METHOD FOR UNPACKING A WORKPIECE, UNPACKING DEVICE AND A PROCESSING DEVICE WITH SUCH A

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for unpacking a workpiece according to claim 1, an unpacking device according to claim 6 and a processing device with such a device according to claim 12.

[0002] From DE 90 12 972 U1, a device and a method are known for automatically removing cigarettes from packaging for quality control purposes. First, the packaging is cut at both ends, thereby also cutting the cigarettes in this area. This cutting serves as the basis for the subsequent removal step, in which the packaging with the cut cigarettes is inserted between two compression surfaces. Due to the absence of the two packaging ends, the compressed packaging can bulge. By rotating the bulged packaging, the cut cigarettes fall out.

[0003] WO 2007 023538 A1 describes how tablets are automatically removed from a tablet blister pack. The tablets are arranged in individual pockets within the blister. For removal, C-shaped cuts are punched into the underside of the packaging in the area of ​​each tablet. The pockets are then pushed out from above, causing the tablets to fall through the C-shaped cut.

[0004] WO 2017 094191 A1 describes a device with which a cigarette pack is cut open along its entire length, the foil around the cigarette pack is peeled off, and the cigarette pack is finally opened to empty the cigarettes. A slider, wider than the pack and pressing against the bottom of the pack, is used to peel off the foil.

[0005] DE 10 2007 027 878 ​​A1 teaches how to remove a sterile disposable syringe from a sealed foil package. The package is secured and a cut is made in it. A suction element is inserted through this cut into the package, the disposable syringe is held in suction, and then withdrawn from the package.

[0006] US 9,902,520 B2 discloses an unpacking device in which two opposite ends of a packaging pouch containing contents are separated by a punching tool. Tools are used to hold the resulting pouch tube open, and the contents are pushed out of the tube by a slider or blown out.

[0007] When processing workpieces such as optical lenses and lens blanks, these are typically individually packaged before processing. The lenses to be processed, especially spectacle lens blanks, can have varying diameters, thicknesses, and surface curvatures before being fed into processing machines. Most of these workpieces are packaged in a cuboid cardboard outer shell. Inside, the workpiece may be placed in a paper bag, a foil bag, or a plastic or paper packaging tray (also called a blister pack). Combinations of packaging, where a lens is stored in a tray, are also known. The covering may be similar to a cloth made of foamed plastic or felt material, wrapped around the workpiece, or the workpiece may be wrapped within it. Alternatively, the covering may consist of the workpiece being sealed in a closed plastic bag.Before processing can begin, the workpieces are manually removed from their packaging and placed in so-called job trays, usually in pairs for the finished glasses in the case of spectacle lens manufacturing. The packaging materials are separated. The disadvantages of manual unpacking are the high labor costs and the high degree of monotony. After all, in larger production lines, such as in spectacle lens grinding shops, tens of thousands of lenses are processed daily. This essentially allows for no interruption during unpacking, so employee breaks must be covered by additional staff.

[0008] To transmit the workpiece's properties to subsequent workstations, the packaging or parts thereof are often placed in or attached to the work tray. This can lead to errors due to human error, resulting in scrap and potentially even damage to downstream processing machines.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to eliminate sources of error in the unpacking of optical lenses and lens blanks and to make this step more cost-efficient. The solution should function permanently and reliably.

[0010] The main features of the invention are specified in claims 1, 6 and 12. Embodiments are the subject of claims 2 to 5 and 7 to 11 and the following description.

[0011] The invention relates to a method for unpacking a workpiece, namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank, from a package, comprising an automated cutting open of a first packaging side of the package, wherein the cutting open of the first packaging side is carried out with a cutting or sawing tool, and wherein the package is automatically guided past the cutting or sawing tool when the first packaging side is cut open, and an automated sliding out of the optical lens or the optical lens blank from the packaging on the first packaging side.

[0012] The advantage of this method is that no manual work is required to first orient the packaging and then open it at a designated point. Automated cutting prevents damage to the workpiece and creates a defined opening for the contents to slide out. Preferably, the cutting is done with a linear cut, which is easy to produce.

[0013] The method relates to workpieces that are optical lenses or optical lens blanks. These have two opposing lens faces, at least one of which is usually curved. Furthermore, the optical lens or optical lens blank preferably has a circular lens circumference, preferably with a lens diameter between 40 mm and 100 mm, and more preferably between 50 mm and 85 mm. The workpiece can be made, for example, of glass or transparent plastic.

