Cartridge chamber for a firearm, firearm, and method for producing a cartridge chamber

Abstract

The invention relates to a cartridge chamber (1) for a firearm (2), to a firearm (1) having such a cartridge chamber (1), and to a method for producing such a cartridge chamber (1). A cartridge chamber (1) or an associated firearm (2) can be uniquely associated with a cartridge (5) fired from the cartridge chamber (1), in particular by means of said firearm (2), in that the cartridge chamber (1) has a contour (6) with radial constrictions (7) in the region in front of the case mouth (3) of the case (4) of a cartridge (5) or at the case mouth (3) when viewed in the firing direction (S). The axial flow behavior of the case mouth (3) can be influenced during the firing process by means of the constrictions (7) such that a unique signature (8) can be created on the case mouth (3) by means of the contour (6).

Description

[0001] Cartridge chamber of a firearm, firearm and method for manufacturing a cartridge chamber

[0002] The invention relates to a cartridge chamber of a firearm, a firearm with such a cartridge chamber and a method for manufacturing such a cartridge chamber.

[0003] The traceability of cartridges, such as small-caliber ammunition, has become a crucial issue in recent years within non-governmental organizations (NGOs), security organizations, and especially regulatory bodies. Cartridges are also referred to as ammunition in this document. Given the global proliferation of firearms / weapons, particularly small arms, and their ammunition, the question arises as to how this ammunition can be traced, for example, to uncover illegal trafficking networks and / or facilitate law enforcement. The problem is that small-caliber ammunition is currently unmarked, making tracing extremely difficult. NGOs and joint governmental organizations (GGOs) are therefore calling for technologies and, above all, legislation to increase the transparency and traceability of small-caliber ammunition.

[0004] There are illegal trade routes for small-caliber ammunition. A portion of the small-caliber ammunition that ends up in conflict zones and in the hands of criminal organizations originates from illegal sources. Traceability could help uncover the origin and trade routes of this ammunition and then stop these routes. In criminal investigations, the origin of the ammunition can often provide important clues for clarifying a case. Clear marking and traceability allow, for example, governments to better control who buys, sells, or exports ammunition, and consequently ensure that the ammunition does not fall into the wrong hands.

[0005] Various methods of marking ammunition during its manufacture are known in the prior art, such as chemical or biological marking, marking with agents like gadolinium, marking by mechanical imprinting, marking with lasers or other focused thermal energy, and / or electrotechnical marking, e.g., using RFID tags. However, these methods of marking ammunition are sometimes very complex and only feasible with considerable effort and expense. Furthermore, depending on the nature of the marking, in some cases, it can lead to a loss of the weapon's effectiveness, for example, its accuracy. Electrotechnical solutions, in particular, have reliability issues, especially due to the destruction or damage of the marking during firing. Other markings can also be destroyed or damaged by firing.Other problems that have prevented any of the aforementioned solutions from becoming established include, for example, their lack of general acceptance, their lack of interoperability, limited reach of the technologies, lack of connections via appropriate databases, data protection or other regulations, the low added value in operational application, and a lack of doctrinal foundations.

[0006] The marking of ammunition / cartridges during their manufacture does not allow for the attribution of at least some of the ammunition / cartridges to the specific firearm from which they were fired. This information is crucial for criminal investigations, particularly since firearms are often registered and their owners are therefore known. Even after firing, identical cartridges fired from identical firearms with identical chambers will exhibit similar, if any, differences that are difficult to detect.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and / or further developing the cartridge chamber of a firearm, the firearm with such a cartridge chamber, and the method for manufacturing such a cartridge chamber in such a way that the problems of the prior art are avoided or at least reduced. In particular, it should enable a simple and unambiguous assignment of a cartridge chamber or an associated firearm and a cartridge fired from this cartridge chamber, especially by means of this firearm.

[0008] This problem underlying the invention is now initially solved by a cartridge chamber of a firearm with the features of claim 1.

[0009] One aspect of the invention is essentially that the cartridge chamber, in the area viewed in the direction of firing, has a contour with radial constrictions in front of or at the case mouth of a cartridge case, wherein the axial flow behavior of the case mouth during firing can be influenced by means of the constrictions in such a way that a unique signature can be generated at the case mouth by means of the contour.

