Device and method for processing poultry rear halves comprising at least two legs and a central piece connecting the two legs

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for processing poultry rear halves (14) comprising at least two legs (11, 12) and a central piece (13) connecting the two legs (11, 12). During processing, the poultry rear halves are transported along multiple processing stations before the legs (11, 12) are completely separated from the central piece (13). Before separation, however, the skin located on the rear of the central piece (13) and the membrane lying underneath have to be cut with a corresponding means. The device (10) is characterized in that the means for rear-side cutting of the skin and the membrane lying between the skin and the meat comprises at least two separate processing tools (21, 22) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, wherein the first processing tool (21) is arranged in the transport direction T of the poultry rear halves (14) along the transport path, which first processing tool is designed and configured for cutting the skin, and the second processing tool (22) is arranged at a distance behind the first processing tool in the transport direction T and is designed and configured for cutting the membrane removed from the skin. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Device and method for processing poultry hindquarters comprising at least two legs and a central piece connecting the two legs.

[0002] Description

[0003] The invention relates to a device designed and configured for processing poultry hindquarters comprising at least two legs and a central section connecting the two legs, namely for separating the two legs from the central section, comprising a frame, a transport conveyor designed and configured for suspended transport of the poultry hindquarters along a transport path in the transport direction T, wherein the transport conveyor comprises a continuously driven conveying element with shackles arranged thereon for receiving the legs of the poultry hindquarters, and at least one support conveyor arranged below the transport conveyor at a distance from it for supporting and guiding the central section from the underside, which is mounted on the frame and comprises a continuously driven conveying element.as well as several processing stations arranged along the transport path and capable of being brought into functional contact with the poultry hindquarters transported in transport direction T, at least for guiding and / or stretching the hanging poultry hindquarters, for aligning the hanging poultry hindquarters in such a way that, hanging by their legs, they initially point essentially with their back side towards the support conveyor and with their belly side towards the transport conveyor, for separating skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the belly section on the belly side, for separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the belly section on the belly side, for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters in such a way thatthat these, hanging by their legs, with their central section pointing essentially with their ventral side towards the support conveyor and with their dorsal side towards the transport conveyor, and for completely separating the legs from the central section, wherein the processing stations include means for cutting the skin and the membrane lying between the skin and the meat on the dorsal side. The invention further relates to a method for processing poultry hind halves comprising at least two legs and a central section connecting the two legs, namely for separating the two legs from the central section, comprising the steps: transporting the poultry hind halves, hanging by their legs, along a transport path in the transport direction T, ventral side first, by means of a transport conveyor; supporting and guiding the poultry halves in the area of ​​the central section from the underside during the suspended transport in the transport direction T by means of a support conveyor.Guiding and / or stretching the poultry hindquarters hanging on the conveyor, aligning the hanging poultry halves by moving them from a belly-first orientation into a flat orientation also lying in relation to the support conveyor, in which they essentially point with their backs towards the support conveyor and their bellies towards the conveyor, separating skin and / or tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection on the belly side, separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection on the belly side, turning the hanging poultry hindquarters in such a manner,by rotating them from a position where the back is essentially facing the support conveyor and the belly is essentially facing the transport conveyor to a position where the belly is essentially facing the support conveyor and the back is essentially facing the transport conveyor, thereby dislocating the legs from the center piece, and completely separating the legs from the center piece, wherein, prior to the complete separation of the legs from the center piece, the skin and the membrane lying under the skin are incised on the back side of the center piece.

[0004] Such devices and processes are used in the poultry processing industry. In this industry, whole slaughtered poultry carcasses are processed by first separating the ventral front half – the so-called front half – from the carcass, leaving an open ventral rear half. The ventral rear half – the so-called back half – essentially consists of the two legs, which are connected by a central section, namely the lower back or hip area of ​​the bird. These ventral rear halves, in which the legs are still connected to the lower back or hip area, are also referred to as saddles. The two legs are connected to the central section at the transition point by a joint, as well as by tendons, meat, tissue, and membranes located around and within the joint.To separate the legs from the midsection, all components involved in the connection to the midsection must be separated. For this purpose, the poultry hindquarters are transported through the appropriate processing device. The aim of the process is to obtain as much meat and (back) skin as possible along with the legs when separating them from the midsection.

[0005] The poultry hindquarters, suspended by their legs, are initially transported belly-side up and head-side down along the conveyor path through the device. During this process, the hindquarters interact with all processing stations arranged along the conveyor path, ensuring that both sides of the hindquarter are processed identically to separate the two legs from the midsection. Processing stations, located on both sides of the conveyor path, include tools for preparing and separating the legs. These stations encompass all components, guides, separating elements (knives and / or scrapers), and the like involved in the processing, such as guiding, stretching, aligning, redirecting, turning, scraping, cutting, tearing, etc.In the first section along the transport path, each poultry hind half is oriented for processing so that the open belly side essentially faces upwards after alignment, which simplifies the immersion of the processing components. After separating the tissue located between the legs on the belly side in the transition area to the midsection, including tendons, skin, and the like, the midsection is turned relative to the legs so that, in a second section along the transport path, the midsection faces downwards.

[0006] The turning process dislocates the legs from their joints located in the transition area to the midpiece. To achieve a high yield during the final tearing of the dislocated legs from the midpiece, the skin, the tendons supporting and holding the joint, and the tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midpiece are separated ventrally along the transport path. Additionally, the skin and the underlying membrane on the midpiece are incised posteriorly along the transport path. In previously known solutions, the incision of the skin and membrane is performed using a single processing station. This processing station is positioned along the transport path and comprises a single processing tool, namely a double knife.Two stationary blades or two rotating circular knives of the processing tool are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from each other to ensure that the blades or circular knives do not cut into bones, particularly the lower section of the spine, during cutting. The processing tool is positioned along the transport path. In some known devices, this processing tool is located in the area of ​​the support conveyor before the poultry hindquarters are turned, so that the double knife penetrates the back of the middle section from below. In other known solutions, the processing tool is located in the area of ​​the support conveyor after the poultry hindquarters have been turned, so that the double knife penetrates the back of the middle section from above. In all known solutions, the two blades or circular knives are used to cut the bones.The circular blades cut into both the skin and the membrane beneath the skin in a single cutting motion, in order to obtain as much of the meat located in the connection area between the leg and the midsection, the so-called oyster meat, as possible when tearing the legs from the midsection, by separating it from the midsection together with the legs.

