Apparatus and process for automatically slaughtering fish

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for automatically slaughtering fish, comprising a fish-supplying device, a fish-receiving space (10), a positioning device (11), which is configured so as to stun the fish, to keep the fish in a stop position in the fish-receiving space (10) and to release the fish after stunning, also comprising a stunning means (13), which acts on the head region of the fish for stunning and / or bleeding the fish in the stop position, further comprising a bleeding tool (15), which acts on the fish and is designed and configured for severing the main artery of the fish, and additionally comprising a control device, which is designed to control the positioning device (11) and the action of the stunning means (13) and the action of the bleeding tool (15) on the fish in the stop position, wherein the stunning means (13) is configured to be movable under control from a first stand-by position into a stunning working position, and vice versa, by means of a first pneumatic actuator (23), and the bleeding tool (15) is configured to be movable under control from a second stand-by position into a bleeding working position, and vice versa, by means of a second pneumatic actuator (25), and is distinguished by the fact that the control device comprises at least one sensor means (22, 222), which, for sensing the variation in air pressure and / or for sensing the variation in volumetric air flow, is designed and configured to provide a status signal which allows a conclusion concerning the function of the stunning means (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15) to be drawn by means of an evaluation unit on the basis of the sensed variation in air pressure and / or the sensed variation in volumetric air flow. The invention also relates to a method for automatically slaughtering fish.

Description

[0001] Device and method for automatic slaughtering of fish

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to a device for the automatic slaughter of fish, comprising a fish feed device configured for head-first conveyance of fish, a fish receiving chamber configured to be loaded with fish in the head-first position by means of the fish feed device, a positioning device with a positioning means configured to stun the fish, to hold the fish in a stop position in the fish receiving chamber, and to release the fish after stunning, an anesthetic acting on the head-side region of the fish for stunning and / or bleeding the fish in the stop position, a bleeding tool acting on the fish, which is configured and configured to sever the main artery of the fish, a control device configured to control the positioning device, the action of the anesthetic, and the action of the bleeding tool on the fish in the stop position,wherein the anaesthetic is configured to be controllably moved by means of a first pneumatic actuator from a first waiting position into a stunning working position and vice versa, and the bleeding tool is configured to be controllably moved from a second waiting position into a bleeding working position by means of a second pneumatic actuator and vice versa, and wherein the pneumatic actuators comprise a local compressed air reservoir each configured to be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air supply line, wherein each of the pneumatic actuators is configured to abruptly move the anaesthetic into the respective working position by the compressed air reservoirs each being configured to be connectable to the interior of a working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator via a working valve configured to be controllable by means of a working air line, and being connected to a reset air line for moving the anaesthetic into the respective waiting position, wherein the control device is configured,To control the movement of the first and second pneumatic actuators, the working air line and the return air line are supplied with compressed air in a controllable manner. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for automatically slaughtering fish, comprising the steps of: conveying fish head-first by means of a fish feed device, feeding a fish receiving chamber with fish in a head-first position by means of the fish feed device, holding the fish in a stop position by means of a positioning device with a positioning means, stunning the fish in the stop position by applying an anesthetic to the head-side region of the fish, severing the main artery of the fish by means of a bleeding tool, releasing the fish from the positioning device, and controlling the positioning device, the anesthetic, and the action of the bleeding tool in the stop position by means of a control device.and wherein the pneumatic actuators comprise a local compressed air reservoir each configured to be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air supply line, wherein each of the pneumatic actuators is configured to abruptly move the narcotic into the respective working position, in that the compressed air reservoirs are each configured to be connectable to the interior of a working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator via a working valve configured to be controllable by means of a working air line, and are connected to a reset air line for moving the narcotic into the respective waiting position, and wherein the control device for controlling the movement of the first and second pneumatic actuators supplies the working air line and the reset air line with compressed air in a controllable manner.

[0004] Such devices and methods are known from the prior art. Fish are transferred one at a time, in a prone position and head first, into a fish receiving chamber by means of a fish feeding device. There, a positioning device with a positioning means is located. The positioning means is designed and configured to hold the fish in a stopped position. The fish is stunned in this stopped position by means of a stunning tool, and bleeding is initiated by means of a bleeding tool. The stunning and bleeding tools are driven pneumatically.

