EP3394559A1

EP3394559A1 - Peripheral power supply module for electronic detonator

Info

Publication number: EP3394559A1
Application number: EP16829271.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Lionel BIARD; Ghislain Despesse
Original assignee: Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique CEA; Davey Bickford SAS; Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Current assignee: Davey Bickford SAS; Commissariat a lEnergie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives CEA
Priority date: 2015-12-24
Filing date: 2016-12-21
Publication date: 2018-10-31
Anticipated expiration: 2036-12-21
Also published as: EP3394559B1; FR3046222B1; WO2017109417A1; FR3046222A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a peripheral power supply module (150) for an electronic detonator (110), which includes an on-board power source (157), wireless communication means (153) with a remote control console, processing means (156) and wired communication means (155) with at least one electronic detonator (110). Means forming a switch (K0) are mounted between, on the one hand, the on-board power source (157) and, on the other hand, the wireless communication means (153), the processing means (156) and the wired communication means (155). The peripheral power supply module (150) also includes means for detecting the coupling (158) of at least one electronic detonator (110), said means for coupling detection (158) being suitable for controlling said means forming a switch (K0) in order to supply said processing means (156) with power by means of said on-board power source (157) when at least one electronic detonator (110) is coupled to said peripheral power supply module (150), such that said peripheral power supply module (150) is in activated mode. The invention also relates to the use in particular in a pyrotechnical initiation system.

Description

Peripheral Power Module for Electronic Detonator

The present invention relates to a peripheral power module for an electronic detonator.

It also relates to a wireless detonation system and a pyrotechnic initiation system implementing such a peripheral power supply module, as well as a method for activating a wireless detonation system.

The present invention applies generally in the field of pyrotechnic initiation, in any sector where a network of one or more electronic detonators must traditionally be implemented. Typical uses include mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, construction and public works.

In practice, the electronic detonators are placed respectively in drill holes previously dug and loaded with an explosive material. The firing of the electronic detonators is carried out according to a predetermined sequence.

To achieve this result, a firing delay is individually associated with each electronic detonator, and a common firing order is sent to all electronic detonators by a remote control console. This firing order makes it possible to synchronize the countdown of the firing delay for all the electronic detonators. From the reception of the firing order, the electronic detonators autonomously manage the count of the specific delay associated with them as well as their own firing.

Traditionally, the establishment of a network of electronic detonators requires a step of wiring all the electronic detonators of the network to the remote control console. This wiring makes it possible on the one hand to exchange information, commands and / or messages between the remote control console and the electronic detonators, in particular to transmit the firing order. This means of communication is also commonly used to exchange other types of information, for example to perform network diagnostic tasks to detect any anomalies before firing.

The wiring also allows the remote control console to provide the energy required for the operation and firing of all electronic detonators. For safety reasons, current electronic detonators do not have a permanent source of energy. This is provided by the remote control console and is stored locally in the electronic detonators in dedicated storage means (typically in one or more capacities) for firing.

However, this wiring step is difficult to implement to ensure the operation of the electronic detonator network safely.

In addition, to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment, there is a need to eliminate any risk of unintended starting of electronic detonators, as well as any risk of non-firing after transmission of the firing order by the remote control console. .

Also known in the state of the art solutions, called "wireless detonators", to overcome the wiring between the electronic detonators and the remote control console and reduce the risk of non-firing. They implement wireless communication means, while fulfilling the functions of communication with the remote control console and power supply to the electronic detonator, usually managed by means of the cable network.

The document WO2006 / 096920 A1 thus describes an electronic detonator comprising an explosive primer, wireless communication and processing modules for communicating with a remote control console, and an electrical energy storage element. The electronic detonator further comprises an on-board power source, for powering the communication and processing modules and for supplying energy to the energy storage element, and a firing circuit connected to the energy storage element; energy storage element. In one embodiment, only the explosive primer is placed at the bottom of a borehole, the on-board power source, the wireless communication and processing modules, and the energy storage element being placed in a box disposed on the ground surface to facilitate wireless communication with the remote control console.

However, the permanent presence of a power source embedded in the housing, in cooperation with the energy storage element for firing the detonator, inevitably presents a risk of accidental transfer of energy to the primer explosive, and therefore an unexpected departure from the electronic detonator.

On the other hand, the surface location in a case of the energy storage element for firing the explosive primer renders the firing of the electronic detonator uncertain. Indeed, the firing of a neighboring detonator in the firing plane presents a risk of premature destruction of the housing disposed on the surface. If the explosion of the neighboring detonator rips the cable connecting the energy storage element to the explosive primer at the bottom of the borehole, the firing of the explosive primer can no longer take place. The risk of not firing the electronic detonator after transmission of the firing order by the remote control console is further increased when considering a sequencing of the firing and that the neighboring detonator is programmed to explode before the detonator considered.

Moreover, when only the explosive primer is placed at the bottom of a borehole and connected by a cable to the housing of the electronic detonator, the diagnosis of the proper functioning of the buried elements is uncertain, if not impossible, reducing the reliability of the system. It is indeed difficult to verify whether the buried cable is still intact after filling the borehole with a stuffing material, and if the energy transfer will allow the firing of the explosive primer. Finally, in the electronic detonator described in WO2006 / 096920 A1, the wireless communication and processing modules are permanently powered by the on-board power source. This type of assembly is not adapted to the actual implementation of electronic detonators, for which the time between manufacture and use can be several months.

Furthermore, the power supply of the wireless communication module presents a risk of communication with the remote control console and the receipt of commands or messages even when the explosive primer of the electronic detonator is not positioned. in the borehole, presenting a risk of premature and premature triggering of the electronic detonator.

The present invention aims to solve all or part of the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide an electronic detonator with wireless communication means, reliable and secure operation.

For this purpose, the present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a peripheral power supply unit for an electronic detonator, comprising an on-board power source, wireless communication means with a remote control console, processing means. and wired communication means with at least one electronic detonator.

