EP2459450B1 - Opening device and opening method for flexible packages - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to an opening device and an opening method for flexible packaging having the features in the preamble of the method and device main claim.

In practice, it is known to package goods individually or in layers in a flexible packaging, in particular a bag-like plastic film or the like, in order to handle them more easily. End consumers open this packaging for the removal of goods in any way by hand. The use of such packaging and containers in the industrial sector poses problems with the targeted and secure opening of such packaging.

The DE 10 2007 027 878 A1 Disclosing the preamble of claims 1 and 9, is concerned with the removal of a single solid sterile article from a sterile package. To open the packaging, a protruding tab of the packaging is grasped by hand and inserted between pinch rollers. Subsequently, the sterile packaging is slit unilaterally with a knife and folded, then the sterile object is gripped with suckers and pulled out of the slot opening.

The DE 34 43 362 C2 discloses a copy paper providing device of a copying machine. This has an unpacking device, the suction device, a sawing device for opening the packaging, a gripping device for extracting a paper sheet stack from the opened packaging and a device for removing the empty packaging.

The WO 2005/054060 A1 shows an apparatus and method for removing packaging from boxes for CDs or other media. In a stacking device, the packages are first cut open with a rotating knife. The boxes with the already opened packages are then deported with a slide from the stack, during the box transport, the opened package is retained by jaws by friction and dropped into a hopper.

The NL 9201286 A deals with the unpacking of cylindrical goods. A roll or cylinder package is clamped open and opened with an axially moving cutter which is moved along the shell with a stylus while emitting a laser beam which melts and cuts through the underlying package.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an opening technique for such packaging.

The invention solves this problem with the features in the method and device main claim.
The claimed opening device has the advantage that the packaging area to be opened can be brought into a defined position and then securely and reliably grasped and separated or opened. In this case, damage and possibly also contamination of the packaged goods can be avoided. This is particularly important in the food industry. The detection by suction and clamping of the opening to be opened packaging area, namely a laterally protruding edge of the packaging is particularly safe and reliable, especially for tightening and separating the packaging area.

By positioning the packaging area to be separated, the separating device can also work better, more accurately and more safely. It can be used different types of separation devices. In addition, the positioning of the packaging area to be separated also provides the opportunity to dispose of the packaging remainder.

The invention offers the advantage of a particularly operational and accident-proof opening and separation technology, which also provides high efficiency. The opening of flexible packaging can be automated and used in a wide variety of technical areas.

The automatic opening and separating technology also opens up further areas of application for packaged goods and so-called containers, which are easy to handle, transportable and storable. The packaging stabilizes the preferably arranged in one or more layers of goods, which can be particularly easily stored between them. A temporary formation of such containers is favorable for the need-based buffering of goods in the production and processing flow. Thanks to the automatic opening and separating technology, the containers can then be unpacked again without manual intervention and the goods are made available for further processing.

Positioning and possibly also tightening of the packaging area to be separated are advantageous for a clean, accurate and safe separation and opening of the packaging. With a positioning only the container can be brought into a defined position and then placed with another positioning of the separated packaging area in a defined position. This position and the separation point of the packaging can be arranged at a distance from the goods. Therefor In particular, it makes sense to detect a lateral edge region of the packaging.

The secure grasping and moving away of such a multi-layered packaging rim, e.g. has a junction between overlapping hull edges and has an indefinite shape and thickness, also has the advantage that the separation point is not at this undefined area where the separation process and thus an automation are not sufficiently secure.

In this case, a gusset can be formed, which has further advantages. On the one hand a clean separation point can be created on the one hand. On the other hand, can be prevented by separating the gapped portions of the packaging material reconnections of the material edges after separation. Such a danger could u. when introducing energy, in particular heat energy, in the separation process and a melting of the material edges.

The automatic opening device according to the invention is suitable and intended for automated and industrial use. It can also be integrated into a semi or fully automatic packing line. This opens up a wide range of applications in various commercial and industrial plants, e.g. in the handling and filling of plastic bottles or other containers, in the manufacture and packaging of pressed bales or the like. A preferred range is in the beverage industry and in the dairy sector.

