Apparatus, transport unit and method at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) designed and configured at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish (11) or parts thereof, comprising a frame (12) and at least one trough-shaped receptacle (13) arranged on the frame (12), wherein each receptacle (13) is designed and configured for storing separated products and for cyclically forwarding the separated products in transport direction T to a downstream receptacle (13) or to a removal means (14) arranged downstream of the last receptacle (13) in transport direction T, wherein all of the receptacles (13) and the removal means (14) are arranged substantially vertically one over another, in such a way that the stored products are able to be transported cyclically from the top downwards. The invention further relates to a corresponding transport unit and a corresponding method at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry.

Description

[0001] Nordic Machine Construction Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KG, Geniner Straße 249, 23560

[0002] Lübeck, Germany

[0003] Device, transport unit and method for at least storing and transporting products of the food processing industry

[0004] The invention relates to a device designed and equipped at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish or parts thereof, comprising a frame and at least one trough-shaped receptacle arranged on the frame, wherein each receptacle is designed and equipped for storing individual products and for the timed transfer of the individual products in the transport direction T to a downstream receptacle or to a conveying means following the last receptacle in the transport direction T.

[0005] The invention further relates to a transport unit for transporting and storing products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish or parts thereof, between two processing stations, comprising a feeder for feeding the products to a device for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, the device for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, and a discharge device for transporting the products, wherein the device for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry is arranged between the feeder and the discharge device.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish or parts thereof, comprising the steps of: feeding individual fish into a first trough-shaped receptacle of a device for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish or parts thereof, storing the individual fish in the receptacle first in the transport direction T, and timed forwarding of the individual fish to a receptacle downstream in the transport direction T or to a conveying means following the last receptacle in the transport direction T.

[0007] Such devices, transport units, and processes are used in the food processing industry to optimize product flow between two processing stations through their transport and storage functions. These processing stations, which can include filling stations, head-detailing stations, filleting stations, or other stations that preferably process whole fish, can operate at different speeds. Furthermore, malfunctions, interruptions, product jams, or similar issues can occur at each processing station. These can be compensated for by the devices or transport units of this type, which not only transport but also store products between the processing stations. The combined transport and storage function allows the products to be delivered to the next processing station as needed.

[0008] In previously known solutions for such storage and transport devices, several compartments are arranged side by side in the area of ​​a base wall or similar structure that has a slight downward slope from the horizontal. The compartments are formed by the base wall or similar structure and by flaps. In other words, several flaps are arranged above the base wall, spaced apart from each other to form the compartments. The individual compartments are separated from each other by movable flaps or similar devices. Each compartment is designed and configured to store a whole fish or similar item.Because the flaps are movable, specifically pivotable, the fish stored in a compartment can, due to the slope of the bottom wall or similar factors, slide in a cascade-like fashion into a subsequent compartment (in the transport direction T) or onto the conveying device following the last compartment when the flap is in a release position. For a large storage area, many compartments must be arranged side by side, resulting in increased space requirements and, in particular, a large footprint. Another disadvantage of known solutions is that the fish stored in the compartments always reach the subsequent compartment or conveying device in the same orientation. This means that misoriented fish enter the subsequent processing stage, or these fish must be turned or removed from the transport route using additional equipment.

[0009] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a compact and multifunctional device, at least for storing and transporting products. The objective is further to propose a transport unit and a method, at least for storing and transporting products.

[0010] This problem is solved by a generic device as described above, characterized in that all the receiving units and the conveying means are arranged essentially vertically one above the other, such that the stored products can be transported in a sequential manner from top to bottom. By arranging the receiving units one above the other, or, if only one receiving unit is present, by arranging the single receiving unit above the conveying means, the space requirement, and thus in particular the footprint, can be kept small. This also applies especially if two or more receiving units are necessary for increased storage capacity, which, according to the invention, are arranged one above the other without requiring additional space. The number of receiving units can therefore be one, two, or more.

[0011] Preferably, the device is designed and configured for the individual storage and transport of whole fish or parts thereof. With such a device, whole fish can be transported, for example, transversely, but especially longitudinally, in the receptacles with the tail or preferably the head first, and thus transversely to their longitudinal extent from above.

