Air battery and method for simultaneously manufacturing multiple air batteries

Abstract

To provide a sensor that is integrally formed into a sheet-like shape for detecting liquid.SOLUTION: A sensor 10 of the present invention has a sheet-like shape, is at least partially formed into a laminated structure, and detects a contact with liquid through power generation, and the sensor 10 comprises: a metal layer 20 as a metal electrode that comes into contact with the liquid to cause an oxidation reaction; an insulating layer 30 that is arranged inside the metal layer 20 when seen from a thickness direction of the metal layer 20, and is laminated on at least one face of the metal layer 20; and a conductive layer 40 as an air electrode that is arranged on the opposite side of the metal layer 20 with the insulating layer 30 therebetween and inside the insulating layer 30 when seen from the thickness direction of the metal layer 20 and is laminated on the insulating layer 30, and that comes into contact with the liquid to cause a reductive reaction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention provides air battery and multiple air battery and a manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing the above. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an electrode part that corresponds to an air battery or a water battery, as shown in FIG. 1 and paragraphs "0025" to "0031" of the specification. The following technical matters are disclosed in paragraphs "0025" to "0031" of the specification. (1) The electrode portion has a positive electrode portion, a negative electrode portion, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion. (2) The positive electrode part is composed of a positive electrode current collector. (3) The negative electrode portion is composed of a negative electrode current collector. (4) The separator is disposed between the positive electrode part and the negative electrode part in a state of contact with both appropriately, and the separator has the role of preventing short circuits between the positive electrode part and the negative electrode part, and of absorbing and retaining the electrolyte solution. The separator can be made of, for example, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, glass fiber, resin nonwoven fabric, glass nonwoven fabric, filter paper, etc. Furthermore, the following can be understood from Figure 1. (5) The positive electrode portion, the negative electrode portion, and the separator are each formed in a sheet shape. (6) The separator has a larger area than the positive electrode part and the negative electrode part when viewed from the direction in which the positive electrode part, the negative electrode part and the separator are stacked, and protrudes outward from the entire periphery of the positive electrode part and the negative electrode part. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-222585 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As mentioned above, one of the functions of the separator constituting the electrode unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is to absorb and retain the electrolyte. Therefore, the electrode unit disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used by stacking a positive electrode unit, a negative electrode unit, and a separator, each of which is formed in a sheet shape, but it cannot be integrally formed by only the positive electrode unit, the negative electrode unit, and the separator. If they were integrally formed into a laminated structure, the separator, which is made of materials such as polyethylene fiber or polypropylene fiber, would not be able to prevent short circuits between the positive electrode unit and the negative electrode unit.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a sensor for detecting liquid that is integrally formed in a sheet shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The sensor of the first aspect comprises: A sheet-like sensor having at least a portion of a laminated structure, which detects contact with a liquid by generating electricity, a metal layer as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer disposed inside the metal layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer and laminated on at least one surface of the metal layer; a conductive layer as an air electrode, the conductive layer being disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween and on the inner side of the insulating layer as viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer, the conductive layer being laminated on the insulating layer, the conductive layer causing a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; Equipped with.

[0007] The sensor of the second aspect comprises: In the sensor of the first aspect, The insulating layer is disposed on a portion of the at least one surface when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer.

[0008] The sensor of the third aspect comprises: In the sensor of the second aspect, The total perimeter length of the insulating layer is longer than the total perimeter length of the metal layer.

[0009] The sensor of the fourth aspect is In the sensor of the second aspect, The thickness of the insulating layer at the entire peripheral edge is formed to gradually decrease from the inside toward the periphery.

[0010] The sensor of the fifth aspect is In the sensor of the fourth aspect, The entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer.

[0011] The sensor of the sixth aspect is In the sensor of the second aspect, The thickness of the conductive layer at the entire peripheral edge is formed to gradually decrease from the inside to the periphery.

[0012] The sensor of the seventh aspect is In the sensor of the sixth aspect, The entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer.

[0013] The sensor of the eighth aspect is In the sensor of the second aspect, the insulating layer has a first inner periphery; The conductive layer has a second inner periphery surrounding the first inner periphery when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer.

[0014] A method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to the first aspect (the sensor refers to a sensor according to any one of the first to eighth aspects; the same applies hereinafter) includes the steps of: A first step of preparing a metal sheet that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; a second step of printing a plurality of the insulating layers on one side of the metal sheet; a third step of printing the conductive layer on a surface of each of the insulating layers opposite to the surface on the metal sheet side; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes the insulating layer; Includes.

[0015] The manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to the second aspect includes the steps of: In the method of the first aspect, The metal sheet prepared in the first step has a plurality of slits formed therein, In the fourth step, all bridges sandwiched between two adjacent slits among the plurality of slits are cut to divide the metal sheet.

[0016] A manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to a third aspect includes the steps of: A first step of preparing a metal sheet; a second step of forming a plurality of anodized layers or a plurality of photoresist layers corresponding to the plurality of insulating layers on one surface of the metal sheet; a third step of printing the conductive layer on a surface of each of the plurality of anodized layers or the plurality of photoresist layers opposite to the surface on the metal sheet side; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes one of the plurality of anodized layers or the plurality of photoresist layers; Includes.

[0017] A manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to a fourth aspect includes the steps of: In the method of the third aspect, The metal sheet prepared in the first step has a plurality of slits formed therein, In the fourth step, all bridges sandwiched between two adjacent slits among the plurality of slits are cut to divide the metal sheet.

