EP1125094B1 - Detonation system for detonators which can be tripped by radio, and a method for tripping these detonators - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a detonation system for detonators, which can be tripped by radio, comprised of at least one tripping device to which at least one electric or electronic detonator is connected. The inventive system also comprises a detonation device which can be arranged at a spatial distance from the tripping device, whereby at least the detonation device can communicate with the tripping device via radio signals. The inventive system is characterized in that at least one of the tripping units (2a, 2b) contains a removable data carrier (6a, 6b) which can be inserted into the detonation unit (3). In addition, the detonation unit (3) comprises a reading device (15) for the data of the inserted data carrier (6a, 6b). The tripping device (2a, 2b) and the data support (6a, 6b) allocated thereto contain identical identification characteristics and information necessary for tripping the connected detonator (10a to 10n, 10a' to 10n'). The tripping device (2a, 2b) is activated by removing the data carrier (6a, 6b) and can be placed in a receiving state or, in the case of possible bi-directional communication, can be placed in a transmitting and receiving state. The detonation device (3) is likewise placed in a transmitting standby mode or in a transmitting and receiving standby mode after inputting the data.

Description

The invention relates to an ignition device for igniters that can be triggered by radio, according to the preamble of the first claim and a method for Triggering these detonators according to the preamble of claim 19.

Explosions in mining, civil engineering and exploration for natural resources are complex processes, which usually involve a large number of igniters in one specified order is ignited. There is one in the military area comparable situation when igniting or clearing mines.

From DE 44 03 998 A1 a remote control system for mines is known which consists of a Remote control device with microprocessor, program memory for storing the Control commands exist for the mine and a radio transmitter and where each mine a radio receiver, a microprocessor and the program memory of the Remote control device has appropriate program memory. In which known remote control system, regardless of the type of transmission Control commands, through which both in the mine and in the released Control device built-in synchronously operating time control devices various parameters of the command transmission can be changed depending on the time. This type of backup requires that it takes time to arm the mine passes, which cannot be influenced by the selection by a random generator. Such fuse protection, especially when used in civilian applications Ignition device is incalculable for planning processes with work progress.

The object of the present invention is to prevent intrusion and unwanted Trigger to introduce safe radio-controlled ignition device in which the chronological sequence of the commissioning of the radio ignition device until the ignition of the detonators is determinable and traceable.

According to the device, the task is solved with the help of Features of the first claim. Using the features of Nineteenth claim, the task is solved according to the process.

The ignition device according to the invention for detonators that can be triggered by radio, consists of an igniter and at least one of the igniter spatially Separate trigger unit to which at least one detonator is connected is. Ignitor and trigger unit communicate using radio signals. The Trip unit has the following modules, their function later in detail is explained in more detail: energy module, system control, transmitter and receiver unit, first belay device, second belay device and the Sicherheitszündstufe. The release unit contains a data carrier on which the for the ignition required information is stored. This disk is not firmly attached to the trip unit and can be removed to it into the igniter and read the data there into a memory. The Ignitor therefore contains a reading device for the data of the data carrier. The Data from the data carriers of several trip units can be successively in the Ignitor can be read. Chip cards are preferred as data carriers used. However, other data carriers can also be used which are in the Are able to store data and from which data can be read, for example cards with magnetic stripes or barcodes.

The release unit and the data carrier assigned to it must be identical Identification marks included. If this is not the case, after reading in the Data from the data carrier into the ignitor when communicating with the Trip unit no identification. So should be tried with a faulty data carrier or with a data carrier with faulty data Triggering the trigger unit is due to the faulty Deny appropriate commands from identifier.

To be able to ignite a detonator, it is necessary that the Trip unit is activated. The igniter as well as the one that can be spatially arranged by it Trip unit can be protected against misuse by an access lock. Only after lifting this access block, for example from a mechanical lock or can consist of an electronic lock that is canceled by entering a code, or even a combination of both, the radio ignition device according to the invention can be made ready for operation become. The data carrier can also be used to release the operating option Release removal.

When the data medium has been removed from the release unit, the time passes First an unlocking time, which can be up to 15 minutes, for example. Tripping is not possible during this time and the safe removal of the Possible from the danger area. Are the data of the data carrier in the ignitor has been read, it is ready to send and receive added. However, communication is only possible after the safety time has expired possible between ignitor and trigger unit.

