Apparatus and method for separating fillets located on the keel of a poultry carcass

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) which is configured and adapted to separate a fillet (13) located on a keel ridge (11) of a poultry carcass (12) from the poultry carcass (12) which has been deprived of the breast fillet, comprising a circulating conveyor (14) and at least one treatment station (17) along a conveying path of the conveyor (14), the conveyor having at least one holding device (15) with a support body (16) for receiving and holding the poultry carcass or part thereof during conveying in a conveying direction T by the device (10), wherein one of the treatment stations (17) is configured as a separating unit (18) for separating the fillet (13) from the keel ridge (11), characterized in that the separating unit (18) comprises a pre-separating element (19) and a separating element (20), wherein the pre-separating element (19) is configured and adapted to cut into the fillet (13) in the region of a keel angle (21) of the keel ridge (11) which leads in the conveying direction T, and the separating element (20) is configured and adapted to grip the fillet (13) and to peel it off the keel ridge (11). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus which is constructed and adapted to separate a meat strip located on a keel ridge of a poultry carcass from a poultry carcass which has been eviscerated of breast meat, the apparatus comprising a circulating conveyor and at least one processing station along a conveying path of the conveyor, the conveyor (14) having at least one holding device with a support for receiving and holding the poultry carcass or part thereof during conveying in a conveying direction T by the apparatus, one of the at least one processing stations being configured as a separation unit for separating the meat strip from the keel ridge.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for separating a meat strip located on a keel ridge of a poultry carcass from a poultry carcass which has been eviscerated of breast meat, the method comprising the steps of feeding a poultry carcass along a conveying path in a conveying direction T to a region of a separation unit for separating a meat strip, the poultry carcass being held on a support of a holding device for holding the poultry carcass during conveying in the conveying direction T and during processing, a longitudinal axis L of the support being oriented parallel to the conveying direction T, and separating the meat strip during conveying along or through the separation unit. SK BACKGROUND

[0003] Such an apparatus and method are used in the poultry processing industry in order to achieve, on the one hand, a high yield of meat extraction during the filleting process and, on the other hand, to obtain a breast bone or part thereof, i.e. in particular the cartilage, as clean as possible. After the breast meat pieces, i.e. in particular the outer and inner breast meat pieces, have been separated and removed from the carcass, residual meat usually remains on the carcass, which is on the one hand located laterally on the breast bone and is separated from the carcass, for example by means of a scraping tool. On the other hand, during the extraction of the individual meat pieces, a meat strip remains centrally on the breast bone, i.e. on the keel ridge, which is particularly the case when the breast meat pieces are cut away from the carcass separately from one another as a result of the separate incision for obtaining the two breast meat pieces. The centrally placed meat strip remains on the carcass initially as a result of the separate incision for obtaining the two breast meat pieces, which is why it is also referred to as the middle strip. The residual meat forms the middle strip together with the membranes located between the meat and the bones / cartilage of the breast bone, which extends along the keel ridge to the region of the breast bone angle.

[0004] As described above, this middle strip occurs during the processing of the poultry carcass or part thereof, wherein the part in particular describes the "front half" of the poultry carcass and the breast shield. The loosening of the meat strip / middle strip describes the pre-separation and at least partial separation and the complete separation, i.e. and in particular the complete separation of the meat strip from the keel ridge.

[0005] ​In known methods and devices for removing the residual meat which, after pre-separation and cutting of the breast fillets, remains on the carcass in the region of the sternal ridge forming the interstitial strip, the removal is either manual or automatic with the aid of mechanical tools. In the known solution, rollers are provided to remove the interstitial strip. Two rollers, which run in opposite directions to each other, are interlocked with each other using a drive mechanism and are driven in a cyclical manner. The two rollers clamp the interstitial strip and strip it from the sternal ridge. However, this solution has a number of disadvantages. On the one hand, the production of interlocked rollers is complex and expensive. On the other hand, a drive mechanism is necessary, which also leads to an increase in the cost of the device. However, a very decisive disadvantage is that, due to the different sizes of the poultry carcass or parts thereof to be processed, the quality and / or the yield of the residual meat obtained is insufficient, in the case of larger poultry carcass or parts thereof, the rollers sometimes also separate the bony / cartilaginous part of the sternum, and thus contaminate the residual meat and possibly make it unusable, or in the case of smaller poultry carcass or parts thereof, they do not separate or do not completely separate the residual meat, since the rollers only partially come into contact with the residual meat or not at all. It is very complex to achieve an adaptation to poultry carcasses of different sizes. SUMMARY

[0006] It is therefore the object of the present invention to create a simple device which ensures gentle and reliable removal of the meat strip / interstitial strip from the sternal ridge of poultry bodies of different sizes. The object further proposes a corresponding method.

[0007] The object is achieved by a device having the aforementioned features, wherein the separating unit comprises a pre-separation element and a separation element, the pre-separation element being configured and adapted to cut into the meat strip in the region of the sternal angle of the sternal ridge which leads in the conveying direction T, and the separation element being configured and adapted to clamp the meat strip and strip it from the sternal ridge. The solution according to the invention ensures gentle and reliable removal of the meat strip / interstitial strip from the sternal ridge of poultry bodies of different sizes, since the separate steps for pre-separation and for separation can be carried out without the pre-separation element being directly engaged with the separation element.

[0008] The pre-separation element and the separation element can be combined in a common combination tool, the functions of which (for pre-separation and separation) are spatially arranged one after the other for performing the pre-separation step and the subsequent separation step. A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the pre-separation element and the separation element are separate tools configured and adapted to perform separate working steps and arranged one after the other in the conveying direction T, these steps being able to be performed one after the other. This embodiment of the device according to the invention ensures the gentle separation of residual meat from the sternal ridge of the poultry carcass in a particularly reliable and simple manner, wherein the residual meat is pre-separated with a simple and therefore inexpensive first tool, and the pre-separated meat is separated with a simple and therefore inexpensive second tool. Separation describes the removal of the majority or complete strip of meat. By assigning the various working steps to different tools, these tools can be produced easily and cost-effectively. Furthermore, assigning the working steps to two tools, and tools with non-interlocking operation, ensures the gentle harvesting of residual meat from the sternal ridge. The embodiment according to the invention, having two tools for pre-separation and separating residual meat, also simplifies the adaptation of the tools to different sizes of the poultry carcasses to be processed. This further supports the aforementioned advantages. The spatial separation of the two tools, which are coordinated in terms of control technology but not directly connected to each other, ensures the clean and gentle separation of the meat strips.

[0009] Advantageously, the pre-separation element and the separation element are arranged on a preferably common body, with the separation element positioned downstream of the pre-separation element in the conveying direction T. This ensures a simple and inexpensive construction. Alternatively, the tools can also be arranged directly on the housing, frame, etc., of the equipment. However, the arrangement of the tools on the body is preferred, allowing the tools or separation units to be modularly modified. In this case, each tool can be assigned to its own body. However, the arrangement of the tools on a common body is particularly preferred.

[0010] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the support is preferably configured about a rotation axis D. SK It is rotatable, and the axis of rotation D is rotatable. SK Oriented substantially transverse to the conveying direction T, and having a position in the region of the separation unit where the longitudinal axis L of the support is... SKThe support body on which the poultry carcass is arranged is in the longitudinal direction into the tool area such that the breastbone with the carina of the breastbone also points in its longitudinal direction into the conveying direction. The possibility of rotating the support body offers the simple and reliable option of finally and completely separating the fillet, which is still clamped by the separating element, from the breastbone, i.e. in particular tearing it off. By rotating the support body, the process of separating the fillet can be shortened, if necessary, and most importantly, in particular in the case of separating elements which, due to the narrow gap between the holding devices, have to be returned to their starting position in order to process the next poultry carcass, the process of separating the fillet is completed. Particularly preferably, the holding device is configured to be rotatable, the rotation of which also simultaneously rotates the support body.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is characterized in that the pre-separating element comprises a pivot lever on the free end of which a blade is arranged, the pivot lever being mounted on the main body such that the pivot lever can be pivoted about a pivot axis S AE is pivoted on the main body. The pivot lever can be straight. However, the pivot lever is preferably curved. This hook shape of the pivot lever ensures that the blade arranged on the free end hits the breastbone angle in a targeted and precise manner. In other words, the pivot lever with the blade is configured and arranged in such a way that, when the poultry carcass is conveyed past, the cutting edge of the blade hits the attachment of the fillet in the area of the breastbone angle directly, cuts into the fillet and pries or lifts the fillet upwards in order to arrange the free and separated end of the fillet for the subsequent separating element. The blade itself is preferably configured to be linear and has a sharp cutting edge on the side pointing towards the fillet to be processed / cut into.

