Single-capacitor electronic detonator and system for igniting such a single-capacitor electronic detonator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) comprising an initiation means (11), an electronic control means (16), a single energy storage capacitor (15) designed to supply energy to the electronic control means (16) and the initiation means (11) when the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) is ignited, and a means (13) for connecting to an energy source (12) for supplying energy to the single energy storage capacitor (15). The single-capacitor electronic detonator further comprises means (18) for clipping the voltage between the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor (15) to a voltage lower than the non-ignition voltage value (Ua) of the initiation means (11), and voltage regulation means connected to the means (13) for connecting to the energy source (12) and suitable for limiting the output voltage to a voltage lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the initiation means. The present invention also relates to the use of an ignition system that improves safety when using a single-capacitor electronic detonator (10).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a single capacitor electronic detonator and a system for igniting such a single capacitor electronic detonator.

[0002] The invention has general application in the fields of mining, quarrying and public works sites, where programmable electronic detonators are used which are remotely fired according to a predetermined firing schedule. [Background technology]

[0003] Electronic detonators are used to detonate explosives. They therefore comprise detonation means, for example formed by a fuse, connected to electronic control means, and also comprise means for connection to an external energy source which supplies energy to the electronic detonator.

[0004] The main function of the electronic control means is to delay ignition, such that a countdown is performed when the electronic detonator receives the ignition command, and at the end of the countdown ignition of the detonation means is triggered. The electronic control means must be able to operate autonomously without supplying energy to the electronic detonator once it has received the ignition command.

[0005] For this purpose, the electronic detonator has one or two energy storage capacitors. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In an embodiment in which the electronic detonator comprises two energy storage capacitors, the first energy storage capacitor is designed to store the energy required to supply the electronic control means, in particular to execute the delay countdown, and the second capacitor is designed to store the energy required to ignite the detonation means.

[0007] In embodiments in which the electronic detonator comprises a single energy storage capacitor, the energy storage capacitor is designed firstly to supply energy to the electronic control means and secondly to supply energy to the detonation means when the electronic detonator is ignited.

[0008] It is clear that an electronic detonator having a single capacitor (hereinafter "single-capacitor electronic detonator") is less expensive.

[0009] However, an electronic detonator with two energy storage capacitors is safer for the operator than an electronic detonator with one capacitor.

[0010] Indeed, in principle, an electronic detonator having two capacitors could charge a first energy storage capacitor dedicated to supplying energy to the electronic control means when the electronic detonator is connected to an external energy source, for example via a conductive wire.

[0011] A second energy storage capacitor dedicated to ignition of the detonation means is charged with energy only upon receiving a charge command, prior to sending or receiving an ignition command.

[0012] Thus, the two capacitor electronic detonator operates safely and prevents accidental ignition of the detonation means prior to initiating the detonation.

[0013] In a single capacitor electronic detonator, a single energy storage capacitor is charged when the single capacitor electronic detonator is connected to an external energy source by a connecting means.

[0014] Thus, the energy, or a portion of the energy, required to supply the initiation means when the single capacitor electronic detonator is ignited is stored in the single capacitor electronic detonator when it is connected to an external energy source.

[0015] If a detonation switch between the detonation means and the energy storage capacitor is accidentally closed, an accidental detonation can occur.

[0016] To ensure operator safety when handling single-capacitor electronic detonators, they are operated by devices (programming consoles, ignition consoles) designed to limit the voltage supplied to the connection lines of the single-capacitor electronic detonators.

[0017] In this way, the external energy source always has an electrical voltage lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the detonation means incorporated in each of the single capacitor electronic detonators.

[0018] The non-ignition voltage corresponds to a voltage value below which ignition of the explosive means is not possible.

[0019] By selecting the non-ignition voltage value of the detonation means it is ensured that the voltage of the external energy source is always well below the ignition voltage, known as the full ignition voltage.

[0020] The total ignition voltage corresponds to a voltage above which the explosive means is systematically ignited.

[0021] Such single-capacitor electronic detonators are very safe when operated with dedicated equipment.

[0022] However, if a single capacitor electronic detonator is connected to a voltage source or equipment other than that supplied and recommended by the ignition system, this safety level is reduced and may be lower than the safety level provided by an electronic detonator with two capacitors.

