SYSTEM FOR THE AUTOMATED PRODUCTION OF AMMUNITION

Description

The invention relates to a system and a method for the automated production of ammunition which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant.

Systems with a closed circulating conveyor path for the automated production of ammunition are known from US 2019 094 000 A1. The system described in US 2019 094 000 A1 comprises a conveyor device for ammunition parts with a plurality of stations, at which ammunition parts are processed, mounted, manipulated and/or received and which are ultimately assembled to form the finished ammunition. The conveying device of the individual ammunition parts is implemented by means of a continuous conveyor chain, wherein said conveyor chain in principle moves the individual ammunition parts between the stations at a constant and identical conveying speed and comes to a standstill once per cycle. The positioning with regard to the individual production stations takes place on account of the arrangement of 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 cyclical movement profile can be processed, as a result of which all production stations must be approached in the same way.

The proposed system must be aligned and calibrated very precisely, as a result of which the operation is susceptible to faults. Furthermore, the fixed and clearly defined arrangement of the processing stations increases the space requirement and the flexibility of the machine. This ultimately has a negative influence on the machine-related production overhead costs.

Furthermore, there is a need to process more ammunition parts in a shorter time (to increase the production capacity). For this purpose, the speed of the conveyor chain can be increased in the known system. However, as a result, the loadings in the individual bearings increase disproportionately as a result of the faster starting and stopping of the conveyor chain, which leads to increased wear of the machine, in particular of its movable parts. In addition, the susceptibility of the entire system to errors with regard to feed increases during the faster movement of the conveyor chain, which leads to increased rejects. This reduces the overall system effectiveness despite a higher production capacity.

A further challenge during ammunition production is the adaptability of the machine to the production of different calibers. In the case of a purely mechanically released and fixed displaceability of the conveyor chain, the different, caliber-specific diameter of the case can be taken into account only inadequately. Furthermore, it is important for the production quality that the individual production stations are approached in their own and suitable movement profile and the total size of the ammunition to be produced is taken into account.

Linear-cycle systems for the automated production of ammunition are known from KR 101 482 449 B1. It comprises a longitudinally arranged conveyor device for ammunition parts with a plurality of stations, at which ammunition parts are processed, mounted, manipulated and/or received and which are ultimately assembled to form the finished ammunition. The conveying device is constructed by means of sled-like carrying units and is designed for carrying a plurality of, in particular identical, ammunition parts. The production takes place both serially at a plurality of different production stations and in parallel, wherein a plurality of ammunition components are arranged simultaneously on a tool sled and in particular are processed further simultaneously. The production is distance-independent in only one direction. The positioning of the individual production stations takes place based on the arrangement of the sled. The conveying of the individual sleds between the positions takes place individually and requires a plurality of positionings per cycle. This has the advantage that it is possible to work with a plurality of movement profiles between the production stations. This ultimately leads to the positions of the individual production stations being freely selectable and accordingly sufficient space can be attributed to the production stations.

The proposed system consists of a plurality of production stations, wherein a plurality of ammunition parts are processed in parallel, in particular simultaneously, into ammunition in sleds. In this case, the production stations are arranged structurally independently of the conveying device of the sleds. This has the disadvantage that each production station must be oriented to receive the sleds loaded with ammunition components, to process them and to deliver them back to the conveying device, which means a considerable increase in complexity in the overall system.

Furthermore, there is a need to process more ammunition parts in a shorter time (to increase the production capacity). For this purpose, the speed of the conveying can be increased in the known system. Furthermore, the number of ammunition-receiving cavities in the sled can also be increased in order to increase the production capacity. Since the sleds serve entirely as a passive transport device and holding device for the production steps taking place at the production stations, the cycle time is the limiting factor for the manipulation with the passive sled.

A further challenge in the strictly linear ammunition production direction is the return of the sleds. In this case, a separate conveying means is required which serves exclusively for sled return and extends over the entire production length. This results in an oversized buffer space, wherein the passive sleds are placed merely on the conveyor belt-like return belt. This results in an increased susceptibility to faults and the need for a plurality of additional sleds which process no ammunition and are passively unproductive. Furthermore, the space requirement is increased by an external sled return unit. This ultimately has a negative influence on the machine-related production overhead costs.

It is the object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular to provide a system 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.

The object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

Accordingly, a system for the automated production of ammunition, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line. The system can also be referred to as a linear transport system which, for example in assembly and automation technology for ammunition, serves to transport ammunition parts in a positionally accurate manner to processing and/or assembly stations which are positioned along the transport path.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device, which can also be referred to or comprise a workpiece carrier, for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. The production stations can be designed to handle at least one ammunition part, in particular to manipulate, handle, interact with it or act on it in some other way. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device defines a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, at least one, in particular a plurality, of the plurality of production stations is arranged in the interior space and/or the exterior space and acts on the conveying device, in particular the ammunition parts conveyed or transported along the conveying device, from the inside and/or from the outside. The lateral or horizontal plane of action of the production stations on the conveying device or on the ammunition parts conveyed therewith thus created enables a space-saving, cleaned-up construction of the system. With such a lateral access to the conveying device, the high demands on the production capacity can be better satisfied, since as a result of the lateral arrangement with the lateral access of the production stations to the conveying device, the individual production stations can be designed completely independently of the conveying device and can be positioned, repositioned and exchanged freely or flexibly in relation to the conveying device.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one of the plurality of production stations has a robotic system, the support base of which is attached to a foundation, located next to the conveying path, of the interior space and/or of the exterior space. The robotic system can have a sensor system, actuators and information processing, in particular in order to regulate and control a robot which is designed for processing, manipulating or the like of the ammunition parts. In particular, the robotics system is designed to act on at least one of the ammunition parts.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the support base has a support column and an extension arm which extends over the conveying path and is dimensioned in particular in such a way that access to the conveying device, in particular to the ammunition parts carried by the conveying device, from the underside or the upper side is permitted. The extension arm can consequently extend from a position laterally in relation to the conveying path to a position at which the extension arm is arranged above the conveying path in order to be able to access or act on the ammunition parts. The extension arm can also assume a passive or buffer position in which it is retracted completely in relation to the conveying path and is located next to the latter.

