Control order

Abstract

Control arrangement (10) for an electric stunning device (1), wherein the electric stunning device (1) is designed to introduce an electric current into a slaughtered animal, characterized in that a control unit (11) is provided, by means of which at least one characteristic of the electric stunning device (1) is determined.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control arrangement for an electric stunning device.

[0002] Such an electric stunning device may, in particular, comprise a pair of tongs connected to a power supply. The tongs have two tong arms, with an electrode located at each free end of each arm.

[0003] This type of electrical stunning device is used to stun an animal before slaughter. The animal can be a pig, sheep, or goat, for example.

[0004] To perform electrical stunning, the tongs of the electrical stunning device are placed on the head of the animal to be slaughtered.

[0005] The forceps are positioned so that the animal's brain is positioned between the two electrodes. The current causes a state in the animal's brain within approximately two-tenths of a second that is similar to an epileptic seizure in humans. Experience with humans has shown that a state of insensibility prevails during such a seizure. If correctly stunning, the animal is likely to be so deeply stunned for approximately 30 to 60 seconds that it is unaware of even the severe pain associated with the current flow and the bleeding cut during slaughter.

[0006] If the stunning forceps are incorrectly applied, the spinal cord can be electrocuted instead of the brain. This form of electrical current causes what is known as electroimmobilization. The animals are still capable of feeling pain because no epileptic seizure is triggered, but they are often unable to express pain due to a generalized muscle spasm. Therefore, electroimmobilization of slaughter animals is prohibited.

[0007] According to EU legislation (Regulation (EC) No. 1099 / 2009) and the national Animal Welfare Slaughter Ordinance, electrical stunning must be performed with a minimum current of 1 ampere for sheep and goats and 1.3 amperes for pigs. This minimum current must be reached within the first second and maintained for at least four seconds.

[0008] Even if legal requirements are met, the stunning process may not be effective enough. This may be due to inadequate maintenance of the electrodes or the electrical stunning device itself. Human or technical errors, such as imprecise electrode placement or insufficient contact pressure, can also have consequences for animal welfare, as the animals exhibit signs of sensory and sensing abilities in the period between the bleeding cut and the onset of death. Since these deviations are directly linked to avoidable suffering for the slaughtered animals, violations can also be punished as administrative offenses.

[0009] The invention is based on the object of enabling control of an electric stunning device in order to avoid incorrect stunning with the electric stunning device.

[0010] To achieve this object, the features of claim 1 are provided. Advantageous embodiments and expedient developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention relates to a control system for testing an electric stunning device. The electric stunning device is designed to introduce an electric current into a slaughtered animal. A control unit is provided, by means of which at least one characteristic of the electric stunning device is determined.

[0012] The electric stunning device advantageously comprises a pair of tongs with two tong arms that are guided against a slaughtered animal with a certain pressure. An electric current passed through the tongs and the slaughtered animal stuns the slaughtered animal.

[0013] Each tong arm has one or more electrodes that can be brought into contact with the slaughtered animal.

[0014] The electrical stunning device designed in this way is used in particular to electrically stunning pigs, goats and sheep before these animals are slaughtered.

[0015] During electrical stunning, the tongs, fitted with electrodes and adjusted to the size of the animal's head, are positioned so that an electric current flows through the animal's brain. The electric current is generated in a power supply connected to the tongs, such as a transformer. The current must be applied to the head with a minimum current. This minimum current is 1 ampere for sheep and goats, and 1.3 amperes for pigs.

[0016] In principle, the pliers of the electric stunning device can be compressed mechanically by a user.

[0017] It is particularly advantageous if the tongs of the electric stunning device are compressed by means of a pneumatic device.

[0018] The pneumatic device advantageously comprises a pneumatic cylinder arranged between the tong arms of the tongs of the electric stunning device.

[0019] The control unit according to the invention can generally record functionally relevant parameters of the electric stunning device. For this purpose, one or more parameters are measured using the control unit and output as output variables.

[0020] When an animal is electrically stunning, the control unit advantageously determines the parameters of the electrical stunning as key figures.

[0021] The effectiveness and / or quality of an electrical stunning is determined based on the parameters in the control unit.

[0022] The output variables generated by the control unit can be advantageously used to optimize the electrical stunning device, for example by adjusting the parameters of the electrical stunning device.

[0023] In general, output sizes can also be made available to a user.

[0024] For this purpose, a display unit is advantageously provided by means of which the determined parameters or parameters derived therefrom can be displayed.

[0025] Depending on the design of the control unit, the design of the display unit can be different.

