Rotary kiln

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotary kiln, comprising: a tube assembly having a rotating tube that rotates in a horizontally arranged state to rotate and heat raw material powder; and a temperature measurement unit provided on the rotating tube, wherein the temperature measurement unit includes a first temperature sensor, a first fixing member that fixes the first temperature sensor to the rotating tube, and an insulator that is provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube and blocks heat from being conducted from the rotating tube to the first temperature sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0057237 filed on May 10, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0060126 filed on May 17, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0061554 filed on May 19, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0069410 filed on Jun. 8, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0059992 filed on May 9, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a rotary kiln capable of directly measuring the temperature of a tube assembly and the temperature of raw material powder that is rotated and heated simultaneously by the tube assembly.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in the field of advanced electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and video cameras.

[0004] Particularly, as technology development and demand related to mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been rapidly increasing. Among such secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries having high energy density, high voltage, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate have been commercialized and widely used.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries use lithium transition metal oxides as the positive electrode active material. Specifically, the positive electrode active materials used include lithium cobalt oxide, which has a high operating voltage and excellent capacity characteristics; lithium nickel oxide, which has a high reversible capacity of approximately 200 mAh / g and facilitates the realization of high-capacity batteries; lithium nickel cobalt oxide, in which part of the nickel is replaced with cobalt; lithium nickel cobalt metal oxide, in which part of the nickel is replaced with manganese, cobalt, or aluminum; lithium manganese-based oxides, which have excellent thermal stability and are inexpensive; and lithium iron phosphorus oxide, which has excellent stability.

[0006] The positive electrode active material is manufactured by mixing a precursor for manufacturing the positive electrode active material with lithium raw materials, and then placing the mixture in a heating device and firing it at a high temperature.

[0007] In this case, a rotary kiln can be used as the heating device. The rotary kiln includes a rotating tube that contains a precursor for producing a positive electrode active material and a lithium raw material (hereinafter referred to as raw material powder) and mixes them by rotating it horizontally; a heating element provided on the outside of the rotating tube that heats the rotating tube and heats the raw material powder to cause a reaction; a supply member that supplies the raw material powder to the rotating tube; and a recovery member that recovers the raw material powder discharged from the rotating tube.

[0008] The heating element heats the rotating tube, and the raw material powder is heated through the heated rotating tube. However, because the heating temperature of the rotating tube and the heating temperature of the raw material powder cannot be known, accurate thermal control is difficult, and in particular, there was no way to confirm whether the raw material powder was heated to a uniform temperature. As a result, there was a problem in that uniform quality control of the raw material powder was difficult. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a rotary kiln that can directly measure the temperature of the tube assembly and the temperature of the raw material powder that is heated simultaneously with the rotation of the tube assembly, thereby enabling more accurate and precise heat control during the firing process, and consequently enabling quality control of the raw material powder. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The rotary kiln for calcining the raw material powder of the present invention includes a tube assembly provided with a rotating tube that rotates and heats the raw material powder while being positioned horizontally, and a temperature measuring unit provided on the rotating tube, wherein the temperature measuring unit may include a first temperature sensor, a first fixing member for fixing the first temperature sensor to the rotating tube, and an insulating body provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube to block the conduction of heat from the rotating tube to the first temperature sensor.

[0011] The first temperature sensor is provided inside the rotating tube and can measure the temperature of the raw material powder. The first temperature sensor can measure the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube. The first fixing member can be provided in a manner that surrounds the first temperature sensor.

[0012] The first temperature sensor may be provided in multiple locations, and the first fixing member may be located inside the rotating tube and include a pair of horizontal sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube, and a vertical rod to which both ends are fixed to the pair of horizontal sections, and to which a plurality of first temperature sensors are provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the inner circumference of the rotating tube. The temperature measuring unit may further include a first connecting member that fixes the first fixing member to the rotating tube.

[0013] The first connecting member may include: a first connecting piece provided inside the rotating tube and coupled to the tip of the first fixing member; a second connecting piece provided outside the rotating tube and having an inner portion provided between the first fixing member and the heat insulating body, with its tip fastened to the first connecting piece; and a pressurizing piece positioned between the first connecting piece and the second connecting piece, which deforms when the first and second connecting pieces are fastened together to pressurize the first fixing member.

[0014] The rotary kiln further includes an auxiliary temperature measuring unit for directly measuring the temperature of the rotating tube, the auxiliary temperature measuring unit including a second temperature sensor inserted into the outer surface of the rotating tube and inserted so as not to penetrate the inside of the tube assembly to measure the temperature of the rotating tube, and a second fixing member for fixing the second temperature sensor to the rotating tube.

[0015] The rotary kiln may further include a receiving unit that receives the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit and the temperature measured by the auxiliary temperature measuring unit, and an inspection unit that generates a fault signal if the temperature of the temperature measuring unit and the temperature of the auxiliary temperature measuring unit received by the receiving unit are smaller or larger than an already set input value.

[0016] The rotary kiln may further include a control unit that, when a fault signal is generated by the inspection unit, controls the heating temperature of the rotating tube and adjusts the temperature of the temperature measuring unit and the temperature of the auxiliary temperature measuring unit so that they fall within a set input value.

[0017] Multiple first temperature sensors are arranged in the radial direction of the inner circumference of the rotating tube, and the temperature distribution can be detected by measuring the temperature of the raw material powder introduced into the rotating tube and the temperature of the space where no raw material powder is present.

[0018] The temperature measuring unit further includes a detection member that detects the amount of raw material powder filled into the rotating tube based on the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube detected by a plurality of first temperature sensors. The detection member can detect first temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the raw material powder when the plurality of first temperature sensors are located in the radial direction of the rotating tube, and can select input filling amount data corresponding to the number of detected first temperature sensors to calculate the amount of raw material powder filled.

[0019] The rotary kiln further includes a stirring assembly for stirring raw material powder rotated by the rotating tube, the stirring assembly including a stirring section for stirring raw material powder rotated by the rotating tube, and a coupling section for connecting the stirring section to one end of the rotating tube, the coupling section including a ring-shaped support piece supported at one end of the rotating tube to which the stirring section is connected, and fixing means for detachably connecting the support piece to one end of the rotating tube.

[0020] The stirring unit includes one or more stirring pieces for stirring the raw material powder, and the stirring piece may include two or more rotating bodies provided at predetermined intervals, and a stirring rod that connects the corresponding rotating bodies and stirs the raw material powder rotating by a rotating tube. Each of the rotating bodies may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the rotating tube, so as not to be supported by the inner surface of the rotating tube.

[0021] When two stirring pieces are provided, the stirring section may further include an auxiliary stirring rod that connects the corresponding stirring pieces and stirs the raw material powder located between the corresponding stirring pieces.

[0022] The rotating tube can be made of a clad metal, which is formed by fusing together different metals to create a single integrated structure. The aforementioned dissimilar metallic substances can consist of a metallic substance and a non-ferrous metallic substance.

[0023] The dissimilar metals include an internal metal substance located inside the rotary tube and an external metal substance located outside the rotary tube, and the internal metal substance can have a thickness thinner than that of the external metal substance.

[0024] An inlet portion into which raw material powder is introduced and a discharge portion from which the raw material powder is discharged are formed in the rotary tube, and the internal metal substance can be provided such that its thickness gradually increases from the inlet portion to the discharge portion of the rotary tube.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] The rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measurement unit provided in the rotary tube, the temperature measurement unit includes a first temperature sensor and a first fixing member, and the first temperature sensor is characterized by directly measuring the temperature of the raw material powder. With such a feature, the temperature of the raw material powder can be accurately measured, thereby facilitating the quality control of the raw material powder.