[0023] The object of the present invention is to propose a single-capacitor electronic detonator which overcomes at least one of the above mentioned drawbacks and which provides an increased level of safety. [Means for solving the problem]

[0024] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a single-capacitor electronic detonator comprising an initiation means, an electronic control means, a single energy storage capacitor designed to provide energy to the electronic control means and the initiation means when the single-capacitor electronic detonator is ignited, and a means for connecting to an energy source that provides energy to the single-energy storage capacitor.

[0025] According to the invention, the single-capacitor electronic detonator further comprises means for clipping the voltage between the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor, the clipping means having a threshold clipping value lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the detonation means, the clipping means being controlled by electronic control means between an operating position in which the clipping means limits the voltage to a value lower than said threshold clipping value and a deactivating position in which the clipping means is deactivated.

[0026] In this way, the voltage at the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor can be limited by default by the electronic detonator itself: whatever the voltage applied to the connection means of the electronic detonator, the voltage at the terminals of the energy storage capacitor remains below the non-ignition voltage value of the detonation means of the electronic detonator.

[0027] Accidental detonation protection for electronic detonators is provided by the design of the single capacitor electronic detonator itself and is not dependent on the equipment to which it is connected during use.

[0028] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a single-capacitor electronic detonator comprising an initiation means, an electronic control means, a single energy storage capacitor designed to provide energy to the electronic control means and the initiation means when the single-capacitor electronic detonator is ignited, and means for connecting to an energy source that provides energy to the single-energy storage capacitor.

[0029] In accordance with the present invention, the single capacitor electronic detonator further comprises a voltage regulating means connected to the means for connecting to an energy source, the voltage regulating means being controlled by the electronic control means between at least one high voltage position in which the output voltage of the voltage regulating means is higher than the non-ignition voltage value of the initiation means and a low voltage position in which the output voltage of the voltage regulating means is lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the initiation means.

[0030] In this way, the voltage at the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor can be limited by default by the electronic detonator itself: whatever the voltage applied to the connection means of the electronic detonator, the voltage at the terminals of the energy storage capacitor remains below the non-ignition voltage value of the detonation means of the electronic detonator.

[0031] Accidental detonation protection for electronic detonators is provided by the design of the single capacitor electronic detonator itself and is not dependent on the equipment to which it is connected during use.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the single-capacitor electronic detonator comprises the above-mentioned voltage regulation means connected between the means for connecting to an energy source and the above-mentioned clipping means.

[0033] The combination of the voltage regulation means and clipping means, by its very design, further enhances the safety of the single capacitor electronic detonator.

[0034] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, clipping means are connected between the means for connecting the energy source and the voltage regulation means.

[0035] In one practical embodiment, the electronic control means is designed to control both the clipping means in the deactivated position and the voltage regulation means in the low voltage position.

[0036] Thus, the two protection means, the clipping means and the voltage regulation means, operate simultaneously.

[0037] Advantageously, when the electronic control means is powered, the electronic control means is designed to control the clipping means to an operating position and / or to control the voltage regulation means to said low voltage position.

[0038] Whatever the voltage applied to the bus line or supply line to which the single capacitor electronic detonator is connected, the voltage at the terminals of the energy storage capacitor is lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the initiation means.

[0039] In practice, in order to further improve the operational safety of the single-capacitor electronic detonator, when the electronic control means detects an interruption of the power supply to the single-capacitor electronic detonator for a predetermined period of time, the electronic control means is designed to control the clipping means to an operating position and / or to control the voltage regulating means to a low-voltage position.

[0040] According to one embodiment, when the electronic control means receives a dedicated command before the single capacitor electronic detonator is ignited, the electronic control means controls the clipping means to a deactivated position and / or controls the voltage regulating means to said high voltage position.

[0041] Upon receiving a dedicated pre-ignition command, the energy storage capacitor is charged by an energy source to an appropriate voltage to enable the detonation means to be ignited.

[0042] In practice, the dedicated command may be a command to charge an energy storage capacitor.

[0043] Alternatively, the dedicated command may be a command to deactivate the protection means, i.e. the clipping means and the voltage regulation means, and a command to charge the energy storage capacitor is subsequently received by the single capacitor electronic detonator.

[0044] The electronic control means is capable of deactivating the two protection means, namely the clipping means and the voltage regulation means, when the single capacitor electronic detonator receives a single dedicated pre-ignition or ignition command.

[0045] Alternatively, the electronic control means can deactivate only one of the two protection means, the clipping means or the voltage regulation means, when the single capacitor electronic detonator receives a dedicated command before ignition.

