Inspection equipment for medicine containers

Abstract

An apparatus for inspecting a cylindrical pharmaceutical container made of glass or polymer includes an operating device and a friction wheel; the operating device includes at least one holding device for holding the container on a side surface of the container; the holding device includes at least a first support wheel and a second support wheel for supporting the container; the container is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by rotating the first and second support wheels and / or by rotating the friction wheel; the axis of rotation of the first support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a first plane; the axis of rotation of the second support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a second plane; and the angle between the first plane and the second plane is in the range of 45° to less than 120°, preferably 50° to 90°, more preferably 60° to 80°, more preferably 65° to 75°, and most preferably about 70°.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device for inspecting pharmaceutical containers made of glass or polymer. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure quality, finished drug containers or intermediate products are typically inspected during the manufacturing process. If defects are detected, no further processing is required for that product or intermediate product.

[0003] According to document DE 10 2011 113 670 A1, an apparatus for inspecting flat glass is known. Further, document DE 10 2016 114 190 A1 describes a method and apparatus for optically inspecting transparent subjects.

[0004] In particular, pharmaceutical containers such as syringes, capillary vials, and syringes must meet stringent quality standards. For example, defects such as bulges, dents, scratches, particle adhesion, air bubbles, or foreign matter inclusions must be avoided. Because pharmaceutical containers are produced in batches, they must be inspected as quickly as possible. In cases where defects are reliably detected within a short timeframe, it is essential to ensure that the equipment used for inspecting fragile pharmaceutical containers does not introduce defects into the containers.

[0005] In terms of rapid non-destructive testing, known equipment for inspecting pharmaceutical containers cannot meet the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The invention described herein addresses the problem of how to improve and further develop equipment for inspecting pharmaceutical containers made of glass or polymers, enabling rapid and non-destructive inspection.

[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for inspecting a cylindrical pharmaceutical container made of glass or polymer, wherein the apparatus includes an operating device and a friction wheel; wherein the operating device includes at least one holding device for holding the container on a side surface of the container; wherein the holding device includes at least a first support wheel and a second support wheel for supporting the container; wherein the container is rotatable about its longitudinal axis by rotating the first and second support wheels and / or by rotating the friction wheel; wherein the axis of rotation of the first support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a first plane; wherein the axis of rotation of the second support wheel and the longitudinal axis of the container define a second plane; and wherein the angle between the first plane and the second plane is in the range of 45° to less than 120°, preferably 50° to 90°, more preferably 60° to 80°, more preferably 65° to 75°, and most preferably about 70°.

[0008] One advantage is that the rotatable retaining device allows for rapid container movement. Since the container can rotate about its longitudinal axis via the friction wheel and / or support wheel, the entire container body can be inspected using a suitable detector. Thus, defects can be effectively detected. It should be noted that the container can be inspected in the inspection area by any procedure and / or any device, especially when the container is in contact with the friction wheel, allowing it to rotate about its longitudinal axis.

[0009] The inventors were surprised to discover that at angles less than 45°, containers vibrate excessively, making inspection impossible. Furthermore, there is a risk of the container falling off the support wheels during inspection. At angles of 45° or greater, the risk of falling is very low, and the container surface obstructed by the support wheels is maximized, thus maximizing the inspectable area. At angles greater than 120°, the container surface obstructed by the support wheels is so large that rapid inspection becomes nearly impossible. At angles between 50° and 90°, the container vibrates on the support wheels, but the rotation is smooth enough for thorough inspection. Within the 60° to 80° range, the inspectable surface is large enough and the vibration is minimal enough to detect all different types of defects in a short time. At angles between 65° and 75°, vibration is negligible, and the inspectable surface remains large enough to detect very small container defects in the shortest possible time. Particularly at angles of approximately 70° (i.e., 70° ± 1°), the container can be inspected with the highest quality in the shortest time. For example, containers can be inspected at a clock frequency of more than 60 containers per minute, or even 80 containers per minute or higher.

