Ball mill syntheses apparatus

Abstract

A ball mill synthesis apparatus is provided. The ball mill synthesis apparatus according to the present invention comprises a housing installed on a workbench, a reactor for inducing a reaction of at least two raw materials among first, second, and third raw materials using balls, a heating unit for heating the reactor, and an inlet pipe for introducing an inert gas into the interior of the reactor and an outlet pipe for discharging the inert gas inside the reactor.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball mill synthesis apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, with the surge in demand for small electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage devices, technological development and demand for lithium-ion batteries have been rapidly increasing, and there is a demand for lithium-ion batteries with higher energy density than conventional ones.

[0003] In response to these demands, research and development is focusing on increasing the capacity of cathode and anode materials to raise energy density.

[0004] In particular, silicon oxide (SiO₂), a material advantageous for achieving high capacity among the anode materials that determine the capacity of lithium-ion batteries x Development of metal oxide cathode materials such as ) is actively underway.

[0005] Among these metal oxides, for example, silicon oxide cathode materials are manufactured using a vapor phase synthesis process.

[0006] That is, the vapor phase synthesis process heats solid silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO), etc., above a set temperature to volatilize (evaporate) them, and then produces solid silicon oxide (SiOx) in a cooling region.

[0007] However, since this vapor phase synthesis process is dependent on the volatilization rate, the production speed of the product is reduced accordingly, and there was a problem in that physical properties varied depending on the deposition location. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention aims to provide a ball mill synthesis apparatus that synthesizes a solid metal oxide and a solid metal powder using ball collision energy at a high temperature, thereby ensuring a constant ratio of metal in the reacting metal oxide to metal in the metal powder, maximizing the production speed of the product, and ensuring uniform physical properties of the synthesized material through continuous mixing. means of solving the problem

[0009] A ball mill synthesis device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing installed parallel to a workbench arranged horizontally with respect to a mounting surface, and a reactor for inducing a reaction of at least two raw materials among a first raw material, a second raw material, and a third raw material using a ball rotatably coupled inside the housing and introduced inside.

[0010] Additionally, the ball mill synthesis device may include a heating unit disposed between the housing and the reactor for heating the reactor, an inlet pipe for introducing an inert gas into the interior of the reactor, and an outlet pipe for discharging the inert gas inside the reactor.

[0011] The ball mill synthesis device may include an operating part coupled to the outer surface of the housing and tilting the reactor to a set angle relative to the workbench when discharging the synthesis material inside the reactor.

[0012] The ball mill synthesis device may include a classifier for classifying the synthesis material and balls discharged from the discharge port of the reactor, which is tilted by an operating part and is positioned on one side of the reactor.

[0013] The first raw material may include a solid metal oxide, the second raw material may include a solid metal powder, and the third raw material may include a solid non-metal powder.

[0014] Multiple support frames may be installed to be positioned vertically on the workbench and to support the workbench at a height set relative to the installation surface.

[0015] A connecting frame may be installed on one side of the support frame to connect this support frame with an adjacent support frame.

[0016] The housing is connected to and supported on a workbench and can be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder to rotatably accommodate a reactor.

[0017] An inlet for introducing a first raw material, a second raw material, and a ball may be provided on one side of the reactor.

[0018] On the other side of the reactor, an outlet may be provided for discharging the composite material of the first raw material and the second raw material and the ball.

[0019] In addition, at least one inlet cover to cover the inlet can be detachably connected to one side of the reactor.

[0020] In addition, the heating unit may include a support plate installed on the outside of the reactor and a heating element installed at a set interval on the support plate to heat the reactor.

[0021] The operating part may include an operating cylinder having an extendable cylinder rod installed on a connecting frame and a workbench, a hinge rod installed on one side of a housing, and a connecting rod connected to one end of the cylinder rod and rotatably coupled to the hinge rod.

[0022] The classifier may include a hopper positioned at the bottom of the discharge port for receiving synthetic material and balls discharged from the discharge port, and a classifier having a mesh positioned at the bottom of the hopper for classifying synthetic material and balls introduced into the hopper.

[0023] A ball discharge port for discharging synthetic material and classified balls may be installed on one side of the classifier.

[0024] In addition, a vibration generator may be installed in the classifier to generate vibrations for classifying the synthetic material and the ball.

