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 the poultry rear halves (14) are turned, tendons located in a joint gap between joint connections of the legs (11, 12) and joint sockets of the central piece (13) have to be separated by a corresponding means. The device (10) is characterized in that the processing stations additionally comprise means for cutting tendons located at and / or within the joints, wherein the means comprises at least one separating blade pair (21) and a joint spreader (22). The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Description

[0001] Baader Poultry Holding GmbH, Geniner Straße 249, 23560 Lübeck, Germany

[0002] Device and method for processing poultry hindquarters comprising at least two legs and a central piece connecting the two legs.

[0003] The invention relates to a device designed and equipped for processing at least two legs and a central section connecting the two legs of poultry hindquarters, namely for separating the two legs from the central section, comprising a frame, a transport conveyor designed and equipped 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 around joints by which the legs are articulated to the belly section on the belly side, and for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters in such a way thatthat these legs, suspended 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, for cutting into the skin and the membrane between the skin and meat from the dorsal side, as well as for completely separating the legs from the central section. 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 suspended 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 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, belly-side separation of skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection, belly-side separation of tendons and tissue located around joints by which the legs are articulated to the midsection, turning the hanging poultry hindquarters in such a way,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 poultry. 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 means of a joint, as well as by tendons, meat, tissue, and membranes located around, on, and within the joint.Firstly, tendons and similar structures run around the joint at a distance. Secondly, tendons also run within the joint, directly at the joint junction of the leg and the glenoid cavity of the midsection, and even extending into the joint space, serving as a connecting component between the leg and the midsection. To separate the legs from the midsection, all components involved in the connection to the midsection must be separated. For this purpose, the hind legs are transported through the appropriate processing device. The aim of the processing is to optimally prepare the final separation of the legs from the midsection in order to achieve the highest possible yield.

[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 the removal of tissues, tendons, skin, and the like, the middle section is turned relative to the legs so that, in a second section along the transport path, the middle section faces downwards.

[0006] The turning process dislocates the legs from their joints located at the transition to the midpiece. To achieve a high yield during the final tearing of the dislocated legs from the midpiece, the following procedures are performed along the transport path: In addition to separating the skin, tendons supporting and holding the joint, and tissue located at the transition between the legs and the midpiece on the ventral side, the skin and underlying membrane on the midpiece are incised on the dorsal side. Furthermore, the tendons running within the joint are cut to reduce any potential recoil forces exerted by the tendons during the turning of the midpiece.

[0007] After the joints have been freed, i.e., after separating the skin, tissue, and tendons lying at a distance around the joints, the tendons located within the joints, which run close to the joint and / or in the area of ​​the joint space, are cut. In previously known solutions, the tendons lying within the joint are cut by a pair of blades. These blades are positioned on both sides of the transport path, engaging the hindquarters of the poultry in the groin area on both sides of the midsection. However, with the known pair of blades, only tendons and similar structures located on the outside of the joint can be cut, and even then only unreliably, since the blades cannot penetrate the joint space, or can only do so at the risk of cutting into the joint.This either causes joint damage or leaves residual connections of tendons and the like, especially in the joint space, which on the one hand hinder the turning of the middle sections and thus prevent the legs from dislocating. On the other hand, these residual connections mean that the legs can only be torn from the middle section in an uncontrolled manner, resulting in reduced quality and yield losses.

[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 task is accomplished by the aforementioned device in that the processing stations additionally include means for cutting tendons located at and / or within the joints, wherein the means comprise at least one pair of separating blades and a joint spreader. The joint spreader effectively expands the joints before and during the separation process. In other words, the joint spreader causes the legs, with their articulations, to be lifted out of the joint sockets in the central section, thereby enlarging the joint space. The pair of separating blades can then penetrate this enlarged joint space to reliably separate all tendons extending at and into the joint. The result is improved yield and increased processing quality.

[0010] 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 means comprising at least two separating plates as a means for ventral separation of tendons and tissue lying around the joint, 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 device, designed and configured for immersing the poultry hindquarters transported in shackles in the transport direction T into the abdominal cavity and temporarily holding them in place, comprises two separate processing tools arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T. These tools serve as means for cutting the skin and the membrane between the skin and the meat from the back. The first processing tool, designed and configured for cutting the skin, is arranged along the transport path of the poultry hindquarters in the transport direction T, and the second processing tool, designed and configured for cutting the membrane after it has been freed from the skin, is arranged spaced behind it in the transport direction T. The device 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.

