Device for transporting slaughtered fish transversely to their longitudinal extension in the direction of a processing station

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10), designed and configured for transporting slaughtered fish (11) transversely to their longitudinal extension in the direction of a processing station, in particular a deheading device, comprising a frame (12) and a transport means (13) which is mounted on the frame (12) and has at least one continuous, rotationally driven transport unit (14), wherein the / each transport unit (14) is provided with multiple transport troughs (43) for each receiving a separate fish (11) and has an upper track (16) for transporting the fish (11) lying on the transport troughs (43) in a transport direction (17) and a lower track (17) for returning the empty transport troughs (43), wherein each transport trough (43) comprises a first transport element (15) for receiving and transporting the head (21) of the fish (11) and a second transport element (15) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of the fish (11) still connected to the head (21), characterized in that at least all second transport elements (15) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of each transport trough (43) are mounted on the transport unit (14) such that they can freely pivot relative to the transport unit (14) about a pivot axis (S) oriented transverse to the transport direction (T).

Description

[0001] Device for transporting slaughtered fish transversely to their longitudinal extension towards a processing station

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for transporting slaughtered fish transversely to their longitudinal extent in the direction of a processing station, in particular a head-decapitating device, comprising a frame and a transport means mounted on the frame, which transport means has at least one endless, revolvingly driven transport device, wherein the or each transport device is provided with a plurality of transport troughs for receiving isolated fish and comprises an upper run for transporting the fish lying on the transport troughs in the transport direction T and a lower run for returning the empty transport troughs, wherein each transport trough comprises a first transport body for receiving and transporting at least parts of the head of the fish and a second transport body for receiving and transporting at least parts of the body of the fish still connected to the head.

[0004] Such devices are used in the fish processing industry to transport already slaughtered fish from a first processing station, individually and transversely to their length, to a second processing station. For example, the fish can be transferred from the slaughter station to the generic device and from there transported towards a heading device. The fish lie in transport troughs. The transport troughs as transport bodies are usually designed in two parts and comprise a head trough and a body trough. These transport troughs are attached to a conveyor device that is driven in rotation in such a way that the transport troughs loaded with fish are transported on an upper run towards the processing station and, after the fish have been dropped off or transferred, are diverted and returned empty overhead on the lower run.In the case of transporting the fish in the direction of a topping device, the two transport bodies, namely the head trough and the body trough, are also arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction T, so that a cutting gap is formed through which a topping knife or the like can be inserted to separate the head from the body.

[0005] Each transport body of a transport trough is detachably attached to the transport device and, with a base plate, spans a plane which, on the upper side facing away from the transport device, forms a support surface for the fish to be transported and, on the underside facing the transport device, a fastening surface for attaching the transport bodies to the transport device. In the generic devices, each transport body is connected to the transport device over a flat surface. This means that the transport bodies, which have a flat extension transverse to the transport direction T and in the transport direction T, are attached to the transport device both in the area of ​​the front side or leading edge running in the transport direction T in the area of ​​the upper run and in the area of ​​the trailing rear side or trailing edge.When the transport device is deflected from the upper run to the lower run and vice versa by an angle of up to 180 degrees, this leads to increased tension in the transport bodies, particularly due to twisting. In other words, the transport bodies are subjected to a bending force in a tight curve, which can lead to damage or even complete destruction of the transport bodies, particularly in the case of larger transport bodies, namely the fuselage troughs. Changing or replacing the transport bodies leads to a standstill of the device and thus a reduction in performance. A further disadvantage of the flatly connected transport bodies is that the moist and therefore sticky orComponents or residues of the transported fish released from the upper strand, which are at least partially adhering to the transport body, continue to adhere to and on the support surface in the lower strand, so that the transport bodies must be cleaned before being restocked with fish.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and compact device which ensures a longer service life of at least individual components as well as improved hygiene. This object is achieved by a device mentioned above in that at least all second transport bodies for receiving and transporting the body of each transport trough are mounted on the transport device so as to be freely pivotable about a pivot axis S oriented transversely to the transport direction T. With this design, namely a relative mobility of the pivotable transport bodies with respect to the transport device, the stress on the transport bodies can be reduced, particularly in the area of ​​the deflection from the upper run to the lower run and from the lower run to the upper run.

