Blade Assembly and Apparatus and Method for Processing Animal Products - Patent application

Abstract

The present invention particularly relates to a blade assembly (10) configured and adapted to perform filleting cuts on a clamped and gutted fish (100), the blade assembly (10) comprising at least one cutting head (11) with at least one housing (12) having a blade unit (13) and a drive unit (14) configured and adapted to rotationally drive a blade shaft (16), the blade shaft (16) having a cutting blade (15) rotatably supported inside the housing (12), the cutting blade (15) being arranged on the blade shaft (16) at a free end (17) of the blade shaft (16) for co-rotation, the blade shaft (16) being configured to be axially movable relative to the housing (12) and configured to be separable from the drive unit (14) for the purpose of axially moving the blade shaft (16), such that the rotational movement of the blade shaft (16) can be performed independently of the axial movement of the blade shaft (16). The present invention further relates to an apparatus (62) and method for processing animal products, in particular for preparing fillets.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention particularly relates to a blade assembly configured and adapted to perform filleting cuts on fastened, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish, the blade assembly comprising at least one cutting head having at least one housing having a blade unit, and a drive unit configured and adapted to rotatably drive a blade shaft, the blade shaft having a cutting blade, the cutting blade being rotatably supported within the housing, the cutting blade being arranged at a free end of the blade shaft on the blade shaft for co-rotation.

[0002] The invention further relates to an apparatus for processing animal products, in particular for preparing fillets, which comprises a conveying device for holding and conveying the products to be processed along a conveying path in a conveying direction T, and at least one work station for processing the animal products along the conveying path.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for processing animal products, in particular for making fillets, which method comprises the steps of feeding the animal product to be processed in a conveying direction T by a conveying device to at least one working station, and using a blade assembly as the working station to perform a processing cut on the product to be processed by conveying the product along at least one rotary driven cutting blade of a cutting head of the blade assembly, which is moved axially from a waiting position to a cutting position and back again for placement against the product to be processed, or vice versa. [Background technology]

[0004] Blade assemblies and devices of this kind are used in the animal processing industry, in particular for preparing poultry and fish fillets. When processing animals, in particular for preparing fillets, a large number of different cuts must be performed in order to separate the flesh, in particular the fillets, from the skeleton of the animal or fish. For this purpose, the product is conveyed by a conveying device in a conveying direction T along a conveying path. At least one working station is arranged along this conveying path. Preferably, a plurality of working stations are arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction T in order to be able to perform the various work steps, in particular the (dismembering) cuts. Using the example of preparing fillets of a fastened, decapitated and at least partially eviscerated fish, the working stations are provided to perform the filleting cuts, including the belly cut, the flank cut, the flank cut, the backbone cut, the small bone cut or the belly cut, the dismembering cut and other cuts. The number, configuration, sequence and arrangement of the working stations may vary depending on the product.

[0005] Part of the working station is configured as a blade assembly with either a single cutting blade or a pair of cutting blades. The function and the structural configuration of the blade assembly are essentially independent of the product. This means that in terms of the adjustment of the cutting blade from the waiting position to the cutting position and back and vice versa, a general blade assembly for working with poultry is configured similarly to the corresponding blade assembly for working with fish. The or each cutting blade or pair of cutting blades is configured as a circular blade, which for example also performs the ventral cut, the flank cut and in particular the backbone cut. Each cutting blade or pair of cutting blades is arranged on the free end of the blade shaft and is arranged and oriented relative to the product according to the cut to be performed, depending on the product to be processed. Using the example of the backbone cut, each cutting blade with an oblique orientation enters the fish from below, so that the cutting blade is placed near one side of the backbone, or in the case of a pair of cutting blades, near both sides of the backbone, so that the backbone is cut from below along the entire length of the fish up to the dorsal fin. In the case of a pair of cutting blades, the two cutting blades form an inverted V, and the two cutting blades forming the inverted V are positioned as upright as possible at an acute angle to each other and are placed as close as possible to the spine or even in direct contact with the spine.

[0006] A common feature among many of these cuts, specifically the flank cut, the flank cut and especially the backbone cut, is that the position of the cutting blade relative to the product being cut may not always be the same, since the product has both anatomical and individual variations. Fixing the cutting blade would result in insufficient yield and / or damage to the product. Simply by way of example, and without reducing the invention to this example, in the case of cutting the backbone of a fish that has been clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted, fixing the cutting blade may result in a significant loss of yield if the cutting blade is too far away from the backbone. Parts of the flesh will remain as a membrane on the backbone. This should be absolutely avoided. If the cutting blade is fixed, if it is too close to the backbone, it may even cut into or pierce the backbone (sometimes called the midbone), thereby rendering the harvested flesh defective. This should also be absolutely avoided. Thus, the position of each cutting blade relative to the product being cut is adjustable to set the optimum position of the cutting blade relative to the backbone. The same applies to cutting blades performing other filleting cuts on fish, poultry, or other animals suitable for and used in processing.

[0007] In order to achieve an optimized cutting pattern, for example to obtain a better yield and / or a cleaner cut that is gentler on the flesh, and / or for other reasons, it is necessary to make the blade assembly, or at least the or each cutting blade of the blade assembly, adjustable, on the one hand, to adapt the or each cutting blade or its position to the size of the product to be processed, and on the other hand to move the or each cutting blade from a waiting position, which places it at a distance from the product to be processed (at a distance from the spine in the example of a spine cut), to a cutting position in which the or each cutting blade contacts the product (the spine in the example of a spine cut) and back again, or vice versa. In conclusion, a waiting position denotes all positions which are not actual cutting positions.

[0008] Various adjustment options are known for setting the position of the cutting blade with respect to the product to be processed. For example, the blade assembly, i.e. the entire unit consisting of the drive unit and the blade shaft with the cutting blade, can be moved from the waiting position to the cutting position and back again by a stepper motor or the like. In another variant, a pneumatic cylinder or the like is provided that actively controls the cutting blade. Another variant provides for an active or passive spring-suspended adjustment, the adjustment of which is carried out in a manner that merely controls the product.

[0009] In the case of active control systems, the entire blade assembly is moved for adjustment, so a large mass needs to be moved. Such systems are therefore limited in terms of the dynamic performance of the system. A large mass is slower and leads to a correspondingly longer adjustment cycle, i.e. a longer movement from the waiting position to the cutting position and back, or vice versa. In other words, when moving a large mass, more time is required to transport the cutting blade from the waiting position to the cutting position, thereby reducing the number of possible cycles and, in particular, also limiting the useful life / durability of such systems. A further disadvantage of known systems that require the movement of a large mass is that in practice only large and correspondingly massed products can move the cutting blade or the blade assembly. Only large products with a certain mass, in particular products weighing more than about 500 g, have a sufficient mass to activate the cutting blades or blade assemblies transversely to the conveying direction, for example against the spring force, i.e. to push the cutting blades or blade assemblies outwards so that (in the example of a fish filleting cut) the backbone of the product reaches between the cutting blades, and as the product is conveyed the cutting blades are guided along the backbone, in particular located close to the cutting blades, without damaging it. Furthermore, only large products are long enough to give the cutting blades sufficient time to perform the actual filleting cut in the cutting position within the time period from the waiting position to the cutting position and back again, or vice versa. Known systems are not suitable, nor are they configured or adapted to process products with a smaller mass, for example products weighing less than 500 g and products with a length shorter than that required for dynamic performance.

