EP2655197B1 - Method for removing film from packaging units and film-removal station - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for unwrapping packaging units, which comprises containers summarized by a film, which containers are arranged in at least two rows in the packaging unit, wherein a separating device is provided for separating the film, wherein the packaging unit along a transport direction relative to the separating device is encouraged. However, the invention also relates to a stripping station for carrying out the method.

In plants for the production of in containers, such as e.g. Bottled products, e.g. Drinks, the filled containers are usually combined into packaging units by the containers are wrapped by a film or a shrink film. This makes sense, since such packaging units are easy to handle, for example, production machines. But consumers appreciate such packaging units, as they can be easily transported, since the packaging unit head side, for example, has a arranged on the film carrier. For example, the packaging units have two rows of containers arranged side by side. To separate the individual containers combined in the packaging units, the film must then be removed and disposed of on the consumer side. Basically, this has been proven in practice. The packaging units are initially produced sorted for manufacturing reasons. It is also conceivable, however, that the consumer desires different types of product, so that several packaging units with different varieties are already opened on the retailer side in order to give the consumer the opportunity to put together his desired varieties in the respectively desired number. But this eliminates the advantage of the packaging unit in terms of ease of transportability.

For example, the problem is dealt with this problem DE 10 2006 046 389 A1 , which discloses that unmixed packaging units or their containers should be separated from each other, and to be summarized into new types mixed containers. For this the beats DE 10 2006 046 389 A1 in that the shrink film of the packaging unit is separated with a head-side cut. The shrink wrap is then grasped at both cut edges and pulled over the heads of the bottles to the side. To remove the unfolded film from the bottles, the bottles can be raised, for example.

In the packaged condition of the bottles, the shrink wrap is centered between the bottles and below the top of the bottle heads of the bottles. This means that the film captures the bottles in the region of the bottle head or the bottle neck virtually positively. But that also means that by gripping members that should laterally capture the film between the bottles, the film can not be easily withdrawn from the bottles, as it is held by the bottle heads. Because the cutting of the shrink film in the middle between the bottles, nothing changes the position of the shrink film, thus the positive detection of the bottle heads through the shrink film, as well as the EP 2 168 880 A1 problematic.

To solve this problem, the EP 2 168 880 A1 Therefore, before cutting the film on the head side twice, so that a film strip is produced. For this purpose, arranged in a cone angle rotary blades are provided which cut each head side near the bottle heads in the film. The EP 2 168 880 A1 further discloses that a second cutting device is provided, which also cuts a front-side film region on the head side.

The US 5,725,349 deals with the bottom-side separation of packaging units. For this purpose, thermo cutting elements are provided on the bottom side, one of which generates a thermal separation of the film in the longitudinal direction of the packaging unit, with two others producing a thermal separation in each case transversely thereto. The film is gripped on the head, and pulled up from the containers.

In the US 4,390,313 By contrast, the film of the respective packaging unit is cut on the head side, or divided into an upper and lower half. By means of an external force, the upper half is first conveyed between adjacent containers in the direction of the lower half, to which the external force then likewise acts. The film can thus be conveyed through a slot down to the bottom.

Also the US 5,419,095 deals with the removal of the film from packaging units, wherein the US 5,476,354 dealt with the removal of foils with regard to cigarette packs.

The present invention is based on a packaging unit which has containers filled with a product and which are held together by a film, which is quite advantageous in the production line. However, the combined in the packaging units containers are to be separated into individual containers so as to be sorted by a packing machine in boxes, for example in plastic boxes sorted or mixed.

The invention is therefore based on the object to provide a method of the type mentioned, as well as a Entfolierstation, in which / which the removal of the film is simplified despite the positive connection of the film with the containers of the packaging unit, so that the respective container in the simplest Way can be isolated.

According to the procedural part of the object is achieved by a method having the features of claim 1, wherein the solution with respect to the device-technical part with a Entfolierstation with the features of claim 10getangt.

