Rock drilling unit and method for charging a borehole

Abstract

A rock drilling unit and a method for charging a borehole. The rock drilling unit comprises a feeding system for feeding an initiator and rock breaking material into the borehole. The rock drilling unit is also provided with one or more communication means for communicating with a wireless initiator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a rock drilling unit intended for drilling a borehole in rock material and provided with means for charging the borehole with rock breaking material.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method of charging a borehole.

[0003] The field of the invention is defined more particularly in the preambles of the independent claims. Background Art

[0004] In mines, boulders and rock surfaces can be broken up by using drill and blast techniques, where a hole is first drilled into the rock material and then an explosive charge is placed in the drill hole. When the explosive is detonated, the shock wave and the resulting gas pressure cause the rock material to break, fracture and split into smaller pieces. The explosive is detonated by an initiator, which is connected to an ignition device with an electrical wire. Managing the electrical wires is difficult. Therefore, wireless initiators have been developed. However, handling and managing wireless initiators also presents disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel and improved rock drilling unit and method for charging a borehole.

[0006] The rock drilling unit according to the invention is characterized by the characterizing features of the independent device claim.

[0007] The method according to the invention is characterized by the characterizing features of the independent method claim.

[0008] The idea of ​​the disclosed solution is that a rock drilling unit of a rock drilling rig is provided with an initiator feeding system for feeding an initiator into the interior of a borehole in order to activate rock breaking material also fed into the interior of the borehole. The initiator feeding system of the drilling unit is provided with at least one communication device for providing wireless communication with the initiator. The communication device is data-connected to at least one control unit external to the drilling unit. Furthermore, the communication device is configured for determining an identification of the initiator and providing identification data for linking the initiator to at least one dedicated data element.

[0009] The advantage of the disclosed solution is that the management of the initiators is improved, which has a positive impact on the quality and effectiveness of the operation. The communication capability provides the possibility of implementing remote control and also provides fully automatic manipulation and feeding of the initiators. For safety reasons, the initiators can be manipulated at the remote drilling unit, whereby it is not possible for the operator of the rock drilling equipment to manually monitor and influence the manipulation and feeding steps.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the linking between the ID and the dedicated data element is performed by the communication device itself. The communication device is then provided with a processor for performing the linking and storage means for storing the data elements. In this embodiment, the communication device is a smart device.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the linking between the ID and the dedicated data element is performed by an external control unit. The control unit of the rock drilling apparatus may be used as the external control device, or alternatively, the external control unit may be located in a control room, or may be a portable electronic terminal device, such as a laptop or a smartphone. Furthermore, the communication device may also communicate with a cloud service, whereby the data elements may be stored in the cloud service, and one or more servers may perform the linking.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the mentioned data elements comprise at least data about the borehole inside which the initiator is configured to be fed.A large amount of data related to the borehole can be collected and stored and said data can now be linked to the operated initiator.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the data mentioned about the borehole comprises position data, such as coordinates in a mine coordinate system or a worksite coordinate system, or relative coordinates between blasters. Alternatively, the position data may comprise coarser data, including the position in relation to the shape of the boulder to be broken. Furthermore, the position data may comprise mine specific position data, such as data about the mine worksite and mine chutes. The position data may be collected during the drilling phase, since the drilling boom is provided with sensors and the position of the carrier of the rock drilling rig is known by the positioning system. The control unit of the rock drilling rig may continuously calculate the position of the drilling unit, whereby the position of the borehole is known.

[0014] According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned data about the drilling may include data about the direction of the drilling. The data elements may also include data about the straightness, direction and length of the drilling. In addition, data related to the drilling success and possible deviations may also be stored. All such data can be collected relatively easily during the drilling process and can be stored.

