Apparatus and method for automatically cleaning crabs

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) designed and configured for automatically cleaning crabs (11) comprising a crab body (12) and a plurality of legs (13) extending from the crab body (12), wherein the apparatus (10) is characterised by a transport device (14) designed and configured for transporting the crabs (11) in a transport plane E along a transport path in transport direction T, holding means (15), designed and configured for holding the crabs (11) during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means (15) are arranged on the transport device (14), and a cleaning device (16), which is arranged at least in some sections along the transport path and can be brought into operative connection with the transported crabs (11) at least in the region of the legs (13). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Apparatus and method for automatically cleaning crabs

[0002] The invention relates to a device designed and arranged for automatically cleaning crabs, which comprise a crab body and a plurality of legs extending from the crab body.

[0003] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for automatically cleaning crabs comprising a crab body and a plurality of legs extending from the crab body.

[0004] Such devices and methods are used in the food processing industry, in particular in the processing of crabs. Accordingly, the generic device and the corresponding method relate to a system for cleaning crabs, and in particular to a crab cleaning brush system. The meat of crustaceans, such as crabs, is usually sold in the shell for human consumption. From a marketing point of view, it is important that the outer surfaces of the shell or carapace are cleaned before the crabs are sold. The crabs comprise a crab body and a plurality of extremities, namely in particular legs and / or claws. For the sake of simplicity, all extremities extending laterally from the crab body are referred to as legs, so that there are five legs on each side of the crab body. Both the crab body and the legs are enclosed by a shell orat least partially surrounded by a carapace, the so-called crab shell. The upper side of the crab legs, i.e. the side of the crab legs that faces upwards when the crabs are in the normal crawling position, is usually brownish in color, with an orange or red color becoming visible during the scalding or cooking process. This color is caused by a delicate layer on the crab shell that is easily removed during cleaning and processing of the crabs. Therefore, from a commercial point of view, it is important to keep the upper layer essentially intact and unblemished, while at the same time ensuring that the crab shell, at least in the leg area and also in the crab body area, is clean and free from material such as mucus and other deposits, such as barnacles, moss, parasite eggs, burrs, or the like. Similar cleaning requirements also apply to the underside of the crab legs.

[0005] Common solutions for cleaning crab legs, in particular, use knives to remove barnacles, scraping tools, brushes, and the like to clean the crab legs and remove all unwanted contaminants. However, cleaning is done entirely manually, requiring a high level of personnel effort and placing considerable physical strain on the staff. Furthermore, manual cleaning is not only slow, but the cleaning results are sometimes unsatisfactory.

[0006] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and compact device that ensures automatic and reproducible cleaning of crabs. The object is also to propose a corresponding method.

[0007] This object is achieved by a generic device mentioned at the outset, which is characterized by a transport device designed and configured to transport the crabs in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, holding means designed and configured to hold the crabs during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means are arranged on the transport device, and a cleaning device which is arranged at least in sections along the transport path and can be brought into operative connection with the transported crabs, at least in the region of the legs. With such a device, it is possible for the first time for crabs mechanically or manually placed in the holding means to be automatically cleaned by the cleaning device arranged on both sides of the transport path during automatic transport in the transport direction T.

[0008] As the crabs are transported along the transport path, at least the legs and, depending on the size of the crabs, also the crab bodies inevitably come into contact with the cleaning device and come into active contact, which ensures that any possible contamination on and from the crabs or crab legs is reliably removed.

[0009] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the cleaning device comprises two brush stations, wherein the two brush stations are arranged on opposite sides of the transport device. A brush station is arranged on both sides of the transport path, through which the crabs are transported in a forced manner, at least with their crab legs protruding laterally from the crab body. This ensures efficient cleaning of at least all of the legs.

[0010] Particularly preferably, each brush station comprises at least one brush assembly, which in turn comprises at least one central shaft, a flail-like mechanism, and a plurality of protruding elements. The flail-like mechanism can comprise flail-like cleaning bodies, but also bristles, nubs, or the like. The protruding elements are cleaning elements, for example in the form of cleaning lips or the like. The combination of the flail-like mechanism and the protruding elements allows for reliable and effective removal of contaminants of various types and consistencies from the legs.

[0011] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that each brush station comprises two brush assemblies, wherein the two brush assemblies of a brush station are arranged substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E, spaced apart from one another, such that the crabs' legs can be guided between the two brush assemblies. This ensures, in a simple and compact manner, that the legs can be automatically cleaned along a transport path, both on their upper side and on their lower side.

[0012] Advantageously, at least one of the two brush assemblies is adjustable relative to the other brush assemblies such that the distance between the two brush assemblies perpendicular to the transport plane E can be changed. Optionally, both brush assemblies of a brush station are designed and configured to be adjustable. In other embodiments, only one of the two brush assemblies is adjustable relative to the other brush assemblies. The adjustability can be stepwise or continuously variable, and manual or automatic. With the adjustability of the or each brush assemblies, in particular the distance of the brush assemblies from the crab legs to be cleaned can also be changed in order to be able to adapt the device to different crab sizes and the pressure of the brush assemblies on the crab legs.

[0013] Each brush station conveniently comprises a frame to which the brush assembly or assembly is detachably attached. The frame provides a stable base for the brush assembly. The detachable attachment or assembly allows for a stable base for the brush assembly.

[0014] By storing the brush assemblies on the frame, they can be easily replaced, for example for maintenance purposes or for replacement with other brush units.

[0015] Particularly advantageous is that each central shaft is mounted on the frame in a rotating manner around a rotation axis D. The rotating bearing of the central shafts ensures that the crabs' legs are at least slightly rotated during transport between the two brush arrangements of a brush station, thus ensuring that the legs are cleaned from all sides.

[0016] A preferred development is characterized in that each frame has a slot-like recess on at least one side, in particular in an entry area of ​​the crabs between the two brush stations, which is designed and configured for the passage of the legs of the crabs transported along the transport path in the transport direction T. The slot-like recess essentially creates an access opening for the legs between the two brush arrangements of a brush station in order to ensure continuous and collision-free transport of the crabs through the device.

[0017] The alignment of the axes of rotation D and thus of the entire brush station can be parallel to the transport direction T. Optionally, the axes of rotation D of the central shafts and thus also the brush stations can also be aligned convergingly in the transport direction T. Particularly preferably, the central shafts of one brush station are aligned with their axes of rotation D, starting from the entry area of ​​the crabs between the two brush stations in the direction of an exit area of ​​the crabs in the transport direction T with respect to the transport device T, diverging from the central shafts of the other brush station. This creates a V-shaped arrangement of the two brush stations in plan view. This arrangement ensures that the legs are cleaned evenly over their entire length, starting from the pivot point of the legs on the crab body, laterally outwards.Due to the diverging alignment of the brush stations in the transport direction T, the contaminants are also removed away from the crab body to the outside.