[0025] A storage tank may be installed at the bottom of the classifier to store synthetic materials that are classified by a mesh and fall. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by synthesizing a solid metal oxide and a metal powder using the collision energy of a ball at a high temperature, the ratio of the metal in the reacting metal oxide to the metal in the metal powder is constant, the production speed of the product can be maximized, and the physical properties of the synthesized material can be uniform because it is continuously mixed.

[0027] Therefore, compared to conventional vapor phase processes, it is stable, has fewer process variables, and allows for faster production speeds, thereby maximizing product productivity.

[0028] In addition, high-efficiency metal oxide cathode materials can be manufactured by utilizing the mechanical collision energy of balls to induce oxidation / reduction reactions in solid materials (e.g., SiO, Mg powder). Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when raw materials and balls are fed. FIG. 2 is a schematic partial configuration diagram of a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state of the synthesis material and balls when discharged. FIG. 3 is a partial diagram showing the synthesis state of raw materials and balls using a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. As will be easily understood by those skilled in the art, the embodiments described below may be modified in various forms without departing from the concept and scope of the present invention. Where possible, identical or similar parts are indicated using the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0031] The technical terms used below are for the reference of specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms used herein include plural forms unless phrases clearly indicate otherwise. The meaning of "comprising" as used in the specification specifies a particular characteristic, area, integer, step, action, element, and / or component, and does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristic, area, integer, step, action, element, component, and / or group.

[0032] All terms used below, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in advance are further interpreted to have meanings consistent with relevant technical literature and the present disclosure, and are not interpreted in an ideal or highly formal sense unless otherwise defined.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when raw materials and balls are fed in, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a part of a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the state when synthesis materials and balls are discharged.

[0034] In addition, FIG. 3 is a partial diagram showing the synthesis state of raw materials and balls using a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a ball mill synthesis device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing (100), a reactor (200), a heating unit (300), an input pipe (400), an output pipe (410), an operating unit (500), and a classifying unit (600).

[0036] The housing (100) can be installed parallel to a workbench (20) that is positioned horizontally (in the X direction of FIG. 1) at a set distance from the installation surface (10).

[0037] Additionally, the reactor (200) is rotatably coupled inside the housing (100) and can induce an oxidation / reduction reaction of at least two of the first raw material (M1), the second raw material (M2), and the third raw material (not shown) using a ball (B) introduced inside.

[0038] The heating unit (300) is positioned between the inner surface of the housing (100) and the outer surface of the reactor (200), and can heat the reactor (200) to a set temperature.

[0039] Additionally, an inlet pipe (400) for introducing an inert gas into the interior of the reactor (200) and an outlet pipe (410) for discharging the inert gas inside the reactor (200) may be connected to the reactor (200), respectively.

[0040] Additionally, the operating part (500) is coupled to the outer surface of the housing (100) and can tilt the reactor (200) to a set angle relative to the workbench (20) when discharging the synthetic material (SM) and ball (B) inside the reactor (200).

[0041] The classifier (600) is positioned at the lower side of the reactor (200) and can classify the synthetic material (SM) and ball (B) discharged from the outlet (220) of the reactor (200) which is tilted by the operating part (500).

[0042] In addition, a plurality of support frames (30) may be arranged at set intervals to be vertically positioned (in the Y direction of FIG. 1) on the workbench (20) and to support the workbench (20) at a set height relative to the installation surface (10).

[0043] A connecting frame (40) may be attached to one side of the support frame (30) to connect this support frame (30) with another support frame (30) adjacent to this support frame (30).

[0044] Additionally, stairs (50) are installed on the work platform (20) for a worker to go up from the installation surface (10) to the work platform (20), and multiple safety belts (60, 70) for the safety of the worker (WM) may be installed at set intervals on the work platform (20) and the stairs (50).

[0045] A horizontal support (51) positioned horizontally on the installation surface (10) to support the stairs (50) and a vertical support (53) positioned vertically on the installation surface (10) may be installed on the stairs (50).

[0046] In addition, multiple wheels (55) may be installed at intervals on the lower part of the horizontal support (51) so that a worker (WM) can easily move up and down the stairs (50) when necessary.

[0047] The housing (100) is connected to and supported by the workbench (20) and is formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow interior, so as to be able to rotatably accommodate the reactor (200).

[0048] Also, a drive motor (not shown) for rotating the reactor (200) may be installed on the other side of the housing (100).

[0049] Additionally, the reactor (200) may be formed in the shape of a cylinder, etc., which is housed inside the housing (100) and has a space inside for accommodating a first raw material (M1), a second raw material (M2), and a ball (B).

