Knife arrangement, apparatus and process for filleting decapitated, slaughtered fish having opened abdominal cavities

Abstract

The invention relates to a knife arrangement (100) for at least partially trimming a region (12) in the abdominal cavity (13) of fish (11), comprising a transporting device (21) for transporting the fish (11) in a transporting plane (23), with the tail (34) first, in a transporting direction (24), and also comprising at least one trimming element (41), which is located along the transporting direction (24) and is designed for entering the abdominal cavity (13), wherein the at least one trimming element (41) is designed and configured for at least partially trimming / cutting free within the abdominal cavity (13), in particular a region (12) with flank bones (18) and / or a fillet portion (19) protruding into the abdominal cavity (13), and is distinguished by the fact that the knife arrangement (100) comprises a trimming-element-adjusting device (42), which is connected to the at least one trimming element (41), wherein the trimming-element-adjusting device (42) is designed and configured for at least partially pivoting the at least one trimming element (41) clockwise or anticlockwise (32, 33) about at least one pivot axis (43, 44). The invention also relates to a corresponding apparatus (40) and to a corresponding process.

Description

[0001] Knife assembly, device and method for filleting decapitated, slaughtered and abdominally opened fish

[0002] The invention relates to a knife arrangement for at least partially trimming an area in the abdominal cavity of beheaded, slaughtered fish with the abdominal cavity opened, comprising a transport device with at least one transport element for transporting the fish in a transport plane with the tail first in a transport direction, at least one trimming element arranged along the transport direction and designed to immerse itself at least partially into the abdominal cavity, wherein the at least one trimming element is designed and configured for at least partially trimming / cutting free in the abdominal cavity, in particular an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section projecting into the abdominal cavity.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for at least partially separating fillets from decapitated, slaughtered fish with the abdominal cavity opened, comprising a transport device with at least one transport element for transporting the fish in a transport plane with the tail first in a transport direction, at least one back knife for exposing the back spokes up to the spine, at least one belly knife for exposing the belly spokes in the tail region up to the spine, at least one separating knife which is designed and configured to separate the fillets from the spine, wherein the web remaining around the spine from the at least one belly knife and the at least one back knife is severed.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for at least partially trimming an area in the abdominal cavity of beheaded, slaughtered, and opened-in fish, comprising the steps of transporting the fish in a transport plane with the tail first in a transport direction by means of a transport device with at least one transport element, at least partially penetrating a trimming element into the abdominal cavity, and at least partially trimming / cutting free the fish in the abdominal cavity, in particular an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity. Such knife assemblies, devices, and methods for at least partially trimming an area in the abdominal cavity of beheaded, slaughtered, and opened-in fish are generally known from the prior art.The knife assemblies for trimming are regularly part of complex devices and machines that contain further knife assemblies. In addition to the conventional scraping tools, belly and back filleting knives, and separating knives for freeing the ribs, the known devices / methods also incorporate corresponding trimming elements. Such trimming elements are rigidly arranged on such devices or knife assemblies or as components of scraping tools in order to trim an area in the abdominal cavity of beheaded and slaughtered fish. The aim is to trim or separate specific areas of the fish that still contain unwanted components or components that need to be removed, such as bones. Knife assemblies for trimming / trimming an area of ​​the abdominal cavity of fish are often used in conjunction with devices for separating fillets from fish whose abdominal cavity has been opened.

[0005] The current state of the art, particularly in the field of fish processing, has a significant shortcoming with regard to such knife assemblies for at least partially trimming an area in the abdominal cavity of fish or for separating and freeing flank bones in the abdominal cavity of fish. These knife assemblies only allow for a location-specific arrangement in relation to the transport path, so that a satisfactory trimming result can only be achieved with uniform fish species or fish sizes. Furthermore, diversified trimming in the abdominal cavity is not possible with the known knife assemblies. The rigid positioning of the knife assembly only allows for the trimming of specific areas, without enabling adapted or different processing of non-standard areas in the fish.Individual adjustment of the trimming element to the different size ranges of the fish is not possible, so incorrect cuts and the unwanted removal of valuable fillet components are unavoidable. In practice, the use of corresponding trimming elements is therefore regularly dispensed with in order to avoid undesired processing of the fish or fillet. This type of processing is therefore often carried out manually, which in turn is cost-intensive and does not allow for uniform and standardized processing of the fish in question. The resulting consequences are far-reaching and affect various aspects of fish processing. Above all, the lack of adaptability to the fish size leads to an increased need for manual post-processing. After the flank bones have been separated and trimmed free, unwanted bone remnants often remain, which then require laborious further manual processing.This additional process step not only requires additional time, but also increases labor costs and reduces the efficiency of the production line.

[0006] Another important aspect compromised by a lack of adaptability is process safety. The automation of fish processing plants is intended to increase safety and quality. However, due to the rigid structure of current systems, ensuring consistent trimming quality is problematic. This increases the risk of trimming errors, which not only compromise product quality but also increase the risk of injury to workers. In addition to the aforementioned obstacles, the lack of adaptability also leads to losses in fish fillet yield. Imperfect trimming and the need for manual rework mean that valuable fish meat is wasted. These losses not only have economic implications for the fish processing industry but also contribute to resource waste, which affects ecological concerns.

[0007] Furthermore, this type of cutting sequence has been shown to lead to irregularities in the cut, which impairs the quality and yield of the trimming result. Furthermore, it is difficult to ensure that the trimming process always takes place in a clear and desired position. However, this is necessary for smooth automated processing. Furthermore, the usual arrangements / devices and procedures generally only allow for processing of uniform species or fish sizes. The trimming elements are adjusted to a specific fish species, so the appropriate positioning and spacing between the tools used must be selected accordingly.

[0008] Furthermore, WO 02 / 03807 A1 discloses a corresponding device and method for facilitating processing suitable for tilapia. However, such a device and method can only set a rigid / fixed trimming cut, in particular by the circular trimming knife. This means that the existing fish sections to be trimmed are always subject to the preset path. Such trimming can lead to cutting errors, resulting in a boneless fillet or in too much fillet being removed. The result is increased post-processing effort, which must be performed either manually or automatically, both of which involve a considerable loss of time and yield.Overall, trimming with existing devices and methods can only be adjusted to specific fish sizes or species, which means that only limited process reliability and process versatility can be guaranteed. The knives used are currently set to a fixed position, which means only a predefined cut can be achieved.

[0009] Furthermore, the known devices and methods require considerable setup and cleaning times. The devices must be manually adapted to the respective fish size or species, for example by setting and positioning the individual gap dimensions, distances or angles of the individual tools accordingly. This often requires additional test runs and readjustments, which further increase the time required and produce additional waste. Convenient, automatic and short-term tool conversion is not possible with the known devices. Also, taking into account different fish sizes or species within the fish to be processed is not possible with the current state of technology. Furthermore, the space available for corresponding arrangements and devices is often cramped, which makes cleaning difficult.Cleaning is only possible by extensively exposing components, which involves the risk of injury and requires additional time.

[0010] The known devices continue to offer only limited options for individual cutting techniques. In various fish species, particularly tilapia, there are fleshy areas within the abdominal cavity of slaughtered and opened fish that cannot be harvested or can only be harvested unsatisfactorily using the known devices and methods. When filleting, the known devices are focused only on separating the flesh from the ribs, without taking other areas into account or without providing a wide range for different species. It is therefore the object of the present invention to propose a knife arrangement that ensures reliable, yield-efficient, and individual trimming of an area in the abdominal cavity of fish, thereby achieving the most complete and specific removal of unwanted components of the fish.Furthermore, the task is to propose a corresponding device and a corresponding method.

