Data communication system and data communication method

Abstract

To resolve the issues inherent in conventional technology, namely to provide a data communication system and a data communication method that enable data transmission while protecting communication means from groundwater and other sources.SOLUTION: A data communication system according to the present invention includes two or more communication devices arranged at a distance from each other. The communication devices are formed by coating communication means for transmitting data with an appropriate resin. The two or more communication devices relay the data while transmitting it to an intended location.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to technology related to data communication, and more specifically to a system for transmitting data using a "communication device" in which the communication means is coated with resin, and a method for transmitting data using the communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, communication technology has made great strides, and there is a particularly high demand for wireless data transmission and reception, making it an indispensable communication technology in our daily lives, as exemplified by smartphones. Furthermore, there is a growing demand for wireless communication in a variety of situations, and efforts are being made to realize wireless communication in environments that were previously unsuitable for wireless communication. For example, there is a demand for wireless communication of information obtained from within the ground during soil surveys, drilling work for installing ground anchors, or drilling work for building piles or improving the ground, and efforts are being made to achieve this.

[0003] When carrying out drilling work, it is common to set up the boring machine based on the planned drilling position (hole mouth), drilling angle, drilling length, etc., and then drill the hole with the bit at the tip while adding casing rods. However, hole bending can occur during drilling work, that is, while the hole is being drilled, and in that case, the finished shape of the borehole will naturally not be as planned. For example, if hole bending occurs during drilling work to install ground anchors, there is a risk of insufficient anchorage length being secured, or the borehole coming close to surrounding boreholes causing group effects (mutual interference of resistance areas in the ground), which can lead to undesirable situations.

[0004] Therefore, boreholes are usually measured as needed while they are being drilled. That is, the measured shape of the borehole is compared with the planned shape, and if there are any discrepancies with the plan, such as the hole being bent, the drilling angle is changed to make the necessary adjustments. Traditionally, the mainstream method for measuring boreholes while they are being drilled has been to use a probe. That is, a probe rod is inserted, the probe is pushed deep into the hole, and the path of the borehole is measured while the probe is being pulled up at a constant speed.

[0005] As such, the conventional method required that drilling work be interrupted for a certain period of time (approximately three hours) for measurement, and also required considerable costs for the labor costs associated with this work, as well as the cost of probes, etc. Furthermore, since it took about one to two days for the results of the measurement to be output, proceeding with drilling without waiting for the results could result in significant rework. Furthermore, for these reasons, it was considered difficult to inspect all boreholes with the conventional method, and it was common to conduct inspections after sampling a portion (for example, around 10%) of the boreholes. As a result, it was difficult to say that this method was sufficient in terms of ensuring quality.

[0006] Therefore, in recent years, technologies have been proposed to measure the shape of a borehole in real time while it is being drilled. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes a technology in which the drilling angle is measured using two GNSS sensors installed on a rod on the ground, and the path of the borehole is measured using a gyro sensor attached to a rod inside the hole. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-214902 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] When measuring underground, as with the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is desirable to grasp the measurement data in real time. By analyzing the measurement data received above ground, it is possible to quickly reflect the results in construction work. Wireless communication is considered as a way to send the measurement data obtained underground to the surface. However, wireless communication, including Bluetooth (registered trademark), tends to attenuate in environments surrounded by metal, concrete, ground, groundwater, etc., and therefore it has been generally believed that such environments should be avoided when using wireless communication.

[0009] Furthermore, in order to transmit data acquired underground to the surface, wireless communication means must be installed underground, but in this case, it is necessary to protect the wireless communication means from groundwater and vibrations and shocks associated with construction work (for example, drilling). Coating with resin is one way to protect the wireless communication means, but the stronger the resin, the shorter the communication distance (the distance over which measurement data can be transmitted) by the transmitting means 111 tends to be, so it is necessary to coat the wireless communication means with an appropriate type of resin.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems associated with the prior art, that is, to provide a data communication system and a data communication method that are capable of communicating data while protecting communication means from groundwater and the like. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The data communication system and data communication method of the present invention are based on an unprecedented idea in which the communication means is coated with a resin that simultaneously satisfies the requirements of "protecting the communication means" and "ensuring communication distance," and data is sent and received using the communication device formed thereby.

[0012] The data communication system of the present invention comprises two or more communication devices arranged at a distance from each other. The communication devices are formed by coating communication means for communicating data with an appropriate resin. The two or more communication devices then relay the data and transmit it to the destination.

[0013] The data communication system of the present invention may be one in which the communication device is formed from a resin selected with a focus on the "device strength" of the communication device and the "communication distance" over which the communication means can communicate data. More specifically, the device strength and communication distance are checked while changing the type of resin, and the communication means is coated with a resin whose device strength is within a predetermined allowable range and whose communication distance is within a predetermined allowable range. The allowable distance range is set based on the separation distance of the communication device.

