A transfer device (1) for the separated transfer of product carriers (2a-2e) with holders (21, 21a-21e) to an overhead conveyor is described, comprising a helical conveyor (11), which defines a conveying section (F) for the holders (21, 21a-21e) with a conveying portion (FF) and a transfer portion (FU), wherein the conveying section (F) in the conveying portion (FF) describes a linear path and inthe transfer portion (FU) describes a transversely curved path superimposed on the linear path.