DK178250B1 - Machine for cutting the head of a fish - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a machine for cutting the head (H) of a fish (F) which has been cleaned beforehand, ie cut up along the belly. The machine is based on a principle known per se, in which the fish is machined by cutting units (18), which make oblique cuts behind the fish's collarbones during the cutting of the head. The cuts are laid so that the amount of quality meat that comes with the head as waste is minimized. The invention is characterized by a rail track (3) extending longitudinally through the machine, which is composed of three mutually flush rail sections, wherein a first rail section (4) arranged at the insertion end (11) of the machine is fixedly mounted in the machine, rail section - hereinafter referred to as the center rail (5) - is longitudinally displaceable between the two other rail sections, and a third rail section (6) located at the outlet end (15) of the machine is also fixedly mounted in the machine. The distance between the two outermost fixed rail sections (4, 6) is greater than the length of the center rail (5), thereby obtaining free movement by displacement between the two outermost rail sections. The two free openings (7, 8) in the rail web (3) are thus interposed between the rail sections in this way, depending on the position of the middle rail (5). The openings (7, 8) provide clearance for the cutting units (18) of the machine, which can therefore process the fish (F) unhindered by the rail path (3). In the standby position, the cutting units are withdrawn from the track so that the fish can pass. The machine makes it possible to integrate the main cutting function into a fully automatic filleting machine line, for example for fillet salmon, so that the total processing of the fish can take place in a single operation without the need for manual effort along the way.

Description

The present invention relates to a machine for cutting the head of fish, and more particularly of the kind set forth in the preamble of claim 1.

Machines for processing fish are known, where the fish is removed from the head before being cut up along the abdomen and the intestines are removed. An example of a machine of this kind is known from the specification of Soviet patent SU 1465001 A1.

Other machines for cutting the head of pre-cleaned fish, ie. cut up along the belly and emptied of the viscera is also known. Machines of this kind can, for example, be based on a principle where the fish is placed manually on a cutting table, where the fish's head is fixed in the correct cutting position. The machine then performs an automatic cutting cycle, during which the fish is processed by various knife sets that are advanced from each side of the head. The knife kits are usually arranged to incline incisions behind the fish's collarbones so that the amount of quality meat that comes with the head as waste is minimized.

After processing, the fish is removed from the machine and is then ready for filleting. The known head cutting machines, regardless of whether the head is cut off before or after removing the viscera, are not able to immediately transfer the fish to a subsequent filleting machine, which is why this work requires manual effort. Due to rising labor costs in the fishing industry, there is a pronounced need to rationalize and automate the various work processes associated with processing the fish into a salable product, ie. cutting and cleaning the fish, cutting off the head and fins and filleting.

The object of the invention lies in the further development of the above-mentioned main cutting machine, so that the machine can be incorporated into a complete processing line where the pre-cleaned fish is successively cut off the head and then trimmed and / or filleted in a subsequent automatic workflow that does not require manual effort along the way.

This is achieved according to the invention by arranging the main cutting machine as stated in the characterizing part of claim 1, whereby all the machining processes in connection with the main cutting can be carried out while the fish is on a longitudinal feeding rail extending in the machine. In this way, the machine will function as a pass-through machine, in which the necessary cuts for the head are cut successively during the passage of the fish, either during the actual feeding movement along the rail, or during programmed stays next to the machine's cutting units. The head-free fish can proceed immediately to the next machining line in the machine line, provided that the rail path and the associated feeding means are arranged thereon. This involves a considerable saving on manual work at the machine line.

The machine according to the invention is characterized by comprising a longitudinal rail path, which is composed of three mutually flushing rail sections, wherein a first rail section disposed at the insertion end of the machine is fixedly mounted in the machine, an intermediate rail section, in the following. referred to as the center rail, is mounted longitudinally displaceable between the other two rail sections, and a third rail section which is fixedly fixed to the outlet end of the machine. The distance between the two outermost fixed rail sections is greater than the length of the center rail, thereby obtaining free movement by displacement between the two outermost rail sections. In this way, two free openings in the rail path are formed between the three rail sections, which openings are either between the first rail section and the middle rail, or between the third rail section and the middle rail, depending on the position of the middle rail. The two openings serve as open viz. of the rail sections, unobstructed cutting zones for the cutting units arranged for successive machining and cutting of the head of the fish during its passage through the machine. The cutting units are arranged movable toward the rail from retractable standby positions which allow the free passage of the fish longitudinally through the machine.

