Slaughtering arrangement for automatically slaughtering fish

Abstract

The invention relates to a slaughtering arrangement (10) designed and configured to automatically slaughter fish (11), said arrangement comprising: a frame structure (12); and at least one slaughter module (13) that is detachably mounted on the frame structure (12). The or each slaughter module (13) is designed and configured to automatically stun and bleed fish (11) that are transported head-first in the transport direction T and with their backs facing upwards, and comprises: at least one transport device (14) for transporting the fish (11) from a feed area (15) of the fish (11) along a transport path into the area of a working position in which a stunning unit (16) and a bleeding unit (17) are arranged; the stunning unit (16) for stunning each individual fish (11) transported into the working position and the bleeding unit (17) for bleeding stunned fish (11); and a trigger element (18) arranged in the area of the working position for triggering the stunning unit (16) and the bleeding unit (17). Each slaughter module (13) is detachably and freely supported at its front side (V), in the transport direction T, on a support rod (19) that extends transversely to the transport direction T from a first side wall (20) of the frame structure (12) to an opposite second side wall (21) of the frame structure (12), and is also detachably supported at its rear side (R), opposite the front side (V), in the area of at least one guide body (22). The slaughtering arrangement is characterised in that the support rod (19) is mounted on a lifting mechanism (23) which is designed and configured to be movable from a working position into a removal position and back again.

Description

[0001] Slaughtering arrangement for automatic slaughter of fish

[0002] The invention relates to a slaughtering arrangement designed and configured for the automatic slaughter of fish, comprising a frame, at least one slaughtering module detachably arranged on the frame, wherein the or each slaughtering module is designed and configured for the automatic stunning and bleeding of fish transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, and at least one transport device for transporting the fish from a fish feed area along a transport path to the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit and a bleeding unit are arranged, the stunning unit for stunning each individual fish transported to the working position and the bleeding unit for bleeding stunned fish, a trigger element arranged in the area of ​​the working position for triggering the stunning unit and the bleeding unit,wherein each slaughter module is freely and detachably mounted on a front side leading in the transport direction T on a bearing rod which extends transversely to the transport direction T from a first side wall of the frame to an opposite second side wall of the frame, and is detachably mounted with a rear side opposite the front side in the region of at least one guide body.

[0003] Such slaughter assemblies are used in the fish processing industry to stun and kill fish in the working position by bleeding them out. To do this, the fish are actively or passively transported into a working position within the typical slaughter assembly. For example, the fish can move against a generated water current into the infeed area of ​​the slaughter assembly, from where they then slide towards the working position under gravity. The fish can also be transported to the infeed area by means of transport or manually. From the infeed area, the fish slide and / or slide and / or swim towards the slaughter module. The processing, namely the slaughtering of the fish, takes place within the slaughter module.Slaughtering leads to contamination and, in the worst case, to the blockage of individual slaughter modules, which are therefore removed from the frame, cleaned and / or serviced for this reason and / or for maintenance purposes, and then reinserted into the frame. For this purpose, each slaughter module is arranged separately in the frame and removably fastened. At the front side V of the slaughter module, which runs ahead in the transport direction T of the fish, the module rests freely and removably in a working position on the bearing rod. At the rear side R of the slaughter module, which runs behind in the transport direction T of the fish, the slaughter modules are removably fixed in the working position in at least one guide body.

[0004] Known slaughterhouses or slaughter arrangements have a bearing rod that is directly or indirectly, but always firmly and stationary, connected to the frame. The front of each slaughter module rests on this firmly welded bearing rod, while the rear of each slaughter module rests in the guide body. To remove each slaughter module from the working position, an operator must first move the slaughter module against the transport direction T until the lock in the area of ​​the guide body is released. Once the rear of the slaughter module is free, the entire slaughter module is pivoted forward around the bearing rod, towards a walkway for the operating personnel, until the slaughter module, with its front supported on the bearing rod, is virtually upright.From this position, an operator lifts the slaughter module out of the frame and, after completing the maintenance and / or cleaning work, the operator reinserts the slaughter module.

