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

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a sorting device for separating components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard, from a material stream containing, in particular, paper and / or paper products, a system with such a sorting device and a method for operating the sorting device and / or the system.

[0002] The recycling of paper and paper products is preceded not only by their collection but, above all, by 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. Furthermore, foreign materials such as metal and plastic must be removed. In order to meet the respective requirements for whiteness and aging resistance of new paper products, the paper processing industry itself sometimes places high demands on the recycled material it reuses. Due to the daily volume of waste paper generated, automated processes are needed to make its sorting economically viable. These processes utilize the different properties of the individual components of a collection fraction. For example, cardboard has a greater mass and higher resistance to bending compared to simple paper.This means that cardboard, when only partially supported, can be easily penetrated with a sharp object, while the unsupported part of a piece of paper usually avoids penetration by simply deflecting. This property is used in sorting plants to separate paper and cardboard using specially designed rollers or discs.

[0003] Sorting devices are known that include a feeder designed for conveying the material flow and a separation unit downstream of the feeder in its conveying direction. It is known that the separation unit can have a plurality of rotatable disc elements, each with radially projecting spikes on its outer circumference. The disc elements are positioned relative to the feeder such that their spikes impale the receptive components of the material flow, while the components not impaled are simply pushed along. The components impaled by at least one spike are carried along a circular path resulting from the rotation of the disc elements and transported to a scraper, which releases them from the spikes of the disc elements.As a result, the respective components follow two distinct trajectories, allowing the material flow to be divided into two fractional streams and thus sorted. A detection device allows for additional monitoring of the material flow, enabling the identification of three-dimensional structures, such as intact or already crushed cardboard boxes, on the feeder. By lifting the corresponding disc elements, the material can then be guided underneath these structures. This is important because the prongs of the disc elements are not designed to penetrate the multi-layered structure that inevitably arises when a cardboard box is crushed.

[0004] From US patent 8,919,529 B1, a sorting device for packages is known in which the packages are guided on a conveyor belt onto deflectors whose angle can be adjusted. Depending on the set angle of such a deflector, the discharge direction of a package can be changed. In this way, it is possible to sort packages. However, this arrangement is not suitable for separating paper and cardboard.

[0005] The steadily increasing proportion of cardboard and carton within the various recycling categories, driven by the booming mail-order business, presents particular sorting challenges. Furthermore, such disc elements or rollers are complex to manufacture, and their spikes, which are in direct contact with the material flow, are subject to increased wear. Given the varying strength of the bond between the impaled components and the spikes, their resulting trajectories can differ significantly, complicating the sorting process. In some cases, the bond can be so strong that impaled components are simply torn apart upon contact with the scraper, resulting in rather uncontrolled flight behavior.

[0006] Against this background, the present invention aims to further develop a sorting device and a system equipped with it in such a way that they enable a more cost-effective design with reduced wear and tear, and that the sorting of the components of a material stream can be carried out more precisely overall.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved by a sorting device having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a system having the features of claim 9. The operation of the sorting device and / or the system is carried out according to the measures of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the respective dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, the separation unit is designed for the linear transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material stream transferred to it via the feeder. The separation unit is designed such that the throw distance of a component of the material stream, particularly one to be separated, can be manipulated relative to the conveying direction by adjusting its transport direction, which is variable by the separation unit. Preferably, the change in the transport direction can involve its inclination. Alternatively or additionally, the separation unit is designed such that the throw distance of this component, or of a component of the material stream, particularly one to be separated, can be manipulated by adjusting its transport speed, which is variable by the separation unit.

[0009] In other words, the basic idea of ​​the invention departs from the otherwise common practice of collecting individual components of the material stream from or after the feeder in order to first divert them onto a section of a circular path, from which they are then discharged at a specific point. In contrast, the separation unit according to the invention forms an extension of the feeder, in that the components of the material stream transferred from it are first transported linearly through the separation unit and ultimately discharged. The design of the separation unit allows for direct influence on the throw distance of the individual components by selectively changing their respective transport direction and / or transport speed.

[0010] The resulting advantage lies in the fact that the otherwise significant wear and tear, particularly the penetrating contact between parts of the separation unit and the components of the material stream, is completely eliminated. This makes the manufacturing 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 precisely, for example, by selectively accelerating it and / or altering its direction of movement by influencing the inclination of its transport path on or at the separation unit. As a result, the sorting of the components of a material stream can be carried out with greater precision overall.

