Positioning device and assembly for positioning the antenna of a wireless initiation device of an initiator unit

Abstract

The present invention provides an assembly (200) for locating an antenna (101) of a wireless initiation device (102), the assembly including a charge arm (121) and a charge hose (116), wherein the charge arm (121) is configured to insert a positioning device (100) into a borehole (106) and guide the charge hose (116) into the borehole (106) with an explosive charge. The charge hose (116) is conveyed by the positioning device (100) and provides an explosive charge (123) into the borehole (106), and then, after the explosive charge is provided into the borehole (106), the charge hose (116) is withdrawn away from the borehole (106) through an elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100). Additionally, the assembly positions the positioning device (100) within the opening (124) of the borehole (106) and advantageously positions or guides the antenna (101) toward the launcher (113) substantially away from the rock face of the borehole. Advantageously, the assembly performs all these steps in one and the same back-and-forth movement of the propellant arm (121) or the propellant hose (116).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a positioning device for an antenna of a wireless starting device for locating a detonator unit, and an assembly of an antenna of a wireless starting device for locating a detonator unit. Background Technology

[0002] It is known to use a wireless initiation device to activate a primer unit, wherein the wireless initiation device includes a receiver antenna for wirelessly receiving an activation command from outside the initiation device, and thus from a transmitter. The wireless initiation device is coupled to the primer unit or connected to a detonator via a detonator cable, which transmits the activation signal from the wireless initiation device to the primer unit, for example, in a borehole in rock. The primer unit typically includes at least a detonator, but often also includes a booster charge. The detonator cable is coupled to the detonator and can be, for example, a shocktube or electric fuse head for activating the detonator. Often, the detonator cable is tied and bundled together and fed along the blasting site to the initiation device. The wireless initiation device can also be used to wirelessly receive energy from outside the initiation device; the received energy is often stored in an energy storage device for providing activation energy to the initiation component after the charge is loaded. However, a receiving antenna is also used in these applications.

[0003] However, there are some drawbacks associated with known methods, namely that the wireless initiation device often does not receive signals from the transmitter in the most efficient way. In some cases, especially if the receiver antenna is oriented towards the rock face, it may even completely block the transmission of initiation energy and signals. Positioning the wireless initiation device (or antenna) on uneven rock faces is also technically challenging and should not take too much time, as the time consumed per borehole will multiply the process cycle time when dozens of boreholes need to be filled on each face (50-150 boreholes per face). The positioning of the wireless initiation device should be quick and reliable, and most likely combined with a mechanized and remotely performed charging process. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of this invention is to mitigate and eliminate problems associated with known prior art. In particular, the object of this invention is to provide an apparatus, assembly, and method for positioning the receiver antenna of a wireless initiation module for a detonator unit to be installed in a borehole, so that the wireless initiation module or its receiver antenna is not freely or arbitrarily suspended outside the borehole, and the orientation of the receiver antenna toward the borehole or any other unwanted direction is avoided. Furthermore, the object of this invention is to position the receiver antenna in a fast and reliable manner.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the features of the independent claims.

[0006] This invention relates to a positioning device for positioning an antenna according to claim 1. Furthermore, this invention relates to an assembly for positioning an antenna according to claim 11 and a method for positioning an antenna according to claim 19.

[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a positioning device for an antenna of a wireless initiation device for positioning a detonator unit to be installed in a borehole includes an elongated tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The positioning device is configured to be inserted into the borehole, thus into a borehole having the same amount of detonator unit and explosive charge. The positioning device is also configured to be supported against the inner wall of the borehole, thereby securing the elongated tube of the positioning device to the inner wall of the borehole.

[0008] The elongated tube is also configured to guide a detonator cord, such as a detonating cord or wire, between its proximal and distal ends during the installation of the detonator unit into the borehole. Specifically, the proximal end of the elongated tube includes a positioning structure that, when the detonator is installed, positions the receiving antenna substantially away from the distal portion of the elongated tube, and thus substantially away from the rock face of the borehole. The positioning structure advantageously includes at least a first surface, such as a wing, which points substantially in a direction different from the distal end of the elongated tube. The angle between the first surface, and therefore the direction in which the antenna is directed, and the rock face of the borehole is in the range of 90° to 180°, thus advantageously directing the antenna away from the distal end of the elongated tube and therefore away from the rock surface when inserted into the borehole. According to an embodiment, the angle of the normal to the first surface is adjustable, such as allowing the antenna to be substantially pointed towards the transmitter when the positioning device is inserted into the borehole.