[0005] Since the platform or walkway is usually raised above the slaughtering arrangement and in particular above the slaughter modules due to its design and layout, removing each individual slaughter module for cleaning and / or maintenance places considerable physical strain on the operator. Each slaughter module weighs up to 50 kg. On the one hand, the heavy weight alone puts a strain on the operator. On the other hand, the center of gravity of the slaughter module is far away from the walkway, meaning that the heavy weight has to be lifted from the low working position using long arms. Since the slaughter modules, which are first placed on the bearing rod and then dropped backwards during reinsertion, fall with momentum onto the guide body or bodies. This can lead to deformation and functional impairment of the guide bodies, making removal and reinsertion difficult or even impossible.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and easy-to-clean and / or maintain slaughtering arrangement with improved service life of individual components.

[0007] This task is solved by a slaughtering arrangement mentioned above in that the storage rod is arranged on a lifting mechanism which is designed and configured to be movable from a working position to a removal position and back again. With this lifting mechanism, it is possible to lift each slaughter module from the working position with significantly reduced effort, so that significantly improved ergonomics facilitate the removal and reinsertion of the slaughter modules. In the raised removal position, the slaughter module can be decoupled from the frame in the area of ​​the guide body and then simply pivoted into the upright position. Since the removal position is considerably higher than the working position, the slaughter module can then be easily pulled onto a walkway with little effort and without lifting any free masses, from which an operator carries out the removal and reinsertion.Due to improved ergonomics and relief when lifting heavy loads, the removal and reinsertion of slaughter modules has been significantly improved.

[0008] Advantageously, each slaughter module is designed and configured to be lockable in both end positions, i.e., the working position and the removal position. This ensures that the slaughter module is reliably held in the working position for precise slaughtering. Furthermore, the ability to lock the slaughter module in the removal position ensures safe removal and reinsertion of the slaughter modules, thus reducing the risk of injury when handling the heavy slaughter modules.

[0009] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the bearing rod, which is designed at least in sections as a round profile, is arranged on a rocker mounted on both sides of the frame. The bearing rod can also be designed as a continuous round profile. The bearing rod can be connected directly to the rocker. In other developments, however, the bearing rod can also be arranged in a transverse profile, which in turn is connected to the rocker. With the rocker as a lifting or pivoting mechanism, the slaughter modules can be moved quickly and easily into the removal position, thereby supporting efficient and cost-effective cleaning and / or maintenance. Accordingly, lowering the slaughter modules when reinserting them is also significantly simplified.

[0010] Conveniently, an actuating element and a pneumatic unit are assigned to the swing arm. The pneumatic unit ensures in a simple and reliable manner that the slaughter modules rest on a supporting support via the swing arm, thus avoiding the need to lift heavy masses. Optionally, there is also the option of motor-driven adjustment of the swing arm, with which the movement from the working position to the removal position and back can be carried out or at least supported. The actuating element can be a simple handle or the like attached to the swing arm. Preferably, two handles are arranged on the bearing rod or, more preferably, on the cross profile to achieve better load distribution. Instead of handles, actuating levers or other aids can also be used as the actuating element. In particular, actuating elements for automatically moving the swing arm can also be provided.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the pneumatic unit comprises two gas-pull spring elements, one gas-pull spring element being arranged on each side wall of the frame between the side wall and the rocker arm. The rocker arm is mounted around a pivot point S on the opposite side walls of the frame. The rocker arm comprises two pivot arms and a cross member connecting the pivot arms, which can be formed, for example, by the bearing rod and / or the cross profile or otherwise. The rocker arm is mounted by the pivot arms at the pivot points S. Each gas-pull spring is attached to the rocker arm on the one hand, spaced from the pivot points S, and on the other hand to the frame. This design enables particularly quick and easy movement of the rocker arm and thus of the or each slaughter module for removal and reinsertion purposes.Instead of the gas-tension springs, other support and / or lifting elements, particularly pneumatically operated ones, can also be used.

[0012] Advantageously, the removal position of the swing arm is above a level where a walkway for the operating personnel is provided. In principle, any amount by which the slaughter modules are raised from their working position helps. However, the ability to move the swing arm with the or each slaughter module to at least a level at which the operating personnel are standing significantly simplifies removal and reinsertion, resulting in improved ergonomics. With the swing arm positioned with the or each slaughter module at or above the level of the walkway, the slaughter modules can be pulled onto the walkway particularly easily.

[0013] A preferred development is characterized in that the at least one guide body comprises a guide pin and a receiving body, wherein the guide pin is assigned to the slaughter module and the receiving body is assigned to the frame. This design of a releasable fixation of the slaughter module to the frame on the rear of the slaughter module ensures, on the one hand, a secure fixation of the slaughter module in the working position. On the other hand, an easy release of the connection in the removal position is enabled in order to pivot the slaughter module around the bearing rod into an upright position and remove it after releasing the rear connection.

