Food processing system for processing carcass portions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a food processing system and method including an overhang rail system having a plurality of spaced shackles designed to transport carcass portions such that the carcass portions hang at least partially freely, a repositioning device having an engagement structure selectively movable by a movement mechanism, and at least one food processing device for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass portions while they are conveyed through the at least one food processing device, wherein the plurality of spaced shackles and the engagement structure move synchronously, the engagement structure engages the carcass portions at a position different from the transport positions of the shackles, and the angular position relative to a vertical axis is configured to adjust from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position that can be optimized for the food processing step when the food processing step is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a food processing system and method for processing meat portions conveyed by an overhang rail system having a plurality of spaced shackles designed to carry meat portions.

Background Art

[0002] Many of today's meat processing plants utilize an overhang rail system to convey meat portions such as pork meat portions that hang from shackles while being deboned.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In current overhang rail systems, while automation is increasingly recognized, most deboning is still done manually by operators. Operator skills vary widely, which is reflected in the quality and output of deboning.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] An object of an embodiment of the present invention is to provide an improved and more automated food processing system and method.

[0005] Generally, the present invention preferably seeks to alleviate, mitigate or eliminate one or more of the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, either singly or in any combination. In particular, an object of an embodiment of the present invention can be seen as providing a system that solves the above problems or other problems.

[0006] To better address one or more of these concerns, in a first aspect of the present invention, a food processing system comprising An overhang rail system having multiple spaced shackles designed for transporting carcasses so that the carcasses hang at least partially free, A repositioning device having an engagement structure that can be selectively moved by a moving mechanism, The carcass portion has at least one food processing device for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass portion while it is being transported through at least one food processing device, The aforementioned multiple spaced shackles and the engagement structure move synchronously. A food processing system is provided in which the engagement structure engages with the carcass portion at a position different from the transport position of the shackle, and is configured to adjust the angular position with respect to the vertical axis from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position. The predetermined angular processing position can be adapted for the next food processing step when the food processing step is performed. That is, in the use of the food processing system, the predetermined angular processing position can be optimized for the food processing step when the food processing step is performed.

[0007] Therefore, a simple mechanical solution is provided to adjust the angular position of the carcass portion for the next process performed on the carcass portion, thereby maximizing yield and reducing or eliminating the need for manual labor.

[0008] The location different from the shackle's transport position is preferably below the shackle's transport position.

[0009] According to the present invention, the term carcass part can be understood as any part from a four-legged animal that is processed for meat, such as beef, lamb, or pork, for example, half a pig carcass, leg portion, ham portion, or shoulder portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one food processing apparatus includes two or more food processing apparatuses having two or more associated predetermined angular processing positions. Thus, different operations on carcass portions, such as cutting, deboning, de-skinning, or de-fatting, can be performed fully automatically to maximize yield and / or satisfy customer preferences, such as how the carcass portions are cut, de-skinned, and / or de-fatting.

[0011] The moving mechanism can be configured to move the engaging structure relative to the shackle, for example, parallel to or in the same direction as the transport direction of the shackle, and / or at any angle relative to the transport direction of the shackle, and the forward speed of the engaging structure is controlled so that the predetermined angle machining position is reached.

[0012] In one embodiment, the system further comprises a detection device connected to a control device configured to control a moving mechanism and, consequently, a rearrangement device, wherein the detection device is configured to detect at least one characteristic of a carcass portion, and the control device is configured to schedule a processing sequence of two or more food processing devices based on at least one detected characteristic. Thus, it is possible to adjust the processing steps accordingly, for example, based on size / shape / color / appearance. This may include, as an example, partially peeling the skin from only one or more specific sides of a carcass portion based on the detected characteristic of the carcass portion. As an example, a customer order request may also be used as an additional input parameter when determining this processing sequence.

