Spool for an electronic detonator and detonator including such a spool

Abstract

An initiator spool (10) comprising at least one body (11) configured to receive a cable wound around the body, the body (11) comprising at least one housing configured to receive a primer, an electronic control module housing (16a) configured to receive an electronic control module (50), and a bore (14) forming a hub configured to rotate the body of the spool (10), and an initiator comprising such a spool (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spool for an electronic explosive device.

[0002] In particular, it relates to a spool for an electronic detonator that has no bus wiring.

[0003] The invention finds application in the field of pyrotechnic launching in all areas where a network of at least one detonator is customarily required. Typical examples of use relate to mining, quarrying, seismic exploration and the building and public works sectors.

[0004] A non-bussed detonator, for example, includes two functional entities: a primer and an electronic control module.

[0005] Generally, the primer includes an explosive composition and an electronic module that is configured to communicate with an electronic control module, for example, by a cable therebetween.

[0006] During use of the detonator, the primer is placed in an explosive cartridge (often referred to as a "booster"), itself contained in a location arranged to receive it and intended to be loaded with an explosive, such as a hole in a floor, wall, or even a ceiling.

[0007] An electronic control module, which in use is connected to the primer by a cable, is positioned at the exit of the hole and is arranged to receive test and / or ignition signals emanating from, for example, a control console and / or a programming console.

[0008] These signals may be communicated wirelessly between the control console and / or programming console and the electronic module, for example by radio or optical signals.

[0009] To install the primer and the electronic module, the cable connecting them is wound, for example, on a spool, and to unwind it, a tool such as a screwdriver or a simple wand is fitted into the central barrel of the spool body, which can then be easily rotated around its axis to unwind the cable.

[0010] Furthermore, in the case of detonators without bus wiring, the electronic control module must be positioned as precisely as possible, and is best pointed towards the control console and / or programming console, otherwise the communication range may be reduced and communication may not be established or may be cut off.

[0011] Therefore, a need has arisen to improve and / or facilitate the setup of electronic initiators, particularly those that have no bussing or surface connections.

[0012] However, it was found desirable to affect users' work practices as little as possible.

[0013] In view of this, it is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned drawbacks while also enabling other advantages.

[0014] To this end, according to a first aspect, there is provided an initiator spool comprising at least one body, for example cylindrical, configured to receive a cable wound thereon, in particular a connection cable between the initiator primer and an electronic control module.

[0015] According to an interesting embodiment, the body of the spool includes at least one housing configured to receive a primer.

[0016] According to an interesting aspect, the body of the spool includes at least one electronic control module housing configured to receive an electronic control module.

[0017] According to an interesting aspect, the body of the spool includes at least one bore forming a hub configured to rotate the body of the spool.

[0018] Such a bore is preferably formed in the center of the spool.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bore forming the hub includes a housing configured to receive a primer.

[0020] Such an arrangement allows more primers to be accommodated in the center of the spool and allows the primers to be located at the furthest positions from each other when multiple detonators, especially multiple spools, are stored in a box, such as a cardboard storage box.

[0021] For example, the electronic control module housing includes at least one slot extending along the axis of the body.

[0022] For example, the housing of the electronic control module and / or the housing configured to receive the primer may be open at least on one end of the body.

[0023] According to an interesting feature of the invention, the spool includes at least one housing configured to receive a stake, the stake being configured to form a pivotal connection with a bore forming the hub.

[0024] The stake may be retained by a simple mechanical adjustment to adjust the size of the stake to a compartment in the spool body, for example by a sliding system within the compartment or by form fitting a housing on one end of the stake.

[0025] According to an interesting feature of the invention, the spool includes a cap configured to be secured to a first end of the body of the spool.

[0026] For example, the cap may include an inner surface and an outer surface opposite the inner surface.

[0027] For example, the inner surface includes a fastening system configured to secure the cap to the first end of the body of the spool.

[0028] For example, the spool includes a fin collar that surrounds a first end of the body of the spool.

[0029] For example, the cap includes a system for securing the electronic control module, the securing system being configured to secure the electronic control module to the cap.

[0030] For example, the inner surface of the cap includes a system for securing the electronic control module.

[0031] For example, the cap includes a first system for securing a stake, the first securing system configured to secure the stake to the cap at a first position.

[0032] For example, the first fastening system is configured to secure a stake to the cap, the stake extending from an inner surface of the cap.

[0033] For example, the cap includes a second system for securing the stake, the second securing system being configured to secure the stake to the cap at a second location, in particular by extending from an outer surface of the cap.

[0034] In particular, the second location is different from the first location.

[0035] Thus, the cap is configured, for example, to hold an electronic control module on one side (here the inner side) and a stake on the other side (here the outer side).