According to the invention, switch means are mounted between said on-board power source on the one hand, and said wireless communication means, said processing means and said wired communication means on the other hand, said peripheral module of power supply further comprising connection detection means of at least one electronic detonator, said connection detection means being adapted to control said switch means for supplying said processing means with said on-board power source when at least an electronic detonator is connected to said peripheral power supply module, so that said peripheral power supply module is in an activated mode. Thus, the on-board power source is isolated by means of a switch of the wireless communication means, processing means and wired communication means of the peripheral power supply module, and connection detection means can be used to supply power. the processing means by the on-board energy source, when connecting an electronic detonator.

This structure makes it possible to preserve the life of the on-board power source before the actual use of the peripheral power supply module of an electronic detonator.

Moreover, the on-board power source of the peripheral power supply unit is dissociated from the electronic detonator as long as it is not connected to the peripheral power supply module, ensuring adequate safety during the transport and handling of the electronic detonators. .

The peripheral power module comprises the following features and embodiments, which may be taken in combination or in isolation.

According to one embodiment, said processing means in said activated mode of said peripheral power module control the supply of said wireless communication means and said wired communication means by said on-board power source.

Alternatively, said connection detection means are adapted to control said switch means for simultaneously supplying said processing means, said wireless communication means and said wired communication means when at least one electronic detonator is connected to said peripheral module. food.

Advantageously, said processing means in said activated mode of said peripheral power supply module communicate with said at least one electronic detonator once said wired communication means powered by the on-board power source.

In one embodiment, the peripheral power supply module comprises means for connecting at least one electronic detonator, the connection detection means detecting an impedance change across said connection means.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the connection detection means comprise a current measuring device electrically connected to one of said terminals of the connection means, and a current comparator adapted to compare the value of the current measured by said measuring device. current to a predefined value.

In practice, said predefined value is substantially equal to half the current consumed by an electronic detonator.

In one embodiment, said processing means are adapted to control a switch mounted between said on-board power source and means for connecting at least one electronic detonator to the peripheral power supply module.

In practice, said wireless communication means are adapted to receive messages from said remote control console and to send messages to said remote control console, said received messages being addressed to said processing means, and optionally to said at least one electronic detonator by the wired communication means.

Advantageously, said processing means are adapted to deactivate the supply of said wireless communication means and said wired communication means by said on-board power source upon receipt of a standby command issued by said remote control console. and / or in the absence of receiving messages from the remote control console for a predetermined period of time.

According to one embodiment, the supply of said wireless communication means, said processing means and said wired communication means by said on-board power source is deactivated when no electronic detonator is connected to said peripheral power module .

In practice, said on-board power source is a power source limited in current. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a wireless detonation system comprising a peripheral power supply unit according to the invention and at least one electronic detonator, said at least one electronic detonator being connected to said peripheral power supply module by a connector mounted at the end of a power cable of said at least one electronic detonator.

In practice, the electronic detonator comprises, in a housing, an explosive primer, wired communication means, processing means, a first energy storage element dedicated to powering said wired communication means and said processing means , and a second energy storage element dedicated to firing said explosive primer, said wired communication means and said first and second energy storage elements being connected to said power supply cable of said electronic detonator.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a pyrotechnic initiation system comprising a remote control console comprising wireless communication means and one or more wireless detonation systems according to the invention.

According to one embodiment, said remote control console is connected by a cable network to a first subset of electronic detonators and in wireless communication with a second subset of electronic detonators connected to peripheral power modules. .

According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of activating a wireless detonation system according to the invention, comprising the following successive steps:

detecting the connection of at least one electronic detonator to said peripheral power supply module; and

activation of said peripheral power supply module, said processing means being powered by said on-board power source.

In practice, the activation method further comprises a step of controlling the power supply of said wireless communication means and / or said wired communication means by said on-board power source.

Advantageously, the activation method further comprises a step of communicating said processing means with said at least one electronic detonator.

In practice, during the communication step, an identifier of said at least one electronic detonator is read by said processing means and / or a diagnostic operation of said at least one electronic detonator and / or said power cable is established by said processing means.

The wireless detonation system, the pyrotechnic initiation system and the activation method have features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the peripheral power module.

Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless detonation system according to a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless detonation system according to a second embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 7 are block diagrams illustrating different exemplary embodiments of connection detecting means of an electronic detonator implemented in a peripheral power supply module of a wireless detonation system; and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a pyrotechnic initiation system according to an exemplary embodiment of implementation of the invention.

We will first describe with reference to Figures 1 and 2 a wireless detonation system according to two embodiments of the invention.

The common elements of Figures 1 and 2 have the same reference numerals and are described simultaneously below. In principle, a wireless detonation system 100 comprises at least one electronic detonator 1 connected to a peripheral power module 150.

In the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, a single electronic detonator 1 10 is illustrated.

However, as will be described later, several similar electronic detonators 1 1 0 may be connected to the same power peripheral module 150.

The electronic detonator 1 10 is intended to be placed in a borehole, which is then loaded with explosive material.

In general, the electronic detonator 1 10 comprises a housing January 1 schematically in Figures 1 and 2 by a contour adapted to contain the various functional elements of the electronic detonator 1 10.

The electronic detonator 1 10 comprises, in the housing 1 1 1, an explosive primer 1 12, wired communication means 1 13 and processing means 1 14.

For the power supply of the electronic detonator 1 10, a power cable 1 15 allows the connection of the electronic detonator 1 10 to the peripheral power supply module 150.

For example, the power cable 1 15 is a two-wire cable connected to the housing 1 10. The power cable 1 15 has a length greater than the depth of the borehole considered.

A connector 1 16 mounted at the end of the power cable 1 15 is provided to connect the electronic detonator 1 10 as will be described later.

If the connection of the electronic detonator 1 10 must be done after positioning the electronic detonator 1 10 in the borehole, the length of the power cable 1 15 must be sufficient for the connector 1 16 to be available at the outlet of the borehole and thus allow its connection to the peripheral power module 150.

Of course, the connection of the electronic detonator 1 10 to the peripheral power supply module 150 can be realized before the positioning the electronic detonator 1 10 at the bottom of the borehole, so that it is not necessary that the connector 1 16 is accessible at the outlet of the borehole.

Moreover, the embodiment described above is not limiting, the connector 1 16 may be integrated in the electronic detonator 1 10, directly on the housing 1 January 1, or integrated in the peripheral power module 150, or arranged to any place on the power cable 1 15.