[0018] A manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to a fifth aspect includes the steps of: A first step of preparing a metal sheet that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; a second step of applying at least one insulating layer to at least one surface of the metal sheet; a third step of applying at least one conductive layer to a surface of the at least one insulating layer opposite to the surface facing the metal sheet; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes the insulating layer; Includes. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the sensors of the first to eighth aspects, it is possible to provide a sensor for detecting liquid that is integrally formed in a sheet shape. Furthermore, according to the manufacturing method of simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors according to the first to fifth aspects, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of sensors for detecting liquid that are integrally formed in a sheet shape. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A is a plan view and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a sensor according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram for explaining the mechanism by which the sensor generates electricity when it comes into contact with water. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a sensor according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a sensor according to a third embodiment. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a sensor according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a sensor according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a sensor according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a sensor according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 8] 13A and 13B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a sensor according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 9]13A and 13B are a plan view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a sensor according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 10] 3A to 3C are cross-sectional views of several modified examples of the peripheral portion of the insulating layer and the conductive layer that constitute the sensor of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a plurality of sensors, each of which is the sensor of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining each flow of FIG. [Figure 13] 10A to 10C are schematic diagrams for explaining each flow of a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] Overview First, sensors 10, 10A to 10H according to a number of embodiments (see FIGS. 1 to 9) and sensors according to modifications thereof (see FIG. 10) will be described. Next, a manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors 10, 10A to 10H and their modified examples, and their modified examples will be described. In the following description, please note that in this specification, components having equivalent functions are denoted by the same or equivalent reference numerals in each drawing referred to in different embodiments, etc.

[0022] Sensor of First Embodiment The function, configuration, action, and effect of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment, and (C) a schematic diagram for explaining the mechanism by which the sensor generates electricity when it comes into contact with water.

[0023] <Function and configuration of the sensor of the first embodiment> Sensor 10 is a so-called liquid detection sensor that has the function of detecting contact with a liquid (for example, water) by generating electricity. For example, the detection of power generation is performed by an electromotive force detector (for example, a voltmeter or ammeter, not shown) included in a transmission circuit 52 (see FIG. 1(C)) connected to sensor 10. Sensor 10 is sheet-shaped, and at least a portion of it has a laminated structure. The sensor 10 includes a metal layer 20, an insulating layer 30, and a conductive layer 40. The metal layer 20, the insulating layer 30, and the conductive layer 40 function as a metal electrode, an insulating film, and an air electrode, respectively, in a water battery or an air battery.

[0024] Here, the sensor 10 constitutes a detection system 100 together with a transmitting device 50 and a receiving device 60 as shown in FIG. 1(C), for example. The transmitting device 50 has a transmitting circuit 52 and a transmitting antenna 54, and detects power generation by the sensor 10 using the transmitting circuit 52 connected to the sensor 10 by wiring W, and transmits radio waves based on the detection of power generation using the transmitting antenna 54. The receiving device 60 has a receiving circuit 62 and a receiving antenna 64, and receives the radio waves transmitted by the transmitting antenna 54 by the receiving antenna 64, and decodes the radio waves received by the transmitting antenna 54 by the receiving circuit 62.

[0025] (metal layer) The metal layer 20 is, for example, a metal plate, i.e., a sheet-like metal member, and is configured to include one or more materials selected from magnesium (Mg), Mg alloys, zinc (Zn), Zn alloys, aluminum (Al), and Al alloys.

[0026] (insulating layer) As an example, the insulating layer 30 is a plate made of insulating resin, i.e., a sheet-like insulating member. When viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20 (in a plan view), the insulating layer 30 is disposed inside the metal layer 20 and is laminated on one surface of the metal layer 20. In other words, when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the insulating layer 30 is disposed on a portion of one surface of the metal layer 20. Here, in this specification, "laminated" means that one layer is stacked on top of the other layer, and the other layer is directly contacted and fixed to the one layer without using any means other than the respective layers, such as an adhesive (not shown in the figure). As a specific example, it means that the other layer is physically adhered to the one layer or fixed in a manner that provides an anchor effect, etc.

[0027] (Conductive layer) The conductive layer 40 is, for example, a conductive plate, i.e., a sheet-like conductive member. The conductive layer 40 is a layer laminated on the insulating layer 30, located on the opposite side of the insulating layer 30 from the metal layer 20 and on the inner side of the insulating layer 30 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20.

[0028] (Features of the sensor of the first embodiment) As shown in FIG. 1(A), the metal layer 20, the insulating layer 30, and the conductive layer 40 each have, for example, a square shape when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, and are similar to one another. The insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 are arranged parallel to and overlapping the center of the metal layer 20 when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. Therefore, in the sensor 10, when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the peripheral portion of the insulating layer 30 forms a rectangular frame of equal width that extends beyond the entire periphery of the conductive layer 40. As described above, the sensor 10 of the first embodiment is sheet-shaped as a whole, with a portion of the sensor having a laminated structure and the remaining portion having a single-layer structure. Furthermore, the end faces (four long faces connecting the front and back surfaces) of the metal layer 20, the insulating layer 30, and the conductive layer 40 are formed on planes that are approximately perpendicular to the front (or back) surfaces of each layer, as shown in FIG. 1(B).

