Explosive material loading device for loading a borehole, method of positioning an explosive material loading device, explosive material loading vehicle, and data medium

Abstract

The invention relates to an explosive material loading device (1) and a method of positioning an explosive material loading device (1) in a borehole (3). The explosive material loading device (1) comprises a top anchoring unit (5) and a bottom anchoring unit (7), each configured to engage a borehole wall (8), an expandable tube member (11) is arranged between the top anchoring unit (5) and the bottom anchoring unit (7) and the expandable tube member is configured to load explosive material (40), the bottom anchoring unit (7) comprises an anti-backflow valve arrangement (13) configured to prevent the flow of explosive material (40) out of the expandable tube member (11), wherein the anti-backflow valve arrangement (13) is openable to allow a loading hose (15) to enter the expandable tube member (11) to reach an interior of the top anchoring unit (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an explosive material loading device according to claim 1 and a method for preparing an explosive material loading device according to claim 8.

[0002] This invention relates primarily to the mining industry, which utilizes explosive material loading devices and applies methods related to the preparation of explosive material loading devices.

[0003] The present invention also relates to the industry of manufacturing explosive material loading devices. Background Technology

[0004] In some parts of underground mines, large amounts of water are discharged from the drilled borehole. This water may originate from drilling operations or from rock and spaces where groundwater is permeable. Large amounts of water may also seep into the borehole from cracks or cavities that come into contact with it.

[0005] In such an environment, the borehole walls are covered by a thick film of water, or may even be filled with water flowing from the borehole and the cavities within it.

[0006] The borehole contains a large amount of water and may have wet cracks and cavities, which means that the explosive material will not have sufficient adhesion to the borehole wall. Cavities and cracks in the borehole rule out the possibility of loading a precise and well-defined amount of explosive material into the borehole, which may also be critical.

[0007] In current loading operations, due to poor adhesion and high water pressure, explosive material may flow out of the borehole and splash onto the mine's transverse floor. The consequences of splashing are multifaceted, including hazardous working environments caused by explosive material covering the entire transverse floor, nitrogen contamination and other chemical pollution of groundwater, and clogged water pumps.

[0008] In the explosive loading operation, a borehole is drilled into the rock using an explosive loading device, and explosive material is then loaded into the borehole via a loading hose. The explosive material in the borehole is activated by a detonator unit arranged in a detonator unit support, whereby the explosive material is detonated, causing the rock to break apart.

[0009] Current explosive material loading devices and methods for preparing explosive material loading devices for loading explosive materials in this type of borehole can use various types of plugs and cartridges to keep the explosive material in the wet borehole.

[0010] However, using existing explosive material loading devices in such drilling is time-consuming.

[0011] In the prior art, stoppers and cartridges may be pushed out of wet boreholes due to the high water pressure that accumulates in the borehole above the stopper or cartridge. Therefore, the high water pressure affects the stopper or cartridge through the force from above and the weight of the explosive material.

[0012] Existing explosive material loading devices do not take into account the eventual cracks or cavities in the borehole wall into which the explosive material is loaded, resulting in inaccurate quantities of explosive material used.

[0013] Drilling is typically done vertically. However, drilling can take different directions, such as roughly horizontal or inclined. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device configured for loading explosive material into a wet borehole.

[0015] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that is easy and reliable to operate and simultaneously provides a continuous start-up of explosive materials.

[0016] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that safely holds or contains explosive material in a borehole.

[0017] The aim is to provide an explosive material loading device that facilitates the loading of a clearly defined amount and / or exact quantity of explosive material into a borehole.

[0018] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that is cost-effective and time-saving to use.

[0019] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that is flexible and adjustable for different types of boreholes and boreholes of different lengths.

[0020] The objective is to provide a lightweight explosive material loading device.

[0021] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that can be applied by a loading truck also used for loading explosive materials in dry boreholes.

[0022] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device that facilitates the reliable detonation and activation of explosive materials.

[0023] The objective is to provide a compact explosive material loading device.

[0024] The objective is to provide an explosive material loading device for a blasting system, which can be used in a flexible blasting system that is loaded in boreholes constructed in a mine.

[0025] The objective is to provide a first explosive material loading device that can be combined with a second explosive material loading device of a blasting system.

[0026] The objective is to provide a first explosive material loading device that can be combined with a second explosive material loading device of a blasting system.

[0027] This objective, or at least one of the stated objectives, has been achieved by an explosive material loading device configured to load explosive material into a borehole, the explosive material loading device comprising: a top anchoring unit and a bottom anchoring unit, each configured to engage the borehole wall; an expandable tube member disposed between the top and bottom anchoring units and configured to load explosive material, the bottom anchoring unit including a backflow prevention valve configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube member, wherein the backflow prevention valve is openable, thereby allowing a loading hose to enter the expandable tube member to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit.

[0028] In this way, an explosive material loading device that improves safety and efficiency in mines has been realized.

[0029] Alternatively, when the explosive material loading device has been inserted into the borehole, the central axes of the first body and the second body are collinear with each other and with the central axis of the expandable tube component.

[0030] Alternatively, the expandable tube member is made of a flexible material and is configured to expand longitudinally along a central axis and to be compressed longitudinally.

[0031] Alternatively, when the explosive material loading device is positioned in the borehole, the top anchoring unit is located above the bottom anchoring unit.

[0032] Alternatively, expandable tube components are configured to isolate explosive materials from water in the borehole.

[0033] Alternatively, the top anchoring unit includes a first radially outwardly extending elastic device configured to engage the borehole wall for holding the top anchoring unit in place within the borehole.

[0034] Alternatively, the bottom anchoring unit includes a second radially outwardly extending elastic device configured to engage the borehole wall for holding the bottom anchoring unit in place within the borehole.

[0035] Alternatively, a first radially outwardly extending elastic portion and a second radially outwardly extending elastic portion extend circumferentially around a corresponding top anchoring unit and a bottom anchoring unit, and each portion includes at least one open space configured to allow water in the borehole to flow through the exterior of the expandable tube member.

