EP1990599A1 - Bullet catcher, method and system for their recovery - Google Patents

Abstract

Device for collection of bullets including chamber, partially permeable front, top, rear and side walls. Chamber contains loose bulk goods, e.g. wood shavings. Independent claims are included for: (1) a method of recovering spent bullets from shooting booths (2) a system for recovering spent bullets involving separation of the bullets from the loose bulk material, e.g. wood shavings.

Description

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for collecting ballistic projectiles, as well as a method and a system for their recovery. More particularly, this invention relates to an apparatus for collecting ballistic projectiles comprising at least one chamber formed by a projectile for the projectiles at least partially permeable front wall, a top wall, a rear wall and two side walls, and a method and a system for recovering ballistic projectiles, in which the projectiles are collected in a chamber of a device for catching ballistic projectiles.

Description of the Prior Art

Shooting from firearms is still a very important part of training in safety-relevant professions (for example, soldiers, police officers, customs officers, etc.). In some countries, many people go after the shooting as a sport or hobby. The shooting exercises are usually carried out in so-called shooting ranges. Basically, these shooting ranges consist of one or more shooting ranges arranged side by side in which one shooter each can shoot at a shooting target. Depending on the use of the shooting range or according to the sport shooting discipline, the distance between the shooter and the target can vary. Shooting distances are generally 10, 15, 25, 30, 50, 100 or 300 meters with tight tolerances. The individual shooting ranges are also always numbered consecutively.

Behind the shooting target is usually a so-called bullet trap in a shooting range. His primary task is to increase the kinetic energy of the projectiles that passed the target absorb and catch them. This is to ensure that no damage is done by these projectiles. While at first only the protection of people from injuries was in the foreground, today the environmental hazard as well as financial aspects in the choice of the ball catching technology are considered. The aim is not only to slow down the ballistic projectiles that fall into the ball catch as quickly as possible, but also as gently as possible. In this way, the destruction of the projectiles and the associated emission of lead into the environment can be reduced resp. be completely prevented. In addition, the metal of the projectiles can be regained 99% without much effort, thus saving resources.

Today a lot of different bullet trap systems are known. In the simplest shooting ranges target areas are created on such landscape elements, which are particularly suitable for this purpose due to their natural shape or structure (such as terrain edges, slopes or opposite valleys). Instead of a natural soil structure, artificial earth is often poured from soil. Also, the earth is often covered by a more or less thick layer of sand. Here, the fired projectiles strike directly into the ground and then remain in place. The advantage of such sand / ground ball catch is in particular their very high braking ability and the easy separability of projectiles and sand / soil by screening. In addition, the sand / soil mixture is non-flammable and weather-resistant. On the other hand, relatively large amounts of lead, antimony or other heavy metals are released in these ball catchings because many of the projectiles are partially or completely destroyed when braking in the sand, and very fine particles are released as a result of the abrasion properties of sand. This leads to a permanent and unavoidable environmental impact.

Another, very similar type of open bullet trap system uses a mixture of sand, soil and wood chips as a braking material. These traps are more resistant to flooding or erosion due to environmental influences (eg rain, wind, etc.) than the sand / ground traps, but also have a slightly smaller stability. In addition, the projectiles can be more difficult to separate from the soil material.

In addition to these classic open (i.e., environmental) bullet trap systems, semi-closed or closed systems now exist. In closed systems, the braking material is retained in a rainproof container. The bullet trap boxes are placed in the center area of the discs, where they can catch 95 to 99% of the fired projectiles. So the lead released when braking the balls can be trapped inside the system. Therefore, these closed ball trapping systems can basically be regarded as low-emission or even completely emission-free. Of course, this has very positive effects on the reduction of environmental pollution.

In the so-called "big bags", for example, transport containers made of tear-resistant synthetic fibers are used. These large bags are usually filled with rubber granules or wood chips and placed behind the shooting targets outdoors. The fired projectiles pass through the bag fabric and remain stuck inside the bag. Over time, however, the fabric fibers are strained relatively heavily, so that the filling material could easily escape through the resulting holes and contaminate the environment. This problem can be solved, for example, by slightly shifting the shooting disc or by turning the "big bags" through 90 ° or 170 °. However, the bag fabric is not waterproof, so that lead dust can easily escape into the environment in the rain. Also, the bags must always be covered, otherwise the filling material and thus the heavy metal particles could be discharged by wind from the bag into the environment.

