Skinning apparatus, system, and method for removing skin from poultry foot products

Abstract

A skinning device for removing skin from poultry leg products comprising a first leg end including at least a portion of the ankle and a second leg end opposite the first leg end, the first leg end being positioned at a higher level than the second leg end, the device comprising: a first skinning roller rotatable about a rotation axis, the first roller end being positioned at a higher level than the second roller end; a counter-skinning member positioned adjacent to the first skinning roller; and a gap between the first skinning roller and the counter-skinning member, and comprising at least one skin removal assembly adapted to perform the skinning process, the skin removal assembly being adapted to draw the skin of the poultry leg product into the gap and towards the first roller end.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of de - skinning of poultry leg products, and more particularly to a de - skinning device, system and method for de - skinning poultry leg products.

Background Art

[0002] Some devices for automatically de - skinning poultry leg products are known in the art. For example, WO2015 / 072851A1 discloses a carousel device that receives laterally - cut poultry leg products. The poultry legs are suspended by the ankle joints. This device consists of a plurality of skin - removal assemblies having two rotatable rollers, and these skin - removal assemblies pull the skin downward with a downward force.

[0003] EP 519 570 discloses a system for removing skin from whole - leg poultry products from which feathers have been removed. This known system consists of a poultry product conveyor having a track and a series of poultry product carriers spaced apart from each other in the track direction and movable along the track. Each poultry product carrier is adapted to hold the disassembled whole - leg poultry product at the ankle joint (also called the heel joint), and the poultry product is suspended from the carrier and conveyed. In EP 519 570, the poultry product is passed along a cutting device arranged along the track of the poultry product conveyor to make one or more cuts, and then is passed along a skin - removal device arranged along the track of the poultry product conveyor to remove the skin from the poultry product held and conveyed by the poultry product conveyor. The skin of the thigh is peeled downward from the leg by the movement of a pair of helical rollers.

[0004] WO00 / 59311 discloses a system similar to that described with reference to EP 519 570, particularly with reference to Figures 6, 7, and 8. This prior art document discusses the transport of drumstick-shaped poultry products, particularly chickens, suspended from a carrier. Each carrier transports two drumsticks side by side, first along a cutting device that makes a cut in each drumstick near the ankle joint, and then along a skinning device. This device, similar to EP 519 570, has two skinning assemblies, each skinning assembly having a rotation axis and consisting of two rotary-driven skinning rollers driven in opposite directions such that the skin is gripped at a nip between the rollers and pulled away from the drumstick away from the ankle joint. The skinning rollers of each assembly are positioned such that their rotation axis is substantially horizontal and parallel to the conveyor track.

[0005] Prior art devices have been found not to always yield satisfactory results. For example, the skin may not be completely removed from the poultry leg product, or the skin may tear or rip in undesirable locations, or the resulting poultry leg product may not be visually appealing. [Overview of the project]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide improvements or at least alternatives to known apparatus and methods.

[0007] This objective is achieved by the deveining device according to the present invention. This poultry leg product includes a first leg end, which includes at least a portion of the ankle joint, and a second leg end, which is opposite to the first leg end, the first leg end being positioned at a higher level than the second leg end. The apparatus includes at least one dederming assembly adapted to perform a dederming process, the dederming assembly is -A first dederming roller, which is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first dederming roller, and the first dederming roller further includes a first roller end and a second roller end, the first roller end being positioned at a higher level than the second roller end, - A counter peeling member positioned adjacent to the first peeling roller, - Including the gap between the first peeling roller and the counter peeling member, The skinning assembly is adapted to pull the skin of poultry leg products into the gap and towards the first roller end.

[0008] Poultry leg products are, for example, drumsticks or whole legs. In the technical field, whole leg is a general term referring to leg meat formed from a drumstick and leg meat attached to the drumstick. Other terms used for this product are anatomical leg and separated leg. Generally, the leg meat is defecated. In poultry leg products, the first leg end is at a higher level than the second leg end. For example, a poultry leg product may be suspended from a carrier by part of the ankle joint (also called the tarsal joint).

[0009] The dederming device includes at least one dederming assembly. Optionally, the dederming device may include multiple dederming assemblies, which may optionally be arranged in a carousel arrangement. However, it is also possible to provide one or more dederming assemblies arranged linearly.

[0010] The dehulling assembly has a first dehulling roller having a first roller end positioned at a higher level than a second roller end. A counter dehulling member is positioned adjacent to the first dehulling roller to form a gap between them. The counter dehulling member may be, for example, a rotatable roller, or it may be a stationary part such as a shoe or pinch block. By rotating around a longitudinal axis of rotation, the first dehulling roller can grasp the skin and pull it from the poultry leg product into the gap. For example, the first dehulling roller may consist of projections for grasping the skin, such as grooves or teeth, such as straight or helical. According to the present invention, the skin is pulled toward the first roller end. For example, the first dehulling roller and / or counter dehulling member can be adapted to pull the skin toward the first roller end. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately arranging the protrusions, and / or by arranging the first deburring roller and / or counter deburring member in an inclined position, and / or by arranging at least partially above the poultry leg product.

