Detonation system and detonation method

Abstract

There is a need for a detonation system that enhances the safety of blasting while also preventing detonators from failing to detonate by ensuring they reliably receive the detonation signal via radio. [Solution] The detonation system 1 detonates a detonator 10 installed on the face 41 of the target to be blasted. The detonation system 1 has an blaster 3 and a relay device 20. The blaster 3 transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times. The detonation signal includes delay information regarding the delay time. The relay device 20 relays the detonation signal from the blaster 3 to the detonator 10. The detonator 10 has a memory unit 12c, a calculation unit 12d, and an ignition unit 12b. The memory unit 12c stores the preparation time. The calculation unit 12d calculates the detonation time by adding the delay time to the preparation time. The ignition unit 12b ignites when the time started when the detonation signal was received reaches the detonation time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a detonation system used at, for example, an excavation site such as a tunnel, a crushing site such as a rock, or a crushing site of a structure such as a building, and a detonation method using the detonation system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a detonation system used in blasting operations at, for example, an excavation site of a tunnel. A plurality of charging holes are formed in the face to be blasted. The charging holes are formed, for example, with a substantially circular opening having a diameter of several centimeters and a depth of several meters. In each charging hole, a detonator is inserted on the inner side, and explosive is inserted on the front side of the detonator. The blaster is installed at a remote location away from the face. The blaster transmits a detonation signal to the detonator in the charging hole. A relay device is provided between the blaster and the detonator. A detonation signal is wirelessly sent from the blaster to each detonator via the relay device. Thereby, the electric detonator of the detonator is ignited and the explosive is detonated.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, the relay device for the conventional detonation system transmits a detonation signal to each detonator only once via the relay device from the blaster. The detonation signal includes information on the delay time. Each detonator stores a preparation time that is individually given in advance and different for each detonator. After receiving the detonation signal, each detonator ignites the electric detonator at a time obtained by adding the preparation time to the delay time. Thereby, each detonator can be detonated at a different detonation time, and the object to be blasted can be efficiently blasted.

[0004] With conventional systems that transmit a detonation signal only once, there is a possibility that the detonator may fail to receive the signal, resulting in a misdetonation. For example, the antenna of a relay device is installed in a fixed position and at a specific angle. Similarly, the antenna of the detonator is also fixed in a specific position and at a specific angle within the propellant hole. Therefore, when the relay device's antenna transmits a detonation signal, the generated magnetic field is determined to have a predetermined distribution. Depending on the position of the detonator, the magnetic field may not be detected, resulting in a failure to receive the detonation signal. To reduce the running costs of the detonator and to prevent the detonator and propellant hole from becoming larger, it is desirable to have a compact, single-axis antenna for the detonator. Therefore, there was room for improvement to suppress misdetonation of the detonator. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 014530 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a detonation system that enhances the safety of blasting while ensuring that the detonator reliably receives the detonation signal via radio, thereby preventing the detonator from failing to detonate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One feature of this disclosure relates to a detonation system for detonating a detonator installed on a target to be blasted. The detonation system comprises an blaster and a relay device. The blaster transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times. The detonation signal includes delay information regarding the delay time. The relay device relays the detonation signal from the blaster to the detonator. The detonator comprises a memory unit, a calculation unit, and an ignition unit. The memory unit stores the preparation time. The calculation unit calculates the detonation time by adding the delay time to the preparation time. The ignition unit ignites when the time started when the detonation signal was received reaches the detonation time.

[0008] Therefore, the detonator can be detonated wirelessly by transmitting a detonation signal from the blaster to the detonator via a relay device, without a person having to approach the target. This increases the safety of the blasting. By transmitting the detonation signal multiple times, the detonator can be reliably received by receiving at least one of the signals, suppressing the possibility of the detonator failing to detonate. Furthermore, by changing the delay time for each detonation signal, the detonator can be detonated at the same time regardless of which signal it receives. This allows the target to be blasted exactly as intended.

[0009] According to other features of this disclosure, the blaster transmits delay information such that the delay time decreases as the time of transmission of the detonation signal decreases. Therefore, by shortening the delay time as the time of transmission of the detonation signal decreases, the detonator can be detonated more reliably at the same detonation time regardless of when it receives the detonation signal.

[0010] According to other features of this disclosure, multiple detonators are installed on the target to be blasted. The memory of each detonator stores different preparation times. Therefore, the time from receiving the detonation signal until the delay time has elapsed, in other words, the preparation start time when the preparation time count begins, is the same for all of the multiple detonators. Moreover, the preparation start time can be made the same regardless of which of the multiple detonation signals is received. The preparation time for each detonator is different from each other, for example, depending on the location of the target to be blasted. Each detonator detonates when its respective preparation time has elapsed from the preparation start time. This allows the target to be blasted efficiently and as intended. Thus, by using multiple detonation signals, transmission omissions can be suppressed and each detonator can be detonated at the appropriate time.