Another type of closed ball catching systems consists of a metal housing filled with rubber granulate. Very often, the backs of such bullet holes are made of armored steel to prevent break-through. Sometimes, however, additional safety ball catches are also installed. The rubber granules can either be filled loose or in filled sacks in the metal box. After the top capacity is reached on trapped balls, the contents of the box (with the balls) is removed and disposed of. After the separation of floors, the rubber granulate is reused. For removal and treatment of the filling material, a special device must be used.

Over time, ball catching systems with a hard braking material have also become established. In such systems, the ball hits a hard object and is distracted thereby. The deflecting medium used most often is an armor plate inclined (for example, below 45 °) against the weft track. The projectiles are deflected downwards and fall into a collecting drawer where they can be removed. However, this type of bullet trap is used particularly in short throw shooting ranges (especially for pistols) because the pistol rounds usually contain less kinetic energy. For larger distances and projectiles with the larger kinetic energies, these ball catching systems are only very suitable.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to propose, on the one hand, a new ballistic projectile catching apparatus and, on the other hand, a new ballistic bullet recovery method and system, each without the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for catching ballistic projectiles which can reduce or completely eliminate the environmental impact of heavy metals (eg lead or antimony) while at the same time producing, constructing and maintaining it in a simple and cost effective manner can be. Moreover, it is also a particular object of the present invention to propose a method for recovering ballistic projectiles and a system for its implementation, which are as cost-effective as possible on the one hand and can also be easily operated, which, however, on the other side anyway enable the most environmentally friendly and maximum possible recovery and reuse of ballistic projectiles.

Disclosure of the invention

According to the present invention, these objects are achieved in particular by the elements of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are also evident from the dependent claims and the description.

In particular, these objects of the invention are achieved in that in a device for collecting ballistic projectiles comprising at least one chamber, which is formed by a for the projectiles at least partially permeable front wall, a top wall, a rear wall and two side walls, the chamber at least partially loose bulk material is filled. This invention has the particular advantage that the ballistic projectiles can be braked and collected very efficiently by the loose bulk filling located in the chamber. The projectiles lose their kinetic energy upon impact on the individual pieces of bulk material and friction until they are fully decelerated. At the same time, these bullets remain firmly inside the chamber, as they can be closed off well by the various walls to the outside. Thus, the negative impact on the environment can be almost completely eliminated, while maintaining the safety of the shooting ranges at a high level.

In one embodiment, the specific gravity of the bulk material is smaller than the specific gravity of the water and / or a water solution. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that the corresponding device for collecting ballistic projectiles can in principle also be used in a very wet environment without losing its positive properties. As a result of a smaller specific density, the bulk material would float on the water surface, so that no loss of quality would occur when collecting projectiles. In addition, this particular property of the bulk material can be used to particular advantage to separate the trapped projectiles from the bulk material in a very simple and efficient manner.

In another embodiment, the bulk material is wood chips. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that a completely natural material can be used. In addition to the small specific density, which can be advantageously exploited as described above, wood has the further advantage that it is relatively inexpensive. In addition, wood chips are often a by-product in the manufacture of furniture or such products, so that by the use of wood chips and the production and maintenance costs for a corresponding device can be massively reduced. In addition, the collision between fired projectiles and wood chips in the catchment chamber less heavy metal powder than many other conceivable filling materials, so that the environmental impact can be automatically reduced. Not least, the wood can be destroyed relatively harmless, after it can no longer be used as a box filling, whereby the environmental impact can be further reduced.

In a further embodiment, at least one wall of the chamber can be opened and / or removed. The advantage of this embodiment is in particular that thereby the access to the chamber interior is simplified. This allows the device to be filled up quickly and easily with new filling material, but it can also be very easy to remove the bulk material, which can be mixed with the trapped projectiles. This does not necessarily the entire device must be moved from their stand, but can be freed, for example, by gently tilting or lifting their contents. In addition, the device does not have to be completely disassembled each time the contents of the chamber should be replaced. Thus, the maintenance costs can be further reduced.

In another embodiment, at least the front wall is made up of at least two layers. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that a more flexible construction is produced, in which the front wall can be constructed, for example, from layers of different materials. Thus, one layer may be the supporting layer which ensures the stability of the device while the other layer with special elasticity properties for the passage of floors is particularly suitable. This multi-layeredness therefore allows a stable device, which nevertheless can absorb projectiles in a very efficient manner.

