Apparatus for automatically cleaning crabs, with automatically opening and closing holding clamps as holding means
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- NORDISCHER MASCHINENBAU RUD BAADER GMBH CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-27
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-08
Smart Images
Figure EP2024073928_06032025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device for the automatic cleaning of crabs with automatically opening and closing holding clamps as holding means
[0002] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for processing products of the food processing industry, comprising a transport device designed and configured for transporting the products in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, at least one processing station along the transport path for processing the products, which can be brought into operative connection with the products transported along the transport path, and a holding means arranged on the transport device, designed and configured for holding the products during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means comprises a plurality of holding clamps that can be opened and closed.
[0003] Such devices are used in the food processing industry, particularly for processing crustaceans such as crabs. For processing, the products, such as crabs, must be held firmly in the holding device in order to maintain a defined position during processing. An example of a processing operation is the cleaning of crabs. From a marketing perspective, it is important that the outer surfaces of the shell or carapace are cleaned before the crabs are sold. 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.To clean the crabs, they are placed in the holding clamps upstream of the processing station and, after cleaning, removed from the holding clamps downstream of the processing station. In known solutions, the holding clamps are opened manually for inserting and removing the crabs. Specifically, the operator takes a crab and opens the holding clamp using the trailing end of the crab by pushing or pulling on the holding clamp. The operator can then insert the crab into the open position of the holding clamp, in which position the operator must hold the holding clamp throughout the entire inserting process. This exposes the operator to increased strain, particularly due to the high insertion cycle, which leads to fatigue. The operator must exert a certain amount of force when inserting each crab. Due to the large number of repetitions, inserting and removing the crabs becomes monotonous and stressful.This increases the rate of incorrectly pickled crabs, which has a negative impact on processing, such as cleaning.
[0004] The invention is therefore based on the object of creating a simple and compact device which simplifies at least the insertion of the crabs into the holding clamps and preferably also the removal of the crabs from the holding clamps.
[0005] This object is achieved by a generic device mentioned above, which is characterized in that it comprises an actuating mechanism designed and configured to automatically open and close each retaining clamp. This actuating mechanism relieves the operator. The operator only has to insert the crab into the automatically opened retaining clamp or remove it from the automatically opened retaining clamp without exerting any physical effort. However, the actuating mechanism not only relieves the operator. In fact, the actuating mechanism according to the invention also leads to improved insertion quality, thereby improving the processing result.
[0006] Particularly preferably, the device is designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of crabs, which comprise a crab body and a plurality of legs extending from the crab body. The processing station is a cleaning device designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of the crabs, arranged at least in sections along the transport path, and capable of being brought into operative connection with the transported crabs, at least in the region of the legs. When cleaning the crabs, the actuating mechanism leads to a particularly significant reduction in the operator's workload due to the high loading cycle. The same applies to any other processing device suitable, designed, and configured for processing crabs.
[0007] 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 cleaning device.
[0008] The conveyor element is expediently designed and configured as a conveyor chain that is 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. This design ensures reliable transport. Furthermore, retaining elements can be easily replaced for maintenance and / or repair purposes. 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 detachably attaching the retaining clamps are also possible. Optionally, the retaining clamps can also be permanently connected to the conveyor chain, i.e., cannot be detachably connected. Instead of the conveyor chain, a conveyor belt or any other rotary-driven conveying means can be provided.
[0009] Particularly preferably, each holding clamp comprises two holding jaws. This ensures that the crabs are securely held during transport along the transport path through the cleaning device.
[0010] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that 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.
[0011] Advantageously, 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.
[0012] It is particularly useful for the first crab clamp to be mounted so that it can slide relative to the second crab clamp. This also means that the second crab clamp is mounted so that it can slide relative to the first crab clamp. For this purpose, the two crab clamps are connected and operatively connected via at least one sliding rod or the like, optionally also via two sliding rods. The crab clamps can be moved toward and away from each other along the or each sliding rod.
[0013] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first crab clamp is firmly mounted on the conveyor chain, while the second crab clamp is connected to the first crab clamp via at least one slide rod and is designed and configured to be movable relative to the first crab clamp. The second crab clamp is therefore also designed and configured to be movable relative to the conveyor chain. The conveyor chain rotates continuously. In principle, the holding clamps also rotate. The second crab clamp is only temporarily moved relative to the first crab clamp, in particular when the crabs are placed in the holding clamps and when the crabs are removed from the holding clamps. The provision of a crab clamp firmly connected to the conveyor chain and a free crab clamp enables the crabs to be held securely on the one hand and the holding clamp to be opened and closed easily and reliably automatically on the other.
[0014] Particularly preferably, the first crab clamp is fastened to a substantially flat support plate, wherein the support plate is fastened to the conveyor chain. The support plate creates additional stability in order to transport the crabs in a controlled and uniform manner through the device. An advantageous further development is characterized in that the support plate extends in the transport direction T substantially over the entire length of a holding clamp, such that the second crab clamp is supported and / or guided by the support plate. This particularly supports safe and easy insertion of the crabs into the holding clamps, since the two crab clamps are in a defined position relative to one another and can be moved.