To separate the flexible packaging, high-energy radiation, in particular laser beams, can be used. This has the advantage that contamination of the goods and in particular the penetration of detached parts of the Separator or other machine parts in hollow container can be avoided. Such blasting processes are also insensitive to any wrinkling or other irregularities in the packaging material. In addition, the introduction of mechanical energy and a load or a delay of the remaining on the goods packaging parts can be avoided or at least minimized. It also facilitates the subsequent emptying of the packaging. The opening width of the packaging at the separation point can be adjusted as needed, for example by a corresponding position of the separation point.

A method for opening the flexible packaging of goods, in particular bottle layers, provides that the packaging area to be opened, namely the lateral edge of the packaging, is grasped by suction and clamping and then separated. In this case, it is expedient for the captured lateral edge to be distanced from the goods held back by an abutment, a gusset being clamped and then completely severed. For unpacking the goods, the remaining wrapper can be taken on another side and subtracted from the returned goods. The packaging residues can be disposed of.
The claimed opening technique is above all advantageous for bag-like packaging, which have an edge at least on one side region, which is formed, for example, by an adhesive or welding point of sack edges or other film edges. This border area is particularly easy to record and position.
In the subclaims further advantageous embodiments of the invention are given.

Figur 1:

eine schematische Ansicht einer Anlage mit einer Packlinie und einer Öffnungseinrichtung,

Figur 2:

eine Draufsicht auf eine Öffnungseinrichtung in Ausgangsstellung,

Figur 3:

die Öffnungseinrichtung von Figur 2 in Seitenansicht,

Figur 4:

eine vergrößerte Seitenansicht der Öffnungseinrichtung und ihrer Positioniereinrichtung in einer Zwischenstellung mit positioniertem Gebinde,

Figur 5:

eine vergrößerte und abgebrochene Seitenansicht der Positioniereinrichtung und der Trenneinrichtung von Figur 4 in der nächsten Betriebsstellung,

Figur 6:

eine Variante der Anlage von Figur 1,

Figur 7:

eine Öffnungs- und Entpackungseinrichtung und

Figur 8:

eine Variante einer Trenneinrichtung.

The invention is illustrated by way of example and schematically in the drawings. In detail show:

FIG. 1:

a schematic view of a system with a packing line and an opening device,

FIG. 2:

a plan view of an opening device in the starting position,

FIG. 3:

the opening device of FIG. 2 in side view,

FIG. 4:

an enlarged side view of the opening device and its positioning in an intermediate position with positioned container,

FIG. 5:

an enlarged and broken side view of the positioning and the separator of FIG. 4 in the next operating position,

FIG. 6:

a variant of the plant of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7:

an opening and unpacking device and

FIG. 8:

a variant of a separating device.

The invention relates to an opening device (2) and a method for opening flexible packaging (4). The invention further relates to the combination of an opening device (2) with an unpacking device (15) and with the inclusion of an opening device (2) and an opening method in a higher-level system configuration and with a corresponding Equipped plant (1).

FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an example plant (1) for the production and handling of goods (5). The goods (5) are eg empty bottles made of plastic, laminated cardboard or glass or other empty containers. The goods (5) may also be filled containers or other general cargo.

The system (1) has a generating device (10) for the goods (5). This can e.g. be a blower for empty plastic bottles. Alternatively, it may be an unpacker or depalletizer that unpacks and delivers bottles (5) delivered in pallet form or otherwise. The bottles or containers (5) may be dispensed by the generating means (10) on a conveyor (16) individually or in one or more rows.

The system (1) further comprises a processing device (12), which is locally distanced from the generating device (10). The processing means (12) may e.g. a filling system for the bottles (5). The processing device (12) may have a goods issue with a palletizer or other device for forming dispensing packages.

Between the generating device (10) and the processing device (12), an automatic packing line (14) is arranged in the exemplary embodiment shown. Furthermore, at least one intermediate bearing (13) can be connected between the devices (10, 12). The plant parts are connected to each other by a conveyor (16), which may be formed in one or more parts, on which the container (3) are transported lying with the broad side. Furthermore, a handling device (34), for example, a multi-axis Industrial robot, in particular a Gelenkarmroboter with a gripping tool, be provided. Portal robots with linear axes or other robots with arbitrary rotational and / or translatory axis combinations are also possible.