[0026] The rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measurement unit provided in the rotary tube, the temperature measurement unit includes a first temperature sensor and a first fixing member, and the first temperature sensor is characterized by measuring the temperature distribution in the inner circumferential radial direction of the rotary tube. With such a feature, the temperature distribution can be accurately detected by measuring the temperature of the raw material powder introduced into the rotary tube and the temperature of the space where no raw material powder exists.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a cross-sectional view showing the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature measurement unit of the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] This figure shows the display unit of a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view showing the insulating body of a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view showing the tube assembly and temperature measuring section of a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view. [Figure 11] This is a front view showing a connecting piece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a front view showing a fixing piece according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] This is a process diagram showing a method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the stirring assembly and the tube assembly in a rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing the stirring assembly of a rotary kiln according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] This is an assembly diagram showing the stirring assembly of a rotary kiln according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view showing the first example of a stirring section included in a stirring assembly. [Figure 21] This is a perspective view showing a second example of a stirring section included in a stirring assembly. [Figure 22] This is a perspective view showing a third example of a stirring section included in a stirring assembly. [Figure 23] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the connection between the tube assembly and the stirring assembly. [Figure 24] This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] This is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 24. [Figure 26] This is a cross-sectional view along the line BB shown in Figure 25. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view showing the rotating tube of a rotary kiln according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] This is a cross-sectional view shown in Figure 27. [Figure 29] This is a process diagram showing the fusion bonding process in the manufacturing method of a rotating tube. [Figure 30] This is a process diagram showing the bending process in the manufacturing method of a rotating tube. [Figure 31] This is a process diagram showing another embodiment of the bending process in the manufacturing method of a rotating tube. [Figure 32] This is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention may be realized in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In the drawings, parts unrelated to the description have been omitted in order to clearly illustrate the present invention, and similar parts throughout the specification are denoted by similar reference numerals.

[0029] [Rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the temperature measuring section of the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 3, and Figure 5 is a diagram showing the display section of the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] A rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, is for calcining raw material powder and includes a tube assembly 100, a supply assembly 10, and a recovery assembly 20. On the other hand, the raw material powder may be a mixed substance obtained by mixing a precursor for producing positive electrode active material and a lithium raw material.

[0031] Tube assembly The tube assembly 100 has a structure that mixes and heats raw material powder while rotating in a horizontally positioned state. That is, the tube assembly 100 includes a rotating tube 110 that mixes raw material powder 1 while rotating in a horizontally positioned state, and a heating element 120 that heats the rotating tube 110. On the other hand, the rotating tube 110 may have a double structure containing an outer metallic material and an inner metallic material.

[0032] In other words, in the tube assembly 100, the heating element 120 heats the rotating tube 110 to a set temperature, and as the heated rotating tube 110 rotates, it mixes and heats the supplied raw material powder 1 at the same time.

[0033] The tube assembly 100 includes a support member that supports it so that it can rotate horizontally. The support member includes a rotating gear provided in a manner that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the tube assembly 100, and support portions provided on both sides of the bottom surface of the rotating gear, each of which is a support gear that meshes with the rotating gear and supports the rotating gear and rotates by the rotating gear.

[0034] The tube assembly 100 includes a rotating member for rotating the tube assembly horizontally. The rotating member includes a drive gear coupled in a manner that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the tube assembly 100, and a drive motor that meshes with the drive gear and rotates the tube assembly 100 horizontally via the drive gear.

[0035] The heating element 120 includes a heating body provided in a manner that surrounds the outer surface of the rotating tube 110, and a heating medium provided in the heating body corresponding to the rotating tube 110 for heating the rotating tube 110.

[0036] Here, the heating medium may be one of the following: an electric heating element, SiC, Mo-Si, or a gas burner. The outer surface of the heating body may be made of a heat-resistant material so as not to discharge the heat source of the heating medium to the outside.

[0037] Supply Assembly The supply assembly 10 has a structure for supplying raw material powder to the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the supply assembly 10 includes an input member inserted into one end of the rotating tube 110 (the left end of the rotating tube 110 in Figure 2) into which the raw material powder is introduced; a chamber for collecting gases and water vapors generated when the raw material powder supplied into the rotating tube 110 is heated; and a protective member for sealing the space between the rotating tube 110 and the chamber.

[0038] Recovery Assembly The recovery assembly 20 has a structure for recovering the raw material powder discharged from the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the recovery assembly 20 includes a recovery member into which the other end of the rotating tube 110 (the right end of the rotating tube 110, as shown in Figure 2) is freely rotatable. After recovering the raw material powder discharged from the rotating tube 110, the recovery member is moved to a designated location for storage.

[0039] On the other hand, the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measuring unit 200 provided in the rotating tube, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. The temperature measuring unit 200 has a structure that allows it to directly measure the temperature of the rotating tube 110 included in the tube assembly 100, and the temperature of the raw material powder that is heated simultaneously with the rotation of the tube assembly 100. This allows for accurate measurement of the temperature of the rotating tube 110 and the temperature of the raw material powder, and as a result, the quality of the raw material powder can be easily controlled. The temperature measurement unit will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0040] Temperature measurement part The temperature measuring unit 200 has a structure that allows it to directly measure the temperature of the raw material powder, which is heated while being rotated by the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the temperature measuring unit 200 includes a first fixing member 210, a first temperature sensor 220, and a first connecting member 230.

[0041] The first fixing member 210 is for fixing and protecting the first temperature sensor 220 to the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the first fixing member 210 has a cylindrical shape and is inserted from the outside to the inside of the rotating tube 110, with its tip located inside the rotating tube 110. As a result, the first fixing member 210 comes into direct contact with the raw material powder supplied to the rotating tube 110, and consequently its temperature rises to a level corresponding to that of the raw material powder.

[0042] On the other hand, the first fixing member 210 can be made of a metallic material so that the heat source of the raw material powder is quickly conducted. In particular, the first fixing member 210 can be made of the same material as the rotating tube 110. For example, the first fixing member 210 can be made of nickel. This allows the first fixing member 210 to be quickly heated to the temperature of the raw material powder, thereby improving ease of manufacture.

[0043] On the other hand, the tip of the first fixing member 210 (i.e., the tip of the first fixing member located inside the rotating tube) can be hemispherical. This significantly reduces the frictional force between the first fixing member 210 and the raw material powder, and significantly improves the contact area between the first fixing member 210 and the raw material powder. Furthermore, it can prevent damage to the first fixing member 210. Here, the first fixing member 210 may also be conical.

[0044] The first temperature sensor 220 is built into the tip of the first fixing member 210 and detects the temperature of the raw material powder by measuring the temperature of the first fixing member 210. Here, a thermocouple can be provided as the first temperature sensor 220. A thermocouple is a device made of two different metals that uses the Seebeck effect to measure a wide range of temperatures. In other words, when two different metals are combined in a thermocouple, if the temperatures at the two ends of the junction are different, an electric current flows between the two metals. This current allows us to determine the temperature difference between the two junctions.

[0045] The first connecting member 230 is connected to the end portion of the first fixing member 210 and has a structure that fixes the first fixing member 210 to the rotating tube 110. In other words, the first connecting member 230 includes a first connecting piece 231 provided inside the rotating tube 110 and coupled to the tip of the first fixing member 210, a second connecting piece 232 provided outside the rotating tube 110 and whose tip is fastened to the first connecting piece 231 through the space between the first fixing member 210 and the rotating tube 110, and a pressurizing piece 233 positioned between the first connecting piece 231 and the second connecting piece 232, which deforms when the first and second connecting pieces 231 and 232 are fastened, and which pressurizes and fixes the first fixing member 210.

[0046] Here, the second connecting piece 232 is provided with an outer portion 2321 that is located outside the rotating tube 110, and an inner portion 2322 that is located between the first fixing member 210 and the heat insulating body, with its tip fastened to the first connecting piece. On the other hand, the first connecting piece 231 and the second connecting piece 232 each have a nut shape so that the first fixing member 210 can pass through them.

[0047] As a result, when the first connecting piece 231 and the second connecting piece 232 are fastened together, the pressure piece 233 of the first connecting member 230 deforms, allowing it to fix the first fixing member 210. When the fastening between the first connecting piece 231 and the second connecting piece 232 is released, the pressure piece 233 returns to its original state, releasing the fixing of the first fixing member 210. On the other hand, the first connecting piece 231 can be welded to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110 for loosening and sealing.

