Apparatus, method for removing the flank bones of a fish, and microtome comprising the apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) configured and adapted to remove the flank bones (11) of a headless, slaughtered, preferably opened abdominal cavity fish (12), wherein the fish is conveyed in a conveying direction T with its tail forward and its spine (13) placed on a conveying saddle (14), the apparatus comprising at least: an upper bone guide (15) configured and adapted to guide the spine (13) from the dorsal side of the fish (12) to be processed; and a lower bone guide (16) configured and adapted to guide the ventral radii (44) of the fish (12) to be processed, the ventral radii being formed in the region from the tail to the abdominal cavity. The invention relates to a separation unit (17) for detaching fillets from the flank bones (11) surrounding the abdominal cavity of the fish (12) to be processed, wherein the separation unit (17) includes a separation mechanism (18) having a corresponding opposing unit (19) and capable of moving from a standby position to a working position and vice versa. The device (10) is characterized in that a detachment device (20) is located within the area of ​​the upper bone guide (15) and is configured and adapted to at least loosen the bone connections (21) between the individual flank bones (11) and the vertebrae (13) of at least some of the flank bones (11). The invention also relates to a corresponding slicer (40) having such a device (10) and a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an apparatus configured and adapted to remove the flank bones of a headless, slaughtered, and preferably opened abdominal cavity fish, the fish being conveyed in a conveying direction T with its tail forward and its spine resting on a conveying saddle. The apparatus includes at least: an upper bone guide configured and adapted to guide the spine from the dorsal side of the fish to be processed; a lower bone guide configured and adapted to guide the ventral radii of the fish to be processed, the ventral radii being formed in the region from the tail to the abdominal cavity; and a separation unit for detaching the fish fillets from the flank bones surrounding the abdominal cavity of the fish to be processed, the separation unit including a separation mechanism having corresponding opposing units and having the capability to move from a standby position to a working position and vice versa.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a slicing machine for slicing fish that has been headless, slaughtered, and preferably with its abdominal cavity opened, comprising: a back knife for exposing the dorsal radii to the spine; a belly knife for exposing the ventral radii extending from the tail to the abdominal cavity to the spine; a device for removing the individual flank bones; a separating knife for separating the fish slices from the spine in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the spine by the belly and back knives; a ring conveyor for conveying the fish from the tail forward; and a plurality of conveyor saddles arranged on the conveyor for securely loading the fish into its abdominal cavity.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a method for slicing a headless, slaughtered, preferably open abdominal cavity fish, comprising the following steps: conveying the fish to be processed through a slicer in the forward direction T of the tail; removing the dorsal radii down to the spine; removing the ventral radii down to the spine; removing the individual flank bones; separating the fish slices from the spine in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the spine during the removal of the dorsal and ventral radii. Background Technology

[0004] This equipment, slicer, and method are used in the fish processing industry for the automated slicing of fish, particularly salmon, whitefish, and other species. However, the anatomical structures and, in particular, the skeletal structures are similar across fish. What fish share is the median vertebra (hereinafter also referred to as the median bone or vertebral column). Towards the back, the dorsal radii, also called dorsal radii, extend upwards along the vertebral column in a generally vertical direction. From the tail to the beginning of the abdominal cavity, the ventral radii, also called abdominal radii, extend downwards in a generally vertical direction. The orientation and structure of the flanks generally differ; the flanks form along the vertebral column in the abdominal region on either side of the abdominal cavity. For example, in whitefish, the flanks extend obliquely from the median bone, generally in a straight line, or with only a slight downward curve around the abdominal cavity, while in sea bass, the flanks are, for example, more curved. In sea bass, for instance, the flanks, especially those located at the head end of the abdominal cavity, initially extend generally horizontally from the vertebral column, then extend downwards in a larger arc around the abdominal cavity. Furthermore, the flank bones of fish such as sea bass, especially those located at the head end facing the abdominal cavity, are more robust. In other words, there are differences in the shape, orientation, and stability of the flank bones among various fish species.

[0005] A necessary step in the automated slicing of fish is the release of the fillets from the flanks, which are the so-called ribcage, extending along the spine and surrounding the abdominal cavity. For this purpose, the fish is conveyed to various processing tools, particularly those for removing the flanks, by means of a conveyor saddle. Upper and lower bone guides are used to hold or guide the fish in the optimal processing position on the conveyor saddle. Separation units are typically arranged on both sides of the fish to be processed, allowing the fillets to be separated from the flanks simultaneously or with a delay. Separation units and opposing units define the cutting gap. When removing flanks without a distinctly curved structure, i.e., when the flanks are straight / flat within the plane defined by the separation unit or opposing unit, as with whitefish, for example, the flanks can be guided into the cutting gap by the separation mechanism and the chamfering on the separation mechanism setting.