[0009] According to an advantageous embodiment, the wireless initiation device with (receiver) antenna has been pre-assembled into the detonator cord, such as a detonating cord, at the explosives factory, for example, to better secure the waterproof and high-quality fuse end contacts to the detonator cord. The wireless initiation device with antenna, or at least the antenna, can then be assembled into the positioning structure of the positioning device at the same factory assembly, or then assembled into the positioning structure of the positioning device on-site before being conveyed to the borehole. On-site assembly is advantageously a simple "plug-and-play" type. However, the positioning of the antenna is performed on-site.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the positioning device is picked up by the charging arm. The charging arm may include, for example, a mounting at the free end of the arm, or other fastening devices for receiving the positioning device and securing it to the charging arm for inserting the distal end of the elongated tube of the positioning device into the borehole. The fastening devices, such as the mounting, are configured to release the positioning device from the charging arm after insertion or after the charging hose has been withdrawn away from the borehole.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the elongated tube of the positioning device includes a retainer element for receiving and holding the detonator unit during installation of the positioning device. The elongated tube or retainer element is configured to release the detonator unit when it is installed. The retainer element is advantageously arranged between a proximal end and a distal end, or preferably in the distal end of the elongated tube, and the retainer element includes an opening or tunnel substantially along the longitudinal axis of the elongated tube for the detonator unit. According to an example, the charge hose can capture the detonator unit from the retainer when it is pushed through the elongated tube. According to an example, the charge hose can capture the retainer element with the detonator unit, or even the distal portion of the elongated tube, as well as the retainer element and the detonator unit. If the charge hose captures the entire distal portion, the elongated tube advantageously includes a breakpoint (or line / path) between the retainer element and the proximal end, such that the elongated tube is configured to break at the breakpoint during installation of the detonator unit. This has the added advantage that the separate distal end of the slender tube can smoothly deliver the detonator unit into the interior of the distal end, making the detonator unit less likely to get stuck on the inner surface of the borehole.

[0012] It is worth noting that when the detonator unit is conveyed, the detonator cable is also conveyed simultaneously, because the other end of the detonator cable is connected to the detonator of the detonator unit. According to an embodiment, the proximal portion of the elongated tube includes a winding device for carrying the detonator cable, so that the detonator cable is unwound from the winding device during the installation of the detonator unit.

[0013] According to an embodiment, a component includes a charge arm and a charge hose for positioning an antenna of a wireless initiation device. The component advantageously includes a pattern recognition device, such as a camera with suitable software, for identifying the borehole to which the positioning device is to be installed. Alternatively or additionally, the component may also include a borehole pattern diagram with the coordinates of the borehole, thus the component is arranged to move the charge arm and the positioning device into the mounting of the borehole, and to re-insert the distal end of the elongated tube of the positioning device into the borehole based on guidance from the pattern recognition device and / or the borehole pattern diagram. Of course, at least a portion of the movement of the charge arm with the positioning device can be performed manually.

[0014] Furthermore, the component is advantageously configured to guide the explosive charge tube through the elongated tube of the positioning device into the borehole. The explosive charge tube is used to deliver the explosive dose into the borehole, after which the explosive charge tube is withdrawn away from the borehole through the elongated tube of the positioning device. Additionally, the component is configured to position the proximal end of the elongated tube into the mouth of the borehole, substantially away from the distal portion of the elongated tube, and thus away from the borehole, and advantageously towards the transmitter for positioning or guiding the antenna. According to an embodiment, the component may include or receive position and / or orientation data of the transmitter, thereby positioning the proximal end of the elongated tube into the mouth of the borehole and substantially towards the transmitter for positioning and guiding the antenna of the wireless initiation device. The head of the explosive charge arm may, for example, rotate the positioning device and / or bend or twist the positioning structure, such as a wing, about its longitudinal axis, such that the antenna is guided substantially towards the transmitter.

