Cutting apparatus for severing tendons on poultry carcasses

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (100) designed and configured for severing tendons connecting a humerus or parts thereof to a shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle muscles on poultry carcasses (250) from which the wings have been removed but which still have at least parts of a humerus and are transported along a transport path in a transport direction T, which apparatus is characterized by a framework (102), two severing units arranged on the framework (102), wherein each severing unit comprises a severing means designed and configured for severing in each case at least one of the tendons located on both sides of the poultry carcass (250), actuation means for actuating the severing means, and adjustment means by which at least parts of the severing units carrying the severing means are moved from a standby position to a severing position, lying in the transport path of the poultry carcasses (250), and back again.

Description

[0001] BAADER Poultry Holding GmbH, Roggenhorster Straße 9c, 23556 Lübeck,

[0002] Germany

[0003] Cutting device for separating tendons from poultry carcasses

[0004] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for separating tendons connecting a humerus or parts thereof with a shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle muscles from poultry carcasses that have been freed of wings but still have at least parts of a humerus and are transported along a transport path in the transport direction T.

[0005] Such devices are used in the poultry processing industry to prepare poultry carcasses for breast fillet removal, i.e., filleting. The upper arm of a bird's wing is the humerus. It is the proximal bone segment of the wing and anatomically corresponds to the humerus in mammals. The humerus connects the shoulder joint to the forearm, which consists of the ulna and radius. The "wing humerus" in birds is, accordingly, the upper arm bone of the wing. In birds, especially chickens, the humerus is a short, strong, slightly S-shaped tubular bone that usually lies horizontally against the body when the wing is folded. The humerus is part of the skeleton that develops from the modified limbs in birds and is highly specialized for flight. Important flight muscles, tendons, and ligaments attach to it.In other words, the wing humerus is the upper arm bone of the poultry wing and forms its central, proximal bony segment. The caudal scapulohumeral muscle is a skeletal muscle in poultry and belongs to the shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle musculature. The caudal scapulohumeral muscle originates along the entire length of the scapula. The muscle fibers run to the humerus. They insert via a tendon at the ventral tubercle of the humerus. Ultimately, the tendons, which are to be severed by the device, connect the humerus or parts of it to the shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle musculature, also known as the back meat. Before filleting, i.e., removing the breast meat, the wings are removed from the poultry carcass, which generally includes separating the upper arms and the tendons attached to them.During the usual process of separating the wings from the poultry carcass, it sometimes happens that the upper arm is not separated, or only partially separated, from the carcass. This results in the tendon connection between the shoulder girdle and / or the shoulder girdle muscles and the joint area between the upper arm and the carcass remaining intact. This impairs the subsequent filleting process, thus reducing the meat yield.

[0006] The resulting task is to propose a device by which the filleting process is optimally prepared by reliably separating the tendons between the upper arm and shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle muscles with the device.

[0007] This problem is solved by a device mentioned above, characterized in that it comprises a frame, two separating units arranged on the frame, each separating unit comprising a separating element designed and configured to separate at least one of the tendons located on both sides of the poultry carcass, actuating means for actuating the separating elements, and positioning means for moving at least the parts of the separating units carrying the separating elements from a waiting position to a separating position located in the transport path of the poultry carcasses and back. With such a device, individual or all tendons can be separated automatically and reliably.Even or especially if, during the separation process of the wings from the poultry carcass, remnants of the upper arm remain, and thus the tendon connection to the shoulder girdle and / or the shoulder girdle muscles, each tendon can be reliably severed using the device according to the invention in preparation for the filleting process. This significantly improves the yield in the subsequent filleting process.

[0008] Preferably, the separating device on each separating unit includes a rotating circular blade. The circular blades enable a particularly fast and precise vertical cut in the joint area. Optionally, other separating devices, knives, blades, or the like can also be used to separate the tendons. These can involve rotary, pivoting, and / or linear cutting movements.

