Device and method for holding a poultry part during conveyance

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor that conveys the poultry part held by the holder in a horizontal conveyance direction. The device comprises a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being rotatably adjustable relative the base about a vertical axis; and a control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the mandrel relative to the base. The control mechanism comprises an actuation member that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a horizontal direction transverse to conveyance direction. The control mechanism is configured for converting the horizontal translation of the actuation member to a rotation of the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis.

Description

[0001] Title: Device and method for holding a poultry part during conveyance

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The disclosure generally relates to conveying systems for poultry processing lines, particularly to devices for holding poultry parts during conveyance. The disclosure more particularly relates to adjustment mechanisms for adjusting an orientation of the poultry parts relative to the conveyor during conveyance.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Poultry processing systems are known to have a carrier associated with a conveyor, for carrying the poultry carcasses along several inline processing stations, where the poultry carcass is for example deskinned, deboned, and wherein meat is cut and harvested from the poultry carcasses or parts thereof.

[0006] The preferred orientation in which poultry carcasses are presented to the different processing stations is generally different between the different processing stations, and several mechanisms for selectively changing the orientation of the poultry carcasses relative to the conveyor have been proposed. As an example, WO2022 / 131915 describes an adjustment mechanism that functions like a Geneva drive, for rotating the carrier about a vertical central axis between different indexed positions. An actuation member associated with the carrier collides with stationary pin during conveyance by which the actuation member is turned ninety degrees, and along therewith the carrier. An area of possible optimization of the processing of poultry carcasses lies in the orientation adjustment of the poultry carcasses at or in between processing stations. SUMMARY

[0007] It is an object to provide a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance, and that is able to adjust an orientation of the poultry part. Is a more particular aim to provide a device enhanced adjustability, and that can adjust the orientation of a poultry part during conveyance with minimal effort and reduced stress on components.

[0008] An aspect provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor that conveys the poultry part held by the holder in a horizontal conveyance direction. The device comprises a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being rotatably adjustable relative the base about a vertical axis; and a control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the mandrel relative to the base. The control mechanism comprises an actuation member that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a horizontal direction transverse to conveyance direction. The control mechanism is configured for converting the horizontal translation of the actuation member to a rotation of the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis. The conversion of the translation of the actuation member to the rotation of the mandrel allows for a effective decoupling of the adjustment of the mandrel from the conveyance speed of the conveyor. Hence, the rotation of the mandrel about the vertical axis can be controllably executed. The actuation member may for example be engaged by a stationary lateral guide, and be shifted laterally by the guide relative to the base. The lateral guide may be sloping in the horizontal direction, with a sloping angle adapted in relation to the conveyance speed of the conveyor for controlling the adjustment speed and extent of the mandrel.

[0009] It will be appreciated that “horizontal” is transverse to “vertical” and vice versa, and that these terms solely denote relative orientations of components in the context of the disclosure. It will also be appreciated that “horizontal” encompasses directions that are not exactly perpendicular to the earth’s local gravitational field vector. The conveyance in the horizontal direction, as described herein, hence encompasses conveyance directions at an incline, such as up-sloping and down-sloping conveyance directions.

[0010] The aspect hence provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor that conveys the poultry part held by the holder in a plane of conveyance. The device comprises a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being rotatably adjustable relative the base about an axis that extends in the plane of conveyance transverse to the conveyance direction; and a control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the mandrel relative to the base. The control mechanism comprises an actuation member that is translatably drivable relative to the base in the plane of conveyance in a direction transverse to conveyance direction. The control mechanism is configured for converting the translation of the actuation member to a rotation of the mandrel relative to the base about the axis.

[0011] Optionally, the actuation member is non-rotatably translatable drivable relative to the base in the horizontal direction.

[0012] Optionally, the actuation member is pivotably drivable relative to the base in the horizontal direction. The actuation member may for example be pivotably drivable about a vertical pivot axis, the vertical pivot axis particularly being eccentric to the actuation member, and optionally offset from the vertical axis. It will be appreciated that a pivotal motion may be composed of a translation as well as a rotation of the actuation member about a central rotation axis.

[0013] Optionally, the mandrel is rotatably adjustable within a continuous adjustment range about the vertical axis, wherein the continuous adjustment range optionally spans at least 180 degrees, preferably at least 270 degrees. Optionally, the device comprises a blocking element connected in a rotationally fixed relation to the mandrel and configured for cooperating with an external guide rail so as to block rotation of the mandrel about the vertical axis. The blocking element is rotatable along with the mandrel and can in cooperation with the lateral guide rail secure the mandrel in a substantially fixed rotational position, for example for allowing reliable processing of the poultry part. The blocking element may for example include a substantially plate-shaped body that, in use, extends in the horizontal plane, wherein the plate-shaped body defines at its circumference multiple guide sections for being aligned in parallel with the conveyance direction, for example in cooperation with the lateral guide rail. The plateshaped body may for example define four different guide sections, allowing the mandrel to be locked in four different angular orientations. The plateshaped body may for be substantially rectangular, wherein each edge of the rectangular shape forms a guide section. The plate-shaped body may also be substantially star-shaped wherein guide sections are formed between adjacent tips of the star-shape. The blocking element may include one or more rollers for providing a rolling contact between the blocking element and the lateral guide rail. The one or more rollers may for example be provide at vertices of the plate-shaped body.