[0018] Advantageously, the angular position of the central shafts with respect to the transport direction T encloses an angle α that lies in a range from 0 to 20 degrees, preferably from 3 to 15 degrees, and particularly preferably from 5 to 10 degrees. The angle α between the axes of rotation D and a central axis M of the transport device is preferably not equal to 0 degrees. The longitudinal extent of the brush stations and thus of the central shafts runs obliquely to the longitudinal extent of the transport device. In other words, the distance between the brush stations from one another transversely to the transport direction T is smaller in the inlet area than in the outlet area. The angle α can also be 0 degrees and optionally also greater than 20 degrees.

[0019] A useful further development is characterized in that the central shafts of a brush station are designed and configured to be driven either separately or jointly, with at least one drive means being assigned to the frame for this purpose. Preferably, a common drive is provided for two central shafts of a brush station, by means of which both central shafts can be driven, preferably in opposite directions, via a belt drive or the like. Other drive concepts and gear solutions for driving the central shafts in parallel or in opposite directions are also feasible.

[0020] Advantageously, each central shaft is designed to be continuous. In other embodiments, particularly when very long central shafts are to be used, a central shaft can also be composed of at least two shaft sections, wherein in the latter case the individual shaft sections of a central shaft are connected to one another by a securing means. A gear is expediently arranged at at least one end of each central shaft. Instead of the gear, other drive and / or transmission elements designed and configured to transmit rotation can also be used. Using the gear, the drive speed of the drive means can be easily transmitted directly to the central shafts. Optionally, the drive speed can also be controlled and / or regulated by means of a control device.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the flail-like mechanism comprises a plurality of cleaning units, wherein the cleaning units and a plurality of cleaning lips are assigned to each central shaft as protruding elements, wherein the cleaning units and the cleaning lips are arranged in an alternating configuration circumferentially around the central shafts. The crab cleaning system according to the invention thus comprises a crab transport device, crab clamps, and a crab cleaning brush assembly. The crab clamp holds the crab in the crab cleaning system. The crab cleaning brush assembly comprises a central shaft, a plurality of flail mechanisms, and a plurality of protruding elements. The plurality of flail mechanisms, as well as the plurality of protruding elements, are attached to the central shaft.

[0022] Cleaning units and cleaning lips are arranged alternately around the circumference of the central shaft, preferably at equal and even spacing. However, other configurations, including alternating spacing, are also conceivable. By arranging the cleaning units and cleaning lips on the central shaft, the rotational energy of the central shaft can be transferred to the cleaning units and cleaning lips, resulting in optimal and efficient cleaning results. Due to the rotation of the central shaft, the cleaning units and cleaning lips arranged thereon exert a brushing, scratching, beating, scraping, and other cleaning action on the crab legs.

[0023] Particularly advantageously, each cleaning unit comprises several flail-like cleaning bodies. Each cleaning body can form its own flail-like mechanism. The flail-like mechanism is preferably formed from a plurality of cleaning units, which in turn comprise a plurality of cleaning bodies. This ensures effective removal of any contaminants from the crabs and their cleaning. The flail-like cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit can each be of the same or different designs. The cleaning bodies can also vary from cleaning unit to cleaning unit. The cleaning bodies can vary in shape and / or size and / or surface and in other properties.

[0024] Advantageously, approximately five to approximately ten of the cleaning units and approximately five to approximately ten of the cleaning lips are assigned to each central shaft, distributed around its circumference. Particularly preferably, seven cleaning units and seven cleaning lips are arranged at equal distances from one another around the circumference of the central shafts. Each cleaning unit and each cleaning lip extends in the longitudinal direction of the central shafts.

[0025] Particularly preferably, each flail-like cleaning body comprises several chain links. Preferably, four interconnected chain links form a cleaning body. The number of chain links can vary and be, for example, two, three, or more than four. Instead of chain links, beads, eyelets, and other elements can also be interconnected to form a cleaning body. The cleaning bodies can optionally also be formed by bristles, cords, textile strips, or the like. The cleaning bodies can be made of different materials or from combinations of materials. The individual cleaning bodies can also have reinforcements, stiffeners, or the like.

[0026] Advantageously, the flail-like cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit are arranged in a substantially linear configuration. Several cleaning bodies are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the central shafts, preferably in a linear configuration, but optionally also in other configurations, for example, wave-like. The distribution of the cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit can extend in the longitudinal direction of the central shaft over the entire length of the central shaft or only over a section of the central shaft.

[0027] A preferred development is characterized in that the plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies are attached to a base body, wherein the base body is attached to the central shaft. The base body, with the cleaning bodies arranged thereon, forms a cleaning unit. The cleaning bodies are preferably detachably arranged on the base body.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the cleaning lips are attached to the central shaft by means of the base bodies. For this purpose, the base bodies, which are preferably trapezoidal in cross-section, have recesses that correspond to thickened material on the edges of the cleaning lips facing the central shaft. This eliminates the need for additional fastening means for the cleaning lips.

[0029] Conveniently, all flail-like cleaning bodies are of similar length. The length of the cleaning bodies is based on the radial direction from the central shaft. In other words, all chain-like cleaning bodies extend radially outward from the central shaft with the same length. Optionally, cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit can also have different lengths and / or cross-sections or diameters. In further embodiments, all cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit can have the same length, while all cleaning bodies of an adjacent cleaning unit can have a different length. Other configurations are also possible.

[0030] Advantageously, all cleaning lips are of a similar length. The length also refers to the radial direction starting from the central shaft. The length of the cleaning lips preferably corresponds to the length of the cleaning bodies. However, the lengths can also vary, for example from cleaning bodies on the one hand and cleaning lips on the other, or from cleaning lip to adjacent cleaning lip. In the longitudinal direction of the central shaft, the cleaning lips preferably extend over the entire length of the central shaft. Optionally, all cleaning lips or only selected cleaning lips can extend over a section of the central shaft in the longitudinal direction. The cleaning lips can be made of different materials or from combinations of materials. The individual cleaning bodies can also have reinforcements, stiffeners, or the like.The cleaning lips of a brush assembly can be designed the same or differently. The cleaning lips can also vary from brush assembly to brush assembly. The cleaning lips can vary in shape and / or size and / or surface, and in other properties. For example, the cleaning lips can be tapered, i.e., pointed, at their radially outward-facing edges.

