Method and device for unpacking a packaged container

Abstract

A method of unpacking a packaged container comprising the steps of gripping two walls of the packaging, tensioning the packaging by moving the two walls apart, opening the packaging, gripping the container through the opening in the packaging and obtaining the container outside the packaging and a device allowing the unpacking of a packaged container according to the above method.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for unpacking a packaged container, as well as to a device for unpacking a packaged container.

[0002] A container is a vessel or structure designed to hold, store, or transport objects, liquids, substances, or other items. Containers can vary in size, shape, and material depending on their specific use. For example, containers can be syringe tubs, boxes, bottles, jars, bags, barrels, tanks, and containers made of glass, plastic, metal, cardboard, polypropylene, e.g., akilux, etc. They are used in various contexts, such as food packaging, liquid storage, and freight transportation.

[0003] Syringe tubs are specially designed containers for storing and transporting syringes in the pharmaceutical industry. They are used to protect syringes from damage, contamination, or tampering during transport and storage, ensuring they arrive in good condition at their final destination. These containers are designed to allow easy and safe handling of syringes, with locking devices or other mechanisms ensuring stability during transport. Syringes are also stored and organized to allow automated handling once the tub is opened. Tubs can also contain vials, flasks, vials, or cartridges. The terms syringe tubs can be replaced without modification by the terms vial tubs or cartridge tubs.

[0004] By optimizing production and distribution processes, syringe tubing allows pharmaceutical companies to reduce manual handling steps and minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

[0005] Syringe tubing is typically packaged in a protective packaging to protect the tubing during transport. Opening syringe tubing packaging in a sterile environment is a particular challenge in the pharmaceutical industry. This operation is essential to ensure the safety and quality of pharmaceutical products, but it can be complex to perform manually. Indeed, opening must be carried out under sterile conditions to avoid any contamination.

[0006] Human intervention in this process can introduce contamination risks, even with the best hygiene practices. Furthermore, manually opening syringe tubing packaging can be time-consuming and requires specific training to ensure proper equipment handling and sterility. It is also a tedious, repetitive process that offers little added value.

[0007] In response to these challenges, automated alternatives have been developed to open syringe tubing packages more efficiently and sterilely. These automated systems use technologies such as robotics and computer vision to handle tubing in a precise and controlled manner. They eliminate the risk of contamination associated with human intervention and provide sterile and reliable opening of syringe tubing packages.

[0008] These automated solutions help improve the quality, safety, and efficiency of pharmaceutical production processes by reducing human error and ensuring compliance with the highest sterility standards. They also free up human resources for higher-value tasks, while ensuring fast and efficient opening of syringe tubing packages.

[0009] For example, a method for unpacking a tub is known from the prior art, see for example document WO2022185347. This relates to packages having an opening flap and is defined as the joining of two sheets, for example by electrowelding, along their perimeter edge. The method describes the automatic stretching of the opening flap of a closed package, containing inside it at least one object, for example a tub. Stretching the opening flap makes it easier to identify said flap and makes it linear in order to make it available for a step of cutting the stretched flap. The stretching of the opening flap is carried out by suction of the upper wall of the package via suction cups. According to this document, the stretching step uses gravity and therefore the weight of the tub inside to stretch the opening flap.Indeed, suspending the tub in its packaging will cause gravity to pull the tub downwards while the suction cups hold the packaging up by its upper wall, so as to stretch the flap. This flap to be stretched must be arranged horizontally, which requires the use of several suction cups and a step in which the packaging is shaken so that the tub is centered in the packaging thanks to the effect of gravity. Once the opening flap is stretched, one end of the opening flap is gripped by a clamp, the information is read and the opening flap is cut. The cut part is therefore the opening flap which is the most rigid part of the packaging.It is understood that the cutting of the packaging must be done precisely on this rigid part which is easier to cut; because the grip of the packaging does not allow the cutting to be done in another less rigid place, for reasons of size and strength of the packaging.

[0010] As you can see, unfortunately, this process only works with packaging that has an opening flap, a more rigid area, and has reduced reliability. Indeed, using gravity to suspend the object in its packaging to allow the opening flap to be stretched and cut means that the object is balanced in its packaging and there is a risk of the contents falling out when the packaging is cut.

[0011] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a method for opening an opening in any type of container packaging, which is therefore versatile and reliable.

