[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for processing a carcass part of slaughtered
poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part of the ribs and part of the meat
which is naturally present thereon.
[0002] The modern consumer of meat products derived from poultry, in particular from chicken,
has become used to a wide range of choices between a large number of high-grade products,
such as inner fillets, outer fillets (single, double), drumsticks, legs and wings
which have been cut in various ways. To enable consumer demand to be satisfied, processors
of slaughtered poultry need a flexible method and device for processing a carcass
part of slaughtered poultry which allows consumer demand for high-quality products
to be efficiently satisfied.
[0003] For slaughtered poultry to be divided into parts which are attractive to the consumer,
it is traditional for the poultry to be supplied to a dividing line. In this line,
the poultry is hung by its legs from a suitable hook of a conveyor system which is
guided past a number of processing stations.
[0004] A known dividing line generally comprises a station in which the front half of the
carcass (comprising the breast and that part of the back which directly adjoins it)
and the back half of the carcass (which comprises the legs and that part of the back
which connects the legs) are separated from one another. The back half of the carcass
is processed further in the dividing line still hanging by its legs, while the front
halves are transferred to a separate filleting line to be processed further.
[0005] Traditionally, the neck and the neck skin are separated from the carcass while it
is still in the dividing line. Where the wings are removed from the carcass part depends
on how the breast meat is harvested. If the breast meat is scraped off the carcass
part, the wings are removed in the dividing line. In another method used to harvest
breast meat, force is exerted on the wings in order to pull the breast meat off the
carcass part. The wings are then cut or pulled off the breast meat. With this method,
wings and breast meat are therefore separated from one another in the filleting line.
[0006] With a view to efficiency and flexibility, it is desirable for it to be possible
for processing operations such as wing cutting (in its different variants) and the
removal of the neck and/or neck skin also to be carried out in the filleting line.
[0007] NL-1014845 describes a device for processing a slaughtered poultry product which comprises product
carriers which are secured to an overhead conveyor. This known device for processing
a slaughter product comprises a conveyor which can move along a path and to which
a first body, which can rotate about a first axis, is connected. A second body, which
can rotate about a second axis, is connected to the first body. A first actuating
device sets various first angular positions of the first body with respect to the
first axis, while a second actuating device sets various second angular positions
of the second body with respect to the second axis. A locking device fixes the first
and/or second angular position. The locking device is actuated by actuating cams situated
near the second axis. The actuating cams can be operated in different angular positions
of the first body and the second body. A slaughter product fixing device connects
a breast portion of the slaughter product to the second body. The description of
NL 1014845 is incorporated by reference herein.
[0008] Both front halves and breast caps, with or without wings, parts of wings, the neck,
the neck skin and/or the backbone, can be applied to a product carrier of this type.
This known product carrier guides the carcass part fixed to it past a number of processing
stations, it also being possible for the carcass part to be moved into a position
with respect to each of the processing stations as if the carcass part were to be
hanging from a hook belonging to a dividing line. This way, the product carrier can
be regarded as a prothesis for the back half while the carcass part is transported,
as the product carrier of the type of
NL-1014845 takes over the function of the back half in traditional dividing lines. This has
the advantage that processing devices which could previously only form part of the
dividing line can now also be integrated into the filleting line.
[0009] In practice, it has been found that the possibility of carrying out operations which
hitherto had to be carried out in the dividing line, or which it was at least greatly
preferred to carry out in the dividing line, in the filleting line offers possibilities
with a view to optimizing the processing of a carcass part which comprises at least
part of the ribs and part of the meat which is naturally present thereon.
[0010] However, not all the optimizations which have been developed require the use of a
product carrier as described in
NL 1014845. Even simpler product carriers, for example product carriers which can only be pivoted
in a single plane, may be adequate. In addition, it is also the case that methods
and devices according to the invention can be used without being expressly combined
with a product carrier which is moving along a path In this context, consideration
can be given, for example, to their use in a stand-alone machine or a device in which
the product which is to be processed is moved past the device by hand Any optimization
which has been developed may be applied as such, possibly in combination with a prior
art method or device. It is also envisaged that two or more optimizations are combined.
[0011] The object of the invention is to make use of the possibilities for optimizing the
processing of a carcass part of slaughtered poultry. This allows high production speeds,
a high yield and a high quality of the products to be achieved. There is also a greater
degree of flexibility with regard to the shape, dimensions and weight of the carcass
part which is to be processed, as well as more flexibility in terms of the end product
which can be achieved.
[0012] In a first aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a method for processing
a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part
of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and
a wing joint, the carcass part having an interior, which method comprises the following
steps:
- applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier,
which product carrier is moveable and which product carrier engages the interior of
the carcass part,
- moving a wing-joint positioning member via said neck opening into the interior of
the carcass part,
the wing-joint positioning member being provided with one or more wing-joint positioning
surfaces, which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of the first
wishbone blade with respect to the carcass part, the wing-joint positioning surfaces
hold said wing joint into a predetermined position,
- exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said one
wing joint is supported in the predetermined position by a wing-joint positioning
surface of the first wishbone blade,
which steps are carried out in a turret machine.
[0013] The method for positioning the wing joints can successfully be applied to carcass
parts without a wishbone. In cases in which the wishbone is present but does not have
to be cut loose, the wing-joint positioning member is also suitable for use. In those
cases, the wing-joint positioning member functions as a support for the wing-joint
positioning surfaces. The use of a wing-joint positioning member positions the wing-joint
reliably and reproducably to enable accurate processing of the wing joint, such as
the formation of an incision through the wing-joint without damaging the bones of
the joint in the process.
[0014] However, in many cases, a wishbone or part of a wishbone has to be removed or at
least cut loose from the carcass part. To cut the fragile wishbone loose from the
carcass part, the wing-joint positioning member is in those cases preferably provided
with a suitable cutting edge. It has been found that the operation of cutting loose
the wishbone (or a part of the wishbone) can be successfully combined with an accurate
processing operation of the wing joint, such as the formation of an incision through
the wing joint without damaging the bones of the joint in the process when such a
wing-joint positioning member with a suitable cutting edge is applied.
[0015] Before being processed, the carcass part which is to be processed is applied and
fixed to a product carrier. The product carrier which is known from
NL 1014845 is particularly suitable for this purpose. This product carrier moves the carcass
part which is to be processed into the correct orientation with respect to a first
processing device. Accurate processing of the wing joint is carried out in this first
processing device, and if appropriate the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which
is present is cut loose and if appropriate removed from the carcass part.
[0016] The wing-joint positioning member is moved into the carcass part via the neck opening.
If products with a neck or neck skin are being processed, it is advantageous first
of all to move the neck and/or neck skin away from the neck opening, so that it is
successfully cleared and the wing-joint positioning member can be introduced into
the interior of the carcass without problems. One or more wing-joint positioning surfaces
are arranged on the wing-joint positioning member. When the wing-joint positioning
member is being displaced into position with respect to the carcass part, the one
or more positioning surfaces act to move the wing-joint substantially into a predetermined
position, for example by pushing the wing-joint slightly outwards. In this way, the
overall positioning of the wing-joint is realized from interior of the carcass.
[0017] To realize accurate positioning of a wing joint, after the wing joint has been moved
into position from the interior of the carcass part, an external pressure is exerted
on the carcass part by pressure-exerting means. These pressure-exerting means ensure
that the wing joint comes to bear firmly against said wing-joint positioning surface,
in such a manner that it reliably comes to lie in the predetermined position.
[0018] The combination of positioning the wing joints from the interior and from the outside
of the carcass part has the advantage that the position of the wing joints with respect
to the processing device is reliably, accurately and unambiguously defined, and also
that the position of the wing joint with respect to the processing device is largely
independent of the size, weight and shape of the carcass part to be processed.
[0019] In the case of a relatively small or medium-sized, ideally shaped carcass part, in
which each wing joint is located at a relatively short distance from the location
of the backbone, each wing joint will be pushed outwards, towards the predetermined
position, by a wing-joint positioning surface. In these cases, the wing joint will
already bear firmly against a wing-joint positioning surface and will adopt the position
which is prescribed by this surface. In these cases, pressing on the carcass part
from the outside primarily constitutes an additional guarantee that the wing joint
will retain its ideal position with a sufficient accuracy during a processing operation.