[0007] This protects the transport bodies and protects them from damage or destruction. Due to the free and one-sided mounting of the transport bodies on the transport direction, each transport body can lift off the transport device on at least one side, namely on the side opposite the mounting, thus simplifying redirection by up to 180 degrees. Less damage or destruction of transport bodies leads to less frequent replacement, which improves the overall service life of the device. Furthermore, this type of attachment of the transport bodies to the transport device allows for tighter radii during redirection, resulting in a more compact design.

[0008] Optionally, either the first and second transport bodies of a transport trough are pivotally mounted, or only the second transport body of a transport trough is pivotally mounted. If both transport bodies of a transport trough are pivotally mounted, the tension on the transport bodies for both transport bodies can be reduced, particularly in the area of ​​the deflection from the upper run to the lower run and from the lower run to the upper run. In the event that only the body trough, as the second transport body of the transport trough, is pivotally mounted, the tension on the geometrically larger transport bodies can be reduced in any case, particularly in the area of ​​the deflection from the upper run to the lower run and from the lower run to the upper run. The first transport bodies of a transport trough, i.e. the head troughs, which are geometrically smaller than the body troughs, are optionally permanently connected to the transport device, i.e. in particular they cannot be folded or tilted.This means that simpler transport chains can be used, at least for the head trays, which reduces costs.

[0009] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that each pivotable transport body is pivotally mounted on the transport device with its rear side running in the transport direction T in the area of ​​the upper run. The pivotable mounting can be formed, for example, on bolts that are assigned to the transport device and rotate with it. The transport bodies can be firmly but detachably screwed to the bolt, for example. Optionally, the transport bodies can also be designed and configured to be pluggable onto the bolts. A central axis of the transport body, regardless of whether it is a head trough or a body trough, extends parallel to the pivot axis and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fish to be transported, as well as transversely to the transport direction T.Due to the one-sided bearing on the trailing rear side of the transport bodies, the transport bodies tilt around the pivot axis of the transport device when deflected from the upper run to the lower run. After the complete deflection, upon reaching the lower run, the transport bodies hang on the pivot axis and hang downwards with the free, loose front edge due to gravity. This means that the support surface of the transport bodies is inclined and, optionally, essentially perpendicular to the transport device and also the transport plane. Any remaining residue and dirt on the transport body can then slide off the transport body more easily on the return journey and before reloading with fish, creating a more hygienic device that requires less cleaning.

[0010] The pivotable mounting of each pivotable transport body on the transport device is expediently designed as a linear fastening of the transport bodies to the transport device. This can be a continuous linear fastening or a linear fastening formed from multiple sections, in particular, for example, in the region of the bolt oriented transversely to the transport direction T. The linear fastening or mounting establishes a secure connection to the transport device and, on the other hand, enables free movement or pivoting of the transport bodies relative to the transport device in order to protect the transport bodies during deflection by means of a controlled deflection and to simplify and support the flowing and / or falling of residues from the transport bodies in the region of the lower run.

[0011] Advantageously, each pivoting transport body is located with its in the area of

[0012] The front side leading the upper run in the transport direction T rests loosely on the transport device in the area of ​​the upper run and is spaced from it in the area of ​​the lower run. Instead of resting loosely, the transport body can also be detachably clipped, plugged or similarly attached to the transport device, at least with its front side. However, the loose resting in the area of ​​the upper run ensures in a particularly simple and effective way that the transport bodies are free of load and tension, particularly during their deflection. The support surface of the transport bodies is flat and essentially horizontal, parallel to the transport device, in the area of ​​the upper run to form the transport plane.In the area of ​​the lower run, the transport body hangs on the pivot axis so that the support surface is designed and aligned at an angle, for example at an angle greater than 15 degrees to the transport device, preferably up to an angle of 90 degrees, i.e. perpendicular to the transport device.

