DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 1 - 8, 14 and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Koga (US 20220077546) in view of Taniuchi (US 20220109216).
Regarding claim 1, Koga teaches an all-solid-state battery (shown in figure 1 item 100 defined in paragraph [0056] as a battery with solid-state battery cells) comprising:
a first battery cell (figure 1 item 1a [0057] solid-state battery cell. Figure 4 item 2a) in which a negative electrode current collector including a negative electrode lead portion led out in a length direction (figure 1a item 13 [0057] a negative electrode current collector. Figure 2 and paragraph [0097] discloses wherein the negative electrode current collector is connected to a negative-electrode collector lead 18), a first negative electrode layer (figure 1a item 14 [0057] a negative electrode active material layer), a first solid electrolyte layer (figure 1a item 15 [0057] a solid electrolyte layer) and a first positive electrode layer are sequentially stacked in a thickness direction, perpendicular to the length direction (figure 1a item 12 [0057] a positive-electrode active material layer stacked in a y direction. Paragraph [0220] teaches wherein the direction may be stacked in a plurality of x-axis or y-axis directions);
a second battery cell (figure 1a item 1b [0057] a second solid-state battery cell. Figure 4 item 2b) in which a second positive electrode layer (figure 1a item 12 [0057] a positive electrode active material layer), a second solid electrolyte layer (figure 1a item 15 [0057] a solid electrode layer) and a second negative electrode layer are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction (figure 1a item 14 [0057] a negative-electrode active material layer);
a third battery cell (figure 4 item 2c battery cell) in which a third negative electrode layer (figure 4 item 14 [0057] negative-electrode active material layer), a third solid electrolyte layer (figure 4 item 15 [0057] solid electrolyte layer), a third positive electrode layer (figure 4 item 12 a positive-electrode active material layer), and a positive electrode current collector including a positive electrode lead portion led out in a direction opposite to the negative lead portion led out (figure 2 and paragraph [0097] teaches wherein the positive-electrode current collector 11 is connected to a positive-electrode collector lead 17) in the length direction are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction (figure 4 item 21 [0113] a positive-electrode current collector stacked sequentially in a thickness or Z-direction. Paragraph [0220] teaches wherein the direction may be stacked in a plurality of x-axis or y-axis directions);
a first connection electrode connected to the first positive electrode layer and the second negative electrode layer and overlapping in the thickness direction with the first solid electrolyte layer and the second electrolyte layer (figure 1 item 16 and Figure 4 item 26 [0056], [0132] a connection layer. Figures 1 and 2 show wherein the layers are overlapping in a thickness z-axis direction interpreted as a z-axis direction); and
a second connection electrode connected to the second positive electrode layer and the third negative electrode layer (figure 4 item 26a a second connection layer), overlapping in the thickness direction with the first solid electrolyte layer and the second electrolyte layer (Figures 1 and 2 show wherein the layers are overlapping in a thickness direction interpreted as a z-axis direction).
Koga does not explicitly teach wherein the first battery cell, the second battery cell and the third battery cell are disposed in the length and spaced apart from each other in the length direction.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the first battery cell, the second battery cell and the third battery cell are spaced apart from each other in the length direction (figure 1 shows first, second and third battery cells items 2, or a plurality of cells spaced apart from each other in a length direction).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
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Koga figure 4 shows a solid-state battery with a plurality of cells stacked in a direction.
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Taniuchi figure 1 teaches a spacing of battery cells 2
Regarding claim 2, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein an average length of the negative electrode current collector is greater than an average length of the first solid electrolyte layer (figure 2 item 13, figure 4 item 23 [0057] and [0113] shows a negative-electrode current collector 13 with a greater than average length of the solid electrolyte layer item 15).
Regarding claim 3, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, wherein an average length of the positive electrode current collector is greater than an average length of the third solid electrolyte layer (figure 2 item 11, figure 4 item 21 [0057], [0113] shows a positive-electrode current collector 11 with a greater than average length of the solid electrolyte layer item 15).
Regarding claim 4, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but does not explicitly teach wherein the first connection electrode is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the first positive electrode layer and the second negative electrode layer in the thickness direction.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the first connection electrode is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the first positive electrode layer and the second negative electrode layer in the thickness direction (shown in figure 1 wherein a connection electrode, interpreted as a bus bar item 3 is connected to portions of the surfaces of a first positive electrode layer item 23a and a second negative electrode item 23b in a thickness z-axis direction. Figures 1 and 2 show wherein the layers are overlapping in a thickness z-axis direction interpreted as a z-axis direction);).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 5, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but does not explicitly teach wherein the second connection electrode is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the second positive electrode layer and the third negative electrode layer in the thickness direction.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the second connection electrode is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the second positive electrode layer and the third negative electrode layer in the thickness direction (shown in figure 1 wherein a connection electrode, interpreted as a bus bar item 3 is connected to portions of the surfaces of a first positive electrode layer item 23a and a second negative electrode item 23b in a thickness z-axis direction).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 6, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but does not explicitly teach further comprising a connection solid electrolyte layer disposed in a direction opposite to the thickness direction to be connected to the negative electrode current collector and the second connection electrode.