[0020] In the case of a relatively large or less ideally shaped carcass part, there is no
guarantee that a wing joint will immediately be positioned as intended by acting on
it from the inside of the carcass part by a wing-joint positioning surface of the
wing-joint positioning member. In such cases, the wing joint will not always immediately
bear correctly against the associated wing-joint positioning surface. The wing-joint
positioning surface is then merely responsible for overall preliminary positioning
of the wing joint. The pressure-exerting means then apply a preferably targeted pressure
to the carcass part from the outside, with the result that each wing joint still comes
to bear correctly against its associated wing-joint positioning surface, so the wing
joints reach the predetermined position with a high degree of accuracy.
[0021] Since the position of the wing joints is thus accurately known and largely independent
of the size and shape of the carcass part, it is possible for processing operations
on the wing joints to be carried out accurately.
[0022] One example of such a processing operation is that of cutting through some of the
connecting tendons between a wing (or wing part) and the other parts of the carcass
part, in such a manner that at least one connecting tendon between an outer fillet
and a wing or wing part remains intact. The operation of reliably and reproducibly
cutting through the wing joint at least largely without damaging the bones of the
joint is another example of such a processing operation which is possible on account
of accurate positioning of the wing joint.
[0023] These two processing operations can be combined by the use of special wing-cutting
blades which are substantially sickle-shaped. These blades are provided with a facet
which prevents the tendons from slipping off the wing-cutting blade during the cutting
operation.
[0024] To make a wing joint incision of this nature, the sickle-shaped wing-cutting blades
are preferably rotated or moved in some other way such that they come to lie around
the wing joint. During the rotary motion, the meat and tissue around the wing joint
is already being cut into. Then, the wing-cutting blades are moved further, with the
result that the wing-cutting blades are pulled further through the joint. During this
further movement, each wing-cutting blade at a given moment comes into contact with
the tendon located inside of the joint. The continuing movement severs the tendons,
with the facet of the wing-cutting blade preventing the tendon from sliding off the
wing-cutting blade.
[0025] Control means of the wing-cutting blades are preferably adapted to allow to determine
whether or not the wing-cutting blades execute the wing joint incision for each passing
product.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment in which the wing cutting is carried out using the special
wing-cutting blades mentioned above and a connecting tendon between the outer fillet
and wing (part) remains intact, it is possible to harvest both the breast fillet,
the eye meat, the second fillet and the inner fillets in an advantageous way.
[0027] It is in this way possible to carry out the method of harvesting second fillets as
described in
EP 0 695 506.
[0028] The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method according to the
first aspect of the invention. It is preferable for a plurality of these devices to
be accommodated in a turret machine. The devices can be positioned either substantially
horizontally or substantially vertically in a turret machine of this type.
[0029] The second aspect of the invention relates to an optimization of the processing of
a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part comprises at least part
of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib cage, a neck opening and
part of the wishbone, which method comprises the following steps:
- applying and fixing the carcass part to a product carrier, which product carrier is
moveable along a path and which product carrier engages on the inside of the carcass
part,
- moving a block into the carcass part through the neck opening of the carcass part,
which block has a recess for receiving the wishbone or that part of it which is present,
and which block is arranged between the two limbs of the wishbone or between the locations
at which these limbs would be located if the entire wishbone were present,
- cutting the wishbone or that part of it which is present loose from the carcass part
on the side facing the back side of the carcass part by introducing a first wishbone
blade along one side of the block, the first wishbone blade having a cutting edge,
the contour of which substantially corresponds to the outer contour of the complete
wishbone.
[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the method further
comprises the following steps:
- introducing two second wishbone blades into the carcass part on either side along
the block, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first wishbone blade, the
second wishbone blades substantially following the outer contour of the complete wishbone,
and cutting the wishbone or that part of it which is present loose from the carcass
part, in such a manner that the wishbone or that part of it which is present is enclosed
between the block, the first wishbone blade and the second wishbone blades,
- pulling the block, the first wishbone blade and the second wishbone blades back out
of the carcass path together, in such a manner that the wishbone or that part of it
which is present remains enclosed between the block, the first wishbone blade and
the second wishbone blades and is thereby removed from the carcass part.
[0031] After the processing operation has been carried out on the wing joints which are
present, it is preferable for the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which is still
present to be removed from the carcass part. According to a second aspect of the invention,
this is achieved by moving a block into the carcass part between the two limbs of
the wishbone before the first wishbone blade is introduced. If only part of the wishbone
is still present, the block is introduced into the carcass part at a position which
is such that if the entire wishbone were still present the block would be located
between the two limbs of the wishbone. In the block there is a recess which receives
the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which is still present A block for receiving
at least part of the wishbone is known from
EP 0 336 162.
[0032] EP 0 336 162 discloses a method for harvesting breast meat of slaughtered poultry. In this known
method, a block is introduced into a carcass part from which the breast meat has to
be removed. The block comprises a recess for accommodating the legs of the wishbone
The breast meat is removed from the carcass part by scraping. During the scraping,
the legs of the wishbone are in the recess of the block, so the scrapers cannot damage
the wishbone.
[0033] The first wishbone blade has a preferably flat cutting part. The shape of the outer
contour of this cutting part substantially corresponds to the shape of the outer contour
of the wishbone, i.e. the cutting part has a substantially triangular contour. The
cutting part is provided with at least one cutting edge.
[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the cutting part of the first wishbone blade is substantially
triangular in shape, with the wide side of the triangle being wider than the wishbone.
As a result, not only the wishbone but also the surrounding meat is cut loose from
the carcass part. This is not only of benefit to the amount of meat recovered but
also ensures that this additional meat is in reality also harvested.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the wide side of the triangular shape of the first wishbone
blade is so wide that the meat is cut loose from the carcass part as far as the immediate
vicinity of the wing joint. As a result, the meat between the wishbone and the wing
joint is also harvested, whereas previously it remained attached to the carcass part.
[0036] The first wishbone blade is arranged along one side of the block in the carcass part.
As a result, the wishbone (or that part of the wishbone which is still present in
the carcass part) is cut loose on the side facing the back side of the carcass part.
[0037] Then, two second wishbone blades are stabbed into the carcass part along the block
on either side of it, substantially perpendicular to the first wishbone blade. These
second wishbone blades substantially follow the outer contour of the wishbone and
cut the wishbone loose from the carcass part.
[0038] When the block, the first wishbone blade and the second wishbone blades have been
arranged in the carcass part, the wishbone is enclosed by them. The wishbone is removed
from the carcass part by the block, the first wishbone blade and the second wishbone
blades being pulled back simultaneously.
[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, when the block and the first and second wishbone blades
are moved out of the carcass part, they move apart, and the wishbone is then removed
from the block e.g. by the use of compressed air. Water can also be used as an alternative
to compressed air, or alternatively mechanical means can be employed.
[0040] If products with a neck or neck skin are being processed, it is advantageous first
of all to move the neck and/or neck skin away from the neck opening, so that the neck
opening is successfully cleared and the first wishbone blade can be introduced in
the carcass part without problems. More generally, preferably the neck opening is
cleared before performing an operation on the wishbone or a part thereof which is
present. Under "clearing of the neck opening" a removal of skin and/or crop fat and/or
other tissue is to be understood.
[0041] In a further advantageous embodiment, the processing according to the second aspect
of the invention is carried out in a turret machine. The production rate can be considerably
increased in this way, since a plurality of products are processed simultaneously
and continuously. In a traditional system, it is possible to process some 2300 products
per hour, whereas with the method according to the invention the production rate is
approximately 3000 products per hour or above, and when the method according to the
invention is used in a turret machine it is possible to achieve production rates of
5000 products per hour.
[0042] In some areas, there is a demand for products in which the wishbone is still present,
albeit partly cut free from the meat. Products of this type can also be produced with
the aid of the method and device according to the second aspect. In such a case, the
first wishbone blade partly cuts loose the wishbone but the operation of introducing
the second wishbone blades is omitted. Also, in this case the wishbone is not removed
from the carcass part
[0043] The invention also comprises a device for carrying out the method in accordance with
the second aspect of the invention. It is preferable for a plurality of these devices
to be accommodated in a turret machine. The devices can be positioned either substantially
horizontally or substantially vertically in a turret machine of this type.