[0029] <Function of the Sensor of the First Embodiment> Next, the operation of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1(C) In the following description, it is assumed that the main material of the metal layer 20 is magnesium (Mg), for example. If the sensor 10 is immersed in water for some reason, forming a water path between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40, an oxidation reaction shown below in (1) occurs in the metal layer 20. As a result, the generated electrons (4e - ) moves to the conductive layer 40 via the wiring W (see FIG. 1(C)). In response to this, in the conductive layer 40, a reduction reaction shown in the following (2) occurs. As a result of these chemical reactions, the reaction shown in (3) below occurs between the end face and its periphery of the metal layer 20 and the end face and its periphery of the conductive layer 40, which are connected by the aforementioned water path, resulting in power generation (discharge). The insulating layer 30 of the first embodiment does not have liquid permeability like the separators of general water batteries or air batteries, and therefore, in the first embodiment, the following reactions (1) to (3) do not occur inside the separator. (1) 2Mg → 2Mg 2+ +4e - (2)O2 + 2H2O + 4e - → 4OH - (3) 2Mg + O2 + 2H2O → 2Mg(OH)2

[0030] <Effects of the sensor of the first embodiment> In the sensor 10 of the first embodiment, a metal layer 20 and an insulating layer 30 are laminated (physically adhered or fixed in a manner that provides an anchor effect, etc.), and the insulating layer 30 and a conductive layer 40 are laminated (see FIG. 1(B)). Unlike the separator in a typical water battery or air battery, the insulating layer 30 is not liquid permeable. However, if a water path is formed between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40, an oxidation-reduction reaction can occur between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40. Therefore, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a sensor for detecting liquid that is integrally formed in a sheet shape.

[0031] <Relationship between the sensor of the first embodiment and sensors of other embodiments described below> As described above, the sensor 10 of the first embodiment has been described, but the sensor 10 can be simply expressed as follows. Sensors 10A, 10B, etc. of other embodiments (see FIGS. 2 to 10) are based on the simply expressed sensor 10, and each has a partial configuration that differs from the configuration of sensor 10. In the following description, the simply expressed configuration of sensor 10 will be considered as the basic configuration. A simple representation of the sensor 10 is: A sheet-like sensor, at least a portion of which is configured to have a laminated structure, that detects contact with a liquid (for example, water) by generating electricity, a metal layer 20 as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer 30 disposed inside the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20 and laminated on one surface of the metal layer 20; a conductive layer (40) as an air electrode, which is disposed on the opposite side of the insulating layer (30) from the metal layer (20) and on the inner side of the insulating layer (30) when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer (20), and which is laminated on the insulating layer (30), and which causes a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; It is equipped with the following.

[0032] The above is the description of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0033] <Sensor of Second Embodiment> Next, the function, configuration, action, and effect of the sensor 10A of the second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10A of the second embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10A has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes only the differences between the sensor 10A and the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0034] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the second embodiment> In the second embodiment, the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment is changed to a conductive layer 40A. The conductive layer 40A is configured in the same shape and disposed in the same orientation as the insulating layer 30 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. Therefore, the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer 40A is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20.

[0035] <Effects of the sensor of the second embodiment> In the sensor 10A of the second embodiment, the distance between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40 is shorter than in the first embodiment. Therefore, the sensor 10A of the second embodiment has higher sensitivity than that of the first embodiment.

[0036] The above is the description of the sensor 10A of the second embodiment.

[0037] <Sensor of Third Embodiment> Next, the function, configuration, and operation of the sensor 10B of the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10B of the third embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10B has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes the sensor 10B, focusing only on the differences from the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0038] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the third embodiment> In the third embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30B and a conductive layer 40B, respectively. The insulating layer 30B is configured in the same shape and disposed in the same orientation as the insulating layer 30 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. Furthermore, the conductive layer 40B is configured in the same shape and disposed in the same orientation as the insulating layer 30B when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. Therefore, the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer 40B is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30B when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. As described above, the insulating layer 30B does not protrude outside the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. In other words, the insulating layer 30B is disposed inside the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20.

[0039] <Effects of the sensor of the third embodiment> The effects of the sensor 10B of the third embodiment are similar to those of the second embodiment.

[0040] The above is the description of the sensor 10B of the third embodiment.

[0041] <Sensor of Fourth Embodiment> Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10C of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10C of the fourth embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10C has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes the sensor 10C, focusing only on the differences from the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0042] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the fourth embodiment> In the fourth embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30C and a conductive layer 40C, respectively. When viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the insulating layer 30C is configured in a rectangular shape different from that of the insulating layer 30 and is disposed at a position shifted from a position symmetrical with respect to the metal layer 20. When viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the conductive layer 40C is configured in a rectangular shape different from that of the insulating layer 30C and is disposed at a position shifted from a position symmetrical with respect to the insulating layer 30C. In the sensor 10C, when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the peripheral portion of the insulating layer 30C forms a rectangular frame of varying widths that extends beyond the entire periphery of the conductive layer 40C.

[0043] <Effects of the sensor of the fourth embodiment> The effects of the sensor 10C of the fourth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0044] The above is the description of the sensor 10C of the fourth embodiment.