Several triggering units can be controlled with one igniter also several detonators can be assigned. Each trip unit is over the ignitor can be controlled individually and thus also each to a trigger unit connected detonators according to those in the ignitor and in the release unit stored data.

To trigger detonators, the user starts a program, where the program monitors itself in a results-oriented manner and if errors are found the trigger prevents. The ignition command to the detonators can be made accordingly Method according to the invention only after successive cancellation of predetermined ones Trigger locks take place within security levels. To lift one The trigger lock runs within a security level for the preparation of the Ignition required process step. Only when the result of this If the procedural step fulfills a requirement, the next block is lifted possible. The ignition is only ignited when all locks are released possible. If a procedural step cannot be started or a Method step does not lead to a predetermined result, the following one Process step cannot be started. An error occurs when triggering a Detonator, for example by transmitting an incorrect code or lie mechanical faults in the ignitor, the trip unit or the connected one The process is interrupted immediately. Based on the elapsed time and for example by checking the at the connections of the ignition line to the Ignition voltage is possible to identify the cause of the fault.

If electronic detonators are used, the detonators can be used with the electronics trigger locks are also generated. This makes the detonators more advantageous Way against unwanted tripping, for example by high voltage or RF influence, secured. Such a secured electronic detonator is only by entering a release code in the electronics for the so-called Ready for ignition activated. Everyone else, at the entrance to the electronics of the detonators adjacent voltages are ignored. The unlocking code thus represents a Release lock and prevents accidental ignition. The ignition will from the release unit after releasing by a so-called Ignition code generated. Through each of the release unit and from the electronic detonator accepted code, the ignition is gradually released in the order of energy supply, provision of ignition voltage, unlocking and firing order.

Durch die Entnahme des Datenträgers aus der Auslöseeinheit erfolgt die Freigabe der Energieversorgung zunächst nur für bestimmte Baugruppen der Auslöseeinheit, durch die die Aufhebung der vorgegebenen Auslösesperren innerhalb der Sicherheitsstufen erfolgen kann. Zunächst erfolgt eine Selbstprüfung der elektronischen Schaltkreise in den Baugruppen der Auslöseeinheit. Insbesondere wird der Spannungszustand der Systemsteuerung sowie der Sicherheitszündstufe geprüft. Sie müssen spannungslos sein. Wird beispielsweise durch ein fehlerhaftes Relais oder durch einen Nebenschluß in der Elektronik ein Spannung festgestellt, erfolgt eine "Abschaltung" der Elektronik, das heißt, sie kann weitere Befehle nicht mehr empfangen.

The method according to the invention for triggering one or more detonators, in particular electronic detonators, proceeds as follows:

When the data carrier is removed from the release unit, the energy supply is initially only released for certain assemblies of the release unit, which can be used to release the specified release locks within the security levels. The electronic circuits in the trip unit assemblies are first self-checked. In particular, the voltage status of the system control and the safety ignition level are checked. You have to be dead. If, for example, a voltage is detected in the electronics due to a faulty relay or a shunt, the electronics are "switched off", which means that they can no longer receive further commands.

If there is no error, the voltage is supplied at a voltage level, preferably under that of the ignition for electrical or electronic detonators required levels. As a result, in the first safety device from the so-called Action CPU a defined period of time, the unlocking time, generated. For example, a quartz-controlled clock can run. At the same time, in a so-called one-way RC timer of the first safety device in one Time period that is determined by the RC element and with that in the Action CPU should match, a charge store on a for lifting the required voltage level after the first trip lock. In the ignitor now run independently, taking into account one Tolerance specification, two equally long periods of time as the releasing time. To Expiry of these time periods and matching of the expiry time within the allowed tolerance field and after reaching one for the cancellation of the first The required charge lock in the charge storage is the first Security level overcome. A special security is given by the fact that the charge storage is also the time-determining component of the One Way RC timer is. The charging behavior of the Charge storage checked.

