Scraper device

Abstract

To automate removal of flesh adhered to a portion to be processed of a poultry carcass.SOLUTION: A scraper device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pair of scrapers arranged so as to face each other in an orthogonal direction of a conveyance direction of a poultry carcass held in a holding tool, the scrapers being for removing flesh adhered to a portion to be processed of the poultry carcass by sandwiching the portion to be processed. The scraper device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a support part for supporting the pair of scrapers so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction, according to a shape of the portion to be processed of the poultry carcass that moves in the conveyance direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a scraper device for disassembling a poultry carcass composed of poultry such as chickens.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, in the disassembly process of disassembling a poultry carcass composed of poultry such as chickens and separating the meat part and the bone part, the poultry carcass is defeathered and bled, and pretreatment such as removing internal organs (gutting) is performed, and then disassembly and boning are carried out. Since this disassembly and boning process is inefficient when performed manually, automation has been promoted (for example, see Patent Document 1). In addition, a device for separating the sternal ridge cartilage part, commonly referred to as "yagen," from a poultry carcass after the winged breast meat and sashimi have been separated from the upper body of the poultry carcass is known (for example, see Patent Document 2). The sternal ridge cartilage part is used as an ingredient such as glucosamine, which is said to be appreciated as yakitori or to have an effect on osteoarthritis and rheumatism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] For example, in the sternal ridge cartilage part of a poultry carcass after the winged breast meat and sashimi have been separated, a small amount of sashimi meat remains. Conventionally, the meat remaining in the sternal ridge cartilage part has been removed manually. Therefore, automation of removing the meat attached to the processed part of the poultry carcass, such as removing the meat remaining in the sternal ridge cartilage part, is required.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to automate the removal of meat attached to the processing section of a poultry carcass. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] (1) A scraper device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is A pair of scrapers are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the poultry carcass held by the holder, and are used to remove meat attached to the part of the poultry carcass to be processed by gripping it. A support portion that supports the pair of scrapers so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction to conform to the shape of the processing section of the poultry carcass moving in the transport direction, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the removal of meat attached to the processing part of a poultry carcass can be automated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a side view of the scraper device and conveying device when the scraper device is in a retracted position, away from the cone. [Figure 2] This is a side view of the scraper device and conveying device when the scraper device is in the removal position for removing residual meat. [Figure 3] Figure 1 shows the scraper device in its retracted position, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction of the chain conveyor (direction of arrow a). [Figure 4] Figure 2 shows the scraper device in the removal position, viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction of the chain conveyor (direction of arrow a). [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the scraper device in the removal position. [Figure 6A] This is a view from arrow AA in Figure 2, showing that the pair of scrapers are not shifted in the third direction. [Figure 6B] Figure 2 shows a view along arrow AA, illustrating an example where a pair of scrapers are offset in a third direction. [Figure 6C] Figure 2 shows a view along arrow AA, illustrating another example where a pair of scrapers are offset in a third direction. [Figure 7] This diagram shows a pair of scrapers and the sternal crest cartilage region viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction of the chain conveyor (direction of arrow a). [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Hereinafter, several embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described or shown in the drawings as embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely illustrative examples. For example, expressions describing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" should not only strictly describe such arrangements, but also describe states of relative displacement with tolerances or angles or distances that allow for the same function to be achieved. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that describe things being in an equal state not only describe a state of being strictly equal, but also describe a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference that is sufficient to achieve the same function. For example, expressions describing shapes such as squares or cylinders shall not only represent geometrically precise shapes such as squares or cylinders, but also shapes that include protrusions, chamfers, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be achieved. On the other hand, expressions such as "to possess," "to be equipped with," "to have," "to include," or "to have" a single component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

[0010] (Conveyor device 1) First, before describing a scraper device according to one embodiment, we will describe a conveying device for transporting poultry carcasses. FIG. 1 is a side view of the scraper device 100 and the conveying device 1 when the scraper device 100 is in the retracted position separated from the cone 12. FIG. 2 is a side view of the scraper device 100 and the conveying device 1 when the scraper device 100 is in the removal position for removing the remaining meat.