[0011] The object is achieved by a blade arrangement mentioned above in that the blade arrangement comprises a trimming element adjustment device connected to the at least one trimming element, wherein the trimming element adjustment device is designed and configured to pivot the at least one trimming element at least partially about at least one pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This offers the advantage that at least the trimming element can be pivotally adjusted at least partially about at least one pivot axis, preferably about two pivot axes, in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Preferably, the blade arrangement further comprises at least one trimming element counter-support in order to provide a counter-support for the at least one trimming element during the trimming process.In a preferred embodiment, the trimming element and the trimming element counter-support are synchronously pivotally adjustable clockwise or counterclockwise by means of the trimming element adjustment device in order to create and establish a uniform variability of the trimming element. In this way, the position / position of the trimming element can be optimally varied depending on the anatomy of the fish to be processed in order to carry out a specific trimming of a region of the abdominal cavity. At least regionally variable trimming element about the at least one pivot axis enables different positioning of the trimming element with respect to the transport plane. By at least one variability of the position of the trimming element, an alignment of the trimming element relative to the transport plane is set, so that a trimming process with high precision is achieved.The position / position of the trimming element is preferably selected so that trimming takes place as close as possible to the fish's bone structure or so that all areas containing bones are removed without damaging or cutting into the bone structure or excessively extensive parts of the fillet. This can reduce waste and thus increase the yield during fish processing. This leads, on the one hand, to greater efficiency of the knife arrangement and, on the other hand, to less effort for any subsequent extraction of the residual meat remaining on the bones or the removal of the bones (or bone components). Furthermore, the quality of the end product can be increased in this way because larger, coherent meat portions are achieved. The solution to the problem according to the invention provides for dynamic adjustment of the trimming element relative to the transport plane about at least one pivot axis without time-consuming retooling.The trimming element preferably comprises at least one circular blade that is designed and configured to be driven and / or drivable. For this purpose, the at least one circular blade preferably has at least one blade drive element that is designed and configured to drive the trimming element.

[0012] In particular, due to the pivotability of the trimming element, a tool-free change of the position relative to the fish transported by means of the transport device is possible. Because the trimming element can be adjusted or changed, the trimming element can be individually preset or changed as needed over the course of the processing by means of the trimming element adjustment device by at least partially changing it around the at least one pivot axis. In other words, the trimming element can be adjusted starting from a preset position by, for example, pivoting the trimming element at least partially around the at least one pivot axis depending on the fish species, fish size or fish anatomy, whereby the processing area is enlarged or reduced, so that the trimming area can be adjusted or enlarged or reduced.Preferably, no tool is required to configure and set up pivotability of the trimming element about the at least one pivot axis. The pivot axis can also be referred to as a rotation axis. In particular, pivoting or rotating of at least the trimming element about the pivot axis takes place clockwise or counterclockwise. Preferably, only partial pivoting of the trimming element is provided in order to configure and set up a partial change in the orientation of the trimming element. Further preferably, the trimming element adjustment device is designed and set up to pivot the trimming element by a few degrees, i.e., preferably by 1° to 20°, wherein this is adjustable in particular depending on the fish to be processed.Put simply, the invention enables product-specific presetting / modification of the trimming elements, resulting in yield-efficient and adaptable trimming depending on the particular fish present. In preferred embodiments, it can be provided that, depending on the fish present, the trimming element is pivoted by means of the trimming element adjustment device, i.e. moved out of the transport plane, in such a way that no trimming process is formed and set up. This is particularly useful when, due to the nature of the abdominal cavity or the size of the fish, trimming is not desired. This can preferably be set automatically, automatically or manually. The area to be separated comprises, in particular, fillet components that are located within the abdominal cavity and cannot usually be separated off with scraping knives. The meaty area orThe fillet section can also be referred to as a "flesh bulge" or "nuggets" and is located within the abdominal cavity of the fish. The at least one trimming element can increase the yield of meat components during trimming according to the invention. Furthermore, the areas to be trimmed can be the abdominal lobe, i.e., the lower (belly-side) line of the flank fillet. Particularly in tilapia, this area is often particularly strongly cartilaginous and fused to the flank bones, which complicates flank cutting, especially with scraping knives, and can lead to errors, e.g., incorrect cuts or "blockages" in the corresponding knife arrangement or device.

[0013] "Fish" within the meaning of the invention generally includes all (edible) fish species suitable for industrial / mechanical processing. Suitable fish species include whitefish, such as cod or haddock, but especially tilapia. However, the knife arrangement can also be used for other fish species, particularly salmon. The decapitated and gutted fish regularly exhibit different anatomies due to factors such as age, sex, species, origin, feeding, and gene pool. Fish anatomy encompasses the anatomical characteristics or parameters of the fish.

[0014] All devices suitable for transporting the fish along the transport direction in a specific direction within the transport plane can be considered as the transport device. For this purpose, the fish is positioned or arranged on at least one transport element of the transport device. The transport device preferably comprises a drive means and a continuous transport means for transporting the fish or the transport elements along the transport direction or the transport path. More preferably, the at least one transport element is designed and configured as a number of fish saddles for securely receiving the fish in their abdominal cavity for the purpose of transport and processing by means of the scraping knife unit. The fish saddles are arranged in particular on the continuous transport means.In one possible embodiment of the invention, it is conceivable for the fish to be transported head-first rather than tail-first. This may require a correspondingly different and adapted trimming element to ensure the fish are trimmed accordingly. The transport plane is essentially determined by the plane of symmetry of the fish transported by the transport elements. The transport plane therefore preferably extends essentially perpendicular to the transport direction along the respective transport path of the fish to be transported.

[0015] The blade arrangement preferably comprises at least one control device and / or at least one computer unit. The at least one control device and / or at least one computer unit serves in particular to change the orientation of the trimming element by means of the trimming element adjustment device, that is to say in particular to pivot it. Furthermore, the trimming process can be monitored and, if necessary, an adjustment can be made by means of the at least one control device and / or the at least one computer unit. More preferably, the at least one control device and / or the at least one computer unit can be integrated into the trimming element adjustment device and / or be operatively connected thereto, such that the at least one control device and / or the at least one computer unit do not have to represent a separate component.

[0016] A useful embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the trim element adjustment device comprises at least one trim adjustment element, in particular a drive element, wherein the at least one trim adjustment element is designed and configured to create and establish at least a partial pivotability of the trim element about the at least one pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This enables a high degree of adaptability and flexibility in the adjustability of the trim element. The trim adjustment element is designed such that the trim element can be pivoted about at least one pivot axis both clockwise and counterclockwise. In this way, the trim adjustment element can be easily adapted to different requirements and conditions, thereby improving the efficiency and performance of the trimming.Furthermore, the ability to pivot in both directions opens up a wide range of applications, making the knife assembly according to the invention versatile and adaptable, particularly with regard to different fish sizes or species. Furthermore, the movement of the trimming element at different angles enables efficient and targeted trimming depending on the areas within the abdominal cavity. The pivotability of at least the trimming element using the trim adjustment element also facilitates the operation and maintenance of the entire knife assembly.