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

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, a plurality of the plurality of production stations are arranged in the interior space and/or the exterior space and act on the conveying device carrying at least one of the ammunition parts from the inside and/or from the outside, depending on their positioning. As a result of the plurality of production stations which are distributed in the outer space and the arrangement thereof in the vicinity of the conveying path, a star-like structure with the conveying path in the center and the production stations which form the star points is produced.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying path of the conveying device comprises two linear sections which extend parallel to one another and are connected by two diametrically opposite curved sections, in particular extending over substantially 180°, in order in particular to form a racetrack-shaped conveying path profile. The two linear sections and each of the two opposite curved sections can be of identical design, with the result that a symmetrical conveying path is produced.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, a shape of the closed circulating conveying path is in the manner of a racetrack, in particular oval or circular. In the case of the circular embodiment, the linear sections are reduced to a minimum.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the production station arranged in the interior space and/or the exterior space is arranged on the infeeding longitudinal side or the outfeeding longitudinal side of the closed conveying path. This means that the plurality of production stations are arranged in particular at a uniform distance from one another along the linear sections of the conveying path. In the case of a circular embodiment of the conveying path, the plurality of production stations are arranged along the circular path shape.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying path serves at least in sections as a buffer zone for the conveying devices, wherein the buffer zone is formed in particular in the region of the curved sections. A buffer zone can be understood to mean that no production, manipulation or processing steps take place on the ammunition parts in said zone. In the buffer regions, the ammunition parts transported by the conveying path can come to a standstill and/or functions can be carried out in the assembly process. For example, it is provided that the buffer zones can be used and equipped with a sensor system, for example an optical sensor system, and/or further processing stations. It is possible, for example, to integrate a UV light source into the buffer zone in order to cure the applied sealing lacquer. In addition, a sensor system can also be located in the buffer regions in order to detect the generated light emission in the applied lacquer by means of UV light sources by means of excitation or physical change. The presence of the lacquer and the quality of the complete seal can thus be checked.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, in the event of a faulty manipulation in a production station the production process is interrupted. All ammunition parts which are being processed in the production station are discharged. In this way, it is ensured that no defective ammunition is produced. It can be provided that, in the event of a fault, the further operations at the following stations can be suspended. The conveying device with the received ammunition parts runs through the further stations without being processed. All of the ammunition parts received by the conveying device are discharged only at the end of the production line, with the result that the revolution dynamics of the overall system are not interrupted.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a plurality of conveying devices each for holding a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting a plurality of the plurality of ammunition parts each to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying devices fulfil at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, the plurality of conveying devices can move independently of one another from, to and/or between the plurality of production stations. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along a conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

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

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the conveying devices define a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device can define a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, the system has at least two propellant filling stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction. The propellant filling stations are basically designed to fill ammunition parts, in particular the case, with propellant powder. The propellant filling station according to the invention can be designed on the basis of gravimetry or work on the basis of volumetric metering. With the gravimetric metering, advantages with regard to the accuracy of the metered quantity can be achieved. With the volumetric metering, clear advantages with regard to the processing speed can be achieved, which has a positive effect on the cycle rate, in particular when incorporating the propellant filling station according to the invention into a system, in particular according to the invention, for the automated production of ammunition. The device according to the invention serves in particular for the simultaneous filling of the at least two ammunition cases with propellant powder. This means that the filling of the at least two ammunition cases is carried out in one filling operation. Simultaneously is not necessarily to be understood here as meaning that the at least two ammunition cases are filled exactly at the same time, but rather that there is quite a certain time offset between the filling, in particular the complete filling, of the ammunition cases arranged along the path. The device according to the invention can be designed to fill the at least two ammunition cases in each case with a defined, in particular substantially identical, quantity taking into account the process-inherent inaccuracies. The propellant powder can be, for example, a propellant powder for a small caliber ammunition, in particular with a caliber in the range of 4.5 mm to 13 mm, which typically has one-or two-base spherical, tubular, rod or flake shapes and/or is shaped in the manner of a powder. Alternatively, extruded propellant powders can also be used. If the propellant powder is spherical, it can be, for example, rolled and have a ball diameter of 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm. In the case of rod-shaped propellant powder, for example for the 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. In the case of nitrocellulose (NC), the density of the propellant powder used can be, for example, in the range from 0.5 to 1 g/cm³. In the case of such a propellant powder, the bulk density is in the range from 0.6 to 1 g/cm³, for cartridge cartridges, for subsonic or blank cartridges up to 0.4 g/cm³.

The at least two propellant filling stations arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction can also be part of a common unit which has two separate propellant filling sub-stations or units arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction, at which in each case the propellant powder is dispensed. In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least two propellant filling stations are arranged at a distance from one another in the conveying direction in such a way that at least one conveying device can dwell in a buffer position between the at least two propellant filling stations. Processing steps, such as, for example, a quality control, a check by means of a sensor system, for example on the basis of optical imaging, can also take place in the buffer position.