[0005] A disadvantage is that the actual function of the controlled tools is not recorded with the known tools. The tools operate pneumatically, but without feedback regarding their actual function. Possible wear or malfunctions therefore remain undetected. However, particularly for animal welfare reasons, it is of great importance to be able to monitor and assess the proper function of the stunning and bleeding tools. Additional sensors arranged on these tools to monitor function are difficult due to the harsh working environment and the presence of salt water and blood. Such sensors in such a working environment are prone to high wear and tear, incorrect measurements, and are unsuitable for this application from a hygienic point of view.

[0006] The object of the present invention is therefore to propose a device that enables reliable and, as far as possible, trouble-free monitoring of the function of stunning and / or bleeding tools. Furthermore, it is to provide a device that is robust and durable despite the harsh operating environment and meets the increased hygiene requirements of food processing. Furthermore, the object is to propose a corresponding method.

[0007] The object is achieved by a device having the features mentioned at the outset in that the control device comprises at least one sensor means which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the reset air lines and / or to detect the air volume flow profile through at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the reset air lines, and wherein the control device comprises an evaluation unit which is designed to provide a status signal based on the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile, which allows a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. The anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool are also referred to below as tools for short.

[0008] The device according to the invention has a number of advantages. By means of the sensor means for detecting the air pressure profile, it is possible for the first time to indirectly monitor the functioning of the anesthetic or stunning tool and / or the bleeding tool. This eliminates the need to attach corresponding monitoring sensors directly to the aforementioned tools; instead, according to the invention, the functioning of the tools is monitored via the pneumatic working medium that is required anyway. In addition to simply monitoring whether the anesthetic has been properly moved from the first waiting position to the stunning working position and vice versa, i.e., from the stunning working position back to the first waiting position, it is possible to detect malfunctions or signs of wear at an early stage. The aforementioned advantages apply equally to the function of the bleeding tool.

[0009] It is particularly advantageous according to the invention to record the air pressure curve and / or the air volume flow curve in the return air lines during the movement of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool into the working position. By controlling the respective working valve via the working air lines, a pneumatic connection is established between the respective pressure accumulator and the interior of the working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator. During the movement into the working position, the pneumatic actuator generates an air movement by displacing air in the respective return air line, which leads to an air volume flow and a change in air pressure over time, which is recorded with the device according to the invention and used to monitor the functioning of the known tools.

[0010] A useful embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the evaluation unit is configured to determine an anticipated wear value based on the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. Advantageously, wear phenomena and possible malfunctions to be expected based on them can be reliably detected in advance based on the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile. Since the sensor means is configured such that it is not located in the immediate effective range of the tools for measuring the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile, it is preferably fully encapsulated and thus resistant to liquids and / or contaminants.

[0011] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the at least one sensor means is arranged spatially separate from the first and second pneumatic actuators. The spatial separation of the sensor means from the first and second pneumatic actuators offers the advantage that the sensor means is arranged outside the actual working or wet area. Further preferably, the sensor means is arranged near the compressed air generator. The sensor means is thus advantageously arranged outside the working area of ​​the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool and is thus protected from contamination by blood and the harmful effects of salt water.The spatial separation of the sensor from the actual work area offers a further advantage from a hygienic perspective, as the work area contains as few components of the device according to the invention as possible, thus reducing the number of components located in the work area to a minimum. This significantly simplifies the cleaning of the components located in the work area.

[0012] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one sensor is arranged outside the working area of ​​the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. Advantageously, the working area is thus designed to be free of any sensor. The anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool are thus particularly compact and robust against harsh working conditions.

[0013] According to a further preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the at least one sensor means is arranged in a dry area. This offers the advantage that the sensor means does not need to be specially protected against moisture or harsh working environments. Furthermore, the sensor means is thus particularly easily accessible during maintenance. The sensor means is particularly preferably arranged within the machine housing.

[0014] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the evaluation unit comprises a comparison unit, wherein the comparison unit compares the air pressure curve in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the air volume flow curve in the at least one reset air line with a predetermined air pressure curve and / or a predetermined air volume flow curve and, if the deviation thus determined lies within a predetermined tolerance range, the status signal is provided which represents the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0015] According to the invention, the air pressure curve refers to the change in air pressure over time. The air pressure curve can also include the prevailing air pressure at predetermined times. Similarly, the air volume flow curve refers to the air volume flow over time or at predetermined times. The working air line carries compressed air to move the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool into the respective working position, while the return air lines carry compressed air to move the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool back to the respective waiting position.

