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 .
Response to Arguments
Applicant's arguments filed 04/28/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive.
Applicant argues that Kobayashi does not disclose a single base incorporating three terminal portions. Examiner disagrees. Kobayashi discloses base (53) which the terminals extend from, and the claim does not limit the base to a single base. The claim merely requires that the three terminals extend from a base. And Kobayashi in FIG. 6B discloses a base which extends in both axial and radial direction and the three terminals each extends from a base, disclosing the new claim amendment. Thus, the argument is not persuasive.
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.
Claims 1, 3, 5-9, 11-12, 14-16 and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi et al. (US 7,219,417 B2) in view of Kamada (US 2024/0275229 A1) and Grimm et al. (US 2023/0088759 A1).
Regarding claim 1, Kobayashi discloses a stator arrangement (15, 17) for an electric machine (11), the stator arrangement (15, 17) having:
a stator (15) comprising a stator core (col. 5 ll. 16-17) on which a stator winding (16) is arranged,
an interconnection module (17) for electrically interconnecting winding wire ends (col. 6 ll. 26-29) of the stator winding (16), wherein the interconnection module (17) is positioned on the stator (15) on an end side (FIG. 1),
wherein the interconnection module (17) comprises integral electrical terminal conductors (22a-c) which are embedded at least partially in a body (25, 53) of an electrically insulating material (FIG. 6A-C), wherein the interconnection module (17) comprises the body (25, 53) of the electrically insulating material, and wherein the terminal conductors (22a-c) each form a terminal contact (50u-w) to which an external power supply and/or control of the stator arrangement can be connected (col. 8 ll. 4-7), and a winding contact (41a-c) which is electrically conductively connected to a winding wire end (col. 6 ll. 26-29),
wherein winding contacts (41a-c) protrude inwardly into an inner region which is surrounded by the body (25) of the electrically insulating material(FIG. 5),
wherein the stator (15) and the interconnection module (17) are separate components (FIG. 1),
wherein an axially upwardly protruding base (53; portion of the base extends axially upward) is formed from the electrically insulating material (25) as an integral part of the body and is located on the body facing away from the stator core (FIG. 6B; the base is extending axially and radially away from the stator core),
wherein the terminal contacts (50u-w) comprise three terminal contacts,
wherein the three terminal contacts (50u-w) protrude as plug-type contacts (52; bolts are inserted) out of the axially upwardly protruding base (53), or wherein three sockets (FIG. 6B, C) are formed in the axially upwardly protruding base (53) and the three terminal contacts (50u-w) are formed as contact lugs (55, 56) each respectively contained in one of the three sockets.
Kobayashi does not disclose wherein the interconnection module comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors which are each embedded at least partially in the body of the electrically insulating material and form two winding contacts which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends,
wherein the body has a fastening means formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator.
Kamada discloses wherein the interconnection module (4) comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors (42U-44U, 42V-44V, 42W-44W) which are each embedded at least partially in the body (51) of the electrically insulating material (5) and form two winding contacts (FIG. 4 two bus bar ends are contacts) which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends (3a, 3b).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada to disclose wherein the interconnection module comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors which are each embedded at least partially in the body of the electrically insulating material and form two winding contacts which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends, to connect the coils in a star connection (¶ [0050]) which are connected two in series and two in parallel (¶ [0053]).
Grimm discloses wherein the body (11) has a fastening means (14) formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator (2; ¶ [0032]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Grimm to disclose wherein the body has a fastening means formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator, to attach the interconnection module releasably on the stator (¶ [0032]).
Regarding claim 3/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kamada further discloses wherein each pole of the stator (1) comprises two winding wire ends (3a, 3b; FIG 3).
Regarding claim 5/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein the three terminal contacts (50u-w) are phase terminal contacts (U, V and W phase).
Regarding claim 6/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kamada further discloses wherein the interconnection module (4) comprises an integral star point conductor (4K; ¶ [0051]) which is embedded at least partially in the body (51) of the electrically insulating material (5) and forms three winding contacts (neutral point bus bar 4K connects to six coils; ¶ [0052]-[0053]) which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends (3a, 3b) and which are connecting conductors, with the result that the interconnection forms a star point (¶ [0051]).
Regarding claim 7/6, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 6. Kobayashi in view of Kamada does not disclose wherein a conductor which is embedded in the body of the electrically insulating material from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor has end regions which are exposed on at least one side and which are in the form of a terminal contact or a winding contact.
Grimm discloses wherein a conductor (16) which is embedded in the body (11) of the electrically insulating material from the group with the terminal conductors (4, 16), the connecting conductors (16) and the star point conductor has end regions (13) which are exposed on at least one side and which are in the form of a terminal contact or a winding contact (FIG 2; ¶ [0034]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm to disclose wherein a conductor which is embedded in the body of the electrically insulating material from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor has end regions which are exposed on at least one side and which are in the form of a terminal contact or a winding contact, for the advantages of simplifying the contacting and interconnection of the stator for an inexpensive stator (¶ [0018]).
Regarding claim 8/6, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 6. Kobayashi in view of Kamada and does not disclose wherein a conductor from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part.
Grimm discloses wherein a conductor (4, 16) from the group with the terminal conductors (4, 16), the connecting conductors (16) and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part (FIG 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm to disclose wherein a conductor from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part, for the advantages of simplifying the contacting and interconnection of the stator for an inexpensive stator (¶ [0018]).
Regarding claim 9/7, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 7. Kobayashi in view of Kamada and does not disclose wherein a conductor from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part.
