Batch mixer for mixing materials

Abstract

The invention concerns a batch mixer (1) for mixing materials, the batch mixer (1) comprising a mixing chamber (2) with a shell surface (3) and an outlet (5) with a gate (9). The invention is characterized in that an alignment mean (12) is configured for adjusting the position of a bearing (11) for alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3). The invention allows an easy alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3) safeguarding effective sealing between the shell surface (3) and the gate (9).

Description

[0001] The invention concerns a batch mixer for mixing materials, the batch mixer comprising a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber, the mixing chamber comprising a shell surface; an inlet for introducing materials to be mixed into the mixing chamber; an outlet for removing the materials mixed from the batch mixer through the shell surface; a drivable mixer shaft arranged in the mixing chamber, the mixer shaft defining an axial direction, mixing means for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber, the mixing means being connected with the mixer shaft; a gate configured to open at least an essential part of the outlet in an open-position and configured to close at least the essential part of the outlet in a closed-position, where the gate is pivoted around a pivot-axis in a bearing, the pivot-axis being essentially parallel to the axial direction.

[0002] Batch mixers are well known in the art and for instance disclosed in EP 3200906 A1. As such, a batch mixer allows for mixing of materials such as corn, maize, soybeans and other materials. Batch mixers are for instance part of a process for production of animal feeds, but also to produce pellets made from the material.

[0003] A state-of-the-art batch mixer comprises a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber for mixing the material, where the inlet for introducing the material to be mixed is arranged in an upper area of the batch mixer. For mixing, the batch mixer comprises a drivable mixer shaft arranged in the mixing chamber and mixing means for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber, where the mixing means are connected with the mixer shaft and are preferably configured in the form of paddles connected with and radially extending from the mixer shaft. The bottom of the mixing chamber comprises a gate, which gate is configured to open or close an outlet of the mixing chamber, where the gate is pivoted around a pivot-axis via a swivel arm. Dedicated sealings are provided for sealing the area between the mixing chamber, i.e. the shell surface, and the gate. By opening the gate, the material mixed may be removed, i.e. fall, from the mixing chamber down to a surge bin. Alignment of the gate typically is done by entering the surge bin and by adjusting the connection between the swivel arm and the gate for alignment of the gate with the shell surface. Working in such - typically dusty - environment, i.e. the surge bin, where the personal is required to adjust the connection and to do the alignment as overhead work, is demanding, ineffective and bears risk to the operating personal.

[0004] A batch mixer needs to provide an effective mixing of the material, where on the one hand deposits from the materials on any parts of the batch mixer must be minimized, where such deposits may accumulate, if the shell surface of the mixing chamber and the gate of the outlet do not form a level finish due to misalignment of the gate. Reducing deposits implies reduced need for cleaning of the batch mixer, which cleaning typically results in a disturbance of the batch mixer operation and non-effective downtime of the process. Depending on the application, for instance feed application, a clean mixing chamber is mandatory for hygienic reasons, where cross contamination between differing batches must be avoided.

[0005] On the other hand, the mixing chamber must be sealed at least dust proof against an outside of the mixing chamber. Misalignment of the gate with the shell surface will negatively affect the sealing between the shell surface and the gate, resulting in contamination of the outside of the mixing chamber and uncontrolled loss of material to be mixed to the outside.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a batch mixer allowing for an improved and effective alignment of the gate with the shell surface, minimizing the effort for the operating personal.

