Bone-in meat clamping device

Abstract

This device for clamping bone-in meat comprises a plurality of gripping blocks and a displacement-restricting part. The gripping blocks each have a grip part that can come into contact with the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat around a bone section, the grip parts being provided so as to be capable of being relatively displaced in directions toward and away from one another. The displacement-restricting part restricts the plurality of gripping blocks gripping the bone-in meat from being displaced in the direction away from one another.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for bone-in meat. This application claims priority based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-150206, filed on September 21, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART In recent years, meat peeling devices (deboning devices) for peeling meat from bone-in meat such as pork and chicken have been developed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In this type of meat peeling device, the end of the bone (for example, the ankle) of the bone-in meat is gripped by a clamping device, and in this state the bone-in meat is transported to various processing stations for various processing. For example, in the meat peeling processing station, the bone-in meat, with the ankle gripped by the clamping device, is scored along the bone with a scoring blade, and then the meat around the bone is cut with a round blade and the meat is peeled with a meat separator.

[0004] The clamping device for gripping the end of a bone has a bottom plate that is maintained in a substantially horizontal position and is provided with a substantially U-shaped locking groove, which locks the end of the bone of a bone-in piece of meat. The end of the bone of a bone-in piece of meat, such as an ankle, has an outer diameter that increases toward the end in the extension direction. The clamping device utilizes the shape characteristics of the end of the bone to lock the larger outer diameter part of the bone on the left and right side edges of the locking groove. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 5331244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the conventional clamping device, the groove width for retaining the bone end is constant, and the width of the groove is determined to be approximately the same as the average outer diameter of the bone end of the bone-in meat to be processed. Therefore, if there is a large variation in the thickness of the bone (bone end) of the bone-in meat to be processed, the bone-in meat cannot be processed using the same clamping device. In other words, if the thickness of the bone end is too thick compared to the groove width of the locking groove, the bone end cannot be retained in the locking groove, and if the thickness of the bone end is too thin compared to the groove width of the locking groove, the bone end will fall out of the locking groove.

[0007] Therefore, when processing bone-in meat, which has a large variation in the thickness of the bone end, it was necessary to prepare multiple clamping devices with different engagement groove widths and change the clamping device depending on the thickness of the bone end.

[0008] The problem to be solved is to provide a clamping device for bone-in meat that can securely grip bone-in meat even if the thickness of the bone end of the bone varies. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A clamping device for bone-in meat according to one aspect of the present invention is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of gripping blocks having gripping portions that can abut against the outer peripheral surface around the bone portion of the bone-in meat, and the gripping portions are arranged so that they can move relative to each other in directions of approaching and moving away from each other, and a displacement control portion that controls the displacement of the plurality of gripping blocks that grip the bone-in meat in the direction of moving away from each other.

[0010] When using the clamping device with the above configuration to hold bone-in meat, the gripping portions of the multiple gripping blocks are displaced away from each other, and the end of the bone, such as the ankle, of the bone-in meat is inserted between the gripping portions of the multiple gripping blocks. In this state, the displacement of the multiple gripping blocks in the displace- ment direction is restricted by the displacement restricting portion. In this specification, the term "bone" also includes cases where the outer surface of the bone is covered with other tissues, such as skin or meat. As a result, even if there is variation in the thickness of the bone-in meat around the bone, the bone-in meat can be securely gripped by the clamping device.

[0011] The pair of gripping blocks have gripping portions on opposing side edges, and are equipped with a clamping portion that clamps the outer surface of the bone-in meat in a substantially horizontal position, and an arm portion extending upward from the clamping portion, and at least one of the arm portions may be rotatable about a rotation axis so that the gripping portions of the pair of gripping blocks are displaced in directions toward and away from each other.

[0012] In this case, by rotating the arm portion of at least one of the gripping blocks about the rotation axis, the clamping portion of at least one of the gripping blocks can be moved away from the clamping portion of the other gripping block while increasing the inclination angle. This increases the volume of the space that receives the bone on the upper side of the two gripping portions when the gripping blocks grip the end of a bone, such as an ankle of bone-in meat. As a result, one end of the bone can be easily placed between the two gripping portions. Furthermore, by moving the two gripping portions toward each other, the two gripping portions assume a substantially horizontal position, allowing the gripping portions to firmly grip one end of the bone.

[0013] The arm portions of the pair of gripping blocks may be rotatable about the rotation axis.

[0014] In this case, by rotating each of the pair of gripping blocks about its rotation axis, it is possible to tilt each of the two clamping parts and increase the distance between them. Therefore, when gripping the end of a bone in meat, such as an ankle, with the gripping blocks, the end of the bone can be more easily set above the two clamping parts. In addition, since the inclination angles of the pair of gripping blocks can be made approximately the same, it is possible to support the bone-in meat in a balanced manner between the two gripping blocks.

[0015] Each arm portion of the pair of gripping blocks is provided with a guide protrusion extending parallel to the rotation axis, and the displacement regulating portion includes a displacement regulating block having a displacement regulating groove that can abut against the two guide protrusions, and the displacement regulating block is arranged so that it can be displaced in a direction along the displacement regulating groove, and the groove width of the displacement regulating groove may be narrowed toward one side.

[0016] In this case, when the pair of gripping blocks grip a piece of bone-in meat and the displacement-regulating groove of the displacement-regulating block abuts against the guide protrusions of the pair of gripping blocks, the displacement of the pair of gripping blocks in the direction away from each other is restricted by the displacement-regulating block. When the displacement-regulating block is displaced so that the narrower side of the displacement-regulating groove approaches the two guide protrusions, the width of the gripping portions of the pair of gripping blocks narrows, and the bone portion of the bone-in meat is firmly gripped by the pair of gripping blocks. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the end of the bone portion of the bone-in meat, such as the ankle, can be firmly gripped by the pair of gripping blocks, despite the simple configuration.

