Device and method for processing poultry parts having at least one bone

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and a method for processing poultry parts, preferably legs or chicken legs, having at least one bone, comprising a conveyor for conveying the poultry parts along a conveying path, in particular for conveying the chicken legs along a conveying path, and a cutting part for cutting the poultry parts along the conveying path, the conveyor includes a poultry carrier for carrying poultry portions, and the cutting portion is arranged along a conveying path of the conveyor.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for mechanically processing a poultry part having at least one bone, preferably the poultry part is a leg or a drumstick. The present invention also relates to a method for processing a poultry part having at least one bone. Background Art

[0002] In the past few decades, many machines have been developed to meet the global demand for large-scale and efficient poultry slaughter and processing. These machines are designed to improve various aspects of poultry processing, especially focusing on breaking down poultry carcasses into smaller parts. The actual trend in the market is the demand for poultry parts that are easier to prepare (ready-to-eat) and consume. By preparing these parts, the producers of these parts can also add higher value. The existing poultry processing equipment is diverse and includes, among many other equipment, primary poultry processing equipment such as viscera extractors, exhaust cutters, and fat removers, as well as secondary poultry processing equipment such as deboners and various cutters for cutting legs, necks, wings, and breasts. There are also various equipment available for further processing the separated poultry parts. Some examples of such equipment used in the later stages of poultry processing are cutting machines, flattening machines, coating machines, meat grinders, and marinating machines.

[0003] Although the currently available equipment provides various processing options, there is still a need to further specialize in the preparation of poultry for consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a device for effectively mechanically processing poultry parts to increase the level of attractiveness during cooking and consumption.

[0005] The present invention provides an apparatus for processing a poultry part having or comprising at least one bone, preferably the poultry part being a leg or a chicken drumstick. The apparatus comprises at least one conveyor, a cutting section, and a meat unfolding section. The conveyor is configured to convey the poultry part along a conveying path, in particular a chicken drumstick or a drumette. Optionally, the conveyor comprises a poultry carrier or a plurality of poultry carriers for carrying the poultry part. The cutting section is arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor and comprises at least one cutting element for forming an incision in a part of the meat of the poultry part conveyed along the conveying path, in particular along the cutting section. Preferably, the incision extends along a part of the bone, such as the tibia of the leg of a chicken drumstick or the humerus of a wing. The meat unfolding section is arranged downstream of the cutting section along the conveying path of the conveyor and comprises at least one unfoldable member for unfolding the meat adjacent to the incision at least along one side of the incision. With respect to the individual technical features involved in the context of the present invention, embodiments having a plurality of such features are also part of the scope claimed by the present invention. Thus, for example, if a device comprising a "conveyor" is mentioned, a device comprising two or more conveyors is also included in this embodiment. The apparatus according to the present invention can "open" a bone-containing poultry part (in particular a chicken drumstick) by cutting the meat and then unfolding, in particular locally separating the meat at the cutting position, so that thicker meat parts are more accessible and thus easier to cook (cooking includes all other temperature treatments and preparation methods, such as baking, grilling, sous vide, cooling, marinating, pickling, etc.). This not only makes the preparation of the poultry part faster, but also minimizes the risk of contamination due to undercooked poultry meat. Another important advantage is that the cut and separated poultry part is easier to eat, because the consumer can more easily separate the meat from the bone during consumption, or even separate the bone before eating the meat. The consumer can decide to traditionally eat the poultry part, such as a chicken drumstick, by hand, or can choose to use cutlery to eat the poultry part. Due to the unfolded or separated meat, the latter is a reasonable option, which allows easier removal of the meat from the bone in the poultry part, as it is accessible. Although the apparatus according to the present invention can be particularly suitable for cutting the meat along the tibia or humerus of a poultry piece (in particular a chicken) and then unfolding the meat along the tibia or humerus of the poultry piece (in particular a chicken), it is conceivable that the same apparatus is applied to different cuts of poultry. For example, the apparatus can also be used to cut along a part of the femur. Although the present invention can be mainly applicable to unfolding a chicken drumstick into a butterfly shape, it has surprisingly been found that the apparatus can be used to cut and, in particular, unfold a drumette into a butterfly shape.

[0006] With this device, the spreading part can spread the meat of the poultry part in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the poultry part, or in other words, the meat is displaced by the spreading part in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cut formed by the cutting part in the meat. The result of the spreading can also be that the meat is at least partially loosened. When the meat is displaced at least outwardly or away from the cut, the attachment of the meat to the bone may also be affected (more or less loosened depending on the specific dimensions and circumstances). Thus, loosening the meat from the bone more or less is one of the additional advantages of using the present invention. To spread the meat of the poultry part along the formed cut, the spreading part can include spreading elements.

[0007] The meat spreading part can be configured to displace the meat on two opposite sides adjacent to the cut. As an alternative to displacing only the meat on one side of the cut, a more preferred alternative is to push the meat on both sides of the cut away from each other, thereby enhancing the sought-after effect. Thus, the cut may open more, which allows better access to the interior of the cut and separated meat, and as the cut opens further, the attachment of the bone to the meat will be less firm. This can allow the meat of the chicken leg to be cut into a butterfly shape in an automatic mechanical manner. To cut the meat of the chicken leg into a butterfly shape, the meat along at least a portion of the tibia or humerus must be separated, and preferably one or more tendons are also separated from the knee side of the chicken leg. This forms a poultry piece, particularly a chicken leg, in which its meat can be placed substantially flat.

[0008] The spreading part can include a static spreader, and / or, the spreading element can be at least partially formed by a static spreader, which includes at least one spreading surface. Preferably, the static spreader includes two spreading surfaces, wherein at least one spreading surface diverges laterally outward in the direction of the conveying path. Preferably, the spreading part has two symmetrically laterally outwardly diverging spreading surfaces. The static spreading surface is simple to operate because it does not require driving, actuation, or intelligent control; only the correct stationary position is needed such that the movement of the conveyor conveying the poultry part causes the cut poultry part to contact the static spreading surface, and after the initial contact, the further forward movement of the poultry part causes the meat to be pushed away (spread) due to the shape of the laterally outwardly diverging stationary spreading surface. To correctly position the poultry part during this process (since the spreading force will be applied to the poultry part), the poultry part can be held in its direction by a (stationary) guide or track along which the poultry part moves during spreading. It is conceivable that at least one outwardly diverging spreading surface is formed by at least one diverging track, preferably by at least two diverging tracks, particularly where at least one diverging track diverges in a laterally outward direction relative to the conveying path. More specifically, a symmetrical arrangement of spreading tracks can preferably be provided, at least symmetrically arranged relative to the conveying path, and more specifically, symmetrically arranged relative to the conveying path defined by the cut formed by the cutting element.

