Automatic hanging and conveying device for broiler slaughtering

Abstract

The present application relates to poultry slaughtering processing equipment technical field, specifically puts forward a kind of broiler slaughtering processing automatic suspension conveying device, including conveying chain and the several hanging assembly of interval setting on the conveying chain;The present application is by setting long rod can along the longitudinal sliding of slide, and the deflection component, ascending component and back component fixed on the top of conveying chain, in low suspension area, long rod is in the state of extension, and the suspension hook of its lower end is located in lower position, and torsional spring ensures that suspension hook faces operator positively, operator does not need to pursue the hook of high-speed movement in narrow space, can calmly accurately hang into live chicken, and pure mechanical conversion process does not need manual intervention, both create abundant upper hanging space for operator, greatly reduce labor intensity and empty hook rate, also ensure that the transport density and running speed of conveying chain are not affected, realize the unity of upper hanging convenience and transportation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of poultry slaughtering and processing equipment technology, and specifically proposes an automatic suspended conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing. Background Technology

[0002] On a broiler slaughtering and processing production line, the automatic overhead conveyor is the core equipment connecting various processing stages. Its function is to hang live chickens to be slaughtered on the conveyor chain through hooks, and then automatically process them through processes such as stunning, bleeding, scalding, defecation, evisceration, cleaning, and cutting. The efficiency and reliability of the overhead conveyor directly affect the capacity and product quality of the entire production line. In order to ensure the processing efficiency per unit time, the hooks on the conveyor chain are usually arranged in a dense manner, with a small distance between adjacent hooks (generally 15-30 cm), and the conveyor chain runs at a high speed (usually 6000-12000 chickens per hour).

[0003] However, it is precisely the "dense spacing and high-speed operation set up to improve efficiency" that has brought serious difficulties to the manual hanging process. During the manual hanging process, the operator needs to accurately hang the live chickens into the continuously moving hooks. Because the hooks are very close together, the reaction time and operating space left for the operator are extremely limited. Even if multiple hooks are set up for simultaneous hanging to match the speed of the conveyor, the crowded space will seriously affect the hanging efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic suspended conveyor system for broiler slaughtering and processing that can significantly improve the conditions for manual hanging operations without reducing the overall transportation efficiency of the conveyor chain. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides an automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing, which solves the problems mentioned in the background section.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: an automatic suspended conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing, comprising a conveyor chain and a plurality of hanging assemblies spaced apart on the conveyor chain. Each hanging assembly includes multiple carriages equidistantly arranged on the track of the conveyor chain; multiple long rods spaced apart on the surface of the carriages; multiple hooks respectively disposed at the lower ends of the carriages and long rods for suspending broilers; a deflection component for moving the carriages on the surface of the conveyor chain and guiding the long rods to deflect around their axes; a lifting component for guiding the deflected long rods to slide upwards; and a return component for guiding the raised long rods to deflect back to their initial orientation. The multiple hooks are divided into a high suspension zone and a low suspension zone. The long rods rotate and deflect under the action of the deflection component, move to the high suspension zone via the lifting component, and finally maintain the same state as the hooks in the high suspension zone via the return component, continuously entering subsequent processing stages.

[0007] Preferably, the surface of the carriage is fitted with a through linear bearing, and the long rod moves through the interior of the linear bearing.

[0008] Preferably, the deflection assembly includes an extrusion plate fixedly mounted on the conveyor chain track, an installation plate fixedly connected to the end of the long rod, a side rod mounted on one side of the installation plate, and a torsion spring sleeved on the surface of the long rod to ensure that the suspension hook is facing the worker in the positive direction, and the side rod deflects against the surface of the extrusion plate.

[0009] Preferably, a roller is installed at the end of the side rod, the roller abuts against the surface of the extrusion plate, and an integrally formed guide plate is installed at the end of the extrusion plate.

[0010] Preferably, the lifting assembly includes a lifting frame fixed to a track on the conveyor chain. The lifting frame includes a lifting area and a stabilizing area. Multiple rollers are mounted on the surface of the lifting frame, and the side rod abuts against the surface of the rollers.

[0011] Preferably, the return assembly includes a positioning plate sleeved on a long rod, the two ends of the torsion spring abutting against the surfaces of the mounting plate and the positioning plate respectively, a positioning rod being fixedly installed on the surface of the positioning plate, and the end of the positioning rod movably penetrating the surface of the carriage.