In another embodiment, the front wall of the chamber is at least partially formed of elastic plastic. The advantage of this embodiment is, in particular, that the front wall, after passing through individual projectiles, thanks to the advantageous elastic properties, can more or less completely reclose itself. Thus, it can be prevented that the bulk material from the interior of the collecting chamber or the projectiles or heavy metal residues get into the environment. In addition, thanks to the elastic properties of the plastic, the risk of bullets bouncing off the front wall and causing injuries to humans can be minimized.

In yet another embodiment variant, at least one separating strip is provided, by means of which the front wall can be separated into at least two sections. The advantage of this variant is in particular that a device can be used for different weft discs. This allows a device to capture the bullets fired by multiple shooters.

In yet another embodiment variant, the device comprises a bottom wall and / or a base. This variant has the particular advantage that the device does not have to be placed directly on the ground. Thus, it can be prevented that the soil moisture or other environmental influences have a negative effect on the device. In addition, the use of the base also makes it easier to overcome the level problem due to possible uneven floors.

In a further embodiment, the device comprises at least one fastening means for the temporary attachment of a lifting and / or sliding device. The advantage of this embodiment is in particular that the device, if necessary, slightly shifted or can be removed. Thus, a "full", ie filled with the maximum amount of trapped projectiles device may for example be recorded and replaced by another device. Thereby, the recovery of projectiles and the recycling of the bulk material can be carried out for reuse in a ballistic projectile catching apparatus, for example, at a central location, whereby the general maintenance cost can be significantly reduced.

In another embodiment variant, the fastening means is designed as at least one opening in the base and / or a loop fastened to at least one wall. This embodiment has the particular advantage that no specialized lifting devices are necessary to move or remove the device. In the case of openings in the base, the device can be raised and moved, for example by means of a common forklift. Even with a loop which is attached to one or more walls, a conventional lifting device (such as a crane or a bulldozer) can be used. Thus, the maintenance cost of this device can be further reduced.

At this point it must again be emphasized that the present invention relates not only to the device according to the invention but also to a method and a system for recovering ballistic projectiles.

The objects of the present invention are in this sense also solved by the fact that in a method for recovering ballistic projectiles, in which the projectiles are collected in a chamber of a device for collecting ballistic projectiles, the chamber is at least partially filled with loose bulk material, the projectiles penetrate into the chamber, being decelerated by the bulk material and collected in the chamber, the mixture of projectiles and bulk material is removed from the chamber and introduced into a separator, the projectiles in the separator based on their physical properties Properties are separated from the bulk material, and the projectiles are transported for recovery in a bullet receiving device. The advantage of this method is, in particular, that the projectiles can be collected first, kept closed and then separated based solely on their physical properties and can be recovered separately. As a result, on the one hand a very beneficial effect on the environment is achieved (since now no more projectiles are scattered freely in the environment), and on the other hand, the recovered bullets can be easily recycled and reused. As a result, considerable material savings can be achieved in addition to better environmental protection.

In one embodiment, the separation device comprises a liquid container, wherein after the introduction of the mixture into the liquid container, the projectiles are separated from the bulk material based on their specific density. The advantage of this embodiment is, in particular, that the projectiles can only be separated from the bulk material due to their specific density. Since the bullets are largely made up of heavy metals, in most cases they will have a density that is significantly higher than the density of all liquids (at room temperature). For this purpose, only the bulk material must be chosen so that its specific gravity is smaller than the specific gravity of the liquid used. In this case, this simple physical property of projectiles can be advantageously used in their recovery.

In another embodiment, water is introduced into the liquid container, and the specific gravity of the bulk material is smaller than the specific gravity of the water and / or a water solution. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that water is available virtually everywhere for this application. In addition, thanks to its physical and chemical properties, water is generally very well suited for carrying out this process. On the other hand, water solutions are also very good, but in some cases have some other advantages (eg a lower freezing point), which can further improve the performance of the process.

In a further embodiment, the mixture passes through a liquid jet during insertion into the liquid container. The advantage of this embodiment lies in the fact that due to the water jet pressure, the mixture can be loosened up. In addition, an acceleration can be missed the mixture, so that the separation can be improved many times. Finally, the formation of dust upon impact of the mixture on the liquid surface in the liquid container is substantially reduced.