[0050] An inlet (210) for introducing a first raw material (M1), a second raw material (M2), and a ball (B) is provided on one side of the reactor (200), and an outlet (220) for discharging a composite material (SM) of the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) and a ball (B) may be provided on the other side of the reactor (200).

[0051] In addition, the first raw material (M1) is a solid metal oxide, such as silicon oxide (SiO₂). x It may include ) etc.

[0052] The second raw material (M2) may include solid metal powder, such as magnesium powder (Mg powder).

[0053] The third raw material (not shown) may include a solid non-metallic powder, such as carbon or a powder of a carbon-based material.

[0054] Also, on one side of the reactor (200), at least one inlet cover (230) for covering the inlet (210) and blocking the inlet (210) may be detachably connected by fastening bolts (not shown), etc.

[0055] Additionally, on the other side of the reactor (200), an outlet cover (240) for covering and blocking the outlet (220) may be detachably connected by means of fastening bolts (not shown), etc.

[0056] The inert gas introduced into the reactor (200) is intended to prevent the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) from reacting with oxygen in the air and to prevent explosions, and may be one of gases such as nitrogen (N2) or argon (Ar).

[0057] Additionally, the heating unit (300) may have heating elements (320) installed at set intervals on a support plate (310) installed in a manner that wraps around the outside of the reactor (200) to heat the reactor (200) above a set temperature.

[0058] The heating element (320) is connected to a controller (not shown) and can raise the temperature above a set temperature, for example, above 600°C, to synthesize the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) using a ball (B) inside the reactor (200) that rotates inside the reactor (200) to produce a synthetic material (SM).

[0059] Additionally, the input pipe (400) can be coupled to the input port cover (230) and connected to the input port (210) of the reactor (200).

[0060] A supply pipe (not shown) for supplying inert gas through an inlet (210) can be connected to the input pipe (400).

[0061] Additionally, the discharge pipe (410) can be connected to the discharge port cover (240) and connected to the discharge port (220) of the reactor (200).

[0062] A connecting pipe (not shown) for discharging inert gas discharged through the discharge port (220) may be connected to the discharge pipe (410).

[0063] And, the operating part (500) may include an operating cylinder (510), a hinge rod (521), and a connecting rod (530).

[0064] The operating cylinder (510) may be installed vertically (in the Y direction of FIG. 1) on the connecting frame (40) and the workbench (20) and may be equipped with an extendable cylinder rod (511).

[0065] Additionally, the hinge rod (521) can be installed on a bracket (520) installed on one side of the lower part of the housing (100).

[0066] The connecting rod (530) is connected to one end of the cylinder rod (511) and can be rotatably coupled to the hinge rod (521).

[0067] Additionally, the classification unit (600) may include a hopper (610) and a classifier (620).

[0068] A hopper (610) is positioned at the bottom of the outlet (220) of a reactor (200) that is tilted at a set angle by an operating part (500), and can receive synthetic material (SM) and balls (B) discharged from the outlet (220).

[0069] Additionally, the classifier (620) may include a classifier (620) having a mesh (621) for classifying the synthetic material (SM) and balls (B) discharged into the hopper (610) and positioned at the bottom of the hopper (610).

[0070] An inlet (611) may be provided at the top of the hopper (610) for introducing synthetic material (SM) and balls (B) discharged from the discharge port (220).

[0071] The mesh (621) may have a size of, for example, 20 to 100 meshes depending on the size of the ball (B) and the synthetic material (SM) so that the synthetic material (SM) and the ball (B) can be easily classified by the classifier (620), and silicone balls, etc. may be attached to the bottom part of the mesh (621) for easy classification.

[0072] In FIG. 2, a mesh (621) is installed in a classifier (620), but it is not limited thereto. A mesh (not shown) for filtering balls (B) can be installed in the reactor (200) to allow only the synthetic material (SM) to be discharged through the outlet (220). In this case, a support member (not shown) for supporting the mesh can be installed in the reactor (200).

[0073] Additionally, a ball discharge port (not shown) for discharging the synthetic material (SM) and the classified ball (B) may be installed on the upper side of one side of the classifier (620).

[0074] A vibration generator (623) for generating vibrations to facilitate the classification of the synthetic material (SM) and the ball (B) may be installed in the classifier (620).

[0075] Additionally, the lower part of the classifier (620) may include a storage tank (630) for storing synthetic material (SM) that is classified and dropped by the mesh (621) of the classifier (620).