[0011] Since the first roller end is positioned above the second roller end, the skin is pulled upward. For example, the skin is pulled towards the ankle joint of a poultry leg product. The present invention has been found to allow for better skin removal because the skin is more easily pulled in this direction. The skin can also be removed in a more predictable manner than with prior art devices. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to omit preparatory cutting or incisions that could damage the meat.

[0012] In one embodiment, the skin removal assembly further includes a skin tightening element adapted to tighten the skin connection—between the skin remaining on the poultry leg product and the skin portion loosened from the poultry leg product and pulled past a predetermined tightening point toward the first roller end—the skin tightening element being positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end. For example, the tightening point may be in or adjacent to a gap. For example, the tightening location may be between the first roller end and the second roller end, adjacent to the first roller or in a gap.

[0013] For example, the debarking element may be a plate, a bar and / or a rod, or may include a plate, a bar and / or a rod, the plate, a bar and / or a rod extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first debarking roller.

[0014] The already loosened skin portions from the poultry leg product are removed by the first skinning roller, but the skin remaining on the poultry leg product remains attached. Therefore, the skin attachment is guided by a skin tightening element. The skin tightening element holds the skin relatively firmly. This has been found to result in better skin removal. In particular, this embodiment allows for skinning of poultry leg products in a more predictable manner, enabling the complete removal of loose skin without the risk of cutting or incising the remaining meat on the poultry leg product.

[0015] In one embodiment, the dederming assembly further includes a dederm cutter, which includes a cutting edge positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end of the first dederming roller. For example, the dederm cutter may be a knife or a blade. For example, the dederm cutter may be stationary or may be rotatable and / or translatably moved by a dederm cutter drive. This embodiment eliminates the need for additional processing equipment for making preparatory cuts, as is commonly used in the prior art.

[0016] Poultry leg products may include skin, leg bones, and leg meat naturally present on the leg bones. The skin has an inner surface that engages with the leg meat and / or leg bones before skinning and detaches from the leg meat and / or leg bones, respectively, during skinning.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the cutting edge of the skin cutter is positioned relative to the first skinning roller such that, during the skinning process after the inner surfaces have separated from the leg meat and / or leg bone, the cutting edge engages with the skin portion at the skin connection between the skin remaining on the poultry leg product and the skin portion loosened from the poultry leg product. Advantageously, the skin cutter can be used to cut the skin that has already been loosened by the first skinning roller so as to completely separate it from the poultry leg product. This eliminates the need for cutting devices that perform preparatory cuts, as described in the prior art literature. Cutting after the skin has already been removed results in a cleaner cut, and the resulting meat product looks more appealing to the customer. Furthermore, the risk of cutting into the meat is also significantly reduced.

[0018] For example, the tip of the skin cutter can be positioned away from the poultry leg product. In this way, the tip of the blade only cuts the skin and does not cut into the meat, and the resulting meat portion is not damaged by the skin cutter, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing product.

[0019] In one embodiment, the skin cutter and the skin clamping element are arranged adjacent to each other. The skin clamping element can ensure that the skin is held securely, thereby improving the cutting by the skin cutter.

[0020] In one embodiment, the axis of rotation of the first dehulling roller extends in a direction that is at an angle to the vertical, and this angle is preferably 45° or less. This inclined direction enhances the engagement between the poultry leg product and the first dehulling roller.

[0021] In one embodiment, the deskinning assembly further includes a pressing device adapted to generate contact pressure between the poultry leg product and the deskinning roller and / or counter deskinning member. This ensures that the skin is reliably removed from the poultry leg product. For example, the pressing device can be adapted to engage with the poultry leg product from, for example, the side of the poultry leg product opposite to the side with which the first deskinning roller engages. For example, the pressing device may include a movable pressing surface that is actuated by a pressing device actuator and presses the poultry leg product by engaging with it. For example, the pressing device may include a stationary guide, rod, or plate with which the poultry leg product contacts as the poultry leg product is transported toward the first deskinning roller, for example by a carrier, and the stationary guide, rod, or plate deflects the poultry leg product toward the first deskinning roller.

[0022] In one embodiment, the counter deskinning member is a second deskinning roller, which is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the second deskinning roller, preferably the rotation axes of the first deskinning roller and the rotation axes of the second deskinning roller are parallel to each other, and optionally, at least one of the first and second deskinning rollers is provided with a gripper ridge. The use of two deskinning rollers advantageously allows for better deskinning.

[0023] For example, the second dederming roller may include projections for gripping the skin, such as grooves or teeth, such as straight or helical. For example, the first and second dederming rollers may have interlocking teeth. For example, the first and second dederming rollers may rotate in opposite directions.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first deskinning roller and / or the second deskinning roller have a conical shape, in which case their respective axes of rotation may not be parallel.