[0015] According to an example, the component may include a direction-determining device for determining the direction to the transmitter. The transmitter may, for example, advantageously transmit with wavelength characteristics different from those of the activation command or energy transmission; thus, the direction-determining device can determine the direction of transmission, and this also determines the direction of the transmitter. The direction-determining device may be arranged, for example, in a propellant arm for mounting the positioning device to the borehole. Advantageously, the direction-determining device is positioned at the distal end of the propellant arm, thus placing it close to the wireless activation device and providing more accurate guidance of the antenna.

[0016] The component can also perform other steps, such as, according to an example, encoding blast-related parameters, such as delay or explosive dosage information, such as the mass or composition of the explosive dosage provided by the charging hose, into the wireless activation device during the installation of a positioning device with a wireless activation device.

[0017] This invention offers advantages over known prior art, as described in this document. In particular, the positioning device ensures that the antenna of the wireless initiation device is guided away from the rock surface of the borehole. Furthermore, this invention enables the installation of the positioning device and thus the placement of the antenna in the desired manner via the charging arm and charging hose without any manual steps. The end result is thus achieved reliably and safely, as no human intervention is required to provide the detonator unit or the explosive charge, nor is there a need to position or guide the antenna of the wireless initiation device. Moreover, the use of the charging arm and charging hose allows for the insertion of the positioning device, the transfer of the detonator unit, and the provision of the explosive charge, and significantly speeds up the installation process compared to known prior art methods, in addition to positioning and guiding the antenna via the same single back-and-forth movement of the charging arm and hose.

[0018] The exemplary embodiments presented herein should not be construed as limiting the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of features not yet enumerated. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other.

[0019] The novel features considered characteristic of the invention are specifically set forth in the appended claims. However, the invention itself, with respect to both its construction and methods of operation, as well as its additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0020] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0021] Figures 1 to 10 The principle of an exemplary positioning device and component for locating an antenna of a wireless initiation device for locating a detonator unit, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 11 An exemplary principle for positioning a wireless initiation device toward a transmitter is illustrated according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, and

[0023] Figure 12 An exemplary method for locating an antenna of a wireless initiation device for a detonator unit, according to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Figures 1 to 10 An exemplary positioning device 100 and assembly 200 for positioning the antenna 101 of the wireless activation device 102 for positioning a detonator unit 103 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention are illustrated. The detonator unit 103 typically includes a detonating charge 104 and a detonator 105, packaged as a single unit, to be installed into a borehole 106. The positioning device 100 advantageously includes an elongated tube 107 having a distal end 108 and a proximal end 109, as shown in... Figures 1 to 8 As can be seen from this. The slender tube 107 can be easily manufactured, for example, by 3D printing or molding, as in... Figure 3 This can be seen from the text.

[0025] The proximal end 109 of the elongated tube 107 includes a positioning structure 112, as illustrated, for example. Figures 9 to 10As depicted in [the text]. The purpose of the positioning structure 112 is to position or guide the antenna 101 substantially away from the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107, at least when the detonator unit 103 is mounted so far from the borehole and advantageously toward the launcher 113. The positioning structure 112 may include at least a first surface, such as a wing 112, which points substantially in a different direction than the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107. When the elongated tube is inserted into the borehole 106, the angle α between the normal 129 of the first surface or the direction in which the antenna is guided by the first surface and the transverse axis 128 perpendicular to the elongated axis 115 of the elongated tube is in the range of 0° to 180° away from the transverse axis, advantageously so far away from the rock surface in the range of 30° to 150° (when the normal 129 points in the same direction as the transverse axis 128, the angle α between the normal 129 and the transverse axis 128 is 0°, and when the normal 129 points in the same direction as the transverse axis 128, and therefore against the rock surface when the elongated tube is inserted into the borehole 106, it is -90°).

[0026] The angle of the normal 129 of the first surface is advantageously adjustable about the hinge 130, thereby allowing the antenna 101 to be substantially pointed at the transmitter 113 when the positioning device 100 is inserted into the borehole 106. Advantageously, the antenna is substantially directed in a direction different from the distal end of the elongated tube, thus away from the rock surface of the borehole when the positioning device is installed.

[0027] The elongated tube 107 also includes a retainer element 114 advantageously located between or preferably at the distal end of the proximal end. The retainer element 114 includes an opening or tunnel substantially along the longitudinal axis 115 of the elongated tube 100 for receiving and retaining the detonator unit 103 during installation of the positioning device 100. The elongated tube 107 or the retainer element is configured to release the detonator unit 103 during installation, and thus, practically, when the charge hose 116 is pushed through the elongated tube.

