WO2002062149A1

WO2002062149A1 - Device and method for processing of fish

Info

Publication number: WO2002062149A1
Application number: PCT/NO2002/000016
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tom Ditlefsen; Arild Sakshaug; Arthur Thommassen
Original assignee: Zipfish As
Priority date: 2001-01-15
Filing date: 2002-01-11
Publication date: 2002-08-15
Also published as: NO20010240D0; NO20010240L

Abstract

An inlet unit (1) for fish, a head cutting unit (2) a conveyor belt (3) and a belly cutting unit (4). A board (1.1) and a funnel (1.2). A snout stopper (2.1) and a position fork (2.2) gives information of the dimension of the fish. Head knifes (2.4) and cylinders (2.10,2.13) are making the shape of the track and the cut ofthe head. A cutting knife (4.2) having pegs (4.6) and a belly tighten unit (4.5), belly open unit (4.7,4.11) and a brush (4.8).

Description

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING OF FISH The invention Is related to a iiiachine for procesang offish by cutting off the ead, cutting the belly skm andremroe he gut. TlieinachmeiS --iiange to

length ofthe head cut and the beϋ cut coiresφondπig to the dimension ofthe fish.

In times with great taxation of and Jimϊted resources of fish, the catch quoted are regulated by the authority. This does further ijja he singb boat can catch liie ainouiit of

It is a close relation between quality and price. As the qualπy ofthe fish are as good as possible when taken it up o he sea and by providing as less as possible reduction of quality ofthe fish during its way from sea to the eoπ-aιmβ-s_>t_-βn an optinial price of the catch is gained trough aU links. More and more one sees that there are developed and taken mto use macl^ήπes for preparation offish. This concerns all parts ofthe process of he fish from fresh taken up of he sea and to the finish piaduct reaching the {»i-suιπers. The first prepararion, bleeά^ and gutting happens often manually when the fishermen takes the fislmp ofthe sea and as good as possible accordiog to personal capacity onboard the boat In smaller boats with one ore two men, fins ϊs ossible, butm days with b^ catchthe clearfln is moved to al erώne .h favour of getting up the fish on board. Often are the fish not Weeded and gutted before long time after taken up ofthe sea or when it is delivered on shore.

There are machines in the market which as finTy or partly take care ofthe first part of the preparation o he fish. Such a π-auhine is produced by the German manufacturer Baader. This machine is cuttfag the bead off ^ of he cuts, are permanent set and have Htfle space for adjustment concerning to the dimension ofthe fish. In. other words will the length ofthe cut in the belly be the same for a smaller as for a bigger fish. The opiiimallen^ ofthe cut in the belly includes the anus opening so that the whole digestive system easy can be removed. It is of most importance to keep the best quality as long as possible that the whole digestive system mcluding the anus opening; are removed. The machine is shaped

lift each single fish and place it in a grabber. The machine have a weight, price and dimension which makes ic impossible using it on board single person operating fishing boats. There are two nt machina_*; fa the ntarket each from the manufactures Jutland and KM Fish, which both make a cut fn the belt/ and remove guts. The adjustment ofthe length f>f Hlfri hflVP " b Anju* τnaτniwTIy ttr^T¹ **»* mflrJiinfr is nnt nperaffπg..

The intention ofϊhe invention is to present aguttmgn-^hϊne for fish that gives a optimal result when cutting the head, cutting The belly and cleaning.

The intention is gained by thai basic mfbπnation of what kind of fish are available and information of dimension for each single fish gets and are the fundament for calculation and processing the fish.

More details ofthe invention will appear during the following study of an example of construction referring to figures.

Figure I shows a perspective picture ofthe shape ofthe gutting maiϊhine.

Figure 2 shows the inlet unit and the positioning ofthe fish.

Figure 3 shows the inlet unit and head cutting.

Figure 4 shows the start of head cutting. Figure 5 shows head i-sittiπg.

Figure 6 shows the shape of he head cutting unit.

Figure 7 shows position setting ofthe head cutting unit.

Figure S shows side view of the gutting machine.