[0012] To solve this problem, the invention provides a method for unpacking a packaged container comprising the following steps: providing a packaged container in a rest position, wherein the packaged container rests on a support, in a package in an initial position, said package comprising a first wall and a second wall, said first and second walls being arranged on either side of the container, gripping the first wall of the package by a first series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, gripping the second wall of the package by a second series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, tensioning the package by moving the first wall away from the second wall to provide a package in a tensioned position while maintaining the packaged container in its rest position,said moving away of the first wall from the second wall being carried out by actuating a first and a second control means, respectively of the first series of gripping means and of the second series of gripping means, opening of the packaging in said tension position by an opening means arranged to form an opening in the packaging, said opening means being actuated by a third control means, said third control means being synchronized with the first and second control means, gripping of the container by a robotic arm provided with a gripping means through the opening in the packaging, relative movement of the container and the packaging to obtain the container outside the packaging.

[0013] As can be seen, the method according to the present invention comprises a first step where a container, for example a tub, packaged resting on a support is made available (rest position of the container). The container, for example a tub, is packaged in a package which is in an initial position, a loose position without constraint.

[0014] The tub may contain, for example, syringe bodies.

[0015] For the purposes of the present invention, packaging means any means of protection enabling the sterility of its contents to be maintained in relation to an external environment, such as, for example, a bag, a sachet, a pouch, a pouch or individual packaging made of thin and flexible material, such as plastic, paper, silicone paper, fabric, etc.

[0016] The packaging comprises a first wall and a second wall which are arranged on either side of the tub, indicating that the tub is located between these two walls. Said first and second walls may be, for example, at the top and bottom of the tub, in front of and behind the tub or to the left and right of the tub.

[0017] Then, in the method according to the present invention, the first wall of the packaging is gripped by a first series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the packaging as well as the second wall of the packaging, respectively by a second series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the packaging.

[0018] The package is then tensioned by moving the first wall away from the second wall, which provides a package in a tensioned position while maintaining the wrapped tub in its resting position. In reality, the walls of the package are moved away from each other while the tub continues to rest on the support. The support is arranged to allow the first and second walls to be gripped by the first and second sets of gripping means. These may be, for example, rails, a wall, a wall comprising an opening, etc.

[0019] The first and second series of gripping means may be the same or different gripping means. A gripping means is, for example, a suction cup, a gripper, etc.

[0020] The moving away of the first wall from the second wall is carried out by actuating a first and a second control means, respectively of the first series of gripping means and of the second series of gripping means.

[0021] The moving away of the first wall from the second wall may be the result of a moving away movement of the first wall and a fixed holding of the second wall, a moving away movement of the second wall and a fixed holding of the first wall and / or a moving away of the first and second walls. These wall moving away movements are possible by moving away the first and / or the second series of gripping means. The configuration of the first and second series of gripping means makes it possible to temporarily grip a wall of the packaging, but also to maintain this grip during said moving away movements. The moving away of the first series of gripping means and the second series of gripping means is carried out by actuation of a first and a second control means. The actuation of the first and second control means allows automation of the process.This helps reduce the amount of human intervention in this process, making it less repetitive and tedious.

[0022] Once the package is energized, the package is opened by an opening means which makes an opening in the package, said opening means being actuated by a third control means and is synchronized with the first and second control means.

[0023] This tensioning of the packaging also allows a certain rigidity of the packaging assembly - first series of gripping means - second series of gripping means. This rigidity is advantageous for the subsequent step of opening the packaging. Said opening means is actuated by a third control means. This third control means is synchronized with the first and second control means because the opening takes place when the packaging is in a tensioned position and this tensioned position is the result of the actuation of the first and second control means. This synchronization makes it possible to ensure that the opening means is not actuated when the packaging is in its initial position. Opening when the packaging is in its initial position could damage the tub wrapped in the packaging because it often rests at least partially on or against the tub.The tension of the different elements making up the packaging separates it from the tub on the one hand and stiffens the whole thing to make it easier to open.

[0024] The opening of the packaging may be, for example, a cutting of the packaging, the opening of a pull tab on the packaging, the opening of an opening strip. Said opening means may be, for example, a cutting means, a gripper arranged to grip a pull tab, a gripper arranged to open an opening strip.

[0025] The tension position of the packaging allows the packaging to be cut at different locations, for example on the first wall, on the second wall and / or on another part of the packaging. The cutting of the packaging forms an opening in the packaging.