[0009] Preferably, at least the upstream side of the static spreader, in particular its diverging part, is positioned in the conveying path and / or the cutting element, in particular aligned with the conveying path and / or the cutting element. The diverging part can be formed by a diverging spreading surface and / or spreading tracks. By positioning, in particular by aligning the upstream side of the diverging part, alignment of the upstream end with the incision formed in the poultry part can be achieved, such that conveyance of the poultry part along the diverging part enables the meat to be locally separated or spread relative to the bone of the poultry part. For this purpose, the upstream end of the diverging part is preferably relatively thin. This can allow the upstream end to easily enter the incision formed by the cutting element. Preferably, the upstream end of at least one spreading element is partially curved, in particular concave-curved, more particularly where if the cutting element is substantially disc-shaped, the curvature of the upstream side is substantially similar to the curvature of the cutting element.

[0010] Optionally, the spreading part can include at least one dynamic spreader that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path of the poultry part for dynamically spreading the meat along the incision relative to the bone of the poultry part, preferably separating the meat. In this case, the direction perpendicular to the conveying path can be substantially vertical, or upward or downward relative to the conveying path. However, it is also conceivable that the dynamic spreader is capable of moving at an angle relative to the conveying path as long as the dynamic spreader has moved towards the incision formed in the poultry part. It is even conceivable that the dynamic spreader moves in an upward and upstream direction. By providing a dynamic spreader, a more active spreading or separating action can be achieved, which can contribute to further and better separation of the meat. The dynamic spreader element can be movable at least between a working state and a non-working state,

[0011] In the working state, at least a part of the dynamic spreader is positioned in the conveying path of the poultry part, in particular at least partially intersecting the conveying path of the poultry part, in particular for locally separating the meat from the bone of the poultry part; and

[0012] In the non-working state, the dynamic spreader is positioned at a distance from the conveying path of the poultry part.

[0013] Preferably, the movement of the dynamic spreader is aligned with the movement of the poultry part. Moving the dynamic spreader upward, in particular positioning it in the conveying path, can improve the separation of the meat from the bone. Preferably, the dynamic spreader is in a lower position in the non-working state. It is conceivable that at least in the working state, a part of the dynamic spreading element is positioned close to and / or in contact with a part of the bone of the poultry part for locally separating the meat from the bone. By positioning a part of the dynamic spreader against or close to the bone, the most effective separation can be achieved in terms of effectively locally separating the meat from the bone of the poultry part.

[0014] Preferably, the movement of the dynamic expander is mechanically controlled. Mechanical control, especially mechanical timing, is preferred as this allows for a less complex construction of the device. Preferably, the dynamic expander includes a cam-driven cam follower for controlling the movement of the dynamic expander between the operating state and the non-operating state. The cam follower can be directly attached to the dynamic expander, preferably at one side of the conveyor. The cam-driven cam follower can be driven by a cam, which can be part of and / or form a cam driver. The cam or cam driver can be part of the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier, and / or, the cam or cam driver can be attached to a part of the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier. Preferably, the cam is attached to a device that moves along the expander element, and / or, the cam is part of a device that moves along the expander element. By manufacturing the cam or the cam-driven part of the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier, it is possible to initiate the cam follower of the dynamic expander at a desired time. Preferably, since the dynamic expander is actuated at a specific moment, this can be achieved by attaching it to the conveyor without the need for a complex control system to precisely time the actuation of the dynamic expander. Preferably, the cam or cam driver and the cam follower together form a linear cam driver and cam follower mechanism.

[0015] The dynamic spreader includes at least a base portion and at least two tearing fingers, wherein the tearing fingers are mounted to the base portion, preferably elastically or movably mounted to the base portion. Preferably, when the dynamic spreader is in the working position, the tearing fingers intersect the conveying path. The tearing fingers allow easier access to the cavity of the poultry part and thus can provide improved positioning relative to the bones in the poultry part to increase the separation efficiency. Obviously, it is desirable to completely separate the meat from the bones locally, preferably without leaving pieces of meat locally attached to the bones. For this purpose, the tearing fingers can provide the required precision. It is conceivable that at least one tearing finger is elastic and / or movable relative to the conveying path in the lateral direction to place the tearing finger on one side of the bone of the piece of the poultry part. The lateral direction can also be referred to as the width direction or the lateral direction. It is conceivable that the tearing fingers are capable of moving between a working position and a non-working position, in the working position, at least a portion of each tearing finger is positioned on one side of the bone, preferably on the opposite side, more preferably in contact with the bone of the poultry part conveyed along the dynamic spreader. In the non-working position, the tearing fingers do not contact the poultry part. Preferably, the tearing fingers are arranged substantially parallel to each other at least in the non-working position. In the working position, the tearing fingers can enclose an angle with each other. Preferably, the tearing fingers are pivotally attached to the base member so as to pivot about a pivot axis. The pivot axis is preferably parallel to the conveying path such that a movement in the lateral direction can be achieved during the pivoting movement of the tearing fingers. Preferably, during the movement between the working state and the non-working state, the dynamic spreader can move at least temporarily in the vertical direction and the lateral direction. In particular, it is conceivable that during the upward movement of the dynamic spreader, the tibia bone (i.e., the tibia) of the poultry part will force the two tearing fingers in the lateral or side direction. The lateral movement of the tearing fingers can be carried out until the dynamic spreader has reached the highest point. Therefore, the lateral movement of the tearing fingers can be caused by contact with the bones of the poultry part. Therefore, it may be preferred that the tearing fingers are elastic or elastically mounted to the base portion to ensure that they return to their initial position to be able to tear the meat of the subsequent poultry parts. Preferably, at least a portion of the at least two tearing fingers, particularly their upward-facing sides, are arranged at a mutual distance. The size of the opening can be designed to receive a portion of the bone of the poultry part, i.e., the tibia, when the dynamic spreader moves upwardly towards the cut poultry block. In particular, the upward-facing ends of the tearing fingers are positioned at opposite sides of the conveying path, particularly at opposite sides of the center line of the bone or incision of the poultry part to be conveyed along the spreading portion. This ensures the correct alignment and precise spreading of each poultry part. To allow easy access to the incision, it is conceivable that the upward-facing edge of at least one tearing finger (preferably each tearing finger) is at least partially tapered. The narrower tip of the tearing finger can allow easier access to the meat along the incision.Preferably, the dynamic spreader is configured to locally separate a part of the meat and poultry.

