Abstract:
The invention concerns a portioning and packing device as well as a process for the production of explosives containing detonating devices. The portioning and packing device contains a conveyor for the explosive, which exhibits a pump for the generation of a volume flow; a filling pipe connected to the conveyor, which is set up to provide a reserve supply of a tubular packing sleeve. At the same time, the tubular packing sleeve can be pulled off the filling pipe with the explosive ejected through the filling pipe. A closing device located downstream of the filling pipe is set up to constrict the filled packing sleeve locally to a hose plait during the filling process and close around the hose plait with at least one means of closure. The filling pipe further exhibits a means of introduction, which is set up to introduce a detonating device into the explosive.

Description:
[0001]    This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, European Patent Application No. 11 004 935.0 filed Jun. 16, 2011 with the European Patent Office, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The invention concerns a portioning and packing device for the production of explosives containing detonating devices as well as a process for this corresponding to the generic terms of claims  1  and  17 . In particular, the invention concerns a portioning and packing device for the production of 5 explosives containing detonating devices, which contains: a conveyor for the explosive, which exhibits a pump for generation of a volume flow of explosive, a filling pipe connected to the conveyor, which is to provide a reserve supply of a tubular packing sleeve in such way that this can be pulled off the filling pipe with the explosive ejected through the filling pipe tube and a closing device located downstream of the filling pipe, which is set up to construct the filled packing sleeve during the filling process locally to a hose braid and close it around the hose braid with at least one means of closure. Furthermore, the invention concerns, in particular, a process for the production of explosives containing detonating devices with the steps: Generation of a volume flow of explosive by means of a conveyor exhibiting a pump, provision of a reserve supply of a tubular packing sleeve on a filling pipe connected to the conveyor, ejection of the explosive volume flow through the filling pipe into the tubular packing sleeve and closure of the tubular packing sleeve by a closing device located downstream of the filling pipe through constriction of the tubular packing envelope and subsequent setting of at least one means of closure. 
         [0003]    For the sausage-shaped packing of ductile filling material present in fluid, paste-like or granular form, such as for example sausage meat, sealant, explosive etc., it is known from practice that the filling material is supplied from a filling machine via a filling pipe to a clip machine. In the clip machine, the filling material is filled into a tubular packing sleeve material closed on one side by a first clip and the tubular packing sleeve material is closed by setting of a second clip. The closing tools comprise a stamp and a die respectively as a pair, between which the clip is shaped during closure until attainment of the minimum spacing of the closing tools. After closure, the closing tools are moved back into their initial or opening position. The resultant sausage-shaped product is then separated from the reserve supply of the remaining packing sleeve material and the finished product is discharged from the clip machine. The tubular packing sleeve material prefabricated before the filling process as a ruffled hose can consequently be pushed from the orifice side onto the filling pipe or it can be formed from a flat material, which is then bent around the filling pipe during the filling process and then jointed to a hose at the longitudinal edges touching one another, for example via hot sealing. 
         [0004]    Such a device and a process implemented with this device are typically known from the German unexamined patent application DE 10 2005 044 877 A1. There sausage meat is filled into tubular packing sleeves for the production of sausage products. However, it is also possible to fill viscous or granular explosive into tubular packing sleeve on the above device. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, the German unexamined patent application DE 23 09 339 also reveals a device and a process for the production of so-called slurry explosives in a rod shape. A flat material is also folded around a filling pipe to form a hose here. The longitudinal edges touching one another are joined using an adhesive tape. The hose filled with fluid or granular explosive is closed with metal clips. 
         [0006]    Such explosive packages (hereinafter explosives), produced for example by means of the above devices and processes, are typically used in rock detonations, where they are placed in correspondingly prepared drill holes. However, these explosives are usually difficult to ignite for reasons of safety. Aids, such as ignition capsules or detonating cords (hereinafter detonating devices), are normally required for this. These are mostly attached to the explosive on site or introduced into the latter. 
         [0007]    Above all in the case of paste-like or fluid explosives, so-called slurry explosives, but also in the case of very fine-grained granular explosives, which are packed into tubular sleeves, there is a risk that the packing sleeve will become damaged during insertion of an ignition capsule or a detonating cord and that part of the explosive contained therein will escape. As the amount of explosive is usually calculated very accurately, the result of the detonation can be adversely affected by this. Furthermore, the escaped explosive also poses a hazard. 
         [0008]    On the basis of this, it is the task of the present invention to provide a device and a process for the production of explosives, which overcome the above disadvantages and prevent damage to the explosives, particularly when attaching the detonating devices. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The above task is solved in respect to the device by the characteristics of claim  1 . Claims  2  to  16  following on from this contain advantageous embodiments of the device corresponding to the invention. 