Thus, the power cable 1 15 can also be integral with the peripheral power supply module 150 or be an independent element, which can be respectively connected to two integrated connectors one to the peripheral power module 150, the other to electronic detonator 1 10.

The wired communication means 13 are preferably bidirectional. The modulation for communication to the electronic detonator 110 is preferably a voltage modulation. The modulation used for a communication at the origin of the electronic detonator is preferably a current modulation, performed from an impedance switching.

The electronic detonator 1 10 further comprises a first energy storage element 1 17 dedicated to supplying the wired communication means 1 13 and processing means 1 14 and a second energy storage element 1 18 dedicated to the firing of the explosive primer 1 12.

The wired communication means 1 13 and the first and second energy storage elements 1 17, 1 18 are connected to the power supply cable 1 15 of the electronic detonator.

Furthermore, a discharge device 1 19 is provided between the second energy storage element 1 1 8 and the explosive primer 1 12.

The discharge device January 19 forms a safety mechanism for the slow discharge of the second energy storage element 1 18 dedicated to the firing in order to return to a state of safety, not loaded, the electronic detonator in case of abandonment of a firing order. The first energy storage element 1 17 dedicated to supplying the wired communication means 1 13 and the processing means 1 14 is charged from the electrical energy supplied by the power supply cable 1 15 of the electronic detonator 1 10.

By way of non-limiting example, the first energy storage element 1 17 consists of a capacitor.

The second energy storage element 1 18 dedicated to igniting the explosive primer 1 12 is preferably charged to a voltage lower than the voltage required for the firing of the explosive primer 1 12 and adapted to restore the energy to a higher voltage, allowing the firing of the explosive primer 1 12.

The second energy storage element 1 18 can consist, for example, of one or more capacitors and one or more stages of voltage rise.

An isolation mechanism, illustrated by a K-m switch, is mounted upstream of the second energy storage element 1 18 dedicated to firing.

The isolation mechanism K ₀ makes it possible to activate or deactivate the supply of electrical energy supplied by the supply cable 1 to the second energy storage element 1 18.

Likewise, a firing mechanism, schematized by a switch KM, makes it possible to control the transfer of the electrical energy of the second energy storage element 1 18 to the explosive primer 1 12 when it is switched on. traffic light.

The isolation mechanism K-m and the firing mechanism K-n are controlled by the processing means 1 14 according to the commands received by the electronic detonator 1 10.

The processing means January 14 allow in particular to process messages received, and to act according to the meaning of the messages. They may include a calculator or a microprocessor associated with registers or memories. They allow in particular in a known manner:

to analyze messages received by the wired communication means 1 13, - to act according to the meaning of the received messages, and for example, to perform one of the following actions,

to carry out a diagnosis of the internal functionalities of the electronic detonator 1 10,

to initiate a sending of a message by the electronic detonator 1 10,

- activate the energy storage for firing,

to control the second energy storage element 1 18 for firing,

to activate the discharge device 19,

- to carry out the countdown of the delay of firing,

to activate the transfer of energy between the second energy storage element 1 18 and the explosive primer 1 12 at the end of the counting, via the firing mechanism K _; ...

In the wireless detonation system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electronic detonator 1 10 is connected to a peripheral power supply module 150 by the connector 1 16 mounted at the end of the power supply cable 1 15 of the electronic detonator. 1 10.

Of course, the electronic detonator 1 10 could also be connected by the connector 1 16 to a network cable connected to a remote control console.

This alternative will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG.

An embodiment of a peripheral power module 150 will be described below.

Preferably, the peripheral power module 150 comprises a housing, schematized by the outline 151 in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The housing is preferably robust and waterproof and incorporates all the functionalities of the peripheral power module 150 which will be described below.

The peripheral power supply module 150 comprises means for connecting one or more electronic detonators 1 10. The connection means are designed to keep to a maximum the tight and rigid nature of the housing 151 of the peripheral power supply module 150.

For example, the connection means may be formed of a simple two-wire cable 152, of limited length, connected inside the housing 151 of the peripheral power supply module and opening out of the housing 151 through a passage opening of cables.

The sealing at the passage orifice can be carried out in known manner by a gland.

The two-wire cable 152 thus allows a simple connection of one or more electronic detonators 1 10 through the connectors 1 16 adapted to connect an electronic detonator 1 10 to a cable.

The peripheral power supply unit 150 further comprises, in the housing 151, wireless communication means 153, preferably bi-directional, for receiving and transmitting messages and information.

Preferably, the wireless communication means 153 use the radio waves, and allow communication with a remote control console which will be described later.

In order to improve the quality of the wireless communication, the peripheral power module 150 may comprise an external antenna 154 connected to the wireless communication means 153.

The outdoor antenna 154 is preferably omnidirectional.

The peripheral power module 150 further comprises wired communication means 155, preferably bidirectional.

The wired communication means 155 are preferably compatible with the current modulation format implemented by the electronic detonators 1 10, to allow communication with the electronic detonators.

Depending on the type of modulation used (voltage or current), the electrical interconnection of the wired communication means 155 within the power supply module 150 can be adapted. The peripheral power supply module 150 further comprises processing means 156, enabling management of the operation of the peripheral power supply module 150 and its various functional elements.

In particular, the processing means 156 make it possible to process messages received by the wireless communication means 153 or the wired communication means 155.

The processing means 156 then control different actions and / or messages sent according to the meaning of the messages received.

In particular, the processing means 156, in a nonlimiting manner, make it possible to initiate a sending of a message by the wireless communication means 153 and / or by the wired communication means 155.

The processing means 156 are also adapted to activate a transfer of electrical energy to the electronic detonator (s) 1 connected to the peripheral power module 150 as will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

The peripheral power module 150 further comprises an on-board power source 157.

The on-board power source 157 is preferably current-limited.

The on-board power source 157 is particularly suitable for supplying electrical power to the wireless communication means 153, the wired communication means 155 and the processing means 156.

It also makes it possible to transfer electrical energy to one or more electronic detonators 1 connected to the peripheral power module 150.

Furthermore, switch means, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1 by the switch K ₀ , are mounted between the on-board power source 157 on the one hand and the wireless communication means 153, the processing means 156 and the two on the other hand. wired communication means 155 on the other hand. The switch means K ₀ are adapted to control the supply of electrical energy of the various functional elements of the peripheral power module 150.