[0036] Alternatively, the top anchoring unit includes a first body extending along a central axis, which has an orientation extending along an extension of the borehole when the explosive material loading device has been inserted into the borehole.

[0037] Alternatively, the bottom anchoring unit includes a second body extending along the central axis, which has an orientation extending along an extension of the borehole when the explosive material loading device has been inserted into the borehole.

[0038] Alternatively, the lower portion of the first body includes a first end of the first body, and the upper portion of the first body includes a second end of the first body.

[0039] Alternatively, the first end of the first body faces the second body.

[0040] Alternatively, the lower portion of the second body includes the first end of the second body, and the upper portion of the second body includes the second end of the second body.

[0041] Alternatively, when the explosive material loading device is positioned in the borehole, the first end of the second body faces the borehole inlet.

[0042] Alternatively, when the explosive material loading device is positioned in the borehole, the second end of the first body is opposite to the first end of the first body and faces the bottom of the borehole.

[0043] Alternatively, when the explosive material loading device is positioned in the borehole, the second end of the second body is opposite to the first end of the second body and faces the first body.

[0044] Alternatively, the first radially outwardly extending elastic device and / or the second radially outwardly extending elastic device have outwardly inclined extensions that are inclined at 30 to 70 degrees relative to the centerline, preferably at 45 to 60 degrees, and inclined downward toward the first end.

[0045] Alternatively, the top anchoring unit includes at least two radially outwardly extending elastic devices configured to engage the borehole wall for holding the top anchoring unit in place within the borehole.

[0046] Alternatively, the bottom anchoring unit includes at least two radially outwardly extending elastic devices configured to engage the borehole wall for holding the bottom anchoring unit in place within the borehole.

[0047] Alternatively, the explosive material loading device includes a detonator unit support configured to carry the detonator unit.

[0048] Alternatively, the bottom anchoring unit includes a detonator unit support.

[0049] Alternatively, the front end of the loading hose nozzle is configured to engage with the abutment surface inside the top anchoring unit.

[0050] Alternatively, the movement of the loading hose moves the explosive material loading device through the borehole by engaging with the abutment surface.

[0051] Alternatively, the movement of the loading hose stops when the expandable tube component expands and the explosive material loading device has moved to the desired position in the borehole.

[0052] Alternatively, an explosive material discharge pump connected to a loading hose is configured to deliver explosive material to a loading hose nozzle, which is configured to discharge the explosive material into the interior of an expandable tube member.

[0053] Alternatively, the loading hose nozzle may be positioned anywhere inside the expandable tube assembly between the top and bottom anchoring units to discharge explosive material into the interior of the expandable tube assembly.

[0054] Alternatively, the loading hose nozzle is positioned in the top anchoring unit to discharge explosive material into the interior of the expandable tube assembly.

[0055] This method enables time-saving operations because the explosive material is discharged immediately after the process of pushing the explosive material loading device in the borehole stops.

[0056] Alternatively, the anti-backflow valve device is configured to close when the loading hose nozzle retracts from the interior of the expandable tube member and leaves the plate member of the anti-backflow valve.

[0057] Alternatively, when the loading hose nozzle leaves the anti-backflow valve device, the plate member is spring-biased toward its closed position.

[0058] Alternatively, the loading hose nozzle is configured to be withdrawn from the expandable tube member and the anti-backflow valve.

[0059] Alternatively, the anti-backflow valve is configured as a plate-like component that closes the anti-backflow valve after the loading hose nozzle has been withdrawn from it.

[0060] Alternatively, since the spring-biased plate rests on the loading hose or the loading hose nozzle in other ways, the anti-backflow valve device is configured to close when the loading hose nozzle retracts from the interior of the expandable tube member and leaves the anti-backflow valve plate.

[0061] Alternatively, the anti-backflow valve device is configured to prevent explosive material discharged from the loading hose from flowing back into the borehole below the explosive material loading device when the loading hose has been removed from the opening.

[0062] Alternatively, when the loading hose nozzle leaves the anti-backflow valve device, the plate member is spring-biased toward its closed position.

[0063] Alternatively, the sheet member is spring-biased to its closed state to provide the closure, thereby preventing explosive material in the expandable tube member and discharged from above the anti-backflow valve from flowing downward into the borehole located below the explosive material loading device.

[0064] Alternatively, the sheet-like component is hinged to the channel wall of the channel of the second body.

[0065] Alternatively, the channel is configured to receive and allow the loading hose nozzle to pass through.

[0066] Alternatively, the sheet-like member is arranged at the first end of the second body.

[0067] Alternatively, the sheet member can be opened in the direction toward the second end of the second body, thus the sheet member is configured to open by moving the loading hose nozzle upward.

[0068] Alternatively, the channel is configured to receive explosive material above a closed, sheet-like component.

[0069] Alternatively, during the loading of the explosive material, the channel is oriented along the centerline of the explosive material loading device, which extends along the borehole extension.

[0070] Alternatively, a blasting system is provided, configured to load explosive material into a borehole, wherein the blasting system includes a first explosive material loading device and a second explosive material loading device, the first explosive material loading device and the second explosive material loading device being positioned above each other in the borehole.

[0071] Alternatively, the top anchoring unit of the first explosive material loading device is externally formed as a truncated cone, which is configured to engage with the conical cavity of the bottom anchoring unit of the second explosive material loading device positioned above the first explosive material loading device.

[0072] Alternatively, the engagement force of the radially outwardly extending elastic portion generates sufficient friction between the borehole wall and the outer end of the radially outwardly extending elastic portion to resist the movement of the second body relative to the borehole, so that the expandable tube member expands by moving the loading hose that contacts the abutment surface inside the first body.

[0073] Alternatively, a cohesive force is provided between the borehole wall and the radially outward-extending elastic portion of the explosive material loading device to resist the gravity of the explosive material, and thus to hold the explosive material loading device in the borehole while water can flow through the open space of the radially outward-extending elastic portion.

[0074] Alternatively, the borehole extends roughly vertically.