[0076] In addition, multiple support frames (640) for supporting the classifier (620) may be installed at set intervals at the bottom of the classifier (620).

[0077] A synthetic material discharge port (631) for discharging the synthetic material (SM) stored in the storage tank (630) may be installed in the storage tank (630).

[0078] The synthetic material discharge port (631) can be positioned at a set distance from the installation surface (10) so as to easily discharge the synthetic material (SM) stored in the storage tank (630).

[0079] A synthetic material discharge port control valve (633) for opening and closing the synthetic material discharge port (631) may be installed therein.

[0080] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the operation of a ball mill synthesis apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0081] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) among the first raw material (M1), the second raw material (M2), and the third raw material (not shown) are introduced into the interior of the reactor (200) and react.

[0082] First, when the first raw material (M1), the second raw material (M2), and the ball (B) are introduced into the interior of the reactor (200), the housing (100) and the reactor (200) are spaced apart from the installation surface at a distance set as in FIG. 1 and are arranged horizontally (in the X direction of FIG. 1).

[0083] At this time, the cylinder rod (511) of the operating cylinder (510) of the operating part (500) is in a contracted state as shown in FIG. 1, and the inlet cover (230) and the outlet cover (240) cover the inlet (210) and the outlet (220) and are respectively connected to one side and the other side of the reactor (200) by fastening bolts (not shown).

[0084] In this state, after releasing the connection between the reactor (200) and the inlet cover (230), the inlet cover (230) is opened, and a first raw material (M1), for example, solid silicon oxide (SiO₂), is introduced into the reactor (200) through the inlet (210). x ) and as a second raw material (M2), for example, solid magnesium powder (Mg powder) and a set number of balls (B) are introduced.

[0085] In this way, when the first raw material (M1), the second raw material (M2), and the ball (B) are fully introduced, the inlet cover (230) is attached to one side of the reactor (200) using a fastening bolt to close the inlet (210).

[0086] Then, an inert gas is introduced into the interior of the reactor (200) through the input pipe (400), and the discharge pipe (410) is opened.

[0087] In this state, a drive motor (not shown) is driven to rotate the reactor (200) at a first set speed (low speed), and the heating element (320) of the heating unit (300) is used to raise the temperature of the inside of the reactor (200) to the synthesis temperature of the synthetic material (SM) (e.g., 600℃ or higher) (e.g., +5℃ / min).

[0088] Then, the internal temperature of the reactor (200) is maintained at the synthesis temperature (e.g., 650°C), and the reactor (200) is rotated at an appropriate set speed.

[0089] In this way, rotating the reactor (200) at a set speed synthesizes the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) using the energy of the ball (B) colliding within the reactor (200) as shown in FIG. 3, to produce a synthesized material (SM), such as magnesium silicate (Mg x SiO y This is because it can be synthesized into ) form.

[0090] In addition, if the rotational speed of the reactor (200) is lower than the set speed, the ball (B) does not rise to the upper inner side of the reactor (200), and if the rotational speed of the reactor (200) is higher than the set speed, the ball (B) sticks to the inner wall of the reactor (200) and does not fall off; therefore, the reactor (200) must be rotated at an appropriate rotational speed.

[0091] Then, when the production of the composite material (SM) of the first raw material (M1) and the second raw material (M2) is completed within the reactor (200), the heating temperature of the heating element (320) is controlled to lower the internal temperature of the reactor (200) to room temperature, and the rotation speed of the reactor (200) is adjusted to a low speed below the set speed.

[0092] Additionally, when the internal temperature of the reactor (200) is completely cooled down to room temperature, the connection between the discharge port cover (240) and the reactor (200) is released, the discharge port cover (240) is separated to open the discharge port (220), and the cylinder rod (511) of the operating cylinder (510) of the operating part (500) is extended and operated.

[0093] As the cylinder rod (511) is extended as shown in FIG. 2, it is rotated around the hinge rod (521) by the cylinder rod (511) and the connecting rod (530) at a set angle, for example, clockwise, so that the discharge port (220) is located directly above the inlet port (611) of the classification unit (600).

[0094] Accordingly, the synthetic material (SM) and ball (B) discharged through the discharge port (220) are introduced through the inlet port (611) and discharged to the classifier (620) through the hopper (610).

[0095] The synthetic material (SM) and balls (B) discharged by the classifier (620) are classified by the mesh (621) and the vibration generator (623), so that the synthetic material (SM) falls through the mesh (621) and is stored in the storage tank (630), and the balls (B) remain on the mesh (621).

