SORTING DEVICE FOR SEPARING COMPONENTS FROM A MIXTURE OF MATERIAL AND CORRESPONDINGLY EQUIPPED PLANT AND PROCESS

Abstract

The sorting device (2) for separating components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard boxes, from a material stream (S1), in particular containing paper and / or paper products, comprises a feeder (5) designed to convey the material stream (S1) and a separating unit (6) arranged downstream of the feeder (5) in its conveying direction (F1). The separating unit (6) is designed for linear further transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material stream (S1) transferred to it via the feeder (5). The throwing distance (W1, W2) of a component of the material stream (S1), in particular of the component to be separated, can be manipulated via its further transport direction (T1-T4), which can be varied by the separating unit (6), preferably in terms of its inclination, relative to the conveying direction (F1) and / or its further transport speed, which can be varied by the separating unit (6).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sorting device for separating components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard, from a material flow, in particular containing paper and / or paper products, according to the preamble of claim 1, a plant with such a sorting device and a method for operating the sorting device and / or the plant.

[0002] The recycling of paper and paper products requires not only their collection but also their subsequent sorting. This is necessary because the individual collection fractions can contain not only flat sheets of paper and cardboard but also entire cardboard boxes. In addition, there are foreign materials such as metal and plastic that must be removed. In order to meet the respective requirements for whiteness and ageing resistance of new paper products, the converting paper industry, for its part, sometimes places high demands on the recycled material it reuses. Due to the amount of waste paper generated every day, automated processes are required to make its sorting economically viable. This process takes advantage of the different properties of the individual components of a collection fraction. For example, cardboard has a greater mass and greater resistance to bending than plain paper.This allows cardboard to be easily penetrated with a sharp object when only partially supported, while the unsupported part of a paper sheet generally evades penetration by simply deflecting. This feature is used in sorting systems to separate paper and cardboard using appropriately designed rollers or discs.

[0003] Sorting devices are known which have a feeder designed to convey the material flow and a separation unit arranged downstream of the feeder in the conveying direction. It is known that the separation unit can have a plurality of rotatable disc elements, on the respective outer circumference of which radially projecting spikes are arranged. The disc elements are positioned relative to the feeder such that their spikes pick up the components of the material flow susceptible to this by impaling them, while the components not to be impaled are simply pushed onwards by them. The components impaled by at least one spike, on the other hand, are carried along on a circular path resulting from the rotation of the disc elements and transported to a scraper, by which they are released again from the spikes of the disc elements.The result is two distinct trajectories for the respective components, allowing the material flow to be divided into two fractional streams and thus sorted. A detection device can additionally monitor the material flow, allowing spatial structures such as intact or already compressed cartons to be detected on the feeder and guided underneath by lifting the corresponding disc elements. This is relevant because the spikes of the disc elements are not designed to penetrate the multi-layer structure that results when a carton is compressed.

[0004] The steadily increasing proportion of cardboard and carton within the individual collection fractions, due to the flourishing mail-order business, presents particular challenges for sorting. Furthermore, such disc elements or rollers are complex to manufacture, with their spikes, which are in direct contact with the material flow, being particularly subject to increased wear. Given the fluctuating strength of the connection between the impaled components and the spikes, their resulting trajectories can also vary considerably, making sorting more difficult overall. Sometimes the connection can be so strong that the impaled components are simply torn apart upon contact with the scraper, resulting in a rather uncontrolled flight.

[0005] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to further develop a sorting device and a system equipped therewith in such a way that they enable a more cost-effective construction with reduced wear and tear and that the sorting of the components of a material flow can be carried out more precisely overall.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a sorting device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 11. The operation of the sorting device and / or the system takes place according to the measures of claim 14. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0007] According to the invention, the separation unit is designed for the linear further transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material flow transferred to it via the feeder. The separation unit is designed such that the throwing distance of a component of the material flow, in particular the component to be separated, can be manipulated relative to the conveying direction via its further transport direction, which can be changed by the separation unit. Preferably, the change in the further transport direction can relate to its inclination. Alternatively or additionally, the separation unit is designed such that the throwing distance of this or a component of the material flow, in particular the component to be separated, can be manipulated via its further transport speed, which can be changed by the separation unit.