[0017] The displacement regulating portion may further include a biasing member that biases the displacement regulating block in a direction in which the narrower side of the displacement regulating groove approaches the two guide protrusions.

[0018] In this case, when one end of a bone-in piece of meat is placed between the pair of gripping blocks with the displacement-regulating block separated from the two guide protrusions and the positional restriction on the displacement-regulating block is released in this state, the displacement-regulating block is displaced by the biasing force of the biasing member. At this time, the displacement-regulating grooves of the displacement-regulating block press the two guide protrusions toward each other. As a result, the pair of gripping blocks press the outer surface of the bone-in piece of meat with a predetermined load under the biasing force of the biasing member.

[0019] The gripping portion may be formed by a recess provided on the side edge of the clamping portion.

[0020] In this case, the pair of clamping parts abut against the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat at the recessed portions, so that the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat is stably gripped by the pair of gripping blocks.

[0021] The recess may be provided with a receiving portion that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat, and a tapered portion that slopes from the side away from the receiving portion toward the deepest part of the recess.

[0022] In this case, when one end of a bone-in piece of meat is placed between the pair of clamping parts and the pair of clamping parts is moved toward each other in this state, the outer periphery of the bone-in piece of meat is received in the receiving part of the recess and is subjected to a pressing force from the tapered part of the recess. Because the tapered part is inclined toward the innermost part of the recess, part of the pressing force that presses the clamping parts toward each other can be made to act as a component force that presses the bone-in piece of meat toward the receiving part. Therefore, the bone-in piece of meat held by the clamping parts is held in a stable position by the tapered part and the receiving part in the recess.

[0023] The plurality of gripping blocks may include a first gripping block and a second gripping block whose gripping portions are capable of moving toward and away from each other, and the displacement regulating portion may include a block biasing member that biases at least one of the first gripping block and the second gripping block in a direction in which the gripping portions move toward each other.

[0024] In this case, when holding bone-in meat with the clamping device, the distance between the gripping portions of the first gripping block and the second gripping block is increased against the biasing force of the block biasing member, and the end of the bone, such as the ankle, of the bone-in meat is inserted between these gripping portions. When the end of the bone, such as the ankle, of the bone-in meat is inserted between the gripping portions in this way, the biasing force of the block biasing member increases as the distance between the gripping portions increases, and the distance between the gripping portions is restricted by the biasing force of the block biasing member. As a result, even if the thickness of the bone-in meat varies around the bone, the clamping device can reliably grip the bone-in meat.

[0025] The first gripping block may be fixed to an external fixed device and may be provided with a substantially horizontal rotation axis that rotatably supports the second gripping block, and the second gripping block may be supported on the rotation axis so that gravity acts in a direction that brings the gripping portion of the second gripping block closer to the gripping portion of the first gripping block.

[0026] In this case, when the end of a bone, such as an ankle, of bone-in meat is inserted between the gripping portions, the gap between the gripping portions of the first gripping block and the second gripping block is widened against the biasing force of the block biasing member. At this time, the second gripping block rotates upward about a substantially horizontal rotation axis relative to the first gripping block, which is fixed to an external fixed device. When the second gripping block rotates upward about the rotation axis, the weight of the second gripping block acts in a direction that brings the gripping portion of the second gripping block closer to the gripping portion of the first gripping block. Therefore, when the gap between the gripping portions of the first gripping block and the second gripping block is widened by the bone, such as an ankle, the weight of the second gripping block, in addition to the biasing force of the block biasing member, presses against the bone, such as the ankle, of the bone-in meat. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the end of the bone part of the bone-in meat, such as the ankle, can be more firmly gripped by the first gripping block and the second gripping block.

[0027] The second gripping block may include a connecting arm that extends substantially horizontally toward the first gripping block and is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft.

[0028] In this case, because the second gripping block is provided with a connecting arm that extends substantially horizontally toward the rotation axis, the weight of the second gripping block acting at the center of gravity acts as a large moment that rotates the second gripping block in the gripping direction. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the end of a bone part such as an ankle of bone-in meat can be gripped more firmly by the first gripping block and the second gripping block.

[0029] The block biasing member may be arranged on a side of the second gripping block opposite to the side from which the connecting arm extends.

[0030] In this case, the block biasing member and its support are positioned farther from the rotation axis, and their weight acts as a large moment that rotates the second gripping block in the gripping direction. This makes it possible to more firmly secure the end of a bone, such as the ankle, of bone-in meat by the gripping portions of both gripping blocks while preventing the block biasing member from becoming too large.

[0031] The block biasing member may be a compression coil spring arranged substantially along a tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the rotary shaft.

