Rock drilling unit and method for filling drill holes - Patents.com

Abstract

A rock drilling unit and a method for filling a drill hole. The rock drilling unit includes an initiator and a feed system for feeding crushed rock material into the drill hole. The rock drilling unit also includes one or more communication devices for communicating with the wireless initiator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a rock drilling unit intended to drill drill holes in rock material and also provided with means for filling the drill holes with crushed stone material.

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for filling a drilled hole.

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

[0004] In mines, boulders and rock surfaces can be broken using drilling and blasting techniques. First, a hole is drilled into the rock material, and then an explosive charge is placed in the drilled hole. When the explosive is initiated, the shock wave and generated gas pressure cause the rock material to fracture, fragment, and break down into smaller pieces. The explosive is initiated by an initiator connected to the launcher by electrical wires. Managing the wiring is difficult. Therefore, wireless initiators have been developed. However, it has been shown that handling and managing wireless initiators also involves drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved rock drilling unit and method for filling a drill hole.

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

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

[0008] The idea of ​​the disclosed solution is that a rock drilling unit of a rock drilling rig is provided with an initiator feed system for feeding an initiator into a drill hole in order to activate the rock material also fed into the drill hole. The initiator feed system of the rock drilling unit includes at least one communication device for providing wireless communication with the initiator. The communication device is in data connection with at least one control unit external to the rock drilling unit. Furthermore, the communication device is configured to determine an identity of the initiator and to provide identification data for linking the initiator to at least one dedicated data element.

[0009] The advantage of the disclosed solution is that the management of the initiators is improved, which has a positive impact on the quality and effectiveness of the operation. The communication capabilities provide the possibility to remotely control and also to carry out fully automatic handling and feeding of the initiators. For safety reasons, the initiators can be handled by a remote rock drilling unit, so that the rock drilling rig operator does not have the possibility to manually monitor and influence the handling and feeding steps.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the linking between the ID and the dedicated data element is performed by the communication device itself. The communication device then includes a processor for performing the linking and a memory device for storing the data element. In this embodiment, the communication device is a smart device.

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

[0012] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned data elements include at least data relating to the drill holes into which the initiators are configured to be supplied. A large amount of data relating to the drill holes can be collected and stored, and this data may be linked to the initiators to be processed.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the aforementioned data regarding the drill hole includes position data such as coordinates in the mine coordinate system or the work site coordinate system, or relative coordinates between initiators. Alternatively, the position data may include coarser data including a position related to the shape of the boulders to be destroyed. Furthermore, the position data may include mine-specific position data such as mine work site and mine chute data. The position data can be collected during the drilling phase, as sensors are provided on the drilling boom and the position of the drilling rig's carrier is identified by a positioning system. The control unit of the drilling rig can calculate the continuous position of the drilling unit, thereby identifying the position of the drill hole.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the above-mentioned data about the drill hole can include data about the direction of the drill hole. The data elements can also include data about the straightness, direction and length of the drill hole. Furthermore, data about the success of the drilling and possible deviations can also be stored. All this data can be collected and stored relatively easily during drilling.

[0015] According to one embodiment, data about the drill hole is collected during drilling and stored in a storage device as one or more data elements used for filling and blasting countermeasures. The collected drill hole data can be used, for example, when setting the delay time of an initiator such as a detonator. Furthermore, the data can be used later when analyzing the blasting results.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the control unit includes at least one well data element for storing well location data. Initiators delivered to the well are linked to and identified by the initiator's individual identification code. The linked location data can be submitted to the detonation system so that desired initiators can be activated in a preplanned order and manner.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the communication device includes at least one optical sensor or reader for remotely reading visible markings or even light patterns on the outer surface of the initiator. In this embodiment, the markings must be visible to the reader. To enable reading, the feed system may have a transparent window or opening. Alternatively, the reader may extend to the inner surface of the feed tube or storage space, thereby enabling visual detection. The optical reader can remotely read optical characters, codes, and signals, such as barcodes and QR codes. Such optical markings and codes visible on the outer surface of the initiator can then be recognized and utilized. The markings can be printed or marked directly on the initiator, or appropriate labels and stickers can be used.

