Method for marking ammunition, and ammunition marked in this way

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for marking ammunition (10), wherein an ignition element (16) is pressed into a capsule holder (30) of a cartridge case (14), wherein the ammunition is provided with an identification marking (37). The method is improved in that, before the pressing-in operation, the identification marking (37) is produced at least on a portion of an inner wall (24) of the capsule holder (30).

Description

[0001] Methods for marking ammunition and ammunition marked in this way

[0002] The invention relates to a method for marking ammunition with the features of the preamble of claim 1. The invention relates to a method for marking ammunition, wherein an ignition element is pressed into a capsule holder, and wherein the ammunition is provided with an identification mark.

[0003] The cap holder is formed in the base of a cartridge case. The cap holder can also be called the primer pocket.

[0004] In many countries, there are laws that require firearms to be registered in the name of the owner of the firearm and that such firearms must bear unique codes, typically in the form of serial numbers, that link the firearms to their owners.

[0005] When the cartridge ammunition is sold, it is registered in the name of the buyer's owner, and the unique code marked on it is stored in a database that links the cartridge ammunition to the buyer, who will be referred to simply as the owner below.

[0006] This allows the cartridge cases to be traced back to the owners of the cartridge ammunition, for example, if cartridge ammunition is fired by a firearm as part of a crime.

[0007] One problem with such unique identification codes, which are affixed to the outside of cartridge ammunition, is that it is relatively easy to file off or otherwise remove or alter such codes.

[0008] Ignition elements, often simply called primers, percussion caps, or ignition components, are used to ignite the propellant charge of cartridge ammunition or other powder charges. Most firearms use centerfire ignition, in which the primer is pressed into the base of a cartridge case.

[0009] The generic WO 2009 99 44 A1 discloses a percussion cap with at least one unique identification mark. This mark is applied directly to an outer surface, namely a circumferential surface of the percussion cap. The percussion cap is then pressed into the cap holder.

[0010] The disadvantage of the prior art primarily concerns the manufacturing process and the value chain. In the prior art, the marking is applied to the primer by the primer manufacturer. However, the assembly of the ammunition is generally carried out by the cartridge case manufacturer, who simply purchases the primer. While it would be possible to mark unmarked blanks in-house, this would require an additional machine and could necessitate adjustments to the production process if the primer manufacturer makes changes (e.g., to geometries, material composition, etc.). Ultimately, this also ensures that the marking chain has not been interrupted or tampered with.

[0011] Ideally, the ammunition should guarantee unambiguous traceability from production to after firing. It should be possible to create a unique and individual marking on ammunition, allowing for the identification of its manufacturer and user. A casing found at the scene of an incident can thus be clearly identified. Furthermore, the marking should be inconspicuous and difficult to tamper with. Ideally, the marking should be impossible to alter without destroying the ammunition.

[0012] The invention is based on the objective of improving the process and the production of ammunition.

[0013] This problem underlying the invention is now solved by a method with the features of claim 1.

[0014] According to the invention, the identification mark is created at least on a section of an inner wall of the capsule holder before pressing it in.

[0015] By creating an identification mark on at least one section of the capsule holder's inner wall, precise and reliable marking is ensured. This enables the ammunition to be uniquely identified. The mark includes a code, creating a unique identifier on the ammunition. This identification mark allows for the encoding of information such as manufacturer details, production date, customer, and batch numbers. For example, it can indicate whether the customer is a governmental or private entity. This is crucial for traceability, particularly for private, military, or country-specific requirements.

[0016] The marking can be recorded in a database, which can then be used again in forensic investigations. The identification mark, and thus the code, is not visible from the outside. To manipulate the code, the ignition element must be removed; this is only possible non-destructively with considerable expertise, suitable equipment, and significant effort.

[0017] Preferably, when the ignition element is pressed in, the identification mark is transferred from the inner wall of the capsule holder to the outer wall of the ignition element. This has the advantage that it is sufficient for only the capsule holder or the ignition element to remain undamaged, since the identification mark is present on both. However, for continued use after manipulation, both elements must remain undamaged. The ignition element does not need to be modified in this process. The process of transferring the identification profile from the inner wall to the outer wall of the ignition element increases visibility and facilitates identification. This improves the readability of the code.

[0018] The identification mark can be produced mechanically and / or chemically.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, an identification profile is incorporated into the inner wall of the capsule holder. The capsule holder has an identification profile on its inner wall in the form of a contour with radial constrictions, wherein the constrictions have varying heights in the circumferential direction and / or circumferentially unconstricted areas are provided. The identification profile thus has radially extending peaks and valleys that are used for coding. This positive identification profile leaves a negative profile on the outside of the primer when it is pressed into the capsule holder. The use of a contour with radial constrictions on the inner wall of the capsule holder provides additional security features. Varying heights and unconstricted areas make the identification profile more complex and allow for the encoding of more bits.For example, different circumference ranges can be used to encode the bits and / or different constriction heights can be used for encoding. Integrating information about the manufacturer, the production date, the client, and / or a batch number into the identification profile enables detailed traceability of the ammunition.

