Device and method for processing fish, in particular for aligning fish, in order to carry out a head cutting process

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) comprising a transport conveyor (13), which has a plurality of transport troughs (12), and a positioning device (14), said positioning device (14) comprising a carousel conveyor (16) having a plurality of sliding cassettes (18) which are provided on a carousel carrier (17) and, by means of the carousel carrier (17), can be rotated so as to circulate about an axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor (16) along an arc-shaped movement path and can be moved at least partly parallel to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor (16) transversely to the transport direction T of the fish (11) along a linear functional path (19) of the transport conveyor (13), said functional path extending in the transport direction T, such that the sliding cassettes grip the fish (11) at a specified dimensionally stable part of the fish (11) by means of a form-fitting and / or frictional connection and align the fish (11) by means of a sliding movement in the direction of the tail until the specified location of the fish (11) engages with a fin catcher (20) associated with the transport trough (12) located in the region of the functional path (19). Each sliding cassette (18) comprises at least one main part (21) secured to the carousel carrier (17), a sliding element (22) which can be moved relative to the main part (21), an engagement means (23) which can be moved relative to the sliding element (22), at least one guide roller (24) associated with the sliding element (22), and means (25) for moving the sliding elements (22) in the longitudinal direction of the fish (11), tail (15) first, in the region of the functional path (19) from a starting position, in which the engagement means (23) are above the dimensionally stable part of the fish (11), into an aligned position, in which the specified location of the fish (11) rests against the fin catcher (20). The means (25) for moving the sliding elements (22) together with the engagement means (23) mounted thereon are characterized by having at least one control track (26) and a connecting link region (27) located at the end of the control track (26), the guide rollers (24) of the sliding elements (22) being guided in the control track (26) and the connecting link region (27) comprising, in an extension of the control track (26), at least one resiliently mounted guide rail (28) which is oriented, in a guiding position as the starting position, towards the transport conveyor (13) in the direction thereof. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Device and method for processing, in particular aligning, fish for performing a head cut.

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device designed and equipped for processing fish, comprising a transport conveyor with several transport troughs, designed and equipped for transporting the fish individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T, a positioning device designed and equipped for aligning the fish in their longitudinal extent tail first, wherein the positioning device comprises a carousel conveyor with several sliding cassettes arranged on a carousel carrier, which on the one hand are rotatable by means of the carousel carrier along an arc-shaped path of movement around a rotation axis D of the carousel conveyor and on the other hand are movable at least partially parallel to the rotation axis D of the carousel conveyor transverse to the transport direction T of the fish along a linear functional section of the transport conveyor extending in the transport direction T,such that they grasp the fish by positive and / or frictional engagement at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish and align the fish by sliding it in the tail direction until the fish engages with a fin catcher at the predetermined point, which is assigned to the transport troughs located in the area of ​​the functional section, wherein each sliding cassette comprises at least one base body attached to the carousel support, a sliding body movable relative to the base body, an engagement means movable relative to the sliding body, and at least one guide roller assigned to the sliding body, as well as means for moving the sliding bodies in the area of ​​the functional section from a starting position in which the engagement means is located above the dimensionally stable part of the fish, in the longitudinal direction of the fish tail-first into an alignment position,in which the fish rests at the predetermined point on the fin catcher. The invention further relates to a method comprising the steps of: transporting the fish individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to their longitudinal extent by means of a transport conveyor; aligning the fish in their longitudinal extent tail-first in the area of ​​a functional section of the transport conveyor by means of a positioning device, wherein the alignment of the fish is effected by grasping them at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish by means of a positive-locking and / or friction-locking engagement of a sliding cassette rotatable around a rotational axis D of the carousel conveyor by means of a carousel conveyor along an arc-shaped path of movement and then moving them in the tail direction from a starting position to an alignment position transverse to the transport direction T by means of a means for moving a sliding body of the sliding cassette.until the fish comes into contact with a fin catcher at the predetermined point, and processing of the aligned fish.

[0004] Such devices and processes are used in the fish processing industry to process fish of different species and / or sizes, with handling, including positioning, alignment, and the like, explicitly contributing to and thus belonging to the processing process. Positioning and aligning the fish is a preparatory step for further processing, such as beheading. The fish, which are individually transported belly-first, lie in the transport troughs, which can be oriented perpendicular to or at an angle to the direction of transport, so that the fish lie perpendicular or slightly oblique to the direction of transport.Especially for head-cutting, it is essential for maximum yield that each fish is positioned optimally before the head-cutting process. In this position, at least one of the fish's pectoral fins is moved against a stop, the fin catcher, so that the fish lies in a defined cutting plane, with the cutting line precisely between the head and body. To achieve this, the fish are pushed tail-first, perpendicular to the transport direction, until the fin catcher stops the movement.

[0005] The positioning device is designed and configured to move, i.e., align or position, the fish. Its rotating sliding cassettes rest on the fish along the functional path. As soon as a frictional and / or positive-locking connection exists between the sliding cassettes and the fish to be aligned—achieved by a portion of the sliding cassette resting on the predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish, namely the head with the collar bone—the means for moving the sliding elements ensure that a linear transverse movement of the sliding elements occurs, superimposed on the rotating motion of the carousel conveyor. In known solutions, the means for movement include a stationary curved track on which the sliding cassettes are guided and roll with their guide rollers.Secondly, the means of movement for each sliding cassette include a spring element that rotates with the sliding cassette and is initially tensioned by the cam track. This cam track tensions the sliding elements into a retracted starting position over a longer section before they reach the functional path. Once the positive and / or frictional connection between the sliding cassette and the fish is established, the cam track, or rather its end, causes an abrupt release of the spring elements, as the guide rollers no longer have any guidance from the cam track. Due to the lack of guidance, the pre-tensioned spring elements, and thus the sliding elements, spring from the retracted waiting or starting position into the alignment position. Through the connection of the sliding elements to the fish via the engagement means, they are then jerked forward towards the tail and thereby aligned.positioned, before the head is then separated from the body using the cutting device.