The automatic packaging line (14) has a packaging device (11) in which the goods (5), in particular bottles or containers, are packed in a flexible packaging (4) to form a container (3). Here, the goods (5) can be grouped into one or more layers and packaged in layers, wherein a corresponding layer images of the packaging device (11) upstream or can be integrated into this. In the drawings, a goods arrangement is shown in a single horizontal fabric layer.

The package (4) envelops the goods (5) or fabric layer (s) on all sides and may consist of a bag, the opening of which can be closed by gluing, welding or otherwise connecting the sack edges to form a lateral flange or strip-like edge (6) , Alternatively, the sheath (4) can also be formed by two or more blanks which are beaten around the fabric layer (s) and joined together at the edges. At the edge (6), the blind or blank edges overlap and are connected together, e.g. through a welding or adhesive sheet. The edge (6) is reinforced by the multiple layer and the welding or adhesive sheet and can protrude laterally from the shell wall.

The packaging material is thin-walled and flexible, in particular flexurally elastic. It can be wrinkled, folded and bent. Possibly. the packaging material is also stretchable. Suitable packaging materials are plastic films, fabrics, metal foils or composite materials.

The container (3) coming from the packaging device (11) can be temporarily stored in an intermediate store (13) if necessary. Such a buffer possibility is favorable, for example, if the capacities of the generating device (10) and of the processing device (12) are different or if these devices (10, 12) have different operating times. The intermediate storage (13) can be connected via a bypass to the conveyor (16), wherein, for example, the in FIG. 1 shown robot (34) converts the container (3) as needed. On an intermediate storage (13) may possibly be waived.

The packing line (14) may further comprise an unpacking device (15) in which the goods (5) are removed from the packaging (4). Here, the goods (5) can be singled if necessary or grouped in one or more rows. A corresponding separating device or a series image can be connected downstream of the unpacking device (15) or combined with it. The processing device (12) can be connected directly to the unpacking device (15) or, if appropriate, via an intermediate store, a jam line or the like.

Furthermore, an opening device (2) for the packaging (4) is provided. The opening device (2) can be connected upstream of the unpacking device (15) as a separate station or combined with the unpacking device (15), in particular integrated into the unpacking device (15). At the opening device (2), the package (4) is opened on at least one side. This may be a narrow side and / or a broad side, in particular the top or bottom of the container (3). At this opening point, the goods (5) can be unpacked or unpacked (15). pushed out or otherwise removed from the package (4).

Notwithstanding the illustrated embodiment, the plant (1) may be a baling plant in which at a generating device or baler (not shown) produces a highly compacted pressed bales of natural fibers or synthetic fibers (staple fibers or tow), optionally fixed with a strapping and then with a package (4) is enclosed. Within the same plant or at another and possibly distant location or new plant the pressed bales can be unpacked again, with an opening device (2), the package (4) is opened. The unpacked fiber material may then be further processed in a spinning mill, carding machine or other processing facility.

The local separation and possibly far distancing the production and processing facilities (10,12) may also be provided in the above-described bottle treatment plant (1). The packaged goods (5) or the container (3) are transportable and storable and allow a spatial decoupling of the various devices (10,12) and a temporal decoupling of the treatment processes.

The opening device (2) has a positioning device (17) for the container (3), which is brought hereby on a frame or possibly a part of the conveyor (16) in a defined position. The positioning device (17) can eg have a controllable slide (22) or another driving or moving means and one or more controllable stops (23, 24) against which the container (3) moves and positions in the stop position and, if necessary is fixed.

If necessary, positioning can be dispensed with if the bundle position can be detected in another way, e.g. by a camera or sensor system, and the package layer is fixed by stamp or other retaining means.

The opening device (2) has a positioning device (18) for the packaging area to be opened. This openable packaging area is located on a side region of the container (3), namely on the narrow container and ply edges. By the positioning device (18), the package (4) is brought into a favorable position for the separation process and held here.