[0014] Increased process reliability is achieved by ensuring that the optical lens or lens blank slides out of the packaging. This is accomplished by using a slider on the first side of the packaging, which then moves into the packaging on a second side opposite the cut-open first side. This prevents the optical lens or lens blank from becoming stuck in the packaging due to tilting or similar issues.

[0015] Optionally, the second side of the packaging can be pierced by the slider. This is relatively inexpensive to implement. However, greater process reliability is achieved with a variant in which the second side of the packaging is automatically cut open before the slider enters the packaging. This cut allows the slider to enter the packaging without resistance through a defined opening. Furthermore, it can optionally be designed with a wide end face, as no point is required for penetration. For example, the end face could be at least 20% of the area of ​​the second side of the packaging. This ensures that the optical lens or lens blank is reliably ejected from the packaging. A concave end face is recommended for round optical lenses or lens blanks and / or to prevent lateral drift of the optical lens or lens blank.With such a tool, the optical lens or optical lens blank can be moved centrally in front of the front surface.

[0016] It proves particularly advantageous if the first and second sides of the packaging are cut simultaneously. This makes the process especially fast and the necessary equipment compact. Furthermore, the forces exerted on the packaging by a cutting or sawing tool can balance each other out.

[0017] According to the inventive method, the first and optionally the second packaging side is cut open using a (particularly mechanical) cutting or sawing tool. While cutting with a water jet is also possible, and above all, wear-free, this is only suitable for optical lenses or optical lens blanks that may be wet in the subsequent steps. The cutting or sawing tool is preferably vertically oriented. Accordingly, the first packaging side should also be vertically oriented when being cut open.

[0018] According to a preferred implementation, the cutting or sawing tool is driven by a rotary drive. Such rotary cutting or sawing tools are particularly durable and perform precise cuts. Alternatively, implementations are also possible in which the cutting or sawing tool performs a linear cutting motion, for example, by a reciprocating motion (similar to a jigsaw) or a circular motion (similar to a band saw). Non-linear cuts can also be produced with these.

[0019] The cuts are particularly easy and space-saving because, according to the invention, the packaging is automatically guided past the cutting or sawing tool when the first and optionally the second side of the packaging is cut open. This guidance is preferably achieved by sliding the packaging along a path of movement. The packaging thus rests supported on a base.

[0020] A particular cutting variant involves completely separating the first side of the packaging when cutting it, and / or completely separating the second side when cutting it. This allows for the creation of a maximally large opening for the slider to slide out or in with minimal effort. Preferably, waste openings are provided in the cutting area, designed so that the separated or cut-off parts of the packaging fall out through these openings. This prevents them from interfering with the processing of the next package.

[0021] Optionally, the packaging has a cuboid outer shell that forms the first and second sides of the package. Such packaging is particularly cost-effective to produce and relatively easy to orient and cut open. Preferably, the packaging is a cardboard box.

[0022] According to one method variant, the optical lens or optical lens blank slides out of the packaging together with a packaging tray in which the optical lens or optical lens blank is arranged. Such a packaging tray is particularly advantageous because it allows the optical lens or optical lens blank to be held in a defined position within the packaging, and the cutting can be performed at defined points so that the optical lens or optical lens blank is not damaged. The packaging tray can be a blister tray. Furthermore, the packaging tray can be made of plastic, cardboard, or paperboard. It is preferable if the optical lens or optical lens blank is aligned flat when being cut and ejected. Accordingly, the packaging tray should also be aligned flat when sliding out.This prevents the optical lens or optical lens blank, or the packaging tray, from falling over and being damaged.

[0023] An optional process enhancement can consist of mechanically picking up the optical lens or optical lens blank with a workpiece holder after it has slid out. This allows the optical lens or optical lens blank to be transported further by machine. Such a workpiece holder can have a gripper or a suction cup. Preferably, the optical lens or optical lens blank is separated from the optional packaging tray when picked up with the workpiece holder. Preferably, the packaging tray and the optical lens or optical lens blank are arranged vertically adjacent to each other before separation, and the upper of the two parts is lifted upwards. For example, by weighing the lifted part, it can be determined whether it is the optical lens, the optical lens blank, or the packaging tray.

[0024] The packaging tray can be discarded through a waste opening after being separated from the optical lens or optical lens blank. The work surface is then ready for the next unpacking.