[0006] The existing solutions create a multitude of problems and disadvantages. Because each sliding cassette is associated with a rotating spring element, there are many wear parts and replacement components, leading to frequent interruptions in the device's operation for cleaning, maintenance, and replacement. Since the rotating spring elements remain under tension for extended periods and over longer distances along the cam track, the risk of breakage is considerable, especially as the limited installation space does not allow for the use of more durable spring elements. If the spring elements break, there is a risk that at least fragments of them could fall onto or into the products being processed. Due to the spring force acting on the sliding cassettes, the guide rollers run or roll along the cam track with maximum force, leading to wear on the guide rollers and corresponding bearing pins.Furthermore, the large number of spring elements makes adjusting the thrust force on the sliding cassettes very complex, as this requires replacing or readjusting all the spring elements in all the sliding cassettes. Moreover, the fact that the spring elements rotate at high speed makes visual inspection or monitoring of the spring elements, or sensory detection of their functionality, difficult. Finally, the sudden release of the spring elements also leads to abrupt movements of the sliding cassettes, which are transmitted as shocks to the drive system. This results, among other things, in increased wear of components such as the bearing bushings. Hygiene is a crucial factor in the processing of products in the food industry. Because the existing solutions involve a large number of rotating spring elements, the cleaning effort is considerable.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a structurally simple and compact device that enables the safe and reliable processing, in particular the alignment, of fish for improved yield. The further objective is to propose a corresponding method.

[0008] This task is solved by a device mentioned above in that the means for moving the sliding elements, with the engagement means arranged thereon, comprise at least one cam track and a cam section located at the end of the cam track. The sliding elements are guided in the cam track by their guide rollers, and the cam section, extending from the cam track, comprises at least one spring-mounted guide rail, which, in a guide position, is directed towards the conveyor as the starting position. This ensures a significant reduction in the number of parts, since only one spring element, arranged in the cam section, is required to generate a sliding motion transverse to the transport direction T. Along with the reduction in parts, this results in simpler adjustment of the spring force, for example, during product changes, as well as reduced maintenance and cleaning requirements.In other words, the use of spring elements rotating with the sliding cassettes to apply a thrust force is eliminated. This simplifies the adjustment of the spring force and reduces cleaning and maintenance efforts, while also preventing the risk of spring elements or parts thereof falling off. Furthermore, because the spring element is located within the cam track, a thrust force is only applied to the sliding cassettes or parts thereof in the area where the sliding cassette is performing a thrust movement, thus reducing the stress on individual components of the device. The solution according to the invention ensures smooth entry and exit of the guide rollers into the cam track, thereby preventing significant impacts on the drive system.

[0009] Advantageously, the transport conveyor is designed as a continuously driven trough conveyor, comprising a transport element and several transport troughs connected to the transport element. Each transport trough includes a head trough and a body trough, which are spaced apart from each other to form a cutting gap, the cutting gap being oriented essentially parallel to the transport direction T. This ensures simple and precise transport in the transport direction T on the one hand, and precise and reliable alignment of the fish into the optimal head position on the other.

[0010] Advantageously, the device includes a cutting device, wherein the cutting device comprises at least one blade arranged behind the fin catcher in the transport direction and lying in a cutting plane, the cutting plane extending substantially parallel to the cutting gap of the transport trough. Thus, the device is designed and configured for processing the fish, both for aligning and for decapitating the aligned fish.

[0011] Advantageously, a cutting edge of the blade extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the fish in the cutting plane, with respect to which the fish can be aligned using the positioning device for head cutting. By aligning the blade with the cutting plane and using a positioning device designed and configured to move the fish gently and quickly into their final processing position, optimized processing results with improved yield can be achieved.

[0012] A preferred further development is characterized by the fact that each cam track is stationary and extends along the path of movement of the sliding cassettes over at least a portion of the circulating path. Each cam track is fixedly but detachably attached to a frame of the device, such that the carousel conveyor can be driven in rotation relative to each cam track. The fixed connection to the frame ensures stable and precise guidance of the guide rollers along the path of movement and within the cam track.

[0013] Preferably, each cam track has a radially curved profile around the axis of rotation D and extends approximately 120 degrees along the path of travel from an entry area for the guide rollers of the sliding elements to an exit area for the guide rollers of the sliding elements, with the exit area leading into the cam track area. The smooth entry of the guide rollers into the entry area of ​​each cam track reduces or even eliminates vibrations, shocks, or similar disturbances in the drive system of the carousel conveyor, thus ensuring smoother and more precise positioning. A jerk-optimized guide contour of the cam track itself, as well as a smooth exit of the guide rollers from the exit area with a gentle transition into the cam track area, ensures a smooth initiation of the fish positioning movement and thus also supports precise positioning and alignment.

[0014] Advantageously, the cam track, as part of the mechanism for moving the sliding elements, is fixed within the operating section. Because both the cam track and the cam track are fixed in place—meaning all components involved in positioning the sliding elements are stationary—monitoring, cleaning, and maintenance are simplified. Furthermore, a large number of rotating parts can be eliminated, minimizing the risk of parts falling onto the fish.

[0015] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized by the fact that the cam track area includes a connecting guide piece arranged between each cam track and the guide rail associated with that cam track, such that each guide roller exiting the cam track in the exit area first encounters the connecting guide piece and only then the guide rail. The connecting guide piece can be designed as a single piece or in multiple parts. This ensures that only gentle changes in movement occur during the entire guidance of the guide rollers, enabling smooth and jerk-free alignment and positioning, and preventing vibrations and / or impacts in the drive system. This significantly reduces the peak load on the drive system at this point. Likewise, vibrations in the drive system are significantly reduced.The connecting guide piece advantageously features a curved guide section that directs movement towards the conveyor and meets the guide rail. The connecting guide piece, preferably formed in one piece, has a linear section directly at the exit point of the cam track, essentially as an extension of the cam track, which is aligned parallel to the transport direction. This linear section transitions continuously into a curved section in the direction of the conveyor, such that the connecting guide piece meets the guide rail at an acute angle or at an angle of zero, so that the guide rail forms a seamless extension of the connecting guide piece. This ensures optimized and precise alignment and positioning.

[0016] Advantageously, a spring-loaded guide element is arranged on the inside of the cam track's exit area, i.e., on the side opposite the curved guide section of the connecting guide piece. By inserting a guide element in the transition area from the cam track to the connecting guide piece and / or the guide rail, it can be ensured that the guide roller always rests against the curved outer surface of the connecting guide piece. This further improves smooth guidance for precise alignment / positioning.

[0017] Preferably, the guide element is a spring plate or similar component that projects into the opening of the exit area. This provides a structurally simple and reliable solution for applying a guiding force to the guide rollers, which inevitably pass through the narrow opening between the guide plate and the connecting guide piece. Instead of the guide plate, other clamping, guiding, and / or guiding elements can also be provided to support the contact of the guide rollers with the outer surface of the connecting guide piece.

