Multi-way tubular channel connector block

#The invention relates to mining explosives but can have application in uses of other explosives, such as construction, demolition, and the like. In particular, the invention relates to a connector block used in propagating explosives initiation signals.

#The inventor is aware of several types of connector blocks, first of which is a simple single channel connector block wherein a channel open at one end thereof for the insertion of a detonator is used and side walls of shock tubes to which the signal is to be propagated are brought into close proximity of the closed end of the channel so that when the detonator detonates, the shockwave of the detonation fractures the shock tube side wall and propagates the signal along the shock tubes. This is sometimes known as a C-clip or G-clip arrangement. This type of connector block only works with detonators and has other geometric limitations.

#A second type connector block is described international patent WO2009076682 to the same inventor, which there is provided a multi-port transmission line connector having a body which has at least four ports and channels therein for connecting one final transmission line with multiple signal transmission lines in a blasting system or transferring blasting signals, the at least four ports having a bore there through, wherein in at least one of the ports is located an inner sleeve of deformable material and located between the inner sleeve and the body a crimpable secondary sleeve such that, in use, when a shock tube has been inserted into the port and passes through the inner sleeve portion of the secondary sleeve crimped thereby to deform the inner sleeve and to seal against the shock tube thereby retaining the shock tube in position and inhibiting the ingress of water into the connector through said port. This type of connector block has advantageous over the prior connector blocks but through its multi-dimensional structure is costly to produce.

#The invention will now be described by way of nonlimiting example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings,

#FIG. 1 shows, in schematic representation, a multi-way tubular channel connector block in accordance with the invention;

#FIG. 2 shows, in isometric end view, the multi-way connector block of FIG. 1;

#In FIGS. 1 to 3, a 4-way tubular channel connector block 10 is shown. The connector block 10 includes a body 12 made of a plastics material and having a primary tubular channel 14 of a first diameter; two ports 13 and 30 at end zones thereof; a resiliently deformable plug portion 16 made of rubber or a similar substance, and having 4 secondary channels 18 of a secondary diameter there through; and a securing mechanism 20 for securing the plug portion 16 to the body 12, wherein the body 12 has an opening in communication with the primary tubular channel 14, the securing mechanism 20 for securing the resiliently deformable plug portion 16 being provided at port 13, and wherein the secondary diameters of the secondary channels 18 are sized and dimensioned to permit snug fitting of a shock tube 22 therein so that, in use, a plurality of shock tubes 22 are secured in the plug portion 16 so that at least some open ends 24 of the shock tubs 22 are in communication with the primary tubular channel 14.

#The primary tubular channel 14 is chamber being a cylindrical tubular chamber with zones perpendicular to the side walls thereof. One chamber 14 end zone 24 has an orifice 26 or reduced diameter in respect to the primary channel 14. This may result in a pressure chamber effect whereby an initiation signal passing from the secondary channels 18 into the primary tubular channel 14 experiences a pressure increase before the orifice 26 and is introduced into the tubular channel 14 creating higher pressure for signal transfer and propagation. This promotes propagation of a signal, such as a shock wave or a flame front, from a signal initiation device or into the primary tubular channel and then onwards within the primary channel to the plurality of shock tubes.

#At the other end 28 of the tubular channel 14 there is a port 30 provided with an attachment means 32 in the form of a screw threaded portion whereby a detonator, igniter, or a delayed igniter being the source of the initiation signal is attached and secured in the communication with the primary tubular channel 14.