[0012] Advantageously, the blade is releasably attached to the pivot lever. This ensures easy replaceability, for example when the blade is worn. The blade can be attached to the pivot lever, for example by means of a threaded connection, a clamping or other quick-locking system.

[0013] A particularly advantageous refinement is that the pivot lever is spring-loaded against the adjustable abutment in the starting position in such a way that the breastbone of the poultry carcass conveyed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T by means of the conveyor inevitably engages with its blade on which the pivot lever is arranged in the starting position. This ensures a safe pre-separation of the fillet. After the poultry carcass has been conveyed out of engagement with the pre-separation element, the spring tension ensures that the pivot lever is quickly and automatically returned to its starting position. Using the adjustable abutment, it is possible to change the starting position for different size ranges in order to always provide the best point of impact of the blade on the breastbone angle. The spring tension and thus the spring force is also optionally adjustable or can be changed by replacing the spring element. The size of the spring force is an important parameter for reliably cutting into the fillet. Instead of a spring element, it is also possible to use an actively controllable element, for example a pneumatic drive, to move the pivot lever or even a separate blade for cutting into the fillet into or out of engagement with the breastbone angle.

[0014] It is particularly preferred that the blade on the free end of the pivot lever is oriented in the starting position of the pivot lever at an angle β to the poultry carcass to be processed in such a way that the tip of the blade points towards the breastbone angle. The correct angle β together with the spring force is an important parameter for precise cutting into the fillet on the breastbone angle.

[0015] Advantageously, the included angle β between the longitudinal axis L of the support body SK and the longitudinal axis L of the blade K is greater than 0° and less than 90° and is preferably between 20° and 60° and particularly preferably approximately 45°. On the one hand, this angular position of the blade relative to the breastbone angle ensures that the blade or its cutting edge hits the breastbone angle at the ideal point. On the other hand, the angular position ensures that the cut free end of the fillet is levered or lifted in such a way that the subsequent separation element can reliably grip this free end.

[0016] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the pivotably mounted and spring-loaded pivot lever is configured to be deflected against the spring force in a product-controlled manner. As a result of this simple embodiment, the separation of the fillet reliably and precisely runs for poultry bodies of different sizes, so that in the case of larger poultry bodies or parts thereof, the separated fillet is free of bone and / or cartilage components of the breastbone, while in the case of smaller poultry bodies or parts thereof, the fillet is reliably and completely harvested. As a result of the product control, the product, i.e. the poultry carcass, "finds" the tool for separating the fillet and controls the tool itself, regardless of its size.

[0017] The preferred embodiment is characterized in that the separating element comprises a gripper with a pair of jaws and a deflector element, wherein the gripper is arranged upstream of the deflector element in the conveying direction T. The gripper is configured and adapted to clamp and hold the free end of a fillet cut by the pre-separating element. The deflector element is configured and adapted to deflect the gripper. The arrangement of the claimed gripper and deflector element one after the other ensures that the free end of the fillet can first be clamped and gripped before the poultry carcass comes into contact with the deflector element in order to separate the gripped fillet from the breastbone by pulling the fillet in the longitudinal direction of the breastbone. The embodiment according to the application ensures that the fillet is separated in a simple and reliable manner, regardless of the size of the poultry body or part thereof to be processed. The separating element can also be configured in different ways, as long as it is configured and adapted to firmly hold the free end of the fillet and strip it from the breastbone ridge.

[0018] Advantageously, the separating element is spring-loaded about a pivot axis S GA pivotably mounted on the main body. In a simple manner, the pivotable mounting of the separating element ensures the relative movement between the separating element and the poultry carcass to be processed, by means of which a simple and reliable separation of the clamped or gripped fillet is ensured. Instead of a pivotable mounting, other relative movements between the separating element and the poultry carcass are also possible and they can be product-controlled and / or actively controlled, for example by means of a pneumatic drive.

[0019] Particularly preferably, the separating element is spring-loaded against the adjustable abutment in the starting position in such a way that the breastbone of the poultry carcass conveyed along the conveying path by means of the conveyor in the conveying direction T inevitably engages with the separating element in the starting position. As a result, this triggers and performs the relative movement between the separating element and the poultry carcass in a product-controlled manner. When the poultry carcass with its breastbone comes into contact with the separating element, the separating element is deflected away from the conveying path of the breastbone against the spring force, resulting in a separating force, preferably a pulling force, acting on the residual meat. After the poultry carcass has been conveyed out of engagement with the separating element, the spring tension ensures that the separating element quickly and automatically returns to its starting position. Using the adjustable abutment, it is possible to change the starting position for different size ranges in order to always provide the best point of contact of the separating element with the poultry carcass. The spring tension and thus the spring force can also optionally be adjustable or can be changed by replacing the spring element. Instead of a spring element, an actively controllable element, for example a pneumatic drive, can also be used to perform the relative movement.

[0020] Advantageously, the pivotably mounted and spring-loaded separating element is configured to be deflected against the spring force in a product-controlled manner. This ensures reliable separation or stripping of the fillet regardless of the size.

[0021] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the deflector element is mounted on the main body in such a way that the deflector element can be pivoted about the pivot axis S GA pivoted, and the pair of jaws is mounted on the deflector element in such a way that the pair of jaws can be pivoted about a pivot axis S ZB pivoted relative to the deflector element, the pivot axis S of the jaws ZB is oriented substantially transversely to the pivot axis S of the deflector element GA . A clamp arrangement is arranged on the deflector element. For this purpose, the deflector element comprises a deflector arm and a deflector head. The jaws are pivotably mounted on the deflector arm, which itself is pivotably mounted on the main body. On the free end of the deflector arm, the deflector head extends at an angle towards the sternum to be processed in order to ensure that the sternum extends thereon. The two jaws are arranged upstream of the deflector element or more precisely upstream of the deflector head in the conveying direction T in order to be able to clamp / grip the pre-severed fillet before the sternum reaches the deflector head. Despite the gripping of the fillet, the jaws only grip and hold the fillet, the sternum is conveyed through the jaws and thus gradually deflects the deflector element out of the conveying path of the poultry carcass.

[0022] Advantageously, the clamp is associated with a pneumatic drive for pneumatically closing and opening the jaws, it is possible to perform a pivoting movement of the two jaws relative to the deflector element towards and away from each other. The clamp waits with open jaws until the tip of the sternum, i.e. the sternum angle with the pre-severed fillet, enters between the jaws. The jaws are then closed in a pneumatically driven manner. Because the poultry carcass is conveyed forwards and the clamp is stationary in the conveying direction T, the fillet is started to be stripped. Due to the forward conveying, the sternum hits the deflector element, which is pivotably deflected and helps and accelerates the stripping, after which the fillet is also pulled away from the sternum.

[0023] Particularly preferably, the two jaws have a profile on their inner surfaces pointing towards each other, which profile is preferably formed by a longitudinal section of the inner surfaces in such a way that the profile groove in the starting position of the severing element extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the support body SK or substantially parallel to the conveying direction T. This profile ensures, on the one hand, a high gripping effect of the fillet and, on the other hand, it facilitates the conveying or sliding of the sternum through the jaws in the clamped position. The inner surfaces are preferably chosen to be large and wide so that there is a time window in which gripping can take place. In other words, the jaws are chosen to be sufficiently wide so that the time or time window for moving into the clamped position is more freely selectable and this ensures the loosening end of the clamped fillet.

[0024] Optionally, also flap elements are provided, which are spring-loaded and arranged along the conveying path in such a way that they can engage the fillet which has been partially detached from the keel. Flaps standing upright on the conveying path of the poultry carcass finally separate the almost completely detached fillet, which is still held by the gripper, completely from the breastbone. The flap thus exerts additional pressure on the fillet to be detached, which facilitates the complete detachment of the fillet. The product can be configured, for example, to be product-controlled against the spring force, or, for example, to be actively controlled by means of a pneumatic drive.

[0025] Advantageously, the pivot axis S AE of the pre-detaching element is oriented transversely to the conveying direction T GA and the pivot axis S AE of the detaching element is oriented transversely to the conveying direction T. The pivot axes S GA preferably extend parallel to one another. In this case, the pivot axis S GA of the deflector element is located downstream of the pivot axis S AE of the pre-detaching element in the conveying direction T AE and transversely to the conveying direction T, preferably closer to the poultry carcass to be processed than the pivot axis S

[0026] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the detaching element comprises two jaws, wherein at least one of the two jaws is configured to be movable relative to the second jaw. This provides a simple and inexpensive means for the final and complete detachment of the fillet without the need for active control devices.

[0027] Advantageously, the first jaw is configured to be fixed and stationary and the second jaw is configured to be movable relative to the first jaw. However, both jaws can also be configured to be movable. However, a particularly simple and effective embodiment of the detaching element is one in which one jaw is configured to be firmly connected to the housing, frame, etc. or formed integrally therewith, and the second jaw is movable relative to the first jaw, i.e. pivotable, tiltable, rotatable, or adjustable, for example, also in superimposed linear and pivotal movements. This allows the fillet to be reliably picked up, held and finally torn off the keel.

