Apparatus and method for conveying slaughter products

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for conveying slaughter products (11), the slaughter products (11) having a front portion (13) and an end portion (14), and the apparatus comprising: a first transport device (15), the first transport device (15) comprising a first transport element (17); a second transport device (18), the second transport device (18) comprising a second transport element (20); a central conveying device (21) for conveying, at least in parts, the slaughter products (11) in a central conveying direction (22), the central conveying device (21) comprising a central conveying element (23), which is downstream of the first transport element (17) and the second transport element (20) such that the slaughter products (11) transported by means of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) can be transferred to the central conveying element (23). The invention also relates to a corresponding method for conveying slaughter products (11).

Description

[0001] Nordic Mechanical Engineering Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KG, Geniner Straße 249, 23560

[0002] Lübeck

[0003] Device and method for conveying slaughter products

[0004] The invention relates to a device for conveying slaughter products, wherein the slaughter products have a front section and an end section.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for conveying slaughter products, wherein the slaughter products have a front section and an end section.

[0006] Devices and methods for conveying slaughter products have been known for many years and are used, in particular, in plants in the meat processing industry for transporting slaughter products between individual plant components. Different requirements are placed on the respective devices for conveying slaughter products, since, on the one hand, a specific conveying process must be considered depending on the type of slaughter products, and, on the other hand, additional processing steps must be carried out during conveying.

[0007] Such devices and methods for conveying slaughter products typically comprise a conveyor belt for transporting the respective slaughter products in one direction. The primary objective is usually to transport the slaughter products as quickly as possible from a receiving point to a transfer point. Furthermore, it is well known that during such transport, processing steps such as weight determination, scanning, or marking are performed on the slaughter products in order to advance processing steps in the higher-level system or to initiate subsequent processing.

[0008] Furthermore, quality control or discharge devices for such devices and methods for conveying slaughter products are also known. These devices are designed to evaluate the slaughter products to be transported or, depending on this, to enable the discharge of corresponding slaughter products from the devices. For devices on which, for example, different categories of slaughter products are transported on a single device, it can be provided that slaughter products of one category are fed to / discharged from a first destination using one line of the device, while other slaughter products are fed to / discharged from a second destination, so that feeding to / discharging from different destinations is possible using a single device.

[0009] Devices with a specialized application area, for example, those that enable position- and / or time-optimized conveying of slaughter products, are very cost-intensive and require extensive control effort, which is frequently prone to errors and increases downtime and downtime. Furthermore, such systems are only specifically suited to individual slaughter products, thus precluding a wide range of possible applications and also resulting in high costs for daily operation.

[0010] Furthermore, state-of-the-art devices for conveying slaughter products are common, which only allow the transport of the corresponding products between a starting point and a destination. Such devices usually consist of a single conveyor device, which is used to transport the slaughter products between the starting point and the destination. Such devices are associated with a number of disadvantages. One of the main problems is that they often do not handle the slaughter products gently enough, which can lead to stress or damage, especially in delicate products. Furthermore, conventional transport systems are often inflexible and limited in capacity, which impairs the adaptability to different product types and the adjustment of production capacity to specific requirements.In addition, maintenance and cleaning of such systems is often time-consuming and expensive, as they have hard-to-reach areas and may require complex disassembly procedures. Furthermore, conventional transport systems are energy-inefficient and incur high acquisition and operating costs.

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a device for conveying slaughter products which, on the one hand, provides reliable and needs-based transport of slaughter products and, on the other hand, has a low level of investment and complexity. Furthermore, the object is to propose a corresponding method. This object is achieved by the device mentioned at the outset, comprising a first transport device for at least partially transporting slaughter products with the front section first or with the end section first along a first transport direction, wherein the first transport device comprises a first transport element, a second transport device for at least partially transporting slaughter products with the front section first or with the end section first along a second transport direction,wherein the second transport device comprises a second transport element, a central conveyor device for at least partially conveying the slaughter products in a central conveying direction, wherein the central conveyor device comprises a central conveyor element which is arranged downstream of the first transport element and the second transport element in such a way that the slaughter products transported by means of the first transport device and / or the second transport device can be transferred to the central conveyor element.

[0012] The device according to the invention makes it possible to transport the slaughter products with both the front and end sections leading along the transport direction. This increases flexibility and efficiency in selecting the delivery method for the respective slaughter products. The integrated central conveyor system between the two transport systems ensures a continuous product flow and enables situational adaptation of the delivery of the slaughter products to the central conveyor system. Due to the compact arrangement and precise control of the product movements, the invention is suitable for reducing space requirements and improving production quality.Furthermore, maintenance and investment costs are reduced by implementing a single central conveyor system, as the product flows from two transport systems are combined into one central conveyor system. This also simplifies product control and enables the needs-based and efficient provision of products for potential downstream processing or finishing processes. Overall, this leads to reduced operating costs and can be used in a variety of industries and applications where the transport of products with different orientations or transfer periods is required. The option of controlling the product flow from two transport systems to one central conveyor system offers a holistic solution for increasing the efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness of the transport, processing, or finishing of slaughterhouse products.Within the scope of the invention, in particular, separation of the slaughter products can be achieved by transferring the respective slaughter products, which are transported on the at least two transport devices, to the central conveyor device for transport in a single central conveyor direction. In this way, it is possible, for example, for the respective transport devices to have different transport directions, which are then standardized on the central conveyor device with the central conveyor direction. Furthermore, this can preferably bring about appropriate control of the front and end sections of the slaughter products. In addition, this results in a standardization of the transport speed, which can, among other things, be increased or decreased. If downstream processing elements or processing stations are provided, the central conveyor device enables corresponding demand-dependent and coordinated conveying.