[0031] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the holding means comprises a plurality of holding clamps, each holding clamp comprising two holding jaws. This ensures that the crabs are securely held during transport along the transport path by the brush arrangements.

[0032] Preferably, a first holding jaw for holding the leading end of each crab forms a first crab clamp, and a second holding jaw for holding the trailing end of each crab forms a second crab clamp. Other clamping mechanisms for picking up and holding the crabs, particularly in the leading head region and the trailing tail region, are also usable.

[0033] Preferably, the first crab clamp is operably mounted relative to the second crab clamp. This also means that the second crab clamp is operably mounted relative to the first crab clamp. In other words, the first crab clamp is preferably fixedly arranged on the rotating transport device, while the second crab clamp is designed and configured to be movable relative to the first crab clamp. In other embodiments, the second crab clamp can also be fixedly arranged on the rotating transport device, while the first crab clamp is designed and configured to be movable relative to the second crab clamp. The operable mounting of the two crab clamps relative to one another facilitates the insertion of the crabs into the holding clamps.

[0034] The first crab clamp is expediently mounted so as to slide relative to the second crab clamp. This also means that the second crab clamp is mounted so as to slide relative to the first crab clamp. For this purpose, the two crab clamps are connected and operatively connected to one another via at least one sliding rod or the like, optionally also via two sliding rods. The crab clamps can be moved towards and away from one another along the or each sliding rod. Particularly advantageously, the two crab clamps are designed so as to be pre-tensioned towards one another by a spring element. Preferably, a spring element is provided which is designed and configured to hold the two crab clamps in a closed holding position. The closed holding position describes the clamping position in which the crab clamps hold a crab between them.The second crab clamp is preferably movable relative to the first crab clamp against this spring force. When inserting a crab, for example, the operator pulls the second crab clamp backward with the trailing tail side of the crab, against the transport direction T, and places the crab body between the two crab clamps. The spring force causes the second crab clamp to move back toward its original position, thus holding the crab between the two crab clamps.

[0035] Advantageously, the two crab clamps of a retaining clip are concave at least in sections on their mutually facing inner sides. The first crab clamp comprises a first clamping area with a concave shape. The second crab clamp comprises a second clamping area with a concave shape. The concave shapes can also be formed on only one of the two crab clamps. Particularly advantageously, the concave shapes are adapted, at least in sections, to the contour of the crab's body, thereby ensuring a particularly secure and stable hold.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the second crab clamp is smaller than the first crab clamp, particularly with respect to its height relative to the transport plane E. As a result, the crabs exhibit a slight incline in their crab bodies during transport along the transport path. In other words, the crab body is positioned slightly upwards in the transport direction T relative to the transport plane E. However, this position can also be achieved if the first crab clamp is smaller than the second crab clamp. The crab body is then positioned slightly downwards in the transport direction T relative to the transport plane E.

[0037] The two crab clamps expediently have fixing bodies on their mutually facing inner surfaces. Fixing bodies can also be assigned to just one of the two crab clamps. Each fixing body improves the holding of the crabs in the retaining clamp. Advantageously, the fixing bodies comprise toothed locking elements that are detachably arranged on the crab clamps. The first crab clamp comprises a first tooth mechanism in the first clamping area and the second crab clamp comprises a second tooth mechanism in the second clamping area. With the or each locking element, a non-slip connection to the crab body can be established. The detachable connection means that the locking elements can be replaced when worn. Furthermore, this offers the opportunity to mount different locking elements with different locking and / or clamping functions.

[0038] Each fixing body expediently comprises at least one toothed rack. A toothed rack is understood to be a curved rack or the like, whereby the shape and number of teeth, as well as their arrangement, can vary. Instead of toothed racks, other holding, locking, or contact elements can also be provided.

[0039] Particularly preferably, each fixing body comprises two separate toothed racks which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp.

[0040] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the transport device comprises a rotating conveyor element on which several retaining clamps are arranged. The rotating conveyor element ensures compact and efficient transport of the crabs along the brush stations.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the conveyor element is a conveyor chain designed and configured to be driven in rotation by means of a drive means, wherein the retaining clamps are arranged detachably on the conveyor chain at a distance one behind the other in the transport direction T. The conveyor chain is robust and wear-resistant, thus ensuring reliable transport. The retaining clamps can be screwed to the conveyor chain or attached to chain links of the conveyor chain. Other fastening options for detachable fastening are also usable. Optionally, the retaining clamps can also be firmly connected to the conveyor chain, i.e., not detachably. Instead of the conveyor chain, a conveyor belt or any other conveying means capable of rotating can also be provided.A particularly preferred development is characterized in that flat support elements are arranged on both sides of the conveyor element, at least in an entry area of ​​the crabs into the device and in an exit area of ​​the crabs from the device. The flat support elements are preferably aligned approximately parallel to the transport plane E. The support elements are accordingly designed and configured to guide the crab legs. In other words, when the crabs are inserted into the holding clamps, the support elements serve as a storage space for the legs in order to guide them as horizontally as possible—i.e., essentially parallel to the transport plane E—through the slot-like recess in the frame between the brush arrangements.

[0042] Accordingly, support plates serve as support elements, extending from the entry area in the transport direction T into the area of ​​the slot-like recess in the frame. Particularly preferably, the support plates extend through the slot-like recess, such that the legs are supported without interruption, namely first by the support plates and immediately afterward by the lower of the two brush arrangements of both brush stations.

[0043] Advantageously, support plates serve as support elements, extending from the exit area, tapering toward the entry area, opposite the transport direction T. Viewed in the transport direction T, the support plates begin approximately after the first third of the conveyor chain and then widen to the exit area. This ensures that the legs, especially in the case of diverging brush stations, are supported again after exiting the brush arrangements, preventing the legs from bending downwards until reaching the exit area. The support plates in the exit area are positioned slightly lower than the support plates in the entry area.

[0044] The object is also achieved by a method with the steps mentioned at the outset in that it is carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 38.

[0045] The object is also achieved by the use of a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 38 for the automatic cleaning of crabs. The advantages resulting from the aforementioned method steps and the use have already been described in connection with the device; therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant passages.