[0007] Because the skin is inherently tough and difficult to cut, and because it "floats" on the membrane, tending to deflect relative to the membrane when cut, simultaneously cutting both skin and membrane is challenging. This results in unclean cuts, with the consequence that skin and, in particular, meat remnants remain attached to the midsection when the legs are removed. To reliably cut both the skin and the underlying membrane in a single pass, sufficient cutting depth and high cutting force are required. This often leads to the meat beneath the membrane also being cut, which then remains attached to the midsection when the legs are removed, resulting in yield losses. Furthermore, the widely spaced blades...Circular knives cause the resulting skin and membrane bridge to retain meat lying beneath the membrane on the midsection. Consequently, all known solutions lead to an insufficient yield when extracting the legs from the midsection, as skin remnants and the meat located in the central area between the legs, beneath the skin and membrane (known as oyster meat), are only partially extracted with the legs.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of creating a device that ensures precise and efficient separation of the legs from the central section. A further objective is to propose a corresponding method.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device mentioned above in that the means for cutting the skin and the membrane between the skin and the meat on the back side comprises at least two separate processing tools arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, wherein the first processing tool, which is designed and configured for cutting the skin, is arranged in the transport direction T of the poultry hind halves along the transport path, and the second processing tool, which is designed and configured for cutting the membrane freed from the skin, is arranged spaced behind it in the transport direction T.This surprisingly simple method exposes the membrane between the skin and the meat. In the first step, only the skin is scored, and then in the second step, the meat beneath the membrane is exposed. This ensures that the meat remains attached to the legs when they are separated from the main part. Because the skin and the membrane are scored or scored separately, the tools used can be individually adjusted to each cut, particularly regarding cutting depth and force, resulting in precise incisions.

[0010] By separately incising the skin and then the membrane, the meat beneath the membrane is reliably exposed, making it easier to remove the meat from under the membrane and harvest it along with the legs. This results in an improved yield.

[0011] A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the processing stations, starting from an entry area of ​​the poultry hindquarters into the device and continuing to an exit area of ​​the poultry hindquarters or parts thereof from the device in the transport direction T, successively include at least one saddle-shaped stretching shoe, preferably two stretching shoes arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, as a means for guiding and / or stretching the hanging poultry hindquarters, which is designed and configured for ventral immersion into the abdominal cavity of the poultry hindquarters, and two guide rods extending to both sides of the transport path in the transport direction T as a means for aligning the hanging poultry hindquarters.which are designed and equipped for ventral immersion between the two legs of the poultry hindquarters and taper towards the support conveyor in the transport direction T, a sickle-shaped pair of scraping blades as a means for ventral separation of skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection, which is designed and equipped on the facing inner sides of the legs for ventral immersion into the expanded abdominal cavity and for separating at least skin and tissue, at least one separating device comprising two separating plates as a means for ventral separation of tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection on both sides of the midsection, which is designed and equipped for ventral immersion and for separating at least tendons and tissue, at least one deflecting body as a means for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters,The embodiment is designed and equipped for immersing the poultry hindquarters, transported in shackles in the direction of transport T, into the abdominal cavity and temporarily holding them in place. It also includes a separating agent for tearing the legs suspended in the shackles from the middle section. This embodiment allows for particularly simple and efficient processing of the poultry hindquarters, and in particular for precise alignment and preparation for scoring the skin on the one hand and the membrane on the other, as well as for making the incisions in the back of the middle section.

[0012] A preferred further development is characterized by the fact that the processing stations additionally include at least one spreading bar in the entry area of ​​the device as a means for guiding and / or stretching the poultry hind halves, which are initially transported with their belly side first. This spreading bar is designed and configured above the support conveyor for the ventral insertion between the two legs of the poultry hind half. A single spreading bar is sufficient. Optionally, two spreading bars may be provided. The spreading bar(s) is preferably fixed to the frame and, for example, U-shaped. The spreading bar(s) is positioned so that the poultry hind halves, with their open belly side, enter the spreading bar(s) before reaching the stretching shoe(s), so that the spreading bar(s) engage in the transition area between the legs and the midsection, i.e., in the groin area.The spreading action simplifies the insertion of subsequent processing tools. Other spreading elements, particularly for spreading the legs transversely to the transport direction T, can also be used. The design and / or positioning of each spreading element can also vary. Additionally, each spreading bar assists in aligning the poultry hindquarters, as it slightly slows down the hindquarters hanging by their legs in the area of ​​the midsection, ensuring that the hindquarters lie flat with their backs against the support conveyor during transport in the transport direction T.

[0013] Advantageously, in the transport direction T, a pair of separating blades is arranged behind the means for separating the tendons and tissues surrounding the joints located in the connection area of ​​the legs and midpiece on the ventral side. This pair is designed and configured for cutting tendons located within the joints. Optionally, the pair of separating blades comprises two separately arranged blades. A blade is preferably spring-mounted on each side of the transport path. This pair of separating blades allows not only the tendons and similar structures located outside the joint to be selectively separated, but also the tendons located within the joint, thereby preparing and simplifying the dislocation of the legs.

[0014] Particularly preferred are at least two support conveyors arranged below the transport conveyor, spaced apart from each other in the transport direction T, wherein the conveying element of the first support conveyor in the transport direction T initially runs upwards in the entry area into the device to reduce the distance to the transport conveyor and then parallel to the transport conveyor, while a conveying element of the second support conveyor in the transport direction T initially runs parallel to the transport conveyor and then downwards in the exit area from the device to increase the distance to the transport conveyor.The two spaced-apart support conveyors allow for particularly efficient processing of the poultry hindquarters from both top and bottom (belly and back) in the area of ​​the first support conveyor. In the free space between the two support conveyors, where the poultry hindquarters can hang freely for a short time, the middle sections of the hindquarters can be turned. This allows the legs to be dislocated, and the membrane can then be cut into the back of the middle section above the second support conveyor. In conjunction with the essentially horizontally oriented transport conveyor, the ramp-like design of the first support conveyor ensures that, upon entering the device, the reduced distance to the transport conveyor causes the middle sections to lie flat with their backs against the support conveyor.In the exit area, the second support conveyor, which moves away from the main conveyor, causes an increase in the distance between the legs. This ultimately leads to the legs separating from the midsection, as the legs, hanging from the main conveyor, are transported essentially horizontally in the transport direction T, while the midsections are guided downwards between the second support conveyor and a back guide or similar device located above the second support conveyor. With this embodiment—though other arrangements and components for aligning the midsections on the one hand and for the final and complete separation of the legs from the midsection on the other—efficient and precise processing of the poultry hindquarters with maximum yield is, of course, also possible.

[0015] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the conveying element of the first support conveyor is designed as a double belt, such that two conveying sections of the first support conveyor are arranged transversely to the transport direction T and spaced apart from each other, and are driven continuously in the transport direction T. The resulting gap between the two conveying sections allows the central section, containing the spine or the remaining spinal segment, to be guided in the transport direction T for optimized alignment of the poultry hindquarters. This enables all processing steps, and in particular the skin cutting, to be carried out precisely for improved yield.

