Apparatus and method for automatically harvesting edible components of a giblet pack of a slaughtered poultry

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for automatically harvesting the edible components of a giblet package (15) removed from a slaughtered poultry. The device is characterized by a conveying mechanism (21) and a plurality of processing stations, in particular a mechanism (22) for removing the gall bladder (16) and the intestine (19) from the giblet package (15), a mechanism (23) for holding the giblet package (15) in the region of the gizzard (14), wherein the mechanism (23) is arranged on the conveying mechanism (24) in the region of the gizzard (14) in order to convey the portion of the giblet package (15a) comprising the liver (11), a mechanism (25) for removing the heart (12) and the lungs (13) from the giblet package (15), the mechanism (23) being designed to pivot the portion of the giblet package (15a) from which the gall bladder (16), the intestine (19), the heart (12) and the lungs (13) have been removed by approximately 180°, and a mechanism (26) for scraping the liver (11) hanging downwards from the portion of the giblet package (15a).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus constructed and adapted to automatically harvest edible components, particularly liver, heart, lungs and gizzard, from visceral packages removed from slaughtered poultry, which, in addition to the edible components, also include other visceral components, particularly gallbladder, spleen, forestomach, intestines, trachea and esophagus.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for automatically harvesting edible components, particularly liver, heart, lungs and gizzard, from visceral packages removed from slaughtered poultry, the visceral packages including, in addition to the edible components, other visceral components, particularly gallbladder, spleen, forestomach, intestines, trachea and esophagus. Background Technology

[0003] This equipment and method are used in the poultry processing industry to harvest edible components from the viscera of slaughtered poultry. For automated harvesting, the viscera have already been removed from the slaughtered poultry, such as a slaughtered chicken, and are provided. In principle, all components can be considered edible components of the viscera. However, in this case, the liver, heart, lungs, and gizzard are considered preferred edible components. In some parts of the world, the spleen and forestomach are also considered edible components, in particular. In other words, the definition of edible and inedible components depends on the region under discussion. Finally, obtaining all components from the viscera is a problem. In any case, to maximize yield and the best possible harvest when obtaining the edible components of slaughtered poultry, it is necessary to harvest the edible components completely and as minimally as possible. In this case, particular attention is paid to the harvesting of the liver, as a particularly high-value and highly vulnerable organ.

[0004] In conventional equipment and methods for harvesting / obtaining the edible components of viscera, the viscera, completely removed from slaughtered poultry, is clamped or suspended around the heart and / or lungs. The clamped and suspended viscera is then conveyed along multiple processing stations. During this process, all components of the viscera are suspended in a substantially vertically downward orientation on the mechanism used to clamp the viscera or portions thereof. Throughout the entire harvesting process of all components of the viscera, it remains suspended around the heart and / or lungs. This particularly results in the liver, considered especially valuable, being pulled from the viscera while still suspended over the heart and / or lungs, which remain connected to the heart and / or lungs by tissue.

[0005] In other words, the processing station for harvesting the liver is positioned upstream of the processing station for harvesting the heart and / or lungs in the direction of transport of the visceral package. As a result, the liver is quasi-torn or pulled from the visceral package suspended above the heart and / or lungs. Because the liver is firmly attached to the visceral package due to the tearing or pulling motion from it, particularly from the heart, the liver is usually harvested only incompletely, and often damaged. Specifically, parts of the liver are also torn off during this process. Therefore, the position and orientation of the various organs or components within the visceral package, and the order in which they are harvested from the package, lead to problems regarding the complete and gentle harvesting of all organs and components, especially the liver. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a simple and reliable apparatus for completely and non-destructively harvesting organs or components, particularly the liver, from visceral packages. Another object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding method.

[0007] This objective is achieved by an apparatus having the features described at the beginning, wherein the apparatus includes a transport mechanism for transporting visceral packages or portions thereof held on the heart and / or lungs along a first transport path through a plurality of processing stations, and a plurality of processing stations namely: a mechanism for removing the gallbladder and intestines from the visceral packages suspended on the heart and / or lungs; a mechanism for holding the visceral packages still suspended on the heart and / or lungs and with the gallbladder and intestines removed in the gizzard region; a mechanism for holding the visceral packages in the gizzard region arranged on a transport mechanism for transporting portions of the visceral packages including the liver along a second transport path; a mechanism for removing the heart and lungs from the visceral packages; a mechanism for holding the visceral packages in the gizzard region configured and adapted to pivot the portions of the visceral packages with the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs removed by approximately 180°, such that the portions of the visceral packages, together with the liver, can be transported downwardly suspended on the transport mechanism for transporting the portions of the visceral packages including the liver; and a mechanism for detaching the downwardly suspended liver from the portions of the visceral packages. According to the invention, the selection and sequence of the various processing stations, and the design of each processing station, ensure the complete and undamaged harvesting of organs or components from the visceral package, particularly the liver. First, after the gallbladder and intestines have been removed, the visceral package encounters a processing station for removing the heart and lungs from the visceral package. However, before the heart and lungs are completely separated from the visceral package, the visceral package encounters a mechanism for holding the visceral package in the gizzard region, thus the visceral package is briefly held in two positions. With the complete separation of the heart and lungs from the visceral package, the portion of the visceral package from which the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs have been removed is held only within the mechanism for holding the portion of the visceral package in the gizzard region. As a result of separating the heart and lungs from the visceral package before harvesting the liver, the liver is free in the upper region facing the heart and lungs and is only slightly connected via tissue, particularly to the anterior ventricle. Because the mechanism for holding the partial visceral package in the gizzard region is configured to be pivotable, i.e., approximately 180° pivotable, the partial visceral package is inverted and oriented after pivoting, with the gizzard at the top and the liver hanging downwards. Therefore, when the partial visceral package, transported along the second conveying path, encounters the processing station for harvesting the liver, the liver, positioned and oriented in this way and already separated from the heart and lungs, can be peeled off particularly easily. The liver peeling can then be performed even manually, but preferably automatically using a peeling mechanism. The device according to the invention is designed such that the partial visceral package, with the heart and lungs removed, as well as the gallbladder and intestines removed, is held in the gizzard region and rotated approximately 180°, facilitating and simplifying, especially, the harvesting of the liver, because the liver, being the heaviest organ in the partial visceral package, hangs downwards due to gravity during rotation, allowing the peeling process to be performed gently and easily.

[0008] Preferably, the conveying mechanism for conveying visceral packages or portions thereof held on the heart and / or lungs along a first conveying path includes a conveyor and at least one conveyor carriage arranged on the conveyor and movable along the first conveying path. Each conveyor carriage includes mechanisms for clamping the visceral package or portions thereof on the heart and / or lungs and for releasing it again. The conveyor includes, for example, a conveyor chain on which at least one conveyor carriage is arranged, but preferably multiple conveyor carriages are arranged. Each conveyor carriage includes sliding rollers or the like that are guided on or roll on a conveyor bar. Furthermore, each conveyor carriage includes mechanisms for clamping the visceral package or portions thereof on the heart and / or lungs. Optionally, the clamping mechanism includes, for example, two clamping claws configured and adapted to be movable relative to each other, facing each other for clamping, and moving away from each other for releasing. Of course, the delivery mechanism can also be constructed and adapted in different ways, by means of which the entire visceral package, and the components held only by the mechanism for clamping the visceral package or its parts onto the heart and / or lungs after the heart and lungs have been removed from the visceral package, are held and delivered along the first delivery path.

[0009] A preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the conveyor is associated with a guiding mechanism for capturing and positioning the heart and lungs clamped in the transport vehicle. Using the guiding mechanism, the heart and lungs can be optimally positioned for separation and cutting. By means of the guiding mechanism, the heart and lungs held in the transport vehicle can be brought into a controlled and reproducible position with respect to the mechanism used for removing the heart and lungs from the visceral package.

[0010] A particularly advantageous further improvement to the device is that the guiding mechanism includes at least two guide rods, one of which is associated with a guide plate. By virtue of the guide plate, spatial separation of the heart and lungs, still connected to the visceral package, is achieved on the one hand, and spatial separation of the remaining components of the visceral package on the other, allowing the remaining components of the visceral package to be brought into an inclined position. When the visceral package is inserted between the guide rods, its arrangement and design result in the heart and lungs being positioned between the guide rods, while the remaining components of the visceral package are guided externally to the guide plate and outside the two guide rods. Due to the inclination of the guide plate, the remaining components of the visceral package suspended on the conveyor can enter a slightly elevated inclined position to allow them to be optimally positioned for clamping by a mechanism that holds a portion of the visceral package within the gizzard area.

