System for the automated production of munition

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the automated production of munition which consists of a plurality of munition parts, in particular a casing, an ignition element, a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising a plurality of production stations, in particular a munition part introduction station, preferably a casing introduction station and / or a projectile introduction station, for introducing at least one of the plurality of munition parts into the production process of the system, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one munition part processing station, for example a casing shaping station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile installation station, a projectile marking station, and / or a transfer station for transporting the completed munition out of the production process of the system, and a conveyor device for holding the plurality of munition parts and for transporting the plurality of munition parts to, from, and / or between the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device defines a closed circulating conveyor path which delimits an interior enclosed by the conveyor path and an exterior that is delimited from the interior, and at least one of the plurality of production stations, in particular a plurality of the plurality of production stations, is arranged in the interior and / or the exterior and acts on the conveyor device from the interior and / or from the exterior.

Description

[0001] Plant for the automated production of ammunition

[0002] The invention relates to a system and a method for the automated production of ammunition, which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge.

[0003] Systems with a closed, circulating conveyor track for the automated production of ammunition are known from US 2019 094 000 Ai. The system described in US 2019 094 000 Ai comprises a conveyor system for ammunition parts with multiple stations at which ammunition parts are processed, assembled, manipulated, and / or picked up, and ultimately assembled to form the finished ammunition. The conveyor system for the individual ammunition parts is implemented using a continuous conveyor chain, which generally moves the individual ammunition parts between the stations at a constant and uniform conveyor speed, coming to a stop once per cycle. Positioning with respect to the individual production stations is achieved by arranging the holding device for the ammunition parts in the conveyor chain. The continuous conveyor chain requires only one positioning per cycle.However, this means that only a single cyclic movement profile can be processed, which means that all production stations must be approached at the same time.

[0004] The proposed system requires very precise alignment and calibration, making its operation prone to failure. Furthermore, the fixed and clearly defined arrangement of the processing stations increases the machine's space requirements and flexibility. This ultimately has a negative impact on machine-dependent manufacturing overhead. Furthermore, there is a need to process more ammunition parts in a shorter time (increasing production capacity). To achieve this, the speed of the conveyor chain can be increased in the existing system. However, due to the faster starting and stopping of the conveyor chain, the loads on the individual bearings increase disproportionately, which leads to increased wear and tear on the machine, especially its moving parts. Furthermore, the faster movement of the conveyor chain increases the susceptibility of the entire system to errors with regard to feeding, which leads to increased scrap.This reduces overall plant effectiveness despite higher production capacity.

[0005] Another challenge in ammunition production is the adaptability of the machine to produce different calibers. A purely mechanically fixed and fixed movement of the conveyor chain can only inadequately accommodate the varying, caliber-specific diameters of the case. Furthermore, it is important for production quality that the individual production stations are approached according to their own, appropriate movement profile and that the overall size of the ammunition to be produced is taken into account.

[0006] Linear-cycle systems for the automated production of ammunition are known from KR 101482449 Bi. This comprises a longitudinally arranged conveyor system for ammunition parts with several stations at which ammunition parts are processed, assembled, manipulated, and / or picked up, and which are ultimately assembled to form the finished ammunition. The conveyor system is constructed using carriage-like carrying units and is designed to carry several, particularly identical, ammunition parts. Production takes place both serially at several different production stations and in parallel, with several ammunition components arranged simultaneously on a tool carriage and, in particular, processed simultaneously. Production is distance-independent and takes place in only one direction. The positioning of the individual production stations is determined by the arrangement of the carriage.The individual carriages are moved between positions individually and require multiple positioning operations per cycle. This has the advantage of allowing multiple motion profiles to be used between production stations. This ultimately means that the positions of the individual production stations can be freely selected, allowing sufficient space for each production station.

[0007] The proposed facility consists of several production stations, where multiple ammunition components are processed in parallel, particularly simultaneously, into ammunition in slides. The production stations are arranged structurally independently of the slide conveyor system. This has the disadvantage that each production station must be designed to receive the slides loaded with ammunition components, process them, and return them to the conveyor system, which represents a significant increase in complexity for the overall system.

[0008] Furthermore, there is a need to process more ammunition parts in a shorter time (increasing production capacity). To achieve this, the conveyor speed of the existing system can be increased. Furthermore, the number of ammunition-holding cavities in the carriage can be increased to increase production capacity. Since the carriages serve entirely as passive transport devices and holding devices for the production steps taking place at the manufacturing stations, cycle time is the limiting factor for manipulation with the passive carriage.

[0009] A further challenge in the strictly linear ammunition production process is the return of the slides. This requires a separate conveyor system exclusively for the return of the slides and extends the entire production length. This creates an oversized buffer space, with the passive slides simply being placed on the conveyor-like return belt. This increases the susceptibility to failure and requires several additional slides that do not process ammunition and are passively unproductive. Furthermore, an external slide return unit increases the space requirement. This ultimately has a negative impact on machine-dependent production overhead.

[0010] It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a plant for the automated production of ammunition which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular has an increased production capacity and / or enables a more reliable production of the ammunition, in particular without increasing the space requirement.

[0011] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0012] Accordingly, a plant for the automated production of ammunition is provided, which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile, and a propellant charge. The automated production plant can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit consisting of a case, an ignition element, a projectile, and the propellant powder. Therefore, a plant can also be called a loading plant. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream production steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading plant, where they are generally assembled using proven technology to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is then ready for sale after passing through the plant.The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line. The system can also be referred to as a linear transport system, which, for example, is used in ammunition assembly and automation technology to transport ammunition parts with precise positioning to processing and / or assembly stations positioned along the conveyor track.

[0013] The system according to the invention comprises several manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the several manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the several ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, several quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0014] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device, which can also be referred to as or have a workpiece carrier, for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to or from the plurality of production stations. The production stations can be set up to handle at least one ammunition part, in particular to manipulate it, handle it, interact with it or influence it in some other way. The conveyor device therefore fulfils at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is designed for the particularly automated transport orResponsible for transporting the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations. The conveyor system defines a closed, circumferential conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are transported at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited by it. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several, in particular identically designed, conveyor devices, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track. The multiple conveyor devices can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor device.This makes the manufacturing process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor systems were fixed together along the conveyor track.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one, in particular several, of the plurality of production stations are arranged in the interior and / or the exterior and act from the inside and / or outside on the conveyor device, in particular on the ammunition parts conveyed or transported along the conveyor device. The lateral or horizontal plane of action of the production stations on the conveyor device or on the ammunition parts conveyed thereby, created in this way, enables a space-saving, tidy design of the system. With such lateral access to the conveyor device, the high demands on production capacity can be better satisfied, because the lateral arrangement with the lateral access of the production stations to the conveyor device means that the individual production stations can be designed completely independently of the conveyor device and can be freely orcan be flexibly positioned, repositioned and swapped in relation to the conveyor system.

[0016] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, at least one of the multiple production stations comprises a robotic system whose support base is attached to a foundation of the interior and / or exterior space located adjacent to the conveyor track. The robotic system can comprise sensors, actuators, and information processing, in particular for regulating and controlling a robot designed for processing, manipulating, or the like, the ammunition parts. In particular, the robotic system is designed to act on at least one of the ammunition parts.

[0017] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support base comprises a support column and a cantilever arm extending over the conveyor track, which is particularly dimensioned such that access to the conveyor device, in particular to the ammunition parts carried by the conveyor device, is permitted from the underside or the top. The cantilever arm can thus extend from a position laterally with respect to the conveyor track to a position at which the cantilever arm is arranged above the conveyor track in order to be able to access or act on the ammunition parts. The cantilever arm can also assume a passive or buffer position in which it is completely retracted with respect to the conveyor track and is located next to it.