[0011] The conveying device 1 has a chain conveyor 10 that moves at a constant speed in the direction of arrow a. A plurality of conical cones 12 (holders) are attached to the chain conveyor 10 at equal intervals along the conveying direction thereof. The cone 12 is configured to be tiltable at an arbitrary angle forward or backward in the conveying direction by a link mechanism 14. A bird carcass with a removed center and separated legs is placed on the cone 12 located at the starting end portion (not shown) of the chain conveyor 10.

[0012] The cone 12 is provided with a hook 16 that is movable between the tip side and the base end side of the cone by a link mechanism (not shown). After the bird carcass is placed on the cone 12, the hook 16 locks the center of the sternum of the bird carcass to fix the bird carcass to the cone 12. The bird carcasses are conveyed while being placed and fixed on each of the plurality of cones 12, and are disassembled and boned in a plurality of processing units arranged in order in the conveying direction facing the chain conveyor 10 during conveyance. The bird carcass fixed to the cone 12 first undergoes a processing step of separating the breast meat with wings from the bird carcass. When this processing step of separating the breast meat with wings is performed, the bird carcass carcass with the breast meat with wings separated is left on the cone 12.

[0013] When the processing step of separating the breast meat with wings is performed, a processing step of inserting a tendon between the ribs and the sashimi and separating them is performed on the bird carcass carcass, and the sashimi and the ribs are separated. When the breast and the ribs are separated, the process of inserting the bamboo skewers is performed, and the sternal costal cartilage part 20 and the breast are separated. Then, by the process of inserting the longitudinal breast muscles, the clavicle and the breast are separated. When the clavicle and the breast are separated, the process of taking the breast from the poultry carcass frame is performed. When this process of taking the breast is performed, in the cone 12, the breast with wings and the poultry carcass frame from which the breast has been separated (hereinafter referred to as "work w") are left.

[0014] When the process of taking the breast is performed, the process of removing the remaining bamboo skewer meat is performed on the work w. In the process of removing the remaining bamboo skewer meat, as will be described later, the remaining meat remaining on the surfaces on both sides of the sternal costal cartilage part 20 is removed by the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 of the scraper device 100.

[0015] When the process of removing the remaining bamboo skewer meat is performed, the process of separating the sternal costal cartilage part 20 from the work w is performed, and the sternal costal cartilage part 20 is separated from the work w.

[0016] (Scraper device 100) Next, the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a view of the scraper device 100 in the retracted position shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction (arrow a direction) of the chain conveyor 10, showing a state in which the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are open. FIG. 4 is a view of the scraper device 100 in the removal position shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction (arrow a direction) of the chain conveyor 10, showing a state in which the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are closed at the removal position. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the scraper device 100 in the removal position shown in FIG. 2, showing a state in which the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are closed at the removal position. FIG. 6A is a view taken along the line A-A of FIG. 2, showing a case where the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are not displaced in the third direction Dr3 described later. Figure 6B is a view from the direction of arrow AA in Figure 2, and shows an example where the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are shifted in the third direction Dr3, which will be described later. Figure 6C is a view along arrow AA in Figure 2, and shows another example where the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are shifted in the third direction Dr3, which will be described later. Figure 7 shows a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 and the sternal cartilage portion 20 as viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction (arrow a direction) of the chain conveyor 10. For the sake of explanation, in Figure 7, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 and the sternal cartilage portion 20 are depicted as being slightly separated.

[0017] A scraper device 100 according to one embodiment includes a pair of scrapers 111 and 112, a support portion 120 for supporting the pair of scrapers, a first drive unit 151, and a second drive unit 152. For the sake of explanation, the directions in each figure are defined as follows: The conveying direction of the chain conveyor 10 (direction of arrow a) is defined as the first direction Dr1. Note that the first direction Dr1 is sometimes simply referred to as the conveying direction. The second direction Dr2 is defined as the direction in which the cone 12 and the scraper device 100 are separated when viewed from the first direction Dr1, and which is perpendicular to the first direction Dr1. The third direction, Dr3, is defined as the direction perpendicular to the first direction Dr1 and the second direction Dr2, respectively. In this embodiment, the second direction Dr2 coincides with the vertical direction, while the first direction Dr1 and the third direction Dr3 coincide with the horizontal direction. In Figures 1 to 4, the upper side of the paper is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the lower side of the paper is the lower side in the vertical direction. The second direction Dr2 is sometimes simply referred to as the up and down direction.