A

Zuführen der Verpackungseinheit zur Entfolierstation

B

Eintauchen eines Spreizelementes in die Verpackungseinheit,

C

Aufschneiden der Folie der Verpackungseinheit mittels einer Schneidkante der Trennvorrichtung welche sich in Transportrichtung gesehen an das Spreizelement anschließt,

D

Bewegen der aufgeschnittenen Folie winklig zur Transportrichtung und zu einer in Transportrichtung seitlich angeordneten Außenseite der Behälter mittels Bodenförderelementen,

E

Entfernen der Folie indem diese kopfseitig abgefördert wird.

The method according to the invention comprises at least the steps:

A

Feeding the packaging unit to Entfolierstation

B

Immersing a spreading element in the packaging unit,

C

Cutting the film of the packaging unit by means of a cutting edge of the separating device which, viewed in the transport direction, adjoins the spreading element,

D

Moving the cut film at an angle to the transport direction and to a side of the container laterally arranged in the transport direction by means of bottom conveyor elements,

e

Remove the foil by removing it from the head.

Advantageously, it is provided that the separating device separates the film on the bottom side. The floor conveyor elements are preferably arranged on the bottom side, but can of course also be provided on the head side. Nevertheless, the term "bottom conveyor" is retained.

If the film is cut open on the bottom side, it is advantageously provided that the bottom conveyor elements moves the film cut open on the bottom side away from the bottom thereof by means of frictional engagement and / or by means of a relative movement of the bottom conveyor elements. Thus, the bottom cut film loses its contact at least to the container bottom, but also at least partially to the side wall.

The conveyance of the film can be carried out with film conveying elements, wherein the bottom-side cut film is guided on the head side along a slope to a film disposal device.

The film can also be removed on the head side by means of suction devices, wherein the film can also be taken on two sides. The film disposal device may comprise an upper and lower drive and transport unit, wherein one of the drive and transport units can detect the film to be discharged offset in time before the other drive and transport units. It is conceivable that, in one embodiment, the film disposal device could at least partially abut or rest on the packaging unit as a vacuum conveyor.

The film can be transported away on the head side in the standing state of the container, but it is also conceivable to transfer the containers into a lying position, wherein the film can then also be removed on the head side, for example by means of vacuum suckers. In the sense of the invention, therefore, the film to be removed on the head side means that the film is handled on an upwardly facing surface of the container after it has been separated.

Advantageously, the spreader first dips into the packaging unit. In this case, the expansion element can penetrate through an end opening of the packaging unit, the so-called porthole, or through a closed end face in the packaging unit. With the immersion of the expansion element in the packaging unit adjacent containers are pressed transversely to the direction of transport away from each other in the rows outward. After this is done, the packaging unit is opened on the bottom side by the cutting device or the cutting edge cuts the film in the region of the bottom, so the film bottom itself and the section to the optional porthole or the section to the immersion point of the expansion element in the packaging unit. For this purpose, preferably a mechanically acting cutting edge on the expansion element may be arranged, which preferably extends along a slope of the spreader towards a lower edge of the separator. The goal is, if the separator or its cutting edge follows the spreader seen in the transport direction. The separating device can preferably be designed so that its lower edge is arranged below a footprint of the container on the conveyor. If the bottom side or the bottom region is cut open, it is advantageously provided that the bottom film is first removed from the container bottoms by bottom conveyor elements moving the bottom film at least at an angle to the transport direction in the direction of the respective outside of the outermost containers. The film is thus virtually freed on the bottom side, in that the film has been detached from the bottom of the container and conveyed to the side, and can be conveyed off at the top by means of film conveying elements.

Expediently, the separating device is arranged below the spreading element, both of which act in matching congruence with the center in the middle of the packaging unit, thus separating the packaging unit or the film, so to speak, in the middle. The central cut is carried out in particular in packs in which, for example, 2, 4 or 6 bottles are arranged transversely to the running direction. Off-center, the cut is made in packs, especially when odd-numbered containers are present, e.g. at 3 or 5 bottles.

If there are more than 2 rows of bottles across the direction of rotation, you can also make 2 cuts. This creates a film strip that does not need to be removed before lifting the containers. The advantage here is that only the film which is located below the outer row must be removed laterally.