[0013] In a preferred development, at least each pivotable transport body comprises, on its underside facing the upper run of the transport device in the region of the upper run, at least one guide body which interacts with at least one guide rail arranged on the frame and which extends linearly at least in sections along the upper run. Optionally and particularly preferably, two guide bodies are provided on each transport body, each of which interacts optionally with one guide rail or with two guide rails. This design stabilizes the transport bodies in the upper run and in particular when processing the fish lying on the transport bodies. The one-sided bearing on the one hand and the guidance on the other create an optimized balance between mobility and stability of the transport bodies.

[0014] An advantageous development is characterized in that the transport device comprises three circulatingly driven transport chains, wherein the first transport bodies of a transport trough for receiving and transporting the head of the fish are assigned to the first transport chain, and the second transport bodies of a transport trough for receiving and transporting the body of the fish, still connected to the head, are assigned to the other two transport chains. The head trough and the body trough form a transport trough for a fish and are arranged at a distance from one another to form a cutting gap. The arrangement of the transport bodies on transport chains as a transport device enables simple and reliable feeding of the fish towards a head-cutting device.Advantageously, at least two guide rails are arranged between the two transport chains for the transport bodies for picking up and transporting the fish's carcass, which is still connected to the head, such that the pivoting transport bodies with their guide bodies are guided linearly between the two guide rails in the area of ​​the upper run. The guide bodies of the carcass trough are arranged in a sandwich-like manner between the guide rails, at least in the area of ​​one transport chain. In other words, the guide rails are arranged above and below the guide bodies, so that movements out of the transport plane, i.e. upwards and downwards, are restricted or prevented. In the area of ​​the other transport chain, for example, a single guide rail can be provided which runs above the guide bodies. Optionally, two guide rails can also be formed in the area of ​​the second transport chain.Accordingly, one or more guide rails can be provided for the head recess.

[0015] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that at least in the region of the transition from the upper run to the lower run, a guide means is arranged which is designed and configured for the orderly tilting of the pivoting transport bodies in the deflection area. Optionally, a corresponding guide means is also arranged in the transition from the lower run to the upper run. The additional guide means serves to take over the guide bodies of the transport bodies from the guide rails in the region of the upper run and continue the guidance around the deflection in the direction of the lower run and, through the forced guidance of the guide bodies in the additional guide means, ensures a controlled movement of the transport bodies in the deflection area. This additional guide means supports the transport bodies and, accompanied by a stabilization of the transport bodies which are only loosely resting on the transport device on the front, ensures a uniform and offset-free orensures that the transport device runs smoothly.

[0016] Advantageously, the guide means is designed and arranged as a continuation and extension of the or each guide rail. This ensures that the transport bodies are guided seamlessly from the upper run toward the lower run, ensuring controlled and consistent movement and guidance of the transport bodies both during the processing of the fish lying on the transport bodies and during the return of the empty transport bodies.

[0017] The guide means are expediently designed and configured to interact with the guide bodies of the transport bodies. This interaction can be achieved, among other things, by the or each guide body being designed to slide along the guide means, which forms a type of positive guide, in particular such that each guide body is limited in its movement along the guide means, at least upwards and outwards. Optionally, each guide body can also be limited on both sides, i.e., upwards and downwards or outwards and inwards, continuously or in sections.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the guide means comprises at least one slotted guide, preferably two slotted guides. The slotted guide provides a simple and stable guide, which in particular ensures that the transport bodies are precisely guided at high transport speeds, even around tight radii and deflections of up to 180 degrees. If a transport body comprises a guide body, the guide means comprises a slotted guide. If a transport body has two guide bodies, for example, it is preferred that the guide means comprise two slotted guides, so that each guide body is guided along its own separate slotted guide.

[0019] Advantageously, each link guide comprises at least one curved link rod which, starting from the linear path in the area of ​​the upper run, extends bent by at least 90 degrees towards the lower run. This curved link rod forms the positive guide for the or each guide body which is guided on the underside of the link rod facing away from the transport body. In addition to the link rod, the link guide can comprise a link plate which is connected to the link rod. The link plate, which extends at least in the area of ​​the deflection, spans a plane which is aligned parallel to the transport direction and perpendicular to the transport plane. The link plate ensures that the guide bodies are limited inwards transverse to the transport direction T, i.e. cannot break out laterally, so that the guide bodies are reliably guided in the transport direction T.Advantageously, two guide rails are provided, arranged between two conveyor chains for transporting the transport bodies for picking up and transporting the fish's body, still connected to the head. They are arranged at a distance from each other transversely to the transport direction T. Starting from a linear path in the area of ​​the upper run, they extend toward the lower run, curved by approximately 120 degrees. This ensures symmetrical guidance of the transport bodies arranged on two conveyor chains and moved by them in the transport direction T, particularly in the deflection area.

