Device and method for unpacking an optical workpiece, and use

Abstract

A device and a method and also a use for the automated unpacking of lens blanks are proposed, wherein an opening element engages under a side flap of a package and then opens it up. In particular, the package is first opened up on opposite narrow sides and is then cut open in particular at the bottom, so as to allow the upper side of the package to be opened up while the package remains in one piece.

Description

[0001] Device and method for unpacking an optical workpiece and use

[0002] The present invention relates to a device for unpacking an optical workpiece, in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, according to the preamble of claim 1, a method for unpacking an optical workpiece, in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, according to the preamble of claim 12 and a use of such a device for unpacking an optical workpiece, in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens.

[0003] In automated production processes, especially in the manufacture or processing of ophthalmic lenses, automated unpacking of optical workpieces, especially lens blanks, contributes to cost-effective production.

[0004] EP 3 819 092 A1 discloses a device and method for unpacking a lens blank from a box-shaped package, wherein the package is cut or sawed open, in particular on opposite sides. This can lead to unwanted dust, which adversely affects the production process. Furthermore, there is a risk that the intended separation of a portion of the package could damage the lens blank or an inner package additionally holding the lens blank.

[0005] EP 4 173 979 A1 discloses a device and method for unpacking a lens blank, wherein the packaging is cut open using a laser. Here, too, undesirable contamination, particularly particles or gaseous contamination, can occur, which adversely affect the manufacturing process or require additional cleaning steps.

[0006] DE 10 2013 019 921 A1 discloses a packaging for a spectacle lens and the opening of the perforated packaging along a predetermined breaking line by applying pressure to an end area of ​​the top of the packaging. This process requires very specialized packaging. Furthermore, the tearing process is usually associated with undesirable particle and dust generation.

[0007] The different packaging options available on the market are also problematic. Depending on the manufacturer or supplier, the workpieces are packaged differently. Typically, the (outer) packaging is designed as a cuboid-shaped box, for example, which is closed with a tuck-in flap on one side, particularly a narrow side, or on opposite sides or narrow sides. Alternatively or additionally, the packaging or box can also be tearable on one side, particularly the flat side.

[0008] In addition, the workpiece is usually additionally held by an inner packaging, such as an inner support structure, a packaging tray, a blister or the like, and / or provided with an (additional) wrapping, such as a particularly folded cover, a pocket or the like.

[0009] The present invention is based on the object of specifying a device, a method and a use for automated unpacking which enable - at least largely - contamination-free opening of the packaging and / or are universally applicable - in particular also with different outer and / or inner packaging.

[0010] The above object is achieved by a device according to claim 1, by a method according to claim 12 or by a use according to claim 20. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] The present invention fundamentally relates to the unpacking of an optical workpiece, in particular an optical lens blank or ophthalmic lens, particularly preferably for ophthalmic lens production or processing. For the sake of simplicity, the term "workpiece" will be referred to below.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, the device preferably comprises an opening device with an opening element for laterally inserting it under a side flap of the packaging or engaging under the side flap and / or for unfolding the side or side flap of the packaging. In particular, the opening element is wedge-shaped. This allows the packaging to be opened without cutting or sawing and thus prevents unwanted dust formation. In particular, a plug-in closure of the packaging with a plug-in flap can be opened in a simple and defined manner.

[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably comprises two opening devices for opening opposite sides of the packaging, an adjusting device and / or a measuring device for automatically adjusting the distance and / or the position of the two opening devices or their opening elements to the packaging to be opened and / or for automatically adjusting the position of an opening device to a side to be opened. This enables automated adaptation to the respective packaging or box, so that, for example, tolerance deviations can be compensated for even with essentially the same packaging size, but also different packaging sizes can be opened easily and automatically.

[0014] According to a separate, also independently implementable aspect of the present invention, the device is preferably designed to open a flat side or top of the packaging. This facilitates automated removal of the workpiece.

[0015] According to another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device is preferably designed for simultaneously unpacking two workpieces and / or simultaneously opening two packages. This enables a particularly high throughput.

[0016] According to a further aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device preferably comprises a return device for returning a (complete) package and the corresponding workpiece, in particular to a transport carrier, in the event of an error during opening or unpacking. This enables and simplifies, in particular, manual error control.

[0017] According to another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the device is preferably designed for the automated opening of different packaging variants or packages of different sizes and / or for the automated unpacking of differently packaged workpieces. In particular, the device has different opening stations or opening devices that are adapted or designed to open different packages. This enables universal use of the device.

[0018] A proposed method for unpacking an optical workpiece is characterized in particular by the fact that a tuck-in flap of a package is automatically pulled out and / or a side flap is grasped and opened using an opening device. This enables contamination-free opening and avoids the risk of damage to the packaging contents, in particular to the workpiece or any inner packaging.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, lies in the fact that the position of an opening device is automatically adjusted to the actual position of a side or side flap to be opened. This facilitates automated and precise opening of the packaging, effectively preventing unwanted damage to the workpiece.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention, which can also be implemented independently, the packaging of the workpiece is preferably opened on opposite sides, in particular by folding open side flaps, and additionally on a transverse side, in particular by cutting open, in order to be able to open a flat side or top side of the packaging. Tests have shown that this allows for a very efficient opening of the packaging and removal of the workpiece in a simple manner.

[0021] Particularly preferably, a proposed device is used for unpacking an optical workpiece, wherein different outer packagings of the workpiece are opened using the same device, and / or wherein the workpieces are removed from differently constructed inner packagings using the same device, and / or wherein an outer packaging is first opened using the same device and then the workpiece is removed from an inner packaging. This enables automated unpacking of even differently packaged workpieces in a very efficient manner.

[0022] The aspects and features mentioned and those resulting from the following description can be implemented independently of one another, but can also be implemented in any combination.

[0023] Additional advantages, features, properties, and aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic plan view of a proposed device for unpacking a workpiece from a package according to a first embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 2A shows a schematic section of the packaging according to a first embodiment variant with a receiving tray or a blister as inner packaging;

[0025] Fig. 2B shows a schematic section of the packaging according to a second embodiment variant with a wrapper as inner packaging;

[0026] Fig. 2C shows a schematic section of the packaging according to a third embodiment variant with a tear-open side and an optional holding structure as inner packaging;

[0027] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a loading device, turning device and positioning device of the proposed device;

[0028] Fig. 4A is a schematic perspective view of an opening station with two opening devices of the proposed device;

[0029] Fig. 4B is a schematic view of two opening elements of the opening devices;

[0030] Fig. 4C is a perspective view of an opening element;

[0031] Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer device of the proposed device when picking up a workpiece from the packaging;

[0032] Fig. 6 is a schematic side view of a separating device of the proposed device during the removal of an inner packaging;

[0033] Fig. 7A is a schematic perspective view of an unpacking device of the proposed device in a working position; Fig. 7B is a schematic rear view of the unpacking device;

[0034] Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view of another opening station with another opening device of the proposed device;

[0035] Fig. 9A is a simplified schematic representation of the other opening device with the package closed; and

[0036] Fig. 9B is a simplified schematic representation of the other opening device when the package is opened;

[0037] Fig. 10 is a schematic plan view of the proposed device according to a second embodiment, wherein the positioning device is in a transfer position, a package is in the turning device and a transfer device is in a dispensing position;

[0038] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the device according to the second embodiment, wherein the positioning device is in a receiving position for receiving packages;

[0039] Fig. 12 is a schematic view of the opening station of the device according to the second embodiment with two pairs of opening devices;

[0040] Fig. 13 is another perspective view of the opening station similar to Fig. 12;

[0041] Fig. 14 is a schematic plan view of the device according to the second embodiment, wherein the positioning device is in the receiving position according to Fig. 11, a package is in the opening station and the transfer device is in a receiving position for receiving packages from the opening station;

[0042] Fig. 15 is a perspective view of an opening manipulator of the opening station and the transfer device in the dispensing position; Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a second opening station or further opening device with unfolded packages in a dispensing position and a dispensing device of the device according to the second embodiment;

[0043] Fig. 17 shows another perspective view of the transfer device and opening device with associated suction and the dispensing device of the device according to the second embodiment;

[0044] Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the dispensing device, second opening station and further opening device with opened packages and a separating device of the device according to the second embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the second opening station or further opening device and the separating device, wherein a workpiece is located in a receiving area of ​​the separating device; and

[0046] Fig. 20 shows another perspective view of the separating device when moving an empty packaging tray or blister sleeve.

[0047] In the figures, some of which are not to scale or are only schematic, the same reference symbols are used for similar or identical parts, whereby corresponding or similar properties and advantages are achieved, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0048] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a proposed device 1 for unpacking optical workpieces 2, in particular lens blanks or spectacle lenses, particularly preferably for spectacle lens production or processing. For the sake of simplicity, only one workpiece will be referred to below.

[0049] The workpiece 2 is preferably made of plastic, but may also be made of glass or the like. The workpiece 2 preferably has a diameter of several centimeters, in particular more than 3 cm.

[0050] The device 1 and the proposed method and use serve in particular to unpack or remove the workpiece 2 from a packaging 3.

[0051] The packaging 3 preferably has an outer packaging or outer packaging 4 and optionally an inner packaging or inner packaging 5, as indicated in the schematic sections according to Figs. 2A to 2C, which show different embodiments of the packaging 3.

[0052] The packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is in particular at least substantially cuboid-shaped and / or box-like and / or made of cardboard or paper.

[0053] The packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 preferably has an at least substantially square base area or flat side or base side 4A and / or preferably at least substantially rectangular sides or narrow sides 4B.

[0054] The packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably designed as a flat cuboid, the height of which is preferably less than half the longest side edge of the base area 4A of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0055] The packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is or one or more opposite sides or narrow sides 4B of the outer packaging 4 is or are preferably (each) closed via a plug-in closure or a plug-in flap 4C in the example shown.

[0056] The tuck-in flap 4C keeps, in particular, an adjoining side flap 4D closed when the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is unopened.

[0057] Instead of a plug-in closure or the tuck-in flap 4C, the side flap 4D can alternatively or additionally be held closed in another way, for example by an adhesive element, a bond, or the like. When the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is closed, the openable side flap 4D forms, in particular, a side or narrow side 4B of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0058] In the embodiments according to Figs. 2A and 2B, the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably openable on two opposite sides or narrow sides 4B or is provided with a plug-in closure or an openable side flap 4D and / or insert flap 4C.

[0059] In the third embodiment according to Fig. 2C, the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably only openable on one side or narrow side 4B or is provided with the openable side flap 4D or insert flap 4C.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 according to the third embodiment preferably has a tear-open side or openable flat side or lid side or top side 4E.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the openable or foldable side flap 4D is connected to the side or flat side 4E, which can be opened, in particular by tearing, in particular via a fold or bend 4F. However, other structural designs are also possible.

[0062] In Fig. 2C, a partially opened state of the side flap 4D and top side 4E is indicated by dashed lines.

[0063] Optionally, a side wall of the packaging 3 (not shown) can also be provided behind the side flap 4D which can be folded up or down, so that the workpiece 2 cannot slip out to the left when the packaging 3 is folded up, even if, for example, the inner packaging 5 or inner structure 5C in Fig. 2C is not present.

[0064] The openable or tearable side or top side 4E does not have to cover the entire surface of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, but can also form only a partially openable lid or section or the like of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4. The same preferably also applies to the otherwise openable sides or side flaps 4D in all embodiments according to Figs. 2A to 2C. The packaging 3 optionally also has an inner packaging 5, which is in particular received by the outer packaging 4 and / or can possibly be formed by it.

[0065] In the first embodiment according to Fig. 2A, the inner packaging 5 is preferably designed as a packaging tray or blister 5A.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the inner packaging 5 is preferably designed such that the workpiece 2 is exposed with a flat side 2A, in particular to be machined - facing upwards in Fig. 2A - or can be removed from the inner packaging 5 - of course only after opening or removing the outer packaging 4.

[0067] The inner packaging 5 or packaging tray or blister 5A preferably holds the workpiece 2 essentially only at the edge or not on a finished side 2B (here underside) and / or in such a way that the already finished flat side 2B of the workpiece 2 is covered by the inner packaging 5 or kept at a distance or protected against external influences or damage or contamination.

[0068] The flat side 2A to be machined is shown as flat. However, it is usually or preferably concave, forming the so-called recipe surface. The finished side 2B, on the other hand, is preferably convex.