[0011] Advantageously, the guide rods are arranged to be at least partially oriented substantially along the transport direction T1, and are spaced apart and offset from each other in height. Thus, upper and lower guide rods are provided, by means of which the heart and lungs can be brought into the optimal orientation and spatial position for separation. When the heart and lungs are completely or partially below the mechanism for holding the visceral package, the orientation and design of the guide rods cause the heart and lungs to be pushed upward by the guide rods further arranged below, preferably upward to the level at the height of the clamping mechanism. When the heart and lungs are completely or partially above the mechanism for holding the visceral package, the orientation and design of the guide rods cause the heart and lungs to be pushed downward by the guide rods further arranged above, preferably downward to the level at the height of the clamping device.

[0012] Advantageously, the guide rods for directional capture and placement of the heart and / or lungs are shaped with respect to the mechanism for clamping the visceral package or portions thereof. As a result, reliable and precise guidance of the visceral package, especially the heart and lungs, is ensured by an optimized and stable spatial orientation at the end of the guiding mechanism for removing the heart and lungs, arranged along the transport direction T1.

[0013] Particularly preferably, a cooling element is arranged in the area of ​​the guiding mechanism, by means of which the viscera bag suspended on the conveyor can be at least partially cooled during transport along the first conveying path. The cooling element is configured and adapted to receive and cool at least a portion of the viscera bag, for example, as a type of immersion tank in which the viscera bag can be immersed for, for example, 10 to 60 seconds. Cooling makes the components of the viscera bag more robust / harder before actual harvesting, which significantly simplifies and improves the non-damaging removal of individual components, particularly the liver, from the viscera bag. The cooling element can be configured, adapted, and arranged to cool the entire viscera bag. Alternatively, the cooling element can be configured, adapted, and arranged to cool only a portion of the viscera bag, preferably the portion of the viscera bag below the heart and lungs.

[0014] A preferred device feature is that a mechanism for removing the heart and lungs from the visceral package is arranged along the transport direction in the region at the end of the guide mechanism, and the mechanism for removing the heart and lungs from the visceral package includes at least one circular blade. The circular blade is actuated by a drive and is configured and adapted to separate the (tissue) connection between the heart and lungs on the one hand, and separate the remaining components of the visceral package on the other. Instead of the circular blade, the removal mechanism can also be a simple blade or knife. Other separation mechanisms can also be used instead of the circular blade. After the heart and lungs are separated from the visceral package, the heart and lungs remain suspended on the transport vehicle and are further transported by the transport vehicle along the first transport path until the heart and lungs are released, while the portion of the visceral package from which the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs have been removed is further transported by a transport mechanism for transporting the visceral package, including the liver, along a second transport path.

[0015] Advantageously, in the area where the heart and lungs are released from the clamping mechanism of the transport vehicle, a separator for separating the heart and lungs from the visceral package is arranged below the circular blade or any other cutting or separating mechanism. The unit consisting of the heart and lungs is released from the clamping state and falls onto, for example, a pair of rollers, whose helical rollers are driven in opposite directions, thereby allowing the heart and lungs to be separated and further processed individually. Other separation mechanisms for separating the heart and lungs may also be used.

[0016] A preferred improvement to the equipment is the presence of a stretching mechanism in the area of ​​the circular blade, ensuring that the visceral package to be processed encounters the stretching mechanism immediately before reaching the blade. This stretching mechanism, such as a dilator, allows for the preloading of tissues, including the trachea and esophagus, which specifically connect the heart and lungs to the remaining components of the visceral package. This simplifies and improves the precision of separating / cutting the heart and lungs from the rest of the visceral package. In particular, it enables the harvesting of the heart without damage.

[0017] An advantageous embodiment of the device features a transfer position constructed in the region of the guide plate between a transport mechanism for transporting visceral packages or portions thereof held on the heart and / or lungs along a first transport path and a transport mechanism for transporting a portion of the visceral package, including the liver, along a second transport path. This transfer position allows the transport cart holding the heart and lungs to be movable independently of the mechanism holding the portion of the visceral package (after the heart and lungs have been removed, and also after the gallbladder and intestines have been removed) along the first transport path, for holding the portion of the visceral package in the region of the gizzard along the second transport path. In short, the visceral package is held at at least two points in the transfer region, i.e., on the one hand in the region of the heart and lungs and on the other hand in the region of the gizzard. In addition to the possibility of controlled transfer of the portion of the visceral package to the second transport mechanism, the spatial arrangement of the various components of the visceral package, particularly the spatial arrangement of the heart and lungs on the one hand and the spatial arrangement of the portion of the visceral package on the other hand, can thereby be reliably maintained.

[0018] A preferred improvement to the apparatus features that the mechanism for removing the gallbladder and intestines is arranged upstream of the mechanism for maintaining the visceral package still suspended on the heart and / or lungs within the region of the gizzard, and includes a stretching station and a separation station. The stretching station includes a stretching mechanism for stretching the intestines, while the separation station includes a separation mechanism for separating the intestines and gallbladder from the other components of the visceral package. In this context, separation describes, on the one hand, the “unraveling” or spatial separation of the gallbladder and intestines, and on the other hand, the “unraveling” or spatial separation of the other components of the visceral package. Thus, the intestines and gallbladder can be exposed for subsequent precise separation and cutting from the visceral package.

[0019] Advantageously, the stretching mechanism is fixedly arranged on a frame or the like and includes at least a pair of stretching rollers and at least one opposing retaining element, said at least one opposing retaining element being arranged spaced apart from said at least a pair of stretching rollers. The intestine can be clamped by said stretching mechanism or other suitable stretching mechanism and pulled downward by said at least a pair of stretching rollers, while the opposing retaining element resists the resistance of said at least a pair of stretching rollers to hold the remaining visceral package suspended on the heart and / or on the lungs.

[0020] An advantageous improvement of the device is that the at least one pair of stretching rollers comprises two stretching rollers driven in opposite directions, and the at least one opposing retaining element comprises at least one, preferably at least two retaining and / or guiding rods. The traction rollers are constructed, adapted, and arranged to clamp and hold the intestine in the direction of the cloaca located at the end of the intestine. The retaining and / or guiding rods are constructed, adapted, and arranged to guide and / or retain the intestine during the transition from the intestine to the gizzard. As a result of the interaction between the traction rollers and the retaining and / or guiding rods, the intestine is stretched, and the gallbladder is exposed.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that the separation mechanism includes at least one clamping mechanism and at least one lifting element, each lifting element being configured and adapted to move from a lower receiving position for receiving the stretched intestine to an upper separation position and back, such that in the separation position, the intestine and gallbladder are located below each lifting element. The intestine and gallbladder, still suspended on and connected to the visceral package, are freely suspended below the lifting elements, thus positioned in an exposed manner for separation.

[0022] Advantageously, the clamping mechanism includes a clamping body for clamping the intestine, and each of the lifting elements includes a lifting body capable of moving back and forth and up and down. The clamping body can be constructed in a bracket-like or claw-like manner and can be a single piece or multiple pieces. The clamping body is preferably constructed to be fixed, while each of the lifting bodies is movable relative to the clamping body. The lifting bodies can also be constructed as a single piece or multiple pieces and are constructed and adapted to surround the intestine. By moving the lifting body upward from the receiving position to the separating position, the exposed gallbladder is separated from the remaining visceral package.

[0023] A beneficial improvement to the equipment is that the separation mechanism includes a separation device for separating the gallbladder and intestines located below each lifting element from the visceral package, which still includes at least the heart, lungs, liver, gizzard, spleen, forestomach, trachea, and esophagus. The separation device can be a simple blade or knife. A circular knife or other separation mechanism can also be used.

[0024] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the mechanism for holding the visceral package or portions thereof, still suspended on the heart and / or lungs respectively, within the region of the gizzard includes at least one holding device comprising a support arm and a pivot arm hingedly arranged on the support arm, the support arm being arranged on a conveying mechanism for conveying the portions of the visceral package, including the liver, along a second conveying path, and the pivot arm being configured to pivot about a pivot axis S from a receiving position into a processing position and return after the heart and lungs have been removed from the visceral package. The support arm, and therefore the pivot arm, is thus rotatably actuable. In the region of the transfer position of the visceral package, i.e., the visceral package without the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs, the pivot arm pivots to the receiving position to clamp the visceral package, positioned by a guide plate, within the region of the gizzard. After clamping the visceral package and removing the heart and lungs, the conveying mechanism moves the visceral package along the second conveying path to a downstream processing station. During transport, the pivot arm can pivot approximately 180° into the processing position, causing part of the visceral package to invert. Thus, the gizzard protrudes upwards, while the liver hangs downwards. Due to the separation of the heart and lungs at the upper surface of the liver, the liver is no longer attached to the remaining components and, in addition, remains only slightly connected to the rest of the visceral package by tissue. This allows the liver to be separated from the visceral package in a particularly simple and non-damaging manner with minimal force.

