FR2755509A1 - PORTABLE DEVICE FOR REMOTELY FIRELIGHTING FIREWORKS - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a portable device for the remote firing of fireworks comprising in combination at least one receiver intended to be installed near the fireworks to control their firing sequentially and a transmitter ( 1) intended to be installed in a location sufficiently far from the fireworks to allow them to be triggered in complete safety by a fireworks technician.

Description

The present invention relates to a portable device of

setting

  fire at a distance from fireworks.

  The fireworks are usually fired using power lines with one end of an igniter and connected at the other end to a power source. To sequentially firing all the fireworks constituting fireworks, it is known to connect the lines to a control panel having a plurality of switches respectively associated with the lines. As an indication, the number of lines is at least thirty to

some fireworks.

  For security reasons, the artificer is usually placed with the console at least twenty meters of fireworks, and the establishment of lines is relatively long and tedious given their length and

their number.

  The present invention relates to a new portable device for firing remote fireworks, simplified installation compared to known devices, while being a

  low cost and offering the required security guarantees.

  The device according to the invention comprises in combination at least one receiver intended to be installed near the fireworks to control their firing sequentially and a transmitter to be installed in a location sufficiently far from the fireworks to allow them to be fired safely by an artificer, the receiver comprising: - a terminal block for connection to the electric lines controlling the firing of the fireworks, the firing of a fireworks being carried out by passing an electric current in the associated line, - a plurality of electronic switches connected to said connection terminal block and each making it possible to establish a current passage in a corresponding line, - receiving means for receiving a digital signal from of the transmitter, decoding means arranged to recognize in the signal received by the reception means an instruction of e selection of

- 2 - 2755509

  line and an instruction for firing the firework corresponding to the selected line, - means for generating a current pulse in the selected line when the receiving means receive said firing instruction, - means for test the state of the electronic switches before the connection of the lines, - means for controlling the proper functioning of the link between the transmitter and the receiver, arranged to transmit a characteristic signal to the transmitter in response to the reception of a test signal, and the transmitter comprising: - means for transmitting a digital signal to the receiver, - line selection means and means for controlling the firing of the associated fireworks, means for coding the transmitted signal to transmit, in the form of a predetermined binary code, said firing instruction when the firing control means are actuated by the - coding means of the transmitted signal to transmit in the form of a binary code representative of the selected line said line selection instruction when the line selection means are actuated by the artificer, - means of display of the selected line, - means for controlling the proper functioning of the link between the transmitter and the receiver by transmitting said test signal to the receiver, - means for supplying electrical energy, and security means prohibiting shooting when power is turned on

the transmitter.

  Advantageously, said current pulse has a duration

between 10 and 100 ms.

  Thanks to the invention, it greatly facilitates the installation of the remote control device of the fireworks since the connection between the transmitter and the receiver can be carried out wirelessly or with a single electric cable with two strands. The receiver alone can be placed near the fireworks, and the length of the lines

  This reduces the electric power compared to known devices.

- 3 - 2755509

  In addition, the device according to the invention is of low cost while being of safe operation and particularly insensitive to external electromagnetic disturbances such as for example those due to the

  presence of a radio amateur near the firing range.

  In a particular embodiment, the signal sent to control the firing or the selection of a line is in the form of a burst of identical binary words and the receiver comprises: a sequencer for successively controlling the electronic switches, the passage of a selected electronic switch to the following being done by sending on said sequencer an incrementation signal, - decoding means for comparing the signal delivered by the receiving means with a code representative of the state of the sequencer and, in case of equality for a predetermined number of binary words of a burst, generating said incrementation signal; - decoding means for comparing the signal delivered by the reception means with a predetermined binary code and generating , in case of equality for a predetermined number of binary words of a burst, a firing control signal, the means for generating said pulse current being controlled by said signal of

firing command.

  In a particular embodiment, said electronic switches consist of MOSFET transistors whose gate is connected to the output of a logic gate AND to at least two inputs, one of the inputs being in the "0" state when the line associated with this electronic switch is not selected, and in the "1" state otherwise, the other input being in the "0" state in the absence of said firing control signal

  and in the "1" state otherwise.

  In a particular embodiment, the test signal sent by the transmitter to the receiver to test the proper functioning of the link between the transmitter and the receiver is a digital signal, and the receiver has decoding means for comparing this. test signal to a predetermined bit code and, in case of a tie,

operate a buzzer.

  In a particular embodiment, the power supply means of the transmitter comprise a battery or battery housed in a housing provided with electrical contacts.

-4 - 2755509

  and a magnet arranged to cause, when the power supply box is in place on the transmitter, closing a

light relay.

