Transport element for receiving and transporting individual fish or parts thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a transport element (10) which is designed and configured to receive and transport individual fish (11) or parts (12, 13) thereof transverse to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction (T), comprising a trough element (14) having a base plate (16) which forms a support surface (15) for the fish (11) or parts (12, 13) thereof and spanning a transport plane (E), characterized in that means (19) for freely attaching transport element (10) to a transport means (20) are arranged on the underside (18) of the base plate (16) facing away from the support surface (15). The invention also relates to a transport trough (43) which is formed from two or more transport elements (10) of this type. The invention also relates to a transport device (45) comprising a plurality of transport troughs (43) of this type.

Description

[0001] Transport body for picking up and transporting individual fish or parts thereof

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a transport body, designed and configured for receiving and transporting individual fish or parts thereof transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction T, comprising a trough body with a base plate forming a support surface for the fish or parts thereof, which base plate spans a transport plane.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to a transport trough, designed and configured to receive and transport individual fish transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction T, comprising a first transport body, designed and configured to receive and transport the head of the fish, and a second transport body, designed and configured to receive and transport the body of the fish still connected to the head, wherein the two transport bodies are arranged at a distance from one another in the state mounted on a transport means to form a cutting gap.

[0005] The invention further 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-cutting device, comprising a frame and a transport means mounted on the frame, which has at least one endless, revolvingly driven transport device, wherein the or each transport device is provided with a plurality of transport bodies each for receiving individual fish and comprises an upper run for transporting the fish lying on the transport bodies in the transport direction T and a lower run for returning the empty transport bodies.

[0006] Such transport bodies, transport troughs and devices are used in the fish processing industry, in particular to transport already slaughtered fish from a first processing station, individually and transversely to their longitudinal extent, 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 are usually designed in two parts and comprise a head trough as the first transport body and a body trough as the second transport body. 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 along the lower run.In the case of transporting the fish towards a head-cutting device, the two transport bodies, namely the head recess and the body recess, are arranged at a distance from one another so that a cutting gap is formed through which a head-cutting knife or the like can be inserted to separate the head from the body.

[0007] The transport bodies of a transport trough are each separately attached to the transport device. For this purpose, the transport bodies are bolted, for example, to the transport device's revolving transport chains, allowing them to be replaced for maintenance and repair purposes. However, the additional fastening elements, such as screws or similar, required to firmly but detachably connect the transport bodies to the transport device, result in additional work when replacing the transport troughs or individual components. Furthermore, the additional fastening elements lead to the accumulation of fish remains or other contaminants in the area of ​​the fastening elements, necessitating more frequent cleaning cycles.A further disadvantage of the transport bodies that are firmly and thus rigidly and flatly connected to the transport device is that the deflection of the transport device in the transition from the upper run to the lower run and vice versa leads to a high mechanical load on the transport bodies, which can then break, resulting in the device having to come to a standstill in order to replace the defective transport bodies with functional transport bodies.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of proposing a transport body that is easy to handle and can be used hygienically. The object is also to propose a corresponding transport trough and a corresponding transport device.

[0009] This object is achieved by a transport body mentioned above in that means for attaching the transport body to a transport means without the need for fastening means are arranged on the underside of the base plate facing away from the support surface. The design according to the invention ensures that the transport bodies can be attached to and removed from the transport means without any aids and without any fastening means. The means can be formed integrally with the base plate or they can be detachably attached to the base plate. Regardless of the design and / or fastening, the means ensure that the transport bodies can be quickly and easily connected to and detached from the transport means by hand, without any additional fastening means and without any tools. The transport bodies according to the invention are therefore particularly easy to handle.Due to the reduced number of parts, in particular by omitting additional fastening means such as screws, and the resulting minimized number of edges, gaps, grooves or the like on and in which dirt can collect, the transport body according to the invention offers an easy-to-clean and hygienically improved solution.