[0014] In the data communication system of the present invention, the communication means may be coated with urethane resin.

[0015] The data communication system of the present invention may further include a "bend measurement means" that measures the degree of bending of the casing rod of the drilling machine. This bend measurement means is formed by attaching a bend sensor to an auxiliary member (e.g., a leaf spring) made of a material with higher rigidity than the bend sensor. In this case, the two or more communication devices include one transmitting device and one or more relay devices. Furthermore, the bend measurement means and the transmitting device are installed near the same joint (the joint of the casing rod), and the relay device is installed near the joint on the drilling machine side of the transmitting device. The transmitting device then transmits the measurement data acquired by the bend measurement means to the relay device.

[0016] The data communication method of the present invention is a method for communicating using a communication device in which communication means for communicating data are coated with a resin, and includes a confirmation step and a resin selection step. In the confirmation step, communication devices are formed using different types of resin, and then the device strength and communication distance are confirmed. In the resin selection step, a resin whose device strength is within a predetermined allowable strength range and whose communication distance is within a predetermined allowable distance range is selected. Data is then communicated using the communication device in which the communication means is coated with the resin selected in the resin selection step.

[0017] The data communication method of the present invention can also include a measurement means installation step, a transmission device installation step, a relay device installation step, and a measurement data transmission step. In the measurement means installation step, a bending measurement means is installed near the joint of the casing rod. In the transmission device installation step, a transmission device is installed near the joint associated with the bending measurement means. In the relay device installation step, a relay device is installed near the joint closer to the drilling machine than the transmitting device. In the measurement data transmission step, the transmission device transmits measurement data acquired by the bending measurement means to the relay device, and the relay device transmits the measurement data to a receiving terminal on the ground. In the measurement data transmission step, the receiving terminal receives the measurement data when a new casing rod is added during drilling by the drilling machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] The data communication system and data communication method of the present invention have the following advantages. (1) For example, even when a communication device is installed on a casing rod during drilling work, the device is coated with an appropriate resin, which protects it from vibrations, shocks, drilling water, etc. Also, communication devices can be protected from vibrations, shocks, drilling water, etc. during drilling of measurement devices. (2) Furthermore, since it is coated with an appropriate resin, data can be transmitted reliably via the communication means of the communication device. (3) By arranging two or more communication devices at a distance that corresponds to the performance of the coating resin, data acquired, for example, deep underground can be reliably transmitted to the surface. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a data communication system according to the present invention; [Figure 2] This is a graph showing the results of calculating the Bluetooth communication distance using three types of resin with different relative permittivity to the board's surroundings. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a schematic diagram of a situation in which a drilling machine is drilling holes to install ground anchors. [Figure 5] 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a borehole monitoring system utilizing the data communication system of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a model diagram showing each device included in the transmitting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a protective case having a bending measurement unit attached to the surface of the main body. [Figure 8] 10 is a side view showing a schematic view of an end-type protective case having a flange portion provided at the end of a main body portion being installed on a casing rod. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a side view showing a schematic view of an intermediate protective case having a flange provided in the middle of a main body portion being installed on a casing rod. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 1( a ) is a perspective view showing a schematic view of an end-type protective case attached to a casing rod, and FIG. 1( b ) is a perspective view showing a schematic view of an intermediate-type protective case attached to one of the casing rods. [Figure 11] (a) is a perspective view showing a schematic view of an inner tube that constitutes a double-tube type protective case, (b) is a perspective view showing a schematic view of an outer tube that constitutes a double-tube type protective case, and (c) is a perspective view showing the situation where the outer tube is inserted into the inner tube. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing an inner tube with a transmitting device attached to the slit. [Figure 13] (a) is a perspective view showing a schematic view of a transmitting device with a tapered rear side attached to a protective case, and (b) is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic view of a transmitting device with a tapered rear side attached to a protective case. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which a transmission protective case and a relay protective case are respectively installed at joints of a casing rod. [Figure 15] A schematic model of the central device connected to four drilling sites. [Figure 16] 1 is a flow diagram showing the main steps of the borehole monitoring method of the present invention. [Figure 17] 1 is a flow diagram illustrating the major steps of a method for monitoring a borehole while it is being drilled using a borehole monitoring system; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] An example of a data communication system and a data communication method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] 1. Bending measurement device First, the data communication system of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The data communication method of the present invention is generally a method of communicating data using the data communication system of the present invention. Therefore, the data communication system of the present invention will be described first, and then the data communication method of the present invention will be described.

[0022] 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a data communication system 100 according to the present invention. As shown in this figure, the data communication system 100 according to the present invention includes a transmitting device 110, and may further include a bending measurement means 120, a repeater device 130, and a receiving terminal 140. As will be described later, the transmitting device 110 and the repeater device 130 each have a transmitting means 111 coated with resin, and therefore the transmitting device 110 and the repeater device 130 will be collectively referred to as "communication devices."

