Apparatus and method for automatically stunning and / or bleeding fish

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) which is designed to automatically stun and / or bleed fish (11) being transported head-first in the transport direction T and back-side-up, comprising a transport device (12) for transporting the fish (11) along a transport path from a supply region for the fish (11) into the region of a working position, in which a stunning unit (13) and / or a bleeding unit (14) is arranged, said stunning unit (13) being designed to stun each individual fish (11) transported into the working position and / or said bleeding unit (14) being designed to bleed stunned fish (11), and a trigger element (15) which is arranged in the region of the working position for triggering the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14). The device is characterized in that the trigger element (15) comprises a pneumatic unit with a pneumatic cylinder (16) having a piston rod (17) which can be moved back and forth from a retracted position into an extended position, wherein a stop plate (19) is arranged on the free end (18) of the piston rod (17). The invention additionally relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Device and method for automatically stunning and / or bleeding fish

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for automatically stunning and / or bleeding fish transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, comprising a transport device for transporting the fish from a feed area of ​​the fish along a transport path into the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit and / or a bleeding unit is arranged, the stunning unit for stunning each individual fish transported into the working position and / or the bleeding unit for bleeding stunned fish, and a triggering element arranged in the area of ​​the working position, which is designed and configured to trigger the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for automatically stunning and / or bleeding fish transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, comprising the steps of: transporting the fish from a feed area of ​​the fish along a transport path in the transport direction T into the area of ​​a working position by means of a transport device, stunning the fish and / or bleeding stunned fish in the working position by means of a stunning unit or a bleeding unit, wherein the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit are triggered by means of a trigger element actuated by the fish, in that the fish comes into contact with the trigger element.

[0005] Such devices and methods are used in the fish processing industry to stun fish in the working position and then kill them, or to kill fish that have already been stunned outside the working position by bleeding them. For this purpose, the fish are actively or passively transported into a working position within the area of ​​the generic device. For example, the fish can move against a generated water current into the feed area of ​​the device, from where they then slide towards the working position under gravity. The fish can also be transported to the feed area by means of transport or manually. The fish can be fed in stunned or stunned in the working position immediately before killing. The triggering element is provided so that only the stunning unit, only the bleeding unit, or both the stunning unit and the bleeding unit can be triggered.As soon as the fish comes into contact with the trigger element and triggers it, a signal is generated that triggers, i.e., activates, the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. In this context, "coming into contact" means that the fish not only touches the trigger element but also moves it from a waiting position against a force.

[0006] In previously known devices, the triggering element is designed as a type of pivoting mechanism and comprises a stop plate arranged on a holder which is attached to a frame of the device so as to deflect against a spring element. The holder is a lever, a rod or the like whose central axis is aligned essentially perpendicular to the transport plane. The stop plate is arranged at the lower end of the holder and projects into the transport path of the fish. This means that each fish comes into contact with the stop plate upon reaching the working position during transport. In the known devices, contact of the fish with the stop plate causes the holder with the stop plate to perform a pivoting movement, through which an electrical proximity switch acting as a signal transmitter generates a signal that triggers the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit.

[0007] However, the known devices and methods have several disadvantages. Firstly, the trigger element with the proximity switch is located in the wet environment directly in the area of ​​the working position, which can lead to malfunctions and false signals, particularly due to contamination. This then leads to incorrect control of the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. Secondly, the selection and adjustment of the spring elements and their spring force is problematic, as opposing requirements must be met. If the preload of the spring element is too low, this leads to incorrect triggering of the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. If the preload of the spring element is too great, smaller fish are unable to trigger the trigger element, i.e., move it from the waiting position. Furthermore, the spring element is subject to considerable wear due to the high and intensive load, which can lead to the spring elements breaking.A further disadvantage arises from the shape of the conventional stop plate, which extends across only part of the width of the transport device. This causes the fish to either catch their mouths on the stop plate or slide past it, resulting in inadequate positioning and centering of the fish in the working position. This results in incorrect blows to stun the fish or cuts / stabs to bleed the fish.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and reliable device for the precise stunning and / or bleeding of fish. Furthermore, the object is to propose a corresponding method.