In particular, thanks to the cut-off, made possible by the means forming a switch K ₀ , of the supply by the on-board power source 157 of the wireless communication means 153, the processing means 156 and the wired communication means 155 , the on-board power source 157 can be preserved at its initial charge level in the peripheral power module 150 when it is stored and before it is used on site.

Therefore, the peripheral power module 150 remains in an inactive state, with a current consumption from the onboard power source 157 negligible or zero before its use.

The peripheral power supply module 150 further comprises connection detection means 158 adapted to detect the connection of at least one electronic detonator 1 10.

In principle, the connection detection means 158 are adapted to detect the connection of an electronic detonator 1 10 to the connection means 152.

Different embodiments of the connection detection means 158 will be described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

In general, the connection detection means 158 are adapted to control the switch forming means K ₀ for supplying at least the processing means 156 by the on-board power source 157, when at least one electronic detonator 1 10 is connected. to the peripheral power module 150. The peripheral power module 150 is then in an activated mode.

In the first embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the switch means consist of a single switch K ₀ placed between the on-board power source 157 and the wireless communication means 153, the processing means 156 and the means of wired communication 155. Thus, the connection detection means 158 are adapted to control the switch means K ₀ for simultaneously supplying the processing means 156, the wireless communication means 153, and the wired communication means 155 when at least one electronic detonator 1 10 is connected to the peripheral power module 150.

Thus, in this embodiment, a single switch K ₀ controls the power supply of the processing means 156, the wireless communication means 153 and the wired communication means 155.

In a second embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 2, the means forming a switch comprise several switches K ₀ , K ₁ , K ₂ mounted respectively between the on-board power source 157 and the communication means without wire 153, the processing means 156 and the wired communication means 155 on the other hand.

In this embodiment, the connection detection means 158 are adapted to control a first switch K ₀ for supplying the processing means 156 by the on-board energy source 157.

Moreover, the processing means 156 in the activated mode of the peripheral power supply module 150 control the supply of the wireless communication means 153 and the wired communication means 155 by the on-board energy source 157.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the processing means 156 are thus adapted to control the second and third switches K ₁ , K ₂ for supplying electrical energy to the wireless communication means 153 and the wired communication means 155.

The second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 thus makes it possible, during the connection of an electronic detonator 1 10, to feed initially only the processing means 156, the wired communication means 155 and the communication means wireless 153 being subsequently connected to the on-board power source 157. Such an arrangement as illustrated in FIG. 2 further enables the power supply module 150 to be put on standby after an electronic detonator 1 10 has been connected to the peripheral power supply module 150.

In particular, a first standby mode, hereinafter called superficial standby, makes it possible to preserve the on-board energy source 157 between the instant of connection of an electronic detonator 1 10 and the actual firing procedure, which may occur several hours or even days later.

In this superficial standby mode, the peripheral power supply module 150 is adapted, autonomously, to exit superficial standby mode, without the intervention of an operator.

The superficial standby can be achieved by cutting the power supply to a maximum of functionality, in order to minimize the current consumed by the peripheral power supply module 150.

Thus, the processing means 156 can cut off the power supply of the wireless communication means 153 and the wired communication means 155 by the on-board power source 157 by acting on the second and third switches K ₁ , K ₂ .

Moreover, features integrated in the processing means 156 can also be put to sleep, according to a conventional method in a microprocessor.

In particular, only a clocking and incrementing mechanism can remain activated in the microprocessor in order to have the possibility of interrupting the superficial standby mode at the expiry of a predetermined delay, the functions of calculator, of reception , transmission and processing of messages integrated in the processing means 156 being suspended.

To interrupt the superficial standby mode, the peripheral power supply unit 150 temporarily controls, via the processor means 156, the power supply of the wireless communication means 153, by acting on the second switch K _; in order to receive a possible message sent by a remote control console, controlling the durable output of the superficial standby mode. Furthermore, in the superficial standby mode, the power supply for the electronic detonators 1 10 can also be deactivated thanks to an integrated device connection detection means 158 which will be described in detail below, with particular reference to Figures 4 and 6.

It may also be desirable to allow the peripheral power module 150 to return to a second sleep mode, called deep sleep, in which the on-board power source 157 is completely isolated.

This deep sleep mode allows a high security of the wireless detonation system 100, for example in case of abandoning a shot.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the processing means 156 are adapted to control the connection detection means 158 to act on the switch forming means K ₀ , K ₁ , K ₂ , including on the first switch K ₀ for cutting the supply of the processing means 156 by the on-board energy source 157.

The on-board power source 157 is then preserved for the duration of the deep sleep mode.

For the setting in a state of superficial standby or deep standby, the processing means 156 are adapted in particular to deactivate the power supply of the wireless communication means 153 and the wired communication means 155 by the on-board energy source 157 to receiving a sleep command issued by the remote control console.

Standby can also be triggered in the absence of message reception from the remote control console for a predetermined period of time.

The absence of message reception thus reflects prolonged inactivity of a remote control console or an extended period of non-solicitation by the remote control console.

Moreover, the power supply of the wireless communication means

153, processing means 156 and wired communication means 155 by the on-board power source 157 is deactivated when no electronic detonator 1 10 is connected to the peripheral module 150.

The deep standby is thus in particular controlled in the event of disconnection, accidental or voluntary, of an electronic detonator 1 10.

The disconnection of an electronic detonator 1 10 can be detected by the processing means 156, for example when no electronic detonator 1 10 responds to messages initiated by the processing means 156 to an electronic detonator 1 10.

Alternatively, the deep standby following the disconnection of an electronic detonator 1 10 can be performed without intervention of the processing means 156, since the connection detecting means 158 are configured, as described later, to control the opening a first switch K ₀ when no electronic detonator 1 10 is connected to the peripheral power module 150.

In the deep sleep mode, the reactivation of the peripheral power supply module 150, and in particular the powering up of the processing means 156, requires a physical action by an operator. The latter must connect an electronic detonator 1 10, or possibly disconnect, and then reconnect an electronic detonator 1 10 when the deep standby was commanded by an explicit order of deep standby addressed by the remote control console to destination of the peripheral power module 150.

