Fish cutting apparatus and method for cutting fillets of fish

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fish cutting apparatus and a method for cutting fish fillets from the bones of the fish, wherein the fish cutting apparatus may reduce the initial costs and maintenance costs, but still be easy to operate and provide a substantially satisfactory filleting result. The present invention addresses this by providing a fish cutting apparatus for cutting fillets of fish, wherein the fish cutting apparatus comprises a conveying system for conveying at least one fish through the cutting apparatus, in a conveying direction through a cutting zone. At least one set of two cutting blades is arranged adjacent to each other in said cutting zone, wherein a blade distance is provided between the cutting blades. Each of the cutting blades are arranged on a first and second side of the conveying system. At least one adjustable arrangement is configured to adjust said blade distance by displacing said cutting blades relative to each other according to a pre-set cutting program configured to perform a cutting task. A user interface is configured to receive a batch information related to a batch of fish to be cut. A control unit configured to retrieve said batch information from said user interface, wherein the control unit is configured to control said adjustable arrangement when executing the pre-set program based on said batch information, such that each fish in the batch is cut according to a predetermined cutting pattern, when each fish in the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed through the cutting zone.

Description

[0001] Fish cutting apparatus and method for cutting fillets of fish.

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a fish cutting apparatus and a method for cutting fish fillets from the bones of the fish.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] In the fish processing industry, the fish are automatically processed, such that as much as the meat attached to the fish bone structure is cut off using an automatic advanced fish filleting apparatus. The fish are usually fed to the filleting apparatus head-first or tail-first by use of a transport devices. The fish may be arranged in a position on the ventral side and / or dorsal side alternatively, when entering the filleting apparatus.

[0006] In existing machines, one or more knife arrangements cut the fish into fillets either by cutting from one side of the fish throughout the fish or by cutting partly from the abdomen side and partly from the spinal side of the fish. Most frequently, filleting machines are provided with one or more sets of two adjacent circular rotating blades.

[0007] US 2023 / 0389561 discloses an apparatus for automatically recovering meat from headed and gutted fish comprises: a transport device for transporting the fish along a transport path in a transport direction; a measuring device for detecting the anatomy of the fish; and a detaching device for detaching the meat from the bone structure of the fish, wherein the detaching device comprises at least two circular knives which are spaced apart from each other on mutually opposing sides of the transport path to form a gap S; wherein: the detaching device comprises a control device to adjust a width of the gap S depending on the anatomy of the fish, the control device is configured to pre-adjust the width of the gap S before the meat is detached from the bone structure and wherein the control device is configured to vary the width of the gap S while the meat is being detached.

[0008] The fish cutting apparatus are often very advanced and expensive. The fish cutting apparatus analyses the anatomy of each fish, such that the cutting blades and band knives are adjusted in real time relative to the detected anatomy of the fish to be cut during the cutting process. The problem is that such fish cutting apparatus is very sensitive to dirt caused by the cutting process, e.g., due to sensors in the cutting zone. If the sensors does not detect the fish anatomy correctly, the cutting task will be far from optimal. The highly advanced equipment fish cutting apparatus increases the need for higher initial costs and maintenance costs.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention is to provide a fish cutting apparatus and a method for cutting fillets of fish, wherein the fish cutting apparatus may reduce the initial costs and maintenance costs, but still be easy to operate and provide a substantially satisfactory filleting result.

[0011] The present invention addresses this by providing a fish cutting apparatus for cutting fillets of fish, wherein the fish cutting apparatus comprises: a conveying system for conveying at least one fish through the cutting apparatus, in a conveying direction through a cutting zone, at least one set of two cutting blades arranged adjacent to each other in said cutting zone, wherein a blade distance is provided between the cutting blades, wherein each of the cutting blades in the set of two cutting blades are arranged on a first and second side of the conveying system, such that the cutting blades in the set of two cutting blades are capable of cutting along a right and left lateral side of the fish, when the fish passes the set of two cutting blades, while being conveyed through the cutting zone, at least one adjustable arrangement configured to adjust said blade distance by displacing said cutting blades in the set of two cutting blades relative to each other according to a pre-set cutting program configured to perform a cutting task, a user interface configured to receive a batch information related to a batch of fish to be cut, a control unit configured to retrieve said batch information from said user interface, wherein the control unit is configured to control said adjustable arrangement when executing the pre-set program based on said batch information, such that each fish in the batch is cut according to a predetermined cutting pattern, when each fish in the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed through the cutting zone.

[0012] The cutting apparatus is capable of cutting fillets of fish based on the batch information related to a batch the fish, as the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed in a conveying direction through the fish cutting apparatus. A batch of fish relates to a group of fish sorted by predefined interval based on one or more of the preferences, for example: the weight, length, and species of the fish. The batch of fish may be pre-cut head and tail being cut off before arriving in the fish cutting apparatus. The entire batch of fish is being cut using the same cutting task performing an identical predetermined cutting pattern on the entire batch of fish. The predetermined cutting pattern may be a substantially uniform cutting pattern for the entire batch of fish.

[0013] The fish cutting apparatus comprises a conveying system having at least one conveyor configured to convey fish through the fish cutting apparatus. The conveyor is capable of holding the fish in a cutting position, while being cut during conveying in the cutting zone. The conveying system conveys the fish one by one through the cutting apparatus, e.g., in a conveying direction substantially along a longitudinal axis. The conveyor may for example be arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis or along a curved path. The conveying system may comprise conveying means to hold on the fish to the conveyor, such as tooth or spiks. The conveyor may comprise conveying belts arranged on each side of the fish to convey the fish along a guiding rail.