[0023] The main elements constituting the data communication system 100 of the present invention will be explained below.

[0024] (sending device) The transmitting device 110 of the communication devices can be formed by coating the transmitting means 111 with resin, or by coating the transmitting means 111 and the transmitting power supply unit 112 with resin. As the transmitting means 111, for example, a communication module using Bluetooth (registered trademark) technology, as well as communication modules using various communication technologies, can be used. The transmitting power supply unit 112 is a means for supplying electricity to the transmitting means 111.

[0025] The transmitting device 110 coats the transmitting means 111 and the transmitting power supply 112 with resin to protect them from groundwater, vibrations during construction, and shocks, but some resins do not provide sufficient protection or may impair the communication function of the transmitting means 111. For example, room-temperature dipped rubber has drawbacks such as poor waterproofing and shock resistance, epoxy resin has low flexibility and is prone to cracking, and silicone rubber has gaps inside that cause condensation. Furthermore, the stronger the resin, the shorter the communication distance (the distance over which measurement data can be transmitted) of the transmitting means 111 tends to be, so the type of resin cannot be selected solely based on strength.

[0026] Therefore, it is desirable to coat the transmitting means 111 with a resin that has the ability to adequately protect the transmitting means 111 and that can ensure an appropriate communication distance by the transmitting means 111. In order to select such a resin, it is advisable to conduct a confirmation test in advance. For example, a test communication device (hereinafter simply referred to as a "test device") can be formed by coating the transmitting means 111 and the transmitting power supply unit 112 with different types of resin, and a test to confirm the performance of the test device (hereinafter simply referred to as a "performance test") and a test to confirm the communication distance of the test device (hereinafter simply referred to as a "communication test") can be conducted. Alternatively, instead of a confirmation test, the communication distance can be confirmed by performing a trial calculation (hereinafter simply referred to as a "communication trial calculation") based on the components of the test device.

[0027] The performance of the test device includes strength indicating impact resistance (hereinafter referred to as "device strength"), waterproofness, susceptibility to condensation, etc. Therefore, it is advisable to conduct a performance test to check some (or all) of these performances depending on the conditions under which the data communication system 100 of the present invention will be used.

[0028] It is known that wireless communications, including Bluetooth communications, are significantly attenuated and experience increased path loss in special environments, such as those made of metal or concrete. Path loss refers to the reduction in signal strength that occurs when radio waves propagate through the air. Path loss (path attenuation) naturally occurs over distance and is significantly affected by the environment in which the signal is transmitted. Therefore, it is desirable to perform communication tests and calculations based on the environment in which the data communication system 100 of the present invention will be used. For example, when using the data communication system 100 in a borehole, as described below, it is advisable to install a test device inside a casing rod or a casing rod penetrated underground, thereby performing communication tests tailored to the actual environment. Of course, when performing confirmation calculations, the communication distance is calculated based on the condition that the test device is installed inside a casing rod or a casing rod penetrated underground.

[0029] The results of the performance test and the communication test (communication calculation) are evaluated by comparing the test results with a predetermined tolerance range. For example, for a performance test, the minimum and maximum allowable device strength values ​​are defined as the "allowable strength range," the minimum and maximum allowable waterproof performance values ​​are defined as the "allowable waterproof range," and the minimum and maximum allowable condensation susceptibility values ​​are defined as the "allowable condensation range." These values ​​are then compared with the performance test results. On the other hand, for a communication test or communication calculation, the minimum and maximum allowable communication distance values ​​are defined as the "allowable communication range," and these values ​​are then compared with the communication test or communication calculation results. In this case, if the placement interval between the transmitting device 110 and the relay device 130 (described later) or between relay devices 130 is planned, the allowable communication range should be set according to the placement interval (i.e., the distance between the communication devices).

[0030] After the performance test and communication test (communication calculation) are performed, the test results are evaluated. For example, FIG. 2 shows the results of the communication calculation. Specifically, the Bluetooth communication distance was calculated using three types of resin with different relative dielectric constants relative to the board periphery. In this case, if the allowable communication range is set to 6.0 m to 9.0 m, a resin with a relative dielectric constant relative to the board periphery of 2.0 (in this case, urethane resin) is selected, at least for the communication calculation. However, ultimately, the test device is determined to be suitable if the results of the performance test fall within the allowable strength range, etc., and the results of the communication test (communication calculation) fall within the allowable communication range. The type of resin associated with the test device determined to be suitable is then used in the data communication system 100 of the present invention.