[0013] For the purposes of the invention, “slaughter products” are understood to mean all slaughter products or parts thereof that are particularly suitable for conveying / processing in connection with the meat processing industry. Such slaughter products are also known under the terms carcasses, slaughtered animal products, slaughter products, etc. The slaughter products are particularly preferably fish, in particular slaughtered fish with the abdominal cavity opened and eviscerated, or parts thereof, as well as poultry carcasses or parts thereof. In particular, the slaughter products are fillets or elongated pieces of meat that can be transported lying down using the corresponding transport devices. The terms “front section” and “end section” mean that the respective slaughter products have a defined, forward-facing or rearward-facing section.rearward-facing part can be arranged on the respective transport element of the corresponding transport device. The front section or end section does not have to correspond to a generally accepted definition of a front, e.g., a head or a tail, but rather represents the forward-facing or rearward-facing part of a slaughter product that can be arranged on the respective transport element.

[0014] The term "transport devices" or, correspondingly, "central conveyor device" within the meaning of the invention refers to all transport devices that are designed and configured for at least partially transporting slaughter products. The transport devices each have at least one transport element for transporting the slaughter products. The respective transport device preferably comprises at least one drive means and a continuous transport means for transporting the slaughter products or the transport elements along the respective transport direction or transport path. The transport devices in connection with the device according to the invention preferably each have a single transport element, which is designed and configured as an endless belt and can alternatively also be referred to as a transport belt, conveyor belt, belt conveyor, transport belt, etc.As a transport device for poultry slaughter products or parts thereof, preferably at least one transport element designed as a conveyor belt, conveyor belt, belt conveyor, transport belt, etc. is used to transport the poultry slaughter products or parts thereof in a suitable manner, in particular lying down. The poultry slaughter products or parts thereof are preferably fillets or elongated pieces of meat. The respective transport element can in turn consist of a plurality or a multiplicity of components. The material of the transport element is not relevant to the invention, but in preferred embodiments can consist of metal, plastic, rubber, or a combination thereof.

[0015] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first transport device and the second transport device each comprise at least one transfer device, which is each designed and configured to transfer slaughter products transported on the first transport element and the second transport element with the front section first or with the end section first to the central conveyor element. The design of a transfer device for the first and the second transport device provides extremely efficient product transfer from the transport devices to the central conveyor element, thereby ensuring a smooth and trouble-free material flow. The flexibility of being able to transfer slaughter products optionally with the front section or the end section first offers versatile product placement and takes into account different transport and storage requirements.downstream processing. Such a transfer ensures a continuous product flow, which increases overall processing efficiency and enables higher throughput rates. At the same time, the targeted control of the slaughter product orientation contributes to quality assurance. Furthermore, this layout can help reduce wear and tear and maintenance requirements on the transport equipment, as there is less friction and shock loads and the transfer is carried out in a targeted manner. The type of transfer device can be appropriately adapted to the specific slaughter product to be transported, with the focus being on a gentle and time-saving transfer. For this purpose, the transfer device can include additional components and control devices, depending on the transport device or central conveyor system.

[0016] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the transport direction of the first transport device and / or the second transport device substantially corresponds to the direction of the central conveying direction or substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction. In this way, it is possible to adapt the transport direction of the first transport device and / or the second transport device to the direction of the central conveying direction or to the opposite direction. This contributes to the flexibility and efficiency of the transport system, since the slaughter products can be aligned according to the specific requirements and production processes and a corresponding arrangement can be set on the central conveying element. This leads to optimized control of the material flow and increases the versatility of possible uses, particularly for downstream processes.By aligning the slaughter products according to demand with regard to the transport direction, capacity bottlenecks can be avoided and a smooth product flow can be ensured, which overall increases the efficiency and precision of conveying and product processing.