[0044] Devices and methods in accordance with various aspects of the invention will be explained
in more detail below with reference to the appended drawing, which shows non-limiting
exemplary embodiments and in which:
Fig 1 - shows an example of a product carrier which is suitable for use in the invention,
Fig 2 - shows the way in which a carcass part is arranged on the product carrier shown
in Fig. 1,
Fig. 3 - shows the stretching of the wings of a carcass part,
Fig 4 - shows part of an example of a device in accordance with the first aspect of
the invention,
Fig. 5 - shows wing-cutting blades in accordance with the first aspect of the invention,
Fig. 6 - shows devices in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention,
accommodated in a turret machine,
Fig. 7 - shows devices in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention,
accommodated in an alternative machine,
Fig. 8 - shows an example of part of the device in accordance with the second aspect
of the invention,
Fig. 9 - shows an example of part of the device in accordance with the second aspect
of the invention,
Fig. 10 - shows a possible embodiment of a device for removing crop fat and/or neck
skin,
Fig. 11 - shows a possible embodiment of the way in which parts are cut off the carcass
part.
[0045] Fig. 1 shows an example of a product carrier 2 which is suitable for use in all aspects
of the invention. This product carrier 2 is designed to support and retain the carcass
part 1 which is being processed The product carrier 2 is designed to move along a
path. This is realized, for example, by securing the product carrier 2 to an overhead
conveyor.
[0046] The product carrier 2 shown in Fig. 1 is pivotable in a plurality of planes, for
example as indicated by arrow A and arrow B. The product carrier 2 can execute these
movements either separately or in combination, while it is being conveyed along the
path. The product carrier 2 also comprises an engagement surface 4, by means of which
the product carrier 2 engages on the interior of the carcass part 1, i.e. on the inside
of the rib cage (or that part of it which is present in the carcass part 1). The product
carrier 2 also has a fixing means 3 which retains the carcass part 1 on the product
carrier 2 irrespective of the position which the latter adopts.
[0047] Fig. 2a and 2b show the way in which a carcass part 1 is applied to the product carrier
2. Fig. 2c shows a front half which has been applied to the product carrier 2, but
other types of carcass parts can also be processed. In this context, consideration
may be given, for example, to a variation in types of front halves (with complete
wings, with wings without their tips, with wings with second-part incision, without
wings, with neck, with neck skin, etc), breast caps, carcass parts without backbone,
etc. The carcass parts which are to be processed, before being processed, in each
case comprise at least part of the ribs and part of the meat which is naturally present
thereon.
[0048] As soon as the carcass part 1 has been applied and fixed to the product carrier 2,
it can successively undergo various processing operations, which ultimately involve
various parts of the carcass part 1 being separated.
[0049] Prior to the processing operations, the product carrier 2 can guide the carcass part
1 which is to be processed through a wing-stretching module. This has the advantage
that after having passed this module all the wings or wing parts which are present
are hanging in a more or less reproducible position with respect to the carcass part
1. Carcass parts without wing parts are preferably guided around this module
[0050] Fig. 3 shows an example of a wing-stretching module. This module in this case comprises
two rotating elements 11 which are positioned at a certain distance from one another.
The carcass part 1 is guided between the rotating elements 11, with resilient elements
12 which are positioned on the rotating elements 11 stretching the wings or wing parts.
These resilient elements 12 may, for example, be formed by rubber plucking fingers.
Fig. 3b also shows the direction of rotation of the two rotating elements 11; in Fig.
3a, T denotes the conveying direction of the carcass part 1 as it follows the path.
[0051] A carcass part 1 which, in addition to at least part of the rib cage and which is
naturally present thereon, also comprises a neck opening and a wing joint, preferably
with at least a part of the wing still attached to the wing joint can be processed
using a device and a method in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
[0052] The device in accordance with the first aspect of the invention comprises a wing-joint
positioning member 21, which is designed to be introduced into the carcass part 1.
This wing-joint positioning member 21 is provided with one or more wing-joint positioning
surfaces 22. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig 4, there are two of these surfaces.
In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4, the wing-joint positioning member 21 is provided
with a cutting edge 21' for cutting the wishbone loose from the other parts of the
carcass part.
[0053] The wing-joint positioning surfaces 22 are arranged in such a manner that in a defined
position of the wing-joint positioning member 21 with respect to the carcass part
1 (for example the lowest position of the wing-joint positioning member 21 with respect
to the carcass part 1) they each hold a wing joint at least substantially into a predetermined,
reproducible position from the inside of the carcass part 1.
[0054] Furthermore, the device comprises pressure-exerting means 23 for pressing on the
carcass part 1 from the outside. In this way, any wing joint which is present is reproducibly
supported by the joint-positioning surface 22 of the wing-joint positioning member
21. As a result, the wing joints which are present are accurately held into the predetermined
position in a particularly reliable way
[0055] If the carcass part 1 also comprises at least part of the wishbone, which has to
be cut loose from the carcass part it is advantageous if the wing-joint positioning
member 21 is also designed to at least partially cut that part of the wishbone which
is present loose from the carcass part 1 To this end, the wing-joint positioning member
is preferably provided with a suitable cutting edge 21'. Further means may also be
present for cutting the wishbone (or that part of the wishbone which is present) loose
and removing it from the carcass part 1. In this context, consideration may be given,
for example, to a combination of the first aspect of the invention with the second
aspect of the invention. In that case, the wing-joint positioning member 21 is used
as first wishbone blade, which first wishbone blade is described in relation to the
second aspect of the invention.
[0056] Accurate positioning of the wing joints is important if it is desired for accurate
processing operations to be carried out on the wing joints.
[0057] Such a situation arises if the carcass part 1 also comprises one or more inner fillets
(also known as "second fillets"). In that case, it is desirable for just some of the
connecting tendons between a wing part and the other parts of the carcass part 1 to
be cut through, in such a manner that at least one connecting tendon between the outer
fillet and a wing part remains intact. As a result, during the harvesting of the outer
fillet the inner fillets remain behind on the bone parts of the body of the carcass
part 1, and the inner fillets can then be harvested automatically or manually in a
known way (preferably as described in
EP 0 695 506). One advantage of manual harvesting is that final inspection of the carcass part
1 can then take place at the same time.
[0058] Another example of a processing operation on the wing joint which requires accurate
positioning is the cutting through of the wing joint, in which case the wing-cutting
blade which is used to make the incision moves substantially between the bone parts
of each wing joint, and in which case after the cutting operation a connection remains
between the wing part and an other part of the carcass part 1
[0059] According to the first aspect of the invention, these two accurate processing operations
are preferably carried out using special sickle-shaped wing-cutting blades 24 which
comprise a facet 25 which prevents the tendons which are to be cut through from slipping
off the blade during the cutting operation. The blades also act as a wedge which pushes
the bone parts of the wing joint apart. Fig. 5 shows the introduction of the wing-cutting
blades 24.
[0060] To enable high production rates to be achieved, it is preferable for a number of
devices in accordance with the first aspect of the invention to be accommodated in
a turret machine, as shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 7 shows an alternative arrangement.
[0061] In the case of processing of products having a neck or neck skin, the neck or neck
skin may impede the introduction of the wing-joint positioning member 21. To prevent
this, the device according to the invention is preferably provided with means which
hold the neck or neck skin away from the neck opening, for example guides.
[0062] It is preferable for the device and method in accordance with the first aspect of
the invention to be combined with the device and method in accordance with the second
aspect of the invention. In that case, the wing-joint positioning member 21 is provided
with a suitable cutting edge, so that the wing-joint positioning member can be used
as first wishbone blade.
[0063] The second aspect of the invention relates to a method and device for the processing
of a carcass part 1 of slaughtered poultry. The carcass parts which can be processed
in accordance with the corresponding method and using the corresponding device comprise
at least part of the ribs, part of the meat which is naturally present thereon, a
neck opening and part of the wishbone. In the example described below, the entire
wishbone is present.