         [0010]    In particular, a portioning and packing device for the production of explosives containing detonating devices with a conveyor for the explosive is proposed, which contains a pump for the generation of a volume flow. The device corresponding to the invention also exhibits a filling pipe connected to the conveyor, which is to provide a reserve supply of a tubular packing sleeve in such way that this can be pulled off the filling pipe with the explosive ejected through the filling pipe tube and a closing device located downstream of the filling pipe, which is set up to construct the filled packing sleeve during the filling process locally to a hose braid and close it around the hose braid with at least one means of closure. 
         [0011]    In an advantageous embodiment, the filling pipe exhibits a means of insertion, which is devised so as to introduce a detonating device into the explosive. Damage to the packing sleeve by subsequent insertion of a detonating device can therefore be avoided. 
         [0012]    If the means of introduction is a supply pipe routed coaxially in the filling pipe, at least in sections, with a first orifice opening located outside the filling pipe, which is routed from the inlet point into the filling pipe in the direction of the filling pipe orifice, the detonating device can be placed in the centre when filling the tubular packing. 
         [0013]    In order to keep the flow resistance of the supply pipe as low as possible, it is further advantageous if the diameter of the supply pipe routed coaxially in the filling pipe, at least in sections, is smaller than that of the diameter of the filling pipe, preferably by at least a factor of 3. 
         [0014]    If the supply pipe enters the filling pipe in an area between the conveyor and the filling pipe orifice, the filling pipe can be connected to any suitable conveyor. 
         [0015]    In an advantageous embodiment, the section of the supply pipe progressing coaxially in the filling pipe ends within the filling pipe, with the result that the detonating device emerging in the filling pipe is carried along with the explosive flowing into the tubular packing. 
         [0016]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the section of the supply pipe progressing coaxially in the filling pipe protrudes out from the orifice of the filling pipe. This enables an easy introduction of the detonating agent as well as an inspection of the detonating device, at least at the beginning of the filling process. It is furthermore ensured that the detonating device extends at least approximately through the entire length of the explosive. 
         [0017]    If the supply pipe exhibits at least one direction change in the area of the inlet point into the filling pipe, the device corresponding to the invention is designed to the effect that a reserve supply of detonating device can be supplied from approximately every position. 
         [0018]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling pipe exhibits direction change whereby the direction change can be reduced or omitted in the supply pipe. 
         [0019]    It is furthermore advantageous if the filling pipe exhibits a first filling pipe section and a second filling pipe section axis-parallel to the first filling pipe section as well as a third filling pipe section, which joins the first and second filling pipe sections to one another and whose centre axis intersects the centre axes of the first and second filling pipe section. The supply pipe can enter into the third filling pipe section in such way through this that it progresses coaxially to the first filling pipe section. This arrangement means a direction change in the supply pipe for the detonating device is no longer necessary and the detonating device is spared, as an additional load is avoided through curvature. 
         [0020]    A supply pipe as a means of introduction is then particularly suitable if the detonating device is a detonating cord, of which there is advantageously a reserve supply in the area of the filling pipe. 
         [0021]    If the detonating device can be fixed by the measures of closure in the sausage-shaped packing, it is further ensured that this is also extracted from the filling pipe by pulling off the packing sleeve during filling and pervades the entire explosive. Alternatively, the reserve supply can also have a drive and so realize the explosive feed. 
         [0022]    In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the detonating device in the area of the fixing is accessible from outside. This can therefore be contacted from outside without opening the packing sleeve, thereby preventing damage to it. 
         [0023]    In respect to the process for the production of explosives containing detonating devices, the above task is solved by the characteristics of claim  17 . Claims  18  to  21  following on from this contain advantageous embodiments of the process corresponding to the invention. 
         [0024]    It is to be noted that this process realizes the same advantages as the above advantages of the portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention. 
         [0025]    Embodiment examples of the invention are described below with reference to the enclosed drawing figures. The terms “top”, “bottom”, left” and “right” used when describing the embodiment example refer to the drawing figures in an alignment with normally legible reference signs and figure designations, in which: 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]    In the drawings: 
           [0027]      FIG. 1  schematically shows a side view of a first embodiment form of the portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention; and, 
           [0028]      FIG. 2  shows a further embodiment form of the portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0029]      FIG. 1  shows a first embodiment example of a portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention. This exhibits a conveyor  10  for the explosive to be packed. The conveyor  10  is preferably a pump adapted to the type and consistency of the explosive to be filled, which pumps the explosive in the filling ejection direction F, i.e. in  FIGS. 1 and 2  to the right. In filling ejection direction F, a filling pipe  20  exhibiting a circular cross section is connected to the conveyor  10 . The connection of the filling pipe  20  to the conveyor  10 , not described in more detail, can typically be realized via a union nut. 