If there is a match between the expiry times within the allowed Tolerance field and the charge storage is charged to the specified level been, the first release lock can be canceled after the expiry of the Security time. The process step reached can be used by the user possible bidirectional communication is shown on the display of the trip unit be so that he himself can decide on the release of the release lock and it can be triggered by a radio signal. The cancellation can also be done directly, program controlled, run. It is that the ignition wire to the detonators released that was previously short-circuited, for example by a Fuse. The resistance of the fuse and the given Charge level of the charge storage are coordinated so that the Fuse is destroyed only after reaching this level, for example by Melting the safety wire.

If the cargo storage is not refilled in the specified unlocking time and if the elapsed periods do not match, the trigger lock cannot canceled and the ignition cable is not released for signal transmission, because, for example, the safety wire does not melt. Furthermore, the Sending and receiving unit not released. So the trip unit is still blocked.

After the first release lock has been released, the user can switch to the second Security level initiate the so-called sharpening by means of a radio command. Sharpening can only take place if the identification mark of the Tripping unit with the identifier that corresponds in the Ignitor was read. The sharpening can also be automatic under program control expire. Only with this command the system control and the safety ignition level by closing a relay from the energy module Power supplied. This removes the second trigger lock. The Electronic the release unit independently checks whether the safety ignition level is at the output a voltage required for the ignition is maintained. From now on it is possible give the command to fire an igniter. In the event of an error, a Shutdown of the trip unit and with bidirectional communication with a Message to the ignitor.

The triggering of the individual triggering units takes place, depending on the equipment of the Tripping units and the specification of the user, individually, in groups or in Composite. If an electronic detonator is used, the release unit must do so generate the unlock code and then the ignition code to the detonator to initiate.

The ignition of electronic detonators takes place only when a defined sequence has been accepted by codes. First, the first code is the Electronics the igniter activated, then unlocked and an energy storage for Provision of the ignition energy charged. The second, from the control panel of the The trigger unit generated code is stored in the memory of the detonator Compared code. In the event of a match, a third code is ultimately used the ignition is triggered by the discharge of the energy store.

The invention is explained in more detail using exemplary embodiments.

Figur 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Funkzündeinrichtung,

Figur 2

den Aufbau der Auslöseeinheit mit Zünder, als Blockschaltbild,

Figur 3

das Schaltbild des One Way RC-Timers als Baugruppe der Auslöseeinheit,

Figur 4

einen Schnitt durch einen elektronischen Zünder und

Figur 5

ein Blockschaltbild des elektronischen Teils des Zünders.

Show it:

Figure 1

a radio ignition device according to the invention,

Figure 2

the construction of the release unit with igniter, as a block diagram,

Figure 3

the circuit diagram of the one-way RC timer as an assembly of the trip unit,

Figure 4

a section through an electronic detonator and

Figure 5

a block diagram of the electronic part of the igniter.

A radio ignition device 1 according to the invention is shown schematically in FIG. The radio ignition device 1 consists of at least one trigger unit 2a and an ignitor 3. However, depending on the capacity of the igniter 3, it can also further triggering units can be provided, as shown by the dashed line of FIG Tripping unit 2b is indicated.

The trigger unit 2a has an access lock 4, which prevents unauthorized access Use protects. This can consist of a mechanically acting lock or an electronic lock or a combination of both. In the For example, electronic lock can be overcome by entering a Codes are done. The trigger unit 2a has a device 5 for receiving a Data carrier 6a. This data carrier 6a can be a chip card, for example, which contains a microchip 7 and protrudes from an insertion slot. On the Data carriers are the identification numbers (ID) of the electronic components of the Trip units saved. These identification numbers are also in the respective memory of the trip units. The data carrier 6a can further information about electronic devices connected to the trigger unit 2a Detonators include, for example, detonator addresses and firing order.

If the access block 4 has been lifted, it is also possible for the Removable disk 6a from the device 5, as by the dashed Representation 6a 'of the data carrier is indicated. With the removal of the Disk 6a, a switch 8 is closed, which provides energy to operate the trigger unit 2a. At the same time, by closing of the switch 8, a self-test of the electronics of the trigger unit 2a is carried out.

