Mass spectrometry apparatus assembly and method for detecting lithium battery electrolyte leakage

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of lithium battery processing, and discloses a mass spectrum equipment assembly and a detection method for detecting lithium battery electrolyte leakage, wherein the mass spectrum equipment assembly comprises a mixed detection assembly, a re-detection assembly, a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a sealing jig, a water washing assembly, a drying assembly and an upper and lower feeding line. The mixed detection assembly is provided with multiple mixed detection stations, the re-detection assembly is provided with a single re-detection station, and the quadrupole mass spectrometer is used for detecting the leakage of single batteries in the stations; the sealing jig comprises a fixed upper jig and a detachable lower jig, and the lower jig is closed with the upper jig to form a sealed mold cavity. An upper and lower feeding manipulator is used for transferring the batteries and the lower jig between the assemblies. The two-stage detection architecture of the mixed detection preliminary screening and the re-detection rechecking balances the efficiency and the accuracy, the water washing assembly, the drying assembly and the upper and lower feeding manipulator are linked, the lower jig polluted by the electrolyte is automatically cleaned and quickly dried and reused on line, cross contamination is eliminated, and continuous and stable operation of the equipment is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of lithium battery processing technology, and in particular to a mass spectrometry device assembly and detection method for detecting electrolyte leakage in lithium batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, during the manufacturing process of cylindrical lithium batteries, the sealing of the cell casing and seals requires rigorous testing to prevent safety hazards and performance degradation caused by electrolyte leakage. The industry commonly uses a secondary nitrogen testing method as an indirect detection approach, which infers the presence of leaks by measuring pressure changes in a helium atmosphere. However, production practice shows that secondary nitrogen testing lacks sensitivity for micron-sized pinhole leaks or slow seepage of liquid electrolyte, posing a high risk of missed detections and leading to defective products entering subsequent processes or even the end market.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) technology has been introduced into lithium-ion battery production lines. This technology, by detecting the presence of characteristic volatile components of the electrolyte (such as dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC)) within a sealed chamber, can directly determine whether a battery is leaking, significantly improving detection accuracy in principle. However, in practical applications, after a leaking battery completes testing within the sealed detection chamber, the evaporated electrolyte vapor condenses and remains on the inner walls of the chamber fixture and in the vacuum tubing, creating a source of cross-contamination. If not thoroughly cleaned, subsequent battery tests will result in false positives, severely impacting the reliability of the detection system. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a mass spectrometry equipment assembly that can, to some extent, solve the problem that the evaporated electrolyte vapor will condense and remain on the inner wall of the cavity fixture and in the vacuum pipeline, forming a source of cross-contamination.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted in this application include: Firstly, the mass spectrometry equipment assembly includes a mixed detection component, a re-detection component, a quadrupole mass spectrometer, a sealing fixture, a washing component, a drying component, and a loading / unloading line. The mixed detection component has multiple mixed detection stations for placing individual cells, and the mixed detection component is equipped with a first vacuuming component for evacuating the mixed detection stations. The re-detection component has a single re-detection station for placing individual cells, and the re-detection component is equipped with a second vacuuming component for evacuating the mixed detection station. The quadrupole mass spectrometer is mounted on the mixed detection component and the re-detection component, and the quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to detect the individual cells in the mixed detection station or the re-detection station. The sealing fixture includes an upper fixture and a lower fixture, the lower fixture being able to cooperate with the upper fixture to form a sealed cavity, and the upper fixture... Fixed in the mixed inspection station or re-inspection station, the lower fixture is detachably disposed in the mixed inspection component and the re-inspection component; the water washing component is used to perform high-pressure water washing on the lower fixture from the re-inspection component; the drying component is used to perform high-temperature drying on the lower fixture from the water washing component; the loading and unloading line has a reciprocating loading and unloading robot, which is used to transport single cells to the lower fixture on the mixed inspection component or the re-inspection component, or to remove single cells that have been inspected on the mixed inspection component or the re-inspection component, or to transport the lower fixture from the re-inspection component to the water washing component, or to transport the lower fixture from the water washing component to the drying component, and to transport the lower fixture from the drying component to the re-inspection component.

[0006] This application proposes a mass spectrometry equipment assembly that uses a quadrupole mass spectrometer to directly detect volatile components in the electrolyte, replacing the traditional indirect secondary nitrogen detection method. Furthermore, by combining a mixed-detection assembly with multiple mixed-detection stations with a re-detection assembly with a single re-detection station, this solution achieves a combination of "high-throughput initial screening" and "high-precision verification." The mixed-detection assembly simultaneously tests multiple batteries, ensuring production line cycle time; when a suspected non-compliant product is detected, it automatically switches to the re-detection assembly for independent re-testing of a single cell. This two-stage detection architecture eliminates misjudgments caused by differences in chamber conditions during batch testing and avoids the problem of overall efficiency degradation due to individual battery testing. Understandably, for the detachable lower fixture structure, the washing and drying components, in conjunction with a robotic loading and unloading arm, automatically complete the transfer and reassembly of contaminated lower fixtures. When battery leakage is confirmed during re-inspection, the contaminated lower fixture at the re-inspection station is immediately removed from the line and sent to the washing component for high-pressure washing, followed by thorough drying in the drying component, before being reused at the re-inspection station. This closed-loop cleaning process requires no manual intervention, completely resolving the cross-contamination problem caused by electrolyte residue, and enabling rapid turnover of the cavity fixture, ensuring the testing equipment can operate continuously and stably for extended periods.