It has been shown that the at least two propellant filling stations can increase the cycle time in the laboratory process. In principle, the system according to the invention also functions with only a single propellant filling station, which, however, would restrict the passage time and the quantity of the ammunition parts to be filled, such as cases. The inventors of the present invention have recognized this causality between the filling time, number of cases to be filled and the number of propellant filling stations with regard to the cycle time and cycle rate relevant to generic systems.

According to a further exemplary development of the system according to the invention, the at least two propellant filling stations and the conveying device are coordinated with one another in such a way that the ammunition parts held by the at least two propellant filling stations are filled substantially simultaneously. Simultaneously is not necessarily to be understood here as meaning that the ammunition parts are filled exactly at the same time, but rather that there is quite a certain time offset between the filling, in particular the complete filling, but rather to the effect that the filling of the plurality of ammunition parts takes place in one filling or processing operation.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, such as a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device can define a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, one of the plurality of production stations is an ignition element insertion station, which inserts an ignition element into the production process of the system and inserts each into a case. The ignition element insertion station can be designed to insert a plurality of, in particular at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven or twelve, ignition elements simultaneously, in particular in an insertion operation, into a corresponding number of cases.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition element insertion station moves the ignition elements laterally towards the conveying device for insertion into the production process. In this case, the conveying path can define a horizontal conveying plane with a limited extent in this plane. Lateral insertion can be understood as meaning that the ignition elements are inserted into the cases laterally from outside the conveying plane delimited by the conveying path, that is to say in particular parallel to the orientation of the conveying plane.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition elements are aligned in a cassette or are supplied to the ignition element insertion station as bulk material. In this case, the cassette can be adapted to the arrangement of the ammunition parts held by the conveying device, with the result that, in particular, the simultaneous insertion of a plurality of ignition elements is simplified.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the ignition element is inserted into the case from below or from above. In other words, the ignition element can firstly be brought laterally to the conveying device and finally inserted into the case in an insertion direction which is oriented transversely to the supply direction, in particular perpendicularly thereto.

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

According to a further exemplary development, the system has a translationally mounted slide, in particular according to a back and forth movement, for receiving a multiplicity of ignition elements at the ignition element supply stations and for transferring and fixing the ignition elements to the ignition element insertion station. For example, the carrier is designed and/or dimensioned such that a section of the slide is located in the region of at least the ignition element supply stations and a further, in particular identically designed, section is located in the region of the ignition element insertion station. Thus, substantially simultaneously, on the one hand, a batch of ignition elements can be transferred to the slide in the region of the ignition element supply station and, on the other hand, ignition elements already transferred to the slide can be inserted into the cases by means of the ignition element insertion station. For example, the slide has a plate-like elongate structure with a multiplicity of receptacles, in particular recesses, which are arranged in particular at a uniform distance from one another, and which are in each case designed and dimensioned for receiving an ignition element.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, namely a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device can define a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, one of the plurality of production stations is a fluid application station, in which a sealing compound is applied into an annular joint between the case and the ignition element accommodated therein and/or between the case and the projectile inserted therein, and the annular joint is sealed and/or marked. It has been found that the integration of the application of the sealing compound in the automated production process entails considerable advantages with regard to the production capacity and also the production accuracy. As a result of the system ensuring that the individual components are aligned with one another, the fluid application station can benefit from this predetermined alignment of the individual components with respect to one another and apply the sealing compound very precisely.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying direction defines a closed circulating conveying path which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom, wherein the fluid application station arranged in the interior space and/or in the exterior space acts from the outside and/or from the inside via a robotic system. The robotic system can have a sensor system, actuators and information processing, in particular in order to regulate and control a robot which is designed for processing, manipulating or the like of the ammunition parts. In particular, the robotic system is designed to act on at least one of the ammunition parts.

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 adapted to a case capacity and/or the fluid applicators are micro-dosing valves. As a result of these measures, the fluid mass can be applied particularly efficiently and specifically and in the correct metered quantity. The number of fluid applicators required, in particular valves, depends on the characteristic or the specification of the fluid applicators. For example, valves can be used which spray drops by means of short pulses while the cases travel at a specific speed.

In a further exemplary embodiment, the fluid applicators dispense a synthetic fluid, in particular a synthetic sealant. This means that the fluid applicators are correspondingly designed and can be connected to a supply of sealing compound.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the fluid applicators dispense a plurality of drops of the fluid into an annular joint between the ignition element and the case and/or between the case and the projectile inserted during a circular movement.

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

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the fluid is distributed uniformly, wherein an annular layer has a deviation of not more than 20 nl/mm of annular circumferential width, in particular not more than 1 nl/mm of annular circumferential width, preferably not more than 0.1 nl/mm of annular circumferential width. For example, a metered quantity per delivery process can be in the range from 50 nl to 500 nl. 1-10 individual sealing applications, in particular spraying processes, can be possible per sealing process.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the fluid is distributed uniformly with a plurality of drops, wherein in particular the annular layer comprises more than 0.2 drops/mm of annular circumferential width, in particular more than 1 drop/mm of annular circumferential width or more than 2 drops/mm of annular circumferential width or more than 2 drops/mm of annular circumferential width.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a nozzle which is fluidically connected to the micro-dosing valve and has an outlet diameter in the range from 0.05 mm to 0.5 mm, in particular in the range from 0.1 mm to 3 mm or in the range from 0.2 mm to 0.1 mm, dispenses the annular joint lacquer.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device can define a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, one of the plurality of production stations is a quality monitoring station, in which the case and the projectile are monitored individually in each case before assembly. The monitoring can be understood to mean a quality control with regard to predetermined parameters.