[0014] Preferably, the receiving body has a slot-like configuration such that at least one, preferably two, release positions and at least one locking position are provided. This enables and supports simple and quick locking and release of the slaughter modules on their rear side.

[0015] Particularly preferably, the receiving body is arranged on the frame in a vibration-decoupled manner via at least one buffer element, preferably two buffer elements. The buffer element, or each buffer element, firstly, keeps potential vibrations during removal and, in particular, reinsertion of a slaughter module away from neighboring slaughter modules. Secondly, the buffer elements effectively absorb the vibrations that occur during reinsertion, thus ensuring gentle handling of the material and, above all, the guide bodies for longer service life of the slaughtering assembly. Furthermore, the buffer elements reduce noise emissions for the fish on the one hand and the operating personnel on the other, which leads to a reduction in stress.

[0016] The swing arm is expediently assigned a bow handle for operating the swing arm. The bow handle can be designed separately and can be connected to the swing arm, or it can be permanently arranged on the swing arm as a folding, pivoting element or the like. The bow handle is preferably a separate element that is connected to the swing arm as an auxiliary element for the purpose of easy handling and then detached again. The bow handle significantly improves ergonomics, as it allows the swing arm to be raised and lowered comfortably without the operator having to bend down and / or lean forward. The bow handle is provided alternatively or preferably in addition to the actuating element and is designed, for example, as a U-shaped bow. The bow comprises two long legs and one short leg that connects the two long legs.Other designs of the bow handle are of course also possible.

[0017] The bow handle is expediently designed and configured to be hooked into fastening eyes which are attached to the swing arm, such that the swing arm can be pulled from the working position into the removal position by means of the bow handle. In a further development, the fastening eyes can be designed by the handles as an actuating element. In other embodiments, the fastening eyes can also be arranged and configured separately from the handles, directly or indirectly on the bearing rod or on the cross profile. The bow handle preferably has a hook-like projection in the region of the free ends of the long legs, which is designed to hook into the fastening eyes in order to pull the swing arm upwards. Other connection options between the bow handle and swing arm, e.g. by means of snap fasteners, can also be used.

[0018] Particularly preferably, a locking element is arranged on the frame, which is designed and configured to receive and releasably hold the bow handle, particularly in the removal position. The locking element can be, for example, a magnetic closure or, preferably, a snap closure, into which the bow handle can be snapped, for example, with the short leg. This ensures simple and secure locking of the swing arm with the or each slaughter module in the removal position.

[0019] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the bow handle has means which are designed and configured to apply a force to the fastening eyes and thus to the rocker in the direction of the working position. In this way, the rocker can be pushed into the working position easily and without great expenditure of force when the slaughter modules are reinserted into the frame. The means can, for example, be formed by projections which are designed and arranged at the free ends of the long legs. The projections for hooking in and the projections for applying the force from above are arranged at a distance from one another, i.e. are designed in a fork-like manner, such that the handle or the fastening eyelet lies between these two projections when hooking in. If the bow handle is pulled, manually or automatically if necessary, the rocker can be pulled upwards. If the bow handle is pressed, manually or automatically if necessary.The swing arm can also be pushed down automatically. Other designs of the means for applying force from above to the fastening eyes are also possible.

[0020] Advantageously, locking pins are arranged on the frame in the area of ​​both side walls. These locking pins are designed and configured to engage corresponding recesses in the rocker arm when in the working position. The locking pins can be spring-loaded, for example, so that the locking connection can be easily established and released. This design enables simple and robust locking of the rocker arm in the working position.

[0021] A useful further development provides that at least two, preferably three to six, and particularly preferably five slaughter modules are arranged next to one another transversely to the transport direction T, wherein all slaughter modules are designed and configured to be movable together from the working position to the removal position and back by means of the lifting mechanism. This ensures effective processing. In particular, the removal and reinsertion of the slaughter modules can be carried out particularly easily and quickly if all slaughter modules can be lifted simultaneously using a swing arm. However, this does not preclude individual slaughter modules from being removed from the frame in the conventional manner when the swing arm is in the working position.Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which the slaughtering arrangement further comprises a transport device for feeding the fish into the feed area upstream of the feed area in the transport direction T. This transport device can be designed and configured for manual and / or automatic transport, for example, by placing the live fish on a conveyor in the desired head-to-tail orientation. This ensures a continuous flow of fish into the feed area.