[0018] (Support part 120) The support section 120 includes a fixed substrate 121, a swinging substrate 123, and a pair of arm sections 131 and 132.

[0019] (Fixed substrate 121) The fixed substrate 121 is, for example, a plate-shaped member extending in the second direction Dr2, and its upper part is fixed via a bracket 31 to a frame (not shown) to which the transport device 1 is attached. A pivot shaft support 122 is provided at the lower part of the fixed substrate 121. The pivot shaft support 122 is a pivot that allows the pivot substrate 123 to pivot around a pivot central axis AX2 that extends in the third direction Dr3.

[0020] (Oscillating substrate 123) The oscillating substrate 123 is, for example, a plate-shaped member pivotally supported by the oscillating shaft support portion 122 of the fixed substrate 121, and has a pair of shaft support portions 125 and 126 that pivotally support each of the pair of arm portions 131 and 132 so that they can rotate around the rotational center axis AX1, as will be described later. The oscillating substrate 123 is configured to oscillate around the oscillation center axis AX2 by a second drive unit 152. The second drive unit 152 is an actuator such as an air cylinder, with the base end 152a of the cylinder attached to the fixed substrate 121 and the tip end 152b of the rod attached to the oscillating substrate 123. As the rod of the second drive unit 152 extends and retracts, the oscillating substrate 123 oscillates around the oscillation center axis AX2.

[0021] (A pair of arms 131, 132) A pair of arms 131 and 132 each have one arm 131 and the other arm 132. Each of the pair of arms 131 and 132 extends primarily in a first direction Dr1. One arm portion 131 has a tip 131a, that is, the downstream end in the first direction Dr1, to which one of a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 (described later) is attached, scraper 111. The other arm portion 131 has a base end 131b, that is, the upstream end in the first direction Dr1, to which the first drive unit 151 (described later) is attached. The other arm 132 has a tip 132a, that is, the downstream end in the first direction Dr1, to which the other scraper 112 of a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 (described later) is attached. The other arm 132 has a base end 132b, that is, the upstream end in the first direction Dr1, to which the first drive unit 151 (described later) is attached.

[0022] One arm portion 131 is pivotally supported at a position between its tip 131a and base 131b by one of a pair of pivot supports 125, 126, by one pivot support 125, so as to be able to rotate around the pivot center axis AX1. The other arm portion 132 is pivotally supported at a position between its tip 132a and base 132b by the other pivot portion 126 of a pair of pivot portions 125, 126, so as to be rotatable around the pivot axis AX1.

[0023] The pair of arms 131 and 132 are configured to rotate around a pivot axis AX1 by a first drive unit 151. The first drive unit 151 is an actuator, such as an air cylinder, where, for example, the base end 151a of the cylinder is attached to the base end 131b of one arm 131, and the tip 151b of the rod is attached to the base end 132b of the other arm 132. As the rod of the first drive unit 151 extends and retracts, the pair of arms 131 and 132 rotate around the pivot axis AX1.

[0024] The first drive unit 151 is pin-connected to the base end 131b of one arm 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm 132. In one embodiment of the scraper device 100, the first drive unit 151 is constrained only by the base end 131b of one arm 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm 132.

[0025] When the rod of the first drive unit 151 extends, one scraper 111 attached to the tip 131a of one arm 131 and the other scraper 112 attached to the tip 132a of the other arm 132 move closer to each other along the third direction Dr3. When the rod of the first drive unit 151 retracts, one scraper 111 attached to the tip 131a of one arm 131 and the other scraper 112 attached to the tip 132a of the other arm 132 move apart from each other along the third direction Dr3.

[0026] In other words, the first drive unit 151 is a drive unit for moving the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in a third direction Dr3 so as to grip the sternal crest cartilage area 20 with the pair of scrapers 111 and 112, as will be described later. As a result, as will be described later, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 can be used to grip the sternal crest cartilage area 20 and efficiently remove the flesh attached to the sternal crest cartilage area 20.

