Projectile cartridge and method for producing a projectile cartrdige

Abstract

The invention relates to a projectile cartridge (1) having a projectile (2), having a casing (3) and having a sealant / adhesive and / or binder (4), hereinafter referred to as an agent (4), between the projectile (2) and the casing (3), wherein the agent (4) is preferably formed by a highly viscous liquid and / or in particular contains a bitumen mixture. The invention also relates to a method for producing a projectile cartridge (1). Traceability of the projectile cartridge (1) is easily made possible in that the material composition of the agent (4) is varied in the circumferential direction (U) in accordance with an identification code (6).

Description

[0001] Projectile cartridge and method for manufacturing a projectile cartridge

[0002] The invention relates to a projectile cartridge with the features of the preamble of claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a projectile cartridge with the features of the preamble of claim 8.

[0003] EP 3 246 656 A1 discloses a projectile cartridge with a projectile and a casing and a seal between the projectile and the casing, wherein the seal contains a highly viscous medium, namely a sealing medium, in particular a bitumen mixture. To manufacture this projectile cartridge, two layers of the sealing medium are applied successively to the projectile or the casing before the projectile is joined to the casing. The projectile is then pressed into the casing in such a way that the sealing medium forms the seal between the projectile and the casing. This seal increases the projectile's extraction resistance from the casing and thus also the gas pressure inside the casing when a propellant charge located therein is ignited. A method for applying the sealing medium by spraying and subsequently joining the projectile and casing with the seal then formed between them is also disclosed.

[0004] The cartridges produced in this way are not traceable. However, the traceability of cartridges, such as small-caliber ammunition and / or ammunition for military applications, has become an important issue in recent years in non-governmental (NGO), security, and especially regulatory circles. In this document, cartridges are also referred to as cartridges or ammunition. Given the global proliferation of firearms / weapons, especially small arms, and their ammunition, the question arises as to how this ammunition can be traced, for example, to uncover illegal trade flows and / or facilitate law enforcement. The problem is that small-caliber ammunition is currently not marked, which makes tracing very 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] Various methods of marking ammunition during its manufacture are known in the prior art, such as mechanical marking, laser marking or marking using 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 effectiveness or performance of the weapon itself, 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. Further problems that have prevented any of the aforementioned solutions from becoming widely adopted 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.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of designing and / or further developing the projectile cartridge and the method for manufacturing the projectile cartridge in such a way that the problems of the prior art are avoided or at least reduced. In particular, the aim is to enable simple traceability of the projectile cartridge.

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

[0009] The projectile cartridge comprises a projectile, a casing, and a sealing / adhesive and / or binding agent, hereinafter referred to as the agent. The agent is arranged between the projectile and the casing. The agent can form a seal, in which case it can also be referred to as a sealing medium. The agent is preferably formed by a highly viscous liquid and / or contains, in particular, a bitumen mixture. The agent can also be referred to as an adhesive or a binding agent, regardless of whether a sealing effect is achieved. One aspect of the invention is essentially that the material composition of the agent varies circumferentially according to an identification code.

[0010] Through the circumferentially varying composition of the cartridge case, information invisible to the human eye, such as that of a shooter, is integrated into the bullet cartridge. The identification code is concealed between the case, particularly its mouth, and the projectile. If necessary, the identification code can be read using specialized testing equipment such as spectrometers for forensic analysis. The identification code represents a preferably unique marking of the bullet cartridge. It cannot be removed from the bullet cartridge without destroying or rendering it unusable. The identification code is therefore tamper-proof. The identification code allows for simple traceability of the bullet cartridge back to its manufacturer. The identification code can be converted into a string of characters, such as a numerical code.Such a string of characters is particularly easy to process electronically and compare with existing information. In particular, the identification code is a binary code, which is especially easy to generate and read, since only two different states need to be created and read. The sealing medium, and thus also the identification code, is transferred to the chamber and / or barrel of the firing weapon when the cartridge is fired, and can therefore provide at least some evidence for forensic analysis of the weapon. At least the identification code of the last fired cartridge is imprinted in the chamber and / or barrel. The identification code can thus be detected on the weapon itself, and not just on the cartridge or its casing and / or projectile.Despite the identification code, the function of the seal is ensured, namely the seal between the sleeve and the projectile with the associated correspondingly high so-called pull-out resistances.