[0012] Accordingly, each intake for storing fish or parts thereof is designed and configured in its longitudinal direction such that the fish or parts thereof can be transported essentially vertically from intake to intake or to the means of transport, transverse to their longitudinal direction. The elongated intakes, in which the fish lie with their longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the intake (especially head-first, tail-first is also optional), allow for the rapid feeding of individual fish into the uppermost intake (especially head-first) and the swift conveyance of the fish transversely to their longitudinal direction into the subsequent intake or onto the means of transport following the last intake.A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that, in addition to storing and transporting the fish, it is also designed and configured as a combined storage and turning station for changing the fish's ventral / dorsal position. This multifunctional design allows the fish to be turned relative to their ventral / dorsal position during transport from one receiving station to the next or to the transport vehicle. This eliminates the need for additional, space-consuming turning devices and ensures that each fish is delivered to the transport vehicle in the desired ventral / dorsal position. Depending on the number of receiving stations arranged vertically, multiple turning steps can be performed.

[0013] Advantageously, each holder is designed and configured to change the fish's belly-to-back position during transport from top to bottom, such that the fish rotate around their longitudinal axis triggered by the holder itself. The design of the holders allows the fish to be rotated 180 degrees around their narrow side, from belly-to-right and back-to-left to belly-to-left and back-to-right, or vice versa, particularly by moving the holder or parts thereof. Because the design and configuration of the holder itself initiates and executes the turning process, additional turning components are unnecessary, resulting in a simple and easy-to-clean device.

[0014] Advantageously, each intake includes at least one movable element designed and configured to release and guide the fish to a intake located below it in the transport direction T, or to the discharge device located below the last intake. This element is designed and configured to turn the fish with respect to their ventral / dorsal position during transport from intake to intake or to the discharge device. The movable element, as a component of the intake, can, for example, be a movable blade that forms the bottom wall of the intake and can be moved from a closed position to a release position and back again, either to one side or both sides. The movable element(s) of each intake ensure directed conveyance. This directed conveyance includes, among other things, both position-stable conveyance and position-changing conveyance, i.e., turning the fish with respect to their ventral / dorsal position during conveyance.

[0015] Particularly preferably, each receptacle is formed from two half-shells, wherein the receptacle is open at least at the top and at least one half-shell is movable relative to the other half-shell. The receptacles are open at the top towards a receptacle above and are freely accessible. The uppermost receptacle can be filled from at least the top. The uppermost receptacle may also be closed at the top. Optionally, each or at least the uppermost receptacle is also open at an inlet or feed side, so that the fish can slide into the uppermost receptacle tail-first or, preferably, head-first. In this context, movable means that each receptacle forms an opening by moving at least one half-shell downwards, through which the fish can fall downwards by gravity alone.

[0016] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that each half-shell is designed and configured to be movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fish. This transverse movement preferably means a linear, lateral movement away from each other into an open release or opening position and back into a closed storage or closing position in a substantially horizontal direction. Pivoting the half-shells is also an option. By moving one and / or both half-shells, the size of the opening for the directed conveyance of the fish is varied.

[0017] Advantageously, each half-shell comprises a bottom wall section sloping towards the center of the recess and a side wall, the side wall being arranged on the side of the bottom wall section facing away from the center and extending upwards from the bottom wall section. This forms a U-shaped or V-shaped cross-section of the recess-like recess. The two bottom wall sections face each other with their free longitudinal edges towards the center of the recess and form a small gap between them. The side walls are arranged or formed at the outwardly facing edges of the bottom wall sections. The preferably one-piece half-shells can also have other cross-sectional shapes and be made up of multiple parts. Particularly preferably, each half-shell is mounted on the frame so as to be linearly movable in a substantially horizontal direction.This ensures quick and easy opening and closing of the mount. As mentioned, the half-shells can optionally be pivoted, so that they can be folded down and back around a pivot point.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that each half-shell is assigned an actuating means which is designed and configured to move the half-shell from a closed position to at least one open position and back. The actuating means enables simple and rapid control of the half-shells to open them in a timed manner for directed downward movement and to close them for storage.

[0019] Particularly advantageous is the ability to adjust each half-shell either continuously or in incrementally from the closed position to various open positions and back again. In the closed position, the fish can be stored reliably and securely. The different open positions ensure a particularly targeted transfer of the fish, allowing them to be moved either in a stable position (i.e., keeping them in their initial position, especially with regard to belly-on / back-off position) or in a changing position (i.e., changing their belly-on / back-off position), from one receiving point to another or from receiving point to transport vehicle.