[0027] In one embodiment of the scraper device 100, the support portion 120 (oscillating substrate 123) has a pair of pivot portions 125 and 126. The first drive unit 151 is configured to change the distance between the base end 131b of one arm portion 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm portion 132. This allows the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 to be moved in the third direction Dr3 with a relatively simple configuration, thereby gripping the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 as described later.

[0028] (A pair of scrapers 111, 112) The pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are plate-shaped members that extend primarily in the second direction Dr2. The pair of scrapers 111 and 112 consists of one scraper 111 and the other scraper 112. The pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are attached to the tips 131a and 132a of the pair of arms 131 and 132 such that their tip portions 111a and 112a protrude downward from the tips 131a and 132a of the pair of arms 131 and 132a, respectively.

[0029] As clearly shown in Figure 7, one scraper 111 has a downward-facing tip surface 111d, a side surface 111s facing the other scraper 112, and a chamfered connection portion 111c that connects the tip surface 111d and the side surface 111s. The other scraper 112 has a downward-facing tip surface 112d, a side surface 112s facing the other scraper 111, and a chamfered connecting portion 112c that connects the tip surface 112d and the side surface 112s.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 7, the connecting portions 111c and 112c are chamfered at the corners, but they may also be rounded. Furthermore, in the pair of scrapers 111 and 112, in order to increase the surface pressure when they come into contact with the sternal crest cartilage portion 20, it is preferable to make the thickness of the tip surfaces 111d and 112d, and the thickness of the connecting portions 111c and 112c near the tip surfaces thinner than the thickness of the regions further away from the tip surfaces 111d and 112d, and the connecting portions 111c and 112c. Furthermore, the thickness of the region of the side surfaces 111s and 112s that abuts the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 may be made thinner than the thickness of the region further away from that region.

[0031] (Regarding the removal of residual tissue remaining on both sides of the sternal crest cartilage area 20) In the scraper device 100 configured in this manner according to one embodiment, the remaining tissue on both surfaces of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 is removed as follows. In addition, the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment is equipped with a control device (not shown) that enables the following operations of each part.

[0032] First, as shown in Figure 1, the scraper device 100 waits in the retracted position until the workpiece w is transported to a predetermined position. In one embodiment of the scraper device 100, by retracting the rod of the second drive unit 152, the oscillating substrate 123, the pair of arms 131 and 132, and the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 oscillate clockwise around the oscillating central axis AX2 in Figures 1 and 2, moving to the retracted position. Furthermore, in the retracted position, the rod of the first drive unit 151 is retracted, and as shown in Figure 3, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are in the open position.

[0033] When the workpiece w reaches a predetermined position, the scraper device 100 moves to the removal position to remove any remaining tissue from the surfaces on both sides of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20. Specifically, when the workpiece w reaches a predetermined position, the scraper device 100 extends the rod of the second drive unit 152, causing the oscillating base plate 123, the pair of arms 131 and 132, and the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 to oscillate counterclockwise around the oscillating central axis AX2 in Figures 1 and 2, and move to the removal position. As a result, the tips 111a and 112a of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 come into contact with the upper surface of the workpiece w. At this time, the rod of the first drive unit 151 is retracted, and the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are in an open state, as shown in Figure 3.

[0034] Thus, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the second drive unit 152 is a drive unit for moving the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 toward the cone 12. This allows the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 to be moved to the appropriate position relative to the sternal cartilage area 20, thereby enabling efficient removal of the tissue attached to the sternal cartilage area 20.

[0035] After the scraper device 100 moves to the removal position, it extends the rod of the first drive unit 151 to close the pair of scrapers 111 and 112, as shown in Figures 4 and 7. This causes the side surface of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 to be sandwiched between the side surface 111s of one scraper 111 and the side surface 112s of the other scraper 112. In this state, as the workpiece w moves downstream in the transport direction, the tip surfaces 111d, 112d, connecting parts 111c, 112c, and side surfaces 111s, 112s of the pair of scrapers 111, 112 remove any remaining tissue on both sides of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20.

[0036] In a scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, one scraper 111 has a chamfered connection portion 111c between its tip surface 111d and its side surface 111s, and the other scraper 112 has a chamfered connection portion 112c between its tip surface 112d and its side surface 112s. This allows the connecting portions 111c and 112c to be chamfer to match the shape of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20, thereby preventing damage to the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 at the connecting portions 111c and 112c, and enabling efficient removal of the flesh.