[0016] Advantageously, a drive chain, in particular a spiked chain, is arranged between the two conveying sections of the first support conveyor, its spikes projecting beyond the transport plane formed by the surface of the two conveying sections. The drive chain can also be a belt, conveyor belt, or the like, equipped with pointed or toothed spikes that protrude from the transport plane. The spiked chain or any other drive device can also be designed with two tracks. With the additional support or conveying element, which rotates centrally with the support conveyor, the poultry hind halves are guided and held particularly securely and symmetrically, i.e., centered, during processing along the first support conveyor. The drive speeds of the first support conveyor and the rotating support and conveying element are preferably the same, but can optionally be controlled differently.

[0017] A particularly preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that the first processing tool comprises a single blade, which is designed and configured for centrally cutting the back skin of the middle section facing the first support conveyor and is positioned in the area of ​​the support conveyor. With the single blade as a stationary processing tool, a central and precise cut of the skin can be made without cutting the membrane. The single cutting line prevents the formation of a material bridge consisting of skin and membrane. In other words, the central cut in the transport direction T on the back of the middle section ensures that, when the legs are subsequently removed, the entire (back) skin remains attached to the legs, thus achieving maximum yield.Furthermore, the centrally cut (back) skin is distributed evenly across both legs, which improves product quality. The blade can be a simple knife blade with a linear cutting edge. Instead of a knife blade, sickle-shaped elements, pin-like cutting edges, or even circular knives and other cutting tools designed and configured to perform a single cut can also be used.

[0018] Advantageously, the individual blade is designed and positioned to be spring-loaded in the area of ​​the first support conveyor in the transport direction T. This allows the blade to follow the contour of the center piece, ensuring a precise cut. Furthermore, the spring mounting allows the pressure of the blade against the center piece, and thus the cutting force and / or cutting depth, to be individually adjusted via the spring force.

[0019] A preferred embodiment is characterized by the individual blade being pivotably mounted on the frame and held in a working position as a starting position by a spring element or the like. In this position, each poultry hindquarter, with its downward-facing back side, is necessarily brought into contact with the blade. This ensures that the blade follows the contour with an optimized pressure force for the incision, exclusively into the skin, while protecting the subcutaneous membrane. The pivot point of the blade, which in its working position extends obliquely upwards in the transport direction T from the transport plane defined by the surface of the support conveyor, lies on the side entering the transport direction T. This allows the blade to be pressed downwards between the two conveying sections of the first support conveyor as the load increases.The pivot point can also be positioned differently. The deflection can also be linear or achieved using other spring components, such as a pneumatic cylinder or similar device. With the pneumatic cylinder, which can be actively controlled, the cutting force can even be individually adjusted for each product.

[0020] The blade is preferably arranged in the transport direction T behind the sickle-shaped scraper blade pair and in front of the separating element comprising at least two separating plates between the two conveying sections of the first support conveyor. If a two-lane nail chain or the like is arranged between the conveying sections, the blade can also be arranged between them. At the preferred position of the blade, the central section still exhibits sufficiently high stability to ensure a straight and symmetrical cut in the skin spanning the central section.

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention is characterized in that, in the transport direction T, at least one spreading element is arranged behind the first processing tool for cutting the skin and in front of the second processing tool for cutting the membrane. This element spreads the skin cut by the first processing tool transversely to the transport direction T to expose the membrane. The first spreading element is arranged in the area of ​​the first support conveyor shortly behind the blade, for example 5 cm to 10 cm behind it. With this spreading element, the cut skin is at least partially spread, i.e., in particular, pushed to the side transversely to the transport direction T. The position of the first spreading element, which can vary in shape and size, is optionally changeable. It is also possible to design the spreading element(s) to be resiliently yielding perpendicular to the transport plane.

[0022] Advantageously, the first spreading element is arranged in the area of ​​the first support conveyor, while at least one second spreading element is arranged in the area of ​​the second support conveyor. The second spreading element is essentially designed and configured similarly to the first spreading element, optionally with a slightly greater spreading effect. In further embodiments, a third spreading element may also be provided, positioned at the end of the first support conveyor.

[0023] Advantageously, all spreading elements have a wedge shape that widens in the transport direction T. Firstly, the spreading elements can also have a different spreading shape. Secondly, the spreading elements can also be designed differently from one another. For example, the second spreading element on the second support conveyor is wider than the first spreading element on the first support conveyor. The spreading of the cut skin with the first spreading element is approximately 10-20 mm, but can also be narrower or wider. The spreading with the second spreading element is approximately 20-30 mm, but can also be narrower or wider. The spreading advantageously serves to push the skin away from the membrane far enough to create sufficient space for the second processing tool, which is intended only to cut the membrane.

[0024] A particularly advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the second processing tool comprises two blades arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from each other, wherein the two blades are designed and configured for cutting the exposed membrane of the central section from the back and are positioned above the second support conveyor. With the double blade as a stationary processing tool, a precise double cut can be made in the membrane on both sides of the spine or the remaining spinal segment. The double blade can comprise two simple blades with a linear cutting edge. Instead of blades, sickle-shaped elements, pin-like cutting edges, circular knives, and other cutting tools designed and configured to perform a double cutting line can also be used.

[0025] Advantageously, the two blades are designed and positioned above the second support conveyor (in the transport direction T) in a spring-loaded manner. This allows the blades to follow the contour of the center section, ensuring a precise cut. Furthermore, the spring mounting allows the pressure of the blades against the center section, and thus the cutting force and / or cutting depth, to be individually adjusted via the spring force.

[0026] Preferably, the two blades are pivotally mounted on the frame and held in a working position by a spring element or similar device. This initial position ensures that each poultry hindquarter, with its back facing upwards, is in direct contact with the blades. This guarantees that the blades follow the contour with optimized pressure for cutting only into the membrane, protecting the meat beneath it. The pivot point of the blades, which in their working position extend diagonally downwards from the frame in the transport direction T towards the second support conveyor, is located on the side entering the transport direction T. This allows the blade to be pressed upwards towards the frame as the load increases through the central section. The pivot point can also be positioned differently.The deflection can also be achieved linearly or through other spring components, such as a pneumatic cylinder or similar device. Using the pneumatic cylinder, which can be actively controlled, the cutting force can even be individually adjusted for each product.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the two blades are mounted separately and designed and configured to move independently of each other. This allows for a more precise response to unevenness on both sides of the spine or the remaining section of the spine.

[0028] In another embodiment, the two blades are mounted together in such a way that both blades are designed and configured to move synchronously. This simplifies the design of the device and facilitates the control of the double blade.