It should be noted that the transition to a deep standby mode is generally reserved for a definitive abandonment of fire or, at least, for a prolonged suspension of the shot.

Indeed, the saving of electrical energy achieved and the level of safety achieved during the deep standby must be compared with the time necessary thereafter to reconnect each electronic detonator 1 10 to a peripheral power module 150 to enable the activation of the peripheral power module 150 and its exit from the deep sleep mode. Reference will now be made with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7 different embodiments of the connection detection means 1 58 of the peripheral power supply module 150.

In principle, the connection detection means 158 are adapted to detect an impedance change across the connection means, here implemented by a two-wire cable 1 52, when an electronic detonator is connected by a connector 1 1 6 to two-wire cable 1 52.

In a first exemplary embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 3, the connection detection of an electronic detonator 110 is implemented from a measurement of current.

For this purpose, the connection detection means 1 58 comprise a current measuring device A electrically connected to one of the terminals of the connection means 152.

As is well illustrated in FIG. 3, the current measurement device A is here connected in series with one of the two conductors of the two-wire cable 152.

A current comparator C is adapted to compare the value of the current measured by the current measuring device A with a predetermined value I REF-

Indeed, the value of the measured current is modified when connecting an electronic detonator 1 1 0.

Such an electronic detonator 1 1 0 is equivalent to connecting on the connection means 1 52 an equivalent impedance modifying the electrical circuit, and thus the value of the current flowing in the current measuring device A.

Thus, the value of the measured current changes from a zero value to a value corresponding substantially to the current consumption by the electronic detonator 1 1 0 increased possible leakage currents on the two-wire cable 1 52 and the power cable 1 15.

The comparator C compares the value of the measured current with a predefined value I _RE F which can be substantially equal to half the current consumed by an electronic detonator 1 1 0. The peripheral power supply unit 1 50 is thus parameterized by means of a preset value I REF, determined according to the electronic detonators 1 1 0 intended to be used with the peripheral power supply module 1 50.

The output of the current comparator C controls the switch means and, in this embodiment, the switch K ₀ for supplying the processing means 156 by the on-board energy source 157.

Thus, when the value of the current measured by the current measurement device A exceeds the preset value I REF, the connection detection means 1 58 control the switch K ₀ to supply the processing means 156 as described above with reference to FIG. Figure 1 or 2.

A filtering system may possibly be integrated so as to prevent the wired communication between the peripheral power supply module 150 and the detonator 1 1 0, of the voltage or current modulation type, which disturbs the connection detection means 158, causing the deactivation of the peripheral power supply unit 1 50 by an opening of the switch K ₀

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, when the electronic detonator 1 1 0 is disconnected, the value of the current measured by the current measuring device A drops so that the comparator C is adapted to drive the switch K ₀ to cut the power of the processing means 156 by the on-board power source 1 57.

Thus, the connection detection means 1 58 allow a return to deep automatic standby when disconnecting an electronic detonator 1 1 0.

However, in this embodiment, it is not possible to control a superficial or deep standby mode from a message received from the remote console.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the connection detection means 1 58, notably allowing a standby from an order received by the peripheral power supply module 1 50. For this purpose, in addition to the elements already mentioned above, the connection detection means 158 comprise a memory element, represented diagrammatically by a rocker RS in FIG.

The RS flip-flop is adapted to memorize the state change related to the connection of an electronic detonator 1 10.

The contents of the RS flip-flop can be modified by the processing means 156, via a resetting input R (RESET input), causing the first switch K ₀ to open to cut off the power supply to the processing means 156 and to switch on thus in deep sleep mode.

On the other hand, the presence of the RS flip-flop prevents automatic deep standby of the peripheral power supply module 150 when the electronic detonator 1 10 is disconnected.

In order to maintain the possibility of automatically switching off the peripheral power module 150 when disconnecting an electronic detonator 1 10, the current measuring device A is connected to the processing means 156.

In such a case, the processing means 156 are adapted to analyze the current consumption on the connector of the connection means 152 and to order the switchover to standby mode, by controlling as previously indicated the RS flip-flop, when the value of the measured current by the current measuring device A fall.

In an alternative embodiment, it would also be possible to use an inverted output of the comparator C and to wire this output signal to the RESET input of the RS flip-flop by means of an OR gate, so as to use either the signal from the inverted output of the comparator C, a signal from the processing means 156 to change the state of the RS flip-flop.

Finally, a switch K ₂ o is mounted between the on-board power source 157 and the connection means 152 of an electronic detonator 1 10. The processing means 156 are adapted to control the switch K ₂₀ and thus the supply of the electronic detonator 1 10 by the on-board energy source 157.

In particular, the processing means 156 are adapted to allow the power supply of the electronic detonator 1 10, and the charge of the first and second energy storage elements 1 17, 1 18.

Conversely, the processing means 156 are adapted to control the switch K ₂₀ to interrupt the power supply of the electronic detonator 1 10, in order to pass the peripheral power module 150 in a superficial or deep standby mode.

Thus, a resistor R ₂ o of high impedance is connected in parallel with the switch K ₂ o so as to limit as much as possible the electric current to the electronic detonator 1 10 when the switch K ₂₀ is open, and nevertheless allow the connection detection of an electronic detonator 1 10.

Reference will now be made with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 of other exemplary embodiments of the connection detection means 158 implementing a voltage measuring device.

The on-board power source 157 initially provides a positive DC voltage.

The voltage measured at point V, on one of the two-wire cable connectors 152, corresponds to a supply voltage when no electronic detonator is connected to the peripheral power module 150.

A high impedance resistor R ₂₀ (pull-up resistor) is mounted on one of the connectors of the two-wire cable 152.

The value of the resistance of high impedance R ₂₀ is for example ten times greater than the average impedance presented by an electronic detonator 1 10.

Therefore, when connecting an electronic detonator 1 10 to the connection means 152, the voltage measured at the point V decreases significantly. A comparator C makes it possible, as before, to compare the voltage at the point V with a reference voltage V _RE F-

When the voltage V is lower than the voltage V _RE F, the comparator acts on the switch K ₀ to control the supply of the processing means 156 by the on-board power source 1 57.