[0014] The fish cutting apparatus comprises at least one set of two cutting blades arranged adjacent to each other. The two cutting blades are circular cutting blades each having a common rotation axis arranged relative to each other. The common rotation axis may be arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction. The two cutting blades may be arranged, such that the blade sides are substantially parallel to each other. The two cutting blades may be arranged, such that the sides of the blades are arranged in a V-shaped position, and each of the blade’s rotation axis are in an angled position to each other.

[0015] The blade distance between the two cutting blades may be adjustable. The cutting blades may be arranged on a first and second side of the conveying system. The cutting blades are arranged on opposite sides, a first and a second side of the longitudinal axis, such that the cutting blades are capable of cutting along a right and left lateral side of the fish, when the fish passes the set of two cutting blades, while being conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus during use. The adjustable arrangement adjusts the blade distance by displacing the two cutting blades to each other. The adjustable arrangement may be driven using electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic means.

[0016] The fish cutting apparatus comprises a control unit and a user interface. The control unit retrieves the batch information from the user interface, wherein a user is capable of entering the information using the user interface. The control unit is configured to execute a pre-set cutting program. The control unit is capable of controlling the cutting task relative to the batch of fish, when executing the pre-set program based on the batch information. The pre-set cutting program comprises information related to the predetermined cutting pattern, such that when the pre-set cutting program performs a cutting task, which provides a predetermined cutting pattern. The meaning of cutting pattern relates to the way a fish meat is being cut from the bones. While each fish in the batch are conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus, the two cutting blades will cut each fish according to the predetermined cutting pattern. The two cutting blades position relative to each other may be kept in a constant position during the cutting procedure of the entire batch of fish. Ones the batch information is entered into the user interface and the pre-set cutting program has been chosen, all the fish in the batch will cut the same way even though the anatomy of the fish differs from each other. Each fish in the batch is cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern, wherein the positioning of the two cutting blades during cutting procedure is determined before the first fish of the batch enters the fish cutting apparatus.

[0017] The predetermined cutting pattern has been determined, before the first fish from the batch enters the fish cutting apparatus, such that the fish cutting apparatus is capable of cutting one fish at a time, with the same predetermined cutting pattern during the cutting task. The control unit controls each the cutting blades position based on the retrieved batch information, and thereby cutting all the fish in the batch according to the cutting pattern, even though the anatomy of the fish differs from each other. Ones the batch information is entered into the user interface and the predetermined cutting pattern has been chosen, all the fish in the batch will cut the same way even though the anatomy of the fish differs from each other.

[0018] The user interface may be arranged onto the fish cutting apparatus or relative to the fish cutting apparatus. The fish cutting apparatus may be a stand-alone fish cutting system. Alternatively, the control unit may be an external control unit, or in communication with an external main system, capable of controlling the fish cutting apparatus.

[0019] The fish cutting apparatus and a method for cutting fillets of fish reduces the initial costs and maintenance costs by providing a less complicated and advanced apparatus. The fish cutting apparatus does not detect each fish anatomy during the cutting task but provides a solution which provides a more faster cutting procedure, and a more reliable apparatus, which is more immune to dirt during operation. Still the present invention provides a fish cutting apparatus which is easy to operate and provide a substantially satisfactory filleting result. The present invention may also relate to a fish cutting apparatus and a method for cutting head and tail of fish.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the two cutting blades in the set of cutting blades are arranged in an angled position relative to each other, wherein the adjustable arrangement is configured to vary said angled position relative to each other, based on the retrieved batch information.

[0021] The set of two cutting blades may be arranged in an angle position relative to each other. The angle position between the two cutting blades may be determined from the batch information retrieved from the user interface. The cutting angle provided by the cutting angle position of the two cutting blades may be varied. The adjustable arrangement may vary the cutting angle independently from the blade distance. The set of two cutting blades may be arranged in different angled positions during the cutting process according to a predetermined cutting pattern.

[0022] The two cutting blades may be arranged mutually parallel. Alternatively, the cutting blades may be arranged mutually rotated in an angle position relative to a common rotation axis of the two cutting blades. For example, the angled position between the two cutting blades may be determined from the batch information, and if preferred determined from the species of the fish to be cut.

[0023] The meaning of a pre-set cutting program relates to a program which can be chosen based on the batch information. Alternatively, the meaning of a pre-set cutting program relates to a program comprising parameter or parameters, which may be chosen based on the batch information.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fish cutting apparatus comprises a first set of two cutting blades arranged in a first position relative to the conveying system, and a second set of two cutting blades arranged in a second position arranged relative to the conveying system, wherein a first adjustable arrangement is configured to adjust a first blade distance by moving said cutting blades in the first set of two cutting blades relative to each other, and wherein a second adjustable arrangement is configured to adjust a second blade distance by moving said cutting blades in the second set of two cutting blades relative to each other.

[0025] The fish cutting apparatus has a first set of two cutting blades arranged in a first position relative to the conveying system in the cutting zone. The first set of two cutting blades may be arranged in a first position relative to the conveyor in the cutting zone. The first set of two cutting blades may be circular cutting blades each having a first common rotation axis arranged relative to each other, wherein the first common rotation axis may be arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction. The second set of two cutting blades may be arranged in a second position arranged relative to the conveying system in the cutting zone. The second set of two cutting blades arranged in a second position relative to the conveyor in the cutting zone. The second set of two cutting blades may be circular cutting blades each having a second common rotation axis arranged relative to each other, wherein the second common rotation axis may be arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0026] The first adjustable arrangement may adjust the first blade distance, and if preferred a first angle position, by moving the first set of two cutting blades relative to each other. The first blade distance, and if preferred the first angle position, may be determined according to batch information comprised in the pre-set cutting program. The second adjustable arrangement may adjust a second blade distance, and if preferred a second angle position, by moving the second set of two cutting blades relative to each other. The second blade distance, and if preferred the second angle position, may be determined according to batch information comprised in the pre-set cutting program.