[0029] Advantageously, the device includes a control unit connected to all automatically controllable components to ensure automatic processing of the poultry hindquarters. In particular, the transport conveyor, any support conveyor(s), any nail chains or the like, any pneumatic cylinders, and the like are connected to the control unit. The problem is also solved by a method comprising the steps mentioned above, whereby the incision of the skin and the incision of the membrane beneath the skin are carried out separately and sequentially at different positions along the transport path, by first incising the skin and then incising the membrane freed from the skin.The advantages resulting from the aforementioned and subsequently described process steps have already been described in connection with the device; therefore, reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition. The two-step incision of the skin and membrane ensures that only the skin and, separately, only the membrane are incised at any one time, resulting in precise incisions with maximum yield.

[0030] Preferably, the skin is incised with a single blade, such that the skin lying over the membrane is scored centrally on the midsection in the transport direction T. The central incision along a single cutting line separates the skin symmetrically on the midsection, ensuring that the entire (back) skin remains evenly attached to both legs and is harvested along with them.

[0031] Advantageously, the single blade is deflected by spring action when scoring the skin through the rear half of the poultry. This allows the blade to follow the contour of the midsection, exerting a balanced cutting force that is sufficient to score the skin but not enough to penetrate the membrane.

[0032] A preferred embodiment is characterized in that, during transport of the poultry hindquarters in transport direction T, the scored skin is spread open at at least one position along the transport path before the membrane is cut. By spreading the skin open, i.e., by sliding it laterally, the membrane is freely accessible and can be cut separately from the skin without cutting into the skin itself.

[0033] Preferably, the skin is spread open in several steps, with the degree of spreading increasing in the transport direction T. This gently pushes the incised skin sufficiently far to the side transversely to the transport direction T, so that the double blade reliably and precisely cuts only the membrane.

[0034] Advantageously, the exposed membrane is incised using a double blade, such that the exposed membrane is scored in the transport direction T with two cutting lines spaced apart from each other. This ensures that the membrane is reliably incised without the risk of the double blade cutting into bone, particularly the remaining vertebral segment.

[0035] The double blade is particularly advantageous when scoring the membrane through the rear half of the poultry, as it is deflected with springiness. This allows the double blade to follow the contour of the midsection, exerting a balanced cutting force that is sufficient to score the membrane but not enough to cut into the meat.

[0036] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the alignment of the poultry hind halves during transport along the conveyor path is supported by a first support conveyor, which, suspended from the conveyor, guides the hind halves from below in the area of ​​the midsection, reducing the distance between them, first upwards towards the conveyor and then parallel to it. Through the combined action of transporting the legs essentially horizontally by the conveyor on the one hand, and the sectional upward transport of the midsection by the first support conveyor on the other, the midsection is reliably aligned such that its back side lies flat on the first support conveyor, while its belly side faces upwards towards the conveyor.This makes processing the poultry hindquarters from the belly side particularly easy and precise.

[0037] Advantageously, the complete separation of the legs from the midsection by tearing them off is facilitated by transporting the legs of the poultry hindquarters, suspended in the conveying conveyor, with increased distance between them and a second support conveyor that supports the midsection of the poultry hindquarters in the transport direction T. The severed legs are then transported away by the conveying conveyor, while the legless midsection is conveyed along the second support conveyor. Since the connections between the legs and the midsection, consisting of tendons, tissue, skin, and the like, have already been substantially severed, and in particular since the skin on the back side of the midsection is first incised and then the membrane immediately before tearing, this transport with increased distance ensures that the legs are separated from the midsection with maximum yield of meat and skin.

[0038] A preferred further development is characterized by the fact that the skin is scored from below, on the back side, into the center piece in the area of ​​the first support conveyor, while the membrane is scored from above, on the back side, into the center piece in the area of ​​the second support conveyor. The temporally and spatially different scoring of the skin on the one hand and the membrane on the other enables precise and yield-efficient processing. Because the skin is scored early, i.e., even before the actual processing by separating tendons and the like on the ventral side, while the membrane is scored only immediately before the legs are torn off, after all other connections have been severed, a yield-optimized tearing of the legs from the center piece is ensured.

[0039] It is advisable to cut the tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection after separating them on the belly side, and before turning the hanging poultry hindquarters over. This makes it much easier to dislocate the legs from the joints. It also optimizes the tearing process after turning.

[0040] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 20.

[0041] Further expedient and / or advantageous features and developments of the device and the method will become apparent from the dependent claims and the description. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention and the method are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. In the drawing: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a device according to the invention.

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of the device according to Figure 1 in a perspective view from the side and obliquely from above, with a poultry hindquarters hanging in shackles of the transport conveyor.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the first processing tool for cutting the skin with a spreading element arranged downstream in the transport direction T in the area of ​​the first support conveyor in an enlarged perspective view, and

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of the second processing tool for cutting the membrane with a spreading element arranged in the transport direction T in front of the processing tool in the area of ​​the second support conveyor in an enlarged perspective view.

[0045] The device according to the invention and shown in the drawing serves to automatically separate the legs from the middle section of a poultry hindquarter.

[0046] The preferred embodiment shown in the drawing depicts a device

[0047] 10, which are used to process at least two legs 11, 12 and one of the two legs

[0048] The device 10 is designed and configured to separate the two legs 11, 12 from the central section 13 of the poultry hind halves 14, which are connected by a central section 13. The device 10 comprises a frame 15, a transport conveyor 16 designed and configured for the suspended transport of the poultry hind halves 14 along a transport path in the transport direction T, wherein the transport conveyor 16 comprises a continuously driven conveying element 17 with shackles 18 arranged thereon for receiving the legs 11, 12 of the poultry hind halves 14, and at least one support conveyor 19 arranged below the transport conveyor 16 at a distance from it for supporting and guiding the central section 13 from the underside, which is mounted on the frame 15 and comprises a continuously driven conveying element 20.as well as several processing stations arranged along the transport path and capable of being brought into functional contact with the poultry hindquarters 14 transported in the transport direction T, at least for guiding and / or stretching the hanging poultry hindquarters 14, for aligning the hanging poultry hindquarters 14 such that, hanging by their legs 11, 12, their central section 13 initially points essentially with their back side towards the support conveyor 19 and with their belly side towards the transport conveyor 16, for separating skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the central section 13 on the belly side, for separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the central section 13 on the belly side, for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters 14 such that they are hanging by their legs 11,12 hanging with their central section 13 essentially with their ventral side facing the support conveyor 19 and with their dorsal side facing the transport conveyor 16, and for completely separating the legs 11, 12 from the central section 13, the processing stations comprising means for incising skin and membrane lying between skin and meat from the dorsal side.

[0049] According to the invention, this device 10 is characterized in that the means for cutting the skin and the membrane located between the skin and the meat on the back side comprises at least two separate processing tools 21, 22 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, wherein the first processing tool 21, which is designed and configured for cutting the skin, is arranged in the transport direction T of the poultry hind halves 14 along the transport path, and the second processing tool 22, which is designed and configured for cutting the membrane freed from the skin, is arranged spaced behind it in the transport direction T.