[0011] 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.Optionally, 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] A preferred further education program is characterized by the fact that the

[0014] Processing stations additionally include at least one spreader bar at the entry point into the device. This spreader bar serves to guide and / or expand the poultry hindquarters, which are initially transported with their belly side first. It is designed and positioned above the support conveyor to allow the poultry hindquarters to be inserted between the two legs. A single spreader bar is sufficient, but two spreader bars are optional. The spreader bar(s) is preferably fixed to the frame and, for example, U-shaped. The spreader bar(s) is positioned so that the poultry hindquarters enter the spreader bar(s) with their open belly side before reaching the stretching shoe(s), thus ensuring that the spreader bar(s) engages the transition area between the legs and the midsection, essentially 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the separating device for separating tendons and tissues located in the transition area between the legs and the midsection comprises four separating plates on both sides of the midsection, wherein two separating plates located on opposite sides of the transport path form a pair of separating plates. The number of separating plate pairs can vary. The distance between the separating plate pairs can be the same from pair to pair or vary, and / or, in particular, increase from pair to pair in the transport direction T. The distance can be rigid or, preferably, resiliently adjustable.By means of the or each pair of separating plates, preferably at least two pairs of separating plates are provided one behind the other, the joints can be reliably cut free, in particular to cut the skin, tissue and tendons existing around the joint, so that the joints are prepared for tendon cutting to separate the tendons at and within the joints.

[0019] Particularly preferably, at least one separating plate of each pair of separating plates is designed to be spring-loaded and deflectable. Preferably, however, all separating plates are designed and configured to be spring-loaded and deflectable at least transversely to the transport direction T. This allows the separating agent to be easily adapted to different sized poultry hindquarters, thus ensuring reliable joint exposure regardless of size.

[0020] Advantageously, a first pair of separating plates is designed and configured for at least scraping. A second pair of separating plates, arranged behind the first pair in the transport direction T, is designed and configured for at least cutting. Accordingly, the separating plates of the first pair are designed and configured as scraping plates, and the separating plates of the second pair are designed and configured as cutting plates. Both pairs of separating blades can optionally also be designed and configured for scraping and cutting in order to reliably expose the joints in several steps. Advantageously, the pair of separating blades for cutting tendons located on and / or within the joints is arranged behind the separating element, which comprises at least two separating plates, on both sides of the central piece in the transport direction T.In this position, the pair of separating blades can penetrate directly into the area of ​​the joint and the joint space formed in the joint by the joint spreader.

[0021] Advantageously, the pair of separating blades has two individual blades arranged on opposite sides of the transport path. This allows the tendons to be separated synchronously at the joints on both sides of the central piece.

[0022] The blades can be arranged at different positions on the release agent. Attachment to the scraper plates is possible. Preferably, the blades are arranged on the cutting plates, particularly on the inner surfaces of the cutting plates facing each other.

[0023] The blades can be permanently attached to, or even integrally formed with, the cutting plates. Preferably, however, the blades are separate, replaceable parts that are fixed but detachably mounted on the cutting plate. This detachability can also be used to design and adjust the blades' position relative to the cutting plate. This adjustability can be achieved, for example, by means of a pneumatic cylinder and / or replaceable spring elements, particularly in the form of a linear or pivoting movement.

[0024] However, a simple pivoting movement around a pivoting axis is preferred, such that the blades can be fixed in different positions virtually steplessly, for example by means of a screw or the like.

[0025] Advantageously, the blades are positioned in an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E below the scraping and / or cutting edges of the separating plates in order to penetrate deeper into the joint gap.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the device is characterized in that the joint spreader comprises two spreading plates arranged on opposite sides of the transport path. With these two spreading plates, and optionally two or more spreading bodies of different shapes arranged on each side of the transport path, the joints can be expanded synchronously on both sides of the central section.

[0027] Advantageously, the spreading plates are designed and positioned to be inserted ventrally into a ridge located at the transition between the leg and the midsection. This causes the legs to be pushed outwards relative to the midsection by the spreading plate(s), thereby widening the joint space. For this purpose, the spreading plates are positioned on opposite outer sides of the cutting plates. As the poultry hindquarters enter the processing unit, the spreading plates penetrate the ridge between the leg and midsection and exert a force on the legs, lifting the joint connections on the legs out of the joint sockets on the midsection.