[0011] According to other features of this disclosure, the relay device has a downstream transmitter that transmits a downstream detonation signal. The downstream transmitter transmits a first downstream detonation signal as a downstream detonation signal at a first position or in a first orientation. The downstream transmitter is configured to be movable from the first position to a second position or to change orientation from a first orientation to a second orientation. The downstream transmitter transmits a second downstream detonation signal as a downstream detonation signal at a second position or in a second orientation. Thus, the downstream transmitter is moved to multiple positions or changed orientations to transmit downstream detonation signals. By transmitting downstream detonation signals multiple times from the downstream transmitter and by moving or changing the orientation of the downstream transmitter, the downstream detonation signals can be transmitted more reliably to each detonator located at multiple positions on the blasting target.

[0012] According to other features of this disclosure, the relay device includes a movable or reorientable movement mechanism. Therefore, the relay device can transmit a downstream detonation signal from the downstream transmitter to the detonator when it is moved to a predetermined position or facing a predetermined direction by the movement mechanism, or while it is being moved or reoriented by the movement mechanism. By moving the relay device and transmitting the downstream detonation signal in parallel, the working time can be reduced.

[0013] Another feature of this disclosure relates to the detonation method of a detonator installed on a target to be blasted. An blaster, located some distance from the target, transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times. The detonation signal includes delay information, which is a delay time that decreases each time the detonation signal is transmitted. A relay device wirelessly relays the detonation signal to the detonator. The calculation unit of the detonator calculates the detonation time based on the delay time included in the delay information. The ignition unit of the detonator detonates at the detonation time.

[0014] Therefore, the detonator can be detonated wirelessly by transmitting a detonation signal from the blaster to the detonator via a relay device, without a person having to approach the target. This increases the safety of the blasting. By transmitting the detonation signal multiple times, the detonator can reliably receive one of the signals, suppressing the possibility of the detonator failing to detonate. Moreover, the delay time included in each detonation signal decreases with each transmission. Therefore, the detonator can detonate with the same detonation time regardless of which detonation signal it receives. This allows the target to be blasted exactly as intended.

