Fish supply system and method for automatically supplying fish to fish processing equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to a fish supply system, wherein a speed conveyor with a feeding device is provided with a supply arrangement comprising the following components downstream of a bleeding device: a first central conveyor belt for conveying fish in the direction of the speed conveyor from the bleeding device, wherein the first central conveyor belt is provided with a flow scale for determining an adjustable mass throughput of fish flowing from the bleeding device onto the first central conveyor belt; a second central conveyor belt following the first central conveyor belt for conveying fish in the direction of the speed conveyor, wherein the second central conveyor belt is configured and adapted to be speed adjustable; at least two conveyor chains continuously connecting the second central conveyor belt with the feeding device of the speed conveyor for supplying fish, wherein the second central conveyor belt is provided with control flaps for separating fish from the second central conveyor belt to the at least two conveyor chains; and a control device for controlling the aforementioned components.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a fish supply system constructed and adapted for automatically guiding fish, particularly salmon species, in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / hook arrangement to a fish processing device. The fish supply system includes a speed conveyor and at least two feeding devices arranged above the speed conveyor. The speed conveyor is constructed and adapted for transversely conveying the fish to the fish processing device in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / hook arrangement. Each feeding device includes at least one cascaded conveyor for transversely conveying the fish in the axial direction. The cascaded conveyor has at least two containers separated from each other by controllable flaps, wherein each cascaded conveyor has a timing flap for controlled output of fish from the last container preceding the speed conveyor in the conveying direction to the speed conveyor.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for supplying fish, particularly salmon, in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement to a fish processing apparatus, comprising the steps of: arranging the fish in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement; placing the arranged fish in a feeding device upstream of a speed conveyor for transversely and axially conveying the fish; in the feeding device, the fish are conveyed from one container of a cascade conveyor to the next container of the cascade conveyor until they are located in the last container in the conveying direction at a timed flap, by means of which the fish are supplied to the speed conveyor in a controlled manner; and the fish supplied to the speed conveyor are transversely and axially conveyed in the direction of the fish processing apparatus. Background Technology

[0003] Typically, slaughtered and bled fish are processed in fish processing equipment, specifically, eviscerated and sliced. After slaughtering, i.e., stunning and killing the fish, they are counted and transported for bleeding. The number of fish processed in the fish processing equipment is counted, recorded, and monitored, so that the quantity of fish supplied by the equipment can be used as an input parameter for control devices. For example, bleeding or draining blood from slaughtered fish occurs in a spiral tank. The mass throughput of fish is determined, for example, using a flow scale before the spiral tank. Bleeding fish arrive in batches from the spiral tank and are transported to the area of ​​a speed conveyor, where the fish are supplied by the operator, where the mass throughput of fish is determined, for example, by means of a flow scale after the spiral tank, if necessary. By means of control devices, based on the known parameters "number of slaughtered fish" and "mass throughput before and after the spiral tank," a fish supply substantially equal to the throughput capacity of the fish processing equipment can be produced in the area of ​​the speed conveyor. Therefore, fish arrive at the area of ​​the speed conveyor in a capacity-regulated manner.

[0004] Fish processing equipment operates at a high throughput capacity of up to 250 fish per minute, which is why a sufficient and continuous supply of fish must be guaranteed. For this purpose, fish are supplied to the aforementioned or each cascaded fish processing unit using so-called speed conveyors. Currently, fish are supplied to the speed conveyors via a feeding device positioned above them. In the prior art, the feeding device is used to manually supply fish. For this purpose, each feeding device has a worktable onto which fish are guided after bleeding. The operator picks up each fish at the worktable, arranges them in a defined manner, and then guides them into the feeding device. Fish that do not meet the quality standards for automatic gutting are sent to an area where they are manually gutted by the operator. The fish slide laterally downwards in the direction of the speed conveyor via the individual containers of the feeding device or each cascaded conveyor. A timed flap in the last container before the speed conveyor releases the fish at a pre-selected time point by means of a control signal. In other words, each cascaded conveyor ensures a controlled output of fish to the speed conveyor. Cascaded conveyors or controllable flaps and timed flaps communicate with each other and with the speed conveyor used for this purpose.

[0005] The known solutions in the prior art have several drawbacks. In these solutions, the fish need to be handled and evaluated by the operator after bleeding before being manually fed to or separated from the speed conveyor. Firstly, the known solutions require a very high level of manpower. Operators must perform strenuous physical labor, as up to 250 fish per minute must be fed to the speed conveyor. Besides simply placing the fish in the feeding device (the operator can only place a maximum of 20 to 30 fish per minute), the operator must assess the quality of the fish on the one hand, and separate and properly arrange them, i.e., with defined head / tail and defined pitch / hook arrangements. Secondly, there is a lack of feedback between the speed conveyor's capacity requirements and the capacity provided after bleeding, which will not result in continuous and maximum feed / filling of the speed conveyor. The interrupted supply flow of fish from the bleeding device to the speed conveyor means the loss of important information related to capacity regulation. Due to supply disruptions on one hand and operator interference with the process on the other, known solutions also lack the necessary process monitoring and process safety, thus failing to ensure a continuous and adequate supply to the speed conveyor and gapless filling of the speed conveyor. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the present invention addresses the problem of providing a fully automated and reliable fish supply system for a gapless filling speed conveyor supply process. This problem also includes a proposed corresponding method.

[0007] This problem is solved by the fish supply system of the type described above, wherein a speed conveyor with a feeding device is configured with a supply device comprising the following components originating from a bleeding device: a first central conveyor belt for conveying fish from the bleeding device in the direction of the speed conveyor, wherein the first central conveyor belt is equipped with a flow scale for determining the adjusted mass throughput of fish flowing from the bleeding device to the first central conveyor belt; a second central conveyor belt following the first central conveyor belt for conveying fish in the direction of the speed conveyor, wherein the second central conveyor belt is constructed and adapted to be speed adjustable; at least two conveyor chains continuously connecting the second central conveyor belt to the feeding device of the speed conveyor to supply fish, wherein the second central conveyor belt is equipped with a control flap for separating fish from the second central conveyor belt to the at least two conveyor chains; and a control device connected, in a controllable manner, at least to the first central conveyor belt and the flow scale, the second central conveyor belt and the control flap, the conveyor chains, and the speed conveyor and the feeding device to supply fish to the speed conveyor.