[0007] Optionally, the mass spectrometry assembly also includes a buffer assembly having multiple buffer stations for placing NG single cells from the retest assembly.

[0008] Optionally, the mass spectrometry equipment assembly also includes a machine base, on which the mixing component, the re-inspection component, the washing component, the drying component, the buffer component, the loading line, and the unloading line are all arranged. The buffer component includes a circulating conveyor belt and a support fixture, with the two ends of the circulating conveyor belt located on both sides of the width direction of the machine base. The support fixtures are arranged on the circulating conveyor belt, with each support fixture serving as a buffer station.

[0009] Optionally, the washing assembly includes a washing tank, a first conveyor line, a gripper assembly, a rotating assembly, and an air knife assembly. The washing tank has a cleaning chamber inside. The first conveyor line passes through both ends of the washing tank and is used to input or output a lower fixture into the cleaning chamber. The gripper assembly is located inside the washing tank and is used to grip the lower fixture and lift it to the cleaning position. A high-pressure spray nozzle is provided on the side of the gripper assembly closest to the lower fixture, and the high-pressure spray nozzle is connected to a high-pressure water source. Two rotating assemblies are provided at both ends of the washing tank and are used to connect to both ends of the lower fixture located at the cleaning position, driving the lower fixture to pivot. The air knife assembly is located on both sides of the cleaning position, and the air outlet direction of the air knife assembly is inclined downwards towards the lower cavity.

[0010] Optionally, there are two first conveyor lines, and a mesh sleeve is provided between the two first conveyor lines. A positioning groove is provided on the inner side of the mesh sleeve, and the lower fixture can pass through the positioning groove and engage with the positioning groove. The gripper assembly is clamped on the outer side of the mesh sleeve.

[0011] Optionally, the gripper assembly includes a frame, a lifting plate, clamping members, and a baffle plate. The frame is fixed in the cleaning chamber. The lifting plate is slidably connected to the frame and can move up and down on the frame. The clamping members are hook-shaped, and two sets of clamping members are provided. The two sets of clamping members are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the cleaning position. The clamping members are fixedly connected to the lifting plate and can respectively abut against both sides of the lower cavity. The clamping members are provided with high-pressure water channels. The high-pressure spray holes are located on the side of the clamping members facing the lower fixture and are connected to the high-pressure water channels. The high-pressure water channels are connected to a high-pressure water source. The baffle plate is fixed on the clamping members. The baffle plate is inclined downward from the inside of the cleaning chamber toward the outside of the cleaning chamber and is located above the lower fixture. The clamping members can reciprocate along the direction of the first conveyor line, and the two sets of clamping members can move closer to or further away from each other.

[0012] Optionally, the drying assembly includes a baking oven, a second conveyor line, a hot air source, and a stationary blade grid. The baking oven has a baking cavity inside, and an air inlet is provided at the top of the baking oven, corresponding to the position of the lower cavity located inside the baking oven. The second conveyor line passes through both ends of the baking oven and is used to input the lower fixture into the baking cavity or output it from the baking oven. The hot air source is connected to the air inlet through a hot air pipe. The stationary blade grid is installed at the air inlet and is used to guide the hot air from the hot air source into a rotating airflow column.

[0013] Optionally, the stator blade grid includes an annular frame and blades. The annular frame is fixed at the air inlet and has a through-hole in the middle. The annular frame is provided with an annular mounting groove. The blades are arranged obliquely in the mounting groove along the circumference of the annular frame.

[0014] Optionally, the upper fixture is provided with a pipe interface, and the first vacuum assembly or the second vacuum assembly is connected to the mold cavity through the pipe interface. The upper fixture is provided with a settling chamber, which is connected between the mold cavity and the pipe interface. The bottom of the settling chamber is provided with an annular liquid collection groove, which has multiple rings and is embedded with a porous metal felt. The inner diameter of the settling chamber gradually increases from the mold cavity toward the pipe interface.