[0015] According to an embodiment, data about the borehole is collected during drilling and stored in a storage device as one or more data elements for use in charging and blasting measures. For example, the collected borehole data can be used when setting the delay time of an initiator (e.g., a detonator). In addition, the data can be used later when analyzing the blasting results.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the control unit is provided with at least one borehole data element for storing position data of the borehole. The initiators fed into the borehole are linked to the borehole data element by means of their individual identification codes, whereby the position of the fed initiators is known. The linked position data can be submitted to the detonation system so that the desired initiators can be triggered in a pre-planned sequence and manner.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one optical sensor or reader for remotely reading visible markings or even light patterns on the outer surface of the detonator. In this embodiment, the markings need to be visible to the reader. There may be transparent windows or openings in the feeding system to allow reading. Alternatively, the reader may extend to the inner surface side of the feeding tube or storage space, allowing visual detection. The optical reader can remotely read optical characters, codes and signals, such as bar codes and QR codes. Such optical markings and codes visible on the outer surface of the detonator can then be identified and utilized. The markings can be printed or marked directly on the detonator, or suitable labels and stickers can be used.

[0018] When optical sensing is applied, then the markers may be arranged around the detonator so that they can be detected regardless of the orientation of the detonator. A sufficiently wide scanning or reading angle of view may be selected to facilitate reading. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be an arrangement for guiding and ensuring that the marker of the detonator is positioned in front of the optical sensor or reader in a predetermined reading posture relative to its longitudinal axis and angular position. Another possibility is to provide the optical sensor with a moving device. The sensor can then search for the marker and can be moved to a suitable reading position relative to the optical marker on the detonator.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one data communication interface for wireless communication with the initiator by electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic radiation can penetrate obstacles, for example the wall of a feeder pipe of the feed system. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device can be positioned more freely on the drilling unit. The initiator can be provided with a tag or a signaling device for providing communication between the initiator and the communication device.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the mentioned wireless communication may be based on short-range radio transmissions.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the wireless communication may utilize one of the following available data communication technologies based on the use of electromagnetic radiation and signaling means: Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared (IR), Ultrasonic Sensors and Custom Radio Frames.

[0022] According to an embodiment, the communication device is configured to monitor the status of the initiator. The mentioned status monitoring may include monitoring the condition of the initiator, i.e. ensuring that the initiator is functioning properly. The status monitoring may also include determining whether the initiator is ready to detonate (armed) and whether it is operational. Another possibility is to monitor and test the communication capabilities and quality of the initiator. When two physical rock breaking components are connected together at the rock drilling unit, the status monitoring may include monitoring whether the connection between the components meets the requirements. If deviations are noted during monitoring, it is still possible to take corrective measures during the charging process, thereby ensuring that the rock breaking is carried out correctly and that safety issues are taken into account.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the above-mentioned monitoring may take place when the initiator is connected to another physical charge component before feeding. To implement the monitoring, at least one of the components being connected may be provided with one or more electrical indicators for detecting a successful connection. In the event of a connection failure, the initiator may be released ready for detonation and the initiator may be removed from the feeder line. A new rock breaking component is then connected and fed into the borehole. The electrical indicator may send a radio wave signal or an optical signal for indicating the status of the physical connection made between the components.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the communication device is configured to adjust the properties of the initiator itself. In this way, the initiator can be prepared and modified to best suit different situations.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the communication means is configured to provide at least one of the following input data to the initiator: an identification code (ID), position data, status data, ignition delay, delay to be ready for detonation, a key code for communicating with the initiator. Thus, added or modified data may be provided to the initiator just before being fed into the borehole. The initiator may comprise storage means for storing the input data.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution consists in providing the initiator with an identification code or data by means of the communication device. In other words, the initiator is not initially provided with predetermined identification data, but, on the contrary, generates the identification data only before being fed inside the borehole. The communication device can be provided with an encoder or corresponding means for providing the label or storage device with an appropriate code or individual designation. Alternatively, the communication device or assembly device mentioned in this document can attach a separate label or other remotely readable identification element comprising a separate code to the initiator.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one wireless data communication device for generating a unidirectional data transmission path from the initiator to the communication device or for generating a unidirectional data transmission path from the communication device to the initiator.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one wireless data communication device for generating a bidirectional data transmission path between the initiator and the communication device. The data can then be changed in both directions, which allows more versatile possibilities to influence the properties and use of the initiator.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the communication device is mounted in connection with the feed line of the blaster or charge feed system. The communication device can be fastened to the feed beam of the drilling unit or to a component mounted on the feed beam. When the communication device is mounted near the feed line, the reliability of the communication path is ensured, which is advantageous in harsh mine conditions. The communication device can also be placed as close as possible to the far end of the feed beam of the drilling unit.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the rock drilling unit comprises at least one reservoir for storing a number of initiators. The communication device may be mounted in connection with the reservoir. For example, the communication device may be mounted on an outer surface of the reservoir. Alternatively, at least one inner space of the reservoir may be provided with the communication device.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the rock drilling unit comprises two reservoirs, wherein a first reservoir is used to store a primer and a second reservoir is used to store a rock breaking material cartridge, such as a so-called expander. At least the mentioned first reservoir is provided with a communication device. In an alternative solution, the communication device is located on the feed line downstream of the first reservoir. The use of two reservoirs helps to separate the primary explosives and the secondary explosives from each other, thereby reducing dangers and risks.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the rock drilling rig comprises two reservoirs, wherein a first reservoir is used to store the initiator and is located on the drilling unit, and a second reservoir is used to store the rock breaking material and is located on the carrier of the rock drilling rig. At least the mentioned first reservoir on the drilling unit is provided with a communication device. In an alternative solution, the communication device is located downstream of the first reservoir. Between the above-mentioned reservoirs there may be a flexible guide pipe or guide hose.