[0028] Preferably, the spreader plates are fixed but detachable to the cutting plate. This allows for the replacement of wear parts. Furthermore, spreader plates of different sizes, shapes, and the like can be mounted to adapt the device to, for example, different sizes of poultry hindquarters and other parameters.

[0029] Advantageously, to achieve a spreading effect transverse to the transport direction T, the spreading plates have an extension by means of which the legs can be pressed outwards relative to the central piece. In other words, the spreading plates have a defined material thickness by which they stand out from the cutting plates transversely to the transport direction T. The greater the material thickness, the greater the spreading effect. Particularly preferably, the spreading plates have a thickness in the range of 1 to 15 mm and especially preferably 3 to 10 mm.

[0030] As described, the spreading plates can have different shapes. For example, ramp- or wedge-shaped spreading plates can be used. Preferably, the spreading plates have the shape of a truncated pyramid or a gable roof. This ensures gentle and continuous spreading before and during the separation cut.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the spreading plates extend at least partially along the length of the cutting plates in the transport direction T. The spreading plates can also have a shorter or longer extension. The spreading plates can also be segmented or multi-part and, in particular, extend into the area of ​​the scraping plates.

[0032] Preferably, the spreading plates are arranged in an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E above the blades, such that the blades project downwards beyond the spreading plates at least partially. Optionally, the position of the spreading plates along the transport direction T and perpendicular to the transport direction T can be adjusted, for example by means of elongated holes, in order to achieve the ideal contact point of the spreading plates in the blade area.

[0033] 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.

[0034] The task is also solved by a method with the steps mentioned at the outset, whereby, after separating tendons and tissue on the ventral side and before turning the hanging poultry hind halves, tendons located at and / or within the joints are separated, the joints being spread apart before separating the tendons located at and / or within the joints by pushing the legs outwards from the middle section transversely to the transport direction T before and during the separation.

[0035] The advantages resulting from the preceding and following process steps have already been described in connection with the device, therefore reference is made to the relevant passages to avoid repetition.

[0036] Advantageously, the legs with their joint connections are lifted out of the joint socket of the middle piece using a joint spreader.

[0037] The joint spreader is particularly preferred for creating or maximally enlarging a gap between the joint connections of the legs and the middle section, into which a pair of separating blades is inserted to separate the tendons located at and / or within the joints.

[0038] An advantageous further development is characterized by the fact that the alignment of the poultry hindquarters during transport along the conveyor path is supported by a first support conveyor, which, suspended from the conveyor, guides the hindquarters 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] The method is particularly preferably carried out with a device according to one or more of claims 1 to 26. Further advantageous features and developments of the device and the method are described in 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. The drawing shows:

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a device according to the invention in side view,

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

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of the separating agent with the pair of separating knives arranged on it and the joint spreader in a perspective view from the side and from an oblique angle above.

[0044] Fig. 4 shows the representation according to Figure 3 as a sectional view seen in transport orientation, and

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the release agent according to Figure 3 in an enlarged perspective view from the side and obliquely from above.

[0046] 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.

[0047] The preferred embodiment shown in the drawing depicts a device

[0048] 10, which are used to process at least two legs 11, 12 and one of the two legs

[0049] 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 around joints by which the legs 11, 12 are articulated to the central section 13 on the belly side, for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters 14 such that they are attached to the legs 11, 1212 hanging with their middle section 13 essentially with the ventral side facing the support conveyor 19 and with the dorsal side facing the transport conveyor 16, for cutting the skin and the membrane lying between the skin and the flesh from the dorsal side, as well as for completely separating the legs 11, 12 from the middle section 13.,

[0050] According to the invention, this device 10 is characterized in that the processing stations additionally comprise means for cutting tendons that are located on and / or inside the joints, wherein the means comprises at least one pair of cutting blades 21 and a joint spreader 22.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 configured for ventral immersion into the expanded abdominal cavity and for separating at least skin and tissue on the facing inner surfaces of the legs 11, 12. 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 separating element 31 comprising at least two separating plates 29, 30, which serves for ventral separation of tendons and tissue surrounding the joint. This separating element is designed and configured for ventral immersion and for separating at least tendons and tissue.The means for cutting the skin and the membrane between the skin and the meat from the back comprises at least two separate processing tools 49, 50 arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T, wherein the first processing tool 49, 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 50, which is designed and configured for cutting the membrane freed from the skin, is arranged spaced behind it in the transport direction T.