Grimm discloses wherein a conductor (4, 16) from the group with the terminal conductors (4, 16), the connecting conductors (16) and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part (FIG 3).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm to disclose wherein a conductor from the group with the terminal conductors, the connecting conductors and the star point conductor is in the form of a stamped and bent part, for the advantages of simplifying the contacting and interconnection of the stator for an inexpensive stator (¶ [0018]).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada to disclose wherein the interconnection module comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors which are each embedded at least partially in the body of the electrically insulating material and form two winding contacts which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends, to connect the coils in a star connection (¶ [0050]) which are connected two in series and two in parallel (¶ [0053]).
Grimm discloses wherein the body (11) has a fastening means (14) formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator (2; ¶ [0032]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Grimm to disclose wherein the body has a fastening means formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator, to attach the interconnection module releasably on the stator (¶ [0032]).
Regarding claim 11/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein the insulating material is an encapsulating material, an injection-molding material (70) or a casting material col. 11 ll. 12-14; FIG.24-27).
Regarding claim 12/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein at least one winding contact (41a-c) is in the form of a piercing contact, a clamping contact, a soldered contact or a welded contact (col. 17 ll. 13-15, brazing, soldering, screw fixation etc.).
Regarding claim 14/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein the interconnection module (17) has an annular shape (FIG. 3) in which the terminal conductors (22a-c) or the connecting conductors or the star point conductor run in the form of a circular arc.
Regarding claim 15/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein the winding contacts (41a-c) protrude radially into an inner region surrounded by the interconnection module (17) or are arranged on an end-side upper side (left in FIG. 6B) of the interconnection module (17).
Regarding claim 16/1, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 1. Kobayashi further discloses wherein the terminal contacts (50u-w) protrude out of a base (21) on an end-side upper side (right side in FIG. 6B) of the interconnection module (17).
Regarding claim 20/3, Kobayashi in view of Kamada and Grimm was discussed above in claim 3. Kobayashi further discloses wherein three terminal contacts (50u-w) are provided (FIG. 3).
Claim 21 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kobayashi et al. (US 7,219,417 B2) in view of Kamada (US 2024/0275229 A1), Hasegawa et al. (US 2020/0395826 A1) and Grimm et al. (US 2023/0088759 A1).
Regarding claim 21, Kobayashi discloses a stator arrangement (15, 17) for an electric machine (11), the stator arrangement (15, 17) having:
a stator (15) comprising a stator core (col. 5 ll. 16-17) on which a stator winding (16) is arranged,
an interconnection module (17) for electrically interconnecting winding wire ends (col. 6 ll. 26-29) of the stator winding (16), wherein the interconnection module (17) is positioned on the stator (15) on an end side (FIG. 1),
wherein the interconnection module (17) comprises integral electrical terminal conductors (22a-c) which are embedded at least partially in a body (25, 53) of an electrically insulating material (FIG. 6A-C), wherein the interconnection module (17) comprises the body (25, 53) of the electrically insulating material, and wherein the terminal conductors (22a-c) each form a terminal contact (50u-w) to which an external power supply and/or control of the stator arrangement can be connected (col. 8 ll. 4-7), and a winding contact (41a-c) which is electrically conductively connected to at least one winding wire end (col. 6 ll. 26-29),
wherein winding contacts (41a-c) protrude inwardly into an inner region which is surrounded by the body (25) of the electrically insulating material (FIG. 5),
wherein the stator (15) and the interconnection module (17) are separate components (FIG. 1),
wherein the terminal contacts (50u-w) protrude out of the electrically insulating material (FIG. 6A-C).
Kobayashi does not disclose wherein the interconnection module comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors which are each embedded at least partially in the body of the electrically insulating material and form two winding contacts which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends,
wherein the terminal contacts are in the form of rolled or bent hollow-cylindrical sheet-metal sections,
wherein the body has a fastening means formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator.
Kamada discloses wherein the interconnection module (4) comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors (42U-44U, 42V-44V, 42W-44W) which are each embedded at least partially in the body (51) of the electrically insulating material (5) and form two winding contacts (FIG. 4 two bus bar ends are contacts) which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends (3a, 3b).
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It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Kamada to disclose wherein the interconnection module comprises one or more integral electrical connecting conductors which are each embedded at least partially in the body of the electrically insulating material and form two winding contacts which are electrically conductively connected to the winding wire ends, to connect the coils in a star connection (¶ [0050]) which are connected two in series and two in parallel (¶ [0053]).
Hasegawa discloses wherein the terminal contacts (3A) are in the form of rolled or bent hollow-cylindrical sheet-metal sections (36).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Hasegawa to disclose wherein the terminal contacts are in the form of rolled or bent hollow-cylindrical sheet-metal sections, for the advantages of increased productivity by removing the need for welding, soldering, pressure bonding or the like.
Grimm discloses wherein the body (11) has a fastening means (14) formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator (2; ¶ [0032]).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing of the claimed invention to have modified Kobayashi in view of Grimm to disclose wherein the body has a fastening means formed by the electrically insulating material which forms a force-fitting and/or form-fitting connection with the stator, to attach the interconnection module releasably on the stator (¶ [0032]).
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). 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 MINKI CHANG whose telephone number is (571)270-0521. The examiner can normally be reached 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Seye Iwarere can be reached at (571) 270-5112. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/MINKI CHANG/ Examiner, Art Unit 2834
/OLUSEYE IWARERE/ Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2834
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