[0009] This object is achieved by a device mentioned above in that the triggering element comprises a pneumatic unit with a pneumatic cylinder with a piston rod that can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position and back again, wherein a stop plate is arranged at a free end of the piston rod. With this embodiment according to the invention, a linear movement of the triggering element is realized for triggering the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit, which enables more sensitive and faster triggering and increased precision during stunning and / or bleeding. With the solution according to the invention, the problems related to selecting and adjusting the spring elements to conflicting requirements can be easily and effectively eliminated. Both the getting stuck of fish and the incorrect triggering of the stunning unit and / or bleeding unit are thereby effectively prevented.This arrangement and design according to the invention further enables the placement of possible signal circuits for triggering the stunning unit and / or bleeding unit away from the triggering element, and thus away from significant contamination by water, fish remains, or the like, thereby reducing malfunctions and / or downtime of the device. Specifically, the fish can, for example, switch a valve by actuating the triggering unit, which in turn causes a pressure drop in a sensor line, which is detected by a pressure sensor. This pressure sensor can be installed in a protected manner outside the wet area. The triggering element and the pressure sensor can, for example, be connected by a robust pneumatic line that can be easily disconnected to remove components.

[0010] Furthermore, this design and arrangement also simplifies the adjustment of the position of the release element to different fish sizes, since the release element can be adjusted simply and easily along the transport direction T, namely in or against the transport direction T.

[0011] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the stop plate of the trigger element comprises a flange element on the rear side facing in the transport direction T, with which the stop plate is pivotally mounted on the piston rod around a pivot point G1. This compensates for an "oblique" impact of the fish on the stop plate, i.e., an impact above or below a center axis M1 of the piston rod, so that a fast and precise signal is always generated. Instead of the flange element, other connecting or coupling components can also be used between the stop plate and the piston rod.

[0012] Advantageously, a central axis M1 of the piston rod extends substantially in and parallel to a base plate of the stunning unit. The central axis M1 can be aligned horizontally or inclined to the horizontal. This arrangement and alignment, i.e., the direction of movement of the piston rod is substantially parallel to the base plate, i.e., with at least one main component parallel to the base plate, ensures easy retraction of the piston rod, which facilitates triggering, especially for small fish.

[0013] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that a pressure chamber is formed within the pneumatic cylinder, arranged between two sealing elements, which can be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air connection. The pressure chamber enables the provision of a precise and balanced pressure force, thus ensuring high process reliability for triggering the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. The pressure chamber can be formed and sealed in different ways. Particularly preferably, the pressure chamber is formed and sealed on both sides by means of O-rings. This eliminates the need for axial preload for sealing, which on the one hand simplifies the design and on the other hand enables easy and precise movement of the piston rod for high process reliability. Other sealing elements can also be used instead of O-rings.The position and number of compressed air connections for building up pressure in the pressure chamber can vary.

[0014] Advantageously, a pressure detection device is associated with the pressure chamber and / or the compressed air connection. The detection device can quickly and easily detect a pressure fluctuation, generating a signal that triggers the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. Other devices for detecting a fish in the processing position, such as detecting a movement of the piston rod, can also be used. The position of the detection device can also vary and, for example, be located near a compressed air outlet. Detection devices can be arranged at the inlet and / or outlet of the pressure chamber and / or within the pressure chamber.

[0015] Conveniently, the pressure chamber is open when the piston rod is retracted and closed when extended. This allows the fish to reliably open the pressure chamber for quick and precise detection of a pressure drop. A reverse configuration is also possible.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the stop plate is designed and configured to be articulated about a second articulation point G2. The second articulation point G2 is also formed on the flange element, wherein the second articulation point G2 is located above the first articulation point G1. Advantageously, the flange element is arranged in an articulated manner on a guide body which is guided at a distance from the piston rod. The flange element is thus articulated to the piston rod to form the first articulation point G1 and articulated to the guide body to form the second articulation point G2. The combination of the linear and rotary movement options results in significant advantages. The linearly displaceable second articulation point G2 ensures that the piston rod is reliably pressed linearly into the retracted position within the pneumatic cylinder, regardless of where the fish strikes the stop plate.Furthermore, the rotation of the stop plate is limited with respect to the angle of rotation and / or the direction of rotation around the first pivot point G1, which also supports an easy linear retraction of the piston rod triggered by the fish. Advantageously, the guide body is positively guided in a linear guide and can be moved in the transport direction T and against the transport direction T. This design and arrangement limits the rotation of the stop plate around the pivot point G1, which also ensures that the piston rod is reliably pushed into the retracted position within the pneumatic cylinder, regardless of where the fish hits the stop plate.