[0028] For example, in the illustration Figures 9 to 10 As can be seen, the positioning device 100 is inserted into the borehole 106 and supported to the inner wall 110 of the borehole 106 by protruding members 118, such as teeth. An elongated tube 107 guides the detonator cable 111, such as a detonating cord or wire, from the proximal end 109 toward the distal end 108 during the installation of the detonator unit 103 into the borehole 106. The detonator cable 111 connects the detonator 105 and the wireless activation device 102 and is wound in a winding device 119. The winding device is implemented, for example, with three protruding wings. During the installation of the detonator unit 103 into the bottom of the borehole 106, the winding device 119 advantageously unwinds the detonator cable 111.

[0029] As in Figure 5 and Figures 9 to 10As can be seen, the elongated tube 107 receives the explosive charging hose 116 from its proximal end 109 and guides the explosive charging hose 116 through the elongated tube and also through the opening of the retainer element. As the explosive charging hose 116 is traveling from its proximal end 109 toward the distal end 108 of the elongated tube of the positioning device, the positioning device 100 or the retainer element 114 releases the detonator unit 103 and allows the explosive charging hose 116 to capture the detonator unit 103. It is noteworthy that the retainer element 114 can release the detonator unit 103 into the explosive charging hose 116, or the explosive charging hose 116 can also capture both the retainer element 114 and the detonator unit 103. In the latter case, the elongated tube advantageously includes a break point 117 (or break line) between the retainer element 114 and the proximal end 109, such that the elongated tube breaks at the break point 117 during the installation of the detonator unit 103, causing the distal end 108 and the retainer element 114 and the detonator unit 103 to separate from the rest of the elongated tube, and thus the proximal end, during the installation of the detonator unit 103.

[0030] The positioning device includes a protruding member 118, such as a tooth, which is advantageously inclined toward the proximal end of the elongated tube, making it easier to insert the elongated tube into the borehole. The protruding member 118 is configured to be supported against the inner wall 110 of the borehole 106, thereby securing the elongated tube of the positioning device to the inner wall of the borehole. The protruding member 118 can also retract during insertion of the elongated tube into the borehole, thus making insertion even easier, and thus the protruding member 118 is configured to protrude from the elongated tube 107 and abut against the borehole as the propellant tube 116 is guided through the elongated tube 107 from the proximal end 109 toward the distal end 108.

[0031] The positioning device 100 advantageously also includes a fastening device 120, such as a snap-fit ​​or hook, for example in... Figure 6 As can be seen, the fastening device releases the positioning device to the charging arm 121. During the installation of the detonator unit 103 into the borehole 106, the charging arm 121 moves the elongated tube 107 and presses and holds it against the borehole. When the charging hose is pulled away from the borehole after the explosive charge is delivered and the charging arm is also removed, the protruding member 118 holds the positioning device in the borehole 106, and the fastening device 120 releases the charging arm 121 from the positioning device 100. In addition, the charging arm 121 may include a fastening device 125 for receiving the positioning device 100 and fastening the positioning device to the charging arm 121 for inserting the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device 100 into the borehole 106, wherein the fastening device 125 is configured to release the positioning device 100 from the charging arm 121 after the charging hose 116 has been withdrawn away from the borehole 106.

[0032] The positioning may also include a recess 122 to guide the detonator cord 111 through the elongated tube 107 between the proximal and distal ends during installation of the detonator unit 103 into the borehole, and to provide space for the detonator cord 111 when the charge hose 116 is withdrawn away from the borehole and through the positioning device. Alternatively, the diameter of the elongated tube may be so large that there is sufficient space for both the detonator cord 111 and the charge hose 116. It should be understood that boreholes 106 of different sizes may require elongated tubes 107 of different sizes (diameter and / or length).