FIG. 4 and 5 illustrate in one embodiment, the structure and function of a positioning device (18). This has on the one hand a stop (23), which may also be part of the other positioning device (17) and against which the container (3) from the slide (22) is pressed. The stop (23) may, for example, consist of two stacked rod, roller or plate-shaped stop elements with sufficiently large and gentle contact surface, which are arranged above and below the lateral edge (6) of the package (4).

Between the stop elements (23), the edge (6) is accessible and can be detected by the positioning device (18). This has for this purpose a detection device (19), which may be formed in any suitable manner and which approximates to the container (3) and the edge (6) and can be distanced therefrom again. A height adjustment for adaptation to depending on the container (3) different detection positions is possible. A laterally projecting edge (6) is not essential for detection, but advantageous for the embodiment shown. With the detection device (19), the edge (6) or possibly another point of the lateral packaging area can be detected and then removed by a backward movement of the container (3) held on the stop (23). Here, the detected packaging area can be pulled and tightened against the stop (23), whereby a gusset (7) can be formed. The separation of the packaging (4) can take place at this gusset (7).

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG FIG. 4 and 5 the detection device (19) has a suction device (25) with a front-side clamping device (26), which can have, for example, two or more relatively movable and controllable holding means, in particular clamping jaws (32). Through a front slot of the open clamping device (26) is sucked by the negative pressure of the lateral packaging area or the edge (6), aligned and pulled into the gripping area of the clamping device (26), where him the closing jaws (32) hold and pinch. In addition to clamping jaws 32, it is also possible to use other form-locking and / or force-locking holding means, eg needle jaws or the like.

The detection device (19) has a schematically symbolized by arrows feed device (31), a backward movement of the suction and clamping device (25,26) after detecting the lateral packaging area or the edge (6) and possibly also a height adjustment of Detection device (19) allows. The packaging area to be separated is held here by the stop elements (23), said gusset (7) being formed by upper and lower portions (8, 9) of the packaging material. The suction and detection point is between the two Stop elements (23).

The separating device (20) is arranged in the region of the positioning device (18) and may, for example, be located above the detection device (19) of the gusset (7). The separating device (20) can be movable about one, two or more axes and have a corresponding feed device (29). The separating device (20) has at least one separating tool (21), which can be designed in different ways. The separating device (20) acts on the in FIG. 5 cutting point (30) shown by way of example, a severing and opening of the positioned and possibly tightened packaging area at a separation point (30), which extends for example over the entire length of the lateral container area. The edge (6) and the adjacent gusset region are preferably completely separated from the remaining packaging (4). This can be used to form a laterally open packaging bag with a large opening width while the product layer (25) is still positioned, whereby the detected and separated packaging residue can be removed by means of a suitable disposal device (33) after the detection device (19) has been opened. The disposal device (33) is located, for example, below the separation point (30) and is in FIG. 3 indicated.

The separating device (20) can be constructively designed in different ways and can work with different separation techniques. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the cutting tool (21) is designed as a laser head (27) which emits one or more laser beam (s) (28) and directs it to the packaging area to be separated. Alternatively, two or more laser heads (27) may be present. The laser beam can be generated by an external or by the laser head (27) entrained laser beam source, eg is designed as a diode or disk laser or otherwise. The laser beam (28) can, for example, be directed perpendicularly from above and transversely to the main plane of the product layer (5) onto the gusset (7) and the separation point (30). By means of a suitable focus adjustment, both web sections (8, 9) can be severed simultaneously and by the same laser beam (28). Alternatively, a single separation with multiple tool movements or by a multiple arrangement of laser beams (28) or laser heads (27) is possible.

In the embodiment shown, the feed device (29) is designed as a linear axis, which extends along the lateral edge of the container and the stop (23). Alternatively, laser beam movement may be achieved by one or more rotational axes or by a combination of one or more linear and / or rotational axes. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve laser beam deflection by means of a scanning optics with mirrors or lenses integrated in the laser head (27) and, if appropriate, to arrange the laser head (27) stationarily and at a sufficient distance above the separation point (30). The scanning optics in this case takes over the function of the delivery device (29).