[0016] According to the invention, the air pressure curve and / or the air volume flow curve is preferably known during proper functioning and can thus be provided as a predetermined air pressure curve and / or predetermined volume flow curve. The comparison unit is designed to compare the curves determined by the sensor means with these predetermined curves.

[0017] According to the invention, a predetermined tolerance range is preferably also specified for each predetermined curve, which defines the maximum permissible deviation of the measured curve from the respective predetermined ranges. The tolerance range can, for example, define the maximum or minimum permissible deviations as a tolerance band. Alternatively, the tolerance range is a value representing the maximum permissible deviation. The status signal is preferably a signal that is transmitted to an evaluation PC and / or a PLC via a corresponding interface. The status signal can also represent the magnitude of the deviation. In addition, the status signal can indicate the determined deviation visually or acoustically.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the evaluation unit comprises a neural network configured to provide the status signal representing the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool based on the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line. Advantageously, the evaluation unit is thus designed to be self-learning. By appropriately specifying training parameters, the evaluation unit is configured to be teachable in order to automatically detect relevant deviations later.

[0019] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the neural network is trained with a variety of air pressure and / or air flow curves that represent the function of the anesthetic. This ensures that the evaluation unit always reliably and reproducibly detects possible deviations with high reliability under different operating conditions.

[0020] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the compressed air supply lines of the first and second pneumatic actuators are connected to a common first compressed air supply and / or the reset air lines are connected to a common second compressed air supply and in each case a first sensor means which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure curve in and / or to detect the air volume flow curve is arranged on one of the compressed air supply lines and / or in each case a second sensor means which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure curve in and / or to detect the air volume flow curve is arranged on one of the reset air lines.

[0021] Advantageously, this makes it possible to reduce the number of sensors to the aforementioned first and second sensors. Due to their design, the first and second pneumatic actuators for moving the anesthetic and the bleeding tool have different air pressure and / or air flow profiles. Advantageously, therefore, the arrangement of one of the sensors in each of the working air line and the return air line is sufficient to monitor the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0022] The control device is preferably further configured to differentiate, based on the air pressure curves and / or air volume flow curves, which of the tools is currently moving and thus to assign the detected air pressure curve and / or detected air volume flow curve to the respective tool, i.e., the anesthetic or the bleeding tool. Alternatively, the control device is configured to assign the detected air pressure curve and / or the detected air volume flow curve according to the control of the tools currently being performed. This offers the advantage of not only providing information about the actual function of the respective tool, but also distinguishing which of the tools has just performed a function.Further preferably, at least one of the sensor means is arranged on the reset air line of the first and / or second pneumatic actuator, and the control device is configured to detect the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile during the movement of the anesthetic from the first standby position to the stunning working position and vice versa, and / or during the movement of the bleeding tool from a second standby position to a bleeding working position and vice versa. The arrangement of the sensor means on the aforementioned reset air line surprisingly allows for a reliable evaluation of the function of the tools.

[0023] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the control device is configured to at least temporarily stop the fish feeding device if the status signal is provided, which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. In this way, in the event of a fault, the processing of the fish by the device according to the invention is interrupted fully automatically to give the operating personnel the opportunity to determine the cause of the fault. Furthermore, this always ensures that the fish are stunning and slaughtered in accordance with animal welfare standards even if malfunctions occur. It is also possible to remove the fish in the event of a fault or if malfunctions occur and to feed them back to the device according to the invention for proper stunning.Alternatively, the discharged fish is stunned at a separate station, for example manually, and then processed accordingly.

[0024] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the bleeding tool is configured to act on the fish after stunning. This ensures that the fish first loses consciousness before the arteries are severed to initiate the bleeding process. This always ensures humane slaughter.

[0025] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the anesthetic is designed as a controllable firing pin. In particular, the firing pin is configured to act on the head of the fish to stun it safely and reliably. The use of the firing pin ensures effective and consistently reliable stunning of the fish. Preferably, the bleeding tool—analogous to the anesthetic—is designed as a controllable firing pin, with the free end of the firing pin being designed as a blade or carrying a blade configured to sever the blood vessels.