[0032] In this case, the biasing force (spring reaction force) of the compression coil spring can be efficiently applied to the second gripping block. Furthermore, when gripping the bone of a bone-in piece of meat, the reaction force of the block biasing member (compression coil spring) acts on the bone as a compressive load, so that no load acts on the block biasing member in the breaking direction. This further increases the durability of the block biasing member. Furthermore, since the compression coil spring can be arranged along the side surface of the second gripping block opposite to the side from which the connecting arm extends, the clamp device as a whole can be made more compact. [Effects of the Invention]

[0033] A bone-in meat clamping device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a plurality of gripping blocks capable of adjusting the separation distance of the gripping parts, and a displacement control part that controls the displacement of the plurality of gripping blocks in the separation direction, so that bone-in meat can be securely gripped even if there is variation in the thickness of the end of the bone part of the bone, such as the ankle part of the bone-in meat. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a clamping device for bone-in meat according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a view of the clamping device for bone-in meat according to the first embodiment, taken along the line II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view of the clamping device for bone-in meat according to the first embodiment, taken along the line III in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the clamping device for bone-in meat of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the clamping device for bone-in meat of the first embodiment taken along line VV of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view of the clamping device for bone-in meat according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamping device for bone-in meat according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the clamping device for bone-in meat according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway front view of the clamping device for bone-in meat according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of the components described in the following embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified.

[0036] First Embodiment Fig. 1 is a side view of a clamping device 10 for bone-in meat (hereinafter referred to as "clamping device 10") according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a view taken along the arrow II in Fig. 1, and Fig. 3 is a view taken along the arrow III in Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of clamping device 10, and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in Fig. 1. In this embodiment, chicken thigh meat is used as the bone-in meat 2. However, the bone-in meat 2 to be handled is not limited to chicken thigh meat, and may be the limbs of a pig or the like. In the chicken thigh (bone-in meat 2), the femur b1 and tibia b2 are connected by the knee joint b3, and the ankle b4 is connected to the end of the tibia b2. The bone b is thinnest near the connection between the tibia b2 and the ankle b4, and the outer diameter of the ankle b4 increases from this connection toward the end.

[0037] The clamping device 10 is attached to a lifting device 12 and moves up and down together with the lifting device 12. The lifting device 12 is supported by a transport device (not shown) and moves between a plurality of processing stations by the operation of the transport device. The clamping device 10 holds the outer circumferential surface of the bone-in meat 2 near the ankle b4 with the ankle b4 facing upward, thereby suspending and supporting the bone-in meat 2.

[0038] The clamping device 10 comprises a base plate 13 connected to the lifting device 12, a pair of gripping blocks 14 rotatably supported on the base plate 13, a displacement control block 15 (displacement control portion) that controls the displacement of the pair of gripping blocks 14 gripping the ankle b4 of the bone-in meat 2 in the direction away from each other (opening direction), and a slip-out control lever 16 that controls the slip-out of the ankle b4 of the bone-in meat 2 from the gripping block 14.

[0039] The base plate 13 has a generally rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and protrudes vertically downward from the lower end of the lifting device 12. A pair of rotary shafts 17 are attached to the base plate 13 near the lower end and spaced apart in the width direction. The pair of rotary shafts 17 protrude toward one side of the base plate 13 in the plate thickness direction, and the upper ends of the gripping blocks 14 are rotatably supported on the protruding portions.

[0040] The gripping block 14 includes a plate portion 18 (clamping portion) having a generally rectangular shape that is long in one direction, a plate-like arm portion 19 that extends from one longitudinal end of the plate portion 18 in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, and a side cover 30 that covers the outside of a space sandwiched between the plate portion 18 and the arm portion 19. The extending end of the arm portion 19 of each gripping block 14 is rotatably supported by a corresponding rotation shaft 17 that protrudes from the base plate 13. The rotation shaft 17 penetrates the arm portion 19 in the plate thickness direction.

[0041] The longitudinal side edges of the plate portions 18 of one gripping block 14 and the other gripping block 14 face each other. Here, if the opposing sides of the pair of plate portions 18 are referred to as the inner sides, a recess 20 is formed in the inner side edge of the plate portion 18 to hold the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 near the ankle b4. With the corresponding arm portion 19 supported by the rotating shaft 17, the pair of plate portions 18 hold the outer peripheral surface near the ankle b4 in a substantially horizontal position. Each arm portion 19 is rotatable about a rotation axis L1, L2, which is the central axis of the corresponding rotating shaft 17. In this embodiment, the recess 20 constitutes a gripping portion of the gripping block 14. The arm portion 19 of each gripping block 14 extends upward relative to the plate portion 18, which is in a substantially horizontal position.

[0042] The pair of gripping blocks 14 rotate about the rotation axes L1, L2 on the upper end sides of each arm portion 19, thereby displacing the inner side edges (recesses 20) of each plate portion 18 toward or away from each other. Therefore, the pair of gripping blocks 14 are provided so that the gripping portions (recesses 20) can move toward or away from each other.

[0043] A cylindrical guide protrusion 21 extending parallel to the rotation axes L1, L2 is provided at a midpoint in the extension direction of each arm portion 19 of the gripping block 14 (a position below the rotation axis 17). Each guide protrusion 21 is provided on the surface of the arm portion 19 opposite to the side on which the plate portion 18 extends, and protrudes approximately perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm portion 19.

[0044] The displacement restriction block 15 is made of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped block with sufficient thickness and high rigidity, and its upper end is supported at the lower end of the lifting device 12 so that it can be raised and lowered. The displacement restriction block 15 is disposed on the outer side of the base plate 13 (on the side of the base plate 13 that is separated from the gripping block 14) and substantially parallel to the base plate 13. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the displacement restriction block 15 has a substantially U-shaped displacement restriction groove 22 that opens downward. The displacement restriction groove 22 penetrates the displacement restriction block 15 in the plate thickness direction and is formed so that the groove width gradually narrows from the lower end toward the upper side. The inner surface of the displacement restriction groove 22 is able to abut against the outer peripheral surfaces of two guide protrusions 21 protruding from the pair of gripping blocks 14.