The laser beam (28) can be moved from one end of the packaging along the container side edge to the other end. Alternatively, a start elsewhere, for example in the central region of the container side possible, with a laser beam movement to the outside to one side and then in the opposite direction to the other side, eg in a pendulum motion, takes place. Further, two or more laser beams (28) may perform a corresponding outward movement.

In a modification of the embodiment shown, instead of the laser beam (28), another high-energy beam and a corresponding separating tool (27) can be used. This can e.g. a plasma jet, a high-pressure water jet or the like.

Furthermore, it is possible to use a cutting tool (38, 39), for example a knife, a saw or the like, and to effect a mechanical cut. This can be eg in FIG. 7 be shown rotating and optionally oscillating in the high altitude sawing wheel or circular blade (38), which along the dividing line (30) through the gusset (7) is moved and this completely cut through a cutting gear.

Likewise, thermal separation methods are possible, e.g. of one or more heated cutting wires, e.g. along the dividing line (30) are moved through the gusset (7) and possibly also oscillate in their wire longitudinal direction. In all these cases, multiple tool arrangements are possible.

In the automatic unpacking device (15), the opened package (4) is removed from the article (5) or the product layer, e.g. can be done by detecting at the opposite end of the opening and pulling the packaging bag against a backing of the goods or goods layer (25). Alternatively, the goods (5) can be pulled out of the retained packaging bag (4) from the uncovered opening or removed in another way by a broach or the like.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a variant of the packing line (14) and the system (1) of FIG. 1 , A robot (34) with a gripping tool is supplied packaged container (3) on a conveyor, wherein the robot (34) the Container (3) with the gripping tool in a predetermined position and orientation and transported to a separate positioning (17), which is arranged on a conveyor (16) and in front of an opening and unpacking device (2,15).

The positioning device (17) for the container (3) has, for example, a slide (22), in front of which the container (3) is placed on the conveyor device (16), for example a belt conveyor. The slide (22) travels with the entrainment of the container (3) transversely to the conveyor (16) to a predetermined end position, whereby the container (3) is brought into a defined position in which also eliminates possible Greifungenauigkeiten the robot (34) are. From this defined position, the container (3) is then transported by the conveyor (16) to the opening and packaging device (2,15) and positioned there according to exactly. In the embodiment shown here, the opening device (2) can be combined with an unpacking device (15) in a common station. FIG. 7 shows such a combination station in a schematic side view.

The opening device (2) can be designed in the manner described above and equipped with the above-described detection device (19) which has a suction device (25) with a clamping device (26) and a feed device (31). Further, a separator (20) of the type described above is present, which has here another separating tool (21) in the aforementioned cutting device. This may in particular be a rotating saw blade or a rotating circular blade (38).

By prior positioning of the container (3), the slide in the opening device (2) can be omitted. The detection device (19) engages in the previously described Make the edge (6) and tension the gusset (7), which is then completely severed by the separator (20) along the parting line. In FIG. 7 is shown schematically how then the detection device (19) passes this separated gusset part to the disposal device (33).

The unpacking device (15) is arranged in this variant of the opening device (2) opposite and at the other edge of the conveyor (16). The unpacking device (15) has a detection device (35) for the remaining bag-like casing or packaging (4), which may be similar to the detection device (19). It has a suction device (25) with a clamping device (26) and an infeed device (31). With the detection device (35), the bag bottom or a protruding edge (6) or another region of the rear packaging wall can be grasped and pulled off, e.g. to the back, up or down.

In this case, a counter-holder (36) may be present, which may be e.g. is formed by freely rotatable rollers, rollers or the like or other guide means and which holds the fabric layer (5) when removing the sheath (4). Instead of a rotatable arrangement of the anvil (36) may also have a low-friction design to allow a hull deduction through the investment and nip between the counter-holder (36) and adjacent product layer (5). The cut case (4) has at the opposite end by the complete Zwickelabtrennung a large opening, which allows removal of the remaining envelope (4) relative to the held fabric position.