[0018] According to an exemplary development of the system according to the invention, at least one of the multiple production stations has an ammunition part loading device, which loads the conveyor device, in particular individually, with the multiple ammunition parts. The system can also have multiple ammunition part loading devices, wherein each ammunition part loading device is designed to supply multiple ammunition parts of the same type or genre. The ammunition part loading device is designed, in particular, to feed the respective ammunition part or parts laterally, in particular horizontally, to the conveyor device from the exterior and / or interior. For example, the ammunition part loading devices are designed such that the ammunition parts can be fed exclusively laterally from the interior or exterior in the conveying direction.

[0019] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, several of the multiple production stations are arranged in the interior and / or exterior space and, depending on their positioning, act from the inside and / or outside on the conveyor system carrying at least one of the ammunition parts. The multiple production stations distributed in the exterior space and their arrangement near the conveyor track result in a star-shaped structure with the conveyor track at the center and the production stations forming the star points.

[0020] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor track of the conveyor device has two linear sections extending parallel to one another, which are connected by two diametrically opposed curved sections, in particular extending over an angle of substantially 180°, in order to form, in particular, a racetrack-shaped conveyor path. The two linear sections and the two opposing curved sections can be identically designed, resulting in a symmetrical conveyor track.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, one shape of the closed, circulating conveyor track is track-like, particularly oval or circular. In the case of the circular design, the linear sections are reduced to a minimum.

[0022] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the production station arranged in the interior and / or exterior space is located on the incoming longitudinal side or the outgoing longitudinal side of the closed conveyor track. This means that the multiple production stations are arranged, in particular, at equal distances from one another along the linear sections of the conveyor track. In the case of a circular conveyor track, the multiple production stations are arranged along the circular path.

[0023] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor track serves, at least in sections, as a buffer zone for the conveyor devices, wherein the buffer zone is formed particularly in the region of the curved sections. A buffer zone can be understood to mean that no manufacturing, manipulation, or processing steps on the ammunition parts take place there. In the buffer areas, the ammunition parts transported by the conveyor track can come to a standstill and / or functions in the loading process can be carried out. For example, it is provided that the buffer zones can be used and equipped with sensors, for example optical sensors, and / or additional processing stations. It is possible, for example, to integrate a UV light source into the buffer zone to cure the applied sealing varnish.Sensors can also be located in the buffer areas to detect the light emission generated by UV light sources in the applied coating by means of excitation or physical changes. This allows the presence of the coating and the quality of the complete seal to be verified.

[0024] In another exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the production process is interrupted in the event of incorrect handling at a production station. All ammunition parts currently being processed at the production station are removed. This ensures that no defective ammunition is produced. Provision can be made for suspending further operations at the following stations in the event of an error. The conveyor system with the picked-up ammunition parts passes through the subsequent stations without being processed. All ammunition parts picked up by the conveyor system are removed only at the end of the production line, so that the circulation dynamics of the overall system are not interrupted.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated production of ammunition is provided, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a casing, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a casing, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream production steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0026] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0027] The system according to the invention further comprises a plurality of conveyor devices, each for holding a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts to or from the plurality of production stations. The conveyor devices therefore fulfill at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations.

[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, the multiple conveyor devices can move independently of one another from, to, and / or between the multiple production stations. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveyor devices, such as carriages, distributed along a conveyor track, in particular of identical design. The multiple conveyor devices can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track, allowing individual production stations to be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor device. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor devices were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the plurality of conveyor devices each have an individual movement profile according to which the conveyor devices can move from, to and / or between the plurality of production stations.

[0030] According to another exemplary embodiment, the conveyor devices define a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the manufacturing process. This conveyor track defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and a separate exterior space. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated production of ammunition is provided, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a casing, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a casing, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream production steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0032] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0033] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system can define a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor systems, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor systems can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor system. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor systems were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the invention, the system has at least two propellant charge filling stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. The propellant charge filling stations are fundamentally designed to fill ammunition parts, in particular the casing, with propellant powder. The propellant charge filling station according to the invention can be designed based on gravimetry or operate based on volumetric dosing. Gravimetric dosing can achieve advantages with regard to the accuracy of the dosed quantity. Volumetric dosing can achieve significant advantages with regard to processing speed, which has a positive effect on the cycle rate, particularly when the propellant charge filling station according to the invention is integrated into a system according to the invention for the automated production of ammunition.The device according to the invention serves in particular for the simultaneous filling of at least two ammunition cases with propellant powder. This means that the filling of the at least two ammunition cases is carried out in a single filling process. "Simultaneous" does not necessarily mean that the at least two ammunition cases are filled at exactly the same time, but rather that there is a certain time lag between the filling, in particular the complete filling, of the ammunition cases arranged along the track. The device according to the invention can be designed to fill the at least two ammunition cases each with a defined, in particular essentially identical, quantity, taking into account the inaccuracies inherent in the process.The propellant powder can, for example, be a propellant powder for small-caliber ammunition, particularly with a caliber in the range of 4.5 mm to 13 mm, which typically has mono- or dibasic spherical, tubular, rod-shaped, or flake-shaped forms and / or is powder-like. Alternatively, extruded propellant powders can also be used. If the propellant powder is spherical, it can, for example, be rolled and have a sphere diameter of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. In the case of rod-shaped propellant powder, for example for 5.56 mm caliber ammunition, the rods can have a length of up to 1.1 mm and / or a diameter of up to 0.7 mm. The density of the propellant powder used can, for example, be in the range of 0.5 to 1 g / cm3 for nitrocellulose (NC).For such a propellant powder, the bulk density is in the range of 0.6 to 1 g / cm3, for cartridges, for subsonic or blank cartridges up to 0.4 g / cm3.

[0035] The at least two propellant charge filling stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction can also be part of a common unit, which has two separate propellant charge filling substations or units arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, at each of which the propellant powder is dispensed. In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least two propellant charge filling stations are arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction such that at least one conveyor device can remain in a buffer position between the at least two propellant charge filling stations. Processing steps, such as quality control or inspection using sensors, for example based on optical imaging, can also take place in the buffer position.

[0036] It has been shown that at least two propellant filling stations can increase the cycle time in the loading process. In principle, the system according to the invention also functions with just a single propellant filling station, but this would limit the throughput time and the quantity of ammunition parts, such as cases, to be filled. The inventors of the present invention have recognized this causality between the filling time, the number of cases to be filled, and the number of propellant filling stations with regard to the cycle time and cycle rate relevant for systems of this type.

[0037] According to a further exemplary development of the system according to the invention, the at least two propellant charge filling stations and the conveyor system are coordinated with one another in such a way that the ammunition parts held by the at least two propellant charge filling stations are filled essentially simultaneously. At the same time, this does not necessarily mean that the ammunition parts are filled at exactly the same time, but rather that there is certainly a certain time lag between filling, in particular complete filling, but rather that the filling of the multiple ammunition parts takes place in one filling or processing process.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the previous aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated production of ammunition is provided, which consists of several ammunition parts, such as a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a case, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream production steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0039] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0040] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system can define a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor systems, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor systems can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor system. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor systems were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the multiple production stations is an ignition element insertion station, which brings an ignition element into the production process of the system and inserts each ignition element into a sleeve. The ignition element insertion station can be designed to insert several, in particular at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, or twelve, ignition elements simultaneously, in particular in one insertion process, into a corresponding number of sleeves.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition element insertion station moves the ignition elements laterally toward the conveyor system for introduction into the production process. The conveyor track can define a horizontal conveying plane with a limited extension within this plane. Lateral insertion can be understood as the ignition elements being inserted into the casings from outside the conveying plane defined by the conveyor track, i.e., in particular, parallel to the orientation of the conveying plane.

[0043] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition elements are aligned in a cassette or are fed to the ignition element insertion station as bulk material. The cassette can be adapted to the arrangement of the ammunition parts held by the conveyor system, thus simplifying the simultaneous insertion of several ignition elements.

[0044] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition element is inserted into the sleeve from below or from above. In other words, the ignition element can first be brought laterally toward the conveyor device and finally inserted into the sleeve in an insertion direction oriented transversely to the feed direction, in particular perpendicular to it.