[0026] According to a first variant, a display unit is provided, which is part of the control unit or is assigned to the control unit. The display unit can display the or each characteristic value determined by the control unit or a value derived therefrom.

[0027] In this case, the display unit is advantageously integrated into the control unit or assigned to it.

[0028] According to a second variant, the control unit is integrated into the electric stunning device.

[0029] For example, the electric stunning device has a transformer, with the control unit integrated into the transformer unit.

[0030] The control unit can then be formed by a circuit board or an arrangement of circuit boards that can be integrated into the electric stunning device or components of the electric stunning device.

[0031] In this case, a display present in the electric stunning device can be used as a display unit.

[0032] The display unit advantageously has optical display means.

[0033] If the display unit consists of binary outputs, they can be used to control LEDs of different colors, for example. Activating a green LED can indicate proper function, while activating a yellow LED generates a warning message indicating a minor impairment of a parameter. Similarly, activating a red LED can generate a fault message indicating a major impairment of a parameter.

[0034] With a display unit, parameters can be represented alphanumerically, i.e. their absolute values ​​are displayed.

[0035] In general, acoustic signaling devices can also form the display unit.

[0036] Based on the displayed parameters, the user can determine whether the electric stunning device is operating correctly or not. A quantitative display of parameters is advantageous, allowing the user to determine whether and, if so, which maintenance work needs to be performed on the electric stunning device to ensure it functions correctly again. This can reliably prevent mis-stunning during the stunning of slaughter animals.

[0037] Advantageously, the control unit comprises sensor means and an evaluation unit, wherein the characteristic value is determined in the evaluation unit depending on sensor signals from the sensor means.

[0038] The evaluation unit can be formed by a microprocessor or the like.

[0039] Advantageously, the evaluation unit controls the display unit.

[0040] According to an advantageous embodiment, the determined characteristic value is compared with a reference value in the evaluation unit.

[0041] The reference value advantageously characterises the fault-free operation of the electric stunning device, i.e. the value of a parameter when there is no impairment of the electric stunning device.

[0042] Referencing to this reference value is advantageously achieved by calculating the difference between the currently determined parameter and the reference value. The degree of impairment of the electrical stunning device can be determined from the resulting deviation of the current parameter from the reference value.

[0043] For some parameters, a statically determined value can only provide insufficient information about a possible impairment of the electric stunning device. In this case, it is advantageous if the evaluation unit determines the temporal progression of the parameter, which is then compared with a reference curve.

[0044] Here, too, the reference curve defines a parameter in a fault-free state. By comparing the temporal progression of the parameter with the reference curve, any impairments of the electric stunning device can be precisely detected.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact pressure of the tongs of the electric stunning device is determined as a characteristic variable.

[0046] The contact pressure is an essential parameter of the electric stunning device, as it is a prerequisite for sufficient contact between the electrodes of the tongs and the head of the slaughtered animal, so that the current strength required for electric stunning is achieved.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment, energy pulses are detected by the electric stunning device using sensor means. Algorithms are implemented in the evaluation unit to analyze the energy pulses.

[0048] This analysis can be used to determine the contact pressure of the pliers.

[0049] Alternatively, the control unit has at least one pressure sensor or force sensor as sensor means for determining the contact pressure.

[0050] The pressure sensor or force sensor provides sensor signals that are a direct measure of the contact pressure, ensuring that the contact pressure is recorded with corresponding accuracy.

[0051] According to a structurally advantageous embodiment, the control unit comprises a measuring body, at each of whose opposite longitudinal ends there is a contact element for contacting one or more electrodes of a clamp arm. A contact element is movably mounted and is pressed against a pressure sensor or force sensor by applying contact pressure.

[0052] The measuring body does not need to be precisely adapted to the size of the electric stunning device's tongs. It is only required that the measuring body can be placed between the electrodes of the electric stunning device's tongs. The control unit can thus be used for various electric stunning devices with different tong sizes.

[0053] It is advantageous for the contact pressure to be compared with a reference contact pressure in the evaluation unit.

[0054] The deviation of the contact pressure from the reference contact pressure is displayed on the display unit.

[0055] According to an alternative embodiment, a strain gauge is provided in a pliers arm as a sensor means for determining the contact pressure.

[0056] Sensor signals generated by the strain gauge are evaluated in a Wheatstone measuring bridge of the control unit.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may contain sensor means for carrying out conductivity measurements or resistance measurements when an electric current flows in the electric stunning device.

[0058] While contact pressure measurements are used to check the mechanical properties of the electric stunning device's tongs, conductivity and resistance measurements are used to check the electrical properties of the electric stunning device in combination with the slaughtered animal. In particular, they can be used to check the electrodes on the tongs of the electric stunning device.

