Device and method for the automatic processing of disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof

Abstract

Device (10), designed and equipped for the automatic processing of eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular front halves of the poultry carcasses, characterized by a frame (11), a transport unit (12) mounted on the frame (11) with a continuously driven transport means (13), at least one holding device (14) attached to the transport means (13), which is designed and equipped to hold the poultry carcass or the part thereof during transport in the transport direction T and during processing at a processing station (15), and at least one processing station (15) for processing the poultry carcasses or the parts thereof, namely a knife arrangement (16) arranged on the frame (11), which is designed and equipped to cut the back skin of the poultry carcass or the part thereof located in the area of ​​effect of the knife arrangement (16),wherein a knife (17) of the knife arrangement (16) is designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back for cutting the back skin, wherein each holding device (14) in the area of ​​operation of the knife arrangement (16) is in a position in which the central axis M of the holding device (14) is oriented transversely to the transport direction T, and wherein the knife (17) of the knife arrangement (16) is arranged laterally to the transport means (13) for cutting the back skin and is designed to perform the movement from the waiting position to the cutting position as a cutting movement and back transversely to the transport direction T of the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device designed and equipped for the automatic processing of disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular front halves of the poultry carcasses.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the automatic processing of disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular of front halves of the poultry carcasses.

[0003] Such devices and processes are used in the poultry processing industry to process poultry carcasses or parts thereof, particularly front halves, at least partially automatically. A key processing step is scoring the back skin of the carcass or part thereof, which facilitates skinning the back to prepare it for fillet extraction. For this purpose, eviscerated carcasses or parts thereof, especially the front halves, are transported by a transport unit in the direction of travel T along a transport path. During transport and processing, the carcasses or parts thereof are mounted and secured on a holding device. Along the transport path, there is at least one processing station; in the case of scoring the back skin, this station contains the knife assembly used to make the score.

[0004] For processing, the poultry carcasses or parts thereof are transported by means of the transport unit along the transport path through each processing station and positioned with respect to the respective processing station of the device, such that the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed lies within the operating range of the processing station. Typically, several holding devices are attached to a continuously driven transport element of the transport unit. The continuously driven transport element, which is guided around deflection and / or drive elements, forms an upper run and a lower run. The upper and lower runs can lie directly above one another in a vertical plane, so that the drive and / or rotation axes of the deflection elements are essentially horizontally oriented. However, the plane can also be inclined, e.g.,at 45° to the vertical (inclined position of the drive and / or rotation axes of the deflection elements), so that the upper and lower runs are positioned diagonally offset from one another. The upper and lower runs can also lie side by side in the same plane, in which case the rotation axes of the deflection elements are essentially vertically aligned. The processing stations are positioned accordingly, allowing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof to be processed either vertically to the transport direction T or parallel to the transport direction T.

[0005] A processing station is formed by the arrangement of knives for cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof. Using the front half as an example, the back skin of the front half is to be cut approximately in the middle to prepare the back for skinning. For processing, the poultry carcasses, using the front halves as an example, are mounted and fixed on the holding device in such a way that the front halves typically hang upside down, within the area of ​​the lower vent, and thus reach the cutting area of ​​the knife arrangement. The front half faces downwards with the breast side and upwards with the back side. The neck side lies on or parallel to the central axis M of the holding device. More precisely, the imaginary line between the vent side and the neck side runs parallel to the central axis M.

[0006] Devices of this type are known in which the holding devices are typically fixed and rotationally secure to the transport means, with their central axes M aligned parallel to the transport direction T, and rotate with the transport means in the upper and lower runs. In the known devices, the holding devices are transported forward, i.e., with their central axis M parallel to the transport direction T, thus leading the neck of the poultry carcass, through the working area of ​​the knife assembly. The cutting or cutting motion then takes place in the transport direction T or against it, i.e., parallel to the transport direction T. The knife assembly is moved into the transport path with the knife, so that a functional relationship between the knife and the poultry carcass inevitably arises.The distance between the holding devices is sufficiently large to allow the knife of the knife assembly enough time to move between two holding devices from the waiting position to the cutting position and back, thus avoiding a collision. The knives of the knife assembly are ultimately aligned with the holding devices in the transport direction T and enter the transport path of the poultry carcass or part thereof to make the incision in the back skin. DE 10 2011 107 067 B3 and DE 10 2006 040 454 B3 describe such generic devices.