[0016] It has been found that very good results are achieved using a spreading part that includes both a static spreader and a dynamic spreader, particularly where the dynamic spreader is arranged downstream of the static spreader in the conveying path. Providing both a static spreader and a dynamic spreader, particularly when the dynamic spreader is arranged downstream of the static spreader, provides a synergistic effect between the spreaders. This can allow the static spreader to provide an initial spreading action, at least partially opening the incision formed by the cutting element, and where the dynamic spreader allows for the actual local separation of the meat from the bone. Preferably, the dynamic spreader provides the local separation of the meat from the bone, while the static spreader at least provides the local opening of the incision. Preferably, the dynamic spreader is configured to tear at least one tendon, particularly due to the placement of the tearing fingers, preferably near the knee side of the tibia. Preferably, the downstream end of the static spreader is wider than a part of the dynamic spreader, particularly the upstream part. This can allow the dynamic spreader to accurately enter the opening formed by the static spreader around the incision.

[0017] To improve the separation efficiency, the device may include at least one spreading part holder arranged on the side of the conveying path of the poultry part opposite to the spreading part, or facing the spreading part, for applying (counter) pressure to the poultry part during the conveyance of the poultry part along the spreading part. This can prevent the poultry part from just "hitting" the spreading part without transferring the actual spreading movement to the poultry part. In particular, in the absence of a spreading part holder, the upward movement of the dynamic spreader may be less effective. Thus, the holder can define an upper limit position of the poultry part transported along the spreading part. In particular, the holding element can limit or prevent the (further) upward movement of the poultry part during the spreading action of the spreading part. Preferably, the spreading part holding element at least partially overlaps with the static spreader and / or the dynamic spreader, particularly with both the static spreader and the dynamic spreader. It may be preferred that the spreading part holder at least partially overlaps with the static spreader and / or the dynamic spreader, particularly with both the static spreader and the dynamic spreader. Preferably, the spreading part holder is at least partially elastic, and at least the upstream part of the spreading part holder is elastic. This can be particularly beneficial because the sizes of most chicken legs are slightly different, and to accommodate the size and shape differences of the corresponding chicken legs, it may be helpful to make the upstream end of the spreading part, i.e., the receiving end of the spreading part holder, (slightly) elastic.

[0018] The cutting element of the cutting section may include a rotatable cutting element. In particular, the cutting element of the cutting section is formed by a rotatable cutting element. The rotatable cutting element may form a cutting disc. Preferably, the cutting element is at least partially arranged in the conveying path. In particular, the side of the rotatable cutting element located above the axis of rotation is positioned in the conveying path. The axis of rotation may be substantially perpendicular to the conveying path. In particular, the axis of rotation may extend in the width direction. Preferably, the part of the cutting element arranged in the conveying path moves in a direction opposite to the conveying direction. However, it is also conceivable that the conveying direction and the cutting direction are oriented in the same direction. If a static spreader is provided, the highest point of the static spreader is preferably located below the highest point of the rotatable cutting element. If a dynamic spreader is applied, at least when the dynamic spreader is in the non-working position, the highest part of the dynamic spreader is preferably located below the highest point of the rotatable cutting element. In the working state, it is conceivable that the highest part of the dynamic spreader is located above the highest point of the rotatable cutting element. If both a static spreader and a dynamic spreader are applied simultaneously, when the dynamic spreader is in the working state, at least the highest point of the dynamic spreader is located above the static spreader.

[0019] It can be envisaged that the cutting section includes at least one guide for guiding the poultry part, in particular for guiding the poultry part along the cutting element of the cutting section. The guide element can be configured to guide the poultry part, in particular a chicken leg, along a part of the cutting section in a predetermined direction or position relative to the cutting element. This can allow the cutting element to form an incision along a predetermined part of the bone of the poultry part. In particular, a chicken leg includes two bones, the tibia and the fibula. The tibia extends along (or through) substantially the entire chicken leg, while the fibula only extends in a downward direction from the knee region of the poultry along a part of the tibia. It can be envisaged that at least a part of the guide is configured to rotate and / or tilt the poultry part before and / or during entering the cutting section. It may be preferred to cut along a part of the tibia that is spaced from the fibula. Thus, the guide can be configured to guide the poultry part, in particular a chicken leg, through the cutting section in a predetermined direction or position such that the cutting element is arranged to cut along the length of the tibia at a distance from the fibula. In the case of mention in the present application of cutting along a part of a bone, it should be noted that it is not necessary and even may not preferably cut into the bone. Preferably, the cutting element is configured to cut through the meat near the bone. Preferably, the spreader part tears the meat from the actual bone. Preferably, at least a part of the spreading element and / or the spreading part, in particular the upstream part, is located in and / or overlaps with the guide channel. This can ensure that the poultry part is indeed guided along the spreading part, in particular still guided in the preferred direction. This can prevent the chicken leg from rotating or moving out of the position upstream of the spreading part. This is beneficial because it ensures a good alignment of the (upstream end) of the spreading part with the incision formed by the cutting element.