[0050] 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 figures, or described in a common embodiment, can also functionally and independently further develop the device 10 described above.

[0051] The transport conveyor 16, a continuously driven overhead conveyor with a plurality of shackles 18, is preferably arranged separately above the frame 15 and transports the poultry hindquarters 14, which are suspended individually in the shackles 18 and are manually or automatically hooked into the shackles 18, essentially horizontally in the transport direction T. In the preferably continuous transport, the poultry hindquarters 14 come into contact with several processing stations along the transport path. Starting from an entry area 23 of the poultry hindquarters 14 into the device 10 and continuing to an exit area 24 of the poultry hindquarters 14 or the parts thereof, namely the legs 11, 12 separated from the middle section 13, the poultry hindquarters 14 first encounter a first support conveyor 19.The initially freely hanging hind halves of the poultry 14 are transported with the (open) belly side facing forward and are then supported from below by the first support conveyor 19.

[0052] In the transport direction T, the poultry hind halves 14 first encounter a U-shaped spreading bar 25, which serves to guide and / or expand the poultry hind halves 14, initially transported with their ventral side first. The U-shaped spreading bar 25 is positioned above the support conveyor 19 and is designed and configured to insert the poultry hind halves 14 between the two legs 11, 12 and is detachably attached to the frame 15. The poultry hind halves 14 then encounter two stretching shoes 26, 27 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, which guide and / or expand the hanging poultry hind halves 14. These shoes are designed and configured to insert the poultry hind halves 14 into the abdominal cavity of the poultry hind halves 14. The stretching shoes 26, 27 are detachably mounted on the frame 15, preferably in a resilient position centrally along the transport path.Overlapping with the second stretching shoe 27, the poultry hind halves 14 encounter a pair of sickle-shaped scraping blades 28, which serve to separate skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the midsection 13 from the ventral side. These blades are designed and positioned on the facing inner surfaces of the legs 11, 12 for ventral immersion into the expanded abdominal cavity and for separating at least the skin and tissue. The pair of scraping blades 28 comprises two sickle-shaped scraping blades that are detachably attached to the frame 15 on opposite sides of the transport path.Following the pair of scraping blades 28 is a U-shaped separating element 29, designed for the ventral separation of tendons and tissue located on both sides of the central section 13 in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the central section 13. This separating element is designed and configured for ventral immersion and for separating at least tendons and tissue. The separating element 29 comprises four separating plates, with two opposing separating plates forming a pair. The two pairs of separating plates are arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. The pair of separating plates furthest behind in the transport direction T is optionally wider transversely to the transport direction T than the first pair of separating plates.At least in the area of ​​the first pair of separating plates, a counter-position 46 is arranged on the inside, between the two separating plates. This counter-position is designed, configured, and positioned such that a gap is formed between the counter-position 46 and the separating element 29. This gap is designed and configured to receive ribs or rib bases of the poultry hindquarters 14. Extending from the U-shaped spreading bracket 25 to the separating element 29, guide rods 30 serve on both sides of the transport path. These guide rods 30 align the hanging poultry hindquarters 14 and are designed and configured to be inserted vent-side between the two legs 11, 12 of the poultry hindquarters 14. In the transport direction T, the guide rods taper towards the first support conveyor 19.In the transport direction T behind the separating agent 29, at the end of the first support conveyor 19, a pair of separating knives 31 is arranged, which is designed and set up for cutting tendons located inside the joints.

[0053] As mentioned, the poultry hindquarters 14 first encounter a first support conveyor 19. The first conveying element 20 of the first support conveyor 19 (in the transport direction T) initially rises in the entry area 23 into the device 10 to reduce the distance to the transport conveyor 16, and then runs parallel to the transport conveyor 16. A second support conveyor 32 with a continuously driven conveying element 33 is provided at a distance (in the transport direction T) from the first support conveyor 19. The second conveying element 33 of the second support conveyor 32 (in the transport direction T) initially runs parallel to the transport conveyor 16 and then descends in the exit area 24 from the device 10 to increase the distance to the transport conveyor 16. A clearance 34 is formed between the two support conveyors 19 and 32, in which the poultry hindquarters 14 transported on the transport conveyor 16 hang freely downwards.Starting from the free space 34, the poultry hindquarters 14 encounter at least one deflecting body 35 before reaching the second support conveyor 32. This deflecting body serves as a means for turning the suspended poultry hindquarters 14. It is designed and configured to allow the poultry hindquarters 14, transported in the direction of transport T, to be immersed vent-side into the abdominal cavity and temporarily stopped. The deflecting body 35 comprises U-shaped guide rods. One curved leg 36 of the U-shaped guide rod points opposite the direction of transport T, such that the poultry hindquarters 14 thread their open ventral side into the guide rods.In other words, the poultry hind halves 14 first encounter the U-shaped arm 36 in their abdominal cavity. This arm stops the midsections 13, which are being transported further along the legs 11, 12. This causes the midsections 13 to turn over, such that, as they continue along the second support conveyor 32, the poultry hind halves 14 lie with their belly side facing downwards on the second support conveyor 32 and with their back side, which already has the incised (back) skin, facing upwards towards the transport conveyor 16. The deflecting body 35, in conjunction with the transport conveyor 16, thus forms the means for turning the midsections 13 of the poultry hind halves 14. In this turned orientation, the poultry hind halves 14 encounter the second processing tool 22 for incising the membrane.In the transport direction T behind the second processing tool 22, a release element 37 is arranged as a means for separating the legs 11, 12, which are suspended in the shackles 18, from the center piece 13. In the preferred embodiment, the release element 37 comprises several components that are operatively connected to one another. Firstly, a back guide 38 is arranged above the second support conveyor 32. This guide is positioned at a distance from the second support conveyor 32 to form a guide space for the center pieces 13 and follows the downward path of the second support conveyor 32 at least section by section. This creates an increase in distance to the transport conveyor 16, through which the legs 11, 12 are pulled from the center piece 13.