[0018] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that each guide rail is arranged on a pivotally mounted support arm, the support arm being designed and configured to pivot about a vertical pivot axis S oriented perpendicular to the transport plane E. This ensures simple and reliable deflection of the guide rail as soon as the fish is in its final position. When the fish is positioned at the stop, i.e., against the fin catcher, the increase in force causes the guide rail to be deflected about the pivot axis S from the guiding position (the starting position) to a release position. This clears the path for the guide roller running on the guide rail without the need for the sliding element to move the fish further transversely to the transport direction T. At the same time, the pressure on the fish transversely to the transport direction T is maintained, at least until the head is cut.

[0019] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the support arm is held in the guiding position by means of at least one spring element, for example, a coil spring or the like. The guide rollers exiting the cam track contact the guide rails, held in their guiding position, directly or indirectly via the connecting guide piece. The guide rails are held in their starting position by means of the coil spring or the like. Along this guide rail, the guide rollers move the sliding elements transversely to the transport direction T towards the conveyor, initially without deflecting the guide rails. Only when the opposing force from the fish striking the fin catcher becomes too great are the guide rails moved from their guiding position against the spring force into the release position.Instead of a statically adjustable coil spring, dynamically adjustable, controllable actuators, such as pneumatic cylinders, linear motors, or similar devices, can also be used. Optionally, a combination of coil spring and controllable actuator is possible to automatically adjust the spring preload for different fish qualities or even for each fish individually. Furthermore, it is also possible to assign at least one additional controllable actuator to each coil spring or similar device and each controllable actuator. This additional actuator then transmits a shock / pulse to the guide rail at one or more preset times, e.g., according to fish size, via a control panel (e.g., human-machine interface = HMI). The duration and intensity (e.g., force / pressure and air volume) of this shock / pulse are preset (e.g., according to fish size).During periods when the additional actuator is not required, it is in a kind of "floating" position. The actuator(s) can optionally be actively controlled, for example, by abruptly extending it from a rest position at the time of the desired force impulse. The control impulse and / or the magnitude of the force impulse can be adjusted, for example, depending on the size of the fish. A spring assembly comprising at least one spring element is preferably tensioned between the articulated support arm of the guide rail on the one hand and a frame of the device on the other, such that the guide rail is generally held in its starting position. The spring assembly preferably comprises two spring elements.This provides a simple and compact solution for a statically adjustable spring element that is strong enough to guide the guide rollers and thus the sliding elements into a final alignment position, and is flexible enough to release the guide rollers once the final alignment position has been reached.

[0020] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that each cam track is formed from two cam rails between which the guide rollers of the sliding elements are guided. This ensures precise guidance of the guide rollers from the entry area into the cam track to the exit area from the cam track, allowing the sliding elements of the sliding cassettes to be moved from a substantially maximally extended alignment position to a substantially maximally retracted waiting or starting position.

[0021] Advantageously, the two cam tracks, arranged at a distance from each other, run parallel to each other and, as a cam track, are at least partially curved across the transport direction T, such that, starting from the insertion area of ​​the guide rollers, they initially run parallel to the transport direction T and, at least in one section before the exit area, also across the transport direction, such that the sliding bodies are in their starting position at the latest in the exit area of ​​the cam track.

[0022] A particularly advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the means for moving the sliding elements, with the engagement means arranged thereon, comprise at least two cam tracks and a cam section located at the end of each cam track. Each cam track can be formed from two cam rails. Optionally, three cam rails can also form two cam tracks, with the middle cam rail then acting as a divider for both cam tracks. If two cam tracks are formed, there are also two cam sections. With three cam tracks, three cam sections are provided and formed, and so on. The number of cam tracks and thus also of cam sections can be even greater. Adjacent curved tracks with their associated cam sections are independent of each other and do not intersect.The sliding cassettes of the rotating carousel conveyor are guided alternately in one (first) cam track and the other (second) cam track. Each cam track, together with its associated cam section, forms an independent and separate positioning aid. The positioning aids are structurally identical. With two or more positioning aids, it is ensured that each fish can be pushed and held in the alignment position long enough until the head-decapitation process is complete. A particularly advantageous feature of aligning adjacent sliding elements in adjacent cam tracks is the ability, at the end of the head-decapitation process, to test, in conjunction with the position of the cutting blade, whether a longer or shorter (additional) pushing action and / or more forceful (additional) pushing action offers any benefits.In particular, the use of two or more positioning aids ensures that even with successive fish of varying sizes, optimal, size-dependent pushing is guaranteed for each fish without influence from the preceding or subsequent fish. Ultimately, two or more positioning aids allow for higher device performance and improved yield per fish, as the distance between the sliding cassettes can be reduced, and the fish can be held in the correct position with constant force for a longer period. With two or more positioning aids—that is, with multiple separate cam tracks, each with its own cam area—two or more pushing cycles can overlap without interfering with each other.

[0023] In an advantageous further development, the two or more cam tracks are positioned one behind the other, perpendicular to the transport direction T. This ensures that the cam tracks are positioned without overlap, so that the two positioning aids, each consisting of a cam track and a cam area, do not influence each other. In other words, two sliding bodies can be moved parallel to each other, i.e., simultaneously, for alignment perpendicular to the transport direction T.

[0024] Optionally, the two or more cam tracks with their cam sections are arranged radially offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor. This ensures a space-saving arrangement of two or more positioning aids. In particular, the two cam sections located in the area of ​​the functional track are then also offset from each other in the transport direction T. Preferably, the sliding element is movably attached to the base body by means of a parallelogram linkage or the like. This design ensures direct and backlash-free movement of the sliding elements relative to the base body. The preferred solution is stable and robust, thus simplifying quick and precise alignment. Instead of the parallelogram linkage, other positioning and / or movement configurations can also be used.

[0025] Advantageously, the intervention device comprises a head plate that is pivotally mounted on the sliding body via a swivel flange. The head plate, which may preferably have a pin-like pin or several such pins, or any other type of needle, spike, or the like, or a structured surface, enables a particularly effective and secure positive-locking and / or frictional contact and / or intervention with the fish in the dimensionally stable area. Other options for intervention or gripping the fish, such as shaped bodies that can be slipped over the fish's head, are also available.

[0026] A spring element acting in the direction of the fish being aligned is particularly preferred when arranged between the swivel flange and the sliding body. This increases the holding force, especially during the sliding movement in the tail direction, between the head plate and the fish for a secure hold.