[0025] Advantageously, a clamping device is arranged on the free end of the pivot arm, the device being constructed and adapted to clamp the gizzard. The clamping device includes, for example, two clamping claws or pincer-like clamping brackets that can move toward and away from each other. Other components for clamping the gizzard may also be used.

[0026] A particularly preferred improvement to the device is that the conveying mechanism for conveying visceral packages, including portions of the liver, along the second conveying path includes a rotating plate, the rotating plate being constructed and adapted such that it can be synchronized by means of a synchronizing element with a conveying mechanism for conveying visceral packages or portions thereof held on the heart and / or lungs along the first conveying path. The synchronizing element can be a mechanical synchronizing disc. However, an electronic synchronizing element can also be used. The conveying mechanism may also optionally include two rotating plates arranged spaced apart from each other to form a disc conveyor.

[0027] Advantageously, at least two holding devices are provided on the rotary table or on the disc conveyor for holding the visceral package still suspended on the heart and / or lungs in the gizzard region, or for holding the portion of the visceral package after the heart and lungs have been removed, as well as the gallbladder and intestines. While the holding mechanism still clamps and holds the visceral package suspended on the conveyor in the transfer position, a holding mechanism arranged downstream of the holding mechanism along the conveying direction T1 is able to hold a portion of the visceral package and pivot it to the liver harvesting position. Particularly preferably, more than two, for example six or twelve, such holding mechanisms are provided, evenly distributed around the perimeter.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the mechanism for holding the visceral package or a portion thereof includes a vacuum holding device as an alternative to or supplement to the support and pivoting arm. The vacuum holding device is configured as a suction cap and is therefore configured and adapted to be pulled over the free end of the gizzard. The suction cap or any other vacuum component configured and adapted to hold the gizzard is configured to be pivotable, such that the suctioned and held portion of the visceral package appears to be suspended on the gizzard after pivoting, which facilitates the harvesting of organs or components from the portion of the visceral package.

[0029] Advantageously, each mechanism for holding the visceral package or part of the visceral package still suspended on the heart and / or lungs within the gizzard region is, in each case, associated with a mechanism for peeling the downwardly suspended liver from the visceral package. Thus, the holding device for holding the part of the visceral package, formed by support and pivot arms and / or vacuum holding devices, and the mechanism for peeling the liver form a processing unit, which is arranged to be rotatably movable along a second transport path on a transport mechanism.

[0030] Advantageously, the mechanism for peeling the downwardly suspended liver from the partial visceral package is configured and adapted to be movable relative to the mechanism for holding the visceral package or partial visceral package still suspended on the heart and / or lungs in the region of the gizzard. The peeling mechanism is preferably vertically movable relative to a rotating plate, holding the device arranged and secured to the rotating plate. For this purpose, the mechanism for peeling the downwardly suspended liver from the partial visceral package is preferably configured and adapted to be vertically movable along at least one guide rod. Particularly preferably, the mechanism for peeling the liver is arranged on and guided on two guide rods. Each guide rod connects its rotating plate, on which the holding mechanism is arranged, to a second rotating plate. The peeling mechanism may also optionally be arranged on an operating arm, etc., by means of which the peeling mechanism can be operatively connected to the partial visceral package held by the mechanism for holding the partial visceral package.

[0031] A preferred further improvement to the device is that the mechanism for peeling comprises two scraper elements that are movable relative to each other and are at least partially made of a flexible material on their facing inner sides. This design ensures reliable clamping and retention of the liver, which is gentle on the liver. The flexible design also ensures that the liver is handled in a gentle manner during peeling.

[0032] Advantageously, along the second transport path of the transport mechanism for transporting the partial visceral package, a mechanism for removing the forestomach and / or spleen from the partially visceral package after the liver has been removed is arranged. The processing station for removing the forestomach and / or spleen includes a separation mechanism, preferably a circular blade, arranged along the second transport path. The separation mechanism may be configured to be fixed. However, preferably, the separation mechanism is configured and adapted to be movable from a waiting position to a separation position and back. The separation mechanism, or each separation mechanism, is arranged in the transport direction T2 at a position where the liver has been completely separated from the partial visceral package.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that, along the second transport path of the transport mechanism for transporting a portion of the visceral package, in the region of the mechanism for removing the foregut and / or spleen, or downstream of its transport direction T2, a mechanism for cutting the gizzard is arranged. The mechanism for cutting the gizzard may be configured to be fixed. However, preferably, the mechanism is configured and adapted to be movable from a waiting position to a separation position and back. The mechanism for separation is preferably a circular blade.

[0034] Advantageously, along the second transport path of the transport mechanism for transporting the partial visceral package in the transport direction T2, after the mechanism for removing the foregut and / or spleen, an output station for the gizzard from the mechanism for holding the partial visceral package is constructed, allowing for closure or cutting. A mechanism for removing the yellow gastric skin of the gizzard is arranged in the area of ​​the output station. The mechanism for removing the gastric skin is preferably arranged such that the still-held yellow gastric skin is directly suspended on the mechanism for removing the yellow gastric skin, or the released gizzard falls into the mechanism for removing the yellow gastric skin.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment of the device is characterized in that the mechanism for removing the yellow skin includes a pair of rollers, the two peeling rollers of which are constructed and adapted to be actuated in opposite directions. This configuration enables reliable removal of the yellow abdominal skin from the cut gizzard.

[0036] The improvement to the equipment is particularly advantageous, wherein the equipment is connected to a controller for controlling the conveying mechanism and all processing stations for automatically harvesting the individual organs and / or components of the visceral package or portions thereof. With the aid of the controller, information obtained by means of detection devices, sensors, optics, electronics, or other mechanisms can be collected, processed, and stored in order to control the conveying mechanism and all components arranged along the first and second conveying paths.

[0037] The objective is also achieved by the method described at the beginning, characterized by the following steps: conveying an visceral package held on the heart and / or lungs along a first conveying path; removing the gallbladder and intestines from the visceral package; clamping and holding the visceral package, still suspended on the heart and / or lungs and with the gallbladder and intestines removed, in the region of the gizzard; removing the heart and lungs from the visceral package; conveying a portion of the visceral package held on the gizzard and with the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs removed, along a second conveying path; pivoting it approximately 180°; and peeling the downward-hanging liver from the portion of the visceral package. According to the sequence of steps of the invention, i.e., first separating the tissue connection between the heart and lungs on one side and the portion of the visceral package including the liver on the other side, and then removing the liver from the portion of the visceral package only after the portion of the visceral package has been pivoted approximately 180°, i.e., flipped upside down, it is possible to peel the liver using very low force and in a gentle manner on the product. During the peeling of the downward-hanging liver, which is actually separated from the portion of the visceral package only by its own weight, the damaged liver can be harvested as a whole without damage.

[0038] Advantageously, before removing the gallbladder and intestine, the intestine is stretched, and the stretched intestine and gallbladder are spatially separated from the other components of the visceral package. As a result of the stretching process, the gallbladder is exposed relative to the other components of the visceral package and can be separated together with the intestine, i.e., with respect to the remaining components of the visceral package, so that the gallbladder and intestine can be reliably and easily cut from the visceral package.

[0039] A further advantageous improvement to the method is to cool the visceral package before, but preferably after, the removal of the gallbladder and intestines and before further processing. The visceral package can be cooled as a whole. Since the gallbladder and intestines are generally not harvested for consumption, cooling can also be carried out after the gallbladder and intestines are separated from the visceral package. For cooling purposes, the visceral package can be wholly or partially immersed in an ice water tank or guided through an ice water channel. The residence time can vary, preferably 10-60 seconds. However, cooling can also be carried out in different ways, for example by applying liquid nitrogen or the like to the visceral package or parts thereof. By means of cooling, the organs or components of the visceral package acquire greater strength and / or rigidity, thus facilitating precise and undamaged harvesting.

[0040] Advantageously, the visceral package, with the gallbladder and intestines removed, is captured and positioned in the region of the heart and lungs, such that the heart and lungs are positioned at the height of the mechanism holding the heart and lungs and are pressed in the direction of the outer end of the mechanism. In principle, it is also possible to initially capture and position the entire visceral package. However, capture and positioning are preferably performed after the gallbladder and intestines have been removed from the visceral package, so as to optimally orient the visceral package with the gallbladder and intestines removed for subsequent process steps.