[0011] According to the invention, the separation unit has at least two arms, which can be pivoted independently of one another about a common axis of rotation. The independent pivotability of the arms allows the direction of transport of a component of the material flow approaching, for example, one of the arms to be selectively altered. Particularly preferably, said arm can be raised and thus its inclination relative to the conveying direction of the feeder can be changed, which naturally results in a different trajectory for the component discharged from the arm. With more than two arms, for example, only two arms can be selectively raised synchronously, so that a larger component of the material flow approaches and is conveyed further, while the components approaching the other arm(s) experience a different direction of transport.

[0012] Of course, it is also conceivable, either additionally or alternatively, to swivel at least one boom to the side in order to throw off the respective component of the material flow in a desired direction.

[0013] At least one of the booms has a transport means. Preferably, each boom 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 very easily and precisely before being discharged at the end of each boom. In other words, at least one component on at least one boom is transported linearly via the associated transport means to its end, where it follows a trajectory that depends on the speed of the transport means.

[0014] Ideally, all or at least some of the conveyor belts can be controlled independently. This refers in particular to their transport speed, allowing a component of the material flow transported via at least one of the booms to be selectively accelerated or decelerated by manipulating the corresponding transport mechanism. In any case, this enables high precision in determining the desired throwing distance of the individual components for sorting and separation.

[0015] Generally, it is considered advantageous for the feeder to have at least one conveying element. This conveying element can be at least one conveyor belt. Alternatively, the conveying element can have at least one conveyor belt. Material transferred to this conveying element can thus be easily integrated into a material flow, particularly a continuous one. By selecting the most advantageous conveying element speed, preferably adapted to the forward transport speed of the conveyor belts or the arms of the separation unit, the sorting device can be operated as efficiently as possible. This speed can then be adjusted as needed, depending on the material being sorted.

[0016] The invention provides that the sorting device includes a detection unit for identifying a component, particularly one to be rejected, within the material stream. The detection unit is preferably a camera and / or a scanner. Alternatively, the detection unit can include a camera and / or a scanner.

[0017] In addition, the sorting device can include a control unit corresponding to the detection unit and the sorting device. This control unit can advantageously be used to manipulate at least part of the separation unit. This control unit can preferably be a transport means, more preferably a conveyor belt, and / or a boom of the separation unit.

[0018] The control unit can, for example, change the orientation, preferably the inclination, of at least one boom, particularly relative to the conveying direction, and / or the conveying speed of the associated transport vehicle, when the detection unit has identified a component to be sorted out and reported this to the control unit, which is about to be transferred from the feeder to the corresponding boom and / or transport vehicle. This allows for precise control of the separation unit to remove the relevant components from the material flow.

[0019] The sorting device according to the invention, as presented here, enables a highly cost-effective design. By using conveyor belts that have proven themselves over decades and are extremely robust in construction, wear on the sorting unit can be reduced to a minimum. Any wear is primarily limited to the belts or straps of the conveyor belts, which, when standard sizes are selected and thus large quantities are produced, represent an inexpensive purchase component. The precise adjustment of the conveying direction via the outriggers, as well as the variable conveying speed via the conveyor belts, allows for extremely precise and efficient sorting performance of the device.

[0020] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for separating components, preferably cardboard or cardboard, contained in a material stream, in particular comprising paper and / or paper products. For this purpose, the system comprises at least one sorting device according to the invention as described above, as well as at least two discharge tubes designed for the separate removal of the material stream separated into at least two fraction streams by the sorting process.

[0021] The advantages arising from the inventive design of the system have already been explained in more detail in connection with the inventive sorting device, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made here to the corresponding explanations.

[0022] In particular, the at least two diverters enable the separate conveyance of the material stream, which is divided into at least two fraction streams, to which the components of the material stream to be separated can be specifically fed via the sorting device.

[0023] According to the invention, at least one, preferably each, of the system's discharge points can have a conveying means, preferably a conveyor belt. The transferred and sorted material can thus be easily integrated into a material flow, particularly a continuous one. By selecting the most advantageous speed of the conveying means, the most efficient operation of the system can be achieved. This can then be adjusted as needed, if the sorted material requires it.

[0024] Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating the sorting device according to the invention and / or the system comprising such a sorting device according to the invention. It is provided that the components of the material stream are conveyed linearly through the separation unit and subsequently discharged. The throw distance of a component of the material stream, particularly one to be separated, is manipulated by its direction of transport relative to the conveying direction, which can be varied via the separation unit, preferably in terms of inclination, and / or by its transport speed, which can be varied via the separation unit. In other words, the separation unit is designed such that the direction of transport of a component of the material stream, which is initially conveyed linearly through it and particularly one to be separated, can be changed before its discharge in order to manipulate its throw distance accordingly.Alternatively or additionally, the separation unit is designed in such a way that the transport speed of a component of the material stream, which can initially be transported linearly by it, and in particular of which is to be separated, can be changed before its discharge in order to manipulate its throwing distance accordingly.