[0009] Advantageously, the actuating device includes drive means for powering the circular blades. These drive means can be designed and configured for direct or indirect powering of the circular blades. The drive means can also be designed and configured for powering the circular blades in the same or opposite directions.

[0010] Advantageously, the frame comprises a portal-like base plate, the base plate having a first support arm and a second support arm, the two support arms being connected to each other by a crossbeam. The base plate is ultimately a U-shaped back plate, preferably formed in one piece. However, the frame can also be constructed in other, and in particular multi-part, designs. In the preferred embodiment, a separating unit is arranged at the free end of each support arm. This allows the two separating units to be spaced apart from each other on the frame, transverse to the transport direction T of the poultry carcasses, to form a passageway, such that a separating unit can be positioned on each side of the transport path. This also optimizes the movement of the separating units from the waiting position to the separating position and back.

[0011] Preferably, each separating unit is detachably arranged on a flange element, the flange element being detachably attached to a frame bracket of the frame. The flange element(s) is preferably an integral part of the frame. Optionally, the flange element(s) can also be formed integrally with the base plate.

[0012] Particularly preferably, each separating unit comprises at least one mounting plate, one mounting block, one retaining element, and the separating agent. The separating units can also be formed from other and / or additional components. The retaining element is preferably L-shaped, although the design of the retaining element and the other components can vary. Advantageously, the circular blade as the separating agent is arranged on the retaining element, with the retaining element being arranged on the mounting block and the mounting block on the mounting plate. The separating unit is then attached to the flange element by means of the mounting plate. This design allows the separating units to be moved easily and safely from the waiting position to the separating position and back. The circular blade or any other separating agent can, for example, also be arranged on a handling arm or the like.

[0013] Advantageously, the holding element is rotatably mounted on the mounting block and is operatively connected to a swivel arm. This design allows for quick and direct movement of the circular knives between positions, in order to move the circular knives into the cutting position, preferably only when necessary and after prior detection of the need for a tendon cut, and to move the circular knives back into the waiting position to clear the transport path for the poultry carcasses.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the retaining element comprises a shaft which is guided through the mounting block and connected to the pivot arm at a free end protruding from the mounting block. This mechanical coupling enables a direct transmission of the pivoting movement via the pivot arm to the retaining element supporting the circular blade.

[0015] Advantageously, the actuating device comprises an actuator, with each separating unit being assigned an actuator such that one end of the actuator is arranged on the frame and the other end of the actuator on the separating unit. Optionally, an actuator can also be provided by means of which both separating units can preferably be actuated synchronously.

[0016] Advantageously, the actuator(s) for moving the circular knives towards and away from each other are pneumatic cylinders. This enables hygienic and precise adjustment of the cutting units or their movable parts. Of course, other actuators, such as stepper motors or the like, can be used to perform the movements. Preferably, the pneumatic cylinder is pivotally attached at one end to the mounting plate of the cutting unit and pivotally connected at the other end to the swivel arm. By extending and retracting a piston rod of the pneumatic cylinder, the movement can be transmitted directly via the swivel arm to the circular knife associated with the holding element.

[0017] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the drive means comprises a belt drive by means of which the circular blades of the two separating units are designed and configured to be driven. Separate drive belts can be provided as the drive means, so that each circular blade can be driven separately and independently of the other circular blade. Instead of the belt drive, other drive means, for example servo motors or the like, can also be assigned to the circular blade. Preferably, however, a common belt drive with a single drive motor is provided, whereby the circular blades can be driven in opposite directions.

[0018] Particularly preferably, the belt drive is arranged on the frame, with a single drive motor assigned to the belt drive. The drive motor, which can optionally be an electric motor, a pneumatically driven motor, or any other type of motor, is supported by the base plate of the frame. The belt drive is also assigned to the base plate.