[0010] Advantageously, the means for fastening-free attachment comprise at least two clamping clamps, which are designed and configured for a combined force- and form-fitting connection to a cylindrical body of the transport means. Instead of clamping clamps, clamping eyes, locking eyes or the like can also be used. The number of clamping clamps and their arrangement and positioning can vary. Using the clamping clamps or comparable means, each transport body can be easily and securely attached to the transport means and removed again against a clamping force. The clamping force is selected to be small enough to ensure easy attachment and removal, and large enough to connect the transport bodies to the transport means sufficiently firmly so that the transport bodies remain securely attached to the transport means during operation, i.e. in particular during the transport of the fish and during processing.Once the frictional connection has been overcome, the clamps form a positive fit with the conveyor. More precisely, the clamps form a positive fit around the cylindrical body, such as an axle, a bolt, or the like. This preferred design ensures that in the event of an overload, for example, when deflecting from the upper run to the lower run or vice versa, the conveyor bodies can be released from the positive fit with the conveyor and against the frictional component, thus reliably preventing damage or even breakage of the conveyor bodies. They then simply need to be reattached.

[0011] A preferred development is characterized in that a pair of clamps is arranged on either side of the central axis M at a distance from a central axis M of the base plate directed in the transport direction T, wherein the two clamps of a pair are also arranged at a distance from one another. The clamps of a pair can be arranged offset from one another. Preferably, the clamps of a pair are aligned in such a way that the central axes S of the clamps are all aligned in such a way transversely to the transport direction T. The two pairs, each consisting of two or more clamps, can be arranged offset from one another. Preferably, all clamps of both pairs are aligned in such a way that the central axes S of the clamps are all aligned in such a way transversely to the transport direction T. The number of clamps and in particular also the number of pairs can vary.

[0012] Preferably, each clamping clamp is formed from a bearing flange comprising a hollow-cylindrical bearing section, wherein the bearing section has an interruption on a side facing downwards away from the base plate to form two bearing flanks, such that a plug-in opening is formed in the clamping clamp. The bearing section is formed with a cylindrically shaped recess, and this recess is open to form the plug-in opening. The two bearing flanks are part of the bearing section and surround or form the circular recess. Because the bearing flanks have free ends, the bearing flanks are resilient, so that on the one hand they create the frictional connection and on the other hand they form the positive connection to the cylindrical body of the transport means. However, the clamping clamps can also be formed in other ways.

[0013] Advantageously, the two bearing flanks are spaced apart from each other at their free ends, with the distance between the free ends being smaller than the diameter of a corresponding cylindrical body of the transport device onto which the transport body is attachable. This ensures a reliable holding force, which can also be overcome for replacement or exchange purposes.

[0014] The bearing flanks are designed on the inside for a positive fit against the cylindrical body of the transport device. This ensures a good fit, so that the attached transport bodies are securely attached to the transport device, preferably with no play.

[0015] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that at least one guide means is arranged on the underside of the base plate. The guide means can be formed integrally with the base plate or they can be detachably attached to the base plate. With the or each guide means, smooth and low-vibration transport of the transport bodies can be ensured. In addition to an optimized straight design of the transport bodies in the transport plane, the or each guide means can ensure that the transport bodies are also restricted or limited in their movement upwards and / or downwards perpendicular to the transport plane. For this purpose, the guide means interact with corresponding guide rails, rods or the like, which are arranged at least in the region of the upper run of the transport means.

[0016] Advantageously, two guide means are arranged on the underside of the base plate, which are spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction T. This design ensures a uniform and tilt-free guidance of the moving transport bodies.

[0017] A preferred embodiment provides that each guide means comprises a guide flange with at least one guide body detachably arranged thereon. This allows the guide body, as a wear part, to be quickly and easily replaced. In other embodiments, the guide flange itself can be designed and serve as a guide body.

[0018] In a suitable embodiment, the guide body is designed as a guide roller that is rotatably mounted in the guide flange. In preferred refinements, the guide body can also be a guide block or the like that is firmly but detachably attached to the guide flange.

[0019] A suitable further development is characterized in that between the two guide means, preferably centrally, a guide body is arranged, which comprises a guide nose whose longitudinal axis L is aligned transversely to the transport direction T. The L-shaped guide body serves as a type of stabilizer and interacts with a guide rail, rod or the like.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, at least the trough body, the means for fastening-free attachment, and the guide means are manufactured in one piece, preferably by injection molding. The guide body can also be formed in one piece with the aforementioned components. Advantageously, the transport bodies are manufactured from plastic by injection molding, although other materials, including corrosion-resistant metals, can also be used, as can other manufacturing processes for the transport bodies.