[0048] On the other hand, after releasing the fastening of the first connecting piece 231 and the second connecting piece 232, the first connecting member 230 can be moved so that the first fixing member 210 protrudes further into the rotating tube 110, or conversely, moved to the outside of the rotating tube 110. This allows the position of the temperature measuring unit 200 connected to the rotating tube 110 to be adjusted. This makes it easy to adjust the position of the temperature measuring unit 200 connected to the rotating tube 110 according to the amount of raw material powder being fed into the rotating tube 110, and as a result, the temperature of the raw material powder can be measured more accurately. Furthermore, interchangeability and non-processing time can be reduced.

[0049] The temperature measuring unit 200 having such a structure can directly measure the temperature of the raw material powder introduced into the rotating tube 110, and as a result, the accurate temperature of the raw material powder can be obtained. In particular, the temperature measuring unit 200 includes a first fixing member 210 and a first connecting member 230, which allows for stable protection and fixation of the first temperature sensor 220.

[0050] On the other hand, the system may further include an auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 for directly measuring the temperature of the rotating tube 110. The auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 has a structure that can accurately measure the temperature of the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 includes a second fixing member 310, a second temperature sensor 320, and a second coupling member 330.

[0051] The second fixing member 310 is for protecting the second temperature sensor 320 from the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the second fixing member 310 is inserted from the outside inward of the rotating tube 110, and is positioned so that its tip does not penetrate the inside of the tube assembly 100, and comes into contact with the rotating tube 110, causing its temperature to rise to a temperature corresponding to that of the rotating tube 110. Here, the second fixing member 310 can be made of the same material as the first fixing member 210, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0052] The second temperature sensor 320 is built into the tip of the second fixing member 310 and detects the temperature of the rotating tube 110 by measuring the temperature of the second fixing member 310. On the other hand, the second temperature sensor 320 can be the same sensor as the first temperature sensor 220.

[0053] The second connecting member 330 is connected to the end of the second fixing member 310, thereby fixing the second fixing member 310 to the rotating tube 110. That is, the second connecting member has the second fixing member 310 inserted inside and is connected to the rotating tube 110 on the outside, allowing the second fixing member 310 to be fixed to the rotating tube 110. Alternatively, the second connecting member 330 can be welded to the rotating tube 110 for sealing and fixing purposes.

[0054] The auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 having such a structure can directly measure the temperature of the rotating tube 110, and as a result, the accurate temperature of the rotating tube 110 can be obtained. In particular, the auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 can stably protect and fix the second temperature sensor 320 by including the second fixing member 310 and the second connecting member 330.

[0055] Multiple temperature measuring units 200 and auxiliary temperature measuring units 300 can be provided at set intervals along the length of the rotating tube 110. This allows for direct measurement of the temperature of the raw material powder and the rotating tube 110 at set intervals along the rotating tube 110, thereby improving the ease of quality control.

[0056] Therefore, the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measuring unit 200 and an auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300, which allows for accurate measurement of the temperature of the raw material powder and the rotating tube 110. This enables effective control of the temperature of the raw material powder, and as a result, the quality of the raw material powder can be easily controlled.

[0057] On the other hand, the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include a receiving unit 400, an inspection unit 500, a control unit 600, and a display unit 700 for temperature control.

[0058] Figure 5 shows a display unit 700 that displays the temperature being controlled by the receiving unit 400, inspection unit 500, and control unit 600 of a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Receiving unit The receiving unit 400 is provided at one end of the rotating tube 110 and receives the temperature of the raw material powder measured by the temperature measuring unit 200 and the temperature of the rotating tube 110 measured by the auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300, respectively.

[0060] A temperature measurement assembly is configured, including a temperature measurement unit and an auxiliary temperature measurement unit. Specifically, as shown in Figure 5, multiple temperature measuring assemblies are provided along the length of the rotating tube 110, and the receiving unit 400 receives the temperature of the raw material powder and the temperature of the rotating tube 110 measured by the multiple temperature measuring assemblies, respectively. This allows the temperature of the raw material powder and the temperature of the rotating tube 110 to be displayed in real time via the first display window 710 shown in Figure 5.

[0061] Inspection Department The inspection unit 500 maintains a normal signal if the temperature of the raw material powder and the temperature of the rotating tube 110, as received by the receiving unit 400, are within the set input values, and generates a faulty signal if they are smaller or larger than the set input values.

[0062] In particular, the inspection unit 500 generates a fault signal at the corresponding location if the temperature of any one of the multiple raw material powders and the temperature of the rotating tube 110 is lower or higher than a set input value. This means that the temperature measuring unit 200 or the auxiliary temperature measuring unit 300 that has generated a faulty signal will be illuminated or its color will be changed in the first display window 710 shown in Figure 5.

[0063] control unit When the inspection unit 500 generates a fault signal, the control unit 600 adjusts the heating temperature of the rotating tube 110 to control the heating temperature of the raw material powder and the heating temperature of the rotating tube 110 so that they are within the set values.

[0064] Specifically, referring to Figure 5, the control unit 600 adjusts the temperature of the rotating tube 110 by raising or lowering the temperature of the heating element 120, which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube 110. The temperature of the raw material powder is then heated by the temperature-adjusted rotating tube 110, thereby adjusting the temperature of the raw material powder. Meanwhile, the second display window 720 shown in Figure 5 displays the current temperature of the heating element 120 and the corrected temperature of the heating element 120 controlled by the control unit 600.

[0065] Display section As shown in Figure 5, the display unit 700 includes a first display window 710 and a second display window 720.

[0066] The first display window 710 displays the temperature (P) of the raw material powder and the temperature (T) of the rotating tube 110, which are received by the receiving unit 400. The second display window 720 displays the current temperature (F) of the heating element 120 that heats the rotating tube 110, and the corrected temperature (R) of the heating element 120 controlled by the control unit 600.

[0067] As a result, the display unit 700 can display the current temperature status of the rotary kiln in real time, allowing operators to easily check for defects. In particular, the location where a defect has occurred can be accurately identified.

[0068] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the insulating body of a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 6, the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a heat insulating body 240 between the temperature measuring unit 200 and the rotating tube 110.

[0069] In other words, the heat insulating body 240 has a structure that blocks heat conduction between the temperature measuring unit 200 and the rotating tube 110. For example, the heat insulating body 240 is provided between the first fixing member of the temperature measuring unit 200 and the rotating tube 110. More precisely, the heat insulating body 240 can be provided in a manner that surrounds the outer circumferential surface of the first fixing member that is in contact with the rotating tube 110. Alternatively, the heat insulating body 240 can be provided in the hole and on the surface of the rotating tube through which the temperature measuring unit 200 passes or contacts.

[0070] As a result, the insulating body 240 can block heat conduction between the temperature measuring unit 200 and the rotating tube 110, and consequently, the temperature measuring unit 200 can accurately measure the temperature of the raw material powder with the insulating body 240. On the other hand, the insulating material 240 can be made of glass fibers.

[0071] [Operation method of a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention] The following describes the operating state of the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] First, the rotating tube 110 is heated via the heating element 120 of the tube assembly 100 to raise it to the set temperature. At the same time, the rotating tube 110 is rotated.

[0073] When the rotating tube 110 reaches the set temperature, the raw material powder is supplied to the rotating tube 110 via the supply assembly 10. The raw material powder is then rotated by the rotating tube 110 and simultaneously heated and calcined.

[0074] In this process, the temperature measuring unit directly measures the temperature of the raw material powder and the rotating tube 110, and the measured temperatures of the raw material powder and the rotating tube 110 are displayed in real time in the first display window 710 of the display unit 700. Of course, the current temperature of the heating element 120 is also displayed in real time in the second display window 720 of the display unit 700.

[0075] Here, the inspection unit 500 outputs a fault signal if the temperature of the raw material powder and the temperature of the rotating tube 110 received by the receiving unit 400 are lower or higher than the set input value. This can be displayed via the first display window 710 of the display unit 700.