[0010] Thus, a simple and unambiguous identification of the cartridge chamber and a cartridge fired from that chamber, namely its case, is possible. After firing, the case mouth exhibits corresponding indentations due to its contour. The case mouth is formed, in particular, by an end face of the case facing the constrictions. During firing, the case mouth is in contact with an end face of the constrictions facing the case, or has only a small gap to this end face, which is bridged by the axial flow of the case during firing. Due to the high pressure in the cartridge chamber during firing, the case lengthens, thus expanding not only radially but also axially elastically and plastically, whereby axial flow or axial flow behavior refers to axial plastic expansion.The axial plastic expansion imprints the contour of the radial constrictions into the case mouth. No modifications to the ammunition are necessary, meaning standard cartridges can be used. The elongation / axial flow of the case during firing is a side effect generally perceived negatively by experts. This type of case marking, achieved through elongation, transforms this negatively connoted effect into something positive. This method of case marking prevents any loss of effectiveness or performance of the firearm itself, ensuring that the accuracy of the firearm is not reduced by the marking process. The alteration of the frontal area of ​​the chamber by the contour with the constrictions in the area in front of or at the case mouth (viewed from the firing direction) therefore does not affect the firearm's function or ballistics.Nevertheless, the marking can be reliably produced with every shot. This provides a good basis for the general acceptance of this technology. Furthermore, marking the cartridge case mouth during firing allows the cartridge case to be traced back to the specific firearm from which it was fired, which is of great importance in solving crimes.

[0011] Advantageously, the constrictions in the circumferential direction are of varying heights and / or areas without constrictions are provided in the circumferential direction. Adjacent to the constrictions, corresponding free spaces are formed in the circumferential direction, particularly between adjacent constrictions. Thus, the case mouth exhibits a corresponding indentation pattern in the circumferential direction after firing. In the area of ​​the constrictions, the axial flow of the case during firing is impeded, so that the case material flows into the free spaces.

[0012] A further preferred method is to generate an identification code at the cartridge case mouth using the contour. By appropriately reading the contour, e.g., by scanning, this identification code can then be converted into a character string, e.g., a numerical code. Such a character string is particularly easy to process electronically and can be compared with already known information.

[0013] According to a preferred embodiment of the cartridge chamber, a binary identification code can be generated at the case mouth by means of the contour. The contour for generating a binary identification code is particularly easy to manufacture, whereby, in particular, similar constrictions are sufficient.

[0014] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the cartridge chamber, the identification code includes a firearm registration code. This registration code is often already stored in databases in connection with the corresponding owner of the firearm. This information about the firearm's owner is particularly important in criminal investigations and can aid in clarifying the facts of a case. The owner of the firearm can be identified by the marking on the cartridge case mouth even if only the cartridge case, but not the firearm itself, is found at a crime scene.

[0015] Preferably, the constrictions allow the surface of a projectile within the cartridge to be modified during firing in such a way that a unique signature can be generated on the projectile's surface via its contour. Advantageously, this does not result in any changes to the weapon's function or ballistics. For example, the propellant charge of the cartridge could be deposited on the projectile in different ways due to the circumferential constrictions during firing. Furthermore, the constrictions could lead to mechanical and / or structural changes in the projectile, such as corresponding surface alterations and / or indentations. For example, a surface roughness profile corresponding to the contour could develop on the projectile. The advantages previously described for the cartridge case mouth also apply analogously to the projectile.

[0016] It can be advantageous if the constrictions have a length of 0.02 mm to 1 mm in the axial direction. This ensures that the constrictions possess sufficient stability to withstand the stresses acting upon them during firing. The length of the constrictions is preferably longer than the axial extension of the cartridge case, thus reliably preventing the cartridge case from flowing around the constrictions and enabling easy ejection of the case from the chamber after firing. It should be noted here that the axial direction and the firing direction coincide. The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a firearm with the features of claim 8. The advantages described above apply not only to a cartridge chamber but also, analogously, to the firearm comprising the cartridge chamber.

[0017] Ideally, both the weapon and the ammunition are traceable from the factory. Furthermore, after firing, the cartridge, particularly its casing and / or projectile, bears at least partial traces of the firearm.

[0018] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method for manufacturing a cartridge chamber with the features of claim 9.

[0019] One aspect of the invention is essentially that the cartridge chamber has an annular radial rib area and / or undercut area of ​​preferably the same height in the area viewed in the direction of firing, in front of or at the case mouth, wherein the rib area and / or the undercut area is partially removed to form the contour with the radial constrictions.

[0020] In this way, the constrictions are particularly easy to produce. The radial rib area and / or undercut area, preferably of the same height, can initially be produced in the same way for all identical firearms. The contour with the radial constrictions is then individually applied for each firearm.