[0069] In the second embodiment according to Fig. 2B, the inner packaging 5 is preferably formed by or comprises a wrapping 5B. The wrapping 5B is designed, in particular, as a folded cover, a folded piece of material, for example, made of foam, a soft or padded mat or bubble wrap, a pocket, or the like. Here, too, the inner packaging 5 or wrapping 5B ensures that the workpiece 2 is protected from damage or other influences, such as contamination, particularly on its optionally already finished flat side 2B.

[0070] In the third embodiment according to Fig. 2C, the inner packaging 5, which is only optionally provided, is preferably formed by an inner structure 5C, which holds the workpiece 2 in such a way that it can be removed after opening the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, in particular the lid or the top side 4E.

[0071] The inner structure 5C can optionally also be provided in the packaging 3 according to Fig. 2A or 2B instead of the packaging tray 5A or the wrapping and / or can partially or edge-enclose or overlap the workpiece 2.

[0072] The exemplary embodiments show different packaging variants, in particular different packaging 3 or different outer packaging or outer packaging 4 and different inner packaging or inner packaging 5.

[0073] Particularly preferably, the device 1, the proposed method, and the proposed use are designed or provided for the automated unpacking of different packages 3, outer packages 4, and / or inner packages 5 in the aforementioned sense and / or also for the automated unpacking of packages 3, outer packages 4, and / or inner packages 5 of different sizes, so that the device 1 and the method are universally applicable. A first preferred embodiment is described below.

[0074] The device 1 is preferably associated with a conveyor device 10 for supplying workpieces 2 to be unpacked or packages 3 containing the workpieces 2 and / or for removing unpacked workpieces 2. The conveyor device 10 can optionally also form part of the device 1.

[0075] The conveyor device 10 is particularly preferably designed as an endless conveyor, conveyor belt or belt conveyor.

[0076] The conveyor device 10 preferably extends along one side of the device 1.

[0077] The workpieces 2 or packages 3 to be unpacked are preferably supplied or conveyed on or in transport carriers 11 by means of the conveyor device 10. Particularly preferably, the transport carriers 11 are designed as transport boxes and / or each serve to hold two workpieces 2 and / or packages 3. Preferably, the transport carriers 11 are also used to convey away unpacked workpieces 2.

[0078] The conveying direction or main extension direction of the conveying device 10 preferably runs parallel to one side of the device 1 or in an X-direction and / or horizontally.

[0079] Optionally, the conveyor device 10 is connected to the device 1 via connections 12.

[0080] Fig. 1 gives a schematic overview of a particularly preferred structure of the proposed device 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0081] The device 1 preferably has a loading device 20, a positioning device 30, a turning device 40, a transfer device 50, a separating device 60, an unpacking device 70, a dispensing device 80, a (first) opening station 100 and / or a (different or second) opening station 200.

[0082] The device 1 or loading device 20 is preferably designed to pick up the packaging 3 with a workpiece 2 from the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11 and / or to convey or transfer it to the positioning device 30, the turning device 40 and / or to a transfer position P1.

[0083] Fig. 3 shows schematically a section of the device 1 in the area of ​​the loading device 20, positioning device 30 and turning device 40.

[0084] The loading device 20 preferably has a loading manipulator 21, in particular with a suction cup 22 or other holding element, in order to be able to grasp or pick up the packaging 3 with the workpiece 2.

[0085] Preferably, the packaging 3 can be lifted by means of the loading manipulator 21 and, in particular, optionally rotatable about a particularly vertical axis.

[0086] In the illustrated example, the holding member or the suction cup 22 is movable in particular in the vertical direction or Z direction for lifting and depositing the packaging 3, movable in the horizontal direction or Y direction (in particular transversely to the conveying direction X) and / or optionally rotatable about the vertical axis (Z direction).

[0087] In particular, the loading manipulator 21 or suction cup 22 can be moved or displaced linearly or in the Y direction via a slide guide 23 and / or linearly or in the Z direction via a slide guide 24.

[0088] The device 1 or loading device 20 or loading manipulator 21 preferably has a detection device 25, in particular a camera, for detecting or reading a marking 3A on the packaging 3, as indicated in Fig. 3. In particular, optical detection is carried out. The marking 3A is, for example, a barcode. However, another marking and, alternatively or additionally, for example, an RFID chip can also be used for identification, the information from which is detected or read, for example, via the detection device 25.

[0089] The data and information provided by an external system, such as a Lens Management System (LMS), by an information carrier (not shown) on or in the transport carrier 11 and / or available due to the input-side recording, indicate in particular how the respective workpiece 2 is constructed and / or packaged, i.e. in particular which packaging variant it is or which packaging size, outer packaging 4 and / or inner packaging 5 is present and possibly also, for example, how the workpiece 2 is oriented in the packaging 3 and / or the packaging 3 is oriented during conveyance, for example on or in the transport carrier 11. This is beneficial for automated and reliable unpacking, wherein the proposed device 1 and the proposed method in particular enable unpacking from different packaging variants or packaging 3.

[0090] Optionally, the device 1 can check, or optionally be checked as a process step, whether a workpiece 2 or multiple workpieces 2 with the correct marking 3A—i.e., the correct workpieces 2—are present in a transport carrier 11 according to the information carrier of the respective transport carrier 11 and / or according to the data of the system or LMS. Incorrect workpieces 2 can thus be detected and, for example, sorted out. Optionally, however, the device 1 is designed such that even without additional or external information, the respective packaging variant and orientation of the packaging 3 can be detected, thus enabling automated unpacking.

[0091] The depositing or transfer of the packaging 3 takes place - in particular to the positioning device 30 and / or turning device 40 and / or opening station 100 or 200 - here preferably in the transfer position P1.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows a packaging 3 still in the transport carrier 11 before removal as well as a packaging 3 in the transfer position P1.

[0093] In the illustrated example, the device 1 or the loading device 20 preferably has a carrier 26 for depositing or transferring the packaging 3, which is only indicated in Fig. 3, but can be seen more clearly in a shifted position in Fig. 8.

[0094] The positioning device 30 serves for a defined alignment of the packaging 3 and is preferably designed such that the packaging 3 is aligned at a corner, i.e. over two sides or narrow sides 4B enclosing an angle - here in the X-direction and Y-direction or in a (horizontal plane, in particular on the carrier 26).

[0095] Preferably, the positioning device 30 has a first positioning element 31 and optionally a second positioning element 32, which are particularly angular in design and can be applied to diagonally opposite vertical edges or corners of the packaging 3 in order to align the packaging 3 - in particular in the transfer position P1 or on the carrier 26 - in the desired manner.

[0096] In the illustrated example, the two positioning elements 31, 32 are movable or adjustable in particular in the XY plane or a horizontal plane and / or movable along the diagonal (the base side 4A) of the packaging 3, 4 in order to achieve the desired alignment.

[0097] In particular, the first positioning element 31 can be moved into the desired position for aligning the packaging 3, and the packaging 3 is then pressed against the first positioning element 31 by advancing the second positioning element 32, so that the packaging 3 is aligned in the desired manner with the first positioning element 31. If necessary, the second positioning element 32 can also be guided for transverse displacement to adapt to non-square base areas. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0098] The turning device 40 enables, in particular, the packaging 3 to be turned or rotated about a horizontal axis. It preferably comprises a turning manipulator 41, which is designed, in particular, as a gripper with gripping arms 42 that engage the packaging 3 laterally and can be advanced symmetrically relative to one another.

[0099] So that the turning device 40 with its turning manipulator 41 can grip a package 3 on opposite sides or narrow sides 4B, the positioning elements 31 and 32 of the positioning device 30 preferably move apart again after the alignment or positioning of the package 3, before the optional turning takes place.

[0100] Preferably, the turning manipulator 41 is vertically movable or liftable (see Fig. 8) and / or pivotable about a horizontal axis, preferably extending in the Y direction, in order to lift, turn, and set down the packaging 3 as needed. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0101] The device 1 or loading device 20 preferably has a transfer manipulator 27 in order to transfer the packaging 3 - in particular after positioning or aligning and / or turning or from the transfer position P1 or from the carrier 26 - to a downstream or other device, here preferably the opening station 100.

[0102] In the illustrated example, the transfer manipulator 27 is provided with a holding element, in particular a suction cup 28, and can pick up or lift the packaging 3 from the transfer position P1 or from the carrier 26 and preferably pivot it about a particularly horizontal axis or an axis running in the Y direction in order to transfer the packaging 3 with a preferably vertically oriented main plane or base area 4A to the opening station 100 or its opening manipulator 101 or to another device of the device 1. However, other design solutions are also possible. In the illustrated example, the transfer manipulator 27 is preferably pivotably mounted on the carriage guide 23, i.e., in particular, movable or displaceable together with the loading manipulator 21. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0103] The suction cup 28 of the transfer manipulator 27 is preferably linearly movable or adjustable. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0104] Fig. 1 shows schematically the state of the transfer of a packaging 3 from the transfer manipulator 27 to the opening station 100, in particular to its opening manipulator 101, which takes over the packaging 3 from the loading device 20 or the transfer manipulator 27 in a transfer position P2 and holds it in particular by means of a suction cup 101A.

[0105] The packaging 3, 4 or its flat side / base side 4A is preferably formed vertically when transferred to the opening station 100 and / or when opened and / or preferably points downwards with its side to be opened for removing the workpiece 2.

[0106] The opening manipulator 101 is preferably linearly movable together with the held packaging 3 - in particular, for example, by means of an actuating cylinder or linear drive - in particular along a guide or rail 102, and / or in the horizontal direction or Y-direction or transverse direction to the conveyor device 10.

[0107] The opening station 100 preferably has a (first) opening device 110 and optionally a (second) opening device 120.

[0108] The opening devices 110 and 120 are shown only very schematically in Fig. 1. A more realistic representation is shown in the perspective view according to Fig. 4A, which shows essential components of the opening station 100.

[0109] The (first) opening device 110 is preferably designed to open the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, in particular by opening a narrow side 4B, pulling out an insertion flap 4C, and / or unfolding a side flap 4D. For this purpose, the (first) opening device 110 preferably has a (first) opening element 111, which is particularly wedge-shaped, web-like, or tongue-like.

[0110] Preferably, opening or unfolding is carried out by lateral insertion - in particular essentially in the plane of the side or side flap 4D to be opened

[0111] - of the opening element 111 under the side to be opened or side flap 4D of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, and in particular by means of an inclined plane or wedge surface 111 A or by subsequent pivoting. In the illustrated example, this is achieved in particular by moving the packaging 3 and the opening device 110 or its opening element 111 relative to one another in an opening movement B, here at the opening station 100, preferably by the opening manipulator 101 along the guide / rail 102.

[0112] The (first or lower) opening device 110 preferably has an open holder 112 for keeping open and / or further unfolding the side or side flap 4D already opened by the opening element 111.

[0113] The second or upper opening device 120 is preferably constructed at least substantially correspondingly, in particular with a second opening element 121 and optionally also an opener 122.

[0114] The device 1 or opening station 100 is preferably designed to open the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 on opposite sides or narrow sides 4B, namely by means of the two opening devices 110, 120.

[0115] The opening is made possible in particular by the opening movement B or by moving the packaging 3 by means of the opening manipulator 101 from the transfer position P2 into the opening position or transfer position P3 schematically indicated in Fig. 1 and / or by moving the packaging 3 along the opening element 111, 121 or the opening elements 111, 121 and / or between them.

[0116] The opening manipulator 101 is optionally designed such that it encompasses the packaging 3 on the returning or vertical side or narrow side 4B and / or

[0117] - here by a section 101 B - in order to prevent twisting and / or displacement of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 when opening, since the laterally retracting opening elements 111 and 121 may exert considerable forces on the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0118] The device 1 or the opening station 100 preferably has an adjusting device 103 (Figs. 4A, 5) for adjusting an opening device 120 or the distance A (Fig. 4B) between the opening devices 110, 120 or opening elements 111, 121. For example, the adjusting device 103 is designed as an actuator or actuating cylinder that can adjust an opening device, here the second opening device 120, in particular in a linear adjustment direction R and / or relative to the other opening device 110. Optionally, the other or first opening device 100 can also be adjustable with the adjusting device 103 or independently adjustable via its own adjusting device (not shown).

[0119] The adjustment direction R preferably runs vertically and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the plane of the side / side flap 4D to be opened and / or to the opening movement B which the opening manipulator 101 executes to open the packaging 3, and / or runs in the main plane of the packaging 3 to be opened.