[0045] According to an exemplary development of the system according to the invention, it has two ignition element feed stations for loading the ignition element insertion station with ignition elements, and these stations are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. For example, the ignition element insertion station is arranged between the ignition element feed stations in the conveying direction. This has the advantage that production capacity can be significantly increased, in particular the throughput time and the quantity of ammunition parts to be loaded, such as cases, can be optimized, since processes can be carried out in parallel.

[0046] According to a further exemplary development, the system has a slider mounted in a translational manner, in particular according to a reciprocating movement, for receiving a plurality of ignition elements at the ignition element feed stations and for transferring and securing the ignition elements at the ignition element insertion station. For example, the carrier is designed and / or dimensioned such that one section of the slider is located in the area of ​​at least the ignition element feed stations and another, in particular identically designed, section is located in the area of ​​the ignition element insertion station. Thus, essentially simultaneously, on the one hand, a batch of ignition elements can be transferred to the slider in the area of ​​the ignition element feed station and, on the other hand, ignition elements already transferred to the slider can be inserted into the cases by means of the ignition element insertion station.For example, the slide has a plate-like elongated structure with a plurality of receptacles, in particular depressions, arranged in particular at a uniform distance from one another, each of which is designed and dimensioned to receive an ignition element.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated manufacture of ammunition is provided, which consists of several ammunition parts, namely a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated manufacturing can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a case, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream manufacturing steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0048] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0049] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system can define a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor systems, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor systems can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor system. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor systems were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the plurality of manufacturing stations is a fluid application station, in which a sealing compound is applied in an annular joint between the casing and the ignition element received therein and / or between the casing and the projectile inserted therein, and the annular joint is sealed and / or marked. It has been found that integrating the application of the sealing compound into the automated manufacturing process offers significant advantages in terms of production capacity as well as manufacturing accuracy. Because the system ensures that the individual components are aligned with one another, the fluid application station can benefit from this predetermined alignment of the individual components and apply the sealing compound very precisely.

[0051] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying direction defines a closed, circulating conveyor track that delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The fluid application station arranged in the interior space and / or exterior space acts from the outside and / or from the inside via a robotic system. The robotic system can comprise sensors, actuators, and information processing, in particular for regulating and controlling a robot designed for processing, manipulating, or the like, the ammunition parts. In particular, the robotic system is designed to act on at least one of the ammunition parts.

[0052] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the fluid application station has at least one fluid applicator, in particular a plurality of fluid applicators, wherein in particular the number of fluid applicators is matched to a sleeve capacity and / or the fluid applicators are micro-dosing valves. These measures allow the fluid mass to be applied particularly efficiently and precisely, as well as in the correct dosage amount. The number of required fluid applicators, in particular valves, depends on the characteristics or specifications of the fluid applicators. For example, valves can be used that spray droplets using short pulses while the sleeves move through at a specific speed.

[0053] In another exemplary embodiment, the fluid applicators dispense a synthetic fluid, in particular a synthetic sealant. This means that the fluid applicators are designed accordingly and can be connected to a supply of sealant.

[0054] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the fluid applicators release several drops of the fluid during a circular movement in an annular gap between the ignition element and the sleeve and / or between the sleeve and the inserted projectile.

[0055] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the drops are dispensed at a rate in the range of 3 Hz to 4,000 Hz, in particular in the range of 50 Hz to 3,500 Hz, in the range of 100 Hz to 3,000 Hz, in the range of 250 Hz to 2,000 Hz or in the range of 300 Hz to 1,000 Hz.

[0056] According to another exemplary embodiment, the fluid is evenly distributed, with an annular layer having a deviation of no more than 20 nl / mm of ring circumference, in particular no more than 1 nl / mm of ring circumference, preferably no more than 0.1 nl / mm of ring circumference. For example, a dosage amount per dispensing process can be in the range of 50 nl to 500 nl. One to 10 individual sealing applications, in particular spraying processes, can be possible per sealing process.

[0057] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is evenly distributed with a plurality of drops, wherein in particular the annular layer comprises more than 0.2 drops / mm of ring circumference, in particular more than 1 drop / mm of ring circumference or more than 2 drops / mm of ring circumference or more than 2 drops per ring circumference.

[0058] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a nozzle fluidically connected to the microdosing valve with an outlet diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.1 mm, dispenses the annular joint varnish.

[0059] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated production of ammunition is provided, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a case, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream production steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0060] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0061] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system can define a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor systems, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor systems can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor system. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor systems were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, one of the multiple production stations is a quality monitoring station, where the casing and the projectile are each individually monitored prior to assembly. Monitoring can be understood as quality control with regard to predetermined parameters.

[0063] According to an exemplary development of the system according to the invention, the quality monitoring station is equipped with at least one optical detection device, such as a camera.

[0064] In a further exemplary embodiment, an optical camera is directed at the casing and / or at least one further camera or the same camera is directed at the projectile.

[0065] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the optical camera creates several images of each ammunition part of the conveyor device carrying the ammunition parts in order to evaluate the quality of the ammunition parts based on the several images.

[0066] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated manufacture of ammunition is provided, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated manufacturing can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a case, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream manufacturing steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0067] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0068] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system defines a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor devices, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor devices can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor device. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor devices were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0069] According to a further aspect of the invention, the conveyor system and the production stations are coordinated with each other in cycles, with at least two, at least five, at least ten, or at least twelve ammunition parts being processed into ammunition at the production stations per cycle. The production capacity according to the invention is achieved, among other things, by the parallel processing of a large number of ammunition parts per cycle.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor device is passed on in a cycle in the range from 10 pieces / min to 60 pieces / min, in particular in the range from 20 pieces / min to 50 pieces / min or in the range from 25 pieces / min to 35 pieces / min.

[0071] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a system for the automated manufacture of ammunition is provided, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant charge. The system for automated manufacturing can comprise all joining and assembly steps necessary to generate a complete ammunition unit from a case, an ignition element, a projectile and the propellant powder. Therefore, a system can also be called a loading system. The individual ammunition components can be manufactured in upstream manufacturing steps and / or upstream production stations and finally added to the loading system, where they are generally combined into a complete ammunition or ammunition according to proven technology.A cartridge is assembled, which is then ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably implemented as a rotary indexing or circulation system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged sequentially along the rotary indexing or circulation system and automatically assemble ammunition units according to a conveyor cycle of the production line.

[0072] The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of manufacturing or processing stations at which the various assembly or manufacturing steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of manufacturing stations comprise an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station and / or a projectile insertion station, for inserting at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the system's manufacturing process, a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant charge filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station, and / or an ejection station for transporting the finished ammunition from the system's manufacturing process. The ejection station can also serve to eject rejects from the manufacturing process.The multiple production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be fed to the production stations one after the other in order to carry out the successive production steps.

[0073] The system according to the invention further comprises a conveyor device for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and from the multiple production stations. The conveyor device therefore fulfills at least two functions. Firstly, the conveyor device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual production stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual production stations. Secondly, the conveyor device is responsible for the, in particular, automated transport or conveyance of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the multiple production stations.The conveyor system defines a closed, circulating conveyor track along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed, at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which defines an interior space enclosed by the conveyor track and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveyor track can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises several conveyor devices, such as carriages, distributed along the conveyor track and particularly of identical design. The several conveyor devices can be individually controlled and moved along the conveyor track so that individual production stations can be reached with an individual movement profile for each conveyor device. This makes the production process considerably more flexible than if the conveyor devices were fixed to one another along the conveyor track.