[0015] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises a braking mechanism which acts exclusively on the second crab clamp in such a way that the second crab clamp is temporarily decelerated during transport in the transport direction T in order to increase the distance from the first crab clamp which is driven in rotation by the conveyor chain. The braking mechanism decelerates the second crab clamp relative to the conveyor chain with the first crab clamp by preventing the second crab clamp from moving at the transport speed of the conveyor chain, at least for a short time. As a result, the holding clamp retracts into an open insertion position into which the operator can insert the crab without exerting any force. Since the deceleration only occurs temporarily, the holding clamp automatically moves back towards a holding or removal position after the crab has been inserted and after it has left the actuating mechanism.clamping position.
[0016] The two crab clamps are expediently designed 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. After the holding clamp has automatically opened, the operator places the crab body between the two crab clamps and then releases them as soon as the holding clamp has left the actuating mechanism. By means of the spring force, the second crab clamp moves back towards its starting position in order to hold the crab between the two crab clamps.Particularly preferably, the spring element is arranged on the or each slide rod in such a way that the relaxed spring element holds the second crab clamp in a closed position as the initial position relative to the first crab clamp. This ensures a sufficiently high and uniform holding force.
[0017] Particularly advantageously, the spring element for opening the retaining clamp is designed to be compressible, such that the second crab clamp is designed to be movable against the spring force relative to the first crab clamp, counter to the transport direction T, from the closed position into an open position. In other words, the aforementioned design ensures that the retaining clamp is designed and configured to be automatically movable from the holding position into the insertion position and back toward the holding or closed position as the starting position, without any effort by the operator.
[0018] The actuating mechanism is expediently designed and configured to compress and release the spring element. This provides a particularly simple and reliable solution for automatically opening and closing the retaining clips. Furthermore, the actuating mechanism for compressing and releasing the spring element ensures that the opening and closing movements can be carried out quickly and easily.
[0019] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that the actuating mechanism comprises at least one first magnetic body and at least one second magnetic body, wherein the or each first magnetic body is arranged on the second crab clamp of each retaining clamp, and the or each second magnetic body is arranged in the region of a stationary magnetic station, which is assigned separately to the revolving conveyor chain in such close proximity to the latter that at least every second crab clamp must necessarily pass the magnetic station. An advantage of this embodiment is that very few rotating components are required, namely only the magnets assigned to the second crab clamp, which facilitates retrofitting and ensures a simple design of the actuating mechanism.This arrangement ensures in a simple and reliable manner that every second crab clamp in the area of the stationary magnetic station is temporarily held against the resistance of the driven conveyor chain. The holding clamp is moved into an insertion position until the tensile force of the driven conveyor chain overcomes the magnetic forces, so that the holding clamp then automatically moves back towards its holding position. Alternatively or in addition to the magnetic bodies of the actuating mechanism, the latter can also have other means and components for temporary deceleration. For example, a locking element, for example made of a spring and ball, can be provided in the area of every second crab clamp. This locking element is operatively connected to the magnetic station or other wall or cheek elements belonging to a stationary frame.Optionally, a temporary deceleration of every second crab clamp can also be achieved through friction, for example, created by special friction surfaces on every second crab clamp and / or the magnet station or other wall or side elements belonging to a stationary frame. However, other braking mechanisms or restraint devices designed and configured to establish an active connection with every second crab clamp can also be used.
[0020] Particularly preferably, the magnet station comprises at least two side walls arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor chain, with at least one magnet being arranged in the region of the mutually facing inner sides of the side walls. This embodiment creates a magnet station that can be easily retrofitted to any conveyor chain and is designed and configured to accommodate at least one magnet on each side of the conveyor chain.
[0021] The magnets of the opposing side walls are expediently arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T. Optionally, the magnet of one side wall can be placed completely behind the magnet of the other side wall in the transport direction T. Preferably, the two magnets arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor chain in the magnet station are offset but overlapping one another in the transport direction T.
[0022] Particularly preferably, the two side walls are connected to a bottom wall to form a base body with a U-shaped cross-section, whereby at least one groove is formed in the base body, which is designed and configured at least to receive and guide the conveyor chain. This shoe, with a U-shaped cross-section, ensures a stable magnetic station, which can, for example, be fixedly attached to a frame of the device in such a way that the conveyor chain can be conveyed through the formed groove with the retaining clamps.
[0023] An advantageous further development is characterized in that the magnets assigned to the inner sides of the side cheeks are designed as bar magnets and are aligned with their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T, such that a first pole points in the transport direction T and a second pole, which counteracts the first pole, points against the transport direction T. For example, a first bar magnet in one side cheek can point with its positive pole in the transport direction, so that its negative pole points against the transport direction T. A second bar magnet in the second side cheek can be arranged in the opposite direction, i.e. with the negative pole pointing in the transport direction T and with the positive pole against the transport direction T. However, an arrangement of the two bar magnets in the same direction is preferred, which simplifies the assembly of the magnet station.Bar magnets of different lengths can be used to shorten or lengthen the deceleration time. To provide a constant holding force, a change in the length of the bar magnets must be accompanied by a change in their thickness. Instead of the elongated, single-piece bar magnets, segmented bar magnets can also be used, especially if the magnet station is to be arranged within a radius of the conveyor chain.
[0024] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that both crab clamps have a base-like material projection on their underside facing the conveyor chain, which is designed and configured for the magnetic station to pass between the two side cheeks. As mentioned, the magnetic station is preferably designed as a body with a U-shaped cross section, so that its groove is designed and configured to accommodate not only the conveyor chain, but also the material projections between the side cheeks. The groove can be designed to be sufficiently deep. In other embodiments, a groove can also be formed in the groove. This embodiment ensures safe and reliable guidance of the conveyor chain with the retaining clamps.