[0120] For the automated adjustment of the (here vertical) position of the adjustable opening device 120 or the distance A shown in Fig. 4B between the two opening devices 110, 120 or opening elements 111, 121 or for the automated delivery of an opening device 120 or an opening element 121, the device 1 or opening station 100 preferably has a measuring device 104 which, in particular, detects the actual size or side length of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 and / or the actual position of the side or side flap 4D to be opened. Thus, the position of the associated, here second opening device 120 or the position of the second opening element 121 can be adjusted accordingly to the position of the side flap 4D - here the height of the side flap 4D - in order to be able to insert the opening element 121 correctly under the side flap 4D.

[0121] In principle, both opening devices 110, 120 can also be provided with a corresponding automated adjustment for adapting to the respective position of the associated side flap 4D to be opened. Since a defined positioning of at least one (here the lower) side flap 4D to be opened is provided in the illustrated example, double adjustability (as preferably provided in the second embodiment) is not necessary; rather, a one-sided adjustment, as provided in the illustrated example according to the first embodiment, is sufficient to adapt to the actual packaging size.

[0122] As a result of the intended adjustment, the distance A between the two opening devices 110, 120 or opening elements 111, 121 is also adapted accordingly to the packaging 3 or the internal distance I of the side flaps 4D to be opened, whereby Fig. 4B only schematically shows the distance A for the two opening elements 111, 121 and the internal distance I.

[0123] Optionally, the opening devices 110, 120 or their opening elements 111, 121 are offset by an offset V in the direction of the opening movement B or in the insertion direction, so that the opening elements 111, 121 are initially inserted into the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 one after the other and not simultaneously, in order to ensure that the forces acting on the packaging 3 do not occur simultaneously, but rather at different times.

[0124] Fig. 4C shows a perspective view of the opening element 111 in a preferred embodiment. Here, it can be seen that the opening element 111 has or forms, in particular, an inclined plane or wedge surface 111A, particularly preferably with an angle between 10° and 20° at least in the region of its free end, and / or is preferably provided with a rounded free end.

[0125] The opening element 111 preferably has a flat base side 111 B which, when inserted into the packaging 3, points towards the workpiece 2 in the packaging 3 and preferably extends parallel to the movement B, i.e. in the lateral insertion direction.

[0126] When viewed from above onto the base side 111B, the opening element 111 is preferably rounded at its front end, in particular semicircular.

[0127] The plane or wedge surface 111A of the opening element 111, which runs obliquely to the base surface 111B, is preferably rounded transversely to the insertion direction or at the longitudinal edges. The second opening element 121 is preferably designed like the first opening element 111, but can also be designed differently.

[0128] The inclined planes or slopes or wedge surfaces 111A, 121A of the opening elements 111, 121 preferably point away from the packaging 3 to be opened in order to achieve the desired opening of the corresponding side or side flap 4D by the opening movement B.

[0129] After opening the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, the inner packaging 5 or the workpiece 2 is removed. This occurs in particular at the transfer position P3 indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 1.

[0130] Fig. 5 shows in a schematic, perspective section the transfer device 50 during the reception or removal of the inner packaging 5 or the workpiece 2 from the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 in the position P3.

[0131] The transfer device 50 preferably has a transfer manipulator 51, which is provided in particular with motor-driven cheeks or holding arms 52 in order to be able to receive, hold or grip the workpiece 2, which is preferably still provided with its inner packaging 5, particularly preferably laterally and / or on the outer circumference.

[0132] In particular, the transfer manipulator 51 is designed in a fork-like or tong-like manner in order to be able to securely pick up and hold the workpiece 2.

[0133] The device 1 or transfer device 50 particularly preferably has at least one detection device, here two or more detection devices 53 and 54, in order to detect whether the workpiece 2 has been (correctly) picked up by the transfer manipulator 51, whether the workpiece 2 is provided with an inner packaging 5 and / or with which inner packaging 5 the workpiece 2 is provided.

[0134] Preferably, the two detection devices 53 and 54 operate differently, for example the detection device 53 operates tactilely and the detection device 54 operates optically.

[0135] The first detection device 53 or its sensor 53A is designed, for example, as a micro-probe to detect whether a workpiece 2 and / or a packaging tray or blister 5A has been detected or picked up as the inner packaging 5. In particular, the sensor 53A can detect the orientation of the blister 5A, since it is not symmetrical with respect to the workpiece plane, and this can lead to a different, detectable deflection of a probe arm of the sensor 53A.

[0136] The device 1 or detection device 53 preferably (additionally) has a workpiece sensor 53B, which can detect, in particular, the presence of a workpiece 2 and / or an inner packaging 5 or wrapping 5B and / or a curvature and thus the orientation of the workpiece 2. In particular, the workpiece sensor 53B has three sensors - preferably arranged next to one another or in a line - which can be applied to a workpiece side or flat side - in particular substantially centrally - in order to detect the presence of a workpiece 2 and / or an inner packaging 5 or wrapping 5B and / or a curvature and thus the orientation of the workpiece 2.

[0137] The second detection device 54 is designed, for example, as an optical sensor in order to detect a wrapping 5B as inner packaging 5 and / or to detect the material of which the inner packaging 5 is made and / or the color or marking it has and / or whether it is transparent, and / or to detect the presence of a workpiece 2.

[0138] Preferably, the device 1 or second detection device 54 has one or more cameras, here two cameras 54A and 54B, in order to be able to examine in particular the workpiece 2 or its inner packaging 5 from opposite sides or flat sides.

[0139] The device 1 or transfer device 50 optionally has a slider 55 in order to be able to push the workpiece 2 out of the packaging 3 or into the transfer manipulator 51, if necessary. In particular, the slider 55 pushes the workpiece 2 out of the packaging 3 from above or from the side opposite the transfer manipulator 51 or the removal side.

[0140] The transfer manipulator 51 is movable, preferably pivotable about a horizontal axis and / or vertical axis, in order to transfer the removed workpiece 2 to a downstream device, preferably for removing the inner packaging 5, here particularly preferably optionally depending on the type of inner packaging 5 to the separating device 60 or unpacking device 70, and in particular also in the desired orientation, in particular with the finished side 2B on top.

[0141] The empty packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 can be disposed of or issued.

[0142] The device 1 or opening station 100 preferably has a packaging manipulator 105, which takes over the empty packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, in particular in a transfer position P4 indicated schematically in Fig. 1 - in particular from the opening manipulator 101 - in order to deliver it to a disposal device, here a chute 106 or the like.

[0143] In the illustrated example, the packaging manipulator 105, which is particularly linearly movable and equipped with a suction cup, can then be moved with the empty packaging 3, 4, particularly horizontally and / or into a delivery position P5, as schematically indicated in Fig. 1, in order to deliver the packaging 3, 4 there, for example, by dropping it. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0144] The separating device 60 is schematically illustrated in Fig. 6. The separating device 60 preferably has a particularly table-like receiving area 61 with a preferably integrated holder or suction cup 62 for holding a workpiece 2 transferred, in particular, by the transfer device 50 or the transfer manipulator 51 or placed thereon (transfer position P6). During the transfer, the workpiece 2 in particular still has its inner packaging 5, if present, which, in particular according to the first embodiment, is designed as a packaging tray or blister 5A.

[0145] The separating device 60 preferably has a manipulator 63, in particular with a gripper or suction device 64 for removing and in particular conveying away the inner packaging 5, in particular packaging tray or a blister 5A, as schematically indicated in Fig. 6.

[0146] In the illustrated example, the device 1 or separating device 60 preferably has a conveyor 65 for conveying away the empty inner packaging 5 or packaging tray or the empty blister 5A. The empty inner packaging 5 is preferably transferred from the separating manipulator 63 to the conveyor 65, for example, a conveyor belt, as indicated in Fig. 1.

[0147] The (fully) unpacked workpiece 2 can finally be transferred back to the conveyor 10 or an (empty) or, in particular, back to the original transport carrier 11 by means of the delivery device 80. For this purpose, the delivery device 80 preferably has a delivery manipulator 81, particularly preferably with a gripper 82, which is preferably movable along a guide 83 and / or in the vertical direction, as schematically indicated in Fig. 1.

[0148] The unpacking device 70 is schematically shown in a working state in Fig. 7A and is designed to detach the inner packaging 5, in particular a wrapping 5B, from the workpiece 2.

[0149] The unpacking device 70 preferably has a rolling element 71, here in particular in the form of a rotatable plate or a rotatable disk, in particular so that the workpiece 2 rolls along its peripheral edge and the wrapping 5B can thereby be released from the workpiece 2 or vice versa. For example, the rolling element 71 can also be formed by an inclined plane and / or an oblique or V-shaped groove or the like.

[0150] Particularly preferably, the rolling element 71 is rotatable and provided with an edge 72 on which the workpiece 2 can roll circumferentially, in particular wherein the rolling element 71 supports the preferably almost upright workpiece 2 preferably on its flat side 2A to be machined.

[0151] After the workpiece 2 has been taken over or picked up, the rolling element 71 is tilted up or down, in particular so that its axis of rotation D is inclined by more than 5° and / or less than 45° or 35°, particularly preferably approximately 10° to 30° to the horizontal, and rotated.

[0152] The unpacking device 70 preferably has an air supply and / or suction device 75 to assist in the release of the casing 5B by an air stream and / or to be able to suction off the released casing 5B. Fig. 7B shows a schematic rear view of the unpacking device 70 during the release of the workpiece 2 released from the casing 5B.

[0153] Preferably, the unpacking device 70 has a transfer area 76 for depositing and / or transferring the (completely) unpacked workpiece 2 (transfer position P8).

[0154] From the transfer area 76 or the associated position P8, the unpacked workpiece 2 can preferably again be transferred to the conveyor device 10 or the transport carrier 11 by means of the delivery device 80 or the gripper 82, as can be seen from Fig. 1.

[0155] The proposed device 1 preferably has, as an alternative or in addition to the opening station 100 and / or to the separating device 60 or unpacking device 70, a modified or second opening station 200, which is designed in particular for opening the packaging 3 according to the third embodiment variant or other packaging 3.

[0156] Fig. 8 shows the opening station 200 in a perspective, schematic section.

[0157] The device 1 or opening station 200 preferably has an (additional or different or third) opening device 130 and preferably a feeding device 201.

[0158] Preferably, the feed device 201 serves to transfer the packaging 3 from the transfer position P1, i.e. the packaging 3 preferably aligned by means of the positioning device 30 and / or turned by the turning device 40 (if necessary), to or into the opening device 130 and / or the preferably lateral insertion of an opening element 131 of the opening device 130 into the packaging 3 or under a side or narrow side 4B or side flap 4D to be opened.

[0159] The device 1 or feed device 201 preferably has a holder 202, in particular a slide-like design, and in particular a guide rail 203 for displaceably guiding the holder 202. The holder 202 is in particular table-like and / or provided with a holding device, such as a suction cup 202A, indicated only by dashed lines in Fig. 1, in order to hold the packaging 3 placed on the holder 202—as shown in Fig. 8.

[0160] In particular, the holder 202 can be moved into the transfer position P1 instead of the carrier 26, as indicated in Fig. 8. Preferably, the carrier 26 can be moved away from the position P1, in particular pushed away. Optionally, the carrier 26 can also be guided displaceably via the guide rail 203. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0161] The opening device 130 is preferably designed such that a side or narrow side 4B or side flap 4D of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 to be opened can be grasped or held in a tong-like and / or clamping manner. For this purpose, the opening device 130 preferably has, in addition to the opening element 131 engaging under the side or side flap 4D, a clamping element 132, which preferably forms a gripping device, clamping device, or clamping tongs together with the opening element 131. For example, the clamping element 132 can be moved or tensioned against the opening element 131 or vice versa by means of a clamping drive 138 in order to effect the desired clamping of the received side or side flap 4D. However, other design solutions are also possible here.

[0162] The feed device 201 is preferably designed such that the packaging 3 - in particular by means of the correspondingly driven holder 202 - can be moved towards the opening device 130 into an opening position P9, as shown in Fig. 1, and / or the packaging 3 can be moved relative to the opening device 130 or the opening element 131 such that the latter can be moved or inserted, in particular, laterally under the side or side flap 4D to be opened and / or the side / side flap 4D to be opened into the clamping device or clamping pliers.

[0163] The opening device 130 preferably has a (first) pivot drive 133 with a (first) pivot axis S1 for unfolding the under-engaged or received side / side flap 4D and / or optionally a (second) pivot drive 134 with a (second) pivot axis S2 for unfolding / tearing open a side / flat side of the packaging 3, in particular wherein the first pivot drive 133 pivotally holds the opening element 131 with the clamping element 132 or the clamping device formed thereby and is preferably itself pivotally held by the second pivot drive 134. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0164] The device 1 or opening device 130 preferably has - in particular in addition to the holder 202 or suction cup 202A - a holding device 135 for holding or clamping the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, in particular laterally, during opening or in the position P9.