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.

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

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the optical camera takes a plurality of images of each ammunition part of the conveying device carrying ammunition parts, in order to evaluate a quality of the ammunition parts on the basis of the plurality of images.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device defines a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, the conveying device and the production stations are coordinated with one another in clock cycles, wherein at least two, at least five, at least ten or at least twelve ammunition parts per clock cycle are processed at the production stations to form ammunition. The production capacity according to the invention is achieved inter alia by the parallel processing of a multiplicity of ammunition parts per clock cycle.

In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying device is forwarded in a tact 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.

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, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile and a propellant, is provided. The system for the automated production can comprise all joining and assembly steps which are necessary in order 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 an assembly system or laboratory system. The individual ammunition components can be produced in upstream production steps and/or upstream production stations and finally be supplied to the assembly system, at which they are in principle assembled according to proven technique to form a complete ammunition or cartridge, which is thus ready for sale after passing through the system. The system is preferably realized as a rotary cycle or revolving system, in which the individual processing stations for assembling the ammunition are arranged in succession along the rotary cycle or revolving system and assemble ammunition units in an automated manner according to a conveying cycle of the production line.

The system according to the invention comprises a plurality of production or processing stations at which the different assembly or production steps are carried out. For example, the plurality of production 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 production process of the system, a plurality of quality control stations, at least one ammunition part processing station, for example a case forming station, a propellant filling station, a projectile assembly station, a projectile marking station and/or a discharge station for transporting the produced ammunition out of the production process of the system. The discharge station can also serve to discharge rejects from the production process. The plurality of production stations are arranged in relation to the production process in such a way that the ammunition parts can be supplied to the production stations one after the other in order to allow the production steps building on one another to be carried out.

The system according to the invention also comprises a conveying device for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from and/or between the plurality of production stations. Accordingly, the conveying device fulfils at least two functions. On the one hand, the conveying device can hold the ammunition parts required for the ammunition and permit access of the individual production stations to the ammunition parts or permit processing of the ammunition parts at the individual production stations and, on the other hand, the conveying device is responsible for the in particular automated transporting or conveying of the individual ammunition parts along the production process defined by the plurality of production stations. The conveying device defines a closed circulating conveying path along which the individual ammunition parts are conveyed at least in sections, depending on their influence on the production process, and which delimits an interior space enclosed by the conveying path and an exterior space delimited therefrom. The conveying path can have an endless racetrack-like structure or shape. In particular, the system comprises a plurality of conveying devices, such as sleds, which are distributed along the conveying path and are in particular of identical design. In this case, the plurality of conveying devices can be actuated individually and moved along the conveying path, in order that individual production stations can be approached with an individual movement profile for each conveying device. Consequently, the production process is considerably more flexible than when the conveying devices are fixed to one another along the conveying path.

According to the further aspect according to the invention, the conveying path comprises a rail oriented in the direction of the interior space and/or exterior space, which rail extends along the conveying path and fixes a coupling interface of the conveying device in a provision position. The coupling interface of the conveying device is designed for connection to a motor of the production line, which motor is provided to drive the conveying device and to move it between the processing stations and/or for supplying energy to the conveying device, with the result that the latter can carry out manipulation processes, in particular a motor-side coupling interface, in order to transmit energy to the, in particular motorless, conveying device. Accordingly, the conveying device itself can be of drive-free and/or motorless design. The activation or movement energy required for moving the conveying device can be supplied in particular completely 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 terms of shape and/or aligned in relation to a motor-side coupling interface, in such a way that the workpiece carrier can move into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. In this way, coupling of the workpiece carrier and energy source to one another in a particularly simple manner is made possible without the workpiece carrier requiring its own energy supply in order to move the at least one receptacle. Furthermore, the conveying-device-side coupling interface is designed, in particular matched in terms of shape and/or aligned in relation to a motor-side coupling interface, in such a way that the conveying device can move into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. In this way, coupling of the conveying device and energy source to one another in a particularly simple manner is made possible without the conveying device requiring its own energy supply in order to move the at least one receptacle. According to an exemplary embodiment of the conveying device, the coupling interfaces are designed for form-fitting engagement. For example, the coupling interfaces can be based on the tongue-and-groove principle. In a further exemplary embodiment of the conveying device, the conveying-device-side coupling interface has a rectilinear depression and a rectilinear projection, the longitudinal extent of which is/are aligned parallel to a movement direction for coupling the conveying device and motor to one another. The movement direction of the conveying device for coupling to one another can correspond to that movement direction which is defined by the production line, for example the rotary cycle or revolving system.

The fixing of the coupling interface of the conveying device in the provision position thereof, which can also be regarded as a coupling position, ensures that, during the movement of the conveying device along the conveying path, the coupling interface does not shift and in particular remains in that position, such that reliable coupling is ensured.

In an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the rail is produced from a material with a coefficient of sliding friction with respect to steel of less than 0.20, in particular less than 0.10 or less than 0.08.