[0021] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transport body comprises a rear wall that runs behind in the transport direction T and is oriented substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The rear wall can form a support and / or stop surface by means of which an individual fish is positioned in a single transport trough. As mentioned, the rear wall is optional. To enlarge the support surface, particularly for large fish or flatfish, two adjacent transport troughs can also form a common transport trough by designing one transport trough without a rear wall and the adjacent transport trough having a rear wall.

[0022] In further embodiments according to the invention, the means for fastening-free attachment comprise at least one, preferably two clamping clamps, which are designed and configured for a combined non-positive and positive connection to a body of the transport means that is at least partially linear and non-rotatable. The or each clamping clamp, in operative connection with the transport means, i.e., in the assembled state, ensures that the transport body cannot twist or tilt, but consistently follows the course of the transport means, i.e., in the upper run, the lower run, and the transitions.

[0023] Preferably, the means for rotationally secure attachment are designed and configured to a rectangular body of the transport means. For example, a rectangular plate or the like is assigned to the transport means. The means for rotationally and tilt-proof connection can then be formed, for example, from a rectangular clamping frame or from two clamping clamps arranged on opposite sides.

[0024] Particularly preferably, additional means for securing the transport body transversely to the transport direction are provided on the underside of the base plate facing away from the support surface, i.e., the head recess. This prevents transverse displacement of the transport bodies, particularly under load, thereby ensuring secure guidance of the transport bodies in the upper and lower strands.

[0025] Advantageously, the additional transverse securing means comprises at least one projection that corresponds to a corresponding recess in the body of the transport means. Preferably, an oval-shaped projection is formed centrally between the clamps. In other embodiments, one or two or more than two pin-like projections may be formed.

[0026] A preferred development is characterized in that the rear wall has recesses and / or openings and, starting from a first end face of the trough body, is designed to rise at least in sections transversely to the transport direction T in the direction of the opposite second end face. The recesses and / or openings lead, on the one hand, to a reduction in the weight of the transport body. On the other hand, the recesses and / or openings are designed and configured, and in particular adapted, to accommodate guide, conducting and / or hold-down elements or rails or rods, support beams or the like. This ensures collision-free and safe transport of the transport bodies loaded with fish in the upper run and the empty transport bodies in the lower run.The object is also achieved by a transport trough of the type mentioned above in that one or each transport body is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 14. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with a transport body, so that reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0027] Preferably, the second transport body for receiving and transporting the body of the fish is designed according to one or more of claims 2 to 14, while the first transport body for receiving and transporting the head of the fish has means on the underside of the base plate facing away from the support surface for attaching the transport body to a transport means without the need for fasteners, wherein the means for attaching without fasteners comprise at least one, preferably two tensioning clamps which are designed and configured for a combined non-positive and positive connection in a rotationally secure manner to an at least partially linear body of the transport means. The or each tensioning clamp, in operative connection with the transport means, i.e. in the assembled state, ensures that the head recess can neither twist nor tilt, but consistently follows the course of the transport means, i.e. in the upper run, the lower run, and in the transitions.In this embodiment, the second transport body, i.e. the fuselage trough, is on the one hand attachable and removable and on the other hand tiltable relative to the means of transport, while the first transport body is attachable and removable but is secured against tilting relative to the transport device.

[0028] Preferably, the means for rotationally secure attachment are designed and configured to a rectangular body of the transport means. For example, a rectangular plate or the like is assigned to the transport means. The means for rotationally and tilt-proof connection can then be formed, for example, from a rectangular clamping frame or from two clamping clamps arranged on opposite sides.

[0029] Particularly preferably, additional means for securing the transport body transversely to the transport direction are formed on the underside of the base plate of the first transport body facing away from the support surface, i.e., the head recess. This prevents transverse displacement of the transport bodies, particularly under load, thereby ensuring secure guidance of the transport bodies in the upper and lower strands.

[0030] Advantageously, the additional transverse securing means comprises at least one projection that corresponds to a corresponding recess in the body of the transport means. Preferably, an oval-shaped projection is formed centrally between the clamps. In other embodiments, one or two or more than two pin-like projections may be formed.