[0018] If optical detection is applied, the markings may be arranged around the initiator so that they can be detected regardless of the initiator's orientation. The scanning or reading field of view can be selected to be wide enough to facilitate reading. Alternatively, or in addition, there may be a configuration to guide and ensure that the initiator's markings are placed in front of the optical sensor or reader in a predetermined reading orientation relative to its longitudinal axis and angular position. A further possibility is to provide the optical sensor with a movement device. The sensor can then search for the markings and move to the appropriate reading position relative to the optical markings on the initiator.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the communication device includes at least one data communication interface for wireless communication with the initiator via electromagnetic radiation, which can penetrate obstacles such as the walls of the feed tube of the feed system. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the communication device may be more freely positioned on the rock drilling unit. The initiator may include a tag or signaling device for providing communication between the initiator and the communication device.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the above-mentioned wireless communication may be based on short-range wireless transmission.

[0021] According to one embodiment, wireless communication may utilize one of the following available data communication technologies based on the use of electromagnetic radiation and signaling devices: Bluetooth (BT), Near Field Communication (NFC), Infrared (IR), Ultrasonic sensors, and custom radio frames.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the communication device is configured to monitor the status of the initiator. Such status monitoring can include monitoring the condition of the initiator, i.e., ensuring that the initiator is operating properly. Status monitoring can also include determining whether the initiator is ready and operational. A further possibility is to monitor and test the initiator's communication capabilities and quality. If two physical rock-breaking components are connected to each other in the rock-breaking unit, status monitoring can include monitoring that the connection between the components complies with requirements. If deviations are noted in the monitoring, corrective measures can still be taken in the filling process, thereby ensuring that rock-breaking is performed properly and that safety issues are addressed.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the above-mentioned monitoring can be performed when the initiator is connected to another physical fill component before delivery. To perform the monitoring, at least one of the connected components can be provided with one or more electrical indicators to detect successful connection. If the connection fails, the initiator can be disarmed and removed from the feed line. A new lithotripsy component can then be connected and delivered into the drill hole. The electrical indicator can transmit a radio or optical signal to indicate the status of the formed physical connection between the components.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the communication device is configured to adjust the characteristics of the initiator itself, in this way the initiator can be tailored and modified to best suit different situations.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the communication device is configured to provide at least one of the following input data to the initiator: identification code (ID), location data, status data, ignition delay, ready delay, key code for communicating with the initiator. Thus, the initiator may be provided with additional or modified data just prior to delivery to the drill hole. The initiator may include a memory device for storing the input data.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution involves providing an identification code or data to the initiator by the communication device. In other words, the initiator is not initially provided with predetermined identification data; instead, the identification data is generated only before being delivered into the drill hole. The communication device can be equipped with an encoder or corresponding device for providing a suitable code or individual designation to a tag or memory device. Alternatively, the communication device or assembly device referred to herein can affix a separate tag or other remotely readable identification element containing an individual code on the initiator.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the communication device includes at least one wireless data communication device for creating a unidirectional data transmission path from the initiator to the communication device or vice versa.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the communication device includes at least one wireless data communication device for creating a bidirectional data transmission path between the initiator and the communication device. Data can then be modified in both directions, which allows for more diverse possibilities for influencing the characteristics and use of the initiator.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the communication device is mounted in association with the feed line of the initiator or charge feed system. The communication device may be fixed to the feed beam of the rock drilling unit or a component attached to the feed beam. If the communication device is mounted close to the feed line, the reliability of the communication path is ensured, which is advantageous in harsh mine conditions. It is also possible to position the communication device as close as possible to the distal end of the feed beam of the rock drilling unit.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the rock drilling unit comprises at least one magazine for storing several initiators. The communication device may be attached in connection with the magazine. The communication device may be attached, for example, to an outer surface of the magazine. Alternatively, the communication device may be provided in at least one interior space of the magazine.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the rock drilling unit includes two magazines: a first magazine for storing initiators and a second magazine for storing cartridges of rock-breaking material, such as so-called boosters. At least the first magazine includes a communications device. In an alternative solution, the communications device is located on the feed line downstream of the first magazine. The use of two magazines helps separate the primary and secondary explosives from each other, thereby reducing hazards and risks.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the rock drilling rig comprises two magazines, a first magazine for storing initiators and arranged on the rock drilling unit, and a second magazine for storing crushed rock material and arranged on a carrier of the rock drilling rig. At least the above-mentioned first magazine on the rock drilling unit is provided with a communication device. In an alternative solution, the communication device is arranged downstream of the first magazine. Between the above-mentioned magazines there may be a bendable guide tube or hose.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the rock drilling unit includes an assembly unit for connecting the initiator and the booster to form an assembly. The booster is a small rock cartridge containing a secondary explosive material. The connection between the initiator and the booster can be based on, for example, a mechanical clip, a locking element, a bayonet coupling, a threaded surface, an interference fit, or magnetism. The assembly unit may be provided with a connection device for communicating with the assembly. The assembly can include one or more electrical indicators for indicating a successful connection between the elements. The connection indicator can send a signal when the connection is normal or can indicate whether an incorrect connection has occurred.