[0041] A preferred improvement to the method is that, during transport along the first transport path, the heart and lungs, still attached to the visceral package, are spatially separated from the remaining components of the visceral package. This means creating a structural barrier between the lungs and heart on one side and the remaining components of the visceral package on the other, so as to reliably and non-damagingly separate the heart and lungs from the visceral package, and to protect the remaining components in a shielding manner during the process.

[0042] Advantageously, before removing the heart and lungs from the visceral capsule, the tissue connections to the remaining components of the visceral capsule are stretched. This is especially true of the strong tissue connections between the heart and liver. Stretching ensures that the mechanisms used for removing the heart and lungs can be precisely attached to these tissue connections, allowing for the separation of the heart and lungs from the visceral capsule, and particularly from the liver, without causing damage. By separating these tissue connections, the upper portion of the liver facing the heart and lungs becomes free, allowing the liver to then be loosely attached to the visceral capsule only.

[0043] Preferably, the remaining components of the visceral package are positioned at an angle to be clamped and held within the gizzard region. For this purpose, the remaining components are slightly pushed upwards, away from the vertically downward-hanging position, so that they can be easily clamped within the gizzard region. Alternatively or additionally, the gizzard, initially still pointing downwards, can also be held by applying a vacuum before a portion of the visceral package is subsequently pivoted up and down approximately 180° to facilitate liver removal.

[0044] A beneficial improvement to the method is that, after the liver is removed from the visceral package, the spleen and / or forestomach and / or trachea and esophagus are removed from the gizzard, which is still clamped and held in place. Thus, all preferred edible organs or components of the visceral package are harvested gradually, individually, and continuously, resulting in optimal processing outcomes.

[0045] Preferably, the gizzard, still clamped and held, is cut open and then released. This cutting makes the interior of the gizzard accessible. Particularly preferably, the yellow gastric skin of the gizzard is then removed from the cut gizzard by the outer edge of the cut gizzard and the area where the released gizzard falls directly into the peeling roller. Preferably, removing the yellow gastric skin integrally makes it possible for the gizzard to be further processed as an edible organ. Alternatively, for the purpose of releasing and removing the yellow gastric skin, the gizzard can also be clamped and held so that the outer edge of the yellow gastric skin is guided into the peeling roller in a directional and controlled manner. The release of the gizzard then occurs only after the yellow gastric skin has detached, or even only after complete removal.

[0046] As already mentioned, the organs or components of the visceral package can be obtained continuously and individually. First, the unit consisting of the heart and lungs is separated from the visceral package, which has optionally been detached from the gallbladder and intestines. Subsequently, all other organs or components are separated, particularly the liver, so that these organs or components can be harvested completely and without damage. After its release, the heart and lungs removed from the visceral package are directly supplied to a separator for separating the heart from the lungs. Thus, all organs and components of the preferably edible visceral package are separated from the visceral package in a gentle and non-damaging manner and harvested for further processing.

[0047] Advantageously, all steps involved in harvesting the various organs or other components of the viscera package are automatically matched to each other in a manner controlled by a controller. This ensures a reproducible and qualitatively high-value harvest of the organs and other components.

[0048] Particularly preferably, the method is performed using the apparatus described in this application.

[0049] Other advantages arising from the various method steps have already been described in conjunction with the equipment; therefore, to avoid repetition, please refer to the relevant paragraphs. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Other advantageous and / or beneficial features and improvements regarding the device and corresponding methods can be found in the specification. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0051] Figure 1a This is a schematic side view of the visceral package that is clamped and suspended in the heart and / or lung region.

[0052] Figure 1b It is based on Figure 1a The front view of the illustration.

[0053] Figure 2a The diagram is a side view of the visceral package according to Figure 1, in which a stretching station for stretching the intestine engages with the visceral package as a component of a mechanism for removing the gallbladder and intestine.

[0054] Figure 2b It is based on Figure 2a The front view of the illustration.

[0055] Figure 3a The diagram is a side view of the visceral package according to Figure 2, in which a separation station for separating the stretched intestine and gallbladder engages with the visceral package as a component of a mechanism for removing the gallbladder and intestine.

[0056] Figure 3b It is based on Figure 3a The front view of the illustration.

[0057] Figure 4a It is based on Figure 3a The illustration shows a side view where the separated intestine and gallbladder are below a lifting element that serves as a component of the separation mechanism.

[0058] Figure 4b It is based on Figure 4a The front view of the illustration.

[0059] Figure 5a This is a schematic side view of an visceral package with the intestines and gallbladder removed and clamped and suspended in the region of the heart and / or lungs, wherein a mechanism for holding the visceral package in the region of the gizzard is engaged with the visceral package and is in a receiving position.

[0060] Figure 5b It is based on Figure 5a The front view of the illustration.

[0061] Figure 6a The side view shown in Figure 5 includes an additional retaining mechanism for holding the gizzard.

[0062] Figure 6b It is based on Figure 6a The front view of the illustration.

[0063] Figure 7a This is a schematic side view of a partially visceral package with the gallbladder, intestines, heart, and lungs removed, wherein mechanisms for holding the partially visceral package in the region of the gizzard are engaged with the gizzard, the mechanisms for holding the visceral package are in a processing position pivoted approximately 180°, and mechanisms for dissecting the liver are located prior to engagement with the liver.

[0064] Figure 7b It is based on Figure 7a The front view of the illustration.

[0065] Figure 8a It is based on the side view illustrated in Figure 7, including the removed liver.

[0066] Figure 8b It is based on Figure 8a The front view of the illustration, and

[0067] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for automatically harvesting organs and components from the viscera of slaughtered poultry, the apparatus including some of the processing stations shown in Figures 1 to 8. Detailed Implementation

[0068] The apparatus shown, and according to the invention, is for automatically harvesting edible and inedible organs and components from evisceration packs removed from slaughtered chickens. The apparatus is also particularly suitable for, and constructed for, harvesting individual organs, such as the heart, lungs, and liver, from evisceration packs of other poultry.

[0069] The device 10 shown in the attached figure is constructed and adapted to automatically harvest edible components from the viscera package 15 removed from slaughtered poultry, particularly liver 11, heart 12, lungs 13 and gizzard 14. In addition to the edible components, the viscera package also includes other visceral components, particularly gallbladder 16, spleen 17, forestomach 18, intestines 19, and trachea and esophagus 20.

[0070] According to the present invention, the device 10 is characterized in that it includes a conveying mechanism 21 for conveying, along a first conveying path and along a plurality of processing stations, an internal organ package 15 or a portion thereof held on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs 13, and a plurality of processing stations, namely: a mechanism 22 for removing the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 from the internal organ package 15 suspended on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs 13; a mechanism 23 for holding, in the region of the gizzard 14, the internal organ package 15 still suspended on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs 13 after the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 have been removed; and the mechanism 23 for holding the internal organ package 15 in the region of the gizzard 14 is arranged on the conveying mechanism 24. The conveying mechanism is used to convey various portions of the visceral package 15, including the liver 11, along a second conveying path; a mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13 from the visceral package 15; a mechanism 23 for holding the visceral package 15 in the region of the gizzard 14; and a mechanism 24 for pivoting the portion of the visceral package 15a, from which the gallbladder 16, intestine 19, heart 12, and lung 13 have been removed, approximately 180°, such that the portion of the visceral package 15a, together with the liver 11, can be conveyed downwardly suspended on the conveying mechanism 24 for conveying the various portions of the portion of the visceral package 15a, including the liver 11; and a mechanism 26 for detaching the downwardly suspended liver 11 from the portion of the visceral package 15a.

[0071] The features and improvements described below constitute preferred embodiments, individually or in combination with each other. It should be clearly noted that features summarized in the specification and / or drawings, or features described in common embodiments, can also independently improve the above-described device 10 in terms of functionality.

[0072] A conveying mechanism 21 for conveying visceral packages 15 or portions thereof held on the heart 12 and / or the lungs 13 along a first conveying path includes a conveyor 30 and at least one conveyor carriage 31 arranged on the conveyor 30 and movable along the first conveying path. As an example, a conveyor chain is shown as the conveyor 30, which may be driven by a drive (not explicitly shown). Multiple conveyor carriages 31 are secured to the conveyor chain. The conveyor carriages 31 also move along the first conveying path in the conveying direction T1 by moving the conveyor chain. Each conveyor carriage 31 includes guide and / or sliding rollers 32 by means of which it can travel on or along a conveyor bar 33. A guide bar 34 is arranged below the conveyor bar 33, and is configured and adapted to guide the conveyor carriages 31 rolling on the conveyor bar 33. Each conveyor carriage 31 includes a mechanism 35 for clamping the visceral package 15 or a portion thereof onto the heart 12 and / or the upper lungs 13 and then releasing it again. The clamping mechanism 35 can be configured to be self-clamping, but preferably includes actively actuated clamping claws for opening and closing.