[0007] According to the invention, this is achieved by a batch mixer that is characterized in that a first alignment mean is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing for alignment of the gate with the shell surface especially in the closed-position, where the first alignment mean is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing at least along a first direction and along a second direction, for positioning of the bearing in a plane comprising the first direction and the second direction. The gate is pivoted around the pivot-axis in the bearing, where the gate is pivoted around the pivot-axis via at least one swivel arm connected to the gate and the bearing. The inventors realized the advantage of providing the alignment mean, which is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing. Distinguishing to prior art solutions the alignment of the gate is not done by adjusting the connection between the swivel arm and the gate, but by adjusting the position of the bearing via the alignment mean for alignment of the gate with the shell surface, which is an effective way for aligning the gate. The alignment mean may easily be accessible at a lateral end of the mixing chamber, especially from an outside, where no overhead alignment work is necessary, and alignment can be done at ground level. Following the invention the alignment mean allows the adjustment of the position of the bearing in a plane comprising the first direction and the second direction, meaning that the position of the bearing can be adjusted along the first direction and the second direction. Accordingly, the alignment of the gate can be done along the first direction and the second direction. In a preferred embodiment the axial direction is essentially perpendicular to the plane comprising the first direction and the second direction. In a further preferred embodiment, the first direction is essentially perpendicular to the second direction. The first direction may for instance be oriented in a vertical direction, the second direction may for instance be oriented in horizontal direction, where the vertical direction is perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and where the axial direction is perpendicular to the plane comprising the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the batch mixer, the bearing comprises a bearing housing, the first alignment mean comprises a first frame element and a second frame element, where a first alignment element is connecting the bearing housing with the first frame element along the first direction, and a second alignment element is connecting the bearing housing with the second frame element along the second direction, where the position of the first alignment element relative to the first frame element is adjustable along the second direction and where the position of the second alignment element relative to the second frame element is adjustable along the first direction. The respective alignment element for instance comprises at least one screw and at least one nut. By connecting the respective alignment element with the bearing housing, the position of the bearing housing may be adjusted along the orientation of the respective alignment element, i.e. the first alignment element allowing adjustment of the position of the bearing along the first direction relative to the first frame element, the second alignment element allowing adjustment of the position of the bearing along the second direction relative to the second frame element. Due to the adjustability of the position of the first alignment element relative to - especially in - the first frame element along the second direction and due to the adjustability of the position of the second alignment element relative to - and especially in - the second frame element along the first direction, the respective alignment element allows the effective adjustment of the position of the bearing in the plane comprising the first direction and the second direction. The solution especially allows the adjustment of the position in one direction, e.g. the first direction, independent of the other direction, e.g. the second direction.

[0009] In an equally favorable embodiment of the batch mixer, the respective frame element comprises a respective open area, for instance a long hole, for positioning of the respective alignment element relative to the respective frame element. Providing such open area, for instance a long hole, in the respective frame element allows to easily realize the adjustability of the position of the first alignment element relative to the first frame element along the second direction, and accordingly to adjust the position of the second alignment element relative to the second frame element along the first direction.

[0010] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the batch mixer, the respective alignment element comprises at least one screw and at least one nut, the at least one screw being connected with the bearing housing and the at least one screw having an orientation either along the first direction (first alignment element) or the second direction (second alignment element), where in a preferred option the respective frame element is positioned between the at least one nut and the bearing housing, where the at least one nut is connected rotatable to the at least one screw for adjustment of the position of the bearing housing relative to the respective frame element in the direction of the orientation of the at least one screw. Due to the connection of the screw with the bearing housing, any adjustment of the position of the screw gives a respective adjustment of the position of the bearing.

[0011] In the preferred option the at least one nut is connected rotatable to the at least one screw, which allows to easily set a distance between the at least one nut and the bearing housing. As the respective frame element is positioned between the at least one nut and the bearing housing, by setting the distance between the at least one nut and the bearing housing, consequently a maximum distance between the respective frame element and the bearing is set at the same time. As the nut is not fixed to the respective frame element, only a maximum distance between the respective frame element and the bearing can be set. Summarizing, the position of the bearing housing relative to the respective frame element in the direction of the orientation of the at least one screw can easily be set via the respective nut.