[0165] In the illustrated example, the holding device 135 comprises in particular two drives or pivoting devices 136 and 137 with holding elements 136A and 137A and / or suction cups 136B and 137B that can be moved or pivoted against the packaging 3, in particular on opposite sides.

[0166] In Fig. 8, the pivot drive 136 with its holding element 136A is preferably raised so that the holder 202 with the packaging 3 can be moved into the opening device 130 or position P9.

[0167] Fig. 9A shows a schematic view of the opening station 200 or opening device 130, with the still-closed package 3 already in the opening position P9. In particular, the opening element 131 has already been inserted under the side to be opened, i.e., the narrow side 4B or the side flap 4D.

[0168] The swivel drive 136 has already been lowered. The holding elements 136A, 137A and the suction cups 136B, 137B have not yet been folded or pressed against the packaging 3. This will happen next.

[0169] Subsequently, the side or side flap 4D is opened by pivoting the elements 131, 132 or the clamping device / clamping pliers about the first pivot axis S1, in particular when clamping the side / side flap 4D to be opened. The first pivot axis S1 preferably runs at least substantially coaxially to the fold or bend 4F or to the desired folding axis of the side flap 4D to be opened.

[0170] After the side flap 4D has been unfolded, or independently thereof, pivoting preferably takes place about the second pivot axis S2 - which preferably runs at least substantially coaxially to the rear edge or longitudinal edge 4H of the packaging 3, 4 or to another desired folding axis of the side to be unfolded - into the position shown in Fig. 9B. During this pivoting, the side or flat side or top side 4E adjoining the side flap 4D is opened, unfolded or torn open, particularly preferably along predefined or perforated tear lines 4G (see Fig. 9A), in order to finally open the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 or to make the workpiece 2 accessible, preferably from the flat side, as shown in Fig. 9B.

[0171] After opening the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, the lateral clamp is preferably opened again or the holding elements 136A, 137A or suction cups 136B, 137B are preferably folded down again to facilitate the removal of the workpiece 2. However, the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably still held by the holder 202 or suction cup 202A.

[0172] The exposed workpiece 2, preferably with its finished side 2B facing upwards, can now be grasped by the delivery device 80 or the delivery manipulator 81 or gripper 82 and transferred to the conveyor device 10 or the waiting transport carrier 11.

[0173] The device 1 or opening station 200 preferably has a packaging manipulator 204 for removing the empty packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 from the opening position P9 and, for example, transferring it to a receiving device (not shown). For this purpose, the packaging manipulator 204 has, for example, a pivoting arm with a particularly vertically movable suction cup 205 or the like, as only schematically indicated in Fig. 1.

[0174] In the following, particularly preferred aspects, variants and process sequences of the present invention are again highlighted or explained.

[0175] The packaging 3, which is preferably conveyed via the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11, is picked up in particular from a loading position (which is illustrated in Fig. 1 by the right-hand transport carrier 11 with a packaging 3) by the device 1 or loading device 20.

[0176] Optionally, in particular by means of the detection device 25, a marking 3A (in particular a barcode and / or a label) of the packaging 3 is detected or read and / or - preferably from the orientation or position of the marking 3A - a certain orientation of the conveyed packaging 3 is detected - in particular in the transport carrier 11 and / or during the transfer to the position P1.

[0177] Usually, at least the side that has to be opened for the removal of the workpiece 2 (narrow side 4B or side flap 4D or top side 4E) is marked 3A.

[0178] The loading device 20 preferably grasps the packaging 3 by means of the loading manipulator 21 or the suction cup 22, particularly preferably on a flat side or top side 4E. However, the loading device 20 can also pick up, grip, or grasp the packaging 3 in another way.

[0179] The loading device 20 or the loading manipulator 21 can rotate the packaging 3 as required, in particular about a vertical axis or an axis perpendicular to the base area 4A of the outer packaging 4, for example in order to make a side flap 4D to be opened accessible for later opening.

[0180] Preferably, the detection device 25 is movable or coupled with the loading manipulator 21 or its carriage guide 24. Thus, in particular when the packaging 3 is picked up by the loading manipulator 21 or the suction cup 22 and / or thereafter, the marking 3A can be read and / or the packaging 3 can be rotated until reading is possible and / or the packaging 3 is oriented in the desired manner.

[0181] Optionally, positioning, i.e. alignment of the packaging 3 on one side, in particular narrow side 4B, particularly preferably on two narrow sides 4B of the outer packaging 4 enclosing an angle, takes place. The positioning or alignment can be carried out in particular by means of the positioning device 30, but optionally, depending on the design, alternatively or additionally also by means of the loading device 20 and / or turning device 40.

[0182] Optionally, the packaging 3 is turned over, i.e., in particular, turned over, in order to turn the upper flat side downward if necessary. This is used, in particular, to turn the workpiece 2 accommodated in the packaging 3 with its already processed side, i.e., the finished side 2B, facing upwards, or to rotate it such that, at the end of the unpacking process, the workpiece 2 can be delivered from the device 1 or delivery device 80, in particular, back to the transport carrier 11, particularly preferably with its finished side 2B facing upwards.

[0183] Particularly preferably, after being received in the device 1, the packaging 3 is first aligned and oriented, in particular by means of the positioning device 30, and then turned over if necessary.

[0184] The turning device 40 or its turning manipulator 41 can also be designed such that a desired alignment or positioning of the packaging 3 is maintained or occurs, for example in that the two gripping arms 42 can be moved symmetrically to one another or, if necessary, asymmetrically or only on one side to one another in order to grip the packaging 3 and, if necessary, also align it.

[0185] The device 1 preferably has different opening stations 100 and 200 for opening or unpacking different packages 3, in particular different outer packages 4.

[0186] The transfer to the (first) opening station 100 is preferably carried out by means of the transfer manipulator 27 and / or with preferably vertical alignment of the flat sides of the packaging 3 or the workpiece 2.

[0187] The transfer of the packaging 3 to the (second) opening station 200 is preferably carried out by means of the feeding device 201 and / or with at least substantially horizontally aligned flat sides of the packaging 3 or horizontally aligned workpiece 2.

[0188] It should be noted that in the present invention, the term “flat side” is to be understood as meaning the largest sides or sides with the largest diagonals of the preferably at least substantially cuboid-shaped packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0189] In particular, a package 3 or 4, depending on the packaging variant, can be fed or conveyed to one of the opening stations 100, 200, particularly preferably starting from the position P1 or a defined alignment and orientation of the package 3. At the (first) opening station 100, the package 3, 4 is opened preferably at least on one, in particular downwardly facing side or narrow side 4B and / or on opposite sides or narrow sides 4B, very particularly preferably on a downwardly facing narrow side 4B and on an upwardly facing narrow side 4B.

[0190] The opening of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is particularly preferably carried out by mechanically gripping underneath the side or side flap 4D to be opened, in particular by an opening element 111, 121, 131, wherein the simultaneous or subsequent folding out of the side or side flap 4D can be carried out in particular by means of an inclined plane or wedge surface 111A, 121A, in particular as in the first opening station 100, and / or in particular subsequently by pivoting the opening element 131, in particular as in the second opening station 200.

[0191] The opening element 111, 121, 131 is preferably at least substantially flat and / or rounded at least at its free or front end in order to facilitate lateral insertion under the side or side flap 4D to be opened - in particular during the so-called opening movement B.

[0192] According to a particularly preferred aspect, which can also be implemented independently, an adjustment or delivery of an opening device or an opening element, here the second opening device 120 or the second opening element 121, is optionally carried out, in particular after prior measurement or detection of the position of the side or side flap 4D to be opened or its leading edge 4H during opening, in order to be able to engage underneath it securely with the opening element 121.

[0193] The term "engage under" is generally to be understood to mean that the respective opening element, here opening element 121, is inserted between the side or side flap 4D to be opened (which in particular forms a narrow side 4B of the packaging 3 or 4) and the adjoining narrow side 4B of the packaging 4, which in particular runs transversely thereto. The opening movement B or insertion movement preferably runs parallel to the longitudinal extent of the side or narrow side 4D to be opened or to the axis or edge 4H around which the side or side flap 4D is to be folded open. Particularly preferably, the distance A between the two opposite opening devices 110, 120 or their opening elements 111, 121 is adapted to the detected, actual internal distance I between the opposite sides or side flap 4D to be opened, as schematically indicated in Fig. 4B.

[0194] Preferably, the orientation of the workpiece 2 or its flat sides is detected.

[0195] In particular, the sensor 53A detects whether a blister 5A has been (correctly) picked up in the picking position and how it is oriented (to which side its open flat side or removal opening points).

[0196] In particular, the workpiece sensor 53B detects how the workpiece 2 is curved (concave or convex).

[0197] The orientation of workpiece 2 is derived from the information of sensor 53A and / or workpiece sensor 53B. If necessary, workpiece 2 is then turned, in particular by means of the transfer manipulator 51.

[0198] By means of the (second) detection device 54 or cameras 54A and 54B, it can be reliably detected whether an inner packaging 5 is present or what type of inner packaging 5 is present.

[0199] After correctly picking up the workpiece 2 with the inner packaging 5, the transfer manipulator 51 preferably grips the workpiece 2 sufficiently firmly by advancing the holding arms 52 in order to transfer it to the next device, here particularly preferably to different devices for selectively removing different inner packaging 5, for example optionally to the separating device 60 or the unpacking device 70.

[0200] For the corresponding movement, the transfer manipulator 51 can preferably be pivoted about a vertical and / or horizontal axis via one or more drives 57 and, if necessary, also telescoped, in particular so that the workpiece 2 can be transferred with the finished side 2B facing upward. However, other design solutions are also possible. Particularly preferably, the device 1 can selectively release or remove various inner packaging 5.

[0201] The preferred removal of a packaging tray or a blister 5A from the workpiece 2 - in particular by means of the separating device 60 - is easy to implement in terms of process technology, wherein the lifting is particularly preferably carried out by means of a holder or suction device 62, but can in principle also be carried out by means of another manipulation device.

[0202] However, removing an inner packaging 5 in the form of a wrapper 5B, particularly a folded cover or the like, is technically difficult. Experiments have shown that rolling the workpiece 2 along its edges, particularly in combination with an air stream and / or suction 75, is a very simple and efficient method for separation.

[0203] The released wrapping 5B is preferably suctioned off or removed by means of the suction device 75 or by some other means. In particular, the unpacking device 70 or the rolling element 71 has a corresponding covering to, on the one hand, realize the desired air flow, air guidance, and / or suction in the tilted state or in the working position, and, on the other hand, to be able to place a workpiece 2 with inner packaging 5 or wrapping 5B into the rolling element 71 in the lowered position or change position, in particular by means of the transfer device 50.

[0204] The workpieces 2 unpacked by the various devices can preferably be picked up by means of the common delivery device 80 or a common gripper 82 and output again - in particular to a free transport carrier 11 or to the original transport carrier 11 preferably with the corresponding information carrier - particularly preferably with the finished surface 2B facing upwards.

[0205] Preferably, several, here the positions P6, P8 and / or P9 of the unpacked workpieces 2 are arranged in a line, so that the delivery device 80 can move to the various positions by means of a linear guide 83, pick up the workpieces 2 and deliver them, in particular to the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11 (which is then in particular in a pick-up position or in the left position in Fig. 1 , which here differs from the position when the packaged workpiece 2 is fed in).

[0206] The line of the receiving positions P6, P8 and / or P9 particularly preferably runs transversely, in particular perpendicular to the conveying direction X, here in the example shown in particular in the Y direction.

[0207] In the (modified or second) opening station 200 or opening device 130, a side or side flap 4D of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably unfolded by pivoting the opening element 131 and / or a clamping device formed thereby. This represents, in particular, a general alternative to folding or unfolding by means of an inclined plane and can also be implemented independently of and / or in combination with other aspects and features.

[0208] Another aspect, which can also be realized independently, is that a side or part of the outer packaging 4 is torn open automatically, in particular along provided weakening lines, predetermined breaking points, perforations or tear lines 4G.

[0209] Particularly preferably, a combination of clamping a part of the outer packaging 4 and subsequent tearing open of an adjoining area, in particular one of the flat side or top side 4E of the outer packaging 4, is carried out, wherein the opening or tearing open and unfolding can also take place only of a part of the flat side or top side 4E.