[0010] To further improve system stability, preferably, the distance between the rotation axis of the friction wheel and the rotation axis of the first support wheel is equal to the distance between the rotation axis of the friction wheel and the rotation axis of the second support wheel. More preferably, the friction wheel is centrally located relative to the support wheel. Since the longitudinal axis of the container depends on the container's diameter, it is preferable that the position of the support wheel can be changed. Thus, depending on the diameter of the container being inspected, the support wheel can be positioned such that the aforementioned angle is within the aforementioned range. In another preferred embodiment, the support wheel and / or friction wheel are replaceable, allowing support wheels and / or friction wheels of different diameters to be arranged when containers of different diameters need to be inspected. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that when the support wheel is positioned such that the supported container is in the inspection position, the distance between the support wheel and the friction wheel defines the diameter of the container being inspected.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the operating device is movable, allowing the container to be conveyed first from a first conveying position to an inspection area, and then from the inspection area to a second conveying position; and / or the holding device and / or the friction wheel can move back and forth to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel within the inspection area, thereby allowing the container to rotate about its longitudinal axis by rotating the first and second support wheels and / or by rotating the friction wheel. The advantage is that high-speed inspection can be achieved through two different movements. The first movement (i.e., the movement of the operating device bringing the container into and out of the inspection area) brings the cylindrical medicine container into the inspection area, thus bringing it close to the friction wheel. The second movement (i.e., the movement of the holding device and / or the friction wheel back and forth to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel within the inspection area) brings the cylindrical medicine container, already in contact with the two support wheels of the holding device, into contact with the friction wheel. By performing only these two movements, the cylindrical medicine container can be brought into contact with the friction wheel very smoothly without damaging the container or causing any vibration. Conversely, if only one movement is performed, the cylindrical medicine container will vibrate when in contact with the friction wheel, potentially causing damage; additionally, a certain amount of time must pass between container positioning and measurement for the container to stop vibrating. Therefore, equipment performing both movements is suitable for high clock frequencies exceeding 60 containers per minute, or even 80 containers per minute or higher.

[0012] There are no particular restrictions on the movement of the manipulator to bring the container into and out of the inspection area. This movement can be any kind of movement, such as complex movements, linear movements, or rotations of a robotic arm. If the manipulator is rotatable, allowing the container to be first conveyed from a first conveying position to the inspection area and then from the inspection area to a second conveying position, then the speed of the equipment can be further increased because rotation about an axis is a very precise motion.

[0013] There are no particular restrictions on the movement of the holding device within the inspection area. The holding device can move together with the entire operating device, or it can move independently (e.g., up and down) while other parts of the operating device remain stationary. Preferably, the holding device or the operating device can move back and forth along a first axis to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel within the inspection area. This further reduces vibration and further prevents damage. This, in turn, increases the inspection speed.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the operating device is rotatable, allowing the container to be first conveyed from a first conveying position to an inspection area, and then from the inspection area to a second conveying position. Alternatively, the friction wheel, the holding device, and / or the operating device (preferably the operating device) may be movable back and forth along a first axis to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel within the inspection area.

[0015] Typically, these two movements can be performed primarily in a continuous manner, in a continuous manner, or simultaneously. In a preferred embodiment, the movement of the operating device from the first transfer position to the inspection area (i.e., the "first movement") and the movement of the holding device and / or the friction wheel to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel (i.e., the "second movement") are performed primarily in a continuous manner or in a continuous manner (more preferably in a continuous manner).

[0016] Particularly in the claims, and preferably in the description, the term "pharmaceutical container" refers to a container used for storing pharmaceutical products. The pharmaceutical container can be a syringe, vial, ampoule, cartridge, or any special tubular article. The diameter of the container, as examined by the device according to the invention, can range from 4 mm to 80 mm, preferably from 6 mm to 50 mm.

[0017] In particular, in the claims, and preferably in the description, the term "longitudinal axis" refers to a line, especially a rotational axis running from the bottom to the top of the container.

[0018] In particular, in the claims, and preferably in the specification, the term "inspection area" refers to the area surrounding the location of the container during inspection.

[0019] In this document, the side surface of a cylindrical medicine container is the outer surface of the cylindrical portion of the container. Preferably, the device has no contact with the base and top of the cylindrical medicine container. During inspection, by placing the side surface of the container horizontally on the support wheel, the emitted light can penetrate at least almost the entire container. Therefore, if the container is held only on its side surface during measurement by the holding device and friction wheel, the cylindrical medicine container can be inspected with minimal or no shadows. Even the top and / or bottom portions of the container can be inspected when the container is held only on its side surface during measurement by the holding device and friction wheel.

[0020] It should be noted, particularly in the claims, and preferably in the specification, that the first and second transmission positions may be the same or different positions.