[0026] This opening is used so that a robotic arm equipped with a gripping means can grasp the tub by passing through the opening in the packaging. This gripping means can grasp the tub by means of an element known in the art, such as a suction cup, a clamp, etc. Once the opening is formed and the tub is grasped by the gripping means, the tub can be detached from the packaging by relative movement between the tub and the packaging.

[0027] This relative movement may be a holding of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means and a movement of the tub by means of the robotic arm, it may also be a holding of the tub by means of the robotic arm and a movement of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means. The relative movement may also be a movement of the tub by means of the robotic arm and a movement of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means.

[0028] The presence of the support, arranged to allow the first and second walls to be gripped by the first and second series of gripping means, ensures the stability of the tub once the packaging is opened. This method makes it possible to unpack tubs packaged in different types of packaging without having to be limited to packaging with an opening flap. This method also reduces the risk of breakage by avoiding an opening step requiring the packaged tub to be suspended.

[0029] Preferably, the container is a syringe tube.

[0030] Advantageously, said first and second walls are arranged at the top and bottom of the container. By being placed at the top and bottom of the container, said first and second walls are arranged to allow the use of the method according to the invention on a container packed in a package which would be surrounded by other objects, for example, other containers packed in packages. Indeed, if the packed container is located next to at least one other object, for example a container packed in a package, access to the package by horizontal means may be hindered. By placing the first wall at the top of the container and the second wall at the bottom of the container, or vice versa, access of said walls to a gripping means is always possible, even if the packed container is located next to other objects.

[0031] In a particular embodiment, said first series of gripping means is a suction cup and said series of gripping means is a suction cup.

[0032] A suction cup can be connected, by means of suitable hoses, to a suction device to create an air suction. This suction device can be, for example, a compressor or a vacuum pump.

[0033] Preferably, a wall of the packaging rests on the support also when the container is in the rest position. Indeed, the container is packed in the packaging and rests on a wall of the packaging and on the support. This wall of the packaging rests on the support.

[0034] Advantageously, the wall of the packaging which rests on the support is the first wall or the second wall.

[0035] Preferably, the opening of the package is a cutout of the first wall or the second wall.

[0036] The packaging is tensioned by moving the first wall away from the second wall. This movement will generate tension in the first wall, the second wall, and all other walls of the packaging. The tension generated will cause the first wall, the second wall, and any other walls of the packaging to stiffen. The tension, and therefore the stiffening, will be greatest in the first and second walls, thus providing a cutting area in the first and / or second walls.

[0037] Preferably, the opening of the packaging is a cutout of a shape chosen from the group comprising a straight line, a curved line, a circle, a triangle, a 4-sided polygon, a 5-sided polygon.

[0038] Other embodiments of the method of unpacking a packaged container according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims.

[0039] The invention also relates to a device for unpacking a packaged container.

[0040] For example, from the prior art, see for example document WO2022185347, a device for unpacking a packaged tub is known. This describes an apparatus for stretching an opening flap of a closed package, containing therein, with sufficient clearance, at least one object, the package being provided with a first external surface and the opening flap. The apparatus comprises a manipulator provided with first gripping means provided with suction members configured to selectively and temporarily couple to the closed package.The manipulator is configured to be placed in proximity to the first external surface of the package, such that the first gripping means are in front of the first external surface, i.e. the latter is interposed between the gripping means and the first external surface, with the latter interposed between the manipulator element and the object, and the first gripping means are configured to be driven so as to produce, by suction, a temporary but stable coupling between the manipulator element and the first external surface, such that relative movement between the first external surface and the manipulator element is prevented, while movement of the object inside the closed package is permitted.The manipulator element is configured to be moved so as to produce a relative movement between the closed package and the object, in order to cause the object inside the closed package to shake until the opening flap is stretched, so as to make it identifiable and available for further processing of the closed package, in particular a step of cutting the stretched flap.

[0041] Unfortunately, such a device only works with packages that have an opening flap that allows a cut at a rigid part of the package.

[0042] The invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art by providing a device for making an opening in any type of container packaging, which is therefore versatile and reliable.

[0043] To solve this problem, according to the invention, there is provided a device for unpacking a packaged container as indicated above comprising: means for providing a packaged container in a rest position, in which the packaged container rests on a support, in a package in an initial position, said package comprising a first wall and a second wall, said first and second walls being arranged on either side of the container, a first series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, a second series of gripping means configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, a first and a second control means, respectively of the first series of gripping means and of the second series of gripping means, arranged to be actuated and thus tension the package by moving the first wall and the second wall away to provide a package in a tensioned position, an opening means arranged to form an opening in the package,said opening means being actuated by a third control means, said third control means being arranged to be synchronized with the first and second control means, a robotic arm provided with gripping means, arranged to grip the container through the opening in the packaging, the robotic arm and the first and second series of gripping means are configured to perform a relative movement of the container and the packaging to obtain the container outside the packaging and the empty packaging.

