Patents by Inventor Akio Minakuchi

Akio Minakuchi has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11795288
    Abstract: Provided is a method that can produce a resin porous material from a water-insoluble polymer in a small number of steps while suppressing the formation of skin layers. The production method of the resin porous material disclosed herein includes preparing a solution of a water-insoluble polymer in a mixed solvent including a good solvent of the water-insoluble polymer and a first poor solvent of the water-insoluble polymer, and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the solution. The first poor solvent has a higher boiling point than the good solvent. In vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent, the mixed solvent is vaporized and removed under the presence of vapor of a second poor solvent of the water-insoluble polymer to form pores and obtain a porous material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Prime Planet Energy & Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Kohei Matsunobu, Akio Minakuchi
  • Patent number: 11652259
    Abstract: Provided is a method with which a separator-integrated electrode having a shutdown function can be easily produced using a water-insoluble polymer. The method for producing a separator-integrated electrode disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a coating liquid in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and in which polyethylene particles are dispersed; coating the coating liquid on an electrode; and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the coating liquid coated on the electrode. A boiling point of the poor solvent is higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. A porous separator layer is formed by removing the mixed solvent through vaporization and thereby forming pores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Matsunobu, Akio Minakuchi
  • Patent number: 11434343
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a resin porous body using a water-insoluble polymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity and capable of suppressing formation of a skin layer. A method of producing a resin porous body disclosed herein includes the steps of: preparing a coating liquid in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved and insulating particles are dispersed in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; coating the coating liquid on a substrate; and removing the mixed solvent from the coated coating liquid by vaporization. The poor solvent has a boiling point higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. Pores are formed by removing the mixed solvent by vaporization to obtain a porous body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Matsunobu, Akio Minakuchi, Hiroshi Uyama, Chiaki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 11424434
    Abstract: A production method for a separator-including electrode plate includes a step of forming an undried active material layer on a current collector foil, a step of forming an undried separator layer on the undried active material layer by applying a polymer solution containing a water-soluble polymer, water and a high-boiling point solvent, and a step of forming the porous separator layer by vaporizing the high-boiling point solvent after depositing the water-soluble polymer in the shape of a three-dimensional network by vaporizing the water contained in the undried separator layer, and forming the active material layer by vaporizing the dispersion medium contained in the undried active material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Yu Hirano, Akio Minakuchi, Kohei Matsunobu
  • Patent number: 11407876
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity. The method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent of water and propyl alcohol; and removing the mixed solvent from the solution by vaporization. A porous skeleton and pores are formed in the step of removing the mixed solvent by vaporization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Matsunobu, Akio Minakuchi, Hiroshi Uyama, Chiaki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 11401397
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a very simple and convenient method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer. The herein disclosed method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer includes a step of preparing an emulsion containing a water-soluble polymer, water, and a dispersoid, wherein the water-soluble polymer is dissolved and the dispersoid is dispersed in the emulsion, and a step of evaporating and thereby removing the water and the dispersoid from the emulsion. The boiling point of the dispersoid is higher than the boiling point of water. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the dispersoid is lower than the solubility of the water-soluble polymer in water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Minakuchi, Tomoyuki Uezono, Hiroshi Uyama, Chiaki Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 11345794
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity. The method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent of water and propyl alcohol; and removing the mixed solvent from the solution by vaporization. A porous skeleton and pores are formed in the step of removing the mixed solvent by vaporization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei Matsunobu, Akio Minakuchi, Hiroshi Uyama, Chiaki Yoshizawa
  • Publication number: 20220119612
    Abstract: Provided is a method that can produce a resin porous material from a water-insoluble polymer in a small number of steps while suppressing the formation of skin layers. The production method of the resin porous material disclosed herein includes preparing a solution of a water-insoluble polymer in a mixed solvent including a good solvent of the water-insoluble polymer and a first poor solvent of the water-insoluble polymer, and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the solution. The first poor solvent has a higher boiling point than the good solvent. In vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent, the mixed solvent is vaporized and removed under the presence of vapor of a second poor solvent of the water-insoluble polymer to form pores and obtain a porous material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2021
    Publication date: April 21, 2022
    Applicant: PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI
  • Patent number: 11267946
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a very simple and convenient method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer. The herein disclosed method for producing a porous material of a water-soluble polymer includes a step of preparing a solution in which a water-soluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent of water mixed with a solvent having a boiling point higher than that of water, and a step of evaporating and thereby removing the mixed solvent from the solution. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the solvent having a boiling point higher than that of water is lower than the solubility of the water-soluble polymer in water. Voids are formed, in the step of evaporating and thereby removing the mixed solvent, by the solvent having a boiling point higher than that of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Minakuchi, Tomoyuki Uezono, Hiroshi Uyama, Chiaki Yoshizawa
  • Publication number: 20210296730
    Abstract: Provided is a method with which a separator-integrated electrode having a shutdown function can be easily produced using a water-insoluble polymer. The method for producing a separator-integrated electrode disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a coating liquid in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and in which polyethylene particles are dispersed; coating the coating liquid on an electrode; and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the coating liquid coated on the electrode. A boiling point of the poor solvent is higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. A porous separator layer is formed by removing the mixed solvent through vaporization and thereby forming pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2021
