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 .
Election/Restrictions
Applicant’s election without traverse of Claims 1-6 in the reply filed on October 31st, 2025 is acknowledged.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
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.
The factual inquiries for establishing a background for determining obviousness under 35 U.S.C. 103 are summarized as follows:
1. Determining the scope and contents of the prior art.
2. Ascertaining the differences between the prior art and the claims at issue.
3. Resolving the level of ordinary skill in the pertinent art.
4. Considering objective evidence present in the application indicating obviousness or nonobviousness.
Claim(s) 1-4 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Junichi (JP2011068411A, see Machine Translation for citations) (Provided in Applicant’s IDS filed on December 21st, 2022).
Regarding Claim 1, Junichi discloses a manufacturing system for a battery pack ([001]), the battery pack including a stack and a restraining member (stack of unit cells, [001], restraining the stack, [006], restraining band-54, [0015]), the manufacturing system comprising:
A front-half unit that applies a first pressures to press the stack in a single direction for a certain period of time (front pressure plate-104a acts as front-half unit, [0068]); and
A rear-half unit that causes the restraining member to restrain the stack while applying a second pressure to press the stack in the ingle direction after the front-half unit presses the stack (rear pressure plate-104b, [0068]), wherein
The front-half unit includes:
A front-half pressure application portion that comes into contact with the stack to press the stack (front pressure-104a is clamped to stack structure-60 using pressure, [0069], compression mechanism section-104, [0077]); and
A front-half restriction portion that comes into contact with the stack to restrict a position of the stack (holding plates-52 as act restriction portions, [0101]),
The front-half pressure application portion presses the stack in a state in which the front-half restriction portion is in contact with the stack (front pressure plate-104a contacts stack structure-60, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, [0022] [0069]),
The rear-half unit includes:
A rear-half pressure application portion that comes into contact with the stack to press the stack (rear pressure-104b is clamped to stack structure-60 using pressure, [0069], compression mechanism section-104, [0077]); and
A rear-half restriction portion that comes into contact with the stack to restrict the position of the stack (holding plates-52 as act restriction portions, [0101]),
The rear-half pressure application portion presses the stack in a state in which the front-half restriction portion or the rear-half restriction is in contact with the stack (rear pressure plate-104b contacts stack structure-60, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, [0022], [0069]), and
Junichi does not directly disclose wherein the second pressure is smaller than the first pressure.
The examiner notes that under the broadest reasonable interpretation of the claim language in view of the specifications, the claim language “wherein the second pressure is smaller than the first pressure” can be interpreted to mean that the second pressure is any amount, including mere differences in pressure, less than the first pressure, as long as the pressure amount cause the restraining member to restrain the stack to which the second pressure is applied.
Junichi discloses wherein a restraint load is applied to the stack structure by a compression mechanism ([0085]). Junichi further discloses wherein the compression mechanism includes the front pressure plate and rear pressure plate ([0088]). Junichi further discloses wherein a predetermined compression pattern and restraint load are applied to the stack structure through the compression mechanism ([0094]). Junichi further discloses wherein the once the pressure load is applied to the stack, restraint bands are added and the battery pack structure is created ([0095]).
Therefore, absent a showing of criticality, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art using the disclosure of Junichi to have wherein the second pressure is smaller than the first pressure.
Regarding Claim 2, Junichi discloses the limitations as set forth above.
Junichi further discloses wherein the stack includes the end plates that sandwich cells in the single direction (end plates-53, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, [0098]),
The restraining member is a case that restrains the stack by accommodating the stack (restraint band-54 connects the end plates and accommodated the stack, [0022], Fig. 4 & Fig. 5, holding plates-52 act as restriction members, [0101]),
The two end plates each include projection extending in a single direction (end plates-53 have projection in stacking direction, [0015]),
Wherein the front half pressure application portion includes two front half pressure application members that respectively come into contact with the two end plates, the two front-half pressure application members come into contact with distal ends of the projection of the two end plates (104a- front pressure plate-104 has two sections that come into contact with the end plate, Fig. 1, [0068]),
The rear-half application portion includes two rear-half pressure application members that respectively come into contact with the two end plates (104b- rear pressure plate has two sections that come into contact with the end plate, Fig. 1, [0068]),
The rear-half pressure application members include insertion portions that are each inserted between adjacent ones of the projection of the two end plates, and the insertion portions come into contact with the end plates so that the rear-half pressure application portion causes the restraining member to accommodate the restraining member while pressing the stack (abutment bar-32 acts as insertion portions, Fig. 1, [0039]).
