EP3695187B1 - Wireless electronic detonator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a wireless electronic detonator.

The invention also relates to a wireless detonation system and a method of activating the electronic detonator.

The invention finds its application in the field of pyrotechnic initiation, in any sector where a network of one or more electronic detonators must traditionally be implemented. Typical examples of use relate to mining, quarrying, seismic exploration, or the building and public works sector.

During their use, the electronic detonators are placed respectively in locations arranged to receive them and loaded with explosive. These locations are for example holes drilled in the ground. The electronic detonators are then fired 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 broadcast to the electronic detonator network using a control console. This firing order makes it possible to synchronize the counting of the firing delay for all the electronic detonators. From the reception of the firing order, each electronic detonator manages the counting of the specific delay associated with it, as well as its own firing.

Traditionally, electronic detonators are connected by cables to the control console. On the one hand, this wiring allows the control console to supply each electronic detonator with the energy necessary for its operation and for firing. On the other hand, the cabling allows the control console to communicate with the electronic detonators, for example to exchange commands or messages relating to the diagnosis with them, and to send them the firing order.

Wireless detonators are known which make it possible to do away with the cabling between the network of detonators and the control console, and thus the hazards associated with this cabling.

The document FR 3 046 222 describes for example an electronic detonator, which is connected to a peripheral power supply module which comprises an on-board energy source, wireless communication means with a remote control console, processing means and wired communication means with at least the electronic detonator.

A wireless detonator is disclosed by the document WO2006 / 096920 A1 . This document describes an electronic detonator comprising a firing head, wireless communication and processing modules allowing communication with a control console, an electrical energy storage module, an energy source and a triggering circuit. fire connected to the energy storage module. The energy source supplies energy to the wireless communication and processing modules and to the energy storage module, these modules being functional modules of the electronic detonator or modules for implementing functions specific to the detonator. electronic.

An energy source present in an electronic detonator, such as that described by the document WO2006 / 096920 A1 , could be prematurely discharged before its use, knowing that the firing of the detonator could occur a long time after its manufacture.

In order to avoid the premature discharge of an electronic detonator, it is known practice to add to the electronic detonator a mechanical switch that an operator activates during the deployment of the network of detonators.

The reliability of such a solution is not high, malfunctions could occur due for example to severe environments (humidity, dust, etc.) in which the detonators are deployed. In addition, these mechanical switches can be manipulated by anyone, the safety of a detonation system comprising such electronic detonators being limited.

The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic detonator allowing reliable and secure operation.

To this end, the invention aims, according to a first aspect, according to claim 1, at a wireless electronic detonator comprising an energy source and functional modules.

• des premiers moyens de commutation disposés entre la source d'énergie et les modules fonctionnels, permettant de relier ou de ne pas relier la source d'énergie aux modules fonctionnels, et
• un module de commande des premiers moyens de commutation comportant un module de récupération d'énergie radio configuré pour recevoir un signal radio provenant d'une console de commande, récupérer l'énergie électrique dans ledit signal radio reçu, générer un signal de récupération d'énergie représentatif du niveau d'énergie électrique récupérée, et générer en sortie un signal de commande en fonction de l'énergie récupérée, ledit signal de commande pilotant lesdits moyens de commutation.

According to the invention, the wireless electronic detonator comprises:

• first switching means arranged between the energy source and the functional modules, making it possible to connect or not connect the energy source to the functional modules, and
• a control module for the first switching means comprising a radio energy recovery module configured to receive a radio signal from a control console, recover electrical energy in said received radio signal, generate a recovery signal energy representative of the level of electrical energy recovered, and generating at output a control signal as a function of the energy recovered, said control signal controlling said switching means.

The control module thus controls the switching means so that the energy source is connected or is not connected to the functional modules, that is to say so that the energy source provides energy or does not supply energy respectively to the functional modules of the electronic detonator.

Thus, the switching means are controlled according to two different states, an active state allowing the energy source to be connected to the functional modules and an inactive or blocked state allowing the energy source and the functional modules to be disconnected from one another.

The control of the switching means is thus implemented by the control signal, this control signal being generated by the control module as a function of the electrical energy recovered from the received radio signal. The electrical energy recovered from the received radio signal takes the form of an energy recovery signal having a level representative of the recovered electrical energy.

Thus, it will be noted that the energization of the functional modules of the electronic detonator is carried out by the reception of a radio signal with sufficient energy to control the switching means so that the energy source is connected to the functional modules of the electronic detonator. .

As long as the control module has not controlled the switching means so that they connect the energy source to the functional modules, the energy source remains isolated from the functional modules of the electronic detonator.

Thus, the energy in the power source remains preserved until the use of the electronic detonator, which will only take place after the energization of functional modules, that is, after the source of energy is connected to the functional modules through the switching means.

The source of energy being preserved, failures during use, and in particular during firing, due to the premature discharge of the energy source are thus avoided, and the firing of the detonator is thus More reliable.

In addition, the handling of an electronic detonator with the functional modules turned off before its use, as well as the switching on of these functional modules carried out when the electronic detonator is put in place before it is fired, are operations even more secure.

It will be noted that in this document, an energy level must be considered strictly as a power level. Thus, for example, an energy recovery signal is representative of a level of recovered electrical power. Likewise, the presence of energy for a period of time refers to the presence of power for a predetermined period of time.

The following characteristics of the wireless electronic detonator can be taken singly or in combination with each other.

According to one characteristic, the control module comprises comparison means comparing the level of the energy recovery signal representative of the level of recovered electrical energy, with a threshold energy value, the control signal being generated so that the first ways switches connect the energy source to the functional modules when the level of the energy recovery signal crosses the energy threshold value.

The verification of an energy recovered from the received radio signal of minimum value, or having a value greater than a threshold energy value, makes it possible to avoid energizing the functional modules of the electronic detonator by accidental activations of the means. of commutation. The reliability of the electronic detonator and the safety in its use are thus increased.

According to one characteristic, the energy threshold value is obtained from the energy source.

The energy threshold value is thus equal to a value in the range of operating potentials of the energy source, that is to say in the range of potentials having the supply voltage and ground as ends.

According to one characteristic, the energy threshold value is obtained from said energy recovery signal.

Thus, the presence in the control module of a power supply from the energy source is not necessary.

According to another characteristic, the energy threshold value is equal to a value outside the range of operating potentials of the energy source.

By virtue of this feature, a potential outside the operating potential range of the power source must be produced by the control module, which increases the safety of use.

Indeed, a hardware failure in the control module could not produce a potential outside the operating range of the energy source. Therefore, the detection of a potential outside the operating potential range of the power source means the reception of a radio signal whose energy is sufficient for energizing the functional modules of the electronic detonator.

Thus, the reliability of the electronic detonator and the safety in its use are improved.

According to one characteristic, a part of the control module is referenced with respect to a reference potential equal to a value in the range of operating potentials of the energy source.

Thanks to this characteristic, the requirements on the level of recovered energy are reinforced. Accidental power-ups of the electronic detonator's functional modules are further avoided, increasing the reliability of the electronic detonator and safety in its use.

According to one characteristic, the control module comprises means for checking the time of presence of said recovery signal crossing a predetermined value, the control signal being generated so that the first switching means connect the energy source to the functional modules when the presence time is greater than or equal to a predefined period of time.

The verification of the presence time of an electrical energy crossing a predetermined value can be implemented by verifying the duration of the presence of the radio signal or of the energy recovery signal.

A radio signal or an energy harvesting signal is considered to be present when its level exceeds a predetermined value. This predetermined value can be the energy threshold value, the presence of a radio signal or of an energy recovery signal signifying that the recovered energy level exceeds the threshold value necessary to control the first switching means.

Thus, the verification of the time of presence of an electrical energy crossing a predetermined value can correspond to a verification of the time during which the level, either of the received radio signal or of the energy recovery signal, exceeds the threshold value.

Verifying the duration of the presence of the radio signal or of the energy recovery signal in the electronic detonator makes it possible to further prevent accidental activations of the switching means.

According to one characteristic, the control module comprises at least one reception means receiving one or more radio signals coming from a control console and at least one filtering means mounted downstream. of said at least one reception means, said at least one filtering means allowing said one or more radio signals to pass in predefined frequency bands.

Thanks to this characteristic, the switching means can only be activated so that the electronic detonator is powered, when the reception means receive one or more radio frequency signals belonging to a predefined frequency band.

Thus, signals sent by devices emitting in a frequency band different from the predefined frequency band will not be taken into account by the electronic detonator, thus limiting the risk of fraudulent use of the electronic detonator.

Therefore, the safety in using such an electronic detonator is improved.

According to embodiments, the number of reception means and filtering means is identical or different. For example, in one embodiment, the control module comprises a single reception means receiving one or more radio signals, and several filtering means mounted downstream of the reception means, each filtering means allowing radio signals to pass through radio signals. frequency bands which may be different.

According to another example, the control module comprises several reception means and several filtering means mounted respectively downstream of the reception means. The filtering means can pass radio signals in different frequency bands.

According to one characteristic, the control module comprises verification means configured to verify certain conditions relating to the frequency of the radio signals received by the filtering means.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the control module comprises verification means configured to verify the presence of a signal at the output of said at least one filtering means, said control signal being generated so that said energy source is connected. to functional modules when a signal is present at the output of said at least one filtering means.

The electronic detonator can thus only be supplied when the reception means receive a signal belonging to the predefined frequency band.

Therefore, the requirement for the use of a legitimate control device or console is thus reinforced.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the control module comprises several filtering means and verification means configured to check the order of reception of said radio signals at the output respectively of said several filtering means, said control signal being generated so that said energy source is connected to the functional modules when a predefined order is verified.

The electronic detonator can thus be supplied only when the reception means receive in a predefined order frequency signals belonging to the predefined frequency bands, thus increasing the safety of the use of such an electronic detonator.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the control module comprises several filtering means and verification means configured to verify the presence or absence of a signal output respectively from said several filtering means and generate as a result a combination of presences and absences, said control signal being generated so that said energy source is connected to the functional modules when a predefined combination of presences and absences is verified.