[0012] Preferably the first alignment mean of the batch mixer further comprises at least one further screw and at least one further nut, the at least one further screw having an orientation either along the first direction or the second direction, the at least one further nut being connected non-rotatable with the respective frame element and where the at least one further nut is connected rotatable to the at least one further screw, where the at least one further screw can be brought in touching contact with the bearing housing for fixing the position of the bearing housing relative to the respective frame element. So in a first step the respective alignment elements, i.e. the at least one screw and the at least one nut, are set such that the position of the bearing housing relative to the respective frame element is adjusted in the direction of the orientation of the respective at least one screw. In a second step the at least one further screw is brought in touching contact with the bearing housing, where the at least one further nut is connected non-rotatable with the respective frame element allowing to exert a pressing force via the at least on further screw on the bearing housing. Consequently, that pressing force brings the at least one nut in pressing contact with the respective frame element, which will allow to fix the position of the bearing housing relative to the respective frame element.

[0013] In a further favorable embodiment the batch mixer comprises a clamp for clamping the bearing housing against a support of the respective alignment mean, where in a preferred option the support comprises at least one pin, where the bearing housing comprises at least one hole for receiving the at least one pin, where the bearing housing is clamped against the support via the clamp, where the clamp is tensioned against the bearing housing via the at least one pin. By providing a support with at least one pin, where the bearing housing comprises at least one hole for receiving the at least one pin, the bearing housing is protected against uncontrolled repositioning, as the at least one pin, that is preferably oriented horizontally and most preferably in the axial direction, will safeguard a maximum repositioning of the bearing in the plane comprising the first direction and the second direction corresponding to the dimensions of the hole of the bearing housing, which hole receives the at least one pin, where the bearing housing is arranged between the clamp and the support, and where the pin is connected to the support. So on the one hand the bearing housing may be clamped against the support via the clamp, where the clamp is tensioned against the bearing housing via the at least one pin. And on the other hand, when un-tensioning the bearing housing, the bearing housing is still protected against uncontrolled repositioning, as it is safeguarded by the pin and arranged between the support and the un-tensioned clamp.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment, the batch mixer comprises a locking mean configured to lock the gate in the closed-position, and a second alignment mean configured for adjusting the position of the locking mean for alignment of the gate with the shell surface. In this preferred embodiment, the alignment of the gate with the shell surface is done by adjusting the position of the bearing via the first alignment mean, where in the closed-position, the gate is additionally locked by a locking mean for better supporting the closed gate, where for further improved alignment of the gate with the shell surface in the closed position, a second alignment mean is adjusting the position of the locking mean.

[0015] Preferably the locking mean is configured as a locking shaft, where in a first shaft position the locking shaft is configured to allow the gate to open the outlet and where in a second shaft position the locking shaft is configured to lock the gate in the closed position, where the locking shaft preferably extends along the gate in the axial direction and preferably locks the gate at a number of locking points. As the locking shaft is also preferably configured to be rotatable in a locking-shaft-bearing, the second alignment mean is preferably configured for adjusting the position of the locking-shaft-bearing for better alignment of the gate in the closed position, whereby the basic structure of the second alignment mean is corresponding to the basic structure of the first alignment mean. As such the first alignment mean and the second alignment mean are preferably arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber, where the first alignment mean and the second alignment mean are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the outlet and respectively the gate.

[0016] In an equally favorable embodiment, the batch mixer comprises an adjustment mean, especially an actuator or (hydraulic or pneumatic) cylinder, connected with the gate or the bearing, where the adjustment mean is configured for pivoting the gate around the pivot-axis in the bearing and moving the gate between the open-position and the closed-position. An actuator connected with the gate allows easy opening of the outlet, by pivoting the gate around the pivot-axis in the bearing via the adjustment mean. Alternatively, the bearing may be connected with the adjustment mean for pivoting the gate around the pivot-axis in the bearing.

[0017] Optionally the batch mixer comprises a second adjustment mean, especially an actuator or (hydraulic or pneumatic) cylinder, connected with the locking shaft, where the optional second adjustment mean is configured for locking and unlocking the gate by rotating the locking shaft.