[0017] An expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, when the direction of the central conveying direction is substantially opposite to the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction, the central conveying element comprises a substantially semicircular section, wherein the central conveying direction upstream of the semicircular section substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction and downstream of the substantially semicircular section substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport device and / or the second transport device in order to form and establish a respective change in position of the slaughter products between the front section and the end section with respect to the transport direction and the central conveying direction.If the central conveying direction is substantially opposite to the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction, the central conveying element comprises a substantially semicircular section. Before this section, the central conveying direction is substantially opposite to the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction. After this substantially semicircular section, the central conveying direction substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport device and / or the second transport device. This configuration enables a suitable device in which the position of the slaughter products between the front section and the end section can be selectively changed with respect to the transport direction and the central conveying direction.This opens up a wide range of possibilities for adapting and optimising the transport system, which in turn significantly increases the efficiency and flexibility in processing slaughter products. When processing slaughter products, a change in product orientation is regularly required, which must be carried out manually or using appropriate equipment. Such processes are costly, error-prone, and disrupt the entire production or conveying process. Transport along the essentially semicircular section changes the orientation of the slaughter products from a transport direction to the central conveying direction in order to form and establish a change in orientation of the front section relative to the end section. The design of the essentially semicircular section refers to the respective transport level of the slaughter products to be transported."Substantially semicircular" in the context of the invention means that the corresponding section is either semicircular or nearly semicircular, i.e., with a corresponding deviation from a semicircle. The section does not necessarily have to correspond to a semicircle, but can also have elliptical or similar deviations from the semicircle. It is particularly relevant to the invention that the section allows for a change in the front section compared to the end section.

[0018] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices for transferring the slaughter products is designed such that the slaughter products to be conveyed can be transferred to the central conveyor element with the front section first or with the end section first. By adapting at least one of the transfer devices so that the slaughter products to be transported can be transferred to the central conveyor element optionally with the front section or with the end section first, there is flexibility in the design of the transfer devices, which contributes significantly to the versatility and adaptability of the device. By changing the orientation of the slaughter products as needed, different requirements and production processes can be taken into account. This leads to more efficient handling of the slaughter products and to an improvement and optimization of process flows.This configuration enables targeted control of the feeding of the central conveyor element with slaughter products, which improves the capacity and utilization of the transport system.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices is designed as a sliding device in order to establish a transfer of the slaughter product to be conveyed from the respective transport element to the central conveyor element, which can be displaced essentially orthogonally to the first transport direction, the second transport direction, or the central conveyor direction. This sliding device enables the slaughter product to be conveyed to be displaced essentially orthogonally to the first transport direction, the second transport direction, or the central conveyor direction. This sliding device enables a precise and adaptable transfer of the slaughter product from the respective transport element to the central conveyor element. The use of sliding devices offers the possibility of a simple but effective transfer of slaughter products, in order to make the transfer process controlled and cost-effective.This arrangement allows the slaughtered product to be moved in a specific direction that meets the requirements of the transport system. This design increases the precision and efficiency of the product transfer, thus contributing to an increase in the overall performance of the device.

[0020] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the first transport element is designed and configured to be driven at least at a first transport speed, that the second transport element is designed and configured to be driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed are preferably substantially the same, and that the central conveyor element is designed and configured to be driven at least at a central conveyor speed. This enables targeted coordination and control of the transport speed and the transport paths of the slaughter products within the device. Uniform transport speeds ensure a harmonious material flow, thereby minimizing bottlenecks and disruptions. The process sequences and the utilization of the conveying capacity can be coordinated accordingly and, if necessary,Downstream processing processes can be served with uniformly provided slaughter products from the first transport device and the second transport device.

[0021] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed can be selected / adjusted depending on the central conveyor speed such that the slaughter products transported by the first transport device and / or the second transport device can be transferred to the central conveyor in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device and / or the second transport device. In this way, it is possible to adjust the speed of the transport devices depending on the central conveyor speed, ensuring targeted coordination of the conveying process.This ensures that the slaughter products are transferred to the central conveyor system in exactly the desired sequence and at a specified spacing, thus optimizing production processes and minimizing production downtimes. The processes and the utilization of the device can be coordinated accordingly, and any downstream processing steps can be supplied with the appropriate slaughter products from the first conveyor system and the second conveyor system in the desired sequence and at the desired intervals. The variable adjustability of the conveyor speeds enables flexible adaptation to changing production conditions. The system can adapt to different requirements in real time to maintain a smooth and efficient production line, resulting in increased agility and responsiveness.Targeted coordination of transport helps avoid congestion and bottlenecks. The slaughter products are transported in a predefined sequence and at a predefined spacing, ensuring a continuous flow in the production line and optimizing production output. Flexible adjustment of transport speeds, depending on the central conveyor speed, contributes to efficient resource utilization and minimizes energy consumption. Speed ​​can be adjusted according to specific requirements, contributing to cost savings and improved environmental sustainability.

[0022] A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the predetermined sequence for transferring the slaughter products from the first transport device and the second transport device to the central conveyor device is designed and configured to be essentially alternating. This configuration enables even distribution of the products and minimizes bottlenecks and interruptions in the product flow. This optimizes the productivity of the transport system, as the slaughter products are moved in an orderly and trouble-free sequence. This increases the overall performance of the device and ensures a smooth production process.