[0045] The displacement-regulating block 15 is biased downward by a biasing member 31 such as a coil spring. In other words, the displacement-regulating block 15 is biased by the biasing member 31 in a direction such that the narrower side (upper end) of the displacement-regulating groove 22 approaches the two guide protrusions 21. The approximately U-shaped displacement-regulating groove 22 of the displacement-regulating block 15 is pressed against the outer peripheral surfaces of the two guide protrusions 21 by the biasing force of the biasing member 31. The two guide protrusions 21 are thus subjected to a pressing force in a direction such that they approach each other. As a result, the pair of gripping blocks 14 rotate about the rotation axes L1 and L2 so that the inner side edges (recesses 20) of the plate portions 18 approach each other. At this time, if the vicinity of the ankle b4 of the bone-in meat 2 is positioned between the recesses 20 of the two plate portions 18, the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 near the ankle b4 will be gripped by the two recesses 20.

[0046] 3, the inner side edge of the plate portion 18 of the gripping block 14 is provided with the recess 20 and an excess meat clamping portion 23 consisting of a flat surface extending in a direction approximately perpendicular to the direction in which the plate portion 18 (recess 20) approaches and moves away from each other. The excess meat clamping portion 23 is provided adjacent to one side of the recess 20 (the side to which the arm portion 19 is connected) of the inner side edge of the plate portion 18. When the two plate portions 18 are in an approximately horizontal position, the flat surfaces of the excess meat clamping portions 23 face each other in parallel. When the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 is gripped by the recesses 20 of both plate portions 18, the excess meat clamping portions 23 of the two plate portions 18 clamp the outer peripheral excess meat sm (including the skin on the surface) from both sides with their flat surfaces.

[0047] The arm portion 19 of each gripping block 14 extends upward from the end of the plate portion 18 on the side where the excess material clamping portion 23 is located. Therefore, the two gripping blocks 14 are supported by the rotating shaft 17 in a cantilevered state on the side where the excess material clamping portion 23 is located.

[0048] The recess 20 of the plate portion 18 has a generally arc-shaped receiving portion 24 that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 at a position adjacent to the excess meat clamping portion 23, and a tapered portion 25 that slopes from the side away from the excess meat clamping portion 23 toward the deepest part of the recess. The tapered portion 25 presses the excess meat sm on the outer periphery of the bone portion b toward the excess meat clamping portion 23 when the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 is clamped between both plate portions 18. In addition, the symbol 33 in Figure 3 is a guide slope for guiding the bone portion b (near the ankle b4) of the bone-in meat 2 between the two plate portions 18 when the bone portion b is gripped between the two plate portions 18.

[0049] 1 includes a generally L-shaped lever body 35 rotatably supported on the lifting device 12, and a pressure roller 36 rotatably supported on one end of the lever body 35. The lever body 35 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) to rotate the end of the lever body 35 on the pressure roller 36 side in a direction approaching the gripping block 14. When the bone-in meat 2 is gripped between the pair of gripping blocks 14, and the outer circumferential surface of the pressure roller 36 comes into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the end of the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2, the biasing force of the biasing member prevents the bone-in meat 2 from slipping out, and the gripped posture of the bone-in meat 2 is maintained constant.

[0050] As described above, the clamping device 10 of this embodiment includes a pair (plurality) of gripping blocks 14 that can adjust the separation distance of the recesses 20 (gripping portions), and a displacement restriction block 15 (displacement restriction portion) that restricts displacement in the separation direction of the pair (plurality) of gripping blocks 14. Therefore, when the clamping device 10 of this embodiment is used, the bone-in meat 2 can be securely gripped even if there is variation in the thickness of the end of the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2.

[0051] In the clamping device 10 of this embodiment, the gripping block 14 has plate portions 18 and arm portions 19. A gripping portion (recess 20) is provided on the inner side edge of the plate portions 18, and the pair of plate portions 18 hold the outer surface of the bone-in meat 2 in a substantially horizontal position. The arm portions 19 are supported rotatably about the rotation axes L1 and L2, so that the two plate portions 18 are displaced toward and away from each other. Therefore, when the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 is gripped by the gripping block 14, the two plate portions 18 move away from each other and the inclination of each plate portion 18 increases. As a result, the receiving space for the bone portion b on the upper side of the two plate portions 18 is expanded, making it possible to easily set one end of the bone portion b between the two plate portions 18. Furthermore, when the two plate portions 18 are displaced toward each other, the two plate portions 18 assume an approximately horizontal position, making it possible to firmly grasp one end of the bone portion b with the gripping portion (recess 20) of the plate portion 18.

[0052] In this embodiment, each arm portion 19 of the two gripping blocks 14 is rotatable around the rotation axis L1, L2, but only one arm portion 19 of the two gripping blocks 14 may be rotatable around the rotation axis. However, in the case where the arm portions 19 of the two gripping blocks 14 are rotatable about the rotation axes L1 and L2, respectively, as in this embodiment, by tilting the two plate portions 18 in the same manner when gripping the bone-in meat 2, the bone-in meat 2 can be easily set between the two plate portions 18. In addition, since the tilt angles of the pair of gripping blocks 14 (plate portions 18) can be made approximately the same, the bone-in meat 2 can be supported by the two gripping blocks 14 in a balanced manner.