In this way, the openings in the rail provide the cutting units with the necessary clearance to carry out the intended cutting movement in connection with the main cut, without removing the fish dipping from the rail.

Conveniently, the center rail is mounted on a trolley mounted on a set of linear guides. The trolley is provided with a forward drive system driven by a servo motor, with which the center rail is positionable either in one outer position or in the other outer position limited by the two fixed rail sections.

In a preferred embodiment, adjacent to the first rail section, there is mounted a cutting assembly with a circular, vertical cutting blade that is slidable or pivotable up into the space provided between the first rail section and the center rail when the trolley is in its delivery position. , i.e. the outer position where the center rail is advanced all the way to the third rail section. The cutting blade serves to split the lower part of the fish's head, thereby making the fish most suitable for the '' riding '' bearing on the track. This bearing is important when the fish is subsequently positioned next to the second rail opening, where the cutting units with which the head is cut off are put into action.

Claim 4 is stated: - said double set of cutting assemblies is mounted adjacent to the cutting zone which appears between the center rail and the third rail section when the trolley occupies its receiving position, ie. - the outer position where the center rail is returned all the way to the first rail section, - that the two sets of cutting units in the standby position are in the retracted position relative to the fish's longitudinal movement space through the machine, and - that the cutting units are adapted to perform cutting movements. either by linear sectional movements or by swinging movements or by a combination thereof, under which the cutting means of the cutting units are movable into said cutting zone from either side of the fish during cutting of the head by two oblique cuts inserted immediately behind the fish's collarbone. By changing (adjusting) the cutting angles of the cutter during the cutting motion, it is possible to optimize the cut in such a way as to minimize the meat residue remaining on the head.

Parallel to the rail on each side thereof is arranged a set of driven thrust belts which act in a resilient manner towards the sides of the fish, and whose advance movements are synchronized with the forward movement of the trolley as the trolley moves from its receiving position to its delivery position. Conveniently, the forward straps are provided with spike-like protrusions on the sides facing the fish to obtain the best possible grip in the fish. At the same time, the forward straps are held firmly against the fish by a plurality of spring-loaded rollers. The spike-like protrusions and the spring tension together ensure that the feeding is effected efficiently and without slip.

Conveniently, the forward straps are divided into at least three sections which are synchronously operated, of which the forward straps located outside the cutting zone between the middle rail and the third rail section are suspended in slidable brackets or otherwise arranged horizontally in and toward and away. from the rail web, and which pull-up belts in the retracted position are arranged to provide a clearance which leaves room for the cutting means of the cutting units for carrying out the cutting operation unimpeded by the pull-up belts. To ensure the fish a smooth transition from rail section to rail section, the rail sections are suitably formed with rounded and / or tapered rail ends.

In a preferred embodiment, the machine comprises a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic sensor located adjacent to the track for recording the fish's muzzle. At the same time, the thrust belts or the associated motor drive are provided with an encoder or similar type of pedometer for recording and controlling the feed motion for proper positioning of the fish head relative to the cutting units during the main cutting process. For this purpose, the feed movement is synchronized in relation to the mechanical, electromechanical or electronic recording of the fish's snout, so that it is possible to position the fish's head with great precision in relation to the knife sets before performing the cutting operation. The solution ensures accurate cutting of the head with as little meat waste as possible.