  The invention will be better understood on reading the

  detailed description which will follow and upon examination of the annexed drawing on

  which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram of an emitter according to a particular embodiment of the invention and - Figure 2 is a block diagram of a receiver

  according to a particular embodiment of the invention.

  The device according to the invention comprises a transmitter 1 and a

receiver 22.

  The transmitter 1, shown schematically in FIG. 1, is powered by a source of autonomous electrical energy 2

  such as a rechargeable battery or battery.

  The electronic circuits of the transmitter 1 are housed at

  inside a housing not shown.

  The power source 2 is placed in a box provided with specific external contacts, to be plugged into the housing of the transmitter 1. A magnet 50 is placed in the power supply box and a bulb relay 51 is placed in the housing of the transmitter, in series in the power supply circuit. Relay 51 is open until the power supply box is plugged into the transmitter housing so that it is impossible for someone who does not have the power supply to operate.

the issuer 1.

  The transmitter 1 comprises a flip-flop 3, the output 4 of which is in the binary state "0" when it is turned on and in the state "1" after a pressure exerted by the artificer on a setting switch.

service 5.

  A light 6 indicates to the artificer when the output 4 is at

state "0".

  The transmitter 1 is arranged so that, in this state, it is impossible to control the firing of the fireworks, as this

will be explained later.

  The transmitter 1 comprises coding means 7 for generating a burst of identical binary words when the output 4 of the flip-flop 3 is in the "1" state and the artificer simultaneously presses two

- 5 - 2755509

  firing control switches 8 respectively arranged on

  two opposite lateral faces of the housing of the transmitter 1.

  In the particular example described, each binary word is

coded on 12 bits.

  The transmitter 1 further comprises a monostable 9 whose output 11 changes from state "0" to state "1" for a predetermined duration when the output 4 is in the state "1" and that the artificer

  presses a switch 10 connecting the output 4 to the monostable 9.

  In the particular example described, the monostable 9 is adjusted so that its output 11 remains in the "1" state during 1.5

about seconds.

  A bit counter 12 and a counter 13 are incremented by one each time the output 11 goes from state "0" to state il1. The bit counter 12 is connected to the input of coding means 15 intended to generate a burst of identical binary words, coded in the exemplary embodiment described on 12 bits, the value of each binary word depending on the output state of the counter 12. As an indication, in the example described, the output of the counter 12 is coded on 6 bits and it is applied to the entries of lower weight of the coding means 15. Preset values are imposed on the

  other inputs of the coding means 15.

  The transmission of the binary code by the coding means 15

  repeats as the output 11 of the monostable 9 is in the state "1".

  The counter 13 is connected to display means 14

  indicating to the artificer the number of the selected line.

  The transmitter 1 further comprises coding means 16 for generating a test signal in the form of a burst of identical binary words, which are in the embodiment described

coded on 12 bits.

  The emission of the test signal lasts as long as the artificer

press a switch 17.

  The output of the encoding means 7, 15 or 16 is sent to the input of a radio frequency transmitter 18 known in itself,

  amplitude modulation, provided with a transmitting antenna 19.

  In the particular example described, the transmission frequency of

the transmitter 18 is 224.5 MHz.

- 6 - 2755509

  The transmitter 1 further comprises an interface 20 connected in

  input at the output of the coding means 7, 15 or 16.

  The interface 20 allows, if for example the transmitter 18 is down, to ensure the transmission of signals by a two-wire electrical cable to the receiver 22, which will now be described in

reference to Figure 2.

  The receiver 22 comprises a radio-frequency receiver 23, provided with an antenna 24 and whose frequency is tuned to that of

  the transmitter 18, or 224.5 MHz in the example described.

  The receiver 22 includes an interface 25 that can be connected, if necessary, to the cable 21 mentioned above to ensure the transmission of information between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 22 in case of no

  operation of the wireless link between them.

  The interface 25 can also be connected by a two-wire cable 42 to one or more other receivers 22 ', the receiver 22 then constituting a master receiver and each receiver 22' a slave receiver which does not need to have a receiver

radio frequency 23.

  The receiver 22 comprises decoding means 26 for recognizing in the signal 27 received by the radio-frequency receiver 23 or the interface 25 the test signal transmitted by the coding means 16, and in this case to control the transmission of a sound signal by a

warning 28.

  The receiver 22 also comprises decoding means 29 for comparing the signal 27 at least partially with the output value 32

of a binary counter 30.

  In the particular example described, the output 31 of the decoding means 29 momentarily goes from the state "0" to the state "1" when a binary word burst is received, identical for the bits of low weight at the output value 32 of the counter 30 and for the most significant bits to the values imposed on the input of the coding means 15; the other bits of intermediate weight can be used if appropriate address when a master receiver 22 and one or more receivers

22 'slaves are used.

