Ammunition cartridge containing nanoparticles

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge comprising a cartridge case, an ignition element and a projectile, wherein the ignition element is pressed into a rear area of ​​the cartridge case forming a first interface and the projectile is pressed into a front area of ​​the cartridge case forming a second interface, wherein at least one part of at least one of the interfaces bears a nanomarking.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an ammunition cartridge coated with nanoparticles. It can also be called a nano-labeled ammunition cartridge. The marking can also be called nano-marking. The nano-marking serves in particular to enable the traceability of the ammunition cartridge.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for marking ammunition cartridges using nanoparticles.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a reading device for reading information and storing data from the nanomarking.

[0004] In many countries, it is legally required that firearms be registered in the name of the gun owner and that these firearms bear unique information, usually in the form of serial numbers, which establishes an association between the firearms and their owners.

[0005] Regarding ammunition, especially small-caliber ammunition, there are currently no such regulations for the unambiguous identification of a cartridge. Often, only a so-called headstamp is applied, which contains information about the year of manufacture, the batch number, and the manufacturer.

[0006] Since the number of ammunition cartridges that can be assigned to a lot number can be very large, especially more than 50,000 ammunition cartridges per lot number, it can be assumed that a large number of end users will ultimately use one and the same lot of ammunition, which in turn means that it becomes almost impossible to draw conclusions about a specific ammunition cartridge via the manufacturer, the year of manufacture and the lot number.

[0007] Tracing cartridge cases back to the owners of the cartridge ammunition, e.g., if cartridge ammunition is fired from a firearm in connection with a crime, is therefore not possible.

[0008] Furthermore, the problem with the identification codes used so far, in the form of base stamps applied to the outside of the ammunition cartridges, is that these codes can be relatively easily milled off or otherwise removed or altered.

[0009] Ammunition cartridges inherently have two interfaces that are very difficult to manipulate if the cartridge's functionality is to be maintained. These are, firstly, the interface between the primer and the cartridge case, and secondly, the interface between the projectile and the cartridge case.

[0010] WO 2009 99 44 A1 discloses a use of this interface in which a mark is applied directly to the primer. Following the marking process, this primer is then pressed into the rear of the cartridge case, also known as the primer pocket or firing pin pocket. The mark may contain an alphanumeric code.

[0011] A significant disadvantage of WO 2009 99 44 A1 is that the marking is implemented on only one component. Furthermore, automated reading is virtually impossible, which in turn complicates the generation of large, comprehensive databases. In addition, the ignition element is a comparatively sensitive component, especially within the overall ignition chain of the ammunition cartridge, so any further manipulation of the ignition element poses a certain risk.

[0012] From DE 354 46 23 A1, a method is known in which a lacquer is applied to the interface between the projectile and the ammunition casing, which polymerizes under ultraviolet irradiation. This lacquer, on the one hand, provides a hermetic seal at the interface between the ammunition casing and the projectile. On the other hand, this method must be applied during the assembly of the ammunition. This creates a seal-like structure which, while enabling rudimentary identification of the ammunition type, remains easily tampered with due to the lack of further identifying elements.

[0013] A significant disadvantage of DE 354 46 23 A1 is that it does not allow for any conclusions to be drawn about an individual cartridge. The lacquer disclosed in DE 354 46 23 A1 is identical for all cartridges manufactured in a series. Furthermore, the lacquer marking is not suitable for automated reading and therefore not for potential connection to a database. True traceability down to the individual cartridge is thus not possible.

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a marked ammunition cartridge with reduced susceptibility to manipulation and improved traceability.

[0015] This problem is solved by the subject matter of independent claims.

[0016] The ammunition cartridge consists of a cartridge case, a primer, and a projectile. The cartridge case houses the propellant charge, which provides the energy to accelerate the projectile through the barrel of a firearm. The primer ignites the propellant charge by means of a firing pin located within the primer. The projectile then transfers the energy from the firearm to the target.