[0027] A third set of cutting blades may be provided for cutting lower abdomen parts of the fish. The third set of two cutting blades may be arranged in a third position arranged relative to the conveying system in the cutting zone. The third set of two cutting blades may be controlled by a third adjustable arrangement. The third adjustable arrangement may adjust the third blade distance, and if preferred a third angle position, by moving the third set of two cutting blades relative to each other. The third blade distance, and if preferred the third angle position, may be determined according to batch information comprised in the pre-set cutting program.

[0028] The fish in the batches may already be headed slaughtered fish with opened abdominal cavities, when conveyed to an individual process when entering the fish cutting apparatus. The spine part of the fish is the part extending upwards from the backbone to the upper back of the fish on the dorsal side of the fish. The abdomen part of the fish is the part extending downwards from the backbone to the abdomen or belly on the ventral side of the fish.

[0029] The first set of two cutting blades may be cutting the fish from the dorsal side or from the ventral side, depending on how the first set of two cutting blades may be arranged relative to the fish conveyed in the cutting zone. The second set of two cutting blades may be arranged in a second position arranged relative to the conveying system in the cutting zone. The second set of two cutting blades may be for cutting the fish from the dorsal side or from the ventral side, opposite to the first set of two cutting blades, such that if the first set of two cutting blades cuts the fish from the dorsal side, the second set of two cutting blades cuts the fish from the ventral side, and vice versa.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fish cutting apparatus comprises a set of two band knives, wherein the two band knives are arranged mutual adjacent to each other, in a fourth position relative to the conveying system, wherein the two band knives are configured to cut on respective sides of the backbone of the fish separating two respective filleting from the backbone of the fish, wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one band knife adjustable arrangement configured to adjust the distance between the two band knives, such that the two band knives are arranged in a predetermined distance relative to each other, while cutting the batch of fish.

[0031] The fish cutting apparatus may comprise a set of two band knives, wherein the set of two band knives may be arranged relative to the conveyor in the cutting zone. The two band knives may be arranged mutual adjacent to each other. A band knives adjustable arrangement may be provided, such that the cutting distance between the two band knives may be adjusted and kept in an optimal position relative to each other. The two band knives may be arranged in a cutting distance in a fourth position relative to the conveying system, wherein the two band knivese may be configured to cut on respective sides of the backbone of the fish separating two respective filleting from the backbone of the fish. The control unit may be configured to control at least one band knife adjustable arrangement, wherein the band knife adjustable arrangement may be configured to adjust the distance between the two band knives. The two band knives may be arranged in a pre-set distance position relative to each other before starting the cutting process of the batch of fish and keeping the angle of the two band knives in the pre-set distance position during the cutting task of the batch of fish.

[0032] The fish cutting apparatus may comprise an abdomen-pressing arrangement arranged in the cutting zone relative to the conveyor, such that the abdomen-pressing arrangement may be capable of press the sides of the fish together while passing the band knives. The abdomen-pressing arrangement may comprise two abdomen-pressing parts, wherein each of the abdomen-pressing parts are arranged substantially on each side of the conveyor in a pressing position substantially before the band knife in the conveying direction.

[0033] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to control the conveying speed in the conveying system based on said retrieved batch information.

[0034] The control unit may control the conveying speed of the conveyor in the conveying system based on the retrieved batch information. The conveying speed may be predetermined and based on the retrieved batch information. The conveying speed may vary relative to the chosen batch of fish.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fish cutting apparatus comprises a detection unit for detecting a fish entering the cutting zone.

[0036] A detection unit may be arranged before the cutting zone, such that when the fish enters the cutting zone the control unit may calculate every position of the fish through the cutting zone, e.g., from the conveying speed of the conveyor.

[0037] Based on the batch information of a fish entering the cutting zone, wherein the position of the fish in the cutting zone may be calculated based on a conveying length derived from the conveying speed relative to the time. The conveying length may be equal to the conveying speed vs time. The position of the fish in the cutting zone may clearly be known without the use of detecting means in the cutting zone. Since the detection unit may be arranged outside the cutting zone, the error may be reduced and the use for maintenance may be reduced as well.

[0038] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the fish cutting apparatus comprises at least one measuring unit configured to measure at least one dimension of a fish entering the cutting zone, wherein the control unit is configured to retrieve the measured dimension from the at least one measuring unit, and calculate an updated cutting pattern, such that the fish cutting apparatus cuts at least one consecutive fish based on at least one of the dimensions of the at least one previous fish.

[0039] Each of the fish in the selected batch may enter the cutting zone consecutively. The fish cutting apparatus may comprise at least one measuring unit configured to measure at least one dimension of a fish. The measuring unit may be configured to measure dimensions, such as height, width and length. The measuring unit may be placed in a position relative to the entry to the cutting zone. The measuring unit may be placed in a measuring position, such that before and / or when the fish enters the cutting zone, the measuring unit may be capable of measuring the fish.

[0040] The control unit may be configured to calculate a predetermined cutting pattern from a batch information related to the batch of fish. The control unit may be configured to retrieve the measured dimension from the measuring unit. The control unit may be configured to calculate an updated cutting pattern based on the measured dimension retrieved from the measuring unit. The control unit may be configured to calculate the updated cutting pattern based on the predetermined cutting pattern and the dimension of at least one measured fish.

[0041] The control unit may comprise a model of a fish. The model may be a mathematical model. The model may be a trained model. The trained model may for example comprise a recurrent neural network, RNN, or similar. Recurrent neural network is artificial neural networks designed for processing sequential data and time series, such as sequential measured data. Other types of trained models may be chosen. Using trained model provides a more exact prediction of the sizes of each of the fish in the batch. The trained model may be trained on previous measurement retrieved from previous batches. The control unit may be configured to predicting the at least one dimension of a consecutive fish to be cut using the model of a fish. The at least one dimension measured may be used as an input to the model. The model may provide an updated cutting pattern based on prediction of the dimension of a fish to be cut from at least one previous measured fish in the batch or from similar previous batches.