[0023] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first transport device and / or the second transport device comprise / comprise at least one detection unit that is / are designed and configured to detect / determine at least the weight, length, and / or volume of the slaughter products to be transported. The integration of detection units enables detailed monitoring, control, and adjustment of the slaughter products during transport. Based on this information, for example, the transport speeds or the transfer device can be adjusted to further increase the capacity, speed, and utilization of the transport system. Overall, this leads to improved quality assurance, efficiency, and control of the entire process of conveying slaughter products.In principle, any detection unit that enables the detection of slaughter products or parts thereof can be provided as a "detection unit." For example, scales, cameras, sensors, X-ray machines, photoelectric devices, etc. can be used to detect the slaughter products. The detected slaughter products are preferably provided in the form of data and can be further processed accordingly. The data is preferably provided or generated in the visible spectral range and / or based on weight, UV, IR, X-ray, or 3D data by means of the respective at least one detection unit. The detection unit is preferably designed and configured as an imaging detection unit. The detection unit is not limited to a single component, but can preferably consist of several detection elements.The detection unit is preferably provided for detecting / determining the volume, weight, geometry, color information, and / or texture properties of the respective slaughter product. The detection unit is further preferably arranged stationary in the region of the first transport device and / or the second transport device. Further preferably, several detection units are provided at different positions to form a multi-part detection of the slaughter products. In preferred embodiments, a computer unit for data processing is integrated into the detection unit. In further advantageous embodiments, the computer unit is a separate component for performing corresponding computing operations.

[0024] A useful embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the slaughter products are transferred from the first transport device and / or the second transport device depending on the detected / determined weight, length, and / or volume of the slaughter products to be transported, in order to establish and maintain at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products to be transferred from the first transport device and / or the second transport device. In this way, it is possible to specifically control the conveyance through the device such that a predetermined distance and a predetermined sequence are established and maintained between the slaughter products to be transferred from the first transport device and / or the second transport device.By adjusting the distance between the slaughter products to the weight, length, and / or volume, the distance between the slaughter products can be adjusted as needed, allowing regulation and adjustment of the distance depending on the specific characteristics of the slaughter products. By adjusting the distance to the weight, length, and volume of the products, optimal placement and alignment is achieved. This leads to more efficient use of the available space and a smoother material flow.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the device further comprises at least one further transport device, each with a further transport element, wherein each further transport device is designed and configured to transfer slaughter products according to one or more of the above preferred embodiments to the central conveyor device. This extension allows further adaptation of the versatility and capacity of the device. For example, depending on the slaughter products to be transported, transport speeds, starting or end products, at least one further transport device can be integrated. By integrating further transport devices, different production requirements and process variants can be covered. This enables expedient and customized conveying of the slaughter products and contributes to the optimization of the entire transport system.For this purpose, it may also be necessary to coordinate and adapt the corresponding system components and controls. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the slaughter products conveyed by the device can be fed to a cutting device, in particular a water jet cutting device. Such cutting devices are generally very expensive to purchase, operate, and maintain, which is why companies in the meat processing industry keep the number of these devices as low as possible. By using the device according to the invention, it is possible, for example, to provide two product lines with two conveyor devices for a single corresponding cutting device, thereby reducing costs and increasing the utilization of such devices.In principle, various other devices can also be arranged downstream of the devices according to the invention, such as X-ray devices, packaging devices, order-picking devices, etc.

[0026] Furthermore, the object is achieved by the method mentioned at the outset comprising the following steps: at least partially transporting slaughter products with the front section first or with the end section first along a first transport direction by means of a first transport device, wherein the first transport device comprises a first transport element, at least partially transporting slaughter products with the front section first or with the end section first along a second transport direction by means of a second transport device, wherein the second transport device comprises a second transport element, at least partially conveying the slaughter products in a central conveying direction by means of a central conveying device, wherein the central conveying device comprises a central conveying element which is arranged downstream of the first transport element and the second transport element in such a way,that the slaughter products transported by means of the first transport device and / or the second transport device are transferred to the central conveyor element. In the method according to the invention for conveying slaughter products, the slaughter products are moved both with the front section first and with the end section first along a first and a second transport direction, wherein a first transport device and a second transport device with corresponding transport elements are used. These slaughter products are then conveyed in a targeted manner by means of a central conveyor device, which comprises a central conveyor element and is located downstream of the first transport element and the second transport element. This method optimizes the production processes and ensures efficient coordination of transports by ensuringthat the slaughter products can be transferred to the central conveyor system without interruption. This ensures smooth operation of the production line and increases production output, which contributes to increased efficiency and cost savings in meat processing. Depending on the desired transport conditions,

[0027] This makes it possible to provide targeted support for slaughter products in a needs-based manner.

[0028] To avoid repetition, in connection with the method according to the invention, reference is made to the advantages already described in detail in connection with the device according to the invention. These also apply analogously to the specified method according to the invention.

[0029] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the slaughter products transported by means of the first transport element and those transported by means of the second transport element are transferred with the front section first or with the end section first to the central conveyor element by means of at least one transfer device comprising the first transport device and the second transport device.