[0034] According to one embodiment, at least one communication device may be located downstream of the assembly unit. Communication can then still take place only just before the initiator leaves the drilling unit or when it is only a few centimeters into the drill hole. This embodiment allows for a final check to be performed.

[0035] According to one embodiment, there may be several communication devices on the rock drilling unit to ensure proper communication, registration, adjustment and other disclosed measurements of the loaded items before they leave the rock drilling unit. In other words, there may be the possibility of communication within the storage space after assembly with other components and just before they are pushed out of the rock drilling unit. All these measures allow for an effective and safe automated and unattended handling of the inserted items.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a method for filling a drill hole with fractured material. The method includes drilling a drill hole in a rock surface using a rock drill of a rock drilling unit; supplying wireless initiators into the drill hole after drilling is completed; performing the supply of the initiators using a supply means provided by the rock drilling unit; providing the rock drilling unit with at least one communication device; and communicating with each initiator via the communication device immediately before supplying the initiators into the drill hole. Thus, the same rock drilling unit is used not only for drilling but also for filling the completed drill hole. In this case, there is no need to provide a separate filling vehicle or to provide a special filling boom on the rock drilling rig. Furthermore, manual handling of different initiators and fractured material is not required. The method may further include supplying fractured material into the drill hole after the initiators have been supplied. The fractured material may have a bulk or cartridge configuration.

[0037] In some cases, an initiator or a combination of an initiator and a booster (small explosive charge) can generate the necessary crushing force without the use of additional crushing material. This is especially true when boulders need to be destroyed to free a blocked mine chute. The initiator may be a detonator, a combination of primary and secondary explosives, or another technology such as a chemical expansion assembly. The initiator may be self-contained or may integrate a primary explosive and itself contain sufficient secondary explosives.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the method further comprises determining the identity of each initiator and connecting the initiator to at least one data element in response to the detected identity. This solution therefore provides a universal method for managing different initiator-related data in an efficient manner. The improvement in data volume and its management has a positive impact on smooth and cost-effective operations in mines.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the disclosed solution relates to a communication device mountable on a rock drilling unit of a rock quarrying rig. The communication device is configured to provide contactless communication with at least one initiator intended to launch and activate rock quarry material. The communication device is designed for special use in connection with the rock drilling unit, withstands harsh mining conditions, and is provided with suitable fastening means. According to a detailed embodiment, the communication device includes an optical reader for remotely reading optical characters, codes, and signals, such as barcodes and QR codes. Such optical markings and codes visible on the outer surface of the initiator can then be recognized. According to another detailed embodiment, the communication device includes at least one wireless data communication or transmission device for creating a data communication path between the communication device and the initiator. According to one embodiment, the communication device includes at least one electrical and wireless data communication or transmission device whose operation is based on radio wave frames. In other words, the communication device includes a wireless receiver or transceiver (receiver / transmitter). Alternatively, it may include an IR transmitter and receiver. According to a detailed embodiment, the communication device is configured to communicate with a tag attached to the initiator. According to one embodiment, the communication is based on RFID - Radio Frequency Identification, i.e. signaling between tag and reader. According to one embodiment, the communication is based on NFC - Near Field Communication. NFC makes it possible to establish communication by bringing two electronic devices within 4 cm of each other. NFC tags may be used, which may contain a readable passive data store or a writable active data store.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the solution may relate to a rock drilling rig, comprising a mobile carrier and at least one rock drilling boom movably connected to the carrier and equipped with a rock drilling unit, the rock drilling unit comprising a feed beam and a rock drill movably supported on the feed beam, the rock drilling unit complying with the features disclosed herein and including the disclosed communication device for communicating with the initiator before the initiator is fed into a drill hole drilled by the rock drill.