[0012] Preferably, a positioning strip is fixedly installed on the surface of the mounting plate, and a positioning rail is suspended above the conveyor chain track by a hanger rod, with the positioning strip inside the groove of the positioning rail.

[0013] Preferably, the height of the extrusion plate is higher than the height of the lifting frame, and the end of the extrusion plate extends beyond the rising area of ​​the lifting frame.

[0014] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: This invention provides an automatic hanging conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing. By setting up a long rod that can slide longitudinally along the carriage and a biasing component, a lifting component, and a returning component fixed above the conveyor chain, in the low suspension zone, the long rod is in an extended state, and the suspension hook at its lower end is in a lower position. The torsion spring ensures that the suspension hook faces the operator. The hook spacing is "equivalently" enlarged within the operator's field of vision. The operator does not need to chase the fast-moving hook in a narrow space and can easily and accurately hang live chickens. The purely mechanical conversion process does not require manual intervention. It not only creates ample hanging space for the operator, greatly reducing labor intensity and empty hook rate, but also ensures that the transport density and running speed of the conveyor chain are not affected, achieving a unity of hanging convenience and transport efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The invention, its features, shape, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the drawings, which are not intentionally drawn to scale; the focus is on illustrating the spirit of the invention.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an automatic suspended conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing provided by the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the suspension hook in the high suspension area.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the suspension hook in the low suspension zone after it has been raised.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the suspension hook in the ground suspension area before it is raised.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the installation structure on the conveyor chain track.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the carriage.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Carriage; 2. Long rod; 3. Suspension hook; 4. Offset assembly; 41. Extrusion plate; 42. Mounting plate; 43. Side rod; 44. Torsion spring; 45. Roller; 46. Guide plate; 5. Lifting assembly; 51. Lifting frame; 52. Roller; 6. Return assembly; 61. Positioning plate; 62. Positioning rod; 7. Linear bearing; 8. Positioning bar; 9. Hanging rod; 10. Positioning rail. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0025] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the present invention provides an automatic suspended conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing, including a conveyor chain and several hanging assemblies spaced apart on the conveyor chain. The conveyor chain is a closed annular chain, driven by a drive motor to circulate along a fixed track. The operating speed is the chain linear speed corresponding to a processing capacity of 6,000 to 12,000 broilers per hour (not all are shown in the figure).

[0026] The suspension assembly includes a carriage 1, a long rod 2 and a suspension hook 3. Multiple carriages 1 are equidistantly arranged on the track of the conveyor chain. The distance between adjacent carriages 1 is 15 to 30 centimeters. The upper part of each carriage is equipped with a traveling wheel that cooperates with the track and can slide freely along the track. Each carriage 1 has a through linear bearing 7 installed on its surface. The linear bearing 7 is fixedly embedded in the interior of the carriage 1 in the vertical direction.

[0027] Multiple long rods 2 are respectively movably inserted into the linear bearings 7 of the corresponding slides 1, and can slide longitudinally (i.e., vertically) along the linear bearings 7. The long rods 2 are made of hollow thin-walled carbon fiber tubes. Carbon fiber material has the advantages of being lightweight, high-strength, high-rigidity, corrosion-resistant and non-toxic, which meets the hygiene requirements of food processing equipment. The upper end of the long rods 2 extends above the slides 1, and the lower end extends below the slides 1.

[0028] Multiple suspension hooks 3 are fixedly installed at the lower end of the slide 1 and the lower end of the long rod 2, respectively. The suspension hooks 3 fixed below the slide 1 form a high suspension area, and the suspension hooks 3 fixed below the long rod 2 form a low suspension area. The height of the suspension hooks 3 at this position changes as the long rod 2 slides. When the long rod 2 is at its highest position, it is at the same height as the high suspension area. The opening direction of the suspension hooks 3 is consistent in the initial state, facing the operator's workstation. The suspension hooks 3 are made of 304 stainless steel, with a polished surface. The hook body is arc-shaped, and the end is equipped with an anti-detachment barb to prevent live chickens from accidentally falling off during transportation.