[0020] Particularly advantageously, the device is assigned a clamping device that is arranged on the frame and by means of which the circulating transport device can be subjected to a clamping force in the lower run area. This ensures that the guide bodies can be reliably and precisely inserted into or between the guide rails in the upper run area, on the one hand, and into or under the guide means in the deflection area, on the other. The clamping device makes it possible to improve the synchronization of the transport device, which ensures precise guidance and controlled tilting of the transport bodies, particularly in the deflection area.

[0021] Advantageously, all three conveyor chains are designed and configured to be driven synchronously by a single drive mechanism, with the first conveyor chain and the other two conveyor chains mounted on separate shafts and driven separately. This results in a compact and reliable drive concept that ensures consistent and synchronous drive of the conveyor chains.

[0022] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the device comprises a control device designed and configured to control the drive means for the transport chains. The control device ensures automatic and coordinated transport of the fish.

[0023] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device will become apparent from 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: Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in a rear view.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a transport body located in the deflection area from the upper run to the lower run,

[0025] Fig. 3 the schematic representation according to Figure 2 in a further tilted position of the transport body,

[0026] Fig. 4 the schematic representation according to Figure 3 in a further tilted position of the transport body,

[0027] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the transport bodies guided with their guide bodies in the area of ​​the upper run of the transport device between guide rails in a perspective view obliquely from above, and

[0028] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the guide means in the area of ​​the deflection in a perspective view obliquely from below.

[0029] The device according to the invention and illustrated in the drawing serves for transporting fish transversely to their longitudinal extent toward a header. However, the device can also be used in a corresponding manner to transport other products to a processing station that is not a header.

[0030] The preferred embodiment illustrated in the drawing shows a device 10 designed and configured for transporting slaughtered fish 11 transversely to their longitudinal extent toward a header. The device 10 comprises a frame 12 and a transport means 13 mounted on the frame 12, which has at least one endless, circulatingly driven transport device 14.The or each transport device 14 is provided with a plurality of transport troughs 43 for receiving isolated fish 11 and comprises an upper run 16 for transporting the fish 11 lying on the transport troughs 43 in the transport direction T and a lower run 17 for returning the empty transport troughs 43, wherein each transport trough 43 comprises a first transport body 15 for receiving and transporting at least parts of the head 21 of the fish 11 and a second transport body 15 for receiving and transporting at least parts of the body 22 of the fish 11 still connected to the head 21.

[0031] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that at least all second transport bodies 15 for receiving and transporting the fuselage 22 of each transport trough 43 are mounted on the transport device 14 so as to be freely pivotable about a pivot axis S oriented transversely to the transport direction T.

[0032] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above.

[0033] The frame 12 can be a simple frame or an at least partially closed housing. In the illustrated embodiment, wheels or the like are assigned to the frame 12 to enable the device 10 to be placed at the desired location in the layout. The transport device 14 comprises continuously driven transport elements. In the embodiment shown, the transport device 14 comprises three circulating transport chains 18, 19, 20 as transport elements. The first transport body 15 of a transport trough 43 for receiving and transporting the head 21 of the fish 11 (i.e., a head trough) is assigned to the first transport chain 18, and the second transport body 15 of a transport trough 43 for receiving and transporting the body 22 of the fish 11, still connected to the head 21 (i.e., a body trough), is assigned to the other two transport chains 19, 20. The head trough and the body trough form the transport trough 43.The head trough and body trough are separately formed transport bodies 15, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T with a gap between them to enable the beheading of the fish 11 with a beheading knife that can be inserted into the gap. The transport device 14 is equipped throughout with a plurality of transport troughs 43, each of which lies next to one another, aligned transversely to the transport direction T. Optionally, the first and second transport bodies 15 of a transport trough 43 can be pivotally mounted, or only the second transport body 15 of a transport trough 43 is pivotally mounted, while the first transport body of the transport trough 43 is then fixed, i.e., cannot be folded or tilted relative to the transport device 14.