[0006] In sea bass and similar fish, the arched structure of the flanks, or rib arches, is particularly pronounced. This means that the flanks have a stronger curve and depict a larger arc. The flanks also possess exceptional stability, especially those extending from the vertebrae at the head end of the abdominal cavity. With the increased curvature and stability of the flanks, the process of removing them becomes less reliable. Because the flanks cannot at least partially pass through the cutting gap formed between the separation mechanism and the opposing unit, there is a risk of cutting into the flanks, resulting in the flanks remaining wholly or partially on the fillet. This significantly increases the subsequent trimming work, i.e., particularly the removal of the flanks or portions thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide an apparatus for removing the various flank bones of a fish, particularly for fish with a prominent ribcage structure such as sea bass, optimizing automated slicing. Another object of this invention is to provide a corresponding slicer and a corresponding method.

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a device having the features mentioned at the beginning, wherein a disengagement device is arranged in the region of the upper bone guide, which is constructed and adapted to at least loosen the bone connection between the individual flanks and at least some of the vertebrae of the individual flanks. With the aid of the disengagement device according to the invention, it is possible, for the first time, to have a preferably selective load acting on the region of the connection between the individual flanks and the vertebrae so as to at least break the flanks. The phrase “at least loosen” should be understood as the permanent bone connection between the flanks and the vertebrae or vertebral bodies being broken, but the flanks not being completely detached from the vertebrae with all remaining connections. Even if there are still residual connections between the flanks and the vertebrae, for example in the form of residual connections of bone material and / or other connective tissue material (such as tissue), the resistance of at least the broken / fractured flanks will be at least partially broken, so that the flanks can be brought to a position suitable for further slicing processes, particularly guided into or through the cutting gap between the separation mechanism and the opposing unit. Loosening does not preclude complete loosening, i.e., detachment. The phrase "at least some of the respective flank bones" indicates that not all flank bones must be partially or completely loosened, but rather that they can be partially or completely loosened. The device according to the invention, in an automated and particularly efficient manner, allows the flank bones to be brought into positions suitable for resection by at least partially loosening each flank bone and guiding the loosened flank bones into their force-bearing positions through the cutting gaps. This means that the fish fillets removed from the flank bones are free of flank bones and / or their remnants, making it possible to significantly reduce subsequent work in the form of trimmed fillets.

[0009] Advantageously, the disengagement device is constructed and adapted to loosen the bone connection between the vertebrae and the vertebrae of the flanks, at least on both sides of the spine, at the head end of the abdominal cavity of the fish to be processed. The flanks are stronger and more rigid in their connection with the vertebrae near the head end and are more pronounced in their curvature. The disengagement device is accordingly constructed and configured to come into unavoidable contact with these flanks, which are located particularly far from the plane defined by the separation mechanism or the opposing facet unit (in which the cutting gap also lies) due to their particularly strong curvature, so as to at least break these flanks and guide them into the cutting gap formed between the separation mechanism and the opposing facet unit.

[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment features that the disengagement device comprises at least two disengagement elements located or arranged on opposite sides of the upper bone guide. The disengagement elements are a simple and effective design for selectively and reliably applying disengagement force to the region where the flank and spine connect, thereby at least loosening the flank. The number, position, and arrangement of the disengagement elements can be varied, as long as unavoidable contact with the bone connection can be established.

[0011] A beneficial improvement is that each detachment element includes a detachment component and a guide component. This is a particularly effective method: ensuring that during flank cutting, i.e., while the flank bones are being removed, the detachment elements at least fracture the flank bones with their detachment components, and then guide the flank bones into a preferred stress position, i.e., pressing them against the opposing unit of the separation unit. This stretches and slightly rotates the at least loosened flank bones so that they lie within the plane defined by the separation mechanism or the opposing unit and can be guided below the separation mechanism, thereby passing through the cutting gap. In this way, even normally rigid and strongly bent flank bones can be guided intact through the cutting gap, resulting in fillets free of flank bones and / or residue.

[0012] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the detachment member is arranged in the opposite direction of the conveying direction T of the fish to be processed, preceding the guide member: the respective flank bones to be loosened first encounter the detachment member to at least loosen the respective flank bones from the spine, and then encounter the guide member to guide at least the loosened flank bones into the cutting gap between the opposing units of the separation mechanism and the separation unit. This configuration ensures that the fish to be processed is inevitably loosened and positioned in the desired stress location as it is conveyed through the equipment.