[0075] Alternatively, the borehole can be extended at a roughly angled angle.

[0076] Alternatively, a borehole includes the borehole inlet and the borehole bottom.

[0077] Alternatively, the borehole inlet is located below the bottom of the borehole.

[0078] Alternatively, the loading hose is moved by the electric motor of the mining truck.

[0079] Alternatively, the detonator unit support is constructed as a detonator unit compartment having an extension that extends parallel to the extension of the channel, and the detonator unit support is disposed adjacent to the channel and has a compartment opening facing the borehole inlet when the explosive loading device is positioned in the borehole.

[0080] Alternatively, the detonator unit compartment is constructed as a closed detonator unit.

[0081] Alternatively, the detonator unit compartment includes a detonator unit latching mechanism configured to hold the detonator unit within the detonator unit compartment.

[0082] Alternatively, detonation wire components, such as impact tubes or detonation wires, are connected to and extend from the detonator unit located in the detonator unit compartment.

[0083] By also collecting the explosive material in the channel, the detonator units located in the detonator unit compartment in the adjacent channel will be close to the explosive material, thereby promoting reliable detonation.

[0084] Alternatively, the first radially outwardly extending elastic device includes an annular edge extending around a central axis and includes at least one cavity configured to allow water to pass through, and / or, the edge is formed with toothed blades arranged along the circumference of the top anchoring unit and around the central line.

[0085] Alternatively, the second radially outwardly extending elastic device includes an annular edge extending around a central axis and includes at least one cavity configured to allow water to pass through, and / or, the edge is formed with toothed blades arranged along the circumference of the bottom anchoring unit and around the central line.

[0086] Alternatively, the outer end of the toothed wing is configured to engage with the borehole wall.

[0087] Alternatively, the toothed blades are arranged at the periphery of the first body and circumferentially around the first body, preferably along a circle around the center line.

[0088] Alternatively, the toothed blades are arranged at the periphery of the second body and circumferentially around the second body, preferably along a circle around the center line.

[0089] Alternatively, the first radially outwardly extending elastic device extends around the first body in a peripheral direction, coaxial with the central axis.

[0090] Alternatively, the second radially outwardly extending elastic device extends coaxially with the central axis around the second body in the peripheral direction.

[0091] Alternatively, the corresponding radially outward-extending elastic device extends discontinuously around the first and second bodies.

[0092] Alternatively, the corresponding radially outwardly extending elastic device is made of a flexible elastic material and is adapted to engage the borehole wall and / or be biased to securely engage with the borehole wall.

[0093] Alternatively, the corresponding radially outward-extending elastic device is toothed with open spaces between it.

[0094] Alternatively, the corresponding first radially outwardly extending elastic device and the second radially outwardly extending elastic device include at least one open space.

[0095] This is achieved by allowing water to flow through at least one open space between the exterior of the first and second bodies and between the borehole wall and the outer peripheral surface of the explosive material loading device.

[0096] This avoids the formation of water pressure above the first and / or second bodies, which would otherwise force the explosive material loading device out of the borehole.

[0097] Alternatively, the corresponding radially outwardly extending elastic device has toothed fins and / or teeth, each having an outwardly inclined extension that is inclined at 30 to 70 degrees, preferably 45 to 60 degrees, relative to the centerline of the main body and tilted downward toward the first end.

[0098] Alternatively, mesh components or other suitable filter components are arranged to cover the open space / multiple open spaces of the corresponding radially outwardly extending elastic device.

[0099] In this way, gravel and sand, but mainly water, will pass through the first radially outward-extending elastic device and / or the second radially outward-extending elastic device of the top anchoring unit and / or the bottom anchoring unit, or between the first radially outward-extending elastic device and / or the second radially outward-extending elastic device.

[0100] Alternatively, when the first and second bodies are inserted into the borehole, the corresponding radially outwardly extending elastic devices allow the elastic members to deform elastically, thereby engaging the borehole wall.

[0101] Alternatively, the corresponding radially outwardly extending elastic devices arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the top and / or bottom anchoring units may include at least one open space through which water flowing along the borehole wall will be discharged.

[0102] Alternatively, the top anchoring unit is configured to be pushed in the borehole by a loading hose nozzle adapted to abut against the abutment surface of the top anchoring unit, wherein the friction between the radially outwardly extending elastic device of the bottom anchor and the borehole wall restricts the movement of the bottom anchoring unit and provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube, while the top anchoring unit is pushed by the loading hose.

[0103] In this way, a strong bond is achieved between the explosive material loading device and the borehole wall.

[0104] Alternatively, the method includes a step defined as stopping the movement of the loading hose.

[0105] Alternatively, the method includes a step defined as discharging explosive material from a loading hose nozzle into a borehole above the body of the detonator support.

[0106] Alternatively, the method includes steps defined as stopping the release of explosive materials.

[0107] Alternatively, the method includes a step defined as withdrawing the loading hose from the borehole.

[0108] Alternatively, the method includes steps defined to stop the method.

[0109] A borehole can be defined as a wet borehole with a borehole wall, which is partially or completely covered by a water film. The thickness of the water film can be from 0.1 mm to 1.1 mm or greater.

[0110] The water film can come from drilling into the borehole (additional water or other coolant used to cool the borehole) or groundwater.

[0111] Water films can also include any type of coolant used to cool drill bits.

[0112] This objective, or at least one of the stated objectives, has been achieved by a method of positioning (or preparing) an explosive material loading device (configured for loading explosive material) in a borehole, the explosive material loading device comprising: a top anchoring unit and a bottom anchoring unit configured to engage the borehole wall; an expandable tube member disposed between the top and bottom anchoring units and configured to load explosive material, the bottom anchoring unit including a backflow prevention valve device configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube member, wherein the backflow prevention valve device is openable, thereby allowing a loading hose to enter the expandable tube member to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit, the explosive material loading device including a detonator unit support configured to carry a detonator unit, wherein... The method includes the following steps: providing an explosive material loading device, wherein an expandable tube member is held in a compressed state by means of a retaining member; installing a detonator unit to a detonator unit support; inserting a loading hose into the interior of the expandable tube member via an anti-backflow valve device; moving the loading hose until it abuts against an abutment surface inside a top anchoring unit; releasing the retaining member to allow the expandable tube member to expand freely; pushing the top anchoring unit in a borehole by means of the loading hose abutting against the abutment surface, wherein friction between the bottom anchor and the borehole provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube member; stopping the pushing of the top anchoring unit, wherein the explosive material loading device is in a desired position in the borehole; discharging explosive material into the expanded expandable tube member by means of the loading hose; and removing the loading hose from the expandable tube member.