To the trigger unit 2a 9 igniters 10a to 10n, in present embodiment electronic detonators connected. The Trigger unit 2a also has an antenna 11, as by the Lightning symbol 12 is indicated. Is the trigger unit 2a with only one receiving part equipped, the antenna 11 is used only for unidirectional communication, for signal reception from the ignition device 3. If the trigger unit 2a is additionally equipped with a Equipped transmitter, the antenna 11 is used for bidirectional communication with the Ignitor 3.

The trigger unit 2b has an identical structure. However, the Data carrier 6b a different identification number than the data carrier 6a and data the electronic igniter 10a 'to 10n'.

The ignitor 3 can also have an access lock 13, which in the is designed in the same way as the access block 4 of the trigger unit 2a. First after lifting the access block 13, it is possible to move the data carrier 6a into a Use suitable recording device 14. In this is a reader 15 installed by means of which the data stored on the data carrier 6a can be read and a memory can be stored in the ignition device 3. The data carriers 6a or 6b and other data carriers of triggering units not shown here successively inserted into the receiving device 14 and the data successively be imported.

The ignitor 3 contains, in addition to the voltage supply, not shown here a central processor unit intended for data processing and storage (CPU) 16 with EEPROM as well as a transmitter, and depending on the equipment an additional one Receiver unit for bidirectional communication, 17 with antenna 18, via the the communication with the trigger unit 2a or further trigger units, such as for example, the trigger unit 2b is possible. The other equipment includes a Display 19 for displaying data and commands to be transmitted or transmitted. Furthermore, there is an input device 20 for data and command input intended.

FIG. 2 shows the structure of the trigger unit 2a with its individual assemblies shown. The housing 21 encloses an energy module 22, a System control 23, a first safety device 24, a second Safety device 25, a safety ignition level 26, and in the present Embodiment a transmitting and receiving unit 27 with antenna 11, the Transmitting unit is provided in bidirectional communication.

For energy supply is in the energy module 22 in the present embodiment a single-cell primary battery 28 is provided. You can with regard to their resilience and shelf life are matched to the duration of use and duration of action. Like here not shown, the battery compartment is accessible to the after the storage period Battery can be changed easily.

With the removal of the data carrier from the release unit, a mechanical one Switch S1 closed. When switch S1 is closed, a current flows into one DC converter 29. It is a step up voltage converter with a standard circuit and is therefore state of the art. This Converter 29 initially supplies the first fuse device 24 and present embodiment, the transmitting and receiving unit 27 with a Basic voltage of, for example, 5 V. The system control 23 and the At this point in time, safety ignition level 26 is still dead, since the first Fuse 24 has not yet activated relay S2.

The first security device 24 consists of an Action CPU 30 and a One Way RC timer 31. The structure of the one way RC timer 31 is shown in FIG. 3 explained in more detail. The One Way RC timer 31 contains a self-starting (auto-startable) resistance capacitor timing element (RC element) as the first timing element. After the elapsed time and the intended action (Action) the voltage supply is interrupted so that the RC element does not can start again.

When the supply voltage is applied by closing switch S1 an up converter 58 starts automatically in the RC timer 31 and loads by means of a Clock generator 37 by suitable control pulses 59 in certain charge rates via the inductance 36, the rectifier diode 39 and the transistor 38 as a switch the capacitor 32 of the RC element within a predetermined time, in present embodiment to six times the value of Supply voltage, i.e. 30 V. This voltage level is via a Voltage comparator 33 evaluated, on the one hand via the resistors 40 and 41 as a voltage divider with the charge voltage circuit and on the other hand with a Reference voltage source 42 is connected. When six times the voltage is reached is the capacitor 32 with a semiconductor switch, a transistor 34, via discharged a fuse 35, in the present embodiment Fuse. The discharge pulse is dimensioned so that at one Voltage level of 30 V the fuse wire of the fuse 35 safely is blown and at a voltage level of 5 V the basic supply Fusible wire remains securely intact, even when the total power of the 5 V power supply is switched to the fuse wire. So that's one Removal of the fuse by an electronic malfunction when switched on locked out.

By choosing the capacitance of the capacitor 32 and the Power dimensioning of the step-up converter 58 can be the unlocking time be predetermined. The unlocking time, for example up to 15 minutes can be chosen by the user and is factory-set preset. The capacitor 32 is charged as a charge store Certain concerns of the supply voltage that the step-up converter 29 supplies Charge rates determined by the duration and level of pulses 59 of the boost converter 58 can be specified.