[0017] The guide body is conveniently guided by a key. This ensures simple and reliable linear guidance of the guide body.

[0018] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the piston rod is spring-loaded, such that the piston rod is held in the retracted position by a spring element when the pneumatic cylinder is depressurized. Thus, when depressurized, the piston rod is always located in a space within the pneumatic cylinder that is protected from contamination.

[0019] It is advisable to assign a compressed air connection to the pneumatic cylinder on the extending side to extend the piston rod, whereby the pressure P1 for extending the piston rod is greater than the spring force applied by the spring element. The pressure P1 is the pressure by which the stop plate is held in the waiting position so that a fish can hit it. The pressure exerted by the fish when it hits the stop plate pushes it backward in the transport direction T. Accordingly, the pressure P1 must be greater than the spring pressure to move the piston rod into the extended position, but small enough so that every fish, regardless of its size, can trigger an adjustment movement of the piston rod into the retracted position.

[0020] The stop plate expediently extends transversely to the transport direction T across the entire width of the transport device. This shape and dimension of the stop plate, on the one hand, prevents the fish from getting their mouths caught on the stop plate and, on the other hand, ensures that each fish reliably hits the stop plate. This leads to better and more precise results during stunning and / or bleeding. Particularly advantageously, the detection means comprises a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure drop, wherein the pressure drop leads to the generation of a signal for triggering at least the stunning unit and / or bleeding unit. Instead of a pressure sensor, other elements designed and configured to detect a pressure fluctuation can also be used.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the device comprises a centering device for pre-centering the fish during transport toward the working position and for holding the fish in the working position. Both stunning and killing by bleeding require sufficient positioning and centering of the fish before and especially in the working position in order to precisely insert a firing pin of the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit onto and into the fish. The centering device is provided for centering the fish, by means of which the fish are pre-centered during transport toward the working position along the transport path and are held centered in the working position.

[0022] Advantageously, the device comprises a control device that is connected to the stunning unit, the bleeding unit, and the triggering element, and is designed and configured such that the triggering of the triggering element by the fish triggers the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit. The control device allows the process to be carried out automatically and reliably, specifically only for stunning the fish, only for bleeding previously stunned fish, or first for stunning and then bleeding the fish.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, the control device is designed and configured for the staggered activation of the stunning unit and the bleeding unit, such that when the fish triggers the trigger element, the stunning unit is activated first, followed by the bleeding unit. The control device enables coordinated control of the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit in a manner that is consistent with animal welfare.

[0024] A preferred development is characterized in that the control device is additionally connected to the centering device and is designed and configured such that the triggering of the trigger element by the fish first activates the centering device to center the fish in the working position, and only then is the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit activated. This further improves coordinated control for optimal process results.

[0025] Advantageously, the trigger element is mounted on a frame of the device. This can be a separate frame. Optionally, a frame can also be provided on which both the stunning unit and the trigger element are mounted. This design enables robust operation of the device, which increases precision, particularly during stunning, but also during bleeding.

[0026] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the trigger element is arranged on an adjustment unit, which in turn is fastened to the frame, wherein the adjustment unit is designed and configured at least for adjusting the trigger element in the transport direction T and counter to the transport direction T. By means of the adjustment unit, it is possible to optimally position the trigger element for different fish sizes in order to always ensure precise positioning of the fish in the working position, accompanied by precise execution of the stunning and / or bleeding steps.

[0027] Advantageously, the adjustment unit comprises a guide body on which the trigger element is arranged, with at least one pneumatic cylinder for linear adjustment being assigned to the guide body. Particularly preferably, two pneumatic cylinders are assigned to the guide body, which are connected to the guide body via an adjustment linkage. Other adjustment mechanisms, e.g., stepper motors or the like, with two or more adjustment positions can also be used.

[0028] The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned above in that the fish moves the trigger element linearly in the transport direction T against a pneumatically generated pressure P1, with which the trigger element is held in a waiting position for the fish, whereby a signal for triggering the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit is generated. Moving the trigger element linearly in the direction of transport T or parallel to the base plate of the stunning unit enables direct and precise detection of deviations in the position of the trigger element for reliable signaling for controlling the stunning unit and / or the bleeding unit.

[0029] Preferably, the linear movement of a piston rod connected to a stop plate within a pneumatic cylinder of the triggering element, triggered by the fish, from an extended position—namely, the waiting position for the fish—to a retracted position opens a pressure chamber, allowing compressed air to escape and a pressure change to be detected as a signal. Pressure fluctuations and, in particular, pressure losses can be detected particularly easily and quickly, allowing for rapid response and control.