[0042] The fish cutting apparatus may then cut at least one consecutive fish based on at least one of the dimensions of the at least one previous fish in the batch, such that the cutting pattern may be more optimized relative to the fish being cut, without measuring the fish being cut.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein said set of two cutting blades is configured to have a first blade distance for a first cutting length, wherein the blade distance and, if preferred, the first cutting length is derived from the batch information.

[0044] When the batch of fish has been identified, a user is capable of entering the batch information into the user interface. The user activates the pre-set cutting program, when entering the batch information. The set of two cutting blades may be adjusted, such that the first blade distance may be set for a first cutting length, wherein the first cutting length may be derived from the conveying speed and a substantially average length of the fish in the batch. The first blade distance and a first cutting length may be predetermined and comprised in the pre-set cutting program as at least one predetermined parameter. The first cutting length may relate to a predetermined length of the fish in the batch, where the set of two cutting blades cuts the fish or a part of the fish. The first blade distance may be determined from the batch information. The cutting length may relate to a predetermined period, wherein the cutting blades rotates in a cutting manner having a predetermined blade distance.

[0045] A first angle position in the first cutting length may be predetermined and comprised in the pre-set cutting program. The first angle position may be determined from the batch information based on predetermined settings in the pre-set cutting program. The first cutting length may be related to a predetermined period, wherein the cutting blades rotates in a cutting manner having a predetermined angle position.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, said set of two cutting blades is configured to have a second blade distance for a second cutting length, wherein said second blade distance is different from said first blade distance, wherein the second blade distance and, if preferred, the second cutting length are determined from the batch information, wherein said first blade distance in a first cutting length is followed by said second blade distance in a second cutting length.

[0047] The cutting program may comprise information related to a second blade distance and a second cutting length. The cutting length may relate to a predetermined length of a fish in a batch. The second blade distance may be different from the first blade distance. The second cutting length may sequentially follow the first cutting length. When the first cutting length may be performed having the first blade distance, the blade distance may shift into the second blade distance being performed in the second cutting length, while the fish is being cut.

[0048] This provide a cutting pattern, which may be determined from the batch information. When cutting the fish with different blade distance, it is possible of cut more meat from the backbones of the fish. When cutting the anterior end of the fish the blade distance may preferably be larger, than the blade distance when cutting the posterior end of the fish. Every fish in the batch is cut according to the same cutting pattern, which may be determined from the batch information. The second blade distance may be determined from the batch information. The second cutting period may be determined from the batch information.

[0049] The pre-set cutting program may comprise information related to a second angle position of the cutting blades related to the second cutting length. The second angle position may be different from the first angle position. When cutting the anterior end of the fish angle position of the cutting blade is preferably larger than the fish angle position of the cutting blade when cutting the posterior end of the fish. The second cutting length may sequentially follow the first cutting length. The two cutting blades may shift carefully between the first cutting length having the first blade distance with the first angle position into the second cutting length having the second blade distance with the second angle position, while the fish is being cut. This provide a predetermined cutting pattern fitted for the batch of fish, which may be based the batch information. Every fish in the batch are cut with the same cutting pattern, when the two cutting blades shifts between the first cutting length and a second cutting length.

[0050] In a still further advantageous embodiment of the invention, wherein the fish cutting apparatus comprises a set of belly cutting blades. The fish cutting apparatus may comprise a set of belly cutting blades. The fish cutting apparatus may comprise at least one back cutting knife or blade. The fish cutting apparatus may also comprise a tail and / or head cutting device. Other blades and knives may be provided in the cutting zone.

[0051] A second aspect of the invention relates to a method for cutting fillets of fish in a fish cutting apparatus, wherein the method comprises following acts: a) retrieving a batch of fish, and enter a batch information using a user interface, b) retrieving the batch information from said user interface, c) selecting a pre-set cutting program for performing a predetermined cutting pattern based on the retrieved batch information, c) adjusting at least one set of two cutting blades blade distance using at least one adjustable arrangement, d) cutting each fish in the batch, when executing pre-set cutting program, such that each fish in the batch is cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern, when the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed through a cutting zone.

[0052] The method for cutting fillets of fish comprises acts of retrieving a batch of fish and enter a batch information using a user interface. The user interface may comprise different pre-set batch intervals, such that a user may choose which batch interval may be suited to the batch of fish to be introduced to the fish cutting apparatus. The user interface may for example comprise a bottom for each batch interval, such that a user may push the bottom related to the desired batch interval. The user interface may for example comprise a touch screen with a graphic user interface capable of presenting each batch interval, such that a user may touch the area on the screen related to the desired batch interval.

[0053] The control unit may retrieve the batch information from user interface. The control unit may select and execute a pre-set cutting program, wherein the pre-set cutting program may provide a substantially uniform cutting pattern, based on the retrieved batch information. The control unit controls the least one of the adjustable arrangements. The adjustable arrangement is capable of adjusting at least one of the sets of two cutting blades, such that the blade distance, and if preferred the blade angle position, is set based one the retrieved batch information, such that the fish cutting apparatus is capable of performing a cutting task providing the selected cutting pattern, while cutting each fish in the batch.

[0054] In a further advantageous of the method, the batch information comprises information related to a weight interval of the fish in the batch, and if preferred the species of fish in the batch.

[0055] In an advantageous method of the invention, the fish are divided into batches of weight interval, which may be regardless of the length of the fish. The batch interval may be divided into batches having an interval of at least 10 kilograms. Preferably, the batch interval may be divided into batches having an interval of at least 5 kilograms. Preferably, the batch interval may be divided into batches having an interval of at least 2 kilograms. The batch interval in kilogram may for example depend on the species of fish and if preferred the location from where the fish has been caught or farmed.