[0013] Advantageously, the detachment member is configured to be sharp at least in the portion of the detachment edge pointing toward the respective flanks, while the guide member is configured to be blunt at least in the portion forming the guide edge. The sharp detachment edge allows the detachment element to apply selective force to the connection area between the flanks and the spine, such that it is at least reliably broken. Alternatively, planar or linear application of force is also possible. The blunt guide edge effectively ensures that at least the broken flanks are firmly pressed against the inclined surface of the opposing unit and thus guided through the cutting gap below the separation mechanism.

[0014] An advantageous improvement is that the sharp detachment edge extends from the lower edge pointing toward the respective flank bones to a region pointing toward the front edge in a direction opposite to the transport direction T of the fish to be processed. Through the construction and extension of the detachment edge, all flank bones can be reliably "picked up" and guided to the lower edge so that loosening is employed at least at the lower edge due to the increased contact pressure between the detachment element and the flank bones for loosening.

[0015] Preferably, the non-sharp guide edge extends along the lower edge pointing toward the respective flanks, following the extension of the sharp disengagement edge. The non-sharp guide edge also has an extension transverse to the transport direction T to form a guide chamfer. The extension of the guide edge as it extends the disengagement edge can be continuous or offset. The guide chamfer ensures that at least the loosened flanks are pressed into the appropriate / desired stress position, i.e., stretched and slightly rotated on the opposing unit, to guide the flanks through the cutting gap.

[0016] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the lower edge of each detachment element formed by the detachment edge and the guide edge is configured to slope downward in the conveying direction T of the fish to be processed. This reduces the distance between the lower edge of the detachment element and the flank bones during the conveying of the fish to be processed through the device in the conveying direction T, thereby increasing the pressure of the detachment element on the flank bones and causing unavoidable contact, thereby reliably loosening / breaking the flank bones, at least the flank bones at the head end of the abdominal cavity of the fish to be processed.

[0017] Conveniently, each detachable element can be optionally configured as one or more parts, with one-piece construction being preferred for hygiene reasons.

[0018] The disengagement element can be constructed as an independent component. For example, such an independent component can be stationary along the transport path of the fish to be processed, such that the fish inevitably impacts the disengagement element. The disengagement element can also be actively controlled, for example, by moving it from a standby position to a working position and back. For this purpose, the disengagement element can be controlled individually or synchronously. Particularly preferably, the disengagement element or its control system is operatively connected to a detection mechanism for identifying fish-specific data such as the size, position, and curvature of the flank bones, making the disengagement element individually controllable. It is particularly advantageous that each of the at least two disengagement elements is connected to the upper bone guide, providing a particularly simple and compact solution for reliably loosening the flank bones.

[0019] Advantageously, the at least two release elements are fixedly attached to the superbone guide on the side opposite to the guide gap. On one hand, this configuration allows the connection area between the flank and the spine to be as close to the spine as possible to enable effective loosening / fracture. On the other hand, the tight attachment of the release elements to the superbone guide means that the desired fillet will not be damaged, as this prevents collision between the fillet, which has already been detached from the dorsal radix by the dorsal knife, and the release elements.

[0020] Optionally, the attachment of the at least two detachable elements to the upper bone guide is designed to be releasable. For example, this means that these elements can be quickly and easily replaced in the event of wear. However, preferably, the detachable elements are designed to be fixed and integrated with the bone guide, which has a positive impact on cleaning ability and hygiene.

[0021] The objective can also be achieved using the microtome mentioned at the beginning, characterized in that the apparatus for removing the flank bones is constructed according to the description herein. The advantages arising therefrom have been explained in the sections relating to the apparatus for resection, and therefore only those paragraphs are mentioned here to avoid repetition.

[0022] The objective can also be achieved by a method having the steps mentioned at the beginning, characterized in that each of the flank bones is at least partially loosened in the region of its bone connection with the vertebrae before being removed. Loosening at least breaks the permanent bone connection between the flank bone and the vertebrae, thereby destabilizing the bone connection and making it easier to move / guide to the desired stress position. In other words, the method according to the invention even enables the flank bones of fish (such as sea bass) with curved and robust flank bone structures to be moved / rotated to a plane in which, due to loosening, the flank bones can be removed without cutting into them.

[0023] Preferably, the flanks, at least in the region near the head, are loosened on both sides of the spine, and preferably at least broken. These flanks, which are very strong and extend from the spine in the head region around the abdominal cavity in a strongly curved shape, are loosened or broken before the actual resection process and brought to a place / location in which the flanks are adapted to be removed by a cutting gap formed between the opposing units of the separation mechanism and the separation unit.

[0024] Advantageously, a selective load is preferably applied to at least loosen the bone connection between the respective flanks and the spine, thereby separating the permanent connection. The selective application of force in the region of the bone connection ensures a reliable and safe breakage or fracture of the bone connection.