[0025] Advantageously, at least one magnet is arranged exclusively in the base-like material projection of every second crab clamp. The or each magnet can be brought into operative connection with the magnets of the magnet station by the conveyor chain's transport in the transport direction T, such that the conveyor chain's transport through the magnet station inevitably and automatically opens the retaining clamp. Optionally, a bar magnet can be arranged in the second crab clamp, oriented perpendicular to the transport direction T, so that, for example, a positive pole points and acts to the left and the negative pole to the right, or vice versa.
[0026] Accordingly, the bar magnets in the side walls of the magnetic station are aligned oppositely in the transport direction T.
[0027] A particularly preferred embodiment is characterized in that at least one magnet is arranged in the area of the outer sides of the material projection facing the magnets in the side walls of the magnet station. Accordingly, two magnets are preferably provided in each material projection of the second crab clamp. One magnet points and acts toward the left side wall, while the other magnet points and acts toward the right side wall.
[0028] The magnets in the material projection are expediently arranged as bar magnets, aligned transversely to the transport direction T, with the two bar magnets with equivalent poles pointing in the direction of the bar magnets arranged in the side walls. This means that the first bar magnet, for example, points and acts with a positive pole towards one side wall, and the second bar magnet, likewise, points and acts with its positive pole towards the other side wall. The bar magnets in the side walls then have their negative pole on the input side. Other arrangements and constellations of the magnets are also possible. The bar magnets in every other crab clamp preferably do not extend across the entire width of the material projection, but are embedded in holes or recesses in the material projection.
[0029] Advantageously, the magnets in the material projection are arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T. This effectively prevents or at least reduces interaction between the two bar magnets arranged in the material projection of the second crab clamp.
[0030] Particularly preferably, a first actuating mechanism is arranged in an entry area of the products in the transport direction T upstream of the processing station. In other words, a stationary magnetic station is arranged in the entry area in the region of the conveyor chain such that each retaining clamp is guided through the magnetic station to open the retaining clamp during the circulating transport of the conveyor chain upstream of the processing station. Since the conveyor chain is driven in a rotating manner, there is an upper run on which the products are transported through the processing station, and a lower run on which the empty retaining clamps are transported from an exit area back to the entry area. The first stationary magnetic station is preferably arranged in the region of the upper run.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, a further actuating mechanism is arranged in a product exit area behind the processing station in the transport direction T. With the second magnetic station, preferably in the area of the lower run immediately behind the exit area, each retaining clamp can be automatically opened again, so that the crabs fall out of the retaining clamps, preferably by gravity alone. Optionally, further actuating mechanisms, in particular magnetic stations, can also be provided, particularly in the area of the lower run, for example, to open the retaining clamps for cleaning purposes.
[0032] The magnets are conveniently neodymium magnets, ensuring a reliably high holding force for stopping and retaining the second crab clamp.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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 bodies are positioned slightly upwards in the transport direction T relative to the transport plane E. The two crab clamps expediently have securing bodies on their mutually facing inner surfaces. Securing bodies can also be assigned to only one of the two crab clamps. Each securing body improves the retention of the crabs in the holding clamp.
[0035] Advantageously, the fixing bodies comprise locking elements that are detachably arranged on the crab clamps. The first crab clamp comprises a first toothed mechanism in the first clamping area, and the second crab clamp comprises a second toothed mechanism in the second clamping area. With the or each locking element, a secure connection to the crab body can be established. The detachable connection allows the locking elements to be replaced when worn. Furthermore, this offers the opportunity to mount different locking elements with different locking and / or clamping functions.
[0036] Each fixing body expediently comprises at least one clamping body or a 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. A clamping body is understood to be a curved, toothless rod or the like, which, for example, has a hardened clamping edge.
[0037] Particularly preferably, each fixing body comprises two separate clamping bodies or two separate toothed racks, which are arranged at a distance from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp, transverse to the transport direction T. This ensures secure and tilt-free holding.
[0038] Further useful and / or advantageous features and developments of the device will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows:
[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of the device according to the invention in plan view with several crabs to be cleaned,
[0040] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the device according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view obliquely from above and from the front, Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a crab held in a holding clamp in a highly enlarged perspective view obliquely from above and from the back,
[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a retaining clip in side view in a sectional view in the open insertion position,
[0042] Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of a holding clamp with an actuating mechanism comprising a stationary magnet station with magnets and magnets rotating with the conveyor chain in the second crab clamp, in a perspective view obliquely from below and from the front,
[0043] Fig. 6 the retaining clip according to Figure 5 without the housing of the magnetic station,
[0044] Fig. 7 the retaining clip according to Figure 6 with all exposed magnets of the actuating mechanism,
[0045] Fig. 8 is a schematic side view of the retaining clamp, which is attached to the conveyor chain via a support plate, passing the stationary magnet station, and
[0046] Fig. 9 shows the representation according to Figure 8 in section.
[0047] The invention illustrated in the drawing relates to a device for cleaning crabs, which comprise a crab body and a plurality of legs extending from the crab body. However, the invention also relates in a corresponding manner to devices for further processing other shellfish and / or crustaceans, as well as other products.