[0030] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the transport direction of the first transport device and / or the second transport device essentially corresponds to the direction of the central conveying direction or essentially corresponds to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a respective change in position of the slaughter products between the front section and the end section with respect to the transport direction and the central conveying direction is produced in that, when the direction of the central conveying direction is substantially opposite to the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction, the central conveying element comprises a substantially semicircular section, wherein the central conveying direction upstream of the semicircular section substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction and downstream of the substantially semicircular section substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport direction and / or the second transport direction.The slaughter products are expediently transferred to the central conveyor element with the front section first or with the end section first by means of the at least one transfer device.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the conveyed slaughter products are pushed from the respective transport element onto the central conveyor element by means of at least one pushing device substantially orthogonal to the first transport direction, the second transport direction or the central conveying direction.

[0033] A preferred development of the invention is characterized in that the first transport element is driven at least at a first transport speed, that the second transport element is driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed are preferably substantially equal, and that the central conveyor element is driven at least at a central conveyor speed.

[0034] A further expedient embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed is / are selected / adjusted as a function of the central conveyor speed in such a way that the slaughter products transported by the first transport device and / or the second transport device are transferred to the central conveyor device in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device and / or the second transport device.

[0035] A further advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the slaughter products are transferred from the first transport device and the second transport device essentially alternately to the central conveyor device.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, at least the weight, length, and / or volume of the slaughter products is / are detected / determined by means of at least one detection unit comprising the first transport device and / or the second transport device. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the slaughter products are transferred from the first transport device and / or the second transport device to the central conveyor device depending on the detected / determined weight, length, and / or volume in order to form and establish at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products to be transferred to the first transport device and / or the second transport device.

[0037] Preferably, the slaughter products conveyed by means of the central conveying device are fed to a cutting device, in particular a water jet cutting device.

[0038] The method according to the invention is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to the invention.

[0039] Further advantages resulting from the process steps have already been described in connection with the device, which is why reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0040] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments, as well as preferred embodiments of the invention, emerge from the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0041] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0042] Fig. 2 is a top view of the first embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in Fig. 1,

[0043] Fig. 3 is a schematic side view of a second embodiment of the device according to the invention,

[0044] Fig. 4 is a view obliquely from above of the second embodiment of the device according to the invention shown in Fig. 3 and

[0045] Fig. 5 is a detailed view of a transfer device of the device according to the invention.

[0046] The device 10 according to the invention and the method 11 according to the invention for conveying slaughter products are described in more detail with reference to the above figures.

[0047] The device 10 shown in the drawings is designed and configured, by way of example, as a device 10 for conveying slaughter products 11, in particular lying fish 12 or fish fillets. The invention similarly relates to comparable devices 10 designed and configured for conveying different slaughter products 11, in particular lying poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0048] 1 and 2 schematically show a first embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, while FIGS. 3 and 4 show a second embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention. FIG. 5 shows a detailed view of a region of the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention. The devices 10 are each designed and configured to convey slaughter products 11, wherein the slaughter products 11 have a front section 13 and an end section 14. The front section 13 essentially corresponds to the section of the slaughter product 11 projecting forward in the corresponding transport direction 16, 19, 22, while the end section 14 essentially corresponds to the rear section in relation to the respective transport direction 16, 19, 22.The device 10 according to the invention comprises a first transport device 15 for at least partially transporting slaughter products 11 with the front section 13 leading or with the end section 14 leading along a first transport direction 16, wherein the first transport device 15 comprises a first transport element 17. Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a second transport device 18 for at least partially transporting slaughter products 11 with the front section 13 leading or with the end section 14 leading along a second transport direction 19, wherein the second transport device 18 comprises a second transport element 20.Furthermore, the device 10 comprises a central conveyor device 21 for at least partially conveying the slaughter products 11 in a central conveying direction 22, wherein the central conveyor device 21 comprises a central conveyor element 23 which is arranged downstream of the first transport element 17 and the second transport element 20 such that the slaughter products 11 transported by means of the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 can be transferred to the central conveyor element 23.

[0049] Figs. 1 to 4 show feed devices 24, 25 of the first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18, respectively, which are provided for feeding the respective slaughter products 11. The slaughter products 11 have been processed accordingly, for example, in upstream sorting devices, slaughter devices, etc. (not shown in the figures). In the transport devices 15, 18 shown, the respective transport element 17, 20 is divided into several components. In preferred embodiments, however, it can also be provided that only a single endless belt functions as the transport element 17, 20 for transporting the slaughter products 11.

[0050] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above.

[0051] Preferably, the first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18 each comprise at least one transfer device 26, which is each designed and configured to transfer slaughter products 11 transported on the first transport element 17 and the second transport element 20 with the front section 13 first or with the end section 14 first to the central conveyor element 23. Fig. 5 shows the transfer devices 26 of a first transport device 15 and a second transport device 18 in detail. As shown in Fig. 5, at least one of the transfer devices 26 for transferring the slaughter products 11 is designed such that the slaughter products 11 to be conveyed can be transferred to the central conveyor element 23 with the front section 13 first or with the end section 14 first.For this purpose, the corresponding slaughter products 11 are arranged with the respective front section 13 at the front or with the end section 14 on the corresponding first transport element 17 or the second transport element 20 in order to form and set up a corresponding transfer by means of the transfer devices 26. In this case, there is preferably no change in the orientation of the slaughter products 11, in that the front section 13 remains unchanged in relation to the end section 14 during the transfer. In a preferred development of the invention, at least one of the transfer devices 26 is designed as a sliding device 27 in order to set up a transfer of the slaughter product 11 to be conveyed from the respective transport element 17, 20 to the central conveyor element 23, which can be displaced essentially orthogonally to the first transport direction 16, the second transport direction 19 or the central conveyor direction 22. Fig.Figure 5 shows such a sliding device 27 with at least one sliding element 28, which is designed to be movable by means of at least one sliding drive 29. In particular, to implement the essentially orthogonal movement, at least one sliding transport element 30 can also be provided to form and establish a displacement of the respective slaughter product 11 between the transport device 15, 18 and the central conveyor device 21.