The fabric layer (5) can be kept in this position and managed. On the one hand is still on the opposite side of the stop (23) of Opening device (2) available. On the other hand, one or more hold-down devices (37) can be present above the fabric layer (5), which prevent the goods (5), in particular the individual bottles, from rising. The rollable or slidable hold-down devices (37), for example, can be distributed over the entire width of the container (3). It may also be sufficient to arrange them in the edge area close to the pack. The remaining packaging casing (4) is completely removed from the held product (5) and can then be disposed of in a disposal device (33) in a manner similar to the gusset (7).

The goods layer (5) can according to FIG. 6 further transported by an additional conveyor device (16), in particular pushed under lateral guidance and brought to a separating device or another part of the system (1). This conveyor (16) may have a longitudinally and transversely movable support or portal frame, on which a layer gripper is arranged vertically adjustable. This can be, for example, a frame encompassing the fabric layer (5), which acts as a slider and engages the fabric layer (5) resting on the table-like base during a gantry ride and carries it along to a cross lane at the end of the first conveyor section. Here, the gantry ride is deflected by 90 ° in a cross lane to the separating device at the end of the lane. To increase the capacity of several cross streets may be present.

FIG. 8 shows a further variant of the cutting tool (39), which is designed here as a separating bar and eg consists of a lower beam (40) and a knife or cutting bar (41), in which a cutting means (42), eg a knife, a cutting wire or Like. Is arranged height adjustable. The controllably driven cutting means (42) is in an internal cavity (43) of the knife or cutting bar (41) housed and initially withdrawn in a rest position shown. The bars (40,41) are moved together by a feed device (29) at the separation point (30) in a vertical relative movement, wherein they pinch a portion of the gusset (7) between them and fix. Subsequently, the cutting means (42) is moved to the working position, wherein it cuts through the gusset (7) at the separation point (30) and immersed in a counter-groove of the lower beam (40). In this case, an oscillating separation movement can be performed. After opening the cutting tool (39), the detection device (19) can remove and dispose of the separated gusset (7).

In this separation technique, it is advantageous if the stop elements (23) are arranged at a smaller distance from each other. The stop elements (23) can be movably arranged and controllably driven in this embodiment and in the other variants, wherein e.g. Perform lifting and lowering movements and / or transverse movements. They can also be freely rotatable or rotationally driven. They may also be connected to the detection device (19) and be moved by the feed device (31).

Variations of the embodiments shown and described are possible in various ways. The opening device (2) can stand alone and does not have to be part of an automatic packing line (14). Alternatively, the opening device (2) can be connected to the unpacking device (15) to form a structural unit and an independent functional element. The packaging can be done elsewhere and separately from this functional unit. Furthermore, the packing line (14) can be integrated into another type of system (1). The position of the container (3) is horizontal in the embodiment shown. she can alternatively also be inclined, wherein the conveyor (16), the opening device (2) and the other parts of the system are adjusted accordingly.

The gusset (7) is severed in the embodiment shown transversely to the gusset longitudinal axis. In this case, other orientations and an independent separation of the sections (8,9) in the gusset area are possible. Furthermore, gusset formation can be dispensed with if the area of the packaging detected and to be separated is passed over a support element, e.g. a double sword or the like is pulled, wherein the sections (8,9) lie flat on one another and to this support area, the separation by a corresponding separating tool (20). In this case, the packaging area to be separated can also be received and tensioned by counter-rotating swords or other supporting elements in a wave form.