[0017] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device is configured to set a defined angle and / or a defined angular profile of the trimming element with respect to the transport plane, in particular to perform trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity, in particular an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity, at a predetermined cutting angle and / or a cutting angle profile. In this way, a targeted adjustment of a defined angle and / or a corresponding angular profile of the trimming element with respect to the transport plane is possible, in particular to perform trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity, in particular an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity.This allows for the required separation of areas containing flank bones and / or a fillet section of the respective fish that protrudes into the abdominal cavity. This makes it possible to improve the product quality of the fillets to be separated while at the same time achieving a higher yield, which increases the efficiency of the knife arrangement according to the invention and simultaneously reduces production costs. Overall, this development of the invention considerably improves the accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, which enables broad application in various sectors. The fillet sections are preferably so-called "meat bulges" or "nuggets", i.e. small portions of meat, particularly in the case of the fish species tilapia, which are not regularly harvested and processed to a high quality, but are simply separated and disposed of or used in a substandard manner.

[0018] A practical embodiment of the invention is characterized in that at least one pivot axis is designed and configured substantially parallel to the transport plane. This preferred embodiment of the invention has several advantages. Firstly, the substantially parallel alignment of the pivot axis to the transport plane enables precise guidance and alignment of the trimming element along the desired plane, resulting in more consistent and accurate operation. Furthermore, arranging the pivot axis in this manner increases the stability and reliability of the trimming element's movement, which can lead to less wear and a longer service life. This enables at least one pivoting of the trimming element at a predetermined angle to the transport plane, whereby the distance of the trimming element can be changed accordingly.It is preferred that the region of the trimming element can be pivoted about the pivot axis starting from the transport plane, whereby the angle of engagement can be changed during trimming. "Substantially parallel to the transport plane" in the sense of the invention means that the at least one pivot axis is designed and configured either parallel or almost parallel, i.e. with a deviation from the transport plane of a maximum of ± 10°, particularly preferably in the range of ± 2 to 5°. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one pivot axis runs substantially orthogonal to the transport direction. This enables the trimming element to be pivoted at least at a predetermined angle orthogonal to the transport direction, whereby the distance of the trimming element can be changed accordingly and specific cutting patterns and / or cutting curves can be realized in conjunction with the attachment in the transport direction.

[0019] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the at least one trim adjustment element is designed and configured as at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, and / or electromagnetic actuating element, in particular as a servomotor for controlling the at least partial pivotability about the at least one pivot axis. If more than one pivot axis is provided, two corresponding trim adjustment elements of the trim element adjustment device, in particular two actuating elements for implementing the pivotability, are preferably included. Firstly, this design enables a particularly precise and controlled pivoting movement of the trim element. By using pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical, or electromagnetic actuating elements, in particular servomotors, extremely precise and finely dosed settings can be made, leading to high machining accuracy.Furthermore, the invention can be individually adapted to different requirements and applications by selecting the appropriate type of adjusting elements. This increases flexibility in application and the targeted use of the trimming adjustment element or trimming elements. The trimming adjustment elements enable quick and reliable adjustment of the trimming element's movement, thereby reducing processing time and optimizing the entire production process, particularly yield and post-processing effort. The use of servo motors and at least one trimming adjustment element increases the reliability and controllability of the knife arrangement. This minimizes downtime and contributes to improving overall performance.

[0020] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the knife assembly further comprises at least one detection unit arranged upstream of the at least one trimming element, which is designed and configured to detect the fish anatomy, in particular the height, length, width and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish. "Fish anatomy" within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean, in particular, the height, length, width and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish. The knife assembly according to the invention is designed and configured to process the meat of the fish or at least parts thereof based on their specific fish anatomy. For this purpose, the fish are presented to the knife assembly already beheaded and at least partially or predominantly eviscerated. Depending on the design of the knife assembly, evisceration and beheading devices can be arranged directly upstream in a processing line.In principle, any detection unit that enables the detection of fish or parts thereof can be provided as a "detection unit." For this purpose, cameras, sensors, X-ray machines, photoelectric devices, etc. can be used, for example, to detect the fish or parts thereof. The detection unit is thus preferably a mechanical, electrical, and / or electronic device designed and configured to detect fish anatomy. The detection unit is designed, in particular, to detect and / or determine data relevant to fish size and detects the fish anatomy, preferably in the form of one or more data sets, in order to further preferably store these and subsequently make them available for further use. The fish anatomy data includes not only the body size of the fish, including length, height, width, abdominal cavity position, etc., but in particular also relationships, shapes, colors and firmness between the fish to be processed. The fish anatomy data is preferably stored in a database. The fish anatomy parameters to be recorded by the recording unit should in particular contain parameters for the needs-based control of the corresponding trimming element, whereby further parameters can explicitly be included that can be used in subsequent processing steps. The goal is to record the fish anatomy as best as possible in order to localize the areas to be trimmed and then trim them using the trimming element with as little loss and damage as possible; more preferably, the recording unit can be designed to localize an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity in order to then adapt the corresponding trimming or the separation of the fillet section accordingly.Depending on the fish parameters to be recorded, the respective recording unit comprises suitable recording systems, such as sensor systems, rotary encoders, optical recording modules, weighing devices, X-ray devices, sound sensors, etc. The recording unit thus comprises mechanical, electronic, optical components or combinations of elements thereof that are suitable for recording and / or determining data relevant to fish size. The recording unit particularly comprises elements by means of which the height, length, width and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish can be determined and / or with which the position of the fillet, spine and / or bones, in particular of the ribs surrounding the abdominal cavity, can be determined, i.e. in particular directly recorded and / or determined using appropriate calculation models. The recording unit is further preferably arranged in a stationary manner in the area of ​​the transport device.Further preferably, multiple detection units are provided at different positions to form a multi-part detection of the fish. In another preferred embodiment, the detection unit further comprises at least one computer unit for processing or evaluating the data of the detected fish. In further advantageous embodiments, the computer unit is a separate component for performing corresponding computing operations.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device is configured to adjust the at least regional pivotability of the trimming element about the at least one pivot axis depending on the fish anatomy detected by the detection unit. The trimming element adjustment device, in conjunction with the at least one detection unit, thus enables individual and needs-based adjustment of the position of the trimming element to the fish anatomy, in particular to the height, length, width and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish or to the location / position of the fish or parts of the fish in relation to the respective transport element. This provides the possibility of individually processing fish depending on their anatomy, leading to yield- and quality-optimized results.This, in conjunction with the adjustability of the trimming element, enables customized trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity, particularly in an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity, which further reduces waste and increases flexibility and versatility.

[0022] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the adjustability of the pivotability takes place automatically or in an automated manner depending on the fish anatomy, wherein during trimming, at least one changeability of the trimming element about the at least one pivot axis is designed and configured in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction. During the trimming process when transporting the fish in the transport direction, this further development enables an automatic or automatable change in the position of the trimming element relative to the transport plane about at least one pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. This automated approach enables adaptive and specific processing of the fish according to their individual anatomy.The ability to move the trimming element in at least two directions of rotation allows the trimming element to be adjusted so that the angle during trimming / free cutting can be increased or decreased, allowing efficient and gentle processing and improving the quality and versatility of fish processing.