[0033] According to an embodiment, a rock drilling unit comprises an assembly unit for connecting an initiator and an expander to form an assembly. The expander is a small rock breaking cartridge comprising a transfer explosive material. The connection between the initiator and the expander may be based on, for example, a mechanical clamp, a locking element, a bayonet connection, a threaded surface, an interference fit, a magnetic force. The assembly unit may be provided with a connection device for communicating with the assembly. The assembly may comprise one or more electrical indicators for indicating a successful connection between the elements. The connection indicator may send a signal when the connection is normal, or alternatively, the connection indicator may indicate if a wrong connection has occurred.

[0034] According to an embodiment, at least one communication device may be located downstream of the mentioned assembly unit. Then, communication may still be possible only just before the initiator leaves the rock drilling unit or when the initiator is only a few centimeters inside the borehole. This embodiment allows a final check to be performed.

[0035] According to an embodiment, there may be several communication devices on the drilling unit in order to ensure correct communication, recording, adjustment and other open measures of the loaded objects before leaving the drilling unit. In other words, there may be a possibility of communication in the storage space after assembly with other components and just before being pushed out of the drilling unit. All these measures allow automatic, unmanned, efficient and safe handling of the inserted objects.

[0036] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a method for charging crushing material into a borehole. The method comprises: drilling a borehole on a rock surface by a rock drill of a rock drilling unit; feeding a wireless detonator into the borehole after drilling is completed; feeding the detonator by a feeding device provided by the rock drilling unit; providing the drilling unit with at least one communication device; and communicating with each detonator by the communication device just before each detonator is fed into the borehole. Thus, the same drilling unit is used not only for drilling, but also for charging the completed borehole. Thus, there is no need for a separate charging vehicle or for providing a dedicated charging boom for the rock drilling equipment. And, in addition, there is no need for manual operation of different detonators and rock crushing material. The method may also include feeding the rock crushing material into the borehole after the detonator has been fed. The rock crushing material may have a block-like or cartridge-like configuration.