The objective is that the separation device is preferably arranged below the same with respect to the expansion element. It is also conceivable, however, for the separating device to have a separating section which acts above the spreading element. So not only the bottom area, but also the head area of the film could be cut open. The separating device or its cutting edge can also be used as a thermal separating element, e.g. be designed as a heating element.

It is expedient if the bottom conveyor elements removes or moves the film away from the bottoms of the individual containers at an acute angle, preferably at an angle of 90 ° relative to the transport direction of the packaging unit. An acute angle in the sense of the invention is an angle which is smaller than 90 °. Of course, an obtuse angle can also be chosen under which the film is moved away from the ground.

The target is when the bottom conveyor elements frictionally remove the bottom sheet from the bottoms of the container. In a preferred embodiment, the floor conveyor elements to a correspondingly executed surface, wherein a rubber surface is conceivable. It is further preferred if the floor conveyor elements move the bottom-side film away from the bottom of the container by means of a relative movement. Of course, the floor conveyor elements can be driven by a motor.

If the film is freed on the bottom side, that is, if the bottom-side positive locking is released, the film conveying elements can remove the film on the head side. It would be useful not to split the head-side film. Rather, it is favorable if the separating device in the simplest embodiment follows an inclined plane, which simply lifts the head-side foil from the bottle heads, and is then picked up by a foil conveying device and transported away. It is expedient in this embodiment, if the film conveying element of the separating device, but also the bottom conveyor elements follows, so seen behind the bottom conveyor element is seen in the transport direction. It is conceivable if the film is gripped by means of gripping elements, such as fingers, grippers and / or hooks.

In a further possible embodiment, to remove the bottom-cut, but still closed-end film but also be provided that the containers are rotated, that are transferred from a standing position to a lying position, in which position the film is transported away, for example by these. sucked and / or gripped.

Of course, the packaging units can be successively freed of the film continuously or clocked in time.

As already stated, the process is carried out in a stripper station.

The stripping station has a transporter which transports the packaging units to a separating device which separates the film. The separator is seen in the transport direction upstream of the expansion element, wherein the separation device, the bottom conveyor elements are connected downstream, wherein the bottom conveyor elements Subsequently foil conveying elements are provided, which carry away the separated film.

In an advantageous embodiment, the feed dog has at least two successive areas in the transport direction, of which a first area has a transport means. By means of the first area, the packaging units are conveyed and also beyond the second area. In the second region, a sliding element is arranged, wherein advantageously at least the bottom conveyor elements are provided, which free the containers from the bottom-side cut film.

The bottom conveyor elements preferably have a frictional force increasing effective surface, so they may preferably be rubberized. The floor conveyor elements can be designed as a transport chain, rollers, strips and / or turntable, wherein the floor conveyor elements can also be raised and / or lowered. It is leading to the fact that the floor conveyor elements laterally transport the film, cut open on the bottom side, away from the respective floor and free the floor from the film.

The virtually free film can be lifted off the head. The so separated from the packaging containers can be fed to a packing machine.

The containers may include drinks and be designed, for example, as bottles, preferably as PET bottles.

Fig.1

eine Entfolierstation in einer Seitenansicht ausschnittsweise,

Fig.2

die Entfolierstation aus Figur 1 in einer Aufsicht,

Fig.3

die Entfolierstation aus Figur 1 im Querschnitt durch eine einzelne Verpackungseinheit mit einem Transporteur in einer ersten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 4

die Entfolierstation aus Figur 1 mit einem Transporteur in einer zweiten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 5

die Entfolierstation aus Figur 1 mit einem Transporteur in einer dritten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 6 bis Fig. 8

die Entfolierstation aus Figur 1 mit einem Transporteur in einer vierten Ausgestaltung,

Fig. 9 bis Fig. 14

das Entfernen der Folie mittels einem Spiralwender.

Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the subclaims and the following description of the figures. Show it

Fig.1

a stripper station in a side view fragmentary,

Fig.2

the Entfolierstation FIG. 1 in a supervision,

Figure 3

the Entfolierstation FIG. 1 in cross section through a single packaging unit with a conveyor in a first embodiment,

Fig. 4

the Entfolierstation FIG. 1 with a conveyor in a second embodiment,

Fig. 5

the Entfolierstation FIG. 1 with a conveyor in a third embodiment,

Fig. 6 to Fig. 8

the Entfolierstation FIG. 1 with a conveyor in a fourth embodiment,

FIG. 9 to FIG. 14

the removal of the film by means of a spiral turner.