[0027] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that each sliding element has at least two mounting positions for the guide roller. These different mounting positions can be configured on a single sliding element. Optionally, different sliding elements with differing mounting positions for the respective guide rollers can be provided for adjacent sliding cassettes. With these different mounting positions—the guide roller being positioned differently on adjacent sliding cassettes—differences / offsets between the adjacent cam tracks and their associated cam sections can be compensated for in a space-saving manner.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the two or more mounting positions are formed and arranged one after the other in the sliding body, transverse to the transport direction T. Corresponding to the arrangement and number of positioning aids, the guide rollers are arranged alternately in the first mounting position and the second mounting position of the sliding bodies such that adjacent sliding cassettes with their guide rollers are guided alternately in the first and the second cam track.

[0029] The task is also solved by a method with the steps mentioned at the outset, whereby the sliding cassettes are moved from the starting position to the alignment position without spring force when aligning the fish, by means of a guide roller arranged on the sliding body of each sliding cassette, first along a cam track and in extension of the cam track along a spring-mounted guide rail forming a cam area, which in a guide position is directed towards the transport conveyor as the starting position.Specifically, a sliding body of the sliding cassette is moved relative to a base body of the sliding cassette by the forced guidance of the guide roller along the cam track and the cam area in order to execute the sliding movement of the fish in the tail direction as soon as the sliding cassette is in operative contact with the fish, i.e. a positive locking and / or friction locking engagement is established.

[0030] Preferably, only every second sliding cassette is guided in a first guide track, while the other sliding cassettes are guided in a second guide track that is offset from the first guide track both in the transport direction T and perpendicular to the transport direction T. Because the circulating sliding cassettes run and are guided alternately in one and the other guide track, a tighter processing cycle can be achieved. A further advantage is that each sliding cassette has more time to align the fish and hold it in the aligned position.

[0031] Advantageously, the guide rails are pushed from the guiding position into a release position against the spring force of the spring assemblies that hold them in that position when the resistance of the fish against the fin catcher becomes greater than the spring force. This ensures, on the one hand, a high holding force in the alignment position. On the other hand, the deflection of the guide rails when defined forces are exceeded ensures that the fish are not destroyed or damaged and that the sliding cassettes are released for further rotation.

[0032] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the sliding cassettes, in their alignment position, are guided into the cam track in an insertion area for the guide rollers of the sliding elements, and are guided along the cam track to an exit area of ​​the guide rollers of the sliding elements from the cam track, transverse to the transport direction T, into their starting position. In other words, the sliding cassettes rotate in their extended alignment position about the axis of rotation D, so that in a final section before the functional section, they are moved back into their starting position by means of the cam track in order to be able to place themselves on the head of the fish.

[0033] Advantageously, after leaving the track, the sliding cassettes rest on the fish with an engagement device and then meet the guide rail, by means of which they are directed towards the transport conveyor.

[0034] The sliding cassettes, after leaving the cam track, are ideally positioned on the fish using an engagement mechanism and then encounter a connecting guide piece. This guide piece directs the sliding cassettes towards the transport conveyor and then onto the guide rails. This ensures a smooth, gliding transition of the guide rollers from the cam track to the cam track area.

[0035] Advantageously, the guide rollers, and thus also the sliding cassettes, are pressed against the connecting guide piece and / or the guide rail by a guide element as they exit the cam track. This guide element ensures that the guide rollers always remain in contact with the outer surface of the connecting guide piece and are guided smoothly from the cam track into the cam track area.

[0036] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the aligned fish are processed by means of a cutting device, whereby a blade of the cutting device dips into a cutting gap formed between a head recess and a body recess of a transport trough that receives the individual fish, and separates the head of the fish from the body of the fish. Preferably, at least the transport conveyor, the carousel conveyor, and the cutting device are controlled by means of a control device for automatic processing.

[0037] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 25.

[0038] The advantages resulting from the aforementioned process steps have already been described in connection with the device, therefore reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0039] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention and the method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0040] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in front view,

[0041] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the positioning device of the apparatus according to Figure 1 in an enlarged view,

[0042] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the positioning device according to Figure 2 in a rear view,

[0043] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the positioning device according to Figure 2 in a perspective view from an oblique angle above and behind,

[0044] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the positioning device according to Figure 2 in a side view in the transport direction T.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of the positioning device according to Figure 2 in a perspective view from below and behind at an angle; Fig. 7 is an enlarged representation of the view according to Figure 6.

[0046] Fig. 8 shows the positioning device according to Figure 2 in a further perspective view,

[0047] Fig. 9 shows a schematic representation of the means for moving the sliding bodies in a perspective view from an oblique angle above and behind,

[0048] Fig. 10 shows the means for moving the sliding bodies according to Figure 9 in a top view,

[0049] Fig. 11 shows a sectional view of the positioning device according to Figure 2, transverse to the transport direction.

[0050] Fig. 12 shows a schematic top view of the camber area of ​​the means for moving the sliding bodies.

[0051] Fig. 13 shows a schematic representation of a sliding cassette in side view, and

[0052] Fig. 14 shows the sliding cassette according to Figure 13 in a perspective view from an oblique front and top view.

[0053] The device according to the invention, as illustrated in the drawing, is used for processing fish by aligning, positioning, and deheading them. The device according to the invention can also be used, with appropriate modifications, for aligning and positioning fish for other processing methods and for other products.

[0054] The preferred embodiment shown in the drawing is a device 10 designed and configured for processing fish 11. The device 10 comprises a transport conveyor 13 comprising several transport troughs 12, designed and configured for transporting the fish 11 individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T, and a positioning device 14, designed and configured for aligning the fish 11 in their longitudinal extent with tail 15 leading. The positioning device 14 comprises a carousel conveyor 16 with several sliding cassettes 18 arranged on a carousel carrier 17, which are rotatable around a rotation axis D of the carousel conveyor 16 by means of the carousel carrier 17 along an arc-shaped path of movement and are also rotatable along a path extending in the transport direction T.The linear functional section 19 of the transport conveyor 13 is at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor 16 and transverse to the transport direction T of the fish 11, such that it grasps the fish 11 by positive and / or frictional engagement at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish 11 and aligns the fish 11 by displacement in the tail direction until the fish 11 engages at the predetermined point with a fin catcher 20, which is assigned to the transport troughs 12 located in the area of ​​the functional section 19, wherein each sliding cassette 18 comprises at least one base body 21 attached to the carousel support 17, a sliding body 22 movable relative to the base body 21, an engagement means 23 movable relative to the sliding body 22, and at least one guide roller 24 assigned to the sliding body 22, as well as means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22 in the area of ​​the functional section 19 from a waiting or,

[0055] Starting position, in which the intervention means 23 is positioned above the dimensionally stable part of the fish 11, in the longitudinal direction of the fish 11 tail 15 leading into an alignment position in which the fish 11 rests with the predetermined point on the fin catcher 20.