[0015] According to other features of this disclosure, the detonator calculation unit calculates the detonation time by adding a delay time to the preparation time stored in the detonator memory unit. Therefore, the preparation start time for counting the preparation time can be set to be the same for multiple detonators. Moreover, the preparation start time can be set to be the same regardless of which of the multiple detonation signals is received. The preparation time stored in each detonator is different from one another, for example, depending on the location of the target to be blasted. Each detonator detonates when the respective preparation time has elapsed from the preparation start time. This allows the target to be blasted efficiently and as intended. Thus, by using multiple detonation signals, transmission omissions can be suppressed and each detonator can be detonated at the appropriate detonation time. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the detonation system according to the first embodiment and a schematic diagram of the tunnel excavation site. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the relay device. [Figure 3] This is a side view of the relay unit with the downstream transmitter removed. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram of the detonation system. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart showing the detonation process in a detonation system. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the detonation times of detonators corresponding to multiple downstream detonation signals. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the overall configuration of the detonation system and a schematic diagram of the tunnel excavation site according to the second embodiment.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] The first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The same reference numerals in the description mean the same elements having the same functions without redundant description. The detonating system 1 is used to detonate the explosive 2 to excavate or crush structures such as tunnels, seabeds, rocks, buildings, etc. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the excavation site of the tunnel 40 will be described as an example. At the inner part of the tunnel 40, a face (heading face) 41 to be blasted stands upright in the vertical direction. A plurality of charging holes 41a are provided in the face 41 at predetermined intervals in the vertical and horizontal directions. The charging holes 41a extend linearly along the plane normal direction of the face 41. The charging holes 41a are drilled to a depth of several meters, for example, in a circular shape with a diameter of 30 mm to 100 mm.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, each charging hole 41a is loaded with a cylindrical detonator 10 and a plurality of cylindrical explosives 2. The detonator 10 is loaded into the inner side of the charging hole 41a with the electric detonator 13 facing the front side. The plurality of explosives 2 are loaded on the front side of the detonator 10. The innermost explosive 2 adjacent to the detonator 10 is the parent die 2a into which the electric detonator 13 is inserted. The parent die 2a is ignited and detonated by the electric detonator 13. On the front side of the parent die 2a, a plurality of booster dies 2b are arranged along the charging hole 41a. The plurality of booster dies 2b are detonated in a chain reaction by the detonation of the parent die 2a. The entrance of the charging hole 41a in front of the explosive 2 is sealed with a sealing member 41b such as clay. Although only the structure within one charging hole 41a is described in detail in FIGS. 1 and 4 for convenience of explanation, the same structure is provided in other charging holes 41a.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the detonating system 1 has a blasting machine 3 that transmits a detonating signal or the like. The blasting machine 3 is used, for example, at a position sufficiently separated from the face 41 by about 100 m to 1000 m. The blasting machine 3 has an antenna 3a capable of transmitting a radio signal in the UHF band (300 MHz to 3 GHz), for example. The blasting machine 3 has an input unit 3b capable of performing an input operation for transmitting a detonating signal.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 4, the detonator 3 has an electronic circuit 3c electrically connected to the antenna 3a and the input unit 3b. The electronic circuit 3c is equipped with a calculation unit 3d and a timer circuit 3e. The calculation unit 3d calculates the delay time of the delay information to be given to the detonation signal based on the input signal from the input unit 3b and the time counted by the timer circuit 3e. The antenna 3a transmits the detonation signal with the delay information multiple times. The delay time is different for each detonation signal. For example, the longer the time counted by the timer circuit 3e, the shorter the calculated delay time of each detonation signal.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 1, the detonation system 1 has a controller 4 capable of remotely operating a flying object 30 to be described later. The controller 4 is used in the vicinity of the detonator 3 and is used, for example, at a position sufficiently separated by about 100 m to 1000 m from the front face 41. The controller 4 has an antenna 4a for transmitting and receiving radio signals of a frequency different from that of the detonator 3, for example, in the 2.4 GHz band. The controller 4 has an input unit 4b capable of manually operating the flying object 30 or inputting a program for automatic control. Based on the input of the input unit 4b, a radio signal is transmitted from the antenna 4a. The controller 4 has an output unit 4c capable of displaying the signal received by the antenna 4a. The signal received by the antenna 4a is, for example, the photographed image of a camera mounted on the flying object 30.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the detonating fuse 10 has a cylindrical main body tube 11. The main body tube 11 is provided with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the charge hole 41a. As shown in FIG. 4, an electronic circuit 12, an electric detonator 13, and an antenna 14 are accommodated in the main body tube 11. The electronic circuit 12 is provided with a capacitor 12a for storing power for driving and detonation. The electronic circuit 12 is provided with an ignition unit 12b electrically connected to the electric detonator 13. After the electronic circuit 12 receives the detonation signal via the antenna 14, at a predetermined detonation time, the ignition unit 12b supplies power from the capacitor 12a to the electric detonator 13. Thereby, the electric detonator 13 ignites and detonates the explosive 2.

[0023] As shown in Figure 1, the antenna 14 is formed into a coil shape by being wound in an annular shape around the axis K, which is the extension direction of the main cylinder 11. The axis K extends in the direction of the propellant hole 41a, which is substantially perpendicular to the working face 41. The antenna 14 transmits and receives radio signals at frequencies with good penetration into rock, for example, 1 kHz to 500 kHz. The antenna 14 also serves as a receiving coil that receives electrical energy wirelessly. The antenna 14 receives electrical energy at frequencies of 1 kHz to 500 kHz from a separately prepared power supply device. The antenna 14 receives electrical energy immediately before or after loading the detonator 10 into the propellant hole 41a.

[0024] As shown in Figure 4, the electronic circuit 12 is equipped with a memory unit 12c, a calculation unit 12d, and a timer circuit 12e. The memory unit 12c stores a pre-set preparation time for each detonator 10. The preparation time is set to be shorter for detonators 10 closer to the center of the face 41 and longer for detonators 10 closer to the ends. The calculation unit 12d calculates the detonation time by adding the preparation time stored in the memory unit 12c to the delay time of the delay information included in the detonation signal received by the antenna 14. The timer circuit 12e counts the detonation time calculated by the calculation unit 12d and then transmits a signal to the ignition unit 12b. The timer circuit 12e counts the detonation time related to any of the multiple detonation signals, for example, it counts the detonation time related to the last detonation signal that was successfully received. After receiving the signal from the timer circuit 12e, the ignition unit 12b supplies power to the electric detonator 13.

