<p>The explosion-proof covers for vertical air shafts are critical components of the mine ventilation system, playing a vital role in protecting the main fans and ensuring the normal ventilation of the mine. Their primary function is to protect the main fans by rapidly relieving pressure, while also ensuring that the covers maintain structural integrity and stable operation during the process. The advancements in research by Chinese scholars on explosion-proof covers for vertical air shafts are systematically reviewed. The types and research status of explosion-proof covers are summarized, with classification into three categories: the whole-cover, the two-cover, and the multi-unit explosion-proof covers for vertical air shafts. Most researchers tend to focus on in-depth studies of the whole-cover explosion-proof covers, while some have also explored the two-cover explosion-proof covers. However, there is relatively little research on the pressure relief effects of the multi-unit explosion-proof covers and their impact on the main fans. In recent years, scholars have paid increasing attention to the physical processes involved in the covers, yielding some significant findings. Nevertheless, the interaction mechanisms between shock waves and the cover, as well as the effects of opening area and other factors on the pressure relief performance, have not been thoroughly investigated and still require further experimental and numerical simulation studies. A comprehensive review of current research on explosion-proof covers is presented, with strategic recommendations for advancing explosion-proof cover technology and insights into potential directions for future design and optimization.</p>