         [0030]    Further in filling ejection direction F directly behind the orifice opening of the filling pipe  20 , a schematic clip machine is located, of which only the displacer unit  30  is shown. 
         [0031]    On the orifice-side end of the filling pipe  20  located downstream of the conveyor  10 , a reserve supply of tubular packing sleeve V is located and closed directly before the orifice opening of the filling pipe  20  by a first closing clip C 1 . Further in filling ejection direction F downstream of this closing clip C 1 , a second closing clip C 2  is located on the plait Z of the tubular packing sleeve V created by the displacer unit  30  and free of filling material. This closes the end of the previously produced explosive W. 
         [0032]    A supply pipe  40  is mounted on the filling pipe  20  between the conveyor  10  and the reserve supply of tubular packing sleeve V located on the filling pipe  29 . The supply pipe  40  has a circular cross section. Its diameter is preferably less than that of the filling pipe  20  by a factor of 3. 
         [0033]    In the embodiment example shown, the supply pipe is angled by approx. 90°. It exhibits a first limb  42 , which is aligned within the filling pipe  20  coaxially to this, preferably along its centre longitudinal axis, not shown in more detail. A second limb  44  of the supply pipe  40  is aligned vertically to the centre longitudinal axis of the filling pipe  20 . Its centre longitudinal axis intersects the centre longitudinal axis of the filling pipe  20 . The supply pipe  40  is further aligned in such way that the orifice opening  46  of the first limb  42  points in filling ejection direction F. A suitable seal, for example a weld or adhesive seam, is provided at the passage point D of the supply point  40  through the walls of the filling pipe  20 . The supply pipe  40  can be made of the same material as the filling pipe  20 . However, it can also be made of another material, as long as the secure and tight connection to the filling pipe  20  can be ensured. 
         [0034]    A reserve supply of detonating devices, here detonating cord S, is provided on a supply roll R above the filling pipe  20  in the area of the supply pipe  40 . The detonating cord S extracted from the roll R is routed through the orifice opening  48  of the second limb  44  into the supply pipe  40  and leaves this through the orifice opening  46  located in the filling pipe  20  of the first limb  42  of the supply pipe  40 . The detonating cord thus coaxial to the filling pipe  20  and routed in this extends through the plait Z free of filling material into the sausage-shaped explosive W previously completed. At the same time, it is clamped in the closing clips C 1 , C 2  and thus retained in the area of the plait Z free of filling material. 
         [0035]    The embodiment shown in  FIG. 2  of the portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention differs from that described in  FIG. 1  in the form of the filling pipe  120  and the supply pipe  140 . The filling pipe  120  is connected to a conveyor  10  not shown, like the filling pipe  20  corresponding to  FIG. 1 , by means of which the explosive to be filled is conveyed through the filling pipe  120 . 
         [0036]    The filling pipe  120  exhibits a first section  122 , a second section  124  as well as a third section  126 . Sections  122  and  124  are located axis-parallel with a distance to one another. The third filling pipe section  126  joins the first and second sections  122 ,  124  to one another. 
         [0037]    Its centre longitudinal axis intersects the centre longitudinal axis of the first and second section  122 ,  124 . This arrangement of the filling pipe section  122 ,  124 ,  126  gives the filling pipe  120  an S-shaped or Z-shaped stage. However, the corresponding angle of approx. 90° shown in  FIG. 2  can also be greater than 90°, corresponding to the consistency of the explosive to be filled and in order to change its rheological properties. 
         [0038]    The supply pipe  140  used in the embodiment of the portioning and packing device corresponding to the invention according to the  FIG. 2  has a diameter comparable with the supply pipe  40  of  FIG. 1 . However, it is not angular but instead extends linearly and coaxially to the centre longitudinal axis of the first filling pipe section  122 . Its axial length is greater than that of the first filling pipe section  122 . The supply pipe  140  is routed through the first filling pipe section  122 . It enters into the filling pipe  120  in the connection area of the first filling pipe section  122  with the third filling pipe section  126  and extends as far as the area between the orifice of the filling pipe  120  and the clip machine. 
         [0039]    In filling ejection direction F directly behind the orifice opening of the filling pipe  120 , a clip machine is also located, whose displacer unit  30  is shown. 