[0046] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and method are set out in the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention and the method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:

[0047] Fig. 1 is a perspective front view of a crab cleaning system, i.e. a device according to the invention, according to a first embodiment of the disclosed subject matter,

[0048] Fig. 2 is a front view of the crab cleaning system according to Figure 1,

[0049] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the crab cleaning system according to Figure 1,

[0050] Fig. 4 is a perspective rear view of a crab clamp, i.e. a holding clamp formed from two crab clamps, for the crab cleaning system,

[0051] Fig. 5 is a side view of the crab clamp according to Figure 4,

[0052] Fig. 6 is a perspective rear view of crab clamps used in conjunction with the crabs,

[0053] Fig. 7 is a side view of the crab clamp assemblies used in conjunction with the crabs,

[0054] Fig. 8 is a front view of the crab clamp assemblies used in conjunction with the crabs,

[0055] Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a single

[0056] Crab cleaning brush assembly for the crab cleaning system, Fig. 10 a plan view of the crab cleaning brush assembly according to Figure 9,

[0057] Fig. 11 is a plan view of a crab cleaning brush assembly,

[0058] Fig. 12 is a first end view of the crab cleaning brush assembly,

[0059] Fig. 13 is a second end view of the crab cleaning brush assembly,

[0060] Fig. 14 is an enlarged perspective view showing the attachment of the flail mechanisms, i.e. the cleaning units, and the projecting elements, i.e. the cleaning lips, in the crab cleaning brush assembly,

[0061] Fig. 15 a cross-section through the crab clamp,

[0062] Fig. 16 is an enlarged cross-section of the first terminal section,

[0063] Fig. 17 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of the device according to the invention in plan view with several crabs to be cleaned,

[0064] Fig. 18 is a schematic representation of the device according to Figure 17 in a perspective view obliquely from above and in front, and

[0065] Fig.19 is a schematic representation of the device according to Figure 17 in a perspective view obliquely from above and behind.

[0066] The invention relates to a device and a method for automatically cleaning crabs, which comprise a crab body and a plurality of legs extending from the crab body. However, the invention also relates correspondingly to devices and methods for automatically cleaning other shellfish and / or crustaceans. The drawing shows a device 10 designed and configured for automatically cleaning crabs 11, which comprise a crab body 12 and a plurality of legs 13 extending from the crab body 12.

[0067] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention by a transport device 14, designed and configured to transport the crabs 11 in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, holding means 15, designed and configured to hold the crabs 11 during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means 15 are arranged on the transport device 14, and a cleaning device 16, which is arranged at least in sections along the transport path and can be brought into operative connection with the transported crabs 11 at least in the region of the legs 13.

[0068] The features and developments described below represent preferred embodiments, considered individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that features which are summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the figures or described in a common embodiment can also functionally independently develop the device 10 described above.

[0069] Certain terms are used in the following description for convenience only and are not limiting. For example, terms such as top, bottom, front, back, right, and left refer to the disclosed subject matter as oriented in the relevant view, or to terms that identify the features of an assembly as described in the following description. This terminology includes the expressly mentioned words, their derivatives, and words of similar import.

[0070] The cleaning device 16 comprises two brush stations 17, 18, wherein the two brush stations 17, 18 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport device 14. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, each brush station 17, 18 comprises two brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 as crab cleaning brush assemblies, which in turn comprise at least one central shaft 23, a flail-like mechanism 24, and a plurality of protruding elements 25. Figures 1 to 3 show a first embodiment of the device 10, i.e., a crab cleaning system. In this embodiment, the brush assemblies 19 to 22 are aligned in their longitudinal extent parallel to the transport direction T.The crab cleaning system essentially comprises a plurality of crab clamps or crab clamps as holding means 15, a crab transport assembly as transport means 14 and a plurality of brush assemblies 19 to 22 as a crab cleaning brush assembly.

[0071] The body 12 of a crab 11 is secured by the crab clamp, with the legs 13 extending outward from the clamp. The crab clamp is moved through the crab transport assembly by a series of crab cleaning brush assemblies to remove barnacles and debris from the dorsal or upper surface and the ventral or lower surface of the crab body 12 and the surface of the legs 13. The crabs 11 shown in Figure 3 are depicted with their backs or upper surfaces visible.

[0072] The two brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 of a brush station 17, 18 are arranged at a distance from one another substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E, such that the legs 13 of the crabs 11 can be guided between the two brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 (see, for example, Figure 2). The distance between the two brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 of each brush station 17, 18 is adjustable. For this purpose, at least one of the two brush assemblies 19 and / or 20 or 21 and / or 22 is designed to be adjustable relative to the other brush assembly 20 and / or 19 or 22 and / or 21, such that the distance between the two brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 can be changed substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E. Each brush station 17, 18 comprises a frame 26, 27 to which the or each brush assembly 19, 20; 21, 22 is releasably attached. For this purpose, each central shaft 23 is mounted on the frame 26, 27 so as to be rotatably driven about a rotation axis D.Each frame 26, 27 has support walls 28, 29; 30, 31 on which the central shafts 23 are mounted. On one side, in particular in an entry area 34 of the crabs 11 between the two brush stations 17, 18, the support wall 28, 30 has a slot-like recess 32, 33 which is designed and configured for the passage of the legs 13 of the crabs 11 transported in the transport direction T along the transport path. The central shafts 23 of one brush station 17 are aligned with their axes of rotation D, starting from the entry area 34 of the crabs 11 between the two brush stations 17, 18 in the direction of an exit area 35 of the crabs 11 in the transport direction T with respect to the transport device T, diverging from the axes of rotation D of the central shafts 23 of the other brush station 18. As a result, a V-shaped arrangement of the two brush stations 17, 18 is formed in plan view (see in particular Figure 17).In this embodiment, the brush assemblies 19, 20; 21, 22 are aligned obliquely to the transport direction T in their longitudinal extension. The angle α is enclosed between the rotational axes D of the central shafts 23 and the center axis M of the transport device 14. The angular position of the central shafts 23 with respect to the transport direction T includes the angle α, which lies in a range of 0 to 20 degrees. In the inlet area 34, the distance between the two brush stations 17, 18 is thus significantly smaller than in the outlet area 35.

[0073] In the preferred embodiment, the central shafts 23 of a brush station 17, 18 are designed and configured to be jointly driven, with at least one drive means 36 being assigned to the frame 26, 27 for this purpose. With the drive means 36, both central shafts 23 of a brush station 17, 18 can be driven in rotation, specifically in opposite directions, via a gear mechanism 37, which comprises at least belts 38 and deflection elements 39. In the embodiment according to Figure 3, the central shafts 23 are continuous. In the embodiment according to Figures 9 to 11, the central shafts 23 are composed of two shaft sections 40, 41, with the individual shaft sections 40, 41 of a central shaft 23 being connected to one another by a securing means 42. At one end 43 of each central shaft 23, a sprocket or gear 44 is arranged as a drive wheel, which is operatively connected to the belt 38.