It is thus verified that the radio signals received belong to a first group of predefined frequency bands, and do not cover a second group of predefined frequency bands.

Thanks to these verifications, the requirements for the use of such an electronic detonator are reinforced.

According to one characteristic, the control module comprises means for checking the frequency of said received radio signal, said control signal being generated so that the switching means connect said energy source to said functional modules when the received radio signal is present. in a predefined frequency band.

Thus, the frequency verification means verify that the level of electric energy in the radio signal exceeds a predetermined value in a predefined frequency band.

The verification means can verify the presence of the received radio signal in a frequency band when filtering means are not present downstream from the reception means.

In addition, the verification means can verify the presence of the radio signal received in a frequency band more restricted than the frequency band associated with the filtering means. In this case, the filtering means allow radio signals to pass in a wide frequency band, and the verification means then verify the presence of a radio signal in a finer frequency band.

The electronic detonator functional modules are thus only energized if the radio signal is present in a predefined frequency band.

According to one characteristic, the functional means comprise processing means controlling said first switching means.

It will be noted that the first switching means are controlled, in addition to the control module, by the processing means in the functional modules.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said source of energy previously connected to said functional modules or not to keep said source of energy connected to said functional modules.

Thus, once the functional modules, and in particular the processing means are switched on, this switching on is maintained or is not maintained by the control of the first switching means by the processing means. In fact, once the processing means are switched on, they can control the first switching means so as to maintain or cut off the power supply to the functional modules.

It will be noted that depending on the implementations of the first switching means, once the processing means are switched on, they can control the first switching means so as not to maintain the energy source connected to the functional modules or in disconnecting the energy source from the switching means.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the processing means are configured to drive the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if the level of electrical energy recovered by said energy recovery means is greater. or equal to a predefined energy threshold value.

Thus, if the level of recovered energy is lower than the predefined threshold value, the functional means which had been energized are disconnected from the energy source or the connection between the functional means and the energy source is not is not maintained.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the processing means are configured to drive the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if the duration of the presence of electrical energy recovered by the recovery module. energy and crossing a predetermined value exceeds a predefined period of time.

Thus, if the presence time of the received radio signal is less than the predefined period of time, the functional means which had been energized are disconnected from the energy source or the connection between the functional means and the energy source. is not maintained.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if said received radio signal is present in a predefined frequency band.

Thus, if the frequency of the radio signal received is different from the predefined value, the functional means which had been switched on are disconnected from the energy source or the connection between the functional means and the energy source is not maintained.

As a variant, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if radio signals are received respectively in several frequency bands.

According to another variant, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if an order of reception of several radio signals received respectively in several frequency bands is verified.

According to another variant, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules if a combination of presences and absences of several radio signals received respectively in several frequency bands is verified.

Of course, only one or more of the above frequency checks can be implemented. Thus, the processing means control the first switching means so as to maintain said energy source connected to said functional modules when one or more of these conditions are verified.

In one embodiment, the processing means include verification means capable of verifying at least one condition among the aforementioned conditions to maintain or not maintain the energy source connected to the functional modules.

Thus, the verification means of the processing means can verify whether the level of energy recovered by the energy recovery means is greater than or equal to a predefined threshold value, if the presence of electrical energy exceeding a predetermined value exceeds a predefined period of time or if the received radio signal is present in a predefined frequency band.

Furthermore, the checking means of the processing means can check whether radio signals are received respectively in several frequency bands, whether several radio signals are received respectively in several frequency bands according to a defined order of reception, or whether several radio signals are received respectively in several frequency bands according to a defined combination of presences and absences.

According to one characteristic, the functional means comprise wireless communication means, processing means, an energy storage module, an explosive primer, and second and third switching means, the second switching means being arranged between said said means. first switching means and said energy storage module, and the third switching means being arranged between said energy storage module and said explosive primer, said wireless communication means being connected to the processing means, said means of processing controlling said first, second and third switching means.

The second switching means make it possible to connect or not connect the first switching means to the energy storage module. In addition, the third switching means make it possible to connect or not connect the energy storage module to the explosive primer.

According to a second aspect, the present invention aims at a wireless detonation system comprising a wireless electronic detonator according to the invention and a control console configured to send signals to said wireless electronic detonator.

The wireless detonation system has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above in relation to the wireless electronic detonator.

In particular, the wireless electronic detonator includes means for energizing its functional modules by receiving a signal from the associated control console. Various condition checks are implemented by the electronic detonator to prevent accidental or fraudulent power-ups.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of activating a wireless electronic detonator comprising an energy source, functional modules and first switching means. arranged between the energy source and the functional modules and controlled by a control module.

• réception d'un signal radio,
• récupération de l'énergie électrique dans ledit signal radio reçu,
• génération d'un signal de récupération d'énergie représentatif du niveau d'énergie récupérée, et
• génération d'un signal de commande en fonction de ladite énergie récupérée, le signal de commande pilotant les premiers moyens de commutation de sorte à permettre de relier la source d'énergie aux modules fonctionnels.

According to the invention, the method comprises the following steps:

• reception of a radio signal,
• recovery of electrical energy in said received radio signal,
• generation of an energy recovery signal representative of the level of recovered energy, and
• generation of a control signal as a function of said recovered energy, the control signal controlling the first switching means so as to make it possible to connect the energy source to the functional modules.

Thus, the functional modules of the electronic detonator are activated or energized via switching means mounted between the energy source and the functional modules which are controlled by a control signal generated when electrical energy is recovered from a signal. radio received by the electronic detonator.

According to one characteristic, the method comprises, prior to the generation of said control signal, the verification of a condition relating to the received radio signal or to the energy recovery signal.

In other words, the method comprises verifying a condition relating to the level of electrical energy recovered from said radio signal.

Thus, checks can be implemented before ordering the activation of the functional modules of the electronic detonator.

According to one characteristic, the method further comprises, after the generation of said control signal, the verification of a condition relating to the radio signal or to the energy recovery signal, and a step of maintaining said first switching means controlled in such a way. in maintaining the energy source connected to the functional modules as a function of the result of said verification.

The functional modules having been activated by the control of the switching means are kept activated. Thus, once conditions are verified, power to the first switching means is maintained.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises a comparison of the level of an energy recovery signal representative of the level of electrical energy recovered with a threshold energy value, the first switching means being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to the functional modules when said level of the energy recovery signal is greater than or equal to the energy threshold value.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises determining the time of presence of an electrical energy recovered from the received radio signal exceeding a predetermined value, the first switching means being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to the functional modules. when said determined presence time is greater than or equal to a predefined period of time.

According to an unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises the verification of the presence of said radio signal received by the reception means in a predefined frequency band, the first switching means being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to said functional modules when the radio signal is received in the preset frequency band.

According to another unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises the verification of the presence of radio signals in several predefined frequency bands, the processing means being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to said functional modules when radio signals are received. respectively in several predefined frequency bands.

According to another unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises the verification of the order of reception of several radio signals received respectively in several frequency bands, the processing means being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to said functional modules when 'a predefined order is checked.

According to another unclaimed characteristic, the verification comprises the verification of the presence or the absence of several radio signals received respectively in several frequency bands, the means of processing being controlled so as to maintain the energy source connected to said functional modules when a combination of presences and absences of several radio signals received respectively in several frequency bands is verified.

The activation method has characteristics and advantages similar to those described above in relation to the wireless electronic detonator and the wireless detonation system.

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

• les figures 1A et 1B sont des schémas blocs illustrant un détonateur électronique sans fil selon des modes de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 2A, 2B, 3A à 3G et 4 sont des schémas blocs illustrant différents exemples de réalisation d'un module de commande mis en œuvre dans un détonateur électronique sans fil conforme à l'invention ;
• les figures 5A à 5C sont des schémas blocs illustrant différents modes de réalisation des moyens de commutation mis en œuvre dans un détonateur électronique sans fil conforme à l'invention ;
• les figures 6A et 6B représentent des schémas au niveau transistor illustrant le mécanisme d'activation et désactivation des moyens de commutation selon différents modes de réalisation ;
• les figures 7A et 7B sont des schémas blocs illustrant des exemples de réalisation d'un module de commande utilisé dans le détonateur électronique sans fil conforme à l'invention ; et
• la figure 8 illustre des étapes du procédé d'activation d'un détonateur électronique sans fil conforme à un mode de réalisation.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting examples:

• the figures 1A and 1B are block diagrams illustrating a wireless electronic detonator according to embodiments of the invention;
• the figures 2A, 2B , 3A to 3G and 4 are block diagrams illustrating various embodiments of a control module implemented in a wireless electronic detonator according to the invention;
• the figures 5A to 5C are block diagrams illustrating different embodiments of the switching means implemented in a wireless electronic detonator according to the invention;
• the figures 6A and 6B represent diagrams at the transistor level illustrating the activation and deactivation mechanism of the switching means according to various embodiments;
• the figures 7A and 7B are block diagrams illustrating embodiments of a control module used in the wireless electronic detonator according to the invention; and
• the figure 8 illustrates steps of the method of activating a wireless electronic detonator according to one embodiment.

The figure 1A shows a wireless electronic detonator according to a first embodiment.

The electronic detonator 100 comprises an energy source 1 and functional modules 2 implementing different functions of the electronic detonator 100. The functional modules 2 will be detailed below.

The energy source 1 enables the supply of the functional modules 2 by means of the first switching means or the K10 power supply activation / deactivation mechanism.

The first switching means K10 are arranged between the energy source 1 and the functional modules 2 so as to connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2 when the switching means K10 are activated, and to maintain the functional modules 2 disconnected from the energy source 1 when the switching means K10 are not activated.

Thus, in other words, the switching means K10 make it possible to control the switching on or supply of the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 from the energy source 1.

The activation or deactivation of the switching means K10 is controlled, as will be described in detail later, by a control module 3 firstly, and by processing means 21 belonging to the functional modules 2 secondly.