[0020] At least one guide can be partially shaped as a channel that includes a channel bottom and one or two upwardly extending channel walls, along which or above which the poultry part can be dragged or carried or towed, and the channel walls can define a channel passage. The channel walls can be arranged at a mutual distance. The channel walls can provide some lateral stability to the poultry part during transportation through the channel, which can help to avoid rotation or displacement of the poultry part. Optionally, at least one channel bottom includes at least one cutting slot for receiving a part of the cutting element. Preferably, the cutting element extends through the cutting slot so as to extend into the channel formed by the channel bottom and the channel walls. Preferably, the rotational axis of the cutting element, which can be horizontal, is located below the channel bottom.

[0021] It is also conceivable that the device according to the invention comprises pairs of cutting parts and pairs of spreading parts, which are arranged parallel to each other at a distance in the transverse direction (i.e., perpendicular to the conveying path). This can provide an increase in the processing capacity of the device according to the invention, which is beneficial in terms of output. Due to the parallel arrangement, it is possible to double the processing capacity at the same moving speed of the conveyor, which can be very beneficial. Usually, doubling the processing capacity would require, for example, doubling the conveyor speed. However, this is very tricky because all processing parts tend to be adjusted to and / or designed for a predetermined speed of the conveyor. Therefore, doubling the capacity is usually not achievable with the same device. The present invention allows for the doubling to be achieved in a relatively easy manner, and even tripling or quadrupling can be achieved by arranging a larger number of cutting parts and spreading parts in the width direction. In the case where more than one cutting part is provided, it is conceivable that all cutting elements are driven individually, however the cutting elements can also be attached to a single drive shaft, which is driven by a single drive motor. Similarly, it is imaginable that each part includes its own guiding channel.

[0022] Optionally, the cutting part comprises at least one retainer for providing a predetermined counter-pressure to a part of the poultry conveyed through the cutting part. This can allow for precise incisions to be made that are not too deep such that splints of the bone spread into the meat, and not too shallow such that the spreading part cannot spread the meat and / or locally separate the meat from the bone. Preferably, the retainer is arranged on the side of the conveying path of the poultry part opposite to the cutting part and / or facing the cutting part for applying pressure to the poultry part during conveyance of the poultry part along the cutting part. The cutting part retainer can comprise a pivotable rod, which is preferably provided with a roller, which is positioned at a distance from the pivot point of the rod, in particular, wherein the rod is mounted to the pivot point under pre-tension, preferably, the rod is mounted to the pivot point via a torsion spring for providing pre-tension in the rotational direction of the rod. This can accommodate all dimensional variations of the poultry part and can be effectively used for larger and smaller poultry parts, in particular chicken legs.

[0023] The device comprises at least one poultry carrier, preferably, the device comprises a plurality of poultry carriers, the poultry carriers being for carrying poultry parts. At least one poultry carrier may be attached to the conveyor and / or form part of the conveyor. Attached to the conveyor. Preferably, at least a part of at least one poultry carrier is rotatable relative to the conveyor, preferably about a rotation axis perpendicular to the conveying path. Preferably, the rotation axis extends in an upward direction. In the case of applying parallel cutting and unfolding sections, it is conceivable that at least one poultry carrier is configured to carry a pair or more poultry parts, preferably for carrying the poultry parts at a mutual distance relative to each other. The distance preferably corresponds to the distance between the cutting and unfolding sections. It is conceivable that at least a part of at least one poultry carrier is configured to rotate intermittently by the device, in particular by the conveyor and / or the frame of the device. It is conceivable that at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, comprises an axially rotatable base structure and at least one poultry carrying structure, the axially rotatable base structure being mounted to the conveyor, in particular to a belt, the at least one poultry carrying structure being attached to the base structure and standing upright from the base structure, wherein the base structure serves as a driven wheel, in particular a square driven wheel, and wherein the device, in particular the conveyor or the frame of the device, comprises at least one drive cam, such as a pin, preferably a fixed pin, the drive cam being configured to cooperate with the driven wheel once the driven wheel passes the drive cam and thus rotate the driven wheel. This can provide easy and reliable rotation of the poultry carriers of the device. Preferably, the driven wheel comprises a plurality (n) of slots, wherein preferably, n is 4, the plurality of slots being configured to engage with the drive cam in sequence to rotate the base structure by an angle of 360 / n degrees, wherein preferably, the driven wheel is a square driven wheel, wherein each slot is connected to a corner of the square driven wheel and extends towards the rotation axis of the square driven wheel. The device may comprise at least one Maltese cross drive to rotate at least a part of the poultry carrier intermittently. Preferably, the device is configured to rotate the poultry carrier downstream of the separation section. This can allow the device to rotate the poultry carrier automatically, in particular mechanically, after the processing of the poultry parts is completed. For example, the poultry carrier may rotate to simplify the discharge of the poultry parts, or to allow the operator to access the processed poultry parts to remove them from the device. In the case where the conveyor is a loop conveyor, preferably, the poultry carrier also rotates at an upstream position of the cutting section to allow (re)alignment of the poultry parts for the cutting section.

[0024] Preferably, the at least one conveyor is a loop conveyor, where optionally, the loop conveyor includes at least one loop belt. A loop conveyor can allow for continuous processing in a relatively compact space. Additionally, compared to conventional poultry processing devices, it can be applied in a more modular way, which are typically set within a single drive line that provides less flexibility and a higher risk in case of a failure in a part of the line. Moreover, a loop conveyor can allow for an increase in capacity in a more efficient way by using two devices (in addition to adding parallel channels as described above). The loop belt conveyor may include a main running section and a secondary running section, where an intermediate space is defined between the main running section and the secondary running section, and where at least a part of the main running section defines a conveying path. Preferably, the cutting section and the unfolding section are arranged along the main running section of the loop conveyor. The belt conveyor includes at least one belt return device, which facilitates the conversion of the loop belt between the main running section and the secondary running section. The belt return device may include at least one guiding sprocket, preferably, the belt return device may include at least one driven guiding sprocket, and optionally, the belt return device may include at least one non-driven guiding sprocket. Preferably, the device includes at least one poultry carrier, where at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, is configured to carry at least one poultry part at a distance from the belt. Preferably, where at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, includes a base structure mounted to the belt, and at least one poultry carrying structure attached to and standing upright from the base structure, where preferably, the poultry carrying structure is configured to suspend a poultry thereon such that the poultry is positioned at a distance from the base structure. Preferably, at least one poultry carrier, preferably each poultry carrier, includes at least one hook suspended by a distance element, where the hook is configured to carry at least a part of a poultry part. It is contemplated that the hook includes an open end and a closed end. Preferably, the open end allows for the insertion of a (narrower) area of a poultry part, especially for hanging a chicken leg in a downward direction when the poultry part is at least in a stationary position, where the knee part of the chicken leg is located at a lower position than the ankle part. Optionally, the poultry carrier includes a pair of spaced-apart hooks for carrying a pair of poultry parts. Preferably, when the poultry carrier is positioned near the cutting section, the closed portion of the hook is located upstream relative to the open end of the hook. This can prevent the poultry part from falling out of the carrier, especially from the hook, due to an (optional) rotational or tilting movement of an (optional) guide.