[0037] After removing the remaining material, the scraper device 100 moves to a retracted position and waits until the next workpiece w reaches a predetermined position. Once the next workpiece w reaches the predetermined position, it repeats the operations described above.

[0038] (Regarding the allowable displacement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the third direction Dr3) In one embodiment of the scraper device 100, when the side surface of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 is being gripped by the pair of scrapers 111 and 112, the device is configured to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in a third direction Dr3 to conform to the shape of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20. As described above, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the pair of arms 131 and 132 are pivotally supported by a pair of pivot supports 125 and 126 at a position between the tips 131a and 132a and the base ends 131b and 132b, respectively, so as to be able to rotate around the pivot axis AX1. Therefore, when the rod of the first drive unit 151 extends, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 move along the third direction Dr3 so as to close, as shown in Figures 4 and 6A to 6C.

[0039] At this time, if the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 are closed without, for example, gripping the sternal crest cartilage portion 20, as shown in Figure 6A, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112, when viewed from the second direction Dr2, are positioned along the transport path of the cone 12 formed by the chain conveyor 10, facing each other across the center line C that passes through the center of the cone 12. As described above, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the first drive unit 151 is constrained only by the base end 131b of one arm 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm 132. In other words, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the first drive unit 151 is not constrained by any structure other than the pair of arms 131 and 132, and can move freely together with the pair of arms 131 and 132. Therefore, as shown in Figures 6B and 6C, the pair of arms 131 and 132 rotate around the pivot axis AX1, allowing the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 to shift away from the center line C along the third direction Dr3. As a result, even if the portion 21 protruding outward from the workpiece w, i.e., toward the second direction Dr2, at the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 is deformed such that it deviates from the center line C when viewed from the second direction Dr2, the displacement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 toward the third direction Dr3 is permitted in accordance with the shape of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20.

[0040] Furthermore, if the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 shift away from the center line C along the third direction Dr3, the first drive unit 151, which is located on the opposite side of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 with respect to the pair of pivot supports 125 and 126, will also move along the third direction Dr3. As described above, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the first drive unit 151 is not constrained by any structure other than the pair of arms 131 and 132, and can move freely together with the pair of arms 131 and 132. Therefore, the first drive unit 151 does not hinder the shift of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the third direction Dr3.

[0041] A scraper device 100 according to one embodiment includes a restricting member 141 that restricts the range of rotation of a pair of arms 131 and 132 that rotate around a pair of pivot points 125 and 126, respectively. Specifically, the restricting member 141 consists of four restricting bolts 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d that restrict the rotational range of the protrusions 148 and 149 described below. The four restricting bolts 141a, 141b, 141c, and 141d are each fixed to the oscillating base plate 123. One arm portion 131 extends radially outward from the pivot axis AX1 of one pivot support portion 125 and has one projection portion 148 fixed to the one arm portion 131. The other arm portion 132 extends radially outward from the pivot axis AX1 of the other pivot support portion 126 and has the other projection portion 149 fixed to the other arm portion 132.

[0042] When one arm portion 131 rotates around the pivot axis AX1 of one pivot portion 125, the one projection portion 148 also rotates around the pivot axis AX1. The rotational range of one protrusion 148 is restricted by two restricting bolts 141a and 141b, and the rotational range of the other protrusion 149 is restricted by two other restricting bolts 141c and 141d.

[0043] As shown in Figure 6B, the restricting bolt 141a, which is located downstream of one of the protrusions 148 in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), has its tip contact with one of the protrusions 148 from the downstream side in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), thereby restricting the rotation of one of the arms 131 in the counterclockwise direction shown. As shown in Figure 6C, the restricting bolt 141b, which is located upstream of one of the protrusions 148 in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), has its tip contact with one of the protrusions 148 from the upstream side in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), thereby restricting the rotation of one of the arms 131 in the illustrated clockwise direction.

[0044] As shown in Figure 6C, the restricting bolt 141c, which is located downstream of the other protrusion 149 in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), restricts the rotation of the other arm 132 in the illustrated clockwise direction by its tip contacting the other protrusion 149 from the downstream side in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1). As shown in Figure 6B, the restricting bolt 141d, which is located upstream of the other protrusion 149 in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1), restricts the rotation of the other arm 132 in the illustrated counterclockwise direction by having its tip contact the other protrusion 149 from the upstream side in the conveying direction (first direction Dr1).