[0025] For optical lenses or optical lens blanks packaged with a covering, with or without a packaging tray, automated removal of the covering is possible after the lens or lens slides out of the packaging. Bags and wrapping films can be secured, for example, by opposing suction cups, which are then torn open by increasing the distance between the suction cups. Alternatively, and particularly feasible for almost all covered lenses or lens blanks, the optical lens or lens blank can first be secured from the front and back, for example by clamping, and then a circumferential cut can be made. Especially in spectacle lens manufacturing, such edge areas are removed anyway after surface processing to fit a spectacle frame, so even cut marks in this edge area of ​​the optical lens or lens blank are not critical.Once the circumferential cut has been made, the upper half of the casing can be lifted off, then the optical lens or optical lens blank can be fixed from above and finally pulled out of the lower half of the casing.

[0026] Furthermore, the process can include a step in which the packaging is automatically aligned before the first and / or second side of the packaging is cut open. This simplifies setup, as the packaging does not need to be precisely positioned before alignment.

[0027] Furthermore, when dealing with dissimilar optical lenses or optical lens blanks, it makes sense to automatically read information about the optical lens or optical lens blank from the packaging and assign it physically and / or logically to the removed optical lens or optical lens blank. A physical assignment could, for example, be an enclosed data sheet included with a work kit. Alternatively, the physical assignment can be reduced to a physical identification mark, such as a barcode or QR code on the lens circumference or on the surface to be machined later, either on the work kit or on the component itself. The actual information about the identifiable optical lens or optical lens blank can be stored in a database.A purely logical assignment is possible, for example, if an automated system always knows which optical lens or optical lens blank is located where, for example through identification numbers of work boxes or visual monitoring.

[0028] Securing the information data for the optical lens or optical lens blank, which is necessary for identification, is best done before opening the packaging, so that no information is lost during the cutting process. The information to be read can be in plain text format, but preferably it is provided as a barcode, QR code, or other visual code, or stored on an RFID chip.

[0029] A high degree of automation can also be achieved if the packaging is automatically emptied from a work box before being cut open (by specialists, also using the English technical term asThe packaging (referred to as a job tray) is removed. This allows the packages containing the optical lenses or optical lens blanks to be made available for unpacking directly from automated warehouses, even if the packages are of different sizes. The work trays have the advantage that they can be easily integrated with automated transport systems such as conveyor belts, especially when handling different optical lenses or optical lens blanks.

[0030] For further automated processing, it is advantageous to automatically place the optical lens or optical lens blank into a work box after it slides out. This allows for easy onward transport, particularly regardless of the shape of the optical lens or optical lens blank, and also enables the simple assignment of information data to the optical lenses or optical lens blanks for subsequent processing steps.

[0031] Particularly in lens processing and spectacle lens manufacturing, it is advantageous to place the optical lens or lens blank in such a way that the convex surface faces upwards. An orientation step is recommended for this purpose, in which the optical lens or lens blank is either placed in the work box in the same orientation as after being removed from the work box, or alternatively, turned over before being placed.

[0032] The process is particularly efficient if all process steps between removing the packaging from the work box and placing the optical lens or optical lens blank in the same or another work box are automated, especially including removal and placement.

[0033] The invention further relates to an unpacking device for unpacking a workpiece, namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank, from a package, preferably according to a method as described above and below, comprising a feed station designed to receive a package in which the optical lens or optical lens blank is arranged, and a cutting station with a first cutting or sawing tool designed for automatically cutting open a first side of the package behind the feed station, wherein the package is automatically guided past the first cutting or sawing tool when the first side of the package is cut, and a sliding station behind the cutting station designed to automatically generate a relative movement between the package and the optical lens or optical lens blank.through which the optical lens or optical lens blank slides out of the packaging on the first side of the packaging.

[0034] The ejection station features a slide designed to move into the packaging on a second side opposite the cut first side and to push the workpiece out of the packaging on the first side. Such a slide ensures a high level of process reliability. The slide should preferably move horizontally. Furthermore, the direction of movement of the slide is preferably perpendicular to the cutting direction of the first cutting or sawing tool and / or the path of movement.

[0035] The advantage of this unpacking device is that it enables automated unpacking of an optical lens or an optical lens blank with low unpacking costs and without manual error sources.

[0036] The dispensing station should have a fixing device that secures the packaging during ejection. This defines the unpacking location and prevents the packaging from slipping during ejection, ensuring it remains in its intended position. From there, the packaging can then be easily disposed of.