[0021] Specifically, in the claims, it is preferred that the term "cylindrical container" in the description refer to a container that includes at least a cylindrical portion. Therefore, containers that include, for example, non-cylindrical ends, such as syringes, Capule bottles, or ampoules, are cylindrical containers. Furthermore, the side surfaces of a cylindrical container do not necessarily have to be smooth. The side surfaces may include grooves, ridges, corrugations, or any other structure. Furthermore, the side surfaces may have a corrugated surface.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the operating device includes three holding devices arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other. The advantage of arranging the three holding devices at 120° angles is that, at the same time, one holding device can be in a first transfer position, another holding device can be in the inspection area, and the remaining holding device can be in a second transfer position. Therefore, a high clock frequency can be achieved.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a conveying device for transporting the container to a first conveying position and receiving the container from the operating device at a second conveying position. The advantage of having a conveying device is that it allows the container to be fed in in a manner synchronized with the clock frequency of the operating device.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the device further includes a conveying device, a first conveying device, and a second conveying device. The conveying device is configured to convey the container to the first conveying device and receive the container from the second conveying device. Further, the first conveying device is configured to remove the container from the conveying device and convey it to a first conveying position, wherein the first conveying device includes at least one holding unit for holding the container. Preferably, the container is held on its side surface, wherein the first conveying device is rotatable, allowing the container to be brought into the first conveying position while held by the first holding unit. Additionally, the second conveying device is configured to receive the container from the operating device, wherein the second conveying device includes at least one holding unit for holding the container. Preferably, the container is held on its side surface, wherein the second conveying device is rotatable, allowing the container to be conveyed from the second conveying position to the conveying device, thereby preferably positioning the container on the conveying device with its side surface. The advantage of this arrangement is that the container can be fed in at very high speeds, thereby preventing scratches or other forms of damage to the container because the conveying device is rotatable.

[0025] According to a preferred embodiment, the first conveying device includes three holding units arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other. Alternatively, the second conveying device may include three holding units arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other. This configuration is advantageous due to its high conveying speed and compact structure.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the conveying device is a conveyor belt. The advantages of a conveyor belt are that it can be easily constructed and controlled. Furthermore, the advantage of a conveyor belt is that containers can be conveyed with their side surfaces resting on it, thereby preventing containers from falling off.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the holding unit of the first conveying device, and / or the holding unit of the second conveying device, and / or the holding device of the operating device includes a suction element. Therefore, the container can be easily picked up by suctioning it onto the holding unit. Furthermore, during conveying, i.e., when the conveying device or operating device rotates or otherwise moves, the container is firmly held by the suction element.

[0028] Typically, any type of material, such as polymers, metals, and ceramics, can be used for the surfaces of the support wheels that contact the container. According to a preferred embodiment, at least the surfaces of the support wheels that contact the container, and / or at least the surfaces of the holding units of the first conveying device that contact the container, and / or at least the surfaces of the holding units of the second conveying device that contact the container, and / or the surfaces of the friction wheels that contact the container, comprise polymers (e.g., polyoxymethylene or polyacetal) or steel (e.g., ball bearing steel) to prevent scratching on the container and ensure slip-free acceleration and smooth rotation of the container. Using one of these materials (preferably polyoxymethylene or polyacetal) is advantageous because it prevents container damage and ensures slip-free acceleration and smooth rotation of the container.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the holding device or the operating device can move back and forth along a first axis to bring the container into contact with the friction wheel within the inspection area. The back-and-forth movement of the operating device along the first axis can be easily synchronized with the movement of other parts of the device. Furthermore, the back-and-forth movement along the first axis can be achieved in a simple manner, thereby at least reducing the risk of device malfunction. If the entire operating device is movable, the construction of the device can be further simplified.

[0030] According to another preferred embodiment, the first conveying device and the second conveying device (preferably, the operating device, the first conveying device, and the second conveying device) can move back and forth along the first axis. This is advantageous because it allows the movement of the conveying devices and the operating device to be synchronized, thereby increasing the conveying speed.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the first conveying device can move back and forth along the second axis; and / or the second conveying device can move back and forth along the third axis. Furthermore, the angle between the first axis and the second axis is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably 40° to 50°, more preferably 45°; and / or the angle between the first axis and the third axis is in the range of 30° to 60°, preferably 40° to 50°, more preferably 45°. It should be noted that the aforementioned angle is the smaller of the two angles formed when the two lines intersect.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one driving mechanism is arranged, preferably a cam gear and / or an electric motor. The driving mechanism is used to move the first conveying device and / or the second conveying device and / or the operating device along the first axis and / or along the second axis and / or along the third axis. Each holding unit of the first conveying device and / or the second conveying device can be moved individually, for example, by an electric motor. Further, each holding device of the operating device can be moved individually, for example, by an electric motor. The advantage of this is that each individual part can be controlled without the need for other parts. Furthermore, at least the first conveying device or at least the second conveying device or at least the operating device can be moved by a separate driving mechanism. Therefore, this reduces the complexity of the device. In a preferred embodiment, the first conveying device, the second conveying device, and the operating device can be moved by the same driving mechanism, for example, along the first axis. For this purpose, the conveying device and the operating device can be arranged on a single structure (e.g., a plate). The movement of this structure can be achieved by a cam drive and / or an electric motor or any similar construction.