[0073] In addition to the guide rod 34 for the transport vehicle 31 itself, a guide mechanism 36 for capturing and placing the heart 12 and lung 13 clamped in the transport vehicle 31 is associated with the transport conveyor 30. The guide mechanism 36 is positioned below the guide rod 34 for the transport vehicle 31 and includes at least two guide rods 37, 38. In the entrance region E of the visceral package 15 entering the guide mechanism 36, the guide rods 37, 38 are arranged with a large spacing. Initially, the guide rods 37, 38 extend toward each other in the transport direction T1. Then, in the region of the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13 located at the end of the guide mechanism 36, the guide rods 37, 38 are at least partially substantially oriented along the transport direction T1 and spaced apart from each other. Preferably, the guide rods 37, 38 for orienting the captured and placed heart 12 and / or lung 13 are shaped not only with respect to the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13, but also with respect to the mechanism 35 for clamping the visceral package 15 or portions thereof.

[0074] Furthermore, the guide rods 37 and 38 are arranged at a height offset relative to each other. One of the guide rods 37 and 38, preferably the lower guide rod 38, is fitted with a guide plate 39, by means of which spatial separation of the heart 12 and lung 13, which are still attached to the visceral package 15, is achieved, and spatial separation of the remaining components of the visceral package 15 is achieved, while the remaining components of the visceral package 15 can be brought into an inclined position. During the transport of the visceral package 15 along the first transport path in the transport direction T1, the heart 12 and lung 13 pass through the guide groove 40 formed between the two guide rods 37 and 38 and are pushed by the guide rods 37 and 38 to a desired height, i.e., to the height of the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13. The remaining components of the visceral package 15 slide along the side of the guide plate 39 away from the guide groove 40 and are slightly raised by the guide plate 39, which has a defined inclination relative to the vertical direction.

[0075] A cooling element (not explicitly shown) is arranged in the region of the guide mechanism 36, by means of which the viscera package 15 suspended on the transport vehicle 31 can be cooled during transport along the first transport path. The cooling element may be, for example, a water tank filled with ice water located below the guide mechanism 36. In other embodiments, nozzles may also be arranged in the region of the guide plate 39, by means of which liquid nitrogen, for example, can be applied to at least the components of the viscera package 15 sliding along the guide plate 39. Alternatively, the cooling element may also be prominently arranged upstream of the guide mechanism 36 in the transport direction T1, such that cooling of the viscera package 15 occurs immediately after viscera removal.

[0076] The first transport path of the transport mechanism 21 leads directly to the direction of the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lungs 13. The mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lungs 13 from the visceral package 15, located in the region at the end of the guide mechanism 36, includes a rotary blade 41, or another cutting mechanism. A stretching mechanism 42 is associated with the rotary blade 41. The stretching mechanism 42 is arranged in the region of the rotary blade 41 such that the visceral package 15 to be processed encounters the stretching mechanism 42 immediately before reaching the rotary blade 42. The stretching mechanism 42 is a dilator configured and adapted to stretch the tissue between the heart 12 and lungs 13 on one hand, and the remaining components of the visceral package 15 on the other, such that the rotary blade 41 encounters the stretched tissue. A separator (not shown) for separating the heart 12 and lungs 13 from the visceral package 15 can be arranged below the rotary blade 41. For example, the separator can be formed by two spiral rollers or the like that capable of being driven in opposite directions.

[0077] Within the area of ​​guide plate 39, a transfer position is constructed between conveyor mechanism 21 and conveyor mechanism 24. Conveying mechanism 21 is used to convey along a first conveying path the visceral package 15 or portions thereof held on the heart 12 and / or lungs 13, and conveying mechanism 24 is used to convey along a second conveying path portions of the visceral package 15a, including portions of the liver 11, such that the conveyor trolley 31 holding the heart 12 and lungs 13 can move independently of mechanism 23 along the first conveying path. Mechanism 23 holds portions of the visceral package 15a after the heart 12 and lungs 13 have been removed, and also after the gallbladder 16 and intestines 19 have been removed, for holding portions of the visceral package 15a within the region of the gizzard 14 along the second conveying path. In the transfer area... In this process, the visceral package 15 is temporarily held or clamped in two positions. After the heart 12 and lungs 13 are separated from the visceral package 15, the heart 12 and lungs 13 are initially further transported along a first transport path, while a portion of the visceral package 15a is further transported along a second transport path.

[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, mechanism 22 for removing gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 is arranged upstream of mechanism 23 for retaining visceral pouch 15 still suspended on heart 12 and / or lung 13 in the region of gizzard 14, and includes stretching station 43 (see in particular). Figure 2a and 2b ) and separation station 44 (see in particular) Figure 3a , 3b (4a, 4b). In the illustrated embodiment, the visceral package 15 first arrives at a stretching station 43, which includes a stretching mechanism 45 for stretching the intestine 19. The stretching mechanism 45 is fixedly arranged on a frame or the like and includes at least a pair of stretching rollers 46 and at least one opposing retaining element 47, the opposing retaining element being arranged to be spaced apart from the pair of stretching rollers 46. The opposing retaining element 47 is arranged above the pair of stretching rollers 46 and is configured and adapted to receive and retain the intestine 19 in the transfer region to the gizzard 14 and / or foregut 18. For this purpose, the opposing retaining element 47 includes at least one retaining and / or guiding rod 48. The pair of stretching rollers 46 includes two stretching rollers 49, 50, which can be driven in opposite directions. The pair of stretching rollers 46 and the opposing retaining element 47 interact such that the stretching rollers 49, 50 of the pair of stretching rollers 46 pull the intestine 19, while the opposing retaining element 47 applies a reaction force by firmly holding the components of the visceral package 15 adjacent to the intestine 19.

[0079] Separation station 44 is arranged downstream of stretching station 43 in the conveying direction T1. Separation station 44 includes a separation mechanism 51 for separating intestine 19 and gallbladder 16 from other components of visceral package 15. Separation mechanism 51 is configured and adapted to separate from stretching mechanism 45 (see in detail...). Figure 3a3b) Receives an visceral package 15 comprising a stretched intestine 19, and includes at least one clamping device 52 and at least one lifting element 53. The lifting element 53 is arranged above the clamping device 52. The clamping device 52 includes clamping bodies 54 for clamping the intestine 19. The clamping body 54 may be configured to be fixed. The fixed arrangement refers in particular to a vertically oriented position. For clamping and releasing the intestine 19, the clamping body 54 is movable, particularly in the horizontal direction.

[0080] Each of the lifting elements 52 includes at least one lifting body 55 configured to be preferably reciprocating in the horizontal direction and preferably vertically movable. Each lifting element 53 or each lifting body 55 is configured and adapted to be accessible from a lower receiving position for receiving or retrieving the stretched intestine 19 (see in particular). Figure 3a , 3b Move to the upper separation position (see in detail) Figure 4a and 4b And return, so that the intestine 19 and gallbladder 16 are located below each lifting element 53 in the separated position.

[0081] The separation mechanism 51 also includes a separation device 56 for separating the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 located below each lifting element 53 from the visceral package 15, which still includes at least the heart 12, lungs 13, liver 11, gizzard 14, spleen 17, forestomach 18, and trachea and esophagus 20. The separation device 56 includes a blade 57 configured and adapted to engage / cut below the lifting element 53. The blade 57 is configured and adapted to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back.

[0082] For further processing of a partial visceral package 15a from which the heart 12, lungs 13, gallbladder 16, and intestines 19 have been removed, the visceral package can be conveyed by a conveying mechanism 24 along a second conveying path in the conveying direction T2. ​​In this case, the partial visceral package 15a is held by a mechanism 23 for holding the partial visceral package 15a in the region of the gizzard 14. For this purpose, the mechanism includes at least one holding device 58, which includes a support arm 59 and a pivot arm 60 hingedly arranged on the support arm 59. According to... Figure 9 In the illustrated embodiment, six retaining mechanisms 58 are evenly distributed around and disposed on the periphery of the conveying mechanism 24. The conveying mechanism 24 is a rotary conveyor that can be driven in a rotary manner in the conveying direction T2 using a drive mechanism (not explicitly shown). A support arm 59 is arranged on the conveying mechanism 24 for conveying the various portions of the partial visceral package 15a, including the liver, along the second conveying path T2. The support arm 59 is preferably detachably fastened.