Finally, for the head to be repelled from the rest of the body of the fish before it proceeds further forward along the track, it is necessary to exert a head force from above. For this purpose, according to the invention, it is convenient that, in connection with the two sets of cutting assemblies, a jaw cylinder is arranged which is adapted to actuate the head with a force from above in a downward direction for repelling the head from the rest of the fish body and the track in the respective cutting zone is formed a recess which forms a free passage for the rejected head. The head falls freely into a waste bin or onto a conveyor belt that serves to transport the head away from the machine.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to a suitable embodiment shown in the drawing, in which

FIG. 1 shows a main cutting machine according to the invention, shown without a shield and viewed obliquely from the side in 3-D view,

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the same main cutting machine with the belt-pull system of the machine and rail track shown in schematic form;

FIG. 3 shows the main cutting machine shown in side view without shielding,

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the main cutting machine,

FIG. 5 shows a vertical cross section through the machine along line A-A in FIG. 4

FIG. 6 shows a vertical cross section through the machine along line B-B in FIG. 4, and

FIG. 7 shows a schematic representation of the workflow of the machine, where

FIG. 7a shows the manual laying on the track of the pre-cleaned fish,

FIG. 7b shows the main slit knife operating in the first cutting zone between the first rail section and the center rail,

FIG. 7c shows the transfer of the fish from the first rail section to the longitudinally displaceable middle rail,

FIG. 7d shows the fish advance and positioning of the cutting assemblies in the second cutting zone between the middle rail and the third rail section;

FIG. Figure 7e shows the main cutter assemblies operating in the second cutting zone,

FIG. 7f shows the final downward thrust of the head by means of a repeater cylinder located vertically above the second cutting zone, and

FIG. Figure 7g shows collection of the rejected head in a waste bin located below the cutting zone, and the fish's further transfer to the third rail section during simultaneous displacement of the middle rail up to this rail section. The fish is now ready for transfer to the next processing station in the machine line (not shown). The next fish in the row is at the same time being placed on the first rail section.

In the FIG. 1-7, the machine consists essentially of a frame-mounted machine frame 1, a longitudinal horizontal mounting plate 2, a rail track 3 mounted thereon composed of a first rail section 4, a longitudinally displaceable middle rail 5, and a third rail section 6. The three rail sections align, thus forming a total rail track extending longitudinally through the machine in its center plane. The center rail 5 is mounted on a trolley 5a, which is housed in a set of linear ball guides 5b, see the cross-section of FIG. 6. The trolley 5a is driven by a servomotor not shown.

The three rail sections 4, 5 and 6 all have the same upright, wedge-shaped profile shape and the same height. The profile shape and height are adapted to the fish species to be worked on the machine, so that the fish in the sprung and cleaned state can be placed '' riding 'on the rail with the two bow sides hanging freely on each side of the rail, see fig. 7. The fish species shown in FIG. 7, is a salmon fish. The fish is indicated by F, the fish head by H.

The first and third rail sections are fixedly mounted on the mounting plate 2 at a distance greater than the length of the middle rail 5, so that it achieves free movement by displacement between the two fixed rail sections 4 and 6.1, the one outer position where the middle rail 5 is offset in the direction of the third rail section 6, a first opening is formed in the rail track 3. This opening forms a first cutting zone 7 in the machine. In the second outer position, where the center rail 5 is displaced rearwardly towards the first rail section 4, a second opening is formed in the rail track 3. This second opening forms the second cutting zone 8 in the machine.

Adjacent to the rail web 3 and parallel to it is a set of driven pull-up belts 9 arranged on each side of the rail track which acts in a resilient manner towards the sides of the fish. Each set of headband 9 is composed of a separate belt section 10 at the insertion end 11 of the machine, a middle belt section 12 mounted on a horizontally displaceable bracket 13 with a displacement direction perpendicular to the rail direction, and a third separate belt section 14 disposed at the outlet end 15 of the machine. third rail section 6. All of the belt sections are driven by a common servo motor and are thus synchronized in their conveying motion.

The forward straps are guided and supported by belt rollers 16, which are mounted in spring-actuated swing arms 17. The swing arms actuate the required tension of the forward straps towards the fish. This tightening pressure, together with a nubby, spiny surface of the forward straps, ensures an effective '' hold '' in the fish, and thus a safe feeding of the fish along the rail 3.