[0014] Optionally, the actuation member is formed by a disc having a disc body that radially extends in a horizontal plane, transverse to the vertical axis, and that has a circumferential engagement area for being engagingly driven by lateral guide in the horizontal plane transverse to the conveyance direction. The disc body can be predictably and reliably engaged in any angular orientation about vertical axis.

[0015] Optionally, the disc is pivotable relative to the base about vertical pivot axis, the vertical pivot axis being eccentric to the disc and optionally offset from the vertical axis. The pivotal motion of the disc can be transferred to a rotational motion of the mandrel about the vertical axis. Optionally, the vertical pivot axis is offset from the vertical axis towards a leading side of the device. This facihtates the driving of the actuation member by the lateral guide because, at the location where the lateral guide engages the actuation member, the local tangential direction of rotation of the actuation member coincides with the local tangent of the lateral guide.

[0016] Optionally, the disc body includes a slot for receiving an axle therethrough, the slot being so configured for allowing the disc to pivot relative to the axle. This provides a compact arrangement. The slot may for example arcuate at a constant radius from the pivot axis.

[0017] Optionally, the control mechanism includes a gear rack and a pinion meshing with the gear rack, wherein the gear rack is arranged at or formed by an edge of the slot, and the pinion is rotationally connected to a support member that supports the mandrel. The rack and pinion may hence transform the pivotal movement of the actuation member to a rotation of the mandrel about the vertical axis. The pivotal motion of the actuation member particularly provides an arcuate slot, which increases the adjustment range of the mandrel with respect to a straight slot that would have been formed for a pure translational motion of the actuation member. The slot may for example form internal gearing for driving with the pinion in rotation about its rotation axis. The rotation of the pinion can be transferred to a corresponding rotation of the mandrel.

[0018] Optionally, the control mechanism comprises a linkage mechanism connected between the disc body and the mandrel, and configured for converting a pivotal motion of the disc about the pivot axis to a rotational motion of the mandrel about the vertical axis. Hence, alternatively, or additionally, to the rack and pinion, the control mechanism may include a linkage mechanism.

[0019] Optionally, the device comprises an intermediate member rotationally coupled to the mandrel with respect to the vertical axis, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises driving rod pivotally mounted to the actuation member at a first joint, and pivotally mounted to the intermediate member at a second joint. Hence, the linkage mechanism may comprise a driving rod interconnecting the actuation member and the mandrel. The driving rod may be mounted at a first side thereof to the the actuation member. The driving rod at a second side, e.g. opposite the first side, may be connected to an intermediate member that is associated with, particularly rotationally fixed, to the mandrel. The intermediate member may for example be integrated with the blocking element. Movement of the actuation member can accordingly drive the mandrel in rotation about the vertical axis, via the driving rod. The actuation member may particularly drive the intermediate member, and hence the mandrel, in rotation about the vertical axis, through the driving rod.

[0020] The linkage mechanism may hence be considered to include a first arm link, defined by the intermediate member, being in a fixed relation to the mandrel and extending radially from the vertical axis to a first joint, and a second arm link, defined by the driving rod, extending in the horizontal plane between the first joint where the second arm link pivotably connects to the first arm link and a second joint where the second arm link pivotally connects to the actuation member. As the second arm link may be defined by the intermediate member, e.g. the blocking element, the second arm link may hence be pivotably mounted to the intermediate member, such as at a fixed radius from the vertical axis.

[0021] Optionally, the base is integrated with a conveyor link of the conveyor.

[0022] Optionally, the control mechanism is arranged for adjusting a pivotal orientation of the mandrel relative to the base about a horizontal axis, wherein the horizontal axis is optionally horizontally offset from the vertical axis. The mandrel can accordingly be oriented appropriately for different processing steps. For example, a poultry carcass may be preferably be oriented with its breast facing down for deskinning the breast, while the carcass may be oriented with its breast facing in the conveyance direction for loading and unloading the carcass onto and from the mandrel.

[0023] Optionally, the control mechanism is configured for adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis simultaneously.

[0024] An aspect provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a horizontal conveyance direction, comprising a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being adjustable relative the base about a vertical axis, and adjustable relative to the base about a horizontal axis; a control mechanism for controlling the adjustment of the mandrel relative to the base; wherein the control mechanism is configured for adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis simultaneously.

[0025] Optionally, the control mechanism comprises a further actuation member arranged movably drivable relative to the base in a vertical direction, and wherein the control mechanism is configured for converting the vertical motion of the further actuation member to a pivotal motion of the mandrel relative to the base about the horizontal axis.

[0026] Optionally, the control mechanism is arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel within an adjustment range spanning at least more than 90 degrees, preferably at least 100 degrees, preferably at least 150 degrees.

[0027] Optionally, the control mechanism is arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel from a first position in which the mandrel extends horizontally to a second position in which the mandrel extends vertically, and wherein the mandrel is further adjustable to a third position, with respect to the first position beyond the second position. Optionally, the device comprises an axle extending along the vertical axis. The axle may extend through the slot provided in the actuation member. The pinion may be mounted to the axle. The pinion may be rotationally fixed to the axle, to corotate with the axle about the vertical axis. Alternatively, the pinion may be rotatable about to the, e.g. rotationally stationary, axle.

[0028] Optionally, the axle is non-rotatably arranged relative to the base with respect to the vertical axis. Alternatively, the axle may be rotatable relative to the base about the vertical axis.