[0029] Along the conveying direction, the hanging assembly is equipped with a biasing component 4, a lifting component 5, and a return component 6. It should be noted that the three components are interconnected and some areas overlap in space, forming a continuous three-dimensional spatial curved guide rail, which is suspended directly above the conveyor chain track. It does not occupy the operating space below and is far away from blood, feathers, and other contaminants in the slaughterhouse.

[0030] The biasing assembly 4 includes a compression plate 41, a mounting plate 42, a side rod 43, a torsion spring 44, and a roller 45.

[0031] The extrusion plate 41 is fixedly installed above the conveyor chain track, located after the operating station. The extrusion plate 41 extends along the conveying direction, and its starting end is provided with an integrally formed guide plate 46. The guide plate 46 is flared outward in the shape of a trumpet to guide subsequent components to smoothly enter the working surface of the extrusion plate 41. The working surface of the extrusion plate 41 is a smooth curved surface, and its radius of curvature gradually changes along the conveying direction, so that the deflection action is smooth and without impact.

[0032] Mounting plate 42 is fixedly connected to the upper end of long rod 2 and rotates and rises and falls together with long rod 2. Mounting plate 42 is rectangular in shape, and its center is fixedly connected to the upper end of long rod 2 by thread or welding. One side of mounting plate 42 extends horizontally to form side rod 43. The axis of side rod 43 is parallel to the plate surface of mounting plate 42 and perpendicular to the axis of long rod 2.

[0033] Roller 45 is installed at the end of side rod 43. Roller 45 is a rubber-coated deep groove ball bearing. Its outer ring is covered with polyurethane material, and its inner ring is rotatably connected to side rod 43 through a pin. Roller 45 abuts against the working surface of extrusion plate 41. When the hanging assembly moves with the conveyor chain, extrusion plate 41 forces roller 45 to roll along its curved working surface, thereby causing side rod 43, mounting plate 42 and long rod 2 to deflect around the longitudinal axis of long rod 2. The deflection angle is 30°.

[0034] The torsion spring 44 is sleeved on the outside of the long rod 2, located between the mounting plate 42 and the carriage 1. One end of the torsion spring 44 is fixed to the lower surface of the mounting plate 42, and the other end is fixed to the positioning structure above the carriage 1. The preload torque of the torsion spring 44 is set such that, when no external force is applied, the suspension hook 3 is in the initial orientation facing the operator; when the roller 45 is deflected by the pressure plate 41, the torsion spring 44 is twisted and stores the rebound energy.

[0035] The lifting assembly 5 includes a lifting frame 51 and multiple rollers 52. The lifting frame 51 is an inclined guide rail frame, fixedly installed above the conveyor chain track, located beside the extrusion plate 41 and extending parallel to the extrusion plate 41. The lifting frame 51 is divided into an ascending zone and a stable zone along the conveying direction: the ascending zone is an upward-sloping ramp with a slope angle of 15° to 30°, and the starting point of the ramp corresponds to the deflection starting position of the extrusion plate 41; the stable zone is a horizontally extending platform that smoothly connects to the end of the ascending zone, and the height of the stable zone is the same as the height of the high suspension zone at the lower end of the carriage 1.

[0036] Multiple rollers 52 are arranged at equal intervals along the length of the lifting frame 51. Each roller 52 is rotatably mounted on the upper surface of the lifting frame 51 via a bearing seat. The axis of the roller 52 is horizontal and perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the surface of the roller 52 protrudes from the guide working surface of the lifting frame 51. The rollers 52 are made of 304 stainless steel with a chrome-plated surface, or are polyurethane-coated rolling elements to ensure wear resistance and a low coefficient of friction.

[0037] After the suspension assembly completes its deflection, the roller 45 at the end of the side rod 43 transitions from the working surface of the extrusion plate 41 to the surface of the roller 52 of the lifting frame 51. As the suspension assembly continues to move forward, the roller 45 rolls into contact with each roller 52 in sequence. As the lifting area of ​​the lifting frame 51 gradually rises, the roller 45 is forced to drive the side rod 43, mounting plate 42, and long rod 2 to slide upward—the long rod 2 moves longitudinally upward along the linear bearing 7, thereby allowing the suspension hook 3 to rise smoothly from the low suspension position. When the roller 45 enters the stable area of ​​the lifting frame 51, the long rod 2 has risen to its highest position. The roller 45 continues to roll along the roller 52 within the stable area, keeping the long rod 2 stable at that height.