[0074] According to a further aspect of the invention, the conveyor track comprises a rail oriented towards the interior and / or exterior, which runs along the conveyor track and fixes a coupling interface of the conveyor device in a ready position. The coupling interface of the conveyor device is designed to be connected to a motor of the production line, which is provided to drive the conveyor device and to move it between the processing stations and / or to supply energy to the conveyor device so that it can carry out manipulation processes, in particular to a motor-side coupling interface in order to transfer energy to the, in particular, motorless conveyor device. The conveyor device itself can therefore be designed to be drive- and / or motorless. The necessary activation orKinetic energy required to move the conveyor device can, in particular, be supplied entirely from outside, for example, by a motor or drive of the production line. Furthermore, the workpiece carrier-side coupling interface can be designed, in particular, matched in shape and / or aligned with a motor-side coupling interface, such that the workpiece carrier can be inserted into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. This enables a particularly simple coupling of the workpiece carrier and the energy source, without the workpiece carrier requiring its own energy supply to move the at least one holder.Furthermore, the coupling interface on the conveyor device side is designed, in particular, so that it is shaped and / or aligned with a motor-side coupling interface that the conveyor device can move into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. This enables a particularly simple coupling of the conveyor device and the energy source, without the conveyor device requiring its own energy supply to move the at least one receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the conveyor device, the coupling interfaces are designed for positive interlocking. For example, the coupling interfaces can be based on the tongue-and-groove principle.In another exemplary embodiment of the conveyor device, the coupling interface on the conveyor device side has a linear recess and a linear projection, the longitudinal extension of which is / are aligned parallel to a travel direction for coupling the conveyor device and motor. The travel direction of the conveyor device for coupling can correspond to the travel direction defined by the production line, for example, the rotary indexing or circulation system.

[0075] By securing the coupling interface of the conveyor in its ready position, which can also be considered the coupling position, it is ensured that the coupling interface does not shift when the conveyor moves along the conveyor track and, in particular, remains in the position required to ensure reliable coupling. In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the rail is made of a material with a sliding friction coefficient compared to steel of less than 0.20, in particular less than 0.10 or less than 0.08.

[0076] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the upper rail is made of a wear-resistant plastic, in particular of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein in particular the plastic is selected from the group consisting of PEEK, POM, IGIDUR, PTFI, UHMWPE, PAI and mixtures thereof.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment applicable to all previous aspects and exemplary embodiments, the conveyor device can also be referred to as a workpiece carrier, which can essentially fulfill two functions. Firstly, it can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable the individual processing stations to access the ammunition parts or enable the ammunition parts to be processed at the individual processing stations. Secondly, the workpiece carrier can form the interface to the automated production line, so that the at least two ammunition parts can pass through the automated production line via the workpiece carrier.

[0078] The workpiece carrier has a carrier base, such as a carriage, which is designed to be conveyed along the production line. The carrier base can therefore be designed, in particular, to be detachably coupled to the automated production line in order to be automatically conveyed from one processing station to the next. The carrier base can, for example, be configured to form a tongue-and-groove system with a connecting component of the automated production line.

[0079] The workpiece carrier further comprises at least one receptacle arranged on the carrier base, in particular preferably detachably attached thereto, for holding at least two ammunition parts of the same type, such as two ammunition casings, two ammunition projectiles, two ammunition cartridges, or two ammunition primers. An essential aspect of the workpiece carrier according to the invention is that it is designed to hold multiple ammunition parts, which are held in such a way that they can be processed simultaneously or in parallel. For example, the receptacle is designed such that it can hold at least 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, or 15 ammunition parts of the same type. For example, the plurality of ammunition parts is held by the receptacle in a predetermined, in particular unchangeable, arrangement. For example, in rows and / or parallel arrangement, such as in an array field.According to an exemplary development, the at least one ammunition part holder is mounted so that it can move relative to the support base. It has been discovered that when loading ammunition, the individual ammunition parts have to be held in a different orientation depending on the processing station. While in the prior art this was solved by complex and individually constructed processing stations that could access the rigid holding devices for the ammunition parts, the present invention breaks away from this concept in that these requirements can be met at the expense of a more complex workpiece carrier. According to the invention, a high level of flexibility is achieved in a simple manner by means of the movable mounting of the ammunition part holder relative to the support base. The movable nature of the material holder makes it possible to move it during the various processing steps orto orientate the individual processing stations in the optimal way. This significantly simplifies the design, handling, and control of the individual processing stations, and significantly reduces their installation space. The processing stations no longer require complex systems to access and process the rigidly arranged ammunition parts.

[0080] According to a further exemplary development, at least one of the ammunition part holders can be moved from a receiving position, in which the at least two ammunition parts can be fed, in particular, simultaneously, into a processing position, in which the at least two ammunition parts can be processed, in particular, simultaneously. Because not all different types of ammunition parts necessarily have to be fed to the same number of different processing stations and / or have to be machined in different orientations or positions, a cost-effective and yet significantly more flexible workpiece carrier can be provided compared to the prior art. By combining the holders of the different types of ammunition parts required for ammunition production in one and the same workpiece carrier, considerable advantages can be generated, particularly with regard to the cycle rate.Thus, the ammunition parts to be joined can, for example, be provided in close proximity to one another, but in any case can be held by one and the same workpiece carrier, so that they are held locally concentrated on the workpiece carrier for easy handling and accessibility. The moveability of the at least one ammunition part holder relative to the carrier holder can be designed so flexibly that a multitude of different positions can be reached. For example, the at least one ammunition part holder can be locked when assuming the receiving position and / or when assuming the processing position, so that moveability of the ammunition part holder is temporarily prevented. It is clear that the position of the at least two ammunition parts in the receiving position orThe orientation of the latter can further be such that processing of the at least two ammunition parts can also take place in the receiving position. The different positions of the ammunition part holder relative to the carrier base can differ by a different orientation and / or position in relation to the distance from the carrier base.

[0081] According to a further exemplary development, the workpiece carrier further comprises a coupling interface for connecting to a motor of the production line, in particular a motor-side coupling interface, in order to move the holder from the receiving position to the processing position, and in particular vice versa. The workpiece carrier itself can therefore be designed without a drive and / or motor. The necessary activation or kinetic energy required to move the at least one ammunition part holder can, in particular, be supplied entirely from outside, for example, by a motor or drive of the production line.

[0082] According to a further exemplary development, the workpiece carrier-side coupling interface is designed, in particular, so shaped and / or aligned with a motor-side coupling interface that the workpiece carrier can be moved into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. This enables a particularly simple coupling of the workpiece carrier and the energy source, without the workpiece carrier requiring its own energy supply to move the at least one holder.

[0083] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system according to one of the previously described aspects or exemplary embodiments comprises a device for marking, in particular labeling, lasering, embossing, printing or the like, at least one of the ammunition parts, in particular all of the ammunition parts held by the conveyor device, in particular the case, such as a case base, and / or the base piece, such as a base piece base. For example, this is a laser station. The laser station can be located directly downstream of the case insertion station and / or integrated into it. The device can serve to apply an individual identifier, in particular permanently, to the ammunition part. For example, downstream production stations can have a device for reading the individual identifier.

[0084] In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the production stations are individually movable between a production position, in which the production stations can act on the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor system, and a passive position, in which the production stations are set back with respect to the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor system. The passive position can be a maintenance position, for example, in which the respective production station is decoupled from the production process in order to be able to carry out maintenance, repair, or other inspection measures not directly related to the production of ammunition. For example, the production stations can be individually moved away from the conveyor track or blasted away from the production position into the passive position.

[0085] According to an exemplary further development of the system according to the invention, the production stations each have a drive for displacing the respective production station. For example, the drive is independent of a respective production-station-specific manipulation device for acting on the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor device. In other words, the drive for displacing the production stations between the production and passive positions can be constructed and controlled independently of the production-station-specific manipulation device with which the production process is intervened in order to manufacture the ammunition. For example, the production stations should each have a detachable coupling interface for connecting to the respective drive, which is in particular stationary.

[0086] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor devices are mounted on a rail running along the conveyor track, in particular in a guided, movably manner, and are held to the rail by a horizontally oriented, in particular magnetic, holding force. For example, no further fastening mechanisms acting in the horizontal direction are used. The horizontal, in particular magnetic, holding force can be supported by a vertically oriented support for a bearing interface on the conveyor device side, which slides and / or rolls along the support as the conveyor device moves relative to the support.

