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 § 102
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 the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-9 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Du et al. (CN115621587A English Machine Translation provided with this Office Action).
Regarding claim 1, Du discloses a battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 below, battery pack 100) comprising: a battery assembly (Fig. 1, battery module 105) including a plurality of battery cells (Fig. 1, battery cells 107) arranged side by side in a first direction (See Fig. 1);
a case (Fig. 1, casing 106) provided with an inner space that accommodates the battery assembly (See Fig. 1, casing around modules in the inner space of the pack) and a wall surface that defines at least a portion of the inner space (Fig. 1, wall surface); and
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a sealing component (See annotated Fig. 7 below, closure member 120. Note Fig. 7 is a sectional view of the exhaust valve in Fig. 1) that extends through the wall surface to reach the inner space, wherein the wall surface (Fig. 7, recessed ring grove 136) is provided with a recess recessed toward the inner space when viewed from an outer portion side of the case (See Fig. 7, recessed ring grove toward inner space), and
a through hole (Fig. 7, exhaust hole, 115) reaching the inner space ([0408-0409] exhaust hole communicates inside and outside of the battery pack body) is formed in a bottom portion of the recess (See Fig. 7, exhaust hole on the recessed ring grove) and the sealing component seals the through hole ([0601] closing member 120 can close the exhaust hole).
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Regarding claim 2, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application).
Regarding claim 3, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value).
Regarding claim 4, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 3, further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case (See annotated Fig. 3 below, battery management system 116. Note Fig. 3 is an electrical schematic diagram of the battery pack in Fig. 1), wherein the pressure regulation valve is located on a side opposite to the electrical component unit with respect to the battery assembly (See Fig. 3. Note position of valve and electrical unit as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of opposite in Fig. 1 of instant application).
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Regarding claim 5, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), and the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value).
Regarding claim 6, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), and the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case (See annotated Fig. 3 above, battery management system 116), wherein the pressure regulation valve is located on a side opposite to the electrical component unit with respect to the battery assembly (See Fig. 3. Note position of valve and electrical unit as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of opposite in Fig. 1 of instant application).
Regarding claim 7, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case (See annotated Fig. 3 above, battery management system 116), wherein the sealing component (closure member 120) includes a connector (See annotated Fig. 3 above, wire 114) electrically connected to the electrical component unit ([0430-0431] battery management system electrically connected with exhaust valve. Note closure member is part of the exhaust valve).
Regarding claim 8, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case, wherein the sealing component (closure member 120) includes a connector (See annotated Fig. 3 above, wire 114) electrically connected to the electrical component unit ([0430-0431] battery management system electrically connected with exhaust valve. Note closure member is part of the exhaust valve).
Regarding claim 9, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), and the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case, wherein the sealing component (closure member 120) includes a connector (See annotated Fig. 3 above, wire 114) electrically connected to the electrical component unit ([0430-0431] battery management system electrically connected with exhaust valve. Note closure member is part of the exhaust valve).
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.
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.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 10-15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Du et al. (CN115621587A English Machine Translation provided with this Office Action) as applied to claim 1 above, and further in view of Kako et al. (US20130130079A1).
Regarding claim 10, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1 but does not disclose wherein the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which a sealing component (See annotated Fig. 12 below, sealing plug 57) is inserted in the through hole (Fig. 12, opening 43) along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (See Fig. 12. Note direction of sealing component and through hole as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of second direction orthogonal to the first direction in Fig. 6 of instant application). Kako also discloses that the sealing plug can further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air ([0192]).
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Du and Kako analogous prior art to the current invention because they are concerned with the same field of endeavor, namely batteries.
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the sealing component of Du such that the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction as taught by Kako in order to further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air.
Regarding claim 11, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), and the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case (See annotated Fig. 3 above, battery management system 116), wherein the pressure regulation valve is located on a side opposite to the electrical component unit with respect to the battery assembly (See Fig. 3. Note position of valve and electrical unit as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of opposite in Fig. 1 of instant application).
Du does not disclose that the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which a sealing component (See annotated Fig. 12 above, sealing plug 57) is inserted in the through hole (Fig. 12, opening 43) along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (See Fig. 12. Note direction of sealing component and through hole as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of second direction orthogonal to the first direction in Fig. 6 of instant application). Kako also discloses that the sealing plug can further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air ([0192]).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the sealing component of Du such that the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction as taught by Kako in order to further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air.