[0025] A preferred improvement is that the selective load on the bone connection increases as the fish to be processed is conveyed in the conveying direction T. This significantly improves reliability and efficiency in the event of loosening, cracking, breakage, and / or fracture, especially in the case of the flank bones located at the head end of the abdominal cavity of the fish to be processed.

[0026] Particularly preferred is that at least the loosened flank bones are rotated and guided into a cutting gap formed between the separating mechanism and the opposing facet unit of the separating unit to remove the flank bones. Due to the loosening and thus loosened or removed rigid bone connections, the loosened flank bones can be compressed in the opposite direction of the conveying direction T, for example, during continuous conveying of the fish to be processed along the conveying direction T, so that the flank bones become flat like a side and lie within the plane defined by the separating mechanism or the opposing facet unit. In other words, the cutting gap is formed in a working position between the flat separating mechanism (e.g., a circular cutter) and the flat opposing facet unit (which can be constructed as one piece or preferably several parts). The plane defined by the separating unit is substantially parallel to the plane defined by the opposing facet unit, only offset by the size of the cutting gap. To form the cutting gap, the plane of the separating mechanism is located above or below the plane of the opposing facet unit, depending on the viewing angle. Therefore, strictly speaking, the flanks are rotated / pressed onto the surface of the opposing unit and guided to a position between the two previously defined planes, i.e., guided into the cutting gap, so as to ensure that all flanks pass through the cutting gap without being damaged.

[0027] Particularly preferred is that the method is implemented using a microcontroller as described herein. Further advantages arising therefrom have been detailed and will not be repeated here. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Further conveniences and / or advantageous features and developments of the apparatus, slicer, and corresponding methods will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. In particular, preferred embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a slicer equipped with a device according to the invention for removing the flank bone.

[0030] Figure 2 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of the device for removing the flank bone according to the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 Before the detached component contacts the ribcage, according to Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the equipment in the transmission direction T, showing the flank and belly portion of a sea bass.

[0032] Figure 4 It is based on Figure 3 A view showing the disengagement device in contact with the flank bones.

[0033] Figure 5 This is an enlarged perspective view of the disengagement device, which is fixed to the superior bone guide.

[0034] Figure 6 This is another embodiment of the disengagement device, configured to be deflectable relative to the superior bone guide, and

[0035] Figure 7 It is based on Figure 5 A front view of the disengagement device. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The illustrated apparatus according to the invention is used to remove the ribs (also referred to below as costal arches) of a headless, slaughtered sea bass, preferably with its abdominal cavity open and being transported tail-forward in the swimming direction. However, the apparatus can also be used to release fillets from the ribs of other fish. It is also possible to use it for fish transported head-forward in the swimming direction. The invention relates to an apparatus for removing the ribs of headless, slaughtered fish whose abdominal cavity is not yet open.

[0037] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the apparatus 10 shown for removing the flank bones 11, for clarity, only one side of the apparatus 10 is shown and described for processing the fish. However, the components described below are located on both sides of the fish 12 to be processed, so that the two fillets of the fish 12 can be detached from the respective flank bones 11 on both sides, preferably simultaneously, but optionally with a delay.

[0038] The device 10 shown in the figure is constructed and adapted to remove the flank bones 11 of a headless, slaughtered fish 12, preferably with the abdominal cavity opened and the fish being transported in the transport direction T with its tail forward and its spine 13 placed on a transport saddle 14. The device 10 includes at least an upper bone guide 15, constructed and adapted to guide the spine 13 from the dorsal side of the fish 12 to be processed; a lower bone guide 16, constructed and adapted to guide the ventral radii 44 of the fish 12 to be processed, which are formed in the region from the tail to the abdominal cavity; and a separation unit 17 for detaching the fish fillets from the flank bones 11 surrounding the abdominal cavity of the fish 12 to be processed. The separation unit 17 includes a separation mechanism 18 having corresponding opposing units 19 and the ability to move from a standby position to a working position and vice versa.

[0039] According to the invention, the device 10 is characterized in that a disengagement device 20 is arranged in the region of the upper bone guide 15, the disengagement device 20 being configured and adapted to at least loosen the bone connections 21 between the respective flank bones 11 and the vertebrae 13 at at least some of the respective flank bones 11.

[0040] The features and improvements described below, whether used alone or in combination, illustrate preferred embodiments. It should be clearly noted that features summarized in the claims and / or description and / or drawings, or features described in common embodiments, can also further improve the above-described device 10 in a functionally independent manner.