[0025] As shown in Figure 1, the detonation system 1 has a relay device (relay device for detonation system) 20 that relays the transmission of detonation signals from the blaster 3 to multiple detonators 10. As shown in Figure 2, the relay device 20 has a box-shaped relay device body 21 mounted on the top of the flying body 30. The relay device body 21 is equipped with an upstream receiver 23, which is a rod-shaped upright antenna. As shown in Figure 4, the upstream receiver 23 is electrically connected to a control circuit 22 inside the relay device body 21. The upstream receiver 23 receives the radio detonation signal from the antenna 3a of the blaster 3 at a frequency of, for example, 300 MHz to 3 GHz. The analog detonation signal received by the upstream receiver 23 is detected and output as a digital signal to the control circuit 22.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the relay device 20 has a downstream transmitter 24 at the bottom of the aircraft 30. The downstream transmitter 24 is an annular antenna extending around the axis of the first axis J1. The first axis J1 extends approximately horizontally, for example, when the aircraft 30 is stationary in the air. As shown in Figure 4, the downstream transmitter 24 is electrically connected to a control circuit 22 in the relay device body 21. The detonation signal received by the upstream receiver 23 is transmitted to the downstream transmitter 24 via the control circuit 22. The digital detonation signal transmitted by the control circuit 22 is modulated into an analog signal and output to the downstream transmitter 24. The downstream transmitter 24 wirelessly transmits the detonation signal to each detonator 10 at a frequency of, for example, 1 kHz to 500 kHz, more preferably 30 kHz to 300 kHz.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, the downstream transmitter 24 has a coil 24a. The coil 24a is provided in an annular shape, for example, with a diameter of 300 mm to 1500 mm. The number of turns in which the coil 24a is wound is, for example, 3 to 30. The downstream transmitter 24 has an annular and tubular frame member 24c with approximately the same diameter as the coil 24a. The coil 24a is inserted into the frame member 24c and wound around it. The coil 24a maintains its annular shape by being held by the annular frame member 24c. This suppresses changes in impedance in the circuit including the coil 24a. The frame member 24c is formed from an insulating material such as synthetic resin or a wooden frame. In the case of a wooden frame, for example, the coil may be wound in a square shape around the outer circumference of a cross shape made of two rods, or the coil may be wound in a hexagonal shape around the outer circumference of a shape made of three intersecting rods.

[0028] As shown in Figure 3, the downstream transmitter 24 is detachable from the underside of the aircraft 30. The downstream transmitter 24 is provided with a connection part 24b. The connection part 24b is provided with a connection terminal that is electrically connected to the coil 24a. The downstream transmitter 24 is mounted on the underside of the aircraft 30 in a position with the connection part 24b facing upwards. At this time, the coil 24a and the control circuit of the relay device body 21 (see Figure 4) are electrically connected via the connection part 24b.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the flying body 30 is integrated with the relay device body 21. The flying body 30 is a remotely controlled flying device, commonly known as a drone. The flying body 30 is a movable mechanism that can move the relay device 20 to any position and orientation. The flying body 30 has multiple rotors 31, for example, four rotors 31. Each rotor 31 rotates by the drive of a rotor motor 31a. By rotating the multiple rotors 31, the relay device 20, including the flying body 30, can be flown and stationary in any position and orientation in the air. As shown in Figure 3, a holding mechanism 33 consisting of a pair of movable arms is provided at the bottom of the flying body 30. The holding mechanism 33 detachably holds the connection part 24b of the downstream transmitter 24. The holding mechanism 33 can hold the connection part 24b of the downstream transmitter 24 by rotating inward by a holding motor 33a (see Figure 4). The holding mechanism 33 can release the connection portion 24b of the downstream transmitter 24 by rotating outward with the holding motor 33a.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, the aircraft 30 is equipped with a control transceiver 32 that can wirelessly transmit and receive signals from the antenna 4a of the control unit 4. The control transceiver 32 transmits and receives wireless signals, for example, in the 2.4GHz band. The aircraft 30 is mounted on a controller 34. The controller 34 is electrically connected to the rotor motor 31a, the holding motor 33a, and the control transceiver 32. The controller 34 drives the rotor motor 31a or the holding motor 33a based on the operation signals received by the control transceiver 32 from the control unit 4. This rotates the rotor 31 (see Figure 1) and allows the relay device 20, including the aircraft 30, to fly. It also drives the holding mechanism 33 to attach and detach the downstream transmitter 24. The relay device 20 is equipped with a power supply 25 that supplies power to the relay device body 21 and the various structures of the aircraft 30.

[0031] Referring to Figures 4 and 6, the delay information of the delay time included in each detonation signal and the detonation time for each detonator 10 will be explained. An example will be given in the case where four upstream and downstream detonation signals are transmitted, from the first to the fourth. The blaster 3 transmits the first upstream detonation signal at time t0. The first delay time D1 included in the first upstream and downstream detonation signal is the time from time t0 to a predetermined time td. The blaster 3 transmits the second upstream detonation signal after the first transmission time difference E1 has elapsed from time t0. The second delay time D2 included in the second upstream and downstream detonation signal is the time obtained by subtracting the first transmission time difference E1 from the first delay time D1.