[0008] In other words, the basic idea of ​​the invention pursues a departure from the otherwise usual method of picking up individual components of the material flow from or to the feeder, first redirecting them onto a section of a circular path from which they are then discharged at a specific location. In contrast, the separation unit according to the invention forms an extension of the feeder, in that the components of the material flow transferred by it are first transported linearly through the separation unit and ultimately discharged. The design of the separation unit allows direct influence on the discharge distance of the individual components by specifically varying their respective transport direction and / or transport speed.

[0009] The resulting advantage is that the otherwise severe wear-and-tear, particularly penetrating contact between parts of the separation unit and the components of the material stream is completely eliminated. This makes the production and operation of the separation unit more cost-effective. Furthermore, the desired trajectory of each component of the material stream can be controlled much more effectively, for example, by specifically accelerating it and / or changing its direction of movement, for example, by influencing the inclination of its further transport direction on or at the separation unit. As a result, the sorting of the components of a material stream can be carried out more precisely overall.

[0010] According to a particularly preferred development of the basic inventive concept, the separation unit can have at least two booms that can be pivoted independently of one another about a, in particular common, axis of rotation. Due to the independent pivotability of the booms, a component of the material flow that, for example, impinges on one of the booms can be specifically altered in its further transport direction. Particularly preferably, said boom can be raised and thus its inclination relative to the conveying direction of the feeder can be altered, which naturally results in a different trajectory for the component dropped from the boom.If there are more than two booms, for example, only two booms can be raised synchronously in their inclination so that a larger part of the material flow runs onto them and is transported further, while the components running onto the other boom(s) experience a different further transport direction.

[0011] Of course, it is also conceivable, in addition or as an alternative, to swivel at least one boom sideways in order to discharge the respective component of the material flow in a desired direction.

[0012] It is considered particularly advantageous if at least one of the booms has a transport means. Preferably, each of the booms can have such a transport means. The at least one transport means can be at least one conveyor belt. Alternatively, the transport means can have at least one conveyor belt. By using a transport means, the respective components of the material flow can be transported linearly through the separation unit extremely easily and precisely before they are dropped at the end of each boom. In other words, at least one component is transported linearly on at least one boom via the associated transport means to its end, where it describes a corresponding trajectory depending on the speed of the transport means.

[0013] Ideally, all or at least some of the conveyor belts can be controlled independently of one another. This particularly applies to their transport speed, whereby a component of the material flow transported further via at least one of the booms can be specifically accelerated or decelerated by manipulating the associated transport device. In any case, this allows for a high degree of precision with regard to the desired throw distance of the individual components in order to separate them from one another by sorting.

[0014] In principle, it is considered advantageous if the feeder has at least one conveyor. The at least one conveyor can be at least one conveyor belt. Alternatively, the conveyor can have at least one conveyor belt. Material transferred to this can thus be easily converted into a, in particular continuous, material stream. By selecting the most advantageous speed of the conveyor, preferably adapted to the onward transport speed of the conveyor belts of the arms of the separation unit, the most efficient operation of the sorting device can be achieved. This can then be adapted on a case-by-case basis, provided the material to be sorted makes this necessary.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, it is provided that the sorting device has a detection unit for detecting a component, in particular a component to be separated, within the material flow. The detection unit can preferably be a camera and / or a scanner. Alternatively, the detection unit can have a camera and / or a scanner.

[0016] In addition, the sorting device can have a control unit corresponding to the detection unit and the sorting device. This control unit can advantageously serve to manipulate at least part of the separation unit. This can preferably be a transport means, preferably a conveyor belt, and / or a boom of the separation unit.

[0017] For example, the control unit can change the orientation, preferably the inclination, of at least one boom, particularly relative to the conveying direction, and / or the further transport speed of one or the associated transport means if the detection unit has detected, for example, a component to be sorted out and reported this to the control unit, which will soon be transferred from the feeder to the corresponding boom and / or the corresponding transport means. Overall, this allows for precise control of the separation unit in order to separate the relevant components from the material flow.