[0064] In the second aspect of the invention too, the carcass part 1 which is to be processed
is applied and fixed to a product carrier 2 of the type described above.
[0065] To enable the wishbone to be removed, a block is introduced into the carcass part
1 through the neck opening. The block has a recess for receiving the wishbone and
is arranged between the two limbs of the wishbone.
[0066] Then, a first wishbone blade 21 is introduced into the carcass part 1 via the neck
opening, in such a manner that it is positioned next to one side of the block in the
carcass part 1.
[0067] The first wishbone blade 21 has a cutting edge, the contour of which substantially
corresponds to the outer contour of the complete wishbone, so that as it is introduced
it cuts loose that side of the wishbone which faces the back side of the carcass part
1. In this example, the first wishbone blade 21 is substantially in the shape of an
arrow.
[0068] Then, two second wishbone blades 31 are moved into the carcass part 1 along either
side of the block, substantially perpendicular to the first wishbone blade 21. The
second wishbone blades 31 substantially follow the outer contour of the wishbone and
cut the wishbone off the carcass part 1. The wishbone which has been cut loose is
then enclosed between the block, the first wishbone blade 21 and the second wishbone
blades 31.
[0069] To remove the wishbone from the carcass part 1, the block, the first wishbone blade
21 and the second wishbone blades 31 are together pulled back out of the carcass part
1 while the wishbone remains enclosed between the block, the first wishbone blade
21 and the second wishbone blades 31. In this way, the wishbone is removed from the
carcass part 1.
[0070] To combine the first and second aspects of the invention, the first wishbone blade
21 is preferably provided with wing-joint positioning surfaces 22.
[0071] Figs. 8 and 9 show additional cutting surfaces 32 which are added to the first wishbone
blade 21. The addition of these additional cutting surfaces 32 further widens the
first wishbone blade 21 on the wide side of the arrowhead. This makes the first wishbone
blade 21 significantly wider on the wide side than the wishbone at that location.
[0072] The local widening of the first wishbone blade 21 allows the meat to be cut loose
from the underlying bone parts as far as the immediate vicinity of the wing surface.
This ensures that the meat between the wishbone and the wing joint is harvested with
the fillet.
[0073] When the wishbone has been removed from the carcass part 1, the first wishbone blade
21 and the second wishbone blades 31 are moved back to a greater distance from the
block. In the first instance, the wishbone is then still on the block It is preferable
to use compressed air to remove the wishbone from the block. The device preferably
comprises compressed-air means for removing the wishbone or that part of the wishbone
which is present from the block
[0074] In the case of processing products with a neck or neck skin, the neck or neck skin
may impede the introduction of the block and/or the first wishbone blade 21. To prevent
this, the device according to the invention is preferably provided with means which
hold the neck or neck skin away from the opening, for example guides.
[0075] To enable high production rates to be achieved, it is preferable for a number of
devices in accordance with the second aspect of the invention to be accommodated in
a turret machine, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.
[0076] The devices according to the various aspects of the invention are preferably arranged
along the path along which the product carriers move. It is not necessary for all
the devices described to be used in combination. It is also possible to provide a
feature which allows one or more processing devices to be bypassed
[0077] It is possible for the devices described to be designed as stand-alone machines,
i.e not combined with an overhead conveyor or other type of conveyor which guides
the carcass parts past various processing devices.
[0078] It is not necessary for the product carrier to be able to pivot in a plurality of
planes with respect to the path for all the processing operations described. It is
sometimes sufficient for the product carrier to be able to pivot in one plane, or
it may even be possible to use a rigid product carrier.
[0079] There is provision for a processing device which divides the carcass parts through
the middle in the longitudinal direction (i.e. substantially in the direction of the
backbone and/or breastbone) to be incorporated along the path covered by the carcass
parts. It is also possible for the processing devices as described above to carry
out the processing operations on halved carcass parts which have been created in this
way. It is also possible for the processing devices to be completely designed to process
halved carcass parts of this type and therefore to carry out the processing operations
on only one side of the product carrier.
[0080] There is provision for a processing device which removes any residues of the neck
skin and/or the crop fat to be incorporated along the path covered by the carcass
parts. A device of this type is shown in Fig. 10.
[0081] There is provision for a processing device which cuts off parts of the carcass part
1 (such as for example back pieces intended for soup packets) to be incorporated along
the path covered by the carcass parts. The shape of the product carrier 2 is preferably
adjusted accordingly, so that the blades which cut off the part of the carcass part
1 cannot cause any damage to the product carrier 2. A device of this type is shown
in Fig. 11.
[0082] It is preferable for the product carrier 2 to be advanced along its path by a chain
conveyor, with the product carrier 2 always located beneath the chain conveyor.
[0083] It is preferable for the product carrier 2 to be pivoted into the optimum orientation
with respect to the device which is used to carry out each individual processing step.
[0084] Any previously described method is preferably further characterized in that after
the carcass part has been applied and fixed to the product carrier, the wing parts
which are present are stretched
[0085] Any previously described method is preferably further characterized in that any residues
of the neck skin and/or the crop fat are removed.
[0086] Any previously described method is preferably further characterized in that the product
carrier is advanced along its path by a chain conveyor, with the product carrier always
located beneath the chain conveyor.
[0087] Any previously described method is preferably further characterized in that the product
carrier is pivoted into the optimum orientation for each processing step with respect
to the device with which the processing step is carried out.
1. Method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry,
which carcass part (1) comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally
present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part (1) having
an interior which method comprises the following steps:
- applying and fixing the carcass part (1) to a product carrier (2), which product
carrier (2) is moveable and which product carrier (2) engages the interior of the
carcass part (1),
- moving a wing-joint positioning member (21) via said neck opening into the interior
of the carcass part (1),
the wing-joint positioning member (21) being provided with one or more wing-joint
positioning surfaces (22), which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined
position of the wing-joint positioning member (21) with respect to the carcass part
(1), the wing-joint positioning surfaces (22) hold said wing joint into a predetermined
position,
- exerting an internal pressure on the carcass part, in such a manner that said wing
joint is supported in the predetermined position by a wing-joint positioning surface
(22),
which steps are carried out in a turret machine.
2. Method according to claim 1,
wherein instead of or in addition to the internal pressure on the carcass part, an
external pressure is applied on the carcass part (1).
3. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the carcass part (1) also comprises at least part of a wishbone,
characterized in that,
the method further comprises the step of cutting the wishbone at least partly loose
from other parts of the carcass part by using a wing-joint positioning member (21)
which is provided with suitable cutting edges (21').
4. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the carcass part (1) comprises residue of neck skin, characterized in that said residues of neck skin are removed.
5. Method according to any of the preceding claims,
wherein the neck opening is cleared before the wing-joint positioning member (21)
is introduced.
6. Turret machine comprising a device for processing a carcass part (1) of slaughtered
poultry,
which carcass part (1) comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally
present on said rib cage, a neck opening, and a wing joint, the carcass part (1) having
an interior, which device comprises:
- a product carrier (2) for supporting and retaining the carcass part, which product
carrier (2) is designed to move along a path, and which product carrier (2) is adapted
to engage the interior of the carcass part (1),
- a wing-joint positioning member (21), which is designed to be introduced into the
carcass part (1) via said neck opening,
characterized in that the wing-joint positioning member (21) is provided with one or more wing-joint positioning
surfaces (22), which are arranged in such a manner that, in a defined position of
the wing-joint positioning member (21) with respect to the carcass part (1), the wing-joint
positioning surfaces (22) hold said wing joint into a predetermined position,
which wing joint positioning surfaces (22) are adapted for exerting an internal pressure
on the carcass part, in such a manner that said wing joint is supported in the predetermined
position by a wing-joint positioning surface (22).
7. Turret machine according to claim 6,
wherein the device also comprises pressure-exerting means (23) for applying an external
pressure on the carcass part (1) in stead of or in addition to the internal pressure
of the wing joint positioning surfaces (22), in such a manner that said wing joint
is supported by a wing-joint positioning surface (22) of the wing-joint positioning
member (21), with the result that said wing joint is moved into the predetermined
position.