[0076] Next, when the inspection unit 500 outputs a fault signal, the control unit 600 adjusts the current temperature of the heating element 120 and adjusts the temperature of the raw material powder and the rotating tube 110 to be within the set input values. At this time, the adjusted temperature of the heating element 120 is displayed in the second display window 720 of the display unit 700.

[0077] As described above, the temperature measurement assembly can maintain a uniform temperature of the raw material powders being mixed and heated by the rotating tube, thereby enabling effective quality control. Subsequently, the raw material powder, after the calcination process is complete, is recovered via the recovery assembly 20.

[0078] In describing other embodiments of the present invention below, components having the same function as those described in the previously mentioned embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0079] [Rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a schematic side cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the tube assembly and temperature measuring section of the rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of Figure 9; Figure 11 is a front view showing a connecting piece according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 12 is a front view showing a fixing piece according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] A rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 7, is for calcining raw material powder and includes a tube assembly 100, a supply assembly 10 for supplying raw material powder 1 to the tube assembly, and a recovery assembly 20 for recovering the raw material powder 1 discharged from the tube assembly.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention further includes a temperature measuring unit 200' that measures the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube and detects the amount of raw material powder 1 packed into the tube assembly 100. On the other hand, the raw material powder 1 may be a mixed substance obtained by mixing a precursor for producing a positive electrode active material with a lithium raw material.

[0082] Tube assembly The tube assembly 100 is for rotating and simultaneously heating the raw material powder 1, and includes a rotating tube 110 and a heating element 120. Since the rotating tube 110 and the heating element 120 were described in detail in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0083] On the other hand, the tube assembly 100 further includes a stirring member 111 provided inside the rotating tube 110 for stirring the raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110. The stirring member 111 includes a screw stirring piece 111a formed along the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110 and a straight stirring piece 111b formed along the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube 110. In other words, the rotating tube includes a stirring member.

[0084] Supply Assembly The supply assembly 10 has a structure for supplying the raw material powder 1 to the rotating tube 110.

[0085] Recovery Assembly The recovery assembly 20 has a structure for recovering the raw material powder 1 discharged from the rotating tube 110. Since the supply assembly and the recovery assembly were described in detail in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0086] On the other hand, the rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measuring unit 200' for accurately detecting the amount of raw material powder 1 packed inside the rotating tube 110.

[0087] Temperature measurement part The temperature measuring unit 200' includes a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' that detect the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110. The plurality of first temperature sensors 220' are arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 and detect the temperature distribution by measuring the temperature of the raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 and the temperature of the space where the raw material powder 1 is not present.

[0088] In other words, the multiple first temperature sensors 220' can detect the amount of raw material powder 1 filled into the rotating tube 110 based on the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110.

[0089] In particular, multiple first temperature sensors 220' are composed of temperature assemblies, and multiple temperature assemblies can be provided along the length of the rotating tube 110. This makes it possible to accurately detect the amount of raw material powder 1 filled into the entire rotating tube 110.

[0090] On the other hand, the first temperature sensor 220' can be a thermocouple that detects the temperature of the raw material powder 1. In the thermocouple, when two types of metals are combined, if the temperatures at both ends of the joint are different, an electric current flows between the two metals. This current allows the temperature difference between the two junctions to be determined. This thermoelectric phenomenon can be used to measure the temperature of the rotating tube 110. Examples of thermocouples include platinum-platinum-rhodium thermocouples, Chromel-Alumel thermocouples, iron-constantan thermocouples, and copper-constantan thermocouples.

[0091] In this way, the multiple first temperature sensors 220' can detect the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 and detect the height to which the raw material powder 1 has been filled.

[0092] On the other hand, the temperature measuring unit 200' includes a first fixing member 210' that fixes a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' so that they are arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110.

[0093] The first fixing member 210', as shown in Figures 9 and 10, is for fixing a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' and includes a pair of horizontal sections 211 and a vertical rod 222.

[0094] The pair of horizontal sections 211 have the same structure, are arranged correspondingly inside the rotating tube 110, and extend in the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube 110.

[0095] Here, the horizontal section 211 is provided with a plurality of horizontal rods 2211 and one or more connecting pieces 2212 that connect the plurality of horizontal rods 2211 in the longitudinal direction, thereby allowing the horizontal section 211 to be easily assembled to correspond to the length of the rotating tube 110.

[0096] In other words, a pair of horizontal sections 211 can be connected in the longitudinal direction by fitting the corresponding horizontal rods 2211 into sockets provided at both ends of the connecting piece 2212.

[0097] The vertical rod 222 is for arranging a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110. The vertical rod 222 is positioned in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110, with both ends fixed to a pair of horizontal sections 211, and the plurality of first temperature sensors 220' are arranged along the length direction at set intervals. In other words, the plurality of first temperature sensors 220' are arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 by the vertical rod 222.

[0098] As shown in Figure 11, one end of the vertical rod 222 is connected and fixed to the inner socket 2212a of the connecting piece 2212 provided on one horizontal section 211, and the other end is connected to the outer socket 2212b of the connecting piece 2212 provided on the other horizontal section 211. This improves the connection between the vertical rod 222 and the horizontal section 211.

[0099] As shown in Figure 12, the vertical rod 222 may be provided with fixing pieces 2221 for securing a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' in place. For example, the fixing piece 2221 may be a metal band that is wrapped around the outer surface of the first temperature sensors 220' arranged on the vertical rod 222 to secure the first temperature sensors 220'. In particular, the metal band can be easily fixed to the vertical rod 222 and easily detached. As a result, ease of maintenance is achieved.

[0100] The first fixing member 210' may further include an auxiliary vertical rod 223 provided between the outer circumferential surface of the connecting piece 2212 and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110. Here, the auxiliary vertical rod 223 is located on the same vertical line as the vertical rod 222. In particular, the auxiliary vertical rod 223 may further include a first temperature sensor 220' for detecting the raw material powder 1 between the outer circumferential surface of the connecting piece 2212 and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110. This makes it possible to measure the temperature of the raw material powder 1 filled on the outer circumferential surface of the connecting piece 2212 and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110.

[0101] The auxiliary vertical rod 223 may be provided with a fixing piece 2221 for securing the first temperature sensor 220' to prevent it from moving. The fixing piece 2221 may be a metal band that is wrapped around the outer surface of the first temperature sensor 220' positioned on the auxiliary vertical rod 223 to secure the first temperature sensor 220'.

[0102] The first fixing member 210' may further include a bracket 225 that connects and fixes a pair of horizontal sections 211 to a stirring member 111 provided on the rotating tube 110. One end of the bracket 225 is bolted to the stirring member 111, and the horizontal rod 2211 of the horizontal section 211 is fitted to the other end. This allows the first fixing member 210' to be stably fixed inside the rotating tube 110.

[0103] An insulating body 240 is included between the first fixing member 210' and the rotating tube 110. That is, the insulating body 240 is provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube to block the conduction of heat from the rotating tube to the first fixing member.

[0104] In this way, the first fixing member 210' can fix the multiple first temperature sensors 220' so that they are stably arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110.

[0105] The temperature measuring unit 200' may further include a detection member 250. The detection member 250 detects the amount of raw material powder 1 filled into the rotating tube 110 based on the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 detected by a plurality of first temperature sensors 220'.

[0106] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the detection member 250 detects the first temperature sensors 220' that have detected the temperature of the raw material powder 1 when multiple first temperature sensors 220' are located radially in the rotating tube 110, selects the input filling amount data corresponding to the number of detected first temperature sensors 220', and calculates the filling amount of the raw material powder 1. On the other hand, the input filling amount data is the amount of filling calculated by the operator according to the diameter of the rotating tube 110 and the position of the first temperature sensor 220'.

[0107] The detection member 250 integrates the filling amounts calculated from multiple temperature assemblies arranged in the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube 110 to calculate the total filling amount of the raw material powder 1 in the rotating tube 110.