[0031] The object is also achieved by a device with the features mentioned at the outset in that the or each transport body is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 14. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with a transport body, so that reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition. Devices with such transport bodies according to the invention are more powerful because malfunctions and downtimes are reduced. Changing individual transport bodies is significantly simplified and entails lower costs. Furthermore, damage to the transport bodies can be avoided because the transport bodies detach from the transport means without damage in the event of an overload, in particular when deflecting from the upper run to the lower run and vice versa.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the transport device is assigned a plurality of transport troughs according to one or more of claims 15 to 19. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with a transport body or a transport trough formed from two transport bodies, so that reference is made to the corresponding passages to avoid repetition.

[0033] Advantageously, the transport device is always alternately assigned transport troughs which have a rear wall and which are designed without a rear wall. This means that even large fish and in particular flatfish can be transported with the device. The absence of a rear wall in two adjacent transport troughs creates an enlarged support surface such that the head can rest on two head troughs, while the torso can rest on two torso troughs. An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the transport means comprises three circulatingly driven transport chains, wherein the first transport body for receiving and transporting the head of the fish is assigned to the first transport chain and the second transport body for receiving and transporting the torso of the fish, still connected to the head, is assigned to the two other transport chains.The transport chains create a safe means of transport that interacts particularly simply and effectively with the plug-in transport bodies.

[0034] 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. A single drive mechanism, connected to separate drive shafts, creates a drive concept that ensures reliable and synchronous drive of the conveyor.

[0035] A preferred development is characterized in that the device comprises a control device designed and configured to control the drive means for the transport means. The control device ensures automatic and coordinated transport of the fish.

[0036] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that a chain tensioning device is assigned to the conveyor chains. The chain tensioning device can compensate for any elongation of the conveyor chains during operation of the device, for example, caused by material-related elongation or by general operational wear, which leads to a loss of tension in the conveyor chains, so that the conveyor chains always enable reliable and precise transport of the fish to the header with constant tension. The chain tensioning device also ensures that the conveyor chains can be tensioned and released, particularly for assembly and / or maintenance purposes.

[0037] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and method are set out in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0038] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a transport body according to the invention, in particular designed and arranged for receiving and transporting a fish body still connected to the fish head in a perspective view obliquely from above,

[0039] Fig. 2 the transport body according to Figure 1 in rear view,

[0040] Fig. 3 the transport body according to Figures 1 and 2 in a perspective view obliquely from below,

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a transport body according to the invention, in particular designed and arranged to receive and transport a fish head still connected to the fish hull, in a side view,

[0042] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a transport trough according to the invention formed from the transport bodies according to Figures 1 and 4,

[0043] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of an upper run of a transport means formed from two transport chains with transport bodies arranged thereon, in a perspective view obliquely from below,

[0044] Fig. 7 shows a device for transporting according to the invention in side view,

[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of a further embodiment of a back-wallless transport body according to the invention, particularly designed and configured to receive and transport a fish head still connected to the fish hull, in a perspective view obliquely from above, and

[0046] Fig. 9 shows the transport body according to Figure 8, viewed diagonally from below. The invention relates to transport bodies for receiving and transporting fish or parts thereof, transport troughs formed from at least two transport bodies, wherein the slaughtered fish rests with its head on a first transport body, the head trough, and with its carcass, which is still connected to the head, on a second transport body, the carcass trough, as well as to a device by means of which the fish resting on the transport troughs are transported individually towards a processing station, in particular a head-decapitating device. The transport bodies, transport troughs and the device can also be used in a corresponding manner for receiving and transporting other products towards a processing station, for example for packaging the products or the like.

[0047] The preferred embodiment shown in the drawing shows a transport body 10, designed and configured to receive and transport individual fish 11 or parts (head 12, body 13) thereof transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction T. The transport body 10 comprises a trough body 14 with a base plate 16 forming a support surface 15 for the fish 11 or parts 12, 13 thereof, which base plate 16 spans a transport plane E, and optionally a rear wall 17 which runs behind in the transport direction T and is aligned substantially perpendicular to the base plate 16.

[0048] This transport body 10 is characterized according to the invention in that on the underside 18 of the base plate 16 facing away from the support surface 15, means 19 for attaching the transport body 10 to a transport means 20 without the need for fastening means are arranged.

[0049] 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 transport body 10 described above.