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

In an exemplary embodiment which can be applied to all of the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, the conveying device can also be referred to as a workpiece carrier which can in principle fulfil two functions. On the one hand, it can hold ammunition parts required for the ammunition and enable access of the individual processing stations to the ammunition parts or enable processing of the ammunition parts at the individual processing stations and, on the other hand, the workpiece carrier can form the interface to the automated production line, with the result that the at least two ammunition parts can pass through the automated production line by means of the workpiece carrier.

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

The workpiece carrier further comprises at least one receptacle arranged on the carrier base, in particular preferably detachably fastened thereto, for holding at least two ammunition parts of the same type, such as two ammunition cases, 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 receive 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 to 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 are held in a predetermined, in particular unchangeable, arrangement by the receptacle. For example, in rows and/or parallel arrangement, such as in an array field.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one ammunition part receptacle is movably mounted relative to the carrier base. It has been found that during the assembly of ammunition, the individual ammunition parts must be held in different orientations depending on the processing station. While this was solved in the prior art by complex and individually constructed processing stations that could access the rigid holding devices for the ammunition parts, the present invention departs from this concept by providing a more complex workpiece carrier to meet these requirements. According to the invention, high flexibility is achieved in a simple manner by means of the movable mounting of the ammunition part receptacle relative to the carrier base. By making the material receptacle movable, it is possible to bring it into the optimal orientation during the different processing steps or in the different processing stations. As a result, the individual processing stations can be significantly simplified in terms of structure, handling, and control and can be significantly reduced in terms of their installation space. The processing stations no longer require complex systems to access or process the rigidly arranged ammunition parts.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, at least one of the ammunition part receptacles can be moved from a loading position, in which the at least two ammunition parts can be supplied simultaneously, to a processing position, in which the at least two ammunition parts can be processed simultaneously. Since not all different types of ammunition parts necessarily have to be supplied to the same number of different processing stations and/or processed in different orientations or positions, a cost-effective and yet significantly more flexible workpiece carrier compared to the prior art can thus be provided. By combining the receptacle for the ammunition parts of different types necessary for the production of ammunition in one and the same workpiece carrier, significant advantages can be generated, particularly with regard to the cycle rate. Thus, the ammunition parts to be joined together can be provided in close proximity to each other, or at least held by the same workpiece carrier, so that they are held locally concentrated on the workpiece carrier for easy handling and accessibility. The movability of the at least one ammunition part receptacle relative to the carrier base can be designed to be so flexible that a variety of different positions can be approached. For example, the at least one ammunition part receptacle can be locked when taking the loading position and/or the processing position, so that movability of the ammunition part receptacle is temporarily prevented. It should be clear that the position of the at least two ammunition parts in the loading position or their orientation can also be such that processing of the at least two ammunition parts can take place in the loading position. The different positions that can be taken by the ammunition part receptacle relative to the carrier base can differ in terms of different orientation and/or position with respect to the distance from the carrier base.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the workpiece carrier further comprises a coupling interface for connecting to a motor of the production line, in particular a motor-side coupling interface, to move the receptacle from the loading position to the processing position, and in particular vice versa. The workpiece carrier itself can thus be designed to be drive-free and/or motorless. The necessary activation or movement energy required to move the at least one ammunition part receptacle can be supplied entirely from outside, for example by a motor or drive of the production line.

According to a further exemplary embodiment, the workpiece carrier-side coupling interface is designed, in particular matched in terms of shape and/or aligned with respect to a motor-side coupling interface, so that the workpiece carrier can move into the motor-side coupling interface for connection to the motor. In this way, a particularly simple coupling of the workpiece carrier and energy source is made possible without the workpiece carrier requiring its own energy supply to move the at least one receptacle.

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 conveying device, in particular the case, such as a case bottom, and/or the base piece, such as a base piece bottom. For example, this can be a laser station. The laser station can be directly downstream of the case insertion station and/or integrated into it. The device can serve to apply an individual identification, in particular permanently, to the ammunition part. For example, downstream production stations can have a device for reading the individual identification.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the production stations can be individually movable between a production position, in which the production stations can act on the ammunition parts and/or the conveying device, and a passive position, in which the production stations are retracted with respect to the ammunition parts and/or the conveying device. The passive position can be a maintenance position, for example, in which the respective production station is decoupled from the production process to perform maintenance, repair, or other checks not directly related to the production of ammunition. For example, the production stations can be individually moved away from the conveying path from the production position to the passive position.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the production stations each have a drive for moving 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 conveying device. In other words, the drive for moving the production stations between the production and passive positions can be independently constructed and controllable with respect to the production-station-specific manipulation device, which intervenes in the production process to produce the ammunition. For example, the production stations each have a detachable coupling interface for connecting to the respective stationary drive.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying devices are movably mounted on a rail extending along the conveying path and held on the rail by a holding force oriented in the horizontal direction, in particular a magnetic holding force. For example, no additional fastening mechanisms acting in the horizontal direction are used. The horizontal, in particular magnetic, holding force can be supported by a support oriented in the vertical direction for a conveying-device-side bearing interface, which slides and/or rolls along the support during the movement of the conveying device relative to the support.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the conveying devices are detachably mounted on the rail. For example, the detachment can be achieved by overcoming the magnetic holding force between the conveying device and the rail. A detachment direction of the conveying device away from the rail can be oriented in the horizontal direction.

In a further exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, the rail has at least one bearing and/or guiding surface for the conveying devices. The bearing and/or guiding surfaces support the movements of the conveying devices for the transport of the plurality of ammunition parts from, to, and/or between the plurality of production stations. For example, a guiding surface oriented in the horizontal direction provides the magnetic holding force. The magnetic holding force can be achieved by a surface contact or by two bearing surfaces of the rail and the conveying device arranged at a slight distance from each other.