[0083] The pivot arm 60 is configured to pivot away from the receiving position about the pivot axis S after the heart 12 and lungs 13 have been removed from the visceral package 15. Figure 5a , 5b (6a, 6b), approximately 180°, enter the processing position (see...) Figure 7a , 7b (8a, 8b), and return. The holding device 58 is constructed in a manner similar to a folding hinge and allows pivoting movement of approximately 180°. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot arm 60 can pivot away from the vertically upward pointing position to the vertically downward pointing position and return. The pivot arm 60 is configured to be L-shaped. The pivot arm 60 is mounted on the support arm 59 via its long arm 61. The short arm 62 forms a free end 63, which faces the direction of the portion of the viscera package 15a to be processed or held in the receiving position. A clamping device 64 is arranged on the free end 63 of the pivot arm 60, and the device is constructed and adapted to clamp the gizzard 14. The clamping device 64 can be arranged on the pivot arm 60 in a fixed or adjustable manner, and in the illustrated embodiment includes two clamping jaws 65, 66, which are movable toward and away from each other. The clamping jaws 65, 66 can be self-clamping or actively controllable, for example by means of a pneumatic unit.

[0084] The conveying mechanism 24 for conveying a portion of the visceral package 15a, including the liver 11, along a second conveying path includes a rotating plate 67, which is configured and adapted to be synchronized by means of a synchronizing element 68 with a conveyor 30 for conveying a portion of the visceral package 15 held on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs 13 along a first conveying path. In the illustrated embodiment, the synchronizing element 68 is a synchronizing wheel for mechanical synchronization of conveying speed. The conveying mechanism 24 preferably includes a second rotating plate (not explicitly shown) arranged spaced apart from and connected to the first rotating plate 67 to form a rotary conveyor or also a disc conveyor. The connection between the two rotating plates 67 can be established, for example, by means of a support or guide rod 69. The conveying mechanism 24 preferably includes six or more such holding devices 58, all arranged on the rotating plate 67.

[0085] Each mechanism 23, i.e., each holding device 58, for holding the visceral package 15 or partial visceral package 15a still suspended on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs 13 within the gizzard 14 region is associated with a corresponding mechanism 26 for peeling the downwardly hanging liver 11 from the partial visceral package 15a. By means of the pivot arm 60 of the holding device 58, the partial visceral package 15a including the liver 11 reaches the working / operating range of the mechanism 26 for peeling the liver 11. The mechanism 26 for peeling the downwardly hanging liver 11 from the partial visceral package 15a itself is constructed and adapted to be movable relative to the mechanism 23 for holding the partial visceral package or partial visceral package 15a still suspended on the heart 12 and / or on the lungs within the gizzard 14 region. For this purpose, the mechanism 26 for peeling the downwardly hanging liver 11 from the partial visceral package 15a is constructed and adapted to be vertically movable along at least one guide rod 69. Preferably, the mechanism 26 for peeling the downwardly suspended liver 11 from the partial visceral package 15a is movably guided on two linear guide rods 69 using a drive mechanism (not explicitly shown). Each holding mechanism 58 forms a processing unit together with the peeling mechanism 26, which is driven in a rotary manner by a conveying mechanism 24.

[0086] The peeling mechanism 26 includes two scraper elements 70, 71 that are movable relative to each other and are at least partially made of a flexible material on their facing inner sides. The clamp-like scraper elements 70, 71 are preferably controllable, allowing them to move toward and away from each other using a drive mechanism (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the scraper elements 70, 71 are configured as retaining arms 72, 73, with scraper lips 74, 75 arranged at their free ends in each case. The scraper lips 74, 75 are made of a flexible material and are detachably fastened to the retaining arms 72, 73.

[0087] The holding device 58 for holding the visceral package 15 or a portion thereof may include a vacuum holding device 76 as an alternative to or supplement to the support arm 59 and the pivot arm 60. The vacuum holding device 76 is used to aspirate and hold at least a portion of the gizzard 14. For this purpose, the vacuum holding device 76 includes a vacuum cover 77 operatively connected to a vacuum device (not shown). The vacuum holding device 76 may also be pivotally arranged on the conveying mechanism 24.

[0088] Each processing unit formed by the holding device 58 and the stripping mechanism 26 also forms a processing station. After the liver 11 is stripped from the partial viscera package 15a, the partial viscera package 15a with the liver 11 removed can be conveyed to other processing stations along the conveying direction T2. ​​The mechanism 78 for removing the forest stomach 18 from the partial viscera package 15a with the liver 11 removed and / or the mechanism 78 for removing the spleen 17 are arranged along a second conveying path of the conveying mechanism 24 for conveying the partial viscera package 15a. In the illustrated embodiment, the mechanism 78 for removing the spleen 17 and the forest stomach 18 is configured as a common circular blade 79. The circular blade 79 is preferably configured and adapted to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back. However, separate separation mechanisms may also be provided.

[0089] Along the second transport path of the transport mechanism 24 of the transport section viscera package 15a, in the region of the mechanism 78 for removing the foregut 18 and / or spleen 17, or downstream in its transport direction T2, a mechanism 80 for cutting the gizzard 14 is arranged. The mechanism 80 for cutting the gizzard 14 still held in the holding device 58 is preferably a circular blade 81. The circular blade 81 is preferably constructed and adapted to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back.

[0090] The output station 82 for the gizzard 14 from the mechanism 23 for holding the partial visceral package 15a is configured along a second transport path of the transport mechanism 24 for transporting the partial visceral package 15a in the transport direction T2. ​​Following the mechanism 78 for removing the foregut 18 and / or spleen 17, a mechanism 83 for removing the yellow skin of the gizzard 14 is arranged within the area of ​​the output station 82. The mechanism for removing the yellow skin is preferably arranged below the output station 82 such that the released and cut gizzard 14 falls directly onto the mechanism 83 for removing the yellow skin. This mechanism includes a roller pair 84, the two peeling rollers 85, 86 of which are configured and adapted to be driven in opposite directions. The gizzard 14 can also remain held during the removal of the yellow abdominal skin, such that release occurs only after the removal of the yellow gastric skin.

[0091] To automatically harvest the organs and / or components of the visceral package 15 or part of the visceral package 15a, the device 10 is connected to a controller 87 for controlling the conveying mechanisms 21, 24 and all processing stations. In particular, in addition to the conveyor 30 and the rotary plate 67, which serve as conveying mechanisms 21 and 24 respectively, the following mechanisms are also connected to the controller 87: a mechanism 22 for removing the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19; a mechanism 35 for clamping the heart 12 and / or lung 13; a mechanism 23 for holding the visceral package 15 or part of the visceral package 15a within the area of ​​the gizzard 14; a mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13; a mechanism 26 for peeling off the liver 11; a mechanism 78 for removing the spleen 16 and / or forestomach 18; a mechanism 80 for cutting open the gizzard 14; and a mechanism 83 for removing the yellow skin from the gizzard 14.

[0092] The method according to the present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0093] The method is used to automatically harvest edible components from viscera packs 15 removed from slaughtered poultry, particularly liver 11, heart 12, lungs 13 and gizzard 14. In addition to edible components, the viscera packs also include other visceral components, particularly gallbladder 16, spleen 17, forestomach 18, intestines 19, and trachea and esophagus 20.

[0094] According to the present invention, the method is characterized in that it includes the following steps:

[0095] After being completely removed from the slaughtered poultry, the viscera package 15, held on the heart 12 and / or the lungs 13, is conveyed along a first conveying path. Along the first conveying path, a processing station is set up, by means of which the gallbladder 16 and intestines 19 are removed from the viscera package 15. Simultaneously or subsequently, within the area of ​​the gizzard 14, the viscera package 15, still suspended on the heart 12 and / or the lungs 13, with the gallbladder 16 and intestines 19 removed, is clamped and held. Thus, the viscera package 15 is briefly held in two positions. In this case, the heart 12 and lungs 13 are removed from the viscera package 15. The partial viscera package 15a, held on the gizzard 14 with the gallbladder 16, intestines 19, heart 12, and lungs 13 removed, and also with the gallbladder 16 and intestines 19 removed, is then conveyed along a second conveying path, and in the process, it is also pivoted approximately 180°. Subsequently, the downward-hanging liver 11 is removed from the partial viscera package 15a. After the heart 12 and lungs 13 are removed from the visceral package 15, the various components of the visceral package 15 take different paths. The heart 12 and lungs 13 removed from the visceral package 15 are further transported along a first transport path in transport direction T1, while a portion of the visceral package 15a is further transported along a second transport path in transport direction T2. ​​Thus, the liver 11 located on the portion of the visceral package 15a is first cut off by the removal of the heart 12 and lungs 13 so that it can then be peeled off from the portion of the visceral package 15a in an inverted position.