[0018] The sorting device according to the invention now presented enables an extremely cost-effective design. By using conveyor belts that have proven themselves over decades and are extremely robust in design, wear on the separation unit can be reduced to a minimum. Any wear is primarily limited to the conveyor belts or belts, which represent a cost-effective purchase when choosing common sizes and thus high volumes. The targeted adjustment of the forward transport direction via the booms and the ability to change the forward transport speed via their conveyor belts enable the sorting device to achieve extremely precise and efficient sorting behavior.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is directed to a system for separating components contained in a material stream, in particular containing paper and / or paper products, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard. For this purpose, the system comprises at least one sorting device according to the invention as described in more detail above, as well as at least two dischargers designed for the separate removal of the material stream separated into at least two fractional streams by the separation.

[0020] The advantages resulting from the system design according to the invention have already been explained in more detail in connection with the sorting device according to the invention, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is first made to the corresponding explanations here. In particular, the at least two diverters enable the separate forwarding of the material stream, which is separated into at least two fractional streams, to which the components of the material stream to be separated can be selectively fed via the sorting device.

[0021] According to the invention, at least one, preferably each, of the dischargers of the system can have a conveyor, preferably a conveyor belt. The transferred and sorted material can thus be easily transferred into a, particularly continuous, material stream. By selecting the most advantageous speed of the conveyor, the system can operate as efficiently as possible. This can then be adjusted on a case-by-case basis, if the sorted material requires it.

[0022] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating the sorting device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention comprising such a sorting device. Provision is made here for the components of the material flow to be transported linearly through the separation unit and then discharged. The discharge distance of a component of the material flow, in particular that which is to be separated, is manipulated by its further transport direction relative to the conveying direction, which can be varied via the separation unit, preferably in terms of its inclination, and / or by its further transport speed, which can be varied by the separation unit. In other words, the separation unit is designed such that the further transport direction of a component of the material flow, which is initially transported linearly by it, in particular that is to be separated, can be changed before its discharge, in order to manipulate its discharge distance accordingly.Alternatively or additionally, the separation unit is designed in such a way that the further transport speed of a component of the material flow that is initially transported linearly, in particular that is to be separated, can be changed before it is discharged in order to manipulate its throwing distance accordingly.

[0023] The advantages resulting from the method according to the invention have already been explained in more detail in connection with the sorting device according to the invention and / or the system according to the invention, so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made here to the respective explanations in this regard.

[0024] According to a preferred further development of the method according to the invention, the further transport direction of a component of the material stream, in particular one to be separated, can be changed by pivoting at least one boom of the separation unit. Said boom can then be pivoted in the desired direction relative to the conveying direction in order to discharge the respective component of the material stream, which was initially transported linearly by it, in the desired direction. Preferably, the respective boom can be changed in its orientation relative to the conveying direction only by tilting it.The throwing distance can essentially be manipulated by changing the inclination of the at least one boom relative to a horizontal line, whereby pivoting of the at least one boom parallel to the horizontal can also influence the throwing distance, for example by aligning the boom against a baffle wall reducing the throwing distance, while aligning it past the baffle wall enabling a greater throwing distance. Of course, combinations of inclination adjustment and pivoting around a vertical direction are also conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, the further transport speed of a component of the material flow, in particular that to be separated, can be changed by controlling at least one transport means of at least one boom of the separation unit.The transport means may preferably be a conveyor belt or the transport means may comprise at least one conveyor belt.

[0025] The invention will be explained in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment shown only schematically in the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 a system according to the invention with a sorting device according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 2 the system from Fig. 1 in a top view, Fig. 3 the system from Fig. 1 in a view from behind, Fig. 4 the system from Fig. 1 in a first perspective view from behind and Fig. 5 the system from Fig. 1 in a second perspective view from the front.

[0026] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a system 1 according to the invention for sorting the components of a material stream S1 indicated by a white arrow. In the specific embodiment, the system 1 preferably serves to separate out the components of the paper product and / or paper-containing material stream S1 in the form of cardboard and / or cardboard, which are not shown in detail here, from the material stream S1. For this purpose, the system 1 comprises a sorting device 2 according to the invention and, for example, a total of two diverters 3, 4, which enable separate removal or further transport of the material stream S1, which can be separated into two fractional streams S2, S3.