[0037] Additionally, the cutting station can be equipped with a second cutting or sawing tool designed for automatically cutting the second side of the packaging behind the feed station. This allows the pusher to be inserted into the packaging easily and reliably. It is preferred that the first and second cutting or sawing tools are arranged parallel to each other. The advantage of this is that the packaging does not need to be rotated to be cut on both sides. Furthermore, it is preferable to arrange the first and second cutting or sawing tools opposite each other. This allows the first and second sides of the packaging to be cut simultaneously. By defining the distance between the first and second cutting or sawing tools, the point where the packaging is cut can also be determined.

[0038] A preferred embodiment consists of a movement pad for the packaging formed between the first and second cutting or sawing tools. This movement path allows the packaging to be easily moved along it for cutting, for example, using a carriage, slider, or similar device. The movement path should ideally run on a table, thus providing a defined support surface for the packaging.

[0039] According to a specific design, the first and / or the second cutting or sawing tool is fixed in place. This allows for space-saving and cost-effective storage. Cutting or sawing tools that are adjustable to set the distance between them are also considered fixed in place.

[0040] Optionally, the first and / or second cutting or sawing tool can be a reciprocating blade (similar to a jigsaw) or a rotating blade (similar to a band saw). However, particularly long service life and precise, consistent cuts are achieved when the first and / or second cutting or sawing tool is driven rotating around a tool axis (similar to a circular saw or an angle grinder).

[0041] Furthermore, the option exists to have a waste opening in or behind the first and / or second cutting or sawing tool (at least), through which cut-off pieces of packaging can fall downwards. This immediately frees up the work surface for further unpacking operations.

[0042] Preferably, the unpacking device has a distance detection device upstream of the cutting station, with which the distance between the first and the second side of the packaging is detected, wherein the position of the first and / or second cutting or sawing tool correlates mechanically or automatically with the detected distance, preferably such that the distance between the first and second cutting or sawing tool is adapted to the distance between the first and the second side of the packaging.

[0043] Additionally, the unpacking device can include alignment elements designed to automatically align the packaging before the first and / or second side is cut open. This reduces the positioning requirements prior to alignment, making the device cost-effective to implement.

[0044] Furthermore, the unpacking device can include a transport unit designed to move the packaging from the feed station to the discharge station. This automates the repositioning of the packaging along its path. Such a transport unit can include a gripper or suction cup for securing the packaging, which is movable between the feed station and the discharge station. Preferably, the transport unit secures the packaging on the circumference that does not include the first side of the packaging, and particularly preferably on the top side, in such a way that at least the first, and optionally also the second, side of the packaging is freely accessible.

[0045] Optionally, the fixing device of the ejection station can be the same device used to move the packaging along the movement path. For this to work, the transport device would simply need to remain at the end of the movement path and fix the packaging until the optical lens or optical lens blank has finished sliding out.

[0046] Behind the ejection station, a workpiece holder can be arranged, designed for the automated handling of the optical lens or optical lens blank after it has ejected from the packaging. From this point on, the optical lens or optical lens blank can be handled further by machine, free from the packaging. For this purpose, the workpiece holder can be equipped with a gripper or a suction cup. Optionally, the workpiece holder can also be designed to move upwards through an opening on its underside, particularly in the table, to receive the optical lens or optical lens blank.

[0047] There is also the option of arranging a separating device behind the discharge station, which removes parts of the packaging from the optical lens or optical lens blank. The separating device can include at least one gripper or suction cup. The workpiece holder can also be included here. For example, two workpiece holders arranged one above the other and opposite each other can be provided, so that one of them always holds the optical lens or optical lens blank, and the other a packaging component, in particular a packaging tray. After removal of the packaging tray, one workpiece holder can then transfer the optical lens or optical lens blank to the other workpiece holder for further handling, or it can transport the optical lens or optical lens blank itself to a destination.

[0048] It is advantageous if the separation device includes at least one scale with which parts of the packaging and the optical lens or optical lens blank can be automatically identified, in particular based on weight.

[0049] Additionally, the sorting device could have at least two waste containers into which different packaging materials can be disposed of separately. This is recycling-friendly. There is also the option of installing a shredding device, such as a crusher or press, upstream of at least one of the waste containers. This would result in longer emptying cycles for the waste containers.