[0096] To facilitate the removal of individual organs or components from the visceral package 15, the intestine 19 is stretched before the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 are removed, and the stretched intestine 19 and gallbladder 19 are spatially separated from the other components of the visceral package 15. Thanks to the stretching of the intestine 19, the visceral package 15 is, to a certain extent, "untangled." This means that, in particular, the intestine 19 and gallbladder 16 are exposed to the other components of the visceral package 15 so that they can be subsequently cut from the visceral package 15 using a separation mechanism.

[0097] Optionally, the visceral package 15 may be cooled before, but preferably after, removal of the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 and before further processing. For cooling purposes, the suspended visceral package 15 may be fully or partially immersed in a cooling bath or guided through it. The visceral package 15, with the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19 removed and preferably cooled, is then captured and positioned in the region of the heart 12 and lungs 13, such that the heart 12 and lungs 13 are arranged at the height of the mechanism 25 holding the heart 12 and lungs 13 and pressed in the direction of the outer end of the mechanism. As a result of this orientation and placement, the visceral package 15, including the heart 12 and lungs 13, precisely encounters the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lungs 13. During the transport of the visceral package 15 along the first transport path in the transport direction T1, the heart 12 and lungs 13, still attached to the visceral package 15, are spatially separated from the remaining components of the visceral package 15. While the heart 12 and lung 13 are accordingly oriented and positioned for removal, the remaining components of the visceral package 15 are brought into an inclined position so as to be clamped and held within the region of the gizzard 14. Separation of the heart 12 and lung 13 from the remaining components of the visceral package 15 preferably occurs mechanically.

[0098] Before the heart 12 and lung 13 are removed from the visceral package 15, the existing tissue connections, and thus the connections present via the trachea and esophagus 20, are stretched to the remaining components of the visceral package. This can occur, for example, by means of an increased forced distance between the heart 12 and lung 13 and the remaining components of the visceral package 15, into which the mechanism 25 for removing the heart 12 and lung 13 is inserted. The still-clamped components of the heart 12 and lung 13 are then further separately conveyed along a first conveying path in the conveying direction T1, released from clamping, and, after release, directly supplied to a separator for separating the heart 12 from the lung 13, while the portion of the visceral package 15a, from which the heart 12 and lung 13, as well as the gallbladder 16 and intestine 19, are further conveyed along a second conveying path in the conveying direction T2 for further processing.

[0099] After separating the gallbladder 16, intestine 19, heart 12, and lungs 13 from the visceral package 15 in the first step, and after peeling the liver 11 from the visceral package 15, the spleen 17 and / or forestomach 18 and / or trachea and esophagus 20 are removed from the gizzard 14, which is still clamped and held. After separating the spleen 17, forestomach 18, and trachea and esophagus 20 from the partial visceral package 15a, only the gizzard 14 remains in the mechanism 23 used to hold the partial visceral package 15. The gizzard 14, which is still clamped and held, is optionally then cut open and subsequently released. The inedible yellow gastric skin is located inside the gizzard 14. Therefore, the yellow gastric skin of the gizzard 14 is removed from the cut gizzard 14 by falling directly into the area of ​​the peeling rollers 85, 86 through the outer edge of the cut and released gizzard 14. The removal of the yellow gastric skin can also occur while the gizzard 14 is still clamped and held. For this purpose, the gizzard 14 is suspended above the peeling rollers 85 and 86, such that the outer edge of the yellow gastric skin engages with the peeling rollers 85 and 86 and is thereby pulled out. Only in this way is the gizzard 14 released.

[0100] In order to automate the various processing steps, all steps for harvesting the various organs or other components of the visceral package 15b are automatically matched to each other in a manner controlled by the controller 87. The control also involves the conveying of the visceral package 15 along a first conveying path and the conveying of a portion of the visceral package 15a along a second conveying path.

[0101] Particularly preferably, the method is performed by means of the device 10 according to this application.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) configured and adapted to automatically harvest edible components from an evisceration package (15) removed from slaughtered poultry, said edible components being liver (11), heart (12), lung (13), and gizzard (14), said evisceration package including, in addition to said edible components, other visceral components being gallbladder (16), spleen (17), forestomach (18), intestine (19), and trachea and esophagus (20), characterized in that: A first conveying mechanism (21) is used to convey, along a first conveying path, a plurality of processing stations, the visceral package (15) or a portion thereof held on the heart (12) and / or on the lungs (13); And multiple processing stations, specifically a first mechanism (22), a second mechanism (23), a third mechanism (25), and a fourth mechanism (26), wherein the first mechanism (22) is used to remove the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19) from the visceral package (15) suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13), and the second mechanism (23) is used to hold the visceral package (15) still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) and from which the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19) have been removed in the region of the gizzard (14), wherein the second mechanism (23) for holding the visceral package (15) in the region of the gizzard (14) is arranged on a second conveying mechanism (24) for conveying the package along a second conveying path. The third mechanism (25) is used to remove the heart (12) and the lung (13) from the visceral package (15), the second mechanism (23) is used to hold the visceral package (15) in the region of the gizzard (14) and is configured and adapted to pivot the partial visceral package (15a) from which the gallbladder (16), intestine (19), heart (12) and lung (13) have been removed by 180°, such that the partial visceral package (15a) together with the liver (11) can be transported downwardly suspended on the second transport mechanism (24) for transporting the various parts of the partial visceral package (15a) including the liver (11), and the fourth mechanism (26) is used to detach the downwardly suspended liver (11) from the partial visceral package (15a).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first transport mechanism (21) for transporting the visceral package (15) or a portion thereof held on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) along the first transport path includes a transport conveyor (30) and at least one transport vehicle (31) arranged on the transport conveyor (30) and movable along the first transport path. Each transport vehicle (31) includes a fifth mechanism (35) for clamping the visceral package (15) or a portion thereof on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) and for re-releasing the visceral package or a portion thereof.

3. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The conveyor (30) is associated with a guide mechanism (36) for capturing and placing the heart (12) and lungs (13) clamped in the transport vehicle (31).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The guiding mechanism (36) includes at least two first guide rods (37, 38), one of which is associated with a guide plate (39). By means of the guide plate, on the one hand, spatial separation of the heart (12) and the lung (13) which are still connected to the visceral package (15) can be achieved, and on the other hand, spatial separation of the remaining components of the visceral package (15) can be achieved, and the remaining components of the visceral package (15) can be brought into an inclined position.

5. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The at least two first guide rods (37, 38) are arranged to be oriented at least partially substantially along the first conveying direction (T1) and are arranged to be spaced apart and offset in height relative to each other.

6. The device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The at least two first guide rods (37, 38) for orienting the captured and positioned heart (12) and / or lung (13) are shaped with respect to the fifth mechanism (35) that clamps the visceral package (15) or a portion thereof.

7. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, A cooling element is arranged in the area of ​​the guide mechanism (36), by means of which the visceral package (15) suspended on the transport vehicle (31) can be cooled at least partially during transport along the first transport path.

8. The device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The third mechanism (25) for removing the heart (12) and the lung (13) from the visceral package (15) is arranged in the region at the end of the guide mechanism (36) along the first transport direction (T1). The third mechanism (25) for removing the heart (12) and the lung (13) from the visceral package (15) includes at least one circular blade (41).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that, Below the circular blade (41) is a separator for separating the heart (12) from the lung (13) after it has been separated from the visceral package (15).

10. The device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, A first stretching mechanism (42) is arranged in the region of the circular cutter (41) such that the visceral package (15) to be processed immediately encounters the first stretching mechanism (42) before reaching the circular cutter (41).

11. The device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that, In the region of the guide plate (39), a transfer position (Ü) is constructed between the first transport mechanism (21) for transporting along the first transport path the visceral package (15) or portions thereof held on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) and the second transport mechanism (24) for transporting along the second transport path the portions of the visceral package (15a) including the liver (11) such that the transport vehicle (31) holding the heart (12) and the lung (13) is movable along the first transport path independently of the second mechanism (23) holding the visceral package (15a) after the removal of the heart (12) and the lung (13) and also after the removal of the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19), for holding the visceral package (15a) along the second transport path in the region of the gizzard (14).

12. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mechanism (22) for removing the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19) is arranged along a first transport direction (T1) upstream of the second mechanism (23) for holding the visceral package (15) still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) in the region of the gizzard (14), and includes a stretching station (43) and a separation station (44), the stretching station (43) including a second stretching mechanism (45) for stretching the intestine (19), and the separation station (44) including a separation mechanism (51) for separating the intestine (19) and the gallbladder (16) from the remaining components of the visceral package (15).

