Apparatus for unstacking packaging units

Abstract

This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for unstacking preformed products (), for example packaging units, stacked in a stack, these products comprising for example planar parts () and projecting parts () which are all stacked onto and into each other in line, wherein the method comprises, —placing a gripper with at least a single suction cup unit () of flexible material, more particularly a suction mouth thereof, on a planar product part () of such a product, —suction-engaging such a product, —conveying the product to a delivery location, and—releasing the product, wherein upon suction the planar product part () is pulled against a plate () which is part of the apparatus. It has been found that in this way in a suitable manner stacks of flexible and thin-walled packaging units can be unstacked, without the stack being disturbed or the packaging unit taken off being damaged or being picked up in the wrong position.