[0007] However, there is an increasing need to minimize the distance between the individual holding devices to increase throughput. With this reduced distance, however, there is no longer sufficient space or time for the cutting motion of the knife in the knife assembly.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of proposing a simple and efficient device with which the incision of the back skin in the case of closely spaced support devices is reliably ensured. The invention is further based on the objective of proposing a corresponding method.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device of the type mentioned above, characterized by a frame, a transport unit mounted on the frame with a continuously driven transport means, at least one holding device attached to the transport means, which is designed and equipped to hold the poultry carcass or part thereof during transport in the transport direction T and during processing at a processing station, and at least one processing station for processing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof, namely a knife arrangement arranged on the frame, which is designed and equipped to cut the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof located within the area of ​​effect of the knife arrangement, wherein, for cutting the back skin, a knife of the knife arrangement is designed and equipped to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back again.wherein each holding device within the operating area of ​​the knife assembly is positioned such that the central axis M of the holding device is oriented transversely to the transport direction T, and that the knife of the knife assembly for cutting the back skin is arranged laterally to the transport means and is designed to execute the movement from the waiting position to the cutting position as a cutting motion and back transversely to the transport direction T of the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed. Firstly, the transverse orientation of the holding devices allows for a closer arrangement and positioning of the holding devices on the transport means, either side by side or one behind the other. Secondly, the knife of the knife assembly engages laterally from the outside in the transport path.This results in a more precise timing of the cutting movements for incising the back skin. Put another way, the combination of the transverse positioning of the poultry carcass or part thereof with the lateral arrangement of the knife for a cutting movement perpendicular to the transport direction T ensures that a precise incision in the back skin can be made quickly and safely at the right moment, and in particular, without the risk of collision with subsequent holding devices. With the device according to the invention, it is possible for the first time to automatically incise the back skin of poultry carcasses or parts thereof positioned transversely.

[0010] Preferably, a device for cutting the back skin of a front half of a poultry carcass is claimed, wherein the device can be extended by further processing stations, such as a skinning device, a filleting device, and other processing stations. A different positioning or orientation of the holding devices can be advantageous for each of the processing stations. The holding device(s), preferably several holding devices arranged at intervals from one another, can be permanently and consistently positioned with its central axis M perpendicular to the transport direction T, so that the poultry carcass faces outwards with its neck side facing outwards.Preferably, the holding device is rotatable about an axis R perpendicular to the transport direction T relative to the transport means, such that each holding device is movable from at least one position in which the central axis M of the holding device is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, to a position in which the central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and back again. This allows the poultry carcass or part thereof, for example for cutting the back skin, to be moved from a longitudinal position to a transverse position. The holding device(s) can remain in the position or be rotated back for further processing steps.

[0011] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the knife assembly comprises a holding body arranged on the frame, a knife bracket pivotably mounted on the holding body, at least one knife attached to the knife bracket, and an actuating mechanism for moving the knife from the standby position to the cutting position and back. The knife can have a single blade or a double blade. It is also possible for two knives to be provided. The holding body can be fixed or movable on the frame. The actuating mechanism can also be arranged directly on the frame or, preferably, on the holding body.

[0012] Advantageously, the actuating mechanism is designed as a pneumatic unit arranged on the holding body, the pneumatic unit being connected to the knife arm such that the knife arm is pivotable relative to the holding body about a pivot axis A, which is aligned parallel to the transport direction T. The pneumatic unit comprises, for example, a pneumatic cylinder connected to a compressed air unit and a piston with a piston rod.

[0013] The knife arm can be made of one or more parts. A two-part design is particularly preferred. In this case, the knife arm comprises a support element and a knife-holding element, the support element being connected to the pneumatic unit and pivotable about the pivot axis A, while the knife-holding element is movably arranged on the support element relative to it. The knife arm is claw-shaped, such that pivoting about the pivot axis A produces a cutting motion that is first a chopping and then a pulling motion. Because the knife-holding element is movable relative to the support element, it can, if necessary, deflect at least slightly against the downward movement of the support element upon contact with the poultry carcass or part thereof, in order to prevent excessive force from the knife being exerted on the poultry carcass and thus damage to the fillet meat.