[0113] Alternatively, the step of removing the loading hose includes pulling the loading hose out of the anti-backflow valve device.

[0114] Alternatively, the method further includes the step of providing a second explosive material loading device, wherein a second expandable tube member of the second explosive material loading device is held in a compressed state between a second top anchoring unit and a second bottom anchoring unit of the second explosive material loading device by means of a second retaining member; a second detonator unit is installed to a second detonator unit support of the second explosive material loading device; a loading hose is inserted into the interior of the second expandable tube member via a second anti-backflow valve device of the second bottom anchoring unit; the loading hose is moved until it abuts a second abutting surface inside the second top anchoring unit; the second retaining member is released to allow the second expandable tube member to expand freely; the second top anchoring unit is pushed in a borehole by means of the loading hose abutting the second abutting surface, wherein friction between the second bottom anchor and the second borehole provides longitudinal expansion of the second expandable tube member; pushing the second top anchoring unit is stopped when the second explosive material loading device is in a desired position in the borehole and / or abuts a first explosive material loading device already loaded above the second explosive material loading device; and explosive material is discharged into the expanded second expandable tube member by means of the loading hose; and the loading hose is removed from the second expandable tube member.

[0115] Alternatively, the first explosive material loading device already loaded is loaded with explosive material and corresponds to the design of the second explosive material loading device and the exemplary embodiments of the explosive material loading devices disclosed herein.

[0116] Alternatively, the first explosive material loading device may be referred to as an explosive material loading device.

[0117] This objective, or at least one of the objectives stated herein, has been achieved by an automated or semi-automated explosive material loading vehicle configured to load any of the exemplary explosive material loading devices disclosed herein, the automated or semi-automated explosive material loading vehicle including a robotic arm and a loading hose feeder connected to control circuitry configured to control any of the exemplary methods disclosed herein.

[0118] This objective, or at least one of the objectives, has been achieved by a data medium configured to store a program adapted to control the loading of an explosive material loading device by means of the automated or semi-automated explosive material loading vehicle, wherein the data medium includes program code stored on the data medium that can be read from the control circuitry of the automated or semi-automated explosive material loading vehicle for performing any of the exemplary methods disclosed herein.

[0119] This objective, or at least one of the objectives, has been achieved by a data medium product comprising program code stored on a data medium that, when the data medium is running on a control circuit, is readable on the control circuit (50) for performing any of the exemplary method steps disclosed herein.

[0120] Alternatively, expandable tube components may include elastic materials.

[0121] Alternatively, expandable tubular components may include flexible metal protective conduits composed of folded metal sheets.

[0122] Alternatively, expandable tube components may be made of rubber and / or plastic.

[0123] Alternatively, explosive material loading devices may include loading hoses.

[0124] Alternatively, expandable tube components may include waterproof structures. Attached Figure Description

[0125] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which:

[0126] Figures 1a to 1c The illustration shows an explosive material loading device according to the first example;

[0127] Figures 2 to 7 The illustration shows the loading of explosive material into a wet borehole using an explosive material loading device according to the second example;

[0128] Figure 8 illustrates a first explosive material loading device combined with a second explosive material loading device according to a third example;

[0129] Figures 9a and 9b further illustrate an exemplary explosive material loading device;

[0130] Figure 10 The illustration shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for positioning an explosive material loading device in a borehole;

[0131] Figure 11 The illustration shows a flowchart of an exemplary method for positioning an explosive material loading device in a borehole;

[0132] Figure 12 The illustration depicts an explosive material loading vehicle configured to perform an exemplary method of positioning an explosive material loading device in a borehole; and

[0133] Figure 13 The illustration shows a control circuit suitable for operating an explosive material loading vehicle configured to perform an exemplary method of positioning an explosive material loading device in a borehole. Detailed Implementation

[0134] In the following description, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein some less important details may be omitted from the drawings for clarity and understanding of the present invention.

[0135] Figures 1a to 1c The illustration shows an explosive material loading device 1 according to the first example. Figure 1a The explosive material loading device 1 is shown in a side view, which is configured to load explosive material into the borehole 3.

[0136] The explosive material loading device 1 includes a top anchoring unit 5 and a bottom anchoring unit 7. The top anchoring unit 5 is configured to engage the borehole wall 8 of the borehole 3 by means of a first radially outwardly extending resilient toothed wing 9', the resilient toothed wing 9' being configured to engage the borehole wall 8 to hold the top anchoring unit 5 in place within the borehole 3. The bottom anchoring unit 7 is configured to engage the borehole wall 8 by means of a second radially outwardly extending resilient toothed wing 9”, the second radially outwardly extending resilient toothed wing 9” being configured to engage the borehole wall 8 to hold the bottom anchoring unit 7 in place within the borehole 3.

[0137] The explosive material loading device 1 also includes an expandable tube 11 arranged between the top anchoring unit 5 and the bottom anchoring unit 7. The expandable tube 11 is configured to load explosive material (not shown) by means of a loading hose 15.

[0138] The anti-backflow valve 13 of the bottom anchoring unit 7 is openable, thereby allowing the loading hose 15 to enter the expandable tube 11 to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit 5 and / or the abutment surface 16 inside the top anchoring unit 5 (see...). Figure 1b The top anchoring unit 5 is pushed into the borehole 3 by the loading hose nozzle 19 of the loading hose 15 abutting the contact surface 16, wherein the friction between the second radially outwardly extending elastic toothed wing 9” of the bottom anchor 7 and the borehole wall 8 restricts the movement of the bottom anchoring unit 7 and provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube 11, while the top anchoring unit 5 is pushed by the loading hose 15.