  When the output 31 goes from the state "0" to the state "1", the

  counter 30 is incremented by one unit.

- 7 - 2755509

  The receiver 22 also comprises a sequencer 33 which is incremented each time the output 31 goes from the "0" state to the state. The sequencer 33 has n outputs (for example 30 outputs) each connected to an input of a AND gate with two inputs, respectively referenced 34 (1) to 34 () (1) (n) 'The other input of each AND gate 34 to 34 () is (1) (n) connected to the output of a monostable 35 which can go from state "0" to state "1" for a predetermined duration, preferably included

  between 10 ms and 100 ms, and set at 100 ms in the example described.

  The receiver 22 includes decoding means 36 for recognizing in the received signal 27 the firing code generated by the coding means 7 of the transmitter 1, and in this case to control the passage

  in state "1" of the output 43 of the monostable 35.

  The AND gate 34 (i) whose one of the two inputs connected to the sequencer 33 is in the "1" state then has its output which goes to the "1" state for the duration during which the output of the monostable 35 is at

state "1".

  The other AND gates have their output that remains in state "0"

  because their input which is connected to the sequencer 33 is in the state "0".

  The outputs of each AND gate 34 (1) to 34 (n) are connected

  to the gate of respective MOSFET transistors 37 (1) to 37 (n).

  Each MOSFET 37 (1) through 37 (n) is connected in series with an autonomous power source 38 and with a terminal block for the connection of lines 39 (1) to 39 (m) for

fireworks fireworks.

  The decoding means 29 and 36 are arranged in the example described to react only when the received signal is constituted by the repetition at least five times of the same binary word corresponding to

a predetermined code.

  In the example described, it is necessary to exert pressure for at least 0.3 s on the switches 8 to provoke

  the successive issue of five firing control codes.

  On the other hand, the presence of the monostable 9 ensures the sending of a sufficient number of change codes of line even if the artificer

  exerts a very brief pressure on the switch 10.

  The relatively short duration of 100 ms during which the electronic switch associated with the selected line becomes

- 8 - 2755509

  passing to control the firing of the corresponding fireworks allows to extend the autonomy of the power supply

  electrical 38 avoiding any excessive current consumption.

  In addition, the particular arrangement of the MOSFET transistors makes that, in the event of a short-circuit on the associated line, the current delivered

  stays below the destruction threshold of the transistor.

  To test the state of the electronic switches 37 (1) to (1) 37 (n) before the connection of the lines 39 (1) to 39 (n), a probe 41 and control means 40 connected to the buzzer 28 are

provided.

  The operation of the device is as follows.

  The artificer connects the power source 38 to the receiver 22, while the lines 39 (1) to 39 () are not yet connected, (1) (n) and then applying the probe 41 to each connector of the terminal block tests the state of the output of MOSFET transistors 37 (1) to 37 () <1) (n) 'If one of transistors 37 (1) to 37 () fails, (1) (n)

  that is, passing, the buzzer 28 sounds.

  Once the output state of transistors 37 to 3 (1) 37 () has been verified, the artificer connects lines 39 to <n) (1)

39 (n) to the receiver 22.

  When slave receivers 22 'are used, they are

  connected by means of cables 42 to the master receiver 22.

  When the artificer plugs the energy source 2 on the housing of the transmitter 1, the flip-flop 3 remains in the "0" state and the indicator light 6 lights to indicate to the artificer that the switch-off switches

  fire and line selection are inhibited.

  The artificer then tests the good functioning of the radio link between the transmitter 1 and the receiver 22 by pressing the pusher 17, which causes the transmission of the test signal which, if received correctly by the receiver 22 , triggers the return transmission

  an audible signal by the buzzer 28.

  The artificer can then press the button 5 to

  remove the security, the LED 6 goes out then.

  When switching on the transmitter 1 the first line

  39 () is automatically selected.

  When powering on the receiver 22, the output value 32 of the counter 30 corresponds to the selection of the first line 39 (1) and the output of the sequencer 33 sent to the AND gate 34 (1).

-9 - 2755509

  is "1"; all the other outputs of the sequencer 33, sent to the

AND gates 34 (2) to 34 () are "0".

  (2> (n) In order to select a line, the display operator presses the pushbutton 10. Each time the latter is pressed, the line number is incremented Once the display means 14 indicate the desired line number, the artificer can control the firing of the corresponding fireworks by simultaneously pressing the two

pushers 8.

  The artificer then selects the next line or a

  another line by pressing switch 10 one or more times.

  In the embodiment described, the coding means 7, and 16 and the decoding means 26, 29 and 36 can be realized using a dedicated circuit as marketed under the name "UM3750". Of course, it is not beyond the scope of the invention using another type of integrated circuit, or an assembly of electronic components arranged to perform the same function.