8. Turret machine according to claim 6 or 7,
wherein the carcass part comprises at least part of the wishbone, and the wing-joint
positioning member (21) comprises a cutting edge (21') for at least partially cutting
of the wishbone loose from another part of the carcass part (1).
9. Turret machine according to any of the claims 6-8,
wherein the device further comprises means for removing residues of neck skin from
the carcass part to be processed.
10. Method for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part (1)
comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib
cage, a neck opening and part of the wishbone,
which method comprises the following steps:
- applying and fixing the carcass part (1) to a product carrier (2), which product
carrier (2) is moveable along a path and which product carrier (2) engages on the
inside of the carcass part (1),
- moving a block into the carcass part (1) through the neck opening of the carcass
part, (1) which block has a recess for receiving the wishbone or that part of it which
is present, and which block is arranged between the two limbs of the wishbone or between
the locations at which these limbs would be located if the entire wishbone were present,
- cutting the wishbone or that part of it which is present loose from the carcass
part (1) on the side facing the back side of the carcass part by introducing a first
wishbone blade (21) along one side of the block, the first wishbone blade having a
cutting edge, the contour of which substantially corresponds to the outer contour
of the complete wishbone.
11. Method according to claim 10,
which further comprises the following steps:
- introducing two second wishbone blades (31) into the carcass part (1) on either
side along the block, preferably substantially perpendicular to the first wishbone
blade (21), the second wishbone blades (31) substantially following the outer contour
of the complete wishbone, and cutting the wishbone or that part of it which is present
loose from the carcass part (1), in such a manner that the wishbone or that part of
it which is present is enclosed between the block, the first wishbone blade (21) and
the second wishbone blades (31),
- pulling the block, the first wishbone blade (21) and the second wishbone blades
(3) back out of the carcass path together, in such a manner that the wishbone or that
part of it which is present remains enclosed between the block, the first wishbone
blade (2) and the second wishbone blades (31) and is thereby removed from the carcass
part.
12. Method according to any of the claims 10-11,
wherein a first wishbone blade (21) which is provided with wing-joint positioning
surfaces (22) is used.
13. Method according to any of the claims 10-12,
wherein a first wishbone blade (21) which at least in part is wider than the outer
contour of the complete wishbone is used.
14. Method according to any of the claims 10-13,
wherein a first wishbone blade (21) which is designed to cut all the way to the immediate
vicinity of the wing surface is used.
15. Method according to any of the claims 10-14,
wherein after the wishbone or that part of it which is present has been removed from
the carcass part (1), compressed air is used to remove the wishbone or that part of
it which is present from the block.
16. Method according to any of the claims 10-15,
wherein the neck opening is cleared before the first wishbone blade (21) is introduced,
or more generally, that the neck opening is cleared before performing an operation
on the wishbone or a part thereof which is present.
17. Method according to any of the claims 10-16,
wherein the method further comprises a removal of skin and/or crop fat and/or other
tissue.
18. Device for processing a carcass part of slaughtered poultry, which carcass part (1)
comprises at least part of a rib cage, meat which is naturally present on said rib
cage, a neck opening and part of the wishbone, the carcass part (1) having an interior,
which device comprises:
- a product carrier (2) for supporting and retaining the carcass part (1), which product
carrier (2) is designed to move along a path and is preferably pivotable in a plurality
of planes with respect to this path, which product carrier (2) is adapted to engage
the interior of the carcass part,
- a block which is designed to be moved through the neck opening into the carcass
part until it is located between the two limbs of the wishbone or between the locations
at which these limbs would be located if the entire wishbone were present, which block
has a recess for receiving the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which is present,
characterized in that the device also comprises:
- a first wishbone blade (21), which has a cutting edge (21') whose contour substantially
corresponds to the outer contour of the complete wishbone for cutting the wishbone
or that part of the wishbone which is present loose from the carcass part (1) on the
side facing the back side of the carcass part (1), which first wishbone blade (21)
is designed to be introduced into the carcass part (1) along one side of the block.
19. Device according to claim 18,
which device also comprises at least two second wishbone blades (31), which are designed
to be introduced into the carcass part (1) along either side of the block, preferably
substantially perpendicular to the first wishbone blade (21), the second wishbone
blades (31) substantially following the outer contour of the complete wishbone, and
being designed to cut the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which is present loose
from the carcass part (1), in such a manner that the wishbone or that part of the
wishbone which is present is enclosed between the block, the first wishbone blade
(21) and the second wishbone blades (31),
which device is designed to pull the block, the first wishbone blade (21) and the
second wishbone blades (31) out of the carcass part (1) together, in such a manner
that the wishbone or that part of the wishbone which is present remains enclosed between
the block, the first wishbone blade (21) and the second wishbone blades (31), so that
the wishbone or that part of the wishbone that is present is removed from the carcass
part (1) together with the block, the first wishbone blade (21) and the second wishbone
blades (31).
20. Device according to any of the claims 18-19,
wherein the first wishbone blade (21) comprises wing-joint positioning surfaces (22).
21. Device according to any of the claims 18-20,
wherein the first wishbone blade (21) is at least in part wider than the outer contour
of the complete wishbone.
22. Device according to any of the claims 18-21,
wherein the first wishbone blade (21) is designed to cut as far as the immediate vicinity
of the wing surface
23. Device according to any of the claims 18-22,
wherein the device further comprises compressed-air means for removing the wishbone
or that part of the wishbone which is present from the block.
24. Device according to any of the claims 18-23,
wherein the device further comprises means for clearing the neck opening before the
first wishbone blade (21) is introduced, or more generally, means for clearing the
neck opening before performing an operation on the wishbone or a part thereof which
is present.
25. Device according to any of the claims 18-24,
wherein the device further comprises means for removal of skin and/or crop fat and/or
other tissue.
26. Device according to any of the claims 18-25,
wherein the device is accommodated in a turret machine.
27. Method according to any of the claims 10-17,
wherein after the carcass part (1) has been applied and fixed to the product carrier
(2), any wing parts which are present are stretched.
28. Method according to any of the claims 10-17 and/or 27,
wherein any residues of the neck skin and/or the crop fat are removed.
29. Method according to any of the claims 10-17 and/or 27-28,
wherein the product carrier (2) is advanced along its path by a chain conveyor, with
the product carrier always located beneath the chain conveyor.
30. Method according to any of the claims 10-17 and/or 27-29,
wherein the product carrier (2) is pivoted into the optimum orientation for each processing
step with respect to the device with which the processing step is carried out.
1. Verfahren zur Verarbeitung eines Karkassenteils von Schlachtgeflügel, welches Karkassenteil
(1) zumindest einen Teil eines Brustkorbs, Fleisch, das natürlich am Brustkorb vorhanden
ist, eine Halsöffnung und ein Flügelgelenk umfasst, wobei das Karkassenteil (1) einen
Innenraum hat und das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
- Anbringen und Fixieren des Karkassenteils (1) an einem Produktträger (2), der beweglich
ist und am Innenraum des Karkassenteils (1) angreift,
- Bewegen eines Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteils (21) durch die Halsöffnung in den
Innenraum des Karkassenteils (1),
wobei das Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteil (21) mit einer oder mehreren Flügelgelenkpositionierungsfläche/n
(22) versehen ist, die so angeordnet sind, dass in einer definierten Position des
Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteils (21) in Bezug auf das Karkassenteil (1) die Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen
(22) das Flügelgelenk in einer vorbestimmten Position halten,
- Ausüben eines inneren Drucks auf das Karkassenteil in der Art und Weise, dass das
Flügelgelenk durch eine Flügelgelenkpositionierungsfläche (22) in der vorbestimmten
Position gehaltert ist,
und die Schritte in einer Revolvermaschine ausgeführt werden.
2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei anstelle vom oder zusätzlich zum inneren Druck auf
das Karkassenteil ein äußerer Druck an das Karkassenteil (1) angelegt wird.