Once the processing means 156 are powered by the on-board power source 1 57, the processing means 156 are adapted to control a switch K ₂₀ mounted between the on-board power source 1 57 and the connecting means 1 52 of FIG. an electronic detonator 1 1 0.

The switch K ₂₀ is connected in parallel with the high impedance resistor R ₂ o and thus makes it possible to short-circuit this resistance to supply enough electrical power to the power supply cable 1 1 5 to supply the electronic detonator correctly. 1 1 0.

As before, a memory element, such as a RS flip-flop, is implemented between the comparator C and the switch K ₀ , the RS flip-flop being used to store the change of state of the switch K ₀ .

Note that without the presence of the memory element constituted by the RS rocker, the closing of the switch K ₂ o, causing an increase in the voltage at the point V would lead to reopening of the switch K ₀ controlling the supply of the processing means 1 56 by the on-board power source 157 and thus to a deactivation of the peripheral power supply unit 1 50 by a deep standby.

The switch K ₂₀ , connected in parallel with the high impedance resistor R ₂₀ and controlled by the processing means 1 56, allows a superficial standby of the peripheral power supply module 1 50.

However, the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5 does not allow for a deep standby mode of the peripheral power supply module, in particular when no electronic detonator 1 1 0 is connected to the peripheral power supply module 150.

To allow this deep sleep mode, as shown in the figure

6, a command from the processing means 1 56 makes it possible to act on the memory element. As described previously with reference to FIG. 4, the processing means 156 are connected to the input R (RESET) of the RS flip-flop in order to reset this memory element and to allow the opening of the first switch K ₀ and the deactivation of the means treatment 156.

Finally, there is illustrated in FIG. 7 another embodiment of the connection detection means 158 in which the processing means 156 are implemented within a microcontroller or microprocessor 159.

The microprocessor 159 integrates several functions of the processing means 156 described above but also replaces different hardware elements.

The microprocessor 159 furthermore makes it possible, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, to manage the deep and superficial standby modes of the peripheral power supply module 150.

Whatever the impedance change detected across the connection means 152, the signal from a current measurement or a voltage (here voltage V in FIG. 7) can be directly connected to an input port microprocessor 159, configured in interrupt mode.

In this embodiment operating from a voltage drop detected during the connection of an electronic detonator 1 10, the interruption must be triggered on a falling edge so that the detection of the connection of an electronic module not be disturbed by the nominal operation of the assembly and that the system can also be reactivated during the disconnection and reconnection of an electronic detonator 1 10.

The processing means 156 being implemented within a microprocessor, the transition to superficial standby mode corresponds to a passage of the microprocessor in standby mode, in which only clock means 160 are kept active.

In this embodiment, the microprocessor makes it possible to realize the functionalities of the processing means 156 as described above, but also of the first switch K ₀ , enabling control the supply of the processing means 156 by the on-board energy source 157, the comparator C as well as the memory element constituted by the RS flip-flop.

Whatever the embodiment of the connection detection means 158, the processing means 156 are powered as soon as at least one electronic detonator 1 10 is connected to the peripheral power module 150. As will be described later with reference in a method of activating a wireless detonation system, the processing means 156 are adapted, in the activated mode of the peripheral power supply module, to communicate with the electronic detonator 1 10.

A pyrotechnic initiation system suitable for implementing a wireless detonation system 100 as described above will now be described with reference to FIG.

A pyrotechnic initiation system includes a firing control console 200 for forming a remote control console of the electronic detonators 1 10.

The remote control console 200 generally has its own power supply (typically a battery) and a bidirectional wireless communication means preferably, shown diagrammatically in FIG. 8 by an antenna 201.

The antenna 201 may for example be omnidirectional. Alternatively, the antenna 201 may be directive, making it possible to improve the performance of the wireless communication towards the electronic detonators of a firing plane, and thus limit the impact of the disturbances, in this case the antenna 201 from the remote control console 200 must be oriented towards the firing plane.

The wireless communication means 201 are adapted to communicate with the wireless communication means 153 of the peripheral power modules 150 described above.

Typically, the remote control console 200 includes all the necessary hardware and software resources for control all the stages of firing of a network of electronic detonators.

Such a remote control console 200 is known and need not be described in detail here.

The remote control console 200 can communicate, by the wireless communication means 201, with several peripheral power modules 150 each connected to one or more electronic detonators 1 10.

FIG. 8 illustrates two peripheral power supply modules 150A and 150B adapted to communicate with the remote control console 200.

Thus, the wireless communication means 153 of each power peripheral module 150A, 150B are adapted to receive messages from the remote control console 200 and to transmit messages to the remote control console 200.

The messages received by the wireless communication means 153 of the peripheral power modules 150A, 150B are addressed to the processing means 156, and optionally to one or more electronic detonators 1 10 by the wired communication means 155.

As illustrated by way of example in FIG. 8, a first peripheral power supply module 150A is associated with two electronic detonators.

Thus, two electronic detonators 1 1 OA-1, 1 10A ₂ are connected to the same peripheral power module 150A.

Of course, the number of electronic detonators 1 10 connected to the same power peripheral module 150 may be variable, the connection detecting means 158 being adapted to detect the connection of at least one electronic detonator 1 10 to the connection means 152.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the second power peripheral module 150B is connected to a single electronic detonator 1 10B. Moreover, and without limitation, the pyrotechnic initiation system illustrated in Figure 8 is further adapted to implement a wired communication system with electronic detonators.

For this purpose, the remote control console 200 is connected by a network of cables 202 to electronic detonators 1 10C, 1 10D.

These are connected directly to the cable network 202, and are not connected to a peripheral power module 150.

Thus, the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 implements mixed communication means: the remote control console 200 is connected by the cable network 202 to a first subset of electronic detonators 1 1 OC, 1 10D and in wireless communication with a second subset of electronic detonators 1 10Ai, 1 10A ₂ , 1 10B connected to peripheral power modules 150A, 150B.

Such a pyrotechnic initiation system offers great flexibility in the deployment of a network of electronic detonators 1 10. The remote control console 200 must, of course, send synchronized fire orders via the wireless communication means and the wired communication means for ensuring the simultaneous reception of a firing message by the electronic detonators 1 10 connected to the remote control console 200 by different communication means.

Synchronization must also take into account the processing latency inherent in each means of communication, wired or wireless.