[0050] For further handling of the optical lens or optical lens blank, a further development is recommended in which the unpacking device includes a loading station designed to place the optical lens or optical lens blank into a work box behind the ejection station. This can be supplemented by the unpacking device incorporating a conveyor system, particularly a conveyor belt, for transporting the work box. This allows it to be directly integrated into a production line. In a specific variant, the unpacking device is designed to remove packages of optical lenses or optical lens blanks from work boxes on the input side, which, for example, come from an automated storage system. On the output side, the unpacked optical lenses or optical lens blanks are then placed into the work box or another empty work box.The work boxes should remain on the conveyor belt at all times. The movement path then essentially acts as a bypass for the optical lenses or optical lens blanks relative to the conveyor belt. Preferably, the movement path runs at least substantially in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt.

[0051] In a specific embodiment of the invention, it is particularly possible to insert packaged lens blanks from a work tray into an alignment unit without orientation, cut off the first and second packaging sides, and then push the lens blank, along with its packaging tray, out of the packaging either upside down or in its normal position. Subsequently, the lens blank and the packaging tray can be separated using a scale (e.g., a displacement sensor). By detecting the weight difference, the correct orientation of the lens blank for insertion into the work tray or another work tray can also be determined. During lens processing, the desired orientation is usually such that the front curve of the blank points upwards.

[0052] Furthermore, the invention relates to a processing device comprising an unpacking device as described above and below, and a processing machine, wherein the unpacking device is arranged along an automated conveyor line upstream of the processing machine, and unpacked optical lenses or optical lens blanks are transported by the conveyor line from the unpacking device to the processing machine, wherein the processing machine is from the group consisting of milling machines, lathes, grinding machines, polishing machines, coating machines, cleaning machines, film wrapping machines, and blocking machines. The processing device thus enables automated processing, including the unpacking of the optical lens or optical lens blank, resulting in high efficiency and reduced potential for errors.

[0053] It is also part of the invention that all process features also specify optional functional embodiments of the unpacking device according to the invention. Conversely, the defined device features can each be used optionally in the implementation of the process according to the invention.

[0054] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of selected assemblies of an unpacking device; Fig. 2 a different perspective view of the selected assemblies of an unpacking device according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a view of the selected assemblies of an unpacking device according to Fig. 1 from above; Fig. 4 a side view of the selected assemblies of an unpacking device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a perspective view of an unpacking device; Fig. 6 an exploded view of a transparently shown package, a pulled-out packaging tray and a lifted optical lens; and Fig. 7 a transparently shown package with an internally arranged packaging tray and optical lens.

[0055] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a selected assembly of an unpacking device 30 in a perspective view from a slightly oblique angle above. The same assembly is shown in the Fig. 2 , 3 and 4 shown from a second perspective from an oblique angle above, a top view, and a side view. Therefore, identical reference symbols correspond to each other, and the Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4are described together below. Such an assembly of an unpacking device 30 can be used in an unpacking device 30 according to Fig. 5 to be included in order to assemble workpieces 1, namely optical lenses or optical lens blanks 2 from packagings 10 according to the Fig. 6 and 7 to unpack.

[0056] The selected assembly of an unpacking device 30 according to the Fig. 1 , 2 , 3 and 4Figure 1 shows an arrangement of various stations on the surface of a table 31, in particular with a flat table surface. On the input side, a feed station 40 is provided for receiving a package containing an optical lens or an optical lens blank. Movable and stationary alignment elements 41 are arranged here, which automate the alignment of the package. The movable alignment element 41 is combined with a distance sensing device 42, which detects the distance between the first and second sides of the package. As soon as the package is clamped between the movable and the stationary alignment element 41 during alignment, the position of the linear motor that moves the movable alignment element 41 can be detected.

[0057] Once the packaging is aligned with the alignment elements 41, a transport device 50 takes over the packaging to move it from the feed station 40 along a movement path P, in particular to shift it. For this purpose, the transport device 50 has a suction cup which is placed on top of the packaging to fix it in place and is driven to move along a linear slot in the table 31.

[0058] Along this motion path P, a cutting station 60 is arranged downstream of the feed station 40. This station has a first cutting or sawing tool 61 for automatically cutting open a first side of the packaging and a second cutting or sawing tool 62 for automatically cutting open an opposite second side of the packaging. For this purpose, the first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62 are arranged in a fixed position opposite each other and parallel to one another, in particular such that the cutting of the first and second sides of the packaging can occur simultaneously. The first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62 are each driven rotatingly about a tool axis, which in this case is coaxially aligned.Regardless of other technical features, this has the advantage of being able to use identical tools, which reduces the storage of wear parts and causes similar forces to act on the packaging, which can balance each other out.