[0013] In one embodiment, the scheduled processing sequence includes parts of two or more food processing devices, thereby bypassing one or more remaining food processing devices not involved in the processing sequence by the carcass portion. This may include, for example, performing several processing steps such as cutting and sawing, but not including performing deskinning, for example, by allowing a portion of the carcass portion to pass through a deskinning device that can be automatically placed into passive mode.

[0014] In one embodiment, the control device is further configured to adjust the rotation axis of the shackle before the first processing step between processing steps. Thus, the carcass portion can be automatically and sufficiently positioned for the next processing step, increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0015] In one embodiment, at least one food processing apparatus has an automated food processing apparatus for performing automated food processing steps. This may include, but is not limited to, a circular knife, a saw blade, any type of dederming and / or degreasing machine, and a knife. It should be noted that a predetermined angle processing position may be additionally obtained before manual processing work on the carcass portion to facilitate and optimize the position of the carcass portion for the operator.

[0016] In one embodiment, the engagement structure is A first support member and a second support member, wherein the first support member and the second support member are configured to engage with different sides of the carcass portion, or The device comprises one or more suction devices configured to engage with the carcass portion and apply suction force to the carcass portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the step of adjusting the angular position from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular machining position is caused by relative movement between a first support member and a second support member. The first support member may be positioned upstream of the second support member in the conveying direction, and the initial distance between them exceeds the width of the portion of the carcass into which the support members engage. Initially, the upstream support member applies some pressure to the carcass, creating a space between the other side of the carcass and the second support member. This space is sufficient to allow the first support member to press against the carcass and adjust the angular position until it contacts the second support member and is clamped between the first and second support members. At this position, a predetermined angular machining position is achieved and can remain so until the next machining step occurs. Thus, a simple mechanical solution is provided for automatically adjusting the angular position.

[0018] In one embodiment, the moving mechanism has a carousel-like structure with a vertical rotation axis.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one food processing apparatus is used, but is not limited to this. One or more rotating circular knives configured to perform pre-cutting on the carcass portion, A saw for cutting a carcass into smaller carcass sections, wherein the cutting can be performed at a pre-cut position. One or more devices for deskinning and / or degreasing at least a portion of the carcass portion are selected.

[0020] In a second aspect of the present invention, a method for processing a carcass portion using a food processing system for processing food, wherein the food processing system is An overhang rail system having multiple spaced shackles designed for transporting carcasses so that the carcasses hang at least partially free, A repositioning device having an engagement structure that can be selectively moved by a moving mechanism, having at least one food processing device for performing at least one food processing step on the meat portion while the meat portion is conveyed through at least one food processing device, The method comprises There is provided a method of synchronously moving the spaced shackles and the engagement structure and engaging the meat portion by the engagement structure at a position different from the conveying position of the shackles, and adjusting the angular position with respect to the vertical axis from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position. The predetermined angular processing position can be adapted for a next food processing step when the food processing step is performed. That is, the predetermined angular processing position can be optimized for the food processing step when the food processing step is performed.

[0021] In one embodiment, the engagement structure moves in a closed loop path having a vertical rotation axis, and the synchronous movement is such that the engagement structure is disposed at an optimal position with respect to the incoming shackles that convey the meat portion so as to allow the engagement structure to engage with the lower side of the meat portion in the engagement region. The initial angular position of the meat portion when the engagement structure engages with the meat portion is different from the angular position of the meat portion when at least one food processing step is performed.

[0022] In one embodiment, a plurality of processing steps are performed by two or more food processing devices, and each processing step has a related predetermined angular processing position such as a vertical position parallel to the vertical axis or any angular position non-parallel to the vertical axis.

[0023] In general, the various aspects of the present invention can be combined and coupled in any manner possible within the scope of the present invention. These and other aspects, features and / or advantages of the present invention will be clearly elucidated by reference to the embodiments described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] Embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings.

