Holding apparatus for holding eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in an apparatus for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (10), designed and configured for holding eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising a support body (11), designed and configured for supporting the poultry carcass or parts thereof, a fastening body (12), designed and configured for holding the support body (11) on the one hand and for attaching the holding device (10) to a circulating transport unit (13) of the device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof on the other hand, and a clamping device (14) for fixing the poultry carcass or parts thereof on the support body (11) during processing, characterized in that the support body (11) is detachably connected to the fastening body (12) by means of a fastening means (15).wherein the fastening means (15) is designed and configured such that, in the mounted state of the holding device (10) on the transport unit (13), it is accessible from the outside for releasing the support body (11) from the fastening body (12). The invention also relates to a transport device (24) with such a holding device (10), as well as to a device for processing disemboweled poultry or parts thereof with such a transport device (24), and to a method for maintaining such a holding device (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device, designed and configured for holding eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising a support body designed and configured for supporting the poultry carcass or parts thereof, a fastening body designed and configured for holding the support body on the one hand and for attaching the holding device to a circulating transport unit of the device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof on the other hand, and a clamping device for fixing the poultry carcass or parts thereof on the support body during processing.

[0002] The invention further relates to a transport device, designed and equipped for transporting disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising a continuously driven transport unit and at least one holding device attached thereto, which is designed and equipped for holding the disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0003] The invention further relates to the use of a transport device in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0004] The invention further relates to a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising at least one processing station for processing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof and a transport device for transporting the poultry carcasses or parts thereof along the processing station or each processing station.

[0005] Finally, the invention relates to a method for maintaining a holding device designed and configured to hold disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, wherein the holding device comprises a fastening body with which the holding device is attached to a transport unit of the device for processing, and a support body which is detachably arranged on the fastening body and is designed and configured to support poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0006] In the poultry processing industry, eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof are processed in specialized equipment. Typically, several holding devices are attached to a rotating transport unit, which feeds the poultry carcasses or parts thereof to one or more processing stations or brings them into their operating range. For processing, the poultry carcasses or parts thereof are placed onto the holding device and secured. Naturally, processing results in significant contamination of the holding devices and the transport unit as a whole. Maintenance of the holding devices requires the processing unit to be taken out of service. Maintenance includes, among other things, repairs, the replacement of individual parts, and, in particular, the cleaning of the unit and its individual components.Cleaning the processing equipment, and especially the holding and transport devices, is of particular importance for complying with existing hygiene regulations. For safe and reliable cleaning of the holding devices, the support body must be detached from the mounting body so that the two parts can be subjected to different cleaning methods and / or cleaning agents. This also allows for effective cleaning of the area beneath the support body and the mounting body with its clamping device.

[0007] In previously known holding devices, also referred to as transport saddles, the support body is detachably connected to the mounting body. The mounting body forms the so-called saddle mechanism, which also includes the clamping device. The support body is known as the saddle. However, to detach the support body from the mounting body, the entire holding device must be detached from the transport unit. In known designs, the support body can only be separated from the mounting body when the entire unit is removed from the transport unit. This means that, for maintenance, all connections of the holding devices to the transport unit must first be disconnected, which is complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, the holding devices must not only be completely disassembled but also professionally reassembled after cleaning.This results in long downtimes for the processing equipment during maintenance, leading to a loss of performance. Another disadvantage is that the known holding devices for maintenance are difficult to handle due to their high weight.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a simple and easy-to-maintain holding device. A further objective of the invention is to provide an easy-to-maintain transport device and device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof. The further objective is to propose a simple and reliable method for maintaining holding devices.

[0009] This task is solved by a holding device of the type mentioned above, whereby the support body is detachably connected to the mounting body by means of a fastening element. The fastening element is designed and configured such that, when the holding device is mounted on the transport unit, it is accessible from the outside for detaching the support body from the mounting body. This means that when the machine is at a standstill, the support body can be easily detached from the mounting body, while the mounting body can remain permanently attached to the transport unit or in the device. This eliminates the time-consuming process of detaching the mounting bodies from the transport unit. The disassembly and assembly of the support bodies is thus significantly simplified. Since processing devices typically have a large number of holding devices, the effect is considerable.The relatively lightweight support bodies are easy for operators to handle and can be effectively cleaned. The mounting bodies, including the clamping mechanism, can be cleaned while installed within the fixture. In summary, cleaning the support body is simplified by easily removing and attaching it to the mounting body, enabling cleaning of the mounting body within the fixture (CIP = Clean In Place).