The charging time of the capacitor 32 is compared with a time period with the start of the charge of the capacitor 32 started in a second timer becomes. It is a quartz-controlled watch, not shown here, in the Action CPU 30, in which a factory-set period of time as the unlocking time expires. The system-related charging time of the capacitor 32 must be within one Tolerance with the time span generated by the clock in the Action CPU to match. In addition, the capacitor 32 must be within this period the intended charge must be charged, otherwise the first release lock cannot work To get picked up.

So that the voltage level required to release the first trip lock is reached, a constant takes place when charging the charge storage 32 Voltage comparison by the voltage comparator 33. The time-determining one Capacitor 32 fulfills a double function. It is both a time-determining link and also storage for the cargo. After the time in the One Way RC timer 31 is fuse 35 is opened by discharging capacitor 32. The fuse 35 is the second securing device 25 and in the present case Embodiment a short circuit ago between the two connections 43 and 44 of the ignition line 9, the connection between the safety ignition level 26 and the electronic detonators 10a to 10n. The short circuit causes the Safety ignition level 26 no signals sent to the detonators via the ignition line and therefore no detonators can be ignited. At the end of the one-way period RC timer 31 causes the fuse 35 to blow to a potential increase at the point where the negative path of the power supply to the RC element connected. The ground connection E of the supply voltage for the first Timer is connected in series to the first release lock 35, so that the charging of the capacitor 32 is only possible once. After successfully destroying the Fuse 35 is the timing element without voltage supply. Because of this, can the RC link can only be used once. The fuse for the One Way RC timer 31 is physically independent of the rest of the electronic circuit and the other assemblies. Since the One Way RC timer 31 is not movable contains mechanical parts, it is acceleration-resistant and for a large Suitable temperature range.

The action CPU 30 controls the voltage state of the system controller 23 and the safety ignition level 26. Furthermore, it is responsible for the control of the Functional sequences within the first securing device 24 and compares the release time specified by its clock with the charging time of the capacitor 32 of the One Way RC timer 31. After expiry of the safety time, she checks whether the Charge storage, the capacitor 32, contains a predetermined charge that is sufficient to destroy the fuse 35. If so, she initiates the Destruction of the fuse 35, whereby the first trigger lock is released. The Action CPU 30 is responsible for communicating with during the unlocking period the transmitting and receiving unit 27. If the fuse 35 is destroyed and thus the first Once the trigger lock has been overcome, communication with the ignition device 3 is possible.

Either controlled by the program itself or via a radio command from the Ignitor 3, the relay S2 is actuated and thereby the system controller 23 and the Safety ignition level 26 supplied with voltage. With the so-called sharpening is the second trigger lock is released. In the CPU 48 of the system controller 23 are the data required to generate the code signals is stored. This Code signals are required to ignite electronic detonators. Is located on the Safety ignition level 26 voltage, the action CPU 30 of the first communicate Backup device 24 and the CPU 48 of the system controller 23 with each other and register each other via protocol. The action CPU 30 also controls the step-up converter 49 to maintain the voltage required to ignite the igniter is required. In the event of a fault, there is a controlled shutdown with radio signal to the ignition device 3. The voltage is in the present case from the Supply voltage 5 V converted to the ignition voltage 15 V. With the data the CPU 48, the signals in the generator 50 of the safety ignition stage 26 Codes generated with the unlocking, programming and ignition the detonator takes place.

After the second trigger lock has been released, the ignition trigger command is possible. It it is also conceivable to remove the second trigger lock with the To couple the ignition trigger command. Then it would be possible at the level of the first Release lock by inserting the one belonging to the release unit Data carrier to open the switch S1 again and thus the release of the Release the trigger lock again.

The transmitting and receiving unit 27 communicates with the via its antenna 11 Ignitor 3. A standard transceiver 47 can be used as the transceiver that transmits and receives in the UHF range. The frequency range is for example at 433 MHz. The transmission is almost optical Range of spread, that is, sender and receiver should have visual contact. By selecting a suitable frequency range, another can also be selected Distance between ignitor and trigger unit are made possible. The Signal transmission is preferably carried out by frequency modulation, but can also by means of amplitude modulation.

