System and method for processing carcass leg portions

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for processing a carcass leg portion, the carcass leg portion comprising a retention section located at or proximate to a foot portion. The system comprises a loading station comprising a first conveying device having a support surface for supporting the carcass portion and conveying it towards a loading zone, and a positioning device having a first positioning element arranged to move with the carcass portion when the carcass portion is supported on the support surface and configured to position the retention section relative to the support surface. The system further comprises a second conveying device comprising a plurality of carriers movable through the loading zone. The system is configured such that, in use, in an automated manner, the carcass portion is transferred from the support surface to a carrier at the retention section of the carcass portion in the loading zone.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems and methods for processing leg portions of carcasses, including a holding section located at or near the foot portion. Specifically, this invention relates to the processing of pig carcass leg portions, although the apparatus and methods according to the invention can also be used to process leg portions of other four-legged animals such as cattle or sheep. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2011 / 074966A1 describes a system including a loading station having a conveyor belt defining a support surface for supporting carcass leg portions thereon and conveying the carcass leg portions in a conveying direction toward a loading area. The system also includes a conveying device comprising a carrier movable along a track including the loading area. In the loading area, carcass leg portions are loaded from the support surface of a first conveying device into the carrier of a second conveying device.

[0003] Figure 23A of WO 2011 / 074966A1 is included in this disclosure as Figure 5 and shows the loading area of ​​a system having a loading station and a second conveying device. The loading station has a supply conveyor belt 1240, and the second conveying device has multiple carriers 750 that move along a track 773 via a trolley 772 and a drive chain 774. An operator 1200 working at the loading station grasps the leg portion 1 and positions the lower part of the foot of the leg portion 1 into the inlet opening of the slot 762 of the carrier, as can be seen from Figure 5. Next, the foot portion is further pushed into the slot 762 using a belt 781b on one hand and a plate 781 on the other. Subsequently, the leg portion 1 reaches the end of the supply conveyor belt 1240 and falls off the belt 1240. The leg portion then remains suspended on the carrier and enters the processing line for further processing steps.

[0004] Although the known systems work satisfactorily in practice, there is still room for improvement in terms of the systems' ergonomics and efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of this invention is to provide an improved system and method for processing the leg portion of a carcass.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for processing the leg portion of a carcass, which has improved ergonomics for the operator of the system.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for processing the leg portion of a carcass, which has improved efficiency.

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a system as defined in claim 1 for processing a carcass leg portion, the carcass leg portion including a holding section located at or near a foot portion of the carcass leg portion. The system includes a loading station comprising a first conveying device having a support surface for supporting the carcass portion thereon and conveying the carcass portion along a first track in a conveying direction toward a loading area. The loading station further includes a positioning device having a first positioning element coupled to the first conveying device and arranged to move with the carcass portion as it is supported on the support surface, the positioning device being configured to position the holding section relative to the support surface at a predetermined position defined by the first positioning element during the conveying of the carcass portion toward the loading area.

[0009] The system also includes a second conveying device comprising a plurality of carriers that can move along a second track (i.e., different from the first track) through the loading area. Each of the plurality of carriers includes a retaining assembly arranged to engage with a retaining section of the carcass portion to retain the carcass portion within the carrier.

[0010] The system is configured to automatically transfer, during use, the carcass portion from the support surface to the holding assembly of the carrier at its holding section in the loading zone, thereby loading the holding section of the carcass portion into the carrier, and further conveying the carcass portion by a second conveying device. As a result, the positioning device's positioning of the holding section is thus canceled, i.e., the carcass portion is released from the positioning device.

[0011] As described above, the present invention relates to systems and methods for processing the leg portions of carcasses. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to systems and methods for processing the leg portions of carcasses of four-legged animals, such as pigs, cattle, or sheep, preferably pigs.

[0012] The advantage of the system according to the invention is that, due to the positioning device, it is possible to correctly position the carcass leg portion during transport to the loading area. Therefore, the operator working with this system no longer needs to manually place the carcass leg portion into the carrier in the loading area, which is considered physically demanding. In this regard, it should be noted that pig carcass leg portions can weigh up to 40 kg or even more. Therefore, the operator only needs to place the carcass leg portion on the support surface at the first positioning element. This improves not only efficiency but also the ergonomics of the system. Similarly, the repeatability of handling carcass leg portions at the loading station is improved, thereby increasing the efficiency of the system. Thus, one or more objectives of the invention have been achieved.

[0013] The carcass portion should be supported on a supporting surface when it is oriented laterally, i.e., when it extends in the lateral direction. This allows for efficient transfer from the supporting surface to the carrier.

[0014] The holding segment can be a segment of the leg that is located at the lower end of the radius or tibia and adjacent to the foot of the leg.

[0015] In one embodiment, the positioning device further includes a second positioning element arranged to move together with the first positioning element and configured to position a holding section of the carcass portion between the first and second positioning elements during transport of the carcass portion toward the loading area. This improves the accuracy and reliability of positioning the carcass leg portion on the support surface.

[0016] In one embodiment, the positioning device includes a plurality of spaced-apart first positioning elements, each first positioning element for positioning a single carcass leg portion on a support surface and movable toward a loading area. In embodiments where the positioning device also includes second positioning elements, the positioning device preferably includes a plurality of second positioning elements, each of which is positioned adjacent to a first positioning element in the transport direction. Thus, the positioning device includes multiple combinations or pairs of first and second positioning elements, each combination or pair for positioning a single carcass leg portion on the support surface during transport to the loading area. In the transport direction, the multiple pairs of first and second positioning elements are spaced apart by a distance. The distance between the individual first positioning elements or between the pairs can be selected based on the specific carcass leg portion to be processed, and for pig leg portions, it can be less than about 1 m, and preferably in the range of 0.25 m to 0.5 m.

[0017] In one embodiment, the first positioning element is an elongated rod-shaped element and is configured to point upward with its free end during the conveying of the carcass portion toward the loading area, wherein the first positioning element is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal side of the support surface for positioning the carcass leg portion such that the foot portion of the carcass leg portion protrudes beyond the longitudinal side.