[0041] In the embodiment shown by way of example, the disengagement device 20 is configured and adapted to loosen the bone connections 21 between the respective flanks 11 and the spine 13 at least on both sides of the spine 13, near the head region (i.e., at the head end of the abdominal cavity of the fish 12 to be processed). For this purpose, the disengagement device 20 includes at least two disengagement elements 22 and 23, which are disposed or arranged on opposite sides of the upper bone guide 15. The upper bone guide 15 includes at least two guide claws 24 and 25, which are arranged to maintain a distance from each other such that their downward-pointing free ends are configured and adapted to guide the spine 13 from the dorsal side, and the inner sides of the guide claws 24 and 25 face each other, forming sufficient space, the so-called guide gap, to ensure the passage of the dorsal radii 42. Viewed from the ventral side, the spine 13 is guided on the one hand by the transfer saddle 14, and on the other hand, particularly in the region from the abdominal cavity to the tail, by the lower bone guide 16.

[0042] Each disengagement element 22, 23 includes disengagement components 26, 27 and guide components 28, 29. In the illustrated embodiment, the disengagement components 26, 27 are arranged prior to the guide components 28, 29 in the opposite direction of transport T of the fish 12 to be processed: the flank bone 11 to be loosened first encounters the disengagement components 26, 27 to at least loosen the flank bone 11 from the spine 13, and then encounters the guide components 28, 29 to guide the at least loosened flank bone 11 into the cutting gap 39 between the opposing units 19 of the separation mechanism 18 and the separation unit 17. The construction of the disengagement components 26, 27 and the guide components 28, 29 may differ, as may the arrangement and distribution of the disengagement components 26, 27 with their respective associated guide components 28, 29.

[0043] Each disengaging component 26, 27 is configured to be sharp at least in the portion of the disengaging edge 30 pointing toward the flank 11, while each guiding component 28, 29 is configured to be non-sharp at least in the portion forming the guiding edge 31. According to Figure 5 and Figure 6In an exemplary embodiment, the sharp detachment edge 30 extends even from the lower edge 32 pointing toward the flank 11 to the region of the front edge 33 pointing in the opposite direction to the transport direction T of the fish to be processed 12. "Sharp" can mean that the detachment edge 30 is actually extremely sharp. In other embodiments, it is sufficient if the detachment edge 30 is configured such that it extends toward each other in a manner that ensures the fracture of the flank 11.

[0044] The construction of the blunt guide edge 31 and its arrangement or distribution with the disengagement edge 30 can also vary. In the illustrated embodiment, the blunt guide edge 31 extends along the extension of the sharp disengagement edge 30 on the lower edge 32 pointing toward the flank 11, and the blunt guide edge 31 also has an extension transverse to the transport direction T to form a guide chamfer 34. The guide chamfer 34 is a blunt and beveled edge constructed and adapted to press the flank 11, previously loosened at least by the disengagement edge 30, into a desired position. The desired position is described / defined as a position in which the flank 11 is guided by the guide chamfer 34 from its original curvature orientation (see especially...). Figure 3 Incorporating rotation and flattening into the orientation of roughly straight lines (especially see) Figure 4 The ribs 11 are pressed against the opposite face unit 19 by a guide chamfer 34 (which slopes downward transversely to the transport direction T from the disengagement edge 30) until they are substantially in the plane defined by the opposite face unit 19 and below the separation mechanism 18, i.e., in the cutting gap 39.

[0045] The detachment edge 30 and the guide edge 31 are almost merged into each other in the transport direction T. In a preferred embodiment according to the drawings, the lower edge 32 of each detachment element 22, 23 formed by the detachment edge 30 and the guide edge 31 is configured to slope downward in the transport direction T of the fish 12 to be processed. However, preferably, during transport, the flank 11 does not make continuous contact with the lower edge 32 because the guide edge 31 is offset relative to the detachment edge 30 perpendicular to the transport direction T. In other words, the lower edge 32 forms a groove 35 in the transition from the detachment edge 30 to the guide edge 31. Initially, the pressure of the lower edge 32 on the flank 11 is continuously increased by the downwardly sloping detachment edge 30 in the transport direction T until the flank 11 is at least partially broken. Then, the maximum pressure is first removed from the flank 11 by the groove 35 in the lower edge 32, and then increased again on the one hand by the guide edge 31, which is also constructed to be inclined downward along the transmission direction T and obliquely downward transverse to the transmission direction T, and on the other hand, the flank 11 is laterally "folded" by the guide chamfer 34 so that they can be guided straight through the cutting gap.