The encoding of the digital data can be done directly via Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) a usual frequency change between 400 and 450 MHz. Because of the Communication with audio frequency shift increases operational reliability Keying (AFSK) preferred. The frequencies in this transmission are in the range audible tones.

The structure of an electronic detonator 60 is explained with reference to FIG. 4, which is used in particular in mining and civil engineering. The sleeve 61 contains a secondary charge 62, which is ignited by a primary charge 63. The ignition is initiated by the so-called squib 64. In conventional electric detonators is the squib directly to the ignition wire connected. There the squib is fed directly by the electrical Current pulse of up to several amps ignited. It is a purely energetic ignition.

In contrast, in the electronic detonator, the squib is electronics upstream. The electronics 65 essentially consist of an electronic one Circuit 66, which is embedded in a housing and whose structure is based on the Block diagram in Figure 5 is explained in more detail. Another essential part is a capacitor 67 in which the energy required for ignition is stored becomes. In the present exemplary embodiment, an SMD resistor 68 and Ferrite filter 69 as a limiter and filter circuit for that the input voltage does not exceed a certain value and that interference signals are kept away.

The sleeve 61 closes a plug 70 through which the connections of the electronics 65 are carried out. The connections protrude as contact pins 71 from one to the other Socket 72 shaped plug 70 out. The plug 70 is in the open end the sleeve 61 inserted and for example in the present Embodiment attached by choking 73 therein. The plug 70 closes the sleeve is waterproof and thus protects the electronics. It also offers through the Socket 72 formed plug contact the connection of a plug 74, which with the Ignition line 75 is connected. The ignition line 75 opens into contact sleeves 76, in the the contact pins 71 are inserted. In the sectional drawing there are only one each Contact sleeve and a contact pin can be seen. The connector 74 also has one Sealing cone 77, which surrounds the contact sleeves 76 and into the socket 72 of the Plug 70 can be inserted. Located on the connector 74 Latching lamellas 78 engage behind arranged on the outside of the socket 72 Recesses 79 and thus form a secure connection between the Ignition cable 75 and the electronic detonator 60. This connector is Dust and water protected and therefore also suitable for rough blasting operations.

FIG. 5 shows the block diagram of the electronics 65 of the electronic Spreng Zünders 60. It essentially consists of four assemblies: the analog part 80, which is connected to the ignition line 9, the ignition stage 81 whose connections 64a, the squib 64 is connected, the digital Data control 82 with the CPU 83 and the information part 84.

An electronic detonator can only be ignited if with a corresponding voltage level encoded information, control signals on the Ignition wire are sent to the igniter. First, using a Unlocking codes, Code 1, the detonator 60 is ready for use. The The unlocking code 85 is stored in the information part 84. The same code is in the CPU 48 of the system controller 23 (FIG. 2). At the command of the Generator 50 of the safety ignition level 26 is generated and transmitted. Equals to unlocking code sent from the trigger unit 2a via the ignition line 9 the unlocking code 85 stored in the information part 84 - the arrival of the in the safety ignition level 26 generated codes 1 should by arrow 86 am Information part 84 are symbolized - the capacitor 67 is first with a defined charging current charged. In the analog part 80 provides a powerful Limiter and filter circuit 87 as input protection for the Input voltage does not exceed a certain value. This will external voltages, such as those caused by external electricity intercepted. In the signal extraction 88 each Change of direction of the input current at each zero crossing of the voltage Issued signal that is further processed in the digital data controller 82. Behind the signal coupling 88 is a rectifier 89 Energy storage, the capacitor 67 in the ignition stage 81, charged.

A digitally adjustable two-stage voltage regulator is located between rectifier 89 and energy store 67 90. He keeps the tension like this during the unlocking low that ignition is impossible due to a lack of ignition energy, the electronics but can be operated safely. Any change in the polarity of the Input voltage at the igniter 60 causes the in the electronics 65 of the igniter Generation of an impulse. After a defined pulse train, the Charging of the capacitor 67 released as an energy store. To the Unlocking code (code 1) can be recognized in the digital Data control 82 the signals coming from the signal coupling 88 to the Input pulse counter 91. The pulses are evaluated in the CPU 83 and in Information part 84 compared with the unlocking code 85. This is in the digital Data controller 82 an oscillator 92 is provided, which via a clock generator 93rd Feeds signals into the CPU 83 and passes them to a reference counter 94. If with If an incorrect code is attempted to carry out the programming, a Self-locking of the detonator. Reactivation is only possible through instructions Personnel possible.