Figure 9 shows side view ofthe belly cutting unit. Figure 10 shows shape of he conveyor bell for the fish.

Figure 1 shows an example of shape ofthe invention. The arrangement consists of an inlet unit 1, ahead cutting unit 2, conveyor belt 3 and a belly cutting unit 4. The inlet unit.

Figure 2 shows just the inlet unit 1 tϊorjsistirig of a horizontal board 1.1 with an inclined straight lined funnel 12. The funnel 1.2 have two vertical parallel sides from where it starts its irichning ofthe board 1.1. Hie bottom ofthe funnel 1.2 is a bit concave against the rnϊ dle part so that the fish 5 geis a natural τ»sϊtionm the middle of carried into me funnel 1.2 on its back and the head first into the funnel 1.2.

Posftlrnimg Unit head <att τnff imft. The fish 5 hits with the front of its head, the snout a spring operated snout stopper 2^".lwhich releases a position fork 2.2 with two fingers 23 which sideways and iα between are movable and operated by a spring. Th£ position fork 2.2 is tuπied (or m direction ofthe snout stopper 2.1) down with one finger 2-3 at each side ofthe fish, to hit the pectoral fins 5.1, one at each side ofthe fish and moves the fish 5 with a certain force against the snout stopper XI. When the position fork 22 has stopped its movement in the lowest position, the length from the pectoral fins 5.1 to the snout is measured by a detector (not show in the figure) whichis connected to the snout stopper 2.1. This measured distance (length of head), is an irπportaπt ' arameter* for calculating the dimension o the fish 5 which fbrth_CT is irabπrøtion te about tto belly cutting unit 4 for optimal execution of its Smctions.

The ϊenguiof the head for each single fish 5 is used as input data to the head cutting unit 2 for controlling it to make a cutting track which is optimal for this specimen ofthe fish 5 and kind offish. The head cutting unit 2 -done is shown in figure 6. Two circular wheels are a set of knifes. The wheels are from centre and against the periphery shaped inclined and ends up in an edge, head knifes X4. The bean' knifes 2.4 are rotating at each axel and the axles are fixed situated one on each side of a main length line drawn trough the fish, and in an angle of 30° according to this Kne. Each o he head kmfes 2,4 is driven by an engine 2,5 and fixed distance between the engines 2.5 are gained by an engine rod 2.6. One of the engines 2.5 are fixed arranged to one ofthe ends of an engine arm 2.7. The other end ofthe engine arm 2.7 is to be turned aroun the one end of a horizontal first axle 2.8. The other engine 25 is fixed arranged to one end of acurting length arra2.9. The cutting length aim 2.9 is farther to be turned around the end o the first axle 2.8 which Is longest in distance from the engine aππ 2.7. The ciitting length aτm.2.9 is directed partly across the first axle 2.8 in direction from the belonging engine 2.5, The free end ofthe cutting length arm 2.9_S is arranged to a piston in a first cylinder 2.10. By operating the first cylinder 2.10 the head knifes 2.4 together are able to move in a track which lies in a plane who is in right angle to the first axle 2.8.

A second axle 2.11 is parallel with and connected to the first axle 2.S. A track arm 2.12 is arranged rotating by its one end around the end o the first axle X8 where the engine aim 2.7 is sϊrαated. From that point continue the track arm.2.12 to the second aide 2.11 whereto it rotates and further it has a prolongation across this point. The free end o he prolongation rotates around a connection to a piston in a second cylinder 2.13. Between the other ends of he axles 2.11 are arranged an arm, coDect^ήig arm 2.14. By operating the second cyliπdef 2.13 then the first axle 2J5 will move in a track which is apart of a circle with centre in the second axle Xll, and both axles 2.8- 2.11 will be parallel and in fixed distance from each other. Further wiQ the head knifes 2.4. engine rod 2.6, engines 2.5, engine arm 2.S and Hitting lerigtharrn 2.9 follow this movement. When only the first cylinder 2.10 is operated to move fiαm one o the outer position to the other, the head knifes 2.4 will follow a track which is a part of a circle. If the second cylinder 2.12 operates then will the radius ofthe circle be changed which the track is a part of. The movement of both cylinders will be controlled by a control unit not shown in the figure and among other the length of he fish's head is a input data. Look to figure 7. Behv cuitϊπe unit Under the head cutting unit 2 is situated a conveyor 6 for guϊd^ the fish 5 witnoώ head down to a underlying conveyor belt 3. The conveyor 6 consists of two parallel walls which make the fish 5 to be guided down at the conveyor belt 3 with the back towards the conveyor belt 3 and the belly up. A less amount offish conveyors 3.1 are arranged at and in a right angle to the "-win plane of he conveyor belt 3. Fish conveyors 3.1 have Hmilar distance with each other.