[0050] The base plate 16 is essentially flat on its upper side, which in the transport body 10 according to Figure 1 forms the support surface 15 for the body 13 of the fish 11. Optionally, the support surface 15 can be smooth or textured. On the underside 18, which faces the transport means 20, the means 19 for attaching without fasteners are arranged, which comprise at least two clamping clamps 21 designed and configured for combined force-fitting and form-fitting connection to a cylindrical body 22 of the transport means 20. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, four clamping clamps 21 are provided. Specifically, a pair of clamping clamps 21 is arranged on either side of the central axis M, spaced from a central axis M of the base plate 16 directed in the transport direction T, wherein the two clamping clamps 21 of a pair are also spaced from one another.In the preferred embodiment, the clamps 21 are formed integrally with the base plate 16.

[0051] Each clamping clamp 21 is formed from a bearing flange 23 comprising a hollow-cylindrical bearing section 24. The bearing section 24 has an interruption on a side facing downwards away from the base plate 16 to form two bearing flanks 25, 26, such that a plug-in opening 27 is formed in the clamping clamp 21. The bearing section 24 has a substantially circular opening, the border of which is interrupted downwards, thereby forming the two bearing flanks 25, 26. Due to the interruption in the border, the two bearing flanks 25, 26 are arranged at a distance from one another at their free ends. In the unloaded state, the distance between the free ends is smaller than a diameter of the corresponding cylindrical body 22 of the transport means 20, onto which the transport body 10 can be plugged.Finally, the bearing flanks 25, 26 can be deflected outward against a spring force in order to attach or remove them from the cylindrical body. On the inside, the bearing flanks 25, 26 are designed for positive engagement with the cylindrical body 22 of the transport device 20. All clamping clamps 21 are aligned in such a way that the center axes S of the clamping clamps 21 are all parallel and aligned with each other transversely to the transport direction T.

[0052] In addition to the clamps 21, at least one guide means 28 is arranged on the underside 18 of the base plate 16. In the preferred embodiment, the guide means 28 are formed integrally with the base plate 16. In the preferred embodiment, two guide means 28 are arranged on the underside 18 of the base plate 16, which are arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction T. Each guide means 28 comprises a guide flange 29 with at least one guide body 30 detachably arranged thereon. An opening 31 is formed in the guide flange 29, in which opening the guide body 30 is arranged or mounted. The guide body 30 can be a guide block or the like. In the variant shown, the guide body 30 is designed as a guide roller 32, which is rotatably mounted in the guide flange 29.

[0053] Arranged between the two guide means 28, preferably centrally, is a guide body 33 comprising a guide lug 34 whose longitudinal axis L is oriented transversely to the transport direction T. The guide body 33 is L-shaped. A support wall 35 of the guide body 33 extends vertically downward from the base wall 16. At the end of the support wall 35, the guide lug 34 extends perpendicular to the support wall 35, so that the guide lug 34 extends parallel to and spaced from the base plate 16. This forms an intermediate space 40 into which guide rails or the like can engage.

[0054] As mentioned, the transport bodies 10, this applies to both the head recess and the torso recess, can be designed with or without a rear wall 17. Embodiments with a rear wall 17 can be seen, for example, in Figures 1 to 5. Embodiments without a rear wall are shown, for example, in Figures 8 and 9. Furthermore, both the head recess and the torso recess can be designed as transport bodies 10 that are movable, in particular foldable or tiltable, relative to the transport means 20. However, the head recess and torso recess can also both be connected to the transport means 20 in a rotationally secure manner. Preferably, the head recess is designed to be rotationally secure, while the torso recess is designed and configured to be foldable or tiltable relative to the transport means 20.

[0055] The means 19, in particular of the head recess, can be designed and configured for rotationally secure attachment, as shown by way of example in Figure 9, to a rectangular body of the transport means 20. In addition, on the underside 18 of the base plate 16 of the first transport body 10 facing away from the support surface 15, additional means 53 of the transport body 10 are formed for securing transversely to the transport direction. The means 53 for transverse securing comprises at least one projection, for example in the form of an oval-shaped elevation 54, which corresponds to a corresponding recess in the body of the transport means 20. In the embodiment shown, the recess body 14, the means 19 for fastening-free attachment, the guide means 28, and also the guide body 33 are manufactured in one piece, preferably by injection molding.The rear wall 17 - where present - of the trough body 14 has recesses 36 and / or openings 37 and, starting from a first end face 38 of the trough body 14, is designed to rise at least in sections transversely to the transport direction T in the direction of the opposite second end face 39. The recesses 36 are designed to accommodate hold-down devices, rods, or the like, which are guided in the recesses 36 at least in the region of an upper run 41 of the transport means 20 during transport of the transport bodies 10. The openings 37 are designed to accommodate guide beams or the like, which are guided in the openings 37 at least in the region of a lower run 42 of the transport means 20 during return of the transport bodies 10.