[0048] The drawing shows a preferred embodiment of a device 10, designed and configured for processing crabs 11 as products of the food processing industry. This device 10 comprises a transport device 12, designed and configured for transporting the crabs 11 in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, at least one processing station 13 along the transport path for processing the crabs 11, which can be brought into operative connection with the crabs 11 transported along the transport path, and a holding means 14 arranged on the transport device 12, designed and configured to hold the crabs 11 during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means 14 comprises a plurality of openable and closeable holding clamps 15.
[0049] This device 10 is characterized according to the invention in that it comprises an actuating mechanism 16 which is designed and arranged to automatically open and close each retaining clamp 15.
[0050] 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.
[0051] 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.
[0052] The illustrated device 10 is designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of crabs 11 as products of the food processing industry, comprising a crab body 17 and a plurality of legs 18 extending from the crab body 17. The processing station 13 is a cleaning device designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of the crabs 11 and 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 18. Instead of the cleaning device, any other device suitable, designed, and configured for processing crabs can be used. The transport device 12 comprises a rotating conveyor element 19 on which a plurality of holding clamps 15 are arranged.The conveyor element 19 is a conveyor chain 21 designed and configured to be driven in rotation by means of a drive means 20, wherein the holding clamps 15 are arranged detachably on the conveyor chain 21 at a distance one behind the other in the transport direction T. The holding means 15 for the crabs 11 comprises a plurality of holding clamps 15, wherein each holding clamp 15 comprises two holding jaws 22, 23. A first holding jaw 22 for holding the leading end of each crab 11 forms a first crab clamp, and a second holding jaw 23 for holding the trailing end of each crab 11 forms a second crab clamp. The first crab clamp is mounted so as to be operable 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 to the transport device 12, so that it rotates with the transport device 12, 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 rotation with the transport device 12, like the first crab clamp, but is also movable relative to the transport device 12 and also relative to the first crab clamp.
[0053] 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 24, but preferably via two sliding rods 24. The or each sliding rod 24 is connected at one end firmly but detachably, for example by means of a screw 25 or the like, to the second crab clamp. The opposite end of each sliding rod 24 is guided in a sliding bushing 26 or the like in the first crab clamp. The first crab clamp is fastened to a substantially flat support plate 27, wherein the support plate 27 is fastened to the conveyor chain 21. The support plate 27 extends in the transport direction T substantially over the entire length of a holding clamp 15, such that the second crab clamp is supported and / or guided by the support plate 27.In the illustrated embodiment, the two crab clamps are pre-tensioned relative to one another by a spring element 28. Preferably, a spring element 28 is provided which is designed and configured to hold the two crab clamps in a closed holding position, a closed position. The closed holding position describes the clamping position in which the crab clamps hold a crab 11 between them. The spring element 28 is arranged on the or each slide rod 24 such that the relaxed spring element 28 holds the second crab clamp in a closed position as the starting position with respect to the first crab clamp. Against this spring force, the second crab clamp can preferably be moved relative to the first crab clamp into the insertion position by the actuating mechanism 16.The spring element 28 is designed to be compressible for opening the holding clamp 15, such that the second crab clamp is movable from the closed position into an open position relative to the first crab clamp, counter to the transport direction T, against the spring force. Figure 4 shows the spring element 28 in a compressed position, such that the second crab clamp is in an insertion position, away from the first crab clamp, counter to the spring force of the spring element 28. By means of the spring force, the second crab clamp moves back toward its starting position after overcoming the actuating mechanism 16, thus holding the crab 11 between the two crab clamps.
[0054] The actuating mechanism 16 comprises a braking mechanism acting exclusively on the second crab clamp, such that the second crab clamp is temporarily decelerated during transport in the transport direction T to increase the distance from the first crab clamp, which is driven in rotation by the conveyor chain 21. Simply put, the braking mechanism serves to temporarily prevent the trailing second crab clamp from continuing its transport or at least to slow it down in order to increase the distance from the first crab clamp. Regardless of its design, the actuating mechanism 16 is designed and configured to compress and release the spring element 28.
[0055] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the actuating mechanism 16 comprises at least one first magnetic body 29 and at least one second magnetic body 30, wherein the or each first magnetic body 29 is arranged on the second crab clamp of each holding clamp 15 and the or each second magnetic body 30 is arranged in the region of a stationary magnetic station 31, which is assigned separately to the revolvingly driven conveyor chain 21 in such close proximity to the latter that at least every second crab clamp must necessarily pass through the magnetic station 31. Each magnetic body 29, 30 can comprise one or two or more magnets. In the embodiment shown, the magnetic station 31 comprises two side walls 32, 33, which are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor chain 21, wherein at least one magnet 34, 35 is arranged in the region of the mutually facing inner sides of the side walls 32, 33.
[0056] The two side cheeks 32, 33 are connected to a bottom wall 36 to form a base body 37 with a U-shaped cross-section, whereby at least one groove 38 is formed in the base body 37, which is designed and configured at least to receive and guide the conveyor chain 21. The base body 37 is arranged in a stationary manner, for example on a frame 39 of the device 10, in particular is releasably fastened. The position of the magnet station 31 can be selected almost freely. The magnets 34, 35 of the opposing side cheeks 32, 33 are arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T. The magnets 34, 35 assigned to the inner sides of the side cheeks 32, 33 are designed as bar magnets and are aligned with their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T such that a first pole points in the transport direction T and a second pole, which counteracts the first pole, points against the transport direction T.One magnet 34 protrudes further in the transport direction T than the other, opposite magnet 35. However, the magnet 35 protrudes beyond the other, opposite magnet 34, opposite to the transport direction T. However, the two magnets 34, 35 largely overlap in the transport direction T.