[0025] The advantages arising from the method according to the invention have already been explained in more detail in connection with the sorting device and / or the plant according to the invention, so that, to avoid repetition, reference is made here to the respective explanations.

[0026] According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the conveying direction of a component of the material stream, particularly one to be separated, can be changed by pivoting at least one arm of the separation unit. This arm 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 is initially conveyed linearly by the arm, in the desired direction. Preferably, the orientation of the arm relative to the conveying direction can be changed only by tilting it.The throwing distance can be manipulated primarily by changing the inclination of at least one boom relative to a horizontal plane. Swiveling the boom parallel to the horizontal can also influence the throwing distance; for example, aligning the boom against a baffle reduces the throwing distance, while aligning it past the baffle allows for a greater distance. Combinations of inclination adjustment and swiveling around a vertical axis are also conceivable. Alternatively or additionally, the conveying speed of a component of the material flow, particularly one to be separated, can be altered by controlling at least one conveying element of at least one boom of the separation unit.The means of transport may preferably be a conveyor belt, or the means of transport may have at least one conveyor belt.

[0027] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment shown only schematically in the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a system according to the invention with a sorting device according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 2 shows the system made of Fig. 1 in a top view, Fig. 3 the system made of Fig. 1 in a rear view, Fig. 4 the system made of Fig. 1 in a first perspective view from a rear oblique angle, as well as Fig. 5, the system made of Fig. 1 in a second perspective view from a slant-front view.

[0028] Fig. 1 Figure 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 its specific embodiment, system 1 preferably serves to separate the components of the paper product and / or paper-containing material stream S1, in the form of cardboard and / or cardboard, from the paper product. For this purpose, system 1 comprises a sorting device 2 according to the invention and, by way of example, a total of two diverters 3, 4, which enable separate discharge and onward transport of the material stream S1, which can be separated into two fraction streams S2, S3.

[0029] The sorting device 2 has a feeder 5 designed for conveying the material flow S1 and a separation unit 6, which is downstream of the feeder 5 in its conveying direction F1, which runs 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, as in the example shown, in the form of a conveyor belt, to convey the material flow S1, in particular a continuous flow, in conveying direction F1 to the separation unit 6 via a material flow deposited on or / and generated by it. For the automation of the system 1 and / or the sorting device 2, a system can be used – as shown in Fig. 1 By way of example, a detection unit 7 is provided in a vertical direction Z above the conveying element 5a of the feeder 5 to detect a component, particularly one to be separated, within the material flow S1. Preferably, the detection unit 7 can be at least one camera or scanner. Alternatively, the detection unit 7 can have at least one camera or scanner. The separation unit 6 of the sorting device 2 has, by way of example, a total of four arms 8 to 11, of which only two arms 9 and 10 are shown here. The individual arms 8 to 11 are articulated to the separation unit 6 in such a way that they can pivot independently of one another about a common axis of rotation Y1, at least to a limited extent.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 visible in the present case. Each boom 8 to 11, or each transport means 8a to 11a of the booms 8 to 11, enables the linear transport and subsequent discharge of the components of the material flow S1, which are transferred to them via the conveying means 5a of the feeder 5, into a corresponding onward transport direction T1 to T4.

[0030] Fig. 2 Is Annex 1 from Fig. 1 The diagram is shown in a top view. As can be seen, the two adjacent discharge tubes 3, 4 extend parallel to each other. Preferably, each discharge tube 3, 4 has at least one conveying means 3a, 4a for conveying its fraction 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 shown here, purely as an example, running in opposite directions. Each conveying means 3a, 4a of the discharge tubes 3, 4 is bounded along its two longitudinal sides by two walls 3b, 3c; 4b, 4c, which run parallel to the longitudinal direction Y of the system 1 and extend up to below the level of the inlet 5, parallel to the vertical direction Z.With regard to the booms 8 to 11, their pivotability, and their associated transport direction T1 to T4, it becomes clear that by changing their respective inclinations relative to the conveying direction F1 of the feeder 5 or its conveying element 5a, the throw distance W1, W2 of a component of the material stream S1 reaching it can be manipulated accordingly. Alternatively or additionally, at least one, preferably all, of the conveyor belts 8a to 11a of the booms 8 to 11 can be controlled, preferably independently of each other, in terms of their transport speed, in order to influence the throw distance W1, W2 of the respective boom(s) 8 to 11.