[0020] Advantageously, each half-shell is designed and configured to be separately controllable. This ensures more precise fish handling, as different positions of the half-shells allow direct directional impulses to be applied to the fish, for example, to rotate the fish around its longitudinal axis. For instance, to change the fish's belly-to-back position by 180 degrees, one half-shell can be moved fully into the open position, while the other half-shell is moved only partially or gradually into the open position. This alters the support provided by the half-shells on the fish's center of gravity, which affects the fish's position and ultimately leads to its turning. The actuating device preferably includes a pneumatic cylinder.The pneumatic cylinder allows for very precise and very short opening and closing cycles, enabling the opening of the receptacle for the precise and reliable guidance of the fish and, after the fish has been guided, its rapid closing to receive and store the next fish. Other actuators, such as stepper motors or similar devices, can also be used to move the two halves of the shell.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that the half-shells have guide elements on their underside, which are guided in linear guides arranged on the frame. This guidance ensures that the half-shells are always in a stable position and guarantees tilt-free movement.

[0022] A particularly advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that each intake is assigned at least one detection means, which is designed and configured to detect the ventral / dorsal position of the fish. The detection means monitors the position of the fish within each intake, allowing the intake halves to be selectively controlled to initiate either a stable conveyance of the fish or the turning of the fish. Since each intake has such a detection means, the directed conveyance can be continuously monitored to ensure that the fish is correctly oriented with respect to its ventral / dorsal position in the intake before the conveying device, or that it is placed in the correct position on the conveying device.

[0023] Preferably, each detection device includes a laser sensor. This ensures simple detection of the fish's position. Other components can also be used as detection devices, such as a camera or similar device, or various other mechanical, electronic, and / or optical components, including simple light sensors or similar devices designed and configured to detect the belly-to-back position. With each detection device, the number and position of which can vary within the image, it is possible to detect, in particular, whether a fish is present in the image at all, and to perform belly-to-back detection. Advantageously, at least two images are arranged one above the other, and two or more images arranged one above the other are positioned vertically above the conveying device.This allows for the correction of potentially misaligned fish, or fish that remain misaligned despite being turned, in a second correction step by transferring the images from one recording to the next before they reach the transport vehicle. Furthermore, the storage capacity increases with the number of recordings.

[0024] Advantageously, the intakes are designed and arranged at a sloping angle in the longitudinal direction of the fish. This means that the fish fed into the intakes preferably slide headfirst towards a side wall formed by the two halves of the casing. The fish are preferably fed into the uppermost intake in the longitudinal direction of the fish, either by being guided into it at a narrow side of the intake when it is in the closed position or by sliding into it. The directed conveyance of the fish from top to bottom then occurs transversely to the longitudinal direction of the fish. However, the intakes can also be oriented horizontally or in other orientations.

[0025] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that it comprises a control unit which is operatively connected at least to the actuating means of the half-shells and to the detection means. The control unit preferably comprises evaluation and / or storage components. By means of the control unit, which may be directly assigned to the device itself or which may be part of an upstream and / or downstream processing station, the data and information determined by the detection means can be collected and evaluated in order to then control the half-shells or the actuating means assigned to the half-shells for the directed conveyance of the fish.

[0026] The problem is also solved by a transport unit of the type mentioned above, insofar as the device is designed and configured at least for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry according to one or more of claims 1 to 20. The resulting advantages have already been described in connection with the device at least for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, and therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant passages.

[0027] Advantageously, the transport device is equipped with a detection device designed and configured to recognize the belly-to-back position of the fish. This detection device ensures a final check of the fish's position before further processing. It verifies whether the fish were transferred to the transport device in the required belly-to-back position from the previous intake.

[0028] Advantageously, the conveying device is equipped with a removal unit for the automatic removal of misplaced fish, the removal unit being interconnected with a return unit for the automatic return of the removed fish to the feeding device. This ensures automatic recycling within a product cycle, particularly in conjunction with the detection device associated with the conveying device.

[0029] The transport unit advantageously comprises a control device that is operatively connected to the feeding device and / or the discharge device and / or the detection device associated with the discharge device and / or the removal device and / or the return device and / or the device for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry. Preferably, the control device is connected to all controllable and / or adjustable components of the transport unit to ensure demand-based control, so that the processing station downstream of the transport unit is optimally utilized with fish and any potential disturbances and / or fluctuations are compensated for.

[0030] The problem is also solved by a method with the steps mentioned above, whereby the timed transfer of the fish from intake to intake, or to the next intake following the last intake in the transport direction T, essentially occurs vertically from top to bottom. This method assumes a steady state. First, the intakes are filled sequentially from top to bottom until each intake contains a fish. Then, as needed, a fish is transferred from the last intake in the transport direction T to the delivery vehicle, which transports the fish to the next processing station. The intakes are then refilled from top to bottom to serve as storage. Each fish passes through at least two intakes before reaching the delivery vehicle.If more storage capacity is desired, the fish is guided from top to bottom through more than two intakes, with the fish being stored at least temporarily in each intake; after a fish is passed on to a downstream intake or to the transport device, the intake that has just been emptied is closed again so that it can be refilled.