[0057] Both crab clamps, which serve as holding jaws 22, 23, have a base-like material projection 40, 41 on their underside facing the conveyor chain 21, which is designed and configured to pass the magnetic station 31 between the two side walls 32, 33. The material projections 40, 41 are cuboid-shaped and are preferably formed integrally with the holding jaws 22, 23, for example, by injection molding. The holding jaws 22, 23 with their material projections 40, 41 can also be manufactured using a 3D printer.
[0058] At least one magnet is arranged exclusively in the base-like material projection 41 of every second crab clamp. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one magnet 42, 43 is arranged in the area of the outer sides of the material projection 41 facing the magnets 34, 35 in the side cheeks 32, 33 of the magnet station 31. In other words, two bores are formed in the material projection 41 of the second holding jaw 23, each of which contains a magnet 42, 43. One magnet 42 acts in the direction of one side cheek 32. The other magnet 43 acts in the direction of the other side cheek 33.
[0059] The magnets 42, 43 assigned to each second crab clamp are also designed as bar magnets and are aligned in the material projection 41 transversely to the transport direction T, with the two bar magnets having equivalent poles pointing in the direction of the bar magnets arranged in the side walls 32, 33. The magnets 42, 43 in the material projection 41 are arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T. In the embodiment shown, the positive pole of the first magnet 42 of the second crab clamp points and acts in the direction of the first magnet 34 of the first side wall 32. The positive pole of the second magnet 43 of the second crab clamp points and acts in the direction of the second magnet 35 of the second side wall 33. The negative poles of the magnets 42, 43 of the second crab clamp point inwards transversely to the transport direction T.The magnets 34, 35 in the side cheeks 32, 33 are aligned in such a way that their negative pole points opposite to the transport direction T, so that when the second crab clamp enters the area of the magnet station 31, an attractive force initially arises between the magnet station 31 and the second crab clamp, by means of which the second crab clamp is braked. By further moving the conveyor chain 21, this attractive force is overcome, whereby the spring element 28 causes the second crab clamp to be moved in the direction of the first crab clamp in order to close the holding clamp 15. This closing process can be assisted by the magnets 34, 35 in the side cheeks 32, 33 of the magnet station 31 having the same pole as the magnets 42, 43 of the second crab clamp with their end pointing in the transport direction T and accordingly emitting a repulsive impulse. All magnets 34, 35; 42, 43 are designed as neodymium magnets.
[0060] A first actuating mechanism 16 is arranged in an inlet region 44 of the products in the transport direction T upstream of the processing station 13. More precisely, a first magnetic station 31, as a component of the actuating mechanism 16, is arranged below the conveyor chain 21 in the inlet region 44 and fastened to the frame 39. Another actuating mechanism 16, more precisely a further magnetic station 31, is arranged in an outlet region 45 of the products in the transport direction T downstream of the processing station 13. The two crab clamps, i.e. both holding jaws 22, 23, of a holding clamp 15 are concave at least in sections on their mutually facing inner sides. The first crab clamp comprises a first clamping region 46 with a concave shape. The second crab clamp comprises a second clamping region 47 with a concave shape.In the illustrated embodiment, the second crab clamp is smaller than the first crab clamp, particularly with respect to its height from the transport plane E. Regardless of the size of the crab clamps, the two crab clamps have fixing bodies 48, 49 on their mutually facing inner surfaces. Each fixing body 48, 49 comprises locking elements that are detachably arranged on the crab clamps. The locking elements can be toothed or simple contact elements. Simple clamping bodies 50, 51 are preferably provided as contact elements, and toothed racks 52, 53 are preferably provided as toothed locking elements. In the illustrated embodiment, each fixing body 48, 49 comprises two clamping bodies 50, 51 or toothed racks 52, 53, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp.
[0061] In the embodiment shown, the first tooth mechanism has a concave shape similar to the concave shape of the first clamping portion 46. As shown, for example, in Figure 4, the first tooth mechanism may be smaller than the first clamping portion 46. In certain embodiments, there are two first tooth mechanisms attached to 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 clamp portion may be formed with a lower height than the first clamp portion. The height difference between the first clamp portion and the second clamp 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.In certain embodiments, the angle is between about five degrees and about ten degrees. Although the height of the second clamp portion is illustrated as being smaller than the height of the first clamp portion, the second clamp portion may also be formed in other sizes, for example, with a height corresponding to the height of the first clamp portion. In other words, the embodiment of the holding means 14 and its holding clamps 15 may also be described as follows. One embodiment of the disclosed subject matter relates to the crab clamps, as shown in Figures 5 to 9.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 17 of the crab 11 to be cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The first clamp portion engages the front region of the body 17, and the second clamp portion engages the rear region of the body 17.