[0014] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the knife holder is mounted on the support element and is designed to pivot relative to the support element about a pivot axis B against a spring force, with the pivot axis B being aligned parallel to the pivot axis A. This allows the knife arrangement to be adapted to different sizes of the poultry carcasses or parts thereof to be processed. Preferably, the position and adjustment of the knife bracket, and thus also of the knife, in relation to the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed is adapted to the smallest size of poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed. The initial or cutting movement of the knife is fundamentally the same for every size of poultry carcass or part thereof.However, if a larger poultry carcass or part thereof is moved into the cutting area of ​​the knife assembly and the knife encounters this carcass or part thereof during its cutting motion, the knife holding element can yield relative to the support element in order to absorb at least part of the knife force. Preferably, the magnitude of the spring force is adjustable.

[0015] Advantageously, a stop element is associated with the knife holder, which interacts with two stop surfaces formed on the support element to limit the pivoting movement of the knife holder relative to the support element. The stop element can, for example, be a simple bolt. The stop surfaces can be formed, for example, by a trough-shaped recess in the support element, with the side flanks of the recess forming the stop surfaces. However, other stop designs can also be used. The bolt is preferably interchangeable, such that its size and / or shape can be varied to change the freedom of movement between the stop surfaces. The stop element can also be arranged on the support element, interacting with stop surfaces on the knife holder.

[0016] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized by a spring element being tensioned between the knife-holding element and the support element, such that the knife-holding element, with its stop element, is held against one of the stop surfaces, preferably against the stop surface adapted for small poultry carcasses or parts thereof. The stop surfaces essentially form the endpoints of the knife-holding element's movement. Because the stop element is held against the lower stop surface, adapted for small poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in its initial position, movement up to the upper stop surface is ensured when processing larger poultry carcasses or parts thereof.The mobility of the knife holder, and in particular its pivotability about the pivot axis B against the spring force of the spring element, enables a particularly simple and reliable automated adjustment of the knife arrangement to different sizes of the poultry carcasses or parts thereof, triggered by the poultry carcass or parts thereof itself. Furthermore, this preferred embodiment prevents excessive force from acting on the knife in the event of irregularities in the poultry carcass or parts thereof, as the knife can deflect. In other words, the force with which the knife strikes the poultry carcass or part thereof is limited and cushioned. The spring element is preferably interchangeable to change the spring force. Other damping elements, such as pneumatic cylinders or the like, can also be used instead of the spring element.

[0017] Preferably, the blade is fixed but adjustable to the blade holder. The adjustment can be in detents or stepless.

[0018] Ideally, the knife blade is sickle-shaped. This sickle-shaped or hook-shaped blade allows the knife to be inserted into the skin of the back and a pulling cutting motion to make a quick and precise incision. With a largely linear cutting motion after insertion, the skin of the back can be easily cut or even torn.

[0019] Optionally, the holding body is rigidly connected to the frame. This results in a substantially vertical cutting motion of the blade. A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the holding body is designed as a rocker arm that is movable relative to the frame. This allows the entire blade assembly to compensate for movement.

[0020] Preferably, the rocker arm is pivotally mounted on the frame about a pivot axis C, with the pivot axis being oriented transversely to the transport direction T. The pivot axis is preferably located above the transport device or the holding devices arranged on it. Particularly preferably, the rocker arm is designed to deflect against a spring force in the transport direction T. This ensures a pivoting movement in and against the transport direction T. With this design, the entire knife assembly is designed to be able to move freely in the transport direction T. Due to high transport speeds and other factors, it can happen that the knife, after being plunged / cut in the transport direction T, is "carried along" by the skin and / or meat and / or bone. The pivotability of the rocker arm effectively prevents damage, as the knife is moved along with the transport device, at least over a small section.The cutting motion and the compensating movement overlap, resulting in a straighter cut. This straighter cut, achieved through the knife's movement, effectively prevents damage to the meat on both sides of the back skin incision. Instead of the spring-loaded pivoting mechanism of the swing arm, a linear guide for the knife arrangement in and against the transport direction T can optionally be used.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment is characterized by a spring element being tensioned between the rocker arm and the frame such that the rocker arm is held in a starting position with a stop surface against a stop element on the frame, in which the rocker arm with the blade is oriented essentially vertically downwards. In other words, the spring element holds the rocker arm, and thus also the blade, in an essentially vertical orientation as its starting position. When pressure is applied in the transport direction T, the rocker arm can then be deflected, with the spring element returning the rocker arm to its starting position after the cut.