[0025] In one embodiment, the skin removal assembly further includes a skin stripping clamping element adapted to prevent the skin from moving towards the first roller end beyond a predetermined clamping point, and this skin stripping clamping element is disposed closer to the first roller end than the second roller end. For example, the clamping point may be within or adjacent to the gap. For example, the clamping point may be between the first roller end and the second roller end, adjacent to the first roller or in the gap. For example, the clamping point may be above the first skin stripping roller. For example, the skin clamping element may be a plate, a rod and / or a rod, or may include a plate, a rod and / or a rod, and this plate, rod and / or rod extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first skin stripping roller.

[0026] The skin stripping clamping element prevents the skin from moving to the first roller end. In this way, the skin stripping clamping element can prevent the removed skin from getting caught or accumulating in an unwanted place, such as between the first roller end and the frame part, etc., which can cause clogging of the later-removed skin and / or malfunction of the first skin stripping roller.

[0027] The present invention further relates to a system for removing skin from poultry leg products, and this poultry leg product includes a first leg end constituting at least a part of the ankle joint and a second leg end opposite to the first leg end. This system includes - a conveyor for conveying the poultry product, - a track, - a plurality of carriers movable along the track, and each carrier is adapted to hold at least one poultry leg product in a state where the first leg end is disposed at a higher position than the second leg end, the plurality of carriers, - a skin stripping device according to the present invention, and this skin stripping device is disposed along the track, a conveyor including the skin stripping device.

[0028] Therefore, the present system relates to a conveyor comprising a track on which multiple carriers can move and a skinning device arranged along the track. The carriers are adapted to hold poultry leg products in a position where the skinning device can operate according to the present invention, i.e., a position where the skin of the poultry leg product can be drawn into a gap and pulled toward the end of a first roller. For example, the carrier may have a slot adapted to receive at least a portion of the ankle joint so that the poultry leg product is suspended by the ankle joint. For example, the carrier may have a hook adapted to be inserted into the meat of the poultry leg product so that the poultry leg product is suspended.

[0029] In one embodiment, the system further includes a positioning device positioned along a track and adapted to position poultry leg products in a deveining position relative to a deveining device, where the poultry leg products engage with at least a first deveining roller of the deveining device. For example, the positioning device may be a guide rod or plate, such as a stationary guide rod or plate, which comes into contact with the poultry leg products as they are transported along the track by a carrier.

[0030] Optionally, a positioning device is positioned relative to the dederming device such that, at the dederming position, contact pressure is generated between the poultry leg product and at least the first dederming roller of the dederming device.

[0031] In one embodiment, the conveyor has an arc-shaped track section, and the dehulling device includes a carousel dehulling device positioned in the arc-shaped track section. The carousel dehulling device includes a main frame and a dehulling assembly support structure arranged in a journal so as to rotate around a main axis perpendicular to the main frame. The carousel dehulling device further includes a drive assembly adapted to cause rotational motion of the dehulling assembly support structure in sync with the passage of the carrier along the arc-shaped track section of the track. The dehulling assembly support structure supports a plurality of dehulling assemblies in a circular arrangement thereon, and the dehulling assemblies are distributed in accordance with the position of the poultry leg products held by the conveyor carriers as they pass along the arc-shaped track section of the track, so that each dehulling assembly moves with the poultry leg products during the dehulling process. By using a carousel dehulling device, processing speed can be increased.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one skin collection bin, and the conveyor of the skin removal assemblies is embodied such that the skin collection bin can be positioned directly below the path of multiple skin removal assemblies, and the skins removed from the poultry parts fall directly into the skin collection bin. This also allows for a simpler design, such as the elimination of a skin conveyor, as there is no need for a device to process the skins between the skin removal assemblies and the bins.

[0033] In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one skin conveyor, and the conveyor of skin removal assemblies is embodied so that the skin conveyor is positioned directly beneath the path of multiple skin removal assemblies, and the skins removed from the poultry parts fall directly onto the skin conveyor. This allows the skins to be transported to the desired location without requiring additional handling by an operator or, for example, a skin collection bin.

[0034] The present invention further relates to several embodiments of a method for removing skin from poultry leg products. The methods according to the present invention can be carried out with a system or skinning apparatus according to the present invention, but the methods and systems or skinning apparatus are not limited thereto. Nevertheless, features and definitions described in reference to the methods according to the present invention can be similarly interpreted when referred to in reference to a system or skinning apparatus, and vice versa. Furthermore, features and / or embodiments described in reference to the methods according to the present invention may be added to a system or skinning apparatus according to the present invention to achieve similar advantages, and vice versa.

[0035] The object of the present invention is also achieved by a method for removing skin from a poultry leg product, which includes a first leg end constituting at least a portion of the ankle joint and a second leg end opposite to the first leg end. The method is as follows: - The step of placing the poultry's leg in a skinning position where the first leg end is at a higher level than the second leg end, -A step of engaging a poultry leg product with a first dehulling roller of a dehulling assembly of a processing device, wherein the first dehulling roller is rotatable about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first dehulling roller, and the first dehulling roller further includes a first roller end and a second roller end, wherein the first roller end is positioned at a higher level than the second roller end. - The process includes the step of pulling skin from a poultry leg product into the gap between a first dehulling roller and a counter dehulling member positioned adjacent to the first dehulling roller and extending upward toward the end of the first roller.