[0031] Preferably, the fish lie in their longitudinal position with a defined ventral-dorsal orientation in the images and are then transferred transversely to their longitudinal position from top to bottom. The longitudinal axis of the fish runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the images. The defined ventral-dorsal orientation can mean, in the image, belly to the right and back to the left, or vice versa. Nevertheless, incorrect positioning of the fish in the image can occur when feeding them into the uppermost image.

[0032] An advantageous further development is therefore characterized in that fish that are incorrectly positioned with respect to their belly-back orientation are turned during transport, i.e., during the timed transfer from one receiving station to the next or to the next transport vehicle following the last receiving station in the transport direction T, by rotating the incorrectly positioned fish 180 degrees around their longitudinal axis L within and through the receiving stations. The turning of the fish is carried out without additional handling elements or the like.

[0033] The detection of the fish's belly-on or back-on position is particularly important within each image. This allows the system to determine whether a fish is present in the image at all. Furthermore, the system can detect the fish's back and / or belly to control the image capture accordingly.

[0034] Ideally, each fish is guided through at least two stages before being transferred to the transport vehicle. This provides at least two opportunities to correct any changes in the fish's position. The number of correction options correlates with the number of stages. This allows for further correction if a turning process is insufficient or an undesired turning occurs, ensuring the fish is placed in the correct position on the transport vehicle.

[0035] An advantageous further development provides that the timed conveying of the fish, namely the positionally stable conveying and the reversed conveying, is achieved by controlled movement of at least one of two hemispheres, each forming a receiving chamber. Positionally stable conveying means that the fish are guided transversely to their longitudinal extent without rotation around their longitudinal central axis.

[0036] The longitudinal axis is transported / passed vertically downwards, so that the fish in the receiving image have the same position as in the sending image. The reversed passing means that the fish are passed through with a change in their position relative to their ventral-dorsal position by rotation around their longitudinal axis, so that the fish in the receiving image have a position rotated 180 degrees around the longitudinal axis compared to the sending image.

[0037] Particularly preferred for the stable transfer of fish from one intake to a lower intake or to the conveying device following the last intake in the transport direction T is the simultaneous opening of both half-shells. The intake is preferably opened by synchronously opening both half-shells. The half-shells can be opened partially or completely, either stepwise, in a single opening step, or continuously.

[0038] Advantageously, to guide the fish in their ventral / dorsal position from one intake to a lower intake or to the next intake following the transport direction T of the last intake, one of the two hemispheres is fully opened while the other remains closed or is only partially opened. However, other turning scenarios, i.e., different control of the hemispheres, are also possible for turning the fish, for example, by opening the two hemispheres to different degrees.

[0039] Advantageously, each half-shell of a holder exerts the impulse to turn the fish. A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that each half-shell is stopped in different intermediate positions between the closed and open positions when turning the fish, in order to align the fish.

[0040] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 20 and / or a transport unit according to one or more of claims 21 to 24.

[0041] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the device, the transport unit, and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a transport unit according to the invention with a device according to the invention, at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in a perspective view from an oblique angle above and from the front.

[0043] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the device and transport unit according to Figure 1 in side view,

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the device and transport unit according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from an oblique angle above and behind,

[0045] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the device and transport unit according to Figure 1 in front view,

[0046] Fig. 5 shows an enlarged view of two superimposed photographs in their closed position, and

[0047] Figures 6 to 9 show the superimposed photographs in front view from different positions. The invention illustrated in the drawing relates to a device and a transport unit for transporting, storing, and turning whole fish. The invention also relates, analogously, to a device and a transport unit for at least storing and transporting, and optionally also for turning, other products, for example, parts of fish or other products of the food processing industry.

[0048] The drawing shows a preferred embodiment of a device 10, designed and equipped at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish 11 or parts thereof, comprising a frame 12 and at least two trough-shaped receptacles 13 arranged on the frame 12, wherein each receptacle 13 is designed and equipped for storing individual products and for the timed transfer of the individual products in the transport direction T to a downstream receptacle 13 or to a conveying means 14 following the last receptacle 13 in the transport direction T.