[0034] As described, each pivotable transport body 15 is mounted on the transport device 14 so as to be separately foldable about the pivot axis S. In a first embodiment, the head trough as the transport body 15 is arranged on the first transport chain 18 so as to be movable relative to the latter. In a further embodiment, the first transport body 15 is not movable relative to the transport device 14. In all embodiments, the body trough as the transport body 15 is arranged on the transport chains 19, 20 so as to be movable relative to the latter. For this purpose, each pivotable transport body 15 is pivotally mounted on the transport device 14, i.e., the transport chains 18 to 20, with its rear side trailing in the region of the upper run 16 in the transport direction T. The pivotable mounting of the transport bodies 15 on the transport device 14 is designed as a linear fastening of the transport bodies 15 to the transport device 14.Pivot pins 23 are arranged on the transport chains 18 to 20 at a distance in the transport direction T, which extend transversely to the transport direction T and on which or at which the transport bodies 15 are mounted. Thus, the transport bodies 15 are connected to the transport chains 18 to 20 on their trailing rear sides and are thus closely tied to the path of the transport chains 18 to 20, and their rear sides follow the path of the transport chains 18 to 20 both in the upper run 16 and in the lower run 17, as well as in the area of ​​the deflections.

[0035] In the area of ​​the upper run 16, each pivotable transport body 15 rests loosely on the transport device 14 with its front side running forward in the transport direction T. In the area of ​​the upper run 16, the front side of the pivotable transport body 15 follows the path of the transport chains 19, 20. In the area of ​​the deflections and the lower run 17, however, the front side of the pivotable transport bodies 15 describes a path of movement that deviates from the path of movement of the transport chains 18 to 20, since the transport bodies 15 tilt relative to the transport chains 18 to 20 in the area of ​​the deflections. A first transport body 15 for receiving the head 21, which is not movable relative to the transport device 14 at the time, continuously follows the path of movement of the transport chain 18.In the area of ​​the lower run 17, the pivotable transport bodies 15 hang with their folded front side downwards, so that the front side of the transport bodies 15 is spaced from the transport chains 18 to 20.

[0036] At least each pivotable transport body 15 comprises, on its underside facing the upper run 16 of the transport device 14, at least one guide body 24 which interacts with at least one guide rail 25 arranged on the frame 12 and extending linearly at least in sections along the upper run 16. For this purpose, in addition to fastening devices for releasably fastening the transport bodies 15 to the transport chains 18 to 20, for example in the form of clamps, at least one guide means 27 is arranged on the underside of a base plate 26 of the transport body 15, which guide means 27 comprises two guide bodies 24 in the embodiment shown (see in particular Figure 5).

[0037] At least two guide rails 25 are arranged between the two transport chains 19, 20 for the pivoting transport bodies 15 for picking up and transporting the body of the fish 11, which is still connected to the head, such that the pivoting transport bodies 15 with their guide bodies 24 are guided linearly between the two guide rails 25 in the area of ​​the upper run 16. The guide rails 25 extend at least in sections, but optionally over the entire length, along the upper run 16. The principle of the guide bodies 24 guided along the guide rails 25 is described using the example of the body trough, but is optionally also provided in a corresponding manner for the head trough.A guide rail 25 is arranged in the region of the transport chain 19 on the side of the guide means 27 facing away from the transport chain 19 below the transport bodies 15 in such a way that the guide rail 25 is arranged between the underside of the base plate 26 and the guide body 24 of the guide means 27, thereby preventing each transport body 15 from moving vertically upwards out of the transport plane E. In the region of the transport chain 20 on the side of the guide means 27 facing away from the transport chain 20, two guide rails 25 are arranged below the transport bodies 15 in such a way that the guide body 24 is positioned like a sandwich with slight play between the two guide rails 25, thereby preventing each transport body 15 from moving upwards and downwards.