[0011] Advantageously, the identification code contains information about the manufacturing date, batch, customer, packaging pallet, and / or ammunition box of the bullet cartridge. In particular, the identification code can be linked to this information. Such a link is preferably established via appropriate databases. The information is first converted into the desired identification code and the associated circumferentially varying material composition, which is then generated during the manufacturing of the bullet cartridge. This allows for the easy detection and prevention of illegal bullet cartridge trafficking routes. It enables better control over who buys, sells, or exports bullet cartridges, thereby facilitating the prevention of bullet cartridges falling into the wrong hands.

[0012] Preferably, two or more material compositions are provided, with different areas of essentially homogeneous, specific material composition arranged alternately in the circumferential direction. This creates discrete areas in which the material composition does not vary. The identification code is then easily readable, or its readability is improved. Furthermore, the effort required to mix the material compositions is limited by the number of specific material compositions.

[0013] It can be advantageous if the seal in the axial direction comprises a first layer of the sealant and a second layer of the sealant, wherein the material composition of the sealant in the first layer and / or the second layer varies circumferentially according to the identification code. The identification code of the first layer is preferably the same as the identification code of the second layer. Different properties can be achieved through the two layers, which have a beneficial effect on the sealing action and / or on the joining of the sleeve and projectile.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the projectile cartridge, a different identification code is formed by the first layer than by the second layer. Thus, the information content contained in the identification code can be increased, allowing for the storage of particularly detailed information.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the projectile cartridge, the material comprises at least one additive, in particular graphite, wherein the varying composition is achieved through the proportion of the additive in the sealing medium. Further and / or other additives can also be incorporated into the material. Preferably, the additive, in particular graphite, serves to enhance the sliding properties of the material. The improved sliding action leads, firstly, to better assembly of the cartridge case and projectile. Secondly, the additive, in particular graphite, serves to form a high-temperature-resistant sliding layer between the cartridge case and projectile during firing, in particular by burning the matrix component of the sealing medium surrounding the additive. The matrix component is, for example, bitumen.

[0016] According to a further, particularly preferred embodiment of the projectile cartridge, the additive is present in the material in a proportion of 0% to 55%, particularly in proportions of 0%, 5%, 35% and / or 50%, to form corresponding specific material compositions. With these proportions, the advantageous properties described above can be achieved, especially if the material contains bitumen as a matrix component and the additive is in the form of graphite.

[0017] The problem underlying the invention is also solved by a method for manufacturing a projectile cartridge with the features of claim 8.

[0018] One aspect of the invention essentially lies in the fact that the agent, with a material composition varying in the circumferential direction according to an identification code, is applied to the sleeve and / or to the projectile.

[0019] Through the circumferentially varying material composition, information invisible to the human eye, such as that of a shooter, is integrated into the bullet cartridge. The identification code can be read, if necessary, using special testing equipment such as spectrometers for forensic analysis. The identification code represents a preferably individual marking of the bullet cartridges. The identification code can be generated during the bullet cartridge manufacturing process with only minimal additional effort. Specifically, no additional process steps are required for the cartridge production; the existing process steps simply need to be carried out in a specific manner. The case sealing production step is already present in the bullet cartridge manufacturing process, particularly for military applications. Therefore, there is no additional process-related effort.The identification code cannot be removed from the bullet cartridge without destroying or rendering it unusable. The identification code allows for easy traceability of the bullet cartridge back to its manufacturer.

[0020] Advantageously, the sealant or compound is applied using a jet printer equipped with a nozzle, with the compound flowing out of the nozzle. This ensures particularly uniform application. Jet printers are also inexpensive, thus reducing the financial outlay for carrying out the process.

[0021] Preferably, two or more specific substance compositions are applied using the jet printer, with a separate nozzle for each specific substance composition. The separate nozzles effectively prevent the mixing of the different substance compositions. Furthermore, the agent with its integrated identification code can be applied particularly quickly, for example, by alternately spraying the nozzles. If the design of the identification code allows, the nozzles can also be operated simultaneously, at least in sections, thus further reducing the time required to apply the entire agent.

[0022] The nozzle is preferably aligned with an inner wall of the sleeve, particularly in the area of ​​a sleeve mouth, so that the agent is applied to the inner wall. This improves the metering accuracy. In particular, the axial boundaries of the agent can be precisely defined.