[0022] Advantageously, the stop element is designed as a damping stop. This effectively reduces or completely prevents any oscillation of the swingarm. The stop element can also be positioned on the swingarm, interacting with a stop surface on the frame. Other damping elements can be used instead of the spring element.

[0023] The task is also solved by a method comprising the following steps: feeding the poultry carcasses or parts thereof, fixed on a holding device of a continuously driven transport means, in the transport direction T into the area of ​​at least one processing station, namely a knife arrangement for cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof, and cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof by means of a knife of the knife arrangement, by moving the knife from a waiting position to a cutting position and back to perform a cutting motion, whereby the cutting of the back skin is carried out while the poultry carcass or part thereof is transported in the transport direction T with the holding device oriented transversely to the transport direction T.The cutting movement transverse to the transport direction T is thus carried out, while the holding device with its central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T and is transported in this orientation in the transport direction T.

[0024] Advantageously, before the bird reaches the processing station for cutting the back skin, the holding device is moved from a position where its central axis M is parallel to the transport direction T to a position where its central axis M is perpendicular to the transport direction T. In this latter orientation, the cut is made from the side of the poultry carcass or part thereof facing the anus towards the neck. The holding device is then moved back to a position where its central axis M is parallel to the transport direction T for further processing. Optionally, the holding device can also be in the position perpendicular to the transport direction T before the back skin is cut. After the back skin has been cut, the holding device can remain in the position perpendicular to the transport direction T for further processing steps.

[0025] A particularly advantageous further development provides that, during the cutting motion, the knife is deflected transversely to the transport direction T by the poultry carcass or part thereof against a spring force in the plane E described by the cutting motion, depending on the size of the poultry carcass or part thereof being processed. This allows for an evasive movement away from the poultry carcass or part thereof, in order to limit or dampen the pressure of the knife on the carcass or part thereof, and to compensate for or avoid unevenness in the carcass or part thereof.

[0026] Advantageously, during the cutting motion, the knife can be moved transversely to the transport direction T through the poultry carcass or part thereof against a spring force in the transport direction T. During the cutting motion of the knife transversely to the transport direction T, it can also be moved in the transport direction T simultaneously, in order to ensure, in particular, a straight cut in the back skin and to avoid damage to the meat to the left and right of the cut line.

[0027] A particularly preferred further development is characterized in that the method is carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 15.

[0028] The advantages arising from the method according to the invention have already been described in detail in connection with the device, which is why reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0029] Further advantageous features and developments of the device and the method are described in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device and the method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a section of a device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the knife arrangement on the frame in the transport direction T, and Fig. 3 the representation according to Fig. 2 viewed in the opposite direction of transport T.

[0030] The device shown in the drawing is used for cutting the back skin of the front halves of a slaughtered poultry carcass and is designed and configured accordingly. However, the device is also designed and configured in the same way to process other products, which are fixed to a holding device oriented transversely to the transport direction T, from the side and, in particular, transversely to the transport direction T.

[0031] The drawing shows a device 10 which is designed and set up for the automatic processing of disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular front halves of the poultry carcasses.The device 10 comprises a frame 11, a transport unit 12 mounted on the frame 11 with a continuously driven transport means 13, at least one holding device 14 attached to the transport means 13, which is designed and configured to hold the poultry carcass or part thereof during transport in the transport direction T and during processing at a processing station 15, and at least one processing station 15 for processing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof, namely a knife arrangement 16 arranged on the frame 11, which is designed and configured to cut the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof located in the area of ​​operation of the knife arrangement 16, wherein a knife 17 of the knife arrangement 16 is designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position to a cutting position and back for cutting the back skin.