[0026] Furthermore, the object is achieved by a corresponding method with the features mentioned at the outset in that the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the air volume flow profile through at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the reset air lines is detected by means of a sensor means, and wherein the control device comprises an evaluation unit which is designed to provide a status signal by means of an evaluation device of the control device on the basis of the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile, which status signal allows a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0027] The advantages and technical effects achievable with the method according to the invention correspond fundamentally to those already mentioned, due to the analogy of the method to the previously described device according to the invention. To avoid repetition, reference is made in full to the advantages and technical effects already mentioned for the device according to the invention in connection with the method according to the invention.

[0028] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized by determining, on the basis of the recorded air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile, a predicted wear value by means of the evaluation unit, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. The evaluation unit is, for example, designed and configured to determine the integral of the volume flow profile over time, which is a measure of the area under the curve of the volume flow profile. A deviation of this integral from a predetermined, expected value is an indicator of faulty functioning, for example, an incorrect reaching of the working position or the end position. The evaluation unit is preferably configured, alone or additionally, to determine the gradient or the increase of the recorded air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile.Deviations of this gradient from the specified gradient values ​​are an indication of incorrect function. For example, gradients that are too low indicate that the anesthetic and / or bleeding tool are moving too slowly.

[0029] Furthermore, the evaluation unit is preferably designed to detect air volume flows occurring in the standby position and classify them as leakage or secondary air flows. The detection of such leakage air flows indicates wear on the pneumatic actuators.

[0030] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one sensor means is arranged spatially separated from the first and second pneumatic actuator.

[0031] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the detection of the air pressure curve and / or the detected air volume flow curve by means of the sensor means takes place in a dry area.

[0032] A preferred development of the invention is characterized by comparing, by means of a comparison unit of the evaluation unit, whether the air pressure curve in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the air volume flow curve in the at least one reset air line corresponds to a predetermined air pressure curve and / or a predetermined air volume flow curve and, if the deviation thus determined lies within a predetermined tolerance range, providing a status signal that represents the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0033] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized by evaluating the air pressure curve in at least one of the compressed air supply lines and / or the air volume flow curve in the at least one reset air line and providing the status signal which represents the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0034] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the neural network is trained with a plurality of air pressure curves and / or air volume flow curves that represent the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool. A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the working air lines of the first and second pneumatic actuators are connected to a common first compressed air supply and / or the reset air lines are connected to a common second compressed air supply, and the air pressure curve in and / or the air volume flow curve of one of the working air lines is detected by means of a first sensor and / or the air volume flow curve of one of the reset air lines is detected by means of a second sensor.

[0035] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the sensor means is arranged on the return air line of the first and / or second pneumatic actuator and the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile is recorded during the movement of the anesthetic from the first waiting position into the stunning working position and vice versa and / or during the movement of the bleeding tool from a second waiting position into a bleeding working position and vice versa.

[0036] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized by at least temporary stopping of the fish feeding device in the case of the provision of the status signal which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0037] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the bleeding tool acts on the fish after stunning.

[0038] According to a further preferred embodiment, stunning is carried out by means of a controllable firing pin.

[0039] Further preferred and / or expedient features and embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing shows:

[0040] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention in side view, Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of anaesthetics and bleeding tools according to the invention on a compressed air supply,

[0041] Fig. 3 an exemplary representation of air volume flow curves,

[0042] Fig. 4 a side view of a pneumatic actuator and

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the pneumatic actuator shown in Fig. 4.

[0044] The device and method according to the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. All statements regarding the device apply analogously to the method according to the invention.

[0045] The device is designed for the automatic slaughtering of fish and comprises a fish feed device (not shown in the drawing) configured for head-first conveyance of fish. Furthermore, the device comprises a fish receiving chamber 10, which is designed and configured to be loaded with fish in a head-first position by means of the aforementioned fish feed device.

[0046] The device further comprises a positioning device 11 with a positioning means 12 configured to stun the fish, hold the fish in a stop position in the fish receiving chamber 10, and release it from this stop position after stunning. Furthermore, the device comprises an anesthetic 13 acting on the head-side region of the fish to stun and / or bleed the fish in the stop position, as well as a bleeding tool 15 acting on the fish, which is designed and configured to sever the main artery of the fish.