In another embodiment variant, the liquid is conveyed out of the liquid container by means of a liquid outlet into a liquid absorption device. The advantage of this embodiment is, in particular, that the liquid can be removed from the container after a certain time and taken up in the corresponding receiving device. This is particularly important since the fine metal particles, which may be in the mixture, remain in the liquid to a large extent after the separation of the projectiles from the bulk material. Essentially, these fine particles and splinters are made of heavy metals, so that the liquid used usually has to be specially treated. By including this fluid in a special container, this treatment can be done in a simple manner. In addition, the environmental impact is reduced even further.

In yet another embodiment variant, the projectiles are collected before being transported into the projectile receiving device in a collecting basin of the separating device. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that the collected projectiles can be transported as needed in the appropriate receiving device. For example, it is possible to wait until a certain amount of projectiles has accumulated before they are poured into the corresponding receiving device. This can also optimize the process and logistics needed (e.g., truck trips to the recycling plant, etc.).

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the projectiles are separated from the bulk material based on their magneticity. The advantage of this embodiment is, in particular, that the projectiles can be separated from the bulk material due to their other intrinsic property. Since most of the projectiles consist of heavy metals, in most cases they will have a very high magneticity, so that they can also be very easily separated from the bulk material by means of a suitable magnet. The advantage is particularly visible where water or other liquids are not immediately available or can not be used for any other reason.

In a further embodiment variant, the bulk material is transported by means of a transport device into a bulk material receiving device after separating the projectiles from the bulk material. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that the bulk material can also be picked up separately and possibly reused after use in the device for catching the ballistic projectiles. In the case that this bulk material consists of wood chips, these wood chips can be burned, for example, from which energy can be obtained. If other materials are used as bulk material, they may also be recycled, or otherwise destroyed in a harmless manner. This creates virtually no residues that would pollute the environment.

In another embodiment, the mixture is first placed on a transport device and transported by means of this transport device to the separation device. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that the separation device does not necessarily have to be placed so that the mixture of the devices for collecting ballistic projectiles must be introduced directly into the separation device. Rather, the separating device according to this embodiment, for example, be placed in a closed room, while the mixture is poured out on the outside of the transport device. In addition, it can be ensured that the entire amount of mixture from a device is not brought in one time, but in smaller quantities in the separator.

In yet another embodiment variant, the mixture is loosened by means of a loosening agent. This embodiment variant has the particular advantage that the mixture before its introduction into the separation device already very much loosened up and partially already mechanically separated from the bulk material. As a result, the subsequent real separation of the projectiles from the bulk material due to the specific density or due to the magnetic properties is significantly simplified and optimized.

Brief description of the drawings

• Figur 1 zeigt eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer Vorrichtung zum Auffangen von ballistischen Geschossen gemäss einer Ausführungsvariante der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• Figur 2 zeigt eine Seitenschnittansicht der Vorrichtung aus Figur 1;
• Figur 3 zeigt eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer Anordnung von Vorrichtungen zum Auffangen von ballistischen Geschossen aus Figur 1;
• Figur 4 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zur Zurückgewinnung von ballistischen Geschossen gemäss einer ersten Ausführungsvariante der vorliegenden Erfindung; und
• Figur 5 zeigt eine schematische Darstellung eines Systems zur Zurückgewinnung von ballistischen Geschossen gemäss einer zweiten Ausführungsvariante der vorliegenden Erfindung.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of examples. The examples of the embodiments are illustrated by the following attached figures:

• FIG. 1 shows a perspective schematic representation of an apparatus for collecting ballistic projectiles according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• FIG. 2 shows a side sectional view of the device FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 3 shows a perspective schematic representation of an arrangement of devices for collecting ballistic projectiles FIG. 1 ;
• FIG. 4 shows a schematic representation of a system for recovering ballistic projectiles according to a first embodiment of the present invention; and
• FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of a system for recovering ballistic projectiles according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

FIG. 1 Illustrates in a perspective view a device 10 for collecting ballistic projectiles according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1 The reference numeral 11 refers to the front wall, the reference numeral 12 to the top wall and the reference numeral 14 to a side wall of the device 10. These walls 11, 12, 14 (such as the second side wall, rear wall and bottom wall not visible in this view) may, for example be made of wood panels. In this case, wood panels of three-layer laminated softwood and / or with a thickness of 27 mm can advantageously be used. However, it is of course also other masses or other materials for these walls conceivable without the original idea of the invention would be affected. Also, all walls can have the same mass, so that the device 10 finally has a cube shape, but also be measured so that a cuboid or another shape is formed. In addition, the material of one or a certain number of walls may be different than the material of the remaining walls.