The control module 3 comprises a radio energy recovery module 3b (shown on the figures 2A, 2B , 3A to 3E and described below) configured to recover electrical energy in the radio signal received by reception means 3a. The received radio signal is also called the remote power supply signal.

The reception means 3a are adapted to receive a radio signal coming from a control console (not visible in the figure).

This control console emits, among other things, radio signals enabling the functional modules 2 to be powered on, or remote power supply signals.

The reception means 3a comprise an antenna 3a. By way of non-limiting example, the reception means are suitable for receiving signals in the frequency bands from 863 to 870 MHz, from 902 to 928 MHz and from 433 to 435 MHz. Of course, other frequency bands can be used.

The control module 3 generates at output a control signal V _OUT which is a function of the electrical energy recovered by the control module. energy recovery 3b. The control signal V _OUT controls the first switching means K10 so as to activate them, thus connecting the functional modules 2 to the energy source 1, or not to activate them, keeping the functional modules 2 disconnected from the source d energy 1.

In the embodiment described, the functional modules 2 include radio communication means 20, processing means 21, an energy storage module 22, a discharge device 23 and an explosive primer 24.

The functional modules 2 further include second switching means K20 and third switching means K30.

The energy storage module 22 is dedicated to storing the energy necessary for the firing of the explosive primer 24.

In one embodiment, the energy storage module 22 comprises one or more capacitors, and one or more voltage rise stages.

In one embodiment, the energy storage module 22 is charged to a voltage lower than the voltage required for the firing of the explosive primer 24 and is adapted to restore the energy at a higher voltage allowing the firing of the explosive primer 24.

The second switching means K20 are arranged between the first switching means K10 and the energy storage module 22.

The second switching means K20 constitute an isolation mechanism making it possible to isolate the energy storage means 22 dedicated to firing.

The isolation mechanism K20 makes it possible to activate or not activate the transfer of energy from the energy source 1 to the energy storage module 22.

In the embodiment described, the second switching means or isolation mechanism K20 comprises a switch.

The isolation mechanism or second switching means K20 are controlled by the processing means 21.

The third switching means K30, or firing mechanism, make it possible to activate or deactivate the transfer of the energy stored in the energy storage module 22 to the explosive primer 24 during the firing of the electronic detonator 100.

Thus, the second and / or third switching means K20, K30, depending on the commands received by the wireless communication means 20, can for example be activated so that the energy coming from the energy source 1 is transferred to the energy storage module 22, and / or the energy from the energy storage module 22 is transferred to the explosive initiator 24.

The wireless communication means 20, being preferably bidirectional, make it possible to receive messages and commands as well as to send messages.

The wireless communication means 20 comprise an antenna 20a receiving or transmitting messages. The messages received by the wireless communication means 20 are processed by the processing means 21.

The wireless communication means 20 allow the electronic detonator 100 to communicate with, for example, a remote control console.

Thus, the wireless electronic detonator 100 and a communication console can exchange messages, for example for the programming of the firing delay of the electronic detonators, for the diagnosis of the electronic detonator or for the firing.

• d'analyser les messages reçus par le biais des moyens de communication sans fil 20,
• d'agir en fonction de la signification des messages reçus et par exemple d'exécuter l'une des actions suivantes,
• de réaliser un diagnostic des différentes fonctionnalités du détonateur électronique 100,
• d'initier un envoi d'un message radio par le biais des moyens de communication sans fil 20, par exemple destiné à la console de commande à distance,
• d'activer le stockage d'énergie dans le module de stockage d'énergie 22 pour la mise à feu,
• d'effectuer le décompte du retard de mise à feu associé au détonateur électronique 100,
• d'activer le transfert d'énergie du module de stockage d'énergie 22 à l'amorce explosive 24 à l'issu du décompte, via le mécanisme de mise à feu K30,
• d'activer le dispositif de décharge 23,
• de piloter un mécanisme de maintien de l'activation des premiers moyens de commutation K10,
• de piloter un mécanisme de désactivation de la mise sous tension des modules fonctionnels 2 agissant sur les premiers moyens de commutation K10,
• de piloter un mécanisme de transfert de l'énergie K20 provenant de la source d'énergie 1 vers l'élément de stockage d'énergie 22.

The processing means 21 are suitable for managing the operation of the electronic detonator 100, in particular the processing means 21 allow:

• analyze the messages received by means of wireless communication 20,
• to act according to the meaning of the messages received and for example to perform one of the following actions,
• to carry out a diagnosis of the various functionalities of the electronic detonator 100,
• initiate the sending of a radio message by means of wireless communication means 20, for example intended for the remote control console,
• activate the energy storage in the energy storage module 22 for firing,
• to count the firing delay associated with the electronic detonator 100,
• activate the transfer of energy from the energy storage module 22 to the explosive primer 24 at the end of the count, via the firing mechanism K30,
• activate the discharge device 23,
• to control a mechanism for maintaining the activation of the first switching means K10,
• to control a mechanism for deactivating the energization of the functional modules 2 acting on the first switching means K10,
• to control a mechanism for transferring the energy K20 coming from the energy source 1 to the energy storage element 22.

These functionalities of the processing means 21 will be described in more detail below, in particular those relating to the switching on and switching off of the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100.

In the embodiment described, the electronic detonator 100 comprises a discharge device 23 allowing a slow discharge of the energy storage module 22 so as to discharge the energy stored in this module 22 and to return to a safe state in case of de-energization of the electronic detonator 100.

As a variant, the discharge device may comprise a rapid discharge mechanism mounted in parallel with the device allowing rapid discharge in order to quickly return to a safe state on receipt of a command from the processing means 21.

A second embodiment of an electronic detonator is shown in Figure figure 1B .

In this variant embodiment, the radio technologies used for the recovery of radio energy or remote power supply and for the communication between the remote control console and the electronic detonator 100 are identical. Thus, at short distance, the power of the radio signal makes it possible to provide sufficient energy to remotely power the first switching means or activation / deactivation mechanisms K10 of the wireless electronic detonator 100, and at long distance, the means of wireless communication features a conventional radio modulator / demodulator which is used for the exchange of messages between the control console and the electronic detonator 100.

In this embodiment, the wireless electronic detonator 100 comprises a radio switch module K40 making it possible to connect the reception means or antenna 3a of the control module 3 to the radio energy recovery module 3b or to the wireless communication means 20. in functional module 2. Thus, the radio switch module K40 makes it possible to switch from one mode to another in order to avoid power losses in unused modules.

In one embodiment, the radio switch module K40 is positioned by default so that the antenna 3a is connected to the energy recovery module 3b. When the functional modules 2 are powered on, the processing means 21 control the positioning of the radio switch module K40 so that the antenna is connected to the wireless communication means 20 of the functional modules 2 in order to be able to carry out the exchange of messages. radio with remote control console.

It will be noted that the switching of the radio switch module K40 is implemented after the processing means 21 have ordered the maintenance of the energy via the first switching means K10.

In this embodiment, material resources, both on the electronic detonator 100 side and on the control console side, are pooled. Indeed, only one antenna can be used, this antenna 3 being shared for the power supply activation / deactivation mechanism. of the electronic detonator 100 and for the communication of the electronic detonator 100 with the control console.

It will be noted that in this embodiment, it may be advantageous to use a pairing technology based on the control of the transmission power. Thus, a single technology is used for all the activation, communication and pairing operations, the costs of the wireless electronic detonator thus being limited.

Pairing operations are used to verify that the control console is exchanging messages with a chosen electronic detonator 100 and not with another. These operations are described later.

The figure 2A shows a control module 3 of the switching means K10 according to one embodiment.

The control module 3 comprises a module for recovering radio energy 3b from the radio signal received by the reception means 3a.

In general, a radio energy recovery module comprises an antenna 3a and a rectifying circuit 30 followed by a DC filter 31 allowing the recovery of the energy of the signal rectified by the rectifying circuit 30.

The assembly formed by the antenna 3a, the rectifying circuit 30 and the DC filter 31 is known and commonly referred to by the term “ Rectenna” (from the English “Rectifying Antenna” ) .

In a known manner, a low pass filter 32 can be added between the antenna 3a or the reception means, and the rectifying circuit 30 for questions of impedance matching and elimination of the harmonics generated by the rectifying circuit 30. .

At the output of the DC filter 31 or output of the energy recovery module 3b, an energy recovery signal V _RF is generated which represents the level of electrical energy recovered from the received radio signal.

In the embodiment described, the control module 3 further comprises comparison means 3c configured to compare the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF with a threshold energy value V _threshold .

The comparison means 3c generate at output the control signal V _OUT controlling the first switching means or activation / deactivation mechanism K10. The control signal V _OUT can be generated in a first state or a second state depending on the result of the comparison implemented by the comparison means 3c.

Thus, the state of the control signal V _OUT is a function of the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF with respect to a threshold value of energy V _threshold .

Therefore, when the level of the recovered energy or the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF crosses the energy threshold value, the control signal V _OUT is generated in a first state so that the switching means K10 are in the active state, i.e. they connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2.

On the contrary, if the level of the recovered energy or the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF does not cross the energy threshold value, the control signal V _OUT is generated in a second state so that the means of switching K10 are in the inactive state, i.e. they do not connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2.

Note that in embodiments, the control signal V _OUT is generated in a first state when the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF is greater than the energy threshold value and in a second state when the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF is less than the energy threshold value.

In some embodiments, the control signal V _OUT is generated in a first state when the level of the energy _harvesting signal V RF is lower than the energy threshold value and in a second state when the level of the energy recovery signal. energy recovery V _RF is greater than the energy threshold value.

Of course, the expression "higher" or "lower" can be replaced by "higher or equal" and "lower or equal" respectively.

The comparison means 3c make it possible to avoid accidental switching on of the functional modules 2, thus increasing the safety of the use of such an electronic detonator 100.