[0018] In one embodiment, both the first and second positioning elements are elongated rod-shaped elements and are configured to point upwards at their free ends during the transport of the carcass portion toward the loading area. The first and second positioning elements are disposed adjacent to the same longitudinal side of the support surface for positioning the carcass leg portion between the first and second positioning elements, such that the foot portion of the carcass leg portion protrudes beyond the longitudinal side. For this purpose, preferably, both the first and second positioning elements are elongated rod-shaped elements and are configured to point upwards at their free ends above the support surface, such that the carcass leg portion supported on the support surface can be effectively clamped between the first and associated second positioning elements, and thus positioned between them; that is, the carcass leg portion is positioned by the pair or combination of the aforementioned first and second positioning elements.

[0019] In one embodiment, the second positioning element is movable between an effective position and an ineffective position, preferably pivotable between the two positions. In the effective position, the free end of the second positioning element points upward relative to the support surface. In the ineffective position, the second positioning element has moved away from the first positioning element, preferably pivoted downward away from the first positioning element, preferably to a position below the support surface, such that in use, in the effective position of the second positioning element, the retaining section of the body portion is sandwiched between the first and second positioning elements. In the ineffective position of the second positioning element, the body portion can thus be positioned such that its retaining section abuts against or at least directly adjacent to the first positioning element on the side of the first positioning element facing the second positioning element, and at least substantially does not contact the second positioning element. The distance between the first positioning element and its adjacent second positioning element, i.e., the distance between a pair of mentioned first and second positioning elements, corresponds to or is less than the inlet width of the retaining assembly of the carrier. In another embodiment, the first and second positioning elements can be moved between an effective position and a passive position in the aforementioned manner. The mobility of the second positioning element between its effective and inactive positions can be provided mechanically, such as by using a cam follower principle that follows a fixed track along the first conveyor, guiding a follower coupled to or formed by a portion of the second positioning element. By arranging the second positioning elements in a pivotable manner about a lateral pivot axis, they can move efficiently and predictably between the effective and inactive positions as they move toward the loading area. For this purpose, the first and second positioning elements can be coupled to a circulating chain that operates alongside the support surface and synchronously with the first conveyor, i.e., at the same conveying speed provided by the support surface. The first positioning element can be rigidly coupled to the chain, while the second positioning element can be pivotally coupled to the chain. Alternatively, the second positioning element can be moved between its effective and inactive positions by means of, for example, a servo motor or stepper motor, a solenoid, or a pneumatic cylinder. As an alternative to pivoting motion, the second positioning element can be configured to translate vertically between the positions, for example, provided by any of the aforementioned devices.

[0020] In one embodiment, the system further includes an online weighing device, also known as a mobile weighing device, for weighing the carcass portion online as it is conveyed toward the loading area. Preferably, such a weighing device is positioned between two consecutive separate sections of the first conveying device, each of the two sections defining a separate section of the support surface, wherein the online weighing device is arranged such that, in use, during the conveying of the carcass portion toward the loading area, the carcass portion is conveyed from the section of the first conveying device upstream of the weighing device, via the weighing device—and thus at which it can be weighed online, i.e., during conveying—to the section of the first conveying device downstream of the weighing device. For this purpose, the weighing device may include a weighing conveyor for conveying the carcass portion in the conveying direction during the weighing process. A first positioning element and a second positioning element (if provided) are preferably arranged to move with the carcass portion as it is supported on the two separate sections of the support surface and as it passes through the weighing device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the positioning device is configured such that, as the carcass passes through the weighing device, the second positioning element is in its invalid position or at least moves toward that invalid position. This allows for more accurate determination of the carcass weight.

[0022] In one embodiment, the system is configured such that the conveying speed of the weighing conveyor is higher than the conveying speed of the section of the first conveyor upstream of the weighing device, and preferably also higher than the conveying speed of the section of the first conveyor downstream of the weighing device. In an alternative embodiment, the system is configured such that the conveying speed of the weighing device is lower than the conveying speed of the section of the first conveyor upstream of the weighing device; in this embodiment, the system includes a first positioning element located downstream of the carcass leg portion. By doing so, during the weighing process, the holding section also becomes disengaged from the first positioning element, which further increases the accuracy of weight determination. Embodiments with a higher speed weighing conveyor are preferred because they have the additional advantage of temporarily separating the continuous carcass leg portion on the support surface to at least a greater extent in the conveying direction, which also contributes to the accuracy of weighing.

[0023] In all embodiments, the first positioning element and any second positioning element can be driven by a common drive system.

[0024] In one embodiment, the loading station further includes a foot guide disposed upstream of the loading area, wherein, in use, when the carcass portion is supported on the support surface, the free end of the foot portion of the carcass is pushed against the foot guide in a pushing direction transverse to the conveying direction. The foot guide may be formed of a vertically oriented guide plate extending along the conveying direction, fixedly disposed at one location on and adjacent to the support surface. In embodiments of a system with an online weighing device, the foot guide may be disposed only on one side of a separate section of the first conveyor upstream of the weighing device, while the downstream section and the weighing device therefore do not have such a foot guide. By providing such a foot guide, it is easier and more reliable to position the carcass leg portion on the support surface, as the foot guide forms an effective means for laterally positioning the carcass leg portion. This also increases the reliability of positioning by the positioning device, and subsequently the reliability of transfer from the support surface to the carrier in the loading area.

[0025] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of carriers of the second conveying device has a basic position and a loading position, in which the carrier holds the carcass portion during further conveying, and in the loading position, the carrier is capable of engaging the carcass portion at least in the loading zone at a holding section of the carcass portion. In one embodiment, the holding assembly of each of the plurality of carriers includes a trough-shaped portion for receiving the holding section of the carcass portion therein, wherein the trough-shaped portion has an inlet portion at its open end and a holding portion, wherein the inlet portion is wider than the holding portion. The width of the inlet portion may be approximately equal to or preferably slightly wider than the distance between the first positioning element and the second positioning element in the conveying direction. The system may then include a guide for pressing the holding section into the holding assembly, preferably into the holding portion of the holding assembly, preferably simultaneously lifting the carrier to the loading position via a ramp conveyor from the loading zone toward the operating height of the second conveying device.