[0049] According to the invention, this device 10 is characterized in that all receiving units 13 and the transport means 14 are arranged essentially vertically one above the other, such that the stored products can be transported in a timed manner from top to bottom.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The illustrated device 10 is designed and configured for the individual storage and transport of whole fish 11 and has two receiving compartments 13 arranged one above the other. The receiving compartments 13 are rectangular in plan view, so that each receiving compartment 13 is designed and configured to store the fish 11 along their longitudinal axis. The fish 11 lie with their longitudinal center axis L parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the receiving compartments 13, such that the fish 11 can be transported essentially vertically from receiving compartment 13 to receiving compartment 13 or to the transport means 14, transverse to their longitudinal axis. Thus, the device 10 is initially a combined storage and transport station, in that the fish 11 fed into the uppermost receiving compartment 11 are stored in the respective vertically arranged receiving compartments 13 and can be transported in a timed manner from top to bottom from receiving compartment 13 to receiving compartment 13 or to the transport means 14.

[0052] The illustrated device 10 is designed and configured as a combined storage and turning station, not only for storing and transporting the fish 11, but also for changing the ventral-dorsal position of the fish 11. For this purpose, each receiving unit 13 is designed and configured to change the ventral-dorsal position of the fish 11 during transport from top to bottom, such that the fish 11 rotate about their longitudinal axis L when triggered by the receiving unit 13.Each receiving 13 comprises at least one movable element, in the embodiment shown two movable elements, which is / are designed and equipped to release and direct the fish 11 to a receiving 13 located below the receiving 13 in the transport direction T or to the transport means 14 arranged below the last receiving 13, i.e. to turn the fish 11 with respect to their ventral-back position during transport from receiving 13 to receiving 13 or to the transport means 14.

[0053] Preferably, each receptacle 13 is formed from two half-shells 15, 16, wherein the receptacle 13 is open at least at the top and at least one half-shell 15 or 16 is movable relative to the other half-shell 16 or 16. In the embodiment shown in the figures, each half-shell 15, 16 is designed and configured to be movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fish 11. Each half-shell 15, 16 comprises a bottom wall section 17, 18 sloping towards the center of the receptacle 13 and a side wall 19, 20, wherein the side wall 19, 20 is arranged on the side of the bottom wall section 17, 18 facing away from the center and extends upwards from the bottom wall section 17, 18. The side walls 19, 20 can be oriented at an angle greater than 90 degrees, for example, approximately 120 degrees, to the bottom wall section 17, 18. In the embodiment shown, each side wall 19, 20 is formed integrally with the associated bottom wall section 17, 18.The two half-shells 15, 16 are positioned close together in their closed position (see, for example, Figure 5), such that a gap 21 is formed centrally to the receptacle 13. The size of this gap is significantly smaller than the width of the fish 11 lying on their side in the receptacles 13. The vertically stacked receptacles 13 are inclined and arranged at a sloping angle in the longitudinal direction of the fish 11. The angle of inclination at which the receptacles 13 are inclined relative to the horizontal can be the same for all receptacles 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the uppermost receptacle 13 is inclined or tilted more steeply than the receptacle 13 below it.

[0054] Each half-shell 15, 16 is mounted on the frame 12 so as to be linearly movable in a substantially horizontal direction. For this purpose, each half-shell 15, 16 is assigned an actuating means 22, 23, which is designed and configured to move the half-shell 15, 16 from a closed position to at least one open position and back. In the illustrated embodiment, each half-shell 15, 16 is optionally designed and configured to be movable continuously or incrementally from the closed position to different open positions and back. The half-shells 15, 16 are generally in their closed position, so that the receptacles 13 formed by two half-shells 15, 16 are ready to receive and store a fish 11. For the timed release and directed transfer of a fish 11 from one receptacle 13 to another receptacle 13 located below it in the transport direction T, the actuating means 22, 23 are configured to move the fish 11 from one receptacle 13 to another located below it in the transport direction T.Each half-shell 15, 16 is separately controllable and configured for the conveying means 14 located below the last intake 13. To ensure the fish 11 is conveyed in a stable position, both half-shells 15, 16 can be actuated synchronously, allowing the fish 11 to fall into the downstream intake 13 simply by gravity, without rotating about its longitudinal axis L, i.e., with its belly-to-back orientation remaining constant. To turn the fish 11 about its longitudinal axis L, i.e., to change its belly-to-back orientation, such that the fish 11 faces right and left in an upper intake 13 and right and left in the lower intake 13, or vice versa, one of the two half-shells 15 or 16 can be actuated, depending on the desired direction of rotation.The actuation can refer to moving into the fully open position or to stepless or gradual movement into intermediate positions, i.e., into different opening positions, between the closed position and the fully open position.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment, a pneumatic cylinder 24, 25 is provided as the actuating means 22, 23. This cylinder is supported on one side by the frame 12 and connected at its free end to the half-shell 15 or 16, respectively. Each half-shell 15, 16 can be moved linearly back and forth by means of the pneumatic cylinder 24, 25. For this purpose, the half-shells 15, 16 have guide bodies 26, 27 on their underside, which are guided in linear guides 28, 29 arranged on the frame 12. The guide bodies 26, 27 are rail-like and run in corresponding guide profiles as linear guides 28, 29.