[0041] The above disclosed embodiments can be combined to form suitable solutions having the above characteristics required.

[0042] Some embodiments are explained in more detail in the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a rock drilling rig positioned in a mining chute and attempting to break up boulders blocking the chute. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of the disclosed filling solution including a feed system for supplying initiator and explosive material to the drill hole and capable of communicating with the supplied initiator. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an alternative feed system in which all necessary mechanical components are attached to the rock drilling unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates possible combinations of supplied crushed stone materials. [Figure 5] 1A-1D illustrate steps of the filling solution of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic view of the front of a rock drilling unit including a magazine for loaded components and an assembly unit for connecting the components. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic view of the front of the rock drilling unit including the magazine and indexing means for moving the feed system on the rock drilling shaft for the duration of the filling. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic side view of an assembly unit with an openable barrier and a communication device for checking the success of the performed assembly. FIG. [Figure 9] 1 is a simplified diagram disclosing features of a communication device. [Figure 10] 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating possible use cases of a communication device. [Figure 11] 1 is a simplified diagram showing possible mounting locations for a communication device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] For clarity, the figures show some embodiments of the disclosed solution in a simplified manner. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like elements.

[0045] FIG. 1 shows a rock drilling rig 1 intended for drilling a drill hole 2 and filling it with crushed rock material after drilling. The rock drilling rig 1 includes a mobile carrier 3 and one or more rock drilling booms 4 connected to the carrier 3. The distal end of the rock drilling boom 4 includes a rock drilling unit 5 having a feed beam 6 and a rock drill 7 supported thereon. A rock drilling tool 8 can be connected to the rock drill 7. The rock drilling unit 5 further includes a feed system 9 configured to supply initiators and crushed rock material to the drill hole 2. The feed system 9 can include devices or units 10-12 attached to the feed beam 6 and one or more devices 13 attached to the carriage 3. Between the carriage 3 and the rock drilling unit 5, there can be a guide hose 14 for transferring the crushed rock material from the carrier 3 to the rock drilling unit 5. The crushed rock material can be in bulk or in cartridges. The crushed rock material can be embedded in the initiator or inserted in a second stage of the process. The feed system mounted on the rock drilling unit may be indexed to the drill hole line after drilling or may be positioned by the rock drilling boom, however the rock drilling unit is provided with the equipment required for drilling and filling.

[0046] The operation of the rock drilling unit 5 and the feed system 9 is controlled by a control unit CU mounted on the carrier. The same control unit can control the equipment and systems of the entire rock drilling rig 1. The on-board control unit CU can communicate with one or more external control units CU. A data communication connection or path DC is also shown in Figure 1. The communication path may be based on wired communication or wireless technology may be applied.

[0047] In Figure 1, a rock drilling rig 1 is positioned in a mine chute 15 blocked by boulders 16. Drill holes 2 are drilled into the boulders, after which crushed rock material is fed into the drill holes. When a wireless initiator, also fed into the drill holes, is triggered, the boulders are broken and the chute 15 is unblocked. The number of drill holes 2, as well as their position, direction, and length, can vary. For example, there may be blind holes 2a and through holes 2b. If several filled drill holes are provided in the boulders, a defined delay between their initiation and different initiation patterns and sequences can be utilized.

[0048] Furthermore, the rock drilling rig 1 may be manually operated by an operator, an unmanned device that may be remotely controlled by a remote control, or a fully automated machine. In all cases, an automatic rock drilling sequence for the automatic filling process is also required. The disclosed solution provides an improvement for automating the filling of wireless initiators and the automatic supply of crushed rock material.

[0049] FIG. 2 shows a feed system 9 including a feed tube 10 aligned with a drill hole 2 drilled on a rock surface RS. An initiator 17 may be stored in a first magazine M1 and moved from the first magazine M1 toward the feed tube 10 by a pressure hose 18. The pressure hose 18 may be moved by a first feed device 19, and the distal end of the pressure hose 18 may have a plug 20. Furthermore, the pressure hose 18 may serve as a supply path for bulk rock material, such as explosive emulsion or powder. The opposite end of the pressure hose 18 may therefore be connected to a rock material supply device 21 or a reservoir. The feed system 9 may further include a receiving device 22 connected by a guide hose 14 to a second magazine M2 configured to store several boosters 23 or corresponding small explosive cartridges. The second magazine M2 may be arranged on a carrier 3 of the rock drilling rig. The booster 23 can be moved from the second magazine M2 to the receiving device 22 via the guide hose 14 by a flexible pressure cable 24 or hose. The pressure cable 24 can be moved by a second feeding device 25 and can have a plug 26 at the end of the pressure cable 24. The pressure cable 24 can be wound around a cable drum 27. The receiving device 22 can receive the booster 23 and move the booster 23 on the feed line.