In the different figures, the same parts are always provided with the same reference numerals, which is why these are usually described only once.

FIG. 1 shows a detail of a Entfolierstation 1, with which a method for removing film 2 can be performed, wherein the film 2 summarizes a plurality of containers 3 to 4 packaging units.

Like that FIGS. 1 and 2 can be removed, a packaging unit 4, for example, six containers 3, which are arranged in rows of three, so that in each case two containers 3 in the transport direction (arrow 5) are seen side by side.

The packaging units 4 are conveyed continuously on a conveyor 6 to a separating device 7, which can cut open the film 2 on the bottom side.

However, before the separating device 7 cuts in or cuts open the bottom-side foil 2, a spreading element 8 is inserted into the packaging unit 4. The expansion element 8 is the separator 7 upstream seen in the transport direction 5, and pushes the adjacent container 3 to the outside, like the FIG. 2 can be removed, since the packaging unit 4 moves despite the immersion of the expansion element 8 in this further along the transport direction 5. The expansion element 8 preferably has an arrow-shaped tip.

The packaging units 4, or the individual containers 3 are on the conveyor 6, which in a first region 10 transport 11 and in a second region 12 at least bottom conveyor elements 13 (FIG. FIGS. 3 to 8 ) having. The means of transport 11 has a gap 14 in the center at least in regions.

The film 2 comprises the packaging unit 4 on the head side, on the bottom side and in each case laterally, wherein in each case an opening 15, the so-called porthole 15, is arranged on the front side.

The expansion element 8 and the separation device 7 are preferably combined to form a common component, preferably made in one piece, so preferably consist of a single component. The expansion element 8 is in front of the separating device 7 and, as can be seen by way of example, arranged so that it runs parallel to the feed dog 6 so that the expansion element 8 dips into the frontal opening 15 or into the porthole 15.

Seen in the axial direction slightly spaced from the tip of the expansion element 8, the separation device 7 connects to this. The separating device 7 has an oblique cutting edge 16 which extends obliquely downward from a lower edge 17 of the spreading element 8 in the direction of a lower edge 18 of the separating device 7. Of course, the cutting edge 16 can also be continued in sections or completely in the lower edge 17 of the expanding element 8, but also in the lower edge 18 of the separating device 7. The lower edge 18 passes through the gap 14 of the conveyor 6 or of the transport means 11.

Easily recognizable is based on the FIGS. 1 and 2 in that the expansion element 8 is initially immersed in the packaging unit 4, the container 3 is pushed away to the side, and the separation device 7 with its cutting edge 16 cuts through the bottom-side film 2. The goal is that the cutting edge 16 almost directly adjoins the spreader 8, so that the film area between the porthole 15 and the bottom portion is cut open.

The expansion element 8 and the separator 7 are rigid, so immovably arranged, and quasi designed as a mandrel 9.

The transport means 11 in the first region 10 of the conveyor 6 is an example of a transport chain ( FIG. 3 , left), which may be rubberized on its uprising side 19 in order to transport the packaging units 4 frictionally. The first area 10 of the conveyor 9 goes directly into the second area 12 of the Transporter 9 on, wherein the second region 12 has a centrally disposed sliding member 20, on which bottom conveyor elements 13 are arranged laterally.

The slider 20 is seen in supervision as FIG. 2 shows exemplified conical running and extends seen in the transport direction 5. The sliding element 20 itself causes no transport in the transport direction 5. This is effected by means of the transport means 11 in the first region 10 of the conveyor 6, wherein the packaging units 4 are naturally conveyed over the second region 12 of the conveyor 9. FIG. 3 on the left shows the first area 10 of the conveyor 6, wherein FIG. 3 on the right shows the second area 11 of the conveyor 9.

According to the course of the sliding element 20, the bottom conveyor elements 13 are arranged on its side.