[0023] Preferably, 20 to 70 metered portions, more preferably 30 to 60, are applied circumferentially using the jet printer, forming a closed ring, preferably a seal. The application of the sealing medium metered portions represents a discontinuous application of the material. However, it would also be conceivable to apply the material continuously with intermittent changes in its composition. Advantageously, the jet printer and / or its nozzle rotates 360° during application to create the closed ring of material.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the method, each metered portion has a specific composition. Preferably, the agent with a specific composition is supplied to each nozzle from an associated reservoir, wherein a reservoir is provided for each composition, containing the premixed composition. Alternatively, the additive could be mixed with the matrix component during its supply to the nozzle to generate the agent.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the method, a first layer of the compound is applied. A second layer of the compound is applied axially spaced from the first layer. When the projectile is pressed into the sleeve, the compound is then distributed axially in such a way that the two layers merge into one another. This improves the sealing effect and increases the pull-out resistance.

[0026] Furthermore, the agent is preferably distributed at least partially circumferentially when the projectile is pressed into the casing. This at least partial circumferential distribution can also be described as smearing (scrape-art effect). The additional smearing during pressing results in the identification code not being immediately and obviously readable.

[0027] There are now numerous possibilities for advantageously designing and further developing the projectile cartridge and the process for manufacturing the projectile cartridge. Reference is made here to the claims subordinate to claims 1 and 8. In the following, a preferred embodiment of the projectile cartridge and the process for manufacturing the projectile cartridge according to the invention will be explained and described in more detail with reference to the drawing and the accompanying description. The drawing shows:

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a bullet cartridge in a side view, partially in section.

[0029] Fig. 2a schematically shows a cartridge case from Fig. 1, onto which a sealing medium is being applied using a jet printer designed according to a first embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 2b shows a schematic representation of a cartridge case from Fig. 1, onto which a sealing medium is being applied using a jet printer designed according to a second embodiment.

[0031] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the bullet cartridge from Fig. 1 during its manufacture, shortly before the projectile is pressed into the casing, and

[0032] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of two layers of the sealing medium for sealing the projectile cartridge according to Fig. 3 in a view developed into a plane.

[0033] Fig. 1 shows, among other things, a projectile cartridge 1 with a projectile 2, a casing 3, and a sealing / adhesive and / or binding agent 4 – hereinafter referred to as agent 4 – between the projectile 2 and the casing 3. The agent 4 preferably contains a highly viscous liquid, in particular a sealing medium 5, and more specifically a bitumen mixture. The composition of the agent 4 varies in the circumferential direction U according to an identification code 6, as can be seen particularly in Figs. 3 and 4. By means of the agent 4, the gap between the projectile 2 and the casing 3 is completely filled in the circumferential direction U. Thus, when the projectile cartridge 1 is fired, a high pressure can be generated inside the casing 3 by a propellant charge arranged inside the casing 3, so that a correspondingly high firing velocity of the projectile 2 can be achieved.

[0034] The identification code 6 contains information about a production date, a batch, a customer, a packaging pallet, and / or an ammunition box of the projectile cartridge 1, or the identification code 6 can be assigned to this information. This information is preferably converted into the identification code 6, or the parameters necessary for generating the identification code 6 for the device used to carry out the process for manufacturing the projectile cartridge 1, by means of an automated process, namely by executing corresponding program code. Appropriate databases are provided for comparing this information, in particular for the aforementioned assignment.

[0035] Two or more specific material compositions are provided. Various regions 7.1 to 7.4, each with a substantially homogeneous specific material composition, are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction U. Figures 3 and 4 show four different regions 7.1 to 7.4, each with a substantially homogeneous specific material composition, with two of the four regions 7.1 to 7.4 always alternating in the circumferential direction U. The identification code 6 is preferably designed as a binary identification code 6. Then only two specific material compositions are necessary, these two specific material compositions being converted, in particular, into zeros and ones during reading.In particular, a system similar to that used in barcodes can also be used for coding, whereby one specific material composition represents a black line and the other specific material composition represents a space between two black lines.

[0036] The medium 4 has a first layer 5.1 and a second layer 5.2 in the axial direction A. The material composition of the medium 4 in the first layer 5.1 and / or the second layer 5.2 varies in the circumferential direction U according to the identification code 6. As shown in Fig. 4, the material composition of the medium 4 in the first layer 5.1 and the second layer 5.2 varies in the circumferential direction U according to a different identification code 6. Thus, different information is stored in the first layer 5.1 than in the second layer 5.2. A binary identification code 6 is formed in each of the two layers 5.1 and 5.2. The first layer 5.1 has several third and fourth regions 7.3, 7.4. The second layer 5.1 has several first and second regions 7.1, 7.2. Other layouts are also conceivable, depending on what information is to be stored.

[0037] Thus, according to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a different identification code 6 is formed using the first layer 5.1 than using the second layer 5.2. However, the same identification code could also be formed using the first and the second layer.