[0033] Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 8 to 10 An exemplary assembly of an antenna 101 for a wireless activation device 102 for positioning a detonator unit 103 according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown. As can be seen, the assembly includes a charging arm 121 and a charging hose 116. The charging arm 121 receives the positioning device 100 in its distal end and inserts at least the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device 100 into a borehole 106, thus into the same borehole as where the detonator unit 103 is to be installed. The charging arm guides the charging hose 116 through the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device 100 into the borehole 106, provides the explosive charge 123 into the borehole 106, and thereafter withdraws the charging hose 116 through the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device 100 away from the borehole 106. Additionally, this assembly, and thus the propellant arm 121, also positions the proximal end 109 of the elongated tube 107 into the opening 124 of the borehole 106, and thus substantially away from the distal portion 108 of the elongated tube 107, or practically away from the borehole 106 or the rock face, and advantageously positions or guides the antenna 101 toward the launcher 113. Advantageously, this assembly performs all steps by a single and identical back-and-forth movement of the propellant arm 121 and the propellant hose 116.

[0034] It should be noted that during the withdrawal of the charging hose 116 away from the borehole, the charging arm 121 keeps the positioning device 100 stationary relative to the borehole 106.

[0035] The charging arm 121 guides the charging hose 116 through the slender tube 107 into the borehole 106, especially in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figures 8 to 10As can be seen from the description. According to one embodiment, the charge hose 116 can be conveyed through the retainer element 114 so that the detonator unit 103 can be captured by the charge hose 116, or the charge hose can capture both the retainer element 114 and the detonator unit 103. The detonator unit 103 advantageously includes a detonating charge 104 and a detonator 105, which is connected to the wireless activation device 102 via a detonator cable 111. Thus, the charge hose 116 advantageously captures the detonator unit 103, conveys the detonator unit 103 into the borehole 106, and simultaneously drags the detonator cable 111. The detonator cable 111 is arranged in a winding device 119, which unwinds the detonator cable 111 as the charge hose 116 drags the detonator cable 111 toward the bottom of the borehole 106 through the elongated tube 107.

[0036] The component advantageously includes a pattern recognition device 126, such as a camera with suitable software, for identifying the borehole 106 for which the positioning device 100 is to be installed. The component may also include a borehole pattern diagram 127 having the coordinates of the borehole. Therefore, the component advantageously moves the charge arm 121 together with the positioning device 100 into the mounting portion 124 of the borehole 106 based on the guidance of the pattern recognition device 126 and / or the borehole pattern diagram 127. The component also inserts the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device 100 into the borehole 106 based on this information.

[0037] The component may also include or receive position and / or orientation data of the transmitter 113. The component may include a direction detection device 131 for determining the direction to the transmitter 113. The transmitter may, for example, advantageously transmit a characteristic transmission at a wavelength different from the activation command or energy transmission, such that the direction detection device 131 can identify the transmitter 113 and the direction to it. Therefore, the component may arrange the proximal end 109 of the elongated tube 107 into the opening 124 of the bore 106, and thereby position and guide the antenna 101 of the wireless activation device 102 substantially toward the transmitter 113. The charge arm may, for example, advantageously rotate the positioning device and / or twist or rotate the positioning structure 112 about its longitudinal axis 115, such that the first surface or at least the antenna 101 is then guided substantially toward the transmitter 113.

[0038] Furthermore, the component may also include an encoding device 132 to encode blast-related parameters into the wireless initiation device 102 during installation of the positioning device 100 with the wireless initiation device 102. These parameters may relate to characteristics such as delay or the amount of explosive used.

[0039] Figure 11 An exemplary principle of an antenna 101 for locating a wireless initiation device 102 toward a transmitter 113, according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, is shown.

[0040] Figure 12 An exemplary method 300 for positioning an antenna of a wireless initiation device for a detonator unit according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention is shown, wherein in step 301, the detonator cord 111 is pre-assembled to the wireless initiation device 102 and advantageously also pre-assembled to the winding device. Pre-assembly is advantageously performed at the explosives factory to secure waterproof and high-quality contact points to the detonator cord 111. The detonator unit 103 can then be assembled to the retainer element in step 302, and can also be assembled to the detonator cord 111 at the same factory or on-site before being conveyed to the borehole 106. The positioning device 100 with the detonator unit 103 coupled to the detonator cord 111 is then coupled to the charging arm 121 in step 303. In step 304, the charging arm 121 carrying the positioning device + detonator unit is moved to the borehole. In step 305, at least the distal end 108 of the elongated tube 107 of the positioning device is inserted into the borehole 106 by the charging arm 121. In step 306, the charging hose 116 is pushed into the borehole through the elongated tube 107 to capture at least the detonator unit 103. In step 307, the charging hose 116 delivers the detonator unit 103 to the bottom of the borehole 106, while simultaneously dragging the detonator cord 111, the other end of which remains connected to the wireless activation device 102. In step 308, the charging hose delivers the explosive charge into the borehole 106. In step 309, the charging hose 116 is retracted away from the borehole 106, and simultaneously, the charging arm 121, via a fastening device, keeps the positioning device 100 stationary relative to the borehole. In step 310, the antenna is advantageously positioned and guided toward the transmitter 113. Simultaneously, the direction toward the transmitter is determined. It is noteworthy that step 310 can also occur at other stages, thus even before the positioning device is inserted into the borehole or immediately after the charging hose is retracted. After the charging hose is fully retracted from borehole 106 and the explosive charge is delivered into the borehole, the positioning device can be released from the charging arm in step 311, and the charging arm and charging hose can be removed, and steps 303-301 can be performed again using another positioning device and another borehole.