[0025] The present invention also relates to a method for cutting a poultry part having at least one bone, in particular, the poultry part is a poultry leg, in particular, the poultry part is a chicken leg, preferably, the method for cutting a poultry part having at least one bone by using the device according to the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0026] a) Positioning or loading one or more poultry parts to be processed directly or indirectly onto a conveyor of a poultry processing device, in particular, positioning or loading one or more poultry parts to be processed onto a poultry carrier,

[0027] b) Conveying the poultry part by using the conveyor such that the one or more meat pieces are displaced in the conveying direction,

[0028] c) Forming at least one incision by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device, wherein the incision extends at least partially along the bone of the poultry part, in particular, during the conveying in step b), forming at least one incision by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device,

[0029] d) After step c), at least locally and mechanically unfolding the meat adjacent to the incision opening and at least partially folding and turning over the meat adjacent to the incision opening.

[0030] e) After step d), unloading the poultry part. It is conceivable that step d) includes:

[0031] d1) Static unfolding of the meat adjacent to the incision formed during step c), in particular, by using a static spreader, and

[0032] d2) Dynamically unfolding the meat adjacent to the incision by using a dynamic spreader, in particular, separating the meat from the bone of the poultry part, and wherein, during step d1) or step d2), separating at least one tendon from the bone of the poultry part. For this method, the same benefits provided by the device according to the present invention also apply.

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by the following non-limiting group of clauses.

[0034] Clause

[0035] 1. A device for processing a poultry part having at least one bone, preferably, the poultry part is a leg or a chicken leg, the device comprising:

[0036] A conveyor for conveying a poultry part along a conveying path, in particular, for conveying a chicken leg along a conveying path, the conveyor comprising a poultry carrier for carrying the poultry part,

[0037] Cutting part, said cutting part being arranged along the conveying path of said conveyor, said cutting part comprising at least one cutting element for forming an incision in a part of a poultry part conveyed along said conveying path, wherein, preferably, said incision extends along a part of a bone, such as the tibia of said leg or drumstick,

[0038] Meat spreading part, said meat spreading part being arranged along the conveying path of said conveyor downstream of said cutting part, said meat spreading part comprising at least one spreader for spreading the meat adjacent to said incision.

[0039] 2. The device according to clause 1, wherein said meat spreading part is configured to displace the meat on two opposite sides adjacent to said incision.

[0040] 3. The device according to clause 1 or 2, wherein said spreading part comprises a static spreader, said static spreader comprising at least one spreading surface, preferably, said static spreader comprises two spreading surfaces, wherein at least one spreading surface diverges laterally outwards in the direction of said conveying path.

[0041] 4. The device according to clause 3, wherein at least one laterally diverging spreading surface is formed by at least one spreading track, in particular, wherein at least one spreading track diverges in a laterally outwards direction relative to said conveying path.

[0042] 5. The device according to clause 3 or 4, wherein at least the upstream side of said static spreader is positioned in said conveying path, in particular, the diverging part of said static spreader is positioned in said conveying path, in particular, at least the upstream side of said static spreader is aligned with said conveying path, in particular, the diverging part of said static spreader is aligned with said conveying path.

[0043] 6. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein said spreading part comprises at least one dynamic spreader, said dynamic spreader being movable in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path of said poultry part.

[0044] 7. The device according to clause 6, wherein said dynamic spreader is at least movable between a working state and a non - working state,

[0045] In the working state, wherein at least a part of said dynamic spreader is positioned in the conveying path of said poultry part, in particular for locally separating the meat from the bone of said poultry part; and

[0046] In the non - working state, wherein said dynamic spreader is positioned at a distance from the conveying path of said poultry part.

[0047] 8. The device according to clause 7, wherein at least in the working state, a part of the dynamic deployment element is positioned close to or in contact with the bone of the poultry part for locally separating the meat from the bone.

[0048] 9. The device according to clause 7 or 8, wherein the dynamic expander includes a cam-driven cam follower for controlling the movement of the dynamic expander between the working state and the non-working state.

[0049] 10. The device according to clause 9, wherein the cam driver is part of the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier, and / or the cam driver is attached to the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier.

[0050] 11. The device according to any one of clauses 9 - 10, wherein the cam driver and the cam follower form a linear cam driver and cam follower mechanism.

[0051] 12. The device according to any one of clauses 6 - 11, wherein the dynamic expander includes at least one base part and at least two tearing fingers, wherein the tearing fingers are mounted to the base part, preferably, the tearing fingers are elastically or movably mounted to the base part.

[0052] 13. The device according to clause 12, wherein at least one tearing finger is elastic and / or capable of moving in a lateral direction relative to the conveying path for placing the tearing finger on one side of the bone of the poultry part.

[0053] 14. The device according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the pair of fingers are arranged at opposite sides of the conveying path.

[0054] 15. The device according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the deployment part includes a static expander and a dynamic expander, wherein the dynamic expander is arranged downstream of the static expander with respect to the conveying path.

[0055] 16. The device according to clause 15, wherein the downstream end of the static expander is wider than a part of the dynamic expander.