[0056] The fish cutting apparatus may comprise at least one detection unit arranged before the entrance to the cutting zone, such that the control unit may calculate a plurality of fish position in the cutting zone from the conveying speed of the conveyor. From the fish position in the cutting zone, the control unit may be capable of controlling the adjustable arrangement or adjustable arrangements based on the batch information, and thereby avoiding having detection means in the cutting zone.

[0057] In a further advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further acts:

[0058] - measuring at least one dimension of at least one fish from the batch entering the cutting zone,

[0059] - calculating an updated cutting pattern,

[0060] - cutting the rest of the fish in the batch according to the updated cutting pattern.

[0061] The fish cutting apparatus may comprise at least one measuring unit configured to measure at least one height, width and / or length of a fish. The measuring unit may be placed in a position relative to the entry to the cutting zone, such that the measuring unit or units may be placed in a measuring position relative to the fish when the fish is being conveyed into the cutting zone.

[0062] In a third aspect of the invention, the method comprises following acts: - calculating a predetermined cutting pattern from a batch information related to the batch of fish,

[0063] - measuring at least one dimension of at least one fish from a batch before or when the fish to be measured enters the cutting zone,

[0064] - calculating an updated cutting pattern based on the predetermined cutting pattern and the dimension of at least one measured fish, such that the consecutive fish to be measured is cut according to the updated cutting pattern.

[0065] The updated cutting pattern may be provided by the control unit. The updated cutting pattern may be calculated, alternatively predicted, using a model of a fish. The updated cutting pattern may comprise information related to one or more of the following: a batch of fish to be cut, previous batches of fish which has been cut, and / or other categories of batches not similar to the batch of fish to be cut. The variation of the sizes of the fish in a batch may be predicted by measuring the fish itself.

[0066] In an advantageous method of the invention, the method comprises further acts:

[0067] - predicting the at least one dimension of the consecutive fish to be cut, wherein the at least one dimension is predicted from at least one previous measured fish in the batch,

[0068] - calculating the updated cutting pattern based on the predetermined cutting pattern and the dimension of the at least one measured fish from the batch.

[0069] A fish cutting apparatus may be configured to cut at least one consecutive fish based on at least one of the dimensions of the at least one previous fish.

[0070] This invention has now been explained with reference to a few embodiments and methods, which have only been discussed to illustrate the many varying possibilities achievable with the fish cutting apparatus according to the present invention. The fish cutting apparatus may be any type of a fish cutting apparatus, not limited to the examples mentioned in this document.

[0071] Brief description of the drawings

[0072] The embodiments of the invention are described in the following with reference to: Fig. la,b: Illustrating an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus from a cross sectional side view.

[0073] Fig. 2a,b,c: Illustrating cutting outlines using a first and a second set of cutting blades and a set of band knivese.

[0074] Fig. 3a, b: Illustrating an example of outlines for a cutting pattern.

[0075] Fig. 4a, b: Illustrating an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus from a sideways view.

[0076] Fig. 5: Illustrating an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus comprising a user interface

[0077] Fig. 6: Illustrating a block diagram of a cutting process.

[0078] In the explanations of the figures, identical or corresponding elements will be provided with the same designations in different figures. Therefore, no explanation of all details will be given in connection with each single figure / embodiment.

[0079] Detailed description

[0080] Embodiments of the invention are explained in the following detailed description. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0081] Fig. la,b illustrate an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus from a cross sectional side view. The fish cutting apparatus 1 comprises a conveying system 3 having a conveyor for conveying at least one fish 2, one by one, through the cutting apparatus, in a conveying direction, illustrated with the arrows directing from left to right, through a cutting zone C substantially along a longitudinal axis L.

[0082] The fish cutting apparatus has a first set of two cutting blades 4 arranged in a first position relative to the conveying system 3 in the cutting zone C. The cutting zone C begins wherein the first set of two cutting blades 4 starts to cut the fish 2 and extend until the fish 2 has been cut by the band knives 6 at the end of the cutting zone C. Each of the cutting blades in each of the first and the second set of the cutting blades 4,5 are arranged on opposite sides of the fish 2 when being conveyed through the cutting zone C, such that the first and the second set of the cutting blades 4,5 are capable of cutting along a right and left lateral sides 2’,22of the fish 2 along the spine S of the fish, when the fish 2 passes the first set of the cutting blades 4 and thereafter the second set of the cutting blades 5, and thereafter cut by the band knives 6, while being conveyed through the fish 2 cutting apparatus.

[0083] The fish 2, when being conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus 1, may first be cut in a first V-shaped cut 4' in the abdomen part, using the first set of two cutting blades 4. The abdomen part extends downwards from the backbone to the abdomen or proximal end on the ventral side of the fish 2. The second set of two cutting blades 5 is arranged in a second position relative to the conveying system 3 in the cutting zone C, in a distance from the first set of two cutting blades 4. The fish 2, when in this example it is being conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus 1, will secondly be cut in a second V-shaped cut 5' in the spine part of the fish 2, wherein the spine part extends upwards from the backbone to the upper back of the fish 2 on the dorsal side of the fish 2, using the second set of two cutting blades 5.

[0084] An abdomen-pressing arrangement 7 is arranged in the cutting zone C relative to the conveying system 3. The abdomen-pressing arrangement 7 presses the sides of the fish 2 together, such that the fish’s sides are substantially aligned while passing the band knife 6. The cut 6' on each side of the fish 2 are substantially parallel, when using the band knives 6. The abdomen-pressing arrangement 7 may comprise two abdomenpressing parts 7, illustrated in fig. 4b, wherein each of the abdomen-pressing parts 7 are arranged substantially on each side of the conveying system 3 in a pressing position substantially before the band knife 6 when following the conveying direction. The set of two band knives 6 is arranged relative to the conveying system 3 at the end of the cutting zone C. The two band knives 6 are arranged mutually adjacent to each other. The two band knives cut the respective sides of the backbone of the fish separating two respective filleting sides 2’,22from the backbone of the fish 2.