[0027] The sorting device 2 has a feeder 5 designed for conveying the material flow S1 and a separation unit 6, which is arranged downstream of the feeder 5 in its conveying direction F1 running parallel to a transverse direction X of the system 1. The feeder 5 of the sorting device 2 has a conveying means 5a, for example in the form of a conveyor belt as in the example shown, in order to convey the material flow S1 deposited thereon and / or generated thereby, in particular a continuous one, in the conveying direction F1 to the separation unit 6. For the automation of the system 1 and / or the sorting device 2, a - as in Fig. 1 purely by way of example with respect to a vertical direction Z, a detection unit 7 may be provided above the conveyor 5a of the feeder 5 in order to detect a component, in particular one to be separated, within the material flow S1. The detection unit 7 can preferably be at least one camera or one scanner. Alternatively, the detection unit 7 can have at least one camera or one scanner. The separation unit 6 of the sorting device 2 has, purely by way of example, a total of four arms 8 to 11, of which only two arms 9, 10 are visible in the present case. The individual arms 8 to 11 are articulated on the separation unit 6 in such a way that they can be pivoted at least to a limited extent independently of one another about a common axis of rotation Y1.Preferably, each of the booms 8 to 11 has at least one transport means 8a to 11a, for example, as shown here in the form of a conveyor belt, of which only two transport means 9a, 10a are shown here. Each boom 8 to 11 or each transport means 8a to 11a of the booms 8 to 11 enables linear further transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material flow S1 transferred to them via the conveyor means 5a of the feeder 5 in a corresponding further transport direction T1 to T4.

[0028] Fig. 2 Annex 1 is from Fig. 1 in a plan view, i.e., a view from above. As can be seen, the two side-by-side diverters 3, 4 extend parallel to one another. Preferably, each of the diverters 3, 4 has at least one conveying means 3a, 4a provided for the removal or further transport of its fractional stream S2, S3, for example, as shown here in the form of a conveyor belt. The conveying directions F2, F3 of the conveyor belts 3a, 4a, which run parallel to a longitudinal direction Y of the system 1, are in opposite directions in the embodiment shown here purely by way of example. Each conveying means 3a, 4a of the diverters 3, 4 is delimited along its two long sides by two walls 3b, 3c; 4b, 4c, which run parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the system 1 and extend parallel to the vertical direction Z up to below the level of the feeder 5.With regard to the booms 8 to 11, their pivotability, and their associated further transport directions T1 to T4, it becomes clear that by changing their respective inclination relative to the conveying direction F1 of the feeder 5 or its conveying means 5a, the throw distance W1, W2 of a component of the material flow S1 arriving thereon can be manipulated accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, at least one of the, preferably all, conveyor belts 8a to 11a of the booms 8 to 11 can be controlled, preferably independently of one another, in terms of their further transport speed, in order to influence the throw distance W1, W2 of the respective boom(s) 8 to 11.

[0029] In this way, it is possible to specifically separate the material flow S1 into individual fraction flows S2, S3, wherein, for example, the components to be separated experience a greater throwing distance W2 by raising at least one boom 8 to 11 and / or increasing the onward transport speed of its conveyor belt 8a to 11a in order to land on the conveyor 4a of the second diverter 4 and thus be assigned to the second fraction flow S3. In contrast, the other components can experience a smaller throwing distance W1 by lowering at least one boom 8 to 11 and / or reducing the onward transport speed of its conveyor 8a to 11a in order to land on the conveyor 3a of the first diverter 4 located closer to the sorting device 2 and thus be assigned to the first fraction flow S2. Of course, this can also be done in reverse.The walls 3b, 3c; 4b, 4c of the diverters 3, 4 ensure that the components assigned to one of the fraction streams S2, S3 remain on the corresponding conveyor belts 3a, 4a and do not mix with each other again by falling and / or shifting sideways. In particular, the walls 3c; 4c furthest from the sorting device 2 can contribute to safely placing the respective throw distance W1, W2 of the components ejected by the separation unit 6 on the diverters 3, 4 by causing them to impact against said walls 3c; 4c during ejection and thus always land on the corresponding conveyor belts 3a, 4a.

[0030] Preferably, a control unit corresponding to the detection unit and not shown in detail here can be provided in order to manipulate at least one part, in particular a transport means 8a to 11a and / or a boom 8 to 11 of the separation unit 6 as described above.