[0036] When the stake is installed in the wall, the electronic control module is held at a desired height and orientation on the cap and can be removed from the spool.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the spool includes a finned cap, the finned cap including, for example, a circular central portion (flange) and a fin collar surrounding the central portion.

[0038] For example, the finned cap is configured to be secured to the second end of the body of the spool and is particularly suited for the storage configuration.

[0039] Thus, the general structure of the spool remains largely unchanged, but the arrangement is altered to add various housings which contribute to the deployment of the detonator.

[0040] Furthermore, it has been found that the spool body, which has a relatively small diameter, becomes more difficult to unwind the lower the ambient temperature, especially when the temperature falls below 0°C.

[0041] It is therefore desirable to have the largest diameter spool body possible, given the circumstances and other design constraints.

[0042] However, the larger the diameter of the spool body, the more volume loss can occur within the body of the spool.

[0043] The present invention, according to any one of its features, is therefore interesting in that it makes it possible to utilise this internal volume and thus avoid its loss.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the spool includes a stake.

[0045] For example, the stake may include a portion configured to cooperate with the bore to form a pivotal connection and at least one stop configured to limit insertion of the stake into the bore.

[0046] For example, the stake may include a conical portion configured to form a stop.

[0047] For example, the stop may include a conical portion extending from a portion configured to form a pivotal connection with the bore.

[0048] According to yet another attractive option, the stake includes an electrical connector.

[0049] For example, the electrical connector is configured to connect the energy portion to a functional portion of an electronic circuit, at least the functional portion being included in the electronic control module.

[0050] For example, the electrical connector of the stake may include a metal strip, such as a leaf spring.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the stake includes an energy portion.

[0052] For example, the spool may have a storage configuration in which the stake is inserted into the housing.

[0053] For example, the stake is fixed in a first position by a first fastening system of the cap.

[0054] According to another aspect, there is also provided an electronic detonator including an electronic control module, an explosive primer, and a connecting cable connecting the primer and the electronic control module; The initiator further includes a spool according to any one of the preceding features.

[0055] In this specification, the electronic control module is Functional modules, such as wireless and / or optical signal communication modules, including electronic boards with electronic circuits. Including, Refers to the wireless electronic detonator surface module (connection bus).

[0056] Possibly, the electronic module includes a protective coating, e.g., a case, which may optionally act as a mechanical support configured to hold the functional module in a corresponding housing on the spool.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the electronic control module, in particular the function module, comprises at least one electronic circuit function.

[0058] When the electronic circuit function portion is electrically connected to the energy portion of the electronic circuit, the electronic control module can be operated.

[0059] Here, the energy section refers to an electronic circuit section including, for example, an energy source, such as a battery.

[0060] For example, the electronic circuit features include electrical contact pads.

[0061] For example, the energy portion includes an electrical contact pad.

[0062] For example, the electronic control module, in particular its electronic circuitry, includes at least one connection interface with a stake, in particular as described below, the connection interface being configured to be connected to an electrical connector of the stake, for example as described below.

[0063] For example, the connection interface of the electronic control module includes contact pads on the functional parts of the electronic control module.

[0064] For example, the connection interface of the electronic control module, in particular the electrical contact pads of the functional parts, include push buttons.

[0065] According to an interesting option, the electronic control module, in particular the functional module, further comprises an electronic circuit energy part.

[0066] For example, the connection interface of the electronic control module further includes a contact pad of the energy section.

[0067] According to a particularly interesting embodiment, the initiator includes a containment arrangement.

[0068] In the stored configuration, the electronic control module is stored in the housing of the corresponding spool, i.e., the spool's electronic control module housing.

[0069] For example, the electronic control module is completely housed within the body of the spool.

[0070] For example, the electronic control module is held in the housing by a clamp.

[0071] For example, the primer is contained in a corresponding housing on the spool.

[0072] For example, the connecting cable between the electronic control module and the primer is wound around the body of the spool.

[0073] According to an interesting option, the cap is fixed to a first end of the body of the spool.

[0074] According to an interesting option, a finned cap is fixed to the second end of the body of the spool.

[0075] For example, the electronic control module may be secured to the cap, for example to an inner surface of the cap.

[0076] For example, the stake is fixed to the cap, for example to an inner surface of the cap by a first fastening system of the stake.

[0077] For example, the stakes may be housed in a housing on the body of the spool.

[0078] According to another interesting embodiment, the detonator includes a mounting arrangement.

[0079] Preferably, in this configuration, the stake is removed from the housing of the spool.

[0080] Preferably, the primer is also removed from the housing of the spool.

[0081] In the installed configuration, for example, a portion of the stake is inserted into a bore forming the hub of the spool, the stake and the bore thus forming a pivot connection configured to rotate the body of the spool about the stake, thereby allowing the cable to be unwound appropriately.