[0031] (Relay device) Among the communication devices, the relay device 130 can be formed by coating the relay means 131 with resin, similar to the transmitting device 110, or can be formed by coating the relay means 131 and the relay power supply unit 132 with resin in addition to the relay means 131. Of course, the resin used to coat the relay means 131 is the same type of resin as that used in the transmitting device 110. As with the transmitting means 111, the relay means 131 can be a communication module using Bluetooth technology or a communication module using various communication technologies. The relay power supply unit 132 is a means for supplying electricity to the relay means 131.

[0032] (Bending measurement means) FIG. 3 is a front view schematically illustrating the bending measurement means 120. As shown in this figure, the bending measurement means 120 includes a bending sensor 121. The bending sensor 121 is a measurement device that acquires the bending direction and angle by utilizing the principle that a change in the cross-sectional area of ​​a conductor also changes its electrical resistance. Conventionally, bending sensors 121 have been used primarily in the robotics and game industries, but in the present invention, the bending sensor 121 is applied to grasp the bending state of an object, such as a casing rod (described below). The bending measurement means 120 (bending sensor 121) measures the "bending direction" and "bending angle" of the object. For convenience, the measurement results (the orientation and angle of the object) acquired by the bending sensor 121 will be referred to as "measurement data."

[0033] The bending measurement means 120 can also be made up of two or more rows of bending sensors 121. For example, the bending measurement means 120 shown in Fig. 3 is made up of four rows of bending sensors 121 arranged at equal intervals. When the bending measurement means 120 is made up of multiple bending sensors 121, it is recommended that the measurement data acquired by the multiple bending sensors 121 be designed so that it is possible to identify which bending sensor 121 each data item comes from.

[0034] The bending sensor 121 is thin and strip-shaped, and is relatively easily deformed. Therefore, it is conceivable that it will react not only to bending of an object, but also to vibrations of other objects. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, it is preferable to configure the bending sensor 121 by attaching it to a leaf spring 122 made of a material (such as steel or resin) that is more rigid than the bending sensor 121. More specifically, the bending sensor 121 can be attached to a thin, strip-shaped leaf spring 122 that is wider than the bending sensor 121, and then attached to the leaf spring 122 by adhesive or the like. In addition to the leaf spring 122, the bending sensor 121 can also be attached to various "auxiliary materials" that are more rigid than the bending sensor 121.

[0035] Depending on the measurement environment of the bending measurement means 120, the bending measurement means 120 (bending sensor 121) may be exposed to groundwater or the like. In this case, it is preferable to cover the bending sensor 121 with a waterproof film 123 as shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, multiple rows of bending sensors 121 are attached to the surface of the waterproof film 123, or a set of bending sensors 121 and leaf springs 122 is attached. In this case, it is preferable to attach them in the order of bending sensors 121 to waterproof film 123, or bending sensors 121, leaf springs 122, and waterproof film 123.

[0036] (Example) The data communication system 100 of the present invention will be described in detail below using an example of measuring the degree of bending of a casing rod RD during drilling by a drilling machine BM, i.e., understanding the shape of an underground hole (i.e., a borehole) formed by drilling with the drilling machine BM. Figure 4 is a side view (cross-sectional view of the underground portion) that schematically illustrates a situation in which a boring machine (drilling machine BM) is drilling a hole to install a ground anchor. As shown in this figure, drilling with the drilling machine BM is a construction method in which a casing rod RD equipped with a bit BT perforates the ground, and a new casing rod RD is added once the casing rod RD at the tip has advanced a certain distance. A "joint JT" is formed at the point where the casing rods RD are connected. For example, in Figure 4, four casing rods RD are connected while drilling, resulting in the formation of joints JT at three locations.

[0037] 5 is a block diagram showing the main components of a borehole monitoring system 100S that utilizes the data communication system 100 of the present invention. As shown in this figure, the borehole monitoring system 100S is configured to include the data communication system 100 of the present invention (transmitting device 110), and can also be configured to include bending measurement means 120, a relay device 130, a receiving terminal 140, a protective case 150, etc.

[0038] The transmitting device 110 constituting the borehole monitoring system 100S can be formed by coating the transmitting means 111, the transmitting power supply 112, the gyro sensor 113, and other devices with resin, and similarly the repeater device 130 can be formed by coating the repeater means 131, the repeater power supply 132, and other devices with resin. The transmitting device 110 and the bending measurement means 120 are attached to the same protective case 150, and the repeater device 130 is attached to another protective case 150. For convenience, the protective case 150 to which the transmitting device 110 and the bending measurement means 120 are attached will be referred to as the "transmitting protective case 150M," and the protective case 150 to which the repeater device 130 is attached will be referred to as the "relay protective case 150R."