[0017] In the manufacture of ammunition, particularly in the military small-caliber sector, a two-interface manufacturing process has become standard practice for assembly reasons. The first interface is formed when the primer, especially via a press fit in the rear of a cartridge case, is pressed into a recess designed to receive the primer, also known as a primer pocket or primer receptacle. This creates a particularly strong, friction-fit connection that covers at least 90% of the total cylindrical surface area of ​​the primer and primer pocket. A second interface is formed in the front of the cartridge case after the projectile has been pressed in. The front of the cartridge case is also referred to as the case mouth or case front.The projectile is also pressed into the cartridge case using a press, creating an interference fit between the projectile and the cartridge case; this process is also known as seating. The interface covers, in particular, a portion of the entire case mouth and a portion of the projectile. In a cartridge, there are, in particular, two interfaces: one is located between the projectile and the case, and the other between the case and the primer. Both interfaces are formed, in particular, by interference fits. According to the invention, interfaces can also be understood as interface points.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, at least one of the interfaces has a nanomarking. It has been found that products with a nanomarking can be uniquely identifiable and that, due to the very small size of the marking components, especially the particles, no difference is discernible to the naked eye compared to ordinary seals or markings. Furthermore, nanomarking the interfaces simultaneously allows for sealing these interfaces, resulting in improved all-weather performance of the ammunition and enabling its use in humid environments. Moreover, the interfaces are tamper-proof with respect to the ammunition components themselves, since altering the interface, particularly when it is provided with a nanomarking, is only possible through traceable destruction of the seal-like nanomarking.In most cases, this renders the ammunition unusable.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the nanomarking is formed by a solidified suspension. It is known that a suspension consists of a solid and a liquid component. According to one embodiment of the invention, the solid component of the suspension consists of nanoparticles, and the liquid component of the suspension consists of a volatile substance and / or a crosslinkable substance. Preferably, the solidified suspension is formed by volatility and / or crosslinking of the liquid substances. The advantage of this type of marking is that a relatively easy-to-handle liquid can be applied directly during the manufacturing process itself, and then, particularly before further processing, a seal-like structure forms at at least one of the interfaces, so that it then behaves similarly to a solid in handling.

[0020] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the nanoparticles are randomly distributed in number, orientation, magnetization, and / or size and are fixed in the solidified suspension after evaporation and / or crosslinking of the liquid component. The random distribution of nanomarkers in the solidified state is such that the particles present in the liquid suspension exhibit neither short-range nor long-range order. This random orientation of the particles does not change after solidification.

[0021] Another preferred embodiment of the invention consists in using a bitumen mixture, in particular, to seal the interfaces for nano-marking. Bitumen is a viscous sealant, especially a viscous natural product, suitable for sealing ammunition in the small-caliber military sector. Due to its consistency and low water solubility, bitumen is also suitable for sealing ammunition. A further advantage of bitumen as a sealant is that it burns under the heat generated during the combustion of propellant powder and thus does not negatively affect the ballistic properties of the ammunition cartridges or the nano-marking.

[0022] In another embodiment, the ammunition cartridge according to the invention is a cartridge in the field of military small-caliber ammunition, particularly in the range between 4.5 mm and 12.7 mm. Caliber is generally defined as a measure of the outer diameter of projectiles or the inner diameter of firearm barrels. Firearms in the military small-caliber range are, in particular, handguns and small arms. The nanomarking can serve, in particular, to individualize the ammunition cartridge at the first and / or second interface. This ensures the traceability of ammunition, which is especially relevant for ammunition cartridges of handguns and small arms.In a particularly optimal case, the nano-marking is also deposited on the weapon, so that it can later be linked to the ammunition cartridge in particular, in order to ultimately guarantee complete traceability.

[0023] In a particularly advantageous exemplary embodiment, the nanomarking extends completely over the outer surface of at least one of the interfaces. The outer surface of the interface is understood here to be the joint, in particular the annular joint, which is directed outwards at the interface between the ignition element and the cartridge case or between the projectile and the case, or which is provided with a sealant on the outside.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment, the nanomarking extends at least partially over the entire depth of at least one interface. The depth of the interface is the distance between the interlocking parts. For the first interface between the ignition element and the cartridge case, this is preferably the full depth of the cylindrical part of the ignition element. For the second interface, this is preferably only a partial area, in particular more than 30%, but in particular less than 100%, of the cylindrical part of the projectile. The penetration depth of the nanomarking into the interface is determined in particular by the capillary forces of the interface or by the viscosity itself. In the case of highly viscous sealants such as bitumen, it is conceivable that the bitumen expands over the entire depth during the injection process.