[0045] Sensor of Fifth Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10D of the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10D of the fifth embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10D has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes only the differences between the sensor 10D and the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0046] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the fifth embodiment> In the fifth embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30D and a conductive layer 40D, respectively. The insulating layer 30D is a layer composed of a plurality of (four, for example, in the fifth embodiment) rectangular bands arranged at predetermined intervals along either the width direction or the length direction of the metal layer 20, as viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, and a plurality of (three, for example, in the fifth embodiment) connecting portions connecting the central portions of each band. The conductive layer 40D has a shape approximately similar to that of the insulating layer 30D, as viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, and is disposed inside the insulating layer 30D. In sensor 10D, the peripheral portion of insulating layer 30D extends beyond the entire peripheral edge of conductive layer 40D when viewed in the thickness direction of metal layer 20. In sensor 10D, the entire peripheral length of insulating layer 30D and the entire peripheral length of conductive layer 40D are longer than the entire peripheral length of metal layer 20.

[0047] <Effects of the sensor of the fifth embodiment> The sensor 10D of the fifth embodiment differs from the sensor of the first embodiment in that the length of the entire periphery of the conductive layer 40D is longer than the length of the entire periphery of the metal layer 20. Therefore, the sensor 10D of the fifth embodiment has higher sensitivity than that of the first embodiment.

[0048] The above is the description of the sensor 10D of the fifth embodiment.

[0049] Sensor of Sixth Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10E of the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10E of the sixth embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10E has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes the sensor 10E, focusing only on the differences from the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0050] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the sixth embodiment> In the sixth embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30E and a conductive layer 40E, respectively. The insulating layer 30E is composed of a first insulating layer 30E1 and a second insulating layer 30E2. That is, the insulating layer 30E is composed of a plurality of insulating layers (two, for example, in the sixth embodiment). The first insulating layer 30E1 and the insulating layer 30E2, for example, have the same rectangular shape and are arranged side by side along either the width direction or the length direction of the metal layer 20. The conductive layer 40E is composed of a first conductive layer 40E1 and a second conductive layer 40E2. That is, the conductive layer 40E is composed of a plurality of conductive layers (two, for example, in the sixth embodiment). Furthermore, the first insulating layer 30E1 and the second insulating layer 30E2 are connected by an insulating connection layer 30E3 made of the same material as the first insulating layer 30E1 and the second insulating layer 30E2. The first conductive layer 40E1 and the second conductive layer 40E2 are connected by a conductive connection layer 40E3 made of the same material as the first conductive layer 40E1 and the second conductive layer 40E2 and formed on the insulating connection layer 30E3. Here, the insulating connection layer 30E3 and the conductive connection layer 40E3 on the insulating connection layer 30E3 are referred to as a connection layer BG. In the sensor 10E, the peripheral portion of the first insulating layer 30E1 extends beyond the entire peripheral edge of the first conductive layer 40E1, and the peripheral portion of the second insulating layer 30E2 extends beyond the entire peripheral edge of the second conductive layer 40E2, when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. In the sensor 10E, the entire peripheral length of the insulating layer 30E and the entire peripheral length of the conductive layer 40E are longer than the entire peripheral length of the metal layer 20.

[0051] <Effects of the Sensor of the Sixth Embodiment> The effects of the sensor 10E of the sixth embodiment are similar to those of the fifth embodiment.

[0052] The above is the description of the sensor 10E of the sixth embodiment.

[0053] Sensor of Seventh Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10F of the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of a sensor 10F of the seventh embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10F has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes only the differences between the sensor 10F and the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0054] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the seventh embodiment> In the seventh embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30F and a conductive layer 40F, respectively. The insulating layer 30F is configured to have a shape having an inner circumferential edge 30F1 (an example of a first inner circumferential edge) in which a through-hole having a shape similar to the outer diameter of the insulating layer 30 of the first embodiment is formed in the center. The conductive layer 40F is configured to have a shape having an inner circumferential edge 40F1 (an example of a second inner circumferential edge) in which a through-hole having a shape similar to the outer diameter of the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment is formed in the center. That is, the conductive layer 40F has an inner circumferential edge 40F1 that surrounds the inner circumferential edge 30F1 when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. In sensor 10F, the entire peripheral edge portion (inner peripheral edge 30F1 and outer peripheral edge) of insulating layer 30F protrudes from the entire peripheral edge (inner peripheral edge 40F1 and outer peripheral edge) of conductive layer 40F when viewed in the thickness direction of metal layer 20. In sensor 10F, the entire peripheral length of insulating layer 30F and the entire peripheral length of conductive layer 40F are longer than the entire peripheral length of metal layer 20.

[0055] <Effects of the sensor of the seventh embodiment> The effects of the sensor 10F of the seventh embodiment are similar to those of the fifth and sixth embodiments.

[0056] The above is the description of the sensor 10F of the seventh embodiment.

[0057] Sensor of Eighth Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10G according to the eighth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10G according to the eighth embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10G has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following describes only the differences between the sensor 10G and the sensor 10 of the first embodiment.

[0058] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the eighth embodiment> In the eighth embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment are changed to an insulating layer 30G and a conductive layer 40G, respectively. The insulating layer 30G is configured in a circular shape. That is, unlike the first to seventh embodiments (see FIGS. 1 to 7), the shape of the insulating layer is a shape other than a rectangle or a combination of multiple rectangles. When viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the conductive layer 40G has a shape that is approximately similar to that of the insulating layer 30G, i.e., a circular shape, and is disposed inside the insulating layer 30G. In the sensor 10G, when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer 20, the entire peripheral edge portion of the insulating layer 30G protrudes beyond the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer 40G.