[0210] It is particularly preferred to first open or unfold a side flap 4D and then tear open the side or top side 4E of the outer packaging 4 adjacent to the opened side flap 4D.

[0211] The direction of the opening movement B (i.e. the relative movement between the packaging 3, 4 and the opening device 110, 120, 130) at the opening station 100 preferably runs horizontally and / or in the Y direction or transversely to the conveying direction X, and at the opening station 200 preferably horizontally and / or parallel to the conveying direction X and / or transversely or perpendicularly to the opening movement B of the opening station 100. Preferably, the positioning device 30, the turning device 40, the separating device 60, the unpacking device 70 and / or the (second) opening station 200 are arranged at least substantially in a lower plane and / or common plane and / or substantially at the same height as the conveying device 10. The (first) opening station 100 is preferably arranged at least substantially in an overlying or higher plane. This is conducive to a compact design of the device 1.

[0212] The device 1 is preferably designed for the automated unpacking of workpieces 2 from different outer packaging 4 and / or inner packaging 5, wherein the devices required for this purpose are preferably or at least substantially all accommodated in a common frame or housing 1A.

[0213] Preferably, the term “suction device” should generally be understood as a manipulation device that operates with negative pressure.

[0214] It should be noted, however, that instead of a suction cup, another gripping or holding device can generally be used as required, even if this is not explicitly mentioned in each case.

[0215] A second embodiment of the proposed device 1 and the proposed method for unpacking an optical workpiece 2, in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, from a packaging 3 is described below with reference to Figure 10 and further figures.

[0216] In the following description, in particular, only differences and new aspects, features and advantages are discussed in more detail, whereby the previous statements and explanations apply in particular accordingly and / or in addition, so that corresponding features and advantages arise, even if a repeated description is omitted.

[0217] Figure 10 shows a schematic plan view of the device 1 according to the second embodiment.

[0218] In the second preferred embodiment, the device 1 and the method are preferably designed such that two packaged workpieces 2 or lens blanks can be unpacked simultaneously. Therefore, two packages 3 are preferably opened in parallel or simultaneously. This allows a particularly high throughput, preferably more than 500 pieces per hour, and in particular approximately 600 pieces per hour or more, to be achieved.

[0219] However, it is also fundamentally possible for the packaged workpieces 2 or packages 3 to be opened only individually, as in the first embodiment, in particular by being picked up by the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11 and then opened one after the other. The following statements and explanations then apply accordingly.

[0220] The device 1 according to the second embodiment preferably also or in a similar manner comprises a conveying device 10, a loading device 20, a positioning device 30, a turning device 40, a (first) opening station 100, an additional opening device 140, a (second) opening station 200 or further opening station 130, a transfer device 210, a separating device 60, a dispensing device 80 and / or a return device 90.

[0221] In the second embodiment, the conveying device 10 is preferably designed at least substantially in accordance with the first embodiment.

[0222] The device 1 or its loading device 20 is preferably designed such that two packaged workpieces 2 or packages 3 can be grasped or lifted simultaneously, in particular by a transport carrier 11.

[0223] Preferably, the loading device 20 for simultaneously gripping two packages 3 has two appropriately spaced loading manipulators 21 with corresponding gripping elements or loading suction cups 22.

[0224] The positioning device 30 is arranged in particular above the conveyor device 10 and / or is displaceable, particularly preferably movable along the conveyor device 10 or the X-direction and / or movable beneath the loading device 20 or its loading manipulator(s) 21, so that the packages 3, when lifted from the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11, can then be lowered directly onto the positioning device 30 or its support surface 33. However, other design solutions are also possible. In the second embodiment, a vertical carriage guide 24 for the loading manipulators 21 or a vertical lifting of the packages 3 to be opened is preferably sufficient in order to be able to place them on the preferably movable positioning device 30. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0225] In the second embodiment, the respective packaging 3 is preferably centered in such a way that the respective packaging 3 is brought into a specific position with its center of a flat side, i.e. the packaging 3 is centered.

[0226] Furthermore, the packaging 3 is preferably aligned horizontally with its flat side and brought into a desired rotational position, in particular such that one side runs parallel to the X-axis or conveying direction of the conveyor device 10. However, other orientations are also possible in principle.

[0227] In the second embodiment, the positioning device 30 of the device 1 preferably has two positioning elements 31, 32 for each package 3 to be positioned, wherein the positioning elements 31 and 32 can preferably be adjusted symmetrically to one another, in particular along a diagonal of the package 3 or angle bisector of the XY plane symmetrically to one another, in order to center the package 3 in the desired manner.

[0228] Due to the preferably angular design of the two positioning elements 31 and 32, which engage diagonally opposite corners of the packaging 3, the packaging 3 can be aligned in the desired manner in its rotational position (around the Z-axis or vertical axis) and can also be centered in the desired manner by mutual adjustment of the positioning elements 31 and 32.

[0229] The positioning device 30 preferably has a particularly horizontal support surface 33, onto which the not yet aligned or not yet positioned packages 3 can be placed by means of the loading device 20. Figure 10 shows the positioning device 30 with only one package 3 on the left side, which is not yet positioned or centered. For illustrative purposes, the normally second package 3 on the right side has been omitted.

[0230] The packages 3 are then centered, preferably in pairs or simultaneously, using the positioning device 30. This is achieved, in particular, by symmetrically advancing the two positioning elements 31 and 32, each assigned to the same package 3. In Figure 10, the transfer position P1 on the right side of the positioning device 30 is indicated by dashed lines, which the package 3 particularly preferably assumes after centering and / or from which the package 3 is preferably removed again. The same preferably also applies to the other side.

[0231] Particularly preferably, the packages 3 are positioned or centered—in particular by means of the positioning device 30—at a distance that is greater than on the conveyor device 10 or on a transport carrier 11. This increased distance facilitates the parallel opening of two packages 3, in particular when—as is preferably provided in the second embodiment—sides or side flaps 4D facing each other are also opened or unfolded.

[0232] In the second embodiment, the loading device 20 or the loading manipulator 21 is not designed to rotate the package(s) 3. This preferably occurs only after the positioning and alignment or centering of the packages 3.

[0233] After positioning / centering the packages 3, the packages 3 are picked up by a transfer manipulator 27 (see Fig. 11 ), which here preferably has two holding members, in particular transfer suction cups 28, in order to pick up the packages 3 from the positioning device 30 and / or to transfer them to the turning device 40 or opening station 100 or transfer position P2 (see Fig. 10).

[0234] The transfer manipulator 27 is preferably arranged offset in the X-direction and / or Y-direction relative to the loading device 20 or the loading manipulator 21.

[0235] In order to receive the centered packages 3, in the second embodiment, the positioning device 30 is preferably positioned below or in front of the transfer manipulator 27 or moved in the X direction or into the delivery or transfer position P1 (see Fig. 10) in order to be able to transfer the packages 3 to the transfer manipulator 27.

[0236] In the second embodiment, the transfer manipulator 27 is preferably arranged separately from the loading device 20 or its loading manipulator(s) 21, in particular positioned offset transversely or in the X direction, since the positioning device 30 is preferably displaceable or movable accordingly. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0237] In the illustration according to Figure 10, the positioning device 30 is positioned in the extension of or in front of the transfer manipulator 27, the turning device 40, and the opening station 100. For reasons of clarity, the transfer manipulator 27 together with its movement mechanism 29 is not shown in Figure 10, but only in the perspective view of Figure 11. In Figure 11, however, the positioning device 30 is not located in the transfer position P1, but in the receiving position below the loading manipulator 21 for receiving the packages 3.

[0238] In the illustrated example, the transfer manipulator 27 is preferably movable horizontally in the Y direction or transversely to the conveying direction X and / or vertically by means of the movement mechanism 29 or corresponding slide guides, wherein the holding members or transfer suction cups 28 are preferably each rotatable independently of one another about the central or vertical axis.

[0239] The transfer manipulator 27 or its holding members are preferably designed such that after lifting or the freely held packages 3 can be rotated as needed and / or independently of one another, in particular in 90° steps, in order to achieve a desired orientation of the package 3 very quickly and in a defined manner.

[0240] Preferably, the device 1 according to the second embodiment also has the detection device 25 for detecting or reading the markings 3A of the packages 3, so that reference may be made to the above statements in connection with the first embodiment.

[0241] By rotating the packages 3 about their main axis or a preferably vertical axis of rotation by means of the rotatable holding members or transfer suction cups 28 of the transfer manipulator 27, the correct or desired rotational position of the packages 3 can be achieved by detecting the marking 3A.

[0242] For receiving and transferring the packaging 3, the transfer manipulator 27 is preferably liftable and lowerable, i.e. movable in the vertical direction or Z-direction and preferably also in the horizontal direction or Y-direction or transversely to the conveying direction of the conveyor device 10.

[0243] In the second embodiment, no pivoting of the packaging(s) 3 about a horizontal axis by the transfer manipulator 27 is provided.

[0244] The transfer manipulator 27 transfers the packages 3 to the turning device 40 or opening station 100 or its opening manipulator 101, as indicated in Figures 10 and 11 only schematically for a package 3 on the right side in the illustration or for position P2.

[0245] In the second embodiment, the packaging 3 is preferably opened with the bottom or base side 4A of the outer packaging 4 horizontally aligned. Turning the packaging 3 around a horizontal axis may be necessary. This can also be recognized, for example, by a marking 3A being "upside down."

[0246] The turning of the packages 3 is optionally carried out in the preferably downstream turning device 40, to which the transfer manipulator 27 transfers the two packages 3 centered and aligned in the desired rotational position.

[0247] The turning device 40 is preferably provided with two receiving areas and two turning manipulators 41, which in particular have pincer-like gripping arms 42 to lift the packages 3 as needed and turn them—in particular about a horizontal axis. The centering of the packages 3 is maintained.

[0248] According to the second embodiment, the packages 3 are preferably first opened laterally, in particular on opposite sides or side flaps 4D, in a first step. Preferably by means of the opening station 100.

[0249] In the second embodiment, the top side 4E of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4 is preferably opened or unfolded in a second step after the lateral opening of the packaging 3 in the opening station 100, and in particular after an additional lateral opening in an intermediate step. The device 1 or opening station 100 preferably has a first opening device 110 and a second opening device 120 for each packaging 3 in order to open the packaging 3 on opposite sides. In contrast to the first embodiment, this opening in the second embodiment preferably takes place with the base side 4A or packaging 3 horizontally aligned.

[0250] The device 1 or opening station 100 preferably has a modified opening manipulator 101 in order to transfer or move the packages 3 from the turning device 40 and / or along the opening devices 110, 120 and / or to an intermediate station or transfer device 210.

[0251] The opening manipulator 101 preferably has a receptacle 107 for a package 3, in the illustrated example, therefore preferably two receptacles 107 for receiving the two packages 3 to be opened in parallel.

[0252] The preferred embodiment of the opening station 100 or the opening manipulator 101 can be better seen in Figures 12 and 13. Figures 12 and 13 show components of the device 1 or opening station 100 from different perspectives, in particular the opening manipulator 101 with two receptacles 107, which can preferably be moved along the guide rail 102 or in the Y direction or linearly or horizontally.

[0253] The receptacles 107 preferably form a horizontal support and / or, in the illustrated example, are preferably at least substantially U-shaped and / or are provided with suction cups 108 in order to be able to receive the packages 3 to be opened in a horizontal orientation and, in particular, to hold them on the bottom side.

[0254] The receptacles 107 are preferably provided with one-sided or rearward, in particular upright, stops 109 in order to be able to securely hold or support and guide the packages 3 on the rear narrow side in a form-fitting manner in the direction of movement B as they move past the opening devices 110, 120.

[0255] The turning device 40 or its turning manipulators 41 are preferably designed such that the gripping arms 42, which can be adjusted in a pincer-like and in particular symmetrically, can grip laterally around the upright stop 109 as indicated in Fig. 10, so that the respective receptacle 107 with its stop 109 can be moved against the (narrow side of the) packaging 3, which in the illustrated example points towards the conveyor device 10, before the respective packaging 3 is transferred to the receptacle 107 or the opening manipulator 101.

[0256] Alternatively, the packaging 3 can also be held or positioned by the transfer manipulator 27 in such a way that abutment of the stop 109 on the packaging 3 is ensured in order to ensure defined holding when the packaging 3 is opened laterally.