[0056] According to the invention, this device 10 is characterized in that the means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22 with the engagement means 23 arranged thereon comprise at least one cam track 26 and a cam section 27 located at the end of the cam track 26, wherein the sliding bodies 22 are guided in the cam track 26 with their guide rollers 24, and the cam section 27, extending from the cam track 26, comprises at least one spring-loaded guide rail 28, which in a guide position is directed towards the transport conveyor 13 as the starting position.

[0057] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments, either individually or in combination. It is expressly pointed out that features summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures, or described in a common embodiment, can also functionally and independently further develop the device 10 described above. The transport conveyor 13 is designed as a continuously driven trough conveyor comprising a transport means 29 and several transport troughs 12 connected to the transport means 29, each transport trough 12 comprising a head trough 30 and a body trough 31, which are spaced apart from one another to form a cutting gap 32, the cutting gap 32 being oriented substantially parallel to the transport direction T. The transport means 29 is preferably a transport chain.The transport troughs 12 are detachably connected to the transport chain and, as shown, have a rear wall 33 against which the fish 11 can be positioned with its back. The functional section 19 extends in the transport direction T approximately over the length or width of three transport troughs 12, and is divided into three sections: starting from a lowering section 34, in which the intervention element 23 lowers onto the fish 11, via a sliding or alignment section 35, in which the alignment movement takes place transversely to the transport direction T, to a lifting section 36, in which the intervention element 23 lifts off the fish 11 again.

[0058] To reach the functional path 19 with the sliding cassettes 18 in an aligned position, namely with the engagement means 23 in a position facing the transport conveyor 13, the sliding cassettes 18 are each pivotally mounted about a bearing point 37 on the carousel support 17. The bearing points 37 of all sliding cassettes 18 lie on a circular movement path 38. In addition, each sliding cassette 28 has a guide element on the base body 21, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a guide pin 39. All guide pins 39 of all sliding cassettes 18 are guided in a guide along a non-circular guide track 40. The guide track 40 has a more elliptical shape and crosses the movement path 38 twice.The guide track 40 is designed and shaped such that the sliding cassettes 18, upon entering the area of ​​the functional section 19, point downwards with their engagement elements 23 towards the transport troughs 12 and, during rotation around the axis of rotation D, are moved in the transport direction T at least within the area of ​​the functional section 19 at a speed corresponding to the transport speed of the conveyor 13. Within the area of ​​the functional section 19, the superimposed alignment movement, described in more detail below, then takes place transversely to the transport direction T. From the functional section 19 to the area of ​​the cam track 26, a guide rail 41 or the like is provided, which is curved and designed to guide the sliding cassettes 18 section by section after they leave the functional section 19 until the guide rollers 24 of the sliding elements 22 engage in the cam track 26.The guide rail 41 is arranged and shaped for each cam track 26 such that the insertion of the sliding cassettes 18 into the cam track 26 occurs in a position where the engagement elements 23 are in a fully extended alignment position, i.e., in a position where the engagement elements 23 also leave the functional section 19. The guide rollers 24 in the cam track 26 return the sliding bodies 22 with the engagement elements 23 to a retracted waiting or starting position, in which they reach the lowering section 34 at the latest.

[0059] The device 10 further comprises a cutting device 42 as a processing station, wherein the cutting device 42 can also be replaced by another processing station. The cutting device 42 comprises at least one blade 43, which is arranged in the transport direction T behind the fin catcher 20 and which lies in a cutting plane K, wherein the cutting plane K extends substantially parallel to the cutting gap 32 of the transport trough 12. A cutting edge of the blade 43 extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fish 11 in the cutting plane K, with respect to which the fish 11 can be aligned by means of the positioning device 14 for carrying out a head cut.

[0060] Each cam track 26 is stationary and extends essentially along the path of movement of the sliding cassettes 18, at least over a partial section of the circumferential path. Each cam track 26 is detachably attached to a frame 44 of the device 10 and is formed from two cam rails 45, 46, between which the guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22 are guided. The two cam rails 45, 46, which are spaced apart from each other, run parallel to each other. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam rails 45, 46, which are designed as flat profiles, face each other with their broad sides and are arranged one behind the other transversely to the transport direction T.The cam track 26 formed from the two cam rails 45, 46 runs transversely to the transport direction T, at least in sections curving, such that, starting from the insertion area of ​​the guide rollers 24 into the cam track 26, it initially runs parallel to the transport direction T and then, at least in one section before the exit area of ​​the guide rollers 24 from the cam track 26, also transversely to the transport direction T, such that the sliding bodies 22 are in their starting position from the alignment position in the course of the cam track 26 at the latest in the exit area of ​​the cam track 26.

[0061] Radially around the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor 16, the cam track 26 has an arc-shaped profile and extends from an entry area for the guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22 approximately 120 degrees along the path of movement to an exit area for the guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22, and the exit area opens into the cam section 27. The cam section 27, as part of the means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22, is also fixedly arranged in the area of ​​the functional section 19 and is preferably detachably attached to the frame 44.

[0062] In the advantageous embodiment shown, each cam section 27 comprises, in addition to the guide rail 28, a connecting guide piece 47, which is arranged between each cam track 26 and the guide rail 28 associated with the cam track 26, such that each guide roller 24 leaving the cam track 26 in the exit area first encounters the connecting guide piece 47 and only then the guide rail 28. The connecting guide piece 47, which in the illustrated embodiment is a single piece, is detachably arranged on the frame 44 and has a curved guide section 48 that directs towards the transport conveyor 13 and engages the guide rail 28. The essentially L-shaped connecting guide piece 47 has a first linear leg 49 that extends directly from the cam track 26, initially parallel to the transport direction T, and then transitions into the curved guide section 48.The arc-shaped guide section 48 is designed such that it deflects at approximately 45 degrees relative to the linear leg 49, so that the guide section 48 meets the guide rail 28, which is also aligned at an angle of approximately 45 degrees to the transport direction T, virtually seamlessly and without thresholds at an angle of approximately zero degrees. The guide rail 28 thus forms the extension of the guide section 48.

[0063] The connecting guide piece 47 comprises an outer wall that forms the curved guide section 48. An inner wall is positioned at a distance from the outer wall, the distance being essentially the same as the distance between the guide rails 45, 46 forming the cam track 26. Optionally, a resilient guide element 50 is arranged on the inside of the exit area of ​​the cam track 26, i.e., on the side opposite the curved guide section 48 of the connecting guide piece 47. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 50 is, by way of example, a spring plate or the like, which projects into the opening of the exit area and thereby narrows the cross-section.