    Publication date: September 23, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20210280942
    Abstract: Provided is a method with which a separator-integrated electrode can be easily produced using a water-insoluble polymer. The method for producing a separator-integrated electrode disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a coating solution in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; coating the coating solution on an electrode; and vaporizing and removing the mixed solvent from the coating solution coated on the electrode. A boiling point of the poor solvent is higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. A porous separator layer is formed by removing the mixed solvent through the vaporization and thereby forming pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2021
    Publication date: September 9, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI
  • Publication number: 20210214516
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a resin porous body using a water-insoluble polymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity and capable of suppressing formation of a skin layer. A method of producing a resin porous body disclosed herein includes the steps of: preparing a coating liquid in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved and insulating particles are dispersed in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; coating the coating liquid on a substrate; and removing the mixed solvent from the coated coating liquid by vaporization. The poor solvent has a boiling point higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. Pores are formed by removing the mixed solvent by vaporization to obtain a porous body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2020
    Publication date: July 15, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI, Hiroshi UYAMA, Chiaki YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20210108043
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity and capable of suppressing formation of a skin layer. A method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; coating the solution on a substrate; coating a slurry containing insulating particles, a binder and a dispersion medium on the coated solution; and simultaneously drying the coated solution and the slurry to porosify the water-insoluble polymer. The poor solvent has a boiling point higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. The dispersion medium can dissolve the water-insoluble polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2020
    Publication date: April 15, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI
  • Patent number: 10971782
    Abstract: The method of the present disclosure includes: preparing a solution containing a water-soluble polymer dissolved in a mixed solvent containing water admixed with a first solvent having a higher boiling point than that of the water; applying the solution in a film form to a surface of an electrode to form a coating made of the solution on the surface of the electrode; and removing the mixed solvent from the coating by vaporization such that a porous separator layer made of the water-soluble polymer is formed on the surface of the electrode while a plurality of pores are formed in an inside of the coating due to removal of the first solvent. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the first solvent is lower than that of the water-soluble polymer in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Minakuchi, Tomoyuki Uezono, Kohei Matsunobu
  • Publication number: 20210061969
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity. The method of producing a porous body of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent of water and propyl alcohol; and removing the mixed solvent from the solution by vaporization. A porous skeleton and pores are formed in the step of removing the mixed solvent by vaporization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI, Hiroshi UYAMA, Chiaki YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20210061970
    Abstract: Provided is a method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer, the method being excellent in terms of simplicity. The method of producing a porous body of a water-insoluble polymer disclosed here includes the steps of: preparing a solution in which a water-insoluble polymer is dissolved in a mixed solvent containing a good solvent for the water-insoluble polymer and a poor solvent for the water-insoluble polymer; and removing the mixed solvent from the solution by vaporization. The poor solvent has a boiling point higher than a boiling point of the good solvent. A porous body is obtained by removing the mixed solvent by vaporization to form pores.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: March 4, 2021
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kohei MATSUNOBU, Akio MINAKUCHI, Hiroshi UYAMA, Chiaki YOSHIZAWA
  • Publication number: 20200343528
    Abstract: A production method for a separator-including electrode plate includes a step of forming an undried active material layer on a current collector foil, a step of forming an undried separator layer on the undried active material layer by applying a polymer solution containing a water-soluble polymer, water and a high-boiling point solvent, and a step of forming the porous separator layer by vaporizing the high-boiling point solvent after depositing the water-soluble polymer in the shape of a three-dimensional network by vaporizing the water contained in the undried separator layer, and forming the active material layer by vaporizing the dispersion medium contained in the undried active material layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Yu HIRANO, Akio MINAKUCHI, Kohei MATSUNOBU
  • Patent number: 10700535
    Abstract: A charging method of a secondary battery having plural cells includes: connecting the plural cells in series and conducting constant current charging by a first power source; measuring voltages of the plural cells; and connecting the plural cells in parallel and conducting constant voltage charging by a second power source, a voltage of which is lower than a voltage of the first power source, in the case where a measured voltage difference among the plural cells is smaller than a specified value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio Minakuchi, Hideto Mori
  • Publication number: 20200127471
    Abstract: A charging method of a secondary battery having plural cells includes: connecting the plural cells in series and conducting constant current charging by a first power source; measuring voltages of the plural cells; and connecting the plural cells in parallel and conducting constant voltage charging by a second power source, a voltage of which is lower than a voltage of the first power source, in the case where a measured voltage difference among the plural cells is smaller than a specified value.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Publication date: April 23, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio MINAKUCHI, Hideto MORI
  • Publication number: 20200044217
    Abstract: The method of the present disclosure includes: preparing a solution containing a water-soluble polymer dissolved in a mixed solvent containing water admixed with a first solvent having a higher boiling point than that of the water; applying the solution in a film form to a surface of an electrode to form a coating made of the solution on the surface of the electrode; and removing the mixed solvent from the coating by vaporization such that a porous separator layer made of the water-soluble polymer is formed on the surface of the electrode while a plurality of pores are formed in an inside of the coating due to removal of the first solvent. The solubility of the water-soluble polymer in the first solvent is lower than that of the water-soluble polymer in the water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Akio MINAKUCHI, Tomoyuki UEZONO, Kohei MATSUNOBU