[0039] The receiving terminal 140 is equipped with a transmitting / receiving means 141, an analyzing means 142, and an output means 143. This receiving terminal 140 can be manufactured as a dedicated device, or a general-purpose computer device can be used. This computer device is equipped with a processor such as a CPU, memory such as ROM and RAM, input means such as a mouse and keyboard, and a display, and can be configured as a personal computer, a server, a tablet PC such as an iPad (registered trademark), a mobile terminal including a smartphone, etc. In other words, the processing of these various means is performed by causing the computer device to execute arithmetic processing using a predetermined program. Furthermore, the measurement data storage means 144 can also use the storage device of the receiving terminal 140.

[0040] Below, each of the main elements that make up the borehole monitoring system 100S will be explained.

[0041] (sending device) The transmitting device 110 constituting the borehole monitoring system 100S may include, as shown in FIG. 6, a resin-coated gyro sensor 113, a thermometer, an altimeter, an ADC (analog-to-digital converter), a potentiometer, a control device, and the like, in addition to the transmitting means 111 and the transmitting power supply 112 as described above. The gyro sensor 113 may be a conventionally used one. The transmitting power supply 112 supplies electricity to the transmitting means 111 and the bending sensor 121, and also supplies electricity to the gyro sensor 113, the thermometer, the altimeter, the ADC, the potentiometer, and the control device when the transmitting device 110 includes these devices. The ADC converts the measurement data acquired by the bending sensor 121 from analog to digital format. The potentiometer is a voltage divider that adjusts the voltage output of the bending sensor 121 circuit to accurately measure its potential, essentially calibrating the data value acquired by the bending sensor 121.

[0042] The control device controls the transmitting means 111, bending sensor 121, gyro sensor 113, thermometer, altimeter, ADC, potentiometer, etc., and records the measurement results obtained by the bending sensor 121 and gyro sensor 113 or processes them into data for transmission. For example, a general-purpose computer device (microcomputer device) can be used. In other words, the transmitting means 111 transmits measurement data that has been converted into digital format by the ADC and further processed for transmission by the control device. Note that while the measurement data has been described as results obtained by the bending sensor 121, if the transmitting device 110 includes the gyro sensor 113, the measurement results of the gyro sensor 113 are also included in the measurement data, and if the transmitting device 110 further includes a thermometer or altimeter, the measurement results of these sensors are also included in the measurement data. In other words, the measurement data includes at least the measurement results of the bending sensor 121, and may also include the measurement results of the gyro sensor 113, thermometer, and altimeter.

[0043] Incidentally, the transmitting means 111 and other parts are coated with resin to protect them from vibrations and impacts during drilling, as well as drilling water. In cases where the transmitting device 110 is installed inside a borehole, the inventors have conducted various experiments and found that urethane resin is suitable as a coating resin.

[0044] (Bending measurement device) The bending measurement means 120 constituting the borehole monitoring system 100S can be attached to a transmitting protective case 150M as described below, and this transmitting protective case 150M is installed at the joint JT of the casing rod RD. In other words, the bending sensor 121 included in the bending measurement means 120 is arranged near the joint JT, and therefore measures the bending state of the two casing rods RD connected at the joint JT. In other words, the bending sensor 121 measures the direction (orientation and angle) of one (e.g., front) casing rod RD relative to the other (e.g., rear) casing rod RD.

[0045] (protective case) The protective case 150 is made of resin or the like, and has a main body 153 and a flange 154 as shown in Fig. 7. Of these, the main body 153 is hollow and cylindrical, and the flange 154 is flange-shaped with a larger diameter than the main body 153. As shown in Fig. 7, the bending measurement means 120 is affixed to the surface of the main body 153, and the transmitting device 110 is attached to a part of the main body 153. The protective case 150 (transmitting protective case 150M) provided with the bending measurement means 120 and the transmitting device 110 is installed at the joint JT of the casing rod RD.

[0046] The protective case 150 can be configured as shown in Fig. 8 in which the flange 154 is provided at the end (the upper end in the figure) of the main body 153 (hereinafter referred to as "end-type protective case 150A"), or as shown in Fig. 9 in which the flange 154 is provided at the middle (approximately the center in the figure) of the main body 153 (hereinafter referred to as "middle-type protective case 150B") When installing the end-type protective case 150A on the casing rod RD, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 10(a), the main body 153 is inserted into one of the casing rods RD of two casing rods RD connected by a joint JT, and the flange 154 is engaged with the opening of the casing rod RD. On the other hand, when installing the intermediate protective case 150B on the casing rod RD, as shown in Figures 9 and 10(b), the main body 153 is inserted into each of the two casing rods RD connected by the joint JT, and the flange 154 is engaged with the opening of each casing rod RD. Note that Figure 10(a) is a perspective view that schematically shows the end-type protective case 150A installed on the casing rod RD, and Figure 10(b) is a perspective view that schematically shows the intermediate protective case 150B installed on one of the casing rods RD.