[0059] By setting the distance between the first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62, it is possible to determine where the packaging 10 is cut open. The position of the first cutting or sawing tool 61 automatically correlates with the distance between the first and second sides of the packaging, which is determined by the stop elements 41. The distance between the first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62 is always set slightly smaller than the distance between the first and second sides of the packaging, e.g., 10% less.

[0060] The movement pad P runs between the first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62, allowing a package to be easily moved along the movement path P for opening. In the area of ​​and behind the first and second cutting or sawing tools 61, 62, there is a waste opening 32 formed in the table 31, through which cut-off parts of the package can easily fall downwards.

[0061] The transport device 50 is movable along the movement path P between the feed station 40, past the cutting station 60, and up to an ejection station 70. This ejection station 70, located behind the cutting station 60, serves to automatically generate a relative movement between the packaging and the optical lens or optical lens blank, causing the optical lens or optical lens blank to slide out of the packaging on the previously cut first side. The transport device 50 simultaneously acts as a fixing device 72 for the ejection station 70, securing the packaging 10 during the ejection process. For this purpose, the transport device 50 simply remains in the area of ​​the ejection station 70 until the ejection is complete. The packaging can then be directly conveyed to a waste container by the transport device 50.

[0062] It can be seen that the sliding station 70 has a slider 71 with a concave end face, which is designed to move into the packaging on the second packaging side opposite the cut first packaging side and also cut open, and to push the optical lens or optical lens blank out of the packaging on the first packaging side.

[0063] After the optical lens or optical lens blank, with or without an optional packaging tray, has been pushed out of the packaging transversely to the movement path P, the transport device 50 can be moved backwards to the feed station 40 to receive a new package containing an optical lens or optical lens blank.

[0064] Behind the ejection station 70, an orientation tool in the form of a horizontally acting clamp is provided, with which the optical lens or optical lens blank is realigned before its machine insertion. At the center of this centering clamp is a workpiece holder 80 with a suction cup, designed for the machine insertion of the optical lens or optical lens blank after it has ejected from its packaging. To insert the optical lens or optical lens blank, the workpiece holder 80 moves upwards out of the table 31 through an opening 35 on the underside. A second workpiece holder (not shown) can be moved coaxially from above towards the optical lens or optical lens blank.If no packaging tray is present, the second workpiece holder alone may be sufficient to transport the optical lens or optical lens blank to a destination. Whenever a packaging tray is present, one of the two workpiece holders 80 will hold the optical lens or optical lens blank, and the other will hold the packaging tray. By identifying the respective part, the second workpiece holder can either transport the optical lens or optical lens blank to the destination or first transport the packaging tray to a waste container before taking over the optical lens or optical lens blank from the first workpiece holder and transporting it to the destination. In this way, the two workpiece holders 80 form a separation device behind the discharge station 70, which removes parts of the packaging from the optical lens or optical lens blank.

[0065] This separation device can include one or two scales with which the packaging components and the optical lens or optical lens blank are automatically identified by weight. It could also be used to identify different packaging materials, and the separation device can have at least two waste containers for their separate disposal. Each waste container can be equipped with a shredder, crusher, or press.

[0066] Finally, the unpacking device 30 also has a loading station 82, which is designed to place the optical lens or optical lens blank behind the sliding station 70 and the separating device into a work box, as shown in Fig. 5 is recognizable.

[0067] According to the unpacking device 30 after Fig. 5It can be seen that this system has a conveyor line 90, in particular a conveyor belt, for transporting work boxes 91 in a conveying direction F. This runs parallel to and in the same direction as the movement path. This allows packages containing optical lenses or optical lens blanks to be removed from work boxes 91 at the input side by an unloading device 43. These work boxes may originate, for example, from an automated storage system. At the output side, the unpacked optical lenses or optical lens blanks are then placed in the empty work boxes 91. The work boxes 91 remain on the conveyor line 90 at all times. The movement path is, in a sense, a section of a bypass for the workpieces 1, namely the optical lenses or optical lens blanks 2, to the conveyor line 90.

[0068] The table 31 can optionally have a base 33. Furthermore, the unpacking device 30 can optionally have a cabin 34. This can serve, in particular, to protect the worker and prevent unauthorized manual manipulation of the packaging and / or optical lenses or optical lens blanks.