13. The device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The second stretching mechanism (45) is fixedly arranged on a frame or the like and includes at least a pair of stretching rollers and at least one relative holding element (47), the at least one relative holding element being arranged to be spaced apart from the at least a pair of stretching rollers.

14. The device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The at least one pair of stretching rollers includes two stretching rollers driven in opposite directions, and the at least one relative holding element (47) includes at least one holding and / or second guide rod (48).

15. The device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one relative holding element (47) includes at least two holding and / or second guide rods (48).

16. The device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that, The separation mechanism (51) includes at least one clamping mechanism (52) and at least one lifting element (53), and each lifting element (53) is configured and adapted to be movable from a lower receiving position for receiving the stretched intestine (19) to an upper separation position and back, such that in the separation position, the intestine (19) and the gallbladder (16) are located below each lifting element (53).

17. The device (10) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism (52) includes a clamping body (54) for clamping the intestine (19), and each lifting element (53) includes a lifting body (55) that is capable of moving back and forth and up and down.

18. The device (10) according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that, The separation mechanism (51) includes a separation device (56) for separating the gallbladder (16) and intestine (19) located below each lifting element (53) from the visceral package (15) that still includes at least the heart (12), lungs (13), liver (11), gizzard (14), spleen (17), forestomach (18), and trachea and esophagus (20).

19. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second mechanism (23) for holding the visceral package (15) or the partial visceral package (15a) still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) in the region of the gizzard (14) includes at least one holding device (58), the at least one holding device including a support arm (59) and a pivot arm (60) hingedly arranged on the support arm (59), the support arm (59) being arranged on the second conveying mechanism (24) for conveying the portions of the partial visceral package (15a) including the liver (11) along the second conveying path, and the pivot arm (60) being configured to pivot 180° about a pivot axis (S) from the receiving position to the processing position and return after the heart (12) and the lung (13) are removed from the visceral package (15).

20. The device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that, A clamping device (64) is arranged on the free end (63) of the pivot arm (60), the clamping device (64) being constructed and adapted to clamp the gizzard (14).

21. The device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second transport mechanism (24) for transporting the portion of the visceral package (15a) including the liver (11) along the second transport path includes a rotating plate (67) configured and adapted to be synchronized by means of a synchronization element (68) with the transport conveyor (30) of the first transport mechanism (21) for transporting the visceral package (15) or a portion thereof held on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) along the first transport path.

22. The device (10) according to claim 21, characterized in that, At least two holding devices (58) are arranged on the rotating plate (67) for holding the visceral package (15) still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) in the region of the gizzard (14), or for removing the portion of the visceral package (15a) from the heart (12) and the lung (13) as well as from the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19).

23. The device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that, The second mechanism (23) for holding the visceral package (15) or the partial visceral package (15a) includes a vacuum holding device (76) as an alternative to or supplement to the support arm (59) and the pivot arm (60).

24. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each second mechanism (23) for holding the visceral package (15) or the partial visceral package (15a) still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) in the region of the gizzard (14) is associated in each case with a fourth mechanism (26) for detaching the downwardly suspended liver (11) from the partial visceral package (15a).

25. The device according to claim 24, characterized in that, The mechanism for detaching the liver from the visceral package and suspending it downwards is configured and adapted to be movable relative to the mechanism for maintaining the visceral package or the visceral package still suspended on the heart and / or on the lungs in the region of the gizzard.

26. The device (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that, The fourth mechanism (26) for detaching the lowerly suspended liver (11) from the partial visceral package (15a) is constructed and adapted to be movable up and down along at least one third guide rod (69).

27. The device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that, The fourth mechanism (26) for peeling includes two scraper elements (70, 71) that are movable relative to each other, and the two scraper elements (70, 71) are at least partially made of a flexible material on their inner sides facing each other.

28. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Along the second transport path of the second transport mechanism (24) for transporting the partial visceral package (15a), a sixth mechanism (78) is arranged for removing the foregut (18) and / or the spleen (17) and / or the trachea and esophagus (20) from the partial visceral package (15a) from which the liver (11) has been removed.

29. The device (10) according to claim 28, characterized in that, Along the second transport path of the second transport mechanism (24) for transporting the partial visceral package (15a), in the region of the sixth mechanism (78) for removing the foregut (18) and / or the spleen (17), or downstream of it in the second transport direction (T2), a seventh mechanism (80) for cutting open the gizzard (14) is arranged.

30. The device (10) according to claim 29, characterized in that, Along the second transport path of the second transport mechanism (24) for transporting the partial visceral package (15a) in the second transport direction (T2), behind the sixth mechanism (78) for removing the foregut (18) and / or the spleen (17), an output station (82) for the gizzard (14) from the second mechanism (23) for holding the partial visceral package (15a) is constructed, and an eighth mechanism (83) for removing the yellow skin of the gizzard (14) is arranged in the area of ​​the output station (82).

31. The device (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that, The eighth mechanism (83) for removing the yellow skin includes a pair of rollers (84) whose two peeling rollers (85, 86) are constructed and adapted to be drivable in opposite directions.

32. The device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device (10) is connected to a controller (87) for controlling the first conveying mechanism (21) and the second conveying mechanism (24) and all processing stations for automatically harvesting the organs and / or components of the visceral package (15) or the partial visceral package (15a).

33. A method for automatically harvesting edible components from an evisceration package (15) removed from slaughtered poultry, said edible components being liver (11), heart (12), lung (13), and gizzard (14), said evisceration package including, in addition to said edible components, other visceral components being gallbladder (16), spleen (17), forestomach (18), intestine (19), and trachea and esophagus (20), characterized in that The following steps: - The visceral package (15) held on the heart (12) and / or on the lung (13) is transported along the first transport path. -Remove the gallbladder (16) and intestine (19) from the visceral package (15). - In the region of the gizzard (14), the visceral package (15) that is still suspended on the heart (12) and / or on the lungs (13) and from which the gallbladder (16) and intestines (19) have been removed, is clamped and held. -Remove the heart (12) and the lungs (13) from the visceral package (15). - The visceral package (15a) containing the gallbladder (16), intestine (19), heart (12), and lungs (13) is transported along the second transport path and held on the gizzard (14) and from which the gallbladder (16), intestine (19), heart (12), and lungs (13) are removed, and is pivoted 180°, and -The liver (11) hanging downwards is detached from the visceral package (15a).

34. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, Before removing the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19), the intestine (19) is stretched, and the gallbladder (16) and the stretched intestine (19) are spatially separated from the other components of the visceral package (15).

35. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, The visceral package (15) is cooled before the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19) are removed.

36. The method according to claim 33 or 34, characterized in that, After the gallbladder (16) and the intestine (19) are removed and before further processing, the visceral package (15) is cooled.

37. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The visceral package (15) with the gallbladder (16) and intestine (19) removed is captured and placed in the region of the heart (12) and the lungs (13), such that the heart (12) and the lungs (13) are arranged at the height of the fifth mechanism (35) that holds the heart (12) and the lungs (13), and are pressed in the direction of the outer end of the fifth mechanism (35).

38. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, During transport along the first transport path, the heart (12) and the lung (13) which are still connected to the visceral package (15) are spatially separated from the remaining components of the visceral package (15).

39. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, Before removing the heart (12) and the lung (13) from the visceral package (15), the tissue connections with the remaining components of the visceral package (15) are stretched.

40. The method according to claim 38 or 39, characterized in that, The remaining components of the visceral package (15) are brought into an inclined position so that they are clamped and held within the area of ​​the gizzard (14).

41. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, After the liver (11) is detached from the visceral package (15), the spleen (17) and / or the foregut (18) and / or the trachea and esophagus (20) are removed from the gizzard (14) which is still clamped and held.

42. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The gizzard (14), which was still clamped and held, was cut open and then released.

43. The method according to claim 42, characterized in that, Remove the yellow skin of the gizzard (14) from the cut gizzard (14), wherein the outer edge of the cut and released gizzard (14) falls directly into the area of ​​the peeling rollers (85, 86).

44. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, After release, the heart (12) removed from the visceral package (15) and the lung (13) removed from the visceral package (15) are directly supplied to a separator for separating the heart (12) from the lung (13).

45. The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, All steps for harvesting the various organs or other components of the visceral package (15) are automatically matched to each other in a manner controlled by a controller (87).

46. ​​The method according to claim 33, characterized in that, The method is performed by means of the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 32.

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