[0033] It should be noted that the present invention also relates to a system comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 and at least one cylindrical pharmaceutical container. Attached Figure Description

[0034] There are several ways to design and further improve the teachings of the present invention in an advantageous manner. For this purpose, reference will be made, on the one hand, to the patent claim dependent on claim 1, and on the other hand, to the following description of preferred examples of embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. The preferred embodiments and further improvements to the teachings will be described in general, taking into account the description of the preferred embodiments of the invention with the aid of the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A side view schematic diagram of the holding device of a device according to one embodiment is shown. Specific Implementation

[0039] In the following description of the embodiments, the same reference numerals denote similar parts. For better understanding, not every element shown in the figures is always represented by reference numerals.

[0040] Figure 1 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to one embodiment is shown. The device includes an operating device 1 and friction wheels 2. The operating device 1 includes three holding devices 3 for holding a pharmaceutical container 4 made of glass or polymer. It can be seen that the container 4 has a circular cross-section and is cylindrical at least in this region. The holding devices 3 respectively include a first support wheel 5, a second support wheel 6, and a suction element 7.

[0041] Therefore, the holding device 3 is configured to hold the container 4 on its side surface. Further, as indicated by arrow 8, the operating device 1 is rotatable, allowing the container 4 to be first conveyed from the first transfer position 9 to the inspection area 10, and then from the inspection area 10 to the second transfer position 11. The holding devices 3 (each holding device 3 of the operating device 1) and / or the friction wheels 2 can each move back and forth along the first axis 21, allowing the container 4 in the inspection area 10 to contact the friction wheels 2. When the friction wheels 2 contact the container 4, i.e., in the inspection position, the container can be rotated about its longitudinal axis 24, for example, by rotating the friction wheels 2. Thus, the entire surface of the container 4 can be inspected. After inspection, the operating device 1 rotates further, allowing the container 4 to be conveyed to the second transfer position 11.

[0042] Figure 1 It is also shown that three retaining devices 3 are arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other.

[0043] Figure 2 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 1The device includes an operating device 1 and a friction wheel 2. Further, the device includes a conveying device 12 (i.e., a conveyor belt), a first conveying device 13, and a second conveying device 14. The conveying device 12 is configured to transport the container 4 to the first conveying device 13 and further receive the container 4 from the second conveying device 14.

[0044] The first conveying device 13 is configured to remove the container 4 from the conveying device 12 and convey it to a first conveying position 9. The first conveying device 13 includes three holding units 15 for holding the container 4, preferably on its side surface. Each holding unit 15 includes a suction element 16 for securely holding the container 4. As indicated by arrow 17A, the first conveying device 13 is rotatable, allowing the container 4 to be conveyed to the first conveying position 9.

[0045] The second conveying device 14 is configured to receive the container 4 from the operating device 1. Further, the second conveying device 14 includes three holding units 18 for preferably holding the container 4 on its side surface. As indicated by arrow 17B, the second conveying device 14 is rotatable, allowing the container 4 to be conveyed from the second conveying position 11 onto the transport device 12. Preferably, the container 4 is positioned on the transport device 12 with its side surface. Each holding unit 18 includes a suction element 19 for securely holding the container 4.

[0046] Figure 2 It is also shown that the operating device 1, the first conveying device 13 and the second conveying device 14 are located on the same structure 20 (e.g., plate), so that these devices can move back and forth together along axis 21.

[0047] Furthermore, the first operating device 13 can move back and forth along the second axis 22, and the second operating device 14 can move back and forth along the third axis 23. The angle between the first axis 21 and the second axis 22 is approximately 45°. Similarly, the angle between the first axis 21 and the third axis 23 is approximately 45°. The holding units 15 of the first conveying device 13 are arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other. Likewise, the holding units 18 of the second conveying device 14 are arranged on a circle at 120° angles to each other.