[0052] Preferably, the transport direction 16 of the first transport device 15 and / or the transport direction 19 of the second transport device 18 essentially corresponds to the direction of the central conveying direction 22 or essentially to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction 22. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, in which the transport directions 16, 19 of the first and second transport devices 15, 18 essentially correspond to the central conveying direction 22, particularly during the transfer. In contrast, at least in the second embodiment of the device 10 according to the invention, the transfer of the slaughter products 11 from the first transport element 17 and the second transport element 20 to the central conveying element 23 shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the transport directions 16, 19 of the first and second transport devices 15, 18 essentially correspond to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction 22.For a corresponding directional assessment, the comparison of the transport directions 16, 19 and the central conveying direction 22 at the time of transfer of the slaughter products 11 must be used.

[0053] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, with a direction of the central conveying direction 22 substantially opposite to the first transport direction 16 and / or the second transport direction 19, the central conveying element 23 comprises a substantially semicircular section 31, wherein the central conveying direction 22 upstream of the semicircular section 31 substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction 16 and / or the second transport direction 19 and downstream of the substantially semicircular section 31 substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport device 16 and / or the second transport device 19 in order to form and set up a respective change in position of the slaughter products 11 between the front section 13 and the end section 14 with respect to the transport direction 16, 19 and the central conveying direction 22. In Figs. 1 and Fig.2, the first transport direction 16 and the second transport direction 19 each correspond substantially to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction 22. In further embodiments - not shown in the figures - it can, however, be provided that one of the transport devices 15, 18 has a different transport direction 16, 19 to each other, whereby a different orientation of the front section 13 and the end section 14 after the transfer on the central conveying element 23 can be realized.

[0054] Preferably, the first transport element 17 is designed and configured to be driven at least at a first transport speed, and the second transport element 20 is designed and configured to be driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed are preferably substantially the same, and wherein the central conveyor element 23 is designed and configured to be driven at least at a central conveyor speed.Further preferably, the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed is / are selectable / adjustable depending on the central conveyor speed such that the slaughter products 11 transported by the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 can be transferred to the central conveyor device 21 in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18. In a further preferred embodiment, the predetermined sequence of transferring the slaughter products 11 from the first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18 to the central conveyor device 21 is designed and configured to be substantially alternating.

[0055] 1 to 4 show that the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 preferably comprises / comprise at least one detection unit 32 which is / are designed and configured to detect / determine at least the weight, the length and / or the volume of the slaughter products 11 to be transported. In FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one detection unit 32 is shown schematically and in a simplified manner. By means of the at least one detection unit 32, in particular the slaughter products 11 can be detected accordingly during transport on the respective transport element 17, 20, in particular without interruption. The position and design of the detection unit 32 is not relevant to the invention, provided that a demand-oriented detection of the slaughter products 11 is designed and configured.In further preferred embodiments - not shown in the figures - it can be provided that the central conveyor device 21 also comprises at least one detection unit 32.

[0056] Further preferably, the slaughter products 11 are transferred from the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 depending on the detected / determined weight, the length and / or the volume of the slaughter products 11 to be transported in order to form and establish at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products 11 to be transferred to the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18.

[0057] In further preferred embodiments - not shown in the figures - it may be expedient for the device 10 according to the invention to comprise at least one further transport device, each with a further transport element, wherein each further transport device is designed and configured to transfer slaughter products 11 according to a corresponding embodiment of the above-described transport devices 15, 18 to the central conveyor device 21.

[0058] Preferably, the slaughter products 11 that can be conveyed by means of the device can be fed to a cutting device - not shown in the figures - in particular a water jet cutting device.

[0059] The invention further relates to a method for conveying slaughter products 11, wherein the slaughter products 11 have a front section 13 and an end section 14. The slaughter products 11 are provided manually or automatically or independently in at least a first transport device 15 and a second transport device 18. The first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18 preferably each comprise at least one feed device 24, 25 for this purpose. The corresponding transport devices 15, 18 are each designed and configured for at least partially transporting slaughter products 11 with the front section 13 leading or with the end section 14 leading along a first transport direction 16 or a second transport direction 19.The first transport device 15 comprises at least one first transport element 17 and the second transport device 18 comprises at least one second transport element 20. The slaughter products 11 are provided by means of the first transport device 15 and by means of the second transport device 18 for at least partial conveyance to a central conveying device 21. In the central conveying device 21, the slaughter products 11 are then conveyed in a central conveying direction 22, wherein the central conveying device 21 comprises a central conveying element 23 which is arranged downstream of the first transport element 17 and the second transport element 20 such that the slaughter products 11 transported by means of the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 are transferred to the central conveying element 23.