[0023] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the trimming element adjustment device comprises at least one measuring element for measuring and / or detecting the angular position of the trimming element. This allows the position of the trimming element to be monitored and specifically adjusted during operation. By integrating a measuring element, deviations or changes in the angular position of the trimming element can be detected and corrected or adjusted accordingly. This contributes to maintaining consistent or adjusted trimming / free cutting, which further increases the efficiency and quality of fish processing.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one trimming adjustment element is designed and configured to adjust the trimming element into a cleaning position, wherein the angle of the trimming element relative to the transport plane is preferably in the range between 10° and 150°, preferably between 30° and 120°, particularly preferably between 45° and 90°. This adaptability enables simple and efficient cleaning of the trimming element, which significantly improves maintenance and the possibility of cleaning the knife assembly. By specifically controlling the angle in this range, cleaning can be carried out particularly thoroughly and safely, which in turn increases the quality of fish processing.According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the knife arrangement further comprises at least one scraping knife unit arranged along the transport direction and designed to penetrate at least partially into the transport plane, wherein the at least one scraping knife unit comprises a scraping knife and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support spring-loaded by means of at least one spring element, wherein the at least one scraping knife unit is designed and configured to peel and separate fillets from the ribs surrounding the abdominal cavity, at least partially, under evasive counter-pressure of the spine.A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the knife arrangement comprises an adjusting device connected to the at least one scraping knife unit, wherein the adjusting device is designed and configured to pivot the scraping knife at least partially about at least one pivot axis clockwise or counterclockwise. This offers the advantage that at least the scraping knife is pivotally adjustable at least partially about at least one further pivot axis, preferably about two further pivot axes, clockwise or counterclockwise. In a preferred embodiment, the scraping knife and the scraping knife counter-support are synchronously pivotally adjustable clockwise or counterclockwise by means of the adjusting device in order to design and configure a uniform variability of the scraping knife unit when separating the fillets.In this way, the scraping knife is optimally designed for separating the fillet from the bone structure using the knife arrangement, depending on the anatomy of the fish to be processed. At least one area-related variability of at least the scraping knife about the at least one pivot axis enables different positioning of the scraping knife unit in relation to the transport plane. By at least one variability of the position of the scraping knife, the alignment of the scraping knives relative to the transport plane is adjusted, so that the fillets are separated with high precision. The position of the scraping knife is preferably selected so that it separates the fillet as close as possible to the bone structure of the fish without damaging or cutting into the bone structure or parts thereof. In combination with the trimming element, this makes it possible to reduce waste or rejects.the undissolved meat adhering to the bones after filleting can be further reduced and thus the filleting yield can be increased. This leads, on the one hand, to greater efficiency of the knife arrangement and, on the other hand, to less effort in any subsequent recovery of the residual meat remaining on the bones or the removal of the bones (parts of them). Furthermore, the quality of the end product can be increased in this way, as larger and higher-quality, continuous meat portions are achieved. The solution to the problem according to the invention provides for dynamic adjustment of the scraping knife unit, in particular the scraping knife, relative to the transport plane about at least one pivot axis without time-consuming retooling.

[0025] In particular, due to the pivotability of the scraping knife, a tool-free change of the position of at least the scraping knife relative to the fish transported by the transport device is possible. Because the scraping knife can be adjusted or changed, the scraping knife can be individually preset or changed as needed over the course of the processing by means of the adjustment device by at least partially changing it around the at least one pivot axis. In other words, the scraping knife can be adjusted starting from a preset position by, for example, pivoting at least the scraping knife at least partially around the at least one pivot axis depending on the fish species, the fish size or the fish anatomy, thereby enlarging or reducing the processing area so that the fish fillet is separated from the bone structure as completely as possible.

[0026] A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the at least one trimming element is arranged upstream or downstream of the at least one scraping knife unit, or wherein the trimming element is integrated on the at least one scraping knife unit. The arrangement of the trimming element upstream or downstream of the scraping knife unit enables precise processing of the fish. The combination of scraping knife unit and trimming element ensures that unwanted parts are removed by means of the trimming element efficiently and as needed, depending on the respective areas, in order to obtain high-quality end products. The arrangement of the at least one trimming element can depend in particular on the scraping knife unit, the fish species and size and / or the actual trimming process. Furthermore, the corresponding processing speed can influence the positioning of the trimming element in relation to the scraping knife unit.Alternatively, integrating the trimming element into the scraping knife unit can provide a more compact and seamless solution. This reduces the need for additional components and enables a space-saving design, improving efficiency and space utilization in the fish processing line. Overall, this design contributes to improved precision and efficiency in the processing process, resulting in higher product quality and increased production output. This, in turn, contributes to cost savings and improves the competitiveness of the respective companies.

[0027] A useful embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the at least one trimming element and the at least one scraping knife unit are designed and configured to correspond to one another, wherein the trimming is provided depending on the fillet to be separated. Due to the corresponding design of the at least one trimming element and the scraping knife unit, they can be coordinated with one another in order to achieve efficient and complete separation of the fillets and to include corresponding trimming processes. This means that the trimming of the fish, in particular the removal of the corresponding areas in the abdominal cavity, can be precisely adapted to the individual conditions of the fillet to be separated. This adaptability to the fillet to be separated is relevant insofar as different fish species or fish sizes can place different demands on the trimming process.This adaptation allows fish processing to be optimized, increasing efficiency and significantly improving the quality of fish products. Thus, the invention provides a flexible solution that is precisely tailored to different fish species and sizes, meeting the diverse requirements of the fish processing industry.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, digital movement curve generation of the at least one trimming element is provided. In this way, parameterization with regard to the fish anatomy or fish species, as well as corresponding recipe management with regard to fish processing using the trimming element, can be generated. For this purpose, the knife assembly comprises a digital control system for automatically generating digital movement curves for mechanical movement of the at least one trimming element by means of the trimming element adjustment device. The trimming element adjustment device enables simple and adaptable parameterization of these digital movement curves for precise control of speed, position, and other movement parameters.In particular, the integrated recipe management unit allows for the storage, retrieval, and management of travel curves and associated parameters in predefined recipes related to the fish species or fish size, ensuring repeatable and efficient control of the trimming process. The appropriate trimming element ensures precise processing of fish products during the production process, removing the relevant areas in the abdominal cavity and improving product quality.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the knife assembly comprises at least one displacement device designed and configured to at least partially displace the trimming element in at least one, preferably two, planes. The actual orientation of the trimming element preferably remains unchanged, but can still be pivoted accordingly using the trimming element adjustment device. This provides a further possibility for precise and versatile adaptation of the trimming process for different fish products in fish processing.

[0030] Furthermore, the object is achieved by the device mentioned at the outset in that the device comprises at least one knife arrangement with at least one scraping knife unit, which is designed and configured for at least partially peeling fillets from the ribs surrounding the abdominal cavity under evasive counterpressure of the spine according to one or more of the above preferred embodiments. This device offers numerous advantages for fish processing, in particular a significant increase in efficiency and accuracy, as it enables rapid and precise separation of the fillets. This leads to an increase in production speed and a reduction in labor. In this way, a more comprehensive separation of the fillets is achieved and, at the same time, a corresponding trimming according to the invention is provided, which increases the yield and reduces any necessary post-processing.Furthermore, the device is designed to separate the fillets from the ribs with high precision and uniformity, thereby improving product quality. The device operates while taking into account the evasive counterpressure of the spine and with a specific trimming action using the trimming element. This ensures that filleting takes place without damaging the spine and with as complete a separation of the fillet as possible, thus preserving the quality of the fillets. The angle adjustability of the scraping knife unit and the trimming element allows the device to be adapted to different fish species and sizes, expanding its applicability in the fish processing industry. The automation of the device significantly facilitates work and reduces the physical strain on employees, contributing to an improved working environment.Last but not least, the device leads to cost savings by increasing operational efficiency and optimizing the yield of fish fillets, which in turn increases profit.