[0015] In a second aspect, embodiments of this application provide a detection method for controlling the mass spectrometry equipment assembly of the first aspect, including a mixed detection process and a re-detection process; The mixed inspection process includes the following steps: Step A1: Mixed inspection and loading. Using a loading and unloading robot, multiple individual cells from the same group are placed into the lower cavities of multiple mixed inspection stations to perform step A1. Step A2: Mixed testing. The lower cavity is raised to form a sealed mold cavity with the upper cavity. The first vacuum pumping assembly is used to evacuate multiple mold cavities, and then a quadrupole mass spectrometer is used to test multiple individual cells. Step A3: Judgment of pooled tests. If all the individual cells in the same group in step A2 are qualified, the individual cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot and transported to the next process, returning to step A1; If there are NG single cells in step A2, multiple single cells are removed by loading and unloading robots, and the group of single cells is moved to the re-inspection process. The re-inspection process includes the following steps: Step B1: Re-inspection and loading. Using a loading and unloading robot, place one NG single cell from step A3 into the lower cavity of the re-inspection station and proceed to step B2. Step B2: Re-inspection, raise the lower cavity to form a sealed mold cavity with the upper cavity, use the second vacuum assembly to evacuate multiple mold cavities, and then use a quadrupole mass spectrometer to detect multiple single cells, proceed to step B3; Step B3: Re-examination and judgment. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is not the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot and transported to the next process before proceeding to step B1. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot and transported to the next process, and then the re-inspection process is stopped. If there are defective individual cells in step B2, the corresponding NG individual cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot and transported to the buffer area, and then step B4 is performed. Step B4: Cleaning. The lower cavity body is removed from the re-inspection station by the loading and unloading robot and moved to the water washing assembly for water washing. After water washing is completed, proceed to step B5. Step B5: Drying. The lower cavity is removed from Step B4 by the loading and unloading robot and moved to the drying assembly for drying. After drying, the lower cavity is transported to the re-inspection station for Step B6. Step B6: Determine whether all individual cells from the same group in step A3 have been re-inspected. If yes, stop the re-inspection process; otherwise, return to step B1.

[0016] The detection method proposed in this application embodiment achieves, to a certain extent, online automatic cleaning and rapid drying and reuse of the lower fixture contaminated by electrolyte, fundamentally eliminating cross-contamination and equipment downtime caused by manual offline cleaning, and ensuring long-term continuous and highly reliable operation of the mass spectrometry detection equipment. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the buffer component of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the water washing component of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the gripper assembly of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the clamping component of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mesh sleeve of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the air knife assembly of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the rotating component of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the drying component of the mass spectrometry equipment assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the air inlet structure of the mass spectrometry device assembly in some embodiments of this application; Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing fixture for the mass spectrometry equipment assembly in some embodiments of this application.

[0019] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image] 100. Mixed testing assembly; 110. First vacuuming assembly; 200. Re-inspection assembly; 210. Second vacuum assembly; 300. Quadrupole mass spectrometer; 400. Sealing fixture; 410. Upper fixture; 411. Pipe joint; 412. Settling chamber; 413. Liquid collection tank; 414. Porous metal felt; 420. Lower fixture; 430. Mold cavity; 500. Washing assembly; 510. Washing tank; 520. First conveyor line; 530. Gripper assembly; 531. Frame; 532. Lifting plate; 533. Clamping element; 5331. High-pressure nozzle; 5332. High-pressure water channel; 534. Water baffle; 540. Rotating assembly; 541. Moving frame; 542. Rotating shaft; 550. Air knife assembly; 551. High-pressure air outlet; 552. Elastic spring; 560. Mesh sleeve; 561. Positioning groove; 600. Drying assembly; 610. Baking oven; 611. Air inlet; 620. Second conveyor line; 630. Hot air source; 640. Stationary blade grid; 641. Circular frame; 6411. Mounting slot; 642. Blade; 700. Loading and unloading line; 710. Loading and unloading robot; 800. Buffer component; 810. Circulating conveyor belt; 820. Loading fixture; 900, machine. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used in the description of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the description, claims, and accompanying drawings of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the description, claims, or accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order or hierarchy.

[0022] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0023] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "attachment" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0024] In this application, the term "and / or" merely describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "mass spectrometer assembly and / or vehicle" can represent: the mass spectrometer assembly existing alone, the mass spectrometer assembly and the vehicle existing simultaneously, or the vehicle existing alone. Additionally, in this application, the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0025] In this application, "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), similarly, "multiple sets" refers to two or more (including two sets), and "multiple pieces" refers to two or more (including two pieces).

[0026] Reference Figures 1 to 11 The mass spectrometry equipment assembly of this embodiment includes a mixed detection component 100, a re-detection component 200, a quadrupole mass spectrometer 300, a sealing fixture 400, a water washing component 500, a drying component 600, and a loading / unloading line 700. The mixed detection component 100 has multiple mixed detection stations for placing individual cells, and the mixed detection component 100 is equipped with a first vacuuming component 110 for evacuating the mixed detection stations. The re-detection component 200 has a single re-detection station. The inspection station is used to place individual cells. The re-inspection assembly 200 is equipped with a second vacuuming assembly 210 for evacuating the mixed inspection station. A quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 is installed on the mixed inspection assembly 100 and the re-inspection assembly 200. The quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 is used to test the individual cells in the mixed inspection station or the re-inspection station. The sealing fixture 400 includes an upper fixture 410 and a lower fixture 420. The lower fixture 420 can cooperate with the upper fixture 410 to form a sealed mold cavity 43. 0. The upper fixture 410 is fixed in the mixed inspection station or the re-inspection station, and the lower fixture 420 is detachably installed in the mixed inspection component 100 and the re-inspection component 200; the water washing component 500 is used to perform high-pressure water washing on the lower fixture 420 from the re-inspection component 200; the drying component 600 is used to perform high-temperature drying on the lower fixture 420 from the water washing component 500; the loading and unloading line 700 has a reciprocating loading and unloading robot 710. Used to transport individual cells to the lower fixture 420 on the mixed inspection assembly 100 or the re-inspection assembly 200, or to remove individual cells that have been inspected on the mixed inspection assembly 100 or the re-inspection assembly 200, or to convey the lower fixture 420 from the re-inspection assembly 200 to the washing assembly 500, or to convey the lower fixture 420 from the washing assembly 500 to the drying assembly 600, and to convey the lower fixture 420 from the drying assembly 600 to the re-inspection assembly 200.