[0032] According to the invention, this device 10 is characterized in that each holding device 14 in the area of ​​operation of the knife arrangement 16 is in a position in which the central axis M of the holding device 14 is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and that the knife 17 of the knife arrangement 16 is arranged laterally to the transport means 13 for cutting the back skin and is designed to perform the movement from the waiting position to the cutting position as a cutting movement and back transversely to the transport direction T of the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed.

[0033] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments, both individually and in combination. It is expressly pointed out that features summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawing, or described in a common embodiment, can also functionally and independently further develop the device 10 described above.

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the holding device 14 is rotatable about an axis that runs perpendicular to the transport direction T relative to the transport means 13, such that each holding device 14 is movable at least from a position in which the central axis M of the holding device 14 is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, to a position in which the central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and back again.

[0035] The number of holding devices 14 is variable. Several holding devices 14 are shown as an example, preferably evenly spaced and detachably attached to the transport means 13. The transport means 13 forms an upper run 18 and a lower run 19 and is guided around deflection elements 20, which are designed and configured to deflect and / or drive the transport means 13 and are rotatable about pivot axes. The pivot axes can be oriented vertically, horizontally, or inclined. In the exemplary illustration, the pivot axes are inclined at approximately 45° to the vertical orientation.

[0036] Optionally, each holding device 14 is designed in two parts and comprises a mounting body 21 and a support body 22 detachably attached to the mounting body 21. The mounting body 21 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation in a bearing plate 24 attached to the transport means 13 by means of a shaft 23. The mounting body 21 includes a rotary element 25, preferably a swivel, which can be operatively connected to an actuating lever for rotating the mounting body 21 and thus the holding device 14 about the axis. The bearing plates 24 can be arranged directly on the transport means 13. Preferably, the bearing plates 24 are fastened by means of a connecting element not explicitly shown. The transport means 13 itself is, for example, designed as a conveyor chain to which the bearing plates 24 are attached. The bearing plates 24 have at least one guide groove 26.Corresponding / matching guide plates 27 are arranged on the frame 11 for this guide groove 26, extending at least sectionally along the upper run 18 and / or lower run 19.

[0037] The rotation of the holding device 14 by preferably 90° in each direction, e.g., by using a so-called Maltese cross as a rotating element 25, serves to position the holding device 14, at least in the area of ​​the knife arrangement 16, for cutting the back skin, in such a way that the holding device 14 is positioned with its central axis M transverse to the transport direction T. For this purpose, the Maltese cross can be engaged with a preferably fixed and stationary actuating lever – accordingly, to be described as passive. However, movable and active actuating elements can also be used.

[0038] As mentioned, each holding device 14 is rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the transport direction T relative to the transport means 13, such that each holding device 14 is movable from at least a position in which the central axis M of the holding device 14 is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, to a position in which the central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and back again. The rotation can be, for example, 90° forward and then 90° backward. Alternatively, the rotation can be 90° forward and then a further 270° in the same direction back to the starting position. Appropriate actuating levers are provided for each of these movements.

[0039] The knife assembly 16 comprises a holding body 28 arranged on the frame 11, a knife bracket 29 pivotably mounted on the holding body 28, at least one knife 17 attached to the knife bracket 29, and an actuating mechanism 30 for moving the knife 17 from the waiting position to the cutting position and back. The knife assembly 16 is a module that can be arranged at virtually any position along the transport path. Preferably, the knife assembly 16 is arranged in the region of the lower run 19. The actuating mechanism 30 can be arranged directly on the frame 11 or, as shown in the preferred embodiment, on the holding body 28.

[0040] The actuating mechanism 30 is preferably designed as a pneumatic unit 31, which is arranged on the holding body 28 and is connected to the cutter arm 29 such that the cutter arm 29 is pivotable relative to the holding body 28 about a pivot axis A, which is aligned parallel to the transport direction T. In the illustrated embodiment, the pneumatic unit 31 comprises a compressed air unit (not explicitly shown), a pneumatic cylinder 32 connected to the compressed air unit, and a piston with a piston rod 33. The free end 34 of the piston rod 33 is pivotally connected to the cutter arm 29. By actuating the piston rod 33, the cutter arm 29 is pivotable about the pivot axis A to perform a simple cutting motion transverse to the transport direction T. Preferably, the actuating mechanism 30 or the pneumatic unit 31 is connected to a control and / or regulating device, which, for example,also connected with a drive means for the transport means 13 in order to control and / or regulate the exact timing of the cutting movement.