[0031] To avoid repetition, in connection with the device according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the knife arrangement according to the invention. These also apply analogously to the specified device according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the object is achieved by the method mentioned at the outset in that the trim element is pivoted clockwise or counterclockwise, at least in some areas, about at least one pivot axis by means of a trim element adjustment device. This offers the advantage that the trim element can be pivotally adjusted clockwise or counterclockwise, at least in some areas, about at least one pivot axis, preferably about two pivot axes. In a preferred embodiment, the trim element and a further comprising trim element counter-support are pivotally adjusted synchronously clockwise or counterclockwise by means of the trim element adjustment device in order to create and establish uniform variability during trimming.In this way, the trimming element is optimally designed, depending on the anatomy of the fish to be processed, for carrying out at least partial trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity, in particular in an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section protruding into the abdominal cavity. At least partial variability of the trimming element about the at least one pivot axis enables different positioning of the trimming element in relation to the transport plane. By at least one variability of the position of the trimming element, an alignment of the trimming element relative to the transport plane is adjusted, so that appropriate trimming with high precision is achieved. The position of the trimming element is preferably selected such that trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity is carried out with as little loss and damage as possible, without damaging or cutting into the bone structure or parts thereof.In this way, waste can be reduced and yield increased. This improves the quality of the final product, as larger, continuous meat portions are achieved. The solution to this problem according to the invention provides for dynamic adjustment of the trimming element relative to the transport plane around at least one pivot axis without time-consuming retooling.

[0033] To avoid repetition, in connection with the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the knife arrangement according to the invention and the device according to the invention. These also apply analogously to the specified method according to the invention.

[0034] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the trim element is pivoted at least partially clockwise or counterclockwise about the at least one pivot axis by means of at least one trim adjustment element comprising the trim element adjustment device, in particular a drive element.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a defined angle and / or a defined angular progression of the trimming element is set in relation to the transport plane, in particular for trimming / free cutting of the fish in the abdominal cavity, in particular an area with flank bones and / or a fillet section projecting into the abdominal cavity, at a predetermined cutting angle and / or cutting angle progression.

[0036] An advantageous further development is characterized in that at least one pivot axis is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane.

[0037] The fish anatomy, in particular the height, length, width and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish, is / are expediently recorded by a recording unit located upstream of the trimming element.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the at least partial pivotability of the trimming element about the at least one pivot axis is adjusted depending on the fish anatomy detected by the detection unit. A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the pivotability of the trimming element is adjusted automatically or in an automated manner depending on the fish anatomy, wherein during trimming, the trimming element is pivoted at least clockwise and / or counterclockwise about at least one pivot axis.

[0039] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the angular position of the trimming element is measured and / or detected by means of at least one measuring element.

[0040] A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that by means of at least one scraping knife unit arranged along the transport direction, wherein the at least one scraping knife unit comprises a scraping knife and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support spring-loaded by means of at least one spring element, fillets are separated from the ribs surrounding the abdominal cavity by scraping under evasive counter-pressure of the spine.

[0041] Preferably, the at least one scraping blade unit is designed and configured by means of at least one adjusting device to pivot the scraping blade at least partially about at least one pivot axis in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0042] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fillets are separated by means of the at least one scraping knife unit before, after and / or during trimming by means of the at least one trimming element.

[0043] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one trimming element and the at least one scraping knife unit are designed and configured to correspond to one another, wherein the trimming is provided depending on the fillet to be separated.

[0044] The method according to the invention is particularly preferably carried out with a knife arrangement according to the invention and / or with a device according to the invention.

[0045] Further advantages resulting from the process steps have already been described in connection with the knife arrangement and the device, which is why reference is made to the corresponding passages to avoid repetition.

[0046] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments, as well as preferred embodiments of the invention, will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the knife assembly according to the invention, the device according to the invention, and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0047] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a knife arrangement according to the invention in perspective view,

[0048] Fig. 2a is a schematic representation of a fish body intended for processing in cross-sectional view,

[0049] Fig. 2b is a further schematic representation of a fish body arranged on a transport element,

[0050] Fig. 2c is a schematic representation of a fish body intended for processing in a further cross-sectional view,

[0051] Fig. 3 is a perspective detailed view of a section of the knife arrangement shown in Fig. 1,

[0052] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a knife arrangement according to the invention in a plan view and

[0053] Fig. 5 is a schematic front view of a device according to the invention.

[0054] The knife assembly according to the invention, the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the aforementioned figures. The knife assembly 100 shown in the drawings is designed and configured for at least partially trimming an area 12 in the abdominal cavity 13 of beheaded, slaughtered fish 11 with the abdominal cavity 13 opened. The fish 11 intended for processing is in the form of a beheaded, slaughtered fish carcass 11 with the abdominal cavity 13 opened, as shown in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b and Fig. 2c. The fish carcass 11 shown in a simplified manner in the figures is a fish carcass 11 of the species Tilapia.However, the specific species is not relevant to the invention, and it is equally possible to process other types of fish 11 with the knife arrangement 100 according to the invention, wherein the dimensions, distances, and speeds may be adapted to the particular fish species present. Fish 11 of the Tilapia species generally have a relatively pronounced main bone 14, which can also generally be referred to as the backbone 14. Fig. 2a schematically shows the skeleton 15 or the bone structure 15, from which the dorsal bones 16, extending over the entire length of the fish 11, branch off upwards, and the abdominal bones 17, branch off downwards in the area in front of the caudal fin 34. In the area of ​​the abdominal cavity 13, the bone structure 15 is curved, with the flank or rib bones 18 extending from the backbone 14.The backbone 14 can also be generally referred to as the spine 14, while the backbones 16 and the flank or rib bones 18 can be collectively and simply referred to as ribs 20. The region 12 of the abdominal cavity 13 is shown generally and simplified in Fig. 2a, Fig. 2b, and Fig. 2c, wherein in particular an area with flank bones 18 and / or a fillet section 19 protruding into the abdominal cavity 13 represents the region 12 to be trimmed. The fillet section 19 is shown in detail in Fig. 2c. Furthermore, the fish 11 comprise a fillet 112 to be separated by means of a further device / mechanism, in particular by scraping.

[0055] Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 each schematically show an embodiment of a knife assembly 100 according to the invention comprising a transport device 21 with at least one transport element 22 for transporting the fish 11 in a transport plane 23 with the tail 34 first in a transport direction 24. The knife assembly 100 further comprises at least one trimming element 41 arranged along the transport direction 24 and designed for at least partial immersion into the abdominal cavity 13. The at least one trimming element 41 is designed and configured for at least partial trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity 13, in particular an area 12 with flank bones 18 and / or a fillet section 19 projecting into the abdominal cavity 13. The anatomy of the fish 11 is schematically illustrated in Figs. 2a, 2b, and 2c, particularly in Figs. 2a and 2c. The transport device 21 is shown, at least in sections, in Figs.1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, wherein the transport direction 24 and the transport plane 23 are shown in particular in Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, the transport device 21 comprises, by way of example, two transport elements 22, which in the present case are designed and configured as schematic transport saddles for arranging the fish 11. The transport device 21 is preferably designed as an endless conveyor with a plurality of transport elements 22. In Fig. 2b, a corresponding transport element 22 is shown in side view with a fish 11 arranged thereon by way of example. The specific design of the transport elements 22 is not relevant to the invention, wherein at least a reliable arrangement of the fish 11 is ensured in order to process them accordingly by means of the knife arrangement 100.