[0059] <Effects of the Sensor of the Eighth Embodiment> The effects of the sensor 10G of the eighth embodiment are similar to those of the first embodiment.

[0060] The above is the description of the sensor 10G of the eighth embodiment.

[0061] Sensor of Ninth Embodiment Next, the function, configuration, and operation of a sensor 10H according to the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows (A) a plan view and (B) a cross-sectional view of the sensor 10H according to the ninth embodiment. As explained above, the sensor 10H has the basic configuration of the sensor 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1). The following will describe the sensor 10H, focusing only on the differences from the sensor 10B of the third embodiment (see FIG. 3).

[0062] <Function, configuration and action of the sensor of the ninth embodiment> In the case of the sensor 10B of the third embodiment, the insulating layer 30B and the conductive layer 40B are laminated only on one side of the metal layer 20, whereas in the case of the sensor 10H of the ninth embodiment, the insulating layer 30B and the conductive layer 40B are laminated on both sides of the metal layer 20.

[0063] <Effects of the Sensor of the Ninth Embodiment> In the sensor 10H of the ninth embodiment, conductive layers 40B are disposed on both sides of the metal layer 20. Therefore, the sensor 10H of the ninth embodiment has higher sensitivity than that of the third embodiment.

[0064] The above is the description of the sensor 10H of the ninth embodiment.

[0065] <Sensor of Multiple Modifications> Next, several modified examples (see FIG. 10) will be described.

[0066] <Modifications of the Peripheral Edges of the Insulating Layer and the Conductive Layer> FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a number of modified examples of the peripheral portions of the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 that constitute the sensor 10 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. As mentioned above, the end faces (four long faces connecting the front and back surfaces) of the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 are formed on planes that are approximately perpendicular to the front (or back) surfaces of each layer, as shown in Figure 1(B). In contrast to this, the end faces of the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 may be deformed, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10(A) to 10(F).

[0067] (First Modification) 10(A), the end face of the insulating layer 30 may be an inclined surface 32A that slopes inward from the metal layer 20 side toward the conductive layer 40 side. In other words, the thickness of the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30 may be formed to gradually decrease from the inside toward the periphery. In the first embodiment (see FIG. 1(C)), a corner of the insulating layer 30 exists between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40. In contrast, in the first modified example, the insulating layer 30 between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40 has no corner and forms a flat surface. Therefore, the first modified example has higher sensitivity than the first embodiment.

[0068] (Second Modification) 10(B), the end face of the insulating layer 30 may be a curved surface 32B that is recessed inward at a different rate from the metal layer 20 side to the conductive layer 40 side. In other words, the thickness of the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30 may be formed so as to gradually become thinner from the inside to the periphery. The effects of the second modified example are similar to those of the first modified example.

[0069] (Third Modification) 10(C), the end face of the insulating layer 30 may be an inclined surface 32A, and the end of the conductive layer 40 may be stacked on the inclined surface 32A. In other words, the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer 40 may be located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30 (for example, the portion where the inclined surface 32A is formed) when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. In the third embodiment, the distance between the metal layer 20 and the conductive layer 40 is shorter than in the first modified example (see FIG. 10(A)). Therefore, the third modification has higher sensitivity than the first modification.

[0070] (Fourth Modification) 10(D), the end face of the insulating layer 30 may be inclined surface 32A, and the end face of the conductive layer 40 may be inclined surface 42D having the same inclination direction as inclined surface 32A, so that the end of the conductor 40 is stacked on inclined surface 32A. In other words, the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer 40 may be located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer 30 (for example, the portion where inclined surface 32A is formed) when viewed from the thickness direction of the metal layer 20. The effects of the fourth modified example are similar to those of the third modified example.

[0071] (Fifth Modification) 10(E), the end face of the conductive layer 40 may be an inclined surface 42E that slopes inward from the boundary surface side with the insulating layer 30 to the opposite side. In other words, the thickness of the entire peripheral end of the conductive layer 40 may be formed to gradually decrease from the inside to the periphery. In the case of the fifth modification, since the end face of the conductive layer 40 is formed as an inclined surface 42E, water can be more easily attached to the end face of the conductive layer 40 compared to the first embodiment (see FIG. 1(C)). Therefore, the fifth modified example has higher sensitivity than the first embodiment.

[0072] (Sixth Modification) 10(F), the end face of the conductive layer 40 may be a curved surface 42F that is recessed inward at a different rate of change from the boundary surface side with the insulating layer 30 to the opposite side. In other words, the thickness of the entire peripheral end of the conductive layer 40 may be formed so as to gradually become thinner from the inside to the periphery. Therefore, the sixth modification has higher sensitivity than the first embodiment.