[0074] One embodiment of the disclosed subject matter relates to a crab cleaning brush assembly 19, as shown in Figures 9 to 14. The crab cleaning brush assembly 19 provides an improved ability to clean crab bodies 12 or crab legs 13 compared to prior art systems and methods. The crab cleaning brush assembly 19 includes the central shaft 23. In certain embodiments, the central shaft 23 may have a substantially cylindrical shape. Depending on the length of the crab cleaning brush assembly 19, the central shaft 23 may be formed in more than one section. For example, the central shaft 23 illustrated in the drawings includes two sections 40, 41 connected together by a clamp as a securing means 42. Various techniques may be used to attach the clamp to the sections of the central shaft.

[0075] The central shaft 23 has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. A sprocket may be provided near the first end 43 of the central shaft 23. The sprocket engages a gear on the other parts of the crab cleaning system to cause rotation of the crab cleaning brush assembly 19. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that a variety of techniques may be used to operatively connect the crab cleaning brush assembly 19 to the other parts of the crab cleaning system.

[0076] The flail-like mechanism 24 comprises a plurality of cleaning units 45, wherein the cleaning units 45 and a plurality of cleaning lips 46 are assigned to each central shaft 23 as protruding elements 25, wherein the cleaning units 45 and the cleaning lips 46 are arranged in an alternating configuration on the circumference around the central shafts 23. The distribution and arrangement of the cleaning units 45 and the cleaning lips 46 around the circumference of the central shaft 23 can be seen in particular in Figures 12 and 13. With respect to the circumference of the central shafts 23, cleaning units 45 and cleaning lips 46 are arranged alternately, preferably at an equal distance and evenly distributed. In the illustrated embodiment, each central shaft 23 has seven cleaning units 45 and seven cleaning lips 46 arranged at the same distance from one another on the circumference of the central shafts 23.

[0077] Each cleaning unit 45 comprises a plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies 47. Each flail-like cleaning body 47 in turn comprises a plurality of chain links 48. The plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies 47 of a cleaning unit 45 is attached to a base body 49, wherein the base body 49 is attached to the central shaft 23. The base bodies 49, which are trapezoidal in cross-section, rest with their narrow side on the central shaft 23 and are releasably attached by means of screws 50 or the like. Recesses 53, 54 are formed on side walls 51, 52 of the base body 49. These recesses 53, 54 correspond to thickened portions 55 on a longitudinal edge of the cleaning lips 46. The cleaning lips 46 are fastened to the central shaft 23 by means of the base bodies 49, in that each thickened portion 55 is arranged between two adjacent base bodies 49 and is thereby held in particular in a form-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner.

[0078] The flail-like cleaning bodies 47 of a cleaning unit 45 are arranged in a substantially linear configuration. In the longitudinal direction of the central shafts 23, a plurality of cleaning bodies 47 are arranged linearly, spaced one behind the other. The distribution of the cleaning bodies 47 extends in the longitudinal direction of the central shaft 23 almost over the entire length of the central shaft 23. All of the flail-like cleaning bodies 47 have a similar length in the radial direction, starting from the central shaft 23. The radial length of the cleaning bodies 47 essentially corresponds to the radial extension of the cleaning lips 46. The cleaning lips 46 also extend linearly almost over the entire length of the central shaft 23.

[0079] In other words, the preferred embodiment of each brush assembly 19 to 22 can also be described as follows. Extending from the central shaft 23 are a plurality of flail mechanisms as cleaning bodies 47 and a plurality of protruding elements 25 as cleaning lips 46. In certain embodiments, the flails of the flail mechanisms and the protruding elements 25 are arranged in an alternating configuration. The number of flail mechanisms and the number of protruding elements 25 can be selected based on a variety of factors, such as the size and type of material to be removed from the surface of the crab shell. In certain embodiments, there are between three and ten of the flail mechanisms and between three and ten of the protruding elements 25 extending from the central shaft 23.In other embodiments, there are seven flail mechanisms and seven protruding elements 25 extending from the central shaft 23. In certain embodiments, the spacing between adjacent flail mechanisms is approximately equal, and the spacing between adjacent protruding elements 25 is approximately equal. In certain embodiments, the spacing between each adjacent flail mechanism and the protruding element 25 is approximately equal. The spacing between the flail mechanisms can be selected based on factors such as the size and type of material to be removed from the surface of the crab shell. In certain embodiments, the flail mechanisms are arranged in a substantially linear configuration. However, one of skill in the art will recognize that the flail mechanisms can be arranged in other configurations.In certain embodiments, the series of flail mechanisms may be aligned substantially parallel to a rotational axis D of the central shaft 23 such that the flail mechanisms extend substantially between the first end and the second end of the central shaft 23.

[0080] In one embodiment, each of the flail mechanisms may include a plurality of interconnected chain links 48. The chain links 48 may be made from a variety of materials using the concepts of the disclosed subject matter, for example, steel and plastic. Depending on the type of materials that need to be removed from the surface of the crab's shell, the surface of the chain links 48 may be coated with an abrasive material. In other embodiments, each of the flail mechanisms, i.e., the cleaning body 47, includes a plurality of interconnected beads. Depending on the type of materials that need to be removed from the surface of the crab's shell, the surface of the beads may be coated with an abrasive material.

[0081] The length of the individual flail mechanisms can be selected depending on the size and type of material to be removed from the surface of the crab's shell. Although each flail mechanism is illustrated as having a similar length, it is possible for at least some of the flail mechanisms to be formed with a different length. In certain embodiments, each row of flail mechanisms is mounted in a flail base as base body 49, which is then attached to the central shaft 23. This configuration allows the flail mechanisms to be easily interchanged to increase or decrease the length of the flail mechanisms and / or to increase or decrease the number of flail mechanisms in the crab cleaning brush assembly 19 to 22.In certain embodiments, the flail base may have a substantially trapezoidal shape, as shown in Figure 14, with an upper surface of the flail base being wider than a lower surface of the flail base. The use of such a configuration facilitates the attachment of multiple flail bases around the central shaft 23. A variety of techniques may be used to attach the flail base to the central shaft 23. In one such embodiment, a fastener, such as a screw 50, is inserted through the opposite ends of the flail base and into the central shaft 23, as shown in Figure 14. Each of the protruding members 25 has a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the protruding members may have a substantially linear shape.One skilled in the art will understand that the distal end of the protruding member 25 may have alternative configurations using the concepts of the disclosed subject matter.