3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Karkassenteil (1) darüber
hinaus auch mindestens einen Teil eines Gabelbeins umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass
das Verfahren darüber hinaus den Schritt umfasst, das Gabelbein zumindest teilweise
von anderen Teilen des Karkassenteils unter Verwendung eines Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteils
(21) loszuschneiden, das mit geeigneten Schneidkanten (21') versehen ist.
4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Karkassenteil (1) Reste
von Halshaut umfasst, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Reste von Halshaut entfernt werden.
5. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Halsöffnung freigemacht
wird, bevor das Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteil (21) eingeführt wird.
6. Revolvermaschine, die eine Vorrichtung zum Verarbeiten eines Karkassenteils (1) von
Schlachtgeflügel umfasst,
welches Karkassenteil (1) zumindest einen Teil eines Brustkorbs, Fleisch, das natürlich
am Brustkorb vorhanden ist, eine Halsöffnung und ein Flügelgelenk umfasst, wobei das
Karkassenteil (1) einen Innenraum hat und die Vorrichtung umfasst:
- einen Produktträger (2) zum Haltern und Festhalten des Karkassenteils, der dazu
ausgelegt ist, sich entlang eines Wegs zu bewegen und dazu angepasst ist, am Innenraum
des Karkassenteils (1) anzugreifen,
- ein Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteil (21), das dazu ausgelegt ist, durch die Halsöffnung
in das Karkassenteil (1) eingeführt zu werden,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteil (21) mit einer oder mehreren Flügelgelenkpositionierungsfläche/n
(22) versehen ist, die so angeordnet sind, dass in einer festgelegten Position des
Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteils (21) in Bezug auf das Karkassenteil (1) die Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen
(22) das Flügelgelenk in einer vorbestimmten Position halten, welche Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen
(22) dazu angepasst sind, einen inneren Druck auf das Karkassenteil auszuüben, und
zwar so, dass das Flügelgelenk durch einen Flügelgelenkpositionierungsfläche (22)
in der vorbestimmten Position gehaltert ist.
7. Revolvermaschine nach Anspruch 6, wobei die Vorrichtung auch eine Druckbeaufschlagungseinrichtung
(23) umfasst, um anstelle vom oder zusätzlich zum inneren Druck der Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen
(22) einen äußeren Druck an das Karkassenteil (1) so anzulegen, dass das Flügelgelenk
durch eine Flügelgelenkpositionierungsfläche (22) des Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteils
(21) gehaltert ist, mit dem Ergebnis, dass das Flügelgelenk in die vorbestimmte Position
bewegt wird.
8. Revolvermaschine nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei das Karkassenteil zumindest einen Teil
des Gabelbeins umfasst, und das Flügelgelenkpositionierungsteil (21) eine Schneidkante
(21') umfasst, um das Gabelbein zumindest teilweise von einem anderen Teil des Karkassenteils
(1) loszuschneiden.
9. Revolvermaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei die Vorrichtung darüber hinaus
eine Einrichtung umfasst, um Reste von Halshaut von dem zu verarbeitenden Karkassenteil
zu entfernen.
10. Verfahren zum Verarbeiten eines Karkassenteils von Schlachtgeflügel, welches Karkassenteil
(1) zumindest einen Teil eines Brustkorbs, Fleisch, das natürlich am Brustkorb vorhanden
ist, eine Halsöffnung und einen Teil des Gabelbeins umfasst,
und das Verfahren die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
- Anbringen und Fixieren eines Karkassenteils (1) an einem Produktträger (2), der
entlang eines Wegs beweglich ist und auf der Innenseite des Karkassenteils (1) angreift,
- Bewegen eines Blocks durch die Halsöffnung des Karkassenteils (1) in das Karkassenteil
(1), der eine Ausnehmung zur Aufnahme des Gabelbeins oder des Teils von diesem, das
vorhanden ist, aufweist, und der zwischen den beiden Gliedern das Gabelbeins oder
zwischen den Stellen, an denen sich diese Glieder befinden würden, wenn das ganze
Gabelbein vorhanden wäre, angeordnet ist,
- Losschneiden des Gabelbeins oder des Teils von diesem, das vorhanden ist, vom Karkassenteil
(1), auf der Seite, die der Rückseite des Karkassenteils zugewandt ist, indem ein
erstes Gabelbeinmesser (21) entlang einer Seite des Blocks eingeführt wird, wobei
das erste Gabelbeinmesser eine Schneidkante hat, deren Kontur im Wesentlichen der
Außenkontur des kompletten Gabelbeins entspricht.
11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 10, das darüber hinaus die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
- Einführen von zwei zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31) in das Karkassenteil (1) auf jeder
Seite entlang des Blocks, vorzugsweise im Wesentlichen senkrecht zum ersten Gabelbeinmesser
(21), wobei die zweiten Gabelbeinmesser (31) im Wesentlichen der Außenkontur des kompletten
Gabelbeins folgen, und Losschneiden des Gabelbeins oder des Teils von diesem, das
vorhanden ist, vom Karkassenteil (1), und zwar so, dass das Gabelbein oder das Teil
von diesem, das vorhanden ist, zwischen dem Block, dem ersten Gabelbeinmesser (21)
und den zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31) eingeschlossen ist,
- gemeinsames Herausziehen des Blocks, des ersten Gabelbeinmessers (21) und der zweiten
Gabelbeinmesser (31) aus dem Karkassenteil, und zwar so, dass das Gabelbein oder das
Teil von diesem, das vorhanden ist, zwischen dem Block, dem ersten Gabelbeinmesser
(21) und den zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31) eingeschlossen bleibt und dadurch aus dem Karkassenteil entfernt wird.
12. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 11, wobei ein erstes Gabelbeinmesser (21)
verwendet wird, das mit Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen (22) versehen ist.
13. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 12, wobei ein erstes Gabelbeinmesser (21)
verwendet wird, das zumindest teilweise breiter ist als die Außenkontur des kompletten
Gabelbeins.
14. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 13, wobei ein erstes Gabelbeinmesser (21)
verwendet wird, das dazu ausgelegt ist, die gesamte Strecke bis zur unmittelbaren
Nähe der Flügeloberfläche zu schneiden.
15. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 14, wobei, nachdem das Gabelbein oder das
Teil von diesem, das vorhanden ist, aus dem Karkassenteil (1) entfernt wurde, Druckluft
verwendet wird, um das Gabelbein oder das Teil von diesem, das vorhanden ist, aus
dem Block zu entfernen.
16. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 15, wobei die Halsöffnung freigemacht wird,
bevor das erste Gabelbeinmesser (21) eingeführt wird, oder, allgemeiner, die Halsöffnung
freigemacht wird, bevor ein Arbeitsablauf am Gabelbein oder einem Teil von diesem,
das vorhanden ist, durchgeführt wird.
17. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 16, wobei das Verfahren darüber hinaus ein
Entfernen von Haut und/oder Kropffett und/oder anderem Gewebe umfasst.
18. Vorrichtung zur Verarbeitung eines Karkassenteils von Schlachtgeflügel, welches Karkassenteil
(1) zumindest einen Teil eines Brustkorbs, Fleisch, das natürlich am Brustkorb vorhanden
ist, eine Halsöffnung und einen Teil des Gabelbeins umfasst, wobei das Karkassenteil
(1) einen Innenraum hat und die Vorrichtung umfasst:
- einen Produktträger (2) zum Haltern und Festhalten des Karkassenteils (1), der dazu
ausgelegt ist, sich entlang eines Wegs zu bewegen und vorzugsweise im Hinblick auf
diesen Weg in mehreren Ebenen schwenkbar und dazu angepasst ist, am Innenraum des
Karkassenteils anzugreifen,
- einen Block, der dazu ausgelegt ist, durch die Halsöffnung in das Karkassenteil
bewegt zu werden, bis er sich zwischen den beiden Gliedern des Gabelbeins oder zwischen
den Stellen befindet, an denen sich diese Glieder befinden würden, wenn das ganze
Gabelbein vorhanden wäre, und der eine Ausnehmung zur Aufnahme des Gabelbeins oder
des Teils des Gabelbeins hat, das vorhanden ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung auch umfasst:
- ein erstes Gabelbeinmesser (21), das eine Schneidkante (21') hat, deren Kontur im
Wesentlichen der Außenkontur des kompletten Gabelbeins entspricht, um das Gabelbein
oder das Teil des Gabelbeins, das vorhanden ist, vom Karkassenteil (1) auf der Seite
loszuschneiden, die der Rückseite des Karkassenteils (1) zugewandt ist, welches erste
Gabelbeinmesser (21) dazu ausgelegt ist, entlang einer Seite des Blocks in das Karkassenteil
(1) eingeführt zu werden.
19. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 18, die auch mindestes zwei zweite Gabelbeinmesser (31)
umfasst, die dazu ausgelegt sind, entlang jeder Seite des Blocks, vorzugsweise im
Wesentlichen senkrecht zum ersten Gabelbeinmesser (21), in das Karkassenteil (1) eingeführt
zu werden, wobei die zweiten Gabelbeinmesser (31) im Wesentlichen der Außenkontur
des kompletten Gabelbeins folgen und dazu ausgelegt sind, das Gabelbein oder das Teil
des Gabelbeins, das vorhanden ist, vom Karkassenteil (1) so loszuschneiden, dass das
Gabelbein oder das Teil des Gabelbeins, das vorhanden ist, zwischen dem Block, dem
ersten Gabelbeinmesser (21) und den zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31) eingeschlossen ist,
welche Vorrichtung dazu ausgelegt ist, den Block, das erste Gabelbeinmesser (21) und
die zweiten Gabelbeinmesser (31) zusammen aus dem Karkassenteil (1) so herauszuziehen,
dass das Gabelbein oder das Teil des Gabelbeins, das vorhanden ist, zwischen dem Block,
dem ersten Gabelbeinmesser (21) und den zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31) eingeschlossen
bleibt, so dass das Gabelbein oder das Teil des Gabelbeins, das vorhanden ist, zusammen
mit dem Block, dem ersten Gabelbeinmesser (21) und den zweiten Gabelbeinmessern (31)
aus dem Karkassenteil (1) entfernt wird.
20. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 19, wobei das erste Gabelbeinmesser (21)
Flügelgelenkpositionierungsflächen (22) umfasst.
21. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 20, wobei das erste Gabelbeinmesser (21)
zumindest teilweise breiter ist als die Außenkontur des kompletten Gabelbeins.
22. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 21, wobei das erste Gabelbeinmesser (21)
dazu ausgelegt ist, bis in die unmittelbare Nähe der Flügeloberfläche zu schneiden.
23. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 22, wobei die Vorrichtung darüber hinaus
eine Drucklufteinrichtung umfasst, um das Gabelbein oder das Teil des Gabelbeins,
das vorhanden ist, aus dem Block zu entfernen.
24. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 23, wobei die Vorrichtung darüber hinaus
eine Einrichtung umfasst, um die Halsöffnung freizumachen, bevor das erste Gabelbeinmesser
(21) eingeführt wird, oder allgemeiner, eine Einrichtung, um die Halsöffnung freizumachen,
bevor ein Arbeitsablauf am Gabelbein oder dem Teil von diesem, das vorhanden ist,
durchgeführt wird.
25. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 24, wobei die Vorrichtung darüber hinaus
eine Einrichtung zum Entfernen von Haut und/oder Kropffett und/oder anderem Gewebe
umfasst.
26. Vorrichtung nach einem der Ansprüche 18 bis 25, wobei die Vorrichtung in einer Revolvermaschine
untergebracht ist.
27. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 17, wobei, nachdem das Karkassenteil (1)
am Produktträger (2) angebracht und fixiert wurde, alle Flügelteile, die vorhanden
sind, gestreckt werden.
28. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 17 und/oder 27, wobei sämtliche Reste der
Halshaut und/oder des Kropffetts entfernt werden.
29. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 17 und/oder 27 bis 28, wobei der Produktträger
(2) durch einen Kettenförderer entlang seines Wegs vorgerückt wird, wobei sich der
Produktträger immer unter dem Kettenförderer befindet.
30. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 17 und/oder 27 bis 29, wobei der Produktträger
(2) in die optimale Ausrichtung für jeden Verarbeitungsschritt in Bezug auf die Vorrichtung
verschwenkt wird, mit der der Verarbeitungsschritt ausgeführt wird.
1. Procédé pour traiter une partie de carcasse de volaille abattue,
laquelle partie de carcasse (1) comprend au moins une partie d'une cage thoracique,
dont la viande est naturellement présente sur ladite cage thoracique, une ouverture
de cou et une articulation d'aile, la partie de carcasse (1) ayant un intérieur, lequel
procédé comprend les étapes suivantes consistant à :
appliquer et fixer la partie de carcasse (1) sur un support de produit (2),
lequel support de produit (2) est mobile et lequel support de produit (2) met en prise
l'intérieur de la partie de carcasse (1),
déplacer un élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21) via ladite ouverture
de cou dans l'intérieur de la partie de carcasse (1),
l'élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21) étant prévu avec une ou plusieurs
surfaces de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (22) qui sont agencées de sorte que,
dans une position définie de l'élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21)
par rapport à la partie de carcasse (1), les surfaces de positionnement d'articulation
d'aile (22) maintiennent ladite articulation d'aile dans une position prédéterminée,
exercer une pression interne sur la partie de carcasse, de sorte que ladite articulation
d'aile est supportée dans la position prédéterminée par une surface de positionnement
d'articulation d'aile (22),
lesquelles étapes sont réalisées dans une tourelle.
2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel, à la place de ou en plus de la pression
interne sur la partie de carcasse, on applique une pression externe sur la partie
de carcasse (1).
3. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la partie
de carcasse (1) comprend également au moins une partie d'un fourchette,
caractérisé en ce que :
le procédé comprend en outre l'étape consistant à détacher par découpe la fourchette
au moins partiellement des autres parties de la partie de carcasse en utilisant un
élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21) qui est prévu avec des bords
de coupe (21') appropriés.
4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la partie
de carcasse (1) comprend des résidus de peau de cou, caractérisé en ce que lesdits résidus de peau de cou sont retirés.
5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'ouverture
de cou est dégagée avant l'introduction de l'élément de positionnement d'articulation
d'aile (21).
6. Tourelle comprenant un dispositif pour traiter une partie de carcasse (1) de volaille
abattue,
laquelle partie de carcasse (1) comprend au moins une partie d'une cage thoracique,
dont la viande est naturellement présente sur ladite cage thoracique, une ouverture
de cou et une articulation d'aile, la partie de carcasse (1) ayant un intérieur, lequel
dispositif comprend :
un support de produit (2) pour supporter et retenir la partie de carcasse, lequel
support de produit (2) est conçu pour se déplacer le long d'une trajectoire, et lequel
support de produit (2) est adapté pour mettre en prise l'intérieur de la partie de
carcasse (1),
un élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21) qui est conçu pour être introduit
dans la partie de carcasse (1) via ladite ouverture de cou,
caractérisée en ce que l'élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21) est prévu avec une ou plusieurs
surfaces de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (22) qui sont agencées de sorte que,
dans une position définie de l'élément de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (21)
par rapport à la partie de carcasse (1), les surfaces de positionnement d'articulation
d'aile (22) maintiennent ladite articulation d'aile dans une position prédéterminée,
lesquelles surfaces de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (22) sont adaptées pour
exercer une pression interne sur la partie de carcasse, de sorte que ladite articulation
d'aile est supportée dans la position prédéterminée par une surface de positionnement
d'articulation d'aile (22).
7. Tourelle selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle le dispositif comprend en outre des
moyens d'exercice de pression (23) pour appliquer une pression externe sur la partie
de carcasse (1) au lieu de ou en plus de la pression interne des surfaces de positionnement
d'articulation d'aile (22), de sorte que ladite articulation d'aile est supportée
par une surface de positionnement d'articulation d'aile (22) de l'élément de positionnement
d'articulation d'aile (21), avec le résultat que ladite articulation d'aile est déplacée
dans la position prédéterminée.
8. Tourelle selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans laquelle la partie de carcasse comprend
au moins une partie de la fourchette, et l'élément de positionnement d'articulation
d'aile (21) comprend un bord de coupe (21') pour détacher par découpe la fourchette
au moins partiellement d'une autre partie de la partie de carcasse (1).