[0047] In this way, both the end type protective case 150A and the intermediate type protective case 150B are installed at the joint JT of the casing rod RD, which means that the bending sensor 121 is disposed near the joint JT, and as a result, the bending sensor 121 can measure the bending state of the two casing rods RD connected at the joint JT. Note that the diameter of the flange 154 should be designed to be equal to or slightly smaller than the threaded portion of the casing rod RD so as not to interfere with the connection of the casing rods RD.

[0048] The protective case 150 can be a single-tube type consisting of a main body 153 and a flange 154, or a double-tube type consisting of an inner tube 151 and an outer tube 152 as shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the double-tube type protective case 150, with (a) being a perspective view of the inner tube 151, (b) being a perspective view of the outer tube 152, and (c) being a perspective view showing the outer tube 152 being inserted onto the inner tube 151. As shown in this figure, the inner tube 151 constituting the double-tube type protective case 150 has a hollow cylindrical main body 153 and a flange 154 having a larger diameter than the main body 153. On the other hand, the outer tube 152 constituting the double-tube type protective case 150 is hollow cylindrical like the main body 153, and the hollow portion can accommodate the main body 153. 11 shows a double-tube end-type protective case 150A, but the intermediate-type protective case 150B can also be a double-tube type. In this case, a flange 154 is provided in the middle of the inner tube 151, and two outer tubes 152 are prepared to be inserted from above and below.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 11(a), the inner tube 151 (or the single-tube type protective case 150) may be formed with a "slit 155" by hollowing out a portion thereof. The transmitting device 110 is then attached to this slit 155 as shown in FIG. 12. Therefore, the slit 155 should be formed to match the size and shape of the transmitting device 110. If the inner tube 151 (or the single-tube type protective case 150) does not have a slit 155, the transmitting device 110 should be attached so that it fits into the hollow portion.

[0050] On the other hand, the bending measurement means 120 is affixed to the surface of the inner pipe 151 (or the single-pipe type protective case 150). For example, when using the bending measurement means 120 shown in Fig. 3, the bending sensor 121 can be positioned so that it is on the inside (the inner pipe 151 side), and then attached by wrapping it around the surface of the inner pipe 151. Then, as shown in Fig. 11(c), the outer pipe 152 is fitted onto the inner pipe 151 to which the bending measurement means 120 and the transmitting device 110 are attached, and the protective case 150 in this state is installed at the joint JT of the casing rod RD.

[0051] As described above, during drilling by the drilling machine BM, air and drilling water are sent to the bit BT, and the air and drilling water flow through the casing rod RD during drilling. On the other hand, if the protective case 150 equipped with the transmitting device 110 is attached to the casing rod RD, the transmitting device 110 may narrow the cross-section of the casing rod RD during drilling, preventing the air and drilling water from flowing through smoothly. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13 , it is recommended to machine the rear of the transmitting device 110 to have a tapered shape. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the transmitting device 110 with a tapered rear end. (a) is a perspective view showing the transmitting device 110 attached to the protective case 150, and (b) is a cross-sectional view. Similarly to the transmitting device 110, the rear inner circumferential surface of the protective case 150 can also be machined to have a tapered shape. This tapered shape allows the air and drilling water sent from the rear to flow smoothly through the casing rod RD.

[0052] (Relay device) The relay device 130 constituting the borehole monitoring system 100S is attached to a relay protective case 150R. This relay protective case 150R can be the single-tube type protective case 150 described above, or the double-tube type protective case 150, or it can be an end-type protective case 150A or an intermediate-type protective case 150B. When attaching the relay device 130 to the relay protective case 150R, as with the transmitting device 110, the slits 155 formed in the inner tube 151 or the single-tube type protective case 150 can be used, or the relay device 130 can be attached so as to fit into a hollow portion of the inner tube 151, etc.

[0053] 14 is a side view (cross-sectional view of the underground portion) that schematically shows a situation in which the transmitting protective case 150M and the relay protective case 150R are installed at the joint JT of the casing rod RD. As shown in this figure, the transmitting protective case 150M (i.e., the bending measurement means 120 and the transmitting device 110) is installed at the joint JT of the front casing rod RD, and the other relay protective case 150R (i.e., the relay device 130) is installed at the joint JT behind the transmitting protective case 150M.

[0054] In Fig. 14, in order to avoid the effects of vibrations caused by drilling, a transmitting protective case 150M is installed at the joint JT (second from the right in the figure) associated with the casing rod RD behind the casing rod RD on which the bit BT is attached, but depending on the situation, the transmitting protective case 150M can also be installed at the joint JT (first from the right in the figure) associated with the casing rod RD on which the bit BT is attached, or the transmitting protective case 150M can also be installed at other joints JT. Also, in this figure, relay protective cases 150R are installed at all joints JT behind the transmitting protective case 150M, but it is also possible to install relay protective cases 150R at every other joint JT (i.e., alternately installing and not installing) depending on the communication distance of the transmitting means 111 and relay means 131. In either case, the measurement data transmitted from the transmitting means 111 of the transmitting protective case 150M is received by the relay means 131 of the relay protective case 150R located immediately behind it, and is then relayed in sequence by the relay means 131 of the relay protective case 150R located further to the rear, before being delivered to the receiving terminal 140 on the ground.