The conveyor belt 3 is arranged ina way that the conveyor 6 is situated above one end ofthe conveyor belt 3 and at the other end is the batty cutting unit 4 arranged. The conveyor belt 3 have it position under two parallel walls 4-lwhich are arranged hung under the inlet unit 1. A -arcuϊar rotating emitting knife 4.2 is airangε untierthe ink^ unit l and above the walls 4.1 and between them. The cutting knife 4.2 is arranged in the end of a downward turning knife arm 4.3 which by means of a knife cylinder 4.4 is able to move so that the cutting knife 4.2 is moved down and ύi between the walls 4.1.The circular part ofthe cutting knife 4.2 which is nearest to the conveyor belt 3 at any time is rotating free inaopenslβt ina befiy tighten unit 4,5. At me sides of the ciΛting knife 4.2, are arranged some pegs 4.6 which pops out sideways from the main plane ofthe cutting knife 4.2 and directed against the rotating direction o the cutting knife 4.2. These pegs 4.6 are situated at both sides ofthe earning knife 4.2 and wffl undeT rotation as them loose and remove them. Side by side ofthe cutting knife 42 and longest from the conveyor 6 is arranged a first belly open unit 4.7, The first belly open unit 4-7has a free spuming wheel with rotating axle parallel with the rotating axle ofthe cutting knife 4.2. The first belly open unit 4.7 have a convex shape ina cross section in a plane falling together with the first belly open urάt 4.7 rotating axle. The first befiy open unit 4.7 is arranged to be moved down in between the walls 4.1. Side by side ofthe first belly open unit 4.7 longest from the cutting knife 42, is arranged a circular rotating brush 4.8. The brush 4.8 is drivenby an engme. The brush 4.8 is arranged in the end of a brush arm 4.9 and in the other end ofthe brush arm 4.9 is a spring 4. ! 0, which make the brush 4,8 in a rest position in a suitable distance from the conveyor belt 3. . At last There is side by side ofthe brush 4.8 longest from the c^-itiπ^ belly open unit 4.11 which ϊs identical-y to the first belly open unit 4.7.

The cutting knife 4.2. the belly open imits 4.7, .11 and the brush 4.S, are arranged in the same fine and when they are operating, they are moved down in between the walls 4.1 and they are moved in the same vertical plane. Functional desreϊptinτι

A fishS is guided down in the funnel 1.2 with the head first and laying at its back. The position fork 22 is turning down its fingers 23 and reach/hits the pectoral fins 5.1 and pushing the fins and the fish 5.1 till the position fork 2.2 has reach the lowest position. The snout of he fish has then reached the snout stopper 2.1 and set it to a position which gives the lengώ ofthe Iwad and by tl-at the dSn^ is the head knifes 2.4 positioned as shown in figure 4 by the first cylinder 2.10. When the control unit have received information about the length ofthe head and the dirnension ofthe fish is calculated, the track parameters for the head knifes 2.4 are found. The head knifes 2.4 are positioned when starting so that they are cutting t ie ttoiit te beginning and are guided in under the gϋl cover at the fish 5 according to the right curve and hit in about right angle at the back bone/neck and cutting ft.