[0059] If the electrodes are blunted or corroded due to wear, the electrical contact with the head of the slaughtered animal is impaired. This can result in the electrical current required for stunning not reaching the required level or the current rise time being too long. Both factors can lead to failed stunning.

[0060] Such functional impairments can be detected using conductivity or resistance measurements.

[0061] In general, conductivity or resistance measurements are carried out using the sensor devices when a test specimen is fixed between the clamp arms of the control unit.

[0062] In principle, the test specimen can be formed by the head of a slaughtered animal, so that in this case the measurements are carried out with the control unit during stunning of a slaughtered animal.

[0063] Alternatively, an artificial test specimen can be used whose properties are modeled on the head of a slaughtered animal.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment, after the forceps are applied to the test specimen, time-resolved conductivity or resistance measurements are carried out using the sensor means.

[0065] These time-resolved measurements allow the condition of the electrodes of the electric stunning device to be precisely analyzed.

[0066] According to a first variant, the sensor means are present in an electrical circuit of the control unit.

[0067] The control unit, either external or integrated into the electric stunning device, is connected to the electric stunning device via an electrical cable. The sensors are preferably located at the input of the control unit. For resistance measurement, the sensors can be designed as a resistance bridge with a measuring resistor.

[0068] According to a second variant, measurements are carried out with the sensor means in the area of ​​the electrodes of the electric stunning device.

[0069] In this case, sensor elements for conductivity or resistance measurements can be provided in the area of ​​the electrodes of the electric stunning device.

[0070] The control unit can be used to determine the contact pressure of the tongs of the electric stunning device as a parameter, as well as parameters relating to the condition of the electrodes of the tongs of the electric stunning device through conductivity or resistance measurements and to display these on the display unit.

[0071] If an impairment of the electrical stunning device is detected in this way, a user can initiate countermeasures to eliminate the impairment.

[0072] If the contact pressure is insufficient on a manually operated tong of an electric stunning device, it can be increased by mechanical adjustment. If the contact pressure is insufficient on a pneumatically operated tong of an electric stunning device, the pneumatic device of the electric stunning device can be serviced.

[0073] If the control unit detects any damage to the electrodes, they can be cleaned of dirt using wire brushes. Corrosion can also be removed from the electrodes using suitable tools. It is also possible to resharpen blunt electrodes. In severe cases, the electrodes can be replaced with new ones.

[0074] The invention is explained below with reference to the drawings. They show: Fig. 1: Example of an electric stunning device with hand-operated tongs. Fig. 2: Example of an electric stunning device with pneumatically operated tongs. Fig. 3: Control arrangement with the electric stunning device according to Fig. 2 and a control unit. Fig. 4: Schematic representation of the control unit according to Fig. 3. Fig. 5: Schematic representation of a control unit for performing resistance measurements.

[0075] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of an electrical stunning device 1 for electrically stunning slaughter animals. The electrical stunning device 1 has manually operable tongs 2. The tongs 2 consist of two arms 4a, 4b connected by a joint 3. The front ends of the arms 4a, 4b form tong arms 5a, 5b, and the rear ends of the arms 4a, 4b form handles 6a, 6b. An electrode 7a, 7b is provided at each free end of a tong arm 5a, 5b.

[0076] The electric stunning device 1 according to Fig. 1 further comprises a power supply (not shown) via which an electric current can be supplied to the electrodes 7a, 7b.

[0077] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a second embodiment of an electric stunning device 1. This electric stunning device 1 has a pneumatically operated pair of tongs 2. The tongs 2 again have two tong arms 5a, 5b, with an electrode 7a, 7b located at each free end of each tong arm 5a, 5b. The tong arms 5a, 5b can be guided toward each other using a pneumatic device. The pneumatic device comprises a pneumatic cylinder 8 mounted between the tong arms 5a, 5b, which is supplied with compressed air via a pneumatic line 8a. A handle 9 is provided on the tongs 2.

[0078] This electric stunning device 1 also has a power supply (not shown) with which an electric current is generated which is supplied to the electrodes 7a, 7b.

[0079] Both electrical stunning devices 1 are used for the electrical stunning of slaughter animals. For this purpose, the head of a slaughter animal is clamped between the electrodes 7a, 7b of the clamp 2 of the electrical stunning device 1. An electric current generated by the power supply, which is passed through the electrodes 7a, 7b, flows through the brain of the slaughter animal, thereby stunning it.