[0032] The blaster 3 transmits a third upstream detonation signal after a second transmission time difference E2 has elapsed from time t0. The third delay time D3 included in the third upstream / downstream detonation signal is the time obtained by subtracting the second transmission time difference E2 from the first delay time D1. The blaster 3 transmits a fourth upstream detonation signal after a third transmission time difference E3 has elapsed from time t0. The fourth delay time D4 included in the fourth upstream / downstream detonation signal is the time obtained by subtracting the third transmission time difference E3 from the first delay time D1. The initial first delay time D1 and the final fourth delay time D4 are set so that the relay device 20 can be moved from the vicinity of the working face 41 to the vicinity of the blaster 3 between the time the detonator 10 receives the final fourth downstream detonation signal and time td. In other words, the relay device 20 moves from the vicinity of the tunnel face 41 to the vicinity of the blaster 3 during the fourth delay time D4, which is obtained by subtracting the third transmission time difference E3 from the first delay time D1.

[0033] Therefore, regardless of which of the first to fourth downstream detonation signals a detonator 10 receives, time td becomes the end time of the delay time or the start time of the preparation time. This is the same for all detonator 10s. Each detonator 10 stores different preparation times P1 to P5. The first detonator 10 detonates with a detonation time equal to time td plus preparation time P1. Similarly, the second, third, fourth, and fifth detonator 10 detonate with a detonation time equal to time td plus preparation times P2, P3, P4, and P5, respectively. Therefore, each detonator 10 detonates with the same detonation time regardless of which of the first to fourth downstream detonation signals it receives.

[0034] Referring to Figures 1-6, a series of operations will be described in which a detonation signal is transmitted from the blaster 3 to multiple detonators 10 via the relay device 20. First, the aircraft 30 is flown in the vicinity of the blaster 3 and the control unit 4 with the downstream transmitter 24 detached. The holding mechanism 33 of the aircraft 30 is driven to hold the connection part 24b of the downstream transmitter 24 (step 01 in Figure 5; hereinafter referred to as S01). The downstream transmitter 24 is electrically connected to the relay device body 21. The operation proceeds to transmit the first upstream / downstream detonation signal with n=1 (S02). The aircraft 30 is moved remotely together with the relay device 20 to a first position near the face 41 and stopped, or stopped in a first orientation near the face 41 (S03). The first orientation is, for example, a posture in which the axis K of the detonator 10 and the first axis J1 of the coil 24a are approximately parallel.

[0035] The antenna 3a of the blaster 3 transmits a first upstream detonation signal including first delay information (S04). The first delay time D1 included in the first delay information is calculated by the calculation unit 3d. The upstream receiver 23 of the relay device 20 receives the first upstream detonation signal (S05). The downstream transmitter 24 of the relay device 20 transmits a first downstream detonation signal including first delay information (S06).

[0036] The antennas 14 of each detonator 10 in the propellant hole 41a receive the first downstream detonation signal (S07). If the antennas 14 of the detonator 10 successfully receive the first downstream detonation signal, the calculation unit 12d of the detonator 10 calculates the first detonation time by adding the first delay time D1 included in the first delay information and the preparation time stored in the storage unit 12c (S08). If the antennas 14 of the detonator 10 fail to receive the first downstream detonation signal, the detonator 10 remains in a waiting state until it successfully receives subsequent downstream detonation signals. After step S08, the timer circuit 12e of the detonator 10 counts the first detonation time (S09).

[0037] Next, 1 is added to n and the operation to transmit the second upstream / downstream detonation signal is initiated (S10). If n becomes greater than or equal to nmax (for example, 4 in Figure 6) when 1 is added to n, the operation proceeds to S12. If n is less than nmax, the process returns to S03. The aircraft 30 is moved together with the relay device 20 to a second position near the face 41 and brought to rest, or brought to rest in a second orientation near the face 41 (S03). The second position, third position, fourth position, etc. are, for example, positions moved along the face 41 from the first position. The second position, third position, fourth position, etc. are, for example, positions that gradually move away from the face 41 starting from the first position. The second orientation, third orientation, fourth orientation, etc. are, for example, orientations obtained by changing the direction of the first axis J1 of the coil 24a horizontally at predetermined angular intervals from the first orientation. The predetermined angle intervals are, for example, 120°, 90°, 60°, 45°, etc. The predetermined angle intervals do not have to be uniform; they may be uneven.

[0038] The antenna 3a of the blaster 3 transmits a second upstream detonation signal containing second delay information (S04). The second delay time D2 included in the second delay information is calculated by the calculation unit 3d as the time obtained by subtracting the first transmission time difference E1, which is the time from the first upstream detonation signal to the transmission of the second upstream detonation signal, from the first delay time D1. Thereafter, steps S03 to S10 are repeated until n is greater than or equal to nmax. In S09, the timer circuit 12e of the detonator 10 counts the nth detonation time related to the last successfully received nth downstream detonation signal.