[0073] <Other variations> The first to sixth modified examples have been described as being modified examples of the first embodiment, but these modified examples may also be applied to the sensors 10A to 10H of the second to ninth embodiments. The cross sections of the end portions of the insulating layer 30 etc. in the first to sixth modified examples have been described as if they were cross sections of the entire peripheral end portion. However, the cross sections of these modified examples may be cross sections of only a portion of the entire peripheral end portion. In the description of the first embodiment, the shape of the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction is a square. However, the shape of the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction does not have to be a square. For example, the metal layer 20 may have a polygonal shape other than a square, or may have a shape including curved portions in part or all of the periphery. This also applies to cases other than the first embodiment. In the description of the first embodiment, the shape of the insulating layer 30 when viewed in the thickness direction is a square. However, the shape of the metal layer 20 when viewed in the thickness direction does not have to be a square. For example, it may be a polygonal shape other than a square, or may have a shape that includes curved portions in part or all of its periphery. This also applies to cases other than the first embodiment. In addition, in the description of the ninth embodiment, the insulating layer 30B and the conductive layer 40B are laminated on both sides of the metal layer 20, covering the entire surface of the metal layer 20. However, in a modification of the ninth embodiment, the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment may be laminated on one surface of the metal layer 20, and an insulating layer and a conductive layer other than the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 of the first embodiment may be laminated on the other surface. Furthermore, although not specifically mentioned in the description of each embodiment, part or all of the periphery of one or both of the insulating layer 30 and the conductive layer 40 may be made to move in contact with one side and the other side of a predetermined center line, like a sine curve, to make it easier for an oxidation-reduction reaction to occur. In addition, in the sixth embodiment (see Figure 6), multiple stacked layers (first insulating layer 30E1 and first conductive layer 40E1, and second insulating layer 30E2 and second conductive layer 40E2) were connected by a connection layer BG, but the multiple stacked layers may be connected by wiring W instead of the connection layer BG.

[0074] The above is a description of the sensors of the multiple modified examples, and also of the multiple embodiments and multiple modified examples.

[0075] <Manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing multiple sensors> Next, variations of the manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors 10, 10A to 10H and their modified examples will be described.

[0076] <First manufacturing method> First, the specific contents and effects of the first manufacturing method S100 (see FIG. 11) will be described with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12. FIG. 11 is a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a plurality of sensors 10, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram for explaining each flow in FIG. 11.

[0077] <Specific details of the first manufacturing method> The first manufacturing method S100 includes a first step S10, a second step S20, a third step S30, and a fourth step S40.

[0078] (1st step) The first step S10 is a step of preparing a metal sheet MS. The metal sheet MS corresponds to a plurality of metal layers 20, each of which is arranged in a predetermined direction (for example, the vertical direction and the horizontal direction) and connected to one another. In other words, the metal sheet MS can be considered an aggregate of a plurality of metal layers 20, and therefore exhibits the property of undergoing an oxidation reaction when in contact with a liquid (for example, water).

[0079] (2nd process) The second step S20 is a step performed after the first step S10, and is a step of applying (for example, printing) a plurality of insulating layers 30 to one side of the metal sheet MS. Here, the printing method for the plurality of insulating layers 30 is offset printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, or other printing method that uses a dispersion liquid in which an insulating resin (not shown) is dispersed in a solvent instead of ink.

[0080] (3rd step) The third step S30 is a step performed after the second step S20, and is a step of applying (for example, printing) a conductive layer 40 onto each insulating layer 30 printed in the second step S20. In other words, the third step S30 is a step of printing a conductive layer 40 on the surface of each of the multiple insulating layers 30 opposite the surface facing the metal sheet MS. The printing method for the multiple conductive layers 40 may be, for example, offset printing, screen printing, inkjet printing, or other printing method. In any printing method, a dispersion liquid in which conductive particles (not shown) are dispersed in a solvent may be used as the substitute ink.

[0081] Here, if the printing methods for both the third step S30 and the fourth step S40 are offset printing methods, an offset printing device (not shown) capable of multi-color printing can be used to first print (transfer) multiple insulating layers 30 onto the metal sheet MS using a blanket located upstream in the conveying direction of the metal sheet MS, and then print (transfer) multiple conductive layers 40 using another blanket located downstream so that they overlap each of the multiple insulating layers 30. Furthermore, if the printing method for both the third step S30 and the fourth step S40 is an inkjet printing method, an inkjet printing device (not shown) capable of multi-color printing can be used to first print multiple insulating layers 30 by ejecting a dispersion liquid in which insulating resin microparticles are dispersed in a solvent from an inkjet head as liquid microparticles onto the metal sheet MS, and then printing (transferring) multiple conductive layers 40 by ejecting a dispersion liquid in which conductive microparticles are dispersed in a solvent as other liquid microparticles so that they overlap each of the multiple insulating layers 30.

[0082] (4th step) The fourth step S40 is a step performed after the third step S30, in which the metal sheet MS is divided (separated) into a plurality of metal layers 20 so that each of the plurality of insulating layers 30 printed in the third step S30 is included. This step is performed using a cutting machine (not shown).

[0083] <Effects of the first manufacturing method> The first manufacturing method S100 can simultaneously manufacture multiple sensors 10, 10A to 10G (see FIGS. 1 to 8) in a short manufacturing time. Therefore, the first manufacturing method S100 can manufacture the sensors 10, 10A to 10G at low cost. Furthermore, when the insulating layer 30 or the like protrudes from the conductive layer 40 or the like in a plan view of each of sensors 10 (see FIG. 1), 10C (see FIG. 4), 10D (see FIG. 5), 10E (see FIG. 6), 10F (see FIG. 7), and 10G (see FIG. 8), manufacturing sensors by forming the insulating layer 30 or the like and the conductive layer 40 or the like by printing using the first manufacturing method can reduce the yield rate. This is because, even if the printed area of the conductive layer 40 or the like is misaligned with respect to the insulating layer 30 or the like for some reason, the protruding portion of the insulating layer 30 or the like makes it easy to maintain a separation between the conductive layer 40 or the like and the metal layer 20. From this perspective, the first manufacturing method is also effective.