[0082] In certain embodiments, the protruding member 25 may be oriented substantially parallel to a rotational axis D of the central shaft 23 such that the protruding member 25 extends substantially between the first end and the second end of the central shaft 23. The protruding members 25 may be fabricated from a variety of materials using the concepts of the disclosed subject matter. In one such embodiment, the protruding members 25 are fabricated from a polymeric material. By fabricating the protruding members 25 from a polymeric material, the protruding members 25 may have various levels of stiffness depending on the size and nature of the material to be removed from the surface of the crab shell.In one embodiment, the polymeric material forms brush bristles extending from a rigid, elongated support at the proximal end, the elongated support being disposed between adjacent beater bases to secure the projecting member to the central shaft 23. The projecting members 25 should be sufficiently rigid to remove the material from the surface of the crab shell. In other embodiments, the beater mechanisms primarily serve to loosen the material from the surface of the crab shell, and the projecting members 25 primarily serve to move the loosened material away from the surface of the crab shell. While it is illustrated that all of the projecting members 25 are formed with a similar length, it is also possible for at least some of the projecting members 25 to be formed with a different length.As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the projecting elements 25 can be formed with a length corresponding to the length of the flail mechanisms. In other embodiments, the length of the projecting elements 25 can be greater or less than the length of the flail mechanisms, depending on the size and type of material to be removed from the surface of the crab shell. A proximal end of each projecting element 25 can have a greater width than the other portions of the projecting element 25, as shown in Figure 14. In certain embodiments, the flail sockets as base bodies 49 have a recess formed therein as a recess 53, 54, which is suitable for receiving at least a portion of the proximal end, namely the thickened portion 55, of the projecting element 25.When the proximal end of the protruding member 25 is positioned in the recess, the attachment of the flail base to the central shaft 23 causes the protruding member 23 to be attached to the central shaft 23 because the width of the proximal end of the protruding member 25 is greater than a distance between adjacent flail bases.

[0083] The crab cleaning brush assemblies 19 through 22 are rotated so that the flail mechanisms and protruding members 25 contact the surface of the crab legs 13 and the body 12 to remove material from the surfaces. Because the crab cleaning brush assemblies 19 through 22 are located above and below the crab transport device, the crab cleaning system can simultaneously remove material from the upper and lower surfaces of the crab 11. Furthermore, the contact of the flail mechanisms and protruding members 25 with the crab legs 13 during the cleaning process causes the crab legs 13 to rotate, so that the crab cleaning system removes material not only from the upper and lower surfaces of the crab legs, but also from the side surfaces. This process shortens the time required to clean the crab 11.

[0084] The distance between the crab cleaning brush assemblies 19 to 22 and the crab 11 can be adjusted to remove the desired amount of material from the surface of the crab without damaging the crab shell. Likewise, the rotation speed of the crab cleaning brush assemblies 19 to 22 can be adjusted to remove the desired amount of material from the surface of the crab 11 while minimizing damage to the crab shell.

[0085] The holding means 15 for the crabs 11 comprises a plurality of holding clamps 56, each holding clamp 56 comprising two holding jaws 57, 58. A first holding jaw 57 for holding the leading end of each crab 11 forms a first crab clamp, and a second holding jaw 58 for holding the trailing end of each crab 11 forms a second crab clamp. The first crab clamp is operably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp. In other words, the two crab clamps are designed to be movable relative to one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the leading first crab clamp is fixed and designed relative to the transport device 14, while the trailing second crab clamp is designed and configured to be movable toward and away from the first crab clamp.Thus, the second crab clamp is not only movable in a circumferential direction with the transport device 14, like the first crab clamp, but is also movable relative to the transport device 14 and also to the first crab clamp.

[0086] For this purpose, the first crab clamp is slidably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp. The two crab clamps are connected to one another via at least one sliding rod 59, but preferably via two sliding rods 59. The or each sliding rod 59 is connected at one end firmly but detachably to the second crab clamp, for example by means of a screw 60 or the like. The opposite end of each sliding rod 59 is guided in a sliding bushing 61 or the like in the first crab clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, the two crab clamps are preloaded towards one another by a spring element 62. The spring element 62 holds the second crab clamp in its initial position in a holding position.In Figures 15 and 16, the spring element 60 is shown in a compressed position such that the second crab clamp is in a loading position away from the first crab clamp against the spring force of the spring element 60.

[0087] The two crab clamps, i.e. both holding jaws 57, 58, of a holding clamp 56 are at least partially concave on their mutually facing inner sides. The first crab clamp comprises a first clamping area 63 with a concave shape. The second crab clamp comprises a second clamping area 64 with a concave shape. In the illustrated embodiment, the second crab clamp is smaller than the first crab clamp, in particular with regard to the height starting from the transport plane E. Regardless of the size of the crab clamps, the two crab clamps have fixing bodies 65, 66 on their mutually facing inner surfaces. Each fixing body 65, 66 comprises toothed locking elements that are detachably arranged on the crab clamps. Toothed racks 67, 68, 69, 70 are preferably provided as toothed locking elements.In the illustrated embodiment, each fixing body 65, 66 comprises two toothed racks 67, 68; 69, 70, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T and spaced apart from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp.

[0088] In other words, the embodiment of the holding means 15 and its holding clamps 56 can also be described as follows. One embodiment of the disclosed subject matter relates to the crab clamps, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, as well as 15 and 16. The crab clamp essentially comprises a first clamp portion and a second clamp portion operably mounted relative to one another, such that a distance between the first clamp portion and the second clamp portion varies depending on the size of the body 12 of the crab 11 to be cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The first clamp portion engages the front region of the body 12, and the second clamping portion engages the rear region of the body 12.

[0089] In one embodiment, the second clamping portion, as a second rear retaining jaw 58, is slidably attached to the first clamping portion, as a first front retaining jaw 57, by means of at least one rod 59. In some embodiments, there are two rods 59. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, each rod 59 is attached to the second clamping portion at a first end 71 and is slidably received in a passage 72 formed in the first clamping portion. The rod 59 is slidably received by a bushing 61 in a through-bore 73. A resilient member, e.g., a spring 62, contacts a rod bearing surface 74 as a stop, and an opposing through-bearing surface 75 provides resistance when compressed as the distance between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion increases. The spring 62 in Figures 15 and 16 is shown in full compression.