[0019] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the belt drive comprises a primary drive belt and two secondary drive belts, with the drive motor being assigned to the primary drive belt. The drive motor drives the primary drive belt via drive pulleys. The rotation of the primary drive belt, the direction of rotation of which can be varied, is transmitted to the two secondary drive belts by means of wave pulleys.

[0020] For guiding, tensioning, and / or steering the drive belts, the belt drive comprises various and multiple rollers and / or pulleys, in particular also drive rollers, wherein a first drive roller is operatively connected to the primary drive belt and one of the two secondary drive belts, and a second drive roller is operatively connected to the primary drive belt and one of the two secondary drive belts. Additionally, the first of the two secondary drive belts and the second of the two secondary drive belts are each further guided over several guide rollers.

[0021] Preferably, each of the two secondary drive belts is additionally guided around a drive roller arranged at one free end of a drive shaft, with the circular blade arranged at the opposite free end of each drive shaft. The drive shaft(s) are rotatably mounted in the holding element.

[0022] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and further developments of the device are described in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0023] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an isometric view of a device according to aspects of the disclosed object from a front oblique angle.

[0024] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an isometric rear view of the device according to Figure 1,

[0025] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the two separation units in front view,

[0026] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an isometric view of one, namely the left separating unit from the front,

[0027] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the separation unit according to Figure 4 in side view,

[0028] Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the separation unit according to Figure 4 in rear view,

[0029] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of the separation unit according to Figure 4 in an external view,

[0030] Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of the separation unit according to Figure 4 in a top view from above, Fig. 9 is a schematic representation of the separation unit according to Figure 4 in a top view from below, and

[0031] Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of an exemplary bird carcass in side view, showing the interface of the separation unit according to Figure 4.

[0032] The embodiment of the invention shown in the drawing relates to a device 100, designed and configured for separating a humerus or parts thereof with tendons connecting a shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle muscles from poultry carcasses 250 that have been dewinged but still retain at least parts of a humerus and are transported along a transport path in the transport direction T. This device 100, as a cutting device, is arranged, for example, along a transport device that transports the poultry carcasses 250 in the transport direction T, preferably as part of a processing line in the transport direction T downstream of a wing separating device and upstream of a filleting device or the like.

[0033] According to the invention, this device 100 is characterized by a frame 102, two separating units arranged on the frame 102, each separating unit comprising a separating means designed and configured to separate at least one of the tendons located on both sides of the poultry carcass 250, preferably all of the tendons located on both sides of the poultry carcass 250, actuating means for actuating the separating means, and positioning means for moving at least the parts of the separating units carrying the separating means from a waiting position to a separating position located in the transport path of the poultry carcasses 250 and back.

[0034] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments, either individually or in combination. It is expressly pointed out that features summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawing, or described in a common embodiment, can also functionally and independently further develop the device 100 described above. With reference to Figures 1 to 10, an exemplary cutting device 100 is shown, which performs a cut in the tendon that connects the underside of the wing humerus to the scapula 257 next to the shoulder 264, essentially at the interface between the coracoid and humerus or at an ankle 266 of a poultry carcass 250.In particular, the cutting device 100 is designed and configured to sever the tendon that connects the wing humerus to the caudal scapulohumeral muscle next to the ankle joint 266 in a dorsoventral direction. A frame structure, designated as a frame 102 with a left and a right side, forms a central passage 110 and carries circular blades, designated as circular knives 152, 201, which rotate and are moved by actuators 144, 193 into a position between the ankle joint 266 and the breast 256 to sever the tendon vertically as the poultry carcasses 250 pass between them. The resulting cut increases the yield of back meat 258 removed from the poultry carcasses 250 when, during the removal of the poultry wings, a portion of the humerus forming the ankle joint 266 remains.