[0041] This method is particularly suitable for remote loading methods, where the loading hose is mechanically handled by a robotic arm and the loading operator works remotely.

[0042] The present invention has been explained above with reference to the foregoing embodiments, and several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. It is obvious that the invention is not limited to these embodiments, but includes all possible embodiments within the spirit and scope of the inventive concept and the following claims. It is particularly noteworthy that, for example, different sized boreholes may require different sized positioning devices.

[0043] Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other.

Claims

1. A positioning device (100) for the antenna (101) of a wireless activation device (102) for positioning a detonator unit (103), the detonator unit (103) comprising a detonator (105) and advantageously including a detonating charge, the detonator unit (103) to be installed in a borehole (106), wherein the positioning device (100) comprises: A slender tube (107) having a distal end (108) and a proximal end (109), in The positioning device (100) is configured to be inserted into the borehole (106) and supported against the inner wall (110) of the borehole (106), thereby securing the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) to the inner wall of the borehole, and The elongated tube (107) is configured to guide a detonator cable (111) between its proximal and distal ends during the installation of the detonator unit (103) into the borehole (106). The detonator cable (111) connects the detonator (105) and the wireless activation device (102). in The proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) includes a positioning structure (112), wherein the positioning structure (112) is configured to receive the antenna (101) at least when the detonator unit (103) is installed and to position the antenna substantially away from the distal end (108) of the elongated tube (107).

2. The positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the positioning structure (112) includes at least a first surface, such as a wing, the first surface pointing substantially in a direction different from the distal end of the elongated tube.

3. The positioning device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated tube includes a retainer element (114), wherein the retainer element (114) includes an opening substantially on the longitudinal axis (115) of the elongated tube (100) for receiving and retaining the detonator unit (103) during installation of the positioning device (100), wherein the elongated tube (107) is configured to release the detonator unit (103) during installation of the detonator unit (103).

4. The positioning device according to claim 3, wherein the elongated tube (107) is configured to receive a charge hose (116) from the proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) and guide the charge hose (116) through the elongated tube, thereby the positioning device (100) is configured to release the detonator unit (103) and allow the charge hose (116) to capture the detonator unit (103) as the charge hose (116) is traveling from the proximal end (109) toward the distal end (108) of the elongated tube of the positioning device.

5. The positioning device according to any one of claims 3 to 4, wherein the elongated tube includes a break point (117) between the retainer element (114) and the proximal end (109), such that the elongated tube is configured to break at the break point during installation of the detonator unit (103), such that the distal end (108) and the retainer element (114) with the detonator unit (103) are configured to separate from the remainder of the elongated tube during installation of the detonator unit.

6. The positioning device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distal end (108) of the elongated tube includes a protruding member (118), such as a tooth, the protruding member being configured to be supported against the inner wall (110) of the borehole (106), and thereby securing the elongated tube of the positioning device to the inner wall of the borehole.

7. The positioning device according to claim 6, wherein when the propellant hose (116) is guided through the elongated tube (107) from the proximal end (109) toward the distal end (108), the protruding member (118) is configured to protrude from the elongated tube (107) and abut against the borehole.

8. The positioning device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the proximal end (109) of the elongated tube includes a winding device (119) for carrying the detonator cable (111), and wherein the winding device (119) is configured to unwind the detonator cable (111) during the installation of the detonator unit (103) into the borehole (106).