[0038] At least in the area of ​​the transition from the upper run 16 to the lower run 17, a guide means 28 is arranged, which is designed and configured for the orderly tilting of the pivotable transport bodies 15 in the deflection area 29. The principle of the controlled guidance of the transport bodies 15 in the deflection area 29 is explained using the tilting of the pivotable transport bodies 15 during the transition from the upper run 16 to the lower run 17, but is also provided in a corresponding manner during the transition from the lower run 17 to the upper run 16. The guide means 28 is designed and arranged as a continuation and extension of the or each guide rail 25 and is designed and configured to interact with the guide bodies 24 of the transport bodies 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide means 28 comprises two slotted guides 30, 31.

[0039] Figure 6 shows an exemplary embodiment. Shown is a drive and / or deflection shaft 32 mounted on the frame 12, on which gears 33, 34 are arranged, which mesh with the (not shown) transport chains 19, 20. Between the two transport chains 19, 20 for transporting the transport bodies 15 for receiving and transporting the body of the fish 11, still connected to the head, are the two link guides 30, 31, which interact with the guide bodies 24 of the transport bodies 15. The two link guides 30, 31 are arranged spaced from one another transversely to the transport direction T. Each link guide 30, 31 comprises at least one curved link rod 35, 36, which extends from the linear course in the area of ​​the upper run 16 by at least 90 degrees, in the variant shown by approximately 120 degrees, in the direction of the lower run 17.In addition, each guide rail 30, 31 includes a guide plate 37, 38 connected to the guide rod 35, 36. The guide plate 37, 38 is detachably mounted on the guide rods 35, 36, for example, by screwing, and extends in the area of ​​the deflection, i.e., in particular, in the area of ​​the curvature of the guide rods 35, 36. Each guide plate 37, 38 defines a plane that is aligned parallel to the transport direction T and perpendicular to the transport plane E.

[0040] The guide elements 24 of the transport elements 15 run beneath the link rods 35, 36, starting from a linear path in the area of ​​the upper run 16, along the curvature of the link rods 35, 36, which limit upward or outward deflection of the guide elements 24. At the end of each curved section of the link rods 35, 36, a lower link rod 39, 40 is arranged as part of the link guide 30, 31. The lower link rods 39, 40 are supported on the frame 12 and ensure that the transport elements 15 with their guide elements 24 are guided in a controlled manner from the deflection area 29 into the area of ​​the lower run 17. The lower link rods 39, 40 are arranged slightly overlapping the link rods 35, 36, such that the guide bodies 24 of the transport bodies 15 are still in contact with the link rods 35, 36, while the guide bodies 24 are already in contact with the lower link rods 39, 40.The free ends of the link rods 35, 36 on the one hand and the lower link rods 39, 40 on the other hand lie opposite one another and form a transition area for the guide bodies 24 from the upper link rods 35, 36 to the lower link rods 39, 40. The size or length of the overlap or transition area can vary. In the transition area, the guide bodies 24 are arranged between two link rods 35, 39 or 36, 40. The lower link rods 39, 40 run out in the area of ​​the lower run 17, so that the guide bodies 24 of the transport bodies 15 are at least partially guideless, whereby the transport bodies 15 hang freely on the transport chains 18 to 20.

[0041] All three transport chains 18 to 20 are designed and configured to be synchronously driven by a drive means, wherein the first transport chain 18 on the one hand and the two other transport chains 19, 20 on the other hand are mounted on separate shafts and are accordingly driven separately. To control the drive means for the transport means 13, the device 10 comprises a control device 41. Since the lengths of the transport chains 18 to 20 change, i.e. in particular increase, during operation of the device 10 due to the rotating drive and the load from the fish 11, a tensioning means 42 is assigned to the transport chains 18 to 20, by means of which the tension in the transport chains 18 to 20 is kept constant despite increasing lengths. The tensioning means 42 is arranged on the frame 12 so that the circulatingly driven transport chains 18 to 20 can be subjected to a tensioning force in the region of the lower run 17.