[0035] The upper part of the cutting device 100 comprises a base plate as a back plate 112, a drive motor 104 which drives a series of drive pulleys that rotate guide pulleys to turn the circular blades 152 and 201. The drive motor 104 can be an electric motor or a pneumatically driven motor. A left (support) arm 114 of the back plate 112 comprises a secondary shaft pulley 106, which is driven by a primary drive pulley 105, which in turn is driven by the drive motor 104. The primary drive belt 108 rotates a left primary drive pulley 160 to turn the circular blade 152. The drive belt 108 also rotates a right primary drive pulley 161 to turn the circular blade 201. The primary drive belt 108 is tensioned by positioning the shaft pulley 106.

[0036] Guide rollers transmit the rotation of the drive pulleys to the circular knives 152, 201. The left (support) arm 114 forms an upper tab 116 that extends outwards from the (support) arm 114 to support a first guide roller 154b. The left (support) arm 114 forms a lower tab 118 that hangs down from the arm and supports a second knife roller 154c. The guide rollers 154b and c guide a secondary drive belt 158 ​​that connects a left knife roller 154d to a left auxiliary roller 154a, which is driven by the left primary drive roller 160. The right (support) arm 163 forms an upper tab 165 that extends outwards from the (support) arm 163 and supports a first guide roller 154f. The right (support) arm 163 forms a lower tab 167 which hangs down from the (support) arm and carries a second guide roller 154g.The guide rollers 154f and g redirect a secondary drive belt 206, which connects a right knife roller 154h to a right auxiliary roller 154e, which is driven by the right primary drive roller 161.

[0037] The blades are connected to the rear plate, which serves as the base plate 112, via a side plate connected to a frame bracket 122 and a mounting plate. The right side of the cutting device 100 generally mirrors the left side. The frame bracket 122 forms a left wing 124 and a right wing 173. The left wing 124 extends rearward from the rear plate 112 and forms an inwardly projecting tab 126 adjacent to an opening 127. A left side plate 130 has an upper end forming an upper flange 132 and a lower flange 136 forming a foot 134. The left side plate 130 is fastened to the outside of the left wing 124 by adjustable screws. The upper flange 132 extends inward through the opening 127 and accommodates a threaded adjusting screw 128.The adjusting screw 128 presses against the tab 126, thus enabling fine adjustment of the vertical position of the circular knife 152 relative to the fixed vertical position of the poultry carcass 250 within the central passage 110. The foot 134 extends inwards towards the central passage 110, and the foot 134 and the lower flange 136 serve to attach a left-hand mounting plate 140 by means of adjustable screws. This attachment allows lateral adjustment of the circular knife 152 inwards and outwards from the central passage 110.

[0038] Similarly, the right wing 173 extends rearward from the rear plate 112 and forms an inwardly projecting tab next to an opening. A right side plate 179 has an upper end forming an upper flange and a lower flange 185 forming a foot 183. The right side plate 179 is attached to the outside of the right wing 173 by adjustable screws. The upper flange extends inward through the opening of the right wing 173 and accommodates an adjusting screw that can be screwed into it. The adjusting screw presses against the tab of the right wing 173, thus allowing fine adjustment of the vertical position of the circular knife 201 relative to the fixed vertical position of the poultry carcass 250 within the central passage 110.The foot 183 extends inwards towards the central passage 110, and the foot 183 and the lower flange 185 allow the attachment of a right-hand mounting plate as a mounting plate 189 by means of adjustable screws. The attachment allows lateral adjustment of the circular blade 201 inwards and outwards from the central passage 110.