[0047] A control device—not shown in the drawing—is configured to control the positioning device 11, the action of the anesthetic 13, and the action of the bleeding tool 15 on the fish in the stop position. The anesthetic 13 is configured to be controllably movable by means of a first pneumatic actuator 23 from a first waiting position to a stunning working position and vice versa. Similarly, the bleeding tool 15 is configured to be controllably movable by means of a second pneumatic actuator 25 from a second waiting position to a bleeding working position and vice versa.

[0048] The pneumatic actuators 23, 25 each comprise a local pressure accumulator 40. Particularly preferably, the pneumatic actuators 23, 25 with their local pressure accumulators 40 form a compact unit. In other words, the pressure accumulators

[0049] 40 integral part of the pneumatic actuators 23, 25.

[0050] Preferably, each of the pneumatic actuators 23, 25 is configured to abruptly move the anesthetic 13 or the bleeding tool 15 into the respective working position. Abrupt movement is understood to mean a movement as rapid as possible, which in any case takes significantly less time than a return movement.

[0051] The pneumatic actuators 23, 25 each have a controllable working valve

[0052] 41. The working valves 41 are each designed to pneumatically connect the interior 42 of a working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator 23, 25 to the compressed air reservoir 40 in response to a control via a respective working air line, in order to supply the interior 42 with compressed air. For this purpose, the control device is designed to supply the working air line and the reset air line 43, 45 with compressed air in a controllable manner to control the movement of the first and second pneumatic actuators 23, 25.

[0053] Such a pneumatic actuator 23, 25 is shown in perspective in Figure 4 and schematically in section in Figure 5. The housing 50 has a series of pneumatic connections to which the respective lines for the compressed air supply are connected. Figure 4 shows a working air connection 51 for connecting the working air line, a main pressure connection 52 for connecting the compressed air supply line 33, 35, a reset air connection 53 for connecting the reset air line 43, 45 and an exhaust air connection 54 through which air is discharged from the housing 50 to the outside during the reset movement. For reasons of better clarity, the aforementioned compressed air lines are not shown in Figure 4. The main pressure connection 52, the reset air connection 53 and the exhaust air connection 54 are also shown in the section according to Figure 5. The working air connection 51 is not visible in Figure 5.Shown are the compressed air reservoir 40, the working valve 41 and the interior space 42 together with the piston 55 movably arranged in the interior space 42.

[0054] Advantageously, the control device comprises at least one sensor means 22 which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 and / or the reset air lines 43, 45 and / or to detect the air volume flow profile through at least one of the working air lines and / or the reset air lines 43, 45.

[0055] The control device preferably comprises an evaluation unit (not shown in detail in the drawing) configured to provide a status signal based on the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile. The status signal is preferably configured to allow a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0056] Particularly preferably, the evaluation unit is configured to determine an anticipated wear value on the basis of the recorded air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0057] Further preferably, the sensor means 22 is arranged spatially separated from the first and second pneumatic actuators 23, 25. The spatial separation is indicated in Fig. 2 by the line 24. The sensor means 22 is thus arranged outside the actual working or wet area 26 and is thus preferably located in a dry area 27. Further preferably, the sensor means is arranged near the compressed air generation.

[0058] The sensor means 22 is therefore advantageously positioned outside the working area 26 and thus protected from contamination by blood and the harmful effects of salt water. The spatial separation of the sensor means 22 from the actual working area 26 offers a further advantage from a hygienic perspective, since as few components of the device according to the invention as possible are located in the working area 26.

[0059] The evaluation unit preferably comprises a comparison unit (not shown in the drawing) configured to compare the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line 43, 45 with a predetermined air pressure profile and / or a predetermined air volume flow profile. Furthermore, if the deviation thus determined lies within a predetermined tolerance range, this unit is configured to provide the status signal representing the function of the anesthetic and / or the bleeding tool.

[0060] As already mentioned at the beginning, the air pressure curve according to the invention refers to the change in air pressure over time. The air pressure curve can also include the prevailing air pressure at predetermined times. Analogously, the air volume flow curve refers to the air volume flow over time or at predetermined times. The working air line carries compressed air to move the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15 into the respective working position, while the return air lines carry compressed air to move the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15 back to the respective waiting position.