[0025] [Figure 1] An embodiment of the system according to the present invention is illustrated in the diagram. [Figure 2] An embodiment of the system according to the present invention is illustrated in the diagram. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 according to the present invention for processing carcass portions of any four-legged animal, such as half a pig carcass, legs, ham, and shoulder.

[0027] The system includes an overhang rail system 106 having multiple spaced shackles 102 designed to transport the carcass portion 101 so that the carcass portion hangs at least partially free.

[0028] The system further includes a repositioning device having an engagement structure 103 that is selectively movable by a moving mechanism 108, and at least one food processing device 107 for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass portion while it is being transported in the conveying direction 109 by passing through at least one food processing device 107.

[0029] The multiple spaced shackles 102 and the engagement structure move synchronously, as shown in Figure 1(a), where the engagement structure 103 coincides with the shackles 102 and engages with the carcass portion 101 at a position different from the transport position of the shackles.

[0030] The moving mechanism 108 is configured to advance the engagement structure 103 in the direction indicated by the arrow 119, at least partially parallel to the transport direction 109, in either the same direction or the opposite direction, and / or in any direction (not shown) that forms an angle with respect to the transport direction 109.

[0031] In the embodiment shown herein, the engagement structure comprises a first support member 103a and a second support member 103b, which are configured to engage with different sides of a carcass portion, as shown in the figure. The first support member 103a is positioned upstream of the second support member 103b in the conveying direction 109, and the initial distance between them exceeds the width of the portion of the carcass portion into which the support members engage. Initially, the upstream support member 103a applies some pressure to the carcass portion, creating a space 110 between the other side of the carcass portion and the second support member 103b. This space is sufficient to allow the first support member to press against the carcass portion, adjusting the angular position of the longitudinal axis 104 relative to the vertical axis 105, as shown in Figures 1a)-c), from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position, which is optimized for the food processing step when the food processing step is performed. As shown here, a predetermined angular position is shown in Figure 1d) where the carcass portion 101 is clamped between the first support member and the second support member. At this position, a predetermined angular machining position is acquired and may be maintained until the next machining step occurs, for example, in which cutting and / or sawing is performed in a circular (or any other arbitrary means) manner along the optimal cutting path 129.

[0032] It should be noted that the engagement structure 103 should not be interpreted as being limited to the two support members 103a), b), but may also include any means configured to engage with the carcass portions and hold them in a stable position, such as via any means of a vacuum or suction tool or clamp.

[0033] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of Figure 1 in which several food processing devices 201-203 are used in sequence to perform different operations on the carcass portion, for example, cutting, deboning, or deskinning or degreasing operations may be performed fully or partially automatically and further partially manually, with the aim of maximizing yield and / or meeting customer preferences, such as how the carcass portion is cut, deskinned and / or degreased.

[0034] A detection device 210, such as a laser scanner, camera, or any other detection means, is connected to a control device 211 that controls the moving mechanism 108 and, consequently, the repositioning device 103. The detection device 210 is configured to detect at least one characteristic of the carcass portion, and the control device 211 is configured to schedule the processing sequence of two or more food processing devices based on the at least one detected characteristic. Thus, processing steps can be adjusted accordingly based on size / shape / color / appearance. This may include, for example, partially peeling the skin from only one or more specific sides of the carcass portion based on the detected characteristic of the carcass portion. For example, customer order requests may also be used as additional parameters when determining this processing sequence.

[0035] The scheduled processing sequence may include only a portion of the food processing equipment 201-203, some of which may not be involved in the processing sequence and may be bypassed.

[0036] As shown in this embodiment, the control device 211 may be further configured to adjust the rotation axis of the shackle between processing steps, for example, by turning it counterclockwise 204 before processing step 202 and clockwise 205 before processing step 203. Thus, the carcass portion can be automatically and sufficiently positioned for the next processing step, increasing the flexibility of the system.