[0062] In one embodiment, the second clamping portion, as a second rear retaining jaw 23, is slidably attached to the first clamping portion, as a first front retaining jaw 22, by means of at least one rod 24. In some embodiments, there are two rods 24. Referring to Figure 4, each rod 24 is attached at a first end 54 to the second clamping portion and is slidably received in a passage 55 formed in the first clamping portion. The rod 24 is slidably received by a bushing 26 in a through-bore 56. A resilient member, e.g., a spring 28, contacts a rod bearing surface 57 as a stop, and an opposing through-bearing surface 58 provides resistance when compressed as the distance between the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion increases. The spring 28 in Figure 4 is shown in full compression.
[0063] The first clamping portion includes a first clamping region 46. In certain embodiments, the first clamping region 46 has a concave shape. The use of the concave shape facilitates at least partial conforming of the first clamping region to a surface of the body 17 of the crab 11 being cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The concave shape of the first clamping region 46 may extend over an angle greater than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the concave shape of the first clamping region 46 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 17 in a substantially stationary configuration, a first toothed mechanism may be attached to the first clamping portion proximate the first clamping region 46.The first tooth mechanism includes a plurality of teeth extending from a surface thereof. The teeth are sized and shaped to engage the surface of the crab body 17. One skilled in the art will understand that the teeth may have a variety of configurations.
[0064] The second clamp portion includes a second clamping region 47. In certain embodiments, the second clamping region 47 has a concave shape. The use of the concave shape facilitates the second clamping region 47 to at least partially conform to the surface of the crab body 17 being cleaned with the crab cleaning system. The concave shape of the second clamping region 47 may extend over an angle greater than 90 degrees. In certain embodiments, the concave shape of the second clamping region 47 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 17 in a substantially stationary configuration, a second toothed mechanism may be attached to the second clamping portion proximate the second clamping region 47.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 17. 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 47. As illustrated in Figure 4, the second tooth mechanism can be smaller than the second clamping portion 47. 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.
[0065] The cleaning device as processing station 13 comprises two brush stations 59, 60, wherein the two brush stations 59, 60 are arranged on opposite sides of the transport device 12. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, each brush station 59, 60 comprises two brush assemblies 61, 62; 63, 64 as crab cleaning brush assemblies, which in turn comprise at least one central shaft 65, a flail-like mechanism 66, and a plurality of protruding elements 67.
[0066] Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the device 10, i.e., a crab cleaning system. The crab cleaning system essentially comprises a plurality of crab clamps or crab clamps as holding means 14, a crab transport assembly as transport means 12, and a plurality of brush assemblies 61 to 64 as crab cleaning brush assemblies. The body 17 of a crab 11 is secured by the crab clamp, with the legs 18 extending outwardly 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 17 and the surface of the legs 18.
[0067] The two brush assemblies 61, 62; 63, 64 of a brush station 59, 60 are arranged at a distance from one another substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E, such that the legs 18 of the crabs 11 can be guided between the two brush assemblies 61, 62; 63, 64. The distance between the two brush assemblies 61, 62; 63, 64 of a respective brush station 59, 60 is adjustable. For this purpose, at least one of the two brush assemblies 61 and / or 62 or 63 and / or 64 is designed to be adjustable relative to the other brush assembly 62 and / or 61 or 64 and / or 63, such that the distance between the two brush assemblies 61, 62; 63, 64 can be changed substantially perpendicular to the transport plane E. Each brush station 59, 60 comprises a frame 68, 69 to which the or each brush assembly 61 to 64 is releasably attached. For this purpose, each central shaft 65 is mounted on the frame 68, 69 so as to be rotatably driven about a rotation axis D.Each frame 68, 69 has support walls 70, 71, 72, 73 on which the central shafts 65 are mounted. On one side, particularly in an entry area 44 of the crabs 11 between the two brush stations 59, 60, the support wall 70, 72 has a slot-like recess 74, 75, which is designed and configured for the passage of the legs 18 of the crabs 11 transported in the transport direction T along the transport path.
[0068] The central shafts 65 of one brush station 59 are aligned with their axes of rotation D, starting from the entry area 44 of the crabs 11 between the two brush stations 59, 60 in the direction of an exit area 45 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 65 of the other brush station 60. This forms a V-shaped arrangement of the two brush stations 59, 60 in plan view (see in particular Figure 1). In this embodiment, the brush assemblies 61 to 64 are aligned obliquely to the transport direction T in their longitudinal extent. The angle α is included between the axes of rotation D of the central shafts 65 on the one hand and the center axis M of the transport device 12. The angular position of the central shafts 65 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 44, the distance between the two brush stations 59, 60 is thus significantly smaller than in the outlet area 45.
[0069] In the preferred embodiment, the central shafts 23 of a brush station 17, 18 are designed and configured to be jointly driven, with each frame 68, 69 being assigned at least one drive means for this purpose. With the drive means, both central shafts 65 of a brush station 59, 60 can be driven in rotation, specifically in opposite directions, via a gear mechanism that comprises at least belt and deflection elements. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the central shafts 65 are continuous. In an embodiment not shown, the central shafts 65 are composed of two shaft sections, with the individual shaft sections 40 of a central shaft 65 being connected to one another by a securing means. At one end of each central shaft 65, a pinion gear or gear is arranged as a drive wheel, which is operatively connected to the belt.