[0061] Figure 3 graphically illustrates the air volume flow curve over time as an example. The left-hand image of Figure 3 shows the air volume flow curve measured by sensor 22 for an intact anesthetic 13 or an intact bleeding tool 15, while the right-hand air volume flow curve shows a faulty function. Figure 3 shows, for example, that the area under the curve, which is a measure of the displaced air volume when the piston is extended, is significantly larger in the left-hand image than in the right-hand image. This already indicates that the piston on the right is not fully extended.

[0062] Preferably, the air pressure curve and / or the air volume flow curve are known when functioning properly. This known air pressure curve and / or air volume flow curve is then provided or input to the comparison unit as a predefined air pressure curve and / or predefined volume flow curve. The comparison unit is configured to compare the curves determined by the sensor means 22 with these predefined curves.

[0063] In particular, a specified tolerance range is also specified for each specified curve, which defines the maximum permissible deviation of the measured curve from the specified ranges. The tolerance range can, for example, define the maximum or minimum permissible deviations as a tolerance band. Alternatively, the tolerance range is a value of the maximum permissible deviation.

[0064] The evaluation unit particularly preferably comprises a neural network. The neural network is configured to provide the status signal representing the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15 based on the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line 43, 45. Advantageously, the evaluation unit is configured to be self-learning by means of the neural network. By appropriately specifying training parameters, the evaluation unit is configured to be teachable in order to later automatically detect relevant deviations. The neural network is preferably trained with a plurality of air pressure profiles and / or air volume flow profiles representing the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 of the first and second pneumatic actuators 23, 25 are preferably connected to a common first compressed air supply 34. Optionally or alternatively, the reset air lines 43, 45 are connected to a common second compressed air supply 44. Further preferably, a first sensor means—not shown in the drawing—which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile is arranged on one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35. Optionally or alternatively, a second sensor means 222, which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile, is arranged on one of the reset air lines 43, 45. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of sensors to the aforementioned first and second sensor means 222.Due to their design, the first and second pneumatic actuators 23, 25 for moving the anesthetic 13 and the bleeding tool 15 have different air pressure and / or air flow profiles. Advantageously, therefore, the arrangement of one of the sensors in each of the compressed air supply line 33, 35 and the reset air line 43, 45 is sufficient to monitor the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0066] The control device is preferably designed to differentiate, based on the air pressure curves and / or air volume flow curves, which of the tools, namely the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15, is currently moving and thus to assign the detected air pressure curve and / or the detected air volume flow curve to the respective tool. Alternatively, the control device is designed to assign the detected air pressure curve and / or the detected air volume flow curve according to the current control of the tools.

[0067] Preferably, at least one of the sensor means 22, 222 is arranged on the return air line 43, 45 of the first and / or second pneumatic actuator 23, 25. The control device is designed to detect the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile during the movement of the anesthetic 13 from the first waiting position to the stunning working position and vice versa and / or during the movement of the bleeding tool 15 from a second waiting position to a bleeding working position and vice versa.

[0068] The control device is particularly configured to stop the fish feeding device at least temporarily in the event of the provision of the status signal which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0069] The bleeding tool 15 is preferably configured to act on the fish after stunning. In particular, the stunning device 13 is designed as a controllable firing pin, which is preferably configured to act on the head of the fish in order to stun the fish safely and reliably. The previously described mode of operation of the device according to the invention also simultaneously describes the method according to the invention. To avoid repetition, the features of the method according to the invention will therefore only be briefly discussed below.

[0070] The method according to the invention comprises the following steps: conveying fish head-first by means of the aforementioned fish feed device; feeding the fish receiving chamber 10 with fish in a head-first position by means of the fish feed device. Furthermore, the method comprises holding the fish in a stop position by means of the positioning device 11 with the positioning means 12.

[0071] Subsequently, the fish is stunned in the stop position by applying the anesthetic 13 to the head-side area of ​​the fish, and the main artery of the fish is then severed using the bleeding tool 15. Subsequently, the fish is released from the positioning device 11, and the positioning device 11, the anesthetic 13, and the action of the bleeding tool 15 in the stop position are controlled by a control device.