[0054] The separating element 31 for separating tendons and tissues surrounding the joint on the ventral side in the transition area between the legs 11, 12 and the central section on both sides of the central section 13 comprises four separating plates 29, 30, 32, 33, wherein two separating plates 29, 30; 32, 33 located on opposite sides of the transport path form a pair of separating plates 34, 35. The opposing separating plates 29, 30; 32, 33 of a pair of separating plates 34, 35 are each resiliently deflectable. Optionally, two separating plates 29, 30 or 32, 33 can be pretensioned against each other by a spring element 36 or the like. The separating plates 29, 30 and 32, 33, respectively, can then be deflected by the poultry hindquarters 14 to a greater or lesser extent perpendicular to the direction of transport T, depending on their size. A first pair of separating plates 34 is designed and equipped for scraping. For this purpose, the separating plates 29, 30 have scraping edges 37.Additionally, the separating plates of the first pair of separating plates 34 can also include cutting edges 38. A second pair of separating plates 35, arranged behind the first pair of separating plates 34 in the transport direction T, is designed and configured for cutting at least as a cutting element. For this purpose, the separating plates 32, 33 have cutting edges 39. Additionally, the separating plates 32, 33 can also include (not shown) scraping edges. Accordingly, the separating plates 29, 30 of the first pair of separating plates 34 are designed and configured as scraping plates 40, and the separating plates 32, 33 of the second pair of separating plates 35 are designed and configured as cutting plates 41. The pair of separating plates 35 located behind the first pair of separating plates 34 in the transport direction T is optionally wider transversely to the transport direction T than the first pair of separating plates 34.At least in the area of ​​the first pair of separating plates 34, a counter-position 42 is arranged on the inside, between the two separating plates 29, 30. This counter-position is designed, configured, and positioned such that a gap is formed between the counter-position 42 and the separating plates 29, 30. This gap is designed and configured to accommodate ribs 64 or rib bases of the poultry's hindquarters 14. Further guide rods 73 are arranged in the area of ​​the separating element 31, preferably laterally adjacent to the second pair of separating plates 35. The guide rods 73 are arranged on the frame 15 and taper towards each other in the transport direction T. At the narrowest point in the transport direction T, between the guide rods 73 positioned on both sides of the transport path, there is still space for the legs 11, 12 to pass through.

[0055] Starting from the U-shaped spreader bar 25 and extending to the separating element 31, guide rods 43 extend on both sides of the transport path. These rods serve to 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, they taper towards the first support conveyor 19. In the transport direction T, behind the separating element 31 and at the end of the first support conveyor 19, the pair of separating knives 21 is arranged. This knife is designed and configured to cut tendons located within the joints.

[0056] 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 44 with a continuously driven conveying element 45 is provided at a distance (in the transport direction T) from the first support conveyor 19. The second conveying element 45 of the second support conveyor 44 (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 46 is formed between the two support conveyors 19, 44, in which the poultry hindquarters 14 transported on the transport conveyor 16 hang freely downwards.Starting from the free space 46, the poultry hindquarters 14 encounter at least one deflecting body 47 before reaching the second support conveyor 44. This deflecting body serves to turn the suspended poultry hindquarters 14, which is designed and configured to dip into the abdominal cavity and temporarily hold the poultry hindquarters 14, which are transported in the direction of transport T in shackles 18. The deflecting body 47 comprises U-shaped guide rods. One curved leg 48 of the U-shaped guide rod points opposite the direction of transport T, such that the poultry hindquarters 14 thread their open abdominal side into the guide rods.In other words, the poultry hind halves 14 first encounter the U-shaped arm 48 in their abdominal cavity. This arm stops the midsections 13, which are being transported along the legs 11, 12. This causes the midsections 13 to turn over, such that, as they continue along the second support conveyor 44, the poultry hind halves 14 lie with their belly side facing downwards on the second support conveyor 44 and with their back side, which already has the incised (back) skin, facing upwards towards the transport conveyor 16. The deflecting body 47, 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 50 for incising the membrane.In the transport direction T behind the second processing tool 50, a separating agent 51 is arranged as a means of tearing off the legs 11 , 12 hanging in the shackles 18 from the central piece 13.