[0036] According to the present invention, the skin is pulled upward. For example, the skin is pulled toward the ankle joint of a poultry leg product. The present invention has been found to allow for better skin removal because the skin is easier to pull in this direction. The skin can also be removed in a more predictable manner than with prior art devices. Furthermore, the present invention makes it possible to omit preparatory cutting or incisions that may damage the meat.

[0037] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the skin is tightened at a predetermined tightening point by a skin tightening element, which is positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end.

[0038] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the poultry leg product comprises a skin portion, a leg bone, and leg meat naturally present on the leg bone, wherein the skin portion has an inner surface that engages with the leg meat and / or leg bone before the skinning process and separates from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively, during the skinning process. In this embodiment, the method further comprises a process of making incisions in the skin portion during the skinning process after the inner surface has separated from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively. In this context, making incisions in the skin includes, for example, locally weakening the skin, for example, bruising, making incisions in the skin but not completely penetrating, or cutting open the skin. The skin may be cut, for example, at the end past a predetermined tightening point, where the skin connects to the portion of skin that is loosened from the poultry leg product and pulled toward the first roller.

[0039] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the skin is intact in the circumferential direction of the poultry leg product at the first moment when the poultry leg product is engaged with the first skinning roller. That is, no circular preparation cuts, for example, at the ankle joint, are made before the first skinning roller contacts the poultry leg product.

[0040] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the skin between the first leg end and the second leg end is intact in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg product at the first moment the poultry leg product engages with the first skinning roller. That is, no longitudinal cuts, for example, along the drumstick and / or leg meat, occur before the first skinning roller contacts the poultry leg product.

[0041] The direction in which the skin is pulled according to the present invention, in some embodiments combined with a tightening member and / or skin cutter, allows for the omission of such circular and / or longitudinal preparatory cuts, contrary to those in prior art devices. As a result, the drawbacks associated with such preparatory cuts are avoided. These drawbacks include, for example, cuts that are too deep, damaging the meat and / or tendons beneath the skin, resulting in reduced yield and / or visually unappealing meat. Other drawbacks include the ideal circular preparatory cut completely encircling the leg meat and the circular and longitudinal preparatory cuts being connected, which in practice is not always easily achieved, for example, due to the natural variability in the size of poultry leg products. If these requirements are not actually met, the results may not be satisfactory.

[0042] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the poultry leg product is a drumstick or a whole leg poultry product.

[0043] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the deveining device according to the present invention is used. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0044] The following describes exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the figures, where the same reference numerals in various figures indicate the same features.

[0045] [Figure 1a] A front view of the first embodiment of the debarking assembly is shown. [Figure 1b] A side view of the skinning assembly and poultry leg product is shown. [Figure 1c] A side view of the skinning assembly and poultry leg product is shown. [Figure 1d] Side view of skinning assembly and poultry leg product. [Figure 2a] A front view of a second embodiment of the debarking assembly is shown. [Figure 2b]A side view of a second embodiment of the debarking assembly is shown. [Figure 3] This shows a system for removing skin from poultry leg products. [Figure 4] An embodiment of a deskinning device further including multiple pressing devices is shown. [Figure 5] Another embodiment of a system for removing skin from poultry leg products is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] Figures 1a to 1c illustrate the operating principle of the present invention, and for clarity, only the elements necessary to explain the operating principle are shown. Figure 1a is a front view of a dehulling assembly 101, which may be part of a dehulling device comprising a first dehulling roller 110. The first dehulling roller 110 is rotatable about a rotation axis 111, for example, by a first dehulling roller drive (not shown). In the illustrated embodiment, the first dehulling roller 110 includes a helical groove 114 for gripping the skin of poultry products, but other embodiments are possible, for example, the first dehulling roller 110 may be provided with teeth.

[0047] A counter peeling member, embodied as a second peeling roller 120, is provided adjacent to the first peeling roller 110, but other embodiments are possible, for example, the counter peeling member may be embodied as a shoe or pinch block. The second peeling roller 120 also consists of a helical groove 124 and is rotatable about a rotation axis 121. In the illustrated example, the rotation axis 121 is parallel to the rotation axis 111 of the first peeling roller 110, but this is not necessary, for example, if the first peeling roller 110 and the second peeling roller 120 are conical. The first peeling roller 110 and the second peeling roller 120 are arranged to rotate in opposite directions during use. As the first peeling roller 110 and the second peeling roller 120 rotate, their respective helical grooves 114 and 124 engage, and the skin of the poultry product is drawn into the gap 131 between the first peeling roller 110 and the second peeling roller 120. A peeling force having a large upward component can be applied to the skin so that the peeling action includes a large upward force.