[0021] Preferably, the web area and / or the undercut area is removed by electrical discharge machining (EDM), spark erosion, milling, and / or using an engraving tool. This further simplifies the creation of the contour with the radial constrictions. In particular, axially oriented notches and / or grooves are introduced into the web area and / or the undercut area, between which the aforementioned constrictions then form.

[0022] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and further developing the cartridge chamber of a firearm according to the invention, the firearm according to the invention with such a cartridge chamber, and the method according to the invention for manufacturing such a cartridge chamber. Reference may first be made to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 9. In the following, a preferred embodiment of the cartridge chamber of a firearm according to the invention, the firearm according to the invention with such a cartridge chamber, and the method according to the invention for manufacturing such a cartridge chamber will be explained and described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:

[0023] Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the cartridge chamber of a firearm with a cartridge arranged therein in a side view in section,

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the cartridge chamber of a firearm with a cartridge arranged therein in a side view in section.

[0025] Fig. 3 schematically shows a third embodiment of the cartridge chamber of a firearm with a cartridge arranged therein in a side view in section.

[0026] Fig. 4 schematically shows a sectional view of the cartridge chamber according to its first, second or third embodiment along line AA according to Fig. 1, Fig. 2 or Fig. 3.

[0027] Fig. 5a schematically shows a cartridge case before firing in a side view.

[0028] Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of the cartridge case before firing, in a frontal view of the cartridge case mouth.

[0029] Fig. 6a shows a schematic representation of the cartridge case according to Fig. 5a or Fig. 5b, but here after firing in a side view, and

[0030] Fig. 6b shows a schematic representation of the cartridge case according to Fig. 5a or Fig. 5b, but here after firing in a frontal view of the cartridge case mouth.

[0031] Figures 1, 2, and 3 each show a cartridge chamber 1 of a firearm 2. A barrel of the firearm 2 adjoins the cartridge chamber 1. Viewed in the direction of fire S, the cartridge chamber 1 has a contour 6 with radial constrictions 7 in the area in front of, or at, the case mouth 3 of a cartridge case 4 of a cartridge 5. The constrictions 7 influence the axial flow behavior of the case mouth 3 during firing, such that a unique signature 8 can be generated at the case mouth 3 by means of the contour 6.

[0032] During firing, a projectile 9 of the cartridge 5, which is connected to the cartridge case 4 before firing, is accelerated in the firing direction S by the ignition of a propellant charge 10 of the cartridge 5 located in the cartridge case 4, thereby detaching it from the cartridge case 4. The projectile 9 then travels through the barrel of the firearm 2 and exits through the muzzle. The ignition of the propellant charge 10 creates a high internal pressure of up to approximately 4200 bar within the cartridge case 4. This high internal pressure causes the cartridge case 4 to compress against the chamber 1. This process is called compression. This deformation of the cartridge case 4 consists of an elastic and a plastic component. The plastic component causes the diameter of the cartridge case 4 to be slightly larger after firing than before firing. In addition to the increase in diameter due to compression, the cartridge case 4 also expands axially during firing, thus increasing its length.The high internal pressure results in a reduction of the case wall thickness. This is also described as the case material flowing in the firing direction S. The axial flow behavior is disrupted zone by zone 7 by the constrictions to create the signature 8. The material is sufficiently ductile to achieve the described flow behavior in the firing direction S. Furthermore, a certain internal pressure must be present, which may limit its suitability for use with underloaded ammunition. Alternatively, a material with correspondingly higher ductility must be used for the case 4 when using underloaded ammunition, ensuring sufficient flow in the firing direction S even at the lower internal pressures.

[0033] The constrictions 7 have different heights in the circumferential direction U and / or areas without constrictions are provided in the circumferential direction U, as can be seen particularly in Fig. 4. Shown here are constrictions 7 of equal height and intervening areas without constrictions in the circumferential direction U, namely corresponding clearances. The constrictions 7 thus have equal distances to a central axis of the cartridge chamber 1. The constrictions could also have different distances to the central axis of the cartridge chamber.

[0034] The unique signature 8 is shown in particular in Figs. 6a and 6b, in which the case mouth 3, unlike in Figs. 5a and 5b, has corresponding indentations forming the signature. Figs. 6a and 5b show the case 4 before firing, and Figs. 6a and 6b show the case 4 after firing. An identification code can be generated on the case mouth 3 by means of the contour 6. The identification code can be read by appropriate means, e.g., optical scanning of the signature 8, for example, after the case 4 has been found at a crime scene. The identification code is converted into the contour 6 with the constrictions 7 for the manufacture of the cartridge chamber 1, namely by appropriate shaping of the contour 6. The contour 6 is shaped in such a way that the identification code can be read without error on the case mouth 3 after firing.