[0064] Extending from the static and stationary connecting guide piece 47 is the deflectable guide rail 28. Each guide rail 28 is mounted on a pivotally supported arm 51, the support arm 51 being pivotable about a vertical pivot axis S oriented perpendicular to the transport plane E. The support arm 51 is angled and mounted on the frame 44. The support arm 51 with the guide rail 28 is held in the guide position by means of at least one spring element 52, for example, a coil spring or the like. In the preferred and illustrated embodiment, a spring assembly 53 comprises two coil springs as spring elements 52, and pneumatic cylinders, linear actuators, or the like may also be provided additionally and / or alternatively.The spring assembly 53 is tensioned between the articulated support arm 51 of the guide rail 28 on the one hand and the frame 44 of the device on the other hand, such that the guide rail 28 is basically held in the starting position.

[0065] The means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22, comprising a single cam track 26 and an associated cam section 27 to form a positioning aid, have been described above. A preferred embodiment, shown in the figures, comprises the means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22, with the engagement means arranged thereon, comprising at least two cam tracks 26 and a cam section 27 located at the end of each cam track 26. The cam section 27 is the area into which the cam track 26 terminates and in which the connecting guide piece 47 and the guide rail 28 are arranged to move the guide rollers 24, and thus the sliding bodies 22, transversely to the transport direction T. The two positioning aids are provided to achieve a closer cycle time in the processing of the fish 11.The two positioning aids, as well as any other possible positioning aids, are basically identical in structure and design, which is why the same reference numbers were used for identical components, even though each positioning aid operates separately and independently of every other positioning aid.

[0066] The two or more cam tracks 26 are arranged one behind the other, transverse to the transport direction T. This means that the guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22 of adjacent sliding cassettes 18 run alternately in different cam tracks 26, so that when the sliding cassettes 18 move transversely to the transport direction T, different distances to the transport device 13 must be overcome. This distance can be bridged by using different sliding cassettes 18, each with an adapted mounting position for the guide rollers 24. Preferably, and as shown in the drawing, each sliding body 22 has at least two mounting positions 54, 55 for the guide roller 24, such that each sliding cassette 18 can be pre-equipped. For this purpose, the two or more mounting positions 54, 55 are formed and arranged one behind the other in the sliding body 22, transverse to the transport direction T.In the operational assembly, the guide rollers 24 are arranged alternately in the first mounting position 54 and the second mounting position 55 of the sliding bodies 22 such that adjacent sliding cassettes 18 with their guide rollers 24 are guided alternately in the first and second cam tracks 26. In addition to the offset of the cam tracks 26 transversely to the transport direction T, the two or more cam tracks 26 with their cam sections 27 are also arranged radially offset from one another with respect to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor 16. Accordingly, the cam sections 27 are also offset in the transport direction T and are positioned at least sectionally one behind the other, with the functionalities of the sliding sections 27 being completely independent of one another.

[0067] Each cam section 27, in conjunction with the guide roller 24 running on it, ensures that the sliding body 22, which is operatively connected to the fish 11 along the functional path 19 via the engagement means 23, moves transversely to the transport direction T, relative to the base body 21 of the sliding cassette 18. For this purpose, the sliding body 22 is movably attached to the base body 21 by means of a parallelogram linkage 56 or the like. The parallelogram linkage 56 has two pivot legs 57, 58, which are pivotably mounted on the base body 21 about axes A at one end and on the sliding body 22 about axes A at the opposite end. The engagement means 23 comprises a head plate 59, which is pivotably mounted on the sliding body 22 via a pivot flange 60. The pivot axis B can be identical to one of the axes A. The head plate 59 is detachably attached to the swivel flange and has several pins 61 on the underside facing the fish 11.A spring element 62, acting in the direction of the fish 11 to be aligned, is arranged between the swivel flange 60 and the sliding body 22. As the carousel conveyor 16 rotates about the axis of rotation D, the sliding cassettes 18, in the lowering section 34, contact the dimensionally stable area of ​​the fish 11 at the head 63 with their head plate 59 until a positive and / or frictional connection to the fish 11 is established. In the alignment section 35, the means 25 for moving the sliding bodies 22 work together and push the fish towards the tail 15 until the fins 64 of the fish 11 catch on the fin catcher 20 and stop the lateral movement. The pushing force is initially maintained. In the held and aligned position, processing, in particular the head trimming, then takes place before the head plate 59 releases from the head 63 and lifts off again in the lifting section 36.

[0068] The device 10 includes a control unit 65 for controlling the transport conveyor 13, the carousel conveyor 16 and all other controllable components.

[0069] The process is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. First, the fish 11 are transported individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to its longitudinal extent by means of a transport conveyor 13. On the transport path, the fish 11 reach a functional section 9, which is part of the transport path.Within the functional section 19 of the transport conveyor 13, the fish 11 are aligned tail-first in their longitudinal extension by means of a positioning device 14. This alignment is achieved by grasping a sliding cassette 18 at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish 11. This engagement is achieved through a positive-locking and / or friction-locking mechanism. The sliding cassette 18 rotates around a rotational axis D of the carousel conveyor 16 along an arc-shaped path. The fish 11 is then moved tail-wise from a starting position to an alignment position transverse to the transport direction T by means 25 for moving a sliding element 22 of the sliding cassette 18, until the predetermined point of the fish 11 engages a fin catcher 20. The rotation of the carousel conveyor 16 causes the sliding cassettes 18 to lower onto the fish 11 within the functional section 19.The head 63 of the fish 11 is an example of a dimensionally stable part of the fish 11. By engaging the sliding cassette 18 in this dimensionally stable, predetermined area of ​​the fish 11, the fish 11 can be moved tail 15 forward and backward until the fins 64, which are also dimensionally stable, become entangled in the fin catcher 20 as a predetermined part of the fish 11, thus preventing the fish 11 from moving further perpendicular to the transport direction T. In this aligned position, the fish 11 are then processed during further transport in the transport plane E.

[0070] According to the invention, this method is characterized in that the sliding cassettes 18 are moved from the starting position to the alignment position without spring force when aligning the fish 11, by means of a guide roller 24 arranged on the sliding body 22 of each sliding cassette 18, first along a cam track 26 and in extension of the cam track 26 along a spring-mounted guide rail 28 forming a cam area 27, which in a guide position is directed towards the transport conveyor 13 as the starting position.The sliding cassettes 18 run with their guide rollers 24 along the cam track 26 and along the guide rail 28, whereby the sliding bodies 22 inevitably move relative to a base body 21 of the sliding cassette 18 in a direction transverse to the transport direction T and also move the fish 11 in the engagement in the transport direction T in the tail direction.