[0010] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the support body is connected to the mounting body by means of a quick-release fastener system accessible from the outside. This design makes it particularly easy and quick to detach and reattach the support body with a single movement, thereby reinforcing the advantages mentioned above.

[0011] Advantageously, the quick-release system comprises bolts on the mounting body and recesses on the support body that interlock positively and / or non-positively. This creates a particularly simple and secure fastening device that is easy to handle and ensures a secure hold of the support body to the mounting body.

[0012] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that at least one stationary support bolt and at least one movable guide bolt are arranged on the fastening body, the support body having corresponding recesses into which the stationary support bolt and the movable guide bolt engage. This embodiment enhances the aforementioned features.

[0013] Advantageously, at least two support bolts are fixedly arranged on the fastening body, each extending to both sides of the fastening body, and at least one movable guide bolt also extends to both sides of the fastening body. This symmetrical design of the fastening element optimizes the smooth and jam-free removal and installation of the support body and ensures a secure and stable connection between the support body and the fastening body.

[0014] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the movable guide pin is arranged on an actuating lever, wherein the actuating lever is movably mounted on the fastening body and spring-loaded on the fastening body. With the actuating lever being accessible from the outside, i.e., in the assembled state, and its spring preload, loosening and tightening the support body is particularly easy.

[0015] Preferably, the movable guide pin is rigidly connected to the actuating lever and extends to both sides of the actuating lever, with the free ends of the guide pin being guided in elongated holes in the mounting body. This embodiment ensures simple and secure removal and attachment of the support body to the mounting body.

[0016] Optionally, the unit consisting of the mounting body and clamping device is made of metal, preferably stainless steel. Alternatively, the unit can also be made of other materials approved for use in the food industry. Combinations of metal and plastic are also possible. However, the stainless steel version offers a particularly long service life and is easy and effective to clean.

[0017] Advantageously, the support body is designed as a single piece and made of plastic. Since the outer contour of the support body is at least partially adapted to the inner contour of the poultry or parts thereof, this can be implemented particularly easily and cost-effectively as a one-piece plastic part. Furthermore, the support body is preferably manufactured by injection molding, milling from solid material, or 3D printing.

[0018] The problem is also solved by a transport device of the type mentioned above in that the holding device or each holding device is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 9.

[0019] The problem is further solved by using a transport device according to claim 10 when using a transport device in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0020] The problem is also solved by a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof of the type mentioned above, in that the transport device is designed and set up according to claim 10.

[0021] The task is further solved by a procedure with the steps mentioned at the outset, whereby for maintenance of the holding device only the support body is removed from the fastening body, while the fastening body remains on the transport unit.

[0022] Preferably, the support body is detached from the fastening body by actuating a quick-release system which is accessible from the outside when the holding device is mounted on the transport unit.

[0023] The advantages arising from the transport device according to the invention, its use, the device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, and the method for maintaining the holding device have already been described in detail in connection with the holding device, which is why reference is made to the corresponding passages to avoid repetition.

[0024] Further suitable and / or advantageous features and further developments of the holding device, the transport device, the use, the device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, and the method for maintaining the holding device are described in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments of the device are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a holding device in perspective view, wherein the support body is connected to the fastening body and the fastening body to the transport unit, Fig. 2 the holding device according to Figure 1 in a first release position of the support body, Fig. 3 the holding device according to Figure 1 in an advanced release position, Fig. 4 the holding device according to Figure 1 in a more advanced release position, Fig. 5 the holding device according to Figure 1 with a support body completely detached from the mounting body, Fig. 6 a side view of the mounting body, Fig. 7 a top view of the mounting body, and Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a section of a transport device in perspective view.

[0025] The holding device shown in the drawing is used to hold breast caps of poultry. However, the holding device according to the invention is designed and configured in the same way to hold other parts of poultry.