[0018] In a particularly advantageous embodiment the batch mixer comprises a surge bin, where the surge bin is connected to the outlet for removing the materials mixed from the batch mixer through the outlet to the surge bin, where the alignment means are accessible from an outside of the batch mixer, especially from an outside of the surge bin and an outside of the mixing chamber, optionally via an alignment hatch, which alignment hatch is preferably arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber. This is in contrast to the state of the art, where an alignment of the gate typically is done by entering the surge bin and by adjusting the connection between the swivel arm and the gate for alignment of the gate with the shell surface. Following the invention the alignment means are accessible from an outside of the batch mixer, especially from an outside of the surge bin and an outside of the mixing chamber, which especially allows alignment to be done at ground level at the lateral ends of the mixing chamber. Easy access to the respective alignment means may be provided by the optional alignment hatch, which alignment hatch is preferably arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber. So advantageously, no overhead work in the surge bin is required.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment the batch mixer comprises an inspection hatch for inspecting the alignment of the gate with the shell surface especially in the closed-position, where preferably the inspection hatch is arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber. This advantageously allows to inspect the alignment of the gate with the shell surface via the inspection hatch, while at the same time the position of the bearing for alignment of the gate is adjusted via the alignment hatch.

[0020] Corresponding to a favorable embodiment of the batch mixer, the gate is a single gate configured to open the outlet in an open-position and configured to close the outlet in a closed-position. Providing a single gate for opening and closing the outlet reduces the effort for alignment to a single alignment of the single gate with the shell surface.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the batch mixer comprises a sealing configured to seal an area between the mixing chamber, especially the shell surface, and the gate, where the sealing is essentially extending in the axial direction. Effective sealing is essential for the operation of the batch mixer, as typically a dust proof sealing of the mixing chamber against an outside of the mixing chamber is required. Any misalignment of the gate with the shell surface would negatively affect the sealing between the shell surface and the gate, resulting in contamination of the outside of the mixing chamber and uncontrolled loss of material to be mixed to the outside. An effective alignment of the gate - implying an effective sealing - is highly advantageously.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment the batch mixer comprises the bearing at a first lateral end of the mixing chamber and a second bearing at a second lateral end of the mixing chamber; the gate being pivotable around the pivot-axis in the respective bearings at the first lateral end and at the second lateral end, and respective alignment means at the first lateral end and at the second lateral end being configured for adjusting the position of the respective bearings for alignment of the gate with the shell surface, especially in the closed-position along the axial direction. Preferably there is at each lateral end of the mixing chamber at least one bearing and at least one corresponding alignment mean, where the gate is pivoted around the pivot-axis in the bearings at each lateral end. By adjusting the position of the bearing at each lateral end via the alignment mean, the alignment of the gate with the shell surface can easily be accomplished.

[0023] The invention will now be described by way of example based on the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a batch mixer according to the state of the art. Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a batch mixer according to the state of the art. Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the outlet of a batch mixer according to the state of the art. Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the outlet and the alignment mean according to the invention. Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the alignment mean according to the invention.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a batch mixer according to the state of the art. The batch mixer 1 is configured for mixing materials and comprises a cylindrical mixing chamber 2, which mixing chamber 2 comprises the shell surface 3. The bottom of the mixing chamber 2 comprises a gate 9, which gate 9 is configured to open or close an outlet 5 of the mixing chamber 2. By opening the gate 9, the material mixed may be removed, i.e. fall, from the mixing chamber 2 down to a surge bin 28. Alignment of gate 9 with the shell surface 3 typically is done by entering the surge bin 28 and by adjusting the connection between a swivel arm and the gate 9, which means working overhead in a dusty environment, i.e. the surge bin 28.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a cross section of a batch mixer according to the state of the art. The batch mixer 1 comprises an essentially cylindrical mixing chamber 2, the mixing chamber 2 comprising a shell surface 3. Materials to be mixed are introduced via the inlet 4 into the mixing chamber 2, where the materials mixed are removed from the batch mixer 1 through the shell surface 3 via the outlet 5. A drivable mixer shaft 6 is arranged in the mixing chamber 2, the mixer shaft 6 defining an axial direction 7. Mixing means 8 for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber 2 are connected with the mixer shaft 6. The gate 9 is configured to open at least an essential part of the outlet 5 in an open-position and configured to close at least the essential part of the outlet 5 in a closed-position.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a cross section of the outlet of the batch mixer shown in Fig. 2., which is an embodiment according to the state of the art. All features disclosed for the embodiment of Fig. 2 also apply to the embodiment of Fig. 3. The gate 9 is configured to open the outlet 5 in an open-position and configured to close the outlet 5 in a closed-position. The gate 9 is connected with the bearing 11 via a swivel arm, where the gate 9 is pivoted around a pivot-axis 10 in the bearing 11, which bearing 11 comprises a bearing housing 15. The pivot-axis 10 is essentially parallel to the axial direction 7. The batch mixer is additionally provided with a locking mean 23, which is configured to lock the gate 9 in the closed-position, where the locking mean 23 is configured as a locking shaft 25. In a first (especially rotational) shaft position, the locking shaft 25 is configured to allow the gate 9 to open the outlet 5, and in a second (especially rotational) shaft position the locking shaft 25 is configured to lock the gate 9 in the closed position. Additionally, a sealing 31 is configured to seal an area between the mixing chamber 2, especially the shell surface 3, and the gate 9, where the sealing 31 is essentially extending in the axial direction 7 of the batch mixer 1.