[0020] During the pressing process, grooves are preferably created on the outer wall of the ignition element. Creating these grooves provides an additional tactile component for marking, thus increasing counterfeit protection. The resulting identification profiles are resistant to abrasion, weathering, and other environmental conditions. This ensures long-term legibility and durability of the identification markings. In one embodiment, the capsule holder has an annular radial ridge and / or undercut area of ​​preferably the same height on its inner wall, wherein the ridge and / or undercut area is partially removed to form the identification profile. The presence of an annular ridge and / or undercut area on the inner wall allows for targeted material removal to create the identification profile.This allows for precise control over the marking.

[0021] The identification profile can be applied using milling, scraping, laser engraving, etching, pressing, punching, etc. These techniques enable a precise and accurate implementation of the identification profile. In particular, laser engraving and precision milling can produce fine details with high resolution, which improves the readability and uniqueness of the marking.

[0022] The techniques mentioned are versatile and can be applied to various surfaces and materials. This makes it possible to apply markings to different types of ammunition. These techniques can be automated, increasing production efficiency. This is particularly important for the mass production of ammunition. Depending on the chosen method, marking can be carried out cost-effectively. For example, laser engraving can enable precise marking without additional material costs.

[0023] In some cases, different techniques can be combined to create a particularly complex or safety-relevant marking.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one substance, particularly in the form of a lacquer or adhesive, is applied to the inner wall to create the identification mark. The use of substances such as lacquer or adhesive to create the identification mark simplifies the process and ensures a uniform and durable mark.

[0025] Several locally confined substance areas can be applied. The use of multiple locally confined substance areas allows for diverse design of the identification profile and offers an additional level of individuality for encoding more bits. The substance areas are specifically designed and arranged with ample spacing.

[0026] The locally limited areas of the substance can extend over a portion, but not the full depth, of the inner wall. This results in a concealed identification mark. The substance can be applied using a printing process or sprayed onto the inner wall. Different substances can be applied, allowing for substance-specific coding. The substances can be of different colors. The ability to apply various substances with different colors opens up further options for the individualization and differentiation of markings.

[0027] The substance can be, for example, bitumen, adhesive, graphite and / or paint.

[0028] Furthermore, the invention relates to ammunition marked in this way.

[0029] There are now numerous possibilities for elaborating and further developing the invention. For this purpose, reference may first be made to the claims subordinate to claim 1. In the following, a preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a cartridge ammunition according to a first embodiment;

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view of a cartridge ammunition;

[0032] Fig. 3 shows a schematic front view of the inner wall surface of the capsule holder and the outer wall of the ignition element before and after pressing it into the capsule holder, and

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional exploded view of a cartridge ammunition according to a second embodiment.

[0034] The ammunition 10 comprises a projectile 12, a cartridge case 14, and a primer element 16 in the form of a percussion cap insert 16. The cartridge case 14 has a case wall 18 and a case base 19.

[0035] The cartridge case 14 has an open front end 20 and a rear end 22. At the transition area between the case head 19 and the case wall 19, a rim flange 26 is formed, against which an extraction mechanism of a firearm acts to remove the cartridge from the chamber of the firearm after firing. The projectile 12 is secured in the open front end 20 of the cartridge case 14.

[0036] The cartridge case 14 also includes a cap holder 30, which extends as a central recess in the base 19 into a chamber 28 containing a propellant charge. The primer insert 16 is cup-shaped and comprises an end face 32 and a cylindrical outer wall 34. The primer insert 16 is pressed into the cap holder 30 in the base 19 of the cartridge case 4 until the end face 32 of the primer insert 16 seals the cap holder 30.

[0037] In a first step, prior to pressing in, an identification mark 37, in particular an identification profile 37, is applied to the inner wall 24 of the capsule holder 30 by means of an additive or subtractive process. The capsule holder 30 is located radially in the center of the sleeve base 19. The identification profile 37 can consist of valleys and peaks, the individual peaks and valleys being created, for example, by milling, scraping, laser cutting, etching, pressing, punching, etc.

[0038] The identification profile 37 does not need to be applied all around; it is sufficient if the identification profile 37 is applied at least section by section in the circumferential direction.