[0139] The anti-backflow valve 13 is also configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube 11. The anti-backflow valve 13 is configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube 11 due to the lack of the loading hose 15 when the loading hose 15 and the loading hose nozzle 19 have been withdrawn from the explosive material loading device 1, wherein the valve disc of the anti-backflow valve 13 is biased by a spring toward the closed state.

[0140] The first radially outwardly extending elastic toothed wing 9' and the second radially outwardly extending elastic toothed wing 9” are made of flexible material and have an open space 21 between them.

[0141] This allows water to pass through the outside of the expandable tube 11, thus flowing between the borehole wall 8 and the outer peripheral surface 23 of the expandable tube 11 and through the open space 21. This avoids the formation of high water pressure above the explosive material loading device 1, which would otherwise force the explosive material loading device 1 out of the borehole. The measure of collecting / discharging explosive material in the expandable tube 11 is predicated on the explosive material not disappearing into cracks or cavities facing the borehole 3.

[0142] The first radially outwardly extending elastic toothed wing 9' and the second radially outwardly extending elastic toothed wing 9” may be formed with a notch 25, which is configured to guide and protect the impact tube and / or detonation wire (not shown) extending from the explosive material loading device (not shown) located above the explosive material loading device 1.

[0143] The expandable tube 11 is made of a flexible material and is configured to expand in the longitudinal direction and to be compressed in the longitudinal direction.

[0144] When the explosive material loading device 1 has been inserted into the borehole 3, the central axis X of the top anchoring unit 5 and the central axis of the bottom anchoring unit 7 are collinear with each other and collinear with the central axis X of the expandable tube 11.

[0145] The expandable tube 11 is made of a flexible material and is configured to expand in the longitudinal direction and to be compressed in the longitudinal direction.

[0146] The expandable tube 11 is configured to isolate the explosive material from the water in the borehole.

[0147] Figure 1b The top anchoring unit 5 is shown in detail. The loading hose nozzle 19 of the loading hose 15 is configured to enter the expandable tube 11 to reach the abutment surface 16 of the top anchoring unit 5 for providing the push and expansion of the explosive material loading device 1 in the borehole.

[0148] Figure 1c The bottom anchoring unit 7 is shown in detail. The anti-backflow valve 13 of the bottom anchoring unit 7 includes a valve disc 27. The anti-backflow valve 13 is opened by pushing the loading hose nozzle 19 into engagement with the spring-biased valve disc 27. The loading hose nozzle 19 enters the interior of the expandable tube 11 to reach the adjacent surface 16 (see...). Figure 1b ).

[0149] Subsequently, the explosive material is discharged into the expandable tube 11 and the loading hose nozzle 19 is withdrawn from the anti-backflow valve 13, thereby closing the spring-biased valve disc 27 to the closed state, which will prevent the explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube 11.

[0150] The bottom anchoring unit 7 of the explosive material loading device 1 includes a detonator unit support compartment 30, which is configured to support the detonator unit 31. A lock 32 is arranged in the lower part 33 of the bottom anchoring unit 7. A detonator wire 35 is installed to the detonator unit 31.

[0151] Figures 2 to 7 The illustration shows the loading of explosive material into a wet borehole 3 using an explosive material loading device 1 according to the second example. Figure 2 As shown, the expandable tube 11 of the explosive material loading device 1 is held in a compressed state between the top anchoring unit 5 and the bottom anchoring unit 7 by means of a releasable retaining band 37. A detonator unit 31 is applied to the bottom anchoring unit 7. The loading hose nozzle of the loading hose 15 is inserted into the explosive material loading device 1. A detonator wire 35 is installed to the detonator unit 31.

[0152] Figure 3 As shown, Figure 2 The releasable retaining band 37 shown has been released, thereby allowing the expandable tube 11 to expand freely. The loading hose nozzle of the loading hose 15 moves to engage with the top anchoring unit 5. The top anchoring unit 5 is inserted into the borehole 3 and pushed upward a certain distance within the borehole 3. Subsequently, the bottom anchoring unit 7 is also inserted into the borehole, as shown... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. The top anchoring unit 5 is further pushed upward by means of the loading hose 15, while the expandable tube fully expands and the entire expanded explosive material loading device 1 moves a further distance and stops at a position corresponding to a predetermined distance d from the borehole inlet, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown in the diagram. This can be achieved by means of markings on the loading hose 15 or by means of a line stop device (not shown). When the explosive material loading device 1 has been inserted into the borehole 3, the central axis X of the top anchoring unit 5 and the central axis of the bottom anchoring unit 7 are collinear with each other and collinear with the central axis X of the expandable tube 11.

[0153] Subsequently, explosive material 40 is discharged from the loading hose nozzle of the loading hose 15 into the interior of the expanding expandable tube 11, such as... Figure 6 As shown in the image. Afterwards, in... Figure 7 In the process, the loading hose 15 is removed from the explosive material loading device 1. The anti-backflow valve (not shown) of the bottom anchoring unit 7 prevents the explosive material from leaving the interior of the expandable tube 11 and also prevents the explosive material from flowing downwards. The explosive material is isolated from contact with the water (not shown) flowing in the borehole 3 and cannot disappear undesirably and uncontrolled into the final cavity of the borehole 3. Figure 7 As shown, the explosive material is held in a controlled manner by the explosive material loading device 1. The detonator line 35 is connected to the initiator unit (not shown).