[0022] The transport device preferably comprises a water tank for receiving the live fish and a channel arrangement directed upwards toward the feed area, wherein the channel arrangement is assigned means for generating a water flow opposite to the transport direction T of the fish. This allows the live fish, in particular salmon, to reach the feed area under their own power and, in particular, reliably headfirst. Optionally, alternatively or cumulatively, additional means for generating a water flow flowing in the transport direction T of the fish can be provided in order to guide fish toward the feed area or to give the fish an impulse during the transition from the transport device to the feed area.

[0023] Advantageously, the transport device for feeding the fish from the feed area to the working position within each slaughter module comprises, for each transport path, a first channel-like shaft arranged on the frame and a second trough-like fish guide arranged on the slaughter module. The split transport device ensures the reliable transport of the fish to the working position of the slaughter module. Splitting the transport device also simplifies the removal and reinsertion of the slaughter modules.

[0024] Particularly preferably, the channel-like shaft is pivotably mounted on the frame in the area of ​​the feed area, at least in sections. This supports easy removal and reinsertion by creating space for pivoting the slaughter modules into the upright removal position. In some embodiments, the entire channel-like shaft, which is pivotably mounted on the frame in the area of ​​the feed area, is pivotable. In other embodiments, only parts or individual components of the channel-like shaft can be pivoted.

[0025] The channel-like shaft advantageously comprises a substantially U-shaped trough and a lid element that can be moved relative to the trough. This simplifies access to the channel-like shaft. Furthermore, pivoting the lid element can simplify the removal and reinsertion of the slaughter modules.

[0026] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the slaughtering arrangement, which can also be referred to as a slaughtering system, are set out in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0027] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a slaughter arrangement in side view,

[0028] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of the area from the fish feeding area to the working position of the fish, where only one slaughter module is shown as an example, which is located with the swing arm in the working position of the swing arm,

[0029] Fig. 3 the representation according to Figure 2, but with a cover element pivoted away from the channel-like shaft,

[0030] Fig. 4 the representation according to Figure 3, but with a swing arm raised from the working position towards the removal position,

[0031] Fig. 5 shows the representation according to Figure 4, but with the swing arm in the raised removal position and a slaughter module pivoted into the upright position,

[0032] Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a section of the swing arm with a pivoting arm of the swing arm rotatably mounted on the side wall, Fig. 6 a to c are schematic representations of different embodiments of locking and / or stop elements for the swing arm,

[0033] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a section of the guide body,

[0034] Fig. 8 is an enlarged view of a handle connected to the swing arm,

[0035] Fig. 8a is an enlarged detail of a detail of the bow handle according to Figure 8,

[0036] Fig. 9 a section of a side wall of the frame with the swing arm in the working position,

[0037] Fig. 10 shows the representation according to Figure 1 with an additional transport device and a pivoted-up channel-like shaft with a pivoted-up cover element, and

[0038] Fig. 11 a schematic representation of a slaughter module.

[0039] A slaughtering arrangement with five slaughtering modules, shown in Figures 1 to 11, is used for slaughtering salmon fish. However, the invention equally relates to slaughtering arrangements with one slaughtering module, as well as two or more slaughtering modules, which can also be designed and configured for slaughtering other species of fish.

[0040] Figures 1 to 11 show a slaughtering arrangement 10 which is designed and configured for the automatic slaughter of fish 11. The slaughtering arrangement 10 comprises a frame 12, at least one slaughtering module 13 detachably arranged on the frame 12, wherein the or each slaughtering module 13 is designed and configured for the automatic stunning and bleeding of fish 11 transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, and at least one transport device 14 for transporting the fish 11 from a feed area 15 of the fish 11 along a transport path into the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit 16 and a bleeding unit 17 are arranged, the stunning unit 16 for stunning each individual fish 11 transported to the working position, and the bleeding unit 17 for bleeding stunned fish 11.and a trigger element 18 arranged in the region of the working position for triggering the stunning unit 16 and the bleeding unit 17, wherein each slaughter module 13 is freely and detachably mounted on a front side V leading in the transport direction T on a bearing rod 19 which extends transversely to the transport direction T from a first side wall 20 of the frame 12 to an opposite second side wall 21 of the frame 12, and is detachably mounted with a rear side R opposite the front side V in the region of at least one guide body 22.