[0038] Compound 4 contains at least one additive, in particular graphite. The varying composition is achieved through the proportion of the additive in Compound 4. Graphite serves in particular to improve the sliding properties. Preferably, the graphite is used together with bitumen. However, other substances, especially those that improve lubrication, could also be used.

[0039] The additive is present in the compound 4 at a proportion of 0% to 55%, in particular at a proportion of 0%, 5%, 35% and / or 50%, to form corresponding specific material compositions. According to the illustration in Fig. 4, the compound 4 contains 0% of the additive in the first region 7.1, and thus essentially exclusively bitumen. According to the illustration in Fig. 4, the compound 4 further contains 5% of the additive in the second region 7.2, and thus essentially 95% bitumen. According to the illustration in Fig. 4, the compound 4 further contains 35% of the additive in the third region 7.3, and thus essentially 65% ​​bitumen. According to the illustration in Fig. 4, the compound 4 further contains 50% of the additive in the fourth region 7.4, and thus essentially 50% bitumen. The proportion of the additive is symbolized by the points and their density within the ranges 7.1 to 7.4.

[0040] In the process for manufacturing the projectile cartridge 1 according to Fig. 1, a preferably highly viscous sealing medium 5, in particular a bitumen mixture, is applied to a sleeve 3 and / or to a projectile 2 of the projectile cartridge 1, this process step being shown in Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b. Starting from the situation shown in Fig. 3, the projectile 2 is then pressed into the sleeve 3 such that a seal is formed between the projectile 2 and the sleeve 3 by means of the means 4, with Fig. 1 then showing the pressed-in state with the seal.

[0041] The agent 4, with a composition varying circumferentially U according to an identification code 6, is applied to the sleeve 3 and / or the projectile 2. Figures 2a and 2b show this application of the sealing agent 5 to the sleeve 3. The agent 4 is applied by means of a jet printer 9 having a nozzle 8. The agent 4 flows out of the jet printer 9 through the nozzle 8. For this purpose, the agent 4 is supplied to the nozzle 8 under pressure from a reservoir. According to Figure 2a, the jet printer 9 is arranged completely outside the sleeve 3 during application. According to Figure 2b, the jet printer 9, in particular its nozzle 8, projects at least partially into the sleeve 3 during application, so that a particularly small distance between the nozzle 8 and the sleeve 3, in particular its inner edge 3.1, can be achieved.

[0042] Two or more specific material compositions are applied using the jet printer 9, with a separate nozzle 8 of the jet printer 9 being provided for each specific material composition. According to Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b, the nozzles 8 are partially not shown, or are obscured by other areas of the jet printer 9. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to apply a total of different material compositions with only one nozzle, e.g., by alternating the coupling of the nozzle to different reservoirs or by alternating the addition of the additive to a material stream of a matrix component of the agent 4, in particular bitumen, towards the nozzle.

[0043] The nozzle 8 is aligned with an inner wall 3.1 of the sleeve 3, particularly in the area of ​​a sleeve mouth 3.M of the sleeve 3, so that the sealing medium 5 is applied to the inner wall 3.1. It would also be conceivable to apply the sealing medium to the outer circumference of the projectile. Furthermore, the medium could be applied partially to the sleeve and partially to the projectile, so that when the projectile is pressed into the sleeve, a circumferentially closed ring of seal is formed. Gaps in the medium 4 on the sleeve are then filled by the medium 4 applied to the projectile.

[0044] Using the jet printer 9, 20 to 70 metering portions, preferably 30 to 60, are applied circumferentially U, forming a closed ring, namely the seal. This seal is then created after the projectile 2 is pressed into the sleeve 3. This ensures, in a simple manner, that the closed ring is formed during insertion, regardless of the angular position of the sleeve 3 and the projectile 2 relative to each other. Each metering portion has a specific material composition.

[0045] A first layer 5.1 of compound 4 is applied. A second layer 5.2 of compound 4 is applied axially spaced from the first layer 5.1. When the projectile 2 is pressed into the sleeve 3, compound 4 is distributed in the axial direction A such that the two layers 5.1 and 5.2 merge into one another. This achieves a particularly good sealing effect of compound 4. Although the two layers 5.1 and 5.2 merge into one another, they can still be distinguished. Only in a transition zone does the compound 4 of the first layer 5.1 mix with that of the second layer 5.2, so that a mixture of substances results only in this transition zone, which is then not considered in the forensic analyses described.