The walls 11, 12, 14 (with those in the view FIG. 1 invisible walls) define a chamber K inside the device 10. This chamber K is in FIG. 1 represented by the dashed line. The meaning of chamber K is related to FIG. 2 described in more detail. At least one wall 11, 12,... Of this chamber K can in particular be designed to be hinged and / or removable in order to allow access to the interior of the device 10 (to the chamber K), for example for filling or emptying the chamber K. For this purpose, a special opening device can also be provided (not shown).

In addition, the device for collecting ballistic projectiles 10 in FIG. 1 a socket 16 on. This base 16 can be constructed, for example, so that the bottom wall of the device 10 is located directly on the base 16. However, in particular also an intermediate layer (not shown) may lie between the bottom wall and the base 16. The base 16 may, for example, by means of nails, screws or the like Fastening means connected to the bottom wall of the device 10, or be glued to this bottom wall. Likewise, the base 16 can be formed as an integral part of the device 10, in which case the base can also take over the function of the bottom wall. The base 16 may in particular be formed of the same material as the walls 11, 12, ..., 14 of the device 10, but also of a completely different material. In addition, the base 16 may have the same mass (width and length) as, for example, the bottom wall, but also be larger or smaller. The base 16 may in particular also be shaped in the form of a conventional range of goods on which the device 10 is permanently or separably attached.

In FIG. 1 Reference numerals 16 'refer to fastening means. These fasteners 16 'serve to attach a lifting device to the device 10. After this lifting device is attached to the device 10, the device 10 can be lifted and moved. This lifting and shifting of the device 10 is particularly necessary after the device 10 has reached the maximum capacity for the projectiles G and is to be replaced by a new device 10. In FIG. 1 For example, the fasteners 16 'are formed in the form of openings in the socket 16. This embodiment of the invention has the particular advantage that the device 10 can be easily lifted and moved by means of a forklift or similar device. Also, as required, fastening ropes or straps can be pulled through the openings 16 ', whereby the lifting and shifting of the device 10 can also be performed very easily. In another embodiment of the invention, these fastening means may also be formed in the form of a loop or a hook, which are attached to at least one wall 11, 12, ... of the device 10.

Finally, the reference numeral 17 in FIG. 1 on a separator bar, which divides the front wall 11 in two parts. Of course, a plurality of separating strips 17 can be provided which divide this front wall 11 in this case into more than two partial surfaces. On the front wall 11 of the device 10 can by appropriate means target or Shooting discs are attached. These means may in particular comprise hook-like devices. Depending on the type of disc and also depending on the use of the shooting system, several shooting targets can be attached to this front wall 11 of the device 10. By this separator bar 17, the front wall 11 can then be clearly separated into different areas, in each of which a target or shooting target can be attached. As a result, a device 10 for collecting ballistic projectiles G can also be used for several shooting ranges.

In FIG. 2 For example, the ballistic missile-catching apparatus 10 will become apparent FIG. 1 shown in a side cross-sectional view. The same elements already in FIG. 1 are shown and explained are in FIG. 2 provided with the same reference numerals. Thus, the reference numeral 11 refers to the front wall, the reference numeral 12 on the top wall, the reference numeral 13 on the rear wall, and the reference numeral 15 on the bottom wall of the device 10. In addition, the reference numeral 16 refers to the base of the device 10, which in FIG. 2 is again presented in the form of a conventional range of goods. Of course, however, other forms of the base 16 are also conceivable in this case.

In this figure, the front wall 11 of the device 10 consists of two different layers. In this two-layered construction, for example, the first layer (seen from the outside) of the front wall 11 can be made of the same material as the remaining walls 12, 13, ... of the device 10, while the inner second layer (the inner layer) a flexible material, for example flexible plastic. In this case, the projectiles G can easily penetrate through this second layer (the membrane) and subsequently be collected in the chamber K as a result of the friction and collisions with the filling material. Thanks to the elasticity properties of this inner membrane, the projectiles G leave only small holes, which more or less close depending on the elasticity of the concrete material. The protective effect of the device 10 thus remains long time, since the bulk material 18 from the chamber K can not escape into the environment. Through appropriate maintenance can also be ensured that the membrane also their sealing function reserves for a long time. Of course, however, the front wall 11 can also be built from more than two layers.