[0038] The centering assembly 6 includes a positioning plate 61 and a positioning rod 62. The positioning plate 61 is sleeved on the outside of the long rod 2, located between the torsion spring 44 and the slide 1. The positioning plate 61 can rotate and slide freely relative to the long rod 2, and its upper surface abuts against the lower end of the torsion spring 44. The positioning rod 62 is at least one guide rod parallel to the long rod 2, with its upper end fixedly connected to the lower surface of the positioning plate 61, and its lower end movably passing through a corresponding guide hole on the slide 1. The positioning rod 62 and the guide hole are clearance-fitted to ensure that the positioning plate 61 can only move up and down along the axial direction of the long rod 2 and cannot rotate around the axis.

[0039] Once the suspension assembly completes its upward movement and the roller 45 leaves the working surface of the extrusion plate 41, the deflection constraint of the extrusion plate 41 on the roller 45 is released. At this time, under the action of the rebound torque stored in the torsion spring 44, the mounting plate 42 drives the long rod 2 to deflect in the opposite direction until it returns to its initial orientation. During this process, the functions of the positioning plate 61 and the positioning rod 62 are: to provide stable reaction force support for the torsion spring 44, preventing the torsion spring 44 from shifting laterally or becoming unstable during the rebound process; at the same time, since the positioning rod 62 cooperates with the guide hole of the slide 1, it ensures that the axial position of the long rod 2 remains unchanged during the return process, and the return action is accurate and reliable.

[0040] To ensure that the long rod 2 maintains a stable spatial posture during lifting and deflection, and to avoid swaying and deviation, this embodiment also includes an auxiliary guide structure.

[0041] A positioning strip 8 is fixedly installed on the upper surface of the mounting plate 42. The positioning strip 8 is a long strip-shaped slider. A positioning rail 10 is suspended above the conveyor chain track by multiple hangers 9. The positioning rail 10 extends along the conveying direction, and its length covers the entire length of the return assembly 6. The positioning rail 10 has a groove inside that matches the positioning strip 8. The positioning strip 8 is embedded in the groove and can slide freely along the groove. The inner wall of the groove of the positioning rail 10 can be inlaid with wear-resistant nylon strips to reduce friction and noise. Through the cooperation of the positioning strip 8 and the positioning rail 10, the position of the upper end of the long rod 2 in the horizontal plane is precisely constrained. It can only move along the conveying direction and rise and fall in the vertical direction, and cannot produce lateral swing or torsional sway, thus ensuring the accuracy of deflection and lifting actions.

[0042] In this embodiment, the relative positions and timing of the bias component 4, the rising component 5, and the aligning component 6 are precisely set.

[0043] The extrusion plate 41 is positioned higher than the lifting frame 51 in space, meaning that the working surface of the extrusion plate 41 is located above the horizontal plane where the roller 52 of the lifting frame 51 is located. At the same time, the end of the extrusion plate 41 (i.e., its end point along the conveying direction) extends beyond the end point of the rising zone of the lifting frame 51 along the conveying direction, meaning that the guiding effect of the extrusion plate 41 continues beyond the beginning section of the stable zone of the lifting frame 51.

[0044] The suspension assembly first enters the effective range of the deflection component 4 and begins the deflection action. After deflecting approximately 30% of its stroke, the roller 45 begins to contact the roller 52 of the lifting frame 51. At this point, the deflection action is not yet complete, but the lifting action has already started. After the roller 45 leaves the extrusion plate 41, the deflection constraint is released, and the torsion spring 44 drives the return-to-center action. At this time, the roller 45 is still in the stable zone of the lifting frame 51, and the long rod 2 remains at its highest position. Throughout the process, the three actions of "deflection, lifting, and return-to-center" are initiated sequentially, partially overlap, and completed in sequence, with a smooth and continuous motion trajectory, free from impact and interference.