According to a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conveying devices and a rail extending along the conveying path, on which the conveying devices are movably guided, form a magnetic levitation system.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can be combined with the preceding aspects and exemplary embodiments, a method for the automated production of ammunition, which consists of a plurality of ammunition parts, in particular a case, an ignition element, a projectile, and a propellant, is provided. According to the method of the invention, the ammunition can be produced using a system designed according to one of the previously described aspects or exemplary embodiments, and/or the method can be designed so that the system according to the invention can perform the method steps.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

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

FIGS. 1 and 2 show schematic principle sketches of exemplary embodiments of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a schematic principle sketch in greater detail of a further exemplary embodiment of a system according to the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a schematic principle sketch of a section of the system according to FIG. 3; and

FIGS. 5 to 19 show further schematic principle sketches of further sections of the system from FIG. 3.

In the present description of exemplary embodiments of the present inventions, a system 1 according to the invention, also called an assembly system 1 or laboratory system 1, is generally designated by the reference numeral 1, the conveying device 100 or the workpiece carrier 100 for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from, and/or between the plurality of production stations is generally designated by the reference numeral 100. The finished ammunition 101 is designated by the reference numeral 101.

According to the exemplary embodiments of the assembly system 1 according to the invention in FIGS. 1-3, the assembly system 1 comprises at least the following production stations: A case insertion station 11, which is designed to insert cases 3 into the conveying device 100; a projectile insertion station 13, which is designed to insert projectiles 5 into the conveying device 100; a propellant filling station 15, which is designed to fill cases 3 with propellant powder 9; an ignition element supply station 49 for supplying ignition elements 7 and an ignition element insertion station 47, in which the ignition elements 7 are inserted into the conveying devices 100; several quality monitoring stations 59 and quality control stations 69 for ensuring the quality of the ammunition 101 optically and/or tactilely, and a discharge station 25 for finally discharging the finished ammunition 101.

The conveying device 100 for holding the plurality of ammunition parts and for transporting the plurality of ammunition parts to, from, and/or between the plurality of production stations 11, 13, 15, 59, 59, 25 defines a closed circulating conveying path 29, which delimits an interior space 33 enclosed by the conveying path 29 and an exterior space 31 delimited therefrom. The conveying path 29 is constructed according to the exemplary embodiment in FIGS. 1-3 from two parallel linear sections 27 connected by curved sections 43 to form a racetrack-shaped conveying path profile. The production stations 11, 13, 15, 59, 59, 25 are arranged laterally to the conveying path 29 in the interior space 33 (FIG. 1) or in the exterior space 31 (FIG. 2) of the conveying path 29.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, schematic principle sketches of exemplary embodiments of a system 1 according to the invention are shown. FIG. 1 shows a system arrangement in which the ammunition components are introduced into the system 1 from the outside. FIG. 2 shows the reversed approach, in which the ammunition components are brought into the conveying devices 100 from the interior space 33. The principal production process is the same in both system arrangements according to FIGS. 1 and 2. Both system principles have the following production process: A conveying 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 are fed to the conveying device 100. The entire conveying device 100 with the projectiles 5 and cases 3 located thereon is then subjected to an optical inspection at a quality monitoring station 59. In the subsequent stations, an ignition element 7 is first introduced into the system 1 via an ignition element supply station 49, then transferred with a slide 51 in an ignition element insertion station 47, and finally inserted into the rear of the case 3. After insertion, the ignited cases 3 are calibrated at a case forming station 17 and then sealed with ring joint lacquer at a fluid application station 53. The conveying devices 100 are then guided through a second curved section 43, followed by another linear section 27 with several production stations. Before the cases 3 are filled with propellant powder 9 at the propellant filling station 15, it is checked at a quality monitoring station 59 whether the ignition elements 7 have been properly received in the cases 3. After filling, the fill level is checked at a quality control station 69, in particular tactilely. The actual assembly of the projectile 5 and the case 3 takes place in two stages: first, the projectile 5 is only lightly placed on the case 3 at the projectile insertion station 19, and finally pressed into the case 3 in a subsequent step at the projectile assembly station 21. The finalized ammunition 101 is then checked at a quality monitoring station 59 and/or a quality control station 69 and finally discharged via a discharge station 25.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed representation of the system 1, showing a particular feature of the system 1. To increase production capacity or production safety, it is possible for the system 1 to have at least two propellant filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. This special arrangement allows two conveying 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 case 3, leading to increased dosing accuracy. Labor-intensive stations can generally be duplicated 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 inserting of ignition elements 7 into the rear of the case 3. For this purpose, an exemplary embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention is shown in FIG. 3, which has two ignition element supply 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 FIG. 3, the ignition element insertion station 47 is arranged between the ignition element supply stations 49 in the conveying direction F. This has the advantage that the production capacity can be significantly increased since operations can be carried out in parallel.