[0080] An essential parameter for electrical stunning is the contact pressure with which the electrodes 7a, 7b of the tongs 2 are guided against the head of the slaughtered animal. To achieve flawless stunning, i.e. to avoid mis-stunning, a sufficiently high contact pressure is required. In the electrical stunning device 1 according to Fig. 1, the contact pressure is generated manually by a user. In the electric stunning device 1 according to Fig. 2 the contact pressure is generated by the pneumatic device.

[0081] Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the control unit 11 according to the invention. In the present case, the control unit 11 comprises the electric stunning device 1 according to Fig. 1 and a control unit 11, which is designed to detect the contact pressure of the pliers 2 of the electric stunning device 1. The control unit 11 can generally also be used for the electric stunning device 1 according to Fig. 1 can be used.

[0082] The control unit 11 according to Fig. 3 is schematically shown in Fig. 4 shown in a single illustration.

[0083] The control unit 11 is integrated in a housing 12, at each of whose longitudinal ends there is a contact element 13a, 13b, to which an electrode 7a, 7b of the electric stunning device 1 is applied in order to measure the contact pressure of the tongs 2. One contact element 13a is mounted stationary in the housing 12. The second contact element 13b is mounted displaceably in the direction of the double arrow. A pressure sensor 14 is mounted stationary inside the housing 12 as a sensor means, directly behind the second contact element 13b. A force sensor can also be used instead of a pressure sensor 14.

[0084] An evaluation unit 15, which may be a microprocessor or the like, is located in the housing 12. The pressure sensor 14 is connected to the evaluation unit 15. Furthermore, a display unit 16 with a display is connected to the evaluation unit 15. The display unit 16 is controlled by the evaluation unit 15.

[0085] To measure the contact pressure, the control unit 11 is inserted between the tong arms 5a, 5b so that the electrodes 7a, 7b rest against the contact elements 13a, 13b of the control unit 11. By generating the contact pressure using the pneumatic device, the electrodes 7a, 7b of the electric stunning device 1 are pressed against the contact elements 13a, 13b. The resulting movement of the contact element 13b exerts pressure on the pressure sensor 14. The pressure sensor 14 generates a sensor signal that represents a direct measure of the contact pressure.

[0086] The measured contact pressure can be displayed as a parameter directly on the display unit 16.

[0087] Alternatively, the contact pressure can be compared with a reference contact pressure in the evaluation unit 15.

[0088] The deviation of the contact pressure from the reference contact pressure is then displayed on the display unit 16.

[0089] According to an alternative embodiment of the control unit 11 (not shown), a strain gauge is provided as a sensor means in a tong arm 5a, 5b as a sensor means for determining the contact pressure.

[0090] Sensor signals generated by the strain gauge are evaluated in a Wheatstone measuring bridge of the control unit 11.

[0091] In this case, the complete control unit 11 can be integrated into the electric stunning device 1.

[0092] According to a further variant, also not shown, the control unit 11 is designed such that energy pulses generated by the electric stunning device 1 are detected by sensor means, and that algorithms are implemented in the evaluation unit 15 by means of which the energy pulses are analyzed.

[0093] Then, depending on the analysis of energy pulses, the contact pressure of the pliers 2 is determined.

[0094] In this case too, the control unit 11 can be integrated into the electric stunning device 1.

[0095] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of a control unit 11 as a component of the control arrangement 10 according to the invention.

[0096] In the present case, the control unit 11 is used to carry out resistance measurements in order to carry out a functional check of the electrodes 7a, 7b of the tongs 2 of the electric stunning device 11 according to Fig. 1 or Fig.2 to be able to carry out.

[0097] The components of the control unit 11 are again housed in a housing 12. An evaluation unit 15 is located in the housing 12. A display unit 16 is visibly arranged on the outside of the housing 12. A resistance bridge 17 with a measuring resistor serves as the sensor means.

[0098] The control unit 11 is connected via a line 18 to ensure the power supply to the tongs 2 of the electric stunning device 1.

[0099] Alternatively, conductivity measurements can also be carried out using the control unit 11.

[0100] In this embodiment, conductivity or resistance measurements are carried out with the sensor means when a test specimen is fixed between the tong arms 5a, 5b.

[0101] In particular, after applying the clamp 2 to the test specimen, time-resolved conductivity or resistance measurements can be carried out using the sensor means.

[0102] This allows functional impairments of the electrodes 7a, 7b of the electric stunning device 1 to be precisely analyzed.