[0048] Figure 3 A side view schematic diagram of a device according to another embodiment is shown. The device includes an operating device 1 and a friction wheel 2. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In contrast to the embodiment, the operating device 1 includes only two holding devices 3. Each holding device 3 includes a first support wheel 5, a second support wheel 6, and a suction element 7.

[0049] As indicated by arrow 8, the operating device 1 is rotatable, allowing the container 4 to be initially conveyed from the first conveying position 9 to the inspection area 10. To bring the container 4 into contact with the friction wheel 2, the retaining devices 3 (each retaining device 3 of the operating device 1) and / or the friction wheel 2 can move back and forth along the first axis 21. After the inspection of the container 4 is completed, the operating device 1 is rotated to bring the container from the inspection area 10 to the second conveying position 11, which is the same as the first conveying position 9.

[0050] Even in Figures 1 to 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining device 3 (each retaining device 3 of the operating device 1) and / or the friction wheel 2 are described as being movable along the first axis 21, but this movement need not be linear. These components can also perform nonlinear movements.

[0051] Where it is not considered to impose any limitations on the illustrated embodiments Figure 4 This is used to illustrate the arrangement of the first support wheel 5 and the second support wheel 6 relative to each other. Figure 4 The diagram shows that container 4 is supported by a first support wheel 5 and a second support wheel 6. It can be seen that the rotation axis 25 of the first support wheel 5 and the longitudinal axis 24 of the container 4 define a first plane 26. Additionally, the rotation axis 27 of the second support wheel 6 and the longitudinal axis 24 of the container 4 define a second plane 28. The first plane 26 and the second plane 28 intersect at an angle 29. According to a preferred embodiment, the angle 29 ranges from 45° to less than 120°, preferably from 50° to 90°, more preferably from 60° to 80°, even more preferably from 65° to 75°, and most preferably about 70°. Those skilled in the art will understand that the position of the longitudinal axis 24 depends on the diameter of the container. Therefore, when the device is used for containers with different diameters, the positions of the first support wheel 5 and the second support wheel 6 must be adjusted.

[0052] Figures 1 to 3 All embodiments described herein may include a retaining device 3 having a first support wheel 5 and a second support wheel 6, the first support wheel 5 and the second support wheel 6 being arranged such that angle 29 is within the range described above.

[0053] Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will arise to those skilled in the art, taking advantage of the teachings given in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that such modifications and other embodiments fall within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is for general and descriptive purposes only and not for limiting purposes.

[0054] Reference tag list

[0055] 1. Operating device

[0056] 2 Friction wheel

[0057] 3 Holding device

[0058] 4 containers

[0059] 5 First support wheel

[0060] 6 Second support wheel

[0061] 7. Pick-up element

[0062] 8. Arrow (operating device)

[0063] 9 First teleport location

[0064] 10 Inspection Area

[0065] 11 Second teleport location

[0066] 12. Transport equipment

[0067] 13 First Conveying Device

[0068] 14 Second Conveying Device

[0069] 15 Holding Unit (First Conveying Device)

[0070] 16. Suction element (first conveying device)

[0071] 17A Arrow (First Conveying Device)

[0072] 17B Arrow (Second Conveying Device)

[0073] 18 Holding Unit (Second Conveying Device)

[0074] 19. Suction element (second conveying device)