[0010] Products with smaller mass, for example fish weighing less than 500 g, cannot utilize the entire mass of the blade assembly, etc., to guide the cutting blade in a controlled manner, for example along the outside of the backbone, precisely. The mass of the blade assembly or other components controlling the cutting blade is always large enough to exert a large force on the product, and therefore may even damage it. This problem with products with small mass is a significant problem. Furthermore, since small products with smaller mass are rather short, the cutting blade has only a short amount of processing time, i.e., there is only an extremely short time period to bring the cutting blade to the appropriate position, which cannot be achieved with large masses due to inertia. In the case of cutting (i.e., in the case of backbone cutting, when performing the cutting cut as close as possible to the backbone along the entire length of the fish), the cutting blade needs to be moved from a waiting position to a cutting position and then from the cutting position back to the waiting position. Thus, existing systems are unable to accurately bring the cutting blade to the correct position with high yield and with the corresponding efficiency and dynamic performance required for processing smaller / lighter products, especially those with a mass of less than 500g. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to create a compact, dynamically adjustable blade assembly, which cuts reliably, precisely and with a high yield, even on particularly small products. Furthermore, it is an object to propose a corresponding device and a corresponding method for filleting animal products. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] This object is achieved by a blade assembly of the first mentioned kind, in which the blade shaft is configured to be axially movable relative to the housing and is configured to be separable from the drive unit for the purpose of axially moving the blade shaft, so that the rotational movement of the blade shaft can be performed independently of the axial movement of the blade shaft. The mass of the blade assembly components required for the movement to position the cutting blade is thus reduced. Due to the blade assembly configuration according to the invention having a mass-optimized blade shaft and a reduced number of components / parts that are movable for axial adjustment movement, the blade shaft, which only has the cutting blade, is configured and adapted to be axially adjustable relative to the housing as the blade shaft rotates. The configuration according to the invention results in an extremely dynamically adjustable cutting blade. Extremely dynamic refers to a system that preferably allows more than 10 movement cycles per second, one movement cycle representing the movement of the cutting blade from a waiting position to a cutting position and back again, or vice versa. During the movement cycle, the product is worked on the blade assembly until a subsequent product is conveyed to the area of ​​the blade assembly. Due to the high dynamic performance, especially for light / small products, there is enough time to perform the operation, e.g. the filleting cut, in the example of the backbone cut the filleting cut along the backbone, since the mere positioning movement can be performed in a time-optimized manner, i.e. especially more quickly. Overall, the arrangement according to the invention results in a greater yield efficiency, especially even in the case of the backbone cut. However, an improvement in yield efficiency, especially in the case of small / light products, is also achieved for the other filleting cuts with the use of the blade assembly according to the invention.

[0013] Advantageously, the blade assembly is configured and adapted to perform a spinal cut on a clamped, decapitated and gutted fish, which is fed head end first to the blade assembly. The advantages of a compact, mass-optimized design and of the dynamic performance obtained in controlling / positioning the cutting blade are particularly evident in this filleting cut, since in particular the arrangement according to the invention allows the achievement of dynamic and sufficiently sensitive axial adjustments even in the range of ±2 mm, preferably ±1 mm.

[0014] A preferred development of the blade assembly is characterized in that the adjustment force, or the actuator generating the adjustment force, is mechanically decoupled from the blade shaft to move the blade shaft axially. The actuator acts on the blade shaft independently of the drive unit. Since the actuator is mechanically decoupled from the blade shaft, the rotational movement from the drive unit to the blade shaft can be performed independently and superimposed on the axial movement of the blade shaft. Thus, the mass to be moved during the axial movement is significantly reduced, which further improves the dynamic performance during the adjustment of the cut-off blade.

[0015] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the drive sleeve is arranged on the blade shaft and is operatively connected on the one hand to the drive unit and on the other hand to the blade shaft, which results in a compact arrangement allowing a rotational movement on the one hand and an axial movement superimposed on the rotational movement on the other hand.

[0016] Advantageously, the blade shaft is arranged and guided in an axially displaceable manner inside the drive sleeve, so that the movable mass for the adjustment / control of the cutting blade is reduced to a minimum, thereby improving the dynamic performance.

[0017] An advantageous development is characterized in that, on the one hand, the bevel gear of the drive unit is fixedly connected to the drive sleeve so as to drive the latter in rotation, and, on the other hand, the driver element is fixedly connected to the drive sleeve so as to transmit the rotation of the drive sleeve to the blade shaft. This arrangement is compact and allows a reliable transmission of rotation from the drive sleeve to the blade shaft.

[0018] In an expedient embodiment, the blade shaft has a recess in which the driver element engages, which is configured and adapted to, on the one hand, transmit the rotational movement of the drive sleeve to the blade shaft and, on the other hand, ensure that the blade shaft moves axially relative to the drive sleeve. The driver element is preferably a kind of slide, which is fixedly connected to the drive sleeve and, on the one hand, establishes an operable connection to the blade shaft, for example by frictional fitting, and transmits the rotation of the drive sleeve to the blade shaft and, on the other hand, allows the blade shaft to move axially relative to the drive sleeve to the maximum within the boundaries of the recess. The axial adjustment path is maximally limited by the side walls of the recess, which form a kind of stop for the adjustment path. However, the adjustment path may also be smaller, such that the driver element is always at a certain distance from the two side walls of the recess. In this case, the stop limiting the axial adjustment movement may also be formed by the interaction of a stop surface of the drive sleeve and a stop surface of the blade shaft.

[0019] Advantageously, the drive sleeve is rotatably supported in the housing and is arranged in the housing so as to be immovable in the axial direction, the blade shaft is configured to be axially movable relative to the drive sleeve, the blade shaft and therefore the shearing blade being held in the cutting position by a spring element when the blade assembly is in the starting position, in which the blade shaft with the shearing blade is extended and pressed in an end position against a stop on the drive sleeve. The starting position refers to the position in which the blade assembly is located just before the product to be processed reaches the blade assembly. In the starting position, the shearing blade is in a maximum extended position. If two shearing blades are provided, they are at a minimum distance from each other in the starting position and in fact form the cutting position. The stop can be, for example, a protrusion on the drive sleeve.