[0085] Fig. 2a,b,c illustrate cutting outlines using a first and a second set of cutting blades and a set of band knives. Each of the cutting blades in each of the first and the second set of the cutting blades 4,5 are arranged on opposite sides of the fish 2, such that the first and the second set of the cutting blades 4,5 are capable of cutting along a right and left lateral side 2’,22of the fish 2 along the spine S of the fish 2.

[0086] The first set of two cutting blades 4 is displaced and pivoted relative to a first common rotating axis X. The fish 2 may first be cut in a first V-shaped cut 4' in the abdomen part using the first set of two cutting blades 4, the first set of two blades is arranged, such that the two cutting blades is arranged in an angled position cp1relative to each other having a first cutting distance d1between the blades, showed in fig. 2c.

[0087] The second set of two cutting blades 5 is displaced and pivoted relative to a second common rotating axis Y. The fish 2, may be cut in a second V-shaped cut 5' in the spine part of the fish 2 using the second set of two cutting blades 5. The first set of two blades 5 is arranged, such that the two cutting blades is in an angled position cp2relative to each other having a second cutting distance d2between the blades, showed in fig. 2b. The set of two band knives 6 is arranged mutual adjacent to each other, with a distance d3between the two band knives, while cutting the fish along the backbone. The two band knives 6 cuts 6'the respective sides of the spine of the fish 2 separating two respective filleting sides 2’,22from the spine of the fish 2.

[0088] Fig. 3a, b illustrate an example of outlines for a cutting pattern. The fish may be cut using a first and a second set of two cutting blades cutting the fish from the dorsal side and from the ventral side. The first set of two cutting blades 4 may cut 4' the fish 2 from the ventral side. The first set of two cutting blades 4 may be adjusted, such that the first set of two cutting blades 4 first blade distance and first angle position may be set for a ventral cutting length LV. The ventral cutting length LV may be the back of the fish on the ventral side, substantially along the proximal end of the fish 2.

[0089] The second set of two cutting blades 5 may cut 5' the fish 2 from the dorsal side. The second set of two cutting blades 5 may be adjusted, such that the second set of two cutting blades 5 first blade distance and first angle position may be set for a ventral cutting length LD. The dorsal cutting length LD may relate to substantially the length of the fish 2. It may be preferably to divide the dorsal cutting length LD into a first cutting length L1with a first blade distance and first angle position and a second cutting length L2a second blade distance and if preferred a second angle position. At least the second blade distance is different from the first blade distance. The second cutting length L2may sequentially follow the first cutting length L1.

[0090] When cutting the fish 2 with different blade distances along the fish 2, and preferably different angle positions, it is possible of cutting more meat from the backbones of the fish. This provide a predetermined cutting pattern fitted for the batch of fish, which may be based on the batch information. Every fish 2 in the batch may be cut with the substantially same uniform cutting pattern, when the first and second set of two cutting blades 4,5 shifts between the first cutting length L1and the second cutting length L2.

[0091] Fig. 4a, b illustrates an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus from a sideways view. The fish cutting apparatus 1, as described in figure la,b, comprises a first plate 8 arranged near the front of the cutting zone C, and a second plate 9 arranged near the end of the cutting zone C. The first plate 8 comprises an entrance opening configured to receive the fish 2 arranged on the conveyor. The conveyor system 3 comprises a receiving conveying part arranged in front of the first plate 8, wherein the fish 2 is arranged in a cutting position on the conveyor. The conveying system 3 may comprise means for holding the fish 2 in the cutting position, while conveying the fish 2 through the fish 2 cutting apparatus 1. The conveying system 3 extends through the cutting zone C between the first plate 8 and the second plate 9 through an exit opening 15 arranged in the second plate 9. The first plate 8 has the conveying distance to the second plate 9. The conveying system 3 conveys the fish 2 through the cutting zone C, and through an exit opening 15 provided in the second plate 9. The set of two band knives 6 is attached to a second side of the second plate 9. Each of the band knives 6 comprises two pulleys 121, 122arranged in a distance from each other with a continuously rotating steel blade 13 mounted on the pulleys. At least one of the pulleys 121, 122is driving the steel blade 13. The steel blades 13 are arranged to be driven in a cutting direction relative to each other, while cutting the fish 2. The abdomen-pressing arrangement 7 are arranged on a first side of the second plate 9. The abdomen-pressing arrangement 7 presses the sides of the fish 2 together, before the fish 2 is conveyed through the exit opening 15, such that the fish’s sides are substantially aligned while passing the band knife 6.

[0092] The first set of two cutting blades 4 is arranged near to the entrance opening 14, in the first plate 8, in the cutting zone C. The cutting zone C starts, where the first set of two cutting blades 4 starts to cut the fish 2. The cutting zone C extends until the fish 2 has been cut by the second set of two cutting blades 5, followed by being cut using the band knives 6 at the end of the cutting zone C.

[0093] The fish 2, when being conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus 1, may first be cut in the abdomen part near the part of the proximal end using the first set of two cutting blades 4. The first adjustable arrangement 10,11 adjusts the blade distance and if preferred to vary the angle position, by displacing and if preferred pivoting the set of two cutting blades 4 relative to each other, before the cutting process starts. The adjustable arrangement may comprise electrical means such as a motor unit 10 or similar to drive the means for displacing and if preferred pivoting, the two cutting blades 4 relative to each other, according to the chosen pre-set cutting program. The pre-set cutting program performs the cutting task, which provides the predetermined cutting pattern on all the fish 2 in the batch. The predetermined cutting pattern may be substantially uniform on all the fish 2 in the batch. The blade distance and the angle position of the first set of two cutting blades 4 may be constant, while cutting all the fish in the batch.