[0037] In some cases, a primer or a combination of a primer and a expander (small charge explosive) can generate the required rock breaking force even without the use of any additional rock breaking material. This is true especially when it is necessary to break up boulders to free up a blocked mine chute. The primer can be a mixture of a detonator, a primer charge and a booster charge or another technology such as a chemical expansion assembly. The primer can be self-contained or the primer can have an integrated primer charge and can contain sufficient booster charge itself.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the method further comprises: determining an identity of each initiator and connecting the initiator to at least one data element in response to the detected identity. Thus, the solution provides a generic method for managing different initiator related data in an efficient manner. The increase in the amount of data and the improvement in its management have a positive impact on the smooth and cost-effective operation of the mine.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a communication device that can be mounted to a drilling unit of a rock breaking device. The communication device is configured to provide contactless communication with at least one detonator intended for launching rock breaking material. The communication device is designed for special use in connection with a drilling unit and can withstand harsh mining conditions and is provided with suitable fastening means. According to a detailed embodiment, the communication device is provided with an optical reader for remotely reading optical characters, codes and signals, such as barcodes and QR codes. Such optical markings and codes visible on the outer surface of the detonator can then be identified. According to another detailed embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one wireless data communication or transmission device for generating a data communication path between the communication device and the detonator. According to an embodiment, the communication device is provided with at least one electrical and wireless data communication or transmission device, the operation of which is based on frames of radio waves. In other words, the communication device comprises a radio receiver or transceiver (receiver / transmitter). Alternatively, it may comprise an IR transmitter and a receiver. According to a detailed embodiment, the communication device is configured to communicate with a tag attached to the detonator. According to an embodiment, the communication is based on RFID - radio frequency identification, i.e. the transmission of signals between a tag and a reader. According to an embodiment, the communication is based on NFC - near field communication. NFC enables two electronic devices to establish communication by bringing them within 4 cm. An NFC tag may be used and may include a passive data storage that may be read, or may include an active data storage that may also be written.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the solution may relate to a rock drilling device comprising: a movable carrier; at least one drilling boom, which is movably connected to the carrier and is equipped with a rock drilling unit; and wherein the rock drilling unit comprises a feed beam and a rock drill, which is movably supported on the feed beam; and wherein the drilling unit is a drilling unit according to the features disclosed in the present document and comprises the disclosed communication device for communicating with an initiator before the initiator is fed into a borehole drilled by the rock drill.

[0041] The above disclosed embodiments may be combined in order to form a suitable solution having desired ones of the above described features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Some embodiments are described in more detail in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a rock drilling rig positioned at a mine chute and attempting to break up boulders blocking the chute,

[0044] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the disclosed charging solution, the charging solution comprising a feeding system for feeding a detonator and explosive material into a borehole and also capable of communicating with the fed detonator,

[0045] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another feeding system, in which all the required mechanical components are mounted on the rock drilling unit.

[0046] Figure 4 is a diagram showing possible combinations of rock crushing materials fed,

[0047] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the steps of the disclosed charging solution,

[0048] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the front part of a rock drilling unit comprising a reservoir for components of a charge and an assembly unit for connecting said components,

[0049] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the front part of a rock drilling unit comprising a reservoir and an indexing device for moving the feed system on the drilling axis during the duration of the charge,

[0050] Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an assembly unit provided with an openable and closable barrier and communication means for checking the success of the assembly performed,

[0051] Fig. 9 is a simplified diagram of the features of a public communication device,

[0052] Fig.10 is a simplified diagram illustrating possible use cases of a communication device, and

[0053] Fig.11 is a simplified diagram showing possible installation locations for communication devices.

[0054] For the sake of clarity, the drawings show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent the same elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1A rock drilling rig 1 is shown which is intended for drilling a borehole 2 and charging the borehole with rock-breaking material after drilling. The rock drilling rig 1 comprises a movable carrier 3 and one or more drilling booms 4 connected to the carrier 3. At the distal end portion of the drilling boom 4 is a drilling unit 5 provided with a feed beam 6 and a rock drill 7 supported on the feed beam. A drilling tool 8 can be connected to the rock drill 7. The drilling unit 5 is also provided with a feeding system 9 which is configured for feeding a detonator and rock-breaking material into the borehole 2. The feeding system 9 may comprise devices or units 10-12 mounted on the feed beam 6 and one or more devices 13 mounted on the carrier 3. Between the carrier 3 and the drilling unit 5 there may be a guide hose 14 for transferring the rock-breaking material from the carrier 3 to the drilling unit 5. The rock-breaking material may be a block or a cartridge. The rock-breaking material may be embedded in the detonator or inserted in the second stage of the process. The feed system on the rock drilling unit may be indexed on the drilling line after drilling or, alternatively, may be positioned by the drilling boom.The drilling unit is however provided with the equipment required for drilling and charging.

[0056] The operation of the drilling unit 5 and the feeding system 9 is controlled by a control unit CU mounted on the carrier. The same control unit may control the devices and systems of the entire rock drilling rig 1. The on-board control unit CU may communicate with one or more external control units CU. Figure 1 A data communication connection or path DC is also shown in . The communication path may be based on wired communication or, alternatively, wireless technology may be applied.