[0020] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuator for axially moving the blade shaft relative to the drive sleeve comprises an air unit, by means of which an adjustment force for axially moving the blade shaft against the spring force of the spring element is applied, the blade shaft and thus the cutting blade being held in a waiting position, in which the blade shaft with the cutting blade is retracted and pressed in an end position against a stop on the drive sleeve. By means of the air unit, the axial movement can be controlled particularly simply and particularly sensitively, i.e. precisely. In combination with a spring element which finally applies a spring force towards the product to be processed, the air unit allows an adjustment movement in the axial direction which is highly dynamic and at the same time particularly easy to adjust both in the direction towards the product to be processed and away from the product to be processed. In particular, the arrangement according to the invention allows a quick and precise activation of the cutting blade, i.e. the arrangement according to the invention not only allows an axial movement away from the product to be processed, but also allows a quick and precise adjustment towards the product, the cutting blade contacting the product more gently. The stop against which the blade shaft rests in the retracted position may be a protrusion on the drive sleeve, but the stop may also be the spring element itself or be formed by the spring force of the spring element.

[0021] Advantageously, the spring elements are configured and adapted to be replaceable to change the spring force or the spring force of the spring elements is configured and adapted to be adjustable, which allows control of the dynamic performance. In other words, the sensitivity of the positioning of the cutting blade can be changed. With a larger spring force, the blade shaft with the cutting blade can be returned to the cutting position more quickly. Also, in this case, the cutting blade contacts the product more firmly and with a larger force. However, when processing smaller products, a smaller spring force may be desired or necessary, for example to reduce strain on the product. This can be achieved by the use of spring elements, in particular compression springs with different spring forces. In other embodiments, the degree of spring bias, and therefore the spring force, can be changed, for example by changing the length of the spring path using a spacer.

[0022] A preferred development is characterized in that the blade shaft is constructed in at least two parts, the two blade shaft parts being fixedly but releasably interconnected. Besides the option of constructing the blade shaft as a single part, a multi-part construction is preferred, a two-part design being particularly preferred. The two blade shaft parts are arranged so that they do not rotate relative to each other. The construction of the blade shaft in multiple parts allows the components used for the axial movement, e.g. the spring element and the air unit, to be constructed compactly. Furthermore, the two-part or multi-part construction in a kind of modular design allows for example the spring element to be easily and quickly replaced.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the first blade shaft portion supports a cutting blade, preferably constructed as a circular blade, and has a recess for the driver element, and the second blade shaft portion is constructed hollow cylindrical, a piston rod is arranged in the cavity, the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion being connected by means of the piston rod to the blade shaft portion supporting the cutting blade. The piston rod arranged in the hollow cylindrical second blade shaft portion is releasably connected to the first blade shaft portion, for example by means of a threaded connection, although other fastening systems or fastening means may also be used.

[0024] Expediently, the piston rod, or the peripheral surface of the piston rod, is arranged at a distance from the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion so as to form an air chamber, the piston rod sealing the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion at the end face opposite the cutting blade. The outer diameter of the piston rod is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion. This creates an annular air chamber inside the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion. To achieve a closed air chamber, the piston rod seals the air chamber at the end face. For this purpose, for example, suitable sealing rings or other sealing means may be used. At the side of the piston rod directed away from the end face, the air chamber is delimited and closed by the walls of the drive sleeve and the blade shaft.

[0025] An advantageous development is characterized in that the air chamber has at least one air flow opening into the peripheral region and is in flow communication with a compressed air inlet to which a compressed air unit is connected. Preferably, a plurality of air flow openings are provided, for example distributed in an annular manner around the circumference of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part. The or each air flow opening is formed in the wall of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part. By the or each air flow opening, the air chamber is in flow communication with the compressed air inlet, which is configured and adapted to feed and pass the compressed air. The peripheral region denotes the region located outside the blade shaft. The region away from the cavity in the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part forms the peripheral region. The compressed air unit allows compressed air to be injected into the air chamber through the compressed air inlet and the air flow opening, and by pressing the blade shaft against the guide bush, presses the blade shaft into the retracted position (standby position) against the spring force of the spring element. As soon as the adjustment force exceeds the spring force, the blade shaft is adjusted axially inwardly such that the distance from the cutting blade to the product increases. The blade shaft with the cutting blade is thus in a standby position. As soon as the pressure in the compressed air unit is reduced or removed, the compressed air can escape from the air chamber through the air flow opening and the compressed air inlet. Upon releasing the pressure, as soon as the spring force exceeds the adjustment force, the spring element presses the blade shaft axially outwardly towards the product to be processed. As soon as the blade shaft with the cutting blade is axially extended, the blade shaft with the cutting blade is in a cutting position.

[0026] Conveniently, the compressed air inlet comprises a rotary coupling for compressed air, the compressed air being controlled to enter and exit the air chamber through the or each air flow opening, thereby achieving an uninterrupted and compact configuration of the blade assembly, by means of which the rotational movement of the blade shaft may be performed in a manner that superimposes the axial movement of the blade shaft.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a second air chamber is formed between the end face of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft section (or the piston rod closing the shaft end) and the housing on the side of the blade shaft directed away from the cutting blade, and is in flow communication with a second compressed air inlet to which a compressed air unit is connected. The compressed air acts in the direction of the spring force of the spring element after the blade shaft is active in the waiting position, i.e. after the blade shaft is retracted, and conveys the blade shaft more quickly into the cutting position, i.e. into the extended position. The compressed air unit assists the spring element, and a so-called pulsed compressed air control is preferably provided, whereby the extension of the blade shaft back to the cutting position first generates a pulse of compressed air, which preferably ends before the cutting blade comes into contact with the product. The final cutting position of the cutting blade relative to the product is then reached by the spring element. In the case of this embodiment, the dynamic performance of the adjustment of the cutting blade can be further increased, since less time is required for the retraction of the blade shaft, in particular for the extension of the blade shaft. Furthermore, in this way the compressive force of the cutting blade on the product can be simply and variably adapted.

[0028] In a further advantageous embodiment, the drive sleeve is formed in at least two parts, the two drive sleeve parts being fixedly but releasably interconnected. Besides the option of constructing the drive sleeve as a single part, a multi-part construction is preferred, with a two-part design consisting of two drive sleeve parts being particularly preferred. The two drive sleeve parts are constructed approximately hollow cylindrically and surround the two blade shaft parts. The first drive sleeve part is preferably arranged substantially in the area of ​​the first blade shaft part. The second drive sleeve part is preferably arranged substantially in the area of ​​the second hollow cylindrical blade shaft part. The two drive sleeve parts are arranged not to rotate relative to each other, preferably via a releasable screw connection. Other fastening systems or fastening means may be used as well. The construction of the drive sleeve in multiple parts allows the components used for the axial movement, e.g. spring elements, to be constructed compactly.

[0029] Advantageously, the first drive sleeve part supports the bevel gear and the driver element, and the second drive sleeve part forms, at least in some parts between itself and the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part, a gap in which at least the spring element is arranged. In addition to the or each spring element, a group of springs may also be used and a spacer or spacer ring may also be preferably arranged in the gap. Preferably, the spacer ring is placed on the outer periphery of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part so as to adjust the length of the spring path of the spring element. The spring element is supported on the one hand on a protrusion of the drive sleeve, directly or indirectly, for example on a spacer, and on the other hand on a protrusion of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part.