If the CPU 83 has recognized the correct pulse sequence of the unlocking code 86, the second stage of the voltage regulator 90 released. After that, in a very short time, for example, in 3 seconds, the capacitor 67 to that at the input of the igniter 60 lying voltage charged. After charging the capacitor 67 must by means of a further code (code 2) consisting of further defined ones Voltage changes, an electronic switch are released. This code 2 is also stored in the system control 23 of the trigger unit 2a and is also generated by the generator 50 of the safety ignition stage 26.

The number of pulses contained in code 2 matches the number of pulses Reference counter 94 predetermined pulses, a switching transistor 95th controlled, with which the detonator is sharpened.

In the present embodiment, the next one from the input counter coming pulse, the code 3, then from the CPU 83 to control the Switching transistor 95 used. With this impulse the discharge of the Capacitor 67 causes and ignited the squib 64.

Is the after unlocking by code 1 and before entering the ignition signal If the power supply is interrupted, the capacitor 67 discharges in a short time, for example, in two minutes without ignition. After that is the Detonator again passive, which means that it is safe to use and ready for operation again.

To identify a detonator, it can be advantageous if the Manufacturing data 96 and customer data 97 in the information part 84 are stored and on this data by the CPU 83 of the digital Data control 82 can be accessed.

Claims (24)