[0027] The detection method for the mass spectrometry equipment assembly in this application includes a mixed detection process and a re-detection process; The mixed inspection process includes the following steps: Step A1: Mixed inspection and loading. Using the loading and unloading robot 710, multiple individual cells of the same group are placed into the lower cavity of multiple mixed inspection stations to perform step A1. Step A2: Mixed inspection, raise the lower cavity to form a sealed mold cavity 430 with the upper cavity, use the first vacuum assembly 110 to evacuate multiple mold cavities 430, and then use the quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 to inspect multiple single cells. Step A3: Judgment of pooled tests. If all the individual cells in the same group are qualified in step A2, the multiple individual cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and transported to the next process, returning to step A1; If there are NG single cells in step A2, multiple single cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and the group of single cells is moved to the re-inspection process. The re-inspection process includes the following steps: Step B1: Re-inspection and loading. Using the loading and unloading robot 710, one NG single cell from step A3 is placed in the lower cavity of the re-inspection station, and then step B2 is performed. Step B2: Re-inspection, raise the lower cavity to form a sealed mold cavity 430 with the upper cavity, use the second vacuum assembly 210 to evacuate multiple mold cavities 430, and then use the quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 to detect multiple single cells, proceed to step B3. Step B3: Re-examination and judgment. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is not the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and transported to the next process before proceeding to step B1. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and transported to the next process, and then the re-inspection process is stopped. If there are defective individual cells in step B2, the corresponding NG individual cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and transported to the buffer area, and then step B4 is performed. Step B4: Cleaning. The lower cavity body on the re-inspection station is removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and moved to the water washing assembly 500 for water washing. After water washing is completed, proceed to step B5. Step B5: Drying. The lower cavity body from step B4 is removed by the loading and unloading robot 710 and moved to the drying assembly 600 for drying. After drying, the lower cavity body is transported to the re-inspection station for step B6. Step B6: Determine whether all individual cells from the same group in step A3 have been re-inspected. If yes, stop the re-inspection process; otherwise, return to step B1.

[0028] In summary, the mass spectrometry equipment assembly proposed in this application uses a quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 to directly detect volatile components in the electrolyte, replacing the traditional indirect secondary nitrogen detection method. Furthermore, by combining a mixed-detection assembly 100 with multiple mixed-detection stations with a re-detection assembly 200 with a single re-detection station, this solution achieves a combination of "high-throughput initial screening" and "high-precision verification." The mixed-detection assembly 100 simultaneously detects multiple batteries, ensuring production line cycle time. When a suspected non-compliant product is detected, it automatically transfers to the re-detection assembly 200 for independent re-testing of a single cell. This two-stage detection architecture eliminates misjudgments caused by differences in chamber conditions during batch testing and avoids the problem of reduced overall efficiency due to individual battery testing. Understandably, for the detachable lower fixture 420 structure, the washing assembly 500 and drying assembly 600, in conjunction with the loading / unloading robot 710, automatically complete the transfer and reassembly of the contaminated lower fixture 420. When battery leakage is confirmed during re-inspection, the contaminated lower fixture 420 at the re-inspection station is immediately removed from the line and sent to the washing assembly 500 for high-pressure washing, followed by thorough drying in the drying assembly 600, before being reused at the re-inspection station. This closed-loop cleaning process requires no manual intervention, completely resolving the cross-contamination problem caused by electrolyte residue, and enabling rapid turnover of the cavity fixture, ensuring the testing equipment can operate continuously and stably for extended periods.

[0029] In summary, the mass spectrometry equipment assembly of this invention aims to solve the technical problems of inaccurate detection of trace electrolyte leaks during the manufacturing process of cylindrical lithium batteries, as well as cross-interference and low cleaning efficiency caused by contamination of the detection chamber fixture after leakage. Its core working principle is as follows: First, a quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 is used to directly detect volatile components of the electrolyte (such as DMC and EMC) to replace the traditional secondary nitrogen detection method, thereby improving sensitivity from the detection principle. Second, a two-level detection architecture of "mixed screening + re-inspection and verification" coordinates the production line cycle time with the accuracy of detection. Third, by coordinating the detachable lower fixture 420 with automatic water washing and drying, online self-cleaning of the electrolyte-contaminated lower fixture 420 is achieved, thereby eliminating cross-contamination and maintaining continuous equipment operation. Multiple mixed screening stations (e.g., six) can be set up to simultaneously perform vacuuming and mass spectrometry detection on multiple batteries in the same group, achieving high-throughput initial screening. A single re-inspection station is set up to independently verify each battery that is determined to be NG in the mixed screening. The first vacuum assembly 110 and the second vacuum assembly 210 provide a stable vacuum detection environment for their respective workstations, ensuring that the background of mass spectrometer analysis is clean and the detection results are reliable.