[0026] The holding device 10 shown is designed and configured to hold eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof. The holding device 10 comprises a support body 11, which is designed and configured to support the poultry carcass or parts thereof. Furthermore, the holding device 10 comprises a fastening body 12, which is designed and configured to hold the support body 11 on the one hand and to attach the holding device 10 to a circulating transport unit 13 of the device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof on the other. The holding device 10 also includes a clamping device 14 for fixing the poultry carcass or parts thereof to the support body 11 during processing.

[0027] According to the invention, this holding device 10 is characterized in that the support body 11 is detachably connected to the fastening body 12 by means of a fastening element 15, wherein the fastening element 15 is designed and configured such that, when the holding device 10 is mounted on the transport unit 13, it is accessible from the outside for detaching the support body 11 from the fastening body 12. Actuation of the fastening element 15 – manually and / or with a tool – and thus removal of the support body 11 from the fastening body 12 is therefore possible by an operator when the fastening element 12 is connected to the transport unit 13.

[0028] The features and further developments described below represent preferred embodiments, either individually or in combination. It is expressly pointed out that features summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawing, or described in a common embodiment, can also functionally and independently further develop the holding device 10 described above.

[0029] The support body 11 can optionally be connected to the fastening body 12 by means of screws or similar fasteners 15, which are accessible from the outside. For this purpose, the support body 11 is placed onto the fastening body 12 from above in a cap-like manner and secured with the fastener 15. The support body 11 and the fastening body 12 define a median plane E (see in particular Figure 6 , E spanned between the x- and y-axes), which are parallel to the central axis M (see in particular Figure 7) of the holding device 10. Preferably, the support body 11 is connected to the fastening body 12 by means of an externally accessible quick-release system 16 as a fastening means 15. The quick-release system 16 can comprise a clamping and / or clamping and / or locking mechanism or the like.

[0030] Preferably, the quick-release system comprises 16 bolts 17 on the fastening body 12 on one side and recesses 18 on the support body 11 on the other. When the support body 11 is mounted on the fastening body 12, the bolts 17 arranged on the fastening body 12 engage in the recesses 18 on the support body 11 in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner. There can be exclusively form-fit contacts, exclusively force-fit contacts, or combined form-fit and force-fit contacts. A bolt 17 is understood to be any type of pin, axle section, profile, or the like, as long as it has a sufficiently large projection that is designed and configured to engage / engage in the recesses 18 in the support body 11.

[0031] Preferably, at least one fixed support bolt 19 and at least one movable guide bolt 20 are arranged on the fastening body 12, the support body 11 having corresponding recesses 18 into which the fixed support bolt 19 and the movable guide bolt 20 engage. In the illustrated embodiment, at least two support bolts 19 are fixedly arranged on the fastening body 12, each extending to both sides of the fastening body 12. The at least one movable guide bolt 20 also extends to both sides of the fastening body 12. The extension to both sides means that free ends of the support bolts 19 and the guide bolt 20 project laterally, and thus preferably transversely to the central surface E, from the fastening body 12 or its side walls 12a, 12b (see in particular [reference]). Figure 7 The number of support bolts 19 and their positioning can vary. The same applies to the guide bolt 20.

[0032] Preferably, the movable guide pin 20 is arranged on an actuating lever 21, wherein the actuating lever 21 is movably mounted on the mounting body 12 and spring-loaded on the mounting body 12. When the support body 11 is mounted on the mounting body 12, the actuating lever 21 projects from / below the support body 11, thus ensuring permanent access. A preferred mounting of the actuating lever 21 on the mounting body 12 is achieved by the movable guide pin 20 being rigidly connected to the actuating lever 21 and extending to both sides of the actuating lever 21 – transversely to the central plane E – with the free ends 20a, 20b of the guide pin 20 being guided in elongated holes 22 on the mounting body 12 and in the side walls 12a, 12b, respectively. The spring load can be generated by a spring element 25.For this purpose, the spring element 25 is attached to one free end of the actuating lever 21. The opposite end of the spring element 25 is attached to the mounting body 12. The spring element 25 exerts a spring tension on the actuating lever 21, which holds the actuating lever 21 and thus the guide pin(s) 20 within the elongated hole 22 in the closed position (see e.g. ). Figure 1Preferably, the locking bolts 19 and the guide bolts 20, as well as the elongated holes 22, are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane E. The recesses 18 in the support body 11 are also arranged or designed symmetrically. However, asymmetrical arrangements and designs are also possible. Against the spring force of the spring element 25, the guide bolt 20 can be moved into a release position by actuating the actuating lever 21 (see Figures 2 to 4), so that the guide bolt(s) 20, with their free ends 20a, 20b, are moved out of the recess 18(s) in the support body 11 to release it. Of course, other clamping, locking, and / or plugging mechanisms can also be used.