[0072] By means of the sensor means 22, the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 and / or the air volume flow profile through at least one of the compressed air supply lines 33, 35 and / or the reset air lines 43, 45 is recorded. Based on the recorded air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile, the status signal is provided to the control device by means of an evaluation device, which allows a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0073] Preferably, the evaluation unit determines the anticipated wear level based on the recorded air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile, which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15. Preferably, the air pressure profile and / or the recorded air volume flow profile are recorded using the sensor means 22 in the dry area 27.

[0074] Preferably, the comparison unit of the evaluation unit is used to determine whether the air pressure profile in the at least one compressed air supply line 33, 35 and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line 43, 45 corresponds to the predetermined air pressure profile and / or the predetermined air volume flow profile and, if the deviation thus determined lies within the predetermined tolerance range, the status signal is provided which represents the function of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

[0075] Preferably, the fish feeding device is temporarily stopped in the event of the provision of the status signal which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic 13 and / or the bleeding tool 15.

Claims

1. A device for the automatic slaughter of fish, comprising a fish feed device configured for head-first conveyance of fish, a fish receiving chamber (10) configured to be loaded with fish in a head-first position by means of the fish feed device, a positioning device (11) with a positioning means configured to stun the fish, to hold the fish in a stop position in the fish receiving chamber (10), and to release the fish after stunning, an anesthetic (13) acting on the head-side region of the fish to stun and / or bleed the fish in the stop position, a bleeding tool (15) acting on the fish, which is configured and configured to sever the main artery of the fish, a control device configured to control the positioning device (11), the action of the anesthetic (13), and the action of the bleeding tool (15) on the fish in the stop position,wherein the anesthetic (13) is arranged to be controllably movable by means of a first pneumatic actuator (23) from a first waiting position into a stunning working position and vice versa, and the bleeding tool (15) is arranged to be controllably movable from a second waiting position into a bleeding working position by means of a second pneumatic actuator (25) and vice versa, and wherein the pneumatic actuators (23, 25) each comprise a local compressed air reservoir (40) which is arranged to be pressurised with compressed air via a compressed air supply line (33, 35), wherein, each of the pneumatic actuators (23, 25) is configured to abruptly move the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15) into the respective working position, in that the compressed air reservoirs (40) are each designed to be connectable to the interior (42) of a working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator (23, 25) via a working valve (41) controllably configured by means of a working air line, and is connected to a reset air line (43, 45) for moving the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15) into the respective waiting position, wherein the control device is designed to supply the working air line and the reset air line (43, 45) with compressed air in a controllable manner to control the movement of the first and second pneumatic actuators (23, 25), characterized in that the control device comprises at least one sensor means (22, 222) includes,which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the reset air lines (43, 45) and / or to detect the air volume flow profile through at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the reset air lines, and wherein the control device comprises an evaluation unit configured to provide a status signal based on the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile, which allows a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the evaluation unit is set up to determine, on the basis of the recorded air pressure curve and / or the recorded air volume flow curve, an anticipated wear value which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

3. Device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one sensor means (22, 222) is arranged spatially separated from the first and second pneumatic actuators (23, 25).

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one sensor means (22, 222) is arranged outside the working area (26) of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one sensor means (22, 222) is arranged in a dry area (27).

6. Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the evaluation unit comprises a comparison unit, wherein the comparison unit compares the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line (43, 45) with a predetermined air pressure profile and / or a predetermined air volume flow profile and, if the deviation thus determined lies within a predetermined tolerance range, the status signal is provided which represents the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the evaluation unit comprises a neural network which is set up to provide the status signal which represents the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15) on the basis of the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line (43, 45).

8. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the neural network is trained with a plurality of air pressure curves and / or air volume flow curves which represent the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) of the first and second pneumatic actuators (23, 25) are connected to a common first compressed air supply (34) and / or the reset air lines (43, 45) are connected to a common second compressed air supply (44) and in each case a first sensor means (22), which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile in and / or to detect the air volume flow profile, is arranged on one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or in each case a second sensor means (22, 222), which is designed and configured to detect the air pressure profile in and / or to detect the air volume flow profile, is arranged on one of the reset air lines (43, 45).

10. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one of the sensor means (22, 222) is arranged on the reset air line (43, 45) of the first and / or second pneumatic actuator (23, 25) and the control device is designed to detect the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile during the movement of the anesthetic (13) from the first waiting position into the stunning working position and vice versa and / or during the movement of the bleeding tool (15) from a second waiting position into a bleeding working position and vice versa.