[0087] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveyor devices are mounted on the rail in a removable manner. For example, disassembly can be achieved by overcoming the holding force, particularly the magnetic force, between the conveyor device and the rail. The disassembly direction of the conveyor device away from the rail can be oriented horizontally.

[0088] In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the rail has at least one bearing and / or guide surface for the conveyor devices. The bearing and / or guide surfaces support the movements of the conveyor devices for transporting and / or delivering the multiple ammunition parts from, to, and / or between the multiple production stations. For example, a guide surface oriented in particular in the horizontal direction provides the magnetic holding force. The magnetic holding force can be achieved by surface contact or by two bearing surfaces of the rail and conveyor device arranged at a slight distance from one another.

[0089] According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conveyor devices and a rail running along the conveyor track, on which the conveyor devices are mounted in particular in a movably guided manner, form a magnetic levitation system.

[0090] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a method is provided for the automated production of ammunition consisting of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing, an ignition element, a projectile, and a propellant charge. According to the method according to the invention, the ammunition can be produced according to a system configured according to one of the previously described aspects or exemplary embodiments, and / or the method can be designed such that the system according to the invention can carry out the method steps.

[0091] Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0092] Further advantages, features and characteristics of the invention are explained by the following description of preferred embodiments of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0093] Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a system according to the invention;

[0094] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram in greater detail of another exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention;

[0095] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a section of the system according to

[0096] Figure 3; and

[0097] Figures 5 to 19 show further schematic diagrams of further sections of the

[0098] System from Figure 3. In the present description of exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, a system 1 according to the invention, also called a loading system 1, is generally provided with the reference numeral 1. The conveyor device 100 or the workpiece carrier 100 for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to or from the plurality of production stations is generally identified by the reference numeral 100. The finished ammunition 101 is identified by the reference numeral 101.

[0099] According to the exemplary embodiments of the loading system i according to the invention in Figures 1-3, the loading system 1 comprises the following production stations: a case insertion station 11, which is configured to insert cases 3 into the conveyor device 100; a projectile insertion station 13, which is configured to insert projectiles 13 into the conveyor device 100; a propellant charge filling station 15, which is configured to fill cases 3 with propellant powder 9; an ignition element feed station 49 for feeding ignition elements 7 and an ignition element insertion station 47, in which the ignition elements 7 are inserted into the conveyor devices 100; several quality monitoring stations 59 and quality inspection stations 69 for optically and / or tactilely ensuring the quality of the ammunition 101, and an ejection station 25 for the final ejection of the finished ammunition 101.

[0100] The conveyor device 100 for holding the multiple ammunition parts and for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and / or from, to and / or between the multiple production stations 11, 13, 15, 59, 59, 25 defines a closed, circumferential conveyor track 29 that defines an interior space 33 enclosed by the conveyor track 29 and an exterior space 31 delimited therefrom. According to the exemplary embodiment in Figures 1-3, the conveyor track 29 is constructed from two parallel linear sections 27 that are connected by curved sections 43 to form a racetrack-shaped conveyor track. The production stations 11, 13, 15, 59, 59, 25 are arranged laterally to the conveyor track 29 in the interior space 33 (Figure 1) or in the exterior space 31 (Figure 2) of the conveyor track 29.

[0101] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, schematic diagrams of exemplary embodiments of a system 1 according to the invention can be seen. Figure 1 shows a system arrangement, wherein the ammunition components are introduced into the system 1 from the outside. Figure 2 shows the rotated approach, wherein the ammunition components are brought from the interior 33 into the conveyor devices 100. The basic production sequence is the same for both system arrangements according to Figures 1 and 2. Both system principles have the following production sequence: A conveyor device 100 located in a buffer zone 45 is fed to the case insertion station 11 via a curved section 43. This is followed by a projectile insertion station 13, in which the projectiles 5 or projectiles 5 are fed to the conveyor device 100.The entire conveyor system 100, with the projectiles 5 and cases 3 located thereon, is then subjected to a visual inspection at a quality control station 59. At the subsequent stations, an ignition element 7 is first introduced into the system 1 via an ignition element feed station 49, then transferred by a slide 51 to an ignition element insertion station 47, and finally inserted into the rear of the case 3. After insertion, the fired cases 3 are calibrated at a case forming station 17 and subsequently sealed with annular joint varnish at a fluid application station 53. The conveyor systems 100 are then guided over a second curved section 43, followed by a linear section 27 with several production stations.Before the cases 3 are filled with propellant powder 9 at the propellant charge filling station 15, a quality monitoring station 59 checks whether the ignition elements 7 have been properly accommodated in the cases 3. After filling, the fill level is checked, particularly tactilely, at a quality inspection station 69. The actual assembly of projectile 5 and case 3 takes place in two stages: first, the projectile 5 is only lightly applied to the case 3 at the projectile insertion station 19, before finally being pressed into the case 3 in the subsequent step at the projectile assembly station 21. The thus finalized ammunition 101 is subsequently checked at a quality monitoring station 59 and / or a quality inspection station 69 and subsequently discharged via an ejection station 25.

[0102] Figure 3 shows a detailed representation of system 1, wherein a special feature of system 1 is apparent. To increase production capacity or production reliability, system 1 can have at least two propellant charge filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. This special arrangement allows two conveyor devices 100 to be filled with propellant powder 9 in one cycle. This has the effect that the propellant powder 9 has more time per cycle to trickle into the casing 3, which leads to increased dosing accuracy. Labor-intensive stations can generally be implemented in duplicate in the system 1 according to the invention so that the workload of one station is halved accordingly. An example of a labor-intensive step is the feeding and insertion of ignition elements 7 into the rear of the casing 3.For this purpose, Figure 3 shows an exemplary further development of the system 1 according to the invention, which has two ignition element feed stations 49 for loading the ignition element insertion station 47 with ignition elements 7 and are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. In Figure 3, the ignition element insertion station 47 is arranged between the ignition element feed stations 49 in the conveying direction F. This has the advantage that production capacity can be significantly increased, since processes can be carried out in parallel.

[0103] Referring to Figure 4, which shows a detailed section of Figure 3, several production stations can be seen after filling with propellant powder 9. As already described, the charge is measured using sensors after filling. This takes place at a quality control station 69, which can be equipped with tactile and / or contactless sensors. After this quality control station 69, the projectile 5 is applied to the casing 3 via two stages. The conveyor device 100 can have an ammunition part holder 75 attached thereto, in which the projectiles 5 are arranged, and optionally a further ammunition part holder 75 for the casings 3, wherein the ammunition part holders 75 can be pivotally mounted relative to one another, so that the projectiles 5 can be placed on the casings 3 by a pivoting movement of one of the ammunition part holders 75 relative to others at the projectile insertion station 19.As a result, the projectile 5 is coaxially centered over the casing 3 and is inserted into the projectile assembly station 21 by a multiple punch set with a linear movement, in particular simultaneously. A special feature of the production process shown in Figure 4 is that the pivoting movement at the projectile insertion station 19 is carried out by the ammunition part holder 75 of the motorless conveyor device 100. The necessary activation or kinetic energy required to manipulate the conveyor device 100 can be supplied from outside, for example by a motor 77. Furthermore, the conveyor device 100 is designed with a coupling interface 65, in particular so shaped and / or aligned with respect to a motor-side coupling interface 65, that the workpiece carrier 100 can move into the motor-side coupling interface 65 for connection to the motor 77.According to the embodiment of the conveyor device 100 shown in Figure 4, the coupling interfaces 65 for positive engagement are designed as a tongue and groove system 73. Furthermore, Figure 4 shows a case forming station 17, which fixes the projectile 5 to the case 3 not only force-fittingly, but also positively. This case forming process at the case forming station 17 is also called crimping. Before the ammunition 101 can be discharged at the discharge station 25, it must be checked for its geometric condition at a quality inspection station 69. This process is also called loadability control and occurs primarily tactilely, with each finished ammunition 101 being pressed into a cavity that represents the maximum permissible external geometry; this is also called loadability control using a loadability gauge.