[0028] A preferred refinement of this embodiment is that the or each movable jaw is held in the receiving position under spring tension by means of at least one spring element, the movable jaw being configured and adapted in such a way that it can be deflected against the spring force of the spring element in product-controlled manner relative to the fixed jaw. The separating element according to the application can dispense with active control devices. The or each movable jaw can be controlled individually in product-controlled manner. In a variant in which one of the jaws is configured to be fixed and the other is movable, the fixed, preferably lower, jaw forms a firm support for the sternal ridge, while the movable, preferably upper, jaw presses the sternal ridge onto the fixed jaw. The sternal ridge which can be inserted between the two jaws is thus safely guided. Due to the spring tension, the upper jaw is configured to be deflected in product-controlled manner and thus enables adaptation to the sternal ridge, in particular to its size, thickness, length, profile, etc. The described arrangement and embodiment of the jaws ensure uniform and proper contact of the two jaws on the sternal ridge, it being possible to guide the sternal ridge between the two jaws in alignment with the conveying direction T.

[0029] Various configurations and clamping bodies adapted to clamp and hold a fillet or a portion thereof are suitable as jaws. Advantageously, the two jaws are formed by two separate sheet metal bodies which, in order to form a gap for receiving the sternal ridge, are arranged opposite one another with their thin edges in such a way that the sternum of the poultry carcass conveyed parallel to the conveying direction T can be introduced into the gap on the sternal appendage between the sternal ridge and the sternal keel. The sheet metal bodies have a smaller thickness compared to their planar extent. The cutting edges of the sheet metal bodies thus form thin (front) edges. In the receiving position in which the sheet metal bodies are still waiting for the insertion of the sternal ridge, the thin edges of the two sheet metal bodies overlap one another with a gap at most of the size of the gap, preferably less than 1 mm.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the jaws or the sheet metal bodies are configured and adapted in such a way that in the receiving position they are shaped to expand counter to the poultry body or portion thereof entering along the conveying direction T. The jaws or sheet metal bodies form a feed region by means of a shaping or recess which extends in funnel shape towards one another along the conveying direction T, by means of which the sternum or sternal ridge can be safely and reliably inserted into the gap. Correspondingly, the jaws or sheet metal bodies have a larger gap between them in their receiving position in the feed region than in the clamping region downstream of the feed region.

[0031] Preferably, the movable clamping jaws or the movable sheet metal bodies are configured and adapted to be rotatable about a rotation axis D from a receiving position into a holding position and back. The movable clamping jaws or the movable sheet metal bodies are configured in the shape of a clamp or a handle to clamp the clamp and are attached to a rotatable shaft. A spring element clamped between the clamp and the housing part, frame or the like holds the clamp in the receiving position.

[0032] Advantageously, the rotation axis D, in particular the rotation axis D of the shaft, of the movable clamping jaws or of the movable sheet metal bodies is oriented in such a way parallel to the conveying direction T of the incoming poultry body or part thereof, that the compensating or adjusting movement of the clamp respectively upwards or downwards takes place relative to the conveying direction T. If the keel has been inserted into the gap between the sheet metal bodies, the clamp is deflected upwards. After the keel has been conveyed out of the separating element, the spring element causes the clamp to be pulled back towards the fixed clamping jaw.

[0033] The preferred embodiment of the separating element is characterized in that the clamping jaws or the sheet metal bodies are oriented along the conveying direction T of the incoming poultry body or part thereof, wherein a first portion is essentially parallel to the conveying direction T and to the keel attachment between the keel and the sternum web, and at least one second portion extends away from the conveying path defined by the conveying direction T of the poultry body or part thereof, oriented at an angle β to the conveying direction T and to the keel attachment between the keel and the sternum web, wherein β > 0. If the sheet metal bodies in the first portion are still parallel to the keel attachment, the distance preferably continuously increases in the second portion. As a result, as the keel is conveyed forwards, the keel is moved forwards out of the gap between the sheet metal bodies at least from the second portion, while the meat strip is "caught" by the sheet metal bodies and is finally torn off the keel. The keel attachment extends along an imaginary line oriented parallel to the conveying direction T.

[0034] Advantageously, a third portion of the clamping jaws or of the sheet metal bodies extends away from the conveying path, oriented at an angle a to the conveying direction T and to the keel attachment between the keel and the sternum web, wherein a > β, the first, second and third portions of the clamping jaws or of the sheet metal bodies each being arranged one after the other along the conveying direction T and being integrally connected to one another. Thus, the three portions of the clamping jaws or of the sheet metal bodies form a guide for the keel on the one hand and a peeling guide for separating the meat strip from the keel on the other hand. It is also possible to provide more than three portions at variable angles to the conveying direction T and to the keel attachment.

[0035] Advantageously, the two clamping jaws or sheet metal bodies forming the separating element are configured to extend aligned along the conveying direction T.

[0036] Advantageously, the spring force of the pre-separation element and / or the spring force of the separation element is configured to be adjustable, whereby an individual adjustment is implemented in order to be able to obtain the meat strips in a high-yield manner.

[0037] One advantageous refinement is that the further processing station can be or can be configured as a scoring unit for scoring the skin, a peeling unit for removing the skin, a muscle splitting unit, a unit for splitting the wishbone, a slicing unit for separating and splitting the breast fillet from the poultry carcass, a unit for recovering the remainder of the meat located on the side of the breastbone, and a unit for recovering a part of the breastbone, which also includes the cartilage region of the breastbone or a part thereof. Thus, a complete slicer is ultimately described and claimed, and it is possible to vary and supplement the number and / or selection of processing stations. The embodiments according to the application ensure that the poultry carcass or part thereof is processed particularly efficiently and gently with the highest yield, regardless of the product size.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the apparatus comprises a control unit which is configured and adapted to control the conveyor, which comprises the holding apparatus, and the or each processing station, which comprises the support body. This supports the previously described advantages, in particular, it also ensures automated processing.

[0039] The object is also achieved by a method having the steps mentioned above, wherein the meat strips are separated from the breastbone ridge of the poultry carcass in two separate and successive steps by means of the separation unit. On the one hand, the steps, which are coordinated with one another but carried out separately in time and space, make it possible to use simple and thus inexpensive tools, and on the other hand, they make it possible to easily and reliably separate the meat strips from the breastbone. The two-stage manner of removing the meat strips further simplifies the processing of poultry carcasses of different sizes.

[0040] In a first pre-separation step, the meat strips are pre-separated in the region of the breastbone angle preceding the breastbone in the conveying direction T, wherein the membrane on the breastbone angle, which is located between the meat and the breastbone, is cut into, and in a second pre-separation step, the free end of the cut-in meat strip is gripped and peeled off the breastbone ridge in its longitudinal direction. The cut-in results in a free end of the meat strip which can then be easily gripped and peeled off.

[0041] Advantageously, for the pre-separation step, the cut in the meat strip is made in the region of the breastbone angle, in order to pre-separate the meat strip using a blade at an acute angle β, which is formed with the longitudinal axis L SK and the longitudinal axis L Kbetween the blade and the keel. The blade hits the keel angle with a sharp cutting edge, creating a loosened end that is lifted by the blade. This preliminary step simplifies the subsequent clamping and peeling of the fillet. However, the preliminary separation can also be performed by the tongs themselves, as the sharp edges of the tongs preliminarily separate the fillet before the tongs clamp and peel the preliminarily separated fillet.

[0042] The preferred improvement is characterized in that, in its starting position, the blade is brought into engagement with the keel angle by conveying the poultry carcass in the conveying direction T, and then the blade is guided in a product-controlled manner, wherein the pressure of the blade on the keel angle increases due to further conveying in the conveying direction T, and the blade moves back to its starting position as soon as it disengages from the poultry carcass due to further conveying in the conveying direction T. Due to the product-controlled guiding of the blade, different sizes of poultry bodies can be consistently processed with high quality.

[0043] Advantageously, the blade is deflected by the keel of the poultry carcass via a pivot lever against spring tension in order to move back to its starting position against the abutment by spring tension disengagement. As a result, after the incision, the pivot lever with the blade automatically returns to a position "ready" for the next poultry body.

[0044] The particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that, for the separation step of separating a fillet that has been preliminarily separated, the free end is clamped between the two jaws of the tongs, and the clamped fillet is at least partially peeled from the keel ridge in the longitudinal direction by a product-controlled deflector element. Due to the fact that the tongs are stationary in the conveying direction T, further conveying of the poultry carcass in the conveying direction T causes the clamped fillet to be peeled from the keel ridge due to the relative movement. The product-controlled deflector element increases the gap between the tongs and the keel ridge, thereby facilitating and accelerating the peeling. This method preferably results in complete separation of the fillet. In individual cases, it can be difficult to completely separate the fillet when the poultry carcass subsequently "forces" the tongs back to their open starting position. For these cases, the invention provides an additional acceleration step for complete separation, which will be described below.