[0045] Thus, in the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment, the range of movement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the third direction Dr3 can be limited.

[0046] As described above, the scraper device 100 according to one embodiment includes a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 arranged facing each other in a third direction Dr3, for removing meat attached to the sternal crest cartilage portion 20, which is the processing area of ​​the workpiece w, by gripping the sternal crest cartilage portion 20. The scraper device 100 according to one embodiment includes a support portion 120 that supports the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the third direction Dr3 to conform to the shape of the sternal crest cartilage portion 20 of the workpiece w moving in the transport direction (direction of arrow a). This allows for efficient removal of the tissue attached to the sternal cartilage area 20 while preventing damage to the sternal cartilage area 20.

[0047] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also includes modified forms of the embodiments described above, as well as forms that combine these forms as appropriate. For example, the scraper device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is configured to remove meat remaining on the sternal cartilage portion 20, but it may also be configured to remove meat remaining on parts other than the sternal cartilage portion 20. Also, the scraper device 100 according to the above-described embodiment is configured to remove meat remaining on a poultry carcass, but it may also be configured to remove meat remaining on a livestock carcass other than a poultry carcass.

[0048] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows: (1) A scraper device 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 arranged opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of a poultry carcass (workpiece w) held in a holder (cone 12), for removing meat attached to a portion to be treated (sternal crest cartilage portion 20) of the poultry carcass (workpiece w) by gripping the portion to be treated (sternal crest cartilage portion 20). A scraper device 100 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a support portion 120 that supports a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the above-mentioned perpendicular direction (third direction Dr3) in accordance with the shape of the portion to be treated (sternal crest cartilage portion 20) of the poultry carcass (workpiece w) moving in the transport direction.

[0049] According to the configuration described in (1) above, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 move in accordance with the shape of the part to be treated (sternal cartilage portion 20) of the poultry carcass (work w), so that the meat attached to the part to be treated (sternal cartilage portion 20) can be efficiently removed while preventing damage to the part to be treated (sternal cartilage portion 20).

[0050] (2) In some embodiments, the configuration of (1) above may include a first drive unit 151 for moving the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 in the orthogonal direction (third direction Dr3) so as to sandwich the area to be treated (sternal crest cartilage area 20) between the pair of scrapers 111 and 112.

[0051] According to the configuration described in (2) above, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 can be used to grip the area to be treated (sternal cartilage portion 20) and efficiently remove the meat attached to the area to be treated (sternal cartilage portion 20).

[0052] (3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (2) above, the support 120 has a pair of arms 131, 132, including one arm 131 to which one of the pair of scrapers 111, 112 is attached at its tip, and the other arm 132 to which the other scraper 112 of the pair of scrapers 111, 112 is attached at its tip. The support 120 has a pair of pivot supports 125, 126 that pivotally support each of the pair of arms 131, 132 so that the pair of scrapers 111, 112 moves in the orthogonal direction (third direction Dr3). The first drive unit 151 may be configured to change the distance between the base end 131b of one arm 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm 132.

[0053] According to the configuration of (3) above, a pair of scrapers 111 and 112 can be moved in the orthogonal direction (third direction Dr3) to grasp the part to be processed (sternal crest cartilage portion 20) of the poultry carcass (workpiece w) with a relatively simple configuration.

[0054] (4) In some embodiments, the configuration of (3) above may include a restricting member 141 that restricts the range of rotation of a pair of arms 131 and 132 that rotate around each of the pair of pivot points 125 and 126.

[0055] According to the configuration of (4) above, a pair of scrapers 111 、1 The range of movement of 12 in the orthogonal direction (third direction Dr3) can be restricted.

[0056] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (3) or (4) above, the first drive unit 151 may be constrained only to the base end 131b of one arm 131 and the base end 132b of the other arm 132.

[0057] According to the configuration of (5) above, the first drive unit 151 is not constrained by anything other than the pair of arms 131 and 132, and can move freely together with the pair of arms 131 and 132. As a result, the first drive unit does not hinder the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 from shifting in the orthogonal direction (third direction Dr3).