[0046] The detachment elements 22 and 23 can be constructed as multiple components. However, preferably, the detachment elements 22 and 23 are constructed as a single piece. The thickness of the detachment elements 22 and 23, i.e., particularly their extension transversely to the conveying direction T, is selected to ensure, on the one hand, the loosening / breakage effect, and on the other hand, to prevent damage to the fish 12 to be processed (whose fillets have been partially separated from the skeleton by dorsal and ventral incisions when they arrive at the device 10) by the detachment elements 22 and 23. Optionally, each of the detachment elements 22 and 23 is connected to the upper bone guide 15. Particularly preferably, the detachment elements 22 and 23 are fixedly attached to the upper bone guide 15 on the side opposite to the guide gap pointing to the upper bone guide 15, see in particular Figure 5 Specifically, the release elements 22 and 23 are fixedly attached to the guide claws 24 and 25 forming the upper bone guide 15, pointing outwards from each other. The fixation can be configured to be releasable. Alternatively, the release elements 22 and 23 and the guide claws 24 and 25 are configured as a single unit.

[0047] In embodiments not shown, multiple disengagement elements 22, 23 can also be arranged one after the other on one or both sides of the upper bone guide 15 along the transport direction T. It is also possible to arrange the disengagement elements 22, 23 on a processing device, such as a multi-axis robotic arm or similar device, whose function is matched to the control system of the separation unit 17. Other embodiments of the disengagement elements 22, 23, which are arranged and constructed separately from the upper bone guide 15, can also be used; they can be fixed or movable. Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment is shown, wherein the disengagement device 20 is configured to be movable relative to the upper bone guide 15. For this purpose, the disengagement device 20 is rotatable about a pivot point S relative to the guide claws 24, 25 of the upper bone guide 15. The disengagement device 20 is held in a lower starting position by means of a spring 47 or an active element such as a cylinder. A support 48 restricts downward movement toward the flank 11. Optionally, the disengagement device 20 or its disengagement elements 22, 23 can cooperate with a control system by means of which, particularly when the disengagement elements can be actuated, for example by means of a cylinder, the disengagement elements 22, 23 can be moved from the starting position to the working position and back. Mechanisms for detecting fish-specific data and information can also be connected to the control system; for example, a conveying device for conveying the fish 12 to be processed through the device 10 can also be connected to the control system, thereby ensuring individual or synchronous control of the disengagement elements 22, 23.

[0048] To better understand the device 10 according to the invention, an exemplary configuration of the device 10 is described, particularly with respect to the configuration of the separating unit 17. However, it should be clearly noted that this is only one exemplary option, and the separating unit 17 can also have different designs. By means of the bone guides 15 and 16, the fish 12 to be processed in the area of ​​the separating unit 17, which is normally conveyed to the conveying saddle 14, is held in a defined position in such a way that the fish 12 is in a defined state relative to the separating unit 17. The separating unit 17 includes a separating mechanism 18, to which a corresponding opposing unit 19 is assigned.

[0049] For example, the separation mechanism 18 of device 10 can be configured as a rotating circular blade 36 and can be driven rotatably at a variable speed by a drive device not explicitly shown. Preferably, the opposing unit 19 is configured in two parts, namely having a fixed support element 37 and a retractable support element 38. The fixed support element 37 is configured and adapted to be movable from a standby position to a working position and back together with the circular blade 36; the retractable support element 38 is configured to be movable independently relative to the fixed support element 37, in particular to avoid spring forces. The entire separation unit 17 is always in the standby position. The fixed support element 37 has a defined gap distance to the circular blade 36, which corresponds in size to the cutting gap 39. For example, the size of the gap distance can be from 0.5 mm to 1 mm, but can also be 2 mm or greater.

[0050] In the standby position, the retractable support element 38 is positioned slightly higher than the fixed support element 37. In other words, in the standby position, support elements 37 and 38 define different planes that are parallel and offset, meaning they do not form a common plane. In the direction opposite to the conveying direction T, the retractable support element 38 extends further than the fixed support element 37, such that when the fish 12 to be processed enters, the flank bone 11 will first run onto the retractable support element 38, and, where applicable, will almost rest on top of the retractable support element 38. Once the first flank bone 11, which is ahead in the conveying direction T, reaches the operating area of ​​the circular cutter 36, the separation unit 17 moves upward from the standby position to the working position. First, the circular cutter 36 and the fixed support element 37 associated with the circular cutter 36 move upward together without changing the constant but adjustable gap distance. Once the fixed support element 37 and the retractable support element 38 are on the same horizontal plane, i.e., the two support elements 37 and 38 thus form a common flat surface and a common plane extending parallel to the plane defined by the circular cutter 36, further upward movement of the circular cutter 36 and the fixed support element 37 to the final working position causes the retractable support element 38 to be practically moved by means of a mechanical drive or active control. In the final working position, a cutting gap 39 is formed between the bottom of the circular cutter 36 and the common surface of the two support elements 37, 38. For example, the movement of the circular cutter 36 and the support elements 37, 38 can be linear. However, pivoting movement using a suitable drive is preferred.