[0048] Figure 1a further shows that the first debarking roller has a first roller end 112 and a second roller end 113. The first roller end 112 is positioned at a higher level than the second roller end 113. Similarly, the second roller 120 has a first roller end 122 and a second roller end 123, with the first roller end 122 positioned at a higher level than the second roller end 123.

[0049] Figures 1a-1c also show an arbitrary skinning element 132, in which case it is embodied as a rod. However, other embodiments such as a plate or a rod are also possible. Preferably, the skinning element 132 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis 111 of the first skinning roller 110. The skinning element 132 is positioned closer to the first roller end 112 than to the second roller end 113.

[0050] Figure 1b is a side view of the skinning assembly 1 and the poultry leg product 150. In the illustrated example, the poultry leg product 150 includes a drumstick 156 and leg meat 158, although the poultry leg product 150 may consist only of the drumstick 156. The poultry leg product 150 includes a first leg end 151 which constitutes at least a portion of the ankle joint 152, and a second leg end 153 opposite to the first leg end 151. The first leg end 151 is positioned higher than the second leg end 153. As seen in Figure 1b, preferably, the poultry leg product 150 does not have any longitudinal or circumferential cuts for pre-processing. The skin is intact in both the circumferential and longitudinal directions.

[0051] Figure 1b shows the first dehing roller 110 and the second dehing roller 120 engaged with and gripping the skin of the poultry leg product 150. Figure 1c shows the skin portion 155 being peeled from the poultry leg product 150. In both Figures 1b and 1c, the poultry leg product 150 is in the dehing position. Figure 1c further shows the leg meat 159 naturally present on the leg bone of the poultry leg product 150. In the illustrated example, the leg bone is not visible because it is covered by the leg meat 159. The skin portion 155 further has an inner surface, which engages with the leg meat 159 and / or leg bone before the dehing process. Thus, during the dehing process, the inner surface of the skin portion 155 detaches from the leg meat 159 and / or leg bone, respectively.

[0052] As can be seen, the skinning assembly 1 is adapted to pull the skin of the poultry leg product 150 into the gap 131 and towards the first roller end 112. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by the design of the helical grooves 114, 124 (Figure 1a) of the first skinning roller 110 and the second skinning roller 120, but other embodiments are also possible. By pulling the skin towards the first roller end 112, which is positioned higher than the first roller end, it is advantageous that longitudinal or circumferential preparation cuts can be omitted.

[0053] Figure 1c further shows that the skin portion 155 is pulled below the skin tightening element 132. When the skin is pulled beyond a predetermined tightening point 133 to a level higher than the skin tightening element 132, the skin tightening element 132 causes the skin connection 157 between the skin remaining on the poultry leg product 150 and the skin portion 155 to pull tightly. The skin connection 157 is held in place by the tensile force. This allows the skin to be peeled from the poultry leg product 150.

[0054] Figure 1d shows one method for separating the skin from a poultry leg product 150. In this embodiment, the poultry leg product 150 is simply separated from the skin removal assembly 1. Since the skin portion 155 is still being pulled by the first skinning roller 110, the tensile force on the skin joint 157 increases, eventually causing the skin to tear. Advantageously, the inventors have found that the location where the skin tears in the skin removal assembly according to the present invention is relatively close to the ankle joint 152. Furthermore, this location is determined primarily by the anatomical structure of the poultry leg 150, meaning it is less susceptible to the natural variability of the poultry leg product 150 than prior art devices.

[0055] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate another method for deskinning the poultry leg product 150. A deskinning assembly 1101 is shown, having the same features as the deskinning assemblies shown in Figures 1a-1d. In addition, the deskinning assembly 1101 in Figures 2a-2b includes a deskinning cutter 161, which in the illustrated example is positioned adjacent to the deskinning element 132. The deskinning cutter 161 includes a cutting edge 162 embodied as a circular blade. The cutting edge 162 is positioned closer to the first roller end 112 than to the second roller end 113 of the first deskinning roller 110. The deskinning cutter also includes a deskinning cutter drive unit (not shown) for moving the cutting edge 162 toward the deskinning attachment (not shown in Figures 2a-2b for clarity). As the skin portion is moved further upward by the first skinning roller 110 and the second skinning roller 120, the skin connection is held tightly by the skin tightening element 132. Once a sufficient amount of skin has been pulled from the poultry leg product 150, the skin cutter drive is adapted to move the blade 162 toward the skin connection. The blade 162 engages with the skin portion and / or skin connection and cuts it. In this way, the skin connection and skin portion are separated from the poultry leg product 150. The skin cutter 161 can be adapted to cut skin between, for example, the tightening element 132 and the first skinning roller 110 and / or the second skinning roller 120, or between the tightening element 132 and the poultry leg 150. In some embodiments, it may be preferable to cut between the tightening element 132 and the poultry leg 150.