[0046] The dedicated command can be a command to charge a storage capacitor or a specific command to deactivate one of two protection means.

[0047] In practice, the electronic control means may deactivate a first protection means, e.g. clipping means, upon receiving a first deactivation command, and then deactivate a second protection means, e.g. voltage regulation means, upon receiving a second deactivation command. Naturally, the order of deactivating the two protection means may be reversed.

[0048] Deactivation of the two protection measures requires that the single capacitor electronic detonator receive two dedicated commands in succession before ignition.

[0049] According to a third aspect, the invention relates to a system for igniting one or more single-capacitor electronic detonators according to the invention.

[0050] The ignition system comprises an ignition console designed to send commands to switch the clipping means from an active position to an inactive position and / or commands to switch the voltage regulating means from a low voltage position to a high voltage position to the electronic control means of one or more single capacitor electronic detonators.

[0051] The ignition console is designed to send separate commands to switch the clipping means from an active to an inactive position and to switch the voltage regulation means from a low voltage position to a high voltage position.

[0052] This separate control of the clipping means and the voltage regulation means provides additional safety in case one or the other of the two switching commands fails.

[0053] The electronic control means is designed, when receiving a first command to switch the clipping means from an operating position to a deactivated position or to switch the voltage regulating means from a low voltage position to a high voltage position, to cancel the first switching command if it does not receive a second command to switch the voltage regulating means from the low voltage position to the high voltage position or to switch the clipping means from an operating position to a deactivated position within a predetermined time.

[0054] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0055] In the accompanying drawings, we give by way of non-limiting example:

[0056] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a single-capacitor electronic detonator according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a baking system according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, a single-capacitor electronic detonator according to one embodiment of the present invention will first be described.

[0058] Traditionally, mines, quarries and public works use electronic detonators for detonation.

[0059] Typically, such an electronic detonator can be used in an ignition scheme together with a number of other electronic detonators. As a general principle, an electronic detonator comprises an initiation means, called a fuse head in a non-limiting manner, connected to an electronic control circuit. The electronic control circuit of each of the electronic detonators has an ignition delay function that triggers the ignition of each of the electronic detonators after a preprogrammed delay countdown. This function of the electronic detonators is known and does not need to be detailed here.

[0060] As shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, a single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 comprises a fuse head 11 connected to an electronic control circuit through which current is supplied.

[0061] The single capacitor electronic detonator 10 comprises means 13 for connecting to an energy source 12 which supplies energy to the electronic control circuit. The connecting means 13 may, for example, comprise conductive wires and a connection box (not shown) and may, for example, connect the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 to the energy source 12 via a power supply line.

[0062] The energy source 12 may for example be formed by an electric battery.

[0063] At the input of the electronic control circuit, the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 comprises means for filtering the current 14 and means for rectifying the current 14. These means for filtering the current 14 and means for rectifying the current 14 are common and make it possible to supply the electronic control circuit of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 with a direct current.

[0064] In this way, a direct current can be supplied to the electronic control circuit via the conductive wires of the means 13 for connecting to the energy source 12 consisting of an external alternating current power source.

[0065] However, the electronic control circuit must be able to operate autonomously without electrical energy being supplied by the means 13 connecting to the energy source 12, in particular when an ignition command is received by the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0066] For this purpose, a single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is provided with energy storage means.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 is provided with a single energy storage capacitor 15. This energy storage capacitor 15 is designed to provide energy to the electronic control circuitry, in particular the electronic control means 16 and the fuse head 11, when the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 is ignited.

[0068] In this way, the energy storage capacitor 15, firstly, autonomously powers the electronic control means 16 during the delay countdown associated with the single capacitor electronic detonator 10, and secondly, autonomously powers the fuse head 11 for ignition.

[0069] As soon as the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is electrically connected to the energy source 12, the energy storage capacitor 15 is charged.

[0070] In this way, the energy or at least a part of the energy required for ignition of the fuse head 11, depending on the amplitude of the voltage applied to the conductive line of the connection means 13, is charged and stored in the energy storage capacitor 15 of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0071] The single capacitor electronic detonator 10 also comprises a detonation switch 17 mounted between the energy storage capacitor 15 and the fuse head 11. Conventionally, when an ignition command from an ignition console is received by the single capacitor electronic detonator 10, the electronic control means 16 controls the closure of the detonation switch 17, thereby initiating the ignition of the fuse head 11 powered by the energy storage capacitor 15.