[0050] First, the initiator 17 is pushed by the pressure hose 18 along the feed line to the assembly module 28. When the initiator 17 stops at the assembly module 28, the pressure hose 18 is retracted. Then, the booster 23 is fed onto the feed line by the receiving device 22, and the pressure hose 18 is again moved forward, so that the booster 23 follows the initiator 17 to the assembly module 28. The initiator 17 and the booster 23 are connected to each other in the assembly module 23. Once ready for connection, the manufactured assembly is delivered from the assembly module 28 to the drill hole 2 by the pressure hose 18. The assembly may be delivered to the bottom of the drill hole or to a desired location inside the drill hole by the hose or cable 18. While the pressure hose 18 is retracted, bulk crushed material may be delivered through it into the drill hole 2. In other words, the drill hole 2 may be partially or completely filled with crushed material, such as an explosive emulsion. In some cases, no bulk additional material is provided.

[0051] Furthermore, the supply can be carried out in a different manner than described above: the booster 23 can be aligned on the feed line by the receiving device 22, after which the hose 18 pushes the initiator 17 and the booster 23 together into the assembly unit 28. In this embodiment, the booster 23 is located downstream relative to the initiator 17.

[0052] The rock drilling unit 5 may also include one or more communication devices Cd1-Cd3 for providing wireless communication with the initiator 17 while it is still in the rock drilling unit 5. The first magazine M1 and the assembly unit 28 may be provided with communication devices Cd1, Cd2. There may be one communication device Cd3 in the feed line after the assembly unit 28. The number and location of the communication devices may be selected according to need or technology, and the communication devices Cd may have a data connection with one or more control units CU external to the rock drilling unit 5. As disclosed herein above, the communication device Cd is configured to determine the identity of the initiator 17 and thereby may provide identification data that is utilized to link the initiator 17 to stored data elements.

[0053] The solution disclosed in FIG. 3 differs from that shown in FIG. 2 in that a second magazine M2 for the booster 23 is also located in the rock drilling unit 5. A cable drum 27 is also attached to the rock drilling unit 5, along with the pressure cable 24 and the feeder 25. The cable drum may be a hose drum intended for supplying emulsion. No guide hose is required in this solution. The pressure cable 24 may or may not be able to supply bulk explosive material through it. If the booster 23 or a corresponding small charge is sufficient to cause the desired rock fragmentation, it is not even necessary to supply bulk explosive material into the drill hole. It may be noted that the communication devices Cd1, Cd2 may be attached near the feed line 29 of the feed system 9.

[0054] The two magazines are preferably pre-loaded. This allows the drilling rig to move to the danger zone to be blasted without any explosive hazard, thus avoiding manned operation in the danger zone. In a preferred solution, the two magazines have the same number of chambers and can be operated by the same actuator. The number of chambers is typically between 3 and 10, but can be easily expanded.

[0055] Figure 4 shows some possible combinations of different crushed stone materials that can be handled and managed by the disclosed solution. Depending on the combination used, the number of magazines, the need for assembly units, and the need for other devices disclosed above can be selected. The disclosed combinations have already been described above in this document.

[0056] 5 discloses some features and steps of the disclosed filling method. The steps shown have already been disclosed above in this document.

[0057] It should be noted that the feeding and communicating steps can be interchanged in whole or in part, and furthermore feeding can be performed twice.

[0058] FIG. 6 shows the front end of the rock drilling unit 5. There may be an assembly unit 28, a first magazine M1, and a second magazine M2 arranged in series on the feed line. As shown, both magazines M1 and M2 may be rotatable structures that include spaces 30 for receiving initiators, boosters, and possibly other rock drilling cartridges. Furthermore, two communication devices Cd1 and Cd2 are also shown. Both communication devices may be implemented and considered alternatives.