[0035] Using contour 6, a binary identification code can be generated at the cartridge case mouth 3. After firing, the cartridge case mouth 3 then has only two states, namely, for example, notched or notched, whereby these two states are converted into zeros and ones during the reading process.

[0036] In particular, a system similar to that used in barcodes can also be used for encoding, where an indentation represents a black line or a space between two black lines.

[0037] The identification code contains a registration code for firearm 2. Other information may also be stored in the identification code.

[0038] By means of the constrictions 7, the surface of the projectile 9 of the cartridge 5 can be modified during firing such that the unique signature 8 can also be generated on the surface of the projectile 9 by means of the contour 6. The constrictions 7 have an axial length of 0.02 mm to 1 mm.

[0039] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 each also partially show the firearm 2 with the cartridge chamber 1 described above.

[0040] The following describes a method for manufacturing the cartridge chamber 1 described above. The cartridge chamber 1 initially has, in the area viewed in the firing direction S in front of or at the case mouth 3, an annular radial rib and / or undercut area, preferably of the same height. The rib and / or undercut area is partially removed to form the contour 6 with the radial constrictions 7. The radial constrictions 7 are thus parts of the rib and / or undercut area that remain after removal. According to the first embodiment of the cartridge chamber 1 from Fig. 1 and the third embodiment of the cartridge chamber 1 from Fig. 3, an annular radial rib area, preferably of the same height, was initially present, which was then partially removed to form the finished cartridge chamber 1 shown here.In the firing direction S, both before and after the constrictions 7, the chamber 1 and / or the adjoining barrel have a substantially uniform inner diameter. As shown in Fig. 3, this inner diameter is slightly reduced across the constrictions by a conical profile of the chamber 1, which continues on the side facing away from the cartridge case 4. According to the second embodiment of the chamber 1 shown in Fig. 2, an undercut area, preferably of uniform height, was initially present. This undercut area was then partially removed to form the finished chamber 1 shown here. In the firing direction S, before the constrictions 7, the chamber 1 has a larger inner diameter than in the firing direction S after the constrictions 7. The undercut area is designed as a step.In the area of ​​the small inner diameter, material from the cartridge chamber 1 is removed to form the constrictions 7.

[0041] The web area and / or the undercut area is removed by electrical discharge machining (EDM), spark erosion, milling, and / or using an engraving chisel. Other removal methods are conceivable. In contrast, the constrictions 7 could also be created using other methods without removal.

[0042] Reference symbol list

[0043] 1 cartridge chamber

[0044] firearm

[0045] Case mouth

[0046] sleeve

[0047] cartridge

[0048] contour

[0049] 7 radial constrictions

[0050] 8 unique signatures

[0051] 9 projectile

[0052] 10 propellant charge

[0053] S direction of fire

[0054] U circumferential direction

Claims

Patent claims 1. Cartridge chamber (1) of a firearm (2), characterized in that the cartridge chamber (1) has a contour (6) with radial constrictions (7) in the area viewed in the direction of firing (S) in front of or at the case mouth (3) of a cartridge case (4) of a cartridge (5), wherein the axial flow behavior of the case mouth (3) during firing can be influenced by means of the constrictions (7) in such a way that a unique signature (8) can be produced at the case mouth (3) by means of the contour (6).

2. Cartridge chamber (1 ) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the constrictions (7) in the circumferential direction (U) are of different heights and / or areas without constriction are provided in the circumferential direction (U).

3. Cartridge chamber (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an identification code can be generated at the case mouth (3) by means of the contour (6).

4. Cartridge chamber (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a binary identification code can be generated at the case mouth (3) by means of the contour (6).

5. Cartridge chamber (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the identification code includes a registration code of the firearm (2).

6. Cartridge chamber (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that by means of the constrictions (7) a surface of a projectile (9) of the cartridge (5) can be modified during firing in such a way that the unique signature (8) can also be generated on the surface of the projectile (9) by means of the contour (6).

7. Cartridge chamber (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the constrictions (7) have a length of 0.02mm to 1mm in the axial direction.

8. Firearm (2) with a cartridge chamber (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

9. Method for manufacturing a cartridge chamber (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cartridge chamber (1) has an annular radial web area in the area viewed in the direction of firing (S) in front of or at the case mouth (3). and / or undercut area preferably of the same height, wherein the web area and / or the undercut area is partially removed to form the contour (6) with the radial constrictions (7).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that the web area and / or the undercut area is removed by means of electrical erosion, spark erosion, milling and / or by means of an engraving chisel.

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