Referring to FIG. 4, which shows a detailed section from FIG. 3, several production stations after filling with propellant powder 9 are shown. As already described, after filling, the charge is measured by sensors. This is done at a quality control station 69, which can be equipped with tactile and/or non-contact sensors. After this quality control station 69, the projectile 5 is applied to the case 3 in two stages. The conveying device 100 can have an ammunition part receptacle 75 attached to it, in which the projectiles 5 are arranged, and possibly another ammunition part receptacle 75 for the cases 3, with the ammunition part receptacles 75 being pivotably mounted relative to each other, so that by a pivoting movement of one of the ammunition part receptacles 75 relative to the other at the projectile insertion station 19, the projectiles 5 can be placed on the cases 3. As a result, the projectile 5 is coaxially centered above the case 3 and is inserted into the case 3 by a multiple punch set in the projectile assembly station 21 with a linear movement, in particular simultaneously. A particular feature of the production process shown in FIG. 4 is that the pivoting movement at the projectile insertion station 19 is carried out by the ammunition part receptacle 75 of the motorless conveying device 100. The necessary activation or movement energy required to manipulate the conveying device 100 can be supplied from outside, for example by a motor 77. Furthermore, the conveying device 100 is designed with a coupling interface 65, in particular matched in terms of shape and/or aligned with respect to a motor-side coupling interface 65, so 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 conveying device 100 shown in FIG. 4, the coupling interfaces 65 are designed for form-fitting engagement as a tongue-and-groove system 73. Furthermore, a case forming station 17 is shown in FIG. 4, which fixes the projectile 5 not only by force but also by form with the case 3. 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 control station 69. This process is also called loadability control and is carried out in particular tactilely, with each finished ammunition 101 being pressed into a cavity representing the maximum permissible outer geometry, which is also called loadability control using a loadability gauge.

Referring to FIG. 5, which shows a detailed section from FIG. 4 and thus also from FIG. 3, several production stations up to the final discharge and transport in a discharge direction A are shown. The representation in FIG. 5 is tilted by about 45°, showing a carrier base 37 and a support column 39. A robotic system 35 for discharging the ammunition 101 is mounted on the support column 39 according to FIG. 4. The discharge station 25 can serve to discharge rejects from the production process on the one hand and to place the finished ammunition 101 parallel on a conveyor belt and finally transport it in the discharge direction A on the other hand. Another production station of the system 1 according to the invention is a projectile marking station 23 according to FIG. 5, which consists only of a fluid applicator 57. This fluid applicator 57 of the projectile marking station 23, which is attached downstream of the loadability control, can apply various fluid connections and thus fulfill 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, which makes the ammunition 101 more weapon-friendly and/or precise.

Referring to FIG. 6, which shows a further detailed section from FIG. 3, the ignition element insertion stations 47 and ignition element supply stations 49 arranged side by side in the conveying direction F are shown. According to the embodiment of the system 1 shown in FIG. 6, the ignition elements 7 are supplied aligned in a cassette 79 of the ignition element insertion station 47. The cassette 79 is adapted to the arrangement of the ammunition parts held by the conveying device 100, so that in particular the simultaneous insertion of multiple ignition elements 7 is simplified.

FIG. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of a section of an assembly system 1 according to the invention with a parallel-acting propellant filling station 15. The system 1 shown in FIG. 7 has two propellant filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F. The propellant filling station 15 operates volumetrically according to FIG. 7, which has a positive effect on the productivity of the assembly system 1. The propellant 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 operation without a change of direction. The propellant filling station 15 is designed for small caliber ammunition, which typically fills the ammunition 101 with one- or two-base spherical, tubular, rod or flake-shaped powder. The two propellant filling stations 15 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F are part of a unit according to FIG. 7, which has two separate propellant filling stations 15 or units arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction F, at which the propellant powder 9 is dispensed.

Referring to FIG. 8, which shows a detailed section from FIG. 3, several production stations, in particular the case insertion station 11 and the projectile insertion station 13 for inserting the ammunition parts, are shown. Here, the ammunition components are introduced into the conveying device 100 laterally via a robotic system 35 designed as a slide. The cases 3 are introduced into the conveying device 100 with the case mouth first in the case insertion station 11 according to FIG. 8. The case receiving cavities of the conveying device 100 are rotated so that the case 3 and the case receiving cavities are aligned, allowing the robotic system 35 to slide the cases 3 into the cavity from the side. The projectile insertion station 19 follows a similar principle. Here, however, the projectiles 5 are slid into the upper cavities of the conveying devices 100 by a robotic system 35. According to FIG. 8, a transfer station is located between the case insertion station 11 and the projectile insertion station 13, where a rail 63 oriented towards the interior space 33 extends along the conveying path 29 and has a coupling interface 65 designed analogously to a tongue-and-groove system 73 and can bring the conveying device 100 into a standby position via a motor 77.

Referring to FIG. 9, which shows a greatly enlarged and perspective detailed section of FIG. 3, an optical quality monitoring station 59 is shown. According to FIG. 9, the quality monitoring station 59 is equipped with 3 cameras 61. The cameras 61 are directed at both the case 3 and the projectile 5. Thus, it is possible to take multiple images of each case 3 and each projectile 5 and subsequently evaluate them mechanically, manually, or using artificial intelligence (AI), “deep learning,” or “machine learning.”

Another feature of the system 1 according to the invention is the special type of sealing and/or marking of the annular joint 55 using fluid applicators 57 arranged side by side in the conveying direction F. According to the embodiment of the system 1 shown in FIG. 10, the fluid application station 53 has multiple fluid applicators 57, with the number of fluid applicators 57 being adapted to the case capacity and/or the number of cases 3 held by the conveying device 100. The robotic system 35 of the system 1 shown in FIG. 10 can perform a circular movement. These measures allow the fluid mass to be applied particularly efficiently and specifically and in the correct metered quantity. The fluid application station 53 of FIG. 10 can be equipped with sealing medium and/or color medium. The color medium is used in particular for recognition purposes in subsonic ammunition. The fluid applicators 57 dispense multiple 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 pulses drops onto the case 3. The conveying device 100 moves through the processing station with a defined speed profile within the station-specific total throughput time.