[0029] Optionally, the axle is connected to the further actuation member for being axially driven along the vertical axis, wherein the axle is pivotally connected to the mandrel for transferring an axial motion of the axle to a pivoting motion of the mandrel about the horizontal axis.

[0030] Optionally, the axle extends along the vertical axis, the axle being coupled at one axial end to the further actuation member for being vertically driven by the further actuation member along the vertical axis and pivotally connected to the mandrel at another axial end for transferring an axial motion of the axle to a pivoting motion of the mandrel about the horizontal axis.

[0031] Optionally, the control mechanism comprises a relay member interconnecting the axle and the mandrel, the relay member being pivotably mounted to the axle, particularly at one end of the relay member, and pivotally mounted to the mandrel, particularly at an opposite end of the relay member. The relay member may include, or be, a rod, optionally an arcuate rod for increasing a range of motion.

[0032] Optionally, the mandrel extends between a proximal end proximate the horizontal pivot axis and an opposite distal end, and wherein the relay member is mounted to the mandrel at a position between the horizontal axis in the distal end. Optionally, the mandrel extends between a proximal end proximate the horizontal pivot axis and an opposite distal end, and wherein the relay member is mounted to the mandrel at a mounting position of the mandrel between the horizontal axis in the distal end. The mandrel may for instance be pivotally supported by a support member of the device at the proximal end of the mandrel. The mounting position can thus provide a positive lever arm relative to the horizontal pivot axis, so that the distal end of the mandrel can be effectively pivoted. By moving the axle upward the distal end of the mandrel also moves upward, and by moving the axle downward the distal end of the mandrel also moves downward. The lever arm furthermore amplifies the movement of the axle to the pivoting of the mandrel.

[0033] Optionally, the axle is pivotally connected to the mandrel via a multiaxial joint, such as a ball joint, configured for allowing simultaneous rotation about two rotation axes, particularly a vertical axis and a horizontal axis. The multiaxial joint allows the axle to be rotationally stationary. The mandrel can accordingly be rotationally adjusted about the stationary axle, while also allowing pivotal adjustment of the mandrel about the horizontal pivot axis. For example, the axle may be coupled to the relay member by the multiaxial joint. Alternatively or additionally, the relay member may be coupled to the mandrel by an axial joint. The axle may at its axial end for example include a ball stud, and the relay member may include a complementary socket for receiving the ball therein, or vice versa. The relay member may be mounted to the mandrel by a uniaxial joint, e.g. arranged to pivot only about a horizontal axis.

[0034] Optionally, the device comprises a locking mechanism for locking the mandrel in an adjusted pivotal position relative to the base.

[0035] Optionally, the locking mechanism is arranged for engaging the axle for locking the axle in an adjusted vertical position relative to the base.

[0036] Optionally, the locking mechanism is integrated with the base. Optionally, the locking mechanism is arranged for selectively being in a releasing position for allowing axial adjustment of the axle relative to the base and a locking position for blocking axial movement of the axle, wherein the locking mechanism includes an activation member for activating the locking mechanism to transition between the releasing and the locking position, the activation member being configured to engageable by an external guide during conveyance in the conveyance direction.

[0037] Optionally, the axle includes a series of axially spaced indexing structures, such as notches and / or ridges, and wherein the locking mechanism is arranged for cooperating with the respective indexing structures for axially locking the axle.

[0038] Optionally, the locking mechanism comprises a latch for cooperating with the indexing structures, wherein preferably the latch is biased towards the locking position.

[0039] Optionally, the locking mechanism is configured for allowing rotation of the axle about the vertical axis while having the axle axially locked.

[0040] Optionally, the axle slidably extends through the base and the further actuation member is arranged at a side of the base opposite to the mandrel.

[0041] An aspect provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a horizontal conveyance direction, comprising a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being pivotally adjustable relative the base about a horizontal pivot axis; and a control mechanism for pivotally adjusting the mandrel relative to the base. The control mechanism comprises an actuation member, also referred to herein as a further actuation member, that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a vertical direction transverse to conveyance direction, wherein the control mechanism is configured for converting the vertical translation of the actuation member to a pivoting of the mandrel relative to the base about the horizontal pivot axis.

[0042] The aspect hence provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a conveyance direction that extends in a plane of conveyance, comprising a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being pivotally adjustable relative the base about a pivot axis that extends in the plane of conveyance; and a control mechanism for pivotally adjusting the mandrel relative to the base. The control mechanism comprises an actuation member, also referred to herein as a further actuation member, that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a direction transverse to plane of conveyance, wherein the control mechanism is configured for converting the translation of the actuation member to a pivoting of the mandrel relative to the base about the pivot axis.

[0043] Optionally, the base is arranged between the further actuation member and the mandrel with respect to the vertical direction. The further actuation member can hence in use be arranged above the base, wherein the mandrel is arranged below the base.

[0044] Optionally, the control mechanism is arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel from a first position in which the mandrel extends horizontally to a second position in which the mandrel extends vertically, and wherein the mandrel is further adjustable to a third position, with respect to the first position beyond the second position.

[0045] An aspect provides a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a horizontal conveyance direction, comprising a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a poultry part holder, such as a mandrel, for holding the poultry part, the poultry part holder being height- adjustable with respect to the base in a vertical direction transverse to the conveyance direction; and a control mechanism for positionally adjusting the poultry part holder relative to the base, wherein the control mechanism comprises an actuation member, also referred to herein as a further actuation member, that is translatably drivable relative to the base in the vertical direction, wherein, in particular, the base is arranged vertically between the actuation member and the poultry part holder.