Regarding Claim 3, Junichi discloses the limitations as set forth above. Junichi discloses a controller that controls the front-half unit and the rear half-unit (guide support mechanism-102 controls compression mechanism-104, [0084]).
Junichi does not directly disclose wherein the controller: causes the front-half pressure application portion to apply the first pressure to press the stack for the certain period of time in a state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack, and then causes the front-half pressure application portion to apply the second pressure to press the stack in the state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack; brings the rear-half restriction portion and the rear-half pressure application portion into contact with the stack in the state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack and in a state in which the front-half pressure application portion applies the second pressure to press the stack; and separates the front-half restriction portion and the front-half pressure application portion from the stack in a state in which the rear-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack and in a state in which the rear-half pressure application portion applies the second pressure to press the stack.
However, Junichi discloses wherein the guide support mechanism presses the left first guide member to start the compression mechanism ([0084]). Junichi further discloses wherein the stack structure is compressed in the stacking direction by compression based on predetermined compression pattern ([0084]). Junichi further discloses the left upper guide mechanisms and the right upper guide mechanism operating in sequence ([0087]). Junichi further discloses wherein the front pressure plate and the rear pressure plate compression mechanisms are relatively spaced apart to the greatest extent possible ([0088]). Junichi further discloses wherein the holding plates are used to restrict the battery stack ([0106]). Junichi further discloses wherein the completed battery pack is then detached from the stacking jig ([0089]). Junichi further discloses wherein when a constraint load is applied to the stack restraint bangs are assembled to the stack structure ([0085]).
Therefore it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art using the disclosure of Junichi to have wherein the controller: causes the front-half pressure application portion to apply the first pressure to press the stack for the certain period of time in a state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack, and then causes the front-half pressure application portion to apply the second pressure to press the stack in the state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack; brings the rear-half restriction portion and the rear-half pressure application portion into contact with the stack in the state in which the front-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack and in a state in which the front-half pressure application portion applies the second pressure to press the stack; and separates the front-half restriction portion and the front-half pressure application portion from the stack in a state in which the rear-half restriction portion restricts the position of the stack and in a state in which the rear-half pressure application portion applies the second pressure to press the stack.
Regarding Claim 4, Junichi discloses the limitations as set forth above. Junichi further discloses wherein the stack includes:
An upper surface (top side of the battery stack, Fig. 4);
A lower surface located opposite the upper surface (Fig. 4);
A first side surface continuous with the upper surface and the lower surface; a second side surface located opposite the first side surface; a first restriction pieces located at a corner position defined by the upper surface and the first side surface, the first restriction pieces being laid out in the single direction (restraint band-54 acts as first restriction piece on first side, Fig. 4), and
Second restriction pieces located at a corner portion defined by the upper surface and the second side surface, the second restriction pieces being laid out in the single direction (restraint band-54 on opposite side of first side is second restriction piece, Fig. 4).
The front-half restriction portion includes:
A front-half restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces (holding plate-52 on front side of battery stack act as front half restriction piece that is in contact with restraint band that acts as first restriction pieces, Fig. 4)
A front-half second restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces, a front-half restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces, a front-half fourth restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces (holding plates act as front-half restriction members, Fig. 4);
The front-half restriction member and the front-half second restriction member respectively come into contact with the first restriction pieces and the second restriction pieces so as to sandwich the stack (restraint bands-54 hold holding plates-52 together, Fig. 4),
The front-half third restriction member comes into contact with the first restriction pieces from above such that the first restriction pieces are pressed against the front-half first restriction member (restraint bands-54 hold holding plates-52 together, Fig. 4). And
The front-half fourth restriction member comes into contact with the second restation pieces from above such that the second restriction pieces are pressed against the front-half second restriction member (restraint bands-54 hold holding plates-52 together, Fig. 4).
Claim(s) 5 & 6 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Junichi (JP2011068411A, see Machine Translation for citations) in view of Kamo (US20200235445).