[0059] FIG. 7 shows the front end of the rock drilling unit 5. The feed system 9 may be configured to move 31 from an idle position 32 to the rock drilling axis 33, thereby pushing or deviating the front end of the rock drilling tool 8 laterally from the rock drilling axis 33. Because the rock drilling tool 8 is an elongated object, it bends laterally relatively easily without plastic deformation and returns to its original shape when the bending force is removed. The feed system 9 may include an actuator, such as a hydraulic cylinder or motor, to adjust the feed system and magazine M1 around the turning joint relative to the rock drilling tool 8, thereby causing bending. An advantage of this solution is that a separate, heavy, and large-sized indexing device is not required. Furthermore, there is no need to move a boom between the rock drilling position and the loading position.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows an assembly device 28 intended to connect the initiator 17 and the booster 23 to each other. In this illustration, the initiator 17 is downstream relative to the booster 23, but the order can also be reversed. Furthermore, there may be several boosters. The booster 23 is pressed towards the initiator 17, which is restrained by a stop element 34, by a pressure cable 24 or hose or a corresponding plunger. The stop element 34 can be rotated around a rotary joint 35, for example, by a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder 36. As already disclosed above, the assembly unit 28 can be provided with a communication device Cd1 capable of communicating with the initiator 17 and, if necessary, with the booster 23. The initiator 17 and the booster 23 can be provided with tags 37, 38 for communication. Furthermore, the connection 39 between the initiator 17 and the booster 23 may include an electronic connection monitoring device 40, which can communicate with the control device Cd1 and send a monitoring signal indicating the successful connection. The communication device Cd1 can send and receive data to the control unit CU. This control unit CU can be located on the rock drilling unit or externally. The stop element 34 may be equipped with a force sensor to monitor the assembly force between at least one booster and the initiator. This sensor prevents excessive pressure and adjusts the feed system to properly manage the assembly. The assembly module may also include a device that allows the initiator to be properly oriented for optical reading or NFC communication. Proper orientation may also be required for certain assembly interfaces between the booster and the initiator.

[0061] FIG. 9 illustrates some of the communication functions of the disclosed communication device Cd. As can be seen, various technologies can be used to establish a wireless communication path with the initiator. The communication device also includes a data transmission system for communicating with the control unit CU. The control unit CU, located in the rock drilling unit, can communicate with a personal computer PC, a server SE, a cloud service CS, and a mobile smart device MSD. This allows sensory data to be wirelessly shared with desired electrical devices.

[0062] Figure 10 discloses some features of the communication device. The figure is self-explanatory and the problem presented has already been disclosed above in this document.

[0063] FIG. 11 is a brief list of possible locations for communication devices.

[0064] The drawings and the associated description are intended only to illustrate the concept of the invention, in details which may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A rock drilling unit of a rock drilling rig, comprising: a feed beam, and a rock drill movably supported on the feed beam for drilling holes; The rock drilling unit comprises: an initiator feed system for supplying an initiator into the drilled hole to activate crushed stone material also supplied into the drilled hole; the initiator feed system of the rock drilling unit includes at least one communication device for providing wireless communication with the initiator; the communication device is in data communication with at least one control unit mounted on the rock drilling rig and adapted to control operation of the rock drill machine and the initiator feed system; 10. A rock drilling unit, characterized in that the communication device is configured to determine an identity of the initiator and to provide identification data to link the initiator to at least one dedicated data element.

2. - said dedicated data elements comprising at least data relating to drill holes inside which said initiators are adapted to be supplied; 2. A rock drilling unit according to claim 1.

3. 1. A method for filling a drilled hole, comprising: Drilling a drill hole in the rock surface with a rock drilling machine of a rock drilling unit of the rock drilling rig; providing a wireless initiator into the drilled hole after the drilling is completed; and performing the supply of the wireless initiator by means of a supply means provided by the rock drilling unit, providing said rock drilling unit with at least one communication device in data connection with at least one control unit mounted on said rock drilling rig and adapted to control the operation of said rock drill and said feeding means, and communicating with each wireless initiator by means of said communication device before it is fed into the drill hole; A method characterized by:

4. determining an identity of each wireless initiator and connecting the wireless initiator to at least one data element in response to the detected identity; 4. The method of claim 3.

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