[0056] 17. The device according to any one of the foregoing clauses, wherein the device further includes at least one deployment part retainer, the at least one deployment part retainer is arranged on the opposite side of the conveying path of the poultry part with respect to the deployment part and / or faces the deployment part for applying pressure to the poultry part during the conveyance of the poultry part along the deployment part, preferably, wherein the deployment part retainer is at least partially elastic.

[0057] 18. The device according to clause 17, wherein the spreading part retainer at least partially overlaps with the static spreader and / or the dynamic spreader.

[0058] 19. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cutting elements of the cutting part include rotatable cutting elements, in particular, the cutting elements of the cutting part are formed by rotatable cutting elements.

[0059] 20. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cutting part includes at least one guide for guiding the poultry part.

[0060] 21. The device according to clause 20, wherein at least a part of the spreading part is positioned in and / or overlaps with the guiding channel, in particular, the upstream part of the spreading elements of the spreading part is positioned in and / or overlaps with the guiding channel.

[0061] 22. The device according to clause 19 or 20, wherein the guide is configured to position the poultry part in a predetermined position.

[0062] 23. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the cutting part includes at least one retainer for providing a predetermined counter-pressure to the poultry part conveyed through the cutting part.

[0063] 24. The device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the device includes a retainer arranged on the side of the conveying path of the poultry part opposite to the cutting part for applying pressure to the poultry part during the conveyance of the poultry part along the cutting part.

[0064] 25. The device according to clause 24, wherein the cutting part retainer includes a pivotable rod, preferably, the pivotable rod is provided with a roller, and the roller is arranged at a distance from the pivot point of the rod, in particular, wherein the rod is mounted to the pivot point under pre-tension, preferably, the rod is mounted to the pivot point via a torsion spring under pre-tension for providing pre-tension in the rotational direction of the rod.

[0065] 26. A method for cutting a poultry part having at least one bone, in particular, the poultry part is a poultry leg, in particular, the poultry part is a chicken leg, preferably, by using the device according to any of the clauses to cut a poultry part having at least one bone, the method includes the following steps:

[0066] a) Position or load one or more poultry parts to be processed directly or indirectly onto a conveyor of a poultry processing device. In particular, position or load one or more poultry parts to be processed onto a poultry carrier.

[0067] b) Transport the poultry parts by using the conveyor so that the one or more meat pieces are displaced in the transport direction.

[0068] c) Form at least one incision by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device, wherein the incision extends at least partially along the bone of the poultry part. In particular, during the transport in step b), form at least one incision by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device.

[0069] d) After step c), at least locally and mechanically unfold the meat adjacent to the incision opening, and at least partially fold and turn over the meat adjacent to the incision opening, and optionally,

[0070] e) After step d), unload the poultry part.

[0071] 27. The method according to clause 26, wherein step d) includes:

[0072] d1) Static unfold the meat adjacent to the incision formed during step c), in particular, by using a static unfolder, and,

[0073] d2) Dynamically unfold the meat adjacent to the incision by using a dynamic unfolder, in particular, separate the meat from the bone of the poultry part, and wherein, during step d1) or step d2), separate at least one tendon from the bone of the poultry part. Description of the Drawings

[0074] The present invention will be further clarified hereinafter based on the following non - restrictive drawings, wherein:

[0075] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the device is shown;

[0076] Figure 2 A front view of the device as seen in the transport direction is shown;

[0077] Figure 3 Shown along Figure 2 The cross - section taken along the line C - C shown in; and

[0078] Figure 4 A perspective rear view of the device as seen against the transport direction is shown. Detailed Description

[0079] Figure 1Fig. 0 shows an apparatus 100 for processing poultry parts according to the present invention. The apparatus includes a conveyor 101 which, in this embodiment, is formed by a loop conveyor 101 to which a plurality of poultry carriers 102 are attached. The figure depicts only a part of the loop conveyor 101 and a single poultry carrier 102 for illustrative purposes and is in no way limiting. The poultry carrier 102 includes a base structure 103 which is rotatably mounted to the conveyor 101. The base structure is rotatable about a rotation axis 116 which extends perpendicular to the conveyor in a substantially vertical direction. This can allow the poultry carrier 102 to be (re)aligned with the cutting section 107. For this purpose, the base structure 103 can form a follower wheel which can be driven by means of a drive cam and a part of the follower wheel 103. In particular, the follower wheel 103 includes four slots 115 which are configured to cooperate with pins which can be part of the conveyor 101 or the apparatus 101, such as its frame. The slots 115 are connected to the corners of the drive wheel 103. The poultry carrier 102 can be conveyed in the conveying direction 117 so as to supply the poultry parts towards the cutting section 107. In order to carry the poultry parts, the poultry carrier 102 can include a carrying structure 104 which, in this embodiment, is formed by an upright frame or spacer element 104 extending from the base structure 103 so as to carry the poultry parts at a distance from the conveyor 101. The carrying structure 104 also includes hooks 105, 106. The hooks can include an open end 106 and a closed end 105. The open end 106 allows access to a part of the poultry part to be inserted. The closed end prevents the poultry part from falling out of the poultry carrier 102. As shown in the figure, in the case where the poultry carrier 102 is just upstream of the cutting section 107, the closed end 105 of the hook is located upstream of the open end 106 of the hook, thus allowing the poultry part to be held. Preferably, when the poultry part is carried by the poultry carrier 102, a part of the poultry part is located above the hooks 105, 106 and a part of the poultry part is located below the said hooks 105, 106. In particular, the ankle part of the chicken leg can be located above the hooks 105, 106 while the meat part hangs or dangles down relative to the hooks 105, 106. The cutting section 170 in the embodiment shown here includes a guide 108 for guiding the poultry part through the cutting section 107 and a driven cutting element 110. The cutting element 110 is formed as a disc-shaped cutting element driven by a drive motor 109. In order to allow correct positioning and correct cutting of the cutting section 107, the apparatus includes a retainer 111 which is formed by a retaining disc or roller 112 connected to an elastically pivotable rod 113. The said rod is elastically pivotable about a pivot axis 118 so as to provide a downward pressure to the poultry part conveyed through the cutting section 107. The embodiment shown in the figure includes two parallel channels for processing poultry parts.Thus, the poultry carrier 103 is configured to carry two poultry parts spaced apart from each other in the width direction. In addition, the two cutting parts 107 are arranged parallel to each other. The distance element 104 of the carrier 103 is configured to move between the guides 108 of the two cutting parts 107 in order to prevent collisions. Although this embodiment shows two parallel processing channels, the number of processing channels can vary.