[0057] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment, a rock drilling rig 1 is positioned at a mine chute 15 which is blocked by a boulder 16. A borehole 2 is drilled into the boulder, after which rock crushing material is fed into the borehole. When a wireless detonator, which is also fed into the borehole, is triggered, the boulder will be crushed and the chute 15 will be cleared. The number of boreholes 2 as well as their position, direction and length can vary. For example, there can be blind holes 2a and through holes 2b. When the boulder is provided with several charged boreholes, a defined delay between their detonation can be used, as well as different detonation modes and sequences.

[0058] Furthermore, the rock drilling rig 1 may be manually operated by an operator, or the rock drilling rig 1 may be an unmanned device which may be remotely controlled by teleoperation, or the unmanned device may be a fully automatic machine. In all cases, an automatic drilling sequence as well as an automatic charging process are required. The disclosed solution provides improvements in the automatic charging of wireless initiators and the automatic feeding of rock breaking material.

[0059] Figure 2 A feeding system 9 is disclosed which includes a feeding tube 10 which can be positioned to align with a borehole 2 drilled on a rock surface RS. A detonator 17 can be stored in a first reservoir M1 and can be moved away from the first reservoir M1 toward the feeding tube 10 by a push hose 18. The push hose 18 can be moved by a first feeding device 19, and at the distal end of the push hose 18 can be a plug 20. In addition, the push hose 18 can be used as a feeding path for bulk rock breaking material (e.g., explosive emulsion or powder). Therefore, the opposite end of the push hose 18 can be connected to a rock material feeding device 21 or a storage device. The feeding system 9 can also include a receiver device 22 which is connected to a second reservoir M2 via a guide hose 14, the second reservoir being configured to store a number of expanders 23 or corresponding small explosive cartridges. The second reservoir M2 can be located on a carrier 3 of the rock drilling equipment. The expander 23 can be moved from the second reservoir M2 to the receiver device 22 via the guide hose 14 through a flexible push cable 24 or hose. The push cable 24 can be moved by a second feeding device 25, and there can be a plug 26 at the end of the push cable 24. The push cable 24 can be wound on a cable drum 27. The receiver device 22 can receive the expander 23 and can move the expander 23 on the feed line.

[0060] First, the initiator 17 is pushed to the assembly module 28 along the feed line by the push hose 18, and when the initiator 17 stops at the assembly module 28, the push hose 18 is retracted. Thereafter, the expander 23 is fed on the feed line through the receiver device 22, and the push hose 18 is moved forward again so that the expander 23 follows the initiator 17 to the assembly unit 28. The initiator 17 and the expander 23 are connected to each other in the assembly module 23. When the connection is ready, the resulting assembly is fed to the borehole 2 from the assembly unit 28 by the push hose 18. The assembly can be fed to the bottom of the borehole or to a desired position inside the borehole through the hose or cable 18. When the push hose 18 is retracted, the block rock crushing material can be fed to the borehole 2 through the push hose 18. In other words, the borehole 2 can be partially or completely filled with rock crushing material (e.g., explosive emulsion). In some cases, no blocky additional material is fed.

[0061] Furthermore, the feeding can be performed in a different manner than described above. The expander 23 can be aligned on the feed line by the receiver device 22, and then the hose 18 pushes the initiator 17 and the expander 23 together to the assembly unit 28. In this embodiment, the expander 23 is located downstream relative to the initiator 17.

[0062] The rock drilling unit 5 may further comprise one or more communication devices Cd1-Cd3 for providing wireless communication with the initiators 17 when they are still at the rock drilling unit 5. The first reservoir M1 and the assembly unit 28 may be provided with communication devices Cd1 and Cd2. There may also be a communication device Cd3 after the assembly unit 28 on the feeder line. The number and location of the communication devices may be selected according to needs or technology, and the communication device Cd may be data connected to one or more control units CU outside the drilling unit 5. As disclosed above in this document, the communication device Cd is configured to determine the identification of the initiator 17 and may thereby provide identification data for linking the initiator 17 to the stored data element.