[0041] The knife arm 29 can be formed in one piece. Preferably, the knife arm 29 is formed in at least two parts, namely comprising a support element 35 and a knife holding element 36, wherein the support element 35 is connected to the pneumatic unit 31 and pivotable about the pivot axis A, and the knife holding element 36 is arranged on the support element 35 so as to be movable relative to it. The knife arm 29 forms a kind of claw that, pneumatically driven, cuts the dorsal skin with lightning speed at the right moment. The free end 34 of the piston rod 33 is pivotally arranged on the support element 35, offset from the pivot axis A. A three-part design of the knife arm 29 or a knife arm 29 consisting of four or more parts is also possible. The relative movement between the knife holding element 36 and the support element 35 can be realized in various ways, e.g., by a linear movement, a tilting movement, or the like.Preferably, the knife holding element 36 is mounted on the support element 35 and is designed to be pivotable against a spring force about a pivot axis B relative to the support element 35, wherein the pivot axis B is aligned parallel to the pivot axis A, but offset from it.

[0042] A stop element 37 is associated with the knife-holding element 36. This stop element interacts with two stop surfaces 38, 39 formed on the support element 35 to limit the pivoting movement of the knife-holding element 36 relative to the support element 35. A spring element 40 is tensioned between the knife-holding element 36 and the support element 35 such that the knife-holding element 36, with its stop element 37, is held against one of the stop surfaces 38, preferably against the stop surface 38 adapted for small poultry carcasses or parts thereof. Fig.Figure 3, which shows the knife bracket 29 in the waiting position, is the lower stop surface 38 for small poultry carcasses or parts thereof. The stop surfaces 38, 39 are part of a trough-shaped recess 41 on the support element 35. The spring element 40 is interchangeably arranged on the knife bracket 29. Different attachment points 42, 43 are provided on both the support element 35 and the knife retaining element 36, to which the spring element 40 can be attached.

[0043] The knife 17 is fixedly but adjustably mounted on the knife holder 36. In the illustrated embodiment, the knife 17 is detachably fastened to the knife holder 36 by two screws 44. The knife 17 can also be detachably fastened to the knife holder 36 in other ways. Different detent or mounting positions are possible for the knife 17 in order to vary its position or inclination relative to the knife holder 36. Optionally, the knife 17, or more precisely a blade 45 of the knife 17, can be formed integrally with the knife holder 36. The knife 17, or more precisely the blade 45 of the knife 17, is sickle-shaped. Blade shapes other than the sickle or scythe shape, i.e., curved blades 45, such as linear blades 45, are also possible, as are different grind profiles of the blade 45.

[0044] The holding element 28 can be rigidly connected to or arranged on the frame 11. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawing, the holding element 28 is designed as a rocker arm 46, which is movable relative to the frame 11. The movement relative to the frame 11 can be linear, for example by means of a linear drive, with which the holding element 28 can be moved, for example, in or against the transport direction T. This allows the holding element 28 to "travel" with the holding device 14 of the transport means 13 in the transport direction T during processing, i.e., during the cutting of the back skin, in order to be moved back to its starting position after the cutting movement is completed. Preferably, the rocker arm 46 is pivotably mounted on the frame 11 about a pivot axis C, wherein the pivot axis C is oriented transversely to the transport direction T, and thus also transversely to the pivot axes A and B.This allows the rocker arm 46 to oscillate in the transport direction T and back. The oscillation can be unrestricted. Preferably, the rocker arm 46 is designed to be deflected against a spring force in the transport direction T. For this purpose, a spring element 47 is tensioned between the rocker arm 46 and the frame 11, such that the rocker arm 46 is held with a stop surface 48 against a stop element 49 on the frame 11 in a starting position in which the rocker arm 46 with the blade 17 is directed essentially vertically downwards. The stop element 49 is preferably designed as a damping stop.