It should be noted that such a pyrotechnic initiation system makes it possible to perform multiple shots (in English terminology "multi-blasf") on several firing zones distant from each other, using a single console of remote control 200.

Thus, the areas closest to the remote control console 200 can be wired by a cable network 202, the other firing zones, further away, can be connected by wireless communication means as described above.

Furthermore, it is possible, on a case-by-case basis, for each electronic detonator 1 10, to decide to connect it to the network of cables 202 or connecting it to a peripheral power module 150 having wireless communication means 153 for communicating with the remote control console 200.

Thus, after introduction of an electronic detonator 1 10 in a borehole, the power cable 1 15 being positioned in the borehole and the connector 1 16 opening from the borehole, it is possible to connect the electronic detonator 1 10 to a peripheral power supply unit 150 or directly to the cable network 202 depending on the quality of the wired communication with the electronic detonator 1 10 placed in the borehole.

The communication quality can also be evaluated with a subset of electronic detonators 1 10C, 1 10D connected by the cable network 202 to the remote control console 200.

In the event of a faulty wire link, it is possible to disconnect one (or more) electronic detonator 1 10C, 1 10D and to connect it to a peripheral power supply module 150 to allow wireless communication with the control console. distance 200.

Thus, a pyrotechnic initiation system implementing a mixed network as described in Figure 8 accelerates the establishment of a network of electronic detonators 1 10 and reduce the risk of non-operation.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to such a pyrotechnic initiation system but also applies to a pyrotechnic initiation system implementing a remote control console 200 associated only with wireless detonation systems 100 and not implementing wireline communication with electronic detonators 1 10.

We will now describe a method for activating a wireless detonation system 100, as described above, in particular with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The activation method first comprises a step of detecting the connection of at least one electronic detonator 1 10 to a peripheral power module 150. As previously described, the detection of such a connection causes the activation of the peripheral power module 150, the processing means 156 being then powered by the on-board energy source 157.

As soon as the processing means 156 are powered, the activation method comprises a step of communicating the processing means 156 with the electronic detonator 1 10.

The processing means 156 communicate with the electronic detonator 1 10 via the wired communication means 155, previously activated, either by the connection detecting means 158 in the embodiment of FIG. 1, or by the actuation of the second switch K ₂ by the processing means 156 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2.

Thus, the processing means 156 in the activated mode of the peripheral power supply module 150 communicate with the electronic detonator (s) 1 connected to the peripheral power supply module 150.

During this communication step, an identifier of the electronic detonator (s) 110 can be read by the processing means 156.

The identifier communicated by the electronic detonator 1 10 may, in turn, be communicated by the peripheral power supply module 150 to an operator and / or transferred to a programming console.

The programming console can be physically connected to the peripheral power supply module 150, for example on the two-wire cable 152, or else be a wireless programming console with which the peripheral power module 150 can communicate thanks to the communication means without thread 153.

Such a programming console is used in a known manner in a wired network to program an electronic detonator and for example assign a delay for firing according to a predetermined firing plan.

Furthermore, a diagnosis of operation of the electronic detonator 1 10 and / or its power cable 1 15 can be established by the processing means 156. Thus, the peripheral power supply unit 150 can implement a certain number of pre-diagnoses with the electronic detonator 1 10 as soon as it is activated, even before the activation of the wireless communication means 153 and the exchange of messages or messages. data with the remote control console 200.

The peripheral power module 150 is adapted to exchange information and messages with the electronic detonator 1 10 independently from the remote control console 200 and can know at any time the state of the electronic detonator (s) 1 10 connected to it.

Of course, when the wireless communication means 153 of the power supply module 150 are powered by the on-board power source 157, the processing means 156 are adapted to receive messages addressed by the remote control console 200 via the wireless communication network.

In particular, the remote control console 200 may address a command to the peripheral power module 150 to initiate an exchange of messages with the connected electronic detonator (s) 1.

In addition, the commands addressed by the remote control console 200 concern the firing orders and possibly the assignment of firing delays to each electronic detonator 1 10, or a charge order of the second element energy storage system 1 18 dedicated to firing the electronic detonator 1 10.

Thus, the exchanges between the peripheral power supply module 150 and the electronic detonator 1 10 may be initiated either at the initiative of the peripheral power module 150 as soon as the processing means 156 and the wired communication means 155 are powered by the on-board power source 157, or upon receipt of an order from the remote control console 200 as soon as the wireless communication means 153 are powered by the on-board power source 157.

The steps of connection, identification communication of each electronic detonator 1 10 and diagnosis of the operation of each wireless detonation system 100 can be performed locally, without intervention of the remote control console 200.

The wireless communication with the remote control console 200 can be established later, at the time of the firing procedure of the electronic detonators 1 10.

In this case, it may take several hours, or even days, before the initiation of the firing procedure by the remote control console 200.

Thus, the deep or shallow standby mode previously described for the peripheral power supply unit 150 is particularly well suited to preserving the functionalities of the power supply peripheral module 150, and in particular the on-board power source 157, while waiting for the firing procedure.

Therefore, as long as personnel are present on the firing area, and waiting for the firing procedure itself, it is possible to limit the supply of the wireless detonation system 100 to the bare necessities.

The wireless detonation system 100 and the pyrotechnic initiation system described above have many advantages.

They minimize the risk of accidental initiation of an electronic detonator 1 10 throughout its lifetime, the risk of non-operation of the wireless detonation system 100 or the risk of non-firing of the electronic detonator 1 10.

Indeed, as the electronic detonators 1 10 are not connected to the peripheral power module 150, the risk of accidental initiation is minimized.

The risk of non-firing is also minimized when all the functionalities required for the firing of the electronic detonator 1 10 are integrated in the housing 1 1 1 of the electronic detonator 1 10 placed downhole.

Thus, the explosion of a nearby electronic detonator does not affect the operation of the electronic detonator 1 10. Indeed, after receiving the firing order and loading the second energy storage element 1 18, the operation of the electronic detonator 1 10 is independent, it can be fired even in case of destruction or disconnection of the peripheral module d 150 power supply.

Moreover, as explained in particular with reference to FIG. 8, the pyrotechnic initiation system offers great flexibility of implementation.

It will be noted that the peripheral power supply modules 150 are considered as consumable material as are the electronic detonators 1 10.