[0257] The opening manipulator 101 or the receptacles 107 are preferably movable from the receiving position P2, here in particular in the turning device 40, i.e., the position at which the packages 3 are transferred by the transfer manipulator 27, in particular for opening the packages 3 on opposite sides, along the opening devices 110 and 120 to the intermediate station or transfer device 210 or the transfer position there—preferably linearly and in particular along the guide rail 102. During this opening movement or movement direction B, the two opposite sides or side flaps 4D of each package 3 are preferably opened simultaneously.

[0258] Preferably, the two opening devices 110 and 120 are not offset in the direction of the opening movement B, i.e. they do not have an offset V as in the first embodiment.

[0259] Fig. 14 shows a schematic plan view of the device 1, wherein the opening manipulator 101 is in an intermediate position in which the receptacles 107 are located just between the opening devices 110, 120 or opening elements 111, 121. Here, too, for the sake of simplicity, only one package 3 is shown, namely on the right side of the two parallel opening paths. In this only very schematic representation, the opening elements 111 and 121 assigned to this package 3 are not correctly engaged with the package 3, but are shown spaced apart from it. In this state, the package 3 would have to already be opened laterally, in particular with the side flaps 4D folded upwards, which, if correctly represented, would then cover the opening elements 111, 121 accordingly. The device 1 or opening station 100 preferably again uses measuring devices 104 (see Fig.12 and 13) as in the first embodiment, in particular in the form of a camera or a sensor, for detecting the size, in particular the width of the packaging 3.

[0260] Due to the centered alignment of the packaging 3, a one-sided detection of one side of the packaging 3 is sufficient to determine the size of the packaging 3 and / or the location or position or the distance of the opposite, openable side flaps 4D.

[0261] Accordingly, in particular two measuring devices 104 are sufficient for the two opening paths with the two packages 3. However, two measuring devices 104 can also be assigned to each package 3 or each opening path in order to detect particularly precisely the position of each side to be opened in the adjustment direction R (Fig. 10) or transverse direction or here X-direction.

[0262] The two opposite opening devices 110 and 120 or their opening elements 111 and 121 can be adjusted or adapted by means of the preferably common adjusting device 103, in particular in their distance or in their position, here in the horizontal direction, such that the opening elements 111, 121 engage under the respective side flap 4D when the packaging 3 moves past and fold it open due to the preferred wedge shape or bevel of the opening elements 111, 121.

[0263] In the second embodiment, the first opening device 110 and the second opening device 120 are preferably both adjustable—here in the preferably horizontal adjustment direction R—and preferably simultaneously symmetrically to each other, since the associated package 3 to be opened is guided along centrally or center-centered. In particular, the adjustment device 103 has a threaded spindle with a drive for the joint counter-rotating adjustment of the two associated opening devices 110, 120. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0264] In the second embodiment, preferably parallel movement paths—in the illustrated example, in the Y direction—are formed for the two packages 3 to be opened simultaneously in the opening station 100, or for the preferably simultaneous opening of the respective opposite sides. Each opening path is assigned a first and second opening device 110 and 120. These pairs are preferably individually adjustable or adaptable to the size of the respective package 3 and are preferably each provided with its own adjustment device 103.

[0265] In the example shown, the folding is preferably done upwards, i.e. in particular in such a way that the side flaps 4D hang on the respective top side 4E.

[0266] The opened packages 3 are transferred by the opening manipulator 101 to the intermediate station or transfer device 210 or its receiving table 211 of the device 1.

[0267] Fig. 14 shows the transfer device 210 or its receiving table 211 in the transfer position for receiving the packages 3 that have already been opened laterally.

[0268] The transfer device 210 can, in particular, also assume the function of the feed device 201 according to the first embodiment and is, in particular, assigned to the opening station 200 or the further or third opening device 130. However, the transfer device 210 can, in principle, also represent a completely separate device.

[0269] In the illustrated example, the further or third opening device 130 is arranged in particular on or at the transfer device 210 or its receiving table 211. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0270] Alternatively or additionally, the transfer device 210 in the illustrated example preferably also cooperates with the additional opening device 140 or serves to move or transfer the packages 3 to the additional opening device 140 and / or the opening station 200 and / or the separating device 60 and / or the return device 90.

[0271] The transfer device 210 preferably has a guide rail 212 or other guide with a corresponding drive for the linear movement, in particular of the receiving table 211, into the desired positions. The direction of movement preferably runs horizontally, in the X direction, parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor device 10 and / or transversely to the opening paths of the opening station 100. The receiving table 211 preferably has recesses 213 into which the receptacles 107 can move in order to transfer the laterally opened packages 3.

[0272] The packages 3 preferably protrude laterally over the receptacles 107 with their bottom surface or base side 4A and can therefore be picked up or held by the receiving table 211.

[0273] Preferably, a suction cup 214 is arranged centrally in the recesses 213 of the receiving table 211 in order to be able to hold the packages 3 on the receiving table 211.

[0274] In particular, the receptacles 107 can move with their projecting legs into the recesses 213, so that the suction cup 214 is received therebetween, in particular in order to be able to hold the respective packaging 3 on the receiving table 211.

[0275] Alternatively or additionally, the receiving table 211 and the receptacles 107 can also be variable in height relative to each other in order to ensure a safe transfer of the packages 3.

[0276] Alternatively or additionally, the transfer can be supported or ensured by additionally holding or clamping the packages 3 on the transfer device 210 or the receiving table 211, as explained in more detail below.

[0277] Fig. 15 shows the opening manipulator 101 in the transfer position for transferring the packages 3 (not shown) to the transfer device 210 or the receiving table 211. The receptacles 107 are each retracted into the recesses.

[0278] The receiving table 211 preferably has a bevel on its edge facing the opening manipulator 101, which ensures a defined pushing of the packages 3 onto the receiving table 211 and facilitates the transfer. The device 1 or feed device 211 or the receiving table 211 is preferably provided with a holding or pivoting element 215 in order to be able to hold the packages 3 on the receiving table 211 from above and / or to be able to open the package(s) 3 from the top or on its flat side or top side 4E. The latter will be explained in more detail later.

[0279] The pivoting element 215 is preferably provided with two arms 216 and / or one or more suction cups 217 and / or can be pivoted from above onto the packages 3 (not shown here), in particular by means of a corresponding drive, in order to be able to securely hold the received packages 3 on the receiving table 211.

[0280] After the side opening of the packages 3 on opposite sides and preferably after the transfer, these are preferably additionally opened, separated or cut open (in an intermediate step or in an intermediate station) so that the top side 4E can be folded open.

[0281] The additional opening, cutting or separating preferably takes place on the bottom side, i.e. on the bottom or base side 4A of the outer packaging 4 and / or particularly preferably close to a narrow side 4B or edge and / or over the entire extent of the packaging 4 or narrow side 4D or base side 4A between the (preferably already opened or still to be opened) opposite sides of the packaging 4, i.e. in the X direction in the example shown.

[0282] For additional opening, separating or cutting, the device 1 or intermediate station preferably has the additional opening device 140, preferably in the form of a cutting device, in particular with a rotating knife 141, as only schematically indicated in Fig. 10.

[0283] Preferably, the cutting device or its knife 141 is movable relative to the packaging 3 or to the receiving table 211 in the cutting direction, here in the X direction.

[0284] In the illustrated example, the feed device 210 or the receiving table 211 is preferably movable in the X direction from the transfer position for receiving the packages 3 into a delivery position (as shown in Fig. 10) for completely opening or unfolding the packages 3. The aforementioned movement can be used for the relative movement between the additional opening device 140 or cutting device and the packages 3 for cutting open the packages 3. In this case, the additional opening device 140 or cutting device is arranged in particular in a stationary manner, particularly preferably such that the packages 3 are automatically cut open in the desired manner as they move past (here when the receiving table 211 is moved from the transfer position shown in Fig. 14 to the delivery position shown in Fig. 10). However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0285] However, it is also possible, for example, for the opening device 140 or cutting device to be movable along the packaging 3 in the desired manner. Various design solutions are therefore possible here.

[0286] It should be noted that the packaging 3 does not necessarily have to be cut open at the bottom. Alternatively, it is also possible to tear it open, for example, along a predetermined breaking line, perforation, or the like.

[0287] Alternatively, it is also possible to cut open the still closed narrow side 4B or generally in the area of ​​this (narrow or still closed) end of the packaging 3, 4.

[0288] It is important that the packaging 3 is opened, separated or cut open in the area of ​​a still closed transverse or narrow side 4B between the two opposite already opened or still to be opened narrow sides of the packaging 3, so that the upper side 4E is then only connected to the bottom side or the base area 4A of the outer packaging 4 at the other narrow side and can be opened accordingly easily - in particular upwards.

[0289] In principle, it would also be possible to open or cut open the packaging 3, particularly at the bottom or crosswise, before unfolding the side flaps 4D.

[0290] In principle, it is also possible to open the packaging 3 by cutting it open laterally, i.e. to cut the packaging 3 open on the opposite narrow sides, for example by means of the first and second opening device 110, 120, or to open it in some other way, instead of folding out the side flaps 4D.

[0291] The device 1 or transfer device 210 or the pivoting element 215 is preferably designed such that the respective packaging 3 - in particular on the receiving table 211 - is held preferably in a clamping and / or fixed manner for cutting or other opening in the transverse direction, i.e. here in the X-direction or between the two open, opposite narrow sides.

[0292] In the illustrated example, the pivoting element 215 preferably has two arms 216 and / or one or more suction cups 217, in particular several suction cups 217 per arm 216 or packaging 3, in order to fix the packaging(s) 3 securely and rotationally fixed in the desired manner.

[0293] After opening the opposite narrow sides - here preferably by folding open the side flaps 4D - and after opening or cutting through a still closed narrow side end region or in the region of a still closed transverse side or narrow side 4B of the packaging 3, 4 - here preferably by cutting open at the bottom by means of the cutting device 150 - the packaging 3 is preferably completely opened by folding open the top side 4E.

[0294] The device 1 or transfer device 210 or the pivoting element 215 is preferably designed to open or unfold or fold up the top side 4E or another flat side of the packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0295] In particular, the transfer device 210 also forms the further opening device 130 and / or (second) opening station 200. Conversely, the opening device 130 and / or opening station 200 can also be understood to include the transfer device 210.

[0296] In the illustrated example, the complete opening of the package 3 or the unfolding of the top side 4E preferably only takes place in the aforementioned delivery position (Fig. 10), which is achieved in particular by moving the feed device 210 or the receiving table 211 with the packages 3 from the receiving position to the delivery position - here by moving in the X direction. However, the unfolding of the top side 4E can in principle also already take place in the transfer position, provided that the cutting or opening between the opposite open sides has already taken place in this position.

[0297] To open, the pivoting element 215 is preferably pivoted, in particular upwards, whereby the packaging 3 or its upper side 4E is held by one or more suction cups 217 and thus carried along, as indicated in Fig. 16. However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0298] In the second embodiment, the device 1 or its dispensing device 80 and / or separating device 60 is / are preferably also designed such that two workpieces 2 and / or inner packaging 5 can be removed simultaneously or in parallel from each of the two opened packages 3. In particular, two parallel removal paths are formed, which allow the removal of the workpieces 2 and, if appropriate, inner packaging 5 at a distance from one another.

[0299] In particular, the removal paths run parallel to the already mentioned opening paths of the opening station 100, but opposite.

[0300] Preferably, the lens or workpiece 2 points with its finished side 2B towards the flat side or top side 4E, which is folded open. Contrary to the illustrations according to Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C, the workpiece 2 is therefore preferably oriented the other way around in this case. In the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 2A, the blister 5A is then also placed from above to cover the finished side 2B. Accordingly, in the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 5C, the inner structure 5C then holds the workpiece 2 preferably by partially overlapping the upper finished side 2B or in such a way that the finished side 2B is protected against scratching in the packaging 3.

[0301] The removal and separation of the workpiece 2 is therefore preferably offset transversely to the lateral opening of the packaging 3 - in this case, offset in the X direction - in such a way that the workpiece 2 is preferably moved back in the direction of the conveyor device 10 opposite to the lateral opening of the packaging 3 in order to enable an optimized process and a compact design of the device 1. In the second embodiment, the dispensing device 80 or its dispensing manipulator 81 preferably has two or more holding arms 82 as a holding element in order to grasp or grip the workpiece 2, preferably at the edge.