[0055] (receiving terminal) The receiving terminal 140 constituting the borehole monitoring system 100S is configured to include the transmitting and receiving means 141, the analysis means 142, the output means 143, the measurement data storage means 144, etc., as described above, and can be a mobile terminal such as a tablet PC or a smartphone, or a personal computer. The transmitting and receiving means 141 constituting the receiving terminal 140 is capable of receiving measurement data transmitted from the relay means 131 (or the transmission means 111). The analysis means 142 determines the current borehole shape by performing spatial calculations using elements such as the received measurement data, the length of the casing rods RD, the current number of casing rods RD, and the drilling angle of the drilling machine BM. The analysis results (borehole shape) obtained by the analysis means 142 are displayed on the output means 143 and stored in the measurement data storage means 144.

[0056] The analysis means 142 and the measurement data storage means 144 can also be mounted on a central device as shown in Figure 15. Figure 15 is a model diagram that shows a schematic diagram of a central device connected to multiple (four in the figure) borehole construction sites. In the case shown in this figure, measurement data is transmitted from the receiving terminal 140 at each construction site to the central device, and the analysis means 142 of the central device that receives this data performs spatial calculations to obtain an analysis result (the finished shape of the borehole). The analysis result is then transmitted to the receiving terminal 140 at each construction site and displayed on the output means 143 of the receiving terminal 140. The analysis result by the analysis means 142 can be stored in the measurement data storage means 144 of the central device, or it can be stored in the measurement data storage means 144 of the receiving terminal 140.

[0057] 3. Data communication method Next, the data communication method of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The data communication method of the present invention is generally a method of communicating data using the data communication system 100 described above. Therefore, we will avoid any explanation that overlaps with the contents described for the data communication system 100, and will mainly describe the contents unique to the data communication method of the present invention. In other words, the contents not described here are the same as those described in "2. Data Communication System."

[0058] Fig. 16 is a flow diagram showing the main steps of the data communication method of the present invention. When communicating data using data communication system 100, the type of resin to be used to coat transmitting means 111 is first determined. To do this, a test device is formed as shown in Fig. 16, and then a performance test or communication test is conducted, or a communication trial calculation is conducted based on the components of the test device (Step 201 in Fig. 16). Then, if the results of the performance test fall within the allowable strength range, and the results of the communication test (communication trial calculation) fall within the allowable communication range, the test device is determined to be appropriate (Step 202 in Fig. 16). The transmitting means 111 is coated with the resin associated with the appropriate test device, i.e., transmitting device 110 is formed (Step 203 in Fig. 16).

[0059] (Example)

[0013] A method of monitoring a borehole being drilled using a borehole monitoring system 100S utilising the data communications system 100 of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 17. Figure 17 is a flow diagram showing the main steps of a method of monitoring a borehole being drilled using the borehole monitoring system 100S. To monitor a borehole being drilled using the borehole monitoring system 100S, first a protective case 150 is prepared as shown in Figure 17 (Step 301 in Figure 17). Specifically, a transmitting protective case 150M having the bending measurement means 120 and transmitting device 110 attached thereto, and a relay protective case 150R having the relay device 130 attached thereto are prepared.

[0060] Once the transmitter protective case 150M and the relay protective case 150R are prepared, the transmitter protective case 150M is installed in the rear opening of the casing rod RD, and the relay protective case 150R is installed in the rear opening of the casing rod RD (Step 302 in FIG. 17). Then, using the casing rod RD with the transmitter protective case 150M installed, the drilling machine BM proceeds with drilling (Step 303 in FIG. 17).

[0061] When the drilling has progressed to a certain extent (approximately the length of the casing rod RD), the casing rod RD with the relay protective case 150R installed is extended (Step 304 in FIG. 17). Incidentally, the transmitting means 111 of the transmitting device 110 and the relay means 131 of the relay device 130 can transmit measurement data at short intervals. However, since the rear end of the casing rod RD is closed during drilling by the drilling machine BM, the transmitting and receiving means 141 of the receiving terminal 140 is in an environment where it is difficult to receive measurement data. Therefore, when the casing rod RD is extended, that is, when the rear end of the casing rod RD is opened, the transmitting and receiving means 141 may receive measurement data (Step 305 in FIG. 17). At this time, the transmitting device 110 and the relay device 130 may store the measurement data for the period during which the transmitting and receiving means 141 was unable to receive data, and may transmit this measurement data collectively when the casing rod RD is extended.