[0053] Furthermore, in the clamp device 10 of this embodiment, each arm portion 19 of the pair of gripping blocks 14 is provided with a guide projection 21 extending parallel to the rotation axes L1, L2, and the displacement restriction block 15 is provided with a displacement restriction groove 22 that can come into contact with the two guide projections 21. The displacement restriction block 15 is disposed so as to be displaceable in a direction along the displacement restriction groove 22, and the groove width of the displacement restriction groove 22 is set so as to narrow toward one side. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, even though it is a simple configuration, by pressing the displacement control groove 22 of the displacement control block 15 against the two guide protrusions 21, the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 can be firmly gripped by the pair of gripping blocks 14.

[0054] Furthermore, in the clamping device 10 of this embodiment, the displacement-regulating block 15 is biased by the biasing member 31 in a direction in which the narrow side of the displacement-regulating groove 22 approaches the two guide protrusions 21. Therefore, after the bone-in meat 2 is set between the pair of gripping blocks 14, the biasing force of the biasing member 31 can press the gripping portion (recess 20) of the gripping block 14 against the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 with a predetermined load. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, simply by releasing the movement restriction of the displacement restriction block 15, the gripping state of the bone-in meat 2 by the pair of gripping blocks 14 can be automatically fixed, and the gripping of the bone-in meat 2 can be made more stable.

[0055] In addition, in the clamping device 10 of this embodiment, the gripping portion of the gripping block 14 is configured by a recess 20 provided on the side edge of the plate portion 18, so that the outer surface of the bone-in meat 2 can be stably supported by the recess 20.

[0056] Furthermore, in the clamping device 10 of this embodiment, the recess 20 of the plate parts 18 is provided with a receiving part 24 that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2, and a tapered part 25 that slopes from the side away from the receiving part 24 toward the deepest part of the recess 20. Therefore, when one end of the bone-in meat 2 is set between the pair of plate parts 18 and the pair of plate parts 18 are displaced toward each other in this state, the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 is received in the receiving part 24 of the recess 20 and is subjected to a pressing force from the tapered part 25 of the recess 20. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the bone-in meat 2 held by the plate portion 18 can be stably supported by the tapered portion 25 and the receiving portion 24 in the recessed portion 20.

[0057] Although the clamping device 10 of the above embodiment is provided with a pair of gripping blocks 14 whose gripping portions (recesses 20) move toward and away from each other, the number of gripping blocks 14 is not limited to two and may be three or more. In this case, the three or more gripping blocks 14 are structured to surround the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat 2 from the outside.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the recesses 20 formed on the side edges of the plate portion 18 constitute the gripping portion of the gripping block 14, but the shape of the gripping portion of the gripping block 14 is not limited to the recesses 20. As long as the shape is such that it can grip the outer periphery of the bone-in meat 2, the shape of the gripping portion may be flat or may have some unevenness.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the displacement regulating unit that regulates the displacement of the multiple gripping blocks 14 in the separating direction is configured by the displacement regulating block 15 having the displacement regulating groove 22, but the configuration of the displacement regulating unit is not limited to this. The displacement regulating unit may be, for example, a multi-stage locking mechanism or an actuator that can regulate the displacement of the multiple gripping blocks 14 in the separating direction at any position.

[0060] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the means for moving the gripping portions of the plurality of gripping blocks 14 toward and away from each other is to rotatably support the gripping blocks 14 on the rotation shafts 17, but the means for moving the gripping portions of the plurality of gripping blocks 14 toward and away from each other is not limited to this. As the means for moving the gripping portions of the plurality of gripping blocks 14 toward and away from each other, for example, it is also possible to use a mechanism in which the plurality of gripping blocks move linearly in directions toward and away from each other.

[0061] In the above embodiment, the plate portions 18 of the pair of gripping blocks 14 are configured to grip the end of the bone-in meat 2 in a substantially horizontal position, but the gripping of the end of the bone-in meat 2 by the gripping blocks 14 is not necessarily limited to a substantially horizontal position. For example, the gripping blocks 14 may grip the end of the bone-in meat 2 in an obliquely inclined position or a vertical position.

[0062] Second Embodiment Fig. 6 is a side view of a clamping device 110 for bone-in meat (hereinafter referred to as "clamping device 110") of this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of clamping device 110, Fig. 8 is a front view of clamping device 110, and Fig. 9 is a front view of clamping device 110 with a part broken away. 6 to 9, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts common to those in the first embodiment described above. In the following description, some of the description of parts that overlap with those in the first embodiment described above will be omitted.

[0063] The clamping device 110 is attached to the lifting device 12 and moves up and down together with the lifting device 12. The clamping device 110 holds the outer circumferential surface of the bone-in meat 2 near the ankle b4 with the ankle b4 facing upward, thereby suspending and supporting the bone-in meat 2. The lifting device 12 is supported by a transport device (not shown) and moves between a plurality of processing stations by the operation of the transport device. In this embodiment, the lifting device 12 constitutes an external fixing device for fixing the clamp device 110.

[0064] The clamping device 110 includes a first gripping block 114A and a second gripping block 114B having gripping pieces 40a, 40b (gripping portions) that can come into contact with the outer circumferential surface of the bone portion b (ankle b4) of the bone-in meat 2, and a block biasing member 60 that biases the second gripping block 114B in a direction that brings the gripping pieces 40a, 40b (gripping portions) closer to each other. The gripping pieces 40a, 40b (gripping portions) of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B are capable of moving closer to and away from each other.