[0057] In the preferred embodiment, the separating agent 51 comprises several components that interact with one another. Firstly, a back guide 52 is arranged above the second support conveyor 44. This guide is positioned at a distance from the second support conveyor 44 to form a guide space for the center pieces 13 and follows the downward path of the second support conveyor 44 at least section by section. This creates an increased distance to the transport conveyor 16, through which the legs 11, 12 are pulled by the center piece 13.

[0058] The conveying element 20 of the first support conveyor 19 is designed as a double belt. The double belt comprises two conveying sections 53, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T and driven continuously in the transport direction T. A drive chain 54, in particular a nail chain, is arranged between the two conveying sections 53 of the first support conveyor 19, the tips 55 of which project beyond the transport plane E formed by the surface of the two conveying sections 53. The first processing tool 49 is arranged in the area of ​​the first support conveyor 19, downstream of the pair of scraper knives 28 in the transport direction T. The first processing tool 49 comprises a single blade 56, which is designed and configured for centrally cutting the back surface of the middle section 13 facing the first support conveyor 19.For this purpose, the blade 56 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 53 and between the two-lane nail chain of the first support conveyor 19. The individual blade 56 is plate-shaped and has a cutting edge 57 on a narrow side facing the poultry hindquarters 14. The blade 56 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 56 is pivotably mounted on the frame 15 and held in a working position (starting position) by a spring element (not explicitly shown) or the like, in which each poultry hindquarter 14 is necessarily brought into operative contact with the blade 56 with its downward-facing back side.The pivot point S1 is located in the infeed area of ​​the poultry hind halves 14 onto the cutting edge 57, so that the blade 56 can plunge downwards between the conveyor channels 53. In the starting position, the blade 57, which is designed to rise in the transport direction T, projects beyond the transport plane E.

[0059] In the transport direction T behind the first processing tool 49, i.e., behind the blade 57, a first spreading element 58 is arranged. The spreading element 58 is designed and arranged to spread the skin cut by the first processing tool 49 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 53. A second spreading element 59 is arranged in the area of ​​the second support conveyor 44, which is also designed and arranged to spread the skin cut by the first processing tool 49 transversely to the transport direction T in order to expose the membrane. Both spreading elements 58, 59 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 59 is wider than the first spreading element 58 for further spreading of the skin. The first spreading element 58 creates a gap of approximately 10 to 20 mm between the opposing skin edges. The second spreading element 59 creates a gap of approximately 20 to 30 mm between the opposing skin edges. Each spreading element 58, 59 can be fixedly and rigidly detachably mounted on the frame 15. Preferably, each spreading element 58, 59 is mounted on the frame 15 perpendicular to the transport plane E, allowing for spring action.

[0060] The second processing tool 50 comprises two blades 60, 61 as a double blade, which are arranged transversely to the transport direction T at a distance from each other. The two blades 60, 61 are designed and configured for cutting the exposed membrane of the middle section 13 from the back and are positioned above the second support conveyor 44. The two blades 60, 61 are plate-shaped and have a cutting edge 62, 63 on a narrow side facing the poultry hind halves 14. The two blades 60, 61 are pivotably mounted on the frame 15 and are held in a working position as a starting position by a spring element or the like. In this position, each poultry hind half 14, with its upward-facing back side, is necessarily brought into operative contact with the blades 60, 61.The two blades 60, 61 are designed to be resiliently deflectable above the second support conveyor 44 in the transport direction T and are arranged on the frame 15. The two blades 60, 61 are pivotally mounted together on the frame 15 and held in a working position (starting position) by a spring element or the like. In this starting position, each poultry hind half 14, with its upward-facing back side, is in direct contact with the blades 60, 61. The pivot point S2 is located in the entry area of ​​the poultry hind halves 14 onto the cutting edge 62, 63, allowing the blades 60, 61 to deflect upwards towards the transport conveyor 16. In the starting position, the blades 60, 61, which slope downwards in the transport direction T, protrude into the transport path.