The chamber K of the device 10 for catching ballistic projectiles G is filled with suitable filling material, in a concrete case, for example, with loose bulk material 18. In this case, the chamber K can be filled completely, for example, but only partially, with a more or less large empty space being created in the upper region of the chamber K. In any case, it is necessary that the area of the chamber K, which is located immediately behind the shooting target, is not empty. The bulk material 18 may advantageously be chosen so that its specific gravity is smaller than the specific gravity of the water or a water solution. In this sense, can be used as bulk material 18 in particular wood chips, although other materials or mixtures may come in questions. Thus, with respect to the FIGS. 4 or 5 described method for the recovery of ballistic projectiles G are used particularly advantageous.

FIG. 3 illustrates an arrangement 20 of devices for collecting ballistic projectiles 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention, as they could be used for example in a shooting range. In this case, a certain number of devices 10 are arranged in a row and placed next to each other. The number of devices 10 used in such an assembly 20 may be varied as needed. Thus, for example, only a single device 10 can be used for the smaller shooting range, while in a large shooting range basically several dozen devices 10 could be used. Also, the devices 10 in the assembly 20 need not necessarily be placed in a straight line, but may also be in the form of a slightly curved line, for example, as long as it does not interfere with the shooting.

In many shooting ranges, the individual shooting stands are not used evenly and thus the individual ball catch is not always evenly stressed. Therefore, in the arrangement 20 off FIG. 3 For example, only those devices for capturing ballistic projectiles 10, which reach the limits of their capacity, are removed and replaced by new devices 10. In addition, since the devices 10 can each have corresponding attachment means, this removal and insertion of new devices 10 can be accomplished in a very simple and advantageous manner. Thus, on the one hand, it can really be ensured that the replacements of devices 10 will only be carried out if this is really necessary. On the other hand, the replacement of all devices 10 can each be graded and not done at once. As a result, the maintenance costs in shooting ranges can be reduced many times over.

In FIG. 4 schematically a system for the recovery of ballistic projectiles according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this figure, the reference numeral 10 refers to the ballistic ball catching apparatus which can be constructed according to any embodiment of this invention. This device 10 contains in particular the mixture 19, which consists of the bulk material 18 and the trapped projectiles G. However, during the deceleration of projectiles G inside the chamber K by the friction and other effects metal dust is produced, which partially mixed with the particles of the bulk material 18. Therefore, in this context in this patent application of "unclean bulk" 18 'spoken. Typically, the recovery of ballistic missiles is only after the device 10 has "filled", ie after it has collected the maximum amount of projectiles. This maximum amount of ballistic projectiles that can accommodate a device depends on many factors, for example the caliber of the projectiles, the size of the collecting chamber, but also many other parameters. However, this amount is basically irrelevant in the method according to the invention for the recovery of ballistic projectiles.

This mixture 19 is removed from the device 10, or from the chamber located inside the device 10 and brought to the transport device 40. For example, the device 10 can by means of lifted and tilted so that the mixture is distributed to the transport device 40 only by the action of gravity. However, many other methods are conceivable (such as sucking, etc.), which, however, do not question the basic idea of this invention. The transport device 40 in FIG. 1 is essentially formed as a conveyor belt 41, which is driven by means of a gear train 42. In FIG. 4 Thus, the mixture 19, which on the one hand comprises the trapped projectiles G and on the other hand the bulk material 18 ', is discharged from the device 10 onto the conveyor belt 41, through which this mixture 19 is transported to a separating device 50.

This separator 50 in FIG. 4 includes, inter alia, a liquid container 57. The liquid container 57 is constructed so that it can absorb a certain amount of liquid. Of course, this liquid may also be a liquid mixture or else a solution of a substance in a liquid. This liquid is supplied by means of a liquid nozzle 51 into the liquid container 57. As a liquid which can be advantageously used in the process according to the invention, especially water, in particular ordinary tap water is suitable. However, in some cases, instead of water, another liquid can be advantageously used.

By means of the transport device 40, the mixture 19 is brought to the separating device 50 or to the liquid nozzle 51. Since the conveyor belt 41 of the transport device 40 in FIG. 1 With respect to the liquid container 57 of the separator 50 is positioned at a higher level, the individual pieces of the mixture 19 can be transferred from the transport device 40 to the separator 50 only by the action of gravity. However, other possibilities are conceivable in which a special device would transfer the mixture 19 from the transport device 40 to the separating device 50. The mixture 19 then passes through the liquid jet emerging from the liquid nozzle 51 and succeeds on the surface of the liquid container 57 located in the liquid. By this under a certain pressure fluid jet, the mixture 19 on the one hand somewhat loosened, and on the other hand it gets one additional acceleration. Therefore, the impact of the individual Gemischstückchen is reinforced on the liquid surface by this jet, whereby an even better loosening of the mixture 19 is achieved. In addition, the mixture 19 is moistened immediately, so that the dust can be reduced to the minimum.