- 10 - 2755509

Claims (11)

  1. Portable device for firing remote fireworks, characterized in that it comprises in combination at least one receiver (22) intended to be installed near the fireworks to control their firing sequentially and a transmitter (1) intended to be installed at a location sufficiently far from the fireworks to allow their triggering safely by an artificer, the receiver comprising: - a terminal block for connecting to the power lines (39 (1 39) controlling the firing of the fireworks, the (1> <n) firing of a fireworks being effected by passing an electric current in the associated line, - a plurality of electronic switches (37 () '37 (n)) connected to said terminal block and each enabling a current passage in a corresponding line (39 (1) ..... 39 (n)), - receiving means (23,24) for receiving a digital signal from the transmitter (1), - decoding means (29,36) arranged to recognize in the signal received by the receiving means a line selection instruction and a firing instruction of the fireworks corresponding to the selected line, - means (35) for generating a current pulse in the selected line when the receiving means receives said firing instruction, - means (40,41) for testing the state of the switches before connection of the lines; - control means (26, 28) for the proper functioning of the link between the transmitter and the receiver arranged to transmit a characteristic signal to the transmitter in response to the reception of a signal of test, and the transmitter comprising: - means for transmitting (18, 19) a digital signal to the receiver, - means (10) for line selection and means (8) for controlling the setting fire of the associated fireworks e, - 11 - 2755509   means (7) for coding the transmitted signal to transmit, in the form of a predetermined binary code, said firing instruction when the firing control means (8) are actuated by the artificer; Encoding means (15) for transmitting, in the form of a binary code representative of the selected line, said line selection instruction when the line selection means (10) is actuated, - display means (14) ) of the selected line, - means for controlling the proper functioning of the link between the transmitter and the receiver by transmitting said test signal to the receiver, - means (2) for supplying electrical energy, - means Security (3.5) Prohibiting Firing Immediately switched on the transmitter.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the signal for controlling the firing or the selection of a line is transmitted in the form of a burst of identical binary words and in that the receiver comprises: a sequencer (33) for successively controlling the electronic switches (37 (1), 37), the passage of a 37) (n)) of the selected electronic switch (37 (i)) to the next (37 (i + 1)) by sending on said sequencer (33) an increment signal (31), - decoding means (29) for comparing the signal delivered by the receiving means (23) to a code (32) representative of the state of the sequencer (33) and, in case of equality for a predetermined number of binary words of a burst, generating said increment signal (31), - decoding means (36) for comparing the signal delivered by the receiving means (23) to a predetermined bit code and generating, in case of equality for a predetermined number of binary words of a burst, a firing control signal (43), the means (35) for generating said current pulse being controlled by said   firing control signal (43).   3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that said electronic switches (37 (1) .... 37 (n)) are constituted by MOSFET transistors whose gate is connected to the output of a logic gate AND (34 (1); ...; 34 (n)) to at least two - 12 - 2755509   inputs, one of the inputs being in state "0" when the line associated with this electronic switch is not selected, and in the state "1" in the opposite case, the other input being at the state "0" in the absence of said firing control signal (43) and in the "1" state otherwise.   4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to   3, characterized in that the test signal sent by the transmitter to the receiver for testing the proper operation of the link between the transmitter and the receiver is a digital signal, and in that the receiver comprises means for decoding (26) to compare this test signal with a predetermined bit code and, in case of a tie,   operate an alarm (28).   5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that said characteristic signal transmitted by the receiver (22) in the event of proper operation of the link between the transmitter (1) and the   receiver (22) is an acoustic signal.   6. Device according to any one of claims 1   at 5, characterized in that said transmitting means (18, 19) are constituted by a radio-frequency transmitter and said receiving means (23, 24) are constituted by a radio-frequency receiver   granted on the transmission frequency of said transmitter.   7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to   6, characterized in that the means for testing the state of the electronic switches before the connection of the lines comprise   a probe (41) connected to a buzzer (28).   8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to   7, characterized in that the transmitter and the receiver further comprise interfaces (20, 25) allowing the transmission of data of   the transmitter (1) to the receiver (22) by a cable (21).   9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to   8, characterized in that said current pulse has a duration between 10 and 100 ms.   10. Device according to any one of the claims   preceding, characterized in that it further comprises at least one slave receiver (22 '), the set of slave receivers (22') being connected to a master receiver (22) by a two-wire link. (42)   11. Device according to any one of the claims   preceding, characterized in that the feeding means (2) - 13 - 2755509   in electrical energy of the transmitter comprises a battery or battery housed in a box provided with specific electrical contacts and a magnet (50) arranged so as to cause, when the power supply box is in place on the transmitter, the closing a relay to bulb (51).