[0108] For example, referring to Figure 14, if the temperature detected by the first temperature sensors 220' numbered 1 to 3 is 450°C and the temperature detected by the first temperature sensors 220' numbered 4 to 5 is 300°C, the detection member 250 will select 10% of the input filling amount data corresponding to the three first temperature sensors 220' and calculate the filling amount.

[0109] The temperature measuring unit 200' may further include a control member 260. The control member 260 controls the amount of raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 to be adjusted if the amount of powder raw material detected by the detection member 250 is less than or more than a preset amount of powder raw material.

[0110] In other words, if the amount of raw material powder 1 added to the rotating tube 110 is less than the set amount of powdered raw material added, the control member 260 controls the supply assembly 10 to increase the amount of raw material powder 1 added. Conversely, if the amount of raw material powder powder 1 added to the rotating tube 110 is more than the set amount of powdered raw material added, the control member 260 controls the supply assembly 10 to decrease the amount of raw material powder 1 added. In this way, the amount of raw material powder 1 added to the rotating tube 110 can be kept constant.

[0111] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, the vertical rod 222 is provided with fixing pieces 2221 for fixing a plurality of first temperature sensors 220', and the fixing pieces 2221 are provided with coupling grooves formed in the vertical rod 222 so as to fit the first temperature sensors 220'.

[0112] In other words, by fitting the first temperature sensor into the coupling groove formed in the vertical rod 222, the efficiency of the work and the simplification of the structure can be improved. In particular, the fixing force of the fixing piece 2221 can be increased, which prevents the multiple first temperature sensors positioned on the vertical rod 222 from moving when the rotating tube 110 rotates.

[0113] Therefore, the rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a temperature measuring unit 200', which allows for the detection of the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110. This enables the accurate detection of the amount of raw material powder 1 packed into the rotating tube 110 in real time, and as a result, the amount of raw material powder 1 packed into the rotating tube 110 can be controlled to remain constant. The following describes a method for detecting the amount of filling using a rotary kiln according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] [Method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 14 is a process diagram showing a method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] A method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to a second embodiment of the present invention, referring to Figure 13, includes the steps of (a) rotating raw material powder 1 introduced through a horizontally arranged rotating tube 110 and heating the rotating raw material powder 1 by the rotating tube 110, and (b) detecting the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 using a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' provided in the temperature measuring unit 200'.

[0116] On the other hand, the method for detecting the filling amount of a rotary kiln according to the second embodiment of the present invention uses a tube assembly 100, a temperature measuring unit 200', a supply assembly 10, and a recovery assembly 20. Since the tube assembly 100, temperature measuring unit 200', supply assembly 10, and recovery assembly 20 have been described above, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0117] (a) Step (a) Step (a) involves rotating the rotating tube 110 of the tube assembly 100 horizontally, and then heating the rotating tube 110 to a set temperature via the heating element 120 of the tube assembly 100. Next, once the rotating tube 110 has reached the set temperature, the raw material powder 1 is introduced into the rotating tube 110 using the supply assembly 10. The raw material powder 1 is then heated as it rotates in the heated rotating tube 110, and is stirred and mixed by the stirring member 111 located inside the rotating tube 110.

[0118] (b) Step (b) Step includes detecting the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 using a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' provided in the temperature measuring unit 200'. That is, the plurality of first temperature sensors 220' are arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110 and detect the temperature distribution by measuring the temperature of the raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 and the temperature of the space where the raw material powder 1 is not present.

[0119] As an example, as shown in Figure 14, five first temperature sensors 220' are arranged in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube 110. Specifically, the first temperature sensors 1, 2, and 3 from the bottom end are positioned in contact with the raw material powder 1, while the first temperature sensors 4 and 5 are positioned in the space where the raw material powder 1 is not present. As a result, the five first temperature sensors 220' measure the temperature of the raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 (first temperature sensors 1, 2, and 3 as shown in the table in Figure 14) and the temperature of the space where the raw material powder 1 is not present (first temperature sensors 4 and 5 as shown in the table in Figure 14), thereby detecting the temperature distribution.

[0120] (b) Step (b) includes a step of calculating the amount of raw material powder 1 filled in the rotating tube 110 based on the temperature distribution detected by a plurality of first temperature sensors 220' using the detection member 250 of the temperature measuring unit 200'. That is, the detection member 250 detects the first temperature sensors 220' that have detected the temperature of the raw material powder 1 while positioned radially in the rotating tube 110, and selects the input filling amount data corresponding to the number of detected first temperature sensors 220' to calculate the amount of raw material powder 1 filled.

[0121] For example, referring to the table included in Figure 14, the detection member 250 selects the input filling amount data corresponding to the three first temperature sensors 220', which are number 1, 2, and 3, and calculates 10%, which is the filling amount of raw material powder 1. Here, the input filling amount data is entered after being calculated by the operator.

[0122] (b) Step further includes adjusting the amount of raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 using the control member 260 of the temperature measuring unit 200'. That is, the control member 260 controls the amount of raw material powder 1 introduced into the rotating tube 110 to be adjusted if the amount of powder raw material filled, calculated by the detection member 250, is less than or greater than a preset amount of powder raw material filled.

[0123] Therefore, the rotary kiln filling amount detection method according to the first embodiment of the present invention can detect the amount of raw material powder 1 filled into the rotating tube 110 in real time, and can adjust the amount of raw material powder 1 added.

[0124] [Rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the coupling structure of the stirring assembly and the tube assembly in the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 18 is a perspective view showing the stirring assembly of the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19 is an assembly diagram showing the stirring assembly of the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 20 is a perspective view showing a first example of a stirring section included in the stirring assembly; Figure 21 is a perspective view showing a second example of a stirring section included in the stirring assembly; Figure 22 is a perspective view showing a third example of a stirring section included in the stirring assembly; and Figure 23 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the coupling state of the tube assembly and the stirring assembly.

[0125] A rotary kiln according to a third embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 16, is for calcining raw material powder and includes a tube assembly 100 containing a rotating tube 110 and a heating element 120, a supply assembly 10, and a recovery assembly 20.

[0126] Tube assembly The tube assembly 100 has a structure that mixes raw material powder while rotating in a horizontally positioned state. That is, the tube assembly 100 includes a rotating tube 110, which has a double structure comprising an outer metallic material and an inner metallic material provided inside the outer metallic material. On the other hand, the tube assembly was explained in detail in the first embodiment, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0127] Supply Assembly The supply assembly 10 has a structure for supplying raw material powder to the tube assembly.

[0128] Recovery Assembly The recovery assembly 20 has a structure for recovering the raw material powder discharged from the tube assembly 100. Since the supply assembly and the recovery assembly were described in detail in the first embodiment, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0129] A rotary kiln according to a third embodiment of the present invention includes a stirring assembly 50 for stirring raw material powder that is rotated by a rotating tube 110 of a tube assembly 100.

[0130] In particular, the stirring assembly 50 can be detachably installed inside the rotating tube 110. In other words, the stirring assembly 50 can be coupled to the rotating tube 110 so as not to move, or it can be released so as to be separated from the rotating tube 110. This allows for the replacement of stirring assemblies 50 of various sizes, shapes, and lengths in accordance with changes in the structure of the equipment, thereby significantly reducing work efficiency and downtime.

[0131] The stirring assembly will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The stirring assembly is used to stir the raw material powder, which is rotated by the tube assembly, to effectively dissipate heat or to stir it so that it is uniformly mixed.

[0132] Stirring assembly As shown in Figures 17 to 19, the stirring assembly 50 includes a stirring section 510 provided inside the rotating tube for stirring the raw material powder rotated by the rotating tube, and a connecting section 520 connected to the stirring section 510 and detachably coupled to one end of the rotating tube 110 (the right end of the rotating tube in Figure 17).