[0046] Another aspect provides a system comprising a device for holding a poultry part as described herein, and a conveyor for conveying the device along a horizontal path of conveyance.

[0047] Optionally, the system comprises a first guide, particularly a stationary first guide, configured for engaging the actuation member for driving the actuation member laterally relative to the base. The first guide may for example extend substantially parallel to the conveyance direction, for example laterally to the actuation member. The first guide may include an inclined section where the first guide slopes in the horizontal direction away or towards the device for driving the actuation member laterally. The inclination of the first guide with respect to the conveyance direction may be adapted in relation to the conveyance speed of the conveyor for controlling the adjustment speed and the adjustment extent of the mandrel. The first guide is particularly arranged for pushing the actuation member, so as to translate the actuation member in the horizontal plane. The system may particularly comprise two first guides arranged on opposing sides of the conveyor, wherein the first guides are arranged for pushing the actuation member in opposing horizontal directions. Hence, with respect to the conveyance direction, a left first guide may be configured for pushing the actuation member rightward, whereas a right first guide may be configured for pushing the actuation member leftward.

[0048] Optionally, the system comprises a second, e.g. stationary, guide configured for engaging the activation member of the locking mechanism during conveyance in the conveyance direction. The second guide may extend substantially parallel to the conveyance direction, and may include an inclined section where the second guide slopes in the horizontal direction away or towards the base for actuating the activation member.

[0049] Optionally, the system comprises a third, e.g. stationary, guide configured for engaging the further actuation member, for moving the further actuation vertically. The third guide may include an inclined section where the third guide slopes in the vertical direction away or towards the base for driving the further actuation member vertically away from the base, or allowing the further actuation member to move closer to the base.

[0050] According to another aspect, a method is provided comprising providing a device or system as described herein, and adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis and / or about the horizontal axis, particularly by translatingly driving the actuation member relative to the base in a horizontal direction transverse to conveyance direction and / or translatingly driving the further actuation member relative to the base in a vertical direction.

[0051] Optionally, the method comprises adjusting the mandrel about the vertical axis and about a horizontal axis simultaneously.

[0052] It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the device apply equally to the system, and vice versa. It will also particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the device apply equally to the method, and vice versa.

[0053] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0055] Figures 1A-1D show schematic top views of an example of a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance; Figure 2 shows a detailed schematic top view of the exemplary device shown in figures 1A-1D;

[0056] Figures 3A and 3B show schematic frontal views of the device shown in figures 1C and ID;

[0057] Figure 4 shows a schematic top view of a system comprising a conveyor and a device as shown in figures 1A-1D;

[0058] Figures 5A-5C show schematic top views of an example of a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance;

[0059] Figures 6A-6C show schematic frontal views of the device shown in figures 5A-5C;

[0060] Figures 7A-7C show a schematic example of a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance;

[0061] Figures 8-10 show a schematic example of a device for holding a poultry part during conveyance in different orientations;

[0062] Figures 11A-11B show a detailed schematic view of the device shown in figures 8-10;

[0063] Figure 12 shows a system comprising a conveyor and a device as shown in figures 8-10;

[0064] Figures 13A-13B, figures 14A-14B and figures 15A-15B show schematic views of a locking mechanism.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] Figures 1A-1D show schematic top views of a device 100 for holding a poultry part during conveyance. The device 100 comprises a base 10 for being mounted to a conveyor, and a mandrel 20 for holding the poultry part. The base 10 in this example integrated with a chain link of the conveyor. The poultry part in this example may be a carcass front halve, wherein the mandrel 20 is inserted into a cavity of the carcass front halve. The poultry part is not shown in the figures for clarity. The device 100 is arranged for being conveyed by the conveyor in a horizontal plane, particularly along one or more processing stations for processing the poultry part held by the mandrel 20. In this example, the conveyance direction is indicated by the arrow C. The mandrel 20 is rotatably adjustable about a vertical axis Al, so as to allow positional adjustment of mandrel 20 with the poultry part carried thereby, relative to the base 10, for suitably position the poultry part relative to the one or more processing stations.

[0067] In this example, the mandrel 20 is rotationally adjustable about the vertical axis Al within a continuous angular adjustment range of about 270 degrees. Figure 1A shows the mandrel 20 being adjusted to a first end position of the continuous angular adjustment range, and figure ID shows the mandrel 20 being adjusted to an opposite, second, end position of the angular adjustment range, 270 degrees apart from the first end. Figures IB and 1C shows the mandrel 20 being adjusted to respective intermediate positions, respectively 90 degrees and 180 degrees apart from the first end position. It will be appreciated that the mandrel 20 may be adjusted to any intermediate position within the adjustment range between the first and second end positions.

[0068] Figures 3A and 3B shows a frontal view of the device 100, as viewed in the conveyance direction, with the mandrel 20 in the intermediate position corresponding to figures IB and ID respectively. The mandrel 20 is in this example coupled to an axle 40. The axle 40 is also attachable to the base 10, at an end of the axle 40 opposite to the coupling with the mandrel 20. The axle 40 in this example extends along the vertical axis Al. Hence, the longitudinal axis of the axle 40 coincides in this example with the vertical axis Al.