[0072] However, to ensure safe use, the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is provided with protection means which prevent charging of the energy storage capacitor 15 with sufficient electrical energy to ignite the fuse head 11 until a specific ignition command is received or transmitted by the single capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0073] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the protection means comprise both means 18 for clipping the voltage across the terminals of the energy storage capacitor 15 and voltage regulation means 19 connected to the means 13 for connecting to the energy source 12 .

[0074] The clipping means 18 has a threshold clipping value Us which is lower than the non-ignition voltage value Ua of the fuse head 11 .

[0075] The clipping means 18 is controlled by the electronic control means 16 between an active position in which the clipping means 18 limits the voltage to a value below a threshold clipping value Us and an inactive position in which the clipping means 18 is inactive.

[0076] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the clipping means 18 are connected in parallel to the energy storage capacitor 15. When the clipping means 18 operates, the charging voltage of the energy storage capacitor 15 remains below the threshold clipping value Us and therefore below the non-ignition voltage Ua of the fuse head 11.

[0077] If the detonation switch 17 is accidentally closed, the charging voltage of the energy storage capacitor 15 is not sufficient to ignite the fuse head 11 .

[0078] The clipping means 18 may consist of one or more diodes, for example Zener diodes, in a manner well known to those skilled in the art.

[0079] The voltage regulating means 19 is controlled by the electronic control means 16 between a high voltage position where the output voltage of the voltage regulating means 19 is higher than the non-ignition voltage value Ua of the fuse head 11 and a low voltage position where the output voltage of the voltage regulating means 19 is lower than the non-ignition voltage value Ua of the fuse head 11.

[0080] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the voltage regulating means 19 is connected in series with the energy storage capacitor 15. When the voltage regulating means 19 is in the low voltage position, the charging voltage of the energy storage capacitor 15 remains lower than the non-ignition voltage value Ua of the fuse head 11.

[0081] If the detonation switch 17 is accidentally closed, the charging voltage of the energy storage capacitor 15 is not sufficient to ignite the fuse head 11 .

[0082] The voltage regulation means 19 may be constructed from one or more diode and transistor circuits in a manner known to those skilled in the art.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the voltage regulation means 19 are connected between the means 13 for connecting to the energy source 12 and the clipping means 18 .

[0084] A resistor 18a is advantageously connected in series between the voltage regulating means 19 and the clipping means 18 to limit the current in the circuit of the clipping means 18 when the voltage regulating means 19 is in the high voltage position.

[0085] The voltage regulating means 19 is designed in the high voltage position to supply current at a voltage equal to the supply voltage of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 or at a regulated voltage higher than the full ignition voltage value of the fuse head 11 of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0086] Thus, the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 has a double protection feature to prevent the energy storage capacitor 15 from accidentally charging to a voltage sufficient to ignite the fuse head.

[0087] The non-ignition voltage Ua corresponds to a voltage below which the explosive means cannot be ignited.

[0088] Conversely, the full ignition voltage corresponds to a voltage value above which the explosive means is deliberately ignited.

[0089] Ignition is possible between these two voltage values.

[0090] The determination of the non-ignition and full ignition voltages depends on the filament technology used, the pyrotechnic composition, the substrate, and the interfaces between the various components that make up the fuse head. The values ​​of these voltages can be determined by statistical testing methods during the development and prototyping stages of single capacitor electronic detonators, such as the PROBIT statistical method or the BRUCETON test method.

[0091] As a non-limiting example, the non-ignition voltage value Ua may be between 6 and 10V, for example equal to 8V.

[0092] As a non-limiting example, the full firing voltage value of the fuse head 11 includes 15-17V.

[0093] To ensure such double protection, the electronic control means 16 is designed to control both the clipping means 18 in the operating position and the voltage regulation means 19 in the low voltage position.

[0094] As will be described in more detail below, the control of the clipping means 18 in the operating position and the voltage regulation means 19 in the low voltage position are preferably simultaneous and may also be fed one after the other to the single capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0095] Naturally, it is also possible for a single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 to comprise a single protection means, for example only the clipping means 18 or only the voltage regulation means 19.