[0063] Figure 3 The solution disclosed in Figure 2 The solution shown in 2 differs in that the second reservoir M2 for the expander 23 is also located on the rock drilling unit 5. Furthermore, a cable drum 27 is also mounted on the rock drilling unit 5 together with the push cable 24 and the feeding device 25. The cable drum may be a hose drum intended for conveying latex. No guide hose is required in this solution. It may or may not be possible to feed bulk rock crushing material by means of the push cable 24. When the expander 23 or a corresponding small charge is sufficient to cause the required rock crushing, then it is not even necessary to feed any bulk explosive into the borehole. As can be noted, there may be communication devices Cd1, Cd2 mounted close to the feeder line 29 of the feed system 9.

[0064] The two mentioned reservoirs are preferably pre-loaded. The drilling equipment can then be moved to the hazardous area to be blasted without risk of explosion. Thus, manual operation in the hazardous area is avoided. In a preferred solution, the two reservoirs have the same number of chambers and can be activated by the same actuator. The number of chambers is typically 3 to 10, but the number of chambers can be easily expanded.

[0065] Figure 4 Some possible combinations of different rock crushing materials are disclosed, which can be handled and managed by the disclosed solution. The number of reservoirs, the need for assembly units and the need for other devices disclosed above can be selected according to the combination used. The disclosed combinations have been explained above in this document.

[0066] Figure 5 Some features and steps related to the disclosed charging method are disclosed. The steps shown have been disclosed above in this document.

[0067] It should be noted that the steps of feeding and communicating may be interchanged in whole or in part, and furthermore, feeding may be performed twice.

[0068] Figure 6 A front end part of a rock drilling unit 5 is disclosed. There may be an assembly unit 28, a first reservoir M1 and a second reservoir M2 arranged successively on a feed line. As shown, both reservoirs M1 and M2 may be rotatable structures comprising a space 30 for receiving initiators, extenders and possibly other rock blasting cartridges. Furthermore, two communication devices Cd1 and Cd2 are shown. Both communication devices may be implemented or may be considered as alternatives.

[0069] Figure 7 A front end portion of a rock drilling unit 5 is disclosed. A feeding system 9 may be configured to move 31 from an idle position 32 to a drilling axis 33, whereby it pushes or deflects the front end portion of the drilling tool 8 laterally away from the drilling axis 33. Since the drilling tool 8 is a long and thin object, it bends relatively easily in a lateral direction without any plastic deformation, and when the bending force is removed, it returns to its original shape. The feeding system 9 may comprise an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a motor, for adjusting the feeding system and the reservoir M1 against the drilling tool 8 around a rotating joint and thereby causing said bending. An advantage of this solution is that no bulky and large-sized separate indexing device is required. And, furthermore, no boom movement between the drilling position and the charging position is required.

[0070] Figure 8An assembly device 28 is disclosed which is intended for connecting the initiator 17 and the expander 23 together. In the figure, the initiator 17 is downstream relative to the expander 23, but their order can also be reversed. In addition, there can be several expanders. The expander 23 is pushed towards the initiator 17 by pushing the cable 24 or the hose or the corresponding plunger, which is limited by the stop element 34. The stop element 34 can be rotated around the rotating joint 35, for example, by a hydraulic cylinder or a pneumatic cylinder 36. As already disclosed above, the assembly unit 28 can be provided with a communication device Cd1, which can communicate with the initiator 17 and, if necessary, also with the expander 23. The initiator 17 and the expander 23 can be provided with tags 37, 38 for communication. Furthermore, the connection 39 between the initiator 17 and the expander 23 may comprise an electronic connection monitoring device 40 which may also communicate with the control device Cd1 and may send a monitoring signal indicating that the connection formed is successful. The communication device Cd1 may send and receive data to the control unit CU. The control device CU may be located on the drilling unit or may be external. The stop element 34 may be provided with a force sensor for monitoring the force of the assembly between the at least one expander and the initiator. The sensor is used to prevent the implementation of excessive pressure and also to regulate the feed system to properly manage the assembly. The assembly module may also comprise a device allowing the initiator to be correctly oriented in the case of optical reading or NFC communication. Correct orientation may also be required in the case of a specific assembly interface between the expander and the initiator.