[0031] In this way, it is possible to selectively separate the material stream S1 into individual fraction streams S2 and S3. For example, the components to be separated can be thrown a greater distance W2 by raising at least one boom 8 to 11 and / or increasing the transport speed of its conveyor belt 8a to 11a, so that they land on the conveyor 4a of the second diverter 4 and are thus assigned to the second fraction stream S3. Conversely, the other components can be thrown a shorter distance W1 by lowering at least one boom 8 to 11 and / or reducing the transport speed of its conveyor 8a to 11a, so that they land on the conveyor 3a of the first diverter 4, which is located closer to the sorting device 2, and are thus assigned to the first fraction stream S2. Naturally, this can also be done in reverse.The walls 3b, 3c; 4b, 4c of the deflectors 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 again by falling and / or shifting laterally. In particular, the walls 3c; 4c furthest from the sorting device 2 can help to reliably place the respective throw distance W1, W2 of the components discharged by the separation unit 6 onto the deflectors 3, 4, by causing them to collide with said walls 3c; 4c upon discharge and thus always come to rest on the associated conveyor belts 3a, 4a.

[0032] Preferably, a control unit corresponding to the detection unit, which is not shown in detail here, can be provided to manipulate at least a part, in particular a transport means 8a to 11a and / or a boom 8 to 11 of the separation unit 6 as described above. Specifically, the control unit can be designed such that, based on a component detected by the detection unit 7 within the material flow S1, the orientation, preferably inclination, of at least one boom 8 to 11, in particular relative to the conveying direction F1, and / or the conveying speed of at least one transport means 8a to 11a of the separation unit 6 can be changed.

[0033] Fig. 3 The inventive system 1 shows Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a rear view. The view focuses on the sorting device 2 and the wall 3b of the first separator 3, located in the area of ​​the axis of rotation Y1 of its separating unit 6. The conveyor belts 3a, 4a of the separators 3, 4 located behind this wall 3b are also indicated in their respective heights relative to the vertical direction Z. Individual actuators 8b to 11b are also visible, each of which is assigned to one of the arms 8 to 11 in order to raise and lower them as needed by pivoting them around the axis of rotation Y1.

[0034] Fig. 4 This is a first perspective view of Annex 1 from Fig. 1 bis Fig. 3 to be removed from an oblique rear angle. This again makes the preferably separate possible onward transport directions T1 to T4 of the booms 8 to 11 recognizable. The in 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 is mainly due to the position of, for example, a component to be sorted on the conveying element 5a of the feeder 5 in relation to the longitudinal direction Y of the system 1. If, for example, the components to be sorted belong to the second fraction stream F3 and a component located in the left area of ​​the conveying element 5a of the feeder 5, viewed in the conveying direction F1, is to be sorted, the booms 10, 11, which are extended from this direction, remain as shown in Fig. 4 The component is shown in a raised position to allow for a greater throw distance W2, enabling it to reach over the two middle walls 3c; 4b of the diverters 3, 4 and land on the conveying element 4a of the second diverter 3. The components not to be sorted, located in the right-hand area of ​​the inlet pipe (looking in the conveying direction F1) and thus belonging to the first fraction stream F2 in this case, run towards the extensions 8, 9, which are angled downwards, so that they come to rest on the conveying element 3a of the first diverter 3 by maintaining a short throw distance W1. If a component to be sorted occupies the entire width of the conveying element 5a of the inlet pipe 5, all extensions 8 to 11 or only the outer extensions 8, 11 could be raised to give this component a greater throw distance W2 and thus allow it to be assigned to the second fraction stream S3.If material stream S1 does not contain any components to be sorted, the booms 8 to 11 can all remain in the lowered position, so that all individual components 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 stream S2. If the components to be sorted are to be assigned to the first fraction stream S2, which is to be transported via the first diverter 3, and all other components are to be assigned to the second fraction stream S3, which is to be transported via the second diverter 4, then the previously described orientations of the booms 8 to 11 must be reversed accordingly.

[0035] Fig. 5 presents a second perspective view of Annex 1 Fig. 1 bis Fig. 4 from a slanted front view, which again shows the preferably independent alignment of the booms 8 to 11 in order to separate the material flow S1 into individual fractional flows S2, S3.