The figure 2B shows a control module 3 according to another embodiment. The control module 3 comprises a processing unit 3d receiving as input the energy recovery signal V _RF and generating as output the control signal V _OUT .

According to one embodiment, the processing unit 3d comprises comparison means. Thus, the processing unit compares the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF with the predefined energy threshold value, generating at output the control signal V _OUT as a function of the result of this comparison.

It will be noted that the processing unit 3d of the figure 2B can replace means of comparison 3c of the figure 2A or be mounted in the control module 3 in addition to the comparison means 3c.

In another embodiment, the control module 3 does not include comparison means such as those shown in the figure. figure 2A or in the processing unit of the figure 2B . Thus, the switching means K10 are activated as soon as the energy recovery signal V _RF has a sufficient level of electrical energy to activate the switching means K10. A comparison of the level of electrical energy recovered with an energy threshold value can be implemented by the processing means 21 in the functional modules 2, once they have been powered up by activating the means. switch K10.

As will be described below, depending on the result of this comparison, the energization of the functional modules 2 is maintained if the level of the electrical energy recovered is greater than or equal to the energy threshold value or not. not maintained otherwise.

In another embodiment, the control module 3 can include means for checking the time of presence of the received radio signal. These verification means can form part of the processing unit 3d of the figure 2B .

The verification means verify whether the presence time of the received radio signal is greater than or equal to a predefined period of time, in which case the control signal V _OUT is generated so that the switching means K10 are activated, that is to say i.e. so that they connect the power source to the functional modules 2.

A radio signal or an energy harvesting signal is considered to be present when its level exceeds a predetermined value. This predetermined value can be the energy threshold value, the presence of a radio signal or of an energy recovery signal signifying that the level of recovered energy exceeds the threshold value necessary to control the first switching means K10. .

Thus, the verification of the time of presence of an electrical energy crossing a predetermined value can correspond to a verification of the time during which the level of either the received radio signal or the energy recovery signal exceeds the energy threshold value. .

Means of checking the time of presence of a signal are known to those skilled in the art.

By way of example, the means for checking the time of presence of a signal may include a delay circuit, for example of the RC type. This delay circuit delays the control signal V _OUT generating a delayed control signal. If the V _OUT control signal and the control signal V _OUT delayed are active simultaneously, the duration of presence condition radio is enabled.

The presence of the means for verifying the time of presence of the radio signal received in the control module is independent of the presence of the comparison means. Thus, the control module can include the comparison means and / or the presence time verification means.

In addition, the comparison means and / or the presence time verification means may form part of or be independent of the processing unit 3d.

Different embodiments for the control module 3 further comprising comparison means 3c are shown on the diagrams. figures 3A to 3G and 4 .

According to embodiments, the detection of sufficient energy from the radio signal is obtained differently. The figures 3A to 3G and 4 represent control modules 3 of the switching means K10 according to different embodiments.

In the embodiments described, the level of the energy recovery signal V _RF is an electric potential level.

Thanks to the presence of the comparison module 3c, it is possible to establish a potential level (or threshold value V _threshold ) in comparison with which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10.

The comparison module 3c thus receives the energy recovery signal V _RF and is adapted to detect when the energy recovery signal V _RF crosses a threshold value.

In a first group of embodiments shown in the figure 3A to 3G , the threshold energy value V _threshold is generated in an adjustable manner from the value of the supply voltage V _DD and the zero reference potential or ground 300.

In the embodiment shown in figure 4 , the threshold energy value V _threshold is generated from the energy recovery signal V _RF .

A first embodiment is shown in figure 3A . In this embodiment, the threshold energy value V _threshold is generated in an adjustable manner from the value of the supply voltage V _DD and the zero reference potential or ground 300.

In this embodiment, the comparison module 3c comprises a transistor, being a PMOS transistor 340 in the embodiment shown, connected by a first terminal 340a, corresponding to its source, at the output of the DC filter 31, the signal of V _OUT command being taken from a second terminal 340b of PMOS transistor 340 corresponding to its drain. The second terminal 340b is connected to ground 300 via a pull-down resistor or "pull-down" resistor R0.

In this embodiment, the voltage Vg applied to the gate 340g of the transistor 340 can be adjusted between the value of the supply voltage V _DD and the zero reference potential or ground 300.

Thus, the threshold value, beyond which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the voltage Vg applied to the gate 340g of the transistor 340 plus the threshold voltage V _th or turning on transistor 340.

Consequently, in this embodiment, the threshold value V _threshold can vary between the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 340 and the supply voltage V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 340.

The comparison module comprises two resistors Rc1, Rc2 forming a voltage divider bridge 302. A first resistor Rc1 is connected between the supply voltage V _DD and the gate 340g of the transistor 340 and a second resistor Rc2 is connected between the gate 340g of transistor 340 and ground 300. As a function of the values of the first resistor Rc1 and of the second resistor Rc2, the value applied to the gate 340g of the transistor 340 is fixed and consequently the threshold value of energy V _threshold is fixed.

Another embodiment of the control module 3 is shown in the figure. figure 3B . This embodiment corresponds to the embodiment of the figure 3A in which the reference potential V _ref used by the energy recovery module 3b is generated in an adjustable manner from the value of the supply voltage V _DD and the zero reference potential or ground 300.

The use of an adjustable reference potential for the energy recovery module 3b, combined with the use of an _{adjustable threshold value V threshold} for the comparison module 3c makes it possible to adjust the energy level to recovering the radio signal to activate the first switching means K10.

In the embodiment shown in figure 3C , the comparison module 3c1 comprises a transistor, being a PMOS transistor 340 in the embodiment shown, connected by a first terminal 340a, corresponding to its source, to the output of the DC filter 31, the control signal V _OUT being taken from a second terminal 340b of the PMOS transistor 340 corresponding to its drain. The second terminal 340b is connected to ground 300 via a pull-down resistor or “pull-down” resistor R0.

The gate 340g of transistor 340 is fixed to the supply voltage V _DD , generated from the energy source 1. The threshold value used, beyond which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the supply voltage V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th or for turning on the transistor.

In this embodiment, the various modules of the rectenna or energy recovery module 3b are referenced with respect to a reference potential V _ref .

The reference potential V _ref is obtained from the supply voltage V _DD coming from the energy source 1.

According to one embodiment, the reference potential V _ref is obtained by means of a voltage divider bridge 350 mounted between the supply voltage V _DD and ground. The value of the reference potential V _ref thus has a value between ground and the supply voltage V _DD and is fixed by the value of the resistors R1, R2 forming the voltage divider bridge 350.

When the control module 3 does not receive a signal, that is to say when the electronic detonator 100 is at rest, the potential or level of the energy recovery signal V _RF is equal to the reference potential V _ref . The PMOS transistor 340 behaves like an open switch and the generated control signal is a potential V _OUT of 0 volts.

When the control module 3 receives a signal whose electrical energy is such that the potential difference V _RF - V _ref , corresponding to the difference between the level of the energy recovery signal VRF and the reference potential V _ref , has a value greater than the supply voltage V _DD minus the reference potential V _ref plus the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 340, the transistor 340 turns on and the control signal V _OUT becomes equal to the potential V _RF .

The control signal V _OUT passing from the rest value 0 to the potential value V _RF makes it possible to control the switching means K10 in the active state, the functional modules 2 thus being energized.

It will be noted that the recovery of an electrical energy, represented by the potential difference V _RF -V _ref , of a value greater than the supply voltage V _DD minus the value of the reference potential V _ref plus the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor allows the activation of the switching means K10 and thus the energization of the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100.

Therefore, the switching means K10 is only activated when the level of the electrical energy recovery signal V _RF has a value outside the range of operating potentials of the energy source 1. In particular, in the case of described, the level of the electrical energy recovery signal V _RF or activation potential must exceed the supply potential V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 340.

It will be noted that this activation potential V _RF cannot be generated by the energy source 1, the level of the maximum potential that can be supplied by the energy source 1 being the supply potential V _DD . Thus, the safety of such an electronic detonator is improved.

The 3d figure shows a control module 3 comprising a comparison module 3c1.

In this embodiment, the modules constituting the energy recovery module 3b, here being the low-pass filter 32, the rectifying circuit 30 and the DC filter 31 are referenced to the supply potential V _DD .

The comparison module is similar to the one shown in the figure 3C and will not be described here. The threshold value used, beyond which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the supply voltage V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th or setting. conduction of the transistor.

Thus, when the electronic detonator 100 is at rest, that is to say that no radio signal is received by the reception means 3a, the activation potential V _RF representing the level of electrical energy recovered is equal to the supply voltage V _DD . The gate 340g of transistor 340 being connected to the supply voltage V _DD and its source potential 340a also being at V _DD , the transistor 340 behaves like an open switch, and the potential represented by the control signal V _OUT is equal to 0 (the pull-up resistor R0 connecting the terminal 340b of the transistor 340 to the ground 300).

When the control module 3 receives a radio signal, the activation potential V _RF becomes greater than the supply voltage V _DD , the transistor 340 turning on when the potential difference (V _RF -V _DD ) exceeds the voltage of threshold V _th of PMOS transistor 340.

Thus, the potential represented by the control signal V _OUT becomes equal to the potential represented by the recovery signal V _RF . The change in potential on the control signal V _OUT causes the switching means K10 to be in an active state, the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 then being energized.

It will thus be noted that when a potential greater than the supply voltage V _DD (supply voltage V _DD which is supplied by the energy source 1) plus the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 340 is detected at the output of the energy recovery module 3b, the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 are energized.

The figure 3E shows another embodiment of a control module 3 comprising a comparison module 3c1.

In this embodiment, the modules forming the rectenna or energy recovery module 3b are referenced to mass 300.

The 3c1 comparison module is similar to the one shown in the figure 3C and will not be described here. The threshold value used, beyond which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the supply voltage V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th or setting. conduction of the transistor.

In this embodiment, when the control module 3 is at rest, the potential represented by the recovery signal V _RF is equal to 0.