[0082] According to yet another interesting embodiment, the detonator includes a configuration for use.

[0083] In a use configuration, the primer is placed in the bottom of a hole, for example formed in a wall, and is connected by a cable to an electronic control module at the exit of the hole, for example at the surface of the wall.

[0084] The electronic control module can then be placed in the desired location (orientation and height), for example, oriented towards the control console and / or programming console.

[0085] In this configuration, the electronic control module can be activated at a later time, for example, by a control console and / or a programming console.

[0086] For example, the electronic control module may be at least partially removable from the housing of the body of the spool.

[0087] For example, at least a portion of the electronic control module may remain within a corresponding housing and may be retained, for example, by being clamped to the housing within the body of the spool.

[0088] When the cable is fully unwound, the electronic control module may remain in the body of the spool.

[0089] For example, the electronic control module is secured to an inner surface of the cap.

[0090] In certain use cases, particularly when the cable is fully unwound, the electronic control module secured to the inner surface of the cap is further housed in the housing of the spool body, i.e., the cap remains secured to the first end of the spool body, and the spool is secured at the exit of the hole by a fin collar that surrounds the first end of the spool body, and the stake is then no longer in use.

[0091] According to one option, the stake is fixed to the cap, for example to an outer surface of the cap, for example by a second fastening system of the stake.

[0092] For example, the stake is secured to the cap by the head of the stake.

[0093] In this configuration, the stakes can be driven into the wall to hold and secure the electronic control module to the cap, particularly to the inside surface of the cap.

[0094] According to another interesting option, the stake is fixed to a finned cap.

[0095] If desired, a finned cap may be separated from the spool body, for example, and inserted into the outlet of the hole through which the primer is inserted, for example.

[0096] For example, the stake is then secured to the finned cap by the rod of the stake.

[0097] In one embodiment, the stake is secured to the finned cap at the rod and to the cap at the head, particularly to the outer surface of the cap.

[0098] When the finned cap is secured to the outlet of the hole, the cap may then be held in a position away from the outlet of the hole.

[0099] And for example, the electronic control module is also secured to the cap, and in particular to the inner surface of the cap as previously described.

[0100] Thus, a detonator including a spool according to the invention can incorporate a tool (here a stake) within the spool to unwind the spool and / or set the distance between the ground (or wall) and the electronic module, if required. The stake also allows for better control of the electronic control module's position in height and orientation, facilitating better communication with the control console and / or programming console.

[0101] In one embodiment, the stake includes an electrical connector, as previously described.

[0102] For example, the electrical connector is configured to connect an energy portion to a functional portion of an electronic circuit, in particular to close an electronic circuit of an electronic control module.

[0103] For example, when the stake is secured to the cap, the stake closes an electronic circuit in the electronic control module, inducing electrical current therethrough while the electronic control module is secured to the inner surface of the cap.

[0104] For example, in a particular use configuration, the electrical connector of the stake is electrically connected to a connection interface of the electronic control module.

[0105] This allows electrical connection between the energy section and the functional section of the electronic control module.

[0106] In one embodiment where the functional module includes both a functional portion and an energy portion, the electrical connectors may electrically connect the contact pads of the functional portion to the contact pads of the energy portion.

[0107] According to another embodiment, the stake includes an energy portion and the electrical connector is connected to the energy portion within the stake.

[0108] Thus, for example, in a particular use configuration, the electrical connector of the stake is electrically connected to a connection interface of the electronic control module that includes contact pads of the functional portion.

[0109] The invention according to an embodiment will be better understood and its advantages will appear better on reading the following detailed description, given for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0110] [Figure 1] 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D show a perspective view, a side view, a bottom view and a top view, respectively, of a spool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2A, 2B, and 2C show a perspective view, an outer surface, and an inner surface, respectively, of a cap according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a finned cap according to one embodiment, showing a perspective view (FIG. 3A), an exterior view (FIG. 3B), and an interior view (FIG. 3C). [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a stake according to one embodiment in a perspective view (FIG. 4A), a first side view (FIG. 4B) and a second side view perpendicular to the first side (FIG. 4C). [Diagram 5] 5A-5C are perspective views of the electronic control module, which by definition are shown from a recto (FIG. 5A), a reverse (FIG. 5B), and a low-angle perspective (FIG. 5C). [Figure 6] 6 shows the spool of FIG. 1 including the electronic module of FIG. 5 and the stake of FIG. 4 with the finned cap of FIG. 3 closing one end of the body of the spool (FIG. 6A) and not (FIG. 6B). [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows the stake of FIG. 4 and the electronic module of FIG. 5 attached to the cap of FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8, which includes FIGS. 8A-8C, shows a stake extracted from a spool, which is inserted through a cap assembled to the body of the spool. [Figure 9] FIG. 9, which includes FIGS. 9A-9D, illustrates a stake being extracted from a spool connected to a cap that was originally assembled to the body of the spool in order to remove a secured electronic control module. [Figure 10] FIG. 10, which comprises FIGS. 10A-10C, illustrates a connection between a stake and an electronic control module according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11, which includes FIGS. 11A to 11D, shows a stake being extracted for removal from a spool that is connected to a finned cap that was originally assembled to the body of the spool. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows the finned cap, the stake and the cap with the electronic module secured thereto in an assembled state.