Claims

1. Device (10) designed and configured for transporting slaughtered fish (11) transversely to their longitudinal extent in the direction of a processing station, in particular a header, comprising a frame (12) and a transport means (13) mounted on the frame (12) and having at least one endless, revolvingly driven transport device (14), wherein the or each transport device (14) is provided with a plurality of transport troughs (43) for receiving individual fish (11) and comprises an upper run (16) for transporting the fish (11) lying on the transport troughs (43) in the transport direction T and a lower run (17) for returning the empty transport troughs (43),wherein each transport trough (43) comprises a first transport body (15) for receiving and transporting at least parts of the head (21) of the fish (11) and a second transport body (15) for receiving and transporting at least parts of the body (22) of the fish (11) still connected to the head (21), characterized in that at least all second transport bodies (15) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of each transport trough (43) are mounted on the transport device (14) so ​​as to be freely pivotable about a pivot axis S oriented transversely to the transport direction T.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that optionally the first and the second transport body (15) of a transport trough (43) are pivotally mounted, or only the second transport body (15) of a transport trough (43) is pivotally mounted.

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each pivotable transport body (15) is pivotally mounted on the transport device (14) with its rear side running in the transport direction T in the region of the upper run (16).

4. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the pivotable mounting of each pivotable transport body (15) on the transport device (14) is designed as a linear Fastening of the transport body (15) to the transport device (14) is formed.

5. Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each pivotable transport body (15) rests with its front side leading in the transport direction T in the area of ​​the upper run (16) loosely on the transport device (14) in the area of ​​the upper run (16) and is spaced apart from the latter in the area of ​​the lower run (17).

6. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least each pivotable transport body (15) comprises on its underside facing the transport device (14) in the region of the upper run (16) at least one guide body (24) which cooperates with at least one guide rail (25) which is arranged on the frame (12) and which extends linearly at least in sections along the upper run (16).

7. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the transport device (14) comprises three circulatingly driven transport chains (18, 19, 20), wherein the first transport bodies (15) of a transport trough (43) for receiving and transporting the head (21) of the fish (11) are assigned to the first transport chain (18) and the second transport bodies (15) of a transport trough (43) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of the fish (11), which is still connected to the head (21), are assigned to the other two transport chains (19, 20).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that at least two guide rails (25) are arranged between the two transport chains (19, 20) for the transport bodies (15) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of the fish (11) still connected to the head (21), such that the pivotable transport bodies (15) with their guide bodies (24) are guided linearly between the two guide rails (25) in the region of the upper run (16).

9. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least in the region of the transition from the upper run (16) a guide means (28) is arranged for the lower strand (17), which guide means is designed and arranged for the orderly tilting of the pivotable transport bodies (15) in the deflection area (29) 10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide means (28) is designed and arranged as a continuation and extension of the or each guide rail (25).

11. Device (10) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the guide means (28) are designed and arranged to cooperate with the guide bodies (24) of the transport bodies (15).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the guide means (28) comprises at least one slotted guide (30, 31), preferably two slotted guides (30, 31).

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that each link guide (30, 31) comprises at least one curved link rod (35, 36) which, starting from the linear course in the region of the upper run (16), extends bent by at least 90 degrees in the direction of the lower run (17).

14. Device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that two link guides (30, 31) are provided, which are arranged between two transport chains (19, 20) for transporting the transport bodies (15) for receiving and transporting the body (22) of the fish (11) still connected to the head (21) and are arranged spaced from one another transversely to the transport direction T and, starting from the linear course in the region of the upper run (16), extend in a bend of approximately 120 degrees in the direction of the lower run (17).

15. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the device (10) is assigned a clamping means (42) which is arranged on the frame (12) and by means of which the circumferentially driven transport device (14) can be subjected to a tensioning force in the region of the lower run (17).

16. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 15, characterized in that all three transport chains (18, 19, 20) are provided with a Drive means are designed and arranged to be synchronously driven, wherein the first transport chain (18) on the one hand and the two other transport chains (19, 20) on the other hand are mounted on separate shafts and are accordingly driven separately.

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a control device (41) which is designed and arranged to control the drive means for the transport chains (18, 19, 20).

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