[0070] The flail-like mechanism 66 comprises a plurality of cleaning units, wherein the cleaning units and a plurality of cleaning lips are assigned to each central shaft 65 as protruding elements 67, wherein the cleaning units and the cleaning lips are arranged in an alternating configuration on the circumference around the central shafts 65. Relative to the circumference of the central shafts 65, cleaning units and cleaning lips are arranged alternately, preferably at an equal distance and evenly distributed. In the illustrated embodiment, seven cleaning units and seven cleaning lips are arranged on the circumference of each central shaft 65 at equal distances from one another. Each cleaning unit comprises a plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies. Each flail-like cleaning body, in turn, comprises a plurality of chain links.The plurality of flail-like cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit are attached to a base body, which is attached to the central shaft 65. The base bodies, which are trapezoidal in cross-section, rest with their narrow side on the central shaft 65 and are releasably attached by means of screws or the like. Recesses are formed on the side walls of the base body. These recesses correspond to thickened portions on a longitudinal edge of the cleaning lips. The cleaning lips are attached to the central shaft 65 by means of the base bodies, with each thickened portion being arranged between two adjacent base bodies and thus held in a form-fitting and / or friction-locking manner.
[0071] The flail-like cleaning bodies of a cleaning unit are arranged in a substantially linear configuration. In the longitudinal direction of the central shafts 65, several cleaning bodies are arranged linearly one behind the other, spaced apart from one another with respect to a cleaning unit. The distribution of the cleaning bodies extends in the longitudinal direction of the central shaft almost over the entire length of the central shaft 65. All flail-like cleaning bodies have a similar length in the radial direction starting from the central shaft 65. The radial length of the cleaning bodies essentially corresponds to the radial extension of the cleaning lips. The cleaning lips also extend linearly almost over the entire length of the central shaft 65.
[0072] In the illustrated embodiment, the transport device 12 comprises further components, particularly as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In an entry area 44 of the crabs 11 into the device 10 and in an exit area 45 of the crabs 11 from the device 10, flat support elements 76 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor element 19, which are aligned approximately parallel to the transport plane E. The support elements 76 are designed and configured to guide the crab legs 18. In the inlet area 44, support plates 77, 78 extend as support elements 76 from the inlet area 44 in the transport direction T into the area of the slot-like recesses 74, 75 in support walls 70, 72 of the frame 68, 69. The support plates 77, 78 project into the recesses 74, 75 and slightly beyond the support walls 70, 72 in the transport direction T.In the exit area 45, support plates 79, 80 extend as support elements 76 from the exit area 45, tapering against the transport direction T toward the entry area 44. In the embodiment shown, the support plates 79, 80 begin on the conveyor element 19 approximately in the area where the brush stations 59, 60 also start. Starting from this starting point, the support plates 79, 80 diverge outward, preferably at the same angle as the brush stations 59, 60, so that the support surface for the legs 18 steadily increases in the transport direction T. The support plates 79, 80 extend beyond the brush stations 59, 60 in the transport direction T. The support plates 79, 80 in the exit area 45 are located lower than the support plates 77, 78 in the entry area 44.
[0073] For the automatic cleaning of the crabs 11, an operator stands in the inlet area 44 of the device 10. The holding clamps 15 rotate with the conveyor chain 21. When an empty holding clamp 15 is moved from the lower run to the upper run of the conveyor chain 21 into the inlet area 44, the holding clamp 15, with its material projections 40, 41, passes through the magnet station 31. The magnets 34, 35 of the magnet station 31 interact with the magnets 42, 43 of the second crab clamp of the holding clamp 15, thereby braking or holding the second crab clamp. This increases the distance between the two crab clamps against the spring force of the spring element 28 acting between the two crab clamps. The holding clamp 15 is thus in an open insertion position in the inlet area 44. The operator can now place the crab 11 into the opened holding clamp 15 without any effort and place it between the two crab clamps.Due to the continuous drive of the conveyor chain 21 in the transport direction T, the tensile force of the conveyor chain overcomes the magnetic holding force, so that the second crab clamp is moved back towards its starting position by the spring element 28. The crab 11 is thus firmly clamped in the holding clamp 15. The crab 11 clamped in this way is then transported in the transport direction T through the brush assemblies 61 to 64 in order to clean at least the legs 18. After leaving the brush assemblies 61 to 64, the holding clamp 15 with its material projections 40, 41 again passes through a magnetic station 31, by means of which the holding clamp 15 is opened in the manner described above in order to remove the cleaned crab 11 from the holding clamp 15.
Claims
Apparatus (10) designed and configured for processing products (11) of the food processing industry, comprising a transport device (12) designed and configured for transporting the products (11) in a transport plane E along a transport path in the transport direction T, at least one processing station (13) along the transport path for processing the products (11), which can be brought into operative connection with the products (11) transported along the transport path, and a holding means (14) arranged on the transport device (12), designed and configured for holding the products (11) during transport along the transport path, wherein the holding means (14) comprises a plurality of holding clamps (15) to be opened and closed, characterized in that it comprises an actuating mechanism (16) which is designed and configured for automatically opening and closing each holding clamp (15).
2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) is designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of crabs (11) which comprise a crab body (17) and a plurality of legs (18) extending from the crab body (17), and the processing station (13) is a cleaning device which is designed and configured for the automatic cleaning of the crabs (11) and 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 (18).
3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport device (12) comprises a rotating driven conveyor element (19) on which a plurality of holding clamps (15) are arranged.