[0051] Due to the arrangement and construction of the illustrative separation unit 17, each flank 11 rests on an abductable support element 38 as it enters the area of ​​the device 10, while the belly of the fish fillet (which has been partially removed) extends into the area of ​​the fixed support element 37. The disengagement elements 22, 23 of the disengagement device 20 correspondingly engage with the abductable support element 38. The flank 11 remain on the surface of the support element 38, or come into contact with it by lifting the support element 38, and are subjected to selective pressure applied from above by the disengagement elements 26, 27 until they break / fracture and are then rotated by the guide elements 28, 29 so that they lie flat on the surface of the abductable support element 38. In the event of excessive contact pressure applied to the flank 11 by the disengagement elements 22, 23, the contact pressure can be counteracted or limited by a spring-loaded arrangement / suspension of the abductable support element 38. In an alternative embodiment, an actuation mechanism (not shown) can be provided, constructed and adapted to actively draw away the abductable support element 38. In other words, the pressure on the flank 11 can be controlled and adjusted in a controlled manner by actively actuating the evasively positioned support element 38 with the aid of an actuation mechanism.

[0052] Device 10 can be constructed as a standalone unit. In this case, device 10 itself includes a conveying device with at least one conveying saddle 14. However, particularly preferably, the device 10 described above is a component of slicer 40. Slicer 40 for slicing headless, butchered (preferably with the abdominal cavity opened) fish 12 includes: a back knife 41 for exposing the dorsal radii 42 up to the spine 13; a belly knife 43 for exposing the abdominal radii 44 extending from the tail to the abdominal cavity up to the spine 13; a device 10 for removing the individual flank bones 11; a separating knife 45 for separating the fish fillet from the spine 13 in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the spine 13 by the belly and back knives 41, 43; a ring conveyor 46 for conveying the fish 12 in a tail-first manner; and a plurality of conveying saddles 14 arranged on the conveyor 46 for securely holding the fish 12 into its abdominal cavity. According to the invention, this slicer 40 is characterized in that the device 10 for removing the flank bone 11 is constructed according to the description herein.

[0053] In the case of processing fish 12 whose abdominal cavity has not yet been opened, an additional abdominal knife 43 is used to open the abdominal cavity.

[0054] The following section will provide a more detailed explanation of the particularly important methods, with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0055] The fish 12 to be processed is headless and gutted before being placed on the conveyor saddle 14, so that the fish 12 to be processed preferably also has an open abdominal cavity. The "headless" fish is then pushed onto the conveyor saddle 14 until the stop surface of the conveyor saddle 14 touches the end of the abdominal cavity. The fish 12 placed in this way is preferably conveyed through the slicer 40 with the tail facing forward. Preferably, the individual dorsal radii 42 are removed one after another to the spine 13, the ventral radii 44 are removed to the spine 13, and the individual flank bones 11 are removed so that the fish fillets can be separated from the fish bones 13 in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the fish bones 13 when the dorsal radii 42 and ventral radii 44 were removed.

[0056] According to the invention, the flank 11 is at least partially loosened in the region of its bony connection 21 with the spine 13 before being removed. The flank 11, at least in the region near the head, is loosened on both sides of the spine 13, preferably at least broken. In other words, the fixed and rigid connection between the flank 11 and the spine 13 is loosened or completely separated, such that the flank 11 can be rotated from its curved structure to a flat posture / orientation before the fish 12 to be processed, with the flank 11 attached, reaches the cutting gap 39 of the separating unit 17 to remove the flank 11.

[0057] Preferably, a selective load is applied to loosen the bone connections 21 between the individual flank bones 11 and the spine 13 in order to separate the permanent connections. The selective load on the bone connections 21 preferably increases as the fish 12 to be processed is conveyed in the conveying direction T. After loosening / fracture / breakage, at least the loosened flank bones 11 are rotated and guided into the cutting gap 39 formed between the opposing units 19 of the separation mechanism 18 and the separation unit 17 to remove the loosened flank bones 11.

[0058] The loosening, fracturing, or complete breakage of the flank 11, and the subsequent feeding of the flattened flank 11 into the cutting gap 39, can be performed in a variety of ways. However, it is particularly preferred that the method be carried out using a slicer 40 as described herein.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) configured and adapted to cut off each of the lateral abdominal bones (11) of a fish (12) that has been beheaded, slaughtered, and whose abdominal cavity has been opened, said fish being conveyed in a conveying direction T with its backbone (13) placed on a conveying saddle (14) with the tail in front, said apparatus comprising at least: Upper bone guide (15), configured and adapted to guide the spine (13) from the dorsal side of the fish (12) to be processed; lower bone guide (16), configured and adapted to guide the ventral radii (44) of the fish (12) to be processed, the ventral radii being formed in the region from the tail to the abdominal cavity; and a separation unit (17) for detaching the fish fillet from the respective flank bones (11) surrounding the abdominal cavity of the fish (12) to be processed, wherein the separation unit (17) includes a separation mechanism (18) having corresponding opposing face units (19) and being capable of moving from a standby position to a working position and vice versa, characterized in that a detachment device (20) is located in the region of the upper bone guide (15) and configured and adapted to at least loosen the bone connection (21) between at least some of the respective flank bones (11) and the spine (13); The disengagement device (20) includes at least two disengagement elements (22, 23) which are disposed or arranged on opposite sides of the upper bone guide (15); Each disengagement element (22, 23) includes a disengagement component (26, 27) and a guide component (28, 29).