[0056] This blade arrangement 100 is characterized according to the invention in that the blade arrangement 100 comprises a trimming element adjustment device 42 connected to the at least one trimming element 41, wherein the trimming element adjustment device 42 is designed and configured to pivot the at least one trimming element 41 at least partially about at least one pivot axis 43, 44 clockwise or counterclockwise 32, 33. In the figures, the trimming element 41 is configured as at least one driven or drivable circular blade 46. In preferred embodiments, the blade arrangement 100 comprises at least one trimming element counter-support—not shown in detail in the figures—which is intended to form and establish a respective counter-pressure for the trimming element 41 during trimming. More preferably, the at least one trimming element counter-support is designed to substantially correspond to the trimming element 41.The trimming element counter-support preferably comprises at least one spring element, which is provided for the resilient mounting of the trimming element counter-support during the trimming process. In a preferred embodiment, the spring force of the at least one spring element of the trimming element counter-support is variable, in particular automatically or automatically adjustable, and is designed and configured to set a variable spring load during trimming. In a preferred embodiment, the blade assembly 100 further comprises at least one carrier element 47, which is designed and configured for arranging the at least one trimming element 41, the trimming element adjustment device 42, and / or the trimming element counter-support.

[0057] The embodiments of the knife arrangement 100 shown in the figures each comprise only one corresponding knife arrangement 100 or one trimming element 41 on one of the sides along the transport direction 24. Preferably, such knife arrangements 100 or devices 40 have two trimming elements 41, which are particularly preferably arranged mirror-symmetrically to one another along the transport plane 23 in order to form and set up a simultaneous trimming of the fish 11 on both sides.

[0058] The transport plane 23 and the respective pivot axes 30, 31, 43 and 44 are shown schematically and in simplified form in the figures, in particular to show their position in relation to the knife arrangement 100 according to the invention or to the device 40 according to the invention. By means of the trimming element adjustment device 42, the position of the trimming element 41 in relation to the transport plane 23 of the fish 11 can be changed, in particular adjusted, thereby ensuring adapted trimming of the fish 11 in the abdominal cavity 13. The distance between the transport plane 23 and the at least one trimming element 41 can be increased and / or decreased accordingly by pivoting by means of the trimming element adjustment device 42 clockwise or counterclockwise 32, 33 about the pivot axis 43. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane 23.

[0059] The knife arrangement 100 preferably further comprises at least one displacement device 48, as shown in particular in Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 to Fig. 5. The displacement device 48 is, for example, integrated into the carrier element 47 and is provided for forming and establishing a displacement movement of the trimming element 41. In particular, the at least one displacement device is designed and configured to displace the trimming element 41 or the carrier element 48, essentially orthogonal to the transport plane 23 or to the transport direction 22. More preferably, the at least one displacement device 48 is designed and configured for height adjustment, i.e., for changing the trimming element 41 within a substantially vertical plane. Two displacement directions 49 are shown as examples in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5.The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the knife arrangement 100 or the device 40 described above.

[0060] The adjustment device 29 preferably comprises at least one trimming adjustment element 50, in particular a drive element, wherein the at least one trimming adjustment element 50 is designed and configured to create and establish at least a regional pivotability of the trimming element 41 about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33. In a preferred embodiment, the trimming element adjustment device 42 is configured to set a defined angle 51 and / or a defined angular profile of the trimming element 41 with respect to the transport plane 23, in particular to create a trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity 13, in particular an area 12 with flank bones 18 and / or a fillet section 19 protruding into the abdominal cavity 13, at a predetermined cutting angle 51 and / or a cutting angle profile.The course of the fillet sections 19 to be trimmed can be seen from the fish 11 shown in Fig. 2c. Due to the adjustability of the trimming element 41 of the knife arrangement 100 according to the invention, the fillet section 19 can be trimmed as needed and in a precise position. Fig. 3 shows, by way of example and in simplified form, a corresponding angle 51 or cutting angle between the transport plane 23 and the position of the trimming element 41. Depending on the fish size, species, and / or desired trimming process, this angle 41 or cutting angle can be adjusted accordingly, particularly during the transport of the fish 11 in the transport direction 24.

[0061] In Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, a pivot axis 43 running essentially parallel to the transport plane 23 is shown. More preferably, alternatively or additionally, at least one further pivot axis 44 is provided, as shown in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. The at least one further pivot axis 44 is also designed and configured at least for partially pivoting the trimming element 41 clockwise or counterclockwise 32, 33. In this way, a further, small-scale and demand-oriented possibility for changing the distance of the trimming element 41 from the transport plane 23 is provided.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the at least one trim adjustment element 50 is designed and configured as at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and / or electromagnetic actuating element - not shown in detail in the figures - in particular as a servo motor for controlling the regional pivotability about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44.

[0063] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the knife assembly 100 further comprises at least one detection unit 37 arranged upstream of the trimming element 41, which is designed and configured to detect the fish anatomy, in particular the height, length, width, and / or abdominal cavity position of the fish 11. In Fig. 1 and Fig. 4, a corresponding detection unit 37 is schematically arranged upstream of the trimming element 41, which is provided in particular for the contactless detection of the fish anatomy 39 of the fish 11 to be processed. For this purpose, the detection area 38 is schematically shown in the drawings, which represents, for example, the IR radiation, X-ray radiation, or the camera detection area. The detection area 38 comprises at least the transport plane 23 in order to detect the fish 11 transported in the transport direction 24 accordingly.However, different recording units 37 for recording the fish anatomy 39 are also conceivable, which, for example, form and set up a mechanical recording.

[0064] Preferably, the adjustment device 29 is configured to adjust the at least regional pivotability of the trimming element 41 about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 depending on the fish anatomy 39 detected by the detection unit 37. For this purpose, the pivotability is more preferably adjusted automatically or in an automated manner depending on the fish anatomy 39, wherein during trimming, at least a regional changeability of the trimming element 41 about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is designed and configured in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction 32, 33. Further means can be provided for detecting the actual position of the corresponding trimming adjustment element 50 or the position of the trimming element 41, in particular with respect to the transport plane 23.For this purpose, the trim element adjustment device 42 comprises, for example, at least one measuring element - not shown in detail in the figures - for measuring and / or detecting the angular position of the trim element 41. The detected angular position is, for example, either the absolute angular position of the trim element 41 with respect to the aligned ground and / or the angular position with respect to the transport plane 23.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment - not shown in the figures - the at least one trimming adjustment element 50 is designed and configured to adjust the trimming element 41 into a cleaning position, wherein the angle 51 of the trimming element 41 with respect to the transport plane 23 is preferably in the range between 10° and 150°, preferably between 30° and 120°, particularly preferably between 45° and 90°.