[0060] The transfer of the slaughter products 11 between the transport devices 15, 18 and the central conveyor device 21 can take place in different ways. Preferably, the slaughter products 11 transported by the first transport element 17 and the second transport element 20 are transferred to the central conveyor element 23 with the front section 13 leading or with the end section 14 leading by means of at least one transfer device 26 comprising the first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18.

[0061] Preferably, the transport direction 16 of the first transport device 15 and / or the transport direction 19 of the second transport device 18 corresponds substantially to the direction of the central conveying direction 22 or substantially to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction 22. The direction of transport of the respective transport devices 15, 18 or the central conveying device 21 is to be equated with the corresponding transport direction of the slaughter products 11 to be conveyed.

[0062] The method according to the invention makes it possible, as shown in particular in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, to enable a change in the position of the slaughter products 11.A respective change in position of the slaughter products 11 between the front section 13 and the end section 14 is generated with respect to the transport direction 16, 19 and the central conveying direction 22 in that, when the direction of the central conveying direction 22 is substantially opposite to the first transport direction 16 and / or the second transport direction 19, the central conveying element 23 comprises a substantially semicircular section 31, wherein the central conveying direction 22 upstream of the semicircular section 31 substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction 16 and / or the second transport direction 19 and downstream of the substantially semicircular section 31 substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport direction 16 and / or the second transport direction 19.Due to the semicircular section 31, the position of the front section 13 and the end section 14 is changed at the time of transfer, thereby creating a change in orientation.

[0063] Preferably, the slaughter products 11 are transferred to the central conveyor element 23 with the front section 13 leading or with the end section 14 leading by means of the at least one transfer device 26. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyed slaughter products 11 are pushed from the respective transport element 17, 20 onto the central conveyor element 23 by means of at least one pushing device 27, substantially orthogonal to the first transport direction 16, the second transport direction 19, or the central conveying direction 22.

[0064] For transporting the slaughter products 11, the first transport element 17 is driven at least at a first transport speed, and the second transport element 20 is driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed are preferably substantially equal, and the central conveyor element 23 is driven at least at a central conveyor speed. Preferably, the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed are selected / adjusted depending on the central conveyor speed such that the slaughter products 11 transported by the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 are transferred to the central conveyor device 21 in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, the slaughter products 11 are transferred from the first transport device 15 and the second transport device 18 essentially alternately to the central conveyor device 21. More preferably, at least the weight, length and / or volume of the slaughter products 11 is / are recorded / determined by means of at least one recording unit 32 comprising the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18. Based on the recorded / determined weight, length and / or volume, the slaughter products 11 are transferred from the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 to the central conveyor device 21 in order to form and establish at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products 11 to be transferred from the first transport device 15 and / or the second transport device 18 on the central conveyor element 23.

[0066] Preferably, the slaughter products 11 conveyed by the central conveyor 21 are fed to a cutting device (not shown in the figures), in particular a water jet cutting device. Further preferably, the method is carried out using a device 10 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A device (10) for conveying slaughter products (11), wherein the slaughter products (11) have a front section (13) and an end section (14), comprising a first transport device (15) for at least partially transporting slaughter products (11) with the front section (13) in front or with the end section (14) in front along a first transport direction (16), wherein the first transport device (15) comprises a first transport element (17), a second transport device (18) for at least partially transporting slaughter products (11) with the front section (13) in front or with the end section (14) in front along a second transport direction (19), wherein the second transport device (18) comprises a second transport element (20), a central conveyor device (21) for at least partially conveying the slaughter products (11) in a central conveyor direction (22), wherein the central conveyor device (21) comprises a central conveyor element (23),which is arranged downstream of the first transport element (17) and the second transport element (20) in such a way that the slaughter products (11) transported by means of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) can be transferred to the central conveyor element (23).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first transport device (15) and the second transport device (18) each comprise at least one transfer device (26), which are each designed and configured to transfer slaughter products (11) transported on the first transport element (17) and the second transport element (20) with the front section (13) first or with the end section (14) first to the central conveyor element (23).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport direction (16) of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) substantially corresponds to the direction of the central conveying direction (22) or substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction (22).

4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the direction of the central conveying direction (22) is substantially opposite to the first transport direction (16) and / or the second transport direction (19), the central conveying element (23) comprises a substantially semicircular section (31), wherein the central conveying direction (22) upstream of the semicircular section (31) substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction (16) and / or the second transport direction (19) and downstream of the substantially semicircular section (31) substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) in order to form and establish a respective change in position of the slaughter products (11) between the front section (13) and the end section (14) with respect to the transport direction (16, 19) and the central conveying direction (22).

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices (26) for transferring the slaughter products (11) is designed such that the slaughter products (11) to be conveyed can be transferred to the central conveyor element (23) with the front section (13) in front or with the end section (14) in front.

6. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one of the transfer devices (26) is designed as a sliding device (27) in order to set up a transfer of the slaughter product (11) to be conveyed from the respective transport element (17, 20) to the central conveying element (23) which can be displaced substantially orthogonally to the first transport direction (16), to the second transport direction (19) or to the central conveying direction (22).

7. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the first transport element (17) is designed and configured to be driven at least at a first transport speed, that the second transport element (20) is designed and configured to be driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed are preferably substantially the same, and that the central conveyor element (23) is designed and configured to be driven at least at a central conveyor speed.

8. Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed is / are selectable / adjustable depending on the central conveyor speed such that the slaughter products (11) transported by the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) can be transferred to the central conveyor device (21) in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18).

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the predetermined sequence of transfer of the slaughter products (11) from the first transport device (15) and the second transport device (18) to the central conveyor device (21) is designed and arranged to be substantially alternating.

10. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) comprises / comprise at least one detection unit (32) which is / are designed and configured to detect / determine at least the weight, the length and / or the volume of the slaughter products (11) to be transported.

11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that a transfer of the slaughter products (11) from the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) takes place depending on the detected / determined weight, the length and / or the volume of the slaughter products (11) to be transported, in order to form and establish at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products (11) to be transferred to the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, further comprising at least one further transport device each with a further transport element, each further transport device being designed to Transfer of slaughter products (11) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11 to the central conveyor device (21) is designed and arranged.

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) that can be conveyed by means of the device (10) can be fed to a cutting device, in particular a water jet cutting device.

14. A method for conveying slaughter products (11), wherein the slaughter products (11) have a front section (13) and an end section (14), comprising the following steps: - at least partially transporting slaughter products (11) with the front section (13) in front or with the end section (14) in front along a first transport direction (16) by means of a first transport device (15), wherein the first transport device (15) comprises a first transport element (17), - at least partially transporting slaughter products (11) with the front section (13) in front or with the end section (14) in front along a second transport direction (19) by means of a second transport device (18), wherein the second transport device (18) comprises a second transport element (20), - conveying the slaughter products (11) at least in some areas in a central conveying direction (22) by means of a central conveying device (21), wherein the central conveying device (21) comprises a central conveying element (23) which is arranged downstream of the first transport element (17) and the second transport element (20) in such a way that the slaughter products (11) transported by means of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) are transferred to the central conveying element (23).

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) transported by means of the first transport element (17) and by means of the second transport element (20) are transferred with the front section (13) first or with the end section (14) first to the central conveyor element (23) by means of at least one transfer device (26) comprising the first transport device (15) and the second transport device (18).

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the transport direction (16) of the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) substantially corresponds to the direction of the central conveying direction (22) or substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the central conveying direction (22).

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that a respective change in position of the slaughter products (11) between the front section (13) and the end section (14) with respect to the transport direction (16, 19) and the central conveying direction (22) is produced in that, in a direction substantially opposite to the first transport direction (16) and / or the second transport direction (19), the central conveying element (23) comprises a substantially semicircular section (31), wherein the central conveying direction (22) upstream of the semicircular section (31) substantially corresponds to the opposite direction of the first transport direction (16) and / or the second transport direction (19) and downstream of the substantially semicircular section (31) substantially corresponds to the direction of the first transport direction (16) and / or the second transport direction (19).

18. Method according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) are transferred to the central conveyor element (23) with the front section (13) first or with the end section (14) first by means of the at least one transfer device (26).

19. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that the conveyed slaughter products (11) are conveyed by means of at least one pushing device (27) substantially orthogonal to the first transport direction (16), to the second transport direction (19) or to the central conveying direction (22) from the respective transport element (17, 20) to the central conveyor element (23) can be pushed.

20. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 19, characterized in that the first transport element (17) is driven at least at a first transport speed, that the second transport element (20) is driven at least at a second transport speed, wherein the first transport speed and the second transport speed speed are preferably substantially equal, and that the central conveying element (23) is driven at least at one central conveying speed.

21. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 20, characterized in that the first transport speed and / or the second transport speed is / are selected / adjusted as a function of the central conveyor speed in such a way that the slaughter products (11) transported by the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) are transferred to the central conveyor device (21) in a predetermined sequence and / or at a predetermined distance from the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18).

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) are transferred from the first transport device (15) and the second transport device (18) essentially alternately to the central conveyor device (21).

23. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 22, characterized in that at least the weight, the length and / or the volume of the slaughter products (11) are detected / determined by means of at least one detection unit (32) comprising the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18).

24. Method according to claim 23, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) are transferred from the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18) to the central conveyor device (21) depending on the detected / determined weight, the length and / or the volume in order to form and establish at least a predetermined distance between the slaughter products (11) to be transferred to the first transport device (15) and / or the second transport device (18).

25. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 24, characterized in that the slaughter products (11) conveyed by means of the central conveying device (21) are fed to a cutting device, in particular a water jet cutting device.

26. Method according to one or more of claims 14 to 25, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 13.