[0056] Each intake 13 is assigned at least one detection means 30, which is designed and configured to detect the ventral / dorsal position of the fish 11. In the illustrated embodiment, each detection means 30 comprises a laser sensor 31. The detection means 30 is designed and configured to detect the ventral side of a fish 11 and / or the dorsal side of a fish 11 and / or the presence of a fish 11. To control the half-shells 15, 16 for the timed forwarding and / or turning of the fish, the device 10 comprises a control unit 32, which is operatively connected at least to the actuating means 22, 23 of the half-shells 15, 16 and to the detection means 30. The control unit 32 comprises evaluation and storage components for processing the acquired data and information.

[0057] The device 10, at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, can be used as a separate stand-alone component and / or retrofitted. Preferably, and as shown in the drawing, the device 10, at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, is part of a transport unit 33, at least for transporting and storing products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish 11 or parts thereof, between two processing stations.The transport unit 33 comprises, in addition to the device 10 for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, at least one feeder 34 for feeding the products to the device 10 for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, and a discharge device 14 for removing the products. The device 10 for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry is arranged between the feeder 34 and the discharge device 14. According to the invention, this transport unit 33 is characterized in that the device 10 for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 19.The transport device 14 is associated with a further detection device 35, which is designed and configured to detect the belly-to-back position of the fish 11. The detection device 35 is structurally and functionally identical to the detection devices 30. If a fish 11 is lying in an undesired position on the transport device 14, this fish 11 is detected. The transport device 14 is associated with a removal device (not explicitly shown) for the automatic removal of incorrectly positioned fish 11, the removal device being operatively connected to a return device for the automatic return of the removed fish 11 to the feed device 34.

[0058] The transport unit 33 comprises a control device 32. This can be a separate control device 32. In the embodiment shown, the control device 32 of the device 10 is used to control the transport unit 33. This control device 32 is operatively connected with the feed means 34 and / or the discharge means 14 and / or the detection means 35 associated with the discharge means 14 and / or the removal means and / or the return means and / or the device 10, at least for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry.

[0059] The following describes the procedure at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish 11 or parts thereof.

[0060] Initially, individual fish 11 are fed manually or automatically into a first trough-shaped receptacle 13 of a device 10, at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish 11 or parts thereof. These individual fish 11 are stored in the first receptacle 13 in the transport direction T and then conveyed at intervals to a subsequent receptacle 13 in the transport direction T or to a discharge means 14 following the last receptacle 13 in the transport direction T. The fish 11 are conveyed successively at intervals to subsequent receptacles 13. The receptacles 13 that have just been emptied are closed and then refilled with a fish 11 until all receptacles 13 contain a fish 11, thus forming a full storage unit.

[0061] According to the invention, this method is characterized in that the timed transfer of the fish 11 from intake 13 to intake 13, or to the discharge means 14 following the last intake 13 in the transport direction T, is essentially vertical from top to bottom. If only one intake 13 exists, the fish 11 is first guided into that intake 13 and then discharged directly from there onto the discharge means 14. In the illustrated embodiment, each fish 11 passes through at least two intakes 13 before being discharged onto the discharge means 14.