Furthermore, there are variations for the positioning and separation technology. A separation of the packaging (4) can be carried out by means of a continuous separating cut or by an interrupted separating cut in the manner of a perforation which tears at a further grasping and pulling of the packaging (4) at the same and to an opening of the packaging (4). leads.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

investment

2

opening device

3

Container, package

4

Packaging, shell, sack

5

Goods, Lagengut, bottles, bales

6

edge

7

gore

8th

Section, slide

9

Section, slide

10

Generating facility, blower, baler

11

packaging device

12

Processing facility, filling plant

13

interim storage

14

Pack line

15

unpacker

16

Conveyor

17

Positioning device container

18

Positioning device sleeve, edge

19

detector

20

separator

21

parting tool

22

pusher

23

attack

24

attack

25

suction

26

clamper

27

laser head

28

laser beam

29

infeed

30

separation point

31

infeed

32

Jaw, holding means

33

waste facility

34

Handling device, robot

35

Detection device for unpacking

36

backstop

37

Stripper plate

38

Cutting tool, sawing wheel, circular knife

39

Cutting tool, cutting bar

40

lower beam

41

Cutting bar, cutter bar

42

Cutting means, knife, cutting wire

43

cavity

Claims (15)

1. Opening device for opening flexible packs (4) of goods (5), in particular layers of bottles, wherein the opening device (2) has a positioning device (18) with a gripping device (19) for the pack region which is to be opened, that is to say a lateral periphery (6) of the pack (4), and also has a severing device (20) for this placed-in-position pack region, characterized in that the gripping device (19) has a suction device (25) and a clamping device (26), these holding the lateral periphery (6) of the pack (4), which is then severed by the severing device (20).
2. Opening device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the opening device (2) has another positioning device (17) for a multipack (3) made up of the pack (4) and goods (5), wherein the other positioning device (17) has a slide (22) and one or more stops (23, 24).
3. Opening device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the gripping device (19) has a placement means (31) and is movable relative to the multipack (3), wherein it moves the gripped pack region into a defined position, in particular it tensions the gripped pack region.
4. Opening device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the positioning device (18) has a stop (23) on either side of the periphery (6) for holding back the multipack (3) and for opening out a gusset (7), wherein the severing device (20) forms a severing location (30) of the pack (4) in the region of the gusset (7).
5. Opening device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the severing device (20) has one or more severing tools (21) and a placement means (29) for a severing tool (21).
6. Opening device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the severing tool (21) is designed in the form of a beam head, in particular in the form of a laser head (27), which emits one or more high-energy beams, in particular laser beams (28).
7. Opening device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the severing tool (21) is designed in the form of a cutting tool (38, 39) with a blade, a cutting bar, a heated or unheated cutting wire or a sawing element.
8. Opening device according to Claim 4 and one of Claims 5 to 7, if referring back to Claim 4, characterized in that the severing device (20) severs the gusset (7) and removes the severed pack region from the rest of the pack (4).
9. Method of opening a flexible pack (4) of goods (5), in particular layers of bottles, wherein the pack region which is to be opened, that is to say a lateral periphery (6) of the pack (4), is placed in position, gripped and severed, characterized in that the lateral periphery (6) which is to be opened is held by suction attachment and clamping and then severed.
10. Method according to Claim 9, characterized in that the lateral periphery (6) held is spaced apart from the goods (5) held back by a stop (23), wherein a gusset (7) is opened out and then completely severed.
11. Method according to Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, for the purpose of unpacking the goods (5), the rest of the wrapper is held and pulled off from the goods (5) held back.
12. Installation for producing and handling goods (5), in particular bottles or other articles, wherein the installation (1) has a production device (10) for producing the goods (5) and a processing device (12) for processing the goods (5), characterized in that the production device (10) and the processing device (12) have arranged between them an automatic packing line (14) by means of which the goods (5) grouped in layers are packaged in flexible packs (4) and the goods (5) are subsequently unpacked, wherein the installation (1) has an opening device (2) for opening the pack (4) according to at least one of Claims 1 to 8.
13. Installation according to Claim 12, characterized in that the opening device (2) has a packaging device (11) arranged upstream of it and an unpacking device (15) arranged downstream of it or assigned to it, in particular arranged opposite it.
14. Installation according to Claim 13, characterized in that the unpacking device (15) has a gripping device (35) for gripping a lateral periphery (6) of the pack (4) and also has a placement means (31) and is movable relative to the multipack (3), wherein it pulls off the opened pack (4) from the multipack (3).
15. Installation according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the unpacking device (15) is combined with a separating device or a row-forming means and is connected to a processing device (12), in particular a filling installation for filling bottles (5) or other containers.

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