[0096] The balls (B) remaining in the mesh (621) can be discharged through a ball discharge port (not shown) located on one side of the classifier (620) and then reused.

[0097] And, the synthetic material (SM) stored in the storage tank (630) can be discharged to the bottom of the storage tank (630) through the synthetic material discharge port (631), and at this time, the synthetic material discharge port (631) can be controlled to be open by the discharge port control valve (633).

[0098] In this way, when the classification of the synthetic material (SM) and the ball (B) is completed, the discharge port (220) is closed using the discharge port cover (240), and the cylinder rod (511) of the operating cylinder (510) is retracted to its original state so that the housing (100) and the reactor (200) are positioned horizontally on the installation surface (10) in their original state as shown in Fig. 1.

[0099] Accordingly, using the collision energy of a ball at a high temperature, solid silicon oxide (SiO₂ x By synthesizing silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) powder, the ratio of reacting silicon (Si) and magnesium (Mg) is constant, and the production speed of the product can be maximized, and since it is continuously mixed, the physical properties of the synthesized material can be uniform.

[0100] Therefore, compared to conventional vapor phase processes, it is stable, has fewer process variables, and allows for faster production speeds, thereby maximizing product productivity.

[0101] Although the present disclosure has been described through preferred embodiments as described above, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the present invention is not limited thereto and that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below. Explanation of the symbols

[0102] 10: Installation surface 20: Workbench 100: Housing 200: Reactor 300: Heating part 400: Inlet pipe 410: Discharge pipe

Claims

Claim 1 A ball mill synthesis apparatus comprising: a housing installed parallel to a workbench arranged horizontally with respect to an installation surface; a reactor rotatably coupled to the interior of the housing and configured to induce an oxidation / reduction reaction of at least two of a first raw material, a second raw material, and a third raw material using a ball introduced therein; a heating unit disposed between the housing and the reactor and configured to heat the reactor; an inlet pipe for introducing an inert gas into the interior of the reactor; and an outlet pipe for discharging the inert gas within the reactor. Claim 2 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 1, comprising an operating part coupled to the outer surface of the housing and for tilting the reactor at a set angle relative to the workbench when discharging the synthetic material within the reactor. Claim 3 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to paragraph 2, comprising a classifier disposed on one side of the reactor and for classifying a synthetic material and a ball discharged from an outlet of the reactor tilted by the operating part. Claim 4 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to paragraph 3, wherein the first raw material comprises a solid metal oxide, the second raw material comprises a solid metal powder, and the third raw material comprises a solid non-metal powder. Claim 5 A ball mill composite device according to claim 4, wherein a plurality of support frames are arranged vertically on the workbench and to support the workbench at a height set relative to the installation surface. Claim 6 A ball mill composite device according to claim 5, wherein a connecting frame for connecting the support frame to an adjacent support frame is installed on one side of the support frame. Claim 7 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the housing is coupled to and supported on the workbench and is formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder capable of rotatably accommodating the reactor. Claim 8 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 7, wherein an inlet for introducing the first raw material, the second raw material, and a ball is disposed on one side of the reactor. Claim 9 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a discharge port for discharging the ball and the synthetic material of the first raw material and the second raw material is disposed on the other side of the reactor. Claim 10 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 8, wherein at least one inlet cover for covering the inlet is detachably coupled to one side of the reactor. Claim 11 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the heating unit comprises a support plate installed on the outside of the reactor and a heating element installed at a set interval on the support plate to heat the reactor. Claim 12 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the operating part comprises an operating cylinder having an extendable cylinder rod installed on the connecting frame and the workbench, a hinge rod installed on one side of the housing, and a connecting rod connected to one end of the cylinder rod and arbitrarily rotatably coupled to the hinge rod. Claim 13 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the classifying unit comprises a hopper disposed below the discharge port for introducing synthetic material and balls discharged from the discharge port, and a classifier disposed below the hopper having a mesh for classifying synthetic material and balls introduced into the hopper. Claim 14 A ball mill synthesis device according to claim 13, wherein a ball discharge port for discharging a synthetic material and classified balls is installed on one side of the classifier. Claim 15 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the classifier is equipped with a vibration generator for generating vibrations for classifying the synthetic material and the ball. Claim 16 A ball mill synthesis apparatus according to claim 15, comprising a storage tank for storing synthetic material that is classified and falls by the mesh at the bottom of the classifier.

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