[0008] The fish supply system according to the invention enables the connection of a bleeding device to the aforementioned or any fish processing equipment (i.e., particularly one or more devices for removing fish viscera), allowing for fish supply without the need for an operator initially. Preferably, two or more such fish processing devices are arranged along the speed conveyor, with the fish processing devices terminating at one speed conveyor to be supplied with fish. The continuous fish supply system from the bleeding device to the speed conveyor removes a considerable burden from the operator, reduces sources of error when filling the speed conveyor, and allows for continuous process monitoring, thereby increasing process safety. The connection between the second central conveyor belt and the speed conveyor having at least two conveyor chains allows for adjustable supply according to the required capacity. The continuous and automatic supply of fish ensures seamless and optimal supply of fish to the speed conveyor while maximizing fish filling. The fact that the control device is connected to the input-side components of the fish supply system (i.e., the first central conveyor belt and flow scale, and the second central conveyor belt and control flap) and the output-side components of the fish supply system (i.e., the speed conveyor and feeding device) allows for the establishment of relationships or connections between signal input parameters (i.e., in particular the number of fish and the actual mass throughput supplied) and signal output parameters (i.e., in particular the total output of the speed conveyor), ensuring gapless and capacity-optimized filling of the speed conveyor.

[0009] The first central conveyor belt is configured and adapted to receive fish from the bleeding device. The first and second central conveyor belts can also be configured as a common and continuous conveyor belt or as separate conveyor belts. The plant layout is crucial to the invention, in which each conveyor is connected to the bleeding device via a continuous and seamless fish supply system, and is also configured and adapted to record and process signal parameters from the processing steps determined by the bleeding device, such as the number of fish supplied. Control devices for the fish supply system are correspondingly configured and adapted.

[0010] Another particularly preferred improvement is that each conveyor chain includes: at least one ascending conveyor following a second central conveyor belt for separating and transversely conveying the fish axially; a chute following the ascending conveyor for tidying the fish; a first belt conveyor following the chute for longitudinally conveying the fish axially; at least one processing device disposed above the first belt conveyor, configured and adapted to receive the fish from the first belt conveyor and release the fish head-first to at least one second belt conveyor; and the second belt conveyor, following the first belt conveyor for longitudinally conveying the fish head-first, is assigned a method for conveying the fish... A deflector from the second belt conveyor to the cascade conveyor; followed by the cascade conveyor for transversely axially conveying the fish, having at least two containers separated from each other by controllable flaps, wherein the cascade conveyor has a timed flap in at least the last container in the conveying direction; followed by a third belt conveyor for longitudinally axially conveying the fish head-on to the deflector station, the deflector station being configured for performing pitch / hing correction on the third or each third belt conveyor; and a processing device arranged above each third belt conveyor for transversely axially conveying the fish from the third belt conveyor to one of the at least two feeding devices. Other active or passive conveying mechanisms with the same function can also be used instead of belt conveyors and chutes. This design ensures a safe supply of fish from the bleeding device to the speed conveyor for a specific process, thereby enabling a maximum and continuous supply of fish to the fish processing equipment following the speed conveyor.

[0011] The control device advantageously includes a program component configured and adapted to adjust the capacity of the conveyor chain to match the capacity of the speed conveyor. Through its programming, the control device ensures that the signal parameters generated by the fish supply device and / or all driven components are communicatively connected to each other, thereby enabling controllable coordination between the components in a way that achieves a connection between the overall utilization of the speed conveyor on the one hand and the mass throughput of the conveyor chain on the other. In other words, all input signal parameters, i.e., the determined or available number of fish and / or the determined mass throughput of fish processed, are processed to control the individual components. This results in gapless and capacity-optimized filling of the speed conveyor.

[0012] The speed conveyor is advantageously a circumferentially driven annular conveyor and includes multiple slots for receiving fish, each slot being constructed and adapted to transport fish to a longitudinal conveyor located below the multiple slots, wherein the longitudinal conveyor is constructed and adapted to transport fish longitudinally in the axial direction, tail first. The speed conveyor itself includes multiple slots or receiving elements, each configured to receive one fish. The multiple slots / receiving elements themselves can be tilted to allow fish to slide from the multiple slots / receiving elements onto the longitudinal conveyor belt. However, the multiple slots / receiving elements may have flaps or the like in the area of ​​the base plate to allow fish to be supplied to the longitudinal conveyor located below.

[0013] Advantageously, a scale for determining the actual mass of the fish to be conveyed is arranged between the second central conveyor belt and the ascending conveyor of each conveyor chain, before the ascending conveyor. The scale can be configured onto a chute, similar to a watering hole, or it can itself be constructed, for example, as a flow scale. The scale, or a conveying element including the scale, conveys the fish from the second central conveyor belt to the take-up area of ​​the ascending conveyor. The weight of the fish supplied / introduced is determined as the actual quantity for each conveyor chain with a scale. This enables more accurate and capacity-optimized distribution and supply of fish to the speed conveyor.

[0014] Another preferred improvement is that each ascending conveyor is constructed and adapted as a circumferentially driven trough conveyor, and a detection mechanism for detecting the occupancy of the individual troughs of the ascending conveyor is configured for each ascending conveyor in the conveyor chain. The ascending conveyor can be a simple circumferentially driven conveyor belt with separating links for forming the individual troughs / containers. The ascending conveyor can also be formed from multiple individual containers connected to each other as a type of trough conveyor chain. Cameras are arranged, for example, above the ascending conveyor as detection mechanisms, for example, to detect double occupancy or vacancy of the troughs / containers. However, other detection mechanisms, as well as their number and arrangement, can also be used. Individual monitoring of each ascending conveyor and its troughs / containers enables process monitoring and optimized fish supply in the direction of the speed conveyor. The detection mechanisms provide additional signal parameters that can be recorded and processed by the control device for finer and more precise adaptation to capacity control.

[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that each ascending conveyor includes an upwardly extending upward section for individually conveying fish located in the respective slots and a downwardly extending downward section for returning to empty slots, and the upper end of the ascending conveyor is located in a turning area between the upward and downward sections, the ascending conveyor being constructed and adapted for supplying fish. In the lower feeder area, fish are removed or picked up from a second central conveyor belt or scale and conveyed diagonally upward by means of the upward section to the upper output area.

[0016] Advantageously, each ascender conveyor is provided with a housing in the turning area from the ascending section to the descending section. The housing is constructed and adapted to guide and hold the fish in the respective slots, wherein the housing has at least one controlled flap on the side facing the descending section above the conveyor mechanism downstream of the ascender conveyor for suspending and releasing the fish from the ascender conveyor. The housing describes any type of open or closed guide that ensures the fish are held in the slots during the transfer from the ascending section to the descending section, thus ensuring suspended output above the conveyor mechanism downstream of the ascender conveyor. The suspended output of the fish by means of the controlled flap or the like ensures that the fish are output or sent to the downstream conveyor mechanism in a controlled and targeted manner. The output also facilitates and supports the separation and tidying of the fish. The downstream conveyor mechanism can be a chute for tidying the fish. However, the downstream conveyor mechanism can also be a conveyor belt combined with a chute, which conveys the fish to the chute. The chute can also optionally be converted into a conveyor belt with guide plates arranged in a fan-shaped or similar shape to further support the tidying and separation of the fish. The rectification describes the preferred multi-track output across the width of the downstream conveyor mechanism. Since the fish can be conveyed forward individually and at intervals from each other, this provides conditions for improved process monitoring.