[0045] The process is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The process is used for the automatic processing of eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular the front halves of the carcasses. Specifically, the process is used for cutting the back skin of the front halves of eviscerated poultry carcasses. For this purpose, poultry carcasses or parts thereof, fixed to a holding device 14 of a continuously driven transport vehicle 13, are fed in the transport direction T into the area of ​​at least one processing station 15, namely a knife arrangement 16 for cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or the part thereof. The transport of the poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular the front halves, is automatic.Upon reaching the knife arrangement 16, the back skin of the poultry body or part thereof is cut by means of a knife 17 of the knife arrangement 16, by moving the knife 17 from a waiting position to a cutting position and back to perform a cutting motion.

[0046] According to the invention, the incision in the back skin is carried out while the poultry carcass or part thereof is transported in the transport direction T with the holding device 14 oriented transversely to the transport direction T. In other words, the holding device 14, with the mounted and fixed poultry carcass or part thereof, is positioned transversely to the transport direction T. In this transverse position, continuous transport in the transport direction T takes place, so that the knife is moved into the transport path from the side / outside. A cutting motion is superimposed on the transport movement. These movements are perpendicular to each other.

[0047] The holding device 14 can remain in the transverse position described above throughout the entire transport through the device 10. Preferably, before reaching the processing station 15, the holding device 14 is moved from a position in which its central axis M is aligned parallel to the transport direction T to a position in which its central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T for cutting the back skin. In this orientation, the cut is made starting from a side of the poultry carcass or part thereof facing the anus and proceeding towards the neck. Subsequently, the holding device 14 is moved back to a position in which its central axis M is aligned parallel to the transport direction T for further processing.

[0048] Preferably, during the cutting motion, the knife 17 is deflected transversely to the transport direction T by the poultry carcass or part thereof against a spring force in the plane E described by the cutting motion, depending on the size of the poultry carcass or part thereof being processed. In other words, the knife 17 can spring back by being pushed outwards by the poultry carcass or part thereof against the spring force, opposite to the cutting motion or the direction of movement of the knife 17.

[0049] Optionally, the knife 17 can be moved, or be moved, against a spring force in the transport direction T through the poultry carcass or part thereof during the cutting motion, transversely to the transport direction T. The transport of the holding device 14 in the transport direction T causes the knife 17 to be "carried along" as it penetrates the back skin and / or the underlying meat / tissue and / or bone. After the cutting motion has ended, when the knife 17 has completely left the poultry carcass or part thereof, the knife 17, or a support arm 46 carrying the knife 17, is moved back into a substantially vertical orientation, preferably by a spring force.

[0050] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 15.