[0026] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of carriers is configured, at least when the carrier is in the loading zone, preferably to move from a basic position about a pivot axis extending in the conveying direction, preferably to a loading position, with the trough-shaped portion oriented upward at least at the loading position, wherein the trough-shaped portion, at least at its loading position, is adjacent to a positioning device in the loading zone. Movement from the basic position to the loading position can be provided by a guide device fixed along a second track and arranged to push the carrier from the basic position to the loading position. Alternatively, a track follower mechanism can be used, wherein a follower on each carrier runs along a fixed track along the second track. Alternatively, the carriers are arranged to pivot to the loading position by means of a spring mechanism within each carrier, wherein a guide device or track follower mechanism can be provided to pivot the carrier to the basic position only upstream of the loading zone, and is arranged such that, at the loading zone, the carrier pivots back to the loading position under the influence of the internal spring mechanism.

[0027] As an alternative to the retaining assembly with a grooved portion, the carrier may have a retaining assembly formed by two clamps or jaws movable relative to each other, the clamps or jaws being configured to actively grip or hold a retaining section of the carcass leg portion between the clamps or jaws in the loading zone for transferring the carcass leg portion from the support surface to the carrier. To move the retaining section of the carcass leg between the clamps, which may be located adjacent to the support surface in the loading zone, the system may include a pusher, preferably arranged above the support surface, configured to automatically push the carcass leg portion laterally in the loading zone, i.e., laterally push the carcass leg portion on the support surface, such that the retaining section moves laterally between the clamps, at which point the clamps open; thereafter, the clamps can close to actively hold the retaining section between them and further transport the carcass portion away from the loading station along a second track. As another alternative to the retaining assembly with a grooved portion, the carrier may have a retaining assembly according to or similar to the assembly shown in Figures 9 and 10 of WO 2011 / 074966. This component can be tilted, similar to the retaining component 34 of the carrier 30 as explained in the description of the embodiments below. In this case, the gripper 211 of the component of Figures 9 and 10 can pivot upwards such that the front 215 of the adjacent block is arranged to engage the carcass leg portion from below in the loading area next to the support surface. The hook 212 is then pushed from above against or toward the leg portion, such that the hook 212 penetrates the meat of the leg portion. The carcass leg portion can then be further conveyed away from the loading station along the second track.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system is configured such that, at least in the loading zone, the conveying directions of the first conveyor and the second conveyor are at least substantially parallel to each other, the conveying direction of the second conveyor is defined by a second track, and at least in the loading zone, the first conveyor and the second conveyor operate at at least substantially the same speed.

[0029] In one embodiment, the system further includes a clamping device at the loading zone, positioned above the support surface of the first conveyor and arranged to contact the upper side of the carcass leg portion as it is conveyed on the first conveyor. The clamping device may be a clamping conveyor, preferably a belt conveyor, wherein the conveyor belt of the belt conveyor extends parallel to the support surface. At least in the loading zone, the speed of the clamping conveyor can be set equal to the speed of the first conveyor. In use, the carcass leg portion passes under the clamping conveyor. The arrangement of the clamping device, at least in the conveying direction, particularly in the loading zone, reduces the chance of the carcass portion tilting or rolling as it transfers from the support surface to the holding assembly of the carrier. In another embodiment, the clamping device may be a roller-type clamping conveyor having a series of rollers extending transversely to the conveying direction. In another embodiment, the clamping device may have one or more clamping wheels that can be spring-loaded onto the frame of the system. At least in the loading zone, the rollers and wheels can be driven at a speed equal to the speed of the first conveyor. The distance between the lower side of the clamping device and the supporting surface of the first conveying device can be selected according to the specific carcass leg portion that the system is to process. For example, the distance can be in the range of 0.1m to 0.2m.

[0030] The corresponding embodiments are also applicable to the following methods according to the second aspect of the invention. The system is specifically arranged for performing the methods according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0031] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for processing a carcass leg portion according to claim 12, the method using a system according to the first aspect of the invention, the carcass leg portion including a holding section located at or near a foot portion of the carcass leg portion, the method comprising the following subsequent steps:

[0032] a) Place the carcass portion on the support surface of the first conveying device, and

[0033] The first positioning element of the positioning device positions the holding section of the carcass relative to the supporting surface at a predetermined position.

[0034] b) Transporting the carcass to the loading area, and

[0035] c) The carcass portion is automatically transferred from the support surface to the carrier at the holding section of the carcass portion in the loading area, so that the holding section of the carcass portion is thus loaded into the carrier, and the carcass portion is further conveyed by the second conveying device.

[0036] In one embodiment, step a) includes pushing the free end of the foot portion of the carcass portion against a foot guide upstream of the loading area in a pushing direction transverse to the conveying direction.

[0037] In one embodiment, during step a), the carcass portion is positioned such that its holding section is against or at least directly adjacent to the first positioning element, while the second positioning element is in its invalid position, and wherein, at the latest during step b), the second positioning element moves from its invalid position to its valid position such that the holding section of the carcass portion is sandwiched between the first and second positioning elements at least in the loading area.

[0038] In one embodiment, during step b), the carcass passes through the weighing device, and while the carcass passes through the weighing device, the second positioning element is in its invalid position, or at least moves toward the invalid position.

[0039] The corresponding embodiments are also applicable to the system described above according to the first aspect of the present invention. The effects of the method according to the present invention are similar to the effects of the system according to the present invention as described above.