[0041] This slaughtering arrangement 10 is characterized according to the invention in that the bearing rod 19 is arranged on a lifting mechanism 23 which is designed and configured to be movable from a working position into a removal position and back.

[0042] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the slaughter arrangement 10 described above.

[0043] Figure 11 shows an exemplary slaughter module 13. This slaughter module 13 comprises, in addition to a fish guide 24 as a transport device 14, which is at least partially movable and, in the illustrated embodiment, is entirely movable, the stunning unit 16, the bleeding unit 17, and the triggering element 18, as well as a centering device 25. Furthermore, the slaughter module 13 comprises a transport means 26 arranged behind the working position for forwarding at least one product stream to a removal means 27 arranged downstream of the slaughter module 13. For moving the fish guide 24, a pneumatic cylinder 28, for example, is assigned to the latter. The centering device 25 comprises a pair of centering flaps 31 formed by two centering flaps 29, 30.In addition, the slaughter module 13 comprises at least one detection means 32, preferably two or more detection means 32, 33, 34 for detecting fish parameters relevant to the process result. All detection means 32, 33, 34 and controllable components 25, 18, 16, 17, 24, and 26 of the slaughter module 13 are connected via lines 35 or wirelessly to a control device 36, which is assigned an evaluation unit 37 for evaluating all detected signals. The control device 36 then allows coordinated control of all controllable components, namely the centering flaps 29, 30, the trigger element 18, the stunning unit 16, the bleeding unit 17, the fish guide 24, and the transport means 26 arranged downstream of the working position.

[0044] A single slaughter module 13 can be arranged within the frame 12. In the preferred and illustrated slaughter arrangement 10, at least two, preferably three to six, and particularly preferably five slaughter modules 13 are arranged next to one another transversely to the transport direction T, wherein all slaughter modules 13 are designed and configured to be jointly movable from the working position to the removal position and back by means of the lifting mechanism 23. Each slaughter module 13 is designed and configured to be lockable in both end positions, i.e., in the working position and in the removal position. The slaughter modules 13 positioned within the frame 12 are all assigned to the same lifting mechanism 23, which is a pivoting mechanism in the illustrated embodiment, and are designed and configured to be jointly raised and lowered.For this purpose, the bearing rod 19, which is at least partially formed as a round profile, is arranged on a rocker arm 38 mounted on both sides of the frame 12. The rocker arm 38 comprises two pivot arms 39 and a cross member 40 connecting the pivot arms 39. The bearing rod 19 is arranged in the cross member 40. The pivot arms 39 are mounted on the side walls 20, 21 of the frame 12 and are rotatable about a pivot axis S. The cross member 40 is arranged at the ends of the pivot arms 39 opposite the pivot axes S.

[0045] An actuating element 41 and a pneumatic unit 42 are assigned to the rocker arm 38. In the sequence of figures 2 to 5, the slaughtering arrangement 10 is shown with only one slaughtering module 13 for the sake of clarity, which is held in different positions by means of the rocker arm 38. In figure 2, the rocker arm 38 is shown in the lower working position. Starting from the feed area 15, there is a continuous transport device 14 leading into the slaughtering module 13. In figure 3, in order to lift the rocker arm 38, a free space is first created around the slaughtering module 13, or the slaughtering module 13 is released for lifting by the rocker arm 38. A detailed description of this follows below. In figure 4, the rocker arm 38 is shown in a slightly raised position with the slaughtering module 13 raised accordingly at the front V, or already in the removal position.To reach this position, for example, handles 43 can be pulled manually as the actuating element 41. The pneumatic unit 42 comprises two gas-pull spring elements 44, one gas-pull spring element 44 being arranged on each side wall 20, 21 of the frame 12 between the side wall 20, 21 and the rocker 38. One end of the gas-pull spring element 44 is fastened to the side wall 20 or 21. The other end of the gas-pull spring element 44 is fastened to the pivot arm 39 in the transition area to the cross member 40, spaced from the pivot axis S. In Figure 5, the rocker 38 has been moved into the removal position. The removal position of the rocker 38 is above a plane E, in which a walkway 45 for the operating personnel is formed. The slaughter module 13 is released from the guide body 22 on its rear side R and pivoted about a pivot axis L of the long rod 19 into an upright position.In this position, the slaughter module 13 can be removed or pulled onto the walkway 45 by the operating personnel. Each slaughter module 13 has at least one guide bushing 67, preferably two guide bushings 67, for pivoting about the pivot axis L of the bearing rod 19, which allows storage in at least two different positions. For this purpose, the guide bushings 67 have two groove-shaped recesses 68, 69.