[0027] Fig. 4 shows a cross section of the outlet and the alignment mean according to the invention. The batch mixer as such as shown in Fig. 4 may comprise all features of the batch mixer as shown in Fig. 2.

[0028] Additionally, the gate 9 which is opening or closing the outlet 5 is pivoted around a pivot-axis 10 in a bearing 11, the pivot-axis 10 being essentially parallel to the axial direction 7.

[0029] A first alignment mean 12 is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing 11 for alignment of the gate 9 with the shell surface 3 especially in the closed-position.

[0030] The first alignment mean 12 is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing 11 along a first direction 13 and along a second direction 14, allowing positioning of the bearing 11 in a plane comprising the first direction 13 and the second direction 14. The bearing 11 is comprising a bearing housing 15.

[0031] The first alignment mean 12 is comprising a first (preferably horizontal) frame element 16 and a second (preferably vertical) frame element 17.

[0032] The axial direction 7 is essentially perpendicular to the plane comprising the first direction 13 and the second direction 14, where the first direction 13 is essentially perpendicular to the second direction 14.

[0033] A first alignment element 18 - comprising a screw and a nut 21 - is connecting the bearing housing 15 with the first frame element 16 along the first direction 13.

[0034] A second alignment element 19 - comprising a screw and a nut 21 - is connecting the bearing housing 15 with the second frame element 17 along the second direction 14. The position of the first alignment element 18 relative to the first frame element 16 is adjustable along the second direction 14, as the first frame element 16 comprises a respective open area 20, for instance a long hole, for positioning of the alignment element 18 relative to the frame element 16.

[0035] The position of the second alignment element 19 relative to the second frame element 17 is accordingly adjustable along the first direction 13, as the second frame element 17 comprises a respective open area 20, for instance a long hole, for positioning of the alignment element 19 relative to the frame element 17.

[0036] The respective screw is connected with the bearing housing 15, where the screw comprised by the first alignment element 18 has an orientation along the first direction 13, and the screw comprised by the second alignment element 19 has an orientation along the second direction 14.

[0037] The respective nut 21 is not fixed to the respective frame element 16,17.

[0038] The respective frame element 16,17 is positioned between the respective nut 21 and the bearing housing 15, where the respective nut 21 is connected rotatable to the respective screw for adjustment of the position of the bearing housing 15 relative to the respective frame element 16,17 in the direction of the orientation of the respective screw.

[0039] The first alignment mean 12 also comprises at least one further screw and at least one further nut 22, the at least one further screw having an orientation either along the first direction 13 or the second direction 14.

[0040] The at least one further nut 22 being connected non-rotatable with the respective frame element 16,17, where the at least one further nut 22 is connected rotatable to the at least one further screw.

[0041] By bringing the at least one further screw in touching contact with the bearing housing 15, the position of the bearing housing 15 relative to the respective frame element 16,17 can be fixed.