[0030] It is important to further emphasize that the quadrupole mass spectrometer 300 is an existing detection device. It is connected to a sealed mold cavity 430 via a dedicated detection conduit. After the mold cavity 430 is evacuated to a high vacuum, the gas inside the cavity is ionized and analyzed for its mass-to-charge ratio. When a battery leaks, the volatile components of the electrolyte enter the mold cavity 430 and are captured by the mass spectrometer as characteristic ion current signals, thus directly determining the leak.

[0031] Both the mixed inspection assembly 100 and the re-inspection assembly 200 are equipped with a lifting mechanism (not shown in the figure) and a transport line. The lifting mechanism is located at one end of the transport line, below the upper fixture 410. The lower fixture 420 is placed at the end of the transport line furthest from the lifting mechanism and is transported to the lifting mechanism, where it is lifted and pressed against the fixed upper fixture 410 to form a sealed mold cavity 430. The upper fixture 410 connects to the vacuum pipeline and the inspection pipeline, while the lower fixture 420 directly contacts the battery. If the battery leaks, electrolyte residue mainly accumulates on the surface of the lower fixture 420 and inside the cavity. The lower fixture 420 is designed to be detachable, so that when a leak is confirmed, only the contaminated lower fixture 420 needs to be removed and sent to the cleaning process. The upper fixture 410 and its connected pipelines, due to their low probability of contact with electrolyte, do not require frequent cleaning, thus minimizing equipment downtime for maintenance.

[0032] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The mass spectrometry equipment assembly also includes a buffer component 800, which has multiple buffer stations for placing NG single cells from the re-inspection component 200. The buffer component 800 allows for the temporary centralized storage of defective cells confirmed to be leaking after re-inspection. Once a certain number have accumulated, they can be manually removed, thus avoiding frequent interruptions to the automated process due to individual NG products, further optimizing production line cycle time and personnel operating efficiency. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly also includes a machine base 900, on which the mixing component 100, re-inspection component 200, washing component 500, drying component 600, buffer component 800, loading line, and unloading line are all arranged. The buffer component 800 includes a circulating conveyor belt 810 and a support fixture 820. The two ends of the circulating conveyor belt 810 are located on both sides of the width of the machine base 900. The support fixtures 820 are arranged on the circulating conveyor belt 810, with each support fixture 820 serving as a buffer station.

[0033] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 3 to 8The washing assembly 500 includes a washing tank 510, a first conveyor line 520, a gripper assembly 530, a rotating assembly 540, and an air knife assembly 550. The washing tank 510 has a cleaning chamber inside. The first conveyor line 520 passes through both ends of the washing tank 510 and is used to input or output the lower fixture 420 into the cleaning chamber. The gripper assembly 530 is located inside the washing tank 510 and is used to grip the lower fixture 420 and lift it to the cleaning position. A high-pressure spray nozzle 5331 is provided on the side of component 530 that is close to the lower fixture 420, and the high-pressure spray nozzle 5331 is connected to a high-pressure water source; two rotating components 540 are provided, which are located at both ends of the washing tank 510. The rotating components 540 are used to connect to both ends of the lower fixture 420 located in the cleaning position and drive the lower fixture 420 to pivot; air knife components 550 are located on both sides of the cleaning position, and the air outlet direction of the air knife components 550 is inclined downward towards the lower cavity. The lower fixture 420 is placed on the first conveyor line 520 by the loading and unloading robot 710, and the first conveyor line 520 sends it into the cleaning chamber. Then the gripper assembly 530 grips the lower fixture 420 and lifts it to the cleaning position, while the two rotating components 540 extend their top pins and engage with the positioning holes on both sides of the lower fixture 420. After the gripper assembly 530 releases, the rotating assembly 540 drives the lower fixture 420 to rotate slowly. At the same time, the high-pressure nozzles 5331 on the gripper assembly 530 spray high-pressure water jets to flush the surface and internal channels of the lower fixture 420 from multiple angles. After cleaning, the rotating assembly 540 switches to high-speed rotation, using centrifugal force to throw most of the water droplets off the surface of the lower fixture 420. Then, the rotating assembly 540 returns to low speed, and the air knife assembly 550 blows out high-pressure airflow to sweep away the remaining water droplets in a 360° circumferential manner, completing the drying pretreatment.

[0034] Among them, reference Figure 8 The rotating assembly 540 includes a movable frame 541, which is rotatably connected to a rotating shaft 542. The two rotating assemblies 540 are located at the inlet and outlet ends of the washing tank 510, respectively. The movable frame 541 can slide at the end of the washing tank 510 to move closer to or away from the movable frame 541 and adjust the distance between the two rotating shafts 542. This allows the gripper assembly 530 to move the lower fixture 420 between the two rotating shafts 542, and the two rotating shafts 542 are fixedly connected to the two ends of the lower fixture 420 by the mutual proximity between the two movable frames 541.