[0033] The unit formed from the mounting body 12 and the clamping device 14 is preferably made of metal, preferably stainless steel. However, other materials or material combinations can also be used. The clamping device 14 is an integral part of the mounting body 12 and is connected to or arranged on it. The clamping device 14 can be rigidly designed. Optionally, the clamping device 14 includes a pivotable lever 23, which is pivotably mounted on the mounting body 12 from a release position to a clamping position and back again. In the assembled state, the lever 23 engages in a slot-shaped recess 26 in the support body 11. The support body 11 is preferably manufactured in one piece from plastic. More preferably, the support body is manufactured by injection molding, by milling from a solid block, or by 3D printing.Optionally, the support body 11 can also be made of other materials and manufactured using other manufacturing processes.

[0034] The holding device 10 can be designed as a separate component, retrofit kit, or replacement part. However, such holding devices 10 are usually part of a transport device 24. Transport devices 24 are designed and equipped for transporting poultry breast caps or other poultry parts and comprise a transport unit 13 driven in a continuous motion (by means of a drive not explicitly shown) and at least one holding device 10 attached thereto, which is designed and equipped to hold the eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof. However, a plurality of the holding devices 10 are usually attached to the transport unit 13 (see in particular Figure 1). Figure 8Preferably, the holding device 10 or each holding device is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 9 and thus according to the foregoing description. The transport unit 13 is preferably a transport chain to which the holding devices 10 are detachably attached via their fastening elements 12.

[0035] Such transport devices 24 according to claim 10, as described above, are preferably arranged in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0036] These devices are designed and configured for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof and comprise at least one processing station for processing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof and a transport device 24 for transporting the poultry carcasses or parts thereof along the processing station or each processing station, wherein the transport device 24 is designed and configured according to claim 10 as described above.

[0037] The following describes the inventive method for maintaining the holding device 10. The maintenance of the holding device 10 is described using cleaning as an example.The method for cleaning a holding device 10, which is designed and configured for holding eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, wherein the holding device 10 comprises a fastening body 12 with which the holding device 10 is attached to a transport unit 13 of the device for processing, and a support body 11 which is detachably arranged on the fastening body 12 and is designed and configured for supporting poultry carcasses or parts thereof, is characterized according to the invention in that, for maintenance of the holding device 10, only the support body 11 is removed from the fastening body 12, while the fastening body 12 remains on the transport unit 13.

[0038] Preferably, the support body 11 is released from the fastening body 12 by actuating a quick-release system 16, which is accessible from the outside when the holding device 10 is mounted on the transport unit 13.

[0039] First, poultry carcasses or parts thereof are processed in the device. For this purpose, the holding devices 10 move along the processing stations by means of the transport unit 13 and become considerably soiled in the process. The device is stopped for maintenance / cleaning purposes. At this stage, the support bodies 11 are still firmly attached to the mounting body 12, with the support bolts 19 and the guide bolts 20 positively and / or non-positively engaged in the recesses 18 of the support body 11 (see Figure 1One or more operators release the support bodies 11 from the mounting body 12 using the quick-release system 16 by pushing the actuating lever 21 – in this case – backwards / downwards. With other orientations of the holding device 10, actuation can also be performed to the side or upwards. This pulls the guide pin(s) 20 downwards (upwards / towards the side) in the elongated hole 22 until the guide pin(s) 20 is completely removed from the corresponding recess 18 of the support body 11 (see Figure 2 ). By releasing the support body 11 in the area of ​​the guide bolts 20, the support body 11 can be lifted off the support bolts 19, preferably by a kind of tilting movement (see Figures 3 and 4The support body 11, now completely detached from the mounting body 12, can be placed in a cleaning container or similar and cleaned. The operator only needs to move the lightweight support body 11. The heavier mounting body 12 remains attached to the transport unit 13 and can be cleaned in position along with the transport unit and the clamping device 14. After cleaning the holding device 10, the support body 11 can be reattached to the mounting body 12 in reverse order and secured with the quick-release system 16. Instead of cleaning, individual support bodies 11 can also be replaced or repaired in this way. Repairs to the mounting body 12 and / or the clamping device 14 can also be carried out accordingly.