[0054] The conveying element 20 of the first support conveyor 19, only indicated in the drawing, is designed as a double belt. The double belt comprises two conveying sections 39, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T and driven continuously in the transport direction T. A drive chain 40, in particular a nail chain, is arranged between the two conveying sections 39 of the first support conveyor 19, the tips 41 of which project beyond the transport plane E formed by the surface of the two conveying sections 39. The first processing tool 21 is arranged in the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19, behind the pair of scraper knives 28 in the transport direction T. The first processing tool 21 comprises a single blade 42, which is designed and configured for centrally cutting the rear skin of the middle section 13 facing the first support conveyor 19.For this purpose, the blade 42 is arranged in the transport direction T behind the sickle-shaped scraper blade pair 28 and in front of the separating agent 29 between the two conveyor sections 39 and between the two-lane nail chain of the first support conveyor 19. The individual blade 42 is plate-shaped and has a cutting edge 43 on a narrow side facing the poultry hindquarters 14. The blade 42 is designed and arranged to be resiliently deflectable in the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19 in the transport direction T. The individual blade 42 is pivotally mounted on the frame 15 and held in a working position (starting position) by a spring element or the like (not explicitly shown), in which each poultry hindquarter 14, with its downward-facing back side, is necessarily brought into operative contact with the blade 42.The pivot point S1 is located in the infeed area of ​​the poultry hind halves 14 onto the cutting edge 43, so that the blade 42 can plunge downwards between the conveyor channels 39 (counterclockwise in the view shown in Figure 3). In the starting position, the blade 42, which is designed to rise in the transport direction T, projects beyond the transport plane E.

[0055] In the transport direction T behind the first processing tool 21, i.e., behind the blade 42, a first spreading element 44 is arranged. The spreading element 44 is designed and arranged to spread the skin incised by the first processing tool 21 transversely to the transport direction T in order to expose the membrane in the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19 between the conveyor sections 39. A second spreading element 45 is arranged in the area of ​​the second support conveyor 32, which is also designed and arranged to spread the skin incised by the first processing tool 21 transversely to the transport direction T in order to expose the membrane. Both spreading elements 44, 45 have a wedge shape that widens in the transport direction T. The wedge shape is designed such that the wedge slides between the opposing skin edges. During transport in the transport direction T, the wedge pushes the skin edges outwards transversely to the transport direction T.The second spreading element 45 is wider than the first spreading element 44 for further spreading of the skin. The first spreading element 44 creates a gap of approximately 10 to 20 mm between the opposing skin edges. The second spreading element 45 creates a gap of approximately 20 to 30 mm between the opposing skin edges. Each spreading element 44, 45 can be fixed in place and rigidly detachable from the frame 15. Preferably, each spreading element 44, 45 is arranged on the frame 15 perpendicular to the transport plane E, allowing for spring action. The second processing tool 22 comprises two blades 47, 48 as a double blade, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from each other, wherein the two blades 47, 48 are designed and configured for cutting the exposed membrane of the middle piece 13 from the back and are positioned above the second support conveyor 32.The two blades 47, 48 are plate-shaped and have a cutting edge 51, 52 on a narrow side facing the poultry hindquarters 14. The two blades 47, 48 are pivotally mounted on the frame 15 and held in a working position as a starting position by a spring element 49 or the like, in which each poultry hindquarter 14, with its upward-facing back side, is necessarily brought into operative contact with the blades 47, 48. The two blades 47, 48 are designed to be resiliently deflectable above the second support conveyor 32 in the transport direction T and are arranged on the frame 15. The two blades 47, 48 are mounted together pivotably on the frame 15 and are held in a working position as a starting position by the spring element 49 or the like, in which each poultry rear half 14 with its upwardly facing back side can be brought into functional contact with the blades 47, 48.The pivot point S2 is located in the entry area of ​​the poultry hind halves 14 onto the cutting edge 51, 52, so that the blades 47, 48 can move upwards towards the transport conveyor 16 (clockwise in the view according to Figure 4). In the starting position, the blades 47, 48, which are designed to slope downwards in the transport direction T, protrude into the transport path.

[0056] The device 10 comprises a control unit 50, which is connected to all automatically controllable components. The processing of the poultry hindquarters can be carried out at least semi-automatically, but preferably fully automatically, by means of the control unit 50.

[0057] The process is described in detail below with reference to the drawing. The process is used to process poultry hindquarters 14 comprising at least two legs 11, 12 and a central section 13 connecting the two legs 11, 12, specifically to separate the two legs 11, 12 from the central section 13. The poultry hindquarters 14, which are manually or automatically suspended in the conveyor 16, are transported by the conveyor 16, belly-first, along a transport path in the direction T. Along the transport path, the poultry hindquarters 14 are guided at least partially from the underside in the area of ​​the central section 13 during suspended transport in the direction T by means of a support conveyor 19, 32.During transport along the conveyor path, the poultry hindquarters 14 suspended from the conveyor 16 are guided and stretched to be aligned. This alignment is achieved by moving them from their ventral orientation to a flat orientation lying on the support conveyor 19, with their backs essentially facing the support conveyor 19 and their bellies facing the conveyor 16. The poultry hindquarters 14 thus aligned are then processed by separating the skin and / or tissue located on the ventral side in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the midsection 13. This separation of skin and tissue located on the ventral side in the groin area serves as preparation for the ventral separation of tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the midsection 13. These tendons and tissue surround the joint connecting the legs 11 and 12.The legs 11 and 12 are mounted on or connected to the central piece 13. The legs 11 and 12, thus detached from the central piece 13, are then turned over as a single-piece poultry hindquarters 14 by rotating them from a position where their backs are essentially facing the support conveyor 19 and their bellies the transport conveyor 16, to a position where their bellies are essentially facing the support conveyor 32 and their backs are facing the transport conveyor 16. By rotating the central piece 13 by almost 180 degrees relative to the legs suspended in the shackles 18, the legs 11 and 12 are dislocated from the joint on the central piece 13.Since essentially all components connecting the legs 11, 12 with the central piece 13 are now separated, the legs 11, 12 can be completely separated from the central piece 13, whereby, prior to the complete separation of the legs 11, 12 from the central piece 13, the skin and the membrane lying under the skin are incised dorsally on the central piece 13.

[0058] This method, according to the invention, is characterized in that the incision of the skin and the incision of the membrane lying beneath the skin are carried out separately and successively at different positions along the transport path, by first incising the skin and then incising the membrane freed from the skin. In order to separate as many of the components connecting the legs 11, 12 to the middle section 13 as possible before final separation by tearing, after the tendons and tissues located in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the middle section 13 have been separated ventrally and before turning the hanging poultry hindquarters 14, the tendons located in the joints in the connection area between the legs 11, 12 and the middle section 13 are cut ventrally within the joints located in the connection area between the legs 11, 12 and the middle section 13.This initially facilitates the dislocation of legs 11, 12 when turning the middle piece 13 and prepares the separation by tearing off legs 11, 12 from the middle piece 13.