[0035] It is worth mentioning that, referring to Figure 7The air knife assembly 550 has a high-pressure air outlet 551, which is a strip-shaped slit. An elastic spring 552 is connected to the high-pressure air outlet 551. The elastic spring 552 can be opened by airflow pressure to open the high-pressure air outlet 551, or it can cover and close the high-pressure air outlet 551 under the elastic force of the spring. During the water washing stage, when the air knife assembly 550 is not working, the elastic spring 552 closes the high-pressure air outlet 551 under its own elastic force, effectively preventing high-pressure water mist from flowing back into the air passage of the air knife and avoiding scale buildup that could cause blockage of the air outlet. When the purging stage begins, the high-pressure airflow pressure overcomes the spring force to open the spring, achieving normal purging; after the airflow stops, the spring automatically resets and closes. This purely mechanical structure achieves the self-cleaning protection function of the air knife without the need for additional valve control.

[0036] In some embodiments, there are two first conveyor lines 520, and a mesh sleeve 560 is provided between the two first conveyor lines 520. A positioning groove 561 is provided on the inner side of the mesh sleeve 560, through which the lower fixture 420 can pass and engage with the positioning groove 561. A gripper assembly 530 is clamped on the outer side of the mesh sleeve 560. It is important to emphasize that the mesh area of ​​the mesh sleeve 560 is 0.1mm x 0.1mm. The mesh sleeve 560 is fitted over the lower fixture 420, serving two purposes: firstly, it positions and supports the lower fixture 420 through the inner positioning groove 561, ensuring its stability during washing and spin-drying; secondly, the mesh size of the mesh sleeve 560 (0.1mm x 0.1mm) is smaller than the average diameter of the electrolyte droplets generated during washing, effectively intercepting large droplets ejected by centrifugation and preventing them from splashing onto the inner wall of the washing chamber and re-contaminating the lower fixture 420, while allowing water and air to pass freely without affecting washing and drying efficiency.

[0037] In some embodiments, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5The gripper assembly 530 includes a frame 531, a lifting plate 532, a clamping member 533, and a baffle plate 534. The frame 531 is fixed in the cleaning chamber. The lifting plate 532 is slidably connected to the frame 531 and can move up and down on the frame 531. The clamping member 533 is hook-shaped, and two sets of clamping members 533 are provided. The two sets of clamping members 533 are arranged opposite to each other on both sides of the cleaning position. The clamping members 533 are fixedly connected to the lifting plate 532 and can abut against both sides of the lower cavity. The clamping member 533 is provided with a high-pressure water channel 5. 332, High-pressure spray nozzles 5331 are located on the side of clamping member 533 facing the lower fixture 420 and are connected to high-pressure water channels 5332, which are connected to a high-pressure water source; a baffle plate 534 is fixed on clamping member 533, and the baffle plate 534 slopes downward from the inside of the cleaning chamber toward the outside of the cleaning chamber, and is located above the lower fixture 420; wherein, clamping member 533 can reciprocate along the direction of the first conveyor line 520, and the two sets of clamping members 533 can move closer or further apart from each other. The clamping member 533 is hook-shaped, hooking the edges of the lower fixture 420 from both sides to provide stable clamping force; its internal high-pressure water channels 5332 and high-pressure spray nozzles 5331 are directly integrated, so that the clamping mechanism also serves as a cleaning spray mechanism, with a compact structure. The baffle plate 534 is located above the lower fixture 420 and tilts outward from the cleaning chamber. During high-pressure water washing, it can block the upward splashing water flow and guide it back to the water collection area, keeping the top of the cleaning chamber clean and preventing sewage dripping and causing secondary pollution.

[0038] In some embodiments, refer to Figures 9 to 10 The drying assembly 600 includes a baking oven 610, a second conveyor line 620, a hot air source 630, and a stationary blade grid 640. The baking oven 610 has a baking cavity inside, and an air inlet 611 is located at the top of the baking oven 610, corresponding to the lower cavity inside the baking oven 610. The second conveyor line 620 passes through both ends of the baking oven 610 and is used to input the lower fixture 420 into the baking cavity or output it from the baking oven 610. The hot air source 630 is connected to the air inlet 611 via a hot air pipe. The stationary blade grid 640 is installed at the air inlet 611 and is used to guide the hot air from the hot air source 630 into a rotating airflow column. After washing and pre-drying, the lower fixture 420 is placed on the second conveyor line 620 by the loading / unloading robot 710 and sent into the baking oven 610. The hot air generated by the hot air source 630 is guided by the stationary blade grid 640 and then wraps around the lower fixture 420 in the form of a rotating airflow column, forming a tornado-like flow pattern. The rotating airflow can actively penetrate into the complex structure of the lower fixture 420, such as the small holes and threaded holes, to carry out deep convection drying, which significantly improves the drying uniformity and speed, and avoids the "false dryness" phenomenon caused by traditional unidirectional hot air baking, where the surface is dry but the inside is wet.

[0039] Furthermore, referring to Figure 10The stationary blade grid 640 includes an annular frame 641 and blades 642. The annular frame 641 is fixed at the air inlet 611 and has a through-hole in its center. The annular frame 641 has an annular mounting groove 6411. The blades 642 are arranged obliquely within the mounting groove 6411 along the circumference of the annular frame 641. The blades 642 are arranged at a fixed angle, and when hot air passes axially through the stationary blade grid 640, it is forced to change direction, forming a rotating jet with a tangential velocity component. This structure has no moving parts and achieves airflow rotation using pure geometric guidance, resulting in high reliability and maintenance-free operation.