Taniuchi teaches further comprising a connection solid electrolyte layer disposed in a direction opposite to the thickness direction to be connected to the negative electrode current collector and the second connection electrode (shown in figure 1 wherein a connection electrode, interpreted as a bus bar item 3 is connected to portions of the surfaces of a first positive electrode layer item 23a and a second negative electrode item 23b in a thickness z-axis direction).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 7, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 6, but does not explicitly teach wherein the connection solid electrolyte layer is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the negative electrode current collector and the second connection electrode in the thickness direction.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the connection solid electrolyte layer is disposed to cover at least portions of one surfaces of the negative electrode current collector and the second connection electrode in the thickness direction (shown in figure 1 wherein a connection electrode, interpreted as a bus bar item 3 is connected to portions of the surfaces of a first positive electrode layer item 23a and a second negative electrode item 23b in a thickness z-axis direction).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 8, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 6, further comprising:
a fourth battery cell (paragraph [0138] teaches wherein the number of solid-state battery cells laminated in a battery may be two as in the battery 200, three as in the battery 201, or four or more. Thus, there may be a fourth battery cell, which mirrors the same structure as identified with 1a and 2a) in which another negative electrode current collector including another negative electrode lead portion led out in the length direction (figure 1a item 13 [0057] a negative electrode current collector. Figure 2 and paragraph [0097] discloses wherein the negative electrode current collector is connected to a negative-electrode collector lead 18), a fourth negative electrode layer (figure 1a item 14 [0057] a negative electrode active material layer), a fourth solid electrolyte layer (figure 1a item 15 [0057] a solid electrolyte layer) and a fourth positive electrode layer are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction (figure 1a item 12 [0057] a positive-electrode active material layer stacked in a y direction. Paragraph [0220] teaches wherein the direction may be stacked in a plurality of x-axis or y-axis directions);
a fifth battery cell (paragraph [0138] teaches wherein the number of solid-state battery cells laminated in a battery may be two as in the battery 200, three as in the battery 201, or four or more. Thus, there may be a fifth battery cell, which mirrors the same structure as identified with 1b and 2b) in which a fifth positive electrode layer, a fifth solid electrolyte layer and a fifth negative electrode layer are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction;
a sixth battery cell (paragraph [0138] teaches wherein the number of solid-state battery cells laminated in a battery may be two as in the battery 200, three as in the battery 201, or four or more. Thus, there may be a sixth battery cell, which mirrors the same structure as identified with 2c) in which a sixth negative electrode layer (figure 1a item 12 [0057] a positive electrode active material layer), a sixth solid electrolyte layer (figure 1a item 15 [0057] a solid electrode layer), a sixth positive electrode layer (figure 1a item 12 [0057] a positive electrode active material layer), and another positive electrode current collector including another positive electrode lead portion led out in a direction opposite to the another negative lead portion led out (figure 2 and paragraph [0097] teaches wherein the positive-electrode current collector 11 is connected to a positive-electrode collector lead 17) in the length direction are sequentially stacked in the thickness direction (figure 4 item 21 [0113] a positive-electrode current collector stacked sequentially in a thickness z-axis direction. Paragraph [0220] teaches wherein the direction may be stacked in a plurality of x-axis or y-axis directions)
a third connection electrode connected to the fourth positive electrode layer and the fifth negative electrode layer (figure 1 item 16 and Figure 4 item 26 [0056], [0132] a connection layer and); and
a fourth connection electrode connected to the fifth positive electrode layer and the sixth negative electrode layer (figure 4 item 26a a second connection layer),
Koga teaches wherein the third connection electrode and the another positive electrode current collector are connected to the connection solid electrolyte layer.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the third connection electrode and the another positive electrode current collector are connected to the connection solid electrolyte layer (figure 1 shows first, second and third battery cells items 2, or a plurality of cells spaced apart from each other in a length direction).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 14, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but does not explicitly teach wherein the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell are connected in series.
Taniuchi teaches wherein the first battery cell, the second battery cell, and the third battery cell are connected in series (figure 1 items 2 and [0045] show wherein the first, second and third battery cells are connected in series).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Regarding claim 15, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but does not explicitly teach further comprising: a first insulating film disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and a second insulating film disposed between the second battery cell and the third battery cell.