[0069] For rotatably adjusting the mandrel 20 about the vertical axis Al relative to the base 10, the device 100 comprises a control mechanism 30. The control mechanism 30 comprises an actuation member 31 that is translatably drivable relative to the base 10 in a horizontal direction transverse to conveyance direction. The actuation member 31 includes a disc shaped body. Here, the actuation member 31 is a disc-shaped body. The actuation member 31 can for example be engaged by a stationary external lateral guide. Here, the actuation member 31 is pivotable about a vertical pivot axis A2. The pivot axis A2 is eccentric with respect to the actuation member. Hence, the actuation member 31 is in this example translatable as well as rotatable relative to the base 10. The pivot axis A2 in this example is arranged, with respect to the conveyance direction C, upstream of the vertical axis Al.

[0070] The control mechanism 30 is configured for converting a horizontal translation of the actuation member 31 to a rotation of the mandrel 20 relative to the base 10 about the vertical axis Al. The translation of the actuation member 31 thus involves a, here horizontal, positional shift of the actuation member 31, particularly of the entire disc-shaped body.

[0071] The device 100 in this example also comprising a blocking element 50 connected in a rotationally fixed relation to the mandrel 20. The blocking element 50 is configured to cooperate with a stationary external guide rail so as to block rotation of the mandrel 20 about the vertical axis Al. In this example, the blocking element 50 is substantially rectangularly shaped, to define four guide section for being aligned in parallel with the conveyance direction. Each of the, here four, orientations of the mandrel 20 may thus be associated with a respective guide section of the blocking element 50. At the vertices of the blocking element 50, rollers 51 are provided for reducing friction and wear when engaged with the external guide rail.

[0072] In the example of figures 1A-1D and 3A-3B, the control mechanism 30 includes a geared transmission between a gear rack 32 and a pinion 33 configured mesh with one another. Figure 2 shows another top view of the device 100 in which the base 10 has been omitted to show the interaction between the gear rack 32 and the pinion 33. The gear rack 32 is in this example formed by an edge of a slot 34 of the actuation member 31. The slot 34 is arranged for receiving the axle 40 therethrough, and allows for movement of the actuation member 31 relative to the axle 40. The slot 34, here, accordingly defines an arcuate shape about the pivot axis A2. The pinion 33 is associated with the axle 40, and is rotatable about the vertical axis Al. The pinion 33 is in this example rotationally fixed to the blocking element 50, and therewith to the mandrel 20. The pinion 33 may optionally be rotationally fixed to the axle 40. Here, the pinion 33 is rotatably fixed to the axle 40. The axle 40 and the pinion in this example corotate about the vertical axis Al.

[0073] By pivoting the actuation member 31 about the pivot axis A2, the gear rack 32 drives the pinion 33 in rotation about the vertical axis Al, wherein the rotational motion of the pinion 33 is transferred via the blocking element 50 to mandrel 20. Laterally translating the actuation member 31 accordingly causes the mandrel 20 to rotate about the vertical axis Al. It will be appreciated that a suitable transmission ratio can be provided between the rack 32 and the pinion 33 for a desired angular adjustment range.

[0074] Figure 4 shows a top view of a system 1000 comprising the device 100 as exemplified in figures 1-3, and a conveyor 70 conveying the device 100 along the horizontal path of conveyance. Here, the conveyor 70 is a chain conveyor, wherein the base 10 of the device 100 is integrated with, or coupled to, a link 71 of the chain. The system 1000 also comprises a lateral guide rail 72. The lateral guide rail 72 is stationary and extends in the horizontal direction generally parallel to the path of conveyance of the conveyor 70. Here, the system 1000 includes two lateral guide rails 72a, 72b, arranged on either side of the conveyor 70. The lateral guide rails 72a, 72b are arranged for engaging the actuation member 31 while the device 100 is being conveyed 70, so as to move the actuation device 100 relative to the base 10 in the horizontal plane. The lateral guide rails 72a, 72b are inclined relative to the conveyance direction to push the actuation member 31 sideways, i.e. horizontally transverse to the direction of conveyance, thereby activating the control mechanism and causing the mandrel 20 to rotatably adjust about the vertical rotation axis Al.

[0075] Figures 5A-5C and 6A-6C show another example of a device 100 for holding a poultry part during conveyance, similar to the example shown in figures 1A-1D, figures 2A,2B and figures 3 and 4. Figures 5A-5C show top views of the device 100, while figures 6A-6C show respective frontal views of the device 100 shown in figures 5A-5C, as viewed in the conveyance direction. The example differs from the example shown in figures 1A-1D, 2A-2B, 3, 4 in that, instead of a geared transmission, the control mechanism 30 includes a linkage mechanism.

[0076] The linkage mechanism comprises a driving rod 37. The driving rod 37 interconnects the actuation member 31 and an intermediate member, which intermediate member in this example is integrated with the blocking element 50. It will however be appreciated that the intermediate member may alternatively be separate from blocking element 50. The intermediate member, here the blocking element 50, is rotationally fixed to the mandrel 20 with respect to the vertical axis Al. The driving rod 37 may particularly be pivotally mounted to the actuation member 31 at a first joint 36. The driving rod 37 is also mounted to the intermediate member, here the blocking element 50, at a second joint 38 which is rotationally fixed to the mandrel 20. Horizontal translation of the actuation member 31, in this example particularly a pivoting of the actuation member 31 about the eccentric pivot axis A2, accordingly drives the intermediate member, here the blocking element 50, in rotation about the vertical axis, via the driving rod 37. The actuation member 31 can accordingly drive the blocking element 50, and hence the mandrel 20, in rotation about the vertical axis, through the driving rod 37. The driving rod 37 is in this example arc-shaped, for extending about the axle 40. It will be appreciated that a pivoting about the pivot axis A2 involves a non-zero horizontal translation of the actuation member 31 as well as a rotation of the actuation member 31 about the vertical axis Al.