[0059] The skin is scored with a single blade 42 such that the skin lying over the membrane on the back side of the middle section 13 is scored centrally in the transport direction T. During transport of the poultry hind halves in the transport direction T over the blade 42, the single blade 42 is deflected by spring action as the poultry hind half 14 scores the skin. The cutting depth and / or the cutting force can be adjusted by the spring force of a spring element that holds the blade 42 in its working position. The (back) skin, scored in the transport direction T over the entire length of the middle section 13, is spread open at at least one position along the transport path before the membrane is scored during transport of the poultry hind halves 14 in the transport direction T. In the illustrated embodiment, the skin is spread open in several steps, with the degree of spreading increasing in the transport direction T.In the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19, an initial spreading in the transport direction T occurs behind the blade 42 by a spreading element 44, which spreads the skin transversely to the transport direction T by approximately 10 to 20 mm. In the area of ​​the second support conveyor 32 in the transport direction T in front of the blades 47, 48, a further spreading occurs by a spreading element 45, which spreads the skin transversely to the transport direction T by approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0060] With the skin spread open in the described manner, the poultry hind halves 14 reach the second processing tool 22. This tool uses a double blade 47, 48 to cut the exposed membrane, creating two cut lines in the transport direction T, spaced apart from each other. The two cut lines are parallel to the spine or to the remaining section of the spine in the poultry hind half 14. During the scoring of the membrane, the double blade 47, 48 is deflected by the poultry hind half 14. The scoring of the skin in the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19 is performed from below, on the back side, into the middle section, while the scoring of the membrane in the area of ​​the second support conveyor 32 is performed from above, on the back side, into the middle section 13.

[0061] The alignment of the poultry hindquarters 14 during transport along the conveyor path is supported by a first support conveyor 19, which, suspended from the conveyor 16, guides the poultry hindquarters 14 upwards in the area of ​​the midsection 13, reducing the distance between them, first towards the conveyor and then parallel to the conveyor 16. This superimposed movement, in combination with guide rods 30 that push the legs 11, 12 laterally outwards and the midsection 13 downwards towards the support conveyor 19, aligns the poultry hindquarters 14 with their backs facing downwards onto the support conveyor 19 and their open bellies facing upwards towards the conveyor 16.

[0062] The complete separation of the legs 11, 12 from the midsection 13 by tearing off the legs is facilitated by transporting the legs 11, 12 of the poultry hindquarters 14, suspended in the transport conveyor 16, in the transport direction T towards a second support conveyor 32 which supports the midsection 13 of the poultry hindquarters 14. The detached legs 11, 12 are transported away by means of the transport conveyor 16, while the legless midsection 13 is conveyed along the second support conveyor 32. After the membrane is scored, the midsection 13 is threaded into a space between the second support conveyor 32 and a back guide 38 arranged at a distance from it. This forced guidance is directed downwards, so that the tensile force of the midsection 13 on the legs 11, 12 increases until the legs 11, 12 tear off.

[0063] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device 10 as described above.

Claims

Device (10), designed and equipped for processing at least two legs (11, 12) and a central section (13) connecting the two legs (11, 12) of poultry hind halves (14), namely for separating the two legs (11, 12) from the central section (13), comprising a frame (15), a transport conveyor (16), designed and equipped for suspended transport of the poultry hind halves (14) along a transport path in the transport direction T, wherein the transport conveyor (16) comprises a continuously driven conveying element (17) with shackles (18) arranged thereon for receiving the legs (11, 12) of the poultry hind halves (14), and at least one support conveyor (19) arranged below the transport conveyor (16) at a distance from it for supporting and guiding the central section (13) from the underside, which is mounted on the frame (15) and comprises a continuously driven conveying element (20).as well as several processing stations arranged along the transport path and capable of being brought into functional contact with the poultry hind halves (14) transported in the transport direction T, at least for guiding and / or stretching the hanging poultry hind halves (14), for aligning the hanging poultry hind halves (14) such that, hanging by their legs (11, 12), their midsection (13) initially points essentially with its back side towards the support conveyor (19) and with its belly side towards the transport conveyor (16), for separating skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13) on the belly side, for separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13) on the belly side, and for turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14) such that they are hanging by their legs (11,12) hanging with their central section (13) substantially facing the ventral side towards the support conveyor (19) and the dorsal side towards the transport conveyor (16), and for completely separating the legs (11, 12) from the central section (13), wherein the processing stations comprise means for back-cutting skin and the membrane between skin and meat, by which means kennnn ze i ch n et , that the means for back-cutting skin and the membrane between skin and meat has at least two separate and in, The transport direction T comprises processing tools (21, 22) arranged one behind the other, wherein in the transport direction T of the poultry hind halves (14) along the transport path the first processing tool (21), which is designed and configured for cutting the skin, is arranged, and spaced behind it in the transport direction T is the second processing tool (22), which is designed and configured for cutting the membrane freed from the skin.

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing stations, starting from an entry area (23) of the poultry hindquarters (14) into the device (10) up to an exit area (24) of the poultry hindquarters (14) or parts thereof from the device (10) in the transport direction T, successively include at least one saddle-shaped stretching shoe (26), preferably two stretching shoes (26, 27) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, as a means for guiding and / or stretching the hanging poultry hindquarters (14), which is / are designed and configured for ventral immersion into the abdominal cavity of the poultry hindquarters (14), and two guide rods (30) extending to both sides of the transport path in the transport direction T as a means for aligning the hanging poultry hindquarters (14), which are designed and configured for ventral immersion between the two legs (11,12) of the poultry hind halves (14) are formed and equipped and taper towards the support conveyor (19) in the transport direction T, a sickle-shaped pair of scraping knives (28) as a means for ventrally separating skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13), which is formed and equipped on the facing inner sides of the legs (11, 12) for ventrally immersion into the expanded abdominal cavity and for separating at least skin and tissue, at least one separating means (29) comprising at least two separating plates as a means for ventrally separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13) on both sides of the midsection (13), which is formed and equipped for ventrally immersion and for separating at least tendons and tissue,at least one deflecting body (35) as a means for turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14), which allows for ventral immersion into the, The abdominal cavity is formed and equipped for the temporary holding of the poultry hind halves (14) transported in shackles (18) in the direction of transport T, and includes separating means (37) as a means for tearing off the legs (11, 12) hanging in the shackles (18) from the middle piece (13).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the processing stations additionally comprise at least one spreading bar (25) in the entry area (23) into the device (10) as a means for guiding and / or expanding the poultry hind halves (14) initially transported with their ventral side forward, which is designed and arranged above the support conveyor (19) for ventral immersion between the two legs (11, 12) of the poultry hind half (14).

4. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, in the transport direction T, behind the means for separating the tendons and tissues lying around the joints in the connection area of ​​legs (11 , 12) and middle piece (13) a pair of separating blades (31) is arranged, which is designed and configured for cutting tendons located inside the joints.

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two support conveyors (19, 32) are arranged below the transport conveyor (16), which are spaced apart from each other in the transport direction T, wherein the conveying element (20) of the first support conveyor (19) in the transport direction T is initially aligned upwards in the entry area (23) into the device (10) to reduce the distance to the transport conveyor (16) and then parallel to the transport conveyor (16), while a conveying element (33) of the second support conveyor (32) in the transport direction T is initially aligned parallel to the transport conveyor (16) and then downwards in the exit area (24) from the device (10) to increase the distance to the transport conveyor (16).