[0103] This embodiment can be modified such that the control unit 11 is integrated in the electric stunning device 1. List of reference symbols 1 electric stunning device 2 pliers 3 joint 4a, b arm 5a, b pliers arm 6a, b handle part 7a, b Electrode 8 pneumatic cylinders 8a Pneumatic line 9 Handle 10 Control order 11 Control unit 12 housings 13a, b investment element 14 Pressure sensor 15 Evaluation unit 16 Display unit 17 resistance bridge 18 Line QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EC 1099 / 2009

[0007]

Claims

[1] Control arrangement (10) for an electric stunning device (1), wherein the electric stunning device (1) is designed to introduce an electric current into a slaughtered animal, characterized by that a control unit (11) is provided by means of which at least one characteristic of the electric stunning device (1) is determined. [2] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the electric stunning device (1) has a pair of tongs (2) with two tong arms (5a, 5b) which are guided with a contact pressure against a slaughtered animal, wherein an electric current guided via the tongs (2) and the slaughtered animal causes the slaughtered animal to be stunning. [3] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that each tong arm (5a, 5b) has an electrode (7a, 7b) which can be brought into contact with the slaughtered animal. [4] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized bythat the pliers (2) of the electric stunning device (1) are mechanically compressed by a user. [5] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized by that the pliers (2) of the electric stunning device (1) are compressed by means of a pneumatic device. [6] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the control unit (11) and the electric stunning device (1) form separate units. [7] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the control unit (11) is integrated in the electric stunning device (1). [8] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 6, characterized by that the electric stunning device (1) has a transformer, wherein the control unit (11) is integrated in the transformer. [9] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized bythat when an animal for slaughter is electrically stunning, parameters of the electrical stunning are determined as key figures in the control unit (11). [10] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 9, characterized by that the effectiveness and / or quality of an electrical stunning carried out is determined on the basis of the parameters in the control unit (11). [11] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that output variables are generated in the control unit (11) depending on the determined parameters. [12] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by that a display unit (16) is provided by means of which determined parameters or parameters derived therefrom can be displayed. [13] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 12, characterized bythat the display unit (16) is part of the control unit (11) or that a display of the electric stunning device (1) is used as the display unit (16). [14] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by that the display unit (16) has optical and / or acoustic display means. [15] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 14, characterized by that the display unit (16) has a display or an arrangement of binary outputs. [16] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the control unit (11) has sensor means and an evaluation unit (15), wherein the characteristic variable is determined in the evaluation unit (15) depending on sensor signals from the sensor means. [17] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 16, characterized by that in the evaluation unit (15) the determined characteristic value is compared with a reference value. [18] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 16, characterized by that the temporal course of the characteristic is determined in the evaluation unit (15) and compared with a reference curve. [19] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by that the evaluation unit (15) controls the display unit (16). [20] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by that energy pulses are detected by sensor means from the electric stunning device (1), and that algorithms are implemented in the evaluation unit (15) by means of which the energy pulses are analyzed. [21] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 20, characterized by that the contact pressure of the pliers (2) of the electric stunning device (1) is determined as a parameter. [22] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 20 and 21, characterized bythat the contact pressure of the pliers (2) is determined depending on the analysis of energy pulses. [23] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 21, characterized by that the control unit (11) has at least one pressure sensor (14) or force sensor as sensor means for determining the contact pressure. [24] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 23, characterized by that the control unit (11) has a measuring body, at the opposite longitudinal ends of which there is a contact element (13a, 13b) for contact with an electrode (7a, 7b) of a tong arm (5a, 5b), wherein a contact element (13a, 13b) is movably mounted and is pressed against a pressure sensor (14) or force sensor by exerting a contact pressure. [25] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 21, characterized by that a strain gauge is present in a pliers arm (5a, 5b) as a sensor means for determining the contact pressure. [26] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 25, characterized by that sensor signals generated by the strain gauge are evaluated in a Wheatstone measuring bridge of the control unit (11). [27] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 21 to 26, characterized by that in the evaluation unit (15) the contact pressure is compared with a reference contact pressure. [28] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 27, characterized by that the deviation of the contact pressure from the reference contact pressure is displayed on the display unit (16). [29] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized by that the control unit (11) contains sensor means for carrying out conductivity measurements or resistance measurements when an electric current flows in the electric stunning device (1). [30] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 2 to 29, characterized bythat conductivity or resistance measurements are carried out with the sensor means when a test specimen is fixed between the clamp arms (5a, 5b) of the control unit (11). [31] Control arrangement (10) according to claim 30, characterized by that after applying the clamp (2) to the test specimen, time-resolved conductivity or resistance measurements are carried out using the sensor means. [32] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 29 to 31, characterized by that the sensor means are present in a circuit of the control unit (11). [33] Control arrangement (10) according to one of claims 29 to 32, characterized by that measurements are carried out with the sensor means in the area of ​​the electrodes (7a, 7b) of the electric stunning device (1).

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