[0025] It has proven particularly advantageous if the nanoparticles according to the invention comprise an aggregated colloid of metal particles and / or metal oxide particles with a size of 2 to 150 nm, preferably 5 to 70 nm, which is resinified. The resin serves in particular to protect the sensitive colloidal structures, in order to ensure, in particular, that the colloidal structures remain persistent over extended periods, especially for at least 10 years, and are not subject to degradation.

[0026] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the foregoing aspects and embodiments, a method for producing an ammunition cartridge designed according to the foregoing aspects for improved identifiability is provided, in particular for producing an ammunition cartridge designed according to one of the embodiments or aspects of the present invention.

[0027] First, a primer is pressed into a rear section, specifically the primer pocket, of a cartridge case, creating an initial interface. A projectile is then inserted into a front section of the cartridge case, creating another interface. At least part of the first interface is marked with a nano-marker; in other words, the nano-marker is applied between the case and the primer. In this process, the application of the nano-marker serves as an identification feature and a distinguishing mark.

[0028] It is particularly advantageous if the method includes the additional step of applying several locally confined labeling droplets to the interface, with these labeling droplets merging into one another, especially after application. The merging of the individual labeling droplets, each containing fine nanoparticles, results in a strong randomization of these individual particles, as the merging process is random. Furthermore, the application of many individual droplets can increase the dosing accuracy.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a region of the interface is coated with the nanomarking before the primer and projectile are pressed in. This method is particularly advantageous when the nanomarking is a viscous suspension. This allows for pre-application of the sealant without the sealant flowing out within the cartridge case or, in the case of the primer, flowing into the primer.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment of the method, the interfaces are provided with the nanomarker after the ignition element and projectile have been pressed in. This embodiment of the invention is particularly advantageous when the nanomarker is a very low-viscosity suspension. In this case, the ammunition that has already been produced can be subsequently nanomarked with a considerable time delay. It is also conceivable that ammunition already in storage could be marked with nanoparticles even years after production. This can be particularly advantageous in ammunition logistics.

[0031] In a particularly preferred process step, the nanomarking is first applied as a liquid suspension, particularly by means of a pressure application process, to the interfaces, also called interfaces, in particular by spraying, wherein a maximum of 10 microliters of the liquid suspension is applied and the nanomarking is subsequently formed by solidification and / or cross-linking of the suspension. The small application quantity of a maximum of 10 microliters is preferred in order to ensure the functionality of the ammunition cartridge, especially in the confined space of the cartridge chamber.

[0032] In a preferred method, the nanomarking of the ammunition cartridge, which comprises nanoparticles randomized and fixed in number, orientation, magnetization, and / or size, is converted into a unique binary code for the cartridge. This unique binary code is crucial for the subsequent identification of ammunition components. If a cartridge bearing such a binary code is to be traced, this code can be read, allowing for corresponding inferences to be drawn about the purchaser or owner of the cartridge.

[0033] According to the invention, a reading device for reading the individual binary code of the ammunition cartridge is further provided. The reading device for reading the individual binary code comprises a receiving device for receiving data from the ammunition cartridge, a conversion device for converting the received data into a binary code, and a database for storing the binary code, wherein the data storage provides, in particular, information about the origin, the date of manufacture, and the product type of the ammunition cartridge. Naturally, the database or data storage can be a cloud storage service that provides the same data to all end devices.

[0034] To generate an individual binary code from random particles, the particles are first captured using technologies such as magnetic field or laser scanning to digitize their unique characteristics, such as position or shape. This data is analyzed to identify patterns that can be translated into binary values. Each characteristic feature of a particle can thus be assigned a specific binary value, and the entirety of these values ​​forms a unique, munition-specific binary code that can be used for unambiguous identification.

[0035] Preferred embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0036] Further properties, features and advantages of the invention will be clarified below by describing preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings, which show: Fig. 1 a side view of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge according to the invention; Fig. 2 a spatial representation of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge according to the invention; Fig. 3 a rear view of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge according to the invention; Fig. 4 a front view of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge according to the invention and Fig. 5 a representation of the schematic method of the selection device according to the invention.