[0044] As can be seen, this device according to the invention makes it possible to implement the method according to the invention. This device comprises means for supplying a container, for example a tub, packaged in a rest position, in which the packaged container rests on a support. The support makes it possible to ensure the stability of the container, for example a tub, within the device. Said tub may contain, for example, syringe bodies. By packaging, we mean, for example, a bag, a sachet, a pouch, a pouch or an individual packaging made of thin and flexible material, such as plastic, paper, fabric, etc. The initial position of the packaging is defined as the position of the packaging when the packaging is placed on a support. The first wall of the bag and the second wall of the packaging are arranged on either side of the tub, which indicates that the tub is located between these two walls.Said first and second walls may be, for example, at the top and bottom of the tub, in front of and behind the tub or to the left and right of the tub. The support is arranged to allow the first and second walls to be gripped by the first and second series of gripping means. These may be, for example, rails, a wall, a wall comprising an opening, etc. The first and second series of gripping means may be identical or different gripping means. A gripping means is, for example, a suction cup, a clamp, etc. The configuration of the first and second series of gripping means makes it possible to temporarily grip a wall of the packaging, but also to maintain this grip during said moving away movements. The presence of a first and a second control means makes it possible to control the moving away of the first series of gripping means from the second series of gripping means.These control means allow automation of the device. This reduces the need for an operator to make the device automatic. This tensioning of the packaging also allows a certain rigidity of the packaging assembly - first series of gripping means - second series of gripping means. Said opening means is actuated by a third control means. This third control means is synchronized with the first and second control means because the opening must take place when the packaging is in a tensioned position and this tensioned position is the result of the actuation of the first and second control means. This synchronization ensures that the opening means is not actuated when the packaging is in its initial position. Opening when the packaging is in its initial position could damage the tub wrapped in the packaging.The tension of the various elements making up the packaging facilitates their opening. The opening of the packaging may be, for example, a cutout of the packaging, the opening of a pull tab on the packaging, the opening of an opening strip. Said opening means may be, for example, a cutting means, a gripper arranged to grip a pull tab, a gripper arranged to open an opening strip. The tension position of the packaging allows said packaging to be cut at different locations, for example on the first wall, on the second wall and / or on another part of the packaging. The opening of the packaging forms an opening in the packaging. This opening is used so that a robotic arm equipped with a gripping means can grip the tub by passing through the opening in the packaging. Said gripping means for gripping the tub may be an element known in the art, such as a suction cup, a gripper, etc.Once the opening is formed and the tub is gripped by the gripping means, the tub can be separated from the packaging by relative movement between the tub and the packaging. This relative movement may be a holding of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means and a movement of the tub by means of the robotic arm, it may also be a holding of the tub by means of the robotic arm and a movement of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means. The relative movement may also be a movement of the tub by means of the robotic arm and a movement of the packaging by means of the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means.The presence of the support, arranged to allow the first and second walls to be gripped by the first and second series of gripping means, ensures the stability of the tub once the packaging is opened. This device makes it possible to unpack tubs packaged in different types of packaging without having to be limited to packaging with an opening flap. This device also reduces the risk of breakage by avoiding an opening step requiring the packaged tub to be suspended.

[0045] Preferably, the container is a syringe tube.

[0046] Advantageously, the first series of gripping means is above the packaging in an initial position and the second series of gripping means is below the packaging in an initial position.

[0047] The fact that the first series of gripping means is above the packaging in an initial position and the second series of gripping means is below the packaging in an initial position makes it possible to grip the first and second walls of the packaging even when the packaged container is surrounded by objects, for example, other packaged containers.

[0048] Preferably, the first set of gripping means is at the front of the package in an initial position and the second set of gripping means is at the rear of the package in an initial position.

[0049] The fact that the first series of gripping means is at the front of the packaging in an initial position and the second series of gripping means is at the rear of the packaging in an initial position makes it possible to envisage the use of the device in a container unpacking line, where the containers to be unpacked are placed next to each other and for which gripping a wall of the packaging from the top or bottom is impossible.