11. Device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the control device is arranged to stop the fish feeding device at least temporarily in the case of the provision of the status signal which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

12. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the bleeding tool (15) is arranged to act on the fish after stunning.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the anesthetic means (13) is designed as a controllable firing pin.

14. A method for automatically slaughtering fish, comprising the steps of: Head-first conveying of fish by means of a fish feeding device, Feeding a fish receiving chamber (10) by means of the fish feeding device with fish in a head-first position, Holding the fish in a stop position by means of a positioning device (11) with a positioning means (12) Stunning the fish in the stop position by applying an anesthetic (13) to the head area of ​​the fish, Separating the main artery of the fish using a bleeding tool (15), Releasing the fish from the positioning device (11), Controlling the positioning device (11), the anesthetic (13) and the action of the bleeding tool (15) in the stop position by means of a control device, wherein the anesthetic (13) is moved by means of a first pneumatic actuator (23) from a first waiting position into a stunning working position and vice versa and the bleeding tool (15) is moved from a second waiting position into a bleeding Working position is moved by means of a second pneumatic actuator (25) and vice versa, and wherein the pneumatic actuators (23, 25) comprise a local compressed air reservoir each configured to be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air supply line (33, 35), wherein each of the pneumatic actuators (23, 25) is configured to abruptly move the narcotic (13) into the respective working position, in that the compressed air reservoirs (40) are each configured to be connectable to the interior of a working cylinder of the respective pneumatic actuator (23, 25) via a working valve (41) configured to be controllable by means of a working air line, and are connected to a reset air line (43, 45) for moving the narcotic (13) into the respective waiting position, and wherein the control device for controlling the movement of the first and second pneumatic actuators (23, 25) controls the working air line and the reset Air line (43,45) are supplied with compressed air in a controllable manner, characterized in that the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the air volume flow profile through at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the reset air lines (43, 45) is detected by means of a sensor means (22, 222), and wherein the control device comprises an evaluation unit which is designed to provide a status signal based on the detected air pressure profile and / or the detected air volume flow profile, which allows a conclusion to be drawn about the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized by Determining, on the basis of the recorded air pressure curve and / or the recorded air volume flow curve, an anticipated wear value which allows conclusions to be drawn about the state of wear of the anaesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15) by means of the evaluation unit.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that the at least one sensor means (22, 222) is arranged spatially separated from the first and second pneumatic actuators (23, 25).

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the detection of the air pressure curve and / or the detected air volume flow curve by means of the sensor means (22, 222) takes place in a dry area (27).

18. Method according to one of claims 14 to 17, characterized by comparing by means of a comparison unit of the evaluation unit whether the air pressure profile in at least one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) and / or the air volume flow profile in the at least one reset air line (43, 45) corresponds to a predetermined air pressure profile and / or a predetermined air volume flow profile and, if the deviation thus determined lies within a predetermined tolerance range, providing a status signal which represents the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the neural network is trained with a plurality of air pressure curves and / or air volume flow curves which represent the function of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

20. Method according to one of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) of the first and second pneumatic Actuators (23, 25) are connected to a common first compressed air supply (34) and / or the reset air lines (43, 45) are connected to a common second compressed air supply (44) and in each case the air pressure profile in and / or the air volume flow profile of one of the compressed air supply lines (33, 35) is detected by means of a first sensor means (22, 222) and / or the air volume flow profile of one of the reset air lines (43, 45) is detected by means of a second sensor means (22).

21. Method according to one of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that at least one of the sensor means (22, 222) is arranged on the reset air line (43, 45) of the first and / or second pneumatic actuator (23, 25) and the air pressure profile and / or the air volume flow profile is recorded during the movement of the anesthetic (13) from the first waiting position into the stunning working position and vice versa and / or during the movement of the bleeding tool (15) from a second waiting position into a bleeding working position and vice versa.

22. Method according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized by at least temporarily stopping the fish feeding device in the case of the provision of the status signal which indicates a faulty functioning of the anesthetic (13) and / or the bleeding tool (15).

23. Method according to one of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that the bleeding tool (15) acts on the fish after stunning.

24. Method according to one of claims 14 to 23, characterized in that the stunning is carried out with a controllable firing pin.

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