When the control module 3 receives a radio signal, the activation potential V _RF becomes positive, the transistor 340 turning on when the activation potential V _RF at the output of the energy recovery module 3b exceeds the supply voltage V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th of the PMOS transistor 340. In this embodiment, the recovered energy must thus have a important value, the safety of an electronic detonator 100 comprising a control module 3 according to this embodiment being improved.

Another embodiment of the control module 3 is represented by the figure 3F . The assembly represented by this figure generates at the output of the energy recovery module 3b a negative potential difference.

The modules (31, 32, 33) forming the rectenna or energy recovery module 3b have a reverse polarity with respect to the module described above. The technique for producing a rectenna having a negative polarity is known to those skilled in the art and is not described in detail here.

The comparison module 3c2 comprises an NMOS type transistor 350 whose source is connected by a first terminal 350a to the output of the energy recovery module 3b, the control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3 being taken from a second terminal 350b to the drain of the NMOS transistor 350. The second terminal 350b of the NMOS transistor is connected to a return resistor or “pull-up” resistor R10 which is itself connected to the supply voltage V _DD .

The gate 350g of the NMOS transistor 350 is connected, in this embodiment, to the ground 300. The threshold value used, below which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the opposite of the threshold voltage V _th or of the conduction of the transistor.

In this embodiment, the modules forming the rectenna or energy recovery module 3c are referenced to mass 300.

In a variant of this embodiment, the potential applied to the gate 350g of the transistor 350 can be variable between the mass 300 and the supply potential V _DD . This potential can be obtained in a similar way to figures 3A and 3B , that is, using a voltage divider.

In yet another variant, the modules forming the rectenna or energy recovery module 3b are referenced to a reference potential V _ref variable between the mass 300 and the supply potential V _DD . This potential can be obtained in a similar way to the figure 3B , that is, using a voltage divider.

When the control module 3 does not receive a remote power supply signal, that is to say that the electronic detonator 100 is at rest, the potential difference between the potential represented by the recovery signal V _RF and the ground 300 is zero, that is to say that the potential represented by the energy recovery signal V _RF has a value of 0 volts. The NMOS transistor 350 thus behaves like an open switch, and the potential represented by the control signal V _OUT is equal to the supply voltage V _DD .

When the control module 3 receives a remote power supply signal, the potential difference between the potential of the recovery signal V _RF and the ground 300 is negative, the transistor 341 turning on when this voltage is sufficiently negative, that is, that is to say that the potential difference exceeds, in absolute value, the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor.

Thus, the potential represented by the control signal V _OUT drops and is equal to the potential represented by the recovery signal V _RF , which has a value less than 0 volts.

Therefore, the switching means K10 is only activated when the level of the electrical energy recovery signal V _RF has a value outside the range of operating potentials of the energy source 1. In particular, in the case of described, the level of the electrical energy recovery signal V _RF or activation potential must be lower than the opposite of the threshold voltage V _th of the transistor 350.

It will be noted that this activation potential V _RF cannot be generated by the energy source 1, the level of the minimum potential being equal to the mass. Thus, the safety of such an electronic detonator is improved.

In a manner equivalent to the embodiment shown in figure 3E , the figure 3G shows an embodiment in which the activation switching means K10 requires a potential difference of greater value than the embodiment described above with reference to the figure 3F .

The 3c2 comparison module is similar to the one shown in the figure 3F and will not be described here. The threshold value V _threshold used, below which the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10, is therefore equal to the opposite of the threshold voltage V _th or the conduction of the transistor 350.

In this embodiment, the modules forming the rectenna or energy recovery module 3b are referenced with respect to the supply voltage V _DD instead of being referenced with respect to ground.

The operation is similar to that described with reference to the 3d figure , except that for the transistor 350 of the comparison module 3c2 to turn on, the potential difference (V _RF -V _DD ) at the output of the energy recovery module 3b must be greater, in absolute value, than the voltage of supply V _DD plus the threshold voltage V _th of transistor 350.

Of course, depending on the embodiment used for the control module 3, the switching means K10 are controlled differently, reacting in some cases to a rise in voltage and in other cases to a drop in voltage.

In an embodiment not shown, the control module 3 further comprises a limiter device, for example, based on diodes, connected to the output of the control module 3 so as to limit the voltage excursion of the control signal. V _OUT .

In another embodiment, the pull-up resistor R0 or "pull-down" resistor connecting the output of the control module 3 to ground 300, or the pull-up resistor R10 or "pull-up" resistor connecting the output. of the control module 3 to the supply voltage V _DD can be replaced by a voltage divider bridge, the control signal V _OUT being produced at the output of the voltage divider bridge, so as to limit the voltage deviation of the signal control _button V OUT.

The figure 4 represents an embodiment of the control module 3 in which the threshold energy value V _threshold is generated from the energy recovery signal V _RF .

This embodiment of the control module 3 has the advantage of not requiring the presence of the supply voltage V _DD coming from the energy source 1.

In this embodiment, the comparison means 3c ′ comprise a PMOS-type transistor 310 connected by its source to the output of the energy recovery module 3b, the output being at the output of the DC filter 31, by means of a first terminal 310a. The control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3 is taken from a second terminal 310b at the drain of the PMOS transistor 310.

The energy threshold value is represented by a voltage Vs applied to the gate 310g of the transistor 310 plus the threshold voltage V _th or of the conduction of the PMOS transistor 310.

The voltage applied to the gate 310g of the transistor 310 is generated by a voltage divider bridge 302 arranged between the output of the energy recovery module 3b and the ground 300.

The divider bridge is formed by a first resistor Rc1 mounted between the output of DC filter 31 and gate 310g of transistor 310 and a second resistor Rc2 mounted between the output of DC filter 31 and ground 300.

When the voltage between the source 310a and the gate 310g of the PMOS transistor 310, reaches the threshold voltage V _th or the conduction value of the PMOS transistor 310, the PMOS transistor 310 turns on and the control signal V _OUT is equal to the energy recovery signal V _RF .

When the voltage between the source 310a and the gate 310g of the PMOS transistor 310 is lower than the threshold voltage V _th or for turning on the PMOS transistor 310, the control signal V _OUT is equal to the reference potential or ground 300.

It will be noted that the described control module 3 does not receive power from the energy source 1 of the electronic detonator 100.

In an embodiment not shown, a limiter module, of the Zener diode type for example, can be mounted upstream of the comparison means 3c, 3c 'so as to limit the maximum potential of the control signal V _OUT .

Of course, the means of comparison may be different from those shown on the figures 3A and 3B . For example, other types of transistors could be used.

The figures 5A to 5C represent different embodiments of the switching means K10.

The figure 5A represents a first embodiment of the first switching means K10 or activation / deactivation mechanism. The first switching means K10 comprise a first switch K101 and a second switch K102.

The first switch K101 is controlled by the control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3. The second switch K102 is controlled by the processing means 21 belonging to the functional modules 2.

By default, when the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 are de-energized, the first and second switches K101, K102 are open.

When a control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3 is generated with sufficient voltage, the first switch K101 is controlled in the active state or in the closed position, causing the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 to be energized.

It will be noted that the processing means 21 are thus energized.

It is understood that the control signal V _OUT is generated with a sufficient voltage when the level of the energy recovered is such that the control module generates a control signal of a level such that the switching means K10 are activated, c 'that is to say that they are in a position such that the functional modules 2 are switched on.

The processing means 21 powered on can take over the control of the first control means K10, in particular they can control the second switch K102.

Thus, the processing means 21 can drive the second switch K102 in the closed position or in the activated state in order to keep the functional module 2 under voltage, or in the open position or in the deactivated state in order to de-energize the functional modules 2.

It will be noted that as long as the functional modules 2 are not energized, that is to say as long as the first switch K101 is not controlled in the closed position, the processing means 21 are inactive.

It will also be noted that the processing means 21 control the second switch K102 in the closed position before the first switch K101 opens. Indeed, when the reception means 3a receive a signal and the energy recovery module recovers sufficient energy to control the first switching means K101 in the active state, for example when a control console is sufficiently close to the detonator electronic 100, the first switch K101 is activated. The change taken by the processing means 21 controlling the second switch K102 in the closed position allows the functional modules 2 to continue to be supplied, that is to say for their supply to be maintained.

When the reception means 3a do not receive a signal, for example when the control console is far from the electronic detonator, and the control module 3 cannot recover the energy necessary to keep the first switch K101 in the active state, the The power supply is maintained only if the second switch K102 has been commanded in the closed position by the processing means 21.

Thus, in practice, when the control console moves away from the electronic detonator 100, the first switch K101 passing to an open position, the processing means 21 maintain the power supply to the functional modules 2 by controlling the second switch K102 in the closed position. .

In addition, in order to cut off the power supply to the functional modules 2, the processing means 21 control the second switch K102 in the open position, the first switching means K10 thus returning to the default state.

In a variant of these embodiments, the switching means comprise a single switch controlled by a signal suitably combining the control signals coming from the control module 3 and the processing means 21. By way of example, one mode embodiment comprising a single switch will be described with reference to figure 5B .

The figure 5B shows first switching means K10 'according to a second embodiment.

In this embodiment, the switching means K10 ′ comprise a switch K110 as well as a logic element 11 combining the control signals coming from the control module 3 and the processing means 21 and generating a signal controlling the switch K110.

Logic element 11 is for example an RS flip-flop. The control signal V _OUT of the control module 3 is connected to a first input "S"("Set") of the rocker RS 11 and the output of the processing means 21 are connected to a second input "R"("Reset") of the RS 11 flip-flop.

By default, when functional modules 2 of electronic detonator 100 are de-energized, switch K110 is in the open position.

When a sufficient voltage is recovered at the output of the control module 3, the RS 11 flip-flop stores that the recovered electrical energy threshold has been crossed, and the signal generated at the output of the RS 11 flip-flop controls the K110 switch. in the closed position, the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator thus being supplied.

Switch K110 remains in the closed position until the processing means 21 control the de-energization of the functional modules 2.