[0066] The knife arrangement 100 according to the invention or the device 40 further preferably comprises at least one scraping knife unit 25 arranged along the transport direction 24 and designed to penetrate at least partially into the transport plane 23, wherein the at least one scraping knife unit 25 comprises a scraping knife 26 and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support 27 spring-loaded by at least one spring element 28. The at least one scraping knife unit 25 is designed and configured to peel and separate fillets 112, at least partially, from the ribs 20 surrounding the abdominal cavity 13 under evasive counterpressure of the spine 14.The knife assembly 100 preferably comprises an adjusting device 29 connected to the scraping knife unit 25, wherein the adjusting device 29 is designed and configured to pivot the scraping knife 26 at least partially about at least one pivot axis 30, 31 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33. Fig. 1 and Figs. 3 to 5 show, by way of example, a knife assembly 100 with a first pivot axis 30 and a second pivot axis 31, about which the scraping knife 26 is designed and configured to pivot at least partially in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33 by means of the adjusting device 29. For adjustment, the adjusting device 29 preferably comprises at least one adjusting element 35 designed to pivot the scraping knife 26. In the figures, the scraping knife 26 is designed as a tapered knife element with a cutting edge that increases in the transport direction 24.Preferably, the at least one trimming element 41 is arranged upstream or downstream of the at least one scraping knife unit 25. In a further preferred embodiment - not shown in the figures - the trimming element 41 is integrated on the at least one scraping knife unit 25. In Fig. 1, Fig. 3 to Fig. 5, the trimming element 41 is arranged upstream of or in the region of the scraping knife unit 25. More preferably, the at least one trimming element 41 and the scraping knife unit 25 are designed and configured to correspond to one another, wherein the trimming is provided depending on the fillet 112 to be separated.

[0067] The invention also relates to a device 40 which is used for at least partially separating fillets 112 from decapitated, slaughtered and in the abdominal cavity

[0068] 13 opened fish 11. The embodiment of the device 40 according to the invention shown in Fig. 5 comprises a transport device 21 with at least one transport element 22 for transporting the fish 11 in a transport plane 23 with the tail 34 first in a transport direction 24, at least one back knife 45 for exposing the back spokes / back bones 16 up to the spine 14, at least one belly knife for exposing the belly spokes / belly bones 17 in the tail region 34 up to the spine

[0069] 14, at least one separating knife, which is designed and configured to separate the fillets 112 from the spine 14, wherein the web remaining around the spine 14 from the at least one belly knife and the at least one back knife 45 is severed. Such separating knives, belly knives, and back knives 45 are already known from the prior art and are not shown in detail in the figures. The fish 11 are transported in such devices 40 manually or automatically or independently with engagement with the respective knives by means of the transport device 21 along the transport direction 24 in the transport plane 23. During this transport in the transport direction 24, the fish 11 are accordingly processed by the respective knives to expose the backbone 16, to expose the belly bone 17, or to separate the fillet 112.

[0070] This device 40 is characterized according to the invention in that the device 40 comprises at least one knife assembly 100 with at least one scraping knife unit 25, which is designed and configured for at least partially peeling and separating fillets 112 from the ribs 20 surrounding the abdominal cavity 13 under evasive counterpressure of the spine 14. The knife assembly 100 comprises features of at least one embodiment of the knife assembly 100 according to the invention described above.

[0071] The invention further relates to a method for at least partially trimming an area 12 in the abdominal cavity 13 of beheaded, slaughtered fish 11 with the abdominal cavity 13 opened. The fish 11 are transported manually or automatically in a transport plane 23 with the tail 34 first in a transport direction 24 by means of a transport device 21 with at least one transport element 22. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2b show, by way of example, a corresponding transport element 22 designed as a transport saddle. During this transport in the transport direction 24, at least one trimming element 41 penetrates at least partially into the abdominal cavity 13 of the fish 11 transported thereon.During the transport of the fish 11 by means of the transport device 21 in the transport plane 23, the fish 11 are trimmed / cut free at least in some areas of the abdominal cavity 13 by means of the at least one trimming element 41, in particular an area 12 with flank bones 18 and / or a fillet section 19 protruding into the abdominal cavity 13, as shown by way of example in Fig. 2c. For this purpose, the corresponding area 12 of the fish 11 and / or the at least one trimming element 41 are moved relative to one another in order to form and establish a corresponding trimming / cutting.

[0072] This method is characterized according to the invention in that the at least one trimming element 41 is pivoted, at least in part, about at least one pivot axis 43, 44 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33 by means of a trimming element adjustment device 42. The adjustability in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33 is particularly evident in Fig. 1, Fig. 3 to Fig. 5 by the corresponding schematically identified pivot axes 43, 44. Preferably, at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane 23.

[0073] The adapted / adjustable trimming is preferably achieved by pivoting the trimming element 41, at least in part, about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 clockwise or counterclockwise 32, 33 by means of at least one trimming adjustment element 50, in particular a drive element, comprising the trimming element adjustment device 42. In a preferred embodiment, at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane 23.

[0074] Further preferably, a defined angle 51 and / or a defined angular profile 51 of the trimming element 41 is set with respect to the transport plane 23 by means of the trimming element adjustment device 42, in particular for trimming / freeing the fish 11 in the abdominal cavity 13, in particular an area 12 with flank bones 16 and / or a fillet section 19 protruding into the abdominal cavity 13, at a predetermined cutting angle and / or cutting angle profile. Preferably, the angular position of the at least one trimming element 41 is measured and / or recorded by means of at least one measuring element (not shown in detail in the figures). In a preferred embodiment, at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane 23.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, the fish anatomy 39, in particular the height, length, width and / or position of the abdominal cavity 13 of the fish 11, is recorded by a recording unit 37 arranged upstream of the at least one trimming element 41. Based on the fish anatomy 39 recorded by the recording unit 37, the regional pivotability of the at least one trimming element 41 about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 is adjusted as a function thereof. In a further preferred embodiment, the pivotability of the at least one trimming element 41 is adjusted automatically or in an automated manner as a function of the fish anatomy 39, wherein during trimming, the at least one trimming element 41 is pivoted at least partially about the at least one pivot axis 43, 44 in the clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction 32, 33.

[0076] Preferably, fillets 112 are separated from the ribs 20 surrounding the abdominal cavity 13 by scraping, using at least one scraping knife unit 25 arranged along the transport direction 24, wherein the at least one scraping knife unit 25 comprises a scraping knife 26 and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support 27 spring-loaded by at least one spring element 28, under evasive counterpressure of the spine 15. To separate the fillets 112 as individually as possible, the at least one scraping knife unit 25 is pivoted, at least in part, about at least one pivot axis 30, 31 in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction 32, 33 by means of at least one adjusting device 29. More preferably, the fillets 112 are separated by the at least one scraping knife unit 25 before, after, and / or during trimming by means of the at least one trimming element 41.

[0077] In preferred embodiments, it may be provided to pivot the scraping knife 26 and / or the at least one trimming element 41 about two or more pivot axes. Further preferably, the at least one trimming element 41 and the scraping knife unit 25 are designed and configured to correspond to one another, wherein the fish 11 is trimmed by means of the scraping knife unit 25 and the trimming element 41 depending on the fillets 112 to be separated.

[0078] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a knife arrangement according to one or more of claims 1 to 13 and / or with a device according to claim 14.