[0045] Advantageously, the jaws of the tongs are closed and opened by means of a pneumatic drive, wherein the tongs in their clamped position are moved away from the keel via the deflector element in a product-controlled manner. The pneumatic drive enables rapid and precise closing and opening of the jaws.

[0046] Advantageously, the tongs or the two jaws are actively controlled in their closing and opening along the conveying path depending on the position of the support body carrying the poultry carcass.

[0047] To this end, the jaws of the tongs wait in an open, standby position along the conveying path until the tip of the breastbone having the form of a breastbone angle in the form of a pre-severed meat strip enters the open tongs in order to subsequently move the jaws in a pneumatically controlled manner into their clamping position to clamp the free end of the meat strip. Due to the configuration of the tongs or jaws, the clamping, i.e. closing, of the jaws can also take place in a time window. The control can take place via a control system to which, for example, in addition to the drive of the circulating conveyor, sensors for monitoring the position of the poultry body along the conveying path and / or further detection and / or measuring means for detecting and / or calculating the respective position of the breastbone of the poultry body are connected.

[0048] Preferably, during the conveying in the conveying direction T, the closed tongs clamping the meat strip are moved away from the breastbone in a product-controlled manner, wherein, as soon as the breastbone reaches the deflector element, the spring-loaded deflector element is deflected by the breastbone until the meat strip is at least partially severed from the breastbone ridge. Then, after the at least partial severing of the meat strip, the jaws are actively opened and the severing element formed by the tongs and the deflector element is moved in a spring-loaded manner into its standby position, in which the jaws are open. The severed meat strip can be removed and further processed.

[0049] As mentioned above, the meat strip is preferably completely severed from the breastbone by the preceding method steps. In the event that, as a result of the close timing of the holding device with the poultry carcass arranged thereon being conveyed in the conveying direction T, the pre-severing element and, on the other hand, in particular the severing element must be moved back more quickly to their starting position before the meat strip is completely severed, the meat strip with the support body still clamped in the tongs can be accelerated for the complete severing by rotating the support body about an axis of rotation D SK oriented transversely to the conveying direction T SK in the alignment in which the support body is oriented with its longitudinal axis L

[0050] In order to separate the already pre-separated fillets, it is possible to insert the poultry carcass together with the keel ridge between two jaws. In particular, the poultry carcass is inserted into the gap between the two metal sheet bodies as jaws in the region of the sternal appendage between the keel ridge and the sternum shelf parallel to the conveying direction T, so that the metal sheet bodies are located between the pre-separated fillets and the sternum shelf. This leads to a spatial separation of the fillets on the one hand and the sternum shelf on the other hand, so that the keel ridge can follow a different conveying path, i.e. continue in the conveying direction T, compared to the fillets, which are pushed obliquely outward and away from the keel ridge by the jaws and are finally prevented from further conveying.

[0051] For this purpose, during the conveying of the poultry carcass in the conveying direction T, the pre-separated fillets are first moved by the metal sheet bodies towards the free edge of the keel ridge and are finally stopped in the conveying direction T, so that during the further conveying of the poultry carcass in the conveying direction T, the fillets are held outside the separating unit and are completely torn off the keel ridge.

[0052] During the conveying of the keel ridge between the jaws or metal sheet bodies, at least one metal sheet body is moved away from the second metal sheet body in a product-controlled manner, so that the metal sheet bodies form a gap between them and rest on the sternal appendage on both sides of the keel ridge, wherein the gap between the two metal sheet bodies closes and holds the fillets as soon as the keel ridge leaves the separating unit.

[0053] The metal sheet bodies thus prevent the further conveying of the fillets in the conveying direction T. When the keel ridge has completely left the separating unit, the separated fillets are suspended and trapped between the metal sheet bodies. The individual fillets held by the metal sheet bodies and completely separated from the sternum are each pressed out of the holder by the subsequently separated fillets and conveyed away. For this purpose, the fillets can fall, for example, via a chute into a conveying slat box.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the method is carried out using the device according to the embodiments. The advantages resulting therefrom have already been described in detail in connection with the device, which is why reference is made to the relevant passages in order to avoid repetitions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0055] Further advantageous and / or expedient features and refinements of the device and the method emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings show:

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the application from below,

[0057] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of a device according to the application from below at an angle,Figure 1 The equipment,

[0058] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a complete system for processing poultry carcasses, viewed from the rear, equipped with the device according to the invention.

[0059] Figure 4 The diagram above shows a complete system for processing poultry carcasses, equipped with the device according to the invention.

[0060] Figure 5 It is a perspective diagram of the alternative discrete components, and

[0061] Figure 6 It is based on Figure 5 The separation unit of the separation element. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The apparatus shown in the accompanying drawings is used to process the breastplate of slaughtered poultry carcasses, specifically to separate the strips of meat located on the sternal ridge of the poultry carcass from the slaughtered poultry carcass or parts thereof from which the breast meat has been removed. Correspondingly, the apparatus is also used to process the forequarters of a slaughtered poultry carcass or other parts of a slaughtered poultry carcass that still include the breastplate.

[0063] The present invention relates to an apparatus 10 configured and adapted for separating meat strips 13 located on the sternal ridge 11 of a poultry carcass 12 from a slaughtered poultry carcass 12 from which breast meat has been removed. The apparatus includes a circulating conveyor 14 and at least one processing station 17 along a conveying path of the conveyor 14. The circulating conveyor 14 has at least one holding device 15 having a support 16 for receiving and holding the poultry carcass or a portion thereof during conveying by the apparatus 10 in the conveying direction T. One of the processing stations 17 is configured as a separation unit 18 for separating the meat strips 13 from the sternal ridge 11.

[0064] According to the present invention, the device 10 is characterized in that the separation unit 18 includes a pre-separation element 19 and a separation element 20, the pre-separation element 19 being configured and adapted to cut into the meat strip 13 in the region of the sternal angle 21 leading in the conveying direction T of the sternal crest 11, and the separation element 20 being configured and adapted to clamp the meat strip 13 and peel it off from the sternal crest 11.

[0065] When used individually or in combination, the features and improvements described below illustrate preferred embodiments of device 10. In particular, features summarized in the claims and / or specification and / or drawings, or described in common embodiments, can further improve the above-described device 10 in a functionally independent manner.

[0066] The conveyor 14 is preferably a continuous conveyor chain guided around deflector elements. The deflector elements can be configured as drivers and / or guides. The deflector elements are rotatable about a rotation axis, which can be varied in orientation. For example, the rotation axis can be oriented horizontally, so that the conveyor chain forms an upper run and a lower run. In the embodiment shown, the rotation axis is oriented obliquely with respect to the vertical. Preferably, a large number of holding devices are arranged on the conveyor chain at defined distances from one another.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1 and 2 , in the preferred embodiment, the pre-separation element 19 and the separation element 20 are separate tools, which are configured and adapted to perform separate work steps, which can be performed one after the other. In other embodiments, the pre-separation element 19 and the separation element 20 can also be configured as a common combined tool. In the embodiment shown, the pre-separation element 19 and the separation element 20 are arranged on a common main body 22, the separation element 20 being arranged downstream of the pre-separation element 19 in the conveying direction T. The main body 22 is releasably attached to a frame 23, a housing or the like of the device 10. The separation unit 18 is arranged on the frame 23 in such a way that the tools, i.e. the pre-separation element 19 and the separation element 20, protrude into the conveying path, so that the holding devices 15 entering the working area of the separation unit 18 inevitably bring the poultry carcasses 12 into contact with the tools.

[0068] The holding devices 15 with the support bodies 16 essentially have an orientation in which the poultry carcasses 12 held on the support bodies 16 are conveyed through the separation unit 18 in their longitudinal direction. At the latest when the holding devices 15 enter the working area of the separation unit 18, the longitudinal axis L SK of the support bodies 16 (and thus also the longitudinal axis L GK of the poultry carcasses 12) is oriented parallel to the conveying direction T, so that the fillets 13 to be separated are also in longitudinal extension parallel to the conveying direction T. In order to change the orientation of the holding devices 15 and the support bodies 16, the support bodies 16 are configured to be rotatable, directly or indirectly, preferably about a rotation axis D SK oriented essentially transversely to the conveying direction T. In the area of the separation unit 18, the support bodies 16 have at least a position at the beginning of the process in which the longitudinal axis L SK of the support bodies is oriented parallel to the conveying direction T. During the process, a change in the orientation is ensured even in the separation unit 18 itself, preferably because the holding devices 15 are configured to be rotatable relative to the conveyor chain 24 of the conveyor 14 by means of suitable actuation or drive mechanisms.