[0046] The at least one guide body 22 comprises a guide pin 46 and a receiving body 47, wherein the guide pin 46 is assigned to the slaughter module 13 and the receiving body 47 is assigned to the frame 12. The guide pin 46 is cylindrical and fastened to a flange 48 of a housing 49 of the slaughter module 13. The receiving body 47 for the guide pin 46 has a slotted design such that at least one, preferably two, release positions and at least one locking position are provided. The receiving body 47 has an L-shaped profile 50, the rear end of which, facing opposite the transport direction T, comprises an end wall 51. The end wall 51 serves as a stop for the guide pin 46.A cover 52 is arranged on the upper side of the profile 50. It is formed integrally with the profile 50 and only partially covers a guide channel 53 to form the two release positions and the one locking position. This design of the guide body 22 can also be provided and designed twice for each slaughter module 13 on both sides of the housing 49, so that the slaughter module 13 comprises two supports on its rear side R. Each receiving body 47 is arranged on the frame 12 of the slaughter arrangement 10 in a vibration-decoupled manner via at least one buffer element 54, preferably two buffer elements 54.

[0047] As can be seen in particular from Figure 8, the rocker arm 38 is assigned a bow handle 55 for actuating the rocker arm 38. In the embodiment shown, the bow handle 55 is designed and configured to be completely detachable from the rocker arm 38. The bow handle 55 comprises two long legs 56, 57 and a short leg 58 that connects the two long legs 56, 57 to one another. This creates an I-shaped bow handle 55. The bow handle 55 serves as a handling aid for raising and lowering the rocker arm 38. For this purpose, the bow handle 55 is designed and configured to be hooked into fastening eyes that are attached to the rocker arm 38, such that the rocker arm 38 can be pulled from the working position into the removal position by means of the bow handle 55. In the preferred embodiment, the fastening eyes are formed by the actuating element 41, namely the handles 43.Thus, the rocker arm 38 can be operated manually using the handle 43, or manually using the loop handle 55 hooked into the handle 43. To hook the loop handle 55 into the handle 43, a projection 59, 60 is formed at the free end of each of the long legs 56, 57. The projections 59, 60 are simple pin-like elements that extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the long legs 56, 57 (see especially Figure 8a).

[0048] Using the projections 59, 60 or any other holding element, the bow handle 55 can be releasably hooked into the fastening eyes with its long legs 56, 57. A locking element 61 is additionally arranged on the frame 12 and is designed and configured to receive and releasably hold the bow handle 55, particularly in the removal position. The locking element 61 is designed as a type of snap closure and is designed and configured to releasably hold the short leg 58 of the bow handle 55. To lower the rocker arm 38, the bow handle 55 must be released from the locking mechanism. Firstly, the released rocker arm 38 lowers under gravity from the upper removal position toward the lower working position. This process can be assisted with the help of the bow handle 55.For this purpose, the bow handle 55 has means 62 designed and configured to apply a force to the fastening eyes, for example, to the handles 43, and thus to the rocker arm 38 in the direction of the working position. These means 62 comprise, for example, projections 63, 64, in particular pin-like elements, which extend transversely to the longitudinal extent of the long legs 56, 57 and are thus aligned parallel to the projections 59, 60 (see in particular Figure 8a). Optionally, in particular, the lower projections 59, 60 for pulling the rocker arm 38 can also be hook-shaped or curved. Once the rocker arm 38 reaches the working position, it can be releasably locked. For this purpose, locking pins 65 are arranged on the frame 12 in the area of ​​both side walls 20, 21, which are designed and configured to engage in the working position in corresponding recesses 66 in the rocker 38 (see in particular Figure 9).In other embodiments, the locking pin 65 can also be a locking lever 77 (see in particular Figures 6a and 6b), which is pivotally arranged in the region of the gas-pull spring element 44. In Figure 6a, the locking lever 77 is shown in a locked position, in which the locking lever 77 prevents the gas-pull spring element 44 from being contracted. As a result, the rocker arm 38 is locked in the working position. In Figure 6b, the locking bracket 77 is shown in an upright release position, which ensures that the rocker arm 38 can be moved into the removal position with the assistance of the gas-pull spring element 44. In order to relieve the gas-pull spring elements 44 in the working position, i.e., to at least partially absorb the weight of the rocker arm 38, a stop element 78 is provided, which comprises, for example, an adjustable stop screw 79.