[0133] The stirring unit 510 includes one or more stirring pieces 511 for stirring the raw material powder. The stirring pieces 511 include two or more rotating bodies 5111 provided at a set interval, and stirring rods 5112 that connect the corresponding rotating bodies 5111 and stir the raw material powder that is rotated by the rotating tube 110.

[0134] The rotating body 5111 has the same ring shape as the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube, and is smaller in size than the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube. That is, as shown in Figure 17, when the coupling part 520 is connected to the rotating tube, the rotating body 5111 is positioned inside the rotating tube in a levitated state. This allows the outer circumferential surface of the rotating body 5111 and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110 to be separated by the same distance, and as a result, the distance between the stirring rod 5112 and the rotating tube 110 can be maintained at a constant distance, and uniform stirring can be maintained. In particular, contact between the rotating body 5111 and the rotating tube 110 can be prevented.

[0135] The stirring rods 5112 are rod-shaped and connect corresponding rotating bodies 5111 to each other. That is, both ends of the stirring rods 5112 can be connected to corresponding rotating bodies 5111, thereby linking the corresponding rotating bodies 5111 to each other. In particular, two or more stirring rods 5112 are provided, and the two or more stirring rods 5112 are arranged at equal intervals along the edge of the rotating body 5111.

[0136] The stirring rod 5112 and the rotating body 5111 can be connected or separated by a connecting means 5113. For example, a bolt can be provided as the connecting means 5113. That is, when the bolt is tightened, the stirring rod 5112 and the rotating body 5111 can be connected, and when the bolt is loosened, the stirring rod 5112 and the rotating body 5111 can be separated. As a result, maintenance is easy, and the stirring section 510 can be assembled in various configurations.

[0137] As a first example, as shown in Figure 20, the stirring section 510 can also be assembled by connecting two rotating bodies 5111 and two short stirring rods 5112. That is, referring to Figure 20, an stirring section 510 with a shorter length in the left-right direction can be assembled. This is because, when there is not much space inside the rotating tube 110, the stirring section 510 can be assembled and applied with a shorter length.

[0138] As a second example, as shown in Figure 21, the stirring section 510 can be assembled by connecting two rotating bodies 5111 and two long stirring rods 5112. In other words, referring to Figure 21, an stirring section 510 with an extended length in the left-right direction can be assembled. This significantly reduces the number of stirring sections 510 that are arranged inside the rotating tube 110.

[0139] As a third example, as shown in Figure 22, the stirring section 510 can be assembled by connecting two rotating bodies 5111 and four stirring rods 5112. When the stirring section 510 assembled in this way is applied to the rotating tube 110, the agitation of the raw material powder can be greatly improved.

[0140] The coupling portion 520 is for connecting the stirring unit 510 to the rotating tube, and in particular, the coupling portion 520 can detachably connect the stirring unit 510 to the rotating tube 110 to improve efficiency.

[0141] In other words, the connecting portion 520 includes a ring-shaped support piece 521 supported at one end of the rotating tube 110 and to which the stirring portion 510 is connected, and a fixing means 522 that can connect or detach the support piece 521 to one end of the rotating tube 110.

[0142] Here, the rotating body 5111, which is positioned on the outermost side of the stirring section 510, is fixed to the connecting section 520, thereby fixing the stirring section 510 and the connecting section 520.

[0143] The fixing means 522 may be a fixing bolt that passes through the support piece 521 and is fastened to one end of the rotating tube 110. In other words, when the fixing bolts are tightened, the support piece 521 of the connecting part 520 can be fixed to the rotating tube 110, and as a result, the stirring unit 510 fixed to the connecting part 520 can be fixed inside the rotating tube 110 so as not to move. On the other hand, when the fixing bolts are loosened, the support piece 521 can be separated from the rotating tube 110, and as a result, the stirring unit 510 together with the connecting part 520 can be separated from inside the rotating tube 110.

[0144] A stirring assembly having such a structure can be fixed to or detached from the rotating tube 110. In other words, stirring assemblies of various specifications can be connected to the rotating tube 110 and used in accordance with changes in the structure of the equipment. As a result, the ease of structural changes and downtime can be significantly reduced.

[0145] When two or more stirring pieces 511 are provided, the stirring section 510 may further include auxiliary stirring rods 512 that connect the corresponding stirring pieces 511 and stir the raw material powder located between the corresponding stirring pieces 511. Here, at least two or more auxiliary stirring rods 512 can be provided. This allows the auxiliary stirring rods 512 to connect two or more, preferably three or more, stirring sections 510 in the longitudinal direction, thereby improving usability.

[0146] The auxiliary stirring rod 512 can be provided so as to be connectable or detachable by a coupling means 5113. For example, a bolt can be provided as the coupling means 5113. That is, by tightening or loosening the bolt, the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can be connected to the stirring section 510, or the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can be separated from the stirring section 510.

[0147] In particular, when viewed from one end of the rotating tube 110, the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can be positioned offset from the stirring rod 5112. That is, referring to Figure 17, when the stirring rod 5112 is connected to the rotating body 5111 at the top and bottom, respectively, the auxiliary stirring rod can be connected to the rotating body 5111 at the left and right sides, respectively. This increases the strength of the stirring assembly and improves stirring efficiency by creating a time difference during the stirring of the raw material powder.

[0148] The stirring rod 5112 and the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can have the same thickness, thereby enabling interchangeable use. Of course, the stirring rod 5112 and the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can have the same length. As a result, the auxiliary stirring rod 512 can be used instead of the stirring rod 5112, and the stirring rod 5112 can be used instead of the auxiliary stirring rod 512.

[0149] Therefore, the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes a stirring assembly that is detachably coupled inside the rotating tube 110. This allows the stirring assembly provided in the rotating tube 110 to be easily replaced when process conditions are changed, thereby facilitating changes to the structure of the equipment and, as a result, significantly reducing downtime.

[0150] Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the third embodiment of the present invention, Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view along line AA shown in Figure 24, and Figure 26 is a cross-sectional view along line BB shown in Figure 25.

[0151] As shown in Figures 24 to 26, the stirring section 510 includes a fixing piece 513. When two or more stirring pieces 511 are provided, the fixing piece 513 fixes the outermost stirring piece 511, relative to the support piece 521, to the inner surface of the rotating tube 110. This prevents the stirring section 510 from moving when the rotating tube 110 rotates.

[0152] In other words, the fixing piece 513 fixes the stirring piece 511, which is cantilever-shaped inside the rotating tube 110, to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110. This prevents the stirring assembly from moving when the rotating tube 110 rotates, and as a result, the raw material powder can be stirred stably.

[0153] As an example, the fixing pieces 513 are positioned at least twice between the stirring piece 511 and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110, fixing the stirring piece 511 to the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110. In particular, the fixing pieces 513 can be positioned between the stirring piece 511, which is positioned furthest out with respect to the support piece 521, and the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110.

[0154] The fixing piece 513 can be configured such that one end is connected to the stirring piece 511, which is positioned furthest out with respect to the support piece 521, and the other end is supported by the inner circumferential surface of the rotating tube 110. In other words, the fixing piece 513 can be provided integrally with the calibration unit. This improves ease of use.

[0155] The fixing piece 513 can be joined to the stirring piece 511 via bolts or adhesive to form a single unit. In particular, if the fixing piece 513 is joined via bolts 513a, as shown in Figure 12, it can be easily replaced in the event of damage to the fixing piece 513, thereby improving ease of maintenance. On the other hand, if the fixing piece is made of a metal material, it can be joined to the stirring piece via welding.

[0156] [Rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention] A rotary kiln according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a rotating tube made of a composite metal. That is, the rotating tube is made of a composite metal in which dissimilar metals are fused together to form a single unit, thereby significantly improving the bonding properties of the dissimilar metals. In particular, the use of a composite metal allows for effective adjustment and application of the thickness of the metal located on the inside or outside. For example, the thickness of the metal located on the inside of the rotating tube can be minimized.