[0061] The pair of separating blades 21 for cutting tendons located at and / or within the joints is arranged in the transport direction T behind the separating element 31, which has the separating plates 29, 30; 32, 33, on both sides of the central piece 13. The pair of separating blades 21 has two individual blades 65, 66, which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path. The blades 65, 66 are sickle-shaped and are arranged on the inner surfaces of the cutting plates 41 facing each other. The cutting plates 41 have a cranked shape. Side walls oriented essentially perpendicular to the transport plane E transition into an inwardly cranked section to which the blades 65, 66 are fixedly but detachably connected to the cutting plate 41. The blades 65, 66 are designed and configured to be adjustable with respect to their position relative to the cutting plate 41. For this purpose, the blades 65, 66 are designed and arranged to pivot about a pivot axis D.On the downwardly sloping lower edge of the blades 65, 66, which is directed towards the center, a cutting edge 67, 68 is formed, which runs in an arc. At least parts of these cutting edges 67, 68 of the blades lie in an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E below the scraping and / or cutting edges 69 of the separating plates 29, 30; 32, 33. The means for separating the tendons within the area of ​​the joint space comprises, in addition to the pair of separating blades 21, the joint spreader 22. The joint spreader 22 comprises two spreading plates 70, 71, which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path. The spreading plates 70, 71 are designed and configured, and in particular positioned, for ventral insertion into a groin area located at the transition from the leg 11, 12 to the central section 13.The spreading plates 70, 71 are arranged on opposite outer sides of the cutting plates 41, namely on the back of the blades 65, 66 in the area of ​​the cranked section of the cutting plates 41, detachably attached.

[0062] The spreading plates 70, 71 extend in the transport direction T over approximately half the length of the cutting plates 41. The spreading plates 70, 71 have an extension transverse to the transport direction T, by means of which the legs 11, 12 can be pressed outwards relative to the central piece 13, thereby widening a joint gap in the area of ​​the joint connection between the legs 11, 12 on the one hand and the central piece 13 on the other. The spreading plates 70, 71 have a material thickness transverse to the transport direction T, the size of which influences the dimension of the joint gap to be formed. Preferably, the thickness of the spreading plates 70, 71 is a few millimeters, for example, about 3-10 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the spreading plates 70, 71 have the shape of a truncated pyramid or a gable roof. In an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E, the spreading plates 70, 71 are located above the blades 65, 66 respectively.arranged at least above the cutting edges 67, 68, such that the blades 65, 66 extend at least section by section with their cutting edges 67, 68 downwards beyond the spreading plates 70, 71.

[0063] The device 10 comprises a control unit 72, which is connected to all automatically controllable components. The processing of the poultry hindquarters 14 can be carried out at least semi-automatically, but preferably fully automatically, by means of the control unit 72.

[0064] 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, 44.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 position, also facing the support conveyor 19, where they essentially have their backs pointing towards the support conveyor 19 and their bellies towards 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, which exists on the ventral side in the groin area, serves as preparation for the ventral separation of tendons and tissue located around the joints by which the legs 11, 12 are articulated to the midsection 13.These tendons and tissues surround the joint by which the legs 11, 12 are mounted on or connected to the central section 13. The legs 11, 12, thus detached from the central section 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 44 and their backs are facing the transport conveyor 16. By rotating the central section 13 by almost 180 degrees relative to the legs suspended in the shackles 18, the legs 11, 12 are dislocated from the joint on the central section 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.

[0065] According to the invention, this method is characterized in that, after separating tendons and tissue on the ventral side and before turning the hanging poultry hind halves 14, tendons located at and / or within the joints are separated, wherein the joints are spread apart before separating the tendons located at and / or within the joints by pushing the legs 11, 12 outwards from the central piece 13 transversely to the transport direction T before and during the separation.

[0066] Turning the poultry hind halves 14 or their middle sections 13 is supported and prepared by separating the tendons located at and within the joint space. To allow the separating blade pair 21 to penetrate as deeply as possible into the joint space, it is widened with the joint spreader 22. This widening can also cause the legs 11, 12 to dislocate from the middle section 13. In fact, the joint spreader 22 ensures that the legs 11, 12, with their joint connections, are lifted out of the joint socket of the middle section 13 and, if necessary, dislocated. The joint spreader 22 creates or enlarges a gap between the joint connections of the legs 11, 12 and the middle section 13, into which the separating blade pair 21 then penetrates to separate the tendons located at and / or within the joints.