[0049] The slaughter arrangement 10 comprises at least two, preferably three to six, and particularly preferably five slaughter modules 13 next to one another, namely transversely to the transport direction T, wherein all slaughter modules 13 are designed and configured to be movable together from the working position to the removal position and back by means of the lifting mechanism 23. Furthermore, the slaughter arrangement 10 optionally further comprises, in front of the feed area 15 in the transport direction T, a transport device 70 for feeding the fish 11 into the feed area 15. The transport device 70 comprises a water tank 71 for receiving the live fish 11 and a channel arrangement 72 directed upwards in the direction of the feed area 15, wherein the channel arrangement 72 is assigned means (not explicitly shown) for generating a water flow opposite to the transport direction T of the fish 11.

[0050] The transport device 14 for feeding the fish 11 from the feed area 15 to the working position within each slaughter module 13 comprises, for each transport path, a first channel-like shaft 73 arranged on the frame 12, and a second trough-like fish guide 24 arranged on the slaughter module 13. The fish guide 24 pivots with the slaughter module 13. The shaft 73 remains on the frame 12. The channel-like shaft is pivotably mounted on the frame 12, at least in sections, in the area of ​​the feed area 15.

[0051] Preferably, and as can be seen, for example, in Figure 10, the entire channel-like shaft 73 is designed and configured to pivot from a lower working position to an upper release position (as in Figure 10) and back. The channel-like shaft 73 comprises a substantially U-shaped trough 74 and a cover element 75 movable relative to the trough 74, which is shown pivoted away from the trough 74 in Figure 10.

[0052] With this slaughtering arrangement 10, the fish 11 reach the feed area 15 by swimming against the water current. As soon as the fish 11 have reached and overcome the feed area 15, the fish 11 slide along the transport path toward the working position within the slaughtering module 13. In doing so, the fish 11 pass through the channel-like shaft 73 and the fish guide 24, whereby the fish 11 are pre-centered in the area of ​​the fish guide 24 by the centering device 25 and held centered in the working position. Upon entering the working position, the fish 11 deflect a baffle plate 76, which then rests on the head of the fish 11 above the latter in the working position. During the transport of the fish 11 into the working position and / or in the working position itself, fish parameters relevant to the process result can be detected by means of the detection means 32, 33, 34 and forwarded to the control device 36.The centering device 25 is controlled by the control device 36. When a fish 11 strikes the triggering element 18 with its mouth and thus triggers it, a signal is generated which can, on the one hand, lead to the centering device 25 being readjusted. On the other hand, the signal causes the stunning unit 16 and the bleeding unit 17 to be activated and triggered. After each fish 11 has been completely processed in the working position, the control device 36 controls the fish guide 24 to release the fish 11 from the working position. The fish 11 then slides onto the transport means 26, which is controlled by the control device 36 to forward the fish 11 in at least one product stream P1 to the removal means 27 and optionally in at least one further product stream P2 away from the removal means 27.

[0053] The processing, i.e. the slaughtering process, leads to contamination and

[0054] Wear, which is why individual slaughter modules 13 have to be removed and then reinserted. To do this, the operation of the slaughter modules 13 is stopped. The swing arm 38 is pivoted manually with the help of the handles 43 or the bow handles 55 or automatically from the lower working position into the upper removal position and locked. Beforehand, the shafts 73 and / or the cover elements 75 can be pivoted into a release position to release the slaughter modules 13. The operator can then first release each slaughter module 13 from the rear guide body 22 facing the rear side R and then pivot it about the pivot axis L of the bearing rod 19 into an upright position. From this position, each slaughter module 13 can simply be pulled onto the walkway 45 and then cleaned and / or serviced.The cleaned and / or serviced slaughter modules 13 can then be placed back onto the support rod 19 with their front side V and pivoted backward until each slaughter module 13 is locked again with its rear side R in the guide body 22. The swing arm 38 can then be released from its locking position and pivoted downward. This movement can be assisted by the handles 43, the loop handle 55, or automatically. Individual slaughter modules 13 can also be changed without operating the swing arm 38, while the swing arm 38 remains in the working position with the other slaughter modules 13.