[0069] The pre-separation element 19 comprises a pivot lever 25 on the free end 26 of which a blade 27 is arranged. The pivot lever 25 is curved, preferably almost semicircular, so that the hook-shaped pivot lever 25 projects with its free end 26 into the conveying path of the poultry carcasses 12. The blade 27, which is linear in the illustrated embodiment, is releasably attached to the free end 26 of the pivot lever 25 by means of a bolt 28. The blade 27 has a sharp cutting edge 29 at its end pointing counter to the conveying direction T. The pivot lever 25, together with the blade 27, is mounted on the main body 22 so that it can pivot about a pivot axis S AE The pivot axis S AE is preferably oriented transversely to the conveying direction T.

[0070] In Figure 1 and 2 the pivot lever 25 is in its starting position. In the starting position, the pivot lever 25 is preferably spring-loaded against an adjustable abutment, not explicitly shown, in such a way that the breastbone 30 of a poultry carcass 12 conveyed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T by means of the conveyor 14 inevitably engages the pivot lever 25 in the starting position and its blade 27 arranged thereon. More precisely, during further conveying in the conveying direction T, the poultry carcass 12 strikes the cutting edge 29 of the blade 27 with its breastbone angle 21.

[0071] The blade 27 on the free end 26 of the pivot lever 25 is aligned with the poultry carcass 12 to be processed in the starting position of the pivot lever at an angle β in such a way that the tip of the blade 27, i.e. the sharp cutting edge 29, points towards the breastbone angle 21. The angle β or its size is variable and can be changed, for example, by means of an adjustable abutment. The angle β enclosed between the longitudinal axis L SK of the support body 16 and the longitudinal axis L K of the blade 27 is greater than 0° and less than 90° and is preferably between 20° and 60° and particularly preferably approximately 45°.

[0072] The pivotably mounted and spring-loaded pivot lever 25 is configured to be deflected against the spring force in a product-controllable manner. Once the cutting edge 29 of the blade 27 comes into contact with the breastbone angle 21, further conveying in the conveying direction T inevitably leads to a deflection of the pivot lever 25. As a result of the Figure 1 and 2The fact that the cutting edge 29 in the view from below obliquely joins the sternal angle 21, further transport in the transport direction T leads on the one hand to an increase in the pressure of the cutting edge 29 into the strip 13 in the region of the sternal angle 21, so that the strip 13 is pre-separating with the free end from the sternal ridge 11. On the other hand, during further transport, the cutting edge 29 prises the loose end of the strip 13 upwards, so that the loose end can be easily gripped. As soon as the contact between the poultry carcass 12 and the pre-separation element 19 is ended by further transport of the poultry carcass 12 in the transport direction T, the pre-separation element 19 moves back to the starting position automatically due to the spring force. The spring force of the pre-separation element 19 is adjustable, for example, by exchanging the spring element or by other means.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the separation element 20 comprises a clamp jaw 31 with a pair of jaws 32, 33 and a deflector element 34, the clamp jaw 31 being arranged upstream of the deflector element 34 in the transport direction T. The arrangement relates to the functional parts of the clamp jaw 31 and the deflector element 34 which come into contact with the poultry carcass. The separation element 20 is mounted as a unit on the main body 22 so that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis S GA The pivot axis S GA of the separation element 20 is oriented substantially transversely to the transport direction T. The pivot axis S GA of the separation element 20 is located downstream of the pivot axis S AE of the pre-separation element 19 in the transport direction T. The distance between the pivot axis S GA of the separation element 20 and the support body 16 is smaller than the distance between the pivot axis S AE of the pre-separation element 19 and the support body 16.

[0074] The clamp jaw 31 comprises two clamp arms 35, 36. Each of the clamp arms 35, 36 is provided with a jaw 32, 33 on the free end thereof. The deflector element 34 comprises a deflector arm 37 and a deflector head 38. The deflector head 38 is offsetly arranged on the deflector arm 37 in such a way that the deflector head 38 protrudes further into the conveying path than the deflector arm 37. The deflector head 38 is transversely to the transport direction T at approximately the level of the jaws 32, 33. The jaws 32, 33 of the clamp jaw 31 are located upstream of the deflector head 38 of the deflector element 34 in the transport direction T. In the case where the pre-separation element 19 and the separation element 20 are formed by a combined tool, the clamp jaw 31 also assumes the function of the pre-separation element 19, since the clamp jaw 31 has a sharp edge or the like on the entry side of the poultry carcass, by means of which a cut can be carried out before the jaws 32, 33 are moved into their clamping position. In other refinements, the clamp jaw 31 can be configured to "bite" in such a way that a cut is carried out during the clamping process.

[0075] The separating element 20 is spring-loaded against an adjustable abutment (not explicitly shown) in the starting position in such a way that the breastbone 30 of a poultry carcass 12 conveyed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T by means of the conveyor 14 inevitably engages the separating element 20 in the starting position. The spring tension is generated by a spring element 39, which is configured to be optionally replaceable. The pivotably mounted and spring-loaded separating element 20 is configured to be deflected in a product-controlled manner against the spring force. As soon as the contact between the poultry carcass 12 and the separating element 20 is ended by further conveying of the poultry carcass 12 in the conveying direction T, the separating element 20 automatically moves back into the starting position due to the spring force. The spring force of the separating element 20 is adjustable, for example, by replacing the spring element or by other means.

[0076] Preferably, the deflector element 34 of the separating element 20 is mounted on the main body 22 in such a way that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis S GA and a pair of tongs 32, 33 is mounted on the deflector element 34 in such a way that it can be pivoted about a pivot axis S ZB relative to the deflector element 34, the pivot axis S ZB of the tongs 32, 33 is oriented substantially transversely to the pivot axis S GA of the deflector element 34. In particular, in the embodiment shown, a deflector arm 37 is pivotably mounted on the main body 22. An offset deflector head 38 is arranged on the free end of the deflector arm 37. The deflector head 38 has an inclined contact surface 40, on which the poultry carcass 12 with its breastbone 30 extends. The clamp 31 is pivotably mounted on the deflector arm 37 by means of its clamp arms 35, 36. Offset tongs 32, 33 are arranged on the free ends of the clamp arms 35, 36. The tongs 32, 33 and the deflector head 38 form the functional components of the clamp 31 and the deflector element 34.

[0077] A pneumatic drive 41 for pneumatically opening and closing the tongs 32, 33 is associated with the clamp 31, it being possible to perform a pivoting movement of the tongs 32, 33 towards and away from each other relative to the deflector element 34 and the deflector arm 37, respectively. The clamp arms 35, 36 can be pivoted about the pivot axis S ZB by means of the pneumatic drive 41. The two tongs 32, 33 have a profile 42 on their inner surfaces pointing towards each other, the profile 42 being formed by the longitudinal section of the inner surfaces in such a way that the profile groove in the starting position of the separating element 20 extends substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L SK of the support body 16 or substantially parallel to the conveying direction T.

[0078] In an embodiment not shown, flap elements are provided which are spring-loaded and arranged along the conveying path in such a way that they can engage with the fillet 13 which has been partially detached from the sternal ridge 11.

[0079] In a second embodiment, the separating element 20 comprises two jaws 50, 51, at least one jaw 51 being configured to be movable relative to the second jaw 50. In Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the first jaw 50, i.e. the lower jaw 50, is configured to be fixed and stationary. The fixed jaw 50 can be part of the housing, the frame 23 or the like or can be attached thereto. The second jaw 51, i.e. the upper jaw 51, is configured to be movable relative to the first jaw 50. The or each movable jaw 51 is held in a receiving position for receiving the sternal ridge 11 between the two jaws 50, 51 under spring tension by means of at least one spring element 52. The movable jaw 51 is configured and adapted to be deflected against the spring force of the spring element 52 relative to the fixed jaw 50 in a product-controlled manner. The spring element 52 is attached to the movable jaw 51 on the one hand and connected to the frame 23 on the other hand.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, the two jaws 50, 51 are formed by two separate sheet metal bodies which, in order to form the gap 53 for accommodating the sternal ridge 11, are arranged opposite one another with their thin edges 50.1, 51.1 in such a way that the sternum 30 of the poultry carcass 12 which is conveyed parallel to the conveying direction T can be introduced into the gap 53 on the sternal appendage 54 between the sternal ridge 11 and the sternal keel 55. In particular in Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the sternal appendage 54 is represented by an imaginary line which extends parallel to the conveying direction T. In Figure 6 It can be seen in particular in

[0081] The jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies are configured and adapted in such a way that in the receiving position they are shaped to expand counter to the poultry body or part thereof which enters along the conveying direction T. The jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies form an inlet or feed funnel which tapers along the conveying direction T, said inlet or feed funnel actually leading to the actual (guiding) gap 53. In the feed region 56 of the jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies, the distance between them is greater than in the clamping region 57, in which the distance between them, which can also be zero, defines the gap 53.