Claims

[1] Device (10) designed and arranged for the automatic processing of eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular front halves of the poultry carcasses, characterized bya frame (11), a transport unit (12) mounted on the frame (11) with a rotatingly driven transport means (13), at least one holding device (14) fastened to the transport means (13), which is designed and configured to hold the poultry carcass or the part thereof during transport in the transport direction T and during processing at a processing station (15), and at least one processing station (15) for processing the poultry carcasses or the parts thereof, namely a knife arrangement (16) arranged on the frame (11), which is designed and configured to cut into the back skin of the poultry carcass or the part thereof located in the effective range of the knife arrangement (16), wherein a knife (17) of the knife arrangement (16) is designed and configured to be movable from a waiting position into a cutting position and back for cutting into the back skin,wherein each holding device (14) is in a position within the effective range of the knife arrangement (16) in which the central axis M of the holding device (14) is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and in that the knife (17) of the knife arrangement (16) for cutting the back skin is arranged laterally to the transport means (13) and is designed to carry out the movement from the waiting position to the cutting position as a cutting movement and back transversely to the transport direction T of the poultry carcass to be processed or the part thereof. [2] Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the holding device (14) is designed to be rotatable relative to the transport means (13) about an axis which runs perpendicular to the transport direction T, such that each holding device (14) is designed to be movable at least from a position in which the central axis M of the holding device (14) is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, into a position in which the central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, and back. [3] Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the knife arrangement (16) comprises a holding body (28) arranged on the frame (11), a knife bracket (29) pivotably mounted on the holding body (28), at least one knife (17) fastened to the knife bracket (29) and an actuating mechanism (30) for moving the knife (17) from the waiting position into the cutting position and back. [4] Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized byin that the actuating mechanism (30) is designed as a pneumatic unit (31) which is arranged on the holding body (28), wherein the pneumatic unit (31) is connected to the knife bracket (29) in such a way that the knife bracket (29) can be pivoted relative to the holding body (28) about a pivot axis A which is aligned parallel to the transport direction T. [5] Device (10) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the knife bracket (29) is designed at least in two parts, namely a support element (35) and a knife holding element (36), wherein the support element (35) is connected to the pneumatic unit (31) and pivotable about the pivot axis A and the knife holding element (36) is arranged on the support element (35) so as to be movable relative to the latter. [6] Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized bythat the knife holding element (36) is mounted on the support element (35) and is designed to be pivotable relative to the support element (35) about a pivot axis B against a spring force, wherein the pivot axis B is aligned parallel to the pivot axis A. [7] Device (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by that the knife holding element (36) is assigned a stop element (37) which cooperates with two stop surfaces (38, 39) formed on the support element (35) to limit the pivoting movement of the knife holding element (36) relative to the support element (35). [8] Device (10) according to claim 7, characterized by that a spring element (40) is tensioned between the knife holding element (36) and the support element (35) in such a way that the knife holding element (36) is held with its stop element (37) against one of the stop surfaces (38, 39), preferably against the stop surface (38) adapted to small poultry bodies or parts thereof. [9] Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 8, characterized by that the knife (17) is fixedly but adjustably arranged on the knife holding element (36). [10] Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that a blade (45) of the knife (17) is sickle-shaped. [11] Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 10, characterized by that the holding body (28) is designed as a rocker (46) which is movable relative to the frame (11). [12] Device (10) according to claim 11, characterized by that the rocker (46) is pivotally mounted on the frame (11) about a pivot axis C, wherein the pivot axis C is aligned transversely to the transport direction T. [13] Device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the rocker (46) is designed to be deflectable in the transport direction T against a spring force. [14] Device (10) according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that a spring element (47) is tensioned between the rocker (46) and the frame (11) in such a way that the rocker (46) is held with a stop surface (48) against a stop element (49) on the frame (11) in an initial position in which the rocker (46) with the knife (17) is directed substantially vertically downwards. [15] Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized by that the stop element (49) is designed as a damping stop. [16] Methods for the automatic processing of eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, in particular front halves of poultry carcasses, characterized by the steps: - feeding the poultry carcasses or parts thereof fixed on a holding device (14) of a circulating transport means (13) in the transport direction T into the area of ​​at least one processing station (15), namely a knife arrangement (16) for cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof, and - cutting the back skin of the poultry carcass or part thereof by means of a knife (17) of the knife arrangement (16) by moving the knife (17) from a waiting position to a cutting position and back to perform a cutting movement, - wherein the incision of the back skin is carried out while the poultry carcass or part thereof is transported in the transport direction T with the holding device (14) aligned transversely to the transport direction T. [17] Method according to claim 16, characterized bythat the holding device (14) is moved from a position in which the central axis M of the holding device (14) is aligned parallel to the transport direction T, into a position in which the central axis M is aligned transversely to the transport direction T, before reaching the processing station (15) for incising the back skin, in which orientation the incision is made starting from a side of the poultry carcass or part thereof facing the anus in the direction of the neck, and is then moved back again for further processing into a position in which the central axis M of the holding device (14) is aligned parallel to the transport direction T. [18] Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized bythat the knife (17) is deflected during the cutting movement transversely to the transport direction T depending on the size of the poultry carcass or part thereof to be processed by the poultry carcass or part thereof against a spring force into a plane E described by the cutting movement. [19] Method according to one or more of claims 16 to 18, characterized by that the knife (17) can be moved transversely to the transport direction T through the poultry body or part thereof against a spring force in the transport direction T during the cutting movement. [20] Method according to one or more of claims 16 to 19, characterized by that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 15.

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