[0056] Throughout the skinning process, the leg meat 159 remains at a safe distance from the blade 162. Therefore, the blade 162 only cuts into the skin and / or the seams of the skin, and does not cut through the leg meat 159. Thus, the resulting leg meat remains aesthetically pleasing.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a system for removing skin from poultry leg products, including a skinning device that includes a skinning assembly according to the present invention. The illustrated example is a carousel arrangement, but a linear arrangement is also possible.

[0058] This system includes a conveyor for transporting poultry leg products, which includes a track 10 having an arc track section 10a, in which a semi-circular track section 10a adjacent to a straight track section 10b on both the upstream and downstream sides of the track section 10a.

[0059] Although Figure 3 shows only a single carrier 2 for clarity, it will be understood that the conveyor includes a series of carriers 2 spaced apart from each other in the direction of the track and movable along the track 10. For example, the carriers 2 are connected to a chain, which is driven by a motor, preferably at a constant conveying speed.

[0060] As is known in the art, each carrier 2 is adapted to hold at least one poultry leg product 250 at its ankle joint so that the poultry product 250 is transported suspended from the carrier 2. See, for example, US15150156157.

[0061] Preferably, each carrier 2 includes a carrier base 3, which is embodied and guided along the track 10 as a trolley having track engagement rollers 4, and a holding section 5 adapted to hold poultry leg products 250 in a side-by-side suspended orientation at the ankle joint. For example, left and right poultry legs can be arranged side by side. The holding section 5 may include two leg receiving openings and may optionally, preferably, have a fine holding mechanism for holding the legs in the receiving openings with the ankle joint suspended above the holding section and the entire leg or drumstick suspended below the holding section 5.

[0062] The retaining portion 5 is mounted rotatably with respect to the carrier base about a vertical axis between rotational positions of the indicator, including a first rotational position in which the retaining portion 5 is transverse to the track 10 and a second rotational position in which the retaining portion is aligned with the track 10. As is known in the art, a locking mechanism may be provided on the carrier 2 to lock the retaining portion 5 in one or more of its rotational positions.

[0063] The system further includes a dehing device 20 positioned along the track 10, in this example, on the arc portion 10a of the conveyor. This dehing device 20 is adapted to remove the skin from poultry leg products 250 that are held and transported by the conveyor.

[0064] The debarking device 20 includes a main frame 21, which comprises a cantilevered frame portion 22 that supports the arc-shaped track portion 10a in an overhead position, and one or more legs that support the frame portion 22 on the floor surface.

[0065] The apparatus 20 further includes a peeling assembly support structure 25 journal-positioned on the main frame 21 so as to rotate around a vertical main axis 26. Preferably, the main frame 21 has a vertical shaft 27 extending from a cantilever frame portion 22. The lower end of the shaft may be spaced above the floor to allow a peeling collection bin to pass beneath the shaft and be positioned therein to collect the peeled peel.

[0066] The rotating support structure 25 supports multiple pairs of dehing assemblies 201, each dehing assembly adapted to dehing poultry leg products 250. The dehing assemblies 201 function as described with reference to Figures 1a-2b. The positions of the first dehing roller 210 and the second dehing roller 220 relative to the poultry leg products 250 are reversed from those in Figures 1a-2b. However, this does not affect the operating principle of the present invention. As can be seen further, the two dehing assemblies 201 are arranged to cooperate with each carrier 2 so that both poultry leg products 250 can be dehed. The first dehing roller drive unit 219, as well as the dehing element 232, are also shown in Figure 3.

[0067] For the sake of clarity, only two de-skinning assemblies 201 and one corresponding carrier 2 are shown, but those skilled in the art will understand that multiple may be provided in the carousel arrangement.

[0068] The device 20 includes a drive assembly 40 adapted to cause rotational motion of the skin removal assembly support structure 25, synchronized with the passage of the carrier 2 along the arcuate track portion 10a of the track 10.

[0069] In the figure, the drive assembly 40 is shown to include a rotary conveyor connecting member 41 fixed to the peeling assembly support structure 25 via one or more rods 42 between the connecting member 41 and the lower structure 25.

[0070] The conveyor connecting member 41 is rotatable around the vertical main axis 26 of the device 20 and has a circularly arranged forming portion 43. This forming portion 43 (in this case, a recess on the outer circumference of the circular connecting member) is wrapped around the carrier through which the conveyor connecting member 41, and by extension the skin removal support structure 25, passes, and engages with the carrier 2 so as to rotate around the vertical main axis.

[0071] It will be understood that each dehing assembly 201 moves with the poultry leg product 250 during the dehing process, which takes place while passing along the arc portion 10a.

[0072] Although not shown in Figure 3, it will be understood that the skin can be completely removed from the poultry leg product 250 by moving it away from the skinning assembly 201, as explained with reference to Figure 1d. It is also possible to provide a skin cutter. A skin cutter can be provided for each individual skinning assembly 201, as explained with reference to Figures 2a-2b. Alternatively, a single fixed skinning cutter can be provided along the track 10 such that each skinning assembly 201 passes through a fixed skinning cutter, which cuts the skin connections.