[0058] (6) In some embodiments, the configuration of (1) to (5) above may include a second drive unit 152 for moving a pair of scrapers 111, 112 toward the holder (cone 12).

[0059] According to the configuration described in (6) above, the pair of scrapers 111 and 112 can be moved to the appropriate position relative to the area to be treated (sternal cartilage area 20), so that the flesh attached to the area to be treated (sternal cartilage area 20) can be efficiently removed.

[0060] (7) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (6) above, one of the pair of scrapers 111, 112 may have a chamfered connection portion 111c between the tip surface 111d of the scraper 111 and the side surface 111s facing the other scraper 112 of the pair of scrapers 111, 112, and the other scraper 112 may have a chamfered connection portion 112c between the tip surface 112d of the other scraper 112 and the side surface 112s facing the scraper 111.

[0061] According to the configuration described in (7) above, by chamfering the connecting parts 111c and 112c to match the shape of the area to be treated (sternal crest cartilage area 20), damage to the area to be treated (sternal crest cartilage area 20) by the connecting parts 111c and 112c can be suppressed, and the flesh can be removed efficiently.

[0062] (8) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (7) above, the part to be treated may be the sternal crest cartilage portion 20.

[0063] According to the configuration described in (8) above, it is possible to efficiently remove the flesh attached to the sternal crest cartilage area 20 while suppressing damage to the sternal crest cartilage area 20. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1. Conveying device 12 Cones (Holders) 20 Sternal crest cartilage site (part to be treated) 100 Scraper Devices 111 Scraper (one scraper) 111c connection 112 Scraper (the other scraper) 112c connection 120 Support part 125 Axial support (one of the axial supports) 126 Axial support (other axial support) 131 Arm (one arm) 132 Arm (the other arm) 141 Regulating member 151 First drive unit 152 Second drive unit

Claims

1. A pair of scrapers are arranged opposite each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the poultry carcass held by the holder, and are used to remove meat attached to the part of the poultry carcass to be processed by gripping it. A support portion that supports the pair of scrapers so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction to conform to the shape of the processing section of the poultry carcass moving in the transport direction, Equipped with, If the part of the poultry carcass to be processed is not positioned between the pair of scrapers, the pair of scrapers face each other across a center line extending in the conveying direction. When the part of the poultry carcass to be processed is positioned between the pair of scrapers, the support portion allows for a displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction such that one of the scrapers crosses the center line extending in the transport direction. Scraper device.

2. A pair of scrapers arranged opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of a poultry carcass held by a holder, for removing meat attached to a portion of the poultry carcass by gripping the portion to be processed, A support portion that supports the pair of scrapers so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction to conform to the shape of the processing section of the poultry carcass moving in the transport direction, A first drive unit for moving the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction so as to sandwich the part to be processed between the pair of scrapers, Equipped with Scraper device.

3. The aforementioned support portion is A pair of arms, including one arm to which one of the pair of scrapers is attached at its tip, and the other arm to which the other scraper of the pair of scrapers is attached at its tip, A pair of pivot supports that pivotally support each of the pair of arms so that the pair of scrapers can move in the orthogonal direction, It has, The first drive unit is configured to change the distance between the base end of one arm and the base end of the other arm. The scraper device according to claim 2.

4. The support portion has a restricting member that restricts the range of rotation of the pair of arms that rotate around each of the pair of pivot points. The scraper device according to claim 3.

5. The first drive unit is constrained only by the base end of one arm and the base end of the other arm. The scraper device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. A pair of scrapers arranged opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of a poultry carcass held by a holder, for removing meat attached to a portion of the poultry carcass by gripping the portion to be processed, A support portion that supports the pair of scrapers so as to allow displacement of the pair of scrapers in the orthogonal direction to conform to the shape of the processing section of the poultry carcass moving in the transport direction, A second drive unit for moving the pair of scrapers toward the holder, Equipped with Scraper device.

7. One of the pair of scrapers has a chamfered connection between the tip surface of the one scraper and the side surface facing the other scraper of the pair. The other scraper has a chamfered connection between its tip surface and the side surface facing the first scraper. A scraper device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

8. The aforementioned treated area is the sternal crest cartilage area. A scraper device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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