[0094] The second set of two cutting blades 5’,52is arranged in a second position relative to the conveying system 3. The fish 2, when being conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus, will secondly be cut in the spine part of the fish 2 using the second set of two cutting blades 5’,52near the second plate 9. The first adjustable arrangement 10,11 adjusts the blade distance and if preferred to vary the angle position, by displacing and if preferred pivoting the set of two cutting blades 4 relative to each other, before the cutting process starts. The second adjustable arrangement 161, 162may also use a motor unit or similar to drive the means for displacing and if preferred pivoting, the two cutting blades 5 ’, 52relative to each other, according to the chosen pre-set cutting program. The blade distance and the angle position of the second set of two cutting blades 4 may be constant or may be varied according to the predetermined uniform cutting pattern, while cutting all the fish 2 in the batch.

[0095] A detection unit, not shown in fig. 4a, b, may be arranged at the entry to the cutting zone, such that a fish is detected entering the cutting zone C. A control unit, not shown in fig 4a, b, controls the conveying speed of the conveyor in the conveying system 3 based on the retrieved batch information. If the batch of fish 2 comprises larger fish 2 the speed may be higher than if the batch of fish comprises smaller fish 2. The speed can predetermine and be based on the retrieved batch information. The speed may vary relative to different batch of fish 2 and if preferred the species of the fish 2.

[0096] A detection unit which is arranged before the cutting zone C, detects when the fish 2 enters the cutting zone C. The position of the fish is known without the use of detecting means in the cutting zone C. The control unit calculates every position of the fish 2 through the cutting zone C from the speed of the conveying fish 2. The control unit calculates a conveying length from the conveying speed relative to the time. The conveying length is equal to the conveying speed vs time. The control unit calculates first cutting length and a second cutting length and determines the time interval for the setting of the set of two blades for each of the respective first cutting length and a second cutting length, before the first fish in the batch enters the cutting zone.

[0097] Fig. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a fish cutting apparatus comprising a user interface. The fish cutting apparatus 1 is explained in fig. 4a, b. The fish cutting apparatus 1 may be provided with housing 17 comprising a user interface attached to the fish cutting apparatus 1. The user interface comprises a screen 18. The screen 18 may be a touch screen. Alternatively, the screen 18 may comprise buttons, such that a user can choose a pre-set cutting program, which provides a cutting task performing the predetermined cutting pattern for the specific batch of fish. The user interface may also have other buttons, such as emergency stop button 20 turn off and start and a stop button, and other relevant buttons 19.

[0098] The control unit may be integrated in the housing 17 comprising the user interface. The fish cutting apparatus 1 may be a stand-alone fish cutting system 1. The control unit retrieves the batch information from the user interface. The control unit is configured to execute a pre-set cutting program. The control unit controls the adjustable arrangement relative to the selected pre-set cutting program, based on the batch information retrieved. Each fish 2 in the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed in a conveying direction through the cutting apparatus, wherein each fish 2 in the batch is cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern.

[0099] While each fish 2 in the batch is conveyed through the fish cutting apparatus 1, the control unit controls the first and second set of two cutting blades 4,5, such that each fish 2 is being cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern based on the batch information regardless of the anatomy of each fish 2 separately. The pre-set cutting program is chosen, before the first fish from the batch enters the fish cutting apparatus 1. Once the batch information is entered into the user interface and the pre-set cutting program has been chosen, all the fish in the batch will cut the same way even though the anatomy of the fish differs from each other. Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a cutting process. The fish cutting apparatus may then cut at least one consecutive fish based on at least one of the dimensions of the at least one previous fish in the batch, such that the cutting pattern may be more optimized relative to the fish being cut, without measuring the fish being cut.

[0100] The control unit retrieves the batch information related to the batch of fish to be cut. The control unit calculates a predetermined cutting pattern from a batch information related to the batch of fish. The first fish, which enters the fish cutting apparatus, is cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern.

[0101] The measuring unit measures at least one predetermined dimension of the first fish while the fish conveys into the cutting zone. The control unit retrieves the first measured dimension of the first fish from the measuring unit. The control unit calculates a first updated cutting pattern based on the first measured dimension retrieved from the measuring unit. The control unit calculate the first updated cutting pattern based on the information from the predetermined cutting pattern and the first measured dimension of first fish. The second fish is cut according to the the first updated cutting pattern.

[0102] The control unit retrieves the second measured dimension of the second fish from the measuring unit. The control unit calculates a second updated cutting pattern based on the second measured dimension retrieved from the measuring unit. The control unit calculates the second updated cutting pattern based on the information from the first updated cutting pattern and the second measured dimension of second fish. The third fish is cut according to the the second updated cutting pattern.

[0103] The sequence continues until the last fish in the batch is conveyed into the cutting zone. The control unit retrieves the previous measured dimension of the previous fish from the measuring unit. The control unit calculates a batch updated cutting pattern based on the last measured dimension retrieved from the measuring unit. The control unit calculates the batch updated cutting pattern based on the information from the previous updated cutting pattern and the last measured dimension of the previous fish. The last fish is cut according to the the previous updated cutting pattern. The batch updated cutting pattern may be used for provided a predetermined cutting pattern for a further batch of fish to be cut.