[0077] The linkage mechanism can accordingly be considered to include a first arm link 35, which in this example defined by part of the blocking element 50. The first arm link 35 is in a rotational fixed relation to the mandrel 20 and extends radially from the vertical axis Al to the first joint 36, where the blocking element 50 pivotally connects to the driving rod 37. The driving rod 37 may define a second link arm of the linkage mechanism. The driving rod 37 generally extends in a horizontal plane between the first joint 36, and the second joint 38. At the second joint 38, the second arm link 37 pivotally connects to the actuation element 31.

[0078] In these examples, the mandrel 20 is also pivotably adjustable about a horizontal axis A3. Figures 7A-7C show a particular example of a device 100 for holding a poultry part, similar to the example shown in figures 1-6, in which the mandrel 20 is particularly pivotally adjustable from a first position shown in figure 7A in which the mandrel 20 extends substantially horizontally, to a second position shown in figure 7B in which the mandrel 20 extends substantially vertically. The mandrel 20 in this example is further pivotable beyond the second position to a third position shown in figure 7C. The third position may hence be considered as an overextended position.

[0079] The pivotal adjustment of the mandrel 20 about the horizontal axis A3 may particularly be accomplished by axially moving the axle 40 relative to the base 10. The axle 40 is connected to the mandrel 20 via relay member 41. The relay member 41 pivotally connects to the axle 40 at an axle joint 42 and pivotally connects to the mandrel 20 at mandrel joint 43. The relay member 41 is in this example curved to enable the adjustment to the third, overextended, position. The mandrel 20 is coupled to the intermediate member, here the blocking element 50, via a support member 52, and is pivotably mounted to the support member 52 about the horizontal axis A3. The horizontal pivot axis A3 is, here, horizontally offset from the axle 40.

[0080] The mandrel 20 may particularly be pivotable about the horizontal axis A3 within a continuous angular adjustment range. Here, the device 100 includes a means for indexing the adjustment of the mandrel 20 about the horizontal axis A3, particularly including a series of axially spaced indexing notches 49 in the axle 40. The notches 49 extend circumferentially around the axle 40, and associate with respective axial positions of the axle 40 relative to the base 10.

[0081] The base 10 in this example is provided with a locking mechanism, here includes a latch configured for cooperating with the respective indexing notches 49 so as to locking the axle 40 in a number of predetermined axial positions relative to the base 10. The axial positioning of the axle 40 relative to the base 10 relates to the angular adjustment of the mandrel 20 about the horizontal axis A3. The latch can be actuated using an external guide 18, by an activation member 19.

[0082] Figures 13A-13B and 14A-14B show detailed views of the actuation of the locking mechanism of the device 100. Here, the activation member 19 is arranged at a lateral side of the base 10 for being actuated by an external element, such as a stationary lateral rail, during conveyance. The activation member 19 is particularly extends through the base 10 in a direction transverse to the vertical axis Al, to be accessible at opposite lateral sides of the base 10. The activation member 19 can be moved in said direction transvers to the vertical axis Al between an open position associated with an open state and a locked position associated with a locked state. In the open position, the activation member 19 protrudes primarily on one lateral side of the base 10, whereas in the locked position, the activation member 19 protrudes primarily on the opposite lateral side of the base 10. The activation member 19 mechanically cooperates with the axle 40 and the base 10 to define a bistable mechanism in which the open and locked positions correspond to the two stable states of the activation member 19.

[0083] Figure 15A shows a detailed example of the activation member 19. The activation member 19 includes an engagement element, here an engagement rod 19’, for engaging the indexing notches 49 of axle 40. The engagement rod 19’ is preferably rotatably connected to the activation member 19, about a rotation axis A4, to rollably engage the indexing notches 49 for minimizing friction and facilitate establishing the locking engagement. Figure 15B shows a cross-sectional view in which the activation member 19 is in its locked state, wherein the engagement rod 19’ is in locking engagement with one of the indexing notches 49 of the axle 40.

[0084] The activation member 19 can for example be pressed by the stationary lateral guide rail 18 to move the locking mechanism to an open state in which the axle 40 is axially released from the base 10. While the locking mechanism is in the open state, the axle 40 may be axially moved, in this example by use of an further actuation member 60, which is mounted at an end of the axle 40 opposite to where the mandrel 20 is attached. The base 10 can thus be arranged between the further actuation member 60 and the mandrel 20, such as in this example. The axle 40 may preferably be rotatable relative to the further actuation member 60 about the vertical axis Al, such as to allow rotational adjustment of the axle 40 about the vertical axis Al without changing the rotational orientation of the further actuation member 60 relative to the conveyor.