[0065] The first gripping block 114A comprises a base portion 41 fixed to the lower end of the lifting device 12, a clamping portion 42a having a gripping piece 40a, and an arm portion 43a extending upward from the clamping portion 42a and connecting the clamping portion 42a to the base portion 41. The base 41 includes a base body 41a having a rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the vertical direction, a cylindrical rod 41b that protrudes upward from the top surface of the base body 41a, and a rectangular (quadratic) inclined wall 41c that extends and bends obliquely downward in one direction from the bottom end of the base body 41a. A fixing hole 44 is formed in the rod 41b, penetrating it in the diameter direction. A fixing shaft (not shown) for connecting the base 41 to the lifting device 12 can be inserted into the fixing hole 44. For ease of explanation, the side where the inclined wall 41c bends from the base 41 will be referred to as the "rear" and the opposite side will be referred to as the "front." Furthermore, with respect to the clamp device 110, the side located to the right as viewed from the front will be referred to as the "right" and the opposite side will be referred to as the "left."

[0066] The upper end of the arm portion 43a is connected to the right half region of the lower end of the rectangular pillar-shaped inclined wall 41c. The arm portion 43a includes an arm base 43ab extending vertically downward from the lower end of the inclined wall 41c, and an inclined extension portion 43ac extending obliquely downward and forward from the lower end of the arm base 43ab. The arm base 43ab has a lateral bulge region 45 that bulges to the right of the inclined wall 41c of the base portion 41. A pivot shaft 46 extending substantially horizontally in the front-to-rear direction is attached to the lateral bulge region 45. The pivot shaft 46 is formed by the shank of a bolt that penetrates the lateral bulge region 45 in the front-to-rear direction. The pivot shaft 46 is rotatably supported by the lateral bulge region 45. A clamping portion 42a is connected to the lower end of the inclined extension portion 43ac.

[0067] A recess 59 is formed in an upper region of the left side surface of the arm base 43ab to prevent interference between the second gripping block 114B and the arm base 43b when the second gripping block 114B rotates in the opening direction. The region below the recess 59 on the left side surface of the arm base 43ab serves as a closing restriction surface 47 against which the inner surface of the arm base 43bb of the second gripping block 114B abuts when the second gripping block 114B rotates in the closing direction.

[0068] The clamping portion 42a includes a rear inclined wall 42ar extending downward and forward from the inclined extension portion 43ac of the arm portion 43a, a bottom wall 42ab extending substantially horizontally forward from the lower end of the rear inclined wall 42ar, a front inclined wall 42ac extending obliquely upward and forward from the front end of the bottom wall 42ab, a front edge wall 42af extending forward from the upper end of the front inclined wall 42ac, and a gripping piece 40a connecting the rear inclined wall 42ar and the front edge wall 42af. The rear inclined wall 42ar, the bottom wall 42ab, the front inclined wall 42ac, and the front edge wall 42af are formed to have substantially the same width in the left-right direction and the same overall thickness. The gripping piece 40a is formed as a long, plate-like piece whose thickness direction faces the left-right direction. The front and rear ends of the gripping piece 40a are connected to the right side edges of the front edge wall 42af and the rear inclined wall 42ar.

[0069] A rectangular plate-shaped support wall 58 protrudes rearward from the rear surface of the lower end region of the inclined wall 41c. A displacement-restricting bolt 57 is threadedly engaged with the support wall 58 to restrict excessive rotational displacement of the second gripping block 114B. The shaft 57a of the displacement-restricting bolt 57 penetrates the support wall 58 from top to bottom. The tip of the shaft 57a of the displacement-restricting bolt 57 abuts against the upper surface of a connecting arm 56 (described later) of the second gripping block 114B, thereby restricting excessive rotational displacement of the second gripping block 114B. The displacement-restricting bolt 57 can be rotated to adjust the threaded position of the shaft 57a, thereby freely adjusting the rotation-restricting position of the second gripping block 114B.

[0070] The second gripping block 114B comprises an arm portion 43b arranged adjacent to the left side of the arm portion 43a of the first gripping block 114A, a connecting arm 56 connected to the rear surface of the arm portion 43b and extending approximately horizontally from the rear position of the arm portion 43b toward the right side (towards the first gripping block 114A), and a clamping portion 42b having a gripping piece 40b and connected to the lower end of the arm portion 43b.

[0071] The arm portion 43b comprises a rectangular pillar-shaped arm base 43bb that is positioned below the left half of the inclined wall 41 of the first gripping block 114A with a sufficient gap therebetween, and an inclined extension portion 43bc that extends obliquely downward and forward from the lower end of the arm base 43bb.

[0072] The connecting arm 56 is connected to the rear surface of the upper region of the arm base 43bb and extends to a position reaching the rear surface of the side bulging region 45 of the arm base 43ab of the first gripping block 114A. The extending end portion of the connecting arm 56 is non-rotatably (integrally rotatable) connected to the end of a rotating shaft 46 (bolt shaft) supported by the side bulging region 45. The second gripping block 114B is rotatably supported by the second gripping block 114B with the rotating shaft 46 as a fulcrum. The second gripping block 114B is rotatable around the axis (rotation axis) of the rotating shaft 46. In this embodiment, the connecting arm 56 is configured from a single member, but the connecting arm 56 may be configured by connecting a plurality of members.