[0104] Referring to Figure 5, which shows a detailed section from Figure 4 and thus also from Figure 3, several production stations can be seen up to the final discharge and transport in a transport direction A. The illustration in Figure 5 is inclined by approximately 45°, whereby a support base 37 and a support column 39 can be seen. A robotic system 35 for discharging the ammunition 101 is attached to the support column 39 according to Figure 4. The discharge station 25 can serve, on the one hand, to discharge rejects from the production process; on the other hand, the discharge station 25 can serve to place the finished ammunition 101 parallel on a conveyor belt and ultimately transport it away in the transport direction A. A further production station of the system 1 according to the invention, according to Figure 5, is a projectile marking station 23, which according to Figure 5 consists only of a fluid applicator 57.This fluid applicator 57 of the projectile marking station 23, which is subsequently attached to the loadability check, can apply various fluidic compounds and thus serve various purposes. It is conceivable that, in addition to marking the ammunition 101 (e.g., tracer ammunition), a sealing medium (e.g., Hernon or Permabond) is also applied. Furthermore, it is conceivable that a medium is applied to the gap between the projectile 5 and the case 3, making the ammunition 101 more weapon-friendly and / or more precise.

[0105] Referring to Figure 6, which shows a further detail from Figure 3, the ignition element insertion stations 47 and ignition element feed stations 49, which are arranged side by side in the conveying direction F and are formed in pairs, are particularly visible. According to the embodiment of system 1 shown in Figure 6, the ignition elements 7 are fed to the ignition element insertion station 47 in an aligned manner in a cassette 79. The cassette 79 is adapted to the arrangement of the ammunition parts held by the conveyor device 100, so that the simultaneous insertion of several ignition elements 7 is simplified.

[0106] Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of a loading system 1 according to the invention with a parallel-acting propellant charge filling station 15. According to Figure 7, the system 1 shows two propellant charge filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. According to Figure 7, the propellant charge filling station 15 operates volumetrically, which has a positive effect on the productivity of the loading system 1. The propellant charge filling station 15 serves to simultaneously fill cases 3 with propellant powder 9. This means that the filling of the cases 3 is carried out in one process without a change of direction. The propellant charge filling station 15 is designed for small-caliber ammunition, which typically fills the ammunition 101 with a single- or double-base spherical, tube-, rod-, or flake-shaped powder.The two propellant charge filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F are, according to Figure 7, part of a unit which has two separate propellant charge filling stations 15 or units arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F, at each of which the propellant powder 9 is dispensed. Referring to Figure 8, which shows a detailed section of Figure 3, several production stations can be seen, in particular the case insertion station 11 and the projectile insertion station 13 for introducing the ammunition parts. Here, the ammunition components are introduced laterally into the conveying device 100 via a robotic system 35, which is designed in the shape of a slide. The cases 3 are introduced into the conveying device 100 in the case insertion station 11 according to Figure 8 with the case mouth first.The case receiving cavities of the conveyor device 100 are rotated so that the case 3 and the case receiving cavities are aligned, allowing the robotic system 35 to insert the cases 3 into the cavity from the side. The projectile insertion station 19 follows a similar principle. However, the projectiles 5 are inserted into the upper cavities of the conveyor devices 100 by a robotic system 35. According to Figure 8, an intermediate station is located between the case insertion station 11 and the projectile insertion station 13. On the conveyor track 29, there is a rail 63 oriented with respect to the interior 33, which runs along the conveyor track 29 and has a coupling interface 65 designed analogously to a tongue and groove system 73 and can bring the conveyor device 100 into the standby position via a motor 77.

[0107] Referring to Figure 9, which shows a greatly enlarged and perspective detail of Figure 3, an optical quality monitoring station 59 is shown. According to Figure 9, the quality monitoring station 59 is equipped with three cameras 61. The cameras 61 are directed at both the casing 3 and the projectile 5. This makes it possible to take multiple images of each casing 3 and each projectile 5, which can then be evaluated mechanically, manually, or using artificial intelligence (AI), "deep learning," or "machine learning."

[0108] A further feature of the system 1 according to the invention is the special type of sealing and / or marking of the annular joint 55 by means of the fluid applicators 57 arranged side by side in the conveying direction F. According to the embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention shown in Figure 10, the fluid application station 53 has a plurality of fluid applicators 57, wherein in particular the number of fluid applicators 57 is coordinated with the case capacity and / or the number of cases 3 picked up by the conveying device 100. The robotics 35 of the system 1 shown in Figure 10 can perform a circular movement. Through these measures, the fluid mass can be applied particularly efficiently and precisely, as well as in the correct dosage. The fluid application station 53 of Figure 10 can be equipped with a sealing medium and / or a coloring medium. The coloring medium is used for recognition purposes, particularly with subsonic ammunition.The fluid applicators 57 deliver several drops of the fluid mass onto the annular joint 55 during a circular movement. According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least one fluid applicator 57 is designed as a valve that applies pulsed drops to the sleeve 3. The conveyor device 100 moves through the processing station at a defined speed profile within the station-specific total throughput time.

[0109] One possibility for designing at least parts of system 1 in a modular manner is shown in Figure 11. A cantilever arm 81, which consists of a support base 37 and a support column 39, can be equipped with a wide variety of end effectors. Possible modular end effectors that can be attached to a support column 39 according to Figure 11 are, as shown in Figure 11, precise positioning devices, to which fluid applicators 57, quality monitoring stations 59, or other actuators such as motors 77 can be attached.

[0110] Figure 13 shows a further section in a perspective view of a system 1 according to the invention, with a focus on a conveyor device 100 arranged on the rail 63. The embodiment according to Figure 13 differs from the previous embodiments with regard to the coupling of the conveyor device 100 and the rail 63. As schematically indicated by the arrow with the reference symbol M, a magnetic holding force oriented in the horizontal direction H prevails between the conveyor device 100 and the rail 63, which holds the conveyor device 100 to the rail 63. According to the embodiment in Figure 13, the conveyor device 100 is free of any form-fitting or locking engagement with the rail 63. The coupling is achieved by means of mutually associated pairs of bearing and / or guide surfaces 83, 87 and 85, 89, respectively.The guide surface 85 of the rail 63 is formed by a support 91 for the conveyor device 100, namely for a bearing projection 93, which projects from the flat, magnetic bearing and / or guide surface 87 and rests with its bearing and / or guide surface 89 on the support 91.

[0111] Figure 14 shows the printout from Figure 13 in a top view. This shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. The rail 63 and the guide device 100 together form a magnetic levitation system, which is evident from the narrow gap a between the mutually facing magnetic bearing and / or guide surfaces 83, 87. Thus, the conveyor device 100 is vertically supported by the support 91 at least via the bearing projection 93 and can otherwise float past the mutually facing bearing and / or guide surfaces 87, 89 without contact and friction during a relative movement of the conveyor device 100 relative to the rail 63.

[0112] Figures 15 and 16 relate to the same embodiment as Figures 13 and 14, wherein the conveyor device 100 is partially disassembled from the rail 63. According to the preferred embodiment of Figures 13-16, the disassembly can be carried out simply by overcoming the magnetic holding force (arrow M) between the conveyor device 100 and the rail 63. For subsequent reassembly of the conveyor device 100 onto the rail 63, the conveyor device 100 is to be fed back onto the rail essentially in the opposite direction, in particular until the magnetic holding force M begins to pull the conveyor device 100 toward the rail 63, s

[0113] Figure 12 depicts a further production station, namely a device 95 for marking, in particular labeling, lasering, embossing, printing, or the like, at least one of the ammunition parts, as a further section of the system 1 according to the invention. According to the embodiment according to Figure 12, the device 95 can be designed to mark, in particular in a single process step, all of the ammunition parts held by a conveyor device 100. For example, the device 95 is designed to be arranged directly after the case insertion station 11 and / or further to provide a case base, for example, with an individual identifier that can be read by downstream production stations.