[0067] The incision of the skin and the incision of the membrane beneath the skin are performed separately and sequentially at different positions along the transport path. First, the skin is incised, and then the membrane, once freed from the skin, is incised. The skin is incised with a single blade 56, such that the skin overlying the membrane is scored centrally in the transport direction T on the back side of the middle section 13. During transport of the poultry hind halves in the transport direction T over the blade 56, the single blade 56 is deflected by spring action as it scores the skin through the poultry hind half 14. The cutting depth and / or the cutting force can be adjusted via the spring force of a spring element that holds the blade 56 in its working position.The (back) skin, which is cut along the entire length of the middle section 13 in the transport direction T, is spread open at least once along the transport path before the membrane is cut during the 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, a first spreading in the transport direction T occurs behind the blade 56 by a spreading element 58, which spreads the skin transversely to the transport direction T by approximately 10 to 20 mm. In the area of ​​the second support conveyor 44 in the transport direction T in front of the blades 60, 61, a further spreading occurs by a spreading element 59, which spreads the skin transversely to the transport direction T by approximately 20 to 30 mm.

[0068] With the skin spread open in the described manner, the poultry hind halves 14 reach the second processing tool 50. This tool uses a double blade 60, 61 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 60, 61 is deflected by the poultry hind half 14. 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 section, while the scoring of the membrane in the area of ​​the second support conveyor 44 is carried out from above, on the back side, into the middle section 13.

[0069] 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 43 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.

[0070] 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 44 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 44. After the membrane is scored, the midsection 13 is threaded into a space between the second support conveyor 44 and a back guide 52 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.

[0071] 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 connected to 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 midsection (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 midsection (13) on the belly side, for separating tendons and tissue located around joints by which the legs (11, 12) are articulated to the midsection (13) on the belly side, and for turning the hanging poultry hindquarters (14) such that they on the legs (11 ,12) hanging with their midsection (13) essentially with their ventral side facing the support conveyor (19) and their dorsal side facing the transport conveyor (16), for cutting the skin and the membrane between the skin and the meat from the dorsal side, and for completely separating the legs (11, 12) from the midsection (13), thereby indicating that the processing stations additionally have means for cutting tendons that are on and / or within the, joints are located, comprising the means comprising at least one pair of separating blades (21) and one joint spreader (22).

2. Device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processing stations, starting from an entry area (23) of the poultry hind halves (14) into the device (10) up to an exit area (24) of the poultry hind halves (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 hind halves (14), which is / are designed and configured for ventral immersion into the abdominal cavity of the poultry hind halves (14), and two guide rods (43) extending to both sides of the transport path in the transport direction T as a means for aligning the hanging poultry hind halves (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 scraper blades (28) as a means for ventrally separating skin and tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the middle section (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 (31) comprising at least two separating plates (29, 30; 32, 33) as a means for ventrally separating tendons and tissue lying around the joint, which is formed and equipped for ventral immersion and for separating at least tendons and tissue, at least one deflecting body (47) as a means for turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14),which is designed and equipped for immersing the poultry hindquarters (14) transported in shackles (18) in the transport direction T into the abdominal cavity and temporarily holding them, two separate processing tools (49, 50) arranged one behind the other in the transport direction T as means for cutting the skin and the membrane lying between the skin and the meat from the back, wherein in the transport direction T of the poultry hindquarters (14) of the transport path the first processing tool (49) is arranged, which is designed and configured for cutting the skin, and spaced behind it in the transport direction T is the second processing tool (50), which is designed and configured for cutting the membrane freed from the skin, and release agent (51) as means for tearing off the legs (11 , 12) hanging in the shackles (18) from the central piece (13).

3. Device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one spreading element (58, 59) for spreading the skin cut by means of the first processing tool (49) transversely to the transport direction T to expose the membrane is arranged in the transport direction T behind the first processing tool (49) and in front of the second processing tool (50).

4. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 3, 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).

5. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that at least two support conveyors (19, 44) 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 (45) of the second support conveyor (44) 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 (53) of the first support conveyor (19) are arranged spaced apart from each other transversely to the transport direction T and are driven in a circular motion in the transport direction T.

7. Device (10) according to claim 6, characterized in that a carrier chain (54), in particular a nail chain, is arranged between the two conveying sections (53) 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 (53) with its tips (55).

8. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the separating means (31) for separating tendons and tissues located in the transition area between the legs (11 , 12) and the middle section (13) on the ventral side comprises four separating plates (29, 30; 32, 33) on both sides of the middle section (13), wherein two separating plates (29, 30; 32, 33) located on opposite sides of the transport path form a pair of separating plates (34, 35).

9. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 8, characterized in that at least one separating plate (29, 30, 32, 33) of each pair of separating plates (34, 35), but preferably all separating plates (29, 30, 32, 33) are designed and configured to be resiliently deflectable at least transversely to the transport direction T.

10. Device (10) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a first pair of separating plates (34) is designed and configured at least for scraping, and a second pair of separating plates (35) arranged in the transport direction T behind the first pair of separating plates (34) is designed and configured at least for cutting.

11. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the separating plates (29, 30) of the first pair of separating plates (34) are designed and configured as scraping plates (40). are, and the separating plates (32, 33) of the second pair of separating plates (35) are designed and set up as cutting plates (41).

12. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that the pair of separating blades (21) for cutting tendons located at and / or within the joints is arranged in the transport direction T behind the separating means (31) having the at least two separating plates (29, 30; 32, 33) on both sides of the central piece (13).

13. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the separating knife pair (21) has two individual blades (65, 66) which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path.

14. Device (10) according to 13, characterized in that the blades (65, 66) are arranged on mutually facing inner sides of the cutting plates (41).

15. Device (10) according to claim 14, characterized in that the blades (65, 66) are arranged fixedly but releasably on the cutting plate (41).

16. Device (10) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the blades (65, 66) are designed and configured to be adjustable with respect to their position relative to the cutting plate (41).

17. Device () according to one or more of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the blades (65, 66) are arranged in an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E below the scraping and / or cutting edges (69) of the separating plates (29, 30, 32, 33).

18. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the joint spreader (22) comprises two spreading plates (70, 71) which are arranged on opposite sides of the transport path.

19. Device (10) according to claim 18, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) are arranged on opposite outer sides of the cutting plates (41).

20. Device (10) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) are arranged fixedly but releasably on the cutting plate (41).

21. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 20, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) have an extension transverse to the transport direction T by means of which the legs (11, 12) can be pressed outwards relative to the central piece (13).

22. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 21, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) are designed and arranged for ventral immersion in a groin area located in the transition from the leg (11, 12) to the middle section (13).

23. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 22, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) have the shape of a truncated pyramid.

24. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 18 to 23, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) extend at least partially along the length of the cutting plates (41) in the transport direction T.

25. Device () according to one or more of claims 18 to 24, characterized in that the spreading plates (70, 71) are arranged in an orientation perpendicular to the transport plane E above the blades (65, 66) such that the blades (65, 66) extend downwards beyond the spreading plates (70, 71) at least section by section.

26. Device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that it comprises a control device (72) which is connected to all automatically controllable components.

27. 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, 44), - 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 tissue located in the transition area between the legs (11, 12) and the midpiece (13), - ventral separation of tendons and tissues that are located around joints by which the legs (11, 12) are articulated with the midpiece (13), - Turning the hanging poultry hind halves (14) such that they are rotated from the position in which they are substantially facing the back towards the support conveyor (19) and the belly towards the transport conveyor (16) to a position in which they are substantially facing the belly towards the support conveyor (44) and the back towards the transport conveyor (16), thereby dislocating the legs (11, 12) from the middle section (13), - and complete separation of the legs (11, 12) from the middle section (13), - wherein, before the legs (11, 12) are completely separated from the midsection (13), the skin and the subcutaneous membrane are incised dorsally on the midsection (13), thereby indicating that after the ventral separation of tendons and tissue and before turning the hanging poultry hindquarters (14), tendons which are attached to and / or within the joints are located, are separated, the joints being spread apart before the tendons located at and / or within the joints are separated by pushing the legs (11 , 12) outwards from the middle piece (13) transversely to the transport direction T before and during the separation T.

28. Method according to claim 27, characterized in that the legs (11, 12) with their joint connections are lifted out of the joint socket of the middle piece (13) by means of a joint spreader (22).

29. Method according to claim 28, characterized in that the joint spreader (22) forms a gap between the joint connections of the legs (11, 12) and the middle piece (13), into which a pair of separating blades (21) is inserted for separating the tendons located at and / or within the joints.

30. Method according to one or more of claims 27 to 29, 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).

31. Method according to one or more of claims 27 to 30, 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 (44) 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 (44).

32. Method according to one or more of claims 27 to 31, characterized in that it is carried out with a device (10) according to one or more of claims 1 to 26.

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