[0111] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an initiator spool 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, depicted in a perspective view (FIG. 1A), a side view (FIG. 1B), and by definition a bottom view (FIG. 1C) and a top view (FIG. 1D).

[0112] The spool 10 generally includes a body 11 .

[0113] The body 11 is here formed of a cylindrical enclosure having a circular periphery extending longitudinally between two ends, a first end 12 and a second end 13 .

[0114] As best shown in FIG. 1B, body 11 herein includes perforations 110. As best shown in FIG.

[0115] The perforations 110 are configured to latch a fastening system 210 of the cap 20 which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0116] By definition, the first end is above the spool and the second end is below the spool.

[0117] In this specification, the designations above and below are arbitrary and have been chosen for convenience of explanation.

[0118] First end 12 is shown in FIG. 1C from a top view, ie, a bottom view of the spool.

[0119] Thus, as shown in Figures 1A and 1C, the spool herein includes a fin collar 120 that surrounds the first end 12 of the body.

[0120] In particular, the fin collar 120 is configured to provide an axial stop for the cable wound on the spool body 11 .

[0121] Additionally, the fin collar 120 is now configured to aid in positioning of the spool as desired, for example on a wall surface, and more particularly at the exit of a drilled hole.

[0122] Second end 13 is shown in FIG. 1D in plan view, ie, a top view of the spool.

[0123] As shown particularly in FIGS. 1A and 1D, the spools herein include a collar 130 that surrounds the second end 13 of the body.

[0124] Likewise, this collar 130 is particularly configured to form an axial stop for the cable wound on the spool body 11 .

[0125] Thus, the wrapped cable is held between fin collar 120 and collar 130 .

[0126] The collar 130 herein further includes a latching system 131 .

[0127] The latching system 131 is particularly configured to retain the end of the cable when it is wound onto the body of the spool, thereby avoiding unintentional unwinding, particularly in the stored configuration of the detonator.

[0128] For example, the latching system 131 herein includes two curved stops 132 extending from a collar 130 .

[0129] The spool further includes a bore 14 defined by a tube disposed along the central axis of the body of the spool.

[0130] The bore 14 thus forms a hub and is in particular configured to receive a stake 40 therein, as will be described with reference to FIG. 4, forming a pivot connection for rotating the body of the spool and in particular for unwinding the cable.

[0131] Additionally, bore 14 may be configured to house an initiator primer therein, particularly in an initiator storage configuration, where the primer is protected during transport.

[0132] They are then pre-removed to allow for the insertion of stakes as required.

[0133] As best seen in particular in FIGS. 1C and 1D, the spool includes various reinforcements 15.

[0134] A stiffener 15 connects the tube forming the bore to the spool body, and in particular to the enclosure of the body.

[0135] The stiffeners 15 also define an internal space in the body 11, making it possible to form housings 16, here three housings 16, within the spool.

[0136] Thus, the housing 16 becomes the space between the reinforcements 15 .

[0137] Two of the stiffeners 15 are radially spaced apart from each other more than the other stiffeners, so as to form a larger housing 16a than the other stiffeners, such housing 16a facilitating the insertion of an electronic control module.

[0138] Therefore, housing 16a is assumed herein to be the largest of housings 16.

[0139] In this case, the other housings 16b are of the same size. They can equally accommodate, for example, the stakes 40. In this case, the housing 16b configured to accommodate the stakes 40 is deduced from the position of the elements for fixing the stakes on the cap 20, as will be described below.

[0140] Each part therefore fits into a corresponding compartment depending on the orientation of the cap 20 relative to the body of the spool (which may have housings for fixing the different elements therein).

[0141] The housing 16a is thus radially delimited here by the enclosure of the body 11 and the two stiffeners 15 and is here configured to receive an electronic control module 50 which will be described with reference to FIG.

[0142] The housing 16b is here radially delimited by the enclosure of the body 11 and the two other stiffeners 15 and is configured, for example, here to accommodate a stake 40 therein, in particular in the storage configuration of the detonator.