[0073] The clamping portion 42b includes a rear inclined wall 42br extending downward and forward from the inclined extension portion 43bc of the arm portion 43b, a bottom wall 42bb extending substantially horizontally forward from the lower end of the rear inclined wall 42br, a front inclined wall 42bc extending obliquely upward and forward from the front end of the bottom wall 42bb, a front edge wall 42bf extending forward from the upper end of the front inclined wall 42bc, and a gripping piece 40b connecting the rear inclined wall 42br and the front edge wall 42bf. The rear inclined wall 42br, the bottom wall 42bb, the front inclined wall 42bc, and the front edge wall 42bf are formed to have substantially the same width in the left-right direction and the same overall thickness. The gripping piece 40b is formed by a long, plate-like piece whose thickness is oriented in the left-right direction. The front and rear ends of the grip piece 40b are connected to the left side edge of the front edge wall 42bf and the rear inclined wall 42br. A recess 48 is formed on the upper edge of the inner side (the side facing the first gripping block 114A) of the gripping piece 40b of the second gripping block 114B to receive a part of the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2. In this embodiment, the gripping piece 40a of the first gripping block 114A does not have the recess 48 formed therein, but the recess 48 may also be formed in the gripping piece 40a in the same manner.

[0074] The block biasing member 60 of this embodiment is composed of a compression coil spring. An upper spring seat 61 protrudes from the left side surface of the lower end of the inclined wall 41c of the first gripping block 114A, and a lower spring seat 62 protrudes from the left side surface of the arm base 43bb of the second gripping block 114B. The upper spring seat 61 and the lower spring seat 62 face each other in the vertical direction when the gripping pieces 40a, 40b are in the closed state where the distance between them is closest. The compression coil spring, which is the block biasing member 60, is interposed between the upper spring seat 61 and the lower spring seat 62. A guide protrusion 61a protrudes from the lower surface of the upper spring seat 61 to guide the upper end of the compression coil spring (block biasing member 60), and a guide protrusion 62a protrudes from the upper surface of the lower spring seat 62 to guide the lower end of the compression coil spring (block biasing member 60).

[0075] As described above, the block biasing member 60 interposed between the upper spring seat 61 and the lower spring seat 62 is disposed on the side of the arm base 43bb of the second gripping block 114B opposite to the side to which the connecting arm 56 extends. The block biasing member 60 is disposed along the left side surface of the arm base 43bb. In addition, the block biasing member 60 (compression coil spring) interposed between the upper spring seat 61 and the lower spring seat 62 is disposed substantially along the tangent direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the rotating shaft 46. In this embodiment, the block biasing member 60 constitutes a displacement restricting portion that restricts displacement of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B in the direction away from each other.

[0076] 8 and 9, the center of gravity G of the second gripping block 114B is located near the lower end of the arm portion 43b, at a position far to the left of the central axis of the rotation shaft 46. Therefore, the weight of the second gripping block 114B acts on the position of the center of gravity G so that the gripping piece 40b (gripping portion) of the second gripping block 114B rotates in a direction approaching the gripping portion of the first gripping block 114A. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9, when the second gripping block 114B is opened in a direction in which the gripping pieces 40a, 40b move away from each other, a moment in the closing direction due to the weight of the second gripping block 114B acts on the second gripping block 114B in addition to the reaction force of the block biasing member 60.

[0077] As described above, the clamping device 110 of this embodiment includes the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B that can adjust the separation distance of the gripping pieces 40a, 40b (gripping portions), and the block biasing member 60 (displacement restricting portion) that restricts the displacement of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B in the separation direction. Therefore, when the clamping device 110 of this embodiment is used, the bone-in meat 2 can be securely gripped even if there is variation in the thickness of the end of the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2.

[0078] Furthermore, the clamping device 110 of this embodiment includes a first gripping block 114A and a second gripping block 114B having gripping pieces 40a, 40b (gripping portions), and a block biasing member 60 that biases the second gripping block 114B in a direction in which the gripping pieces 40a, 40b approach each other. Therefore, when the distance between the gripping pieces 40a, 40b of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B is increased against the biasing force of the block biasing member 60 and the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 is inserted between these gripping pieces 40a, 40b, the biasing force of the block biasing member 60 increases as the amount of separation between the gripping pieces 40a, 40b increases, and the biasing force of the block biasing member 60 restricts the separation between the gripping pieces 40a, 40b. Therefore, the clamping device 110 of this embodiment has a simple configuration, but can reliably grip the bone-in meat 2 even if there is variation in the thickness around the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2.

[0079] Furthermore, in the clamp device 110 of this embodiment, the first gripping block 114A can be fixed to the lifting device 12 (external fixed equipment), and the first gripping block 114A is provided with a substantially horizontal rotation shaft 46 that rotatably supports the second gripping block 114B. The second gripping block 114B is supported by the rotation shaft 46 so that gravity acts in a direction that moves the gripping piece 40b of the second gripping block 114B closer to the gripping piece 40a of the first gripping block 114A. For this reason, when the second gripping block 114B is rotated upward about the rotation shaft 46 on the first gripping block 114A side to grip the bone-in meat 2, the weight of the second gripping block 114B acts in a direction that moves the gripping pieces 40b of the second gripping block 114B closer to the gripping pieces 40a of the first gripping block 114A. Therefore, when the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 presses the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 against the gap between the gripping pieces 40a, 40b of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B, the weight of the second gripping block 114B, in addition to the biasing force of the block biasing member 60, presses against the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 can be more firmly gripped by the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B.

[0080] Furthermore, in the clamp device 110 of this embodiment, the second gripping block 114B is provided with a connecting arm 56 that extends substantially horizontally toward the first gripping block 114A, and the extending end of the connecting arm 56 is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft 46. In this case, because the second gripping block 114B is provided with the connecting arm 56 that extends substantially horizontally toward the rotation shaft 46, the weight of the second gripping block 114B acting at the position of the center of gravity G acts as a large moment that rotates the second gripping block 114B in the gripping direction. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 can be more firmly gripped by the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B.