[0056] The transport bodies 10 can be used separately, for example, as a spare part or as a replacement component. However, two transport bodies 10 preferably form a transport trough 43. Such a transport trough 43 is designed and configured to receive and transport individual fish 11 transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction T and comprises a first transport body 10, designed and configured to receive and transport the head 12 of the fish 11, and a second transport body 10, designed and configured to receive and transport the body 13 of the fish 11, still connected to the head 12. The two transport bodies 10 are designed and manufactured separately from one another, but are arranged at a distance from one another to form a common transport trough 43 when mounted on a transport means 20 to form a cutting gap 44.

[0057] In a preferred transport trough 43, the second transport body 10 for receiving and transporting the torso 13 of the fish 11, i.e. the torso trough, is designed according to one or more of claims 2 to 14, while the first transport body 10 for receiving and transporting the head 12 of the fish 11, i.e. the head trough, has means 19 on the underside 18 of the base plate 16 facing away from the support surface 15 for attaching the transport body 10 to the transport means 20 without the need for fasteners, wherein the means 19 for attaching without fasteners comprise at least one, preferably two clamping clamps 21, which are designed and configured for a combined non-positive and positive connection in a rotationally secure manner to an at least partially linear body of the transport means 20. The means 19 are designed and configured for a rotationally secure attachment to a rectangular body of the transport means 20.On the underside 18 of the base plate 16 of the first transport body 10, facing away from the support surface 15, additional means 53 of the transport body 10 are formed for securing the transport body transversely to the transport direction. The transverse securing means 53 comprises at least one projection, in particular an oval-shaped elevation 54, which corresponds to a corresponding recess in the body of the transport means 20.

[0058] The transport trough 43 formed from two transport bodies 10 can also be used as a standalone component. Preferably, however, several such transport troughs 43 are part of a device 45 that is designed and configured to transport slaughtered fish 11 transversely to their longitudinal extent in the direction of a processing station, in particular a head-cutting device. The device 45 comprises a frame 46 and a transport means 20 mounted on the frame 46, which has at least one endless, revolvingly driven transport device 47, wherein the or each transport device 47 is provided with several transport bodies 10, each for receiving individual fish 11, and comprises an upper run 41 for transporting the fish 11 lying on the transport bodies 10 in the transport direction T and a lower run 42 for returning the empty transport bodies 10.The first transport body 10 of the transport trough 43 forms the head trough. The second transport body 10 of the transport trough 43 forms the body trough. The two transport bodies 10 of a transport trough 43 are releasably attached to the transport device 47 in a fixed relationship to one another, namely, they are plugged in, so that they are driven evenly and synchronously in the transport direction T.

[0059] This device 43 is characterized according to the invention in that the or each transport body 10 is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 14. In the embodiment shown, the transport device 47 is assigned a plurality of transport troughs 43 according to claim 15.

[0060] The frame 46 can be a simple frame or a closed housing. In the embodiment shown, the frame 46 is mounted on wheels 48 to enable the device 45 to be moved within a factory, hall, or the like. The transport device 47 is fastened to the frame 46. In the embodiment shown, the transport device 47 as the transport means 20 preferably comprises three circulatingly driven transport chains 49, 50, 51, wherein the first transport body 10 for receiving and transporting the head 12 of the fish 11 is assigned to the first transport chain 49, and the second transport body 10 for receiving and transporting the body 13 of the fish 11, still connected to the head 12, is assigned to the two other transport chains 50, 51. The entire transport device 47 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.

[0061] All transport troughs 43 can be of identical construction. Optionally, the transport device 47 can be alternately assigned transport troughs 43 that have a rear wall 17 and that are designed without a rear wall.