6. Device (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the conveying element (20) of the first support conveyor (19) is designed as a double belt, such that two conveying sections (39) of the first support conveyor (19) are arranged transversely to Transport direction T arranged at intervals from each other and in The transport direction T is driven continuously.

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that a drive chain (40), in particular a nail chain, is arranged between the two conveying sections (39) of the first support conveyor (19), the tip of which extends beyond the transport plane E formed by the surface of the two conveying sections (39) with its tips (41).

8. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the first processing tool (21) comprises a single blade (42) which is designed and configured for centrally cutting the rear skin of the middle piece (13) facing the first support conveyor (19) and is positioned in the area of ​​the support conveyor (19).

9. Device (10) according to claim 8, characterized in that the individual blade (42) is designed and arranged to be resiliently deflectable in the area of ​​the first support conveyor (19) in the transport direction T.

10. Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the individual blade (42) is pivotably mounted on the frame (15) and is held in a working position as a starting position by a spring element or the like, in which each poultry hind half (14) with its downwardly facing back side can be brought into operative contact with the blade (42).

11. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the blade (42) is arranged in the transport direction T behind the sickle-shaped scraper blade pair (28) and in front of the separating means (29) comprising at least two separating plates between the two conveying sections (39) of the first support conveyor (19).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that in the transport direction T behind the first processing tool (21) and in front of the second processing tool (22) at least one spreading element (44, 45) is arranged to spread the skin cut by means of the first processing tool (21) transversely to the transport direction T to expose the membrane.

13. Device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first spreading element (44) is arranged in the area of ​​the first support conveyor (19) and at least one second spreading element (45) is arranged in the area of ​​the second support conveyor (32).

14. Device (10) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that all spreading elements (44, 45) have a wedge shape that widens in the transport direction T.

15. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the second processing tool (22) comprises two blades (47, 48) which are arranged spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction T, wherein the two blades (47, 48) are designed and configured for cutting the exposed membrane of the middle piece (13) from the back and are positioned above the second support conveyor (32).

16. Device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the two blades (47, 48) are designed and arranged to be resiliently deflectable in the area of ​​the second support conveyor (32) in the transport direction T above the same.

17. Device (10) according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the two blades (47, 48) are pivotably mounted on the frame (15) and are held in a working position as a starting position by a spring element (49) or the like, in which each poultry rear half (14) with its upwardly facing back side can be brought into operative contact with the blades (47, 48).

18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the two blades (47, 48) are mounted separately and are designed and configured to be independently reversible from one another.

19. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the two blades (47, 48) are mounted together in such a way that both blades (47, 48) are designed and configured to be exclusively synchronously deflectable.

20. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that it comprises a control device (50) which is connected to all automatically controllable components.

21. Method for processing poultry hindquarters (14) comprising at least two legs (11, 12) and a central section (13) connecting the two legs (11, 12), namely for separating the two legs (11, 12) from the central section (13), comprising the steps: - Transporting the poultry hind halves (14) hanging by the legs (11, 12) along a transport path in the direction of transport T, belly side first, using a transport conveyor (16), - supporting the poultry halves (14) in the area of ​​the middle section (13) from the underside during suspended transport in transport direction T by means of a support conveyor (19, 32), - Guiding and / or stretching the poultry hind halves (14) hanging on the transport conveyor (16), - Aligning the hanging poultry halves (14) by moving them from the belly-side leading orientation into a flat orientation also lying in relation to the support conveyor (19), in which they essentially point with their back side towards the support conveyor (19) and with their belly side towards the transport conveyor (16), - abdominal separation of skin and / or tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13), - ventral separation of tendons and tissues located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midsection (13), - Turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14) such that they are turned from a position where the back side is essentially facing the support conveyor (19) and the belly side is facing the transport conveyor (16) to a position where the belly side is essentially facing the support conveyor (32) and the back side is facing the The transport conveyor (16) is rotated into the position facing the center piece (13), causing the legs (11, 12) to dislocate from the center piece (13), - and complete separation of the legs (11, 12) from the middle section (13), - wherein, prior to the complete separation of the legs (11, 12) from the midpiece (13), the skin and the subcutaneous membrane are incised dorsally on the midpiece (13), thereby indicating that the incision of the skin and the incision of the subcutaneous membrane are carried out separately and successively at different positions along the transport pathway, by first incising the skin and then incising the membrane freed from the skin.

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the incision of the skin is carried out with a single blade (42) such that the skin lying over the membrane is scored centrally on the middle piece (13) in the transport direction T.

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the individual blade (42) is deflected resiliently when scoring the skin through the hind half (14) of the poultry.

24. Method according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the incised skin is spread open at at least one position along the transport path during the transport of the poultry hind halves (14) in the transport direction T before the membrane is cut.

25. Method according to claim 24, characterized in that the spreading of the skin takes place in several steps, wherein the degree of spreading of the skin increases in the transport direction T.

26. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 25, characterized in that the exposed membrane is cut by a double blade (47, 48) such that the exposed membrane is scored in the transport direction T with two cutting lines spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction T.

27. Method according to claim 26, characterized in that the double blade (47, 48) is deflected resiliently when scoring the membrane through the poultry hindquarters (14).

28. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 27, characterized in that the alignment of the poultry hind halves (14) during transport of the poultry hind halves (14) along the transport path is supported by guiding the poultry hind halves (14) suspended from the transport conveyor (16) by a first support conveyor (19) in the area of ​​the middle section (13) in a way that reduces the distance, first upwards in the direction of the transport conveyor (16) and then parallel to the transport conveyor (16).

29. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 28, characterized in that the complete separation of the legs (11, 12) from the middle section (13) by tearing off the legs (11, 12) is supported by transporting the legs (11, 12) of the poultry hind halves (14) hanging in the transport conveyor (16) in a manner increasing the distance to a second support conveyor (32) supporting the middle section (13) of the poultry hind halves (14) in the transport direction T, wherein the separated legs (11, 12) are transported away by means of the transport conveyor (16), while the legless middle section (13) is carried away along the second support conveyor (32).

30. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 29, characterized in that the scoring of the skin in the area of ​​the first support conveyor (19) is carried out from below on the back side into the middle piece (13), while the scoring of the membrane in the area of ​​the second support conveyor (32) is carried out from above on the back side into the middle piece (13).

31. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 30, characterized in that after separating tendons and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the middle section (13) on the ventral side and before turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14) ventrally within the connection area tendons located between the legs (11, 12) and the middle part (13) of the joints are cut.

32. Method according to one or more of claims 21 to 31, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 20.