The floor conveyor elements 13 are arranged and designed so that they remove the bottom-side cut film 2 from the bottoms of the individual containers 3.

In a simple embodiment, the bottom conveyor elements 13 are designed as a transport chain 22, which have a transverse to the transport direction 5 oriented conveying movement, such as FIG. 3 right shows. The bottom conveyor elements 13 may have a rubberized active surface 21 which frictionally entrains the bottom-side film 2 and conveys to the outside of the container 3. Particularly advantageous is the cone-like configuration of the sliding element 20 in cooperation with the bottom conveyor element 13, which conveys laterally away the bottom cut film 2 in the bottom area, as in FIG. 2 recognizable by the widening edges.

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the floor conveyor elements 13, which are designed as rollers 23. The rollers 23 have a rubberized surface or otherwise executed surface in order to preferably remove the bottom-cut film 2 frictionally from the container bottoms, or to move to the outer sides of the container 3. The axis of rotation of the rollers 23 extends parallel to the actual transport direction 5. As can be seen by means of the rotation arrows, the opposing rollers 23 may have opposite directions of rotation, which is also useful to the bottom-side film 2 respectively to the outside to move. The rollers 23 may also be raised and / or lowered, as in FIG. 4 recognizable by the vertical double arrows.

At the in FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment, the laterally disposed floor conveyor elements 21 are designed as a bar 24, the effective surface is preferably gummed to produce a frictional engagement. The laterally arranged strips 24 are movable relative to the sliding element 20, but can also be raised and / or lowered. Even with the strips 24, a lateral transport of the bottom-side cut film 2 to the outside of the container 3 is achieved.

Of course, the sliding member 20 may also be designed as a means of transport or chain, which is why in the FIGS. 4 and 5 the reference numeral 11 is set by way of example in parentheses, wherein the surface may be smooth, or could have a lower coefficient of friction than the bottom conveyor elements 13 in their respective configuration to achieve a frictional removal of the bottom side cut film 2 by means of the bottom conveyor elements 13.

In the in the FIGS. 6 to 8 illustrated embodiment, the bottom conveyor elements 13 are designed as a turntable 25 whose axis of rotation is arranged at an angle to the feed dog 6, that is preferably at an angle which is smaller than 90 ° ( FIG. 7 ), whereby of course a right angle ( FIG. 6 ) is conceivable. In a preferred embodiment, the angle may have an amount of 70 to 85 °. The turntables 25 are mounted on the axis of rotation by means of force accumulators, for example springs, with directly adjacent turntables 25 overlapping slightly on their surface as seen in the transport direction 5 (FIG. FIGS. 7 and 8 ). By means of the power storage can also be achieved that the turntable 25 despite the angular adjustment of the axis of rotation to the feed dog 6 at least partially flat and spring force-related, so can increase frictional engagement with the bottom of the respective container 3. Of course, the turntables 25 can also be rubberized on their effective surface 21, and each have a corresponding direction of rotation.

Targeting the different configurations of the floor conveyor elements 13 to the FIGS. 3 to 8 is that they remove the bottom side cut film 2 transverse to the transport direction 5 of the bottoms of the container 3, so that a bottom-side film contact is at least lifted to the container bottom, without the container would need to be raised. If the film is exposed laterally, it can be removed from the head. In the Figures 3 , right and 4 to 6 is exemplary Dargerstellt, as the contact of the film 2 to the container 3 is not only on the ground but also in the abdominal region of the container 3 is lifted laterally. The packaging units 4 are each guided laterally by container guides 26.

In FIG. 1 it is shown by way of example that a film conveying element 27 can join the separating device 7. The film conveying element 27 is preferably formed integrally with the separating device 7, and thus also with the spreading element 8, and arranged approximately in the second region 12 of the conveyor 6 above the same, and extends as an inclined sliding surface of this wegorientiert to a film disposal device 28, with which the foil 2 is conveyed away.

This is possible because the dissolved from the bottoms of the container film 2 side of the containers 3 no longer has contact with the container bottoms, and is so easily deducted upwards. Should the container guide 26 laterally exert a certain holding pressure on the film 2, this would naturally have to be loosened or loosened.