The middle belt section 12, as indicated above, is mounted on a horizontally displaceable bracket 13 with a displacement direction perpendicular to and away from the rail path. This arrangement allows the two middle band sections 12 (one on each side of the rail web 3) to be pulled out to the sides immediately before the head is cut off. In this way, when the middle band sections 12 are pulled free of the fish, there is a clearance around the head of the fish which gives way to the cutting means, see fig. 7e and 7f.

For cutting the head, a cutting assembly 18 is provided on each side of the rail web 3, adjacent to the second cutting zone 8, see fig. 1. Each cutting assembly 18 comprises a rotating circular knife 19 intended for machining the fish F with an oblique cut inserted behind the fish's collarbone. The rotary knife 19 is guided by an angularly adjustable arm 20 which operates under a servomotor system which is not to be described further herein. Vertically above the cutting zone 8 is located a pneumatic cylinder 21 with vertical downward piston rod 22. The cylinder serves to finally repel the head H from the fish body after the two rotating blades 19 cut the head free along the collarbone. The head falls freely down through a recess 23 in the mounting plate 2 and is collected in a waste bin 24 located below the recess 23 (Figs. 2 and 7), or on a conveyor belt 25 which carries the head to a waste container located next to the machine (Figs. 3 and 6).

In the first cutting zone 7 of the machine, a partial cleavage of the fish head H is made from below. To this end, a cutting assembly 26 which is mounted beneath the mounting plate 2 serves immediately under a recess 27 in the mounting plate. This cutting assembly 26 comprises a vertically pivotable arm 28 on which is mounted a rotating circular knife 29, see FIG.

7. When the fish F during its advance along the rail path 3 is in position with the head above the cutting zone 7, the rotating knife is pushed up through the recess 27 by activating the pivotal arm 28. During this movement, the head H of the knife 29 is split to a certain depth. The fish F will then be able to occupy the desired '' riding 'position on the track 3, as not only the belly but now also the head is split in such a way that the two sides of the fish - both the belly and the head - will lie correctly against the sides of the upright, wedge-shaped profile of the rail.

In the subsequent machining of the fish, in this way, the best possible conditions are obtained to ensure an accurate positioning of the fish next to the cutting units 18 where the fish head is cut. The positioning is crucial to the quality of the cutting work done in the machine. When the fish is in the correct '' riding 'position on the rail, it is possible to accurately scan the fish's head during the fish's passage on the rail. The scanning is done with an electromechanical sensor (not shown) placed in the appropriate position over the track 3. Via a PLC control and by means of an encoder coupled to the forward bands, it is then possible to control the feeding of the fish until it occupies exactly that position with the head out for the second cutting zone 8, where the two cutting assemblies 18 must perform their precise cuts along the fish's collarbone. The precise cuts are a prerequisite for the quality of the meat of the fish to be used as little as possible with the head as waste.

The workflow in connection with the fish's passage through the machine, and the machining in the two described cutting zones 7 and 8 along the way, is furthermore apparent from the schematic diagram shown in FIG. 7 with the accompanying explanation, and of the explanation given above. Therefore, the workflow does not need to be explained in more detail here, but it should be noted that the main cutter described is intended to be integrated into a single machining line, where main cutting, trimming and filleting take place in one and the same workflow. In this context, the third rail section 6 will then be coupled to a corresponding rail track in the subsequent machining section of the machining line.

The invention is not limited to the embodiment shown and described in the drawing. Other retail designs and other constructive solutions for the individual components and components of the machine are conceivable within the scope of this invention, and the use of the machine may be extended to other types of fish other than the salmonid fish described in the specification. For example, an application for main cutting on cod, haddock and other fish species used as human fish is also possible.