[0154] Figure 8 illustrates a first explosive material loading device 1' combined with a second explosive material loading device 1" according to a third example. The blasting system in Figure 8 is configured to load explosive material into a long borehole 3. The blasting system may even include an additional explosive material loading device located above the first explosive material loading device 1' and the second explosive material loading device 1" . The first explosive material loading device 1' and the second explosive material loading device 1" are positioned on top of each other. The top anchoring unit 5 of the first explosive material loading device 1' may be externally formed as a frustum, which is configured to cooperate with the conical cavity of the second bottom anchoring unit 7" of the second explosive material loading device 1" , thereby establishing proper contact between the first explosive material loading device 1' and the second explosive material loading device 1" . An impact tube 44 is mounted to the detonator unit 31" of the bottom anchoring unit 7" of the second explosive material loading device 1" , which extends adjacent to the expanded expandable tube 11 of the first explosive material loading device 1'. A detonator line 35 mounted to the detonator unit 31' is connected to a remote blasting initiator (not shown). The second explosive material loading device 1” includes a second expandable tube member 11”. The loading hose is inserted into the interior of the second expandable tube member 11” via a second anti-backflow valve device 13” of the second bottom anchoring unit 7”. The loading hose is moved until it abuts a second abutment surface inside the second top anchoring unit 5”.

[0155] Figure 9a illustrates a bottom view of the bottom anchoring unit 7 of an explosive material loading device 1 according to another example. The bottom anchoring unit 7 includes a valve flap 27, which is spring-biased to a closed position by means of a spring 46 arranged around a hinge 48, and the valve flap 27 pivots about the hinge 48. The bottom anchoring unit 7 also includes a detonator unit support compartment 30 configured to support a detonator unit 31. The detonator unit support compartment 30 has a non-circular cross-section corresponding to the cross-section of the detonator unit 31, providing a fixed position and impeding rotation of the detonator unit 31.

[0156] Figure 9b illustrates a top anchoring unit 5 of an explosive material loading device 1 according to another example. The explosive material loading device 1 includes a radially outwardly extending, resiliently annular and discontinuously formed edge 60 extending around a central axis and around the periphery of the top anchoring unit 5. The annular and discontinuously formed edge 60 includes a through-hole 62 through which water can flow, thereby preventing water pressure from acting on the explosive material loading device 1. The annular and discontinuously formed edge 60 is configured to engage the borehole wall, thereby holding the top anchoring unit in place within the borehole.

[0157] Figure 10A flowchart is shown illustrating an exemplary method of positioning an explosive material loading device 1 in a borehole using an explosive material loading device 1. The explosive material loading device 1 includes: a top anchoring unit and a bottom anchoring unit configured to engage the borehole wall; an expandable tube member disposed between the top and bottom anchoring units and configured to load explosive material; the bottom anchoring unit including a backflow prevention valve configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube member; wherein the backflow prevention valve is openable, thereby allowing a loading hose to enter the expandable tube member to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit; and the explosive material loading device including a detonator unit support configured to carry a detonator unit.

[0158] The method includes a first step 101 to begin the method. A second step 102 demonstrates the performance of the method. A third step 103 includes stopping the method.

[0159] The second step 102 may include: providing an explosive material loading device 1, wherein the expandable tube member is held in a compressed state by means of a retaining member; installing a detonator unit to a detonator unit support; inserting a loading hose into the interior of the expandable tube member via an anti-backflow valve device; moving the loading hose until it abuts against an abutting surface inside a top anchoring unit; releasing the retaining member to allow the expandable tube member to expand freely; pushing the top anchoring unit into the borehole by means of the loading hose abutting against the abutting surface, wherein friction between the bottom anchor and the borehole provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube member; stopping the pushing of the top anchoring unit, wherein the explosive material loading device 1 is in the desired position in the borehole; discharging explosive material into the expanded expandable tube member by means of the loading hose; and removing the loading hose from the expandable tube member.

[0160] Figure 11A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for positioning an explosive material loading device 1 in a borehole using an explosive material loading device 1 is shown. The method includes a first step 111 to begin the method. A second step 112 includes providing a second explosive material loading device, wherein an expandable tube member is held in a compressed state between a second top anchoring unit and a second bottom anchoring unit by means of a second retaining member. A third step 113 includes the step of installing a second detonator unit to a second detonator unit support of the second explosive material loading device. A fourth step 114 includes inserting a loading hose into the interior of the second expandable tube member via a second anti-backflow valve device of the second bottom anchoring unit. A fifth step 115 includes moving the loading hose until it abuts a second abutment surface inside the second top anchoring unit. A sixth step 116 includes releasing the second retaining member to allow the second expandable tube member to expand freely. A seventh step 117 includes pushing the second top anchoring unit in the borehole by means of the loading hose abutting the second abutment surface, wherein friction between the second bottom anchor and the second borehole provides longitudinal expansion of the second expandable tube member. Step 8, 118, includes stopping the pushing of the second top anchoring unit when the second explosive material loading device is in the desired position in the borehole and / or abuts against the already loaded first explosive material loading device above the second explosive material loading device. Step 9, 119, includes discharging explosive material into the expanding second expandable tube member by means of a loading hose. Step 10, 120, includes removing the loading hose from the second expandable tube member. Step 11, 121, includes stopping the method.

[0161] Depending on the length of the borehole, this process can be repeated to insert additional explosive material loading devices into the borehole.

[0162] Figure 12 The illustration shows an explosive material loading vehicle 77 configured to perform an exemplary method of loading explosive material into a borehole 3. The explosive material loading vehicle 77 includes a robotic arm 78 and a loading hose feeder 79, which are coupled to a control circuitry (not shown, reference numeral 50, see figure 3) of the explosive material loading vehicle 77. Figure 13 The control circuitry is configured to control one or more exemplary methods disclosed herein. The control circuitry includes a data medium configured to store a data program configured to control the operation of an explosive material loading device 1 operated by an explosive material loading vehicle 77. The data medium includes program code stored on the data medium, which is readable by the control circuitry to perform the exemplary method steps described herein or to perform other examples implemented through a number of possibilities of modifications or combinations of the described examples that would be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the basic idea.