Claims

1. Slaughtering arrangement (10) designed and configured for the automatic slaughter of fish (11), comprising a frame (12), at least one slaughtering module (13) detachably arranged on the frame (12), wherein the or each slaughtering module (13) is designed and configured for the automatic stunning and bleeding of fish (11) transported head first in the transport direction T and back upwards, and at least one transport device (14) for transporting the fish (11) from a feed area (15) of the fish (11) along a transport path into the area of ​​a working position in which a stunning unit (16) and a bleeding unit (17) are arranged, the stunning unit (16) for stunning each individual fish (11) transported into the working position, and the bleeding unit (17) for bleeding stunned fish (11),a trigger element (18) arranged in the region of the working position for triggering the stunning unit (16) and the bleeding unit (17), wherein each slaughter module (13) is freely and detachably mounted on a front side (V) leading in the transport direction T on a bearing rod (19) which extends transversely to the transport direction T from a first side wall (20) of the frame (12) to an opposite second side wall (21) of the frame (12), and is detachably mounted with a rear side (R) opposite the front side (V) in the region of at least one guide body (22), characterized in that the bearing rod (19) is arranged on a lifting mechanism (23) which is designed and configured to be movable from a working position into a removal position and back.

2. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that each slaughtering module (13) is designed and arranged to be lockable in both end positions, i.e. in the working position and in the removal position.

3. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing rod (19), which is designed at least in sections as a round profile, is arranged as a lifting mechanism (23) on a rocker (38) mounted on both sides of the frame (12).

4. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that an actuating element (41) and a pneumatic unit (42) are assigned to the rocker (38).

5. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the pneumatic unit (42) comprises two gas-pull spring elements (44), wherein one gas-pull spring element (44) is arranged on each side wall (20, 21) of the frame (12) between the side wall (20, 21) and the rocker (38).

6. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the removal position of the rocker (38) is located above a plane (E) in which a walkway (45) for the operating personnel is formed.

7. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one guide body (22) comprises a guide pin (46) and a receiving body (47), wherein the guide pin (46) is assigned to the slaughtering module (13) and the receiving body (47) is assigned to the frame (12).

8. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the receiving body (47) has a link-like design such that at least one, preferably two release positions and at least one locking position are provided.

9. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the receiving body (47) is arranged on the frame (12) in a vibration-decoupled manner via at least one buffer element (54), preferably two buffer elements (54).

10. Slaughtering arrangement according to one or more of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the swing arm (38) is assigned a bow handle (55) for actuating the swing arm (38).

11. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the bow handle (55) is designed and arranged to be hooked into fastening eyes which are fastened to the rocker (38) in such a way that the rocker (38) can be pulled from the working position into the removal position by means of the bow handle.

12. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a locking element (61) is arranged on the frame (12), which is designed and arranged to receive and releasably hold the bow handle (55), in particular in the removal position.

13. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the bow handle (55) has means (62) which are designed and arranged to apply a force to the fastening eyes and thus to the rocker (38) in the direction of the working position.

14. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of 3 to 13, characterized in that locking bolts (65) are arranged on the frame (12) in the region of both side walls (20, 21), which are designed and configured to engage in corresponding recesses (66) in the rocker (38) in the working position.

15. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of 1 to 14, characterized in that at least two, preferably three to six and particularly preferably five slaughtering modules (13) are arranged next to one another transversely to the transport direction T, wherein all slaughtering modules (13) are designed and arranged to be movable together from the working position into the removal position and back by means of the lifting mechanism (23).

16. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that it further comprises a transport device (70) for feeding the fish into the feed area in front of the feed area (15) in the transport direction T.

17. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that the transport device (70) comprises a water tank (71) for receiving the live fish (11) and a channel arrangement (72) directed upwards in the direction of the feed area (15), wherein the channel arrangement (72) is assigned means for generating a water flow opposite to the transport direction T of the fish (11).

18. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the transport device (14) for feeding the fish (11) from the feeding area (15) into the working position within each slaughter module (13) comprises, for each transport path, a first channel-like shaft (73) arranged on the frame (12), and a second trough-like fish guide (24) arranged on the slaughter module (13).

19. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the channel-like shaft (73) is pivotally mounted on the frame (12) at least in sections in the region of the feed area (15).

20. Slaughtering arrangement (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the channel-like shaft (73) comprises a substantially U-shaped trough (74) and a cover element (75) movable relative to the trough (74).

Images