9. Tourelle selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, dans laquelle le dispositif
comprend en outre des moyens pour retirer les résidus de la peau du cou de la partie
de carcasse à traiter.
10. Procédé pour traiter une partie de carcasse de volaille abattue, laquelle partie de
carcasse (1) comprend au moins une partie d'une cage thoracique, dont la viande est
naturellement présente sur ladite cage thoracique, une ouverture de cou et une partie
de la fourchette,
lequel procédé comprend les étapes suivantes consistant à :
appliquer et fixer la partie de carcasse (1) sur un support de produit (2), lequel
support de produit (2) est mobile le long d'une trajectoire et lequel support de produit
(2) se met en prise sur l'intérieur de la partie de carcasse (1),
déplacer un bloc dans la partie de carcasse (1) en passant par l'ouverture de cou
de la partie de carcasse (1), lequel bloc a un évidement pour recevoir la fourchette
ou cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente, et lequel bloc est agencé entre deux
membres de la fourchette ou entre les emplacements dans lesquels lesdits membres sont
positionnés si tout la fourchette est présent,
détacher par découpe la fourchette ou cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente,
de la partie de carcasse (1) sur le côté faisant face au côté arrière de la partie
de carcasse en introduisant une première lame de fourchette (21) le long d'un côté
du bloc, la première lame de fourchette ayant un bord de coupe, dont le contour correspond
sensiblement au contour externe de tout la fourchette.
11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre les étapes suivantes consistant
à :
introduire deux deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31) dans la partie de carcasse (1)
de chaque côté le long du bloc, de préférence de manière sensiblement perpendiculaire
à la première lame de fourchette (21), les deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31) suivant
sensiblement le contour externe de tout la fourchette, et détachant par découpe la
fourchette ou cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente, de la partie de carcasse
(1), de sorte que la fourchette ou cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente, est
enfermé(e) entre le bloc, la première lame de fourchette (21) et les deuxièmes lames
de fourchette (31),
retirer le bloc, la première lame de fourchette (21) et les deuxièmes lames de fourchette
(31) ensemble, hors de la trajectoire de carcasse, de sorte que la fourchette ou cette
partie de ce dernier qui est présente, reste enfermé(e) entre le bloc, la première
lame de fourchette (2) et les deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31) et est ainsi retiré(e)
de la partie de carcasse.
12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 11, dans lequel on utilise
une première lame de fourchette (21) qui est prévue avec les surfaces de positionnement
d'articulation d'aile (22).
13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, dans lequel on utilise
une première lame de fourchette (21) qui, au moins en partie, est plus large que le
contour externe de la fourchette complet.
14. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 13, dans lequel on utilise
une première lame de fourchette (21) qui est conçue pour couper tout le long jusqu'à
proximité immédiate de la surface d'aile.
15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 14, dans lequel, après que
la fourchette ou cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente a été retiré(e) de la
partie de carcasse (1), on utilise de l'air comprimé pour retirer la fourchette ou
cette partie de ce dernier qui est présente, du bloc.
16. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 15, dans lequel l'ouverture
de cou est dégagée avant l'introduction de la première lame de fourchette (21), ou
plus généralement l'ouverture de cou est dégagée avant de réaliser une opération sur
la fourchette ou une partie de ce dernier qui est présente.
17. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 16, dans lequel le procédé
comprend en outre un retrait de peau et/ou de graisse de jabot et/ou d'un autre tissu.
18. Dispositif pour traiter une partie de carcasse de volaille abattue, laquelle partie
de carcasse (1) comprend au moins une partie d'une cage thoracique, dont la viande
est naturellement présente sur ladite cage thoracique, une ouverture de cou et une
partie de la fourchette, la partie de carcasse (1) ayant un intérieur, lequel dispositif
comprend :
- un support de produit (2) pour supporter et retenir la partie de carcasse (1), lequel
support de produit (2) est conçu pour se déplacer le long d'une trajectoire et peut
de préférence pivoter dans une pluralité de plans par rapport à cette trajectoire,
lequel support de produit (2) est adapté pour mettre en prise l'intérieur de la partie
de carcasse,
- un bloc qui est conçu pour être déplacé à travers l'ouverture de cou dans la partie
de carcasse jusqu'à ce qu'il soit positionné entre les deux membres de la fourchette
ou entre les emplacements dans lesquels ces membres sont positionnés si tout la fourchette
est présent, lequel bloc a un évidement pour recevoir la fourchette ou cette partie
de la fourchette qui est présente,
caractérisé en ce que le dispositif comprend en outre :
- une première lame de fourchette (21), qui a un bord de coupe (21') dont le contour
correspond sensiblement au contour externe de tout la fourchette pour détacher par
découpe la fourchette ou cette partie de la fourchette qui est présente, de la partie
de carcasse (1) sur le côté faisant face au côté arrière de la partie de carcasse
(1), laquelle première lame de fourchette (21) est conçue pour être introduite dans
la partie de carcasse (1) le long d'un côté du bloc.
19. Dispositif selon la revendication 18, lequel dispositif comprend en outre au moins
deux deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31) qui sont conçues pour être introduites dans
la partie de carcasse (1) le long de chaque côté du bloc, de préférence de manière
sensiblement perpendiculaire à la première lame de fourchette (21), les deuxièmes
lames de fourchette (31) suivant sensiblement le contour externe de tout la fourchette,
et étant conçues pour détacher par découpe la fourchette ou cette partie de la fourchette
qui est présente, de la partie de carcasse (1), de sorte que la fourchette ou cette
partie de la fourchette qui est présente, est enfermé(e) entre le bloc, la première
lame de fourchette (21) et les deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31),
lequel dispositif est conçu pour retirer le bloc, la première lame de fourchette (21)
et les deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31) ensemble, hors de la partie de carcasse
(1) de sorte que la fourchette ou cette partie de la fourchette qui est présente,
reste enfermé(e) entre le bloc, la première lame de fourchette (21) et les deuxièmes
lames de fourchette (31), de sorte que la fourchette ou cette partie de la fourchette
qui est présente, est retiré(e) de la partie de carcasse (1) conjointement avec le
bloc, la première lame de fourchette (21) et les deuxièmes lames de fourchette (31).
20. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 19, dans lequel la première
lame de fourchette (21) comprend des surfaces de positionnement d'articulation d'aile
(22).
21. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 20, dans lequel la première
lame de fourchette (21) est au moins partiellement plus large que le contour externe
de tout la fourchette.
22. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 21, dans lequel la première
lame de fourchette (21) est conçue pour couper jusqu'à proximité immédiate de la surface
d'aile.
23. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 22, dans lequel le dispositif
comprend en outre des moyens d'air comprimé pour retirer la fourchette ou cette partie
de la fourchette qui est présente, du bloc.
24. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 23, dans lequel le dispositif
comprend en outre des moyens pour dégager l'ouverture de cou avant l'introduction
de la première lame de fourchette (21), ou plus généralement des moyens pour dégager
l'ouverture de cou avant de réaliser une opération sur la fourchette ou une partie
de ce dernier qui est présente.
25. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 24, dans lequel le dispositif
comprend en outre des moyens pour retirer la peau et/ou la graisse du jabot et/ou
un autre tissu.
26. Dispositif selon l'une quelconque des revendications 18 à 25, dans lequel le dispositif
est logé dans une tourelle.
27. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 17, dans lequel après que la
partie de carcasse (1) a été appliquée et fixée sur le support de produit (2), on
étire l'une quelconque des parties d'aile qui est présente.
28. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 17 et/ou 27, dans lequel tous
les résidus de la peau du cou et/ou de la graisse du jabot sont retirés.
29. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 17 et/ou 27 à 28, dans lequel
le support de produit (2) est avancé le long de sa trajectoire grâce à un convoyeur
à chaîne, avec le support de produit toujours positionné au-dessous du convoyeur à
chaîne.
30. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 17 et/ou 27 à 29, dans lequel
le support de produit (2) est positionné dans l'orientation optimale pour chaque étape
de traitement par rapport au dispositif avec lequel l'étape de traitement est réalisée.