[0050] Advantageously, the device further comprises a packaging collection device and in which the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means is arranged to perform a movement to collect the empty packaging in the packaging collection device.

[0051] In order to automate the unpacking system for a packaged container as much as possible, it is necessary to provide for the collection of empty packaging. This collection is carried out using a packaging collection device that will gather the empty packaging.

[0052] Preferably, the device further comprises a first actuator for pulling the container or packaging, and / or a second actuator for pushing the container or packaging, and / or a tilting device.

[0053] The first actuator and / or the second actuator may be independent or integrated into the robotic arm to separate the container and the packaging.

[0054] The tilting device can be independent or integrated into the robotic arm to separate the container and the packaging by gravity.

[0055] Other embodiments of the device for unpacking a packaged container according to the invention are indicated in the appended claims.

[0056] The invention also relates to a syringe filling line comprising the device for unpacking a container packaged according to the invention.

[0057] Other characteristics, details and advantages of the invention will emerge from the description given below, without limitation and with reference to the drawings and examples.

[0058] In the drawings, the figure 1 represents a device for tensioning the packaging of a container according to the invention, shown in a tension position.

[0059] There figure 2 represents the opening of the container package by an opening means.

[0060] There figure 3 represents the opening in the container package and the place where the robotic arm will arrive is represented by an arrow.

[0061] There figure 4 represents an opening by uncapping the container packaging.

[0062] There figure 5 represents a container package with an opening flap.

[0063] There figure 6 represents a container package with a pull tab.

[0064] There figure 7 represents a device for tensioning a container package where the first and second walls are located at the front and rear of a container.

[0065] In the figures, identical or similar elements bear the same references.

[0066] There figure 1 represents a device 1, according to the present invention, configured to unpack a container, for example a tub, 11 packed in a package 2. The device 1 can, for example, be arranged in a syringe filling line which is not shown in the drawings. The package comprises a first wall 3 and a second wall 4. The first wall 3 is gripped by a first series of gripping means 5, comprising a suction cup. The second wall is gripped by a second series of gripping means 6, comprising a suction cup. The package is in a tensioned position due to the actuation of the first and second control means (not shown). The second wall 4 of the package 2 rests on a support 7 comprising rails, arranged to allow the gripping of the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 by the first series of gripping means 5 and the second series of gripping means 6.

[0067] There figure 2 represents a device 1, according to the present invention in which the packaging 2 is being opened, by cutting the first wall 3, by an opening means 8 comprising a cutting means. The opening could, in an equivalent manner, be carried out by cutting the second wall 4.

[0068] There figure 3 represents a device 1, according to the present invention. The package 2 is open and has an opening 9 in the first wall 3. The opening 9 allows a robotic arm provided with a gripping means (not shown) to grasp the container. The place where the robotic arm will grasp the container is represented by an arrow 10. The opening could, equivalently, be located in the second wall 4.

[0069] There figure 4 represents a device 1, according to the present invention. The packaging 2 is being opened by an opening means (not shown). The opening, once finalized, will be a circular cutout 9 in the first wall 3, allowing the uncapping of the packaging 2 with separation of the cap retained by the first series of gripping means 5.

[0070] There figure 5 represents a device 1, according to the present invention. The package 2 has an opening flap 12 which corresponds to the join of the first wall 3 and the second wall 4 along their peripheral edges.

[0071] There figure 6 represents a device 1, according to the present invention. The packaging 2 has a pull tab 13 on the first wall 3. This pull tab is long enough to allow, once opened and forming an opening, the passage of the container through the opening formed by the pull tab. The pull tab could be located, in an equivalent manner, on the second wall.

[0072] There figure 7 represents a device 1, according to the present invention. The first wall 3 and the second wall 4 are located at the front and rear of the container. The first wall 3 is gripped by a first series of gripping means 5, comprising a suction cup. The second wall is gripped by a second series of gripping means 6, comprising a suction cup.

[0073] In operation, the device according to the present invention, illustrated in figures 1 à 6operates according to a method which comprises a first step where a packaged container 11 resting on a support 7 is made available (rest position of the container). The container 11 is packaged in a package 2 which is in an initial position, loose position without constraint.

[0074] The packaging 2 as indicated previously comprises a first wall 3 and a second wall 4 which are arranged on either side of the container 11.

[0075] Then, in the method according to the present invention, the first wall 3 of the packaging 2 is gripped by a first series of gripping means 5 configured to temporarily grip the first wall 3 of the packaging 2 as well as the second wall 4 of the packaging 2, respectively by the second series of gripping means 6.