[0030] Advantageously, the pressure P1 acting against the transport direction T overcomes a spring force that generally pushes the piston rod into the retracted position. The spring force holds the piston rod in the retracted position when depressurized to protect it from contamination. Only during operation does the pressure P1 push the trigger element into the standby position, allowing each fish to push the piston rod into the retracted position against the pressure P1 in the transport direction T.

[0031] Particularly advantageous is that, in addition to the guidance within the pneumatic cylinder, the piston rod is guided linearly via a guide body in a separate linear guide when moving from the retracted to the extended position and back. This ensures stable and robust movement of the piston rod for reliable release of the release element.

[0032] A preferred development is characterized in that the piston rod is pivotally mounted on a flange element around a pivot point G1, and the guide body is pivotally mounted around a pivot point G2, wherein at least the pivot point G2 is linearly displaced when the fish strikes the stop plate. This ensures in a simple and reliable manner that the piston rod can be moved linearly into the retracted position, regardless of where the fish strikes the trigger element.

[0033] Advantageously, the rotation of the stop plate around pivot point G1 is limited by the linear guidance of pivot point G2. This also ensures, in a simple and reliable manner, that the piston rod can be moved linearly into the retracted position, regardless of where the fish strikes the trigger element.

[0034] After leaving the working position, the fish conveniently presses against the stop plate below a central axis M1 of the piston rod, thereby rotating it clockwise around the pivot point G2. This quickly and reliably releases the working position and returns the release element to the waiting position for the next fish. Folding down the stop plate prevents the fish from getting caught on it by its dorsal fin during discharge.

[0035] Particularly preferably, the entire trigger element is linearly adjusted in the transport direction T or opposite to the transport direction T to adapt to different fish sizes. The position of the trigger element is adjusted automatically, for example, by means of stepper motors or preferably by means of a pneumatic unit comprising at least one pneumatic cylinder and preferably two pneumatic cylinders, in order to be able to place the trigger element in at least three different positions.

[0036] Preferably, the method is carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 21.

[0037] Further advantages resulting from the process steps have already been described in connection with the device, which is why reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0038] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and method are set forth in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention for stunning and killing fish by bleeding, Fig. 2 is a trigger element of the device according to Figure 1, wherein the trigger element is shown with an extended piston rod and a closed pressure chamber,

[0040] Fig. 3 the trigger element according to Figure 2 with retracted piston rod and opened pressure chamber,

[0041] Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the trigger element with an adjustment unit in side view,

[0042] Fig. 5 shows the representation according to Figure 4 in a sectional view,

[0043] Fig. 6 the representation according to Figure 4 in perspective view obliquely from below,

[0044] Fig. 7a to c a schematic representation of the adjustment unit in three different positions of the trigger element in plan view, and

[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a slaughter arrangement with several slaughter modules, each comprising the device according to the invention.

[0046] A device illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 is used for the automatic stunning and bleeding of salmon fish. The device can also be used in a similar manner for stunning and / or bleeding previously stunned fish of other species.

[0047] The drawing shows a preferred embodiment of a device 10 which is designed and configured for the automatic stunning and bleeding of fish 11 transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards. This device 10 comprises a transport device 12 for transporting the fish 11 from a feed area for the fish 11 along a transport path into the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit 13 and a bleeding unit 14 are arranged, the stunning unit 13 for stunning each individual fish 11 transported to the working position and the bleeding unit 14 for bleeding stunned fish 11, as well as a trigger element 15 which is arranged in the area of ​​the working position and is designed and configured to trigger the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14.

[0048] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the trigger element 15 comprises a pneumatic unit with a pneumatic cylinder 16 with a piston rod 17 that can be moved from a retracted position into an extended position and back, wherein a stop plate 19 is arranged on a free end 18 of the piston rod 17.

[0049] 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 device 10 described above.