[0030] An expedient development is characterized in that at least one lubricant outlet is provided, which is arranged to protect the axial adjustment area of ​​the blade shaft in the area of ​​the blade shaft where it emerges from the housing and supports the cutting blade. Optionally, at least one second lubricant outlet may also be provided, which is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the opposite end of the blade shaft relative to the cutting blade. The or each lubricant outlet forms a so-called protective curtain, preventing dirty and other nuisance particles from entering the axial guiding area of ​​the blade shaft and the drive sleeve.

[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the blade assembly is characterized in that it comprises two cutting heads, which are constructed as already claimed and can be controlled individually or synchronously. When the blade assembly is in the starting position, in which the two cutting blades are in the cutting position, there is a gap between the two cutting blades. The size of said gap can be automated by axial adjustment and can be changed during the operation of the blade assembly.

[0032] The object of the invention is also achieved by an apparatus for preparing fillets having the initially mentioned features, wherein the work station is a blade assembly configured and adapted according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

[0033] Preferably, the apparatus is configured to process clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish, the fish being transported head end first in the transport direction T. However, in other embodiments the blade assemblies may also be arranged along a transport device configured and adapted to transport fish tail end first.

[0034] Conveniently, one cutting head of the blade assembly is arranged on one side of the conveying path, and the two cutting heads are arranged to be controllable synchronously or separately from each other, so that the product, and in particular fish, conveyed in a longitudinally elongated state, can be processed accurately and effectively.

[0035] The apparatus advantageously comprises a control unit configured and adapted to control the conveying device and the or each work station, thereby ensuring accurate and efficient processing of the products.

[0036] An advantageous development of the device is characterized in that the transport device comprises a transport means, which is selectively configured as a conveyor belt, a double conveyor belt, a conveyor chain with a holding means, a spike chain conveyor, an overhead conveyor system, etc.

[0037] In addition to the blade assemblies, a number of work stations are advantageously arranged along the conveying path, arranged in the conveying direction T either upstream or downstream of the blade assemblies according to any one or more of claims 1 to 20.

[0038] The advantages obtained have already been described with respect to the blade assembly and therefore reference is made to the above section to avoid repetition.

[0039] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a method having the initially mentioned steps, in which the axial adjustment of the cutting blade is superimposed on the rotational movement of the cutting blade, and only the blade shaft supporting the cutting blade moves relative to the housing of the cutting head of the blade assembly. Unlike the prior art, only a few components, namely those necessary to position the cutting blade relative to the product, e.g. the blade shaft carrying the cutting blade, are moved axially, whereby an optimized positioning of the masses is achieved and the dynamic performance is improved.

[0040] Advantageously, the processing steps are performed synchronously or in staggered time on both sides of the product by conveying the product to be processed between two rotating driven cutting blades of two cutting heads of a blade assembly arranged on either side of the product to be processed. The product may be processed in staggered time and in a spatially staggered manner on both sides. Preferably, the product is processed in parallel in time and space on both sides.

[0041] In the preferred procedure, in principle, each cutting blade is held in the cutting position as a result of the blade shaft supporting it being moved axially out of the housing by the spring force, each cutting blade performing the processing cut is first moved axially into the waiting position against the spring force by the blade shaft supporting it being moved axially into the housing by the compressed air, and each cutting blade returns to the cutting position for reduction and release of the compressed air by the blade shaft supporting it being moved axially out of the housing by the spring force as soon as the product to be processed is in the correct position in the conveying direction T relative to the cutting blade. Due to the spring force in the starting position, the cutting blade waits in the cutting position, in which the distance from the cutting blade to the product is minimal. Just before the product to be processed is conveyed into the working / operating area of ​​the cutting blade, an adjustment force generated by the compressed air and counter to the spring force moves the cutting blade axially, thereby increasing its distance from the product to be processed. The cutting blade is thus moved into the waiting position. When the tip of the product reaches the level of the cutting blade (referred to as the exact position of the cutting blade relative to the product; in the case of two cutting blades, the exact position is reached when the product to be processed is located at its tip between the two cutting blades), then said cutting blade is again moved by the spring force closer to the product and again enters the cutting position from the side to perform the actual processing cut.

[0042] On the one hand, the cutting blade is moved from the waiting position to the cutting position by the spring force as soon as the spring force exceeds the adjusting / counterforce generated by the compressed air, and on the other hand, the return position to the cutting position brought about by the spring force can be assisted, at least initially, by compressed air acting in the direction of the spring force.

[0043] Particularly preferably, the method is characterized in that the cutting of the spine is performed on a clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish using two cutting blades of the blade assembly by transporting the fish to be processed head-end first into the area of ​​the cutting blades in the cutting position, moving the cutting blades away from each other against the spring force of the spring element using compressed air before the spine of the fish reaches between the cutting blades, then, as soon as the spine is placed between the cutting blades, moving said cutting blades towards each other again using at least the spring force, then sliding the cutting blades along the spine in contact with it with an adjustable constant pressure as a result of the spring force.

[0044] In the case of an automated method, it is particularly advantageous if the transport device and the or each work station are controlled by a control device.

[0045] The advantages obtained have already been described with respect to the blade assembly and therefore reference is made to the above section to avoid repetition.

[0046] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the blade assembly, the apparatus and the method for filleting animal products become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the blade assembly and the apparatus and method are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0047] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a blade assembly with a cutting head, seen obliquely from above and from the front. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view of the cutting head according to FIG. 1 from obliquely behind. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting head according to FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the cross section according to FIG. [Diagram 5] An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cutting head. [Figure 6]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a fish processing device from an oblique top view, the device comprising two cutting heads or a blade assembly having a pair of cutting blades. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view of the device according to FIG. 6 from obliquely below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The illustrated blade assembly and apparatus are used and configured and adapted accordingly to cut free the spine along the entire length of a clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish, from below to the dorsal fin. Said cut, also known as a spine cut or stalk cut, is merely illustrative of the suitability and configuration of the blade assembly by way of example. It goes without saying that the blade assembly and apparatus are configured and adapted accordingly to perform, for example, a flank bone cut or a severing cut in the process of filleting fish. The blade assembly and apparatus according to the invention are equally configured, adapted and therefore suitable for filleting other animal products, for example filleting and / or deboning poultry and the like.

[0049] The illustrated blade assembly 10 is particularly configured and adapted to perform filleting cuts on a fastened, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish 100, the blade assembly 10 comprising at least one cutting head 11 with at least one housing 12 having a blade unit 13, and a drive unit 14 configured and adapted to rotatably drive a blade shaft 16 having a cutting blade 15 rotatably mounted within the housing 12, the cutting blade 15 being disposed at a free end 17 of the blade shaft 16 on the blade shaft 16 for co-rotation. The blade shaft 16 having the cutting blade 15 is part of the blade unit 13.