[0062] The fish 11 are fed individually into the uppermost intake 13 in such a way that they lie lengthwise and in a defined ventral-dorsal position within the intake 13 and are then conveyed transversely to their longitudinal position from top to bottom. To do this, the fish 11 slide headfirst into the intake 13, which is open on one side. With regard to the defined ventral-dorsal position, the fish 11 lie either belly to the right and back to the left, or vice versa. Fish 11 that are correctly positioned are transported in a stable position from intake 13 to intake 13 or to the conveying device 14. Fish 11 that are in the wrong belly-back position are turned during transport, i.e. during the timed forwarding from intake 13 to intake 13 or to the transport means 14 following the last intake 13 in the transport direction T, by rotating the fish 11 in and through the intakes 13 by 180 degrees around their longitudinal central axis L.The turning occurs during the transition from one intake 13 to another or to the transport device 14. To detect any incorrect orientation, the belly-to-back position of the fish 11 is detected within each intake 13. This information and data are transmitted to a control unit 32. The timed forwarding of the fish 11, namely the forwarding in a stable position and the forwarding in a turned position, is achieved by controlled movement of at least one of two half-shells 15, 16, each forming an intake 13. The half-shells 15, 16, or the actuating devices 22, 23 associated with the half-shells 15, 16, are controlled by the control unit 32. To ensure the stable transfer of the fish 11 from one intake 13 to a lower intake 13 or to the subsequent transport means 14 in the transport direction T of the last intake 13, both half-shells 15, 16 are opened simultaneously, so that the fish 11 moves downwards without rotation into the next intake 13 orfalls on the transport vehicle 14.

[0063] To guide the fish 11 in reverse position with respect to their ventral-dorsal position from a receiving 13 to a receiving 13 below it or to the transport means 14 following the last receiving 13 in the transport direction T, one of the two half-shells 15 or 16 is completely and the other half-shell 16 or

[0064] 15 not or only partially opened. Thus, each half-shell 15, 16 of a receptacle 13 exerts a turning impulse on the fish 11 to be turned, causing the fish 11 to rotate about its longitudinal axis L, so that the fish 11 is moved by the receptacle 13 itself from a first belly-back position to a second, supine-belly position rotated by 180 degrees. Each half-shell 15, 16 can be moved back and forth between two end positions. Preferably, the half-shells 15, 16 assume several intermediate positions, at least when the receptacle 13 is opened. For this purpose, each half-shell 15,

[0065] 16. When turning the fish 11, the device was stopped in different intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position in order to align the fish 11.

[0066] The preferred method is carried out with a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 20 and / or a transport unit 33 according to one or more of claims 21 to 24.

Claims

Device (10), designed and equipped at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish (11) or parts thereof, comprising a frame (12) and at least one trough-shaped receptacle (13) arranged on the frame (12), wherein each receptacle (13) is designed and equipped for storing individual products and for the timed transfer of the individual products in the transport direction T to a downstream receptacle (13) or to a discharge means (14) following the last receptacle (13) in the transport direction T, by which it is indicated that all receptacles (13) and the discharge means (14) are arranged essentially vertically one above the other, such that the stored products can be transported timed from top to bottom.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that it is designed and equipped at least for the individual storage and transport of whole fish (11) or parts thereof.

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that each receptacle (13) for storing the fish (11) or parts thereof is designed and arranged in its longitudinal extent such that the fish (11) or parts thereof can be transported transversely to their longitudinal extent substantially vertically from receptacle (13) to receptacle (13) or to the transport means (14).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the device (10) is designed and configured as a combined storage and turning station in addition to storing and transporting the fish (11) and also to changing the belly-back position of the fish (11).

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that each receptacle (13) during the transport of the fish (11) from top to bottom to change the belly-back position of the fish (11) is designed and set up such that the fish (11) rotate about their longitudinal central axis L as triggered by the recording (13).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that each receiving (13) comprises at least one movable element which is designed and configured to release and direct the fish (11) to a receiving (13) located below the receiving (13) in the transport direction T or to the transport means (14) arranged below the last receiving (13), i.e. to turn the fish (11) with respect to their ventral-dorsal position during transport from receiving (13) to receiving (13) or to the transport means (14).

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that each receptacle (13) is formed from two half-shells (15, 16), wherein the receptacle (13) is open at least upwards and at least one half-shell (15, 16) is movable relative to the other half-shell (16, 15).

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is designed and configured to be movable transversely to the longitudinal extent of the fish (11).

9. Device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) comprises a bottom wall section (17, 18) sloping towards the center of the receiving (13) and a side wall (19, 20), wherein the side wall (19, 20) is arranged on the side of the bottom wall section (17, 18) facing away from the center and extends upwards from the bottom wall section (17, 18).

10. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is mounted on the frame (12) so as to be linearly movable in a substantially horizontal direction.

11. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is assigned an actuating means (22, 23) which is used to move the half-shell (15, 16) from a The system is designed and configured to convert from a closed position to at least one open position and back.

12. Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is optionally designed and configured to be moveable continuously or stepwise from the closed position to different opening positions and back.

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 12, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is designed and configured to be separately controllable.

14. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that the actuating means (22, 23) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (24, 25).

15. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 7 to 14, characterized in that the half-shells (15, 16) have guide bodies (26, 27) on their underside which are guided in linear guides (28, 29) which are arranged on the frame (12).

16. Device according to one or more of claims 2 to 15, characterized in that each receiving device (13) is assigned at least one detection means (30) which is designed and configured to detect the belly-back position of the fish (11).

17. Device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that each detection means (30) comprises a laser sensor (31).

18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that at least two receptacles (13) are arranged one above the other, and two or more receptacles (13) arranged one above the other are arranged vertically above the conveying means (14).

19. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that the receptacles (13) are designed and arranged sloping in the longitudinal direction of the fish.

20. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a control device (32) which is operatively connected at least with the actuating means (22, 23) of the half shells (15, 16) and with the detection means (30).

21. Transport unit (33) for at least transporting and storing products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish (11) or parts thereof, between two processing stations, comprising a feeder (34) for feeding the products to a device (10) for at least storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, the device (10) for at least storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry, and a discharge device (14) for transporting the products, wherein the device (10) for at least storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry is arranged between the feeder (34) and the discharge device (14), therebythat the device (10) is designed and equipped at least for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry according to one or more of claims 1 to 20.

22. Transport unit (33) according to claim 21, characterized in that a detection means (35) is assigned to the transport means (14) which is designed and equipped to detect the belly-back position of the fish (11).

23. Transport unit (33) according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that the removal means (14) is associated with a removal device for automatically removing misplaced fish (11), wherein the removal device is operatively connected with a return device for automatically returning the removed fish (11) to the feed means (34).

24. Transport unit according to one or more of claims 21 to 23, characterized in that it comprises a control device (32) which is operatively connected with the feed means (34) and / or the discharge means (14) and / or the detection means (35) associated with the discharge means (14) and / or the removal device and / or the return device and / or the device (10) at least for storing and transporting the products of the food processing industry.

25. Method for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish (11) or parts thereof, comprising the steps: Feeding individual fish (11) into a first trough-shaped receptacle (13) of a device (10) at least for storing and transporting products of the food processing industry, in particular whole fish (11) or parts thereof, Storing the individual fish (11) in the first intake (13) in the direction of transport T, timed forwarding of the individual fish (11) to a intake (13) downstream in the direction of transport T or to a transport means (14) following the last intake (13) in the direction of transport T, thereby indicating that the timed forwarding of the fish (11) from intake (13) to intake (13) or to the transport means (14) following the last intake (13) in the direction of transport T is essentially vertical from top to bottom.

26. Method according to claim 25, characterized in that the fish (11) lie in their longitudinal extension and with a defined belly-back position in the receptacles (13) and are then passed transversely to their longitudinal extension from top to bottom.

27. Method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that fish (11) that are misaligned with respect to their belly-back position are removed during transport, i.e. during the timed forwarding from intake (13) to intake (13) or to the intake following the last intake (13) in the transport direction T. The transport means (14) are turned over by rotating the misplaced fish (11) in and through the receptacles (13) by 180 degrees around their longitudinal central axis L.

28. Method according to one or more of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the belly-back position of the fish (11) is detected within each recording (13).

29. Method according to one or more of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that each fish (11) is guided through at least two intakes (13) before the fish (11) is transferred to the conveying means (14).

30. Method according to one or more of claims 27 or 29, characterized in that the timed forwarding of the fish (11), namely the positionally stable forwarding and the reversed forwarding, is carried out by controlled movement of at least one of two half-shells (15, 16) each forming a receiving (13).

31. Method Claim 30, characterized in that, in order to convey the fish (11) in a position-stable manner from a receiving (13) to a receiving (13) below it or to the transport means (14) following the last receiving (13) in the transport direction T, both half-shells (15, 16) are opened simultaneously.

32. Method according to claim 30, characterized in that, for the purpose of conveying the fish (11) in reverse with respect to their belly-back position from a receiving (13) to a receiving below (13) or to the conveying means (14) following the last receiving (13) in the transport direction T, one of the two half-shells (15, 16) is fully opened and the other half-shell (16, 15) is not opened or only partially opened.

33. Method according to claim 32, characterized in that the or each half-shell (15, 16) of a receptacle (13) exerts the impulse to turn the fish (11) to be turned.

34. Method according to one or more of claims 30 to 33, characterized in that each half-shell (15, 16) is stopped in different intermediate positions between the closed position and the open position when turning the fish (11) in order to align the fish (11).

35. Method according to one or more of claims 25 to 34, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 20 and / or a transport unit (33) according to one or more of claims 21 to 24.

Images