[0081] Furthermore, in the clamp device 110 of this embodiment, the block biasing member 60 that rotationally biases the second gripping block 114B is disposed on the side of the second gripping block 114B opposite to the side to which the connecting arm 56 extends. In this case, because the block biasing member 60 and the lower spring seat 62 are disposed at positions farther away from the rotation shaft 46, the weight of these members acts as a large moment that rotates the second gripping block 114B in the gripping direction. Therefore, when this configuration is adopted, it is possible to prevent the block biasing member 60 from becoming too large, while more firmly fixing the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2 by the gripping pieces 40a, 40b of the first gripping block 114A and the second gripping block 114B.

[0082] Furthermore, in the clamp device 110 of this embodiment, the block biasing member 60 is configured by a compression coil spring, and the compression coil spring is arranged approximately along the tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the rotation shaft 46. In this case, the biasing force (spring reaction force) of the compression coil spring (block biasing member 60) can be efficiently applied around the rotation shaft 46. Furthermore, when gripping the bone portion b of the bone-in meat 2, the reaction force of the block biasing member 60 (compression coil spring) acts on the bone portion b as a compressive load, so that a load in the breaking direction is not applied to the block biasing member 60. This further increases the durability of the block biasing member 60. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the block biasing member 60 is arranged along the side of the second gripping block 114B opposite to the side to which the connecting arm 56 extends (the left side of the arm base 43bb), thereby making it possible to make the entire clamp device 110 smaller.

[0083] In the above embodiment, the first gripping block 114A is fixable to an external stationary device (elevating device 12), and the second gripping block 114B is rotatably supported on the rotation shaft 46 on the first gripping block 114A side. However, the support structure for the first gripping block and the second gripping block is not limited to this. For example, a base member fixable to an external stationary device may be provided, and the first gripping block and the second gripping block may be rotatably supported on the base member. In this case, the biasing force of the block biasing member acts on the first gripping block and the second gripping block so that the gripping pieces (gripping portions) move in directions approaching each other.

[0084] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various design modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 2. Bone-in meat 2f Outer surface 10...Clamping device 12...Lifting device (external fixed equipment) 14 Gripping block 15 Displacement control block (displacement control part) 18 Plate part (clamping part) 19 Arm section 20 Recess (gripping portion) 21 Guide protrusion 22 Displacement control groove 24 Receptor 25 Tapered section 31 biasing member 40a, 40b…Gripping piece (gripping part) 46...Pivot shaft 56...Connecting arm 60...Block biasing member (displacement regulating portion) 110...Clamping device 114A...First gripping block (gripping block) 114B...Second gripping block (gripping block) b Bones m flesh part L1, L2 rotation axis

Claims

1. A pair of gripping blocks each having a gripping portion that can contact the outer peripheral surface around the bone of the bone-in meat, and the gripping portions are provided so as to be relatively displaceable in directions toward and away from each other; a displacement regulating portion that regulates displacement of the plurality of gripping blocks gripping the bone-in meat in a direction away from each other, The pair of gripping blocks are a clamping portion having the gripping portions on opposing side edges and configured to clamp the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat in a substantially horizontal position; an arm portion extending upward from the clamping portion, At least one of the arm portions is rotatable about a rotation axis so that the gripping portions of the pair of gripping blocks are displaced in directions of approaching and moving away from each other, Each arm portion is provided with a guide protrusion extending parallel to the rotation axis, the displacement restriction portion includes a displacement restriction block having a displacement restriction groove capable of contacting the two guide protrusions, The displacement-regulating block is disposed so as to be displaceable in a direction along the displacement-regulating groove, and the width of the displacement-regulating groove narrows toward one side.

2. 2. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 1, wherein each of the arm portions of the pair of gripping blocks is rotatable about the rotation axis.

3. 3. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the displacement regulating portion further includes a biasing member that biases the displacement regulating block in a direction in which the narrower side of the displacement regulating groove approaches the two guide protrusions.

4. 4. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 3, wherein the gripping portion is formed by a recess provided on the side edge of the holding portion.

5. 5. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 4, wherein the recess has a receiving portion that receives the outer peripheral surface of the bone-in meat and a tapered portion that slopes from the side away from the receiving portion toward the deepest part of the recess.

6. A plurality of gripping blocks each having a gripping portion that can contact the outer peripheral surface around the bone of the bone-in meat, and the gripping portions are provided so as to be relatively displaceable in directions toward and away from each other; a displacement regulating portion that regulates displacement of the plurality of gripping blocks gripping the bone-in meat in a direction away from each other, The plurality of gripping blocks include a first gripping block and a second gripping block whose gripping portions are capable of approaching and separating from each other, the displacement regulating portion includes a block biasing member that biases at least one of the first gripping block and the second gripping block in a direction in which the gripping portions approach each other, the first gripping block is capable of being fixed to an external fixing device, and is provided with a rotation shaft that rotatably supports the second gripping block; the second gripping block is supported on the rotation shaft so that gravity acts in a direction in which the gripping portion of the second gripping block approaches the gripping portion of the first gripping block, A clamping device for bone-in meat, characterized in that the rotation shaft is disposed substantially horizontally and above the gripping portion.

7. 7. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 6, wherein the second gripping block has a connecting arm that extends substantially horizontally toward the first gripping block and is rotatably supported on the rotating shaft.

8. 8. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 7, wherein the block biasing member is disposed on a side of the second gripping block opposite to the side to which the connecting arm extends.

9. 9. The bone-in meat clamping device according to claim 8, wherein the block biasing member is a compression coil spring arranged substantially along a tangential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the rotation shaft.

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