[0050] According to the invention, this blade assembly 10 is characterized in that the blade shaft 16 is configured to be axially movable relative to the housing 12 and is separable from the drive unit 14 in order to move the blade shaft 16 axially so that the rotational movement of the blade shaft 16 can be performed independently of the axial movement of the blade shaft 16. During the cutting process, the cutting blade 15 is driven in a circular, rotating, preferably constant manner. The axial movement is temporary and has the purpose of moving the cutting blade 15 from a waiting position to a cutting position and / or from the cutting position to a waiting position, increasing or decreasing the distance of the cutting blade 15 to the product to be treated. The blade shaft 16 is separated from the drive unit 14 in connection with the axial movement, at least in those situations where the axial movement is superimposed on the rotational movement.

[0051] The features and developments described below, whether taken by themselves or in combination with one another, represent preferred embodiments. It is expressly noted that features combined in the claims and / or the specification and / or the drawings or described in a common embodiment may also improve the above-mentioned blade assembly 10 in a functionally independent manner.

[0052] As already mentioned, the invention is explained on the basis of the processing of a fish 100, which is shown diagrammatically on the basis of a fish skeleton and the processing is explained using the example of cutting the flank bones. In the embodiment shown, the blade assembly 10 is configured and adapted to perform a cut of the spine on a clamped, decapitated and gutted fish 100, which is fed head end first to the blade assembly 10. The cut of the flank bones is a filleting cut, in which the cutting blade 15, after having previously separated the flank bones from the spine, cuts the spine freely over the entire length of the fish from below up to the dorsal fin, so that the spine forms a kind of axis. For this reason, the reference is also made to the axis cut. The drive unit 14, only a part of which is shown, can be configured differently. By way of example, the drive unit 14 comprises a drive motor (not shown), a drive shaft 18 and at least one bevel gear 19. It goes without saying that other drive units 14 can also be used.

[0053] The cutting head 11 comprises an actuator 20. The actuator 20 is configured and adapted to perform or actuate the axial movement of the blade shaft 16. The adjusting force, or the actuator 20 generating the adjusting force, is mechanically separated from the blade shaft 16 so as to move the blade shaft 16 axially. In the described embodiment, a drive sleeve 21 is arranged on the blade shaft 16 and operatively connected to the drive unit 14 on the one hand and to the blade shaft 16 on the other hand, so that the actuator 20 can actuate the axial movement of the blade shaft 16 independently of or superimposed on the rotational movement of the blade shaft 16. The drive sleeve 21 is rotatably supported in a housing, for example by two ball bearings 22, 23. The blade shaft 16 is arranged and guided inside the drive sleeve 21 so as to be axially displaceable. For this purpose, a sliding guide, a sliding membrane or the like is arranged or formed in at least some parts between the outer peripheral surface of the blade shaft 16 and the inner surface of the drive sleeve 21. To transmit the drive movement of the drive unit 14 to the drive sleeve 21, a bevel gear 24 of the drive unit 14 is fixedly connected on the one hand to the drive sleeve 21 and is adapted to rotatably drive the drive sleeve 21. To transmit the rotation of the drive sleeve 21 to the blade shaft 16, a driver element 25 is fixedly connected on the other hand to the drive sleeve 21.

[0054] The driver element 25 engages with the blade shaft 16 so as to establish an operational connection. For this purpose, the blade shaft 16 has a recess 26 in which the driver element engages. The dimensions of the recess 26 can vary. In the axial direction (i.e. in the direction of the axial adjustment movement A), the recess 26 is larger than the driver element 25. In other words, the side walls 27, 28 of the recess 26 are arranged at a distance from the driver element 25, i.e. at least 1 mm in each case, so as to allow an axial movement in both adjustment directions A. In the illustrated embodiment, the driver element 25 is a sliding block, which is configured and adapted on the one hand to transmit the rotation of the drive sleeve 21 to the blade shaft 16 and on the other hand to allow the blade shaft 16 to be axially movable relative to the drive sleeve 21. Other solutions and configurations of the driver element 25 performing this double function can also be used.

[0055] As mentioned above, the drive sleeve 21 is rotatably supported in the housing 12 and is arranged therein so as to be axially fixed. In addition to the support of the drive sleeve 21, sealing means are provided between the outer peripheral surface of the drive sleeve 21 and the components of the drive unit 14 and / or the housing 12 which contact said outer peripheral surface. The blade shaft 16 is configured to be axially movable relative to the drive sleeve 21, the blade shaft 16 and therefore the cutting blade 15 being held in the cutting position by the spring element 29 when the blade assembly 10 is in the starting position, in which the blade shaft 16 with the cutting blade 15 is extended and pressed against a stop 30 on the drive sleeve 21. In principle, the blade shaft 16 with the cutting blade 15 is in an extended position when in the cutting position. The spring element 29 is pressed against a projection 31 on the axially fixed drive sleeve 21 and contacts a projection 32 on the blade shaft 16, causing the blade shaft 16 to remain pressed axially against a stop surface 33 of the drive sleeve 21. A sealing and / or braking means 34 may be arranged between the projection 32 on the blade shaft 16 and the stop surface 33 of the drive sleeve 21.

[0056] The actuator 20 for carrying out or actuating the axial adjustment movement may, for example, be configured with a motor. In the illustrated embodiment, the actuator 20 for axially moving the blade shaft 16 relative to the drive sleeve 21 comprises a pneumatic unit 35 by means of which an adjustment force for axially moving the blade shaft 16 against the spring force of the spring element 29 can be applied, so that the blade shaft 16, and thus the cutting blade 15, is held in a waiting position, in which the blade shaft 16 with the cutting blade 15 is retracted and pressed against a stop 36 on the drive sleeve 21. The stop 36 is formed by a projection 37 on the drive sleeve 21, which provides a stop surface 38. Sealing and / or braking means 39 may be arranged between the projection 32 on the blade shaft 16 and the stop surface 38 of the drive sleeve 21.

[0057] The spring element 29 arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the blade shaft 16 is supported between the projection 32 on the blade shaft 16 and the projection 31 on the drive sleeve 21 as described above, and at least one spacer ring 40, preferably several spacer rings 40, are arranged between the spring element 29 and the projection 31 on the drive sleeve 21. The number of spacer rings 40 can be changed to change the spring force and / or the spring path. The spring element 29 can be optionally exchanged to change the spring force, which is made simpler by the modular construction. For this purpose, inter alia, the blade shaft 16 is formed in at least two parts, the two blade shaft parts 41, 42 being fixedly but releasably interconnected. The two blade shaft parts 41, 42 are screwed in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to each other. The first blade shaft part 41 supports the cutting blade 15, which is preferably configured as a circular blade, and has a recess 26 for the driver element 25. The second blade shaft portion 42 is constructed hollow cylindrical and a piston rod 43 is arranged in this cavity, the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42 being connected by said piston rod to the blade shaft portion 41 carrying the cutting blade 15. Naturally, the allocation of the individual components to each blade shaft portion 41, 42 can be varied. The connection between the two blade shaft portions 41 and 42 is established by the piston rod 43 by means of a threaded connection, but can also be established otherwise, for example by means of a plug-in connection and / or a fastening or latching connection.