2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The disengagement device (20) is constructed and adapted to loosen the bone connection (21) between the ribs (11) located at least near the head region, i.e. at the head end of the abdominal cavity of the fish (12) to be processed, and the ribs (13) at least on both sides of the spine (13).

3. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The detachment components (26, 27) are arranged in a direction opposite to the conveying direction T of the fish (12) to be processed, in front of the guide components (28, 29): the respective flank bones (11) to be loosened first encounter the detachment components (26, 27) to at least loosen the respective flank bones (11) from the spine (13), and then encounter the guide components (28, 29) to guide at least the loosened flank bones (11) into the cutting gap (39) between the separating mechanism (18) and the opposing unit (19) of the separating unit (17).

4. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The disengaging components (26, 27) are configured to be sharp at least in the portion of the disengaging edge (30) pointing toward the respective flanks (11), while the guiding components (28, 29) are configured to be non-sharp at least in the portion forming the guiding edge (31).

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sharp detachment edge (30) extends from the lower edge (32) pointing toward the respective flank bones (11) to the area of ​​the front edge (33) pointing in the opposite direction to the conveying direction T of the fish (12) to be processed.

6. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blunt guide edge (31) extends along the extension of the sharp disengagement edge (30) on the lower edge (32) pointing toward the respective flanks (11), wherein the blunt guide edge (31) also has an extension transverse to the transmission direction T to form a guide chamfer (34).

7. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower edge (32) of each detachment element (22, 23) formed by the detachment edge (30) and the guide edge (31) is configured to slope downward in the conveying direction T of the fish (12) to be processed.

8. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each detached element (22, 23) is formed as one or more parts.

9. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least two disengagement elements (22, 23) is connected to the upper bone guide (15).

10. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least two disengagement elements (22, 23) are fixedly attached to the upper bone guide (15) on the side of the guide gap away from the upper bone guide (15).

11. The device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The attachment configuration of the at least two detachment elements (22, 23) to the upper bone guide (15) is releasable.

12. A slicer (40) for slicing headless, slaughtered, and abdominally opened fish (12), comprising: A back knife (41) for exposing the dorsal radii (42) up to the spine (13); a belly knife (43) for exposing the abdominal radii (44) extending from the tail to the abdominal cavity up to the spine (13); a device (10) for removing the respective flank bones (11); a separating knife (45) for separating the fillet from the spine (13) in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the spine (13) by the belly knife and the back knife (43, 41); a ring conveyor (46) for conveying the fish (12) from the tail in front, and a plurality of conveyor saddles (14) arranged on the conveyor (46) for securely loading the fish (12) into the abdominal cavity, characterized in that the device (10) for removing the respective flank bones (11) is constructed according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for slicing a headless, slaughtered, and abdominally opened fish (12) using an apparatus for removing the individual flank bones (11) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, comprising the following steps: -The fish (12) to be processed is conveyed through the slicer (40) at the front end along the conveying direction T. -Remove the dorsal radials (42) down to the spine (13), -Remove the abdominal radii (44) down to the spine (13), -Removal of each of the flank bones (11), and -The fillet is separated from the spine (13) in the tail region by cutting the ligaments left around the spine (13) during the removal of the dorsal radii (42) and the ventral radii (44). The characteristic feature is that each of the flank bones (11) is at least partially loosened in the region of its bone connection (21) with the spine (13) before being removed.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that, At least the flank bone (11) located near the head region is loosened or at least broken on both sides of the spine (13).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, Selective loads are applied to at least loosen the bone connections (21) between the respective flank bones (11) and the spine (13) to separate the permanent connections.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The selective load on the bone connection (21) increases as the fish to be processed (12) is conveyed in the conveying direction T.

17. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, At least the loosened flank bone (11) is rotated and guided into the cutting gap (39) formed between the opposing unit (19) of the separation mechanism (18) and the separation unit (17) to remove the flank bone (11).

18. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that, The method is implemented using a slicer (40) according to claim 12.

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