The film disposal device 28 has two rollers rotating in opposite directions, which virtually pulls the film 2 upwards along the oblique sliding surface.

Of course, instead of the foil conveying elements 27 and / or foil disposal device 28 shown, other suitable devices may also be provided, such as e.g. two superimposed belts, a vacuum conveyor or hook, to name just a few non-limiting examples. Also conceivable are suction devices which suck the film on the head side, hold on and carry away, or even vacuum.

But it is also possible to turn the container 3 from its upright position to a horizontal position and back, as in the FIGS. 9 to 14 by way of example with reference to a spiral turntable 29 in order to remove the foil 2. However, it is also essential that the film is first separated on the bottom side. It may be advantageous if the positive connection of the film 2 to the bottom of the container 3 would be canceled by means of the soil conveying elements 13 described by way of example after the bottom-side separation of the film. As FIG. 12 but this is not absolutely necessary.

If the film 2 is separated on the bottom side, the two laterally directly adjacent containers 3 are rotated by 90 ° by means of spiral guide units 30, thus rotated so that the originally inner sides 31 of the containers 3 serve as a support side ( FIG. 11 ). The direction of rotation of the respective containers 3, for example in the spiral turners 29 is in FIG. 10 shown.

Is the position according to FIG. 11 is reached, it is easily recognizable that the bottom-side split film 2 now rests on the respective containers 3, or quasi-coat-like manner, and the thus formed jacket film is easily wegförderbar upwards. This can be done, for example, by means of vacuum cups 32, which are firmly adhering to the film 2 so that they can be lifted off the film ( FIG. 12 ). Subsequently, the container 3 to be reversed FIG. 10 returned to their original position ( FIG. 13 ) and can be transported to a packing machine ( FIG. 14 ).

The aim of the invention is that the film 2 of the packaging unit 4 is cut on the bottom side, wherein initially the spreader 8 of the cutting edge 14 is pre-immersed in the packaging unit 4. It is favorable that the bottom side, preferably cut open by means of a single central cut film 2 in the bottom region of the container is released from these, for which the bottom conveyor elements 13 are suitable in a variety of configurations. Thus, the film is completely contact-free not only held to the container bottom, so that the film is easy to remove head side. If the containers of each packaging unit are separated, the containers are fed to a packaging machine, in particular a packaging machine for producing foil packs, trays and wrap-around packaging, which can produce plastic cases, trays, boxes, etc. sorted or mixed. This is in FIG. 2 merely as an example seen in the transport direction 5 to the sliding element 20 subsequent transport element 33 is shown, which can be designed as a transport chain with a smooth surface, the transporter 6 quasi even has a third region 34.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Entfolierstation

2

foil

3

container

4

Packaging Unit

5

transport direction

6

carrier

7

separating device

8th

spreader

9

mandrel

10

First range of 6

11

Mode of Transport

12

Second area of 6

13

Floor conveying elements

14

gap

15

porthole

16

cutting edge

17

Lower edge of 8

18

Lower edge of 7

19

footprint

20

Slide

21

Effective surface of 13

22

transport chain

23

role

24

strip

25

turntable

26

container management

27

Film conveying element

28

Foliensorgungsvorrichtung

29

spiral turner

30

guide units

31

Inner ventral side of 3

32

vacuum cups

33

transport element

34

Third area of 6

Claims (24)

1. Method for removing film from packaging units (4), which have containers (3) combined by means of a film (2), such containers (3) being arranged in at least two rows in the packaging unit (4), wherein a severing device (7) is provided in order to sever the film (2), wherein the packaging unit (4) is conveyed in a conveying direction relative to the severing device (7), comprising at least the steps of:

   a) delivering the packaging unit (4) to the film-removal station (1)

   b) introducing at least one spreading element (8) into the packaging unit (4) and between at least two rows of containers (3)

   c) severing the film (2) of the packaging unit (4) by means of a cutting edge (14) of the severing device (7) which follows the spreading element (8), seen in the conveying direction (5),

   d) moving the severed film (2) at an angle or transverse to the conveying direction (5) and to an outer side of the container (3) arranged laterally in the conveying direction (5) by means of floor conveying elements (13,22; 13,23;13,24;13,25),