[0058] Preferably, the piston rod 43 is arranged entirely inside the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42. The piston rod 43 or its peripheral surface is arranged at a distance from the inner surface of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42 so as to form an air chamber 44. For this purpose, the outer diameter of the piston rod 43 is smaller than the inner diameter of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42. The piston rod 43 seals the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42 at the end face of the blade shaft 16 opposite the cutting blade 15. For this purpose, suitable sealing means 45 are used. The air chamber 44 has at least one air flow opening 46 to the peripheral area and is in flow communication with a compressed air inlet 47 to which a compressed air unit 48 is connected. The compressed air unit 48 comprises a compressed air pump and lines for delivering and passing the compressed air and is part of the actuator 20. In the wall of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42, a number of holes are arranged distributed around the circumference, and the number of holes is used to deliver compressed air to the air chamber 44 and to pass the compressed air from the air chamber 44 through the compressed air inlet 47.

[0059] The air chamber 44 extends from the or each air flow opening 46 along the piston rod 43 into the gap between the piston rod 43 and the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion 42 in the direction of the cutting blade 15 up to an opening 49 which opens into a cavity 50 defined by the drive sleeve 21 and the blade shaft 16. The blade shaft 16, which is axially movable, can be pressed against the drive sleeve 21 by compressed air, which flows into the air chamber 44, in particular against the spring force of the spring element 29. As the blade shaft 16 is driven in rotation, the compressed air inlet 47 is provided with a rotation coupling 51 for the compressed air, which is controlled to enter and exit the air chamber 44 through the or each air flow opening 46.

[0060] In addition to the first air chamber 44 inside the hollow cylindrical blade shaft section 42, a second air chamber 52 is provided on the side of the blade shaft 16 located outside the blade shaft 16, i.e. directed away from the cutting blade 15. The second air chamber 52 is formed between an end face 53 of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft section 42 and the housing 12 and is in flow communication with a second compressed air inlet 54. A compressed air unit 55 is connected to the compressed air inlet 54. The compressed air unit 55 comprises a compressed air pump and lines for delivering and passing the compressed air and is part of the actuator 20. The compressed air units 48, 55 can also be combined together to form a joint compressed air unit. The compressed air unit 55 can also be optionally expanded, for example by a proportional valve. Since a spring action is obtained in this way, the spring element 29 can be omitted.

[0061] In the illustrated embodiment, not only the blade shaft 16 is composed of two parts, but also the drive sleeve 21 is composed of at least two parts, the two drive sleeve parts 56, 57 being fixedly but releasably interconnected. For this purpose, preferably a threaded connection is provided. The two drive sleeve parts 56, 57 are screwed in such a way that they do not rotate relative to each other. Both drive sleeve parts 56, 57 are configured to be hollow. The first drive sleeve part 56 supports the bevel gear 24 and the driver element 25. The second drive sleeve part 57 forms, at least in some parts between itself and the hollow cylindrical blade shaft part 42, a gap 58 in which at least the spring element 29 is arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, in the gap 58 formed between the second drive sleeve part 57 and the second blade shaft part 42, a spacer ring 40 is also arranged next to the spring element 29.

[0062] Preferably, at least one lubricant outlet 59 is provided in the blade assembly 10, which is arranged to protect the axial adjustment area of ​​the blade shaft 16, in the area of ​​the blade shaft 16 where it emerges from the housing 12 and supports the cutting blade 15. In the embodiment shown, a second lubricant outlet 60 is provided. The or each lubricant outlet 59, 60 forms a so-called protective curtain, preventing dirt particles, water and other disturbing particles from entering the axial guiding area of ​​the blade shaft 16 and the drive sleeve 21.

[0063] So far, the blade assembly 10 has been described with only one cutting head 11. In a preferred embodiment, the blade assembly 10 comprises two cutting heads 11, 61, which are shown rather diagrammatically in Figures 5 and 6 by their respective cutting blades 15. The two cutting heads 11, 61 are constructed similarly as above and may be controlled individually or synchronously. In the starting position, when the cutting blades 15 are in the cutting position, there is a gap between the two cutting blades 15, which gap corresponds approximately to the thickness of the product to be cut, or to the spine in the example of a spine cut.

[0064] The blade assembly 10 may be constructed as an individual unit or as a replaceable or replaceable unit, but preferably the blade assembly 10 is part of a higher-level apparatus 62, i.e. preferably for processing, in particular for filleting, animal products, which comprises a conveying device 63 for holding and conveying the products to be processed along a conveying path in a conveying direction T, and at least one work station 64 along the conveying path for processing the animal products.

[0065] According to the invention, this work station 64 is characterised in that it is a blade assembly 10 configured and adapted according to any one of claims 1 to 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 62 is adapted for processing a fastened, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish 100, which is transported head end first in a conveying direction T. To perform the backbone cut, one cutting head 11, 61 of the blade assembly 10 is arranged on one side of the conveying path, the two cutting heads 11, 61 being arranged to be controllable synchronously or separately from each other. For controlling the conveying device 63 and the or each work station 64, the device 62 comprises a control unit. In the illustrated device 62, the conveying device 63 is a spike chain 65 comprising two chain elements driven in a circular fashion. Each chain element has a spike which rotates towards each other such that the fish 100 is held and transported on both sides in the area where the two chain elements receive the fish 100 between them. Instead of the spike chain 65, a conveyor belt, a double conveyor belt, a conveyor chain with carrying saddles, an overhead conveyor system etc. may be used as a transport means.

[0066] Particularly preferably, in addition to the blade assembly 10 as the work station 64, the device 62 comprises further work stations 66 to 70 so as to provide a complete, automated filleting process. In the example of filleting fish 100, a number of work stations 66 to 70 are arranged along the conveying path, either upstream or downstream of the blade assembly 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 20, in the conveying direction T. Upstream of the blade assembly 10 in the conveying direction T, for example, a blade assembly may be provided which performs a belly cut, a flank cut and a flank bone cut. Downstream of the blade assembly 10 in the conveying direction T, a blade assembly 10 which performs a bone cut and a separation cut may be provided. It goes without saying that further work stations may be provided along the conveying path. In principle, all the blade assemblies 10 are constructed and adapted to be adjustable. Axial adjustment of the cutting blade 15 transverse to the conveying direction T in order to move the cutting blade 15 closer to the product or farther away from the product can be carried out in a manner according to the invention by correspondingly configuring and adapting the blade assembly 10 as described by way of example in connection with the blade assembly 10 performing the spine cut.

[0067] The method according to the invention is explained in more detail on the basis of the drawings. The invention relates to a method for processing animal products, in particular for preparing fillets. In particular, poultry and fish 100 are specified as processed products, but other processed animals or products suitable for consumption can also be explicitly processed using the method according to the invention. In the method, the processed products are transported by a transport device 63 in a transport direction T to at least one work station 64. In the work station 64, a processing cut is performed on the processed products. This processing cut is performed by moving the processed products through the work station 64 until they reach the working / operating area of ​​the cutting blade 15 of the blade assembly 10 as the work station 64, i.e. by transporting said products along at least one rotating driven cutting blade 15 of the cutting head 11 of the blade assembly 10. To position the rotating cutting blade 15 against the processed products, the cutting blade 15 is moved axially from a waiting position to a cutting position and back again, or vice versa.