[0143] FIG. 2 shows a cap 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] The cap 20 includes an inner surface 21 and an outer surface 22 opposite the inner surface.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the cap includes a fastening system 210 configured to secure the cap 20 to the body of the spool, in particular to close the body of the spool at its first end 12.

[0146] In particular, a fastening system 210 herein extends from the inner surface 21 and is configured to cooperate with drillings 110 formed in the body of the spool.

[0147] The inner surface 21 of the cap 20 further includes a fastening system 220 configured to secure the electronic module 50 to the cap.

[0148] In this case it mainly comprises a slot adapted for inserting an electronic module 50 .

[0149] Here, the cap 20 also includes a first system 230 for securing a stake. The first system 230 for securing a stake is configured to secure the stake 40 to the cap 20 at a first location and extends from the inner surface 21.

[0150] The first system 230 for fixing the stakes includes, for example, in this case, spaced apart pins configured to hold the stakes 40, for example the heads of the stakes, by means of a clamp.

[0151] Additionally, the cap 20 now includes an opening 231 .

[0152] The opening 231 traverses the thickness of the cap 20. Moreover, it is surrounded on the side of the inner surface 21 by a first system 230 for fixing a stake, here by a pin.

[0153] Thus, when the stake 40 is secured in the first position on the cap, it is possible to remove the stake 40 by inserting a tool or finger through the opening 231 and pushing the stake 40 back.

[0154] The cap further includes a second system 240 for securing the stake.

[0155] The second fastening system 240 is configured to secure the stake 40 to the cap at a second location, the second location being different from the first location, with the stake extending from the outer surface 22 of the cap.

[0156] In particular, the second system 240 for fixing the stakes includes a window 24 that traverses the thickness of the cap and is geometrically centrally located with respect to the cap.

[0157] Thus, when the cap is assembled onto the spool body, the window 24 faces the bore 14 .

[0158] The window 24 includes a generally circular central portion and two ears 241 extending from the central portion and diametrically opposed to one another.

[0159] As shown in Figures 2A and 2C, the second system 240 for fixing the stake is here formed in two diametrically opposed parts and also includes a stop portion 242 extending from an ear portion 241 on the side of the inner surface 21.

[0160] In this manner, the stop 242 is configured to both stop rotation of the stake and impose which direction the stake must be rotated in order to secure the stake in the second position.

[0161] In this embodiment, the second system 240 for fixing the stake also includes a lug 243, here formed by a hemisphere of padding against the inner surface 21 and configured to limit the return in rotation of the stake, thus contributing to holding the stake in place by the clamp.

[0162] Thus, as described below, the head of a stake 40, having a shape complementary to the window 24, is configured to be inserted through the window 24 and locked into place by pivoting the stake.

[0163] FIG. 3 shows a finned cap 30 .

[0164] The finned cap 30 is configured to be secured to the second end 13 of the body 11 of the spool 10 .

[0165] The finned cap 30 includes a central portion 31 (flange) having, for example, a circular shape, and a fin collar 32 surrounding the central portion.

[0166] The central portion 31 here includes a peripheral rim 33 , a tube 34 centrally located relative to the peripheral rim, and a stiffener 35 connecting the tube 34 to the peripheral rim 33 .

[0167] The tube 34 here includes a fastening system 340 configured to secure the stake to the finned cap.

[0168] The fastening system 340 here comprises a wall 345 transverse to the tube 34 which comprises a main portion 342 with a circular cross section and a cutout 341 which comprises four equally spaced lobes 343 .

[0169] On the inside side shown in FIG. 3C, the wall 345 further includes at least one stop 344 extending from the lobe 343 along an edge of the main portion 342 of the cutout 341 . As with cap 20, stops 344 are thus configured to stop rotation of the stake and also impose which direction the stake must be rotated to lock into place on finned cap 30.

[0170] On this same side, the wall 345 further includes at least one lug 346. The lug 346 is again formed by a hemisphere of padding against the wall 345 and is configured to limit the return of the stake during rotation, thus contributing to holding the stake in place by the clamp.

[0171] As will be explained below, the fastening system 340 allows the stake 40, and in particular the rod 42 of the stake 40, to be inserted and fastened into the finned cap.

[0172] The fin collar 32 is here configured to cooperate with a collar 130 on the body of the spool 10 .

[0173] In particular, the fin collar 32 includes notches formed by the fins being shorter than the other fins. These notches are configured to be positioned opposite curved stops 132 of the collar 130.

[0174] The finned cap 30 is then secured to the body of the spool by insertion and clamping.

[0175] FIG. 4 illustrates a stake 40 according to one embodiment.

[0176] Here, the stake 40 primarily includes a head 41 and a rod 42 extending from the head and terminating in a tip 43 .