1. Detonating system for detonators which can be tripped by means of radio, consisting of at least one tripping unit to which at least one electrical or electronic detonator is connected, and a detonating unit which can be arranged spatially from the tripping unit, with at least the detonating unit being able to communicate with the tripping unit by means of radio signals, characterised in that at least one of the tripping units (2a, 2b) contains a removable data medium (6a, 6b) which can be inserted into the detonating unit (3), in that the detonating unit (3) has a reading device (15) for the data of the inserted data medium (6a, 6b), in that the tripping unit (2a, 2b) and the data medium (6a, 6b) respectively associated with it contain identical identifying characteristics and information required for tripping the connected detonators (10a to 10n, 10a' to 10n'), in that the tripping unit (2a, 2b) is activated by extraction of the data medium (6a, 6b) and can be put into a receiving state or, in the case of possible bi-directional communication, into a transmitting and receiving state, and in that the detonating unit (3) with the inserted data medium (6a, 6b) is likewise made ready to transmit, or to transmit and to receive, as the case may be, after the data have been read.
2. Detonating system according to Claim 1, characterised in that the tripping unit (2a, 2b) is provided with a current supply (28), which is interrupted when the data medium (6a, 6b) is inserted and is closed when the data medium (6a, 6b) is removed, in that a capacitive storage element (32), the charge of which is intended to counteract a first tripping lock (35), can be charged when the circuit in the tripping unit (2a, 2b) is closed, in that the data stored on the tripping unit (2a, 2b) can be accessed when the first tripping lock (35) has been counteracted, thereby counteracting the second tripping lock (S2) and in that the detonators (10a to 10n, 10a' to 10n') can be tripped from this time onwards.
3. Detonating system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the data medium (6a, 6b) is a chip card or barcode card.
4. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the capacitive storage element (32) is a first time function element by virtue of its predetermined charging time, in that a further independent time function element is provided to check the charging time of the storage element (32), and in that the charge which is reached in the predetermined charging time, which matches a predetermined charge, is intended to counteract the first tripping lock (35).
5. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the earth terminal (E) of the supply voltage for the first time function element (32) is connected in series with the first tripping lock (35), so that it is only possible to charge the storage element (32) once as a time function element.
6. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that both the integrity and the counteracting of the first tripping lock (35) can be checked through the level of the voltage applied on the detonating line (9) to the detonators (10a to 10n, 10a' to 10n').
7. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the minimum voltage for charging the storage element (32) is higher than the basic voltage required for supplying the electronics in the tripping unit (2a, 2b).
8. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the first tripping lock (35) is a short-circuit in the detonating line (9), which can be removed by discharging the storage element (32).
9. Detonating system according to Claim 8, characterised in that tripping lock (35) is a fuse with a defined resistance.
10. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the second tripping lock (S2) is a controllable switch, in whose closed position it is possible, inter alia, to access the data stored in the tripping unit (2a, 2b).
11. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the tripping unit (2a) has an access lock (4).
12. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 11, characterised in that the detonating device (3) has an access lock (13).
13. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the electronic detonators (10a to 10n, 10a' to 10n') are safeguarded by a series of codes, each code representing a safeguard against accidental detonation, and in that the detonation is enabled in stages, by means of each code transmitted by the tripping unit (2a, 2b) and accepted by the addressed detonator, in the following sequence: safety off, power supply, detonating voltage ready and detonating commands.
14. Detonating system according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterised in that the data interchange between the tripping unit (2a, 2b) and the detonating device (3) is carried out using frequencies in the UHF range.
15. Detonating system according to Claim 14, characterised in that the transmission of the data is carried out by means of frequency modulation.
16. Detonating system according to Claim 14, characterised in that the transmission of the data is carried out by means of amplitude modulation.
17. Detonating system according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterised in that Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) is used for encoding the data.
18. Detonating system according to one of Claims 14 to 16, characterised in that Audio Frequency Shift Keying (AFSK) is used for encoding the data.
19. Method for detonating electrical or electronic detonators which can be tripped by using radio, by means of a detonating system consisting of at least one tripping unit, to which at least one detonator is connected, and a detonating unit which can be arranged spatially from the tripping unit and which communicates with the tripping unit by means of radio signals, in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 18, characterised in that the firing of the detonators can be carried out only after the successive counteracting of tripping locks, a method step required for tripping the detonation after each counteracting of a tripping lock, and only the result of this method step satisfying a criterion of its being possible to counteract the next tripping lock, and in that tripping of the detonators is possible only when all the tripping locks have been counteracted, and if a method step cannot be started or a method step does not lead to a predetermined result, the subsequent method step cannot be started.
20. Method according to Claim 19, characterised in that a data medium, which has identical identifying characteristics to the tripping unit and contains information about the tripping unit and the detonator connected thereto, is extracted from the tripping unit, in that the data medium data are read into a detonating device memory, and in that it is made ready to transmit and, in the case of possible bidirectional communication, also ready to receive.
21. Method according to Claim 19 or 20, characterised in that the power supply for the electronic components of the tripping unit is turned on by extracting the data medium from the tripping unit, in that only the components needed for counteracting a first tripping lock is supplied with power before the first tripping lock has been counteracted, in that a self-test of the circuits of the electronic components takes place, in that the functioning of the tripping unit is blocked if a fault is detected, in that the storage element is charged in a predetermined time period by charging pulses with a predetermined charge in a first time function element, which is an RC element, if the tripping unit is free from faults, in that a time period of equal length is started in an independent second time function element, in that the first tripping lock is counteracted by discharging the storage element if the two time periods elapse simultaneously within a predetermined tolerance and if the predetermined charge is reached, whereby the detonating line is enabled for the detonating current and optional data interchange with the detonators, in that the detonating line is not enabled if the time periods do not match and/or if the charging level is not reached, in that it is possible to access the data stored in the tripping unit and to supply power to the other modules, in particular the system control after the first tripping lock has been counteracted, and in that the second tripping barrier is thereby counteracted so that the detonators can be tripped from this time onwards.
22. Method according to one of Claims 19 to 21, characterised in that, when the detonating line is enabled, the signal-generation voltage supply is enabled for generating the codes with which, in the case of electronic detonators, the individual detonators can be activated respectively and detonated by means of the detonator addresses stored in the tripping unit, and in that the detonation does not take place in the event of a signal with an incorrectly generated code.
23. Method according to one of Claims 19 to 22, characterised in that the each tripping unit can be operated individually by virtue of its identifier.
24. Method, according to one of Claims 19 to 23, characterised in that the each electronic detonator can be operated individually by virtue of the detonator addresses stored in the tripping unit.

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