[0071] Fig. 9 Some features related to the communication features of the disclosed communication device Cd are disclosed. It can be seen that there are various technologies that can be used to form a wireless communication path with the initiator. The communication device is also equipped with a data transmission system for communicating with the control unit CU. The control unit CU located in the drilling unit can communicate with the personal computer PC, the server SE, the cloud service CS and the mobile smart device MSD. Thereby, the sensed data can be shared with the desired electrical device in a wireless manner.

[0072] Fig.10 Some features of the communication device are disclosed. The figure is self-explanatory and the problem raised has been disclosed above in this document.

[0073] Fig.11 is a simple list of possible locations of the communication device.

[0074] The drawings and the related description are intended only to illustrate the idea of ​​the invention. The invention may vary in its details within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rock drilling unit of a rock drilling device, comprising: a feed beam and a rock drill movably supported on the feed beam for drilling; Characterized in that the rock drilling unit also includes: an initiator feed system for feeding an initiator into a borehole to activate rock breaking material that has been fed into the borehole; wherein The initiator feed system of the drilling unit is provided with at least one communication device for providing wireless communication with the initiator; said communication means being in data connection with at least one control unit mounted on said rock drilling rig and adapted to control the operation of said rock drilling machine and said initiator feed system; and The communication device is configured to determine an identity of the initiator and provide identification data to link the initiator to at least one dedicated data element.

2. The rock drilling unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The mentioned data elements comprise at least data about the borehole inside which the initiator is configured to be fed.

3. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The control unit has at least one borehole data element for storing position data of the borehole; and Each initiator fed into the borehole is linked to the borehole data element by means of an individual identification code of the initiator, whereby the position of the initiator fed into the borehole is known.

4. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication device is provided with at least one optical sensor for remotely reading visible markings or light patterns on the outer surface of the initiator.

5. The rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The communication device is provided with at least one data communication interface, and the at least one data communication interface is used for wirelessly communicating with the detonator through electromagnetic radiation.

6. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication device is configured to monitor the status of the initiator.

7. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication means is configured to adjust properties of the initiator itself.

8. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication device is configured to provide the initiator with at least one of the following input data: an identification code (ID), position data, status data, ignition delay, delay to ready to detonate, a key code for communicating with the initiator.

9. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication device is provided with at least one wireless data communication device for generating a one-way data transmission path from the initiator to the communication device or for generating a one-way data transmission path from the communication device to the initiator.

10. The rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The communication device is provided with at least one wireless data communication device for generating a bidirectional data transmission path between the initiator and the communication device.

11. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The communication device is mounted on the feeding beam and connected to the feeding line of the feeding system.

12. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The rock drilling unit comprises at least one reservoir for storing the initiator; and The communication device is mounted in connection with the storage.

13. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The rock drilling unit comprises two reservoirs, wherein a first reservoir is used to store the initiator and a second reservoir is used to store rock breaking material; and Wherein, at least the first storage is provided with the communication device.

14. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that The rock drilling unit comprises an assembly unit for connecting the initiator and the rock breaking cartridge to form an assembly; and The assembly unit is provided with connection means for communicating with the components.

15. A rock drilling device comprising: Movable vehicles; at least one drilling boom movably connected to the carrier and equipped with a rock drilling unit, wherein the rock drilling unit comprises a feed beam and a rock drill movably supported on the feed beam; and a control unit mounted on the movable carrier for controlling the operation of the rock drilling machine and the blaster feed system of the rock drilling unit; Wherein, the drilling unit is a drilling unit according to any one of claims 1-14.

16. A method for charging a borehole, wherein: The method comprises: drilling a borehole in a rock surface by means of a rock drilling machine of a rock drilling unit of a rock drilling apparatus; feeding a wireless detonator into the borehole after the drilling is completed; and feeding of the initiator is performed by means of a feeding device provided by the rock drilling unit; It is characterized in that The drilling unit is provided with at least one communication device which is data connected to at least one control unit, wherein the at least one control unit is mounted on the rock drilling rig and is adapted to control the operation of the rock drilling machine and the feeding device and to communicate with each initiator via the communication device before being fed into the borehole.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that An identity of each initiator is determined, and the initiator is linked to at least one data element in response to the detected identity.

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