To put the functional modules 2 back on, the processing means 21 activate the second input “R” of the RS flip-flop 11, generating at output a signal controlling the switch K110 in the open position, the switching means K10 'thus returning to the default state.

The figure 5C shows a third embodiment of the switching means K10 ".

The switching means K10 "comprise a first switch K121 controlled by the control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3, a logic gate of the" OR "type 12 and a second switch K122 controlled by the output of the logic gate 12 .

When the second switch K122 is in the closed position, the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 are supplied, the second switch K122 being driven by a potential V _A generated at the output of the logic gate 12. The logic gate 12 comprises in this mode of making a first entry a and a second entry b. The first input signal a of the logic gate 12 is representative of a potential V _B and the second input signal b of the logic gate 12 represents a potential V _{power_cmd} coming from the processing means 21.

In addition, return or “pull-down” resistors R _A , R _B respectively connect the potential points V _B and V _A to ground 300.

When the potential V _A is in the low state, the second switch K122 is in the open position. The functional modules 2 are then de-energized.

Conversely, when the potential V _A goes high, the second switch K122 is in the closed position, the functional modules 2 being supplied.

The potential V _A goes from the low state to the high state only if at least one voltage at the input of the logic gate 12 is itself in the high state.

The switching on and off of the functional modules 2 takes place, according to one embodiment, in several stages.

By default, the functional modules 2 are de-energized, the processing means 21 not being supplied with power. The potential V _{power_cmd} generated by the processing means 21 is in the low state. In addition, in the absence of reception by the reception means 3a of a radio remote power supply signal, the first switch K121 is in the open position, the potential V _B then being in the low state, thanks to the presence of the return resistor R _B connected to ground 300.

It will be noted that to drive the second switch K122 to the closed state, at least one of the voltages V _B or V _{power_cmd} respectively at the first input a and at the second input b of the logic gate 12 must be at the high state to raise the potential V _A to the high state.

Thus, when the control console approaches the electronic detonator 100 and the reception means 3a receive a remote power supply signal, the voltage obtained at the output (represented by the control signal V _OUT ) of the control module 3 controls the first switch K121 in closed state. The potential V _B then goes high, which makes it possible to control the second switch K122 in the closed state, the functional modules 2 thus being supplied.

The processing means 21, once supplied, take over from switching on and themselves apply a high state to the potential V _A by means of the signal V _{power_cmd} .

It should be noted that in the case of moving away from the control console, there is no effect on the power supply to the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100. When the control console moves away, and no signal remote power supply is not present in the control module 3, the potential V _B returns to the low state thanks to the return resistor R _B , but the potential V _A is maintained in the high state via of the V _{power_cmd} signal.

According to one embodiment, if a control console approaches the electronic detonator 100 again, the potential V _B rises due to the presence of a remote power supply signal. This rise in potential V _B is detected by the processing means 21, via the signal V _{power_req} . The processing means 21 then control the potential V _{power_cmd} to the low state.

Thus, when the control console is again moved away from the electronic detonator 100, the potentials V _B and V _{power_cmd} at the inputs a, b of the logic gate 12 are in the low state, the functional modules 2 thus being de-energized.

It will be noted that in this embodiment, this new bringing together of the control console causes the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100 to be switched off.

In a variant of this embodiment, in which a new approach of the control console generates the switching off of the functional modules 2, a minimum delay can be provided between a prior activation and the switching off of the functional modules 2 generated by a new reconciliation of the control console.

Thus, if the new reconciliation of the control console occurs before the minimum time has elapsed, this new reconciliation is not taken into account. This prevents inadvertent activation and deactivation of the electronic detonator when the control console is near the electronic detonator.

This embodiment makes it possible to de-energize the functional modules 2 by approaching a control console again, once the functional modules 2 have already been switched on beforehand.

In addition, in the absence of a nearby control console, the processing means 21 can control the de-energization of the functional modules 2 by themselves driving the potential V _{power_cmd} to the low state in order to position the second switch K122 in open state.

The figure 6A represents the control module 3 of the figure 4 with switching means K10 or activation / deactivation mechanism shown at transistor level. This diagram is described in no way limiting. Other electronic diagrams implementing the same functions could be used and are within the reach of those skilled in the art.

In this embodiment, the switching means K10 comprise a PMOS type transistor 400 forming a switch mounted between the energy source 1 and the functional modules 2 (of which only the processing means 21 are shown in this figure).

In this embodiment, the transistor 400 is connected by its source 400a to the energy source 1 and by its drain 400b to a pull-up resistor R4 being itself connected to ground 300. The drain 400b of the transistor 400 is connected to the functional modules 2 so as to supply them when the transistor 400 is in the closed state.

The switching means K10 furthermore comprise a first transistor of NMOS type 401 and a second transistor of NMOS type 402. The first NMOS transistor 401 drives the PMOS transistor 400, this first NMOS transistor 401 being driven by the control signal V _OUT generated. by the control module 3, in particular by the signal at the output of the comparison means 3c. The second NMOS transistor 402 also drives the PMOS transistor 400, this second transistor being driven by a control signal generated by the processing means 21.

The control signal V _OUT at the output of the control module 3 is applied to the gate 401g of the first NMOS transistor 401. The control signal generated by the processing means 21 is applied to the gate 402g of the second NMOS transistor 402. The drain 401a of the first NMOS transistor 401 and the drain 402a of the second NMOS transistor 402 are connected to the gate 400g of the PMOS transistor 400. The source 401b of the first NMOS transistor 401 and the source 402b of the second NMOS transistor 402 are connected to ground 300.

A resistor R5 connects the gate 400g and the source 400a of the PMOS transistor 400.

It will be noted that the PMOS transistor 310 of the comparison means 3c is referenced with respect to V _RF , and the PMOS transistor 400 is referenced with respect to the supply voltage V _DD . The first NMOS transistor 401 is used to drive the control of the PMOS transistor 400 forming a switch.

The operation of the diagram shown in figure 6A is described below.

By default, the first NMOS transistor 401 and the second NMOS transistor 402 are in the open state, as long as no electrical energy coming from the radio signal sufficient to activate the switching means K10 is recovered.

When sufficient electrical energy from the radio signal is recovered, the control signal V _OUT controls the first NMOS transistor 401 in closing, the PMOS transistor 400 thus being controlled in closing, and the functional modules 2 then being supplied.

Once the functional modules 2 have been supplied with power, the processing means 21 can maintain or cut off the powering of the functional modules 2.

For example, the processing means 21 maintain or cut off the power supply according to the verification of certain conditions, such as the level of electrical energy recovered at the output of the energy recovery module, or the duration of the presence of an energy recovery signal, or the validation of a frame received by the wireless communication means 20 in the functional modules 2.

When the processing means 21 control the maintenance of the power supply, they control the closing of the second NMOS transistor 402, which has the effect of maintaining the PMOS type transistor 400 in the closed state, even if no electrical energy is present. is recovered by the energy recovery module 3b and the first NMOS transistor 401 returns to the open state.

The return resistor R5 ensures the opening of the PMOS transistor 400, and consequently of the switching means K10, when the NMOS transistors 401, 402 are in the open state.

The figure 6B represents the diagram of the figure 6A to which the second switching means K20 are added.

The second switching means K20 are mounted between the first switching means K10 and the energy storage module 22 (visible on the figure 1 ).

The second switching means K20 are controlled by the processing means 21.

The second switching means K20 comprise, in this embodiment, a first PMOS transistor 501 forming a first switch K201, and a second PMOS transistor 502 forming a second switch K202.

The second switching means K20 furthermore comprise an NMOS type transistor 503 ensuring the control of the first PMOS transistor 501 forming the first switch K201.

It will be noted that the first PMOS transistor 501 forming the first switch K201 is controlled in the active state with a low state on its gate 501g. If this PMOS transistor 501 were controlled directly by the processing means 21, and not by the NMOS transistor 503, there would be a risk that the second switching means K20 would be accidentally closed, for example during the establishment of the voltage d supply of the processing means 21.

Thus, in order to avoid this risk, the NMOS transistor 503 is present in order to indirectly ensure an active control on a high state of the first PMOS transistor 501 forming the first switch K201. Thus, when the gate 503g of the NMOS transistor 503 is in the high state, the NMOS transistor 503 is in the closed state, which has the consequence of bringing the gate 501g of the PMOS transistor 501 to the low state, leading the PMOS transistor 501 in the closed state.

The second PMOS transistor 502 is connected in series with the first transistor 501, the state of the second PMOS transistor 501 being controlled by the processing means 21.

In this embodiment, the first PMOS transistor 501 is connected by its source 501a to the output of the first switching means K10 and by its drain 501b to the source 502a of the second PMOS transistor 502. The drain 502b of the second PMOS transistor 502 represents the output of the second switching means K20, this output being connected to the energy storage module 22. The gate 501g of the first PMOS transistor 501 is connected to the drain 503a of the NMOS transistor 503, its source 503b being connected to ground 300.

Control signals generated by the processing means 21 are applied respectively to the gate 503g of the NMOS transistor 503 and the gate 502g of the second PMOS transistor 502.

A return resistor R20 connects the gate 501g and the source of the first PMOS transistor 501. This return resistor R20 ensures the opening of the second switching means K20 when the NMOS transistor 503 is in the open state.

It will be noted that in the diagram described, when the processing means 21 control the transfer of energy to the energy storage module 22, that is to say they control the second switching means K20 in the closed state , the processing means 21 must supply, at the same time, the control signal driving the NMOS transistor 503 in the high state, and the control signal driving the second PMOS transistor 502 forming the second switch K202 in the low state.

This embodiment makes it possible to make the use of the electronic detonator 100 safer, since activation of the transfer of energy to the energy storage module 22 accidentally is avoided. Accidental activation cannot thus take place, for example, in the event of an electromagnetic disturbance effect on the control of the first transistor 501 or the effect of a common mode potential on the supply of the processing means 21, or a failure in one of the two aforementioned outputs of the processing means 21.