[0096] When the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is connected to the energy source 12, i.e. when the electronic control means 16 is powered, the electronic control means 16 is designed to control the clipping means 18 to an operating position and / or to control the voltage regulating means 19 to a low voltage position.

[0097] Preferably, when the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is powered, the clipping means 18 is controlled to an operating position and the voltage regulating means 19 is controlled to a low voltage position.

[0098] Similarly, when the electronic control means 16 detects an interruption in the power supply to the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 for a predetermined period of time, the electronic control means 16 is designed to control the clipping means 18 to an operating position and / or to control the voltage regulating means 19 to a low voltage position.

[0099] Thus, if the voltage on the supply line of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is lost for a predefined period of time, for example a few milliseconds, the settings of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 are reinitialized in the protective measure regardless of the progress of the programming of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 in the ignition setting.

[0100] Preferably, in the event of a power loss to the single capacitor electronic detonator 10, the clipping means 18 is controlled to the operating position and the voltage regulating means 19 is controlled to the low voltage position.

[0101] During ignition setup, the electronic control means 16 receives one or more dedicated commands before the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is ignited.

[0102] Upon receiving one or more dedicated commands, the electronic control means 16 is designed to control the clipping means 18 to a deactivated position and / or to control the voltage regulation means 19 to a high voltage position.

[0103] Thus, the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 can be controlled to allow the energy storage capacitor 15 to be charged to a voltage sufficient to allow ignition of the fuse head 11 .

[0104] With reference to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment is described in further detail in a system for igniting one or more single capacitor electronic detonators 10 as described above.

[0105] The single capacitor electronic detonators 10 are each designed for installation in a blast hole at a work site.

[0106] Typically, single capacitor electronic detonators 10 are each placed in a blast hole drilled in a wall with a predetermined amount of explosive.

[0107] In this manner, all of the single capacitor electronic detonators 10 installed at the work site are ignited with one blast.

[0108] In this embodiment, the ignition system comprises a mobile test device 20 designed to be connected to the bus line L1.

[0109] A single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is also connected to bus line L1 and to a mobile test device 20.

[0110] The mobile testing device 20 can communicate with one or more single capacitor electronic detonators 10 simultaneously or individually to read information or data stored by the single capacitor electronic detonators 10, send information or commands to these single capacitor electronic detonators 10, and test their connection and operating status.

[0111] In some embodiments, the mobile test device 20 is also designed to program the electronic detonator 10, for example to program the ignition delay.

[0112] The mobile testing device 20 typically comprises receiving means 21 and transmitting means 22 enabling it to communicate with the electronic detonator 10 simultaneously or separately.

[0113] The receiving means 21 and the transmitting means 22 may be configured with bidirectional transceivers known to those skilled in the art in the field of wired network communications.

[0114] In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 and the mobile test device 20 are connected by a wired connection via a bus line L1, however, the invention is not limited to this type of connection.

[0115] In particular, the mobile test device 20 and the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 can communicate via a wireless connection, in particular via a radio link, and therefore the receiving means 21 and the transmitting means 22 can be configured with a bidirectional transmitting and receiving antenna as known to those skilled in the art in the field of wireless network communication.

[0116] The mobile test device 20 also includes a microprocessor 23 that performs various data processing, calculations and settings useful for installing the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 at the work site.

[0117] The mobile test device 20 also comprises an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) writeable memory 24 and a display means consisting of a screen 25 for communicating with a user.

[0118] The ignition system further comprises an ignition console 30 forming a remote ignition device designed to communicate with and send commands to the electronic control means 16 of the single capacitor electronic detonator.

[0119] The ignition console 30 is designed to be remotely connected to the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 .

[0120] As shown in FIG. 2, the ignition console 30 is connected to the bus line L1 via an ignition line L2 which is connected to the bus line L1.

[0121] The ignition console 30 is designed to be located away from the work site in order to allow the operator controlling the ignition from the ignition console 30 to initiate the ignition in complete safety.

[0122] The ignition console 30 comprises receiving means 31 and transmitting means 32 capable of bidirectional communication between the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 and the ignition console 30 simultaneously or individually.

[0123] The receiving means 31 and the transmitting means 32 are similar to those described above in connection with the mobile test device 20 .

[0124] The ignition console 30 also includes a microprocessor 33 that processes various data, calculations and settings required for ignition.

[0125] An EEPROM programmable memory 34 is also provided in the ignition console 30 .

[0126] A display screen 35 may also be attached to the ignition console 30 for communication with an operator.