[0040] In summary, the present invention relates to a system and method for processing a carcass leg portion, the carcass leg portion including a holding section located at or near a foot portion. The system includes a loading station comprising a first conveying device and a positioning device. The first conveying device has a support surface for supporting and conveying the carcass portion toward a loading area. The positioning device has a first positioning element arranged to move with the carcass portion as it is supported on the support surface, and the first positioning element is configured to position the holding section relative to the support surface. The system also includes a second conveying device comprising a plurality of carriers movable through the loading area. The system is configured such that, in use, the carcass portion is automatically transferred from the support surface to the carriers at the holding section of the carcass portion within the loading area. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention is described below with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which embodiments of the invention are shown, and the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0042] Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of an embodiment of a system for processing the leg portion of a carcass according to the present invention is shown;

[0043] Figure 2 It shows from different perspectives Figure 1 Part of the system;

[0044] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Rear view of part of the system's loading station;

[0045] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A side view of part of the system;

[0046] Figure 5 illustrates a prior art system;

[0047] Figure 6 A three-dimensional view is shown of another embodiment of a system according to the invention for processing the leg portion of a carcass; and

[0048] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A side view of part of the system. Detailed Implementation

[0049] Figure 1 A system 100 for processing a carcass leg portion 1 is shown. System 100 is an example of a system according to the invention. The carcass leg portion 1, highly schematically shown in the drawings, represents a pig carcass leg portion, which includes a foot portion 1a and at least one lower leg portion 1b. The leg portion may also include a thigh portion, which includes the femur (hind leg) or humerus (foreleg). To explain the principles of the invention, the retaining segment 2 is defined as a segment of the carcass leg portion 1 located at or near the foot portion 1a, such as at the lower end of the radius or tibia, or a segment of the leg portion adjacent to the foot of the leg portion. See details. Figure 4 The purpose of system 100, and particularly of loading station 4 of system 100, is to supply leg portions 1 to loading area 16, where the carcass leg portions will be transferred to carrier 30 of second conveying device 6. Such conveyors, referred to herein as "second conveying devices," are known and commonly used in the field of carcass processing. The carrier can be configured to convey carcass portions suspended on the carrier, wherein the carcass portions can be actively or passively clamped, gripped, penetrated by hook-like elements, or otherwise engaged. Such conveyors, more specifically, examples of overhead conveyors, are described in WO 2011 / 074966 A1. Such conveyors, in the example shown in the accompanying drawings, are overhead conveyors with carriers that passively clamp carcass portions, and will be referred to as second conveying devices in the further explanation below of examples of systems according to the invention. However, the invention also covers other types of such conveyors, such as those with carriers of the type described above.

[0050] System 100 includes a loading station 4 and a second conveying device 6, which, at least in the example shown in the figures, is an overhead conveyor as described above. Loading station 4 includes a first conveying device 8 having a support surface 10 for supporting the carcass leg portion 1 thereon and conveying the carcass leg portion 1 along a first track 12 in a conveying direction 14 toward the loading area 16. The first conveying device 8 has a flat belt conveyor, the upper portion of which forms the support surface 10. The first conveying device may, alternatively, or in combination with the flat belt conveyor, have a modular belt made of modular units, such as modular units with a length of 10 mm to 50 mm in the conveying direction, internally connected via a hinge system, or may be a roller conveyor. Modular belts are less susceptible to tension on the belt but require more cleaning. Specific types of conveyors can be selected depending on the specific circumstances.

[0051] As shown in the figure, the leg portion 1 is oriented in a transverse direction, meaning the longitudinal axis of the leg portion is transverse to the conveying direction 14. This means that the foot portion 1a generally points to the side, and the foot portions of all leg portions face the same direction. At least in the example shown, the first conveying device 8 has two consecutive separate sections 8a, 8b, each of which defines a separate section 10a, 10b of the support surface 10. An online weighing device 20 is disposed between said sections 8a, 8b, and is configured such that, in use, during the conveying of the carcass portion 1 toward the loading area 16, the carcass portion 1 is conveyed from section 8a of the first conveying device 8 upstream of the weighing device 20 to section 8b of the first conveying device 8 downstream of the weighing device 20. The use of the online weighing device 20 is optional in view of the invention. An online weighing device can be provided when, depending on practical circumstances, the carcass portion needs to be weighed while being conveyed at the loading station 4. If not required, for example, if the leg portion has been weighed early in the processing, the weighing device can be omitted. In this case, the first conveyor 8 may consist of only one section, such as a section formed by a flat belt conveyor with a continuous support surface 10. However, it is convenient to provide an online weighing device integrated into the loading station, because in this case, the weight of each carcass portion can be easily associated—automatically via the system's control module—with a specific carcass portion that will subsequently be transferred to the carrier of the second conveyor. For a specific leg portion, the location of the leg portion in the second conveyor, i.e., in a specific carrier 30, is known. Therefore, the weight of the leg portion can be associated with a specific carrier for further processing.

[0052] Loading station 4 also includes a positioning device 22 having a plurality of first positioning elements 24 disposed at a distance from each other along the first conveying device 8, coupled to the first conveying device 8, and arranged to move with the carcass portion 1 as it is supported on the support surface 10. Thus, the first positioning elements 24 of the positioning device 22 are configured to move with the support surface 10. Each of the first positioning elements 24 is configured to position a holding section 2 of a carcass leg portion 1 relative to the support surface 10 at a predetermined position defined by the first positioning element 24 during the conveying of the carcass portion 1 toward the loading area 16. The positioning device 22 may also have a plurality of second positioning elements 26, each second positioning element 26 associated with each first positioning element 24 and spaced apart adjacent to the positioning elements 24 in the conveying direction. The second positioning element 26 is arranged to move together with the first positioning element 24 and is configured to position the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 between the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 during the conveying of the carcass portion 1 toward the loading area 16. Therefore, the arrangement of the second positioning element 26 is optional, but it helps to more reliably and accurately position the carcass leg portion 1 on the support surface 10. For this purpose, the distance d between each of the interrelated first positioning elements 24 and second positioning elements 26 (see...) Figure 3 Preferably, the width is slightly larger than the width of the holding section 2 of the largest carcass leg portion 1 to be transported by the system. For pig carcass leg portions, the width is typically close to about 3 cm to 7 cm, averaging between 4 cm and 6 cm, and typically about 5 cm. Therefore, the positioning device of the system 100 includes multiple combinations of first and second positioning elements, each positioning element for positioning a carcass leg portion on the support surface, wherein the first positioning element and the second positioning element can be spaced about 5 cm or slightly larger, such as between 5 cm and 5.5 cm.