Through the implementation of wireless communication, only the power cables 1 of the electronic detonators 1 10 are retained and buried in the boreholes.

Since the power cables 1 15 are of limited length and are not interconnected with each other, the reliability of the communication and of the supply of electrical energy between the peripheral power supply module 150 and the buried electronic detonators 1 10 is optimized, reducing the risk of non-operation of the wireless detonation system 100.

The use of a wireless communication mode thus makes it possible to eliminate most of the operational hazards associated with wired links, to increase the dimensions and the number of electronic detonators of a firing plan, to potentially increase the flow rate. communication, reduce the number of messages exchanged between the remote control console 200 and the peripheral power modules 150, and thus reduce the duration of the firing procedure.

Claims

1. A peripheral power supply module (150) for an electronic detonator (1 10), comprising an on-board power source (157), wireless communication means (153) with a remote control console (200), means for treatment (156) and wired communication means (155) with at least one electronic detonator (1 10), characterized in that switch means (Ko, Ki, K ₂ ) are mounted between said on-board power source ( 157) on the one hand, and said wireless communication means (153), said processing means (156) and said wired communication means (155) on the other hand, said peripheral power module (150) comprising in in addition to connection detection means (158) of at least one electronic detonator (1 10), said connection detecting means (158) being adapted to control said switch means (K ₀ ) for supplying said processing means ( 156) by said source on-board power supply (157) when at least one electronic detonator (1 10) is connected to said peripheral power supply unit (150), so that said peripheral power supply unit (150) is in an activated mode.

A peripheral power module according to claim 1, characterized in that said processing means (156) in said activated mode of said peripheral power module (150) controls the power supply of said wireless communication means (153) and said wired communication means (155) by said on-board power source (157).

Peripheral power supply module according to claim 1, characterized in that said connection detecting means (158) are adapted to control said switch means (Ko, Ki, K ₂ ) for supplying said processing means simultaneously ( 156), said wireless communication means (153) and said wired communication means (155) when at least one electronic detonator (1 10) is connected to said peripheral power module (150).

4. Power supply peripheral module according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said processing means (156) in said activated mode of said peripheral power module (150) communicate with said at least one electronic detonator (1 10) once said wired communication means (155) powered by said on-board power source (157).

5. peripheral power module according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it comprises connection means (1 16) of at least one electronic detonator (1 10), the detection means of connection (158) detecting an impedance change across said connection means (1 16).

Peripheral power supply module according to claim 5, characterized in that the connection detection means (158) comprise a current measuring device (A) electrically connected to one of said terminals of the connection means (1). 16), and a current comparator (C) adapted to compare the value of the current measured by said current measuring device (A) with a predefined value.

7. Power supply peripheral module according to claim 6, characterized in that said predefined value is substantially equal to half the current consumed by an electronic detonator (1 10).

8. Power supply peripheral module according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said processing means (156) are adapted to control a switch (K ₂ o) mounted between said on-board power source (157). ) and connection means (1 16) of at least one electronic detonator (1 10) to the peripheral power module (150).

The peripheral power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said wireless communication means (153) are adapted to receive messages from said remote control console (200) and to transmit messages to said remote control console (200), said received messages being addressed to said processing means (156), and optionally to said minus an electronic detonator (1 10) by the wired communication means (155).

Peripheral power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said processing means (156) are adapted to deactivate the power supply of said wireless communication means (153) and said communication means. wired (155) by said on-board power source (157) upon receiving a sleep command from said remote control console (200) and / or in the absence of receiving messages from the remote control (200) for a predetermined period of time.

1 1. Peripheral power supply module according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the supply of said wireless communication means (153), said processing means (156) and said wire communication means (155) by said on-board power source (157) is deactivated when no electronic detonator (1 10) is connected to said peripheral power module (150).

12. Power supply peripheral module according to one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that said on-board power source (157) is a power source limited in current.

13. Wireless detonation system comprising a peripheral power module (150) according to one of claims 1 to 12 and at least one electronic detonator (1 10), said at least one electronic detonator (1 10) being connected said peripheral power supply module (150) via a connector (1 16) mounted at the end of a power cable (1 15) of said at least one electronic detonator (1 10).

14. Wireless detonation system according to claim 13, characterized in that the electronic detonator (1 10) comprises, in a housing (1 1 1), an explosive primer (1 12), wired communication means (1 1), 13), processing means (1 14), a first energy storage element (1 17) dedicated to powering said wire communication means (1 13) and said processing means (1 14), and a second energy storage element (1 18) dedicated to firing said explosive primer (1 12), said wired communication means (1 1 3) and said first and second energy storage elements (1 1 7, 1 1 8) being connected to said power supply cable (1 15) of said electronic detonator (1 1 0).

A pyrotechnic initiation system comprising a remote control console (200) having wireless communication means

(201) and one or more wireless detonation systems (100) according to one of claims 1 3 or 14.

A pyrotechnic initiation system according to claim 15, characterized in that said remote control console (200) is connected by a cable network (202) to a first subset of electronic detonators (1 10C, 1 1 0D) and in wireless communication with a second subset of electronic detonators (1 1 0Ai, 1 1 0A ₂ , 1 10B) connected to peripheral power supply modules (1 50A, 1 50B).

7. A method of activating a wireless detonation system (100) according to one of claims 1 3 or 14, characterized in that it comprises the following successive steps:

detecting the connection of at least one electronic detonator (1 1 0) to said peripheral power supply module (1 50); and

activation of said peripheral power supply module (1 50), said processing means (1 56) being powered by said on-board power source (1 57).

An activation method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises a step of controlling the supply of said wireless communication means (153) and / or said wired communication means (155). ) by said on-board power source (1 57) of said peripheral power module (1 50).

9. Activation method according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that it further comprises a step of communicating said processing means (156) of said peripheral power module (1 50) with said at least one electronic detonator (1 1 0).

20. Activation method according to claim 1 9, characterized in that during the communication step, an identifier of said at least one electronic detonator (1 10) is read by said processing means (156) of said peripheral power module (150) and / or a diagnostic operation of said at least one electronic detonator (1 10) and / or said power cable (1 15) is established by said processing means (156) of said peripheral power module (150).