The position fbi 22 turns to the position it had before the fish 5 was placed into the inlet unit 1, the fish 5 without head falls down from the funnel 1.2 with its back down and is guided by the conveyor 6 to the conveyor belt 3. The nearest fish conveyor 3.1 grab the fish by the neck and bring it with the caudal fin first in between Hie walls 4.1 , The lαnte cylinder 4.4 is operating ϊn that way that as the anus opening ofthe fish is in position at the cutting knife 4.2, starts a cut in the befty from the anus opening and forward to the throat The belly tighten unit 4.5 keeps the belly skin tight where the cutting knife 4.2 cuts and any time under making the cut. The cutting knife 4.2 Is moved down during the cut so deep under the belly skin /into the belly that the pegs 4.6 grab the guts, trough them out/remove them in the same operation when it cuts the belly skin. When the opened belly reach the first belly open unit 4.7 will this together with, the second belly open unit 4.11 be moved down and hold the belly skin open for the brush 4.8 to work welL ϊn several places in the m^hjne and particular in the area at the belly cutting unit 4, there are several nozzles which support water under pressure for cleaning the fish 5 inside and outside, the machine and support the removing of he guts. The gutted fish 5 is guided out o he machine by the conveyor belt 3 al the belly open unit 4.11. It is the mfomiatϊon about the ϊeiϊgώ of head and dtmeiision of to control when the catting knifes 4,2 are moved down for starting a cut in the belly skin. To get ride of all guts, the cut have to start at the anus opening. The position of and the length of the cut depends ofthe dimension o the fish.

Claims

1. Method for processing offish characterized by that basic mfόrmation of kind of ish is available and that information of dimension ofthe single fish gets and are the basic for calculations and processing ofthe fish.

2. Method for processing o fish according to claim 1 , characterized by that information of dimension gets by that the distance from the pectoral fin to the snout is measured.

3. Method for processing offish according to claim 1, characterized by that cutting track and cutting length for the head ofthe fish and the cutting length in the belly are cglcπln ed sed at ^<^ ^anΛ Λ rx*tι Λt ϊrτfomiHfϊιin. ,

4. Head cutting unit for fish for carrying out the method according to claim 1-3, characterized by that two head knifes (2.4) which are driven by each engine (2.5) and the engines (2.5) in between are fixed arranged to each other bye a engine rod (2.6) and where it from one of me engine (2.5) is arranged a motor arm (2.7) to a first axle (2.8) and from the other engine (2.5) is arranged a cut length arm (2.9) to the other end ofthe first axle (2.8), a second axle (2.11) parallel to the first axle (2.S) and fixed to this at the ends by a track arm (2.12) and a collecting arm (2.14) when a first cylinder (2.10) is arranged to a prolongation of the cut length arm (2.9) and a second cylinder (2.13) is arranged to the track arm (2.12).

5. ArRingeinent with head cutting unit fox processing fish, characterized by a inlet unit (1), a head casting unit (2), a conveyor belt (3) and a belly cutting unit (4).

6. Arrangement with head cutting unit for processing fish according to claim 5, characterized by a board (1.1) with an inclined straight fined funnel (12) and a position fork (22) arranged with two fingers (23) which in between are forced by a spring as the position fork (22) is able to move in a plane parallel with a plane placed along and m right angle to the funnels (1.2) bottom and works together with a snout stopper (2.1) and position detector.

7. Arrangement with head cutting unit for processing fish according to claim 5, characterized by a conveyor (6) arranged at the one end of a conveyor belt (3) and by the other end two separated walls (4.1 ) where in between a rotating cutting lαύfe (4.2) is arranged in the end ofarnrmng kfflfe arm (4.3) where tfø lαiϊfe arm (4.3) is operated by a knife cylinder (4.4) and further there is arranged a belly tighten unit (4.S), a first belly open unit (4.7) and a second befly open unit (4.11). abrush (4,8) arranged in the end of a brush arm (4.9) and ibιc$d by a spring (4.10). 8, Aπangement ith. head cutting unit for rffocessirig

claim 7_> characterized by several pegs (4.6) arranged at the side o the cutting knifes (4.2) popping out from the sides ofthe cutting knife (42%