[0050] In Figure 1, the transport device 12 is shown as a slide-like fish guide 20, which is inclined downwards towards the working position and into which the fish 11 slides towards the working position. The fish guide 20 itself is designed to be at least partially movable. In the illustrated embodiment, the fish guide 20 is designed to be movable as a whole. For this purpose, a pneumatic cylinder 21, for example, is assigned to the fish guide 20. In the working position, the initially still living fish 11 (in the event that the device 10 is only used for bleeding, stunned fish 11 slide into the working position) rest with the underside of their heads on the fish guide 20. The firing pins of the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14 are in a retracted, waiting position.The fish 11 slide in the transport direction T toward the working position by gravity alone until their mouths hit the release element 15 and are brought to a stop in the working position. In doing so, the fish 11 move the release element 15 in the transport direction T.

[0051] The trigger element 15 comprises the pneumatic cylinder 16, which has a housing 22. The piston rod 17 is guided in the housing 22. The stop plate 19 of the trigger element 15, which is connected to the piston rod 17, comprises a flange element 23 on the rear side facing in the transport direction T, with which the stop plate 19 is pivotally mounted on the piston rod 17 about a pivot point G1. The flange element 23 is preferably integrally connected to the stop plate 19 and is angularly formed. A long leg of the flange element 23 rests against the rear side of the stop plate 19. A short leg extends in the direction of the piston rod 17. A central axis M1 of the piston rod 17 extends essentially in and parallel to a base plate 52 of the stunning unit 13.

[0052] Within the pneumatic cylinder 16, a pressure chamber 26 is formed between two sealing elements 24, 25, which can be pressurized with compressed air via a compressed air connection 27. The sealing elements 24, 25 are designed as O-rings and arranged at a distance from one another. In Figure 2, the pressure chamber 26 is closed. In Figure 3, the pressure chamber 26 is open. The pressure chamber 26 is open when the piston rod 17 is retracted and closed when it is extended. In other words, when the piston rod 17 is retracted, the sealing element 24 opens the pressure chamber 26 so that compressed air can escape into the environment U via an outlet 28. A detection means 29 for detecting the pressure is assigned to the pressure chamber 26, for example in the region of the outlet 28 or the compressed air connection 27.For this purpose, a pressure sensor is provided, which is designed and configured to detect pressure fluctuations and, in particular, a pressure drop. The pressure drop leads to the generation of a signal for triggering at least the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14. Optionally and preferably, the detection means 29 is arranged outside the triggering element 15, namely, for example, in a pneumatic box. The pressure sensor can be connected, for example, via a hose or the like, to the compressed air connection 27. Thus, the detection means 29 can be arranged outside a product room / wet area in a dry room.

[0053] The stop plate 19 is designed and configured to be pivotable about a second pivot point G2. For this purpose, the flange element 23 assigned to the stop plate 19 is arranged in an articulated manner on a guide body 30 which is guided at a distance from the piston rod 17. The guide body 30 lies above the piston rod 17. A central axis M2 of the guide body 30 lies above and at a distance from the central axis M1 of the piston rod 17. The pivot point G2 between the guide body 30 and the flange element 23 is also above the pivot point G1 between the flange element 23 and the piston rod 17. The guide body 30 is a block-like element which is positively guided in a linear guide 31 and can be moved in the transport direction T and opposite to the transport direction T. For this purpose, the linear guide 31 comprises a key 32 via which the guide body 30 is guided.

[0054] The piston rod 17 is spring-loaded within the housing 22 by the pneumatic cylinder 16, such that the piston rod 17 is held in the retracted position by a spring element 33 when the pneumatic cylinder 16 is depressurized. A compressed air connection 34 for extending the piston rod 17 is assigned to the extending side of the pneumatic cylinder 16, wherein the pressure P1 for extending the piston rod 17 is greater than the spring force applied by the spring element 33. Due to the articulated attachment of the stop plate 19 to the piston rod 17 on the one hand and the guide body 31 on the other hand, the stop plate 19, which extends transversely to the transport direction T, is designed to be both linearly movable and tiltable. The stop plate 19 is slightly curved and extends transversely to the transport direction T across the entire width of the transport device 12.