[0302] When the workpiece 2 is exposed after the packaging 3 has been completely opened, in this case in particular after the top side 4E has been folded open (in particular with the finished surface 2B facing upwards), the workpiece 2 is grasped or gripped by the dispensing device 80 or the dispensing manipulator 81, in particular from above, and transferred back to the conveying device 10 or a transport carrier 11, in particular to the original transport carrier 11 that conveyed the packaged workpiece 2. As already mentioned, two workpieces 2 are preferably removed and transferred in parallel or simultaneously. Accordingly, the device 1 or dispensing device 80 preferably has two dispensing manipulators 81, each of which preferably has two holding arms 82, coupled in particular to a common carriage guide or the like. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0303] In the illustrated example, the holding arm 82 is preferably provided with two contact areas or beads 82A and / or is slightly curved in order to be able to rest on the workpiece 2 at two circumferentially spaced locations and thus hold the workpiece 2 securely.

[0304] Preferably, the dispensing manipulator 81 or its holding arms 82 are rotatable about a central, preferably vertical axis (shown, for example, in the right-hand dispensing manipulator 81 in Fig. 16). This allows an inner packaging 5, which may engage laterally with the workpiece 2 or even partially overlap it, to be pushed radially outward by rotation about said axis.

[0305] Preferably, the dispensing manipulator 81 is first inserted between the inner packaging 5 or inner structure 5C with open holding arms 82 and then rotated by a certain angle, in particular approximately 45°, in order to push the inner packaging or inner structure 5C slightly radially outward. The holding arms 82 are then closed, and the workpiece 2 is grasped and removed from the packaging 3, in particular by lifting it. The dispensing device 80 or its dispensing manipulators 81 are preferably designed such that they are movable both in the vertical direction or Z direction and in the horizontal direction, in particular Y direction, in order to transfer the workpieces 2 in the desired manner from the packaging 3 to the conveyor device 10 or the desired transport carrier 11. This can be achieved, for example, via the horizontal guide or carriage guide 83 and a corresponding lifting device 84 or the like.

[0306] Particularly preferably, the two dispensing manipulators 81 are jointly movable or positioned vertically via the lifting device 84, for example, a common carriage. However, they can also be movable vertically and / or horizontally individually or independently of one another.

[0307] In the illustrated example, the packages 3 and thus also the workpieces 2 in the opening station 200 or at the transfer device 210 or on the receiving table 211 or in the state opened or unfolded by the opening device 130 preferably still have the distance that was provided when passing through the opening station 100 or when opening opposite sides and / or which is increased compared to the original distance in the transport carrier 11.

[0308] Particularly preferably, the device 1 or delivery device 80 is designed such that the removed or unpacked workpieces 2 can be transferred back to the desired transport carrier 11 at their original distance. When two workpieces 2 are handled simultaneously by means of the preferably two delivery manipulators 81, these are preferably adjustable relative to one another. In particular, a transverse adjustment 85 is provided for this purpose, by means of which the two delivery manipulators 81 can be moved relative to one another - preferably symmetrically - or at least one delivery manipulator 81 can be adjusted relative to the other. However, other design solutions are also possible. The transverse adjustment 85 is shown in the perspective view according to Fig. 18.

[0309] Depending on the throughput and operating speed, the delivery device 80 can in principle also operate with only one delivery manipulator 81. In this case, the workpieces 2 are picked up and transferred individually. In this case, an intermediate storage device may be advantageous in order to be able to unload the transfer device 210 or its storage table 211 as quickly as possible in the delivery position.

[0310] The dispensing device 80 or the dispensing manipulator 81 are preferably equipped with a detection device, in particular a camera or the like, as indicated by the detection area 86 in Fig. 17, in order to be able to detect whether a workpiece 2 is actually unpacked, i.e. is exposed with its facing side, before the workpiece 2 is grasped or gripped.

[0311] In the illustrated example, the detection device or camera is arranged centrally on the dispensing manipulator 81 or between the holding arms 82. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0312] If the packaging 3 has a particularly flexible wrapping 5B as inner packaging 5, this is preferably unfolded or opened and / or sucked off or removed by a compressed air supply and / or suction 75.

[0313] Fig. 14 shows the suction device 75, which here is preferably arranged in the region of the dispensing position. Fig. 16 shows the suction device 75 with the associated transfer device 210 or the associated support table 211 with the packages 3 unfolded in the dispensing position in a schematic perspective, wherein in particular the separating device 60 and other components of the device 1 are omitted for illustrative purposes.

[0314] Particularly preferably, the device 1 or suction 75 has at least one suction opening 75A, which can preferably be moved into a suction position as needed, particularly preferably in the region of the dispensing position.

[0315] In particular, the suction device 75 or suction opening 75A is movable next to the opened packaging 3 or arranged adjacent to it in order to be able to open or hold the wrapping 5B as needed and / or to be able to suction and thus remove the wrapping 5B—particularly after picking up or removing the workpiece 2. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0316] In the second embodiment, the suction device 75 preferably has at least two suction openings 75A in order to be able to open or unfold the wrapping 5B for each of the two packages 2 opened simultaneously and, if necessary, also to suction it.

[0317] After opening or unfolding the wrapping 5B, the workpieces 2 can, as already described, preferably be grasped and picked up directly by the delivery device 80 or the delivery manipulators 81 or their holding arms 82 and transferred in the desired manner to the conveyor device 10 or the desired transport carrier 11.

[0318] In the second embodiment, it is preferably also possible to unpack the workpieces 2 when they are packaged in an inner packaging 5 in the form of a packaging tray or a blister 5A.

[0319] Preferably, the device 1 or its separating device 60 or its separating manipulator 63 is designed such that, particularly when the top of the workpiece 2 is covered by an inner packaging 5 or packaging tray or blister sleeve 5A, the workpiece 2 can be removed, in particular pulled out, with this inner packaging 5. The flat side 2A, which is preferably located at the bottom, is preferably concave, so that only its edge rests on the bottom.

[0320] Extraction is very easy because the proposed opened package 3, or more precisely the outer package 4, is also open to the front and on several sides, in this case even three. This initial position is shown in Fig. 18 for two packages 3 and one workpiece 2.

[0321] In the illustrated example, the workpiece 2 with the blister 5A is preferably pulled over an intermediate plate 66 into a receiving area 61. This is particularly preferably done by means of the separating device 60, in which the separating manipulator 63 engages the inner packaging 5 from above with a suction cup 64 and pulls it, together with the workpiece 2 located underneath, over the intermediate plate 66 into the receiving area 61. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0322] In the receiving area 61, the separation of packaging 5 and workpiece 2 preferably takes place by lifting the inner packaging 5 or the blister 5A, as indicated in Fig. 19 for a workpiece 2. In the second embodiment, the device 1 or separating device 60 also particularly preferably has a holder or suction cup 62 in the receiving area 61, in particular to hold the workpiece 2, while the inner packaging 5 or packaging tray 5A or the blister 5A is lifted off.

[0323] For this purpose, in the example shown, the or each separation manipulator 63 with its suction cup 64 is preferably pivotable - preferably about a horizontal axis, in particular in the X direction.

[0324] Preferably, the device 1 or separating device 60 has two separating manipulators 63, which preferably operate independently of one another and / or are pivotable about a preferably horizontal axis, in particular one extending in the X direction and / or a common axis, in particular independently of one another, and / or which are in particular adjustable or displaceable jointly, particularly preferably by means of an adjusting device 66 and / or which are preferably designed like an arm and / or each carry a suction cup 64 at their free end.

[0325] After the packaging tray(s) 5A have been lifted by the separating device 60 or separating manipulators 63, the workpiece 2 or the workpieces 2 lie freely in the receiving area 61 and can be grasped by the delivery device 80 or its delivery manipulator(s) 81 and transferred in the desired manner to the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11.

[0326] Normally, the workpiece 2 points with its already machined flat side, i.e. finished side 2B, upwards or towards the top side 4E of the packaging 4. Accordingly, the workpiece 2 is then transferred from the delivery device 80 to the conveyor device 10 or the transport carrier 11 with the finished side 2B facing upwards.

[0327] When the workpiece 2 is positioned with its finished side 2B facing downwards in the opened packaging 3 or packaging tray 5A, the separating device 60 can optionally be used to turn the workpiece 2. For this purpose, the separating device 60 or its separating manipulator 63 grips the workpiece 2 on the upper, unprocessed flat side 2A with the suction cup 64. By subsequently pivoting the separating manipulator 63 by 180° about the pivot axis, which is preferably horizontal here, the workpiece 2 is turned and can then be gripped directly by the discharge device 80 or the discharge manipulator 81 and finally transferred to the conveyor device 10 or the transport carrier 11.

[0328] The empty packaging 3 is delivered to a disposal facility or collection facility (not shown), such as a collection container or collection bag, or to a conveyor device, chute or to a shredder or the like.

[0329] For example, the support table 211 in the illustrated example can be tilted to transfer the empty packages 3 to the collection device or the like. The packages 3 can then slide off and fall downwards.

[0330] The intermediate plate 66, which is optionally provided in the illustrated example, is preferably movable or pivotable (for example, downward) to clear the path for the empty packaging 3. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0331] A particular advantage of the proposed device 1 and the proposed method is that the outer packaging 4 is particularly preferably opened in such a way that it remains as a single piece, i.e., is not disassembled into multiple parts. This is advantageous and desirable for the removal and disposal, shredding, or further processing of the empty packaging 3 or outer packaging 4.

[0332] The empty packaging tray 5A or the empty blister 5A is transferred from the separating device 60 preferably to a conveyor 65, in particular a conveyor belt, a chute or the like, in order to be conveyed away in the desired manner and transferred, for example, to a waste container or waste bag or the like.

[0333] Preferably, the empty packaging tray 5A or the empty blister 5A is transported or pushed away from the receiving area 61, for example, to fall into or onto the conveyor 65. For this purpose, the device 1 or the separating device 60 or its adjusting device 67 preferably has at least one slider, in particular a pivotable sliding arm 68, to push the empty packaging tray 5A or the empty blister 5A, for example, toward the conveyor 65, here in particular in the direction of the conveyor device 10. However, other design solutions are also possible.

[0334] Once the packaging tray 5A or blister 5A has been lifted, in particular pivoted, from a workpiece 2 by the separating device 60 or a separating manipulator 63, the then exposed workpiece 2 is first picked up by the delivery device 80 in the receiving area 61 and transported away. Subsequently, the separating device 60 or the separating manipulator 63 can place the empty packaging tray 5A or empty blister 5A back onto the receiving area 61, in order to then transfer it again to the conveyor 65 by sliding it. However, the separating device 60 can alternatively also transfer directly to the conveyor 65 in this case, depending on the design.

[0335] The proposed device 1 and the proposed method are particularly preferably also characterized in that, in the event of errors when opening the packaging 3 and / or unpacking the workpiece 2, the workpiece 2, together with a particularly complete packaging 3 or outer packaging 4, is returned to the conveyor device 10 or a transport carrier 11, in particular to the same transport carrier 11 with which the packaging 3 with the workpiece 2 was conveyed. This return preferably takes place spatially separately, in particular next to the opening of the packaging 3 or opening path and / or the removal of the workpiece 2 or removal path.

[0336] Particularly preferably, the opening of the packaging(s) 3 or at least the opening of the packaging(s) 3 on the opposite narrow sides in the schematic plan view according to Figure 10 takes place at least substantially on the right-hand side, thus particularly preferably close to the area of ​​the feeding of the packaging 3 with the workpieces 2 by the conveying device 10 and / or in particular in a line substantially transverse to the conveying direction 10, thus here in the Y direction.

[0337] The unfolding of the packaging 3 and / or removal of the workpieces 2 and transfer to the conveyor device 10 then preferably takes place offset in the conveying direction X, in the illustration according to Figure 10 to the left of it or at least substantially in the center of the device 1 and / or also along the removal paths in the Y direction. In simplified terms, the workpiece 2, in the plan view according to Figure 10, is moved at least substantially in a large U when the packaging 3 is opened and subsequently removed and returned.

[0338] The packaging 3, on the other hand, is only essentially conveyed away by the conveyor device 10 and remains largely in the area of ​​the device 1 spaced apart from the conveyor device 10 in order to then be transferred to a collecting device.

[0339] The transverse movement in the rear region of the device 1, remote from the conveyor device 10, particularly in the X-direction, is preferably carried out by the transfer device 210, which here is formed in particular by the movable or displaceable receiving table 211. However, other design solutions are also possible, as already indicated.

[0340] The error return particularly preferably takes place offset from the already mentioned U-shaped movement sequence in the plan view according to Figure 10, and / or in particular next to the delivery device 80 and separating device 60 or next to the removal and transfer of the workpiece 2 or removal paths.

[0341] Particularly preferably, in the event of an error, the transfer device 210 or the receiving table 211 can transfer the packaging(s) 3 with the workpiece(s) 2 to the return device 90 of the device 1 by further movement or transverse movement in the X direction.