4. Device (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that the conveyor element (19) is a conveyor chain (21) designed and arranged to be driven in a rotating manner by means of a drive means (20), wherein the holding clamps (15) are arranged detachably one behind the other on the conveyor chain (21) at a distance in the transport direction T.
5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each holding clamp (15) comprises two holding jaws (22, 23).
6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that a first holding jaw (22) for holding the leading end of each crab (11) forms a first crab clamp, and a second holding jaw (23) for holding the trailing end of each crab (11) forms a second crab clamp.
7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first crab clamp is operably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp.
8. Device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the first crab clamp is slidably mounted with respect to the second crab clamp.
9. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first crab clamp is fixedly mounted on the conveyor chain (21), while the second crab clamp is connected to the first crab clamp via at least one sliding rod (24) and is designed and arranged to be movable relative to the first crab clamp.
10. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the first crab clamp is fastened to a substantially flat support plate (27), wherein the support plate (27) is fastened to the conveyor chain (21).
11. Device (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the support plate (27) extends in the transport direction T substantially over the entire length of a holding clamp (15), such that the second crab clamp is supported and / or guided by the support plate (27).
12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (16) comprises a braking mechanism acting exclusively on the second crab clamp, such that the second crab clamp is temporarily decelerated during transport in the transport direction T in order to increase the distance from the first crab clamp driven in rotation by the conveyor chain (21).
13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the two crab clamps are prestressed towards each other by a spring element (28).
14. Device (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the spring element (28) is arranged on the or each slide rod (24) in such a way that the relaxed spring element (28) holds the second crab clamp in a closed position as the starting position with respect to the first crab clamp.
15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the spring element (28) for opening the holding clamp (15) is designed to be compressible, such that the second crab clamp is designed to be movable against the spring force relative to the first crab clamp against the transport direction T from the closed position into an open position.
16. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (16) is designed and arranged to compress and relax the spring element (28).
17. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the actuating mechanism (16) comprises at least one first magnetic body (29) and at least one second magnetic body (30), wherein the or each first magnetic body (29) is arranged on the second crab clamp of each holding clamp (15) and the or each second magnetic body (30) is arranged in the region of a stationary magnetic station (31) which is assigned separately to the circulatingly driven conveyor chain (21) in such a close proximity to the latter that at least every second crab clamp must necessarily pass the magnetic station (31).
18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the magnet station (31) comprises at least two side cheeks (32, 33) which are arranged on opposite sides of the conveyor chain (21), wherein in the region of the mutually facing inner sides of the side cheeks (32, 33) at least one magnet (34, 35) is arranged.
19. Device (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the magnets (34, 35) of the opposing side cheeks (32, 33) are arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T.
20. Device (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the two side cheeks (32, 33) are connected to a bottom wall (36) to form a base body (37) which is U-shaped in cross section, whereby at least one groove (38) is formed in the base body (37), which groove is designed and arranged at least for receiving and passing through the conveyor chain (21).
21. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the magnets (34, 35) assigned to the inner sides of the side cheeks (32, 33) are designed as bar magnets and are aligned with their longitudinal extent in the transport direction T, such that a first pole points in the transport direction T and a second pole, which counteracts the first pole, points against the transport direction T.
22. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that both crab clamps have on their underside facing the conveyor chain (21) a base-like material projection (40, 41) which is designed and arranged to pass the magnet station (31) between the two side cheeks (32, 33).
23. Device (10) according to claim 22, characterized in that at least one magnet (42, 43) is arranged exclusively in the base-like material projection (41) of every second crab clamp.
24. Device (10) according to claim 23, characterized in that at least one magnet (42, 43) is arranged in the region of the outer sides of the material projection (41) facing the magnets (34, 35) in the side walls (32, 33) of the magnet station (31).
25. Device (10) according to claim 24, characterized in that the magnets (42, 43) in the material projection (41) are aligned as bar magnets transversely to the transport direction T, wherein the two bar magnets with equally acting poles point in the direction of the bar magnets arranged in the side cheeks (32, 33).
26. Device (10) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that the magnets (42, 43) in the material projection (41) are arranged offset one behind the other in the transport direction T.
27. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that a first actuating mechanism (16) is arranged in an entry area (44) of the products (11) in the transport direction T in front of the processing station (13).
28. Device (10) according to claim 27, characterized in that a further actuating mechanism (16) is arranged in an exit region (45) of the products (11) in the transport direction T behind the processing station (13).
29. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 17 to 28, characterized in that the magnets (34, 35; 42, 43) are neodymium magnets.
30. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 29, characterized in that the two crab clamps of a holding clamp (15) are at least partially concave on mutually facing inner sides.
31. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 30, characterized in that the second crab clamp is smaller than the first crab clamp, particularly with regard to the height starting from the transport level E.
32. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 6 to 31, characterized in that the two crab clamps have fixing bodies (48, 49) on their mutually facing inner surfaces.
33. Device (10) according to claim 32, characterized in that the fixing bodies (48, 49) comprise locking elements which are detachably arranged on the crab clamps.
34. Device (10) according to claim 32 or 33, characterized in that each fixing body (48, 49) comprises at least one clamping body (50, 51) or a toothed rack (52, 53).
35. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 32 to 34, characterized in that each fixing body (48, 49) comprises two separate clamping bodies (50, 51) or two separate toothed racks (52, 53) which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from one another on opposite sides of each crab clamp.