[0039] When n is greater than or equal to nmax, the aircraft 30, together with the relay device 20, flies remotely to the vicinity of the blaster 3 from the face or the face surface 41 which is the target of blasting (S12). The downstream transmitter 24 can be removed while the evacuated aircraft 30 is stationary in the air. This prevents the downstream transmitter 24 from interfering with the landing of the aircraft 30, allowing the aircraft 30 to land stably. After the timer circuit 12e of each detonator 10 counts the detonation time, the ignition unit 12b supplies power to the electric detonator 13 (S13). The electric detonator 13 detonates the explosive 2 from the back of the propellant hole 41a in the order of the main die 2a and then the auxiliary die 2b (S14).

[0040] As described above, the detonation system 1 detonates a detonator 10 installed on the face 41 of the target to be blasted, as shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5. The detonation system 1 includes an blaster 3 and a relay device 20. The blaster 3 transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times. The detonation signal includes delay information regarding the delay time. The relay device 20 relays the detonation signal from the blaster 3 to the detonator 10. The detonator 10 includes a memory unit 12c, a calculation unit 12d, and an ignition unit 12b. The memory unit 12c stores the preparation time. The calculation unit 12d calculates the detonation time by adding the delay time to the preparation time (see Figure 6). The ignition unit 12b ignites when the time started when the detonation signal was received reaches the detonation time.

[0041] Therefore, the detonator can be detonated wirelessly by transmitting a detonation signal from the blaster 3 to the detonator 10 via the relay device 20 without a person having to approach the tunnel face 41. This enhances the safety of the blasting. By transmitting the detonation signal multiple times, the detonator 10 can reliably receive one of the detonation signals, suppressing the possibility of the detonator 10 failing to detonate. Furthermore, by changing the delay time for each detonation signal, the detonator 10 can detonate at the same time regardless of which detonation signal it receives. This allows the tunnel face 41 to be blasted as intended.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4-6, the blaster 3 transmits delay information such that the delay time decreases as the detonation signal is transmitted later. Therefore, by shortening the delay time as the detonation signal is transmitted later, the detonator 10 can be detonated more reliably at the same detonation time regardless of which detonation signal it receives.

[0043] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, multiple detonators 10 are installed on the tunnel face 41. The memory unit 12c of each detonator 10 stores different preparation times (see Figure 6). Therefore, the time from receiving the detonation signal until the delay time has elapsed, in other words, the preparation start time (time td in Figure 6) when the preparation time is counted, is the same for all of the multiple detonators 10. Moreover, the preparation start time can be made the same regardless of which of the multiple detonation signals is received. The preparation time for each detonator 10 is different from each other, for example, depending on the location on the tunnel face 41. Each detonator 10 detonates when its respective preparation time has elapsed from the preparation start time. This allows the tunnel face 41 to be blasted efficiently and as intended. Thus, by using multiple detonation signals, transmission omissions can be suppressed and each detonator 10 can be detonated at the appropriate time.

[0044] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, the relay device 20 has a downstream transmitter 24 that transmits a downstream detonation signal. The downstream transmitter 24 transmits a first downstream detonation signal as a downstream detonation signal at a first position or in a first orientation. The downstream transmitter 24 is configured to be movable from the first position to a second position or to change orientation from a first orientation to a second orientation. The downstream transmitter 24 transmits a second downstream detonation signal as a downstream detonation signal at a second position or in a second orientation. Therefore, the downstream transmitter 24 is moved to multiple positions or its orientation is changed to transmit the downstream detonation signal. By transmitting the downstream detonation signal multiple times from the downstream transmitter 24 and by moving or changing the orientation of the downstream transmitter 24, the downstream detonation signal can be transmitted more reliably to each detonator 10 located at multiple positions on the face 41.

[0045] As shown in Figures 1 and 4, the relay device 20 is equipped with a movable or reorientable flying body (movement mechanism) 30. Therefore, the relay device 20 can transmit a downstream detonation signal from the downstream transmitter 24 to the detonator 10 at the time the flying body 30 moves to a predetermined position or faces a predetermined direction, or while the flying body 30 is moving or changing direction. By moving the relay device 20 and transmitting the downstream detonation signal in parallel, the working time can be shortened.