[0085] The further actuation member 60 in this example includes two axial actuation rollers 61, 62, arranged on either lateral side of the axle 40. The actuation rollers 61, 62 can be guided by an overhead guide rail 63, to increase or decrease a vertical distance between the actuation rollers 61, 62 and the base 10. Once an axial position of the axle 40 relative to the base 10 is set, the activation member 19 can be pressed to its locked state, or be released when spring biased, to move the locking mechanism to a locked state in which the axle is locked in axial direction. In the locked state, movement of the axle in axial direction is blocked. It will be appreciated that the locking mechanism is preferably so arranged to allow rotation of the axle 40 about the vertical axis Al in the locked state of the locking mechanism. Alternatively to the pivotal adjustment about the horizontal axis A3, the pivotal adjustment mechanism as described herein may also be used for adjusting a distance between the base 10 and the mandrel 20, or any other type of poultry part holder, e.g. a shackle. Hence, a height of the mandrel 20 or other type of poultry part holder can be effectively adjusted.

[0086] The axial actuation rollers 61, 62 need not be engaged by the guide rail 63 during conveyance while the locking mechanism is in the locked state. It may however be preferable to use the guide rail 63 as a redundant locking mechanism, to catch the further actuation member 60 in case the locking mechanism fails or accidentally unlocks. The guide rail 63 may hence extend along a substantial portion of the conveyance trajectory, either for adjusting or for maintaining the axial actuation rollers 61, 62 at appropriate height in absence of the locking mechanism.

[0087] Figures 8-10 show another example of a device 100 for holding a poultry part during conveyance, having mandrel 20 which is pivotably adjustable about the horizontal pivot axis. Figures 8-10 show different respective pivotal adjustment positions similar to the exemplary device 100 shown in figures 7A-7C.

[0088] The device shown in figures 8-10 is similar to the device 100 shown in figures 1A-1D, 2, 3A-3B, in that it also comprises a gear rack 32 and pinion 33 for adjusting the mandrel 20 about the horizontal axis Al. The example shown in figures 8-10 differs from the device 100 shown in figures 1A-1D, 2, 3A-3B in that the axle 40 is rotationally stationary, and hence not rotatable about the vertical axis Al. The mandrel 20 is accordingly adjustable relative to the axle 40 about the vertical axis Al. Also, here, the pinion 30 is bearing mounted to the axle 40, to allow the pinion 33 to corotate with the blocking element 50 relative to the stationary axle 40. Also, here, the further actuation member 60 is rotationally fixed to the axle 40.

[0089] As further detailed in figures 11A and 11B, a multiaxial joint 39 is arranged between the axle 40 and the mandrel 20, to allow for relative rotation between the mandrel 20 and the axle 40. The multiaxial joint 39 particularly allows for rotation of mandrel 20 about the vertical axis Al and simultaneously about the horizontal axis A3. The multiaxial joint 39 in this example is a ball joint, but alternative multiaxial joints are also envisioned. Here, the axle joint 42 is embodied as the multiaxial joint 39, and the mandrel joint 43 is embodied as a uniaxial joint. The axle 40 here includes a ball stud that is held by socket of the relay member 41.

[0090] Figure 12 shows an example of a system 1000 comprising a conveyor 70 and the device 100 as shown in figures 8-10, wherein the device 100 is shown in two different orientations relative to the conveyor 70. The mandrel 20 shown to be adjusted about two axis simultaneously, particularly about the vertical axis Al and the horizontal axis A3. The adjustment of the mandrel 20 relative to the base 10 about the vertical axis Al is actuated by horizontal movement of the actuation member 31 while the adjustment of the mandrel about the horizontal axis A3 relative to the base 10 is actuated by vertical movement of the further actuation member 60. Here, the further actuation member 60 is engaged by an, here overhead, guide rail 63. The guide rail 63 is inclined with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyor 70 in vertical direction, so as to drive further actuation member 60 in vertical direction relative to the base 10. By increasing the vertical distance between the further actuation member 60 and the base 10, the mandrel 20 is tilted upwards, and by decreasing the vertical distance between the further actuation member 60 and the base 10, the mandrel 20 is tilted downwards. Here, the further actuation member 60 slidably engages a vertical shaft 64, extending parallel to the vertical axis Al, for supporting torque about the vertical axis Al.

[0091] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

[0092] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

[0093] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

Claims1. A device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a horizontal conveyance direction, comprising: a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being rotatably adjustable relative to the base about a vertical axis; and a control mechanism for controlling the rotation of the mandrel relative to the base, wherein the control mechanism comprises an actuation member that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a horizontal direction transverse to the conveyance direction, and wherein the control mechanism is configured for converting the horizontal translation of the actuation member to a rotation of the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the mandrel is rotatably adjustable within a continuous adjustment range about the vertical axis.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the continuous adjustment range spans at least 90 degrees, preferably at least 180 degrees, more preferably at least 270 degrees.

4. The device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a blocking element connected in a rotationally fixed relation to the mandrel and configured for cooperating with an external guide rail so as to block rotation of the mandrel about the vertical axis.

5. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the actuation member is formed by a disc having a disc body that radiallyextends in a horizontal plane, transverse to the vertical axis, and that has a circumferential engagement area for being engagingly driven by lateral guide member in the horizontal plane transverse to the conveyance direction.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the disc is pivotable relative to the base about vertical pivot axis, the vertical pivot axis being eccentric to the disc and offset from the vertical axis.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein the vertical pivot axis is offset from the vertical axis towards a leading side of the device.

8. The device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the disc body includes a slot for receiving an axle therethrough, the slot being so configured for allowing the disc to pivot relative to the axle.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the control mechanism includes a gear rack and a pinion meshing with the gear rack, wherein the gear rack is arranged at or formed by an edge of the slot, and the pinion is rotationally connected to a support of the mandrel.