[0114] Figures 17-19 show a further exemplary development of systems 1 according to the invention. The individual production stations, of which the case insertion station 11 and the bullet insertion station 13 are shown as examples in Figures 17-19, can be individually displaced between a production position, indicated by reference symbol (A), in which the production stations 11, 13 can act on the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor device 100, and a passive position, indicated by reference symbol (B). The passive position (B) can also be understood as a maintenance position, in which the respective production station can be maintained, repaired, or subjected to other inspection or overhaul measures.

[0115] As can be seen from a comparison of Figures 18, 19 with Figure 17, the projectile insertion station 13 in the passive position (B) is set back from the production position (A), i.e., away from the rail 63 on which the conveyors 100 with the ammunition parts are located. The individual stations each have their own drive 103, 105 for moving the respective production station 11, 13. It can be seen that the drives 103, 105 are independent of a respective production-station-specific manipulation device 97, 99 for acting on the ammunition parts or the conveyor 100. Both the electronic control and the mechanical power transmission components, such as gears, etc., can be designed independently of one another and, in particular, can be individually controllable.The features disclosed in the above description, the figures and the claims may be important both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in various embodiments.

[0116] List of reference symbols

[0117] 1 laboratory facility

[0118] 3 sleeve

[0119] 5 floors

[0120] 7 Ignition element

[0121] 9 propellant powder

[0122] 11 Sleeve insertion station

[0123] 13 Projectile insertion station

[0124] 15 propellant filling station

[0125] 17 Sleeve forming station

[0126] 19 Projectile insertion station

[0127] 21 Projectile assembly station

[0128] 23 Projectile marking station

[0129] 25 discharge station

[0130] 27 Linear section

[0131] 29 Conveyor track

[0132] 31 Outdoor space

[0133] 33 Interior

[0134] 35 Robotics

[0135] 37 Support base

[0136] 39 Support column

[0137] 43 Curve section

[0138] 45 Buffer zone

[0139] 47 Ignition element insertion station

[0140] 49 Ignition element feed station

[0141] 51 sliders

[0142] 53 Fluid application station

[0143] 55 ring joint

[0144] 57 Fluid applicator

[0145] 59 Quality Monitoring Station

[0146] 61 Camera

[0147] 63 Rail

[0148] 65 Coupling interface

[0149] 67 Provisioning position

[0150] 69 Quality inspection station

[0151] 71 carrier base

[0152] 73 Tongue and groove system 75 Ammunition part holder

[0153] 77 Engine

[0154] 79 cassette

[0155] 81 boom arm

[0156] 83,85,87,89 Guide and / or bearing surface

[0157] 91st edition

[0158] 93 bearing projection

[0159] 95 Equipment for painting

[0160] 97.99 Manipulation device

[0161] 100 conveyor system

[0162] 101 ammunition

[0163] 103,105 drive

[0164] V, H Vertical direction or horizontal direction a Distance

[0165] M magnetic force

[0166] F Conveying direction

[0167] A transport direction

Claims

Claims 1. Plant (1) for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a case (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile (3) and a propellant charge, comprising: several production stations, in particular an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station (11) and / or a projectile insertion station (19), for introducing at least one of the several ammunition parts into the production process of the plant (1), several quality inspection stations 69, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station (17), a propellant charge filling station (15), a projectile assembly station (21), a projectile marking station (23) and / or an outfeed station (25) for transporting the finished ammunition (101) from the production process of the plant (1);and a conveyor device (100) for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to and / or from the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a closed, circulating conveyor track (29) which delimits an interior space (33) enclosed by the conveyor track (29) and an exterior space (31) delimited therefrom; characterized in that at least one, in particular several, of the plurality of production stations are arranged in the interior space (33) and / or the exterior space (31) and act on the conveyor device (100) from the inside and / or from the outside.

2. Plant (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of production stations has a robotic system (35) whose support base (37) is attached to a foundation of the interior space (33) and / or the exterior space (31) located next to the conveyor track (29), wherein in particular the robotic system (35) is designed to act on at least one of the ammunition parts.