[0157] Figure 27 is a perspective view showing a rotary kiln tube assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of Figure 27. A rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a tube assembly 100 provided with a rotating tube 110 and a heating element 120, as shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0158] The rotating tube 110 has a structure that mixes the raw material powder while rotating in a horizontally positioned state. That is, the rotating tube 110 has a double structure that includes an outer metallic material 1111 and an inner metallic material 1112 provided inside the outer metallic material 1111.

[0159] Here, the rotating tube 110 can have a structure made of a clad metal, which is formed by fusing together different metallic materials to create a single integrated structure. In other words, conventional rotating tubes have a structure in which two metal tubes are fitted together. However, the rotating tube 110 of the present invention has a structure made of a composite metal (clad metal) which is formed by fusing different metal materials together, and as a result, the bonding strength can be greatly increased.

[0160] As an example, the rotating tube 110 of the present invention is manufactured by arranging two plate-shaped metal materials, fusing them together to produce a composite metal, and then bending the composite metal into a tube shape.

[0161] In other words, the rotating tube 110 may include an internal metallic material 1112 located on the inside and an external metallic material 1111 located on the outside, and the internal metallic material 1112 and the external metallic material 1111 may be made of a composite metal (clad metal) that is integrated by fusion.

[0162] On the other hand, composite metals are made by fusing dissimilar metals together through methods such as soldering or hot bonding. This process enhances the bonding strength and durability of the fused dissimilar metals.

[0163] In particular, composite metals fuse metals (non-ferrous metals) together by compression rather than plating or coating. This allows them to penetrate and stabilize the tissue while simultaneously disrupting each other's structures, resulting in a significantly improved bond between the metals.

[0164] Therefore, the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can enhance bonding by including a rotating tube 110 made of a composite metal (clad metal) formed by fusing and integrating different metallic materials.

[0165] On the other hand, the dissimilar metals used to manufacture the rotating tube 110 can consist of a metallic substance and a non-ferrous metallic substance. Here, the external metallic substance can consist of a non-ferrous metallic substance.

[0166] In particular, the internal metallic material 1112 located inside the rotating tube 110 may be made of nickel (Ni) material, and the external metallic material 1111 located outside the rotating tube 110 may be made of stainless steel material.

[0167] As a result, the rotating tube 110 contains an internal metallic material 1112 made of nickel and an external metallic material 1111 made of stainless steel, which prevents contamination of the raw material powder and increases the strength of the rotating tube.

[0168] The internal metal material can have a thinner thickness than the external metal material. That is, the internal metal material is the part that comes into contact with the raw material powder and plays a role in preventing contamination of the raw material powder, so its thickness can be minimized to reduce costs. The external metal material, on the other hand, rotates in contact with the rotating member and the support member, so it is formed to be thicker than the internal metal material to prevent wear and breakage.

[0169] The internal metal material 1112 can have a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. If the internal metal material 1112 has a thickness of 1 mm or less, deformation and damage to the internal metal material may occur when the internal metal material and the external metal material are pressed together. If the internal metal material 1112 has a thickness of 3 mm or more, an unnecessary amount of nickel (Ni) material may be used, which can significantly increase costs. Therefore, setting the thickness of the internal metal material 1112 to 1 to 3 mm can prevent the occurrence of problems and increase costs.

[0170] Therefore, the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating tube 110 made of a clad metal, which is formed by fusing together different metallic materials, thereby improving bonding and manufacturing efficiency.

[0171] The following describes the manufacturing method for rotating tubes. Figure 29 is a process diagram showing the fusion process, Figure 30 is a process diagram showing the bending process, and Figure 31 is a process diagram showing another embodiment of the bending process.

[0172] The method for manufacturing a rotating tube includes a fusion process, a bending process, and a sealing process. The fusion process, as shown in Figure 29, involves fusing dissimilar metallic materials together under hot pressure to produce a composite metal sheet. As an example, metallic material 112A and non-ferrous metallic material 111A are prepared as the dissimilar metallic materials.

[0173] Here, the metallic material 112A can be made of nickel, and the non-ferrous metallic material 111A can be made of stainless steel. The metallic material 112A and the non-ferrous metallic material 111A prepared in this way are pressed together using a rolling roller 30. As a result, the metallic material 112A and the non-ferrous metallic material 111A fuse together, and a composite metal sheet 2 can be manufactured. On the other hand, during the fusion process, the metallic material 112A and the non-ferrous metallic material 111A can penetrate each other while their structures are destroyed, thereby stabilizing their structures.

[0174] In the fusion process described above, the internal metal material of the rotating tube 110 has a thinner thickness than the external metal material. In particular, the internal metal material has a thickness of 1 to 3 mm. Once the fusion process is complete, a composite metal plate 2 can be manufactured in which different metal materials are integrated.

[0175] The bending process involves bending the composite metal sheet 2 to produce a cylindrical rotating tube 110. During this process, the metal material is positioned on the inside and the non-ferrous metal material on the outside. Specifically, referring to Figure 28, the internal metal material 1112 located inside the rotating tube is made of nickel (Ni), and the external metal material 1111, which is a non-ferrous metal material located outside the rotating tube, can be made of stainless steel.

[0176] As a first embodiment, as shown in Figure 30, an unfinished rotating tube 110A is manufactured by bending a composite metal plate 2 into a spiral shape via a trimming device 40. Next, the unfinished rotating tube 110A is cut to a set size. As a second embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, the composite metal plate 2 is bent into an O-shape using a press (not shown) to manufacture an unfinished rotating tube 110A.

[0177] The sealing process involves sealing the parts where the ends of the unfinished rotating tube 110A come into contact or corresponding parts using welding or other methods. This allows for the production of a finished rotating tube 110 as shown in Figure 28.

[0178] Therefore, the finished rotating tube 110 is made of a clad metal, which is a composite metal in which different metallic materials are integrated. As a result, bonding strength can be increased and the thickness of the internal metallic material can be minimized.

[0179] Figure 32 is a cross-sectional view showing another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 32, the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating tube 110, the rotating tube 110 being made of a clad metal in which dissimilar metal materials are integrated. The dissimilar metal materials consist of an internal metal material 1112 and an external metal material 1111. Here, the rotating tube 110 has an inlet where raw material powder is fed in, and an outlet where raw material powder is discharged.

[0180] After the raw material powder is introduced into the rotating tube 110, its density and weight increase as the heat treatment temperature rises. In other words, the raw material powder located at the discharge section has a higher density and weight than the raw material powder located at the inlet section, which leads to deformation, wear, and damage of the internal metal material 1112 located at the discharge section of the rotating tube 110. In other words, deformation, wear, and damage to the internal metal material occur more significantly at the discharge section of the rotating tube than at the inlet section.

[0181] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the internal metal material 1112 can be provided such that its thickness gradually increases from the inlet of the rotating tube 110 (the left end of the rotating tube, as shown in Figure 32) to the outlet (the right end of the rotating tube, as shown in Figure 32). In other words, the thickness (β) of the internal metal material 1112 located at the outlet of the rotating tube can be made larger than the thickness (α) of the internal metal material 1112 located at the inlet of the rotating tube 110. This allows the internal metal material located in the discharge section of the rotating tube 110 to maintain its shape stably even if it is altered, worn, or damaged.

[0182] Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view showing yet another embodiment of the rotary kiln according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. The internal metal material 1112 can be provided such that its thickness gradually increases from the inlet of the rotating tube 110 (the left end of the rotating tube, as shown in Figure 22) to the outlet (the right end of the rotating tube, as shown in Figure 22). That is, the thickness (β) of the internal metal material 1112 located at the outlet of the rotating tube 110 can be made larger than the thickness (α) of the internal metal material 1112 located at the inlet of the rotating tube 110.

[0183] Here, the external metal material 1111 can be provided such that its thickness gradually increases from the discharge portion of the rotating tube 110 (the right end of the rotating tube, referring to Figure 33) to the inlet portion of the rotating tube 110 (the left end of the rotating tube, referring to Figure 33). That is, the thickness of the external metal material located at the inlet portion of the rotating tube (A) can be made greater than the thickness of the external metal material located at the discharge portion of the rotating tube (B).