[0069] The unpacking device 30 after Fig. 5The unpacking device 30 can be part of a processing device, wherein the unpacking device 30 is arranged along an automated conveyor line 90 in front of a processing machine 101 (position indicated only), and unpacked workpieces 1, namely the optical lenses or optical lens blanks 2, are transported by the conveyor line 90 from the unpacking device 30 to the processing machine 101. The processing machine 101 can be, in particular, from the group consisting of milling machines, lathes, grinding machines, polishing machines, coating machines, cleaning machines, film coating machines, and blocking machines. In particular, in lens and spectacle lens manufacturing, a blocking machine is understood to be a machine with which an optical lens or optical lens blank to be processed is automatically fixed to a holding piece, in particular by means of a material bond.

[0070] In the Fig. 6 and 7One can see a package 10 (shown transparently) for holding a workpiece 1, namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank 2. In the unpacked view of the Fig. 6 It can be seen that workpiece 1 is an optical lens blank 2 with two opposing lens faces 3, 4, at least one of which may be curved. The optical lens blank 2 has a circular lens circumference 5 with a lens diameter 6 between 40 mm and 100 mm and is made of glass or transparent plastic. The lens thickness 7 is significantly smaller than the lens diameter 6. Such optical lens blanks 2 are a typical starting point for processing into spectacle lenses, especially standard prescription lenses or custom prescription lenses.

[0071] The packaging 10 has a cuboid outer shell 13, which forms the first and second packaging sides 11, 12. As described above, at least one of these sides is cut open to remove the optical lens or optical lens blank 2 from the packaging 10. Two opposite sides of the cuboid outer shell 13 always form the first and second packaging sides 11, 12, depending in particular on the orientation of the packaging 10. Preferably, only orientations in which the packaging 10 is lying flat are used. This allows the optical lens or optical lens blank 2 to be lying flat when cut open and slid out, preventing it from tipping over. However, it is also conceivable to cut the packaging 10 vertically, so that even the two closest opposite sides can form the first and second packaging sides 11, 12.

[0072] The packaging 10 is a cardboard box, in particular a folding box. When cutting open the first packaging side 11 according to the invention, it is irrelevant whether this is a simple packaging side or a lid. Instead of having to laboriously open the lid at a defined position, a first packaging side 11 is always cut open or completely removed on some side, so that the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2 can be removed.

[0073] The packaging 10 may contain information data relating to the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, e.g. text, codes such as barcodes and / or QR codes or an RFID chip.

[0074] Another packaging component can be seen in Fig. 6a packaging tray 15, which can be arranged together with the optical lens or optical lens blank 2 inside the packaging 10. When the optical lens or optical lens blank 2 is placed in the packaging tray 15, it is arranged as shown in Fig. 7 The packaging tray 15 is a plastic blister tray. It is visibly held at a distance from the first and second packaging sides 11 and 12.

[0075] In an unpacking method according to the invention or with an unpacking device 30 according to the invention, a corresponding or similar to Fig. 6 The packaged workpiece 1, namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank 2, can now be unpacked in a simple and, above all, automated manner. This is achieved through automated adjustments even with changing packages of varying sizes 10. The unpacking process can be carried out in particular as follows: Optionally, the packaging 10 can be automatically removed from a work box before being cut open; Optionally, the packaging 10 can be automatically aligned before the first and / or second packaging side 11, 12 is cut open; Optionally, information data on the workpiece 1, namely on the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, can be automatically read from the packaging 10 before cutting open and subsequently assigned physically or logically to the removed workpiece 1; Automated simultaneous cutting of the first and second packaging side 11, 12 of the packaging 10 with a rotating driven cutting or sawing tool 61, 62, wherein the packaging 10 is automatically guided past the cutting or sawing tool 61, 62 during the cutting of the first and second packaging side 11, 12 by being pushed along a motion path P;Optionally, the cut-off parts can fall out through a waste opening at the bottom; Automated removal of the workpiece 1, namely the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, with the packaging tray 15 from the packaging 10 on the first packaging side 11 by pushing the workpiece 1 out on the first packaging side 11 with a slider 71, which moves into the packaging 10 on the second packaging side 12 opposite the separated first packaging side 11; Automated picking up of the workpiece 1, namely the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, after it has slid out, with a workpiece holder 80, which has a gripper or a suction cup for this purpose; Optionally, the workpiece 1, namely the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, can be separated from the packaging tray 15 when picked up with the workpiece holder 80;Optionally, the workpiece 1, namely the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, can be automatically placed in a work box after sliding out; optionally, all process steps between removing the packaging 10 from the work box and placing the workpiece 1, namely the optical lens or the optical lens blank 2, in the work box 91 or another work box 91 can be automated. Reference symbol list