[0082] The movable clamping jaws 51 or movable sheet metal bodies are configured and adapted to be rotatable about a rotation axis D from a receiving position into a holding position and back. The sheet metal bodies of the movable clamping jaws 51 are shaped as clamping brackets, the free ends of which are attached to or on a rotatable shaft 58. The shaft 58 itself is mounted on a housing, frame 23 or the like. The rotation axis D of the movable clamping jaws 51 or movable sheet metal bodies is oriented parallel to the conveying direction T of the incoming poultry body or part thereof.

[0083] As can be seen in particular from Figure 6 It can be seen that the clamping jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies are oriented along the conveying direction T of the incoming poultry body or part thereof, wherein a first portion A is substantially parallel to the conveying direction T and to the sternal attachment 54 between the sternal ridge 11 and the sternal keel 55, while at least one second portion B extends away from the conveying path defined by the conveying direction T of the poultry body or part thereof, oriented at an angle β to the conveying direction T and to the sternal attachment 54 between the sternal ridge 11 and the sternal keel 55, wherein β > 0. Preferably, a third portion C of the clamping jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies extends away from the conveying path, oriented at an angle a to the conveying direction T and to the sternal attachment 54 between the sternal ridge 11 and the sternal keel 55, wherein a > β, the first and second and third portions A, B, C of the clamping jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies each being arranged in front of and behind one another along the conveying direction T. The two clamping jaws 50, 51 or sheet metal bodies forming the separation element 20 are configured to extend in alignment with the conveying direction T.

[0084] The apparatus 10 can be configured and adapted as a separate unit, dedicated for obtaining the fillet 13 from the sternal ridge 11. The separation unit 18 is preferably only one of various processing stations of the apparatus 10. For example, a scoring unit (not explicitly shown) for scoring the skin, a skinning unit 43 for removing the skin, a muscle separation unit 44, a unit 45 for separating the wishbone, a slicing unit 46 for separating and dividing the breast fillet from the poultry carcass 12, a unit 47 for recovering the remainder of the meat located on the side of the breastbone 30 and a unit 48 for recovering the part of the breastbone 30 also including the cartilage region of the breastbone or a part thereof can be provided as further processing stations of the apparatus 10. This eventually forms a filleting machine 49 which can additionally comprise further processing stations.

[0085] The apparatus 10 and also the filleting machine 49 comprise a control unit (not explicitly shown) which is configured and adapted to control the conveyor 14 comprising the holding device 15 including the support body 16 and the or each processing station 17. The control system can be used to control the driven functional components of the apparatus 10 in coordination with one another.

[0086] The method according to the application is described in more detail below on the basis of the drawings:

[0087] The method is used to separate meat strips 13 located on the sternal ridge 11 of a poultry carcass 12 from a slaughtered poultry carcass 12 or a portion thereof after the breast meat has been removed. For separation, each poultry carcass 12 is guided along a conveying path in the conveying direction T to the area of ​​a separation unit 18 for separating the meat strips 13, and the poultry carcass 12 is held on a support 16 of a holding device 15 for holding the poultry carcass 12 during conveying in the conveying direction T and during processing. During the conveying of the poultry carcass 12 to the working and operating area of ​​the separation unit 18, the longitudinal axis L of the support 16... SK Oriented parallel to the conveying direction T. In the case of poultry carcasses 12 being conveyed longitudinally through the separation unit 18 with their sternal ridge 11 oriented in this manner, the meat strips 13 are separated along or through the separation unit 18 during conveying.

[0088] According to the invention, the meat strip 13 is separated from the sternal crest 11 of the poultry carcass 12 in two separate and consecutive steps by means of a separation unit 18. In a first pre-separation step, the meat strip 13 is pre-separated in the region of the sternal angle 21 prior to the conveying direction T of the sternum 30, wherein a membrane located on the sternal angle 21 between the meat and the sternum 30 is cut into. In a second pre-separation step, the free end of the cut meat strip 13 is clamped and peeled off from the sternal crest 11 in its longitudinal direction. Pre-separation and separation can be performed using a combination of tools or separate tools.

[0089] For the pre-separation step, an incision is made in the area of ​​the sternal angle 21 in the meat strip 13 to pre-separate the meat strip 13 at an acute angle β using a blade 27, the acute angle β being formed on the longitudinal axis L of the support 16 carrying the poultry carcass 12. SK And the longitudinal axis L of the blade 27 that makes the cut K In other words, the poultry carcass 12 moves with its sternal angle 21 against the blade 27, causing the tip of the sternum 30 or the meat strip 13 located on the sternal ridge 11 to be cut into the area of ​​the sternal angle 21.

[0090] For this purpose, in its initial position, the blade 27 engages with the sternal angle 21 by conveying the poultry carcass 12 in the conveying direction T. The blade 27 is then guided in a product-controlled manner, the pressure of the blade 27 on the sternal angle 21 increasing with further conveying in the conveying direction T. Once the blade 27 disengages from the poultry carcass 12 due to further conveying in the conveying direction T, the blade 27 moves back to its initial position. First, the blade 27 is deflected by the sternum 30 of the poultry carcass 12 via a pivot rod 25 against spring tension. The spring tension ensures that the pivot rod 25 with the blade 27 then moves back to its initial position against the abutment. The release of the meat strip 13 is specifically product-controlled, allowing it to operate independently of size for both large and small poultry carcasses 12.

[0091] For the separating step, which separates the already pre-separated fillet 13, the free end is clamped between the two jaws 32, 33 of the clamp 31 and the clamped fillet 13 is at least partially torn from the sternal ridge 11 in the longitudinal direction by the product-controlled deflector element 34. For this purpose, the poultry carcass 12 is further conveyed in the conveying direction T. The jaws 32, 33 of the clamp 31 wait in an open standby position along the conveying route or conveying path until the tip of the sternum 30 in the form of the sternal angle 21 of the pre-separated fillet 13 enters the open clamp 31 in order to then move the jaws 32, 33 into their clamping position to clamp the free end of the fillet 13. This is preferably carried out in a pneumatic manner. The jaws 32, 33 of the clamp 31 are closed and opened by means of a pneumatic drive 41. The controlled closing and opening of the clamp 31 takes place depending on the position of the holding device 15. When the holding device 15 has reached a certain position, the jaws 32, 33 are closed. Subsequently, the jaws 32, 33 are opened again at another certain position to release the separated fillet 13.

[0092] In the clamping position of the clamp 31, they are moved away from the sternum 30 in a product-controlled manner via the deflector element 34. Thus, on the one hand, due to the clamp 31 being fixed in the conveying direction T, there is a relative movement due to the conveying of the poultry carcass 12 through the separating unit 18. On the other hand, due to the pivoting movement of the clamp 31 via the deflector element 34, a - preferably superimposed - relative movement occurs.

[0093] Thus, when the clamping clamp 31 or the two jaws 32, 33 are actively controlled depending on the position of the support body 16 carrying the poultry carcass 12 to close and open along the conveying path in order to clamp and separate the fillet 13, the movement for separating the fillet 13 is product-controlled. The closed clamp 31, which clamps the fillet 13, is moved away from the sternum in a product-controlled manner, i.e. during the conveying in the conveying direction T, wherein, as soon as the sternum 30 reaches the deflector element 34, the spring-loaded deflector element 34 is deflected by the sternum 30 until the fillet 13 is at least partially separated from the sternal ridge 11. After the at least partial separation of the fillet 13, the jaws 32, 33 are actively opened and the separating element 20 formed by the clamp 31 and the deflector element 34 is moved in a spring-loaded manner to its standby position, wherein the jaws 32, 33 are open.

[0094] In the event that the meat strands 13 cannot be completely separated by the two relative movements described above during the processing cycle that precedes the entry of the holding device 15 into the working and operating area of the separation unit 18, it is possible to assist and accelerate the complete separation of the meat strands 13 while they are still clamped. For example, a simple option is to provide an obstacle along the conveying path. For example, the obstacle can be a simple spring-loaded flap against which the meat strands 13 that are still clamped are conveyed. Another option provides for the rotation of the support body 16, together with the meat strands 13 that are still clamped in the jaws 31, about an axis of rotation D SK out of alignment in which the support body is oriented with its longitudinal axis L SK parallel to the conveying direction T of the holding device 15 for the pre-separation and stripping of the meat strands 13.