[0184] For example, in the external metal material, the thickness of A is set to 4 mm and the thickness of B to 3 mm, and in the internal metal material, the thickness of β is set to 1 mm and the thickness of α is set to 2 mm. The external and internal metal materials set in this way are fused together to manufacture a rotating tube 110 made of composite metal. As a result, the rotating tube will have a thickness of 5 mm at the inlet and a thickness of 5 mm at the outlet. This allows the inlet and outlet of the rotating tube to have the same thickness, while also increasing the thickness of the internal metal material located in the outlet.

[0185] The scope of the present invention is shown in the claims described below, rather than in the detailed description above. Various embodiments are possible based on the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] 1: Raw material powder 2: Composite metal plate 10: Supply Assembly 20: Recovery Assembly 30: Rolling roller 40: Grooming equipment 50: Stirring Assembly 100: Tube Assembly 110: Rotating tube 111: Stirring member 111a: Screw stirring piece 111b: Straight stirring piece 1111: External metallic substance 1112: Internal metallic substance 120: Heating element 200, 200': Temperature measurement section 210, 210': First fixing member 211:Horizontal part 2211: Horizontal bar 2212: Connecting piece 2212a: Inner socket 2212b: External socket 222: Vertical bar 2221: Fixed piece 223: Auxiliary vertical bar 214: Fixed piece 215: Bracket 220, 220': First temperature sensor 230: First connecting member 231: 1st joint piece 232:Second connecting piece 2321:Outer part 2322: Inner part 233: Pressurized piece 240: Insulator 250: Detection member 260: Control component 300: Auxiliary temperature measurement section 310: Second fixing member 320; Second temperature sensor 330: Second connecting member 400: Receiver 500: Inspection Department 510: Stirring section 511: Stirring piece 5111: Rotating body 5112: Stirring rod 5113:Coupling means 512: Auxiliary stirring rod 513: Fixed piece 520:Joining part 521: Support piece 522: Fixing means 600: Control Unit 700: Display section 710: First display window 720: Second display window

Claims

1. A tube assembly is provided with a rotating tube that rotates and heats the raw material powder while being positioned horizontally, A temperature measuring unit provided on the rotating tube, Includes, The temperature measuring unit is A first temperature sensor is provided inside the rotating tube for measuring the temperature of the raw material powder, A first fixing member for fixing the first temperature sensor to the rotating tube, An insulating body is provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube to block the conduction of heat from the rotating tube to the first temperature sensor, The first fixing member includes a first connecting member that fixes the first fixing member to the rotating tube, The first connecting member is, A first connecting piece is provided inside the rotating tube and is coupled to the tip of the first fixing member, The rotating tube has an outer portion provided on the outside, and a second connecting piece provided between the first fixing member and the heat insulating body, with an inner portion whose tip is fastened to the first connecting piece. A rotary kiln comprising: a pressurizing piece positioned between the first and second connecting pieces, which deforms when the first and second connecting pieces are fastened together, and which pressurizes the first fixing member.

2. The rotary kiln according to claim 1, wherein the first fixing member is provided in a manner that surrounds the first temperature sensor.

3. A tube assembly provided with a rotating tube that rotates and heats raw material powder while being positioned horizontally, A temperature measuring unit provided on the rotating tube, Includes, The temperature measuring unit is A first temperature sensor measures the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube, A first fixing member for fixing the first temperature sensor to the rotating tube, An insulating body is provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube to block the conduction of heat from the rotating tube to the first temperature sensor, Includes, Multiple first temperature sensors are provided, The first fixing member is, Displaced inside the rotating tube, a pair of horizontal sections extending in the longitudinal direction of the rotating tube, A rotary kiln comprising a vertical rod, the vertical rod having both ends fixed to a pair of horizontal sections, and on which a plurality of first temperature sensors are provided at predetermined intervals in the radial direction of the inner circumference of the rotating tube.

4. The rotary kiln is The system further includes an auxiliary temperature measuring unit that directly measures the temperature of the rotating tube, The aforementioned auxiliary temperature measuring unit is A second temperature sensor is inserted into the outer surface of the rotating tube and not penetrating the inside of the tube assembly, and measures the temperature of the rotating tube. The rotary kiln according to claim 1, further comprising a second fixing member for fixing the second temperature sensor to the rotating tube.

5. The rotary kiln is A receiving unit that receives the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit and the temperature measured by the auxiliary temperature measuring unit, The rotary kiln according to claim 4, further comprising: an inspection unit that generates a fault signal if the temperature of the temperature measuring unit and the temperature of the auxiliary temperature measuring unit received by the receiving unit are smaller or larger than an already set input value.

6. The rotary kiln is The rotary kiln according to claim 5, further comprising a control unit that, when a fault signal is generated by the inspection unit, controls the heating temperature of the rotating tube and adjusts the temperature of the temperature measuring unit and the temperature of the auxiliary temperature measuring unit so that they fall within a set input value.

7. The rotary kiln according to claim 3, wherein a plurality of first temperature sensors are arranged in the radial direction of the inner circumference of the rotating tube, and the temperature distribution is detected by measuring the temperature of the raw material powder introduced into the rotating tube and the temperature of the space where no raw material powder is present.

8. The temperature measuring unit is The device further includes a detection member that detects the amount of raw material powder filled into the rotating tube based on the temperature distribution in the inner radial direction of the rotating tube detected by a plurality of first temperature sensors, The rotary kiln according to claim 7, wherein the detection member detects first temperature sensors that detect the temperature of the raw material powder when a plurality of first temperature sensors are located radially in the rotating tube, and selects input filling amount data corresponding to the number of detected first temperature sensors to calculate the filling amount of the raw material powder.

9. A tube assembly provided with a rotating tube that rotates and heats raw material powder while being positioned horizontally, A temperature measuring unit provided on the rotating tube, The assembly includes a stirring assembly for stirring the raw material powder that is rotated by the aforementioned rotating tube, The temperature measuring unit is First temperature sensor and A first fixing member for fixing the first temperature sensor to the rotating tube, An insulating body is provided between the first fixing member and the rotating tube to block the conduction of heat from the rotating tube to the first temperature sensor, Includes, The aforementioned stirring assembly is A stirring unit for stirring the raw material powder that is rotated by the aforementioned rotating tube, The stirring section includes a coupling that connects the stirring section to one end of the rotating tube, The aforementioned joint is A ring-shaped support piece supported at one end of the rotating tube, to which the stirring section is connected, A rotary kiln comprising fixing means for detachably connecting the support piece to one end of the rotating tube.

10. The stirring section is, It includes one or more stirring pieces for stirring the raw material powder, The stirring piece is Two or more rotating bodies are provided at already set intervals, The rotary kiln according to claim 9, comprising a stirring rod for stirring raw material powder that rotates by a rotating tube, connecting corresponding rotating bodies.

11. The rotary kiln according to claim 10, wherein the rotating body has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the inner surface of the rotating tube so as not to be supported by the inner surface of the rotating tube.

12. The rotary kiln according to claim 10, wherein, when two stirring pieces are provided, the stirring section further includes an auxiliary stirring rod that connects the corresponding stirring pieces and stirs the raw material powder located between the corresponding stirring pieces.

13. The rotary kiln according to any one of claims 1, 3, and 9, wherein the rotating tube is made of a composite metal (clad metal) formed by fusing together dissimilar metals.

14. The rotary kiln according to claim 13, wherein the aforementioned dissimilar metallic substances consist of a metallic substance and a non-ferrous metallic substance.

15. The aforementioned dissimilar metals include an internal metallic material located inside the rotating tube and an external metallic material located outside the rotating tube. The rotary kiln according to claim 13, wherein the internal metal material has a thinner thickness than the external metal material.

16. The rotating tube has an inlet for introducing raw material powder and an outlet for discharging raw material powder. The rotary kiln according to claim 15, wherein the internal metal material is provided such that its thickness gradually increases from the inlet to the discharge of the rotating tube.

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