[0073] The main frame 21 of the carousel debarking device 20 includes a gearing ring 36. Here, preferably, this gearing ring 36 is fixedly attached to the main frame 21, in this case to the shaft 27.

[0074] Each deskinning assembly 30 includes a pinion 37 that meshes with a gearing ring 36, and one of these pinions 37 is connected to the first deskinning roller 210 of the deskinning assembly 30. In the embodiment shown herein, each pinion 37 is mounted on a shaft 38 that carries a first deskinning roller drive unit 219 that meshes with the first deskinning roller 110.

[0075] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a deveining apparatus 20 that further includes a plurality of press devices 50 supported by a press device support structure 25 arranged in a ring thereon. In Figure 4, poultry leg products are omitted for clarity. In this embodiment, one press device 50 is provided for each pair of deveining assemblies 201. Also in this embodiment, since the press devices 50 are mounted on the structure 25, the structure also functions as a press device support structure. Thus, this support structure for the press devices 50 is also pivotally supported on the main frame so as to rotate about a vertical main axis and is adapted to rotate synchronously with the deveining assembly support structure.

[0076] Generally, each pressing device 50 is adapted to generate contact pressure between two poultry leg products held by the conveyor carrier 2 on the one hand, as they pass along the arc-shaped track portion 10a of the track, and between the dehulling rollers of the dehulling assembly 201 on the other hand.

[0077] Each pressing device 50 includes a pressing member 51, which is embodied here to engage with two poultry leg products held on one carrier 2. The pressing members 51 are generally positioned radially outward of the dehing assembly 201, with each dehing assembly 201 positioned to contact a first side of the poultry leg product, and each pressing member 51 is adapted to directly engage with an opposing second side of the poultry leg product. Thus, the pressing members 51 effectively press the poultry leg product radially inward of the corresponding dehing assembly 201.

[0078] The pressing members 51 are embodied as movable pressing members, and each pressing member is adapted to directly engage with the poultry leg product. Each pressing member 51 is provided with a corresponding actuator in the device 20, which is adapted to move the pressing member between a retracted position and a pressing operation position.

[0079] From the figure, it can be seen that in one embodiment, the operation of the pressing member is based on a cam / cam follower mechanism. Here, a stationary cam disc 54 is mounted on the main frame at a level below the support structure 25, and the disc 54 has a cam track 55. The pressing device 50 includes a cam follower 56 that engages with the cam track 56 and is connected to a movable pressing member 51 by a mechanical coupling 57.

[0080] Here, the pressing member 51 has an arm 51a at its lower end that is pivotably connected to the support body around a horizontal pivot 58.

[0081] In embodiments in which the skinning assembly 201 includes a skin cutter, it should be noted that the movement of the skin cutter relative to the poultry leg product can be achieved using a cam follower and cam track similar to those provided for the movement of the pressing device 50.

[0082] Next, other embodiments of the system according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Parts having the same function as those described with reference to Figure 4 are given the same reference numerals. Although only two assemblies 301 are shown (for clarity), it will be understood that a carousel device comprises several pairs of assemblies 301 on its circumference.

[0083] Here, the rotation axes of the first dehulling roller 310 and the second dehulling roller 320 are shown to extend upward and inward at an angle between 45° and 80° with respect to the horizontal, preferably between 60° and 80° with respect to the horizontal. In other words, the angle with respect to the vertical is 45° or less. This inclined orientation of the dehulling rollers 310, 320 is, in this embodiment, preferably, a generally cylindrical design with interlocking helical teeth on it, which allows for enhanced engagement between the first dehulling roller 310 and the second dehulling roller 320 and the poultry foot product.

[0084] Figure 5 further illustrates the provision of one or more poultry product positioning members 70 preferably fixedly attached to each assembly 301, which serve to assist in the positioning of the poultry leg products relative to the assembly 301, in this case relative to the first deburring roller 310 and the second deburring roller 320.

[0085] Here, such a member 70 is provided on the rear side of a pair of dehulling rollers, and such a member 70 is provided to support the poultry leg product in order to maintain alignment with the first dehulling roller 310 and the second dehulling roller 320.

[0086] Figure 5 also shows the provision of one or more positioning devices, which are embodied here as arc-shaped rods 91 arranged in an arc along the cross-section of the debarking device 20. One or more rods 91 guide the poultry leg product onto the debarking assembly 301 as the poultry leg product slides along the rods. In other embodiments of fixed pressure devices, elastically mounted pressure plates or discs can be envisioned, positioned along the path of the poultry portion passing through, to guide the poultry leg portion to come into close contact with the debarking assembly as it passes over the pressure plates or discs.

[0087] Where necessary, this document describes detailed embodiments of the present invention. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only, and the present invention may be carried out in other forms. Accordingly, the specific structural aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting to the present invention, but merely as the basis for the claims and for making the present invention implementable by an average person skilled in the art.

[0088] Furthermore, the various terms used herein should not be interpreted as restrictive, but rather as a comprehensive description of the invention.