[0039] With reference to Figures 4 to 9, the left side of the cutting device 100 is shown, with the left circular blade 152 connected to the left mounting plate 140 via an L-shaped bracket, which serves as a retaining element 150 and is connected to a left mounting block 142. The left mounting block 142 is located on the inside of the left mounting plate 140 and extends forward, forming an arm mounting point for a (swivel) arm 146. The (swivel) arm 146 extends from an actuator connection point to a clevis bracket 148, which is connected to a mounting bolt. The mounting bolt 149 is connected to the L-shaped bracket 150 and extends through the arm mounting point, connecting to the clevis bracket 148 below the (swivel) arm 146.The actuator 144 is pivotally connected at one end to the left mounting plate 140 and pivotally connected at the actuator connection point to the (swivel) arm 146. The extension and retraction of the actuator 144's piston rotates the L-shaped bracket 150, thereby moving the left circular blade 152 inwards and outwards to perform the vertical cut next to the knuckle 266 on the left side of the poultry carcass 250 as it moves through the passage 110. The left circular blade 152 is located at the front of the L-shaped bracket 150 and is connected via a (drive) shaft 156, which runs through a bearing in the L-shaped bracket 150, to the left blade disc as a drive roller 154d.

[0040] The right circular blade 201 is connected to the right mounting plate 189 via an L-shaped bracket 199, which is connected to a right mounting block 191. The right mounting block 191 is located on the inside of the right mounting plate 189 and extends forward, forming an arm mounting point for a (swivel) arm 195. The (swivel) arm 195 extends from an actuator connection point to a clevis bracket 197, which is connected to a mounting bolt. The mounting bolt is connected to the L-shaped bracket 199, extends through the arm mounting point, and is connected to the clevis bracket 197 below the (swivel) arm 195. The actuator 193 is pivotably connected at one end to the right mounting plate 189 and pivotably connected at the connection point of the actuator 193 to the (swivel) arm 195.The extension and retraction of the piston of actuator 193 rotates the L-shaped bracket 199, and thus the right circular blade 201, inwards and outwards to perform the vertical cut next to the knuckle 266 on the right side of the poultry carcass 250 as it moves through the passage 110. The right circular blade 201 is located on the front of the L-shaped bracket 199 and is connected to the right blade disc, which acts as a drive roller 154h, via a (drive) shaft 204 that runs through a bearing in the L-shaped bracket 199. In one embodiment, the actuators 144 and 193 are pneumatically actuated.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 10, a poultry carcass 250 is shown, the ventral end 260 of which, with the breast 256 and sternum 255, points downwards, and the dorsal end 262 of which, with the back meat 258 and spine 259, points upwards, as the poultry carcass 250 would appear if it moved from the left side of the illustration to the right, passing the circular blade 152 of the left cutting unit. The knuckle 266 is located at the shoulder 264 next to the neck opening 252 on the left and right sides of the poultry carcass 250. The cuts made by the circular blades 152, 201 are on the side of the knuckle 266 facing the vent 254.

[0042] Apart from the drive belts 108, 158, 206, the cutting device 100 can be made of metal, for example stainless steel.

[0043] During operation, the motor 104 rotates the circular blades 152, 201 while the poultry carcass 250 is moved through the passage 110. As the poultry carcass 250 passes the left and right separating unit, the actuators 144, 193 are rapidly actuated, causing the L-shaped supports 150, 199 to rotate inwards about the axis of rotation D until the circular blades 152, 201 contact the poultry carcasses 250 and sever the tendon that connects the caudal scapulohumeral muscle to the wing humerus in a dorsoventral direction next to the ankle 266, between the ankle and the breast 256 of the poultry on the left and right sides of the poultry carcass 250. The left and right separating units with the circular knives 152, 201 are then quickly turned outwards so that the poultry carcass 250 can pass the cutting device 100.As each poultry carcass passes through passage 110 every 250 minutes, the cutting steps described above are repeated.

[0044] Controlling the device 100, in particular controlling the actuators 144, 193 for moving the circular blades 152, 201 from the waiting position to the cutting position and back, can optionally and preferably be based on previously acquired data and information. Detection means, such as sensors and / or cameras and / or other components, can be provided, which are arranged in a processing line in the transport direction T upstream of the device 100. By means of these detection means, the result of the wing removal can be monitored so that the device 100 is only controlled if the wing removal process has not been carried out or has not been carried out completely.