[0037] Although the present invention is illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not limiting, and the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and realized by those skilled in the art practicing the claimed invention from a consideration of the drawings, disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these means cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A food processing system (100), An overhang rail system (106) having multiple spaced shackles (102) designed to transport a carcass (101) such that the carcass (101) hangs at least partially free, A rearrangement device (103) having an engagement structure that can be selectively moved by a moving mechanism (108), The carcass portion has at least one food processing device (107, 201-203) for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass portion (101) while the carcass portion is being transported through at least one food processing device (107, 201-203), The multiple spaced shackles (102) and the engagement structure move synchronously. The engagement structure is configured to engage with the carcass portion (101) at a position different from the transport position of the shackle (102), and to adjust its angular position with respect to the vertical axis from an initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position. The engagement structure comprises a first support member (103a) and a second support member (103b), which are configured to engage with different sides of the carcass portion (101). Adjusting the angular position from the initial angular position to a predetermined angular machining position is caused by the relative movement between the first support member (103a) and the second support member (103b). Food processing system.

2. The at least one food processing apparatus (107) includes two or more food processing apparatuses (107, 201-203) having two or more related predetermined angular processing positions, The food processing system according to claim 1.

3. The system further comprises a detection device (210) connected to a control device (211) configured to control the moving mechanism (108) and, consequently, the rearrangement device (103), wherein the detection device (210) is configured to detect at least one characteristic of the carcass portion (101), and the control device (211) is configured to schedule the processing sequence of the two or more food processing devices (107, 201-203) based on the at least one detected characteristic. A food processing system according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The scheduled processing sequence includes a portion of the two or more food processing devices (107, 201-203), thereby bypassing the remaining one or more food processing devices not involved in the processing sequence by the carcass portion (101). The food processing system according to claim 3.

5. The control device (211) is further configured to adjust the rotation axis of the shackle (102) before the first machining step between machining steps. A food processing system according to claim 3 or claim 4.

6. The at least one food processing apparatus (201-203) has an automatic food processing apparatus for performing an automatic food processing step. A food processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned engagement structure is The system further includes a suction device configured to engage with the carcass portion (101) and apply suction force to the carcass portion (101), A food processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The aforementioned moving mechanism (108) has a carousel-like structure having a vertical rotation axis, A food processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned at least one food processing apparatus (201-203) is One or more rotating circular knives configured to perform pre-cutting on the carcass portion, A saw for cutting the carcass portion (101) into smaller carcass portions, wherein the cutting can be performed at a pre-cut position. One or more devices for deskinning and / or degreasing at least a portion of the carcass portion, selected from: A food processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for processing a carcass portion (101) using a food processing system (100), Food processing system (100) An overhang rail system (106) having multiple spaced shackles (102) designed to transport a carcass (101) such that the carcass (101) hangs at least partially free, A rearrangement device (103) having an engagement structure that can be selectively moved by a moving mechanism (108), The system includes at least one food processing device (107, 201-203) for performing at least one food processing step on the carcass portion (101) while the carcass portion (101) is being transported through at least one food processing device (107, 201-203), The aforementioned method, The shackles (102) and the engagement structure are moved synchronously at the aforementioned intervals, and the engagement structure engages with the carcass portion (101) at a position different from the transport position of the shackles (102), and the angular position with respect to the vertical axis is adjusted from the initial angular position to a predetermined angular processing position. The different sides of the carcass portion (101) engage with the first support member (103a) and the second support member (103b) of the engagement structure, Adjusting the angular position with respect to the vertical axis from the initial angular position to a predetermined angular machining position is caused by the relative movement between the first support member (103a) and the second support member (103b). method.

11. The engagement structure moves in a closed-loop path having a vertical rotation axis. The method according to claim 10.

12. Multiple processing steps are performed by two or more food processing devices (107, 201-203), and each processing step has a related predetermined angular processing position, such as a vertical position parallel to the vertical axis or an arbitrary angular position not parallel to the vertical axis. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11.

13. The carcass portion (101) is from a four-legged animal that is processed for meat. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

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