[0055] In the area of ​​the transport device 12 along the transport path, the device 10 further comprises a centering device 35 for pre-centering the fish 11 during transport of the fish 11 toward the working position and for holding the fish 11 in the working position. The centering device 35 comprises a single centering flap pair 38 formed from two centering flaps 36, 37 and controllable by a pneumatic unit. The two centering flaps 36, 37 are arranged spaced apart from one another on opposite sides of the transport path. The pneumatic unit of the centering flap pair 38 is operatively connected to the trigger element 15. For this purpose, a control device 39 is provided which is connected to the stunning unit 13, the bleeding unit 14 and the triggering element 15 and is designed and configured such that the triggering of the triggering element 15 by the fish 11 leads to the triggering of the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14.The connection between the control device 39, on the one hand, and the stunning unit 13, the bleeding unit 14, and the triggering element 15, on the other hand, can be established via lines 40 or wirelessly, e.g., via a radio connection. The centering device 35 or the associated pneumatic cylinder for controlling the centering flaps 36, 37 can also be connected to the control device 39 via lines 40. The control device 39 is designed and configured to trigger the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14 at different times, such that when the triggering element 15 is triggered by the fish 11, first the stunning unit 13 and then the bleeding unit 14 are triggered.In a further embodiment, the control device 39 is additionally connected to the centering device 35 and is designed and configured such that the triggering of the triggering element 15 by the fish 11 first controls the centering device 35 for centering the fish 11 in the working position and only then triggers the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14 with a time delay.

[0056] The trigger element 15 is arranged on a frame 41 of the device 10. In the illustrated embodiment, not only the trigger element 15 is fastened to the frame 41, but also the stunning unit 13 to form a stunning module 42. Preferably, the trigger element 15 is arranged on an adjustment unit 43, which in turn is fastened to the frame 41, wherein the adjustment unit 43 is designed and configured at least for adjusting the trigger element 15 in the transport direction T and counter to the transport direction T, i.e. along the transport direction T. The adjustment unit 43 comprises a guide body 44, on which the trigger element 15 is arranged, wherein at least one pneumatic cylinder 45 for linear adjustment is assigned to the guide body 44. In the illustrated embodiment, two pneumatic cylinders 45, 46 are assigned to the guide body 44.

[0057] The two pneumatic cylinders 45, 46 are aligned essentially parallel to the central axis M1 of the piston rod 17 and thus parallel to the base plate 52 of the stunning unit 13. They have piston rods 47, 48 of different lengths, which are articulated at a free end to a crossbar 49. The crossbar 49 itself is articulated to the guide body 44, which is guided along two linear guides 50, 51. This preferred embodiment ensures quick and precise positioning of the trigger element 15 along the transport direction T.The arrangement and design offers at least three travel positions for the trigger element 15, namely, for example, for small fish 11 when both piston rods 47, 48 are extended (Figure 7c), for medium-sized fish 11 when only one of the two, preferably the longer piston rod 48, is extended (Figure 7b), and for large fish 11 when both piston rods 47, 48 are retracted (Figure 7a). The device 10 forms a single slaughter module 53. Several of these slaughter modules 53, preferably five such slaughter modules 53, form a slaughter arrangement 54. In this slaughter arrangement 54, the individual slaughter modules 53 are detachably arranged in a common frame 55. Starting from a water tank 56, the fish 11 reach a feed area 57, from which the fish 11 slide towards and into the working position solely by gravity.

[0058] The method is described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The described method is used for the automatic stunning and bleeding of fish 11 transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards. First, the fish 11 are transported individually by means of a transport device 12 from a feed area for the fish 11 along a transport path in the transport direction T to the area of ​​a working position. In the working position, the fish 11 are stunned by means of a stunning unit 13 and then killed by means of a bleeding unit 14. For this purpose, both the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14 are triggered by a trigger element 15 actuated by the fish 11, when the fish 11 comes into contact with the trigger element 15.

[0059] This method is characterized according to the invention in that the fish 11 linearly displaces the triggering element 15 in the transport direction T against a pneumatically generated pressure P1, with which the triggering element 15 is held in a waiting position for the fish 11, whereby a signal for triggering the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14 is generated.

[0060] During transport of the fish 11 along the transport path, the fish 11 are first pre-centered by a centering device 35 and then held centered in the working position. Both the centering and the subsequent stunning and killing are controlled by a control device 39, which receives a signal via the trigger element 15 that the fish 11 is centered in the working position.

[0061] The signal is generated by the linear movement of a piston rod 17 connected to a stop plate 19 within a pneumatic cylinder 16 of the trigger element 15 from an extended position to a retracted position, triggered by the fish 11, opening a pressure chamber 26 so that compressed air escapes and a pressure change is determined as a signal.