[0177] Generally, the stake 40 has a cross-shaped cross section, here having four orthogonal branches arranged in pairs and diametrically opposed to one another.

[0178] Preferably, the branches have rounded edges to facilitate pivoting of at least a portion of the stake 40 within the bore 14 of the spool body.

[0179] The head 41 includes a conical portion that flares out from the rod and terminates in a plate 413 .

[0180] As shown in FIG. 4A, the plate 413 is oval in shape.

[0181] The conical portion may, for example, include two diametrically opposed branches, the height of which relative to the center of the stake is greater than the other two branches.

[0182] The head includes a locking pin 410 that rests on the plate.

[0183] The locking pin 410 includes a cylindrical main portion 411 having a circular cross section, and two diametrically opposed fingers 412 extending from an upper surface of the main portion and spaced apart from a plate 413 .

[0184] Thus, the locking pin 410 is configured, for example, to be inserted into the opening 24 in the cap, and the finger 412 can be secured by pivoting the stake 40, the finger 412 sliding over the inner surface 21 until it bears against the stop 242, and the plate 413 bearing against the outer surface 22 of the cap 20.

[0185] The locking pin 410 is also configured to be clamped to the first fastening system 230 , with the top surface of the main portion 411 facing the opening 231 .

[0186] It is therefore easy to push the top surface of main portion 411 through opening 231 to dislodge the stake and, in some cases, pull it out from the body of spool 10.

[0187] Starting at the head 41, the rod 42 includes a main section 420 having a section forming a portion adapted to cooperate with a bore in the body of the spool so as to be able to rotate the body of the spool.

[0188] The rod 42 further includes a circumferential notch 421 formed between the main section 420 and the tip 43 .

[0189] Thus, when the rod 42 is inserted and pivoted through the cutout 341 in the finned cap 30 , the notch 421 forms a double axial stop as the rod is fixed axially relative to the finned cap 30 .

[0190] In particular, the notch 421 is configured to cooperate with the wall 345 of the finned cap 30 .

[0191] Indeed, by inserting the rod through cutout 341 in wall 345 of finned cap 30, the branch extending between tip 43 and circumferential notch 421 passes through lobe 343 and main section 420 abuts wall 345. The stake is then pivoted so that one end of the branch extending from tip 43 fits and slides against the inner surface of wall 345 until it rests against stop 344.

[0192] The wall 345 is then clamped into the circumferential notch 421 .

[0193] The stake 40 may then be pulled, displacing the finned cap 30 away from the body of the spool 10.

[0194] According to an interesting option illustrated here, the stake 40 includes an electrical connector 414 .

[0195] Here, the electrical connector 414 includes a metal strip embedded in the surface of the fingers 412 .

[0196] 5, an electronic control module 50 is shown very diagrammatically.

[0197] Here, the electronic control module includes a functional module 51, e.g. here an electronic board, configured to communicate with a console, either a control console or a programming console, e.g. at least one wireless signal communication module, optionally an optical (light) communication module.

[0198] Additionally, the electronic control module now includes a protective coating 52 (optional) configured to protect the functional module 51 .

[0199] For example, protective coating 52 is an overmold formed over functional module 51 .

[0200] In this case, the protective coating 52 partially covers the functional module 51, and the part of the functional module 51 outside the protective coating 52 includes, in particular, a lower plate 53 configured to be inserted into the fixing system 220 of the cap 20 and configured in particular to cooperate with a slot for holding the electronic module in position on the cap 20.

[0201] In this case, the electronic control module 50, in particular the functional module 51, comprises an electronic circuit functional part and an energy part.

[0202] For example, the energy section includes a battery 54 .

[0203] As shown in FIG. 5C, in this embodiment, the functional portion of the electronic circuit includes electrical contact pads 55 and the energy portion includes electrical contact pads 56 .

[0204] Here, the electrical contact pads 55, 56 form a connection interface 57 for an electronic control module.

[0205] In this manner, the connection interface 57 is configured to connect to the electrical connector 414 of the stake, thereby enabling the energy portion to be electrically connected to the functional portion of the functional module, for example, when the detonator is configured for use.

[0206] In this case, a portion of the protective coating 52 covers the connection interface and further includes a bead of excess material 58 relative to the connection interface 57 .

[0207] The bead 58 helps seal the contact when the connection interface 57 contacts the stake's electrical connector 414 (shown in FIG. 4).

[0208] 6-11, there are shown assemblies of the elements depicted in relation to FIGS. 1-5 and various possible configurations of initiators according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0209] Thus, for example, FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of a spool 10 with an electronic module 50 and stake 40 housed within its body, supported by a cap 20.

[0210] Apart from the primer, which is not shown, and even more so the cable connecting it to the module 50, the spool is configured to correspond to the storage configuration of the initiator.