[0036] Naturally, the separation unit 6 of the sorting device 2 can also have fewer or more arms 8 to 11 to achieve a greater width of the feeder 5 and / or better resolution with regard to the separation of individual components of the material stream S1. Alternatively or additionally, the system 1 can also include more than the two deflectors 3, 4 shown here as purely examples, in order to generate, for example, another fraction stream not shown in detail here. This could then, for example, contain a different size of components to be sorted from paper or cardboard and / or be used for separating foreign material. Further applications and expansions of the system 1 are subject to the expert's assessment and the respective requirements. Reference symbol list:

[0037] 1 -System 2 -Sorting device of 1 3 -Discharger of 1 3a -Conveyor of 3 3b -Wall of 3 3c -Wall of 3 4 -Discharger of 1 4a -Conveyor of 4 4b -Wall of 4 4c -Wall of 4 5 -Supply conductor of 2 5a -Conveyor of 5 6 -Separation unit of 2 7 -Detection unit 8 -Boom of 2 8a -Conveyor of 8 8b -Actuator of 8 9 -Boom of 2 9a -Conveyor of 9 9b -Actuator of 9 10 -Boom of 2 10a -Conveyor of 10 10b -Actuator of 10 11 -Boom of 2 11a -Conveyor of 11 11b -Actuator of 11 F1 - Conveyor direction from S1 F2 - Conveyor direction from S2 F3 - Conveyor direction from S3 S1 - Material flow S2 - Fraction flow S3 - Fraction flow T1 - Further transport direction from 8 T2 - Further transport direction from 9 T3 - Further transport direction from 10 T4 - Further transport direction from 11 W1 - Throwing range W2 - Throwing range 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 cartons, from a material flow (S1), in particular a material flow containing in particular paper and / or paper products, comprising a feeder (5) designed for conveying the material flow (S1), as well as a separating unit (6) situated downstream of the feeder (5) in its conveying direction (F1), wherein the separating unit (6) is designed for the linear onward transport and subsequent ejection of the components of the material flow (S1) transferred to it via the feeder (5), wherein the throw distance (W1, W2) of a component of the material flow (S1), more particularly a component to be separated, can be manipulated via its onward transport direction (T1-T4), which can be changed, preferably in inclination, by the separating unit (6), relative to the conveying direction (F1) and / or its onward transport speed which can be changed by the separating unit (6), wherein the separating unit (6) has at least two arms (8-11) which are capable of pivoting independently of one another about an in particular common axis of rotation (Y1), and at least one, preferably each, of the arms (8 -11) has a transport means (8a-11a).

2. Sorting device (2) according to Claim 1 characterised in that all or at least some of the transport means (8a - 11a) of the arms (8- 11) can be controlled independently of one another, in particular in their onward transport speed.

3. Sorting device (2) according to Claim 1 or 2 characterised in that at least one of the transport means (8a-11a) is a transport belt or has one such belt.

4. Sorting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the feeder (5) has at least one conveyor means (5a).

5. Sorting device (2) according to Claim 4 characterised in that the at least one conveyor means (5a) is a conveyor belt or has one such conveyor belt.

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

7. Sorting device (2) according to Claim 6 characterised by a control unit corresponding with the detection unit (7) for manipulating at least one part, in particular a transport means (8a-11a) and / or an arm (8-11) of the separating unit (6).

8. Sorting device (2) according to Claim 7 characterised by a design of the control unit such that on the basis of a component detected by the detection unit (7) inside the material flow (S1) it is possible to change the orientation, preferably the inclination, of at least one arm (8-11), in particular relative to the conveying direction (F1)and / or the onward transport speed of at least one transport means (8a-11a) of the separating unit (6).

9. Installation (1) for separating components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard cartons contained in a material flow (S1) having in particular paper and / or paper products, comprising a sorting device (2) according to one of the preceding claims as well as at least two ejectors (3, 4) designed for independently and separately discharging the material flow (S1) which has been separated by sorting into at least two category fractions (S2, S3).

10. Installation (1) according to Claim 9 characterised in that at least one, preferably each, ejector (3, 4) has a conveyor means (3a, 4a).

11. Installation (1) according to Claim 10 characterised in that the conveyor means (3a, 4a) is a conveyor belt or has one such conveyor belt.

12. Method for operating a sorting device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 8 and / or an installation (1) according to one of Claims 9 to 11 wherein a material flow (S1), containing in particular 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 components, preferably cardboard and / or cardboard cartons, characterised that the components of the material flow (S1) are transported further on in a linear direction by the separating unit (6) and then discharged wherein the throw distance (W1, W2) of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular a component to be separated, is manipulated in its onward transport direction (T1-T4), which can be changed by the separating unit (6), preferably in its inclination, relative to the conveying direction (F1) and / or via its onward transport speed which can be changed by the separating unit (6).

13. Method according to Claim 12 characterised in that the onward transport direction (T1-T4) of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular a component which is to be separated, is changed by pivoting, preferably inclining, at least one arm (8-11) of the separating unit (6), and / or the onward transport speed of a component of the material flow (S1), in particular a component to be separated, is changed by controlling at least one transport means (8a-11a), preferably a transport belt, of at least one arm (8-11).