Transfer unit and method for transferring blister packs

A transfer unit for transferring blister packs comprising:

• a first transfer arm, which is movable between a first picking position, in which the first transfer arm picks a first blister pack from a first pick position, and a first placing position, in which the first transfer arm places the first blister pack in a first place position;
• and
• a second transfer arm, which is movable between a second picking position, in which the second transfer arm picks a second blister pack from a second pick position, and a second placing position, in which the second transfer arm places the second blister pack in a second place position;
• wherein the first and second transfer arms are arranged on either side of a longitudinal center plane of the transfer unit;
• wherein each of the first and second transfer arms comprises a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment is mounted rotatably around an associated first axis, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center plane;
• wherein the first segment of each of the first and second transfer arms comprises a section to which the second segment is attached such that it rotates around a non-stationary second axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the associated first axis, wherein a retaining element for picking and holding a blister pack is arranged on the second segment;
• wherein the first and second transfer arms are configured and actuated such that a movement of one of the first and second transfer arms from the first or second picking position to the first or second placing position and back is a combined movement, which comprises at least a first rotational movement of the first segment and of the second segment around the first axis and a second rotational movement of the second segment around the second axis;
• wherein the first and second pick positions are arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal row in an area of the longitudinal center plane, and the first and second place positions are outwardly offset relative to the longitudinal center plane;
• wherein the second axis of the first transfer arm is arranged such that, during the first rotational movement of the first segment of the first transfer arm, the second axis of the first transfer arm moves in a first plane, which intersects the first pick position or a lateral projection thereof along a first straight line, which is laterally offset from a center of the first pick position;
• and
• wherein the second axis of the second transfer arm is arranged such that, during the first rotational movement of the first segment of the second transfer arm, the second axis of the second transfer arm moves in a second plane, which intersects the second pick position or a lateral projection thereof along a second straight line, which is laterally, offset from a center of the second pick position.