[0211] In Figure 6A, a finned cap 30 closes the second end of the body of the spool, but is removed in Figure 6B.

[0212] FIG. 7 shows the arrangement of the stake 40 and electronic module 50 secured to the cap 20, and in particular to its inner surface 21, when housed in the body of the spool as shown in FIG.

[0213] As explained above, to remove the stake, one may simply push the head of the stake through the opening 231 in the cap or simply pull on the rod 42.

[0214] Additionally, the electronic control module 50 is at least partially retained in the spool body by a cap.

[0215] However, the cap is not essential and can be replaced with a simple slide system that holds the electronics module in the main compartment of the spool body with a form fit.

[0216] FIG. 8 illustrates the location of a stake to rotate the body of the spool, for example in an initiator installation configuration.

[0217] For this purpose, the rod 42 of the stake is inserted into the window 24 so that the conical part of the head 41 of the stake rests against the central part of the window 24 .

[0218] Thus, the body 10 of the spool can be rotated about the stake 40 .

[0219] FIG. 9 shows securing the stake 40 in a second position and removing the electronic module from the body of the spool.

[0220] The locking pin 410 on the head of the stake is oriented so that the fingers 412 face the ears 241 of the window 24 (FIG. 9A).

[0221] The locking pin 410 can then be pressed into the window 24 until the plate 413 abuts the outer surface 22 of the cap (FIG. 9B).

[0222] The stake is then pivoted: on the inner side, the finger 412 slides over the inner surface 21 until it abuts against the stop 242 (FIG. 9C).

[0223] The stake is then locked into place.

[0224] Pulling the stake disengages the cap's fastening system 210 from the body 11 of the spool 10, thereby allowing the cap 20 to at least partially extract the electronic control module 50 from the body 11 of the spool (FIG. 9D).

[0225] In parallel, as shown in Fig. 10, the electrical connector 414 of the stake contacts the connection interface 57. In this configuration, similar to the use configuration of the detonator, the electrical connector 414 now electrically connects the electrical contact pads 55 of the electronic circuit function section and the electrical contact pads 56 of the energy section contained in the functional module 51. Thus, the electronic control module 50 is activated.

[0226] The main function of the cap 20 is therefore to hold the electronic module and also to allow connection to the stake 40 .

[0227] The stake 40 locks into the cap 20 which supports the electronic module 50, allowing the stake to be moved away from the wall.

[0228] This function can also be achieved by a simple sliding system (of stakes and caps) without the need for a locking mechanism.

[0229] If the cable is fully unwound from the spool, the electronic module does not need to be removed from the body of the spool, otherwise (Faraday cage effect) a stake secured to the cap allows the electronic module to be removed from the body of the spool as described herein above.

[0230] The shape of the stake is then used to anchor the stake assembly, electronics module, and cap (with or without the spool body) into a wall (e.g., a pile of fine rocks or drill bits).

[0231] Complementarily or alternatively, the stakes 40 may be secured to the finned cap 30, as shown in FIG.

[0232] For this purpose, the rod 42 of the stake is inserted into a cut-out 341 in a wall 345 of the finned cap (FIG. 11A) until part of the rod abuts against the wall 345 (FIG. 11B).

[0233] The stake is then pivoted (FIG. 11C) so that wall 345 is clamped into circumferential notch 421 .

[0234] The finned cap 30 can then be separated from the body of the spool by pulling on the stake 40 (FIG. 11D).

[0235] Finally, FIG. 12 combines the arrangements shown in FIGS.

[0236] The stake 40 is secured to both the cap 20 and the finned cap 30 which support the electronic module 50 .

[0237] For example, the finned cap 30 is particularly suitable for fastening to the outlet of a hole, for example the outlet of a hole at the bottom of which a primer is located.

[0238] Moreover, such a configuration can also ensure a certain height between the electronic module 50 and the wall. In effect, the finned cap 30 limits the stake 40 from sinking into the wall or hole to any degree.

[0239] 12 shows a use configuration without a spool, however, depending on the cable winding, the spool may remain secured to the cap 20.

[0240] In underground applications (e.g., horizontally drilled holes for tunnels and vertically drilled holes for underground chambers), the finned cap 30 configuration may prove useful, as may the fin collar 120 of the spool.

[0241] According to a first embodiment, when the cable is fully unwound, it is possible to position the spool body (including the electronic module) at the entrance of the drill hole using the finned cap 30 or the fin collar 120. The choice depends, for example, on the size of the hole and the size of the finned cap 30 and / or the fin collar 120.