[0053] As shown in the figure, both the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 are elongated rod-shaped elements, and both are configured to point upwards with their free ends during the conveying of the carcass portion 1 toward the loading area 16, that is, to extend in a vertical direction perpendicular to the support surface 10 and above the support surface, specifically as follows: Figure 4 As shown. The first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 are disposed adjacent to a longitudinal side 28 of the support surface 10 for positioning the carcass leg portion 1, such that the foot portion 1a of the carcass leg portion 1 protrudes beyond the longitudinal side 28, specifically as follows... Figure 4 As shown. Further details of the positioning device 22 and how it moves together with the support surface 10 and thus with the body portion 1 will be specifically referred to. Figure 3As discussed below. In the use of system 100, the carcass portion 1 must be placed directly adjacent to or against the first positioning element 24. This can be performed by the operator when placing the carcass portion 1 from the supply source onto the support surface 10, in the example according to the figures, onto the uppermost segment 10a of the support surface 10. If the system also includes the second positioning element 26, the operator needs to place the leg portion 1 directly adjacent to or against the first positioning element 24 on the side of the second positioning element 26 associated with the first positioning element 24, such that the holding segment 2 is positioned between the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26.

[0054] The previously mentioned second conveying device 6 includes a plurality of spaced-apart, consecutive carriers 30 that can be moved through the loading area 16 via a drive system (not further shown in the figures) along an additional second track 32 defined by an overhead track system 33. For the sake of explanation, only a few carriers 30 are shown in the figures. Each of the plurality of carriers 30 includes a holding assembly 34 arranged to engage with a holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 to hold the carcass portion 1 within the carrier 30 by passively clamping the holding section. Each of the plurality of carriers 30 has a basic position in which the carrier can hold the carcass portion 1 during further conveying (see [reference needed]). Figure 1 (The rightmost carcass portion). Each or at least one of the carriers' retaining components 34 can pivot upwards between this basic position and the loading position, in which the retaining component 34 can engage with the carcass portion 1 at least in the loading area 16 at the retaining section 2 of the carcass portion 1. Figure 2 In the view, the leftmost and rightmost carriers are in the loading position. Figure 2 and Figure 1 The leftmost carrier (for the purpose of clearly showing the loading position in the figure, and for the purpose of explaining the invention) and the two carriers 30 between the leftmost carrier and the rightmost carrier have been pivoted clockwise or downward along the conveying direction 14 to the basic position of the carrier.

[0055] The pivoting movement from the basic position to the loading position is achieved via a guide rod 41, which is fixedly positioned along the second track 32 at the loading area and immediately upstream of the loading area. The guide rod 41 is positioned such that it contacts the rear side of the carrier and is designed to allow the carrier to pivot upwards as it passes along the guide rod 41, moving the carrier from the basic position to the loading position. Instead of the guide rod, a track follower mechanism can be provided, where a follower on each carrier runs on a track fixedly positioned along the second track. Alternatively, the carrier can be designed to tilt upwards toward the loading position, such as under the influence of a spring force operating within each carrier. The carrier can be held in the basic position by a similar guide rod or other guiding device positioned upstream of the loading area along the second track, wherein in the loading area, the guiding device terminates and the carrier pivots upwards to the loading position due to the spring force.

[0056] Each of the plurality of carriers 30 has a retaining assembly 34 comprising a groove-shaped portion 36 for receiving a retaining section 2 of a carcass portion 1 therein. The groove-shaped portion 36 has an inlet portion at its open end and a retaining portion deeper within the groove-shaped portion, wherein the inlet portion is wider than the retaining portion. The retaining portion is designed such that a carcass portion pushed into the retaining portion is passively held within it; for this purpose, the width of the retaining portion is slightly less than the average width of the retaining section 2 of the carcass portion 1. The width of the inlet portion is approximately equal to or preferably slightly wider than the aforementioned distance d between the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 in the transport direction, allowing the carcass portion to be reliably transferred to the carrier. Carriers with retaining assemblies having such retaining portions are particularly suitable for holding the leg portions of pig carcasses, specifically the foot portion of the leg portion. In the loading position, the open end of the groove-shaped portion 36 of the retaining assembly 34 is oriented upwards, wherein the groove-shaped portion is adjacent to the positioning device 22, meaning that in the lateral direction (see...) Figure 4 At least in its loading position, in the loading area 16, the combination of the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 adjacent to the positioning device 22. Figure 2 The image shows the rightmost carrier 30, which is moving along its track 32 through the loading area 16.

[0057] According to the invention, the system 100 is configured such that, in use, the carcass portion 1 is automatically transferred from the support surface 10 to the holding assembly 34 of the carrier 30 at the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 in the loading area 16, such that the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 is thereby loaded into the carrier 30, and the carcass portion 1 is further conveyed by the second conveying device 6. Therefore, the positioning device 22's positioning of the holding section 2 is cancelled, that is, after the carcass portion is transferred to the carrier, the carcass portion is released from the positioning device 22. Figure 1 In the view, the rightmost carcass portion 1 has been transferred from the support surface 10 to the carrier 30 and has moved away from the loading area along the second track 32 of the second conveyor 6, while its upstream adjacent carcass portion is being transferred by the upward pivoting of the holding assembly 34 of the carrier 30. The holding assembly 34 is adjacent to the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26 in the lateral direction and is aligned with the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26, which position the carcass portion 1 on the support surface 10 in the conveying direction 14. At least in the loading area 16, the conveying direction 14 of the first conveyor 8 and the conveying direction of the second conveyor 6 are at least substantially parallel to each other, the conveying direction of the second conveyor 6 is defined by the track 32 of the second conveyor 6 in the loading area 16, and the first conveyor 8 and the second conveyor 6 operate at at least substantially the same speed. In this way, the carcass leg portion 1 can be reliably transferred from the support surface 10 to the carrier 30.