[0062] All three transport chains 49, 50, 51 are designed and configured to be synchronously driven by a drive means, wherein the first transport chain 49, on the one hand, and the two other transport chains 50, 51, on the other hand, are mounted on separate shafts and are accordingly driven separately. The device 45 comprises a control device for controlling the drive means for the transport means 20. Since the lengths of the transport chains 49, 50, 51 change, i.e., in particular, increase, during operation of the device 45 due to the rotating drive and the load from the fish 11, a chain tensioning device 52 is assigned to the transport chains 49, 50, 51, by means of which the tension in the transport chains 49, 50, 51 is kept constant despite increasing lengths.

[0063] In the area of ​​the upper run 41, guide rails are arranged between the conveyor chains 49, 50, 51, at least in sections, but optionally over the entire length. One guide rail is arranged in the area of ​​the conveyor chain 50 on the side of the guide means 28 facing away from the conveyor chain 50, below the conveyor bodies 10, such that the guide rail is arranged between the underside 18 of the base plates 16 and the guide body 30 of the guide means 28, whereby a movement of each conveyor body 10 vertically upwards out of the conveyor plane E is prevented. In the area of ​​the conveyor chain 51 on the side of the guide means 28 facing away from the conveyor chain 51, two guide rails are arranged below the conveyor bodies 10, such that the guide body 30 is sandwiched with little play between the two

[0064] Guide rails are positioned, which prevents each transport body 10 from moving upwards and downwards.

[0065] Centrally arranged between the guide means 28 in the area of ​​the upper run 41, at least in sections, is an additional guide rail which interacts with the guide body 33 in such a way that the transport bodies 10 "thread" themselves onto the guide rail with their guide lugs 34. For this purpose, the guide lug 34 grips the guide rail and stabilizes the transport bodies, particularly in the area of ​​the head-cutting device, by means of which the fish 11 are processed on the transport trough 43. Above the transport bodies 10, in the area of ​​the upper run 41, hold-down means are arranged. The hold-down means can comprise a hold-down rod. Preferably, the hold-down means comprises three hold-down rods which act from above on the fish 11 lying on the transport trough 43, particularly in the area of ​​the head-cutting device, in order to press the fish 11 securely and firmly onto the support surface 15 during head-cutting.The hold-down bars slide through the recesses 36 in the rear wall 17 of the trough body 14. In the area of ​​the lower run 42, at least one support beam is arranged, at least in sections, but optionally over the entire length, on which the transport bodies 10 rest with their support surface 15, wherein the or each support beam slides through the openings 37 in the rear wall 17 of the trough body 14.

Claims

Transport body (10), designed and configured for receiving and transporting individual fish (11) or parts (12, 13) thereof transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction (T), comprising a trough body (14) with a base plate (16) forming a support surface (15) for the fish (11) or parts (12, 13) thereof, which base plate spans a transport plane (E), characterized in that on the underside (18) of the base plate (16) facing away from the support surface (15) there are means (19) for attaching the transport body (10) to a transport means (20) without the need for fastening means.

2. Transport body (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (19) for fastening-free attachment comprise at least two clamping clamps (21) which are designed and arranged for combined non-positive and positive connection to a cylindrical body (22) of the transport means (20).

3. Transport body (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that a pair of clamping clamps (21) is arranged on both sides of the central axis (M) at a distance from a central axis (M) of the base plate (16) directed in the transport direction T, wherein the two clamping clamps (21) of a pair are also arranged at a distance from one another.

4. Transport body (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each clamping clamp (21) is formed from a bearing flange (23) which comprises a hollow-cylindrically shaped bearing section (24), wherein the bearing section (24) has an interruption on a side facing downwards away from the base plate (16) to form two bearing flanks (25, 26) such that a plug-in opening (27) is formed in the clamping clamp (21).

5. Transport body (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the two bearing flanks (25, 26) are arranged at a distance from one another at their free ends, wherein the distance between the free ends is smaller than a diameter of a corresponding cylindrical body (22) of the transport means (20) onto which the transport body (10) can be plugged.

6. Transport body (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the bearing flanks (25, 26) are designed on the inside for positive engagement with the cylindrical body (22) of the transport means (20).

7. Transport body (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that at least one guide means (28) is arranged on the underside (18) of the base plate (16).

8. Transport body (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that two guide means (28) are arranged on the underside (18) of the base plate (16), which are arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the transport direction T.

9. Transport body (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each guide means (28) comprises a guide flange (29) with at least one guide body (30) detachably arranged thereon.