Claims

1. A knife arrangement (100) for at least partially trimming an area (12) in the abdominal cavity (13) of decapitated, slaughtered fish (11) opened in the abdominal cavity (13), comprising a transport device (21) with at least one transport element (22) for transporting the fish (11) in a transport plane (23) with the tail (34) first in a transport direction (24), at least one trimming element (41) arranged along the transport direction (24) and designed to dip into the abdominal cavity (13) at least in part, wherein the at least one trimming element (41) is designed and configured for at least partially trimming / cutting free in the abdominal cavity (13), in particular an area (12) with flank bones (18) and / or a fillet section (19) projecting into the abdominal cavity (13), characterized in that the knife arrangement (100) has a transport device (21) connected to the at least one trimming element (41) connected trim element adjustment device (42),wherein the trim element adjustment device (42) is designed and arranged for at least partially pivoting the at least one trim element (41) about at least one pivot axis (43, 44) clockwise or counterclockwise (32, 33).

2. Blade arrangement (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device (42) comprises at least one trimming adjustment element (50), in particular a drive element, wherein the at least one trimming adjustment element (50) is designed and configured to form and set up at least a partial pivotability of the trimming element (41) about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (32, 33).

3. Knife arrangement (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device (42) is designed to set a defined angle (51) and / or a defined angular profile (51) of the trimming element (41) in relation to the transport plane (23), in particular to allow trimming / free cutting in the abdominal cavity (13), in particular of an area (12) with flank ridges (18) and / or of a Fillet section (19), at a predetermined cutting angle (51) and / or a cutting angle profile (51).

4. Knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one pivot axis (43, 44) is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane (23).

5. Knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the at least one trim adjustment element (50) is designed and configured as at least one pneumatic, hydraulic, electrical and / or electromagnetic actuating element, in particular as a servo motor for controlling the at least regional pivotability about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44).

6. Knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one detection unit (37) arranged upstream of the at least one trimming element (41), which is designed and configured to detect the fish anatomy (39), in particular the height, the length, the width and / or the abdominal cavity position of the fish (11).

7. Knife arrangement (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device (42) is designed to adjust the at least regional pivotability of the trimming element (41) about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44) depending on the fish anatomy (39) detected by the detection unit (37).

8. Knife arrangement (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the adjustability of the pivotability depending on the fish anatomy (39) takes place automatically or automated, wherein during trimming at least one variability of the trimming element (41) about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44) is designed and arranged in a clockwise and / or counterclockwise direction (32, 33).

9. Blade arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the trimming element adjustment device (42) at least one measuring element for measuring and / or detecting the angular position of the trimming element (41).

10. Knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, further comprising at least one scraping knife unit (25) arranged along the transport direction (24) and designed to penetrate at least partially into the transport plane (23), wherein the at least one scraping knife unit (25) comprises a scraping knife (26) and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support (27) spring-loaded by means of at least one spring element (28), wherein the at least one scraping knife unit (25) is designed and configured to peel and separate fillets (112) at least partially from the ribs (20) surrounding the abdominal cavity (13) under evasive counter-pressure of the spine (14).

11. Knife arrangement (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises an adjusting device (29) connected to the at least one scraping knife unit (25), wherein the adjusting device (29) is designed and arranged at least for the partial pivoting of the scraping knife (26) about at least one pivot axis (30, 31) in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (32, 33).

12. Knife arrangement (100) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one trimming element (41) is arranged upstream or downstream of the at least one scraping knife unit (25), or wherein the trimming element (41) is integrated on the at least one scraping knife unit (25).

13. Knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the at least one trimming element (41) and the at least one scraping knife unit (25) are designed and arranged to correspond to one another, wherein the trimming is provided as a function of the fillet (112) to be separated.

14. Device (40) for at least partially separating fillets (112) from beheaded, slaughtered and opened in the abdominal cavity (13) fish (11), comprising a transport device (21) with at least one transport element (22) for transporting the fish (11) in a transport plane (23) with the tail (34) first in a transport direction (24), at least one back knife (45) for exposing the back spokes (16) up to the spine (14), at least one belly knife for exposing the belly spokes (17) in the tail region (34) up to the spine (14), at least one separating knife which is designed and configured to separate the fillets (112) from the spine (14), wherein the web remaining around the spine (14) from the at least one belly knife and the at least one back knife (45) is severed, characterized in that the device (40) comprises at least one knife arrangement (100) with at least one scraping knife unit (25),which is designed and arranged for at least partially peeling fillets (112) from the ribs (17) surrounding the abdominal cavity (13) under evasive counterpressure of the spine (14) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13.

15. A method for at least partially trimming an area (12) in the abdominal cavity (13) of beheaded, slaughtered and opened fish (11) in the abdominal cavity (13), comprising the steps: - transporting the fish in a transport plane (23) with the tail (34) first in a transport direction (24) by means of a transport device (21) with at least one transport element (22), - at least partial penetration of a trimming element (41) into the abdominal cavity (13), - at least partially trimming / free cutting of the fish (11) in the abdominal cavity (13), in particular a region (12) with flank bones (18) and / or a fillet section (19) projecting into the abdominal cavity (13), characterized in that the trimming element (41) is pivoted at least partially about at least one pivot axis (43, 44) clockwise or counterclockwise (32, 33) by means of a trimming element adjustment device (42).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the trimming element (41) by means of at least one trim element adjustment device (42) comprising send trim adjustment element (50), in particular a drive element, is pivoted at least partially about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44) clockwise or counterclockwise (32, 33).

17. Method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that by means of the trimming element adjustment device (42) a defined angle (51) and / or a defined angular profile (51) of the trimming element (41) is set in relation to the transport plane (23), in particular for trimming / free cutting of the fish (11) in the abdominal cavity (13), in particular an area (12) with flank bones (18) and / or a fillet section (19) projecting into the abdominal cavity (13), at a predetermined cutting angle (51) and / or cutting angle profile (51).

18. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that at least one pivot axis (43) is designed and arranged substantially parallel to the transport plane (23).

19. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the fish anatomy (39), in particular the height, the length, the width and / or the abdominal cavity position of the fish (11) is / are detected by a detection unit (37) arranged upstream of the trimming element (41).

20. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the at least regional pivotability of the trimming element (41) about the at least one pivot axis (43, 44) is adjusted as a function of the fish anatomy (39) detected by the detection unit (37).

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the pivotability of the trimming element (41) is adjusted automatically or automatically depending on the fish anatomy (39), wherein during trimming the trimming element (41) is pivoted at least about at least one pivot axis (43, 44) clockwise and / or counterclockwise (32, 33).

22. Method according to one or more of claims 17 to 21, characterized in that the angular position (51) of the trimming element (41) is measured and / or detected by means of at least one measuring element.

23. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 22, characterized in that by means of at least one scraping knife unit (25) arranged along the transport direction (24), wherein the at least one scraping knife unit (25) comprises a scraping knife (26) and a corresponding scraping knife counter-support (27) spring-loaded by means of at least one spring element (28), fillets (112) are separated by scraping from the ribs (20) surrounding the abdominal cavity (13) under evasive counter-pressure of the spine (14).

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the at least one scraping knife unit (25) is designed and arranged by means of at least one adjusting device (29) at least for pivoting the scraping knife (26) in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction (32, 33) about at least one pivot axis (30, 31).

25. Method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the separation of the fillets (112) by means of the at least one scraping knife unit (25) takes place before, after and / or during the trimming by means of the at least one trimming element (41).

26. Method according to one or more of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that the at least one trimming element (41) and the at least one scraping knife unit (25) are designed and arranged to correspond to one another, wherein the trimming is provided as a function of the fillet (112) to be separated.

27. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 26, characterized in that it is carried out with a knife arrangement (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13 and / or with a device (40) according to claim 14.

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