Here, the projectiles G are now separated from the bulk material 18 'due to their physical properties. In the concrete example, the separation is realized mainly based on the different specific densities of the projectiles G and the bulk material 18 '. Of course, the projectiles G consist of a large part of heavy metals, and therefore have in comparison to the liquid in the liquid container 57 by a multiple greater density. Thus, they automatically fall to the bottom of the liquid container 57 in the region of the collecting basin 52. For example, this collecting basin 52 can have a substantially conical or similar shape, so that the projectiles G sinking against the ground can be directed in the direction of an outlet. This outlet can also be closed by a movable flap 52 'and opened as needed, so that the accumulated projectiles G can be discharged into a projectile receiving device 60. The flap 52 'can be driven mechanically, hydraulically or electrically, for example. It is also conceivable that the flap 52 'is opened and closed at regular intervals in accordance with a predetermined program, or that the amount of projectiles G accumulated in the sump 52 is detected by means of a sensor, and the flap 52' is automated based on the measurement data of the sensor or semi-automated is controlled.

The bulk material 18 is selected such that its specific gravity is in each case smaller than the specific gravity of the liquid used in the liquid container 57. In particular, the bulk material 18 may consist of wood chips, while on the other hand ordinary tap water is used. Characterized in that the specific gravity of the bulk material 18 is smaller than the specific gravity of the liquid in the liquid container 57, the introduced bulk material 18 'remains of the mixture 19 on the surface of the liquid and does not sink to the ground as the projectiles G. Die Metal particles and possibly the small bullet fragments, which are also in the mixture 19, are also separated from the bulk material 18 'and absorbed by the liquid. Now this lying on the liquid surface bulk material 18 'is detected by a conveyor belt 53 and conveyed through an outlet 56 to the bulk material receiving device 62. This conveyor belt 53 may in particular have specially formed rigid or slightly flexible elements 55, which are fastened on the one hand at regular intervals on the conveyor belt 53 and on the other hand lie in the liquid. The conveyor belt 53 can be driven by means of a suitable drive 54. After the bulk material 18 'is collected in the corresponding receiving device 62, it can be used as desired. In this case, the bulk material 18 'has no heavy metal load, so it can easily be burned or disposed of in another suitable manner.

The liquid container 57 also has a liquid outlet 58, by means of which the liquid can be conveyed from the liquid container 57 into a liquid receiving device 61. This liquid outlet 58 may also have a water tap 59 or other similar device by means of which the outflow of water can be regulated and controlled. The liquid received in the liquid absorption device 61 can subsequently be freed from the heavy metal traces by means of a suitable method.

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the system for recovering ballistic projectiles. Again, the elements that are already in FIG. 4 are shown and explained, provided with the same reference numerals. Thus, the reference numeral 10 refers to the device for collecting ballistic projectiles according to any embodiment of the present invention, the reference numeral 19 on the projectile-bulk mixture, the reference numeral 18 'on the separated bulk material, the reference numeral 40 to the transport device, and the reference numeral 62 on the bulk material receiving device. Once again, the mixture 19 is removed from the device 10 or from the chamber located inside the device 10 and brought onto the transport device 40. The Transport device 40 in FIG. 5 is again essentially designed as a conveyor belt 41, which is driven by means of a gear train 42.

In FIG. 5 the mixture 19, which on the one hand comprises the trapped projectiles G and on the other hand the bulk material 18 ', first loosened by means of a loosening agent 43 (eg a kind of mill), rather it is placed on the conveyor belt 41 and transported to the separating device 70. As a result of this loosening, the mixture 19 is already mechanically comminuted, so that a first separation of ballistic projectiles G from the bulk material 18 'already takes place. Now comes the so loosened mixture 19 to the separator 70, where the bullets G are separated thanks to their magnetic properties of the bulk material 18 '. In this case, a magnet can be placed in the end region of the conveyor belt 41, which keeps the projectiles G slightly longer on the conveyor belt 41, while the bulk material 18 'has already left the conveyor belt 41. In this area are also separating ramps 71 and 71 ', by means of which the projectiles G can be more easily separated from the bulk material 18'. Finally, the projectiles G are received in the projectile receiving device 60 and the bulk material 18 'in the bulk material receiving device 62.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that further developments and modifications will be readily possible within the scope of the invention. Device elements can be replaced as needed by other elements that perform the same or similar functions. Additional devices and elements may also be provided, such as mechanical or electronic trip measurement and / or display devices. However, these and other measures and elements fall within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims.