[0095] Alternatively, for the separating step of separating already pre-separated fillets 13, the poultry carcass 12 can be inserted between the two jaws 50, 51 together with the keel 11. When the poultry carcass 12 is transported in the transport direction T, the orientation of the holding device 15 and the support body remains the same, so that the poultry carcass 12 or its keel 11 moves in parallel alignment with the transport direction T. In this case, the keel 11 enters between the two jaws 50, 51. More precisely, the poultry carcass 12 is inserted into the gap 53 formed between the two metal sheet bodies as jaws 50, 51 with the area of the sternal appendage 54 between the keel 11 and the sternal shelf 55 parallel to the transport direction T, so that the metal sheet bodies are located between the pre-separated fillets 13 and the sternal shelf 55. In other words, the sternal shelf 55 is located on one side of the jaws 50, 51, while the keel 11 with the pre-separated fillets 13 is located on the other side of the jaws 50, 51. During the transport of the poultry carcass 12 in the transport direction T, the pre-separated fillets 13 are initially moved by the metal sheet bodies 13 towards the free edge 59 of the keel 11 and finally stop in the transport direction T, so that during further transport of the poultry carcass 12 in the transport direction T, the fillets 13 are removed from the separating unit 18 and completely torn off from the keel 11. The at least one metal sheet body moves away from the second metal sheet body in a product-controlled manner, so that the metal sheet bodies form a gap 53 between them and rest on the sternal appendage 54 on both sides of the keel 11, close and hold the fillets 13 as soon as the keel 11 leaves the gap 53 between the two metal sheet bodies of the separating unit 18. First, in the receiving position, the metal sheet bodies are placed against each other with their thin edges 50.1, 51.1 at least in the clamping region 57. In the feed region 56, the gap between the free edges 50.1, 51.1 is larger in order to facilitate the "passing through" of the keel 11 between the metal sheet bodies. When the keel 11 reaches the clamping region 57, the keel 11 lifts the movable jaw 51, i.e. the upper metal sheet body, so that the gap 53 between the metal sheet bodies opens. The poultry carcass 12 with the sternal shelf 55 is guided on one side of the jaws 50, 51 forming the separating element 20, while the keel 11 with the pre-separated fillets 13 is guided on the other side of the jaws 50, 51 forming the separating element 20. During further transport, the keel 11 can exit the separating element 20 through the gap 53, while the fillets 13 are tightly held by the separating element 20 and prevented from further transport, so that they are inevitably torn off. The individual fillets 13 held by the metal sheet bodies and completely separated from the sternum are each pressed out of the holder by the subsequently separated fillets 13 and transported away.

[0096] The completely separated fillets 13 are discharged from the device 10 and further processed. For example, the separated fillets 13 can fall on a chute or the like, which then feeds them into a transport container.

[0097] It is particularly preferred that the method is performed using the apparatus 10 according to the embodiments described.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) configured and adapted to separate meat strips (13) located on the sternal ridge (11) of a poultry carcass (12) from a slaughtered poultry carcass (12) from which breast meat has been removed, said apparatus (10) comprising a circulating conveyor (14) and at least one processing station (17) along a conveying path of said circulating conveyor (14), said circulating conveyor (14) having at least one holding device (15) having a support (16) for receiving and holding said poultry carcass or portions thereof during conveying by said apparatus (10) in a conveying direction T, wherein, A separation unit (18) in one of the at least one processing station (17) configured to separate the meat strip (13) from the sternal crest (11) is characterized in that the separation unit (18) includes a pre-separation element (19) and a separation element (20), wherein the pre-separation element (19) is configured and adapted to cut into the meat strip (13) in the region of the sternal angle (21) leading in the conveying direction T of the sternal crest (11), and the separation element (20) is configured and adapted to clamp the meat strip (13) and peel it off from the sternal crest (11); the pre-separation element (19) and the separation element (20) are separate tools configured and adapted to perform separate working steps and are arranged one after the other in the conveying direction T, the separate working steps being able to be performed one after the other.

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pre-separation element (19) and the separation element (20) are arranged on a common body (22), wherein the separation element (20) is arranged downstream of the pre-separation element (19) along the conveying direction T.

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support (16) is configured to rotate around the axis D. SK It is rotatable, and the axis of rotation D is rotatable. SK Oriented substantially transverse to the conveying direction T, and the support (16) having a position in the region of the separation unit (18) in which the longitudinal axis L of the support (16) is... SK Oriented parallel to the conveying direction T.

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pre-separation element (19) includes a pivot rod (25) with a blade (27) arranged on its free end (26), wherein the pivot rod (25) is mounted on the body (22) such that the pivot rod can rotate around the pivot axis S. AE Pivot.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The blade (27) is releasably attached to the pivot (25).

6. The device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pivot rod (25) in the starting position is spring-loaded against an adjustable abutment in such a way that the sternum (30) of the poultry carcass (12) conveyed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T by means of the conveyor (14) inevitably engages with the pivot rod (25) in the starting position and its blade (27) arranged thereon.

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The blade (27) on the free end of the pivot (25) is oriented at an angle β to the poultry carcass (12) to be processed in the initial position of the pivot, such that the tip of the blade (27) points toward the sternal angle (21).

8. The device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis L of the support (16) SK and the longitudinal axis L of the blade (27) K The angle β formed by the two sides is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis L of the support (16) SK and the longitudinal axis L of the blade (27) K The angle β formed by the two angles is between 20° and 60°.

10. The device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The longitudinal axis L of the support (16) SK and the longitudinal axis L of the blade (27) K The angle β formed by the two sides is 45°.

11. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pivotally mounted and spring-loaded pivot rod (25) is configured to resist spring force deflection in a product-controllable manner.

12. The device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The separating element (20) includes a clamp (31) with a pair of jaws (32, 33) and a deflector element (34), wherein the clamp (31) is arranged upstream of the deflector element (34) in the conveying direction T.

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The separating element (20) is mounted on the body (22) such that the separating element can rotate around the pivot axis S. GA Pivot.

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The separating element (20) in the starting position is spring-loaded against an adjustable abutment in such a way that the sternum (30) of the poultry carcass (12) conveyed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T by means of the conveyor (14) inevitably engages with the separating element (20) in the starting position.

15. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The pivotally mounted and spring-loaded separation element (20) is configured to deflect against the spring force in a product-controlled manner.

16. The device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that, The deflector element (34) is mounted on the body (22) such that the deflector element can revolve around the pivot axis S. GA The pivot is performed, and the pair of jaws (32, 33) are mounted on the deflector element (34) such that the pair of jaws (32, 33) can pivot about the pivot axis S. ZB Pivoting relative to the deflector element (34), wherein the pivot axis S of the jaws (32, 33) ZB Basically transverse to the pivot axis S of the deflector element (34) GA Alignment.

17. The device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, A pneumatic actuator (41) for pneumatically opening and closing the jaws (32, 33) is associated with the clamp (31), wherein the pivoting motion of the jaws (32, 33) can be performed relative to the deflector element (34) toward and away from each other.

18. The device (10) according to claim 17, characterized in that, The two jaws (32, 33) have profiles (42) on their inner surfaces that point toward each other, wherein the profiles (42) are formed by longitudinal sections of the inner surfaces in such a way that the profile grooves in the starting position of the separating element (20) are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the support (16). SK Or it extends substantially parallel to the conveying direction T.

19. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A flapping element is also provided, which is spring-loaded and arranged along the conveying path in such a way that the flapping element can engage with the meat strip (13) that has been partially separated from the sternal crest (11).

20. The device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pivot axis S of the pre-separation element (19) AE and the pivot axis S of the separating element (20) GA Oriented laterally to the conveying direction T.

21. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separating element (20) includes two grippers (50, 51), wherein at least one of the two grippers (50, 51) is configured to be movable relative to a second gripper (51, 50).

22. The device (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The first gripper (50) is configured to be fixed and stationary, and the second gripper (51) is configured to be movable relative to the first gripper (50).

23. The device (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that, The movable jaw (51) is held in a receiving position under spring tension by means of at least one spring element (52) to receive the sternal crest (11) between the two jaws (50, 51), wherein the movable jaw (51) is constructed and adapted to be deflected relative to the fixed jaw (50) by the spring force of the spring element (52) in a product-controllable manner.

24. The device (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that, The two grippers (50, 51) are formed of two separate metal plates. In order to form a gap (53) for receiving the sternal crest (11), the two metal plates are arranged opposite each other with their thin edges (50.1, 51.1) such that the sternum (30) of the poultry carcass (12) being transported parallel to the transport direction T can be introduced into the gap (53) on the sternal appendage (54) between the sternal crest (11) and the sternal ventral plate (55).

25. The device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The grippers (50, 51) or the metal plates are constructed and adapted such that, at the receiving position, they are shaped to enlarge in the opposite direction to the poultry carcass or a portion thereof entering along the conveying direction T.