[0058] To reliably hold the retaining section 2 of the carcass portion 1 within the retaining assembly 34 of the carrier 30, a push rod 42 is positioned downstream of the loading area 16 to apply a downward force to the retaining section 2 as the carrier 30 moves along the second track and away from the support surface 10. The push rod 42 thus pushes the retaining section 2 deeper into the retaining portion of the groove 36 of the retaining assembly 34 of the carrier 30, ensuring that the retaining section 2 is reliably held within the retaining assembly 34. To support the carrier during the pushing process of the push rod 42, another conveyor belt 40, configured as a ramp, is provided downstream of the loading area, adjacent to the final portion of the support surface 10. For clarity, Figure 2 Push rod 42 is omitted.

[0059] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An optional compression conveyor 60 is shown schematically, positioned above the downstream section 8b of the first conveyor 8. The compression conveyor can be driven at the same speed as section 8b. The compression conveyor 60 extends above the loading area 16, and the lower conveyor belt surface 62 is parallel to the support surface of section 10b. The compression conveyor 60 is connected via a bracket 61 or similar (…). Figure 6 (Not shown in the image) The framework connecting to the system. Figure 6 On the right side of the view, the downstream end of the compression conveyor 60 is located directly upstream of the conveyor belt 40. (As shown...) Figure 7As shown, the purpose of the pressing conveyor 60 is to bring the upper side of the lower leg portion 1b into contact with the surface 62 of the lower conveyor belt as the carcass portion 1 moves below the pressing conveyor 60. When the carcass portion 1 is transferred from the support surface 10 to the holding assembly 34 of the carrier 30 at the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1, the presence of the pressing conveyor 60 above the section 8b and its drive at the same speed as the section 8b reduces the chance of the carcass portion 1 tilting or rolling, at least in the conveying direction 14, especially in the loading area, so that the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 is thus loaded into the carrier 30.

[0060] Although the accompanying drawings illustrate a second conveying device equipped with a carrier having a retaining assembly with a grooved portion that pivots upwards just beside a first and second positioning element for transferring carcass portions to the carrier, the invention also covers other types of known second conveying devices, such as conveying devices having a carrier with a retaining assembly formed by two mutually movable clamps or jaws configured to actively clamp or hold a retaining segment of a carcass leg portion between the clamps or jaws in a loading zone for transferring the carcass leg portion from a support surface to the carrier. To move the retaining segment of the carcass leg portion between clamps, possibly located beside a support surface in the loading zone, the system may include a pusher configured to push the carcass leg portion laterally in the loading zone, i.e., laterally on the support surface, such that the retaining segment moves laterally between the clamps, at which point the clamps open. Subsequently, the clamps can close to actively clamp the retaining segment between them and further convey the carcass portion away from the loading station along a second track.

[0061] As described above, the positioning device 22 has multiple pairs of first positioning elements 24 and second positioning elements 26, which move together with the support surface 10 and thus move toward the loading area 16 together with the carcass portion 1. Optionally, as in the example shown in the figures, the second positioning element 26 can move between an effective position and an ineffective position, in this example it can pivot between the effective and ineffective positions. In the effective position, the free end of the second positioning element 26 points upward relative to the support surface 10. In the ineffective position, the second positioning element 26 has moved, preferably pivoted downward, away from the first positioning element 24, such that in use, in the effective position of the second positioning element 26, the retaining section 2 of the carcass portion is sandwiched between the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26, while in the ineffective position, the retaining section is not sandwiched between the elements 24 and 26. In the ineffective position of the second positioning element 26, the carcass portion 1 can be positioned such that the retaining section 2 of the carcass portion 1 abuts against or at least directly adjacent to the first positioning element 24 on the side of the first positioning element 24 facing the second positioning element 26, and at least substantially does not contact the second positioning element 26, as shown in the figure. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The leftmost carcass portion is shown. For each combination, as shown, the second positioning element 26 can be positioned downstream of the first positioning element 24, although other arrangements are possible within the scope of the invention. At least in the effective position of the second positioning element 26, the distance d between the elements 24, 26 is equal to or preferably slightly less than the width of the aforementioned inlet portion of the groove-shaped portion 36 of the holding assembly 34 of the carrier 30, to ensure that the carcass portion can be reliably transferred to the carrier 30.

[0062] Figure 3 Positioning device 22 is shown. Each of multiple pairs of first positioning elements 24 and second positioning elements 26 is mounted on a drive chain 44 that follows the first track 12, the upper portion of which moves in the transport direction 14. It should be noted that, for the purposes of this invention, only the upper portion 12 of the first track 12 is meaningful; the lower portion is merely the return portion of the circulating chain and the positioning elements. As shown, each first positioning element 24 is fixed to the chain 44, i.e., the first positioning element 24 cannot pivot or move relative to the chain 44 at its fixed point with the chain. Each second positioning element 26 is pivotable as described above, wherein each can pivot relative to the chain 44 and thus relative to the first positioning element 24 about its laterally extending pivot axis 46.

[0063] Each second positioning element 26 is supported by a fixed track 48, and the element 26 runs on the track 48 like a cam follower. As the fixed track descends relative to the chain, the second positioning element pivots counterclockwise. Figure 3(as shown in the view), and vice versa. In this way, the second positioning element can pivot very effectively and reliably between its ineffective and effective positions while moving along the first track 12 in the transport direction 14. For example... Figure 3 As shown, track 48 has a first lowered portion 48a. This is the uppermost portion of the first conveying device 8, adjacent to the upper portion of the upper section 10a of the support surface 10. As described above, the second positioning element 26 is in its inactive position here, such as... Figure 3 The two rightmost elements 26 shown allow the operator to easily place the carcass portion 1 on the upstream end of the support surface 10, wherein the retaining portion (in Figure 3 (Indicated by dashed lines) Next to the first positioning element 24. When the body part 1 moves together with the positioning elements 24 and 26 in the conveying direction 14, as... Figure 3 As shown, track 48 rises relative to chain 44, causing the second positioning element 26 to be forced to pivot clockwise (in Figure 3 (in the view) to the effective position, as shown, clamping the retaining section 2 between elements 24 and 26.