[0040] As can be seen from the above, although the probability of contamination of the upper fixture 410 is relatively small, and the degree of contamination will be low, in order to further improve the reliability of the entire mass spectrometry equipment assembly, refer to Figure 11 In some specific embodiments, the upper fixture 410 is provided with a pipe interface 411. The first vacuum assembly 110 or the second vacuum assembly 210 is connected to the mold cavity 430 through the pipe interface 411. The upper fixture 410 is provided with a settling chamber 412, which is connected between the mold cavity 430 and the pipe interface 411. The bottom of the settling chamber 412 is provided with an annular liquid collection groove 413, which has multiple rings. A porous metal felt 414 is embedded in the liquid collection groove 413. The inner diameter of the settling chamber 412 gradually increases from the mold cavity 430 toward the pipe interface 411. When a small amount of leakage occurs in the mold cavity 430, the electrolyte volatiles enter the settling chamber 412 with the vacuum airflow. As the inner diameter of the settling chamber 412 gradually increases, the airflow velocity drops sharply. The entrained droplets settle into the collection tank 413 at the bottom under gravity and are then adsorbed and locked by the capillary action of the porous metal felt 414, preventing them from entering the vacuum pipeline. This structure intercepts most of the contaminants at the source of the airflow path, significantly reducing the risk of electrolyte contamination of the pipeline inner wall, extending the maintenance-free cycle of the equipment, and ensuring the long-term stability of the mass spectrometer's background detection.

[0041] It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0042] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions in the method embodiments.

[0043] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit the scope of this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of the claims of this application.

[0044] Although embodiments of this application have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this application, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A mass spectrometry device assembly for detecting electrolyte leakage in lithium batteries, characterized in that, include: The mixed inspection assembly (100) is provided with multiple mixed inspection stations, the mixed inspection stations are used to place single cells, and the mixed inspection assembly (100) is provided with a first vacuuming assembly (110) for evacuating the mixed inspection stations. The re-inspection component (200) is provided with a single re-inspection station, which is used to place a single battery cell. The re-inspection component (200) is provided with a second vacuuming component (210) for evacuating the mixed inspection station. A quadrupole mass spectrometer (300) is installed on the mixed testing assembly (100) and the retesting assembly (200). The quadrupole mass spectrometer (300) is used to test individual cells in the mixed testing station or the retesting station. A sealing fixture (400) includes an upper fixture (410) and a lower fixture (420). The lower fixture (420) can cooperate with the upper fixture (410) to form a sealed mold cavity (430). The upper fixture (410) is fixed in the mixed inspection station or the re-inspection station. The lower fixture (420) is detachably disposed in the mixed inspection assembly (100) and the re-inspection assembly (200). A water washing assembly (500) is used to perform high-pressure water washing on the lower fixture (420) from the re-inspection assembly (200); A drying assembly (600) is used to dry the lower fixture (420) from the washing assembly (500) at high temperature; The loading / unloading line (700) has a reciprocating loading / unloading robot (710) for transporting individual cells to the lower fixture (420) on the mixed inspection assembly (100) or the re-inspection assembly (200), or removing individual cells that have been inspected on the mixed inspection assembly (100) or the re-inspection assembly (200), or conveying the lower fixture (420) from the re-inspection assembly (200) to the washing assembly (500), or conveying the lower fixture (420) from the washing assembly (500) to the drying assembly (600), and conveying the lower fixture (420) from the drying assembly (600) to the re-inspection assembly (200).

2. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: The cache component (800) has multiple cache stations for placing NG single cells from the re-inspection component (200).

3. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a machine base (900), wherein the mixed inspection component (100), the re-inspection component (200), the washing component (500), the drying component (600), the buffer component (800), the loading line, and the unloading line are all arranged on the machine base (900), and the buffer component (800) includes: A circulating conveyor belt (810) has its two ends located on both sides of the width direction of the machine base (900); The carrying fixtures (820) are arranged on the circulating conveyor belt (810), and each carrying fixture (820) is a buffer station.

4. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water washing assembly (500) includes: The washing tank (510) has a washing chamber inside; The first conveyor line (520) is installed at both ends of the washing tank (510). The first conveyor line (520) is used to input the lower fixture (420) into the washing chamber or output the washing chamber. A gripper assembly (530) is located inside the washing tank (510). The gripper assembly (530) is used to grip the lower fixture (420) and lift it to the cleaning position. A high-pressure spray hole (5331) is provided on the side of the gripper assembly (530) that is close to the lower fixture (420). The high-pressure spray hole (5331) is connected to a high-pressure water source. Two rotating components (540) are provided, and the two rotating components (540) are provided at both ends of the washing tank (510). The rotating components (540) are used to connect to both ends of the lower fixture (420) located in the washing position and drive the lower fixture (420) to pivot. An air knife assembly (550) is disposed on both sides of the cleaning position, and the air outlet direction of the air knife assembly (550) is inclined downward toward the lower cavity.

5. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that, There are two first conveyor lines (520), and a mesh sleeve (560) is provided between the two first conveyor lines (520). A positioning groove (561) is provided on the inner side of the mesh sleeve (560). The lower fixture (420) can pass through the positioning groove (561) and engage with the positioning groove (561). The gripper assembly (530) is clamped on the outer side of the mesh sleeve (560).

6. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that, The gripper assembly (530) includes: The frame (531) is fixed in the cleaning chamber; The lifting plate (532) is slidably connected to the frame (531) and can be raised and lowered on the frame (531); The clamping member (533) is hook-shaped. Two sets of clamping members (533) are provided. The two sets of clamping members (533) are arranged opposite each other on both sides of the cleaning position. The clamping member (533) is fixedly connected to the lifting plate (532) and can abut against both sides of the lower cavity. The clamping member (533) is provided with a high-pressure water channel (5332). The high-pressure spray hole (5331) is located on the side of the clamping member (533) facing the lower fixture (420) and is connected to the high-pressure water channel (5332). The high-pressure water channel (5332) is connected to a high-pressure water source. A baffle plate (534) is fixed on the clamping member (533). The baffle plate (534) is inclined downward from the inside of the cleaning chamber toward the outside of the cleaning chamber. The baffle plate (534) is located above the lower fixture (420). The clamping member (533) can reciprocate along the direction of the first conveyor line (520), and the two sets of clamping members (533) can move closer to or further away from each other.

7. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drying assembly (600) includes: The baking oven (610) has a baking cavity inside. An air inlet (611) is provided on the top of the baking oven (610) and corresponds to the position of the lower cavity inside the baking oven (610). The second conveyor line (620) is provided at both ends of the baking oven (610). The second conveyor line (620) is used to input the lower fixture (420) into the baking cavity or output the baking oven (610). A hot air source (630) is connected to the air inlet (611) via a hot air duct; A stator vane (640) is installed at the air inlet (611) and is used to guide the hot air from the hot air source (630) into a rotating airflow column.

8. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stationary vane cascade (640) includes: A ring frame (641) is fixed at the air inlet (611), and the middle of the ring frame (641) is through it. The ring frame (641) is provided with a ring-shaped mounting groove (6411). The blades (642) are arranged obliquely in the mounting groove (6411) along the circumferential direction of the annular frame (641).

9. The mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper fixture (410) is provided with a pipe interface (411). The first vacuum assembly (110) or the second vacuum assembly (210) is connected to the mold cavity (430) through the pipe interface (411). The upper fixture (410) is provided with a settling chamber (412). The settling chamber (412) is connected between the mold cavity (430) and the pipe interface (411). The bottom of the settling chamber (412) is provided with an annular liquid collection groove (413). The liquid collection groove (413) is provided with multiple rings. The liquid collection groove (413) is embedded with a porous metal felt (414). The inner diameter of the settling chamber (412) gradually increases from the mold cavity (430) toward the pipe interface (411).

10. A detection method for detecting electrolyte leakage in lithium batteries, used to control the mass spectrometry equipment assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, This includes mixed inspection and re-inspection processes; The mixed inspection process includes the following steps: Step A1: Mixed inspection and loading. Using the loading and unloading robot (710), multiple individual cells of the same group are placed into the lower cavity of multiple mixed inspection stations to perform step A1. Step A2: Mixed inspection, raise the lower cavity to form a sealed mold cavity (430) with the upper cavity, use the first vacuum assembly (110) to evacuate multiple mold cavities (430), and then use a quadrupole mass spectrometer (300) to detect multiple single cells; Step A3: Judgment of pooled tests. If all the individual cells in the same group are qualified in step A2, the multiple individual cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and transported to the next process, returning to step A1; If there are NG single cells in step A2, multiple single cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot (710), and the group of single cells is moved to the re-inspection process. The re-inspection process includes the following steps: Step B1: Re-inspection and loading. Using the loading and unloading robot (710), one NG single cell from step A3 is placed in the lower cavity of the re-inspection station, and then step B2 is performed. Step B2: Re-inspection, raise the lower cavity to form a sealed mold cavity (430) with the upper cavity, use the second vacuum assembly (210) to evacuate multiple mold cavities (430), and then use a quadrupole mass spectrometer (300) to detect multiple single cells, proceed to step B3; Step B3: Re-examination and judgment. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is not the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and transported to the next process before proceeding to step B1. If the NG cell in step B2 is qualified and is the last one in the same group, the corresponding NG cell is removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and transported to the next process, and then the re-inspection process is stopped. If there are defective single cells in step B2, the corresponding NG single cells are removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and transported to the buffer area, and then step B4 is performed. Step B4: Cleaning. The lower cavity body on the re-inspection station is removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and moved to the water washing assembly (500) for water washing. After the water washing is completed, proceed to step B5. Step B5: Drying. The lower cavity body from step B4 is removed by the loading and unloading robot (710) and moved to the drying assembly (600) for drying. After drying, the lower cavity body is transported to the re-inspection station for step B6. Step B6: Determine whether all individual cells from the same group in step A3 have been re-inspected. If yes, stop the re-inspection process; otherwise, return to step B1.

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