[0075] 20 Structure

[0076] 21 First Axis

[0077] 22 Second Axis

[0078] 23 Third Axis

[0079] 24. Longitudinal axis

[0080] 25. Rotation axis

[0081] 26 First plane

[0082] 27. Axis of rotation

[0083] 28 Second plane

[0084] 29 cents

Claims

1. An apparatus for inspecting cylindrical pharmaceutical containers (4) made of glass or polymer, wherein, The device comprises an operating device (1) and a friction wheel (2), wherein the operating device (1) comprises at least one holding means (3) for holding the cylindrical medicine container (4) on a lateral surface of the cylindrical medicine container (4); wherein the holding means (3) comprises at least a first support wheel (5) and a second support wheel (6) for supporting the cylindrical medicine container (4), wherein the cylindrical medicine container (4) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (24) by rotating the first support wheel (5) and the second support wheel (6) and / or by rotating the friction wheel (2), wherein an axis of rotation (25) of the first support wheel (5) and the longitudinal axis (24) of the cylindrical medicine container (4) define a first plane (26); wherein an axis of rotation (27) of the second support wheel (6) and the longitudinal axis (24) of the cylindrical medicine container (4) define a second plane (28); and wherein an angle (29) at which the first plane (26) intersects the second plane (28) is in the range of 45° to less than 120°, wherein the cylindrical medicine container (4) is able to be fed by a transport device (12) in a manner synchronized with a clock frequency of the operating device (1), wherein the operating device (1) is movable back and forth along a first axis (21) to bring the cylindrical medicine container (4) into contact with the friction wheel (2) within an examination region (10), wherein the movement of the operating device to bring the cylindrical medicine container into and out of the examination region and the movement of the holding means or the operating device back and forth along the first axis are performed in a mainly continuous manner, a continuous manner or simultaneously, wherein the holding means (3) and / or the friction wheel (2) are movable back and forth to bring the cylindrical medicine container (4) into contact with the friction wheel (2) within the examination region (10) so that the cylindrical medicine container (4) is rotatable about its longitudinal axis (24) by rotating the first support wheel (5) and the second support wheel (6) and / or by rotating the friction wheel (2), wherein the operating device (1) is movable so that the cylindrical medicine container (4) can first be transferred from a first transfer position (9) to an examination region (10) and then from the examination region (10) to a second transfer position (11), wherein the device further comprises a first transfer device (13) and a second transfer device (14), wherein the transport device (12) is configured to transport the cylindrical medicine container (4) to the first transfer device (13) and to receive the cylindrical medicine container (4) from the second transfer device (14), wherein the first transfer device (13) is configured to take the cylindrical medicine container (4) from the transport device (12) and to transfer it to the first transfer position (9); wherein the first transfer device (13) comprises at least one first holding unit (15) for holding the cylindrical medicine container (4) on a lateral surface of the cylindrical medicine container (4); wherein the first transfer device (13) is rotatable such that the cylindrical medicine container (4) can be brought into the first transfer position (9) while being held by the first holding unit (15), wherein the second transfer device (14) is configured to receive the cylindrical medicine container (4) from the handling device (1); wherein the second transfer device (14) comprises at least one second holding unit (18) for holding the cylindrical medicine container (4) on a lateral surface of the cylindrical medicine container (4); wherein the second transfer device (14) is rotatable such that the cylindrical medicine container (4) can be transferred from the second transfer position (11) onto the transport device (12) such that the cylindrical medicine container (4) is positioned with its lateral surface on the transport device (12).

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle (29) at which the first plane (26) intersects the second plane (28) is in the range of 50° to 90°.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle (29) at which the first plane (26) intersects the second plane (28) is in the range of 60° to 80°.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle (29) at which the first plane (26) intersects the second plane (28) is in the range of 65° to 75°.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle (29) at which the first plane (26) intersects the second plane (28) is 70°.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The handling device (1) comprises three holding means (3); and wherein the holding means (3) are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The first transfer device (13) comprises three first holding units (15); and wherein the first holding units (15) are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The second transfer device (14) comprises three second holding units (18); and wherein the second holding units (18) are arranged on a circle at an angle of 120° to each other.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The transport device (12) is a conveyor belt.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first holding units (15) of the first transfer device (13) and / or the second holding units (18) of the second transfer device (14) and / or the holding means (3) of the handling device (1) comprise suction elements.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The surface of at least the first support wheel (5) and the second support wheel (6) which comes into contact with the cylindrical medicine container (4), and / or the surface of at least the first holding unit (15) of the first conveying device (13) which comes into contact with the cylindrical medicine container (4), and / or the surface of at least the second holding unit (18) of the second conveying device (14) which comes into contact with the cylindrical medicine container (4), and / or the surface of at least the friction wheel (2) which comes into contact with the cylindrical medicine container (4) comprises a polymer or steel.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first conveying device (13) and the second conveying device (14) are movable back and forth along the first axis (21).

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first conveying device (13) is movable back and forth along a second axis (22); and / or, wherein the second conveying device (14) is movable back and forth along a third axis (23).

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the second axis (22) is in the range of 30° to 60°, and / or The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the third axis (23) is in the range of 30° to 60°.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the second axis (22) is in the range of 40° to 50°.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the second axis (22) is 45°.

17. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the third axis (23) is in the range of 40° to 50°.

18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The angle at which the first axis (21) intersects the third axis (23) is 45°.

19. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, At least one drive means is arranged; the drive means is used to move the first conveying device (13) and / or the second conveying device (14) and / or the operating device (1) along the first axis (21) and / or along the second axis (22) and / or along the third axis (23).

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The at least one drive means is a cam gear and / or an electric motor.

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