[0080] Figure 2 A front view of the device 100 according to the invention, seen in the transport direction, is shown. This figure clearly depicts two parallel channels A, B, each for processing a poultry part carried by the carrier 103. The front view shows that the guides 108 form a guiding channel, which is formed by a channel base 121 and two upwardly extending channel walls 120. The channel is dimensioned such that a poultry part (such as a chicken leg) can move tightly through the channels 120, 121, preferably without preventing excessive friction with the wall 120. However, the wall 120 can provide an inward corrective movement to the poultry part such that the poultry part is guided along the cutting part 120 in a preferred manner. A part 119 of the cutting element 110 is located inside the channel between the channel walls 120. For this purpose, the channel base (or channel bottom) 121 can be provided with a cutting groove that allows the cutting element to extend through the channel bottom 121 into the channel. Preferably, the axis of rotation 122 of the cutting element is located below the channel bottom 121, and this axis of rotation 122 can be horizontal. Preferably, the part 119 of the cutting element 110 in the channel moves in a direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0081] Figure 3 Shown as Figure 2Cross-section of the device 100 as indicated by line C-C therein. The conveying direction 117 of the device is depicted. For illustrative purposes, a poultry part 123, in particular a chicken drumstick 123, is shown in this figure. The chicken drumstick 123 includes a tibia 124 and a fibula 125. It should be noted that the chicken drumstick 123 is oriented such that, as seen in the transport direction 117, the tibia 124 is upstream of the fibula 125. By providing the chicken drumstick 123 in this orientation, it is provided that the cutting element 110, in particular its cutting part 119, forms an incision along the tibia 124 of the chicken drumstick at a distance from the fibula 125. Since the fibula 125 is only attached at one end, there may additionally be a risk that bone fragments of the bone eventually enter the processing part. As shown in the figure, the ankle of the chicken drumstick 123 is above the hooks 125, 125 of the poultry carrier 102, while the meat part of the chicken drumstick 123 hangs down or is suspended. When moving the chicken drumstick 123 upstream in the conveying direction 117, the lower part of the chicken drumstick 123 will contact a part 126 of the guide 108. The part 126 is located in the conveying path of the poultry part 123 and is at least in a lower position compared to the channel bottom 121 and can be partially curved or inclined, and when contacting the chicken drumstick 123, causes the chicken drumstick 123 to rotate in a more horizontal direction. This allows the chicken drumstick 123 to move substantially horizontally through the cutting part 107 and a part of the spreading part 128. This provides the main advantage that the incision formed by the cutting element 110, in particular its cutting part 119, is more accessible to the spreading part 128. The upstream end 126 of the guide 108 that provides rotation and / or inclination of the chicken drumstick 123 transitions into the channel bottom 121. Once the cutting part 119 of the cutting element 110 has formed an incision along the tibia 124 of the chicken drumstick, the chicken drumstick is conveyed to the spreading part 128. At least in the embodiment shown in this figure, the spreading part 128 includes a static spreader 129 and a dynamic spreader 127. Providing both the static spreader 129 and the dynamic spreader 128 provides a synergistic effect because the meat of the poultry part 123 is very effectively spread and locally separated in order to form a so-called butterflied drumstick 123. In particular, the static spreader 129 is positioned exactly downstream of the cutting element 110. The static spreader includes a diverging spreading surface 138. In particular, the upstream end 130 of the static spreader 129 is substantially concave in order to follow the angular shape of the cutting element 110. Thus, the static spreader 129 is positioned directly adjacent to the cutting element 110, which contributes to its effectiveness and acts directly in conjunction with the incision formed by the cutting element 110. The dynamic spreader 127 is arranged at a position downstream of the static spreader 129, and the dynamic spreader 127 locally separates the meat adjacent to the incision pre-spread by the static spreader 129. In particular, tendons are separated from the knee of the chicken drumstick. For this purpose, the dynamic spreader 127 includes a base structure or base part 131 and a pair of tearing fingers 132.The dynamic expander is movable between a working position and a non-working position. The figures shown herein depict the dynamic expander 127 in the working position. In this position, the tear fingers 132 are located above the highest point of the static expander 129 and above the highest point of the cutting element 110.

[0082] Figure 4Shows a perspective rear view of the device when viewed against the transport direction. This figure shows a clear visualization of the deployed part of the invention. Seen further to the rear are the channel wall 120 and the cutting part 119 of the cutting element 110, some base structures 103 of the mounted carrier and a part of the conveyor 101. The figure shows the static spreader 129 and the dynamic spreader oriented downstream of the static spreader 129. In this figure, the dynamic spreader is in a non-operating state. In this state, the dynamic spreader does not intersect the transport part. In particular, the tearing fingers 132 are located substantially entirely below the static spreader 129. The dynamic spreader can be moved upwards via the cam follower 135 so as to intersect the transport path, and the cam follower 135 can be actuated by a cam driver. When moving upwards, the tearing fingers 132 intersect the transport path and, in particular, enter the pre-spread meat in the incision formed by the cutting element 110. The upper ends of the tearing fingers 132 are located at a mutual distance 133. This distance has proven to be particularly relevant for ensuring good tearing results. Due to this distance, the tearing fingers 132 abut against the tibia and move outwards so as to be placed on both sides of the tibia. The tearing fingers 132 are elastically mounted 134 by means of spring-loaded mountings 134. This allows the tearing fingers 132 to automatically move to the position shown in this figure as soon as they are withdrawn from the incision. The tearing fingers 132 are thus pivotable, in particular elastically pivotable. The pivoting action is caused, in particular, by the tearing fingers 132 coming into contact with the bone (tibia) of the poultry part and being forced outwards due to the further upward movement of the dynamic spreader. This can allow the tearing fingers 132 to tear the slack tendons of the poultry part so as to further spread the meat along the incision. This synergistic effect is caused by the static spreader 129 providing a certain degree of incision opening, which allows the tearing fingers 132 of the dynamic spreader to easily enter the incision and approach the bone of the poultry part. The figure further depicts some details of the static spreader 129. In particular, the figure shows the outwardly diverging spreading surface 138, which spreads outwards in the transverse direction such that the downstream end of the static spreader 129 is wider than the upstream end 139. Preferably, the upstream end 139 is not much wider than the cutting element, to allow the upstream end 139 to be easily partially received in the incision formed by the cutting element 110. The outward spreading surface 138 diverges symmetrically outwards, providing a simple spreading operation without the need for complex or intelligent control. The outward spreading surface 138 can be formed and / or the static spreader 129 can include outwardly diverging spreading tracks 137, preferably at least two spreading tracks 137, in particular where at least one spreading track 137 diverges in a laterally outward direction with respect to the transport path. To prevent the upward movement of the dynamic spreader from only lifting the poultry part without actually spreading or tearing the meat along the incision, a spread part holder 136 is provided, which can also be referred to as a holder or holding element.Thus, in order to improve the separation efficiency, at least one spreading part retainer 136 may be arranged on the side of the conveying path of the poultry part opposite to the spreading part, or facing the spreading part, for applying (counter) pressure to the poultry part during the conveyance of the poultry part along the spreading part. Thus, the retainer 136 may define an upper limit position of the poultry part transported along the spreading part. The retaining element 136 may in particular limit or prevent the (further) upward movement of the poultry part during the spreading action of the spreading part.