10. The device according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the control mechanism comprises a linkage mechanism connected between the disc body and the mandrel, and configured for converting a pivotal motion of the disc about the pivot axis to a rotational motion of the mandrel about the vertical axis.

11. The device according to claim 10, comprising an intermediate member rotationally coupled to the mandrel with respect to the vertical axis, wherein the linkage mechanism comprises driving rod pivotallymounted to the actuation member at a first joint, and pivotally mounted to the intermediate member at a second joint.

12. The device according to claim 11 when dependent on claim 4, wherein the intermediate member is integrated with the blocking element.

13. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the base is integrated with a conveyor link of the conveyor.

14. The device according to any of the preceding claims, the control mechanism is arranged for adjusting a pivotal orientation of the mandrel relative to the base about a horizontal axis, wherein the horizontal axis is optionally horizontally offset from the vertical axis.

15. The device according to claim 14, wherein the control mechanism is configured for adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis and the horizontal axis simultaneously.

16. A device for holding a poultry part during conveyance by a conveyor in a horizontal conveyance direction, comprising: a base for being mounted to the conveyor; a mandrel for holding the poultry part, the mandrel being rotatably adjustable relative to the base about a vertical axis, and pivotably adjustable relative to the base about a horizontal axis; a control mechanism for controlling the adjustment of the mandrel relative to the base; wherein the control mechanism comprises a further actuation member that is translatably drivable relative to the base in a vertical direction transverse to conveyance direction, wherein the control mechanism is configured for converting the vertical translation of thefurther actuation member to a pivoting of the mandrel relative to the base about the horizontal pivot axis.

17. The device according to any of claims 14-16, wherein the control mechanism is arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel about the horizontal axis within an adjustment range spanning at least more than 90 degrees, preferably at least 100 degrees, preferably at least 150 degrees, wherein the control mechanism is particularly arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel about the horizontal axis between a position in which the mandrel extends at a zero-degree angle to the vertical axis and a position in which the mandrel extends at an angle of within a range of 120- 140 degrees to the vertical axis to the vertical axis.

18. The device according to any of claims 14-17, wherein the control mechanism is arranged for pivotally adjusting the mandrel from a first position in which the mandrel extends substantially horizontally to a second position in which the mandrel extends substantially vertically, and wherein the mandrel is further adjustable to a third position, with respect to the first position beyond the second position.

19. The device according to any of claims 14-18, comprising an axle extending along the vertical axis, the axle being connected to the further actuation member for being axially driven along the vertical axis, and wherein the axle is pivotally connected to the mandrel for transferring an axial motion of the axle to a pivoting motion of the mandrel about the horizontal axis.

20. The device according to claim 19, wherein the axle is non- rotatably arranged relative to the base with respect to the vertical axis.

21. The device according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the control mechanism comprises a relay member interconnecting the axle and the mandrel, the relay member being pivotably mounted to the axle, particularly at one end of the relay member, and pivotally mounted to the mandrel, particularly at an opposite end of the relay member.

22. The device according to claim 21, wherein the mandrel extends between a proximal end proximate the horizontal pivot axis and an opposite distal end, and wherein the relay member is mounted to the mandrel at a mounting position of the mandrel between the horizontal axis in the distal end.

23. The device according to any of claims 19-22, wherein the axle is pivotally connected to the mandrel via a multiaxial joint, such as a ball joint, configured for allowing simultaneous rotation about two rotation axes, particularly a vertical axis and a horizontal axis.

24. The device according to any of claims 14-23, comprising a locking mechanism for locking the mandrel in an adjusted pivotal position relative to the base.

25. The device according to claim 24 when dependent on claim 19, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged for engaging the axle for locking the axle in an adjusted vertical position relative to the base.

26. The device according to claim 25, wherein the locking mechanism is arranged for selectively being in a releasing position for allowing axial adjustment of the axle relative to the base and a locking position for blocking axial movement of the axle, wherein the locking mechanism includes an activation member for activating the locking mechanism totransition between the releasing and the locking position, the activation member being configured to be engageable by an external guide during conveyance in the conveyance direction.

27. The device according to claim 25 or 26, wherein the axle includes a series of axially spaced indexing structures, such as notches and / or ridges, and wherein the locking mechanism is arranged for cooperating with the respective indexing structures for axially locking the axle.

28. The device according to claim 27, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a latch for cooperating with the indexing structures, wherein preferably the latch is biased towards the locking position.

29. The device according to any of claims 24-28, wherein the locking mechanism is configured for allowing rotation of the axle about the vertical axis while having the axle axially locked.

30. The device according to any of claims 24-29, wherein the axle slidably extends through the base and the further actuation member is arranged at a side of the base opposite to the mandrel.

31. A system comprising a device for holding a poultry part according to any preceding claim, and a conveyor for conveying the device along a horizontal path of conveyance.

32. A method for adjusting an mandrel for holding a poultry part about a vertical axis relative to a base during conveyance in a horizontal conveyance direction, the method comprising providing a device according to any of claims 1-30 or a system of claim 31 and adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about the vertical axis and / or about a horizontal axis.

33. The method of claim 32, comprising adjusting the mandrel about the vertical axis and simultaneously a adjusting the mandrel relative to the base about a horizontal axis.

Images