Claims

1. Holding device (10), designed and configured for holding eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising a support body (11) designed and configured for supporting the poultry carcass or parts thereof, a fastening body (12) designed and configured for holding the support body (11) on the one hand and for attaching the holding device (10) to a circulating transport unit (13) of the device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof on the other hand, and a clamping device (14) for fixing the poultry carcass or parts thereof to the support body (11) during processing, characterized by the fact thatthe support body (11) is detachably connected to the fastening body (12) by means of a fastening means (15), wherein the fastening means (15) is designed and arranged in such a way that, in the mounted state of the holding device (10) on the transport unit (13), it is accessible from the outside for detaching the support body (11) from the fastening body (12).

2. Holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the support body (11) is connected to the fastening body (12) by means of an externally accessible quick-release system (16) as a fastening means (15).

3. Holding device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the quick-release system (16) comprises bolts (17) on the fastening body (12) on the one hand and recesses (18) on the support body (11) on the other hand, which interlock in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner.

4. Holding device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the fact thaton the fastening body (12) at least one fixed support bolt (19) and at least one movable guide bolt (20) are arranged, wherein the support body (11) has corresponding recesses (18) into which the fixed support bolt (19) and the movable guide bolt (20) engage.

5. Holding device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that at least two support bolts (19) are fixedly arranged on the fastening body (12), each extending to both sides of the fastening body (12), and the at least one movable guide bolt (20) also extends to both sides of the fastening body (12).

6. Holding device (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by the fact that the movable guide pin (20) is arranged on an actuating lever (21), wherein the actuating lever (21) is on the one hand movably mounted on the fastening body (12) and on the other hand spring-loaded on the fastening body (12).

7. Holding device (10) according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the movable guide pin (20) is fixedly connected to the actuating lever (2) and extends to both sides of the actuating lever (21), the free ends (20a, 20b) of the guide pin (20) being guided in elongated holes (22) on the fastening body (12).

8. Holding device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 7, characterized by the fact that the unit formed from fastening body (12) and clamping device (14) is made of metal, preferably stainless steel.

9. Holding device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the fact that the support body (11) is formed in one piece and is made of plastic.

10. Transport device (24), designed and equipped for transporting disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising a continuously driven transport unit (13) and at least one holding device (10) attached thereto, which is designed and equipped to hold the disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof, characterized by the fact that the holding device (10) is designed and configured according to one or more of claims 1 to 9.

11. Use of a transport device (24) according to claim 10 in a device for processing disemboweled poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

12. Device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, comprising at least one processing station for processing the poultry carcasses or parts thereof and a transport device (24) for transporting the poultry carcasses or parts thereof along the or each processing station, characterized by the fact that the transport device (24) is designed and set up according to claim 10.

13. Method for maintaining a holding device (10) designed and configured to hold eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof during processing in a device for processing eviscerated poultry carcasses or parts thereof, wherein the holding device (10) comprises a fastening body (12) by which the holding device (10) is attached to a transport unit (13) of the device for processing, and a support body (11) which is detachably arranged on the fastening body (12) and is designed and configured to support poultry carcasses or parts thereof, characterized by the fact that For maintenance of the holding device (10) only the support body (11) is removed from the fastening body (12), while the fastening body (12) remains on the transport unit (13).

14. Method according to claim 13, characterized by the fact thatThe support body (11) is released from the fastening body (12) by actuating a quick-release system (16), which is accessible from the outside when the holding device (10) is mounted on the transport unit (13).