[0127] Each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 comprises a bidirectional communication means 41 designed to enable communication between the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 and the mobile test device 20 and / or the ignition console 30. The bidirectional communication means 41 of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 are similar to the receiving means 21 and the transmitting means 22 described above in relation to the mobile test device 20 or the receiving means 31 and the transmitting means 32 of the ignition console 30.

[0128] The role and operation of the mobile test equipment 20 and the ignition console 30 are known in general principle for programming the ignition, delay times associated with each of the single capacitor electronic detonators 10, and the actual ignition, and only the particularities of the communication between the ignition console 30 and the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 will be described in detail below.

[0129] The ignition console 30 sends commands to switch the clipping means 18 from an operative position to a non-operative position and / or commands to switch the voltage regulating means 19 from a low voltage position to a high voltage position to each of the single-cell electronic detonators 10 connected to the ignition line L2.

[0130] In this manner, the protection means of each of the single capacitor electronic detonators 10 can be remotely controlled by the ignition console 30.

[0131] In preparation for ignition, and therefore in order to charge the energy storage capacitor 15 of each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 with sufficient energy to ignite the fuse head 11, the ignition console 30 makes it possible to send a dedicated command to the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 to switch the clipping means 18 and the voltage regulating means 19 into a power supply mode at a voltage known as the total ignition voltage of the fuse head 11.

[0132] The ignition console 30 is preferably designed to send separate commands to switch the clipping means 18 from an active to an inactive position and to switch the voltage regulating means 19 from a low voltage position to a high voltage position.

[0133] Therefore, to control the transition of the power supply to the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 from a low voltage level to a high voltage level, two separate dedicated commands are sent to each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10. Such dual control makes it possible to increase the safety of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0134] In such a configuration, the electronic control means 16 of each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 is designed to cancel a first command to switch the clipping means 18 from an operative position to a non-operative position if it does not receive a second command to switch the voltage regulating means 19 from a low voltage position to a high voltage position within a predetermined time after receiving this first command to switch this first command.

[0135] Similarly, the electronic control means 16 of each single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 is designed to cancel a first switching command to switch the voltage regulating means 19 from a low voltage position to a high voltage position if it does not receive a second command to switch the clipping means 18 from an operative position to a non-operative position within a predetermined time after receiving this first switching command.

[0136] Thus, after a predetermined time for receiving a second switching command, the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 is reset to the safe position and the protection means is again designed to supply energy to the energy storage capacitor 15 at a voltage level lower than the non-ignition voltage value of the fuse head 11.

[0137] In fact, the ignition console 30 may only have a single control key for transmitting the first and second switching commands to the single capacitor electronic detonator 10. This dual transmission of switching commands can improve the safe use of the single capacitor electronic detonator 10 without increasing the level of complexity for the operator of the ignition console 30.

[0138] Of course, this mode of operation of the ignition console 30 is not limiting: the ignition console 30 can also be designed to simultaneously transmit, in the same dedicated command, a command to switch the clipping means 18 from an active position to an inactive position and a command to switch the voltage regulation means 19 from a low voltage position to a high voltage position.

[0139] These dedicated switching commands sent from the ignition console 30 to deactivate the protection means of each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 are sent from the ignition console 30 only at the very end of the ignition programming procedure and immediately before the command to ignite all of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 is sent.

[0140] This means that these dedicated switching commands for deactivating the protection means of each of the single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 cannot be sent from the mobile test equipment 20 .

[0141] Alternatively, the mobile test device 20 or the ignition console 30 can send a single dedicated command to operate each of the protection means of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10, i.e. to control the clipping means 18 to the operating position and the voltage regulating means 19 to the low voltage position.

[0142] Therefore, the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 has a voltage protection device that can protect the operator when the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10 is connected to the bus line L1 as well as during all stages of programming and testing of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10.

[0143] In particular, the mobile testing device 20 can be safely used at the work site even if the voltage supplied by the mobile testing device 20 is higher than the non-ignition voltage value of the fuse head 11 of the single-capacitor electronic detonator 10. Indeed, it may be useful for the mobile testing device 20 to supply a high voltage in order to cope with a network of many single-capacitor electronic detonators 10 connected simultaneously to the same bus line L1.

[0144] Such a single-capacitor electronic detonator 10, compared to an electronic detonator having two capacitors, is more economical due to the use of a single energy storage capacitor 15 and ensures a high level of user safety independent of the connected equipment.