[0017] Advantageously, each first belt conveyor in each conveyor chain is equipped with at least one detection mechanism for detecting the position and orientation of the fish on the belt conveyor. Preferably, a camera is arranged above the first belt conveyor to capture images, and the position of the fish on the conveyor belt is detected by means of a control device, particularly detecting the head / tail alignment and pitch alignment of the fish. Other detection mechanisms can also be used. It is also possible to use multiple detection mechanisms arranged transversely and longitudinally to the conveying direction of the first central conveyor belt. Knowing the position and alignment of the fish on the conveyor belt further simplifies or improves, on the one hand, further automation, and on the other hand, process safety.

[0018] Another particularly advantageous improvement is that the processing device for creating an operative connection with the fish can be placed on the fish from above and is configured and adapted to arrange, pull, and slide the fish from the first belt conveyor onto said or each of the second belt conveyors. Of course, the processing device can also be configured in other ways, as long as it is configured and adapted to remove the fish from the first belt conveyor and supply or transfer the fish to the second belt conveyor in a defined head / tail arrangement, preferably head-first. The processing device preferably includes a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism is disposed on a linear guide and is linearly movable, i.e., transverse to and perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first belt conveyor. Furthermore, the clamping mechanism can also be rotatably configured on the linear guide, wherein the motion and degrees of freedom can also be configured to overlap. The clamping mechanism can apply force to the fish from above, and then pull the fish to slide and slide away from the first belt conveyor and arrange it head-first. Based on signal parameters and information regarding the fish's position and arrangement on the first belt conveyor, the fish are preferably gripped in the region of the center of gravity by means of a processing device. The gripping also includes the application of a force vertically above the fish. The fish, held in this manner, is then pulled to slide / slide off the first belt conveyor and rotates or turns about a rotation axis perpendicular to the belt conveyor, thereby ensuring head-first supply to the second belt conveyor. However, the processing device can also be a multi-dimensionally movable robotic arm, which, for example, includes suction pads for sucking, lifting, arranging, and moving the fish to a defined output position on the second belt conveyor. Other structures for arranging fish and transferring them from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyor can also be used.

[0019] Advantageously, the first belt conveyor and each of the second belt conveyors are connected to each other via chutes. Fish can be removed from the first belt conveyor, arranged, and placed directly onto the second belt conveyor. Alternatively, a vertical force can be applied to the fish from above, allowing them to be pulled from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyor via the chutes. Here, the chutes simplify the transition between the two belt conveyors.

[0020] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one detection mechanism is configured along the conveying direction, behind the turning station and in front of the feeding device, for the third belt conveyor. This detection mechanism is constructed and adapted to evaluate different quality standards. For this purpose, at least one camera is positioned above the third belt conveyor. Preferably, multiple cameras are positioned at different locations to record fish flowing past from multiple perspectives and evaluate them according to different quality standards. Thus, additional signal parameters are detected, which can be recorded by a control device and used for optimized process control. Fish that do not meet the quality standards for further processing, particularly those that have been automatically gutted, can be automatically separated onto a workbench, for example, for manual gutting. Fish suitable for further processing are then supplied to the corresponding feeding device via a processing device. The processing device is constructed and adapted to pull fish from the third belt conveyor and supply them to the feeding device, which firstly functions as a storage device and secondly ensures that the fish are controlled and output to the empty trough of the speed conveyor via a timed flipper. The processing device can be, for example, a simple rake by which fish can be pulled from the third belt conveyor. Fish unsuitable for further processing will be processed and can then be discharged. Other structures, such as robotic arms or similar devices, can also be used.

[0021] In another advantageous improvement, a fourth belt conveyor is arranged flush with the third belt conveyor in the conveying direction, wherein the detection mechanism is located in the transition zone from the third belt conveyor to the fourth belt conveyor, and the fourth belt conveyor is configured to convey the fish laterally to the processing device of the feeding device.

[0022] Preferably, the first central conveyor belt and the second central conveyor belt are arranged substantially at right angles. This firstly results in a space-saving layout. Secondly, it simplifies the transfer from a belt conveyor on which the mass throughput is measured to a belt conveyor configured for speed regulation.

[0023] This problem is also solved by a method of the type described above, wherein the fish are conveyed from the bleeding device to the feeding device of the speed conveyor by means of a supply device, wherein the fish are continuously and automatically conveyed to the speed conveyor from the bleeding device, and the adjusted mass throughput of the fish is determined, and the fish are conveyed in a speed-regulated manner and distributed in a controlled manner to multiple conveyor chains, wherein the supply device is controlled at the speed conveyor according to the required capacity. The speed conveyor is also actually controlled by the feeding device. However, the capacity of the speed conveyor is determined by the capacity requirements of one or more downstream fish processing devices, which are also equal to the capacity requirements of the speed conveyor. In other words, the necessary supply capacity of the speed conveyor (the specific number of fish per minute) is specified, and the supply device must supply that capacity to the feeding device. This invention allows for such capacity regulation and optimized automatic supply of fish. The automatic control of the supply device adjusts the capacity of the conveyor chains to the capacity of the speed conveyor.

[0024] Another preferred improvement is that the fish are transferred from the bleeding device to each ascending conveyor by means of a first central conveyor belt and a second central conveyor belt, wherein the mass throughput of the fish is determined along the first central conveyor belt and the conveying speed of the second central conveyor belt is adjusted.

[0025] Along each conveyor chain, the fish are initially automatically separated, then sorted, then arranged head-to-tail, then head-first, then pitch-up, and subsequently supplied to the feeding device. All these processing steps are automated, firstly reducing the operator's workload, and secondly improving the accuracy and reproducibility of gapless filling. Separation occurs on each conveyor chain as the fish flow in batches and unsorted toward the supply unit behind the bleeding device. Sorting is the final step of distributing the separated fish onto several paths, such that the fish are spaced apart from each other in both the longitudinal and lateral directions.

[0026] Advantageously, before the fish are conveyed laterally in the axial direction into the feeding device, they are initially conveyed laterally in the axial direction along each conveyor chain, then longitudinally in the axial direction, then rotated about a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal arrangement of the fish and perpendicular to the transport plane arrangement, then initially conveyed longitudinally in the axial direction again, then laterally in the axial direction, and then longitudinally in the axial direction again. The “repositioning” or conveying of the fish in different arrangements allows for an optimal arrangement of the corresponding functionality for each individual process step with respect to the utilization of the corresponding conveying medium or performed on the corresponding conveying medium.