[0046] As shown in Figures 1, 4, and 5, in the detonation method for a detonator 10 installed on the face 41, a blaster 3 located away from the face 41 transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times. The detonation signal includes delay information, which is a delay time that decreases each time a detonation signal is transmitted. A relay device 20 wirelessly relays the detonation signal to the detonator 10. The calculation unit 12d of the detonator 10 calculates the detonation time based on the delay time included in the delay information. The ignition unit 12b of the detonator 10 detonates at the detonation time.

[0047] Therefore, the detonator can be detonated wirelessly by transmitting a detonation signal from the blaster 3 to the detonator 10 via the relay device 20 without a person having to approach the tunnel face 41. This enhances the safety of the blasting. By transmitting the detonation signal multiple times, the detonator 10 can reliably receive one of the detonation signals, suppressing the possibility of the detonator 10 failing to detonate. Moreover, the delay time included in each detonation signal decreases with each transmission. Therefore, the detonator 10 can detonate with the same detonation time regardless of which detonation signal it receives. This allows the tunnel face 41 to be blasted as intended.

[0048] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the calculation unit 12d of the detonator 10 calculates the detonation time by adding a delay time to the preparation time stored in the memory unit 12c of the detonator 10. Therefore, the preparation start time at which the preparation time count begins can be set to be the same for multiple detonators 10. Moreover, the preparation start time can be set to be the same regardless of which of the multiple detonation signals is received. The preparation time stored in each detonator 10 is different from each other, for example, for each position on the tunnel face 41. Each detonator 10 detonates when the respective preparation time has elapsed from the preparation start time. This allows the tunnel face 41 to be blasted efficiently and as intended. In this way, the detonator 10 can be detonated at the appropriate time while suppressing transmission omissions by using multiple detonation signals.

[0049] Other embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figure 7. The detonation system 50 of the second embodiment has a relay device 51 instead of the relay device 20 shown in Figure 1. The relay device 51 has an upstream receiver 52 and a downstream transmitter 53 instead of the upstream receiver 23 and downstream transmitter 24 shown in Figure 1. The upstream receiver 52 is a rod-shaped antenna having a structure similar to that of the upstream receiver 23. The upstream receiver 52 receives the upstream detonation signal from the antenna 3a of the blaster 3, and the downstream transmitter 53 is an annular antenna with a coil inside, similar to the downstream transmitter 24. The downstream transmitter 53 transmits the downstream detonation signal to the antenna 14 of the detonator 10. In the following description, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0050] As shown in Figure 7, the relay device 51 is installed on the ground near the tunnel face 41. The relay device 51 has a movable mechanism 54 that can change the orientation of the downstream transmitter 53. The movable mechanism 54 has a lower support part 54a and an upper rotating shaft 54b. The support part 54a supports the rotating shaft 54b, which stands upright, so that it can rotate horizontally. The downstream transmitter 53 is mounted on the upper part of the rotating shaft 54b. The coil of the downstream transmitter 53 is wound around the axis of the first shaft J1, which extends substantially horizontally. By rotating the rotating shaft 54b around its axis, the extension direction of the first shaft J1 is changed with respect to the extension direction of the axis K of the detonator 10. This allows the downstream transmitter 53 to transmit a downstream detonation signal with a different magnetic field distribution.

[0051] The relay device 51 described above provides the same effects as the first embodiment. For example, a detonation signal can be transmitted wirelessly from the blaster 3 to the detonator 10 via the relay device 51 without a person approaching the blast face 41, thereby detonating the blast. This enhances the safety of the blasting. By changing the orientation of the downstream transmitter 53 and transmitting the detonation signal multiple times, the detonator 10 can reliably receive one of the detonation signals, thereby suppressing the failure of the detonator 10 to detonate.

[0052] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, improvements, and modifications are possible without departing from the purpose of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention may include all substitutions, improvements, and modifications that do not depart from the spirit and purpose of the appended claims. For example, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above structure and can be modified as follows.

[0053] For example, the detonation system 1.50 can be used for tunnel excavation work 40 as described above. Alternatively, it may be applied to demolition work of structures such as buildings or to seabed excavation work. The detonation system 1.50 is shown as an example in which the blaster 3 and the controller 4 are separate components. Alternatively, the blaster 3 and the controller 4 may be combined into a single component.

[0054] An example of a detonation system 1,50 that transmits a detonation signal via relay devices 20,51 is illustrated. In addition, relay devices 20,51 may also be used to transmit signals to the blaster 3 indicating that each detonator 10 has completed preparation for detonation. For example, signals to verify the ID of each detonator 10 loaded in each propellant hole 41a, or signals to store the preparation time in each detonator 10, may be transmitted and received via relay devices 20,51. In this case, the upstream receiver 23 also functions as a transmitter. The downstream transmitters 24,53 also function as receivers.