[0163] Figure 13 The illustration depicts a vehicle suitable for handling explosive material loading (e.g., Figure 12 The control circuit 50 (shown in the diagram) of the explosive material loading vehicle is configured to perform an exemplary method of loading explosive material into a borehole using an explosive material loading device 1. The control circuit 50 is coupled to an actuator arrangement (not shown) of a robotic arm (not shown) of the explosive material loading vehicle. The control circuit 50 is configured to manage and operate the loading of explosive material into the borehole using the explosive material loading device 1. The explosive material loading device includes: a top anchoring unit and a bottom anchoring unit, each configured to engage the borehole wall; an expandable tube member disposed between the top and bottom anchoring units and configured to load explosive material, the bottom anchoring unit including a backflow prevention valve device configured to prevent explosive material from flowing out of the expandable tube member, wherein the backflow prevention valve device is openable, thereby allowing a loading hose to enter the expandable tube member to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit. The exemplary method may include: providing an explosive material loading device, wherein an expandable tube member is held in a compressed state by means of a retaining member; installing a detonator unit to a detonator unit support; inserting a loading hose into the interior of the expandable tube member via an anti-backflow valve device; moving the loading hose until it abuts against an abutment surface inside a top anchoring unit; releasing the retaining member to allow the expandable tube member to expand freely; pushing the top anchoring unit in a borehole by means of the loading hose abutting against the abutment surface, wherein friction between the bottom anchor and the borehole provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube member; stopping the pushing of the top anchoring unit, wherein the explosive material loading device is in a desired position in the borehole; discharging explosive material into the expanded expandable tube member by means of the loading hose; and removing the loading hose from the expandable tube member.

[0164] Control circuit 50 can also be configured to manipulate explosive material loading vehicle 77 in a cross section of the mine (not shown) (see Figure 12 ).

[0165] The control circuit 50 may include a computer and a non-volatile memory NVM 1320, which is a computer memory that can retain stored information even when the computer is not powered on.

[0166] The control circuit 50 also includes a processing unit 1310 and a read / write memory 1350. The NVM 1320 includes a first memory unit 1330. The first memory unit 1330 stores a computer program (which can be of any type applicable to any operational data) for controlling the functions of the control circuit 5. Furthermore, the control circuit 50 includes a bus controller (not shown) and a serial communication unit (not shown) that provides a physical interface, whereby information is transmitted in both directions.

[0167] The control circuit 50 may include any suitable type of I / O module (not shown) providing input / output signal transmission, and an A / D converter (not shown) for converting continuously changing signals from a sensor device (not shown) configured to determine the actual positions of the robotic arm and the loading hose. The control circuit 50 is configured to define the actual positions of the robotic arm and the operation of the explosive material loading vehicle into binary code suitable for a computer, based on received control signals and other operational data.

[0168] The control circuit 50 also includes an input / output unit (not shown) for adapting to time and date. The control circuit 50 includes an event counter (not shown) for counting the event multiples of independent events occurring during the operation of the explosive material loading vehicle.

[0169] In addition, the control circuit 50 includes an interrupt unit (not shown) associated with a computer for providing multitasking performance and real-time calculations for semi-automatic and / or automatic operation of explosive material loading vehicles. The NVM1320 also includes a second memory unit 1340 for external sensor checks of the sensor device.

[0170] The data medium used to store program P may include program routines for automatically adjusting the operation of the explosive material loading vehicle (not shown) based on the operation data of the cooperating explosive material loading vehicle.

[0171] The data medium for storing program P includes program code stored on the medium, which is readable on a computer and is used to cause control circuit 50 to perform the methods and / or method steps described herein.

[0172] The program P can also be stored in a separate memory 1360 and / or read / write memory 1350. In this embodiment, the program P is stored in an executable or compressed data format.

[0173] It should be understood that when processing unit 1310 is described as performing a specific function, it refers to the fact that processing unit 1310 can execute a specific part of a program stored in separate memory 1360 or a specific part of a program stored in read / write memory 1350.

[0174] The processing unit 1310 is associated with the data port 999 and communicates via the first data bus 1315, which can be connected to the robotic arm and the loading hose feeder 79 for performing the method steps.

[0175] Non-volatile memory (NVM) 1320 is adapted to communicate with processing unit 1310 via a second data bus 1312. Separate memory 1360 is adapted to communicate with processing unit 1310 via a third data bus 1311. Read / write memory 1350 is adapted to communicate with processing unit 1310 via a fourth data bus 1314. After the received data is temporarily stored, processing unit 1310 is ready to execute program code according to the above method.

[0176] Preferably, the signal (received by data port 999) includes information about the operational status of the explosive material loading vehicle. Control circuitry 50 can use the signal received at data port 999 to control and monitor the automatic calibration of sensor device 1.

[0177] Information and data can be manually fed into the control circuit by the operator via a suitable communication device, such as a computer monitor or touch screen.

[0178] The method can also be performed in part by the control circuit 50 via a processing unit 1310, which runs a program P stored in a separate memory 1360 or read / write memory 1350. When the control circuit 50 runs program P, at least one of the exemplary methods disclosed herein will be executed.

[0179] Alternatively, the loading hose is configured to open the openable cover during movement, while a stopping arrangement (not shown) of the robotic arm brings the main body to a stop.

[0180] The present invention is not limited in any way to the preferred embodiments described above; however, many possibilities for modifications or combinations of the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the basic spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An explosive material loading device (1) configured for loading explosive material into a borehole (3), the explosive material loading device (1) comprising: A top anchoring unit (5) and a bottom anchoring unit (7), each configured to engage the borehole wall (8); an expandable tube member (11) disposed between the top anchoring unit (5) and the bottom anchoring unit (7) and configured to load explosive material (40), the bottom anchoring unit (7) including an anti-backflow valve device (13) configured to prevent the explosive material (40) from flowing out of the expandable tube member (11), characterized in that the anti-backflow valve device (13) is openable, thereby allowing a loading hose (15) to enter the expandable tube member. The tube member (11) reaches the interior of the top anchoring unit (5), wherein the loading hose nozzle (19) of the loading hose (15) is adapted to abut against the abutment surface (16) of the top anchoring unit (5) for pushing the top anchoring unit (5) in the borehole (3), wherein the friction between the bottom anchoring unit (7) and the borehole (3) provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube member (11), and the anti-backflow valve device (13) is configured to close the plate member (27) of the anti-backflow valve device (13) after the loading hose nozzle (19) has been withdrawn from the anti-backflow valve device (13), wherein the plate member (27) is spring-biased to its closed state.

2. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 1, wherein, The expandable tube component (11) is configured to isolate the explosive material (40) from the water in the borehole (3).

3. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The top anchoring unit (5) includes a first radially outwardly extending elastic device (9') configured to engage the borehole wall (8) for holding the top anchoring unit (5) in place in the borehole (3).

4. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The bottom anchoring unit (7) includes a second radially outwardly extending elastic device (9") configured to engage the borehole wall (8) for holding the bottom anchoring unit (7) in place in the borehole (3).

5. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 3, wherein, The first radially outwardly extending elastic device (9') extends circumferentially around the top anchoring unit (5), and the first radially outwardly extending elastic device (9') includes at least one open space (21, 62) configured to allow water in the borehole to flow through the outside of the expandable tube member (11).

6. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The second radially outwardly extending elastic device (9) extends circumferentially around the bottom anchoring unit (7), and the second radially outwardly extending elastic device (9) includes at least one open space (21, 62) configured to allow water in the borehole to flow through the outside of the expandable tube member (11).

7. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The explosive material loading device (1) includes a detonator unit support (30) configured to carry a detonator unit (31).

8. The explosive material loading device (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The bottom anchoring unit (7) includes the detonator unit support (30).

9. A method for positioning an explosive material loading device (1) in a borehole (3), the explosive material loading device (1) comprising: A top anchoring unit (5) and a bottom anchoring unit (7) configured to engage the borehole wall (8); an expandable tube member (11) disposed between the top anchoring unit (5) and the bottom anchoring unit (7), and the expandable tube member (11) configured to load explosive material (40); the bottom anchoring unit (7) including an anti-backflow valve device (13) configured to prevent the explosive material (40) from flowing out of the expandable tube member (11), wherein the anti-backflow valve device (13) is resistant to backflow. The loading hose (15) is opened, thereby allowing the loading hose (15) to enter the expandable tube member (11) to reach the interior of the top anchoring unit (5), and the anti-backflow valve device (13) is configured to close the plate member (27) of the anti-backflow valve device (13) after the loading hose nozzle of the loading hose (15) has been withdrawn from the anti-backflow valve device (13), wherein the plate member (27) is spring-biased to its closed state, the explosive material loading device (1) includes a detonator unit support (30) configured to carry a detonator unit (31), and the method is characterized by the following steps: - Provide the explosive material loading device (1), wherein the expandable tube member (11) is held in a compressed state by means of the retaining member (37); - Install the detonator unit (31) onto the detonator unit support (30); - The loading hose (15) is inserted into the interior of the expandable tube member (11) via the anti-backflow valve device (13); - Move the loading hose (15) until the loading hose (15) abuts against the abutting surface (16) inside the top anchoring unit (5). - Release the retaining member (37) to allow the expandable tube member (11) to expand freely; - The top anchoring unit (5) is pushed in the borehole (3) by means of the loading hose (15) abutting the abutting surface (16), wherein the friction between the bottom anchoring unit (7) and the borehole (3) provides longitudinal expansion of the expandable tube member (11); - When the explosive material loading device (1) is in the desired position in the borehole (3), stop pushing the top anchoring unit (5). - The explosive material (40) is discharged into the expanded expandable tube member (11) by means of the loading hose (15); - Remove the loading hose (15) from the expandable tube member (11).

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The step of removing the loading hose (15) includes pulling the loading hose (15) out of the anti-backflow valve device (13).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: providing a second explosive material loading device (1) wherein a second expandable tube member (11) of the second explosive material loading device (1) is held in a compressed state between a second top anchoring unit (5) and a second bottom anchoring unit (7) of the second explosive material loading device (1) by means of a second retaining member; installing a second detonator unit (31) to a second detonator unit support of the second explosive material loading device (1); inserting the loading hose (15) into the interior of the second expandable tube member (11) via a second anti-backflow valve device (13) of the second bottom anchoring unit (7); moving the loading hose (15) until the loading hose (15) abuts against a second abutment surface inside the second top anchoring unit (5); releasing the second retaining member to allow the second expandable tube member (11) to expand freely; by means of the abutment of the second top anchoring unit (5) The loading hose (15) of the two contact surfaces pushes the second top anchoring unit (5") in the borehole (3), wherein the friction between the second bottom anchoring unit (7") and the borehole (3) provides longitudinal expansion of the second expandable tube member (11); the pushing of the second top anchoring unit (5") is stopped when the second explosive material loading device (1) is in the desired position in the borehole (3) and / or abuts against an already loaded explosive material loading device (1) located above the second explosive material loading device (1); and the explosive material (40) is discharged into the expanded second expandable tube member (11) by means of the loading hose (15); the loading hose (15) is removed from the second expandable tube member (11), wherein the design of the second explosive material loading device (1) corresponds to the design of the explosive material loading device (1) as defined in claim 1.

12. An automatic or semi-automatic explosive material loading vehicle (77), said automatic or semi-automatic explosive material loading vehicle (77) configured to load the explosive material loading device (1) as defined in claim 1, said automatic or semi-automatic explosive material loading vehicle (77) including a robotic arm (78) and a loading hose feeder (79), said robotic arm (78) and said loading hose feeder (79) being connected to a control circuit (50), said control circuit (50) being configured to control the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that, The control circuit (50) is connected to the actuator arrangement of the robotic arm (78) of the explosive material loading vehicle (77) and the control circuit (50) is configured to manage and operate the loading of explosive material in the borehole (3) by means of the explosive material loading device (1).

13. A data medium configured to store a program (P) adapted to control the loading of an explosive material loading device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 by means of an automatic or semi-automatic explosive material loading vehicle (77) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The data medium includes program code stored on the data medium, the program code being readable on the control circuit (50) of the automatic or semi-automatic explosive material loading vehicle (77) for performing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

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