[0027] Another preferred improvement is that, during the lateral transport of fish in the ascending conveyor, a first detection is performed along each conveyor chain to detect the occupancy of the conveyor chain. The detection mechanism provides information on over- or under-occupancy of the ascending conveyor, enabling the adjustment of the fish supply to the ascending conveyor if necessary. This information can also be used for the regulated allocation of fish to the conveyor chain and for the continuous and maximum supply of fish to the speed conveyor.

[0028] Preferably, during the longitudinal transport of the fish on the belt conveyor, a second detection is performed along each conveyor chain to detect the position of the fish and the head / tail arrangement of each conveyor chain. This information helps in the final and accurate arrangement of the fish and can also be used for the adjusted distribution of fish on portions of the conveyor chain and for the continuous and maximum supply of fish to the speed conveyor.

[0029] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that, during the longitudinal transport of the fish on the belt conveyor, a third inspection is performed along each conveyor chain to evaluate different quality standards. This inspection allows fish that meet the standards for automated further processing, particularly automated evisceration, to be automatically allocated to the feeding equipment, while fish that do not meet these standards are automatically separated and, for example, supplied to a workbench for manual post-processing.

[0030] Advantageously, the actual mass of the fish is determined along each conveyor chain before the fish are received by the ascending conveyor. The supply of fish can be regulated by means of the conveying speed of the conveyor mechanism and the control or adjustment of the distribution of fish to multiple conveyor chains, based on the total information—that is, the number of fish after slaughter, the mass throughput of fish after bleeding, and the actual mass on each conveyor chain—in order to ensure maximum and seamless filling of the speed conveyor.

[0031] Advantageously, on the first belt conveyor, a force is applied from above to arrange the fish in a final head / tail arrangement, and then the fish are pulled from the first belt conveyor onto the second belt conveyor, wherein the fish are arranged head-first. This creates a simple and precise possibility for moving the fish from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyor and achieving the final head / tail arrangement.

[0032] Advantageously, following this head / tail arrangement, the fish also eventually arrange themselves in a forward / backward orientation.

[0033] This method is particularly preferably implemented using the fish supply system described herein.

[0034] The resulting advantages have been described in conjunction with the supply system, which is why we refer to the relevant paragraphs; accordingly, to avoid repetition, these advantages also apply to this method. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Other advantageous and / or beneficial features and improvements of the fish supply system and the method for automatically supplying fish to one or more fish processing devices are derived from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the fish supply system and method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 A perspective view shows a schematic diagram of the overall layout of the fish supply system according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 A detailed view of the transition from the second central conveyor belt to the ascending conveyor is shown.

[0038] Figure 3 A detailed view of the turning area from the ascending section to the descending section of the ascending conveyor is shown.

[0039] Figure 4 A detailed view of the first belt conveyor with a detection mechanism is shown.

[0040] Figure 5 A detailed view of the first belt conveyor with processing equipment is shown.

[0041] Figure 6 A detailed view is shown illustrating the transition from the second belt conveyor to the third belt conveyor via a cascaded conveyor system.

[0042] Figure 7 A detailed view of a third belt conveyor with a detection mechanism and processing equipment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The fish supply system shown in the diagram is used to feed slaughtered and bled salmon to a speed conveyor, which in turn supplies salmon to several fish processing devices. The fish supply system can also be used to connect other processing machines and equipment, and is also suitable for other types of fish.

[0044] The present invention relates to a fish supply system 10 configured and adapted to automatically supply fish 100, particularly salmon, in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement to a fish processing apparatus 65, comprising: a speed conveyor 11 configured and adapted to convey the fish 100 laterally to the fish processing apparatus 65 in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement; and at least two feeding devices 12 arranged above the speed conveyor 11, each feeding device comprising at least one first cascade conveyor 13 for laterally to conveying the fish 100, having at least two first containers 15 separated from each other by two first controllable flaps 14, wherein each first cascade conveyor 13 has at least one first timing flap 16 for controlled output of the fish 100 in at least the last first container 15 preceding the speed conveyor 11 in the conveying direction.

[0045] According to the present invention, the fish supply system 10 is characterized in that a supply device 17 is configured for a speed conveyor 11 having a feeding device 12, the supply device comprising the following components beginning with a bleeding device: a first central conveyor belt 18 for conveying fish 100 from the bleeding device in the direction of the speed conveyor 11, wherein a flow scale for determining the adjusted mass throughput of the fish 100 conveyed from the bleeding device to the first central conveyor belt 18 is configured for the first central conveyor belt 18; followed by a second central conveyor belt 19 for conveying fish 100 in the direction of the speed conveyor 11, wherein the second central conveyor belt 19 constitutes a... The system is designed and adapted to be speed-adjustable; at least two conveyor chains 20, 21, 23 continuously connect the second central conveyor belt 19 to the feeding device 12 of the speed conveyor 11 to supply fish 100, wherein a control flap 22 for separating fish 100 from the second central conveyor belt 19 to at least two conveyor chains 20, 21 is configured to the second central conveyor belt 19; and a control device 44 is connected in a controllable manner to at least the first central conveyor belt 18 and the flow scale, the second central conveyor belt 19 and the control flap 22, the conveyor chains 20, 21 and the speed conveyor 11 and the feeding device 12 to supply fish 100 to the speed conveyor 11.

[0046] The features and further improvements described below, individually or in combination with each other, constitute preferred embodiments. In particular, features summarized in the claims and / or description and / or drawings, or described in common embodiments, can also independently further improve the above-described fish supply system 10 in function.

[0047] The first central conveyor belt 18 and the second central conveyor belt 19 are arranged substantially at right angles. The first central conveyor belt 18 and the second central conveyor belt 19 can also be arranged at any other angle to each other, particularly flush. The speed conveyor 11 is a transverse conveyor configured transversely to the head / tail arrangement of the fish 100 to transport them. The orientation of the fish 100 relative to their head / tail arrangement can be arbitrary in principle, but the fish 100 are preferably oriented such that their tails come first when transported behind the speed conveyor 11. The illustrated embodiment has a third conveyor belt 23 in addition to the two conveyor belts 20 and 21. Three or more conveyor belts 20, 21, and 23 are constructed similarly, which is why only one of the conveyor belts 20, 21, and 23 is described in more detail below by way of example. The other conveyor belts 23, 21, and 20 are constructed similarly. Each conveyor belt 20, 21, and 23 is equipped with a feed device 12E. Each feeding device 12 includes at least one first cascaded conveyor 13 having a plurality of first containers 15 separated from each other by first controllable flaps 14. In two first containers 15, at least one first controllable flap 14 is a controllable storage flap element. The last first controllable flap 14 preceding the speed conveyor 11 in the conveying direction is a controllably movable first timing flap 16.