[0104] The control unit may comprise a model of a fish. The model may be a mathematical model. The model may be a trained model. The trained model may be trained on previous measurement retrieved from previous batches. The control unit may be configured to predict the at least one dimension of a consecutive fish to be cut using the model of a fish. The at least one dimension measured may be used as an input to the model. The model may provide an updated cutting pattern based on prediction of the dimension of a fish to be cut from at least one previous measured fish in the batch or from similar previous batches.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS1. A fish cutting apparatus for cutting fillets of fish, wherein the fish cutting apparatus is configured to receive a batch of fish and cut the batch of fish according to a pre-set cutting program, wherein the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises: a conveying system (3) for conveying at least one fish (2) through the fish cutting apparatus (1), in a conveying direction through a cutting zone (C), at least one set of two cutting blades (4,5) arranged adjacent to each other in said cutting zone (C), wherein a blade distance is provided between the cutting blades (4’,42, 5’,52), wherein each of the cutting blades (4’,42, 5’,52) in the set of two cutting blades (4,5) are arranged on a first and second side of the conveying system (3), such that the cutting blades (4’,42, 5 ’, 52) in the set of two cutting blades (4,5) are capable of cutting along a right and left lateral side of the fish, when the fish (2) passes the set of two cutting blades (4,5), while being conveyed through the cutting zone (C), at least one adjustable arrangement (10,11,16’, 162) configured to adjust said blade distance by displacing said cutting blades (4’,42, 5’,52) in the set of two cutting blades (4,5) relative to each other, a user interface configured to receive a batch information related to said batch of fish (2) to be cut, a control unit configured to retrieve said batch information from said user interface, wherein the control unit is configured to control said adjustable arrangement (10,11,16’, 162) when executing the pre-set program based on said batch information, such that each fish (2) in the batch is cut according to a predetermined cutting pattern, when each fish in the batch of fish in continuation of each other is being conveyed through the cutting zone (C).

2. The fish cutting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two cutting blades (4’,42, 5’,52) in the set of two cutting blades (4,5) are arranged (10,11,16’, 162) in an angled position relative to each other, wherein the adjustable arrangement is configured to vary said angled position relative to each other, based on the retrieved batch information.

3. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises a first set of two cutting blades (4) arranged in a first position relative to the conveying system (3), and a second set of two cutting blades (5) arranged in a second position arranged relative to the conveying system (3), wherein a first adjustable arrangement (10,11) is configured to adjust a first blade distance by moving said cutting blades (4',42) in the first set of two cutting blades (4) relative to each other, and wherein a second adjustable arrangement (161, 162) is configured to adjust a second blade distance by moving said cutting blades (5 ’, 52) in the second set of two cutting blades (5) relative to each other.

4. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises a set of two band knives (6), wherein the two band knives (6) are arranged mutual adjacent to each other, in a fourth position relative to the conveying system (3), wherein the two band knives (6) are configured to cut on respective sides of the backbone of the fish (2) separating two respective filleting from the backbone of the fish (2), wherein the control unit is configured to control at least one band knife adjustable arrangement configured to adjust the distance between the two band knives (6), such that the two band knives (6) are arranged in a predetermined distance relative to each other, while cutting the batch of fish (6).

5. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the control unit is configured to control a conveying speed in the conveying system (3) based on said retrieved batch information.

6. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises a detection unit for detecting a fish (2) entering the cutting zone (C).

7. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises at least one measuring unit configured to measure at least one dimension of a fish (2) entering the cutting zone (C), wherein the controlunit is configured to retrieve the measured dimension from the at least one measuring unit, and calculate an updated cutting pattern, such that the fish cutting apparatus (1) cuts at least one consecutive fish (2) based on at least one of the dimension of the at least one previous fish (2).

8. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said set of two cutting blades (4,5) is configured to have a first blade distance for a first cutting length, wherein the blade distance and, if preferred, the first cutting length is derived from the batch information.

9. The fish cutting apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said set of two cutting blades (4,5) is configured to have a second blade distance for a second cutting length, wherein said second blade distance is different from said first blade distance, wherein the second blade distance and, if preferred, the second cutting length are determined from the batch information, wherein said first blade distance in said first cutting length is followed by said second blade distance in said second cutting length.

10. The fish cutting apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fish cutting apparatus (1) comprises a set of belly cutting blades.

11. A method for cutting fillets of fish in a fish cutting apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, characterized in that the method comprises following acts: a) retrieving a batch of fish (2), and enter a batch information using a user interface, b) retrieving the batch information from said user interface, c) selecting a pre-set cutting program for performing a predetermined cutting pattern based on the retrieved batch information, d) adjusting at least one set of two cutting blades (4,5) blade distance using at least one adjustable arrangement, e) cutting each fish (2) in the batch, when executing the pre-set cutting program, such that each fish (2) in the batch is cut according to the predetermined cutting pattern, when the batch of fish (2) in continuation of each other is being conveyedthrough a cutting zone (C).

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the batch information comprises information related to a weight interval of the fish (2) in the batch, and if preferred the species of fish (2) in the batch.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the method comprises further acts:- measuring at least one dimension of at least one fish (2) from the batch entering the cutting zone (C),- calculating an updated cutting pattern,- cutting the rest of the fish (3) in the batch according to the updated cutting pattern.

14. A method for calculating a cutting pattern to cut a batch of fish (2) in a fish cutting apparatus (1), wherein the method comprises following acts:- calculating a predetermined cutting pattern from a batch information related to the batch of fish (2),- measuring at least one dimension of at least one fish (2) from a batch before or when the fish (2) to be measured enters the cutting zone (C),- calculating an updated cutting pattern based on the predetermined cutting pattern and the dimension of at least one measured fish (2), such that the consecutive fish (2) to be measured is cut according to the up dated cutting pattern.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises further acts:- predicting the at least one dimension of the consecutive fish (2) to be cut, wherein the at least one dimension is predicted from at least one previous measured fish (2) in the batch,- calculating the updated cutting pattern based on the predetermined cuttingpattern and the dimension of the at least one measured fish (2) from the batch.

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