tag 14 is carried by the member of personnel as part : of his/her clothing. For example the tag 14 can be integrated in the miner's helmet, belt, boots etc. of each member of personnel.

[0032] The operator 100’s tag 14 is logged as an authorised tag 14A.

[0033] The circuit 54 monitors all tags 14 in range of the various modules 12 and the station 16. By adjusting the sensitivity of the first and second receiver units 28, 48 and the transmission strength of the second transmitter unit 38 on each tag 14 the system 10 is programmed to identify tags 14 within a specific range of each module 12 and the control station 16.

[0034] For example the system 10 can be manipulated to identify an unauthorised tag 14B within 6 metres of any module 12 or the station 16 and an authorised tag 14A within 2 metres of the control station 16.

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[0035] If the system 10 is programmed in this manner the operator 100 will have to be within 2 metres of the station 16 in order for the circuit 54 to activate the drive 62 and allow manual operation of the arrangement 102 by the operator 100.

The circuit 54 further deactivates the drive 62 as long as an unauthorised tag 14B is within 6 metres of a module 12 or the station 16. When unauthorised tags 14B are outside of a 6 metre radius from each module 12 and the station 16 and the authorised tag 14A of the operator 100 is within 2 metres of the station 16 the circuit 54 activates the drive 62 and allows the operator 100 to initiate and control the drive 62 and winch arrangement 102. Should any unauthorised tag 14B move within 6 metres of any module 12 or the station 16 or should the authorised tag 14A of the operator 100 move outside of 2 metres from the station 16 the circuit 54 automatically deactivates the drive 62 and the winch amangement 102 stops.

[0036] In this manner the system 10 stops the amrangement. 102 if any 16 unauthorised member of personnel comes into possible contact with the arrangement 102 in order to prevent injury and accidental activation of the arrangement 102 by unauthorised personnel while the operator 100 is away from his post.

[0037] The modules 12 and station 16 may be in communication with one another in any appropriate manner. For example the first transmitter unit 30 can be directly connected to the second receiver unit 48 by way of cabling and the

P20735/Iva third transmitter unit 52 can be directly connected to the first receiver unit 28 by way of similar cabling. Alternatively the respective first transmitter unit 30 and second receiver unit 48, and third transmitter unit 52 and first receiver unit 28 can be in remote communication through any appropriate signals such as for example radio frequency signals. :

[0038] The first and second input means 22, 46 can be used to monitor the surrounds of the module 12 and station 16 and the circuit 54 can be programmed to activate or deactivate the drive 62 based on information gained from the first and the second input means 22, 46.

[0039] When the winch arrangement 102 is replaced with a conveyor arrangement the rope or cable 106 and the containers 110 are replaced with a conveyor belt and the pulleys 108 are replaced with rollers. The system 10 functions in the same manner as described in respect of the winch arrangement 102 when a conveyor arrangement is used.

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Claims

Fn on . : te f ig 7 wn V4 , y CLAIMS: cL

1. A drive control system which includes at least one receiver module which has a first receiver unit to receive a first signal from a tag and a first transmitter unit connected to the first receiver unit, a control station which is in communication with the receiver module which has a second receiver unit to receive a second signal from the first transmitter unit, an actuator circuit which is connected to the control station and a drive connected to the actuator.

2. A drive control system according to claim 1 which includes a plurality of receiver modules which are in communication with the contro! station.

3. A drive control system according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the receiver module includes a first power supply and a first input means with which information can be communicated to the receiver module.

4, A drive control system according to claim 3 wherein the first input means 16 is in the form of a keyboard or a reader.

5. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the receiver module includes a first central processing unit. P20735/lva

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6. A drive control system according to claim 5 wherein the first transmitter unit is connected to the first receiver unit via the first central processing unit.

7. A drive control system according to claim 5 or 6 wherein the receiver module includes a database which is connected to the first central processing unit.

8. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the tag is in the form of a passive or an active electronic device.

9. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 wherein the tag includes a second power supply and a second transmitter unit which is connected to the second power supply.

10. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the control station includes a third power supply which is connected to the second receiver unit.

11. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 10 wherein the control station includes a second central processing unit which is h connected to the second receiver unit. P20735/lva

12. A drive control system according to claim 11 wherein the control station includes an output means which is connected to the second central processing unit.

13. A drive control system according to claim 12 wherein the output means includes a third transmitter unit.

14. A drive control system according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the output means is directly connected to the actuator circuit.

15. A drive control system according to claim 12 or 13 wherein the output means is in remote communication with the actuator circuit.

16. A drive control system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the drive is connected to a winch arrangement or a conveyor arrangement.

17. A drive control system which includes a plurality of receiver modules, : each of which has a first receiver unit to receive a first signal from a tag and a first transmitter unit connected to the first receiver unit, a control 16 station which is in communication with each of the receiver modules, which has a second receiver unit to receive a second signal from any one of the first transmitter units, an actuator circuit which is connected to the control station, a drive which is connected to the actuator and a winch arrangement which is connected to the drive. P20735/Ilva

18. A drive control system as described herein with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 and 2. DATED this 16™ day of NOVEMBER 2006 McCALLUM RADEMEYER & FREIMOND Patent Agents for the Applicant P20735/lva ’