[0048] To continuously and seamlessly connect the second central conveyor belt 19 with the feeding device 12, each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 includes: at least one ascending conveyor 24 following the second central conveyor belt 19 for separating and transversely axially conveying the fish 100; a first chute 25 following the ascending conveyor 24 for straightening the fish 100; a first belt conveyor 26 following the first chute 25 for longitudinally conveying the fish 100; at least one processing device 127 disposed above the first belt conveyor 26, configured and adapted to remove the fish 100 from the first belt conveyor 26 and release the fish 100 head-first onto at least one second belt conveyor 28; and said or any second belt conveyor 28 following the first belt conveyor 26 for longitudinally axially conveying the fish 100 head-first, configured to... A steering unit 29 is provided for turning the fish 100 from the second belt conveyor 28 to the second cascade conveyor 30; followed by the second belt conveyor 28 for transversely axially conveying the fish 100, the second cascade conveyor 30 having at least two second containers 32 separated from each other by second controllable flaps 31, wherein the second cascade conveyor 30 has at least one second timing flap 33 in the last container in the conveying direction; followed by the second cascade conveyor 30 for longitudinally axially conveying the fish 100 head-first; a steering station 35 configured for correcting pitch / bow alignment of the third belt conveyor 34; and a processing device 36 arranged above the third belt conveyor 34 for transversely axially conveying one of the various feeding devices 12 from the third belt conveyor 34. The ascending conveyor 24, the first belt conveyor 26, each of the processing devices 127, the second belt conveyor 28, the second cascaded conveyor 30 with the second timing flap 33, the third belt conveyor 34, and each of the processing devices 36 are preferably connected to the control device 44 so as to enable centralized collection and / or processing and / or control of data and / or information from the components.

[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, two processing devices I 27, 37 are arranged one behind the other along the conveying direction to the first belt conveyor 26 such that a portion of the product stream formed by the fish 100 and located on the first belt conveyor 26 is taken away by the first processing device I 27, while the remaining portion of the product stream is taken away by the second processing device I 37. Therefore, the product stream, or each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23, is divided into two sub-chains 20.1, 20.2; 21.1, 21.2; 23.1, 23.2, respectively, such that each sub-chain 20.1, 20.2; 21.1, 21.2; 23.1, 23.2 is supplied to a feed device 12. The constituent parts of each sub-chain 20.1, 20.2; 21.1, 21.2; 23.1, 23.2 are preferably structurally identical. For this purpose, a second belt conveyor 28, 38 is provided after each processing device I 27, 37, which supplies individual second cascade conveyors 30, 40 via deflectors 29, 39. Each deflector 29, 39 may be a simple, fixed-position deflector plate. However, each deflector 29, 39 may also optionally be a controlled deflector flap. Following the second belt conveyors 28, 38, each second cascade conveyor 30, 40 is preferably constructed according to the first cascade conveyor 13 of the feed device 12. Each second cascade conveyor 30, 40 is followed by a third belt conveyor 34, 41, having its own deflector station 35, 42 and its own processing device II 36, 43, configured to release the fish 100 to the individual feed device 12.

[0050] The control device 44, to which all components of the fish supply system 10 are preferably connected, includes a program component configured and adapted to adjust the capacity of the conveyor chains 20, 21, 23 to the capacity of the speed conveyor 11. All information supplied to the control device 44, particularly in the form of control signals (including information about the quantity of fish supplied, mass throughput, and the capacity of both the speed conveyor 11 and all conveyor chains 20, 21, 23), is processed by the control device 44 and correlated and / or connected to each other in order to control the fish supply system 10 with respect to the maximum and gapless filling of the speed conveyor 11.

[0051] The speed conveyor 11, acting as a transverse conveyor, is a circumferentially driven annular conveyor and includes multiple troughs 45 for individually receiving fish. Each trough 45 is configured and adapted to deliver fish 100 to a longitudinal conveyor 46 located below the trough 45. The longitudinal conveyor 46 is configured and adapted to transport the fish 100 longitudinally, tail-first, in an axial direction. The troughs 45 are loaded with fish 100 in an ascending section 47 of the speed conveyor 11. The troughs 45 return empty in a descending section 48. The longitudinal conveyor 46 is preferably positioned between the ascending section 47 and the descending section 48 to receive fish 100 that have slid out of the troughs 45. To release the fish 100 to the longitudinal conveyor 46, the troughs 45 have a movable bottom plate, such that the bottom plate or a portion thereof can be controlled like a flap from a closed position to a released position and then back again.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, a scale (not explicitly shown) for determining the actual mass of the fish 100 to be conveyed is arranged between the second central conveyor belt 19 and the ascending conveyor 24 of each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23, prior to the ascending conveyor 24. Preferably, the scale is integrated into a chute 49, which ensures a smooth transfer of the fish 100 from the second central conveyor belt 19 to the ascending conveyor 24. Each ascending conveyor 24 is constructed as a circumferentially driven trough conveyor, and a detection mechanism for detecting the occupancy of the trough of the ascending conveyor is configured for each ascending conveyor 24 of each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23. The first detection mechanism 50 may be a simple camera arranged above the ascending section of the trough conveyor at the entrance. Of course, the number of cameras or any other suitable first detection mechanisms 50 and their placement can vary. The first detection mechanism 50 is preferably connected to a control device 44 so that data and / or information from the first detection mechanism 50 can be centrally collected and processed. The ascender conveyor 24 itself can also be operatively connected to the control-change device 44 to enable control of the ascender conveyor 24. Each or every ascender conveyor 24 includes not only an upwardly extending ascending section for individually conveying fish 100 located in the tank, but also a downwardly extending descending section for returning to an empty tank. At the upper end of the ascender conveyor 24, the ascender conveyor is constructed and adapted to send fish 100 in a turning area 51 from the ascending section to the descending section.

[0053] Each ascending conveyor 24 is configured with a housing 52 in a turning area 51 from the ascending section to the descending section. This housing 52 is constructed and adapted to guide and hold the fish 100 in the slots. The housing 52 has at least one controlled flap 53 on the ascending section-facing side above a conveyor mechanism downstream of the ascending conveyor 24 for releasing the fish 100 from the ascending conveyor 24. Simply put, the turning area describes a U-shaped turn to form a horizontally arranged output area 54 such that several slots of the ascending conveyor 24 are located above the subsequent conveyor mechanism. This ensures the staggered output of the fish 100 in the width and / or length directions of the subsequent conveyor mechanism. Each controlled flap 53 is preferably connected to a control device 44 to enable control of the flap 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the subsequent conveyor mechanism is a circumferentially driven belt conveyor 55, by which the fish 100 can be conveyed to the first chute 25. The first chute 25 has several paths, channels, or similar structures distributed across its width in such a way that the fish 100 can be conveyed in several tracks adjacent to each other in the direction of the first belt conveyor 26. In the illustrated embodiment, exemplary following the first chute 25 is a belt conveyor 66 having guide plates 67 arranged in a fan shape across its width, by means of which the fish 100 is guided onto the first belt conveyor 26. The belt conveyor 55 and the first belt conveyor 26 are preferably connected to a control device 44 to enable control of both.