[0045] The workflow of the automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing in this embodiment is as follows: Under the combined action of its own weight and torsion spring 44, the long rod 2 is at its lowest position, and the opening direction of all the hanging hooks 3 is facing the operating position. The conveyor chain runs continuously at a set speed. The operator stands next to the operating area and hangs the live chickens by both legs into the hanging hooks 3 one by one. Because the hanging hooks 3 are at different heights, the operating space is ample, and the movement speed of the hooks is relatively easy relative to the operator's field of vision. The operator can accurately complete the hanging action, and the empty hook rate and chicken injury rate are significantly reduced. The hanging assembly with the live chickens is moved to the bias component 4 with the conveyor chain. Guided by the guide plate 46, the roller 45 contacts the working surface of the extrusion plate 41. As the conveyor chain moves forward, the extrusion plate 41 forces the roller 45 to roll, causing the long rod 2 to deflect 30° around the axis, making room for subsequent lifting actions. During or after the deflection, the roller 45 transitions to the surface of the roller 52 of the lifting frame 51. As the lifting area of ​​the lifting frame 51 gradually rises, the roller 45 is forced to rise, and through the side rod 43 and the mounting plate 42, it drives the long rod 2 to slide upward along the linear bearing 7. The suspension hook 3 carries the live chicken from the low suspension position to the high suspension position smoothly. After the roller 45 leaves the extrusion plate 41, the external force of deflection is released, and the torsion spring 44 drives the long rod 2 to deflect in the opposite direction and return to the initial orientation. At this time, the roller 45 has entered the stable area of ​​the lifting frame 51, and the long rod 2 remains at the highest position. The hanging assembly after the conversion, with the height of the high suspension area and the dense arrangement, continuously enters the subsequent processing stage, including automated processes such as corona treatment, bleeding, scalding, feather removal, evisceration, cleaning, and cutting.

[0046] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0047] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," "installed," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the devices and structures not described in detail should be understood as being implemented in a manner common to the art. Any person skilled in the art can make many possible variations and modifications, or equivalent embodiments, without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, which do not affect the essential content of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention shall still fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An automatic suspended conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing, comprising a conveyor chain and a plurality of hanging assemblies spaced apart on the conveyor chain, characterized in that, The suspension assembly includes: Multiple carriages are equidistantly arranged on the track of the conveyor chain; Multiple long rods are spaced apart on the surface of the carriage; Multiple hooks are installed at the lower ends of the carriage and the long pole, respectively, for hanging broiler chickens; A deflection assembly for moving the carriage on the surface of the conveyor chain to guide the long rod to deflect about an axis; An ascending component is used to guide the deflected rod to slide upwards. A return-to-center component is used to guide the long rod, after it has been raised, to deflect back to its initial orientation; Multiple suspension hooks are divided into high suspension area and low suspension area. The long rod rotates and deflects under the action of the deflection component, moves to the high suspension area through the lifting component, and finally passes through the return component to maintain the same height and orientation as the suspension hook in the high suspension area, and continuously enters the subsequent processing stage.

2. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the carriage is fitted with a through linear bearing, and the long rod moves through the interior of the linear bearing.

3. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: The deflection assembly includes an extrusion plate fixedly mounted on the conveyor chain track, an installation plate fixedly connected to the end of the long rod, a side rod mounted on one side of the installation plate, and a torsion spring sleeved on the surface of the long rod to ensure that the suspension hook is facing the worker in the positive direction, and the side rod deflects against the surface of the extrusion plate.

4. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the side rod is equipped with a roller, which abuts against the surface of the extrusion plate. The end of the extrusion plate is equipped with an integrally formed guide plate.

5. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 4, characterized in that: The lifting assembly includes a lifting frame fixed on the track of the conveyor chain. The lifting frame includes a lifting area and a stabilizing area. Multiple rollers are mounted on the surface of the lifting frame, and the side rod abuts against the surface of the rollers.

6. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 3, characterized in that: The return assembly includes a positioning plate sleeved on a long rod. The two ends of the torsion spring abut against the surfaces of the mounting plate and the positioning plate, respectively. A positioning rod is fixedly installed on the surface of the positioning plate, and the end of the positioning rod movably penetrates the surface of the carriage.

7. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 1, characterized in that: A positioning strip is fixedly installed on the surface of the mounting plate, and a positioning rail is suspended above the conveyor chain track by a hanger rod, with the positioning strip inside the groove of the positioning rail.

8. The automatic overhead conveyor device for broiler slaughtering and processing according to claim 5, characterized in that: The height of the extrusion plate is higher than the height of the lifting frame, and the end of the extrusion plate extends beyond the rising area of ​​the lifting frame.

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