[0076] 1 workpiece 43 unloading device 2 optical lens / optical lens blank 3 first lens side 50 Transport equipment 4 second lens side 5 Lens circumference 60 Dissection station 6 Lens diameter 61 first cutting or sawing tool 7 Lens thickness 62 second cutting or sawing tool 10 Packaging 70 Gliding station 11 first side of packaging 71 Slider 12 second side of the packaging 72 Fixing device 13 outer shell 15 Packaging tray 80 workpiece holder 82 loading station 30 Unpacking device 90 Conveyor road 31 Table 91 work box 32 Waste opening 33 base 101 machining center 34 cabin 35 bottom opening F Direction of flow P Movement path 40 Feed station 41 alignment element 42 Distance detection device

Claims

1. Method for unpacking a workpiece (1), namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank (2), from a package (10), comprising the following steps: a) automated cutting open of a first package side (11) of the package (10), wherein the cutting open of the first package side (11) is performed by means of a cutting or sawing tool (61), and wherein the package (10) is guided past the cutting or sawing tool (61) in an automated manner as the first package side (11) is cut open; b) automated sliding of the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) out of the package (10) on the first package side (11), wherein sliding out of the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) is accomplished by pushing the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) out on the first package side (11) by means of a pusher (71), which moves into the package (10) on a second package side (12) situated opposite the cut-open first package side (11).

2. Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the second package side (12) is cut open in an automated manner before the pusher (71) is moved into the package (10).

3. Method according to either of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the cutting open of the first package side (11) comprises complete separation of the first package side (11), and / or cutting open the second package side (12) comprises complete separation of the second package side (12).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the package (10) has a cuboidal outer covering (13), which forms the first and the second package side (11, 12).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) slides out of the package (10) together with a package shell (15) in which the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) is arranged.

6. Unpacking apparatus (30) for unpacking a workpiece (1), namely an optical lens or an optical lens blank (2), from a package (10), having: - a feed station (40), which is designed for receiving a package (10) in which the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) is arranged, and a cutting-open station (60) having a first cutting or sawing tool (61), which is designed for the automated cutting open of a first package side (11) of the package (10) downstream of the feed station (40), wherein the package (10) is guided past the first cutting or sawing tool (61) in an automated manner as the first package side (11) is cut open; - wherein the unpacking apparatus (30) has a slide-out station (70) downstream of the cutting-open station (60), which slide-out station is configured to produce a relative movement between the package (10) and the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) in an automated manner, by virtue of which the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) slides out of the package (10) on the first package side (11), and - wherein the slide-out station (70) has a pusher (71), which is configured to move into the package (10) on a second package side (12) situated opposite the cut-open first package side (11) and to push the optical lens or the optical lens blank (2) out of the package (10) on the first package side (11).

7. Unpacking apparatus (30) according to Claim 6, characterized in that the cutting-open station (60) has a second cutting or sawing tool (62), which is designed for the automated cutting open of the second package side (12) of the package (10) downstream of the feed station (40).

8. Unpacking apparatus (30) according to either of Claims 6 and 7, characterized in that a movement path (P) for the package (10) is formed between the first and the second cutting or sawing tool (61, 62).

9. Unpacking apparatus (30) according to any of Claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the first and / or the second cutting or sawing tool (61, 62) is arranged in a fixed location.

10. Unpacking apparatus (30) according to any of Claims 6 to 9, characterized in that said apparatus has alignment elements (41), which are configured such that the package (10) is aligned in an automated manner by means of said alignment elements before the first and / or the second package side (11, 12) are / is cut open.

11. Unpacking apparatus (30) according to any of Claims 6 to 10, characterized in that said apparatus has a transfer device (50), which is designed for transferring the package (10) from the feed station (40) to the slide-out station (70).

12. Processing apparatus having an unpacking apparatus (30) according to any of Claims 6 to 11 and a processing machine (101), wherein the unpacking apparatus (30) is arranged upstream of the processing machine (101) along an automated conveying line (90), and unpacked optical lenses or optical lens blanks (2) are transferred from the unpacking apparatus (30) to the processing machine (101) by means of the conveying line (90), wherein the processing machine (101) is from the following group: - milling machines; - lathes; - grinding machines; - polishing machines; - coating machines; - cleaning machines; - film wrapping machines; and - block-mounting machines.