[0242] According to a second embodiment, if the spool holds the remaining windings of cable, it may be more interesting to first lock the stakes to the finned cap 30, then lock this new set to the cap 20 supporting the electronic module (as shown in FIG. 12) and place the resulting assembly at the entrance to the drill hole (the exit part of the electronic module 50 on the spool body 11 remains optional depending on the remaining windings of cable).

[0243] The diameters of the spool body fin collar 120 and the finned cap 30 are different so that one or the other can be used to accommodate a variety of drill hole diameters, which may be enhanced by the fact that the fins of the finned cap 30 or fin collar 120 have relative structural flexibility, facilitating the adaptation of the finned cap 30 or fin collar 120, as the case may be, to the drill hole.

[0244] The described features incorporated into the spool body limit modifications to the initiator spool.

[0245] All of these features also accommodate inserting the primer into the spool body to protect and secure it, especially during transport.

[0246] Additionally, a stake (rewinding tool) can be built into the spool, eliminating the need for external tools to rewind the spool and deploy the detonator.

Claims

1. A detonator spool (10) comprising at least one body (11), The body (11) is configured to receive a cable wound around the body; The body (11) includes at least one housing configured to receive a primer, an electronic control module housing (16a) configured to receive an electronic control module (50), and a bore (14) forming a hub configured to rotate the body of the spool (10).

2. a housing (16b) configured to receive a stake (40); 2. The initiator spool (10) of claim 1, wherein the stake (40) is configured to form a pivotal connection with the bore (14) forming a hub.

3. a cap (20) configured to be secured to the first end (12) of the body (11) of the spool; The cap (20) includes an inner surface (21) and an outer surface (22) opposite the inner surface; the inner surface (21) includes a fastening system (210) configured to fasten the cap (20) to the first end (12) of the body (11) of the spool (10); and 2. The initiator spool (10) of claim 1, wherein the spool (10) includes a fin collar (120) surrounding the first end (12) of the body (11).

4. The inner surface (21) of the cap (20) includes a system (220) for fastening the electronic control module; The initiator spool (10) of claim 3, wherein the fastening system (220) is configured to fasten the electronic control module (50) to the cap (20).

5. 4. The initiator spool (10) of claim 3, wherein the cap (20) includes a first securing system (230) for securing the stake (40), the first securing system (230) configured to secure the stake (40) to the cap (20) at a first position extending from the inner surface (21) of the cap (20).

6. 4. The initiator spool (10) of claim 3, wherein the cap (20) includes a second securing system (240) for securing the stake (40), the second securing system (240) configured to secure the stake (40) to the cap (20) at a second location extending from the outer surface (22) of the cap.

7. a finned cap (30), The finned cap (30) includes a central portion (31) and a fin collar (32) surrounding the central portion (31); and 2. The initiator spool (10) of claim 1, wherein the finned cap is configured to be secured to a second end (13) of the body (11) of the spool (10).

8. 1. An electronic detonator comprising an electronic control module (50), an explosive primer, and a cable connecting said primer and said electronic control module (50), An electronic initiator further comprising an initiator spool (10) according to claim 1.

9. A storage configuration, The electronic control module (50) is housed in the housing (16a) of the corresponding spool; The primer is contained in the housing of the corresponding spool; and 9. The electronic initiator of claim 8, wherein the connecting cable between the electronic control module (50) and the primer includes a storage configuration in which the connecting cable is wound around the body (11) of the spool (10).

10. The spool further includes a stake (40); 9. The electronic initiator of claim 8, wherein the stake (40) includes a portion configured to cooperate with the bore (14) to form a pivotal connection and at least one stop configured to limit insertion of the stake into the bore (14).

11. The electronic control module (50) is housed in the housing (16a) of the corresponding spool, The primer is contained in the housing of the corresponding spool; and a storage arrangement in which the connecting cable between the electronic control module (50) and the primer is wound around the body (11) of the spool (10); In the storage configuration, The cap (20) is secured to the first end (12) of the body of the spool; The electronic control module (50) and the stake (40) are secured to the inner surface (21) of the cap (20); and 11. An electronic initiator as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the stake (40) is housed in a housing (16b) in the body (11) of the spool (10).

12. An installation configuration, 11. The electronic initiator of claim 10, further comprising a mounting arrangement in which a portion of the stake (40) is inserted into the bore (14) forming the hub of the spool (11), thereby forming a pivotal connection configured to rotate the body of the spool (11) about the stake (40).

13. A usage configuration, An electronic initiator as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that it includes a use configuration in which the stake (40) is secured to the outer surface (22) of the cap.

14. The stake (40) includes an electrical connector (414); The electronic control module (50) includes a connection interface (57); and 14. The electronic initiator of claim 13, wherein in a use configuration, the electrical connector (414) is electrically connected to a connection interface (57) to allow an energy unit to be electrically connected to a functional unit of the electronic control module (50).

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