Claims (28)

Apparatus (10) for collecting ballistic projectiles (G), comprising at least one chamber (K), which by a for the projectiles (G) at least partially permeable front wall (11), a top wall (12), a rear wall (13) and two side walls (14, 14 ') is formed,
characterized,
that the chamber (K) is at least partially filled with loose bulk material (18). Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the specific gravity of the bulk material (18) is smaller than the specific gravity of the water and / or a water solution. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bulk material (18) are wood chips. Device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one wall (11, ..., 14 ') of the chamber (K) is hinged and / or removable. Device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least the front wall (11) is composed of at least two layers. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the front wall (11) of the chamber (K) is at least partially formed of elastic plastic. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one separating strip (17) is provided, by means of which the front wall (11) is separable into at least two sections. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the device (10) comprises a bottom wall (15) and / or a base (16). Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the device (10) comprises at least one fastening means (16 ') for temporary attachment of a lifting and / or sliding device. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that the fastening means (16 ') as at least one opening in the base (16) and / or on at least one wall (11, ..., 14) fixed loop is formed. Method for recovering ballistic projectiles (G) in which the projectiles (G) are collected in a chamber (K) of a device (10) for catching ballistic projectiles (G), characterized
that the chamber (16) is at least partially filled with loose bulk material (18),
that the projectiles (G) penetrate into the chamber (K), whereby they are braked by the bulk material (18) and collected in the chamber (K),
that the mixture (19) of projectiles (G) and bulk material (18) is removed from the chamber (K) and introduced into a separator (50), the projectiles (G) in the separator (50) based on their physical properties be separated from the bulk material (18 '), and
that the projectiles (G) are transported to a projectile receiving device (60) for recovery. A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the separation device (50) comprises a liquid container (57), wherein after the introduction of the mixture (G) into the liquid container (57) the projectiles (G) based on their specific gravity of the bulk material (18 ') are separated. A method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that water is introduced into the liquid container (57), and that the specific gravity of the bulk material (18) is smaller than the specific gravity of the water and / or a water solution. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the mixture (19) when passing into the liquid container (57) passes a liquid jet. Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that the liquid from the liquid container (57) by means of a liquid outlet (58) in a liquid receiving means (61) is conveyed. Method according to one of Claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the projectiles (G) are collected in a collecting basin (52) of the separating device (50) prior to transport into the projectile receiving device (60). A method according to claim 11, characterized in that the projectiles (G) are separated from the bulk material (18 ') based on their magneticity. Method according to one of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that after the separation of the projectiles (G) from the bulk material (18 '), the bulk material (18') is conveyed by means of a conveying device (53) into a bulk material receiving device (62). Method according to one of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the mixture (19) is first placed on a transport device (40) and transported by means of this transport device (40) to the separating device (50). Method according to one of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that the mixture (19) by means of a loosening agent (43) is loosened. System for recovering ballistic projectiles (G), in which the projectiles (G) are trappable in a chamber (K) of a device (10) for catching ballistic projectiles (G), characterized
in that the system (30) comprises means for removing the mixture (19) of projectiles (G) and bulk material (18) from the chamber (K) and introducing this mixture (19) into a liquid container (57),
that the system (30) comprises a separating device (57) for separating the projectiles (G) from the bulk material (18 ') based on their physical properties, and
in that the system (30) comprises a means for conveying the projectiles (G) into a projectile receiving device (60). System according to claim 21, characterized in that the separating device (57) is designed as a liquid container. System according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a conveying device (62) for conveying the bulk material (18 ') after separation from the projectiles (G) into a bulk material receiving device (62). System according to one of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a transport device (40) by means of which the mixture (19) to the separating device (57) is transportable. A system according to any one of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a liquid nozzle (51) such that the mixture (19) passes a jet of liquid when introduced into the liquid container (57). System according to one of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a liquid outlet (58), by means of which the liquid from the liquid container (57) in a liquid receiving means (61) is conveyed. A system according to any one of claims 21 to 26, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a sump (52) for collecting the projectiles (G) prior to transport into the projectile receiving means (60). System according to one of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that the system (30) comprises a loosening agent (43) for loosening the mixture (19).

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