[0076] The package 2 is then tensioned by moving the first wall 3 away from the second wall 4, which provides a package in a tensioned position while maintaining the packaged container 11 in its rest position. In reality, the walls 3, 4 of the package are moved away from each other while the container 11 continues to rest on the support 7. The support is arranged to allow the first 3 and second walls 4 to be gripped by the first 5 and second series of gripping means 6. This may be, for example, rails as illustrated or a wall for example provided with an opening, etc. to allow the passage of gripping means.

[0077] Once the package 2 is energized, the package 2 is opened by an opening means 8 which makes an opening 9 in the package 2, said opening means 8 being actuated by a third control means (not shown) and is synchronized with the first and second control means (not shown).

[0078] Finally, the container 11 is gripped by a robotic arm provided with a gripping means, the robotic arm passing through the opening 9 made in the packaging (for example according to the arrow 10) and is moved relative to the packaging to obtain the container 11 outside the packaging 2.

[0079] It is understood that the present invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above and that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for unpacking a packaged container (11) comprising the following steps: - providing a packaged container (11) in a rest position, in which the packaged container (11) rests on a support (7), in a package in an initial position, said package comprising a first wall (3) and a second wall (4), said first and second walls being arranged on either side of the container (11), - gripping the first wall (3) of the package by a first series of gripping means (5) configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, - gripping the second wall (4) of the package by a second series of gripping means (6) configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package,- tensioning the packaging by moving the first wall (3) away from the second wall (4) to provide packaging in a tensioned position while maintaining the packaged container in its rest position, said moving the first wall away from the second wall being achieved by actuating first and second control means, respectively of the first series of gripping means (5) and the second series of gripping means (6), - opening the packaging in said tensioned position by opening means (8) arranged to form an opening (9) in the packaging, said opening means (8) being actuated by third control means, said third control means being synchronized with the first and second control means, - gripping the container (11) by a robotic arm provided with gripping means through the opening (9) in the packaging,- relative movement of the container (11) and the packaging to obtain the container (11) outside the packaging., 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the container is a syringe tubing.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said first and second walls are arranged at the top and bottom of the container.

4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said first series of gripping means is a suction cup and said second series of gripping means is a suction cup.

5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein a wall of the package rests on the support.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the wall of the package resting on the support is the first wall or the second wall.

7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the opening of the package is a cutout of the first wall or the second wall.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the opening of the packaging is a cutout of a shape chosen from the group comprising a straight line, a curved line, a circle, a triangle, a 4-sided polygon, a 5-sided polygon.

9. Device for unpacking a packaged container (11) comprising - means for supplying a packaged container (11) in a rest position, in which the packaged container (11) rests on a support (7), in a package in an initial position, said package comprising a first wall (3) and a second wall (4), said first and second walls being arranged on either side of the container, - a first series of gripping means (5) configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, - a second series of gripping means (6) configured to temporarily grip a wall of the package, - a first and a second control means, respectively, of the first series of gripping means (5) and of the second series of gripping means (6),arranged to be actuated and thus tension the packaging by moving the first wall (3) and the second wall (4) away from each other to provide a packaging in a tensioned position, - an opening means (8) arranged to form an opening (9) in the packaging, said opening means (8) being actuated by a third control means, said third control means being arranged to be synchronized with the first and second control means, - a robotic arm provided with a gripping means, arranged to grip the container (11) through the opening (9) in the packaging, - the robotic arm and the first and second sets of gripping means are configured to effect a relative movement of the container (11) and the packaging to obtain the container (11) outside the packaging and the empty packaging., 10. Device according to claim 9 wherein the container is a syringe tube.

11. Device according to claim 9 or 10 in which the first series of gripping means is above the packaging in an initial position and the second series of gripping means is below the packaging in an initial position.

12. Device according to claim 9 or 10 in which the first series of gripping means is at the front of the packaging in an initial position and the second series of gripping means is at the rear of the packaging in an initial position.

13. A device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, further comprising a packaging collection device and wherein the first series of gripping means and / or the second series of gripping means is arranged to perform a movement to collect the empty packaging in the packaging collection device.

14. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, further comprising a first actuator for pulling the container or packaging, and / or a second actuator for pushing the container or packaging, and / or a tilting device.

15. Syringe filling line comprising the device for unpacking a packaged container according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

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