[0342] In the illustrated example, the return device 90 preferably has a chute or conveyor trough 91 and / or pushing device 92 in order to be able to transfer the defective packaging 3 together with the respective workpiece 2 completely to the desired transport carrier 11.

[0343] In the event of an opening error, the transfer device 210 or the receiving table 211 moves or conveys the defective packaging 3 with the workpiece 2 to the return device 90 or conveyor chute 91 and allows the defective packaging 3, together with the workpiece 2, to slide or fall into the conveyor chute 91. By means of the return device 90 or conveyor chute 91 or pushing device 92, the defective packaging 3, together with the workpiece 2, is then conveyed to the desired transport carrier 11 and can then be delivered, in particular, directly into or to it.

[0344] In the illustrated example, the conveyor trough 91 is preferably movable via the conveyor device 10 or the transport carrier 11 and / or is provided with a flap and / or the sliding device 92 in order to be able to transfer the defective packaging 3 safely and completely into the transport carrier 11, in particular to be able to slide or fall into it.

[0345] However, other constructive solutions are also possible.

[0346] In the second embodiment, as already explained, preferably two packages 3 are opened simultaneously and two workpieces 2 are unpacked simultaneously, in particular in order to achieve a high throughput. However, it is fundamentally also possible for the packages 3 to be opened and / or the workpieces 2 to be removed individually or only one after the other. The statements and explanations regarding the second embodiment therefore also apply accordingly in this case. If, for example, packages 3 are referred to in the plural, the device 1 or the respective facility can also be designed such that only a single package 3 is handled and opened accordingly.

[0347] Furthermore, it is also possible that while a workpiece 2 is being unpacked or removed from an opened package 3, the package 3 is simultaneously opened at least laterally to increase throughput. This is possible both when opening two packages 3 simultaneously and when opening them individually.

[0348] Individual aspects, features and ideas mentioned with regard to the device 1, the method sequences and the proposed uses as well as the two embodiments can also be implemented independently of one another, but also in any desired combination.

[0349] Further, also independent aspects of the present invention are: 1. Device (1) for unpacking an optical workpiece (2), in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has or forms an opening device (130) with a gripping device or clamping device, clamping pliers, in particular with an opening element (131) for unfolding, grasping and / or clamping the side or side flap (4D) to be opened, and / or that the device (1) has a compressed air supply and / or a suction device (75) for releasing and / or for conveying away the wrapping (5B), and / or that the device (1) has an opening device (130) for tearing open a side orTop side (4E) of the packaging (3, 4), and / or that the device (1) has an unpacking device (70) for rolling off the edge of the preferably circular disk-shaped workpiece (2) to release a wrapping (5B) from the workpiece (2), and / or that the device (1) is designed for the automated opening of different packaging variants and / or packages (3, 4) of different sizes and / or for the automated unpacking of differently packaged workpieces (2), and / or that the device (1) has two differently operating opening stations (100, 200) for opening different packages (3), and / or that the device (1) or opening device (130) is designed to fold down a side flap (4D) of the packaging (3, 4) and to subsequently tear open the side or top side (4E) adjoining the side flap (4D).and / or that the unpacking device (70) has a particularly rotatable rolling element (71) for rolling the workpiece (2) along its edge.

[0350] 2. Method for unpacking an optical workpiece (2), in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, in particular by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that one side or top side (4E) of a packaging (3, 4) of the workpiece (2) is torn open, and / or that opposite sides of a packaging (3, 4) of the workpiece (2) are opened by means of spaced-apart opening devices (110, 120), wherein the distance (A) of the opening devices (110, 120) is automatically adapted to the actual lateral distance of the sides to be opened, and / or that a wrapping (5B) of the workpiece (2) is released from the workpiece (2) by rolling the workpiece (2) along its edge and / or by an air stream, and / or that a side flap (4D) is opened by laterally inserting an opening element (131), in particular a tongue-shaped or pincer-shaped opening element, of the opening device (130) and optionally Swiveling opens it.

[0351] 3. Method according to aspect 2, characterized in that the side or top side (4E) is torn open via an adjacent flap or side flap (4D) which is first grasped or opened.

[0352] 4. Method according to aspect 2 or 3, characterized in that the covering (5B) is released by rolling the workpiece (2) on the edge while rotating the rolling element (71) about an axis of rotation (D) inclined by more than 5° and / or less than 45° or 35°, preferably approximately between 10° and 30°, to the horizontal.

[0353] List of reference symbols:

[0354] Device 26 Carrier A Frame / Housing 27 Transfer manipulator

[0355] 28 transfer vacuum cleaners

[0356] Workpiece 29 Movement mechanismA Flat side 30 Positioning deviceB Finished side 31 First positioning element

[0357] 32 second positioning element

[0358] Packaging 33 Contact surface A Marking

[0359] 40 turning device

[0360] Outer packaging 41 Turning manipulatorA Base side 42 Gripper arm B Narrow side C Insert flap 50 Transfer deviceD Side flap 51 Transfer manipulatorE Top side 52 Holding arm F Bend 53 First detection deviceG Tear line 53A Sensor H Edge 53B Workpiece sensor

[0361] 54 second detection device

[0362] Inner packaging 54A Camera A Packaging tray / blister 54B Camera B Wrap 55 Slider C Internal structure 56 Support

[0363] 57 Drive 0 Conveyor 1 Transport carrier 60 Separator 2 Connection 61 Pick-up area

[0364] 62 Holder / Suction cup 0 Loading device 63 Separation manipulator 1 Loading manipulator 64 Suction cup 2 Loading suction cup 65 Conveyor 3 Slide guide (Y) 66 Intermediate plate 4 Slide guide (Z) 67 Adjusting device 5 Detection device 68 Push arm Unpacking device 111 A Wedge surface Rolling element 111 B Base side A Opening 112 Open holder edge 113 Holding part

[0365] rotary drive

[0366] Swivel-Z tilt mechanism 120 second opening device suction 121 second opening element A suction opening 121 A wedge surface transfer area 122 opener transfer element 123 holding part

[0367] Transfer organ

[0368] 130 third opening device

[0369] Dispensing device 131 Opening element Dispensing manipulator 132 Clamping element Gripper / holding arm 133 First swivel drive A Bead 134 Second swivel drive

[0370] Guide 135 Holding device

[0371] Lifting device 136 Swivel device Transverse adjustment 136A Holding element Detection area 136B Suction cup

[0372] 137 Swivel device

[0373] Conveyor device 137A Holding element Conveyor trough 137B Suction cup

[0374] Sliding device 138 Clamping drive 0 Opening station 140 Additional opening device 1 Opening manipulator 141 Knife 1A Suction cup 1B Section 200 Opening station 2 Guide rail 201 Feeding device 3 Adjusting device 202 Holder 4 Measuring device 202A Suction cup 5 Packaging manipulator 203 Guide rail 6 Slide 204 Packaging manipulator

[0375] 205 Suction cup 0 first opening device 1 first opening element 210 Transfer device

[0376] 211 Recording table

[0377] 212 guide rail

[0378] 213 recess

[0379] 214 vacuum cleaners

[0380] 215 Swivel element

[0381] 216 Arm

[0382] 217 vacuum cleaners

[0383] A distance

[0384] B Opening movement

[0385] D axis of rotation

[0386] I Internal distance

[0387] P1 transfer position

[0388] P2 transfer position

[0389] P3 transfer position

[0390] P4 transfer position

[0391] P5 Delivery position

[0392] P6 Transfer position

[0393] P7 Transfer position

[0394] P8 Transfer position

[0395] P9 Opening position

[0396] R Adjustment direction

[0397] 51 first swivel axis

[0398] 52 second swivel axis

[0399] V Offset

[0400] X direction

[0401] Y direction

[0402] Z direction

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Device (1) for unpacking an optical workpiece (2), in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, from a packaging (3), with a (first) opening device (110, 130) for opening a (first) side or side flap (4D) of the packaging (3, 4) and in particular with a (second) opening device (120) for opening a (second or opposite) side or side flap (4D) of the packaging (3, 4), characterized in that the opening device (110, 130) has an opening element (111, 131) for engaging under and folding open the side flap (4D) to be opened, and / or that the device (1) has a measuring device (104) for detecting the size of the packaging (3) orthe distance (A) between opposite sides to be opened or the position of a side to be opened and an adjustment device (103) for the automated adjustment of an opening device (110) or both opening devices (110, 120) and / or adaptation of the distance (A) or position of the opening elements (111, 121) to the packaging (3, 4) to be opened, and / or that the device (1) is designed for the simultaneous unpacking of two workpieces (2) and / or the simultaneous opening of two packages (3, 4), and / or that the device (1) has a return device (90) for the in particular complete return of a package (3) and the corresponding workpiece (2) to a transport carrier (11) in the event of a packaging (3, 4) that cannot be opened correctly and / or a workpiece (2) that cannot be unpacked correctly.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the opening element (111, 121, 131) is wedge-shaped, web-like and / or tongue-shaped.

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and / or second opening device (110, 120) or their opening element(s) (111, 121) can be inserted laterally under the side flap (4D) to be opened - in particular on opposite sides - of the packaging (3, 4).

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first and second opening devices (110, 120) or their opening elements (111, 121) are adjustable simultaneously, in particular by means of a common adjusting device (103).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a (third or further) opening device (130) for folding open an upper side (4E) of the packaging (3, 4), in particular after folding open opposite side flaps (4D) of the packaging (3) and in particular after opening or cutting open the packaging (3, 4) on a further side.

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has an additional opening device or cutting device (140) for opening or cutting open the packaging (3, 4), in particular in the region of a narrow side and / or between two opened or openable narrow sides (4B) of the packaging (3, 4), in particular so that a flat side or top side (4E) of the packaging (3, 4) can be folded open.

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a compressed air supply and / or a suction device (75) for releasing and / or conveying away an inner packaging (5) or wrapping (5B) of the workpiece (2).

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a loading device (20) for receiving the packaged workpiece (2), in particular from a transport carrier (11).

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a positioning device (30) for the defined gripping or holding and / or aligning or centering of the packaged workpiece (2).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a turning device (40) for turning the packaging (3), in particular when it is still closed.

11. Device in particular according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is designed for the automated opening of different packaging variants and / or packages of different sizes (3, 4) and / or for the automated unpacking of differently packaged workpieces (2).

12. Method for unpacking an optical workpiece (2), in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, characterized in that a side flap (4D) of a package (3, 4) of the workpiece (2) is gripped under and folded open by an opening device (110, 120, 130), and / or that opposite sides of a package (3, 4) of the workpiece (2) are opened by means of spaced-apart opening devices (110, 120), wherein the distance (A) of the opening devices (110, 120) is automatically adapted to the actual lateral distance of the sides to be opened, and / or that a - preferably at least substantially cuboidal - package (3, 4) of the workpiece (2) is held on opposite narrow sides (4B) and in the region of a further narrow side (4B) orbetween the two opposite narrow sides (4B) and then a flat side or top side (4E) is opened, and / or that at the same time a workpiece (2) is unpacked or removed from an opened package (3, 4) while a next package (3, 4) is opened.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the side flap (4D) is opened by laterally inserting a particularly tongue-shaped or pincer-shaped opening element (131) of the opening device (130) and optionally pivoting.

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the packaging (3, 4) is opened in the region of the further narrow side (4B) or between the two opposite narrow sides (4B) by cutting open, in particular on the flat side or the bottom side.

15. Method according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the size of the packaging (3) or the distance (A) of the opposite, to opening sides or the position of a side to be opened is detected by means of a measuring device (104) and the distance (A) of the opening devices (110, 120) or the position of an opening device (120) is adjusted accordingly, in particular so that an opening element (121) can be inserted under a side or side flap (4D) to be opened.

16. Method according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that two packages (3, 4) are opened and / or two workpieces (2) are unpacked simultaneously.

17. Method according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 is used.

18. Method according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the packaging (3, 4) is cut open, in particular on the bottom side, in the region of the further narrow side for opening.

19. Method according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that two packages (3) are opened simultaneously and / or two workpieces (2) are unpacked or removed simultaneously.

20. Use of a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11 for unpacking an optical workpiece (2), in particular a lens blank for a spectacle lens, wherein outer packaging (4) of the workpiece (2) which can be opened in different ways is opened by means of the same device (1) and / or the workpieces (2) are removed from differently constructed inner packaging (5) by means of the same device (1), and / or wherein by means of the same device (1) an outer packaging (4) is first opened and the workpiece (2) is then removed from an inner packaging (5).

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