Claims

1. Device (100), designed and equipped for separating tendons connecting a humerus or parts thereof with a shoulder girdle and / or shoulder girdle muscles on poultry carcasses (250) that have been stripped of wings but still have at least parts of a humerus and are transported along a transport path in the transport direction T, defined by a frame (102), two separating units arranged on the frame (102), each separating unit comprising a separating means designed and equipped for separating at least one of the tendons located on both sides of the poultry carcass (250), actuating means for actuating the separating means, and positioning means for moving at least the parts of the separating units carrying the separating means from a waiting position to a separating position located in the transport path of the poultry carcasses (250) and back.

2. Device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the separating means on each separating unit comprises a rotatably driven circular knife (152, 201).

3. Device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the actuating means comprises drive means for driving the circular knives (152, 201).

4. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the frame (102) comprises a portal-like base plate (112), wherein the base plate (112) has a first support arm (114) and a second support arm (163) and the two support arms (114, 163) are connected to each other by a crossbeam (112).

5. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two separating units are arranged at a distance from each other on the frame (102) transversely to the transport direction T of the poultry carcasses (250) to form a passage (110), such that a separating unit can be positioned and is positioned on both sides of the transport path.

6. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each separating unit is detachably arranged on a flange element (124, 173), wherein the flange element (124, 173) is detachably attached to a frame support (122) of the frame frame (102).

7. Device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that each separating unit comprises at least one mounting plate (140, 189), one mounting block (142, 191), one retaining element (150, 199) and the separating agent.

8. Device (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that the circular knife (152, 201) is arranged as a separating means on the retaining element (150, 199), wherein the retaining element (150, 199) is arranged on the mounting block (142, 191) and the mounting block is arranged on the mounting plate (140, 189).

9. Device (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the retaining element (150, 199) is rotatably mounted on the mounting block (142, 191) and is operatively connected to a swivel arm (146, 195).

10. Device (100) according to claim 9, characterized in that the retaining element (150, 199) comprises a shaft which is guided through the mounting block and is connected to the pivot arm (146, 195) with a free end projecting from the mounting block (142, 191).

11. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the actuating means comprises an actuator (144, 193), wherein each separating unit is assigned an actuator (144, 193), such that one end of the actuator (144, 193) is arranged on the frame (102) and the other end of the actuator (144, 193) is arranged on the separating unit.

12. Device (100) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the actuator (144, 193) is a pneumatic cylinder. - 15 - 13. Device (100) according to claim 12, characterized in that the pneumatic cylinder is pivotably attached at one end to the mounting plate (140, 189) and pivotably connected at the other end to the pivot arm (146, 195).

14. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the drive means comprises a belt drive by means of which the circular knives (152, 201) of the two separating units are designed and configured to be driven.

15. Device (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that the belt drive is arranged on the frame (102), wherein a single drive motor (104) is assigned to the belt drive.

16. Device (100) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the belt drive comprises a primary drive belt (108) and two secondary drive belts (158, 206), wherein the drive motor (104) is assigned to the primary drive belt (108).

17. Device (100) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the drive motor (104) is an electric motor or a pneumatically driven motor.

18. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 14 to 17, characterized in that the belt drive comprises drive rollers, wherein a first drive roller (160) is operatively connected to the primary drive belt (108) and a first of the two secondary drive belts (158) and a second drive roller (161) is operatively connected to the primary drive belt (108) and a second of the two secondary drive belts (206).

19. Device (100) according to one or more of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that the first of the two secondary drive belts (158) and the second of the two secondary drive belts (206) are each additionally guided over several guide rollers.

20. Device (100) according to one or more of the provisions 16 to 19, characterized in that each of the two secondary drive belts (158, 206) is additionally guided around a drive roller (154d, 154h) which is arranged at a free end of a drive shaft (156, 205), wherein at the opposite free end of each drive shaft (156, 205) the Circular knife (152, 201) is arranged.

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