[0054] Each of the first belt conveyors 26 in each of the conveyor chains 20, 21, and 23 is equipped with at least one second detection mechanism 56 for detecting the position of the fish 100 on the first belt conveyor 26 and for detecting the orientation of the fish 100 on the belt conveyor. The second detection mechanism 56 may be a simple camera arranged above the first belt conveyor 26 at the entrance. Of course, the number of cameras or any other suitable second detection mechanisms 56 and their arrangement can vary. Much like the first belt conveyor 26, each of the second detection mechanisms 56 is preferably connected to a control device 44 to enable centralized collection and processing of data and / or information from the first detection mechanisms 50 and control of the first belt conveyor 26.

[0055] The processing devices I 27, 37 configured for the first belt conveyor 26 are constructed and adapted to establish an operational connection with the fish by being positioned above it, and to arrange and pull the sliding fish 100 from the first belt conveyor 26 to the second belt conveyor 38. Each processing device I 27, 37 has a linear guide 57 on which a movable cartridge 58 is arranged. The cartridge 58 is movable transversely to the conveying direction of the first belt conveyor 26 along the linear guide 57. The linear guide 57 or preferably the cartridge 58 is also configured to be movable perpendicular to the first belt conveyor 26. A gripping head 59 is arranged on the cartridge 58 as a gripping mechanism and is rotatably mounted on the cartridge 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping head 59 includes several, preferably four, retaining blades constructed and adapted to abut against the fish 100 lying flat on one side. Each of the processing devices I 27, 37 is preferably connected to the control device 44 so as to enable control of the processing devices I 27, 37. The fish 100 can be pulled directly from the first belt conveyor 26 onto the second belt conveyors 28, 38 by means of gripping heads 59 and arranged head-first in this manner. In this specific embodiment, the first belt conveyor 26 and the second belt conveyors 28, 38 are connected to each other via a second slide 60. Therefore, a defined head / tail arrangement of the fish 100 occurs in the transition region between the first belt conveyor 26 and the second belt conveyors 28, 38. Each of the second belt conveyors 28, 38 is preferably connected to the control device 44 so as to enable control of the second belt conveyor 28, 38.

[0056] In addition to turning stations 35 and 42, at least one third inspection device 61 or 62 is configured for the third belt conveyor 34 or 41 after the turning stations 35 and 42 and before the feed device 12. This inspection device is constructed and adapted for evaluating different quality standards. The third inspection devices 61 or 62 are configured as camera stations with four cameras. Of course, the number of cameras or any other suitable third inspection devices 61 or 62, and their placement, can vary. Each of the third inspection devices 61 or 62 is connected to a control device 44 to enable centralized collection and processing of data and / or information from the third inspection devices 61 or 62. The third belt conveyors 34 or 41 can be continuously constructed up to the feed device 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the third belt conveyors 34, 41 are divided in such a way that the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64 are arranged flush with the third belt conveyors 34, 41 in the conveying direction. The third detection devices 61, 62 are arranged in the transition zone from the third belt conveyors 34, 41 to the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64, and the processing devices II 36, 43 for conveying the fish 100 laterally to the axial direction to the feeding device 12 are arranged on the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64. Each of the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64 is preferably connected to a control device 44 to enable control of the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64.

[0057] The fish supply system 10 can also be divided into more than three conveyor chains 20, 21, 23, and / or each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 can be divided into more than two sub-chains 20.1, 20.2; 21.1, 21.2; 23.1, 23.2.

[0058] The method will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The method is for supplying fish 100, particularly salmon, in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement to at least one fish processing device 65, and is accordingly suitable. The method includes the steps of: arranging the fish 100 in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement; placing the arranged fish 100 in a feed device 12 upstream of a speed conveyor 11 for transversely axially conveying the fish 100, wherein, in the feed device 12, the fish 100 are conveyed from a first container 15 of a first cascade conveyor 13 to the next first container 15 of the first cascade conveyor 13 until they are located in the last first container 15 in the conveying direction at a first timing flap 16, by means of which the fish 100 are supplied to the speed conveyor 11 in a controlled manner; and transversely axially conveying the fish 100 supplied to the speed conveyor 11 in the direction of said or each fish processing device 65. The speed conveyor 11 preferably supplies four fish processing devices 65.

[0059] According to the present invention, the method is characterized in that fish 100 are conveyed from a bleeding device to a feeding device 12 of a speed conveyor 11 by means of a supply device 17, wherein fish 100 are continuously and automatically conveyed to the speed conveyor 11 from the bleeding device, and the adjusted mass throughput of fish 100 is determined, fish 100 are conveyed in a speed-regulated manner and distributed in a controlled manner on a plurality of conveyor chains 20, 21, 23, wherein the supply device 17 is controlled at the speed conveyor 11 according to the required capacity.

[0060] Fish 100 are stunned and subsequently killed. During this process, the number of fish 100 is counted. The counted fish 100 are then supplied to a bleeding device, such as a spiral pool. The fish 100 are then unsorted and guided in batches directly from the spiral pool onto a first central conveyor belt 18, which is part of the supply device 17. The fish 100 are then conveyed from the bleeding device to one or more ascending conveyors 24 via the first central conveyor belt 18 and a second central conveyor belt 19. The mass throughput of the fish 100 is determined along or on the first central conveyor belt 18. Specifically, the conveying speed of the second central conveyor belt 19 is adjusted to distribute the required mass of fish 100 to the respective conveyor chains 20, 21, 23. For this purpose, a control flap 22 on the second central conveyor belt 19 is controlled.

[0061] Fish 100 are initially separated individually along each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23, for example by means of an ascender conveyor 24, then consolidated, for example by means of a first chute 25, then arranged head-to-tail in a head-to-tail arrangement, for example by means of processing devices I 27, 37, then arranged in a pitch-up / pitch arrangement, for example by means of turning stations 35, 42, and subsequently supplied to feed device 12. Fish 100 are thus continuously supplied via several conveyors, ensuring continuous transport from the second central conveyor belt 19 to feed device 12. Starting from the second central conveyor belt 19, in the illustrated embodiment, ascender conveyor 24, first chute 25, first belt conveyor 26, second belt conveyor 28, 38, second cascade conveyors 30, 40, and third belt conveyors 34, 41 form a continuous transport path. Each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 is actually divided into two sub-chains 20.1, 20.2; 21.1, 21.2; and 23.1, 23.2 after the first belt conveyor 26. The actual mass of the fish 100 along each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 is determined, for example, by means of a scale, before the fish 100 is taken over by the ascending conveyor 24.