[0090] The first clamping portion includes a first clamping area. In certain embodiments, the first clamping area has a concave shape. The use of the concave shape facilitates at least partial conforming of the first clamping area to a surface of the body 12 of the crab 11 being cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The concave shape of the first clamping area may extend over an angle greater than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the concave shape of the first clamping area extends over an angle ranging between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees. To enhance the ability or functionality of the first clamping portion to hold the crab body 12 in a substantially stationary configuration, a first toothed mechanism may be attached to the first clamping portion proximate the first clamping area. The first toothed mechanism includes a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof.The teeth are sized and shaped to engage the surface of the crab's body 12. One skilled in the art will understand that the teeth can have a variety of configurations.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the first tooth mechanism may have a concave shape similar to the concave shape of the first clamping portion. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first tooth mechanism may be smaller than the first clamping portion. In certain embodiments, there are two first tooth mechanisms mounted on opposite sides of the first clamping portion. Attaching the first tooth mechanisms to the first clamping portion may facilitate removal of the first tooth mechanisms, for example, for cleaning or replacement. The second clamping portion may be formed with a lower height than the first clamping portion. The height difference between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion may result in the crab 11 being oriented at an angle with respect to a surface over which the crab cleaning system is moved, as shown in Figure 7.In certain embodiments, the angle is between about five degrees and about ten degrees. Although the height of the second bracket portion is illustrated as being less than the height of the first bracket portion, the second bracket portion may be formed in other sizes, for example, with a height equal to the height of the first bracket portion.

[0092] The second clamp portion includes a second clamping area. In certain embodiments, the second clamping area has a concave shape. The use of the concave shape facilitates the second clamping area to at least partially conform to the surface of the crab body 12 being cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The concave shape of the second clamping area may extend over an angle greater than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the concave shape of the second clamping area extends over an angle ranging between about 90 degrees and about 180 degrees. To enhance the ability or functionality of the second clamping portion to hold the crab body 12 in a substantially stationary configuration, a second toothed mechanism may be attached to the second clamping portion proximate the second clamping area.The second tooth mechanism has a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof. The teeth are sized and shaped to engage the surface of the crab body 12. One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the teeth can have a variety of configurations. In certain embodiments, the second tooth mechanism can have a concave shape similar to the concave shape of the second clamping portion. As illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the second tooth mechanism can be smaller than the second clamping portion. In certain embodiments, there are two second tooth mechanisms attached to opposite sides of the second clamping portion. Attaching the second tooth mechanisms to the second clamping portion can facilitate removal of the second tooth mechanism, e.g., for cleaning or replacement.

[0093] An operator mounts a crab 11 in a first (not shown) embodiment of the crab clamp by inserting the head into the first clamp portion and forcing the first clamp portion away from the second clamp portion by pressing the head into the first clamp portion, thereby compressing the spring. The rear portion of the crab 11 is then inserted into the second clamp portion, and the force of the spring urges the first clamp portion toward the second clamp portion, thereby holding the crab 11 in the clamp as the crab 11 passes through the crab cleaning brush assemblies 19-22.Preferably, and in the embodiment shown, a crab 11 is positioned in the holding clamp 56 by the operator placing the crab 11 with the trailing tail region into the second holding jaw 58 and pulling the second holding jaw 58 away from the first holding jaw 57 against the transport direction T, counter to the direction of transport T, against the spring force of the spring element 62 to increase the distance. The operator then places the crab with the leading head side into the first holding jaw 57 or tilts it into the corresponding position and releases the crab 11, so that the spring element 62 relaxes back towards its starting position and in the process pulls or pushes the second clamping jaw 58 towards the first holding jaw 57, whereby the crab 11 is held in the clamp when the crab 11 runs through the crab cleaning brush assemblies 19 to 22.

[0094] The transport device 14 comprises a rotating conveyor element 76 on which a plurality of holding clamps 56 are arranged as holding means 15. The conveyor element 76 is a conveyor chain designed and configured to be driven rotatingly by means of a drive means 77, wherein the holding clamps 56 are arranged detachably on the conveyor chain at a distance one behind the other in the transport direction T. As described, the crab transport device comprises a chain, wherein a number of crab clamps are arranged in a row along the chain, which are spaced from one another, and the chain is moved linearly by a series of brush assemblies 19 to 22 arranged above and below the clamps in order to clean the crabs 11 held by the clamps.A person of skill in the art will understand that a variety of techniques can be used to connect the crab conveyor to the other parts of the crab cleaning system and employ a mechanism to move the clamps through the system.

[0095] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 14 comprises further components, particularly as shown in Figures 17 to 19. In an entry area 34 of the crabs 11 into the device 10 and in an exit area 35 of the crabs 11 from the device 10, flat support elements 78 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor element 76, which are aligned approximately parallel to the transport plane E. The support elements 78 are designed and configured to guide the crab legs 13. In the inlet area 34, support plates 79, 80 extend as support elements 78 from the inlet area 34 in the transport direction T into the area of ​​the slot-like recesses 32, 33 in support walls 28, 30 of the frame 26, 27. The support plates 79, 80 project into the recesses 32, 33 and slightly beyond the support walls 28, 30 in the transport direction T.In the exit area 35, support plates 81, 82 extend as support elements 78 from the exit area 35, tapering toward the entry area, opposite the transport direction T. In the embodiment shown, the support plates 81, 82 begin on the conveyor element 76 approximately in the area where the brush stations 17, 18 also start. Starting from this starting point, the support plates 81, 82 diverge outward, preferably at the same angle as the brush stations 17, 18, so that the support surface for the legs 13 steadily increases in the transport direction T. The support plates 81, 82 extend beyond the brush stations 17, 18 in the transport direction T. The support plates 81, 82 in the exit area 35 are located lower than the support plates 79, 80 in the entry area 34.

[0096] The invention further relates to a method for the automatic cleaning of crabs 11, which comprise a crab body 12 and a plurality of legs 13 extending from the crab body 12. This method is characterized according to the invention in that it is carried out using a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 38. To clean the crabs 11, at least in the area of ​​the legs 13, the crabs 11 are generally manually positioned by an operator in the holding clamps 56. To do this, the operator first guides the trailing tail section of the crab 11 into the second holding jaw 58 and pulls this backwards with the crab 11 against the transport direction T. As a result, the second holding jaw 58 is moved from its starting position into a loading position in which the distance between the two holding jaws 57, 58 is so large that the crab body 12 fits between the holding jaws 57, 58.In this loading position, the operator guides the leading head section of the crab 11 into the first holding jaw 57. When the operator releases the crab 11, the spring element 62 moves the second holding jaw 58 toward its starting position, toward the first holding jaw 57, until the crab 11 is clamped. The thus clamped crab 11 is then transported along the transport path, with at least the legs 13 being forcibly guided between the brush assemblies 19 to 22 of the two brush stations 17, 18 and cleaned. In the exit area 35, the crabs 11 are released from the holding clamp 56 and further processed.

[0097] The invention thus also relates to the use of a device 10 according to one or more of claims 1 to 38 for the automatic cleaning of crabs 11.