[0084] <Supplementary information on the first manufacturing method> When manufacturing the sensor 10H (see Figure 9) using the first manufacturing method S100, for example, the second step S20 is performed on both sides of the metal sheet MS, and then the third step S30 is performed on each insulating layer 30B printed on both sides of the metal sheet MS.

[0085] This concludes the description of the first manufacturing method S100.

[0086] <Second manufacturing method> Next, the specific contents and effects of the second manufacturing method S100A (see FIG. 13) will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining each flow of the second manufacturing method S100A. Only the differences between the second manufacturing method S100A and the first manufacturing method S100 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) will be described below.

[0087] <Specific details of the second manufacturing method> In the second manufacturing method S100A, (1) in the first step S10 of the first manufacturing method S100, a metal sheet MS having a plurality of slits ST formed therein is prepared, and (2) in the fourth step S40, all bridges sandwiched between two adjacent slits ST (portions of the metal sheet MS between adjacent slits ST) are cut to divide the metal sheet MS.

[0088] <Effects of the second manufacturing method> In the second manufacturing method S100A, a portion of the metal sheet MS to be cut in the fourth step has already been cut before the insulating layer 30, etc. and the conductive layer 40, etc. are printed (before the second step S20 and the third step S30). Therefore, according to the second manufacturing method S100A, the sensor 10 etc. can be easily divided by simply cutting the multiple bridges.

[0089] This concludes the description of the second manufacturing method S100A.

[0090] <<Modification of manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing multiple sensors>> Next, a description will be given of a modified manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing a plurality of sensors 10, 10A to 10H and their modified sensors. In the following description, only the differences from the first manufacturing method S100 and the second manufacturing method S100A will be described.

[0091] <First Modification> In the first manufacturing method S100 (see FIGS. 11 and 12) and the second manufacturing method (see FIG. 13) described above, the insulating layer 30 is formed by coating (specifically, printing) in the second step S20. However, as long as the insulating layer 30 that insulates the metal layer 20 from the conductive layer 40 can be formed, it may be realized by a method other than coating. For example, in the second step, the metal sheet MS may be masked with holes only in the areas where the multiple insulating layers 30 are to be formed, and the metal sheet MS may be anodized to form the multiple anodized film layers into insulating layers.

[0092] <Second Modification> Also, for example, in the second step, a photosensitive insulating resin layer such as a dry film (not shown) may be applied to almost the entire surface of one side of the metal sheet MS, and a pattern corresponding to multiple insulating layers may be exposed to the photosensitive insulating resin layer to form a photo-crosslinked pattern in the photosensitive insulating resin layer, and then the photosensitive insulating resin layer may be etched to form multiple insulating layers.

[0093] <Third Modification> Also, for example, in the second step, an insulating film (a collection of insulating layers, see Figures 3(B) and 9(B) as an example) may be applied to the entire surface of at least one side of the metal sheet MS, and then in the third step, a conductive film (a collection of conductive layers, see Figures 3(B) and 9(B) as an example) may be applied onto the insulating film. When manufacturing the exemplary sensor 10B (see Figure 3), for example, (1) one side of the metal sheet MS may be masked and an insulating film and a conductive film may be formed by dip coating, (2) an insulating film and a conductive film may be formed on one side of the metal sheet MS by spray coating, or (3) one of the insulating film and the conductive film may be formed by spray coating and the other by dip coating. Furthermore, when manufacturing the exemplary sensor 10H (see Figure 9), (1) an insulating film and a conductive film may be formed on both sides of the metal sheet MS by dip coating, (2) an insulating film and a conductive film may be formed on both sides of the metal sheet MS by spray coating, or (3) one of the insulating film and the conductive film may be formed by spray coating and the other by dip coating.

[0094] As described above, several embodiments of the sensor 10 and the method for manufacturing several sensors 10 have been described, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The technical scope of the present invention also includes, for example, (1) a form in which some of the components of one of the above-described embodiments or modifications are replaced with components of a different form (not shown), (2) a form in which some or all of the components of a different form are added to the components of the above-described embodiment (not shown), and other forms. In other words, the technical scope of the present invention also includes forms that combine the technologies disclosed in this specification. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The sensor 10 of each of the above-described embodiments can be used for any application that requires detection of contact with a liquid, such as a water level sensor that detects the water level of a river (not shown), a liquid leakage sensor that detects liquid leakage, or other liquid detection sensors. Furthermore, since the sensor 10 etc. generates electricity when it comes into contact with a liquid, it can also be used as a water battery or an air battery even if it has the same configuration. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 10 sensors 10A sensor 10B Sensor 10C Sensor 10D sensor 10E Sensor 10F Sensor 10G Sensor 10H sensor 20 metal layer 30 insulating layer 30B insulating layer 30C insulating layer 30D insulation layer 30E Insulation layer 30E1 First insulating layer 30E2 Second insulating layer 30E3 Insulating connection layer 30F insulation layer 30F1 Inner edge (example of the first inner edge) 30G insulating layer 32A Slope 32B curved surface 40 Conductive layer 40A conductive layer 40B conductive layer 40C conductive layer 40D conductive layer 40E Conductive layer 40E1 First conductive layer 40E2 Second conductive layer 40E3 Conductive connection layer 40F conductive layer 40F1 Inner edge (example of second inner edge) 40G conductive layer 42D sloped surface 42E Slope 42F curved surface 50 Transmitting device 52 Transmitting circuit 54 transmitting antenna 60 Receiving device 62 Receiving circuit 64 receiving antenna 100 Detection System BG connection layer MS Metal Sheet S10 1st process S20 2nd process S30 3rd process S40 4th process S100 First manufacturing method (an example of a manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing multiple sensors) S100A Second manufacturing method (an example of a manufacturing method for simultaneously manufacturing multiple sensors) ST slit W wiring