Claims (10)

1. Machine for cutting the head of pre-cleaned fish, ie. cut up along the bow, which is more precisely the kind in which the fish (F) is placed manually on a horizontal rail (4, 5, 6) with the two bow sides hanging down on each side of the rail for feeding the fish longitudinally sliding through the machine on the rail, and wherein a double set of cutting assemblies (18) disposed adjacent to the rail is arranged for feeding from each side of the fish for the full or partial cutting of the head (H) during the passage of the fish, which cutting assemblies ( 18) is arranged to cut obliquely behind the collarbone of the fish, characterized by - a longitudinal rail (3) extending through the machine, which is composed of three mutually flushing rail sections, a first rail section (4) disposed in the machine's insertion end (11) is fixedly mounted in the machine, a middle rail section (5), hereinafter referred to as the middle rail, is mounted longitudinally slidably between the two other rail sections, and a third rail section (6), arranged in the outlet end (15) of the machine and so that the distance between the two outermost fixed rail sections (4, 6) is greater than the length of the middle rail (5), thereby obtaining free movement by displacement between the two outer rail sections, and - the two free openings (7, 8) formed between the three rail sections (4, 5, 6) in the rail track (3), which are either between the first rail section (4) and the middle rail (5) , or between the third rail section (6) and the center rail (5), depending on the position of the center rail, serve as open, ie. unobstructed by the rail sections, cutting zones (23, 27) for the cutting assemblies (18, 26) arranged for successively machining and cutting the head (H) of the fish (F) during its passage through the machine, and wherein the cutting assemblies (18, 26) ) are arranged movable toward the rail (3) from retracted standby positions which allow the free passage of the fish (F) longitudinally through the machine. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the center rail (5) is mounted on a trolley (5a) mounted on a set of linear guides (5b) and this trolley is provided with a forward system operated by a servomotor. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, next to the first rail section (4), there is mounted a cutting unit (26) with a circular, vertical cutting blade (29) arranged slidably or pivotally in the space. appearing between the first rail section (4) and the center rail (5) when the trolley (5a) is in its delivery position, ie. the outer position where the center rail (5) is advanced all the way to the third rail section (6), which cutting blade (29) serves to cleave the lower part of the head of the fish (H) during the passage of the fish. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that - said double set of cutting units (18) is mounted next to the cutting zone emerging between the center rail (5) and the third rail section (6) when the trolley (5a) occupies its receiving position , i.e. the outer position where the center rail (5) is returned all the way to the first rail section (4) - the two sets of cutting units (18) in the standby position are in the retracted position relative to the longitudinal movement space of the fish (F) through the machine and - that the cutting units (18) are adapted to perform cutting movements either by linear sectional movements or by swinging movements or by a combination thereof, under which the cutting means (19) of the cutting units are movable into said cutting zone from each side of the fish (F). during cutting of the head (H) by two oblique incisions inserted immediately behind the fish's collarbone. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a set of driven forward belts (9) are arranged parallel to the rail web (3), which acts in a resilient manner towards the sides of the fish (F) and whose feeding movements are synchronized with the forward movement of the trolley (5a) when the trolley is moving from its receiving position to its delivery position. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the forward straps (9) are divided into at least three sections (10, 12, 14) which are operated synchronously and of which the front straps (12) are located outside the cutting zone between the middle rail ( 5) and the third rail section (6) are suspended in slidable brackets (13) or otherwise arranged horizontally movable towards and away from the rail path, and which pull-up belts (12) in a retracted position are arranged to produce a free space providing space for the cutting means (19) of the cutting units (19) for carrying out the cutting operation unimpeded by the thrust belts. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the rail sections (4, 5, 6) have rounded and / or tapered rail ends which are intended to give the fish (F) a smooth, unobstructed transition from rail section to rail section. A machine according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical, electromechanical or electronic sensor located adjacent to the track (3) for recording the snout of the fish (F), and the thrust belts (10, 12, 14) or the associated motor drives are provided with an encoder or similar type of pedometer for recording and controlling the feed motion for proper positioning of the fish head (H) relative to the cutting units (18) during the main cutting process. Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, next to the two sets of cutting units (18), a jaw cylinder (21) is mounted which is adapted to actuate the head with a force from above in a downward direction for repelling the head from the rest. of the fishing body, and that a recess (27) is formed below the rail path (3) in the respective cutting zone (7) which forms a free passage for the rejected head (H). Machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the third rail section (6) is prepared for coupling with a corresponding guide rail in a subsequent trimming machine and / or filleting machine for immediate transfer of the fish (F) to this machine, so that the main cutting machine is included as a first section of a complete line of fish fillets.