[0055] An example of a relay device 20 is shown in which the downstream transmitter 24 and the relay device body 21 are provided separately, the relay device body 21 and the aircraft 30 are provided as a single unit, and the downstream transmitter 24 is detachably held by the aircraft 30. Alternatively, for example, the entire relay device, in which the downstream transmitter and the relay device body are provided as a single unit, may be detachably held by the aircraft. The shape, orientation, etc. of the downstream transmitters 24, 53 are not limited to those exemplified and may be changed as appropriate. For example, each coil may be provided in an elliptical or polygonal ring shape. An example of a downstream transmitter 24, 53 is shown in which the first axis J1 is held in a substantially horizontal position. Alternatively, the first axis J1 may be tilted with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0056] Between the transmission of the first downstream detonation signal and the transmission of the second downstream detonation signal, the downstream transmitter 24 may move from the first position to the second position and change its orientation from the first to the second. The time intervals between each of the multiple downstream detonation signals may be equal or unequal. The detonation system 1 is illustrated in which the aircraft 30 remains stationary in the air when transmitting and receiving detonation signals. Alternatively, for example, the aircraft 30 may be moved at a low speed while transmitting and receiving detonation signals. The relay device 51 is illustrated in which it is installed on the ground near the face 41. Alternatively, the relay device 51 may be able to move near the face 41 by remote control from near the blaster 3. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1…Detonation system 2... Explosives, 2a... Main die, 2b... Additional die 3...blaster, 3a...antenna, 3b...input unit, 3c...electronic circuit, 3d...calculation unit 3e... Timer circuit 4...Controller, 4a...Antenna, 4b...Input, 4c...Output 10...detonator 11…Main body tube 12...electronic circuit, 12a...condenser, 12b...ignition section, 12c...storage section, 12d...calculation section 12e...Timer circuit 13… Electric detonator 14… Antenna (receiving coil) 20…(Relay device for detonation system) 21…Relay device main unit 22...Control circuits 23…Upstream receiver 24... Downstream transmitter, 24a... Coil, 24b... Connection part, 24c... Frame member 25…Power supply 30... Flying vehicle (mobility mechanism), 31... Rotary blade, 31a... Rotary blade motor 32…Transmitter / receiver for control 33...Holding mechanism, 33a...Holding motor 34…Controller 40...Tunnel 41...Face (face, target for blasting), 41a...Explosive hole, 41b...Sealing member 50…Detonation system (second embodiment) 51…(Relay device for detonation system) 52…Upstream receiver 53… Downstream Transmitter 54...Moving mechanism, 54a...Support part, 54b...Rotation axis D1...First delay time, D2...Second delay time, D3...Third delay time, D4...Fourth delay time E1...First transmission time difference, E2...Second transmission time difference, E3...Third transmission time difference P1,P2,P3,P4,P5…Preparation time J1...First axis, K...Axis (of the detonator antenna)

Claims

1. A detonation system that detonates a detonator installed on the target of blasting, A blaster that transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times, and in the detonation signal, delay information regarding the delay time is included. The device includes a relay device that relays the detonation signal from the blaster to the detonator, The detonation system includes a storage unit for storing preparation time, a calculation unit for calculating detonation time by adding the delay time to the preparation time, and an ignition unit for igniting when the time started when the detonation signal is received reaches the detonation time.

2. The detonation system according to claim 1, The blaster is a detonation system that transmits delay information such that the delay time decreases as the time of transmitting the detonation signal decreases.

3. A detonation system according to claim 1 or 2, A detonation system in which a plurality of detonators are installed on the target to be blasted, and the memory units of the detonators store different preparation times for each other.

4. A detonation system according to claim 1 or 2, The relay device has a downstream transmitter that transmits a downstream detonation signal, The downstream transmitter is configured to transmit a first downstream detonation signal as the downstream detonation signal at a first position or in a first orientation, and to be movable from the first position to a second position or to change orientation from the first orientation to a second orientation, and transmits a second downstream detonation signal as the downstream detonation signal at the second position or in the second orientation.

5. The detonation system according to claim 4, The relay device is a detonation system equipped with a movable or reorientable movement mechanism.

6. A method for detonating a detonator installed on a target to be blasted, The blaster, which is separated from the target to be blasted, transmits a detonation signal wirelessly multiple times, and the detonation signal includes delay information, which is a delay time that decreases each time the detonation signal is transmitted. The relay device wirelessly relays the detonation signal to the detonator. The detonation unit calculates the detonation time based on the delay time included in the delay information. A detonation method in which the ignition part of the detonator detonates at the aforementioned detonation time.

7. The detonation method according to claim 6, The calculation unit of the detonator calculates the detonation time by adding the delay time to the preparation time stored in the memory unit of the detonator.

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