The workflow of the fully automatic pressure-free airlock for mining revolves around the logic of "sensing detection — command execution — passage assurance — automatic reset — safety locking." It achieves efficient, unmanned passage and environmental control through an automated control system, with the following specific steps:

Sensing Trigger: Detecting Passage Demand
When personnel, vehicles, or equipment enter the detection range of infrared sensors (or other sensing devices) on both sides of the airlock, the sensors capture the movement signal in real time and convert it into an electrical signal transmitted to the core controller.
The sensors are designed to resist dust and moisture, ensuring accurate identification of passage targets in the complex underground environment and avoiding false triggers or missed detections.

Command Processing: Controller Logic Judgment
After receiving the sensor signal, the controller performs validity verification (e.g., filtering out transient interference signals) and, based on preset programs, determines whether the conditions for opening the door are met:
If no other airlock is currently open (confirmed via interlocking devices) and there are no fault alarms (e.g., normal air pressure, no equipment abnormalities), the controller immediately generates an open-door command.
If an airlock on the same side is already open or there is a device malfunction, the controller temporarily suppresses the door-opening action to avoid conflicts or hazards.

Door Opening: Drive System Executes Action
The controller sends a command to the pneumatic actuator (such as cylinders and pneumatic valves). Compressed air enters the cylinder through the air tube, pushing the piston rod to extend, which in turn drives the door to rotate smoothly around its hinges to a preset angle (typically around 90°).
During the opening process, a speed control device regulates the door’s movement speed (generally taking 3–5 seconds to open fully), preventing impacts from overly rapid motion and ensuring safe passage.

Passage Hold: Maintaining Open State
Once the door is fully open, the controller locks the cylinder position via the pneumatic valve, keeping the door open to provide sufficient passage time for personnel and vehicles.
At this point, an audio-visual indicator activates (e.g., green light illuminates, alert sound plays), signaling that "the airlock is open and safe for passage."

Sensing Reset: Detecting Completion of Passage
After personnel or vehicles have completely passed through the airlock, the sensors detect no remaining targets within the detection range and send a "passage complete" signal to the controller.
In cases of prolonged obstruction (e.g., during the passage of a long vehicle), the sensors continue to send signals to ensure the door remains open until the target has fully exited.

Delayed Closing: Initiating Reset Procedure
Upon receiving the "passage complete" signal, the controller initiates a preset delay program (delay time adjustable, typically 5–30 seconds) to allow buffer time for potential secondary passage needs.
After the delay ends, the controller issues a close-door command. The pneumatic system acts in reverse: the cylinder exhausts air, the piston rod retracts, and the door slowly closes under gravity or the action of a reset mechanism.

Locking: Restoring Initial State
During the door closing process, the sealing strip tightly adheres to the door frame to achieve an effective seal. Once fully closed, the controller triggers the interlocking device to ensure that airlocks on the same or opposite side cannot open simultaneously, preventing abnormal airflow.
Simultaneously, the system automatically resets to standby mode, awaiting the next sensing trigger to complete the entire work cycle.

Through the above process, the fully automatic pressure-free airlock for mining achieves its core functions of "unmanned operation, automatic response, safe passage, and precise control," meeting the ventilation and safety requirements of complex underground mining environments.