3. System (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the support base (37) has a support column (39) and a cantilever arm (81) extending over the conveyor track (29), which is in particular dimensioned such that access to the conveyor device (100), in particular to the ammunition parts carried by the conveyor device (100), is permitted from the underside or the top side. - Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of production stations comprises an ammunition part loading device which loads the conveyor device (100), in particular individually, with the plurality of ammunition parts, wherein in particular the ammunition part loading device is designed to feed the respective ammunition part or parts laterally, in particular horizontally, from the outer space (31) and / or the inner space (33) to the conveyor device (100). Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several of the plurality of production stations are arranged in the inner space (33) and / or the outer space (31) and act from the outside and / or from the inside on the conveyor device (100) carrying at least one of the ammunition parts.System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor track (29) of the conveyor device (100) has two linear sections (27) extending parallel to one another, which are connected by two diametrically opposed curved sections (43), in particular running over essentially 180°, in order to form in particular a racetrack-shaped conveyor track. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one shape of the closed, circulating conveyor track (29) is track-like, in particular oval-shaped or circular. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the production station arranged in the interior (33) and / or the exterior (31) is arranged on the incoming longitudinal side and / or the outgoing longitudinal side of the closed conveyor track (29).Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveyor track (29) serves, at least in sections, as a buffer zone (45) for the conveyor devices (100), wherein the buffer zone (45) is formed in particular in the region of the curved sections (43). Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the event of incorrect manipulation at a production station, the production process is interrupted, and all ammunition components being processed are separately removed. Plant (1) for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a case (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile and a propellant charge, comprising: several production stations, in particular an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station (11) and / or a projectile insertion station (19), for introducing at least one of the several ammunition parts into the production process of the plant (1), several quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station (17), a propellant charge filling station (15), a projectile assembly station (21),a projectile marking station (23) and / or an outfeed station (25) for transporting the finished ammunition (101) from the production process of the plant (1); and a plurality of conveyor devices (100) for holding a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting and / or removing a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts from, to, and / or between the plurality of production stations; characterized in that the plurality of conveyor devices (100) can move independently of one another from, to, and / or between the plurality of production stations. Plant (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of conveyor devices (100) each have an individual movement profile according to which the conveyor devices (100) can move from, to, and / or between the plurality of production stations. Plant (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized inthat the conveyor devices (100) define a closed, circulating conveyor track (29) that delimits an interior space (33) enclosed by the conveyor track (29) and an exterior space (31) delimited therefrom. A system (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising: - several production stations, - a conveyor device (100) for transporting and / or removing the plurality of ammunition parts from, to and / or between the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a conveyor track (29); characterized by at least two propellant charge filling stations (15) arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. System (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the at least two propellant charge filling stations (15) are arranged at a distance in the conveying direction F such that at least one conveyor device (100) can remain in a buffer position between the at least two propellant charge filling stations (15). System (1) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the at least two propellant charge filling stations (15) and the conveyor device (100) are coordinated with one another such that the ammunition parts held by the at least two propellant charge filling stations (15) are filled essentially simultaneously.Plant (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the automated production of ammunition (101) consisting of several ammunition parts, such as a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising: several production stations, a conveyor device (100) for transporting the several ammunition parts to and / or from, to, and / or between the several production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a conveyor track (29); characterized in that one of the several production stations is an ignition element insertion station (47) which brings an ignition element (7) into the production process of the plant (1) and inserts each one into a casing (3). Plant (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that for introduction into the production process, the ignition element insertion station (47) moves the ignition elements (7) laterally toward the conveyor device (100).System (1) according to one of claims 17 or 18, characterized in that the ignition elements (7) are fed to the ignition element insertion station (47) in an aligned manner in a cassette (79) or as bulk material. System (1) according to one of claims 17 to 19, characterized in that the ignition element (7) is introduced into the sleeve (3) from below or from above. System (1) according to one of claims 17 to 20, characterized in that two ignition element feed stations (49) are provided for loading the. Ignition element insertion station (47) with ignition elements (7) are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F, wherein in particular the ignition element insertion station (47) is arranged between the ignition element feed stations (49) in the conveying direction F. System (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that the at least two ignition element feed stations (49) are arranged at a distance in the conveying direction F such that at least one conveyor device (100) can remain in a buffer position between the at least two ignition element feed stations (49). System (1) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized by a translatorily mounted slide (51) for receiving a plurality of ignition elements (7) at the ignition element feed stations (49) and for transferring and fixing the ignition elements (7) at the ignition element insertion station (47).Plant (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the automated production of ammunition (101) consisting of a plurality of ammunition parts, namely a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising: a plurality of production stations, a conveyor device (100) for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to and / or from, to, and / or between the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a conveyor track (29); characterized in that one of the plurality of production stations is a fluid application station (53), in which a sealing compound is applied into an annular joint (55) between the casing (3) and the ignition element (7) received therein and / or between the casing (3) and the projectile inserted therein, and the annular joint (55) is sealed and / or marked.System (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that the conveying device (100) defines a closed, circumferential conveyor track (29) which delimits an interior space (33) enclosed by the conveyor track (29) and an exterior space (31) delimited therefrom, wherein the fluid application station (53) arranged in the interior space (33) and / or the exterior space (31) acts from the outside and / or from the inside via a robot system (35). System (1) according to one of claims 24 or 25, characterized in that the fluid application station (53) has at least one fluid applicator (57), in particular a plurality of fluid applicators (57), wherein in particular the number of. Fluid applicators (57) are matched to a sleeve capacity and / or the fluid applicators (57) are microdosing valves. System (1) according to one of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the fluid applicators (57) dispense a synthetic fluid, in particular a synthetic sealant. System (1) according to one of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the fluid applicators (57) dispense several drops of the fluid into an annular gap between the ignition element (7) and the sleeve (3) during a circular movement. Installation (1) according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the drops are discharged in a cycle in the range from 3 Hz to 4000 Hz, in particular in the range from 50 Hz to 3500 Hz, in the range from 100 Hz to 3000 Hz, in the range from 250 Hz to 2000 Hz or in the range from 300 Hz to 1000 Hz.System (1) according to one of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the fluid is evenly distributed, with an annular layer having a deviation of no more than 20 nl / mm of ring circumference, in particular no more than 1 nl / mm of ring circumference, preferably no more than 0.1 nl / mm of ring circumference. System (1) according to one of claims 24 to 30, characterized in that the fluid is evenly distributed with several drops, with the annular layer in particular having more than 0.2 drops / mm of ring circumference, in particular more than 1 drop / mm of ring circumference, preferably more than 2 drops / mm of ring circumference. Installation (1) according to one of claims 24 to 31, characterized in that a nozzle fluidically connected to the microdosing valve with an outlet diameter in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular in the range of 0.1 mm to 3 mm or in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.1 mm, dispenses the annular joint varnish.Plant (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, in particular for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile and a propellant charge, comprising: several production stations,. a conveyor device (100) for transporting the multiple ammunition parts to and / or from the multiple production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a conveyor track (29); characterized in that one of the multiple production stations is a quality monitoring station (59) at which the casing (3) and the projectile are individually monitored before assembly. System (1) according to claim 33, characterized in that the quality monitoring station (59) is equipped with at least one optical detection device, such as a camera (61). System (1) according to claims 33 to 34, characterized in that an optical camera (61) is directed at the casing (3). System (1) according to one of claims 33 to 35, characterized in that the optical camera (61) takes several images of each ammunition part of the conveyor device (100) carrying the ammunition parts.to evaluate the quality of the ammunition parts based on the multiple images. A system (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of multiple ammunition parts, in particular a case (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising: a plurality of production stations, in particular an ammunition part insertion station, preferably a case insertion station (11) and / or a projectile insertion station (19), for inserting at least one of the multiple ammunition parts into the production process of the system (1), a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station (17), a propellant charge filling station (15), a projectile assembly station (21),a projectile marking station (23) and / or an outfeed station (25) for transporting the finished ammunition (101) from the production process of the plant (1); and a conveyor device (100) for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting and / or removing the plurality of ammunition parts from, to and / or between the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a closed, circulating conveyor track (29) which delimits an interior space (33) enclosed by the conveyor track (29) and an exterior space (31) delimited therefrom;, characterized in that the conveyor device (100) and the production stations are coordinated with one another in cycles, and at least 2, 5, 10, or 12 ammunition parts are processed into one ammunition (101) at the production stations per cycle. System (1) according to claim 37, characterized in that the conveyor device (100) is forwarded to the next production station at a rate in the range of 10 to 60 pieces / min., in particular in the range of 20 to 50 pieces / min., preferably in the range of 25 to 35 pieces / min. System (1), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, for the automated production of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, comprising: several production stations, in particular an ammunition part insertion station,preferably a case insertion station (11) and / or a projectile insertion station (19) for introducing at least one of the plurality of ammunition parts into the production process of the system (1), a plurality of quality inspection stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station (17), a propellant charge filling station (15), a projectile assembly station (21), a projectile marking station (23) and / or an ejection station (25) for transporting the finished ammunition (101) from the production process of the system (1); and a conveyor device (100) for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting and / or removing the plurality of ammunition parts from, to and / or between the plurality of production stations, wherein the conveyor device (100) defines a closed, circulating conveyor track (29) which delimits an interior space (33) enclosed by the conveyor track (29) and an exterior space (31) delimited therefrom; characterized,that the conveyor track (29) comprises a rail (63) oriented toward the interior (33) and / or exterior (31), which runs along the conveyor track (29) and fixes a coupling interface (65) of the conveyor device (100) in a ready position (67). System (1) according to claim 39, wherein the rail (63) is made of a material with a sliding friction coefficient relative to steel of less than 0.20, in particular less than 0.1 or less than 0.

08. System (i) according to one of claims 39 to 40, wherein the upper rail (63) is made of a wear-resistant plastic, in particular of a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of PEEK, POM, Iglidur, PTFE, UHMWPE, PAI, and mixtures thereof. System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a device for marking, in particular labeling, lasering, embossing, or printing, at least one of the ammunition parts, in particular all of the ammunition parts held by the conveyor device (100).System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the production stations are individually displaceable between a production position in which the production stations can act on the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor device (100), and a passive position, such as a maintenance position in which the production stations are set back with respect to the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor device. System (1) according to claim 43, wherein the production stations (100) each have a drive for displacing the respective production station, wherein in particular the drive is independent of a respective production-station-specific manipulation device for acting on the ammunition parts and / or the conveyor device.System (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor device(s) (100) are mounted, in particular in a guided manner, on a rail (63) running along the conveyor track (29) and are held on the rail (63) by a holding force oriented in the horizontal direction, in particular a magnetic holding force. System (1) according to claim 45, wherein the conveyor devices (100) are mounted on the rail (63) in a removable manner, in particular by overcoming the holding force, in particular a magnetic one, between the conveyor device (100) and the rail (63). System (1) according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the rail (63) has at least one bearing and / or guide surface (83, 85) for the conveyor device(s) (100), wherein in particular a guide surface (83, 85) oriented in the horizontal direction provides the holding force, in particular a magnetic one.Plant (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor device(s) (100) and a rail (63) running along the conveyor track (29) on which the. Conveyor device(s) (100), in particular mounted in a movably guided manner, form a magnetic levitation system. Method for the automated manufacture of ammunition (101), which consists of several ammunition parts, in particular a casing (3), an ignition element (7), a projectile, and a propellant charge, in particular by means of a system (1) designed according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 41, wherein the method is designed such that the system (1) can carry out the method steps according to one of claims 1 to 48.

Images