[0031] Specifically, the control unit can be designed such that, on the basis of a component within the material flow S1 detected by the detection unit 7, the orientation, preferably inclination, of at least one boom 8 to 11, in particular relative to the conveying direction F1, and / or the further transport speed of at least one transport means 8a to 11a of the separating unit 6 can be changed.

[0032] Fig. 3 shows the inventive system 1 from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a rear view. The view falls on the sorting device 2 and the wall 3b of the first arrester 3 located in the area of ​​the rotation axis Y1 of its separation unit 6. The conveyor belts 3a, 4a of the arresters 3, 4 located behind this wall 3b are also indicated at their respective heights relative to the vertical direction Z. Also visible are individual actuators 8b to 11b, each of which is assigned to one of the booms 8 to 11 in order to raise and lower them to a limited extent by pivoting them around the rotation axis Y1.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a first perspective view of Annex 1 from Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 from the rear. This again shows the preferred separate transport directions T1 to T4 of the booms 8 to 11. The Fig. 1 bis 5 The orientations of the booms 8 to 11 shown are only examples, as they can change depending on the material flow S1 and its components. This essentially depends on the position, for example, of a component to be sorted out on the conveyor 5a of the feeder 5 in relation to the longitudinal direction Y of the system 1. If the components to be sorted out are to be assigned, for example, to the second fraction flow F3 and a component located in the left area of ​​the conveyor 5a of the feeder 5, viewed in the conveying direction F1, is to be sorted out, the booms 10, 11 located in extension thereof remain as shown in Fig. 4 shown in a raised position in order to enable the greater throwing distance W2 so that this component reaches over the two middle walls 3c; 4b of the diverters 3, 4 and lands on the conveyor 4a of the second diverter 3. The components that are not to be sorted out, which are located in the right-hand area of ​​the feeder when viewed in the conveying direction F1 and are therefore to be assigned to the first fraction flow F2 in this case, run towards the booms 8, 9 that are located in extension thereof and are lowered diagonally downwards, so that they come to rest on the conveyor 3a of the first diverter 3 by maintaining a small throwing distance W1. If a component to be sorted out takes up the entire width of the conveyor 5a of the feeder 5, for example, all booms 8 to 11 or only the outer booms 8, 11 could be raised so that this component experiences a large throwing distance W2 and can thus be assigned to the second fraction flow S3.If the material flow S1 does not contain any component to be sorted out, the booms 8 to 11 can all remain in the lowered position, so that the individual components all land on the conveyor 3a of the first diverter 3 over a short throw distance W1 and can thus be assigned to the first fraction flow S2. If the components to be sorted out are assigned to the first fraction flow S2 to be transported via the first diverter 3 and all remaining components are assigned to the second fraction flow S3 to be transported via the second diverter 4, then the previously described orientations of the booms 8 to 11 must be reversed accordingly.

[0034] Fig. 5 presents a second perspective view of Annex 1 Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 from the front, which once again shows the preferably independent alignment of the booms 8 to 11 in order to separate the material flow S1 into individual fraction flows S2, S3.

[0035] Of course, the separation unit 6 of the sorting device 2 can also have fewer or more booms 8 to 11 in order to achieve a larger width of the feeder 5 and / or better resolution with regard to the separation of individual components of the material flow S1. Alternatively or additionally, the system 1 can also comprise more than the two dischargers 3, 4 shown here purely as an example, in order to generate, for example, a further fraction flow not shown in detail here. This can then, for example, contain a different size of paper or cardboard components to be sorted out and / or be used to separate out foreign material. Further possible applications and expansions of the system 1 are the responsibility of the expert and the respective requirements. List of reference symbols:

[0036] 1 -System 2 -Sorting device of 1 3 -Discharge device of 1 3a -Conveyor of 3 3b -Wall of 3 3c -Wall of 3 4 -Discharge device of 1 4a -Conveyor of 4 4b -Wall of 4 4c -Wall of 4 5 -Feeder of 2 5a -Conveyor of 5 6 -Separation unit of 2 7 -Detection unit 8 -Boom of 2 8a -Transportation means of 8 8b -Actuator of 8 9 -Boom of 2 9a -Transportation means of 9 9b -Actuator of 9 10 -Boom of 2 10a -Transportation means of 10 10b -Actuator of 10 11 -Boom of 2 11a -Transportation means of 11 11b -Actuator of 11 F1 - Conveying direction of S1 F2 - Conveying direction of S2 F3 - Conveying direction of S3 S1 - Material flow S2 - Fraction flow S3 - Fraction flow T1 - Further transport direction of 8 T2 - Further transport direction of 9 T3 - Further transport direction of 10 T4 - Further transport direction of 11 W1 - Throwing distance W2 - Throwing distance X - Transverse direction Y - Longitudinal direction Y1 - Rotation axis for Z - Vertical direction