[0062] When the transmitting and receiving means 141 receives the measurement data, the analysis means 142 of the receiving terminal 140 performs spatial calculations using the measurement data, the length of the casing rods RD, the current number of casing rods RD, the drilling angle of the drilling machine BM, etc., as elements to determine the current shape of the borehole (Step 306 in Figure 17). The analysis results obtained here (the shape of the borehole) are displayed on the output means 143 (Step 307 in Figure 17), and a worker or construction manager visually checks them and determines whether adjustments such as the drilling angle are necessary (Step 308 in Figure 17). Then, the series of steps consisting of drilling (Step 303 in Figure 17) to determining the adjustment (Step 308 in Figure 17) are repeated until the borehole reaches the planned length. [Industrial Applicability]

[0063] The data communication system and data communication method of the present invention can be particularly effectively used when wirelessly communicating data acquired in the ground, such as during ground surveys, boring work for installing ground anchors, or drilling work for constructing piles or improving the ground. The present invention enables highly accurate information-based construction, which in turn enables the construction of high-quality social infrastructure such as tunnel structures and foundation ground, and also enables appropriate disaster prevention measures for slopes, etc. Considering this, the present invention can be said to be not only applicable to industry but also to be expected to make a significant contribution to society. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 100 Data communication system of the present invention 110 Transmitting device (of a data communication system) 111 (Transmitting device) transmission means 112 Transmitting power supply (of transmitting device) 113 Gyro sensor (of sending device) 120 (Data communication system) bending measurement means 121 (bending measurement means) bending sensor 122 Leaf spring (for bending measurement) 123 Waterproof film (for bending measurement) 123 Transmitting power supply (of transmitting device) 130 Intermediate devices (in data communication systems) 131 (Relay device) relay means 132 (Relay device) relay power supply 140 Receiving terminal (of a data communication system) 141 (receiving terminal) sending and receiving means 142 (Receiving terminal) analysis means 143 (receiving terminal) output means 144 (receiving terminal) measurement data storage means 100S Borehole monitoring system using the bending measurement device of the present invention 150 Protective Case (for Borehole Monitoring Systems) 150A (among protective cases) edge-type protective case 150B (among protective cases) intermediate protective case 150M (out of protective case) transmission protective case 150R (among protective cases) Relay protective case 151 (protective case) inner tube 152 (protective case) outer tube 153 (Protective case) main body 154 (Protective case) flange 155 (Protective case) slit BM drilling machine BT Bit RD casing rod JT joint part

Claims

1. a communication device having a communication means for communicating data coated with resin, Two or more of the communication devices are arranged at a distance from each other, Two or more of the communication devices communicate the data while relaying the data. A data communication system comprising:

2. While changing the type of resin, the device strength, which is the strength of the communication device, and the communication distance over which the communication means can communicate the data are confirmed, and the communication means are coated with the resin whose device strength is within a predetermined allowable strength range and whose communication distance is within a predetermined allowable distance range; the acceptable distance range is set based on the separation of the communication devices; 2. The data communication system according to claim 1.

3. the resin coating the communication means is a urethane resin; 2. The data communication system according to claim 1.

4. Further provided is a bending measuring means for measuring the degree of bending of the casing rod of the drilling machine, the bending measurement means is formed by attaching a bending sensor to an auxiliary material made of a material having higher rigidity than the bending sensor, the two or more communication devices include a transmitting device and one or more relay devices; The bending measuring means and the transmitting device are installed near a joint portion of the same casing rod, the relay device is installed near the joint portion on the drilling machine side of the transmitting device, the transmitting device transmits the measurement data acquired by the bending measurement means to the relay device; 2. The data communication system according to claim 1.

5. A method of communicating using a communication device in which communication means for communicating data is coated with resin, comprising: a confirmation step of forming the communication device while changing the type of resin, and then confirming the device strength, which is the strength of the communication device, and confirming the communication distance over which the communication means can communicate the data; a resin selection step of selecting the resin such that the device strength is within a predetermined allowable strength range and the communication distance is within a predetermined allowable distance range, communicating the data through the communication device in which the communication means is coated with the resin selected in the resin selection step; A data communication method comprising:

6. the communication devices include one transmitting device and one or more relay devices; a measuring means installation step of installing a bending measuring means for measuring the degree of bending of a casing rod of a drilling machine in the vicinity of a joint portion of the casing rod; a transmitting device installation step of installing the transmitting device in the vicinity of the joint portion associated with the bending measurement means; a relay device installation step of installing the relay device near the joint portion on the drilling machine side of the transmitting device; a measurement data transmitting step in which the transmitting device transmits the measurement data acquired by the bending measurement means to the repeater device, and the repeater device transmits the measurement data to a receiving terminal on the ground, In the measurement data transmission step, the receiving terminal receives the measurement data when a new casing rod is added during drilling by the drilling machine.

6. The data communication method according to claim 5.

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