[0083] The above inventive concept is illustrated by several exemplary embodiments. It is conceivable that a single inventive concept including the inventive details may be applied without simultaneously applying the other details of the described embodiments. Examples of all conceivable combinations of the above inventive concept need not be described in detail, since those skilled in the art will understand that many inventive concepts may be (re)combined in order to achieve a particular application and / or alternative embodiment.

[0084] Ordinal numbers used in this document, such as "first", "second" and "third", are for identification purposes only. Thus, the use of an expression such as a "second" component does not necessarily require the coexistence of a "first" component. "Complementary" or "synergistic" components mean that these components are configured to act together with each other. However, for this purpose, these components do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The verb "comprising" and its variations used in this patent disclosure are understood to mean not only "including", but also to mean the phrases "containing", "consisting essentially of...", "formed by..." and their variations.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing a poultry part having at least one bone, characterized in that, Preferably, the poultry part is a leg or a chicken leg, and the device comprises: a conveyor for conveying the poultry part along a conveying path, in particular for conveying a chicken leg along the conveying path, the conveyor comprising a poultry carrier for carrying the poultry part; a cutting part arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor, the cutting part comprising at least one cutting element for forming a cut in a part of the meat of the poultry part conveyed along the conveying path, wherein preferably the cut extends along a part of a bone, such as the tibia of the leg or chicken leg; a meat spreading part arranged along the conveying path of the conveyor downstream of the cutting part, the meat spreading part comprising at least one spreader for spreading the meat adjacent to the cut; 2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The meat spreading part is configured to displace the meat on two opposite sides adjacent to the cut.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spreading part comprises a static spreader, the static spreader comprising at least one spreading surface, preferably the static spreader comprises two spreading surfaces, wherein at least one spreading surface diverges laterally outwards in the direction of the conveying path; 4. The device according to claim 3, wherein At least one laterally diverging spreading surface is formed by at least one spreading track, in particular wherein at least one spreading track diverges in a laterally outwards direction with respect to the conveying path; 5. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The spreading part comprises at least one dynamic spreader capable of moving in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path of the poultry part; 6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, The dynamic spreader is at least capable of moving between a working state and a non-working state; In the working state, wherein at least a part of the dynamic spreader is positioned in the conveying path of the poultry part, in particular for locally separating the meat from the bone of the poultry part; and In the non-working state, wherein the dynamic spreader is positioned at a distance from the conveying path of the poultry part; 7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, At least in the working state, a part of the dynamic spreading element is positioned close to or in contact with the bone of the poultry part for locally separating the meat from the bone; 8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein The dynamic spreader comprises a cam-driven cam follower for controlling the movement of the dynamic spreader between the working state and the non-working state; 9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein The cam driver is part of the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier, and / or the cam driver is attached to the conveyor and / or the poultry carrier; 10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein, The cam driver and the cam follower form a linear cam driver and cam follower mechanism; 11. The apparatus according to any one of claims 5 - 10, wherein, The dynamic spreader comprises at least one base part and at least two tearing fingers, wherein the tearing fingers are mounted to the base part, preferably the tearing fingers are elastically or movably mounted to the base part; 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, At least one of the tearing fingers is elastic and / or capable of moving in a lateral direction with respect to the conveying path for placing the tearing finger on one side of the bone of the poultry part; 13. The device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein, Pairs of the tearing fingers are arranged at opposite sides of the conveying path.

14. A method for processing a poultry part having at least one bone, characterized in that, In particular, the poultry part is a poultry leg, and in particular, the poultry part is a chicken leg. Preferably, the method of cutting a poultry part having at least one bone by using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 13 includes the following steps: a) Positioning or loading one or more poultry parts to be processed directly or indirectly onto a conveyor of a poultry processing device, and in particular, positioning or loading one or more poultry parts to be processed onto a poultry carrier; b) Conveying the poultry parts by using the conveyor such that one or more meat pieces are displaced in the conveying direction; c) Forming at least one cut by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device, wherein the cut at least partially extends along the bone of the poultry part, and in particular, during the conveying in step b), forming at least one cut by using a cutting element of the poultry processing device; d) After step c), at least locally and mechanically unfolding the meat adjacent to the opening of the cut, and at least partially folding and turning over the meat adjacent to the opening of the cut, and optionally; e) After step d), unloading the poultry parts.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Step d) includes: d1) Static unfolding of the meat adjacent to the cut formed during step c), in particular, by using a static unfolder, and d2) Dynamically unfolding the meat adjacent to the cut by using a dynamic unfolder, in particular, separating the meat from the bone of the poultry part, and wherein during step d1) or step d2), separating at least one tendon from the bone of the poultry part.

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