[0068] According to the present invention, when the axial adjustment of the cutting blade 15 is superimposed on the rotational movement of the cutting blade 15, only the blade shaft 16 supporting the cutting blade 15 is moved relative to the housing 12 of the cutting head 11 of the blade assembly 10.

[0069] The or each processing step is advantageously performed synchronously or at alternating times on both sides of the product by conveying the product to be processed between two rotating driven cutting blades 15 of two cutting heads 11, 61 of the blade assembly 10 arranged on either side of the product to be processed. In principle, each cutting blade 15 is held in a cutting position as a result of the blade shaft 16 supporting it being moved axially from the housing 12 by spring force, each cutting blade 15 which performs a processing cut is first moved axially by compressed air to a waiting position against the spring force by the blade shaft 16 supporting it, and each cutting blade 15 returns to the cutting position by moving the blade shaft 16 supporting it axially from the housing 12 by spring force as soon as the animal product to be processed is in the correct position in the conveying direction T relative to the cutting blade 15 for reduction and release of the compressed air. The axial movement of the blade shaft 16 from the housing 12 is, on the one hand, achieved by a spring force and, on the other hand, assisted, at least initially, by a restoring force which is generated by compressed air and acts in the direction of the spring force.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the method is used in particular when performing a cut of the spine. For this purpose, the cut of the spine is performed on a clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish 100, by using the two cutting blades 15 of the blade assembly 10 to transport the fish 100 to be processed, head end first, to the area of ​​the cutting blades 15 in the cutting position, by moving the cutting blades 15 away from each other against the spring force of the spring elements 29 using compressed air before the spine of the fish 100 reaches between the cutting blades 15, then, as soon as the spine is located between the cutting blades 15, by moving said cutting blades towards each other again using at least the spring force, and then by sliding the cutting blades 15 along the spine and in contact with it with an adjustable constant pressure as a result of the spring force. For this purpose, the transport device 63 and the or each working station 64, 66 to 70 are controlled by a control device.

[0071] The working principle of the blade assembly 10 according to the invention with two cutting heads 11, 61 can be summarized as follows: the cutting heads 11, 61 of the blade assembly 10 are in cutting position on either side of the conveying path. This means that the blade shafts 16 with the cutting blades 15 are maximally extended axially from the housing 12 by the spring elements 29, creating a minimum distance between them. Before the fish 100 to be processed reaches the blade assembly 10, the clamped, gutted and usually decapitated fish 100 is conveyed head end first, and the blade shafts 16 with the cutting blades 15 are moved away from each other by compressed air against the spring force of the spring elements 29 into a waiting position, i.e. retracted (away from the fish), conveying the thicker end of the backbone in the head region compared to the tail region between the cutting blades 15 and ensuring that the backbone is received between the cutting blades 15.

[0072] As soon as the spine is placed between the cutting blades 15, the compressed air or the supply of compressed air is stopped and released so that the cutting blades 15 can move towards each other by the spring force until they come into contact with the spine. As the fish 100 continues to move through the blade assembly 10, the thickness of the spine determines the distance between the cutting blades 15. The return of the cutting blades 15 from the waiting position into the cutting position can be assisted, or even accelerated, at least initially, by a pulse of compressed air so that the shortest possible time is spent on the transport of the cutting blades 15 from the cutting position to the waiting position, in particular from the waiting position to the cutting position, and accordingly, the most possible time is available for the execution of the cutting cut along the spine. By combining or superimposing the spring force by the spring element 29 with an adjustment force controlled by compressed air in the same direction and against the spring force, a considerably short cycle can be achieved, so that even small fish 100, especially with a short length and low mass, can be processed in a precise manner with an optimized yield.

[0073] Particularly preferably, the method is carried out using an apparatus 62 as defined in any one or more of claims 21 to 26 and a blade assembly 10 or a plurality of blade assemblies 10 as defined in any one or more of claims 1 to 20 are used.

Claims

1. In particular, a blade assembly (10) configured and adapted to perform filleting cuts on a fish (100) that has been clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted, said blade assembly (10) comprising at least one cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having a blade unit (13), and a drive unit (14) configured and adapted to drive in rotation a blade shaft (16) having a cutting blade (15) rotatably supported within said housing (12), said blade shaft (16) having a cutting blade (15) and said drive unit (14) being adapted to drive in rotation a cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having a cutting blade unit (13), said cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having a cutting blade unit (13), said drive unit (14) being adapted to drive in rotation a blade shaft (16) having a cutting blade (15) rotatably supported within said housing (12), said blade shaft (16) having at least one cutting blade unit (13) and said drive unit (14) being adapted to drive in rotation a cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having at least one cutting blade unit (13), said cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having a cutting blade unit (13), said drive unit (14) being adapted to drive in rotation a cutting head (11) having at least one cutting blade unit (13), said cutting head (11) having at least one housing (12) having at least one cutting blade unit (13), said cutter unit (11) being adapted to drive in rotation a cutting head (1 ... A blade assembly (10) in which a cutting blade (15) is arranged on the blade shaft (16) at a free end (17) of the blade shaft (16) so as to rotate together, the blade shaft (16) being configured to be axially movable relative to the housing (12) and configured to be separable from the drive unit (14) for the purpose of axially moving the blade shaft (16), characterized in that the rotational movement of the blade shaft (16) can be performed independently of the axial movement of the blade shaft (16).

2. 2. The blade assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the blade assembly (10) is configured and adapted to perform a spinal cut on a clamped, decapitated and gutted fish (100), the fish (100) being fed to the blade assembly (10) head end first.

3. 3. The blade assembly (10) of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjustment force, or an actuator (20) generating said adjustment force, is mechanically decoupled from said blade shaft (16) so as to move said blade shaft (16) axially.

4. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a drive sleeve (21) is arranged on the blade shaft (16) and operably connected on the one hand to the drive unit (14) and on the other hand to the blade shaft (16).

5. 5. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the blade shaft (16) is arranged and guided axially displaceably inside the drive sleeve (21).

6. A blade assembly (10) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, on the one hand, the bevel gear (24) of the drive unit (14) is fixedly connected to the drive sleeve (21) so as to drive the drive sleeve (21) in rotation, and, on the other hand, a driver element (25) is fixedly connected to the drive sleeve (21) so as to transmit the rotation of the drive sleeve (21) to the blade shaft (16).

7. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the blade shaft (16) has a recess (26) in which the driver element (25) engages, the driver element (25) being configured and adapted, on the one hand, to transmit the rotational movement of the drive sleeve (21) to the blade shaft (16) and, on the other hand, to ensure that the blade shaft (16) moves axially relative to the drive sleeve (21).