The second switching means K20 can be implemented by other electronic diagrams performing the same function, that is to say allowing the transfer of energy from the energy source 1 to the energy storage module 22 or prevent this transfer of energy.

For example, in another embodiment not shown, the second switching means K20 comprise only the first PMOS transistor 501 forming the first switch K201 and the NMOS transistor 503 driving the first PMOS transistor 501.

The figures 7A and 7B show other possible embodiments of the control module 3.

In the embodiment shown in figure 7A , the control module 3 comprises filtering means 6, for example bandpass, mounted downstream of the reception means 3a.

The band-pass filtering means 6 pass radio signals received in a frequency band predefined by the filtering means 6.

The band-pass filtering means 6 are for example tuned to a frequency band used by the control console. Thus, the radio signals received by the reception means 3a are filtered by the band-pass filtering means 6, limiting the possibility of activating the switching means K10 with any device other than the control console.

The figure 7B shows a variant of the embodiment represented by figure 7A .

In this embodiment, the control module 3 comprises several reception means 3a1, 3a2, ..., 3an, and several filtering means, for example bandpass, 6a, 6b, ..., 6n respectively mounted in downstream of the reception means 3a1, 3a2, ..., 3an.

The band-pass filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n respectively pass radio signals received in predefined frequency bands. Thus, each band-pass filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n is adapted to filter the radio signals received according to a frequency band, the frequency bands can be different or equal for the different filtering means 6a, 6b , ...., 6n.

According to another variant, the control module 3 comprises a single reception means 3a followed by several filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n.

Of course, the number of reception means and filtering means can be variable. In general, the control module 3 can include a number N of reception means and a number M of filtering means, where the number M is greater than or equal to N.

In the embodiments shown, the filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n are band-pass filtering means. Of course, other types of filter can be used.

In this embodiment, the control module 3 may further include verification means intended to verify conditions relating to the reception of the signals by the reception means 3a1, 3a2, ..., 3an.

For example, the verification means can be configured to verify the presence of a signal at the output of all of the filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n so as to check whether there is simultaneous reception of a signal in all the frequency bands considered.

In this exemplary embodiment, the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10 when a signal is present at the output of all of the filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n.

In another exemplary embodiment, it can be checked whether a temporal sequence of energy input on each of the frequency bands considered is respected.

For this, the control module 3 comprises verification means configured to verify the order of reception of the radio signals received at the output of the filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n.

In this embodiment, the control signal V _OUT is generated so as to activate the switching means K10 when a predefined order is verified by the verification means.

According to another exemplary embodiment, it can be verified for each of the band-pass filtering means 6a, 6b, ..., 6n whether a signal is present or, on the contrary, that no signal is present at the output, the presences and / or signal absences forming a predefined logical combination. When a predefined logical combination formed by the presences and the absences of signal is verified, the control signal V _OUT is generated so that the switching means are activated.

Note that a signal is considered to be present when it exceeds a predetermined value, such as the energy threshold value. Conversely, it is considered to be absent when the signal level does not exceed the predetermined value.

The verification means described above can form part of a processing unit 3d such as the one shown in the figure. figure 2B .

According to other embodiments, the conditions described above concerning the verification of frequencies of the radio signals received can be verified by the processing means 21 in the functional modules 2 once the switching means K10 have been activated and that the functional modules 2 are supplied with power.

Thus, the verification of the frequency conditions would correspond to a condition of maintaining the power supply once the power-up of the functional modules 2 has been implemented.

• réception E1 d'un signal radio,
• récupération E2 de l'énergie électrique dans ledit signal radio reçu,
• génération E3 d'un signal de récupération d'énergie (V_RF) représentatif du niveau d'énergie électrique récupérée, et
• génération E4 d'un signal de commande (V_OUT) généré en fonction de ladite énergie récupérée, ledit signal de commande pilotant desdits premiers moyens de commutation (K10) de sorte à permettre de relier la source d'énergie aux modules fonctionnels.

As described above in relation to the wireless electronic detonator 100, the wireless electronic detonator 100 according to the invention is activated, that is to say energized in order to be put into operation, according to a method. activation process comprising the following steps:

• reception E1 of a radio signal,
• recovery E2 of the electrical energy in said received radio signal,
• generation E3 of an energy recovery signal (V _RF ) representative of the level of recovered electrical energy, and
• generation E4 of a control signal (V _OUT ) generated as a function of said recovered energy, said control signal controlling said first switching means (K10) so as to make it possible to connect the energy source to the functional modules.

The figure 8 represents steps of the process for activating an electronic detonator according to one embodiment.

The radio signal received is considered to be a remote power supply signal, since it allows the activation of the first switching means K10 and thus the supply of the functional modules 2.

Of course, when reference is made to the first switching means K10 in this text, various embodiments of the first switching means K10, such as those described with reference to figures 5A, 5B and 5C can be used without distinction.

According to a practical implementation of activating a wireless electronic detonator 100, an operator with a control console approaches the wireless electronic detonator 100 in order to power on the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator 100.

To avoid a possible inadvertent or accidental power-up, it is necessary to provide for conditions for powering up or activating and / or for maintaining the power supply after switching on. voltage of the functional modules 2, in particular following the activation of the first switching means K10.

Thus, it is necessary to provide conditions for immediate maintenance of the voltage following the energization of the functional modules 2.

In addition, to return to a safe state, following for example an abandonment of firing, the invention provides for conditions for maintaining the voltage (or conversely, for de-energizing) in nominal mode, i.e. that is, once the wireless electronic detonator 100 is sustainably powered by its own power source 1.

It will be noted that according to embodiments, conditions are verified at a verification step E30 to switch on or not to energize the electronic detonator 100 and / or conditions are verified at a second verification step E40 to maintain or not. maintain power to the electronic detonator after it has been energized.

• conditions sur le signal de télé-alimentation, par exemple sur le niveau d'énergie électrique récupérée, la durée de présence, une séquence des présences des signaux radio en sortie des différents moyens de réception à respecter, ou une combinaison logique des présences ou absences des signaux radio en sortie des différents moyens de réception, comme décrit ci-dessus ;
• validation d'une condition d'appairage avec la console de commande. On entend par appairage une procédure d'identification permettant à la console de commande de communiquer avec le détonateur électronique souhaité ;
• échange d'un ou plusieurs messages radio prédéfinis avec la console de commande.

In order to meet the different strategies for deploying detonator networks (detailed below), at least one of several conditions can be verified for the immediate maintenance of the power-up of the functional modules 2:

• conditions on the remote power supply signal, for example on the level of electrical energy recovered, the duration of presence, a sequence of the presences of the radio signals at the output of the various reception means to be observed, or a logical combination of the presences or absences radio signals at the output of the various reception means, as described above;
• validation of a pairing condition with the control console. Pairing is understood to mean an identification procedure allowing the control console to communicate with the desired electronic detonator;
• exchange of one or more predefined radio messages with the control console.

It will be noted that, according to embodiments implemented, the conditions for immediate maintenance of the voltage are analyzed while the electronic detonator 100 is remotely powered, that is to say while the Functional modules 2 are energized due to the activation of the first switching means K10 by the control module 3. For this, the control console must be kept near the electronic detonator 100 during this time.

According to other embodiments, the energization of the functional modules 2 is maintained before checking the maintenance conditions. At least one of the hold conditions is then verified, within a reasonably short period of time, typically a few seconds. In these embodiments, there is no constraint on the positioning of the control console during the verification of the hold conditions.

Once the functional modules 2 are powered by the energy source 1, and the control console is no longer in the near environment of the electronic detonator 100, the electronic detonator 100 operates in nominal mode. It is important that the de-energization of the functional modules 2 can be done remotely and autonomously by the electronic detonator 100 in order to avoid any intervention by an operator near the network of electronic detonators.

The switching off of the functional modules 2 is controlled by the processing means 21.

Power-off is commanded following at least one check regarding the internal state of electronic detonator 100 or information from outside of electronic detonator 100.

For example, a de-energization is commanded when an anomaly internal to the electronic detonator 100 is detected.

The de-energization can also be commanded by an explicit command from the control console, on the detection of a period of radio inactivity of the control console considered by the electronic detonator 100 as being abnormally long, or on detection of a period of non-solicitation from the control console considered by the electronic detonator to be extended.

As described above, in some embodiments of the electronic detonator 100, the de-energization of the functional modules 2 of the electronic detonator can also be performed upon detection of the nearby control console. Thus, for example, an operator can manually turn off the power to the electronic detonator 100 after turning it on. An electronic detonator allowing this comprises for example first switching means K10 "as described with reference to figure 5C .

Thus, according to one embodiment, the method comprises, prior to said generation E4 of the control signal, the verification E30 of a condition relating to the radio signal received or to the level of electrical energy recovered from said radio signal.

According to another embodiment, the method comprises, after said generation E4 of the control signal, the verification E40 of a condition relating to the radio signal received or to the level of the electrical energy recovered from said radio signal.

The method further comprises, after said generation E4 of the control signal, a step of maintaining E5 of the first controlled switching means k10 so as to allow the energy source 1 to be connected to the functional modules 2 as a function of the result of said verification. .

According to embodiments, the verification comprises a comparison of the level of an energy recovery signal representative of the level of electrical energy recovered with an energy threshold value V _threshold . The first switching means K10 are then controlled so as to make it possible to connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2 when said level of recovered energy is greater than or equal to the energy threshold value V _threshold .

According to embodiments, the verification can also include the determination of the time of presence of the received radio signal. When the determined presence time is greater than or equal to a predefined period of time, the first switching means K10 are controlled so as to make it possible to connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2.

According to embodiments, the verification comprises determining the frequency of the radio signal received by the reception means. When the received radio signal is present in a predefined frequency band, the first switching means K10 are controlled so as to make it possible to connect the energy source 1 to the functional modules 2.

Pairing can be implemented using different techniques. These techniques can be classified as techniques using radio technology and techniques using other technologies.