         [0040]    Also on the orifice-side end of the filling pipe  120 , a reserve supply of tubular packing sleeve V is located and closed directly before the orifice opening of the filling pipe  120  by a first closing clip Cl. Further in filling ejection direction F downstream of this closing clip C 1 , a second closing clip C 2  is located on the plait Z of the tubular packing sleeve V created by the displacer unit  30  and free of filling material. This closes the end of the previously produced explosive S. 
         [0041]    The reserve supply of detonating device S, which is formed by a detonating cord S, is located in this embodiment example below the filling pipe in an area between the S-shaped and Z-shaped stage of the filling pipe  120  and the conveyor not shown, with the result that the detonating cord S pulled off the supply roll R can be routed without additional deflection into the orifice  148  of the supply pipe  140 . 
         [0042]    This embodiment is therefore recommended for bend-sensitive detonating cords S. The detonating cord S then progresses linearly and coaxially to the first filling pipe section  122  through the supply pipe  140  and passes out through this into orifice  146  facing the filling ejection direction between the orifice of the filling pipe  120  and the clip machine, directly in the area of the first clip C 1 . The detonating cord S progresses through the plait free of filling material and is, as already explained in conjunction with  FIG. 1 , clamped in the closing clips C 1 , C 2  and held by these. 
         [0043]    The production of the explosives containing detonating devices corresponding to the invention is explained in detail below. The conveyor  10  is used to transport the explosive to be filled through the filling pipe  20 ,  120 . At the orifice opening facing away from the conveyor, the explosive emerges out from the filling pipe  20 ,  120  and is thus filled into a section of the tubular packing sleeve V closed on one side by a closing clip C 1 . As a result of the filling pressure, a further tubular packing sleeve V is extracted from the reserve supply on the filling pipe  20 ,  120 . If the desired amount of explosive is filled into the section of the tubular packing sleeve closed on one side, the further supply of explosive is interrupted. The displacer unit  30  of the clip machine constricts the filled packing sleeve V directly before the filling pipe orifice. A plait Z free of filling material is formed by spreading the displacer unit  30 . A second closing clip C 2  is placed on this plait Z, which closes the filled section of the tubular packing sleeve closed on one side and this completes the sausage-shaped explosive W. At the same time or subsequently to this, a new first closing clip C 1  is placed on the plait Z free of filling material, which forms the initial tip for the next sausage-shaped explosive W. The explosive W that has just been completed is then separated from the new initial tip using a suitable separating device and discharged out of the packing device. 
         [0044]    Before beginning the filling process, detonating cord S is first routed outwards via the supply pipe  40 ,  140  through the orifice of the filling pipe  20 ,  120  and clamped in the first closing clip C 1 . 
         [0045]    During transport of the explosive through the filling pipe  20 ,  120 , detonating cord S is conveyed together with the explosive through the filling pipe  20 ,  120  into the tubular packing sleeve V. Upon closure of the packing sleeve section V that has just been filled, the detonating cord S is then automatically clamped in the first and second closing clip C 1 , C 2 . 
         [0046]    The detonating cord S clamped in the first closing clip C 1  is thereby extracted from the supply roll R at the same speed as the packing sleeve V from its reserve supply. In this way, it is ensured that the detonating cord progresses linearly through the explosive W without kinks. 
         [0047]    However, a suitable braking device can also be provided at the supply roll R of the detonating cord S, in order to prevent an uncontrolled unwinding of the detonating cord S. 
         [0048]    In order to be able to contact the detonating cord S at the completed explosive W easily and safely, it is possible to increase the plait Z free of filling material to the required length by a greater spreading of the displacer unit  30 . As the detonating device of the explosive W is usually only to be connected on one side, it can furthermore be planned to not separate the plait free of filling material centrally between the clips C 1 , C 2 , but instead closer to one of the clips so that a shorter and a longer section result. 
         [0049]    In the embodiment examples shown, a reserve supply of tubular packing sleeve V is pulled onto the orifice-side section of the filling pipe  20 ,  120 . Of course, it is possible to form a tubular packing sleeve from a flat material, which is bent around the filling pipe  20 ,  120  during the filling process and then connected to the longitudinal edges touching one another to form a hose. 
         [0050]    Furthermore, the reserve supply of detonating devices can have a suitable drive. In this case, this can be fed by the drive in filling ejection direction F, e.g. if the detonating cord S has a sufficient rigidity. 
         [0051]    If the detonating device S is paste-like or powdery, the drive is formed by a suitable pump. 
         [0052]    In order to ensure a uniform supply of detonating device, the drive of the detonating device reserve supply can be synchronized with the conveying direction for the explosive in a suitable way.