8. 8. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the drive sleeve (21) is rotatably supported in the housing (12) and arranged in the housing (12) so as to be immovable in the axial direction, the blade shaft (16) is configured to be axially movable relative to the drive sleeve (21), the blade shaft (16) and therefore the cutting blade (15) are held in a cutting position by a spring element (29) when the blade assembly (10) is in a starting position, and in the cutting position the blade shaft (16) with the cutting blade (15) is extended and pressed against a stop (30) on the drive sleeve (21).

9. 9. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuator (20) for axially moving the blade shaft (16) relative to the drive sleeve (21) comprises an air unit (35) by means of which an adjusting force for axially moving the blade shaft (16) against the spring force of the spring element (29) can be applied, so that the blade shaft (16) and thus the cutting blade (15) are held in a waiting position, in which the blade shaft (16) with the cutting blade (15) is retracted and pressed against a stop (36) on the drive sleeve (21).

10. 10. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the spring element (29) is configured and adapted to be replaceable to vary the spring force, or the spring force of the spring element (29) is configured and adapted to be adjustable.

11. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blade shaft (16) is made up of at least two parts, the two blade shaft portions (41, 42) being fixed but releasably interconnected.

12. 12. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that a first blade shaft portion (41) supports the cutting blade (15), preferably configured as a circular blade, and has a recess (26) for the driver element (25), and a second blade shaft portion (42) is configured hollow cylindrical, a piston rod (43) is arranged in the cavity, and the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion (42) is connected by the piston rod to the blade shaft portion (41) supporting the cutting blade (15).

13. 13. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the piston rod (43), or a peripheral surface of the piston rod (43), is arranged at a distance from an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion (42) so as to form an air chamber (44), and the piston rod (43) seals the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion (42) at an end face opposite the cutting blade (15).

14. 14. The blade assembly (10) of claim 13, characterized in that the air chamber (44) has at least one air flow opening (46) to the surrounding area and is in flow communication with a compressed air inlet (47) to which a compressed air unit (48) is connected.

15. 15. The blade assembly (10) of claim 14, wherein the compressed air inlet (47) comprises a rotary coupling (51) for compressed air, the compressed air being controlled to enter and exit the air chamber (44) through the or each air flow opening (46).

16. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a second air chamber (52) is formed between the end face (53) of the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion (42) and the housing (12) on a side of the blade shaft (16) directed away from the cutting blade (15) and is in flow communication with a second compressed air inlet (54) to which a compressed air unit (55) is connected.

17. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive sleeve (21) is made up of at least two parts, the two drive sleeve portions (56, 57) being fixed but releasably interconnected.

18. 18. The blade assembly (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that a first drive sleeve portion (56) supports the bevel gear (24) and the driver element (25), and a second drive sleeve portion (57) forms a gap (58) in which at least the spring element (29) is arranged in at least some portions between the second drive sleeve portion (57) itself and the hollow cylindrical blade shaft portion (42).

19. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is provided with at least one lubricant outlet (59) arranged to protect the axial adjustment area of ​​the blade shaft (16) in the area of ​​the blade shaft (16) where it emerges from the housing (12) and supports the cutting blade (15).

20. A blade assembly (10) according to any one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the blade assembly (10) comprises two cutting heads (11, 61).

21. An apparatus (62) for processing animal products, in particular for preparing fillets, comprising a conveying device (63) for holding and conveying the products to be processed along a conveying path in a conveying direction T, and at least one working station (64) along the conveying path for processing the products, characterized in that the working station (64) is a blade assembly (10) configured and adapted according to any one or more of claims 1 to 20.

22. 22. The apparatus (62) according to claim 21, characterized in that the apparatus (62) is configured to process fish (100) that have been killed, decapitated and at least partially gutted, the fish (100) being transported head end first in the transport direction T.

23. 23. An apparatus (62) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that one cutting head (11, 61) of the blade assembly (10) is arranged on one side of the conveying path, and the two cutting heads (11, 61) are configured to be controllable synchronously or independently of each other.

24. 24. Apparatus according to any one or more of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that the apparatus (62) comprises a control unit, the control unit being configured and adapted to control the transport device (63) and the or each work station (64).

25. 25. Apparatus according to any one or more of claims 21 to 24, characterized in that the transport device (63) comprises a transport means, optionally configured as a conveyor belt, a double conveyor belt, a conveyor chain with retaining means, a spike chain conveyor (65), an overhead conveyor system, etc.

26. An apparatus (62) according to any one or more of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that a plurality of work stations (66 to 70) are arranged along the conveying path and in the conveying direction T either upstream or downstream of the blade assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 20.

27. A method for processing an animal product, in particular for making a fillet, said method comprising the steps of: - feeding said processed products by a conveying device (63) in a conveying direction T to at least one work station (64); - using a blade assembly (10) as a work station (64) to perform a processing cut on said product by conveying said product along at least one rotating driven shear blade (15) of a cutting head (11) of said blade assembly (10); Including, - the rotating cutting blade (15) is moved axially from a waiting position to a cutting position and back again for placement against the product to be treated, or vice versa, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein when the axial adjustment of the cutting blade (15) is superimposed on the rotational movement of the cutting blade (15), only the blade shaft (16) supporting the cutting blade (15) is moved relative to the housing (12) of the cutting head (11) of the blade assembly (10).

28. 28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that the processing steps are carried out synchronously or at staggered times on both sides of the product by transporting the product between two rotating driven shearing blades (15) of two cutting heads (11, 61) of the blade assembly (10) arranged on either side of the product to be processed.

29. 29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that essentially each cutting blade (15) is held in the cutting position as a result of the blade shaft (16) supporting it being moved axially out of the housing (12) by spring force, each cutting blade (15) performing the processing cut is first moved axially into a waiting position against a spring force by the blade shaft (16) supporting it being moved axially into the housing (12) by compressed air, and each cutting blade (15) is returned to its cutting position by moving the blade shaft (16) supporting it axially out of the housing (12) by spring force for reduction and release of compressed air as soon as the product to be processed is in the correct position relative to the cutting blade (15) in the conveying direction T.

30. 30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that the movement of the blade shaft (16) supporting the cutting blade (15) from the waiting position back to the cutting position caused by a spring force is at least initially assisted by compressed air.

31. 31. The method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the cutting of the spine is performed on a clamped, decapitated and at least partially gutted fish (100) using the two cutting blades (15) of the blade assembly (10), by transporting the fish (100) head-end first into the area of ​​the cutting blades (15) in the cutting position, moving the cutting blades (15) away from each other against the spring force of the spring elements (29) using compressed air before the spine of the fish (100) arrives between the cutting blades (15), then, as soon as the spine is placed between the cutting blades (15), moving the cutting blades (15) towards each other again using at least the spring force, and then sliding the cutting blades (15) along the spine and in contact with it with an adjustable constant pressure as a result of the spring force.

32. 32. A method according to any one or more of claims 27 to 31, characterised in that the transport device (63) and the or each work station (64, 66 to 70) are controlled by a control device.

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