26. The device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The movable gripper (51) or the movable metal plate is constructed and adapted to be able to rotate about the rotation axis D from the receiving position to the holding position and back.

27. The device (10) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The axis of rotation D of the movable gripper (51) or the movable metal plate is oriented parallel to the conveying direction T of the arriving poultry carcass or part thereof.

28. The device (10) according to claim 27, characterized in that, The grippers (50, 51) or the metal plate are oriented along the transport direction T of the incoming poultry carcass or a portion thereof, wherein a first portion (A) is substantially parallel to the transport direction T and parallel to the sternal appendage (54) between the sternal crest (11) and the sternal ventral plate (55), while at least one second portion (B) extends away from the transport path defined by the transport direction T of the poultry carcass or a portion thereof, and is oriented at an angle β to the transport direction T and to the sternal appendage (54) between the sternal crest (11) and the sternal ventral plate (55), wherein β > 0.

29. The device (10) according to claim 28, characterized in that, The grippers (50, 51) or the third portion (C) of the metal sheet extend away from the transport path and are oriented at an angle α, α > β, to the transport direction T and the sternal appendage (54) between the sternal crest (11) and the sternal ventral plate (55), wherein the first, second, and third portions (A, B, C) of the grippers (50, 51) or the metal sheet are arranged one after the other along the transport direction T and are integrally connected to each other.

30. The device (10) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The two grippers (50, 51) or metal sheets forming the separating element (20) are configured to extend in alignment in the conveying direction T.

31. The device (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The spring force of the pre-separation element (19) and / or the spring force of the separation element (20) are configured to be adjustable.

32. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Other processing stations (17) are a scribing unit for scribing skin, a peeling unit (43) for removing the skin, a tendon separating unit (44), a unit (45) for separating the forked bones, a slicing unit (46) for separating and separating the breast meat slices from the poultry carcass (12), a unit (47) for recovering the meat residue located on the side of the sternum (30), and a unit (48) for recovering a portion of the sternum (30). Alternatively, the other processing stations (17) are configured as a scribing unit for scribing skin, a peeling unit (43) for removing the skin, a tendon separating unit (44), a unit (45) for separating the forked bones, a slicing unit (46) for separating and separating the breast meat slices from the poultry carcass (12), a unit (47) for recovering the meat residue located on the side of the sternum (30), and a unit (48) for recovering a portion of the sternum (30), wherein the portion of the sternum also includes the cartilage region of the sternum or a portion thereof.

33. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes a control unit configured and adapted to control the conveyor (14) and the processing station (17), the conveyor including the holding device (15) and the holding device including the support (16).

34. A method for separating meat strips (13) located on the sternal ridge (11) of a poultry carcass (12) from a slaughtered poultry carcass or a portion thereof with breast meat removed, comprising the following steps: - The poultry carcass (12) is fed along the conveying path in the conveying direction T to the area of ​​the separating unit (18) for separating the meat strips (13), wherein, during conveying in the conveying direction T, the poultry carcass (12) is held on the support (16) of the holding device (15) for holding the poultry carcass (12) during conveying and during processing, wherein the longitudinal axis L of the support (16) is... SK Oriented parallel to the conveying direction T, and -The meat strips (13) are separated during transport along or through the separation unit. The invention is characterized by separating the meat strip (13) from the sternal crest (11) of the poultry carcass (12) in two separate and consecutive steps by means of the separation unit (18), wherein the separation unit (18) includes a pre-separation element (19) and a separation element (20), wherein the pre-separation element (19) is configured to perform a step of cutting the meat strip (13) in the region of the sternal angle (21) leading in the conveying direction T of the sternal crest (11), and the separation element (20) is configured to perform a step of clamping the meat strip (13) and peeling it from the sternal crest (11), wherein the two separate and consecutive steps can be performed one after the other in the conveying direction T.

35. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, In the first pre-separation step, the meat strip (13) is pre-separated in the region of the sternal angle (21) prior to the transport direction T of the sternum (30), wherein a membrane located between the meat and the sternum (30) on the sternal angle (21) is cut in. In the second pre-separation step, the free end of the cut meat strip (13) is clamped and peeled from the sternal crest (11) in its longitudinal direction.

36. The method according to claim 35, characterized in that, For the pre-separation step, an incision is made in the meat strip (13) in the region of the sternal angle (21) to pre-separate the meat strip (13) at an acute angle β using a blade (27), the acute angle β being formed on the longitudinal axis L of the support (16) carrying the poultry carcass (12). SK and the longitudinal axis L of the blade (27) that makes the cut K between.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that, At its starting position, the blade (27) engages with the sternal angle (21) by conveying the poultry carcass (12) in the conveying direction T, and then the blade (27) is guided in a product-controlled manner, wherein the pressure of the blade (27) on the sternal angle (21) increases due to further conveying in the conveying direction T, and once the blade (27) disengages from the poultry carcass (12) due to further conveying in the conveying direction T, the blade (27) moves back to its starting position.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that, The blade (27) is deflected by the sternum (30) of the poultry carcass (12) via a pivot (25) against spring tension, so as to move back to its starting position against the abutment by disengaging from the engagement by the spring tension.

39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that, For the separation step of separating the pre-separated meat strips (13), the free end of the meat strips (13) is clamped between the two jaws (32, 33) of the clamp (31), and the clamped meat strips (13) are at least partially torn off from the sternal crest (11) in the longitudinal direction by the deflector element (34) controlled by the product.

40. The method according to claim 39, characterized in that, The jaws (32, 33) of the clamp (31) are closed and opened by means of a pneumatic actuator, wherein the clamp (31) in its clamping position is moved away from the sternum (30) in a product-controlled manner via the deflector element (34).

41. The method according to claim 40, characterized in that, The clamps (31) or the two claws (32, 33) are actively controlled to close and open along the conveying path based on the position of the support (16) carrying the poultry carcass (12).

42. The method according to claim 41, characterized in that, The jaws (32, 33) of the clamp (31) wait along the conveying path in an open standby position until the tip of the sternum (30) in the form of the sternal angle (21) of the pre-separated meat strip (13) enters the open clamp (31), so that the jaws (32, 33) can then be pneumatically moved to their clamping position to clamp the free end of the meat strip (13).

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, During transport along the transport direction T, the closed clamps (31) that clamp the meat strip (13) move away from the sternum (30) in a product-controlled manner, wherein once the sternum (30) reaches the deflector element (34), the spring-loaded deflector element (34) is deflected by the sternum (30) until the meat strip (13) is at least partially separated from the sternal crest (11).

44. The method according to claim 43, characterized in that, After at least a portion of the meat strip (13) is separated, the jaws (32, 33) actively open, and the separating element (20) formed by the clamp (31) and the deflector element (34) moves to its standby position in a spring-loaded manner, wherein the jaws (32, 33) are open.

45. The method according to claim 44, characterized in that, The support (16) with the meat strip (13) still clamped in the clamp (31) is positioned about a rotation axis D oriented transversely to the conveying direction T. SK Rotation disengages the alignment so that the pre-separated and at least partially separated meat strips (13) are completely torn from the poultry carcass (12), in which the support is oriented along its longitudinal axis L. SK The conveying direction T is parallel to the holding device (15) used for pre-separating and peeling the meat strips (13).

46. ​​The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, For the separation step of separating the pre-separated meat strips (13), the poultry carcass (12) and the sternal crest (11) are inserted together between two grippers (50, 51).

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, The poultry carcass is inserted into the gap (53) formed between two metal plates that serve as grippers (50, 51), with the area of ​​the sternal appendage (54) between the sternal crest (11) and the sternal ventral plate (55) parallel to the transport direction T, such that the metal plates are positioned between the pre-separated meat strip (13) and the sternal ventral plate (55).

48. The method according to claim 47, characterized in that, During the conveying of the poultry carcass (12) along the conveying direction T, the pre-separated meat strips (13) are first moved toward the free edge (59) of the sternal ridge (11) by the metal sheet and finally stopped along the conveying direction T, such that during further conveying of the poultry carcass (12) along the conveying direction T, the meat strips (13) are held outside the separation unit (18) and completely torn off from the sternal ridge (11).

49. The method according to claim 47 or 48, characterized in that, At least one metal sheet moves away from the second metal sheet in a product-controlled manner, such that the metal sheets form a gap (53) between them and rest on the sternal appendage (54) on both sides of the sternal crest (11), wherein once the sternal crest (11) leaves the separation unit (18), the gap (53) between the two metal sheets closes and holds the meat strip (13).

50. The method according to claim 49, characterized in that, Each meat strip (13), held by a metal sheet and completely separated from the sternum (30), is pressed out of the holder and conveyed away by the subsequently separated meat strip (13).

51. The method according to claim 34, characterized in that, The method is performed using the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

Images