Regarding claim 12, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case, wherein the sealing component (closure member 120) includes a connector (See annotated Fig. 3 above, wire 114) electrically connected to the electrical component unit ([0430-0431] battery management system electrically connected with exhaust valve. Note closure member is part of the exhaust valve).
Du does not disclose that the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which a sealing component (See annotated Fig. 12 above, sealing plug 57) is inserted in the through hole (Fig. 12, opening 43) along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction (See Fig. 12. Note direction of sealing component and through hole as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of second direction orthogonal to the first direction in Fig. 6 of instant application). Kako also discloses that the sealing plug can further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air ([0192]).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the sealing component of Du such that the sealing component is inserted in the through hole along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction as taught by Kako in order to further help with the control of pressure by preventing entry of outside air.
Regarding claim 13, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1 but does not disclose wherein the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which the recess (See annotated Fig. 12 above, depressed portion 54) is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space (Fig. 12, lower portion of opening 43 reduced in diameter from lid portion 2). Kako also discloses that the depressed portion with the reduction in diameter serves as a guide portion of the sealing plug ([0175]) and maintains airtightness in contact with the sealing plug ([0176]).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the recess of Du such that the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space as taught by Kako in order to serve as a guide portion of the sealing plug and maintain airtightness in contact with the sealing plug.
Regarding claim 14, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), and the sealing component (120) includes a pressure regulation valve (Fig. 1, exhaust valve) that is opened when an internal pressure of the inner space exceeds a predetermined value ([0560-0562] exhaust valve performs pressure relief operation when pressure deviates from preset value), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case (See annotated Fig. 3 above, battery management system 116), wherein the pressure regulation valve is located on a side opposite to the electrical component unit with respect to the battery assembly (See Fig. 3. Note position of valve and electrical unit as shown arranged similar to applicants’ definition of opposite in Fig. 1 of instant application)
Du does not disclose that the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which the recess (See annotated Fig. 12 above, depressed portion 54) is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space (Fig. 12, lower portion of opening 43 reduced in diameter from lid portion 2). Kako also discloses that the depressed portion with the reduction in diameter serves as a guide portion of the sealing plug ([0175]) and maintains airtightness in contact with the sealing plug ([0176]).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the recess of Du such that the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space as taught by Kako in order to serve as a guide portion of the sealing plug and maintain airtightness in contact with the sealing plug.
Regarding claim 15, Du discloses the battery pack (See annotated Fig. 1 above, battery pack 100) according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface is constituted of a plate-shaped member (Fig. 1, wall surface. Note wall surface as shown shaped similar to applicants’ definition of plate-shaped in Fig. 9 of instant application), the battery pack further comprising an electrical component unit accommodated in the case, wherein the sealing component (closure member 120) includes a connector (See annotated Fig. 3 above, wire 114) electrically connected to the electrical component unit ([0430-0431] battery management system electrically connected with exhaust valve. Note closure member is part of the exhaust valve).
Du does not disclose that the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space.
Kako discloses a battery ([0014]) in which the recess (See annotated Fig. 12 above, depressed portion 54) is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space (Fig. 12, lower portion of opening 43 reduced in diameter from lid portion 2). Kako also discloses that the depressed portion with the reduction in diameter serves as a guide portion of the sealing plug ([0175]) and maintains airtightness in contact with the sealing plug ([0176]).
It would have been obvious for one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date to modify the recess of Du such that the recess is reduced in diameter from the outer portion of the case toward the inner space as taught by Kako in order to serve as a guide portion of the sealing plug and maintain airtightness in contact with the sealing plug.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Bauer (US20180062134A1) discloses a battery housing in which a diaphragm sealing plug is closed in a fluid-tight manner ([0028]).
Muroya et al. (US20180351139A1) discloses a battery housing in which a sealing plate has a recessed portion with a terminal insertion hole ([0046]).
Okutani et al. (US20140023914A1) discloses a battery housing in with a sealing plate with a concave portion and insulating plates ([0048]).
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to DAN N TRAN whose telephone number is (571)270-0183. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thurs 8:30am-5pm.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Susan Leong can be reached at 5702701487. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/DAN NGUYEN TRAN/
Examiner, Art Unit 1754
/SUSAN D LEONG/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 1754
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