Claims

1. Device (10) designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of crabs (11) comprising a crab body (12) and a plurality of legs (13) extending from the crab body (12), characterized by a transport device (14) designed and configured to transport the crabs (11) in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, holding means (15) designed and configured to hold the crabs (11) during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means (15) are arranged on the transport device (14), and a cleaning device (16) which is arranged at least in sections along the transport path and can be brought into operative connection with the transported crabs (11) at least in the region of the legs (13).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the cleaning device (16) comprises two brush stations (17, 18), wherein the two brush stations (17, 18) are arranged on opposite sides of the transport device (14).

3. Device (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that each brush station (17, 18) comprises at least one brush assembly (19, 20, 21, 22), which in turn comprises at least one central shaft (23), a flail-like mechanism (24) and a plurality of projecting elements (25).

4. Device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that each brush station (17, 18) comprises two brush assemblies (19, 20; 21, 22), wherein the two brush assemblies (19, 20; 21, 22) of a brush station (17, 18) are arranged spaced apart from one another substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E, such that the legs (13) of the crabs (11) can be guided between the two brush assemblies (19, 20; 21, 22).

5. Device (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one of the two brush arrangements (19, 20; 21, 22) is arranged relative to the other Brush arrangement (20, 19; 22, 21) is adjustable such that the The distance between the two brush arrangements (19, 20; 21, 22) can be changed perpendicular to the transport plane E.

6. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that each brush station (17, 18) comprises a frame (26, 27) to which the or each brush arrangement (19, 20, 21, 22) is detachably fastened.

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that each central shaft (23) is mounted on the frame (26, 27) so as to be rotatably driven about an axis of rotation D.

8. Device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each frame (26, 27) has at least on one side, in particular in an entry area (34) of the crabs (11) between the two brush stations (17, 18), a slot-like recess (32, 33) which is designed and arranged for the passage of the legs (13) of the crabs (11) transported in the transport direction T along the transport path.

9. Device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the central shafts (23) of one brush station (17) are aligned with their axes of rotation D, starting from the entry area (34) of the crabs (11) between the two brush stations (17, 18) in the direction of an exit area (35) of the crabs (11) in the transport direction T with respect to the transport device T, diverging from the central shafts (23) of the other brush station (18).

10. Device (10) according to claim 9, characterized in that the angular position of the central shafts (23) with respect to the transport direction T includes an angle a which lies in a range of 0 to 20 degrees and preferably from 3 to 15 degrees and particularly preferably from 5 to 10 degrees.

11. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the central shafts (23) of a brush station (17, 18) are designed and arranged to be drivable separately or jointly wherein at least one drive means (36) is assigned to the frame (26, 27).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 11, characterized in that each central shaft (23) is optionally designed to be continuous or composed of at least two shaft sections (40, 41), wherein in the latter case the individual shaft sections (40, 41) of a central shaft (23) are connected to one another by a securing means (42).

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 12, characterized in that a gear (44) is arranged at at least one end (43) of each central shaft (23).

14. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 3 to 13, characterized in that the flail-like mechanism (24) comprises a plurality of cleaning units (45), wherein the cleaning units (45) and a plurality of cleaning lips (46) are assigned as projecting elements (25) to each central shaft (23), wherein the cleaning units (45) and the cleaning lips (46) are arranged in an alternating configuration on the circumference around the central shafts (23).

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that each cleaning unit (45) comprises several flail-like cleaning bodies (47).

16. Device (10) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that each central shaft (23) has about five to about ten of the cleaning units (45) and about five to about ten of the cleaning lips distributed over the circumference (46).

17. Device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that each flail-like cleaning body (47) comprises several chain links (48).

18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the flail-like cleaning bodies (47) of a cleaning unit (45) are arranged in a substantially linear configuration.

19. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that the plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies (47) are fastened to a base body (49), wherein the base body (49) is fastened to the central shaft (23).

20. Device (10) according to claim 19, characterized in that the cleaning lips (46) are attached to the central shaft (23) by means of the base body (49).

21. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 15 to 20, characterized in that all flail-like cleaning bodies (47) have a similar length.

22. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 14 to 21, characterized in that all cleaning lips (46) have a similar length.

23. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the holding means (15) comprises a plurality of holding clamps (56), each holding clamp (56) comprising two holding jaws (57, 58).

24. Device (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that a first holding jaw (57) for holding the leading end of each crab (11) forms a first crab clamp, and a second holding jaw (58) for holding the trailing end of each crab (11) forms a second crab clamp.

25. Device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the first crab clamp is operably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp.

26. Device (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the first crab clamp is slidably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp.

27. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 24 to 26, characterized in that the two crab clamps are prestressed towards each other by a spring element (62).

28. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 24 to 27, characterized in that the two crab clamps of a holding clamp (56) are at least partially concave on mutually facing inner sides.

29. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 24 to 28, characterized in that the second crab clamp is smaller than the first crab clamp, in particular with respect to the height starting from the transport plane E.

30. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 24 to 29, characterized in that the two crab clamps have fixing bodies (65, 66) on their mutually facing inner surfaces.

31. Device (10) according to claim 30, characterized in that the fixing bodies (65, 66) comprise tooth-shaped locking elements which are detachably arranged on the crab clamps.

32. Device (10) according to claim 30 or 31, characterized in that each fixing body (65, 66) comprises at least one rack (67, 68, 69, 70).

33. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 30 to 32, characterized in that each fixing body (65, 66) comprises two separate toothed racks (67, 68; 69, 70) which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T and spaced from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp.

34. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that the transport device (14) comprises a rotating driven conveyor element (76) on which a plurality of holding clamps (56) are arranged.

35. Device (10) according to claim 34, characterized in that the conveyor element (76) is a conveyor chain designed and arranged to be driven in a rotating manner by means of a drive means (77), wherein the holding clamps (56) are arranged detachably on the conveyor chain at a distance one behind the other in the transport direction T.

36. Device (10) according to claim 34 or 35, characterized in that flat support elements (78) are arranged on both sides of the conveying element (76) at least in an entry region (34) of the crabs (11) into the device (10) and in an exit region (35) of the crabs (11) from the device (10).

37. Device (10) according to claim 36, characterized in that support plates (79, 80) as support elements (78) extend from the inlet region (34) in the transport direction T into the region of the slot-like recess (53, 54) of the frame (26, 27).

38. Device (10) according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that support plates (81, 82) as support elements (78) extend tapered from the outlet region (35) against the transport direction T in the direction of the inlet region (34).

39. A method for automatically cleaning crabs (11) comprising a crab body (12) and a plurality of legs (13) extending from the crab body (12), characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 38.

40. Use of a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 38 for automatically cleaning crabs (11).

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