[0071] All sliding cassettes 18 can be guided in a single guide track 26. To increase the processing rate and, in particular, to increase the sliding and holding time for each fish 11, the sliding cassettes 18 are guided in two separate guide tracks 26. Adjacent sliding cassettes 18 run alternately in different guide tracks 26. Only every second sliding cassette 18 is guided in a first guide track 26, while the other sliding cassettes 18 are guided in a second guide track 26 that is offset from the first guide track 26 both in the transport direction T and transversely to the transport direction T. The sliding cassettes 18 orMore precisely, their sliding elements 22 are guided and moved transversely to the transport direction T by the course and orientation of the cam tracks 26 on the one hand and the guide rails 28 on the other – with the fish 11 in engagement – ​​until the fish 11 collide with the fin catcher 20 with their fins 64 and are stopped in their transverse movement. Because the fish 11 continue to be transported in the transport direction T during the transverse movement, the guide rails 28 are pressed from the guiding position into a release position against the spring force of spring assemblies 53 that hold them in the guiding position when the resistance of the fish 11 against the fin catcher 20 becomes greater than the spring force. As the fish 11 continue to be transported in the transport direction T on the one hand and the sliding elements 18 continue to move around the axis of rotation D on the other, the sliding elements 18 lift off from the fish 11 again in their alignment position. The sliding elements 18 are then in their...

[0072] The guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22 are guided into the cam track 26 in an insertion area, and then along the cam track 26 to an exit area of ​​the guide rollers 24 of the sliding bodies 22 from the cam track 26 transversely to the transport direction T into their starting position.

[0073] After leaving the cam track 26, the sliding cassettes 18 rest on the fish 11 with an engagement element 23 and either directly contact the guide rail 28 with their guide rollers 24, by means of which they are steered towards the transport conveyor 13, or they first contact a connecting guide piece 47 with their guide rollers 24, which already steers the sliding cassettes 18 towards the transport conveyor 13 and then guides them onto the guide rails 28, which essentially complete the lateral movement. Upon leaving the cam track 26, the guide rollers 24, and thus also the sliding cassettes 18 or their sliding elements 22, are pressed against the connecting guide piece 47 and / or against the guide rail 28 by a guide element 50 in the exit area from the cam track 26, so that the guide rollers 24 are guided in contact with the outer surface of the connecting guide piece 47.

[0074] The aligned fish 11 are processed by a cutting device 42, whereby a blade 43 of the cutting device 42 plunges into a cutting gap 32, which is formed between a head recess 30 and a body recess 31 of a transport trough 12 that receives the individual fish 11, and separates the head 63 of the fish 11 from the body of the fish 11. During this cut, the fish 11 is still held in the aligned position by the positioning device 14. During the processing of the fish 11, at least the transport conveyor 13, the carousel conveyor 16 and the cutting device 42 are controlled for automatic processing by means of a control device 65.

[0075] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 as described above.

Claims

Device (10), designed and equipped for processing fish (11), comprising a transport conveyor (13) comprising several transport troughs (12), designed and equipped for transporting the fish (11) individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T, a positioning device (14), designed and equipped for aligning the fish (11) in their longitudinal extent tail (15) leading, wherein the positioning device (14) comprises a carousel conveyor (16) with several sliding cassettes (18) arranged on a carousel support (17), which on the one hand are rotatable by means of the carousel support (17) along an arc-shaped path of movement around a rotation axis D of the carousel conveyor (16) and on the other hand are moved along a path extending in the transport direction T,linear functional section (19) of the transport conveyor (13) are movable at least partially parallel to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor (16) transversely to the transport direction T of the fish (11), such that they grasp the fish (11) by positive and / or frictional engagement at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish (11) and align the fish (11) by displacement in the tail direction until the fish (11) engages at the predetermined point with a fin catcher (20) which is assigned to the transport troughs (12) located in the area of ​​the functional section (19), wherein each sliding cassette (18) comprises at least one base body (21) attached to the carousel support (17), a sliding body (22) movable relative to the base body (21), an engagement means (23) movable relative to the sliding body (22) and at least one guide roller (24) assigned to the sliding body (22),as well as means (25) for moving the sliding bodies (22) in the area of ​​the functional section (19) from a starting position in which the engagement means (23) is located above the dimensionally stable part of the fish (11), in the longitudinal direction of the fish (11) tail (15) ahead into an alignment position in which the fish (11) rests with the predetermined point against the fin catcher (20), by which means (25) for moving the sliding bodies (22) with the engagement means (23) arranged thereon comprise at least one cam track (26) and a cam section (27) located at the end of the cam track (26), wherein the sliding bodies (22) are guided in the cam track (26) with their guide rollers (24), and the The cam section (27) in extension of the cam track (26) comprises at least one spring-loaded guide rail (28) which, in a guide position, is directed towards the transport conveyor (13) as the starting position.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport conveyor (13) is designed as a continuously driven trough conveyor, comprising a transport means (29) and several transport troughs (12) connected to the transport means (29), wherein each transport trough (12) comprises a head trough (30) and body trough (31) which are spaced apart from each other to form a cutting gap (32), wherein the cutting gap (32) is oriented substantially parallel to the transport direction T.

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that it comprises a cutting device (42), wherein the cutting device (42) comprises at least one blade (43) which is arranged in the transport direction T behind the fin catcher (20) and which lies in a cutting plane K, wherein the cutting plane K extends substantially parallel to the cutting gap (32) of the transport trough (12).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that a cutting edge of the blade (43) extends transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fish (11) in the cutting plane K, with respect to which the fish (11) can be aligned for carrying out a head cut by means of the positioning device (14).

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each cam track (26) is fixed in position and extends along the movement path (38) of the sliding cassettes (18) at least over a partial section of the circumferential movement path (38).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that each cam track (26) has an arc-shaped path radially around the axis of rotation D and extends approximately 120 degrees along the path of movement (38) starting from an insertion area for the guide rollers (24) of the sliding bodies (22). up to an exit area for the guide rollers (24) of the sliding bodies (22) extends and the exit area leads into the backdrop area (27).

7. Device (109 according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cam section (27) is arranged as part of the means (25) for moving the sliding bodies (22) in a fixed position in the area of ​​the functional section (19).

8. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cam section (27) comprises a connecting guide piece (47) which is arranged between each cam track (26) and the guide rail (28) associated with the cam track (26), such that each guide roller (24) leaving the cam track (26) in the exit area first encounters the connecting guide piece (47) and only then the guide rail (28).

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting guide piece (47) has a curved guide section (48) which directs in the direction of the transport conveyor (13) and meets the guide rail (28).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that a resiliently designed guide body (50) is arranged on the inside of the exit area of ​​the cam track (26), i.e. on the side opposite the curved guide section (48) of the connecting guide piece (47).

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide body (50) is a spring sheet or the like, which projects into the passage of the exit area.

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that each guide rail (28) is arranged on a pivotally mounted support arm (51), wherein the support arm (51) is designed and configured to pivot about a vertical pivot axis S oriented perpendicular to the transport plane E.

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the support arm is held in the guide position by means of at least one coil spring or the like.

14. Device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a spring assembly (53) comprising at least one spring element (52) is tensioned between the pivotally mounted support arm (51) of the guide rail (28) on the one hand and a frame frame (44) of the device (10) on the other hand, such that the guide rail (28) is basically held in the starting position.

15. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that each cam track (26) is formed from two cam rails (45, 46) between which the guide rollers (24) of the sliding bodies (22) are guided.

16. Device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the two spaced-apart cam rails (45, 46) run parallel to each other and as cam track (26) run transversely to the transport direction T in a curved manner at least in sections, such that starting from the insertion area of ​​the guide rollers (24) they initially run parallel to the transport direction T and at least in one section before the exit area also transversely to the transport direction T, such that the sliding bodies (22) are in their starting position at the latest in the exit area of ​​the cam track (26).

17. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the means (25) for moving the sliding bodies (22) with the engagement means (23) arranged thereon comprise at least two cam tracks (26) and a cam area (27) located at the end of each cam track (26).

18. Device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that the two or more cam tracks (26) are arranged one behind the other transversely to the transport direction T.

19. Device (10) according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that the two or more cam tracks (26) with their cam areas (27) are arranged radially offset from each other with respect to the axis of rotation D of the carousel conveyor (16).

20. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the sliding body (22) is movably attached to the base body (21) by means of a parallelogram linkage (56) or the like.

21. Device (10) according to claim 20, characterized in that the engagement means (23) comprises a head plate (59) which is pivotably mounted on the sliding body (22) via a pivot flange (60).

22. Device (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that a spring element (62) acting in the direction of the fish (11) to be aligned is arranged between the pivot flange (60) and the sliding body (22).

23. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that each sliding body (22) has at least two fastening positions (54, 55) for the guide roller (24).

24. Device (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that the two or more fastening positions (54, 55) are formed and arranged one after the other in the sliding body (22) transversely to the transport direction T.

25. Device (10) according to claim 23 or 24, characterized in that the guide rollers (24) are arranged alternately in the first mounting position (54) and the second mounting position (55) of the sliding bodies (22) such that adjacent sliding cassettes (18) with their guide rollers (24) are guided alternately in the first and the second cam track (26).

26. Method for processing fish (11), comprising the steps: - transporting the fish (11) individually in a horizontal transport plane E transverse to their longitudinal extent by means of a transport conveyor (13), - Aligning the fish (11) in their longitudinal extension tail first in the area of ​​a functional section (19) of the transport conveyor (13) by means of a positioning device (14), - wherein the alignment of the fish (11) is effected by grasping them at a predetermined, dimensionally stable part of the fish (11) by means of a positive-locking and / or friction-locking engagement of a sliding cassette (18) rotating around a rotation axis D of the carousel conveyor (16) along an arc-shaped path of movement by means of a carousel conveyor (16) and then being moved in the tail direction by means (25) for moving a sliding body (22) of the sliding cassette (18) from a starting position to an alignment position transverse to the transport direction T, until the fish (11) engages with a fin catcher (20) at the predetermined point, and - Processing the aligned fish (11), which is characterized by the fact that the sliding cassettes (18) are moved from the starting position to the alignment position without spring force when aligning the fish (11), by means of a guide roller (24) arranged on the sliding body (22) of each sliding cassette (18) first along a cam track (26) and in extension of the cam track (26) along a spring-mounted guide rail (28) forming a cam area (27), which in a guide position is directed towards the transport conveyor (13) as the starting position.

27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that only every second sliding cassette (18) is guided in a first cam track (26), while the other sliding cassettes (18) are guided in a second cam track (26) which is arranged offset to the first cam track (26) both in the transport direction T and transversely to the transport direction T.

28. Method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized in that the guide rails (28) are moved from the guiding position to a release position against the spring force of spring assemblies (53) holding them in the guiding position. will be pressed when the resistance of the fish (11) against the fin catcher (20) becomes greater than the spring force.

29. Method according to one or more of claims 26 to 28, characterized in that the sliding cassettes (18) are guided in their alignment position in an insertion area for the guide rollers (24) of the sliding bodies (22) into the cam track (26), and are guided along the cam track (26) to an exit area of ​​the guide rollers (24) of the sliding bodies (22) from the cam track (26) transversely to the transport direction T into their starting position.

30. Method according to claim 29, characterized in that the sliding cassettes (18) after leaving the cam track (26) rest on the fish (11) with an engagement means (23) and then meet the guide rail (28) by means of which they are directed in the direction of the transport conveyor (13).

31. Method according to claim 29 or 30, characterized in that the sliding cassettes (18) after leaving the cam track (26) rest on the fish (11) with an engagement means (23) and then meet a connecting guide piece (47) which already directs the sliding cassettes (18) in the direction of the transport conveyor (13) and then guides them onto the guide rails (28).

32. Method according to one or more of claims 29 to 31, characterized in that the guide rollers (24) and thus also the sliding cassettes (18) are pressed against the connecting guide piece (47) and / or against the guide rail (28) in the exit area from the cam track (26) by a guide body (50).

33. Method according to one or more of claims 26 to 32, characterized in that the aligned fish (11) are processed by means of a cutting device (42) by inserting a blade (43) of the cutting device (42) into a cutting gap (32) which is located between a head recess (30) and a body recess (31) of one of the separated fish (11) the receiving transport trough (12) is formed, immerses and separates the head (63) of the fish (11) from the body of the fish (11).

34. Method according to one or more of claims 26 to 33, characterized in that at least the transport conveyor (13), which The carousel conveyor (16) and the cutting device (42) are controlled by a control device (65) for automatic processing.

35. Method according to one or more of claims 26 to 34, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 25.

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