[0062] In the depressurized state, the piston rod 17 is held in the retracted position by a spring element 33. In order to move the stop plate 19 into the waiting position in which the stop plate 19 waits for the fish 11, compressed air is supplied to the extending side of the pneumatic cylinder 16 via a compressed air connection 34, so that the piston rod 17 extends and closes the pressure chamber 26. The compressed air has a pressure P1 that acts opposite to the transport direction T and overcomes the spring force of the spring element 33. If the fish 11 now slides with its mouth against the stop plate 19, the piston rod 17 is moved linearly in the transport direction T. When moving from the extended position to the retracted position (and vice versa), the piston rod 17 is guided linearly via a guide body 30 in a separate linear guide 31 in addition to the guidance within the pneumatic cylinder 16.

[0063] The piston rod 17 is pivotally mounted on a flange element 23 around a pivot point G1, and the guide body 30 is pivotally mounted around a pivot point G2, with at least the pivot point G2 being linearly displaced when the fish 11 strikes the stop plate 11. Due to the linear movement capability of the piston rod 17 and the guide body 30 on the one hand, and the pivotal mounting of the stop plate 19 around the two pivot points G1 and G2, the impact of the fish 11 on the stop plate 19 leads to a linear movement of the piston rod 17, regardless of where the stop plate 19 is struck, to generate the signal for triggering the centering device 35 as well as the stunning unit 13 and the bleeding unit 14.If the fish 11 strikes the stop plate 19 above the central axis M1 of the piston rod 17, for example at the level of the second pivot point G2, the linear movement of the guide body 30 is transferred via the flange element 23 to the piston rod 17, which is then also retracted linearly. If the fish 11 strikes the stop plate 19 below the central axis M1 of the piston rod 17, the stop plate 19 rotates clockwise about the pivot points G1 and G2. The rotation of the stop plate 19 about the pivot point G1 is limited by the linear guidance of the pivot point G2 in the linear guide 31. In particular, after leaving the working position, the fish 11 presses the stop plate 19 below a central axis M1 of the piston rod and thereby rotates it clockwise about the pivot point G2. This allows the fish 11 to leave the working position, preferably with the help of the movable fish guide 20, and to release it for a subsequent fish 11.

[0064] In principle, the centering, stunning, and bleeding of the fish 11 takes place regardless of fish size. This means that all fed-in fish 11 are processed. Optionally, however, it can be helpful to adjust the position of the trigger element 15 to particularly small fish 11 or particularly large fish 11 in order to increase process reliability. For this purpose, the entire trigger element 15 can be linearly adjusted in the transport direction T or against the transport direction T to adapt to different fish sizes. Different positions can be set using an adjustment unit 43 by optionally extending the piston rods 47, 48 of two pneumatic cylinders 45, 46 together, retracting them together, or extending them individually. By actuating the pneumatic cylinders 45, 46, the trigger element 15 is adjusted along linear guides 50, 51, for example, into the three positions shown in Figure 7.

[0065] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 21, as described above.

Claims

1. Device (10) designed and configured for the automatic stunning and / or bleeding of fish (11) transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, comprising a transport device (12) for transporting the fish (11) from a feed area of ​​the fish (11) along a transport path into the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit (13) and / or a bleeding unit (14) is arranged, the stunning unit (13) for stunning each individual fish (11) transported into the working position and / or the bleeding unit (14) for bleeding stunned fish (11), and a trigger element (15) arranged in the area of ​​the working position, which is designed and configured to trigger the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14), characterized in thatthat the trigger element (15) comprises a pneumatic unit with a pneumatic cylinder (16) with a piston rod (17) that can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position and back, wherein a stop plate (19) is arranged at a free end (18) of the piston rod (17).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the stop plate (19) of the trigger element (15) comprises on the rear side facing in the transport direction T a flange element (23) with which the stop plate (19) is mounted on the piston rod (17) in an articulated manner about a hinge point G1.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a central axis M1 of the piston rod (17) extends substantially in and parallel to a base plate (52) of the stunning unit (13).

4. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a pressure chamber (26) arranged between two sealing elements (24, 25) is formed within the pneumatic cylinder (16), which pressure chamber can be supplied with compressed air via a compressed air connection (27).

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that a detection means (29) for detecting the pressure is assigned to the pressure chamber (26) and / or the compressed air connection (27).

6. Device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the pressure chamber (26) is open when the piston rod (17) is retracted and closed when it is extended.

7. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the stop plate (19) is designed and arranged to be pivotable about a second pivot point G2.

8. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the flange element (23) is arranged in an articulated manner on a guide body (30) which is guided at a distance from the piston rod (17).