Regarding Claim 5, Junichi discloses the limitations as set forth above. Junichi does not directly disclose wherein the rear-half restriction portion includes: a rear-half first restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces; a rear-half second restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces; a rear-half third restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces; a rear-half fourth restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces, the rear-half first restriction member and the rear-half second restriction member respectively come into contact with the first restriction pieces and the second restriction pieces so as to sandwich the stack, the rear-half third restriction member comes into contact with the first restriction pieces from above such that the first restriction pieces are pressed against the rear-half first restriction member, and the rear-half fourth restriction member comes into contact with the second restriction pieces from above such that the second restriction pieces are pressed against the rear-half second restriction member.
Kamo discloses a battery stack structure that is pressed together with a pressure apparatus ([006]). Kamo further discloses wherein the battery stack structure has two sets of battery stacks that are held together with restraining members, bottom plates that form the front and rear plates of the battery stacks ([0067]). Kamo further discloses wherein the cushion members are used to hold the stack together (Fig. 4, cushion members-113a, [0111]). Kamo teaches that this structure provides improved heat dissipation, [007]).
The examiner notes that the rear-half restraining members are identical to the front half restriction members but displaced to the rear of the battery stack as shown in instant Fig. 5. Therefore, it is the examiner’s position that by having a battery stack structure that contains two identical battery stack structure with the same restraining member structure would meet the claim limitations of claim 5.
Therefore it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Junichi with the teachings of Kamo to have wherein the rear-half restriction portion includes: a rear-half first restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces; a rear-half second restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces; a rear-half third restriction member that comes into contact with the first restriction pieces; a rear-half fourth restriction member that comes into contact with the second restriction pieces, the rear-half first restriction member and the rear-half second restriction member respectively come into contact with the first restriction pieces and the second restriction pieces so as to sandwich the stack, the rear-half third restriction member comes into contact with the first restriction pieces from above such that the first restriction pieces are pressed against the rear-half first restriction member, and the rear-half fourth restriction member comes into contact with the second restriction pieces from above such that the second restriction pieces are pressed against the rear-half second restriction member. This modification would yield the expected result of improved heat dissipation.
Regarding Claim 6, Junichi in view of Kamo discloses the limitations as set forth above.
Junchi does not directly disclose wherein the controller, when bringing the rear-half restriction portion into contact with the stack, separates the front-half first restriction member, the front-half second restriction member, the front-half third restriction member, and the front-half fourth restriction member from the stack and then brings the rear-half first restriction member, the rear-half second restriction member, the rear-half third restriction member, and the rear-half fourth restriction member into contact with the stack.
Kamo discloses a battery stack structure that is pressed together with a pressure apparatus ([006]). Kamo further discloses wherein the battery stack structure has two sets of battery stacks that are held together with restraining members, bottom plates that form the front and rear plates of the battery stacks ([0067]). Kamo further discloses wherein the cushion members are used to hold the stack together (Fig. 4, cushion members-113a, [0111]). Kamo teaches that this structure provides improved heat dissipation, [007]).
The examiner notes that the rear-half restraining members are identical to the front half restriction members but displaced to the rear of the battery stack as shown in instant Fig. 5. Therefore, it is the examiner’s position that by having a battery stack structure that contains two identical battery stack structures with the same restraining member structure would meet the claim limitations of claim 5 & 6 and that the controller of Junchi can be configured to apply pressure to the rear-half restriction portion.
Therefore, it would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify Junchi with the teachings of Kamo to have wherein the controller, when bringing the rear-half restriction portion into contact with the stack, separates the front-half first restriction member, the front-half second restriction member, the front-half third restriction member, and the front-half fourth restriction member from the stack and then brings the rear-half first restriction member, the rear-half second restriction member, the rear-half third restriction member, and the rear-half fourth restriction member into contact with the stack. This modification would yield the expected result of improved heat dissipation.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ANKITH R SRIPATHI whose telephone number is (571)272-2370. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday: 7:30 am - 5:00pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Matthew Martin can be reached at 571-270-7871. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/ANKITH R SRIPATHI/Examiner, Art Unit 1728
/MATTHEW T MARTIN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1728