   e) removing the film (2) in that it is conveyed away on the head side.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the severing device (7) severs the film (2) on the floor side, and in particular severs the portion of the film (2) at least at a part height which in the conveying direction encloses the packaging unit (4) in front or behind.
3. Method according to claim 2, characterised in that the part height of the film (2) is severed completely in the conveying direction before or after the packaging unit (4) as far as an existing opening, in particular the shrink hole.
4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the film is moved by means of friction contact and/or by a relative movement of the floor conveying elements (13, 22; 13, 23; 13, 24; 13, 25) to the container bases, oriented laterally away from these.
5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the packaging unit (4) is held at least temporarily on the floor side by a part surface free of contact, in particular while the film is being moved by means of friction contact and/or by a relative movement of the floor conveying elements (13, 22; 13, 23;13, 24;13, 25) to the container bases, oriented laterally away from these.
6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (2) is conveyed to a film conveying element (27), moving along on the head side to a film disposal device (28).
7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the film (2) is acquired on two sides.
8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a film disposal device (28) comprises an upper and lower drive and conveyor unit, wherein one of the drive and conveying units acquires the film (2) to be conveyed away with a time interval before the other drive and conveying units.
9. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a film disposal device (28) in one embodiment as a vacuum conveyor, is located at or on the packaging unit.
10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the containers (3), after the floor-side severing of the film (2), are transferred into an essentially horizontal position, wherein the film (2) is then transported away on the head side.
11. Film removal station for removing film from packaging units (4), which have containers (3) combined by means of a film (2), which containers (3) are arranged in at least two rows in the packaging unit (4), wherein a severing device (7) is provided for severing the film (2), wherein the packaging unit (4) is conveyed along a conveying direction (5) relative to the severing device (7), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, seen in the conveying direction (5), arranged before the severing device (7) is a spreading element (8), which enters the packaging unit, wherein the severing device (7) severs the film (2) after the entry of the spreading element (8), wherein a conveyor (8) comprises at least floor conveying elements (13,22; 13,23; 13,24; 13,25), which conveys the severed film (2) away laterally, seen in the conveying direction (5).
12. Film removal station according to claim 11, characterised in that the spreading element (8) comprises an arrow-shaped tip.
13. Film removal station according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the conveyor (6) comprises two areas (10,12), wherein the floor conveying elements (13,22; 13,23; 13,24; 13,25) are arranged in the second area (12).
14. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterised in that the conveyor (6) comprises, at least in its first area (10), a middle gap (14), through which the severing device (7) engages at least in some sections.
15. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterised in that the severing device (7) and the spreading element (8) are combined to form one component, wherein the component is rigidly mounted, and to an extent forms a dome (9).
16. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the severing device (7) comprises a cutting edge (16), which is oriented away from a lower edge (17) of the spreading element (8) and extends obliquely downwards from the lower edge (17) of the spreading element (8), inclined in the direction towards a lower edge (18) of the severing device (7).
17. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 16, characterised in that the conveyor (6) comprises in its second area (12) a centrally arranged slide element (20), wherein the floor conveying elements (13,22; 13,23; 13,24; 13,25) are in each case arranged laterally thereto.
18. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 17, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13, 22; 13, 23; 13, 24; 13, 25) comprise an effect surface (21), in particular a rubberised effect surface (21), which exhibits an at least temporary friction contact with the film (2) severed on the floor side, and the film (2) severed on the floor side is conveyed away laterally, seen in the conveying direction (5).
19. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 18, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13, 22; 13, 23; 13, 24; 13, 25) are designed so as to be capable of being raised and lowered.
20. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13,22) are designed as a conveying chain (22).
21. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13,23) are designed as rollers (23), in particular as rubberised rollers (23).
22. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13, 24) are designed as strips (24).
23. Film removal station according to any one of claims 11 to 19, characterised in that the floor conveying elements (13, 25) are designed as turntables (25), in particular a plurality of turntables (25).
24. Film removal station according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that guide units (30) are provided, which transfer the containers (3) into an essentially horizontal position, such that the film (2) severed on the floor side can be conveyed away on the head side.

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