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the guide body (30) is forcibly guided in a linear guide (31) and can be moved in the transport direction T and against the transport direction T.

10. Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the guide body is guided by a feather key.

11. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the piston rod (17) is spring-loaded such that the piston rod (17) is held pressed in the retracted position by means of a spring element (33) in the pressureless state of the pneumatic cylinder (16).

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that a compressed air connection (34) for extending the piston rod (17) is assigned to the pneumatic cylinder (16) on the extending side, wherein the pressure P1 for extending the piston rod (17) is greater than the spring force applied by the spring element (33).

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the stop plate (19) extends transversely to the transport direction T over the entire width of the transport device (12).

14. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 13, characterized in that the detection means (29) comprises a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure drop, wherein the pressure drop leads to the generation of a signal for triggering at least the stunning unit (13) and / or bleeding unit (14).

15. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that it comprises a centering device (35) for pre-centering the fish (11) during transport of the fish (11) in the direction of the working position and holding the fish (11) in the working position.

16. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it comprises a control device (39) which is connected to the stunning unit (13), the bleeding unit (14) and the triggering element (15) and is designed and arranged such that the triggering of the triggering element (15) by the fish (11) leads to the triggering of the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14).

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the control device (39) is designed and arranged for the time-delayed triggering of the stunning unit (13) and the bleeding unit (14) in such a way that when the triggering element (15) is triggered by the fish (11), first the stunning unit (13) and then the bleeding unit (14) is triggered.

18. Device (10) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the control device (39) is additionally connected to the centering device (35) and is designed and arranged such that the triggering of the triggering element (15) by the fish (11) first controls the centering device (35) for centering the fish (11) in the working position and only then is the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14) triggered.

19. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the trigger element (15) is arranged on a frame (41) of the device (10).

20. Device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the trigger element (15) is arranged on an adjusting unit (43) which in turn is fastened to the frame (41), wherein the adjusting unit (43) is designed and arranged at least for adjusting the trigger element (15) in the transport direction T and opposite to the transport direction T.

21. Device according to claim 20, characterized in that the adjusting unit (43) comprises a guide body (44) on which the trigger element (15) is arranged, wherein at least one pneumatic cylinder (45) for linear adjustment is assigned to the guide body (44).

22. A method for automatically stunning and / or bleeding fish (11) transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, comprising the steps: Transporting the fish from a fish feeding area (11) along a transport path in the transport direction T into the area of ​​a working position by means of a transport device (12), stunning the fish (11) and / or bleeding stunned fish (11) in the working position by means of a stunning unit (13) or a bleeding unit (14), - wherein the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14) are triggered by means of a triggering element (15) actuated by the fish (11), in that the fish (11) comes into contact with the triggering element (15), characterized in that the fish (11) linearly displaces the triggering element (15) in the transport direction T against a pneumatically generated pressure P1, with which the triggering element (15) is held in a waiting position for the fish (11), whereby a signal for triggering the stunning unit (13) and / or the bleeding unit (14) is generated.

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that by the linear movement of a stop plate (19) triggered by the fish (11) connected piston rod (17) within a pneumatic cylinder (16) of the trigger element (15) from an extended position into a retracted position, a pressure chamber (26) is opened so that compressed air escapes and a pressure change is determined as a signal.

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the pressure P1 acting counter to the transport direction T overcomes a spring force which basically presses the piston rod (17) into the retracted position.

25. Method according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the piston rod (17) is guided linearly via a guide body (30) in a separate linear guide (31) when moving from the retracted to the extended position and back, in addition to the guide within the pneumatic cylinder (16).

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the piston rod (17) is mounted on a flange element (23) in an articulated manner about a pivot point G1 and the guide body (30) is mounted on a flange element (23) in an articulated manner about a pivot point G2, wherein at least the pivot point G2 is displaced linearly when the fish (11) strikes the stop plate (19).

27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the rotation of the stop plate (19) about the articulation point G1 is limited by the linear guidance of the articulation point G2.

28. Method according to one or more of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that the fish (11) after leaving the working position presses against the stop plate (19) below a central axis M1 of the piston rod (17) and thereby rotates the latter clockwise about the articulation point G2.

29. Method according to one or more of claims 22 to 28, characterized in that the entire triggering element (15) is adjusted linearly in the transport direction T or against the transport direction T in order to adapt to different fish sizes.

30. Method according to one or more of claims 22 to 29, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 21.