[0037] In the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention, an ammunition cartridge according to the invention is generally provided with the reference numeral 1, which is to be understood as a finished ammunition product, whose first interface 5 and second interface 9 serve to receive the nanomarking marked with the reference numeral 7.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the ammunition cartridge 1 according to the invention in a sectional view. The propellant charge is in Fig. 1 not shown, but is located centrally in the cartridge case 2. Furthermore, the in Fig. Figure 1 shows a cartridge 1 containing a projectile 4 and a primer 5, which are inserted into designated receiving devices, namely in a front area 8 and a rear area 6 in the cartridge case 2. By inserting the primer 5 into the rear area 6 of the cartridge case 2, and in particular by means of the pressed-in recesses, two interfaces 5 and 9 are formed. A first interface 5 is formed between the primer 3 and the cartridge case 2, and a second interface 9 is formed between the projectile 4 and the cartridge case 2.

[0039] In this in Fig. The nanomarker 7 is applied and / or introduced into the areas of interfaces 5 and 9 shown in section 1. Fig. 1 is the second interface 9 with a nanomark 7, but this is equally applicable to the first interface 5.

[0040] Fig. Figure 2 shows a spatial representation of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge 1 according to the invention, also called an exploded view. Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a cartridge case 2, a igniter 3 and a projectile 4, wherein the igniter 3 can be pressed into a rear area 6, also called the tail area, of the cartridge case 2 by forming a first interface 5, and the projectile 4 can be pressed into a front area 8 of the cartridge case 2 by forming a second interface 9. Fig. 2 only shows the state before the ammunition cartridge is assembled, are in Fig. 2. Interfaces 5 and 9, as well as the nanomarking 7, could not be detected.

[0041] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of the rear region, also called the tail view, of an exemplary embodiment of a cartridge according to the invention. The nanoparticles 10 are randomized in number, orientation, magnetization, and / or size, i.e., randomly arranged, and are fixed in the solidified suspension after the substance of the liquid component has evaporated and / or cross-linked. The nanomarking 7 is formed by a solidified suspension, wherein a solid component of the suspension comprises nanoparticles 10 and a liquid component of the suspension comprises a volatile substance and / or a cross-linkable substance, the solidified suspension being formed by evaporation and / or cross-linking of the liquid substances. The nanoparticles 10 are in Fig. Figure 3 is shown oversized. According to the invention, a nanoparticle 10 is an aggregated colloid of metal particles and / or metal oxide particles with a size of 2 to 150 nm, preferably 5 to 70 nm, which is resinified with a resin.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 shows a top view of the front area, also called a front view, of an exemplary embodiment of an ammunition cartridge according to the invention, in which several locally confined marking drops are applied to the interface 9, these marking drops flowing into one another, particularly after application or further heating. In other words, they mix completely or partially. The Fig. The interface area shown in Figure 4 is provided with the nanomarking 7 before the ignition element 3 and the projectile 4 are pressed in. The Fig. However, the interface 9 shown in Figure 4 can also be provided with the nanomarking 7 after the ignition element 3 and projectile 4 have been pressed in. The nanomarking 7 according to Fig. 4 is initially present as a liquid suspension, in particular this liquid suspension is applied to the interfaces 9 by means of a process that works similarly to an inkjet printer, i.e. an ink-jet process or generally expressed with a printing process, in particular sprayed on, whereby a maximum of 10 microliters of the liquid suspension are applied and the nanomarking 7 is subsequently formed by solidification and / or cross-linking of the suspension. Fig. Figure 4 further shows that the nanomarking 7 of the ammunition cartridge 1 comprises nanoparticles 10 and that the nanoparticles 10 are randomized and fixed in number, orientation, magnetization and / or size and are converted into an individual binary code 13 for the ammunition cartridge 1.

[0043] Fig. Figure 5 shows the schematic sequence of the reading device 100 according to the invention for reading an individual binary code 13 of an ammunition cartridge 1, wherein the reading device according to Fig. 5 comprises: a receiving device for receiving data from the ammunition cartridge 1; a conversion device for converting the received data into a binary code 13; a database for entering the binary code 13, the entry providing, in particular, information about the origin, date of manufacture, and product type of the ammunition cartridge 1. The transformation Reference symbol list 1 ammunition cartridge 2 cartridge cases 3 Ignition element 4 projectiles 5 first interface 6 Rear area 7 Nanolabeling 8 Front area 9 second interface 10 nanoparticles 11 Interface area 12 Interface area 13 Binary code 100 reading device QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 2009 99 44 A1 [0010, 0011] DE 354 46 23 A1 [0012, 0013]

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