[0145] Naturally, the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above.

[0146] In particular, the clipping means (18) may be connected between the means (13) for connecting to the energy source (12) and the voltage regulation means (19).

Claims

1. A single-capacitor electronic detonator comprising an initiation means (11), an electronic control means (16), a single energy storage capacitor (15) designed to provide energy to the electronic control means (16) and the initiation means (11) when the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) is ignited, and a means (13) for connecting to an energy source (12) that provides energy to the single-energy storage capacitor (15), 1. A single-capacitor electronic detonator, further comprising clipping means (18) for clipping the voltage between the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor (15), the clipping means (18) having a threshold clipping value (Us) lower than the non-ignition voltage value (Ua) of the detonation means (11), the clipping means (18) being controlled by the electronic control means (16) between an operating position in which the clipping means (18) limits the voltage to a value lower than the threshold clipping value (Us) and an inoperative position in which the clipping means (18) is inoperative.

2. 1. A single-capacitor electronic detonator comprising an initiation means (11), an electronic control means (16), a single energy storage capacitor (15) designed to supply energy to the electronic control means (16) and the initiation means (11) when the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) is ignited, and means (13) for connecting to an energy source (12) for supplying energy to the single-energy storage capacitor (15), further comprising voltage regulation means (19) connected to the means (13) for connecting to the energy source (12), wherein the voltage regulation means (19) is controlled by the electronic control means (16) between at least one high-voltage position where the output voltage of the voltage regulation means (19) is higher than a non-ignition voltage value (Ua) of the initiation means (11) and a low-voltage position where the output voltage of the voltage regulation means (19) is lower than the non-ignition voltage value (Ua) of the initiation means (11).

3. 3. A single-capacitor electronic detonator according to claim 2, characterized in that the voltage regulating means (19) is connected between the means (13) for connecting to the energy source (12) and clipping means (18) for clipping the voltage across the terminals of the single energy storage capacitor (15), the clipping means (18) having a threshold clipping value (Us) lower than the non-ignition voltage value (Ua) of the detonation means (11), and the clipping means (18) is controlled by the electronic control means (16) between an operating position in which the clipping means (18) limits the voltage to a value lower than the threshold clipping value (Us) and an inactive position in which the clipping means (18) is inactive.

4. 4. A single-capacitor electronic detonator according to claim 3, characterized in that the electronic control means (16) are designed to control both the clipping means (18) in the deactivated position and the voltage regulation means (19) in the low voltage position.

5. 4. A single-capacitor electronic detonator according to claim 3, characterized in that when the electronic control means (16) is powered, the electronic control means (16) is designed to control the clipping means (18) to the operating position and / or to control the voltage regulating means (19) to the low-voltage position.

6. 4. The single-capacitor electronic detonator according to claim 3, characterized in that when the electronic control means (16) detects an interruption of the power supply to the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) for a predetermined period of time, the electronic control means (16) is designed to control the clipping means (18) to the operating position and / or to control the voltage regulating means (19) to the low-voltage position.

7. 4. The single-capacitor electronic detonator according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the electronic control means (16) receives a dedicated command before the single-capacitor electronic detonator (10) is ignited, the electronic control means (16) is designed to control the clipping means (18) to the inoperative position and / or to control the voltage regulating means (19) to the high-voltage position.

8. 4. An ignition system for igniting one or more single-capacitor electronic detonators (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises an ignition console (30) designed to send a command to switch the clipping means (18) from the operating position to the inactive position and / or a command to switch the voltage regulation means (19) from the low voltage position to the high voltage position to the electronic control means (16) of the one or more single-capacitor electronic detonators (10).

9. 9. The ignition system according to claim 8, wherein the ignition console (30) is designed to separately transmit the command to switch the clipping means (18) from the active position to the inactive position and the command to switch the voltage regulating means (19) from the low voltage position to the high voltage position.

10. 10. The ignition system according to claim 9, wherein the electronic control means (16) is designed to, when receiving a first switching command to switch the clipping means (18) from the operating position to the inactive position or to switch the voltage regulating means (19) from the low voltage position to the high voltage position, cancel the first switching command if it does not receive a second command to switch the voltage regulating means (19) from the low voltage position to the high voltage position or to switch the clipping means (18) from the operating position to the inactive position within a predetermined time.

Images