• soit à imposer une proximité entre la console de commande et le détonateur électronique 100, par exemple par le contrôle de la puissance à l'émission dans la console de commande, par le choix des bandes de fréquences utilisées, ou par le choix du type de modulation utilisée,
• soit à se positionner convenablement par rapport au détonateur électronique 100 (directivité de l'antenne 3a du détonateur et/ou de la console, pointage d'antenne 3a du détonateur et/ou de la console),
• soit à évaluer la distance entre la console de commande et le détonateur électronique 100, par exemple par l'évaluation d'une technique radio adéquate (par l'analyse du temps de vol du signal radio entre la console de commande et le détonateur électronique 100, ou par l'analyse de la puissance du signal radio reçu par le détonateur électronique 100 et/ou par la console),
• soit à discriminer différents interlocuteurs en se basant sur l'analyse de leurs métriques radios respectives (par exemple analyse du temps de vol entre la console de commande et le détonateur électronique 100, ou analyse de la puissance du signal radio reçu par la console)

Those which use radio technology may consist of:

• either to impose a proximity between the control console and the electronic detonator 100, for example by the control of the power at the emission in the control console, by the choice of the frequency bands used, or by the choice of the type of modulation used,
• either to position themselves suitably with respect to the electronic detonator 100 (directivity of the antenna 3a of the detonator and / or of the console, pointing of the antenna 3a of the detonator and / or of the console),
• either to evaluate the distance between the control console and the electronic detonator 100, for example by the evaluation of an adequate radio technique (by the analysis of the time of flight of the radio signal between the control console and the electronic detonator 100 , or by analyzing the power of the radio signal received by the electronic detonator 100 and / or by the console),
• either to discriminate between different interlocutors based on the analysis of their respective radio metrics (for example analysis of the time of flight between the control console and the electronic detonator 100, or analysis of the power of the radio signal received by the console)

• utilisant un procédé de lecture optique, par exemple un code-barre, utilisé ensuite pour la communication radio, ou comparé à l'identifiant obtenu par radio,
• utilisant un signal lumineux et/ou sonore et/ou tactile issu du détonateur électronique 100, analysé par exemple par un opérateur, ou
• utilisant une estimation de la position réalisée par le détonateur électronique 100 lui-même (par exemple par GPS ou par radiolocalisation par rapport à des balises locales).

Examples of techniques that implement another technology are:

• using an optical reading method, for example a bar code, then used for radio communication, or compared with the identifier obtained by radio,
• using a light and / or sound and / or tactile signal from the electronic detonator 100, analyzed for example by an operator, or
• using an estimate of the position produced by the electronic detonator 100 itself (for example by GPS or by radiolocation with respect to local beacons).

It will be noted that when the pairing procedure leads to obtaining responses from several distinct electronic detonators 100, and that the pairing technique does not make it possible to reliably discriminate the desired electronic detonator 100, the information is notified to an operator. via the control console, the latter can then take the appropriate decision (for example to switch off the electronic detonators or repeat the pairing procedure).

Once an electronic detonator 100 is energized, a delay for firing is associated with it. This association can be implemented immediately or after a time after power-up.

According to different embodiments, the switching on and the association of the delay can be carried out with the same control console or with different control consoles.

Thus, the deployment of the electronic detonators 100 can be achieved in different ways.

In the event of an immediate association of delay, the electronic detonator 100 is switched on when it is installed. Immediately after switching on, radio messages are exchanged between the electronic detonator 100 and the control console in order to perform the “immediate association of the delay” operation by validating this radio exchange using a pairing technique, by example one of the pairing techniques proposed above. The radio exchange and the result of the pairing constitute the conditions for immediately maintaining the voltage of the electronic detonator 100. If one of these two operations fails, the electronic detonator 100 switches off.

In the event of an immediate association of delay, but with different control consoles for switching on and association of delay, switching on is carried out at the time of its installation, and the association of the delay is carried out in a second step, once all of the 100 detonators were energized. This leads to unconditionally validating the maintenance of the voltage of the functional modules 2, or at least to verifying the presence of the control console for a minimum period (typically of the order of a few seconds). The processing means 21 can then, for example, go to sleep or standby state with a periodic wake-up operation, just after switching on, in order to preserve the energy source 1.

In the event of delayed association of the delay, all of the electronic detonators 100 are first of all powered up when they are installed using the control console. Then, the electronic detonators 100 can be put to sleep or to a standby state with a periodic wake-up procedure. Once all of the electronic detonators 100 have been installed and powered up, delays are associated with all of the electronic detonators 100. For this, the electronic detonators 100 are equipped with any localization system (for example a GPS, a system measuring relative distances or powers received between each electronic detonator 100 of the network, possibly requiring a post-processing step, ...). The raw data relating to each electronic detonator 100 (for example the absolute position, relative distances or received powers, etc.) are collected for example by radio with the control console, in order to produce a map of the network of electronic detonators with their identifiers. Knowing this mapping, it is then possible to associate a delay with each electronic detonator 100.

An inconsistency observed between a planned firing plan and the actual mapping of electronic detonators 100 can be detected, allowing detonators exhibiting this inconsistency to be de-energized.

When the power-up and the association of the delay are carried out with different control consoles, these two operations are carried out at distant instants in time, ranging from a few minutes to several hours or even several days as the case may be. Power-off conditions may be considered in the interim to allow the detonator to electronics 100 to return to a de-energized state. For example, in the event of non-radio solicitation after a certain period of time, or without exchanging or receiving messages with the control console during the operations of periodically waking up the electronic detonator 100, the processing means can put the electronic detonator 100 off.

In the end, each of these approaches ends with the execution of a classic firing procedure.

Claims (15)

1. A wireless electronic detonator (100) comprising an energy source (1) and functional modules (2) and further comprising:

   - first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") disposed between the energy source (1) and the functional modules (2), making it possible to connect or not to connect the energy source (1) to the functional modules (2), and

   - a control module (3) for said first switching means,

   said wireless electronic detonator (100) being characterized in that the control module (3) comprises a radio energy recovery module (3b) configured to receive a radio signal coming from a control console, recover the electrical energy in said received radio signal, generate an energy recovery signal (V_RF) representing the level of recovered electrical energy, and generate as output a control signal (V_OUT) according to the energy recovered, said control signal (V_OUT) driving said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10").
2. A wireless electronic detonator according to claim 1, characterized in that said control module (3) comprises comparing means (3c) comparing the level of said energy recovery signal (V_RF) representing the recovered electrical energy level, with an energy threshold value (V_seuil), said control signal (V_OUT) being generated such that said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") connect said energy source (1) to said functional modules (2) when said level of said energy recovery signal (V_RF) passes over said energy threshold value (V_seuil).
3. A wireless electronic detonator according to claim 2, characterized in that said energy threshold value (V_seuil) is obtained from the energy source (1).
4. A wireless electronic detonator according to claim 2, characterized in that said energy threshold value (V_seuil) is obtained from said energy recovery signal (V_RF).
5. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that said energy threshold value (V_seuil) is equal to a value outside the range of operating potentials of the energy source (1).
6. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that part of said control module (3) is referenced in relation to a reference potential (V_ref) equal to a value in the range of operating potentials of the energy source (1).
7. A wireless electronic detonator according to claim 1 to 6, characterized in that said control module (3) comprises means for verifying the time of presence of said energy recovery signal (V_RF) passing over a predetermined value, said control signal (V_OUT) being generated such that said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") connect said energy source (1) to said functional modules (2) when said time of presence is greater than or equal to a predefined period of time.
8. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said control module (3) comprises at least one receiving means (3a1, 3a2, ..., 3an) receiving one or more radio signals coming from a control console and at least one filtering means (6a, 6b,..., 6m) mounted downstream of said at least one receiving means (3a1, 3a2, ..., 3an), said at least one filtering means (6a, 6b, ..., 6m) allowing said one or more radio signals to pass over predefined frequency bands.
9. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said control module (3) comprises verifying means for verifying the frequency of said received radio signal, said control signal (V_OUT) being generated such that the switching means (K10, K10', K10") connect said energy source (1) to said functional modules (2) when the radio signal is present in a predefined frequency band.
10. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said functional means (2) comprise processing means (21) controlling said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10").
11. A wireless electronic detonator according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said functional means (2) comprise wireless communication means (20), processing means (21), an energy storage module (22), an explosive squib (24), and second and third switching means, the second switching means (K20) being disposed between said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") and said energy storage module (22), and the third switching means (K30) being disposed between said energy storage module (22) and said explosive squib (24), said wireless communication means (20) being connected to said processing means (21), said processing means (21) controlling said first, second and third switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10", K20, K30).
12. A wireless detonating system characterized in that it comprises a wireless electronic detonator (100) according to one of claims 1 to 11, and a control console configured to emit radio signals to said wireless electronic detonator (100).
13. A method of activating a wireless electronic detonator comprising an energy source (1), functional modules (2) and first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") which are disposed between the energy source (1) and the functional modules (2) and which are controlled by a control module (3), the method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

    - receiving (E1) a radio signal,

    - recovering (E2) electrical energy from said received radio signal,

    - generating (E3) an energy recovery signal (V_RF) representing the level of energy recovered, and

    - generating (E4) a control signal (V_OUT) according to said recovered energy, said control signal (V_OUT) controlling said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") so as to make it possible to connect the energy source (1) to the functional modules (2).
14. A method according to claim 13, characterized in that said method comprises, prior to said generating (E4) of the control signal (V_OUT), verifying (E30) a condition relative to the received radio signal or the energy recovery signal (V_RF).
15. A method according to one of claims 13 or 14, characterized in that it further comprises, after generating (E4) the control signal (V_OUT), performing verification (E40) of a condition relative to the received radio signal or relative to the energy recovery signal (V_RF), and a step of maintaining (E5) said first switching means (K10 ; K10' ; K10") operated so as to maintain the energy source (1) connected to the functional modules (2) according to the result of said verification.

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