[0064] Figure 3 Another lowering track section 48b is also shown. This section is located next to the online weighing device 20. The positioning device 22, more specifically, multiple pairs of first positioning elements 24 and second positioning elements 26, are arranged to move together with the carcass portion 1 when it is supported on the two separate sections 10a, 10b of the support surface 10, and as the carcass portion 1 passes through the weighing device 20. For accurate weighing of the carcass portion 1, it is preferable that section 2 is kept at least largely out of contact with the positioning device 22. For this purpose, as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, during the process of the carcass portion 1 passing through the weighing device 20, due to the lowering track section 48b next to the weighing device 20, the second positioning element 26 is then in an invalid position or at least moves toward an invalid position.

[0065] The conveyor belt, as part of the weighing device, can operate at the same or approximately the same speed as, and preferably both upstream and downstream sections 8b of, the first conveyor 8, which form support surface sections 10a and 10b, respectively. However, to increase the accuracy of weight measurement and ensure that the retaining section also disengages from the first positioning element 24 (e.g., Figure 3Another measure for the leftmost holding section 2) is that the conveyor belt, which is part of the weighing device, runs faster, preferably slightly faster, than at least the upstream section 8a and preferably both the upstream section 8a and the downstream section 8b of the first conveying device 8, which respectively form support surface sections 10a and 10b. The faster running of the conveyor belt as part of the weighing device can mean that it runs faster so that the holding section disengages from the positioning element 24 over a distance, for example, from 1 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 1 mm to 5 mm. It should be noted that when the second positioning element is always positioned upstream of the associated first positioning element, this conveyor belt of the weighing device will be operated to run slightly slower to achieve the same effect of releasing the holding section from the first positioning element.

[0066] Loading station 4 also includes a foot guide 50 disposed upstream of loading area 16, and in this example, the foot guide 50 is also disposed upstream of weighing device 20, located at the uppermost end of a separate section 10a of support surface 10 of first conveying device 8. Therefore, section 10b does not have such a foot guide. The foot guide 50 is formed of a vertically oriented guide plate extending along conveying direction 14, which is fixedly disposed on one side 28 of support surface 10 and adjacent to support surface 10, more precisely, on the same longitudinal side as positioning device 22. In use, when carcass portion 1 is placed on loading station 4, such as by an operator, and thus supported on support surface 10, the free end of foot portion 1a of carcass portion 1 will be pushed against the foot guide 50 in a pushing direction transverse to conveying direction 14. This is as follows: Figure 4 As shown. In this way, the carcass portion 1 is also positioned on the support surface 10 in a clearly defined manner in the lateral direction. As a result, the carcass portion 1 will be well positioned at its holding portion 2 by the positioning device 22.

[0067] As explained above, an example of the method of using the system 100 according to the invention for processing the carcass leg portion 1 includes, at least for its individual steps, the following subsequent steps, wherein the carcass leg portion 1 includes a holding section located at or near the foot portion of the carcass leg portion. First, the carcass portion 1 is placed on the support surface 10 of the first conveying device 8, in this example, on the uppermost portion of the individual section 10a. Preferably, simultaneously with or immediately after placing the portion 1 on the support surface 10, the holding section is positioned relative to the support surface 10, i.e., in the conveying direction, at a predetermined position using the first positioning element 24 of the positioning device 22. This can be performed by an operator. Although the foot guide 50 is optional, preferably, at this time, the free end of the foot portion 1a of the carcass portion 1 is also pushed against the foot guide 50 in a pushing direction transverse to the conveying direction 14. When the second positioning element 26 is in its invalid position, the carcass portion will be positioned such that its holding section 2 is against or at least directly adjacent to the first positioning element 24, and wherein thereafter, but before the carcass portion 1 reaches the loading area 16, the second positioning element 26 moves from its invalid position to its valid position, such that the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 is sandwiched between the first positioning element 24 and the second positioning element 26, and thus sandwiched between them at least in the loading area 16.

[0068] The carcass portion is then (further) conveyed to the loading area 16, and the carcass portion 1 is automatically transferred from the support surface 10 to the carrier 30 in the loading area 16 at its holding section 2, so that the holding section 2 of the carcass portion 1 is thereby loaded into the carrier 30, and the carcass portion 1 is further conveyed by the second conveying device 6, as described in detail above. During the conveyance of the carcass portion toward the loading area 16, the carcass portion may pass through the weighing device 20 (i.e., if a weighing device has been provided), and during the passage of the carcass portion through the weighing device 20, the second positioning element 26 is in its invalid position, or at least moves toward the invalid position.