Claims

1. Sorting device (2) for separating components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard, from a material flow (S1), in particular containing paper and / or paper products, comprising a feeder (5) designed to convey the material flow (S1) and a separating unit (6) arranged downstream of the feeder (5) in its conveying direction (F1), characterized in that characterized in that the separation unit (6) is designed for linear further transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material flow (S1) transferred to it via the feeder (5), wherein the throwing distance (W1, W2) of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular of the component to be separated, can be manipulated via its further transport direction (T1 - T4) relative to the conveying direction (F1), which can be changed by the separation unit (6), preferably in terms of its inclination, and / or its further transport speed, which can be changed by the separation unit (6).

2. Sorting device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in thatcharacterized in that the separation unit (6) has at least two arms (8 - 11) which can be pivoted independently of one another about a, in particular common, axis of rotation (Y1).

3. Sorting device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that characterized in that at least one, preferably each, of the booms (8 - 11) has a transport means (8a - 11a).

4. Sorting device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that characterized in that all or at least some of the transport means (8a - 11a) of the booms (8 - 11) can be controlled independently of one another, in particular with regard to their further transport speed.

5. Sorting device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that ​ at least one of the transport means (8a-11a) is or has a conveyor belt.

6. Sorting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, ​ ​ the feeder (5) has at least one conveying means (5a).

7. Sorting device (2) according to claim 6, ​ ​ the at least one conveying means (5a) is or has a conveyor belt.

8. Sorting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, ​ a detection unit (7), preferably a camera or scanner, for detecting a component, in particular one to be separated, within the material flow (S1).

9. Sorting device (2) according to claim 8, ​ a control unit corresponding to the detection unit (7) for manipulating at least one part, in particular a transport means (8a - 11a) and / or a boom (8 - 11), of the separation unit (6).

10. Sorting device (2) according to claim 9, ​a configuration of the control unit such that, based on a component recognized by the detection unit (7) within the material flow (S1), the orientation, preferably the inclination, of at least one deflector (8 - 11), in particular relative to the conveying direction (F1), and / or the further transport speed of at least one transport means (8a - 11a) of the separating unit (6) can be changed.

11. Installation (1) for separating components contained in a material flow (S1), in particular a material flow containing paper or / and paper products, preferably cardboard or / and cardboard boxes, comprising a sorting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims and at least two discharge devices (3, 4) configured for separate discharge of the material flow (S1) separated into at least two fraction flows (S2, S3) by the separation.

12. Installation (1) according to claim 11, ​ ​at least one, preferably each, of the diverters (3, 4) has a conveying means (3a, 4a).

13. Annex (1) according to claim 12, ​ ​ the conveying means (3a, 4a) is or has a conveyor belt.

14. A method for operating a sorting device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and / or a system (1) according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein a material flow (S1), in particular containing paper and / or paper products, is transferred, preferably continuously, via a feeder (5) in its conveying direction (F1) to a separating unit (6) for separating out components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard, ​ ​the components of the material flow (S1) are transported linearly through the separation unit (6) and then discharged, wherein the throwing distance (W1, W2) of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular one to be separated, is manipulated by its further transport direction (T1 - T4), which can be changed via the separation unit (6), preferably in terms of inclination, relative to the conveying direction (F1) and / or by its further transport speed, which can be changed by the separation unit (6).

15. Method according to claim 14, ​ ​ ​the further transport direction (T1 - T4) of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular one to be separated, is changed by pivoting, preferably tilting, at least one boom (8 - 11) of the separation unit (6) and / or the further transport speed of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular one to be separated, is changed by controlling at least one transport means (8a - 11a), preferably a conveyor belt, of at least one boom (8 - 11).