10. Transport body (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the guide body (30) is designed as a guide roller (32) which is rotatably mounted in the guide flange (29).

11. Transport body (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that between the two guide means (28), preferably centrally, a guide body (33) is arranged, which comprises a guide nose (34) whose longitudinal axis (L) is aligned transversely to the transport direction T.

12. Transport body (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 11, characterized in that at least the trough body (14), the means (19) for fastening-free attachment and the guide means (28) are manufactured in one piece, preferably by injection molding.

13. Transport body (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that it comprises a rear wall (17) which runs in the transport direction T and is aligned substantially perpendicular to the base plate (16).

14. Transport body (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the rear wall (17) has recesses (36) and / or openings (37) and, starting from a first end face (38) of the trough body (14), is designed to rise at least in sections transversely to the transport direction T in the direction of the opposite second end face (39).

15. Transport trough (43), designed and arranged to receive and transport individual fish (11) transversely to their longitudinal axis in the transport direction T, comprising a first transport body (10), designed and arranged to receive and transport the head (12) of the fish (11), and a second transport body (10), designed and arranged to receive and transport the head (12) of the fish (11) (12) connected to the body (13) of the fish (11), wherein the two transport bodies (10) are arranged spaced apart from one another in the state mounted on a transport means (20) to form a cutting gap (44), characterized in that one or each transport body (10) is designed and arranged according to one or more of claims 1 to 14.

16. Transport trough (43) according to claim 15, characterized in that the second transport body (10) for receiving and transporting the fuselage (13) of the fish (11) is designed according to one or more of claims 2 to 14, while the first transport body (10) for receiving and transporting the head (12) of the fish (11) on the underside (18) of the base plate (16) facing away from the support surface (15) has means (19) for attaching the transport body (10) to a transport means (20) without the need for fastening means, wherein the means (19) for attaching without the need for fastening means comprise at least one, preferably two clamping clamps (21) which are designed and configured for a combined non-positive and positive connection in a rotationally secure manner to a body of the transport means (20) which is at least linear in section.

17. Transport trough according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the means (19) are designed and arranged for rotationally secure attachment to a rectangular body of the transport means (20).

18. Transport trough according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that on the underside (18) of the base plate (16) of the first transport body (10) facing away from the support surface (15), additional means (53) of the transport body (10) for securing transversely to the transport direction are formed.

19. Transport trough according to claim 18, characterized in that the means (53) for transverse securing comprises at least one projection which corresponds to a corresponding recess in the body of the transport means (20).

20. Device (45) designed and arranged for transporting slaughtered fish (11) transversely to their longitudinal extent in the direction of a processing station, in particular a header, comprising a frame (46) and a transport means (20) mounted on the frame (46) which has at least one endless, revolvingly driven transport device (47), wherein the or each transport device (47) is provided with a plurality of transport bodies (10) each for receiving individual fish (11) and has an upper run (41) for transporting the fish (11) lying on the transport bodies (10) in the transport direction T and a lower run (42) for returning the empty T ransport body (10), characterized in that the or each transport body (10) is designed and arranged according to one or more of claims 1 to 14.

21. Device (45) according to claim 20, characterized in that the transport device (47) is assigned a plurality of transport troughs (43) according to one or more of claims 15 to 19.

22. Device according to claim 21, characterized in that the transport device (47) always alternately transport troughs (43) which have a rear wall (17) and which are designed without a rear wall.

23. Device (45) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the transport means (20) comprises three circulating driven transport chains (49, 50, 51), wherein the first transport body (10) for receiving and transporting the head (12) of the fish (11) is assigned to the first transport chain (49) and the second transport body (10) for receiving and transporting the body (13) of the fish (11) still connected to the head (12) is assigned to the other two transport chains (50, 51).

24. Device (45) according to claim 23, characterized in that all three transport chains (49, 50, 51) are designed and arranged to be synchronously driven by a drive means, wherein the first transport chain (49) on the one hand and the two other transport chains (50, 51) on the other hand are mounted on separate shafts and are accordingly driven separately 25. Device (45) according to one or more of claims 20 to 24, characterized in that it comprises a control device which is designed and arranged to control the drive means for the transport means (20).

26. Device (45) according to one or more of claims 23 to 25, characterized in that a chain tensioning device (52) is assigned to the transport chains (49, 50, 51).

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