9. The positioning device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device (100) includes a fastening device (120) configured to releasably connect the positioning device to the loading arm (121).

10. The positioning device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning device includes a groove (122) to guide the detonator cord (111) through the elongated tube between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongated tube during installation of the detonator unit (103) into the borehole, and to provide space for the detonator cord (111) when the charging hose (116) is pulled away from the borehole and through the positioning device.

11. An assembly (200) for locating an antenna (101) of a wireless activation device (102), said assembly comprising: The loading arm (121) and the loading hose (116) The loading arm (121) is configured such that, in one and the same back-and-forth movement, Receive the positioning device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims. The distal end (108) of the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) is inserted into the borehole (106). The charging hose (116) is guided into the borehole (106) through the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100), the explosive charge (123) is supplied into the borehole (106), and the charging hose (116) is pulled out away from the borehole (106) through the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100), and The proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) is arranged into the opening (124) of the borehole (106) and the antenna (101) is positioned substantially away from the distal portion (108) of the elongated tube (107).

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the charge arm (121) is configured to keep the positioning device (100) stationary relative to the borehole (106) during the withdrawal of the charge hose (116) away from the borehole.

13. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 12, wherein the charge arm (121) includes a fastening device (125) for receiving the positioning device (100) and fastening the positioning device to the charge arm (121) for inserting the distal end (108) of the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) into the borehole (106), wherein the fastening device (125) is configured to release the positioning device (100) from the charge arm (121) after the charge hose (116) has been withdrawn away from the borehole (106).

14. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the component is configured to guide the charge hose (116) through a retainer element (114) of the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) into the borehole (106), wherein the retainer element (114) is configured to retain an initiator unit (103) connected to the wireless initiation device (102) by a detonator cord (111), thereby capturing the initiator unit (103) and retransmitting the initiator unit (103) into the borehole (106) as the charge hose (116) is guided through the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100).

15. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the component is configured such that, as the propellant hose (116) is conveyed through the elongated tube (107) from the proximal end (109) toward the distal end (108) of the elongated tube, a protruding member (118) of the elongated tube (107) protrudes against the inner wall (110) of the borehole (106).

16. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the component includes a pattern recognition device (126) for identifying the borehole (106) for which the positioning device (100) is to be installed and / or a borehole pattern drawing (127) having coordinates of the hole, and moves the positioning device (100) together with the charge arm (121) into the mounting (124) of the borehole (106) based on the guidance of the pattern recognition device (126) and / or the borehole pattern drawing (127), and again inserts the distal end (108) of the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) into the borehole (106).

17. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the component includes or is configured to receive position and / or orientation data of the transmitter (113), and the component is configured to arrange the proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) into the opening (124) of the bore (106) and to position and guide the antenna (101) of the wireless activation device (102) substantially toward the transmitter (113).

18. The component according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein the component is configured to encode parameters related to blasting, such as delay, into the wireless initiation device (102) during installation of the positioning device (100) having the wireless initiation device (102).

19. A method (300) for locating the antenna (101) of a wireless activation device (102) for mounting a detonator unit (103) into a borehole (106), wherein: A positioning device (100), comprising an elongated tube (107) having a distal end (108) and a proximal end (109), is inserted into the borehole (106) and supported against the inner wall (110) of the borehole (106), thereby securing the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) to the inner wall (110) of the borehole (106), and The elongated tube (107) is used to guide a detonator cable (111) between its proximal and distal ends during the installation of the detonator unit (103) into the borehole (106). The detonator cable (111) connects the detonator (105) and the wireless activation device (102). The positioning structure (112) of the proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) is used to position and guide the antenna (101) substantially away from the distal portion (108) of the elongated tube (107), at least when the detonator unit (103) is installed.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein in one and the same back-and-forth movement of the loading arm (121), The positioning device (100) is received by the loading arm (121). The distal end (108) of the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100) is inserted into the borehole (106) by the charging arm (121). The charging hose (116) is guided into the borehole (106) through the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100), the explosive charge (123) is supplied into the borehole (106), and the charging hose (116) is withdrawn away from the borehole (106) through the elongated tube (107) of the positioning device (100). The proximal end (109) of the elongated tube (107) is arranged in the opening (110) of the bore (106) so as to position the antenna (101) substantially away from the distal portion (108) of the elongated tube (107).

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