[0089] As used herein, the term "a" means one or more unless otherwise specified. The phrase "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "comprising" and "having" constitute an open expression and do not exclude the presence of more elements.

[0090] The reference figures in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention. No particular embodiment is required to achieve all of the objectives described.

[0091] The mere fact that specific technical means are defined in different dependent claims still allows for the possibility that combinations of these technical means may be applied advantageously.

Claims

1. A skinning device for removing skin from poultry leg products, The poultry leg product includes a first leg end, which includes at least a portion of the ankle joint, and a second leg end, which is opposite to the first leg end, the first leg end being positioned at a higher level than the second leg end. The dederming device includes at least one dederming assembly adapted to carry out the dederming process, the dederming assembly is - The first dederming roller is rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first dederming roller, and further includes a first roller end and a second roller end, the first roller end being positioned at a higher level than the second roller end, - A counter peeling member positioned adjacent to the first peeling roller, - Including the gap between the first peeling roller and the counter peeling member, The skinning assembly is a skinning device adapted to pull the skin of poultry leg products into the gap toward the first roller end.

2. The skin removal assembly further includes a skin tightening element adapted to tighten the skin connection between the skin remaining on the poultry leg product and the skin portion removed from the poultry leg product and pulled past a predetermined tightening point toward the first roller end, wherein the skin tightening element is positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end, the apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the skin-tightening element is a plate, a bar, and / or a rod, or includes them, the plate, bar, and / or rod extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first skinning roller.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a peeling assembly, a peeling cutter including a cutting edge, the cutting edge being positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end of the first peeling roller.

5. Poultry leg products include the skin portion, the leg bone, and the leg meat that naturally exists on the leg bone, and the skin portion has an inner surface that engages with the leg meat and / or leg bone before the skinning process and disengages from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively, during the skinning process. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the tip of the skin cutter is positioned relative to the first skinning roller such that the tip engages with the skin portion during the skinning process after the inner surface has been separated from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, which is dependent on claim 2, wherein the leather cutter and the leather tightening element are arranged adjacent to each other.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the rotation axis of the first peeling roller extends in a direction that is at an angle to the vertical, and this angle is 45° or less.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a pressing device adapted to cause contact pressure between a poultry leg product and a first dederming roller and / or counter dederming member.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the counter peeling member is a second peeling roller rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the second peeling roller, the rotation axis of the first peeling roller and the rotation axis of the second peeling roller are parallel to each other, and at least one of the first peeling roller and the second peeling roller is equipped with a gripper ridge.

10. A system for removing skin from a poultry leg product, wherein the poultry leg product includes a first leg end including at least a portion of the ankle joint and a second leg end opposite to the first leg end, and this system - A conveyor for transporting poultry products, - Orbit and, - A plurality of carriers movable along a track, each carrier being adapted to hold at least one poultry leg product with the first leg end positioned at a higher level than the second leg end, - A peeling device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged along a track, A system including a conveyor belt.

11. The system further includes a positioning device adapted to position the poultry leg product relative to the dehulling device at a dehulling position where the poultry leg product engages with at least a first dehulling roller of the dehulling device, The system according to claim 10, wherein the positioning device is positioned relative to the deveining device such that, at the deveining position, contact pressure is generated between the poultry leg product and at least the first deveining roller of the deveining device.

12. A method for removing skin from poultry foot products, The poultry leg product includes a first leg end that includes at least a portion of the ankle joint, and a second leg end opposite to the first leg end. This delicious, - A step of placing the poultry leg product in a skinning position where the first leg end is positioned at a higher level than the second leg end, - A step of engaging a poultry leg product with a first dederming roller of a dederming assembly of a dederming device, wherein the first dederming roller is rotatable about a pivot axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the first dederming roller, and the first dederming roller further includes a first roller end and a second roller end, wherein the first roller end is positioned at a higher level than the second roller end, - A peeling step in which the skin is pulled upward toward the end of the first roller into the gap between the first peeling roller and the counter peeling member positioned adjacent to the first peeling roller, A method that includes this.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the skin is tightened at predetermined tightening points by a skin tightening element, and the skin tightening element is positioned closer to the first roller end than to the second roller end.

14. The poultry leg product comprises the skin portion, the leg bone, and the leg meat naturally present on the leg bone, wherein the skin portion has an inner surface that engages with the leg meat and / or leg bone before the skinning step and disengages from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively, during the skinning step. The method according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising the step of making incisions in the skin portion during the skinning step after the inner surface has been separated from the leg meat and / or leg bone, respectively.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the skin is intact in the circumferential direction of the poultry leg product at the first moment the poultry leg product engages with the first skinning roller.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the skin between the first leg end and the second leg end is intact in the longitudinal direction of the poultry leg product at the first moment it is engaged with the first skinning roller.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the poultry leg product is a drumstick or a whole leg product.

18. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 17, using the deveining apparatus and / or the system according to claim 10 or 11.

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