[0046] When the projectile 2 is pressed into the sleeve 3, the sealing medium 4 is at least partially distributed in the circumferential direction U. This can occur, for example, due to rotational movements between the projectile 2 and the sleeve 3 and / or due to circumferentially varying properties of the sealing medium 4. Circumferentially varying gap dimensions between the projectile 2 and the sleeve 3 can also contribute to the partial distribution of the sealing medium 5 in the circumferential direction U. However, this distribution does not render the identification code 6 unidentifiable / readable in forensic analyses.

[0047] In particular, military-grade bullet cartridges with such seals can then be easily traced.

[0048] Reference symbol list

[0049] 1 bullet cartridge

[0050] 2 projectiles

[0051] 3 Sleeve

[0052] 3.1 Inner wall of the sleeve 3

[0053] 3.M Case mouth of the case 3

[0054] 4 Medium

[0055] 5 Sealing medium

[0056] 5.1 First layer of the sealing medium 5

[0057] 5.2 Second layer of the sealing medium 5

[0058] 6 Identification code

[0059] 7.1 Area with a specific, initial material composition

[0060] 7.2 Area with a specific, second material composition

[0061] 7.3 Area with a specific, third material composition

[0062] 7.4 Area with a specific, fourth material composition

[0063] 8 nozzle

[0064] 9 jet printers

[0065] U Circumferential direction of the projectile cartridge 1

[0066] A Axial direction of the projectile cartridge 1

Claims

Patent claims 1. Projectile cartridge (1) comprising a projectile (2), a sleeve (3) and a sealing / adhesive and / or binding agent (4), hereinafter referred to as agent (4), between the projectile (2) and the sleeve (3), wherein the agent (4) is preferably formed by a highly viscous liquid and / or in particular contains a bitumen mixture, characterized in that the material composition of the agent (4) varies in the circumferential direction (U) according to an identification code (6).

2. Projectile cartridge (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the identification code (6) contains information about a manufacturing date, a batch, a customer, a packaging pallet and / or an ammunition box of the projectile cartridge (1) or that the identification code (6) can be assigned to this information.

3. Projectile cartridge (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that two or more specific material compositions are provided, wherein different areas (7.1 to 7.4) of essentially homogeneous specific material composition are arranged alternately in the circumferential direction (U).

4. Projectile cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (4) has a first layer (5.1) and a second layer (5.2) in the axial direction (A), wherein the material composition of the first layer (5.1) and / or the second layer (5.2) varies in the circumferential direction (U) according to the identification code (6).

5. Projectile cartridge (1 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that a different identification code (6) is formed by means of the first layer (5.1) than by means of the second layer (5.2).

6. Projectile cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (4) comprises at least one additive, in particular graphite, wherein the varying material composition is realized by the proportion of the additive in the means (4).

7. Projectile cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additive comprises a proportion of 0% - 55%, in particular a proportion of 0%, 5%, 35% and / or 50%, to form corresponding specific compositions of substances in the agent (4).

8. Method for manufacturing a projectile cartridge (1), in particular a projectile cartridge (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an agent (4), in particular a bitumen mixture, is applied to a sleeve (3) and / or to a projectile (2) of the projectile cartridge (1), wherein the projectile (2) is pressed into the sleeve (3), characterized in that the agent (4) is applied to the sleeve (3) and / or to the projectile (2) with a material composition that varies circumferentially (U) according to an identification code (6).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the agent (4) is applied by means of a jet printer (9) having a nozzle (8), wherein the agent (4) flows out of the jet printer (9) via the nozzle (8).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that two or more specific material compositions are applied with the jet printer (9), wherein a separate nozzle (8) of the jet printer (9) is provided for each specific material composition.

11. Method according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the nozzle (8) is aligned on an inner wall (3.I) of the sleeve (3), in particular in the area of ​​a sleeve mouth (3.M) of the sleeve (3), so that the means (4) is applied to the inner wall (3.I).

12. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that 20 to 70 metering portions, preferably 30 to 60 metering portions, are applied in the circumferential direction (U) by means of the jet printer (9), which together form a closed ring.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that each dosed portion has a specific composition of materials.

14. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that a first layer (5.1) of the means (4) is applied, wherein a second layer (5.2) of the means (4) is applied axially spaced from the first layer (5.1), wherein the means (4) is pressed in The projectile (2) is distributed into the sleeve (3) in such a way in the axial direction (A) that the two layers (5.1 , 5.2) merge into each other.

15. Method according to one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the means (4) is at least partially distributed in the circumferential direction (U) when the projectile (2) is pressed into the sleeve (3).

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