[0069] By studying the accompanying drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments in practicing the claimed invention. The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. One or more objects of the invention are achieved by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system (100) for processing a carcass leg portion (1), the carcass leg portion (1) including a holding section (2) located at or near a foot portion (1a) of the carcass leg portion. The system includes: - Loading station (4), said loading station (4) includes: - A first conveying device (8) having a support surface (10) for supporting the carcass leg portion thereon and conveying the carcass leg portion along a first track (12) in a conveying direction (14) toward the loading area (16). - A positioning device (22) having a first positioning element (24) coupled to the first conveying device and arranged to move with the carcass leg portion when the carcass leg portion is supported on the support surface, the positioning device being configured to position the holding section relative to the support surface at a predetermined position defined by the first positioning element during the conveying of the carcass leg portion toward the loading area. The system also includes: - A second conveying device (6) comprising a plurality of carriers (30) movable along a second track (32) through the loading area, each of the plurality of carriers comprising a retaining assembly (34) arranged to engage with a retaining section of the carcass leg portion to retain the carcass leg portion within the carrier. in, The system is configured to automatically transfer the carcass leg portion from the support surface (10) to the holding section of the carcass leg portion at the holding section in the loading area, thereby loading the holding section of the carcass leg portion into the carrier, and the carcass leg portion is further conveyed by the second conveying device (6).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first positioning element (24) is an elongated rod-shaped element and is configured to point upward at its free end during the transport of the carcass leg portion toward the loading area, wherein the first positioning element is disposed adjacent to the longitudinal side (28) of the support surface for positioning the carcass leg portion such that the foot portion (1a) of the carcass leg portion protrudes beyond the longitudinal side.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The positioning device (22) further includes a second positioning element (26), which is arranged to move together with the first positioning element (24) and is configured to position the holding section (2) of the carcass leg portion (1) between the first positioning element and the second positioning element during the conveying of the carcass leg portion toward the loading area (16).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The second positioning element (26) is an elongated rod-shaped element and is configured to point upwards at its free end during the conveying of the carcass leg portion toward the loading area. The first positioning element and the second positioning element are both disposed adjacent to the same longitudinal side (28) of the support surface for positioning the carcass leg portion between the first positioning element and the second positioning element, such that the foot portion (1a) of the carcass leg portion protrudes beyond the longitudinal side.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The second positioning element (26) is movable between an effective position and an ineffective position, in which the free end of the second positioning element (26) points upward relative to the support surface (10), and in the ineffective position, the second positioning element (26) has moved away from the first positioning element (24), such that in use, in the effective position of the second positioning element, the holding section of the carcass leg portion is clamped between the first positioning element and the second positioning element.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The second positioning element (26) can pivot between the effective position and the invalid position.

7. The system according to claim 5, wherein, In the invalid position, the second positioning element (26) has pivoted downward away from the first positioning element (24).

8. The system according to claim 5, further comprising an online weighing device (20) positioned between two consecutive separate sections (8a, 8b) of the first conveying device, each of the two sections defining a separate section (10a, 10b) of the support surface (10), wherein, The online weighing device is arranged such that, during use, as the carcass leg portion is conveyed toward the loading area, the carcass leg portion is transported from the section (8a) of the first conveying device upstream of the online weighing device, via the online weighing device, to the section of the first conveying device downstream of the online weighing device. The first positioning element (24) is arranged to move together with the carcass leg portion when the carcass leg portion is supported on two separate sections of the support surface and when the carcass leg portion passes through the online weighing device.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The positioning device (22) is configured such that, as the carcass leg portion passes through the online weighing device (20), the second positioning element (26) is in its invalid position or at least moves toward the invalid position.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein, The system is configured such that the conveying speed of the online weighing device is higher than the conveying speed of the section (8a) of the first conveying device upstream of the online weighing device.

11. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The loading station (4) also includes a foot guide (50) disposed upstream of the loading area (16). In use, when the carcass leg portion is supported on the support surface (10), the free end of the foot portion of the carcass leg portion is pushed against the foot guide in a pushing direction transverse to the conveying direction (14).

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein, The foot guide (50) is formed by a vertically oriented guide plate extending along the conveying direction, the guide plate being fixedly disposed on the longitudinal side (28) of the support surface and adjacent to the support surface.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The foot guide is located on one side of the separate section (8a) of the first conveying device upstream of the online weighing device (20).

14. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Each of the plurality of carriers (30) has a basic position and a loading position, in which the carrier holds the carcass leg portion during further transport, and in the loading position, the carrier is capable of engaging the carcass leg portion at least in the loading area (16) at the holding section (2) of the carcass leg portion.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein, The retaining assembly (34) of each of the plurality of carriers includes a groove portion (36) for receiving the retaining section of the carcass leg portion therein, wherein the groove portion has an inlet portion at its open end and a retaining portion, wherein the inlet portion is wider than the retaining portion.

16. The system according to claim 15, wherein, Each of the plurality of carriers (30) is configured to pivot upward from the base position to the loading position, wherein the slotted portion, at least at the loading position, has its open end oriented upward, wherein the slotted portion, at least at the loading position of the carrier, is adjacent to the positioning device in the loading area.

17. The system according to claim 1 or 2, the system further comprising a clamping device (60) at the loading area (16), the clamping device being positioned above the support surface (10) of the first conveying device (8) and arranged to contact the upper side of the carcass leg portion when the carcass leg portion is conveyed on the first conveying device.

18. A method for processing a carcass leg portion (1), the method using a system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the carcass leg portion including a holding section (2) located at or near a foot portion (1a) of the carcass leg portion, the method comprising the following subsequent steps: a) Place the carcass leg portion (1) on the support surface (10) of the first conveying device (8), and The first positioning element (24) of the positioning device (22) is used to position the holding section of the carcass leg portion relative to the supporting surface at a predetermined position. b) Transporting the carcass leg portion to the loading area (16), and c) The carcass leg portion is automatically transferred from the support surface to the carrier (30) at the holding section of the carcass leg portion in the loading area, such that the holding section of the carcass leg portion is thereby loaded into the carrier, and the carcass leg portion is further conveyed by the second conveying device (6).

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the method uses the system (100) of claim 11, 12, or 13, wherein step a) comprises - The free end of the foot portion of the carcass leg portion is pushed against the foot guide (50) upstream of the loading area in a pushing direction transverse to the conveying direction.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the method uses the system (100) according to any one of claims 5 to 13, wherein, During step a), the carcass leg portion (1) is positioned such that its holding section (2) abuts against or is at least directly adjacent to the first positioning element (24), while the second positioning element (26) is in its invalid position, and wherein, at the latest during step b), the second positioning element moves from its invalid position to its valid position such that the holding section of the carcass leg portion is sandwiched between the first positioning element and the second positioning element at least in the loading area.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the method uses the system (100) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, During step b), the carcass leg portion (1) passes through the online weighing device (20), and during the passage of the carcass leg portion through the online weighing device, the second positioning element (26) is in its invalid position, or at least moves toward the invalid position.

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