[0039] Before being pressed in, the outer wall 36 of the primer 16 is still almost "smooth". In a second step, a primer 16 is pressed into the capsule holder 30, for example, by pressing in the direction of arrow 39, so that the primer 16 is secured in the capsule holder 30. Through this pressing process, the identification profile 37 is transferred as a negative profile 38 onto the primer 16. Now the cartridge case 14 and the igniter 16 are uniquely marked.

[0040] In the second step, the ignition element 16 is pressed into the capsule holder 30, for example, by pressing in the direction of arrow 39. This ensures that the primer 32 is subsequently located in the capsule holder 30. During this pressing process, the identification profile 37 is transferred as a negative profile 38 (see Figs. 2 and 3) onto the primer 16, thus creating a complete profile. The negative profile 38 features grooves, which are engraved into the outer wall 36 by the radial constrictions of the identification profile 37.

[0041] The unique code is individually applied to each cartridge and stored in a database. This code can then be considered a serial number for the cartridge, which can be used, for example, to track the entire journey from production to the end user.

[0042] Alternatively (see Fig. 4), instead of mechanically processing the inner wall 24, a substance 40 can be applied to the inner wall 24 in a first step. Preferably, this substance is a layer of bitumen. However, it can also be a varnish, a powder, or another coloring material. The identification mark 41 can also consist only of dots and does not have to utilize the full wall thickness. A substance 40, such as bitumen, can be applied to the inner wall 24 in a dot pattern. The dot-like, coded arrangement of the substance 40 results in an identification mark 41. The identification mark 41 can be applied by a printing process. Bitumen, adhesive, graphite, and / or varnish, for example, can be used as the substance 40.The use of substances 40 such as varnish or adhesive to create the identification mark 41 facilitates the process and ensures a uniform and durable mark.

[0043] Several locally confined substance areas can be applied. The use of multiple locally confined substance areas allows for diverse designs of the identification mark 41 and offers an additional level of individuality for encoding more bits. The substance areas are, in particular, designed and arranged with ample spacing.

[0044] The locally confined areas of the substance may extend over part, but not the full depth, of the inner wall. This results in the identification mark 41 being concealed. The substance can be applied using a printing process. The substance can be sprayed onto the inner wall 24.

[0045] Different substances 40 can be applied. This makes it possible to create the coding depending on the substance mixture 40. The substances 40 can have different colors. The possibility of applying different substances 40 with different colors opens up further options for the individualization and differentiation of markings.

[0046] Reference symbol list

[0047] ammunition

[0048] Projectile cartridge case

[0049] Ignition element or percussion cap insert

[0050] Sleeve wall

[0051] cartridge case head, front end of the cartridge case, rear end of the cartridge case

[0052] inner wall

[0053] Edge flange

[0054] Chamber with propellant charge

[0055] Capsule holder

[0056] Front surface of the ignition element

[0057] Outer wall of the ignition element

[0058] Identification profile

[0059] Negative profile

[0060] Arrow direction substance

[0061] Identification mark

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for marking ammunition (10), wherein an ignition element (16) is pressed into a capsule holder (30) of a cartridge case (14), wherein the ammunition is provided with an identification mark (37, 41), characterized in that, prior to pressing in, the identification mark (37, 41) is produced at least on a section of an inner wall (24) of the capsule holder (30).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that when the ignition element (16) is pressed in, the identification mark (37, 41) is transferred from the inner wall (24) to the outer wall (36) of the ignition element (16).

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule holder (30) has an identification profile on its inner wall (24) in the form of a contour with radial constrictions, wherein the constrictions are of different heights in the circumferential direction and / or areas without constriction are provided in the circumferential direction.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the capsule holder (30) has an annular radial rib area and / or undercut area of ​​preferably the same height on its inner wall (24), wherein the rib area and / or the undercut area is partially removed to form the identification profile (37).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the identification profile (37) is introduced by milling, scraping, laser cutting, etching, pressing, punching, etc.

6. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that grooves are produced on the outer wall (36) of the ignition element (16) during pressing.

7. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the identification mark (37, 41) encodes information about the manufacturer of the ammunition, the time of manufacture, the client, and / or a batch number.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one substance (40), in particular in the form of a varnish or an adhesive, is applied to the inner wall (24) is applied to create the identification mark (41).

9. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein several locally limited areas of substance are applied, 10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the locally limited substance areas do not extend over the full depth of the inner wall (24).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the substance is applied to the inner wall (24) in particular by means of a pressure method, in particular by spraying.

12. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein different substances (40) are applied.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the substances (40) have different colors.

14. Ammunition comprising an ignition element (16) and a capsule holder (30), wherein the ignition element (16) is pressed into the capsule holder (30), and the ammunition has been manufactured according to a method having the features of one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an identification profile (37, 41) has been produced at least on a section of an inner wall (24) of the capsule holder (30) prior to pressing.

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