FIG. 11 shows a way to design at least parts of the system 1 modularly. An extension arm 81, consisting of a carrier base 37 and a support column 39, can be equipped with various end effectors. Possible modular end effectors that can be mounted on a support column 39 according to FIG. 11 include precise positioning devices, to which fluid applicators 57, quality monitoring stations 59, or other actuators such as motors 77 can be attached.

FIG. 13 shows another section in a perspective view of a system 1 according to the invention, focusing on a conveying device 100 arranged on a rail 63. The embodiment according to FIG. 13 differs from the previous embodiments in terms of the coupling of the conveying device 100 and the rail 63. As schematically indicated by the arrow with the reference sign M, there is a magnetic holding force oriented in the horizontal direction H between the conveying device 100 and the rail 63, which holds the conveying device 100 on the rail 63. According to the embodiment in FIG. 13, the conveying device 100 is free from a form-fit or locking engagement with the rail 63. The coupling is achieved by pairs of bearing and/or guiding surfaces 83, 87 and 85, 89 assigned to each other. The guiding surface 85 of the rail 63 is formed by a support 91 for the conveying device 100, namely for a bearing projection 93, which projects from the flat, magnetic bearing and/or guiding surface 87 and rests with its bearing and/or guiding surface 89 on the support 91.

FIG. 14 shows the section from FIG. 13 in a top view. It shows a particularly preferred embodiment of the system 1 according to the invention. The rail 63 and the guiding device 100 together form a magnetic levitation system, as evidenced by the narrow gap a between the opposing magnetic bearing and/or guiding surfaces 83, 87. Thus, the conveying device 100 is at least vertically supported by the bearing projection 93 on the support 91 and can otherwise float contact-free and friction-free in the area of the opposing bearing and/or guiding surfaces 87, 89 during a relative movement of the conveying device 100 relative to the rail 63.

FIGS. 15 and 16 relate to the same embodiment as FIGS. 13 and 14, with the conveying device 100 partially dismounted from the rail 63. The dismounting can be achieved according to the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 13-16 simply by overcoming the magnetic holding force (arrow M) between the conveying device 100 and the rail 63. For subsequent re-mounting of the conveying device 100 onto the rail 63, the conveying device 100 is essentially reintroduced to the rail in the opposite direction, in particular until the magnetic holding force M begins to pull the conveying device 100 towards the rail 63.

FIG. 12 shows another section of the system 1 according to the invention, namely a device 95 for marking, in particular labeling, lasering, embossing, printing, or the like, at least one of the ammunition parts. According to the embodiment in FIG. 12, the device 95 can be designed to mark all ammunition parts held by a conveying device 100 in one process step. For example, the device 95 is designed to be arranged immediately after the case insertion station 11 and/or to mark a case bottom with an individual identification that can be read by downstream production stations.

FIGS. 17-19 show a further exemplary embodiment of systems 1 according to the invention. The individual production stations, exemplified in FIGS. 17-19 by the case insertion station 11 and the projectile insertion station 13, can be individually movable between a production position, indicated by the reference sign (A), in which the production stations 11, 13 can act on the ammunition parts and/or the conveying device 100, and a passive position, indicated by the reference sign (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 reworking measures.

As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 18, 19 with FIG. 17, the projectile insertion station 13 is retracted in the passive position (B) compared to the production position (A), i.e., moved away from the rail 63 on which the conveying devices 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 conveying device 100. Both the electronic control and the mechanical power transmission components, such as gears, etc., can be designed independently of each other and in particular individually controllable.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the figures, and the claims can be significant both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in various embodiments.

REFERENCE SIGN LIST

• • 1 Assembly/Laboratory system
  • 3 Case
  • 5 Projectile
  • 7 Ignition element
  • 9 Propellant powder
  • 11 Case insertion station
  • 13 Projectile insertion station
  • 15 Propellant filling station
  • 17 Case forming station
  • 19 Projectile insertion station
  • 21 Projectile assembly station
  • 23 Projectile marking station
  • 25 Discharge station
  • 27 Linear section
  • 29 Conveying path
  • 31 Exterior space
  • 33 Interior space
  • 35 Robotic system
  • 37 Carrier base
  • 39 Support column
  • 43 Curved section
  • 45 Buffer zone
  • 47 Ignition element insertion station
  • 49 Ignition element supply station
  • 51 Slide
  • 53 Fluid application station
  • 55 Annular joint
  • 57 Fluid applicator
  • 59 Quality monitoring station
  • 61 Camera
  • 63 Rail
  • 65 Coupling interface
  • 67 Provision position
  • 69 Quality control station
  • 71 Carrier base
  • 73 Tongue-and-groove system
  • 75 Ammunition part receptacle
  • 77 Motor
  • 79 Cassette
  • 81 Extension arm
  • 83,85,87,89 Bearing and/or guiding surface
  • 91 Support
  • 93 Bearing projection
  • 95 Device for marking
  • 97,99 Manipulation device
  • 100 Conveying device
  • 101 Ammunition
  • 103,105 Drive
  • V, H Vertical direction or horizontal direction
  • a Distance
  • M Magnetic force
  • F Conveying direction
  • A Discharge direction