Taniuchi teaches a first insulating film disposed between the first battery cell and the second battery cell, and a second insulating film disposed between the second battery cell and the third battery cell (paragraph [0062] teaches wherein the first, second and third battery cells are accommodated with an insulating film or a resin film).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga reference with the battery system of the Taniuchi reference so as to ensure a wide cooling area for the battery cells.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Taniuchi reference in paragraph [0011] wherein spacing of cells is taught.
Claims 9 – 13 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Koga (US 20220077546) in view of Taniuchi (US 20220109216) as applied to claim 1 and in further view of Sasaki (US 20220085444).
Regarding claim 9, Koga and Taniuchi teach the all-solid-state battery of claim 1, but do not teach further comprising a molding portion disposed to surround the first battery cell, the second battery cell and the third battery cell.
Sasaki teaches a molding portion disposed to surround the first battery cell, the second battery cell and the third battery cell (Figure 1 [0031] shows a battery cell housed in a molded portion, molded part M. The battery may include a plurality of battery cells).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga and Taniuchi references with the battery system of the Sasaki reference so as prevent the deterioration of the battery.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Sasaki reference in paragraph [0012] preventing the deterioration of the battery is taught.
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Sasaki figure 1 shows a battery cell in a molded material
Regarding claim 10, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 9, wherein the first connection electrode (paragraph [0156] teaches wherein the connection layer may be led out from surface or laminate) but does not explicitly teach wherein the positive electrode current collector are disposed to be led out to one surface of the molding portion in the thickness direction.
Sasaki teaches wherein the first connection electrode and the positive electrode current collector are disposed to be led out to one surface of the molding portion in the thickness direction (figures 1 and 2 show terminal 60, which is connected to a positive electrode layer extending outside the surface).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga and Taniuchi references with the battery system of the Sasaki reference so as prevent the deterioration of the battery.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Sasaki reference in paragraph [0012] preventing the deterioration of the battery is taught.
Regarding claim 11, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 9, but does not explicitly teach wherein the negative electrode current collector is led out to one surface of the molding portion in the length direction, and the positive electrode current collector is led out to the other surface of the molding portion in the length direction.
Sasaki teaches wherein the negative electrode current collector is led out to one surface of the molding portion in the length direction, and the positive electrode current collector is led out to the other surface of the molding portion in the length direction (shown in figures 1 and 2 [0031] wherein the negative electrode current collector and the positive electrode current collector is bonded to terminal 60 and exposed to the outside environment).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga and Taniuchi references with the battery system of the Sasaki reference so as prevent the deterioration of the battery.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Sasaki reference in paragraph [0012] preventing the deterioration of the battery is taught.
Regarding claim 12, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 9, but does not explicitly teach wherein the molding portion comprises an oxide or a nitride of a metal and/or non-metal compound, or a compound thereof.
Sasaki teaches wherein the molding portion comprises an oxide or a nitride of a metal and/or non-metal compound, or a compound thereof (defined in paragraph [0174] wherein the molding portion, external item 10 may be comprised of an oxide).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga and Taniuchi references with the battery system of the Sasaki reference so as prevent the deterioration of the battery.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Sasaki reference in paragraph [0012] preventing the deterioration of the battery is taught.
Regarding claim 13, Koga teaches the all-solid-state battery of claim 9, but does not explicitly teach wherein the molding portion comprises an insulating resin.
Sasaki teaches wherein the molding portion comprises an insulating resin (defined in paragraph [0174] wherein the molding portion, external item 10 may be comprised of a resin).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the battery system of the Koga and Taniuchi references with the battery system of the Sasaki reference so as prevent the deterioration of the battery.
The suggestion/motivation for combination can be found in the Sasaki reference in paragraph [0012] preventing the deterioration of the battery is taught.
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 07/09/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Regarding claim 1, the applicant argues that the Koga reference does not teach or suggest, “overlapping in the thickness direction,” and that the battery cells vertically overlap each other. Koga shows in figures 1(b) and 2(b) wherein the batteries are stacked in a z-axis or thickness direction. Paragraph [0049] discloses an arrangement in a z-axis or a thickness direction. Paragraph [0095] teaches wherein the layers may be any thickness. For these reasons, the arguments are not persuasive.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
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THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALEXIS B PACHECO whose telephone number is (571)272-5979. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 9:00 - 5:30.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Julian Huffman can be reached at 571-272-2147. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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ALEXIS BOATENG PACHECO
Primary Examiner
Art Unit 2859
/ALEXIS B PACHECO/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2859
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