[0042] Therefore, the respective alignment element 18,19, i.e. the at least one screw and the at least one nut 21, can be set such that the position of the bearing housing 15 relative to the respective frame element 16,17 is adjusted in the direction of the orientation of the respective screw. To fix the position of the bearing housing 15, the at least one further screw is brought in touching contact with the bearing housing 15, where the at least one further nut 22 is connected non-rotatable with the respective frame element 16,17 allowing to exert a pressing force via the at least one further screw on the bearing housing 15. Consequently, that pressing force brings the at least one nut 21 in pressing contact with the respective frame element 16,17, which will allow to fix the position of the bearing housing 15 relative to the respective frame element 16,17.

[0043] Fig. 5 shows a cross section of the alignment mean according to the invention. All features described for the embodiment according to Fig. 4 also apply to the embodiment shown in Fig. 5.

[0044] The clamp 32 allows clamping of the bearing housing 15 against a support 33 of the respective alignment mean 12. The support 33 comprises at least one pin 34, where the bearing housing 15 comprises at least one hole for receiving the at least one pin 34. The bearing housing 15 is clamped against the support 33 via the clamp 32, where the clamp 32 is tensioned against the bearing housing 15 via the at least one pin 34.

[0045] The present invention offers numerous advantages. The inventors realized that an effective alignment of the gate with the shell surface is essential for avoiding deposits from materials. Additionally, a well aligned gate is a prerequisite for an effective sealing of the mixing chamber against an outside. The alignment procedures known from prior art require accessing the surge bin and overhead alignment of the gate, which is cumbersome and only moderately effective; whereas the invention allows for an improved and effective alignment of the gate with the shell surface, especially minimizing the effort for the operating personal.Reference numbers

[0046] 1batch mixer 2mixing chamber 3shell surface 4inlet 5outlet 6mixer shaft 7axial direction 8mixing means 9gate 10pivot-axis 11bearing 12first alignment mean 13first direction 14second direction 15bearing housing 16first frame element 17second frame element 18first alignment element 19second alignment element 20open area 21nut 22further nut 23locking mean 24second alignment mean 25locking shaft 26- not used - 27second adjustment mean 28surge bin 29alignment hatch 30inspection hatch 31sealing 32clamp 33support 34pin

Claims

1. A batch mixer (1) for mixing materials, the batch mixer (1) comprising a preferably cylindrical mixing chamber (2), the mixing chamber (2) comprising a shell surface (3); an inlet (4) for introducing materials to be mixed into the mixing chamber (2); an outlet (5) for removing the materials mixed from the batch mixer (1) through the shell surface (3); a drivable mixer shaft (6) arranged in the mixing chamber (2), the mixer shaft (6) defining an axial direction (7), mixing means (8) for mixing the materials in the mixing chamber (2), the mixing means (8) being connected with the mixer shaft (6); a gate (9) configured to open at least an essential part of the outlet (5) in an open-position and configured to close at least the essential part of the outlet (5) in a closed-position, where the gate (9) is pivoted around a pivot-axis (10) in a bearing (11), the pivot-axis (10) being essentially parallel to the axial direction (7); characterized in that a first alignment mean (12) is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing (11) for alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3) especially in the closed-position, where the first alignment mean (12) is configured for adjusting the position of the bearing (11) at least along a first direction (13) and along a second direction (14), for positioning of the bearing (11) in a plane comprising the first direction (13) and the second direction (14).

2. A batch mixer (1) according to claim 1, the bearing (11) comprising a bearing housing (15), the first alignment mean (12) comprising a first frame element (16) and a second frame element (17), where a first alignment element (18) is connecting the bearing housing (15) with the first frame element (16) along the first direction (13), and a second alignment element (19) is connecting the bearing housing (15) with the second frame element (17) along the second direction (14), where the position of the first alignment element (18) relative to the first frame element (16) is adjustable along the second direction (14) and where the position of the second alignment element (19) relative to the second frame element (17) is adjustable along the first direction (13).

3. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 2, where the axial direction (7) is essentially perpendicular to the plane comprising the first direction (13) and the second direction (14), where preferably the first direction (13) is essentially perpendicular to the second direction (14).

4. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 3, where the respective frame element (16,17) comprises a respective open area (20), for instance a long hole, for positioning of the respective alignment element (18,19) relative to the respective frame element (16,17).

5. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 4, where the respective alignment element (18,19) comprises at least one screw and at least one nut (21), the at least one screw being connected with the bearing housing (15) and the at least one screw having an orientation either along the first direction (13) or the second direction (14), where in a preferred option the respective frame element (16,17) is positioned between the at least one nut (21) and the bearing housing (15), where the at least one nut (21) is connected rotatable to the at least one screw for adjustment of the position of the bearing housing (15) relative to the respective frame element (16,17) in the direction of the orientation of the at least one screw.

6. A batch mixer (1) according to claim 5, where the first alignment mean (12) comprises at least one further screw and at least one further nut (22), the at least one further screw having an orientation either along the first direction (13) or the second direction (14), the at least one further nut (22) being connected non-rotatable with the respective frame element (16,17) and where the at least one further nut (22) is connected rotatable to the at least one further screw, where the at least one further screw can be brought in touching contact with the bearing housing (15) for fixing the position of the bearing housing (15) relative to the respective frame element (16,17).

7. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 2 to 6 comprising a clamp (32) for clamping the bearing housing (15) against a support (33) of the respective alignment mean (12,24), where in a preferred option the support (33) comprises at least one pin (34), where the bearing housing (15) comprises at least one hole for receiving the at least one pin (34), where the bearing housing (15) is clamped against the support (33) via the clamp (32), where the clamp (32) is tensioned against the bearing housing (15) via the at least one pin (34).

8. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 7, comprising a locking mean (23) configured to lock the gate (9) in the closed-position, and a second alignment mean (24) configured for adjusting the position of the locking mean (23) for alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3).

9. A batch mixer (1) according to claim 8, where the locking mean (23) is configured as a locking shaft (25), where in a first shaft position the locking shaft (25) is configured to allow the gate (9) to open the outlet (5) and where in a second shaft position the locking shaft (25) is configured to lock the gate (9) in the closed position, where the locking shaft (25) preferably extends along the gate (9) in the axial direction (7) and preferably locks the gate (9) at a number of locking points.

10. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 9, comprising an adjustment mean, especially an actuator or cylinder, connected with the gate (9) or the bearing (11), where the adjustment mean is configured for pivoting the gate (9) around the pivot-axis (10) in the bearing (11) and moving the gate (9) between the open-position and the closed-position; where optionally the batch mixer (1) comprises a second adjustment mean (27), especially an actuator or cylinder, connected with the locking shaft (25), where the optional second adjustment mean (27) is configured for locking and unlocking the gate (9) by rotating the locking shaft (25).

11. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 10, comprising a surge bin (28), where the surge bin (28) is connected to the outlet (5) for removing the materials mixed from the batch mixer (1) through the outlet (5) to the surge bin (28), where the alignment means (12, 24) are accessible from an outside of the batch mixer (1), especially from an outside of the surge bin (28) and an outside of the mixing chamber (2), optionally via an alignment hatch (29), which alignment hatch (29) is preferably arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber (2).

12. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 11, comprising an inspection hatch (30) for inspecting the alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3) especially in the closed-position, where preferably the inspection hatch (30) is arranged at a lateral end of the mixing chamber (2).

13. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 12, where the gate (9) is a single gate configured to open the outlet (5) in an open-position and configured to close the outlet (5) in a closed-position.

14. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13 comprising a sealing (31) configured to seal an area between the mixing chamber (2), especially the shell surface (3), and the gate (9), where the sealing (31) is essentially extending in the axial direction (7).

15. A batch mixer (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 14 comprising the bearing (11) at a first lateral end of the mixing chamber (2) and a second bearing at a second lateral end of the mixing chamber (2); the gate (9) being pivotable around the pivot-axis (10) in the respective bearings, and respective alignment means being configured for adjusting the position of the respective bearings for alignment of the gate (9) with the shell surface (3) especially in the closed-position along the axial direction (7).

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