Claims

1. An air battery that is in a sheet shape, at least a portion of which is configured in a laminated structure, and generates electricity upon contact with a liquid, a metal layer as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer that is disposed inside the metal layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer, is in close contact with or fixed to at least one surface of the metal layer, and does not have liquid permeability; a conductive layer as an air electrode, the conductive layer being disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween and on the inner side of the insulating layer as viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer, the conductive layer being in close contact with or fixed to the insulating layer, the conductive layer causing a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; An air battery comprising:

2. the insulating layer is disposed on a part of the at least one surface when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer. The air battery according to claim 1 .

3. the total perimeter length of the insulating layer is longer than the total perimeter length of the metal layer; The air battery according to claim 2 .

4. The thickness of the insulating layer at the entire peripheral edge is formed to gradually decrease from the inside to the peripheral edge. The air battery according to claim 2 .

5. An air battery that is in a sheet shape, at least a portion of which is configured in a laminated structure, and generates electricity upon contact with a liquid, a metal layer as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer that is disposed inside the metal layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer, is in close contact with or fixed to at least one surface of the metal layer, and does not have liquid permeability; a conductive layer as an air electrode, which is disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween and is in close contact with or fixed to the insulating layer, and which causes a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; Equipped with the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer; Air battery.

6. The thickness of the conductive layer at the entire peripheral edge is formed to gradually decrease from the inside to the peripheral edge. The air battery according to claim 2 .

7. An air battery that is in a sheet shape, at least a portion of which is configured in a laminated structure, and generates electricity upon contact with a liquid, a metal layer as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer that is disposed inside the metal layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer, is in close contact with or fixed to at least one surface of the metal layer, and does not have liquid permeability; a conductive layer as an air electrode, which is disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween and is in close contact with or fixed to the insulating layer, and which causes a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; Equipped with the thickness of the conductive layer at the entire peripheral edge is formed to be gradually thinner from the inside to the peripheral edge, the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer is located at the entire peripheral end of the insulating layer when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer; Air battery.

8. An air battery that is in a sheet shape, at least a portion of which is configured in a laminated structure, and generates electricity upon contact with a liquid, a metal layer as a metal electrode that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; an insulating layer that is disposed inside the metal layer when viewed in a thickness direction of the metal layer, is in close contact with or fixed to at least one surface of the metal layer, and does not have liquid permeability; a conductive layer as an air electrode, which is disposed on the opposite side of the metal layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween and is in close contact with or fixed to the insulating layer, and which causes a reduction reaction when in contact with a liquid; Equipped with the insulating layer has a contact surface that contacts the metal layer, a flat surface that is formed on the opposite side of the contact surface in the thickness direction of the metal layer and faces the thickness direction of the metal layer, and a peripheral surface that connects the contact surface and the flat surface over the entire circumferential direction and faces a direction that intersects with the thickness direction of the metal layer, When viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer, the flat surface protrudes from the entire peripheral edge of the conductive layer. Air battery.

9. the insulating layer has a first inner periphery; the conductive layer has a second inner periphery surrounding the first inner periphery when viewed in the thickness direction of the metal layer. The air battery according to claim 2 .

10. A method for simultaneously producing a plurality of air batteries, each of which is the air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A first step of preparing a metal sheet that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; a second step of printing a plurality of the insulating layers on one side of the metal sheet; a third step of printing the conductive layer on a surface of each of the insulating layers opposite to the surface on the metal sheet side; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes the insulating layer; A method comprising:

11. The metal sheet prepared in the first step has a plurality of slits formed therein, In the fourth step, all bridges sandwiched between two adjacent slits among the plurality of slits are cut to divide the metal sheet. The method of claim 10.

12. A method for simultaneously producing a plurality of air batteries, each of which is the air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A first step of providing a metal sheet; a second step of forming a plurality of anodized layers or a plurality of photoresist layers corresponding to the plurality of insulating layers on one surface of the metal sheet; a third step of printing the conductive layer on a surface of each of the plurality of anodized layers or the plurality of photoresist layers opposite to the surface on the metal sheet side; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes one of the plurality of anodized layers or the plurality of photoresist layers; A method comprising:

13. The metal sheet prepared in the first step has a plurality of slits formed therein, In the fourth step, all bridges sandwiched between two adjacent slits among the plurality of slits are cut to divide the metal sheet. The method of claim 12.

14. A method for simultaneously producing a plurality of air batteries, each of which is the air battery according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising: A first step of preparing a metal sheet that undergoes an oxidation reaction upon contact with a liquid; a second step of applying at least one insulating layer to at least one surface of the metal sheet; a third step of applying at least one conductive layer to a surface of the at least one insulating layer opposite to the surface facing the metal sheet; a fourth step of dividing the metal sheet into a plurality of metal layers, each of which includes the insulating layer; A method comprising:

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