Separating device, related crimping element, and method

A separating device for separating portions of elongate casings filled with food mixture, comprising:

• two circulating transport elements which are spaced from one another, and can be driven by at least one drive and each having a transport region, which is moved in a transport direction during operation, and a return region,
• wherein a filled casing can be introduced between the transport regions of the two transport elements and can be transported in the transport direction,
• wherein the transport elements are oriented such that a distance between the transport elements is reduced in sections in the transport region in the direction of the transport direction;
• at least one crimping element which is arranged on each transport element and protrudes laterally from the transport element,
• wherein two crimping elements of the spaced-apart transport elements are moved towards one another when moved in the transport direction, and wherein both crimping elements comprise:
• a fastening section for fastening the crimping element to the transport element,
• a crimping section which extends from the fastening section and has two arms which open from a main section, and
• a counter holder which is designed to press a crimping section of the crimping element arranged on the opposite transport element against the crimping section of the crimping element with a contact force when the crimping elements are moved towards one another,
• wherein the counter holder is flexible such that the counter holder applies a preloading force to the crimping element arranged on the opposite transport element to improve a separating effect of the crimping elements.