[0062] According to the arrangement of the conveying mechanism, before the fish 100 is conveyed laterally in the axial direction into the feeding device 12, along each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23, the fish 100 is initially conveyed laterally in the axial direction, then longitudinally in the axial direction, then turns around a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal arrangement of the fish 100 and perpendicular to the transport plane, then is initially conveyed longitudinally in the axial direction again, then laterally in the axial direction, and then longitudinally in the axial direction again. While the fish 100 is being conveyed along the conveying path, during the lateral conveying of the fish 100 along each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 in the ascending conveyor 24, a first detection is performed to check the occupancy of each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23. For example, a camera is used to detect whether each slot of the ascending conveyor 24 is unoccupied or occupied twice or multiple times. This information is sent to the control device 44. During the longitudinal transport of fish 100 on the first belt conveyor 26, while the fish 100 is further transported along the transport path along each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23, a second detection is performed on each conveyor chain 20, 21, 23 to detect the position and head / tail alignment of the fish 100. The fish 100 are positioned on the first belt conveyor 26 with their longitudinal extension in the transport direction, spaced a certain distance apart from each other on several adjacent paths. On the one hand, the position of each fish 100 on the first belt conveyor 26 is detected, for example, using a camera. On the other hand, their head / tail alignment is detected. This information is sent to the control device 44, which then controls the processing devices I 27, 37 accordingly, such that the fish 100 are moved head-first onto the second belt conveyors 28, 38.

[0063] When force is applied from above to the fish 100 located on the first belt conveyor 26, an alignment occurs with the correct and final head / tail arrangement. The fish are then pulled from the first belt conveyor 26 to the second belt conveyor 28, 38 by means of processing devices I 27, 37, where the fish 100 are then aligned head-first. After the head / tail alignment, the fish 100 are conveyed via the second cascade conveyors 30, 40 to the second container 32, and then to the second timed flip plate 33, and transferred in a controlled manner to the second belt conveyors 28, 38. Then, after the head / tail alignment, the fish 100 are also aligned with a pitch / hinged alignment on the second belt conveyors 28, 38. For this purpose, the fish 100 are forced through turning stations 35, 42. Once the fish 100 leave the turning stations 35, 42, they are conveyed via or from the third belt conveyors 34, 41 and the fourth belt conveyors 63, 64 to the feeding device 12. During their arrival at the feeding device, the fish 100 pass through third detection devices 61, 62 used to evaluate different quality standards during the longitudinal transport of the fish 100. This information is sent to a control device 44, which controls the processing devices II 36, 43 in such a way that fish 100 that preferably meet the quality standards stored in the control device 44 are pulled from the third belt conveyors 34, 41 and conveyed to the first container 15 of the first cascade conveyor 13 of the feeding device 12, while fish 100 that do not meet the quality standards pass through the processing devices II 36, 43 and are separated.

[0064] This method is preferably performed using the fish supply system 10 according to this document.

Claims

1. A fish supply system (10) configured and adapted to automatically convey fish (100) in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement to a fish processing device (65), comprising a speed conveyor (11) and at least two feeding devices (12) arranged above the speed conveyor (11), the speed conveyor (11) configured and adapted to convey the fish (100) in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement transversely to the spine of the fish to the fish processing device (65), each of the at least two feeding devices (12) comprising at least one first cascade conveyor (13) for conveying the fish (100) transversely to the spine of the fish, the first cascade conveyor (13) having at least two first containers (15) separated from each other by a first controllable flap (14), wherein, Each first cascade conveyor (13) has at least one first timing flap (16) for controlled output of the fish (100) to the speed conveyor (11) from the last first container (15) preceding the speed conveyor (11) in the conveying direction, characterized in that the speed conveyor (11) having the feeding device (12) is configured with a supply device (17) comprising the following components located downstream of the bleeding device: - A first central conveyor belt (18) for conveying the fish (100) from the bleeding device in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the speed conveyor (11), wherein the first central conveyor belt (18) is equipped with a flow scale for determining an adjustable mass throughput of the fish (100) flowing from the bleeding device to the first central conveyor belt. - A second central conveyor belt (19), which follows the first central conveyor belt (18) for conveying the fish (100) in the direction of the speed conveyor (11), wherein the second central conveyor belt (19) is constructed and adapted to be speed adjustable. - At least two conveyor chains (20, 21, 23) continuously connect the second central conveyor belt (19) to the feeding device (12) of the speed conveyor (11) to supply the fish (100). - Wherein, the second central conveyor belt (19) is configured with a control flap (22) for separating the fish (100) from the second central conveyor belt (19) to the at least two conveyor chains (20, 21, 23), and - A control device (44) is connected, in a control technology manner, at least to the first central conveyor belt (18) and the flow scale, the second central conveyor belt (19) and the control flap (22), the conveyor chains (20, 21, 23), the speed conveyor (11), and the feeding device (12) to supply the fish (100) to the speed conveyor (11).

2. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23) includes: at least one ascending conveyor (24) following the second central conveyor belt (19) for separating and transversely conveying the fish (100) along the spine; a first chute (25) following the ascending conveyor (24) for straightening the fish (100); a first belt conveyor (26) following the first chute (25) for longitudinally conveying the fish (100) along the spine; and at least one processing device I disposed above the first belt conveyor (26). (27, 37), configured and adapted to receive the fish (100) from the first belt conveyor (26) and release the fish (100) head-first to at least one second belt conveyor (28, 38); followed by the first belt conveyor (26) for conveying the fish (100) head-first longitudinally along the spine of the fish, the second belt conveyor (28, 38) is equipped with a deflector (29, 39) for turning the fish (100) from the second belt conveyor (28, 38) to the second cascade conveyor (30, 40); followed by the second belt conveyor (28, 38) for conveying the fish (100) transversely along the spine of the fish, the second cascade conveyor (30, 40) has a second controllable flap. (31) At least two second containers (32) separated from each other, wherein the second cascade conveyor (30, 40) has a second timing flap (33) in at least the last second container (32) in the conveying direction; followed by a third belt conveyor (34, 41) for longitudinally conveying the fish (100) head-first along the spine of the fish to a turning station (35, 42) configured for performing pitch / hing alignment correction on the third belt conveyor (34, 41); and a processing device II (36, 43) arranged above each third belt conveyor (34, 41) for transversely conveying the fish (100) from the third belt conveyor (34, 41) along the spine of the fish to one of the at least two feeding devices (12).

3. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The control device (44) includes a program component configured and adapted to adjust the capacity of the conveyor chains (20, 21, 23) to the capacity of the speed conveyor (11).

4. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The speed conveyor (11) is a circumferentially driven annular conveyor and includes a plurality of slots (45) for receiving respective fish (100), wherein each slot (45) is configured and adapted to transport the fish (100) to a longitudinal conveyor (46) located below the plurality of slots (45), wherein the longitudinal conveyor (46) is configured and adapted to transport the fish (100) longitudinally along the spine of the fish, tail first.

5. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, A scale for determining the actual mass of the fish (100) to be conveyed is arranged between the second central conveyor belt (19) and the ascending conveyor (24) of each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23).

6. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each ascender conveyor (24) is constructed and adapted as a circumferentially driven slot conveyor, and each ascender conveyor (24) of each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23) is equipped with a first detection mechanism (50) for detecting the occupancy of each slot of the ascender conveyor (24).

7. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each ascending conveyor (24) includes an upwardly extending ascending section (47) for individually conveying fish (100) located in the respective slots and a downwardly extending descending section (48) for returning empty slots, and the upper end of the ascending conveyor (24) is located in a turning area (51) between the ascending section (47) and the descending section (48), the ascending conveyor (24) being constructed and adapted to release the fish (100).

8. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each ascending conveyor (24) is provided with a housing (52) in the turning area (51) from the ascending section (47) to the descending section (48), the housing being constructed and adapted to guide and hold the fish (100) in the respective slots, wherein the housing (52) has at least one controlled flap (53) on the side facing the descending section (48) of the ascending conveyor (24), the controlled flap (53) being located above the conveying mechanism downstream of the ascending conveyor (24) for suspending and releasing the fish (100) from the ascending conveyor (24).

9. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the first belt conveyors (26) of each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23) is equipped with at least one second detection mechanism (56) for detecting the position of the fish (100) on the first belt conveyor (26) and for detecting the orientation of the fish (100) on the first belt conveyor (26).

10. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The processing device I (27, 37) is configured and adapted to be placed on the fish (100) from above to create an operative connection with the fish and to arrange and pull the fish (100) from the first belt conveyor (26) onto the second belt conveyor (28, 38).

11. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first belt conveyor (26) and each of the second belt conveyors (28, 38) are connected to each other via the second slide (60).

12. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least one third inspection unit (61, 62) is configured to be located behind the turning station (35, 42) and in front of the feeding device (12) along the conveying direction to the third belt conveyor (34, 41), the at least one third inspection unit being constructed and adapted to evaluate fish based on different quality standards.

13. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The fourth belt conveyor (63, 64) is arranged behind and flush with the third belt conveyor (34, 41) in the conveying direction, wherein the third detection mechanism (61, 62) is arranged in the transition zone from the third belt conveyor (34, 41) to the fourth belt conveyor (63, 64), and the fourth belt conveyor (63, 64) is configured to convey the fish (100) transversely to the spine of the fish to the processing device II (36, 43) of the feeding device (12).

14. The fish supply system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first central conveyor belt (18) and the second central conveyor belt (19) are arranged at approximately right angles.

15. A method for supplying fish (100) to a fish processing apparatus (65) in a defined head / tail arrangement and a defined pitch / up arrangement, comprising the following steps: - The fish (100) are arranged in the defined head / tail arrangement and the defined pitch / up arrangement. - The arranged fish (100) are placed in a feeding device (12) upstream of the speed conveyor (11) for conveying the fish (100) laterally along the spine of the fish. -In the feeding device (12), the fish (100) is conveyed from one first container (15) of the first cascade conveyor (13) to the next first container (15) of the first cascade conveyor (13) until the fish is located in the last first container (15) in the conveying direction at the first timing flap (16), by means of the first timing flap, the fish (100) is supplied to the speed conveyor (11) in a controlled manner, and - The fish (100) supplied to the speed conveyor (11) are conveyed transversely to the spine of the fish in the direction of the fish processing equipment (65). The invention is characterized by a feeding device (12) that transfers the fish (100) from the bleeding device to the speed conveyor (11) by means of a supply device (17), wherein the fish (100) is continuously and automatically transferred to the speed conveyor (11) starting from the bleeding device, and an adjustable mass throughput of the fish (100) is determined, and the fish (100) is transferred in a speed-regulated manner and distributed in a controlled manner to multiple conveyor chains (20, 21, 23), wherein the supply device (17) is controlled at the speed conveyor (11) according to the required capacity.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The fish (100) is conveyed from the bleeding device to the ascending conveyor (24) by means of a first central conveyor belt (18) and a second central conveyor belt (19), wherein the mass throughput of the fish (100) is determined along the first central conveyor belt (18) by a flow scale assigned to the first central conveyor belt, and the second central conveyor belt (19) is adjusted with respect to the required capacity.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23), the fish (100) are initially automatically separated, then sorted, then arranged head-to-tail in a head-first manner, then in a pitch-up / pitch-down manner, and subsequently fed to the feeding device (12).

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Before the fish (100) is conveyed laterally along the spine into the feeding device (12), along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23), the fish is initially conveyed laterally along the spine, then longitudinally along the spine, then further longitudinally along the spine, then rotated about a rotation axis perpendicular to the longitudinal arrangement of the fish (100) and perpendicular to the transport plane, then conveyed laterally along the spine, and then again longitudinally along the spine.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, During the transverse transport of the fish (100) along the spine of the fish in the ascending conveyor (24) of the conveyor chains (20, 21, 23), a first detection of the occupancy of the ascending conveyor (24) is performed along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23).

20. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23), a second detection is performed during the longitudinal transport of the fish (100) along the spine of the fish on the first belt conveyor (26) of the conveyor chain (20, 21, 23) for detecting the position and head / tail alignment of the fish (100).

21. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, Along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23), a third inspection is performed on the fish (100) during longitudinal transport along the spine of the fish on the third belt conveyor (34, 41) of the conveyor chain (20, 21, 23) for evaluating the fish based on different quality standards.

22. The method according to claim 19, characterized in that, Before the fish (100) is transferred to the ascending conveyor (24) of the conveyor chains (20, 21, 23), the actual mass of the fish (100) is determined by a scale along each conveyor chain (20, 21, 23).

23. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, On the first belt conveyor (26), a force is applied from above to the fish (100) to arrange the fish in a final head / tail arrangement, and then the fish are pulled from the first belt conveyor (26) onto a second belt conveyor (28, 38) following the first belt conveyor (26), wherein the fish (100) are arranged head-first.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that, After the head / tail arrangement, the fish (100) are also finally arranged about the up / down orientation.

25. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The method is performed using the fish supply system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images