Tilt detecting device

Abstract

To provide an inclination detection device capable of being used for direct detection of abnormality of an object such as collapse of a slope and collapse of a structure, and performing predetermined detection over a long period of time without replacement of a power supply part.SOLUTION: An inclination detection device 10 for detecting that a predetermined inclination has occurred in a sensor unit 11 includes a power generation unit 15 that comes into a power generation state when both a positive electrode 13 and a negative electrode 14 come into contact with an electrolyte-containing rubber 12 containing an electrolyte solution, and an output unit 16 that is energized by power generation of the power generation unit 15 and performs a predetermined output.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a tilt detection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Detecting the collapse of slopes and cliffs, the collapse of structures, etc. is important for minimizing damage or for understanding the extent of the damage. Patent Document 1 discloses that, focusing on the tendency for landslides to occur when rain seeps into the ground, a water level detection pile that can detect the water level underground is used to detect the possibility of a landslide occurring. The water level detection pile is designed so that underground water flows in and out of a long vertical columnar space, and the water level in the columnar space is detected by an IC tag reader by measuring the height position of a floating member floating on the water in the columnar space. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-287927 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, an IC tag reader requires a power supply to operate, and if a battery is used for that power supply, there is a problem in that the battery must be replaced periodically. Furthermore, the underground water level is only one factor in determining the possibility of a landslide. For example, if the amount of rainfall per hour is low and the water level near the surface where the water level detection piles are installed is low, but water has accumulated deep underground due to long-term rainfall, the possibility of a landslide cannot be detected.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a tilt detection device that can be used to directly detect abnormalities in an object, such as the collapse of a slope or the collapse of a structure, and that can perform the specified detection over a long period of time without replacing the power supply unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The tilt detection device of the present invention, which is in line with the above-mentioned object, is a tilt detection device that detects the occurrence of a predetermined tilt in a sensor unit, and is equipped with a power generation unit in which both the positive and negative electrodes come into contact with an electrolyte-containing rubber containing an electrolyte solution, thereby generating electricity, and an output unit that is energized by the electricity generated by the power generation unit and produces a predetermined output, and the power generation unit transitions from a non-generating state in which at least one of the positive and negative electrodes is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber and no electricity is being generated, to the generating state when the predetermined tilt occurs in the sensor unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The tilt detection device of the present invention comprises a power generation unit in which both the positive and negative electrodes come into contact with an electrolyte-containing rubber containing an electrolyte solution, thereby generating electricity, and an output unit which is energized by the electricity generated by the power generation unit and produces a predetermined output.The power generation unit transitions from a non-generating state in which at least one of the positive and negative electrodes is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber and no electricity is being generated, to a generating state when a predetermined tilt occurs in the sensor unit.This means that the power generation unit can be used to directly detect abnormalities in objects such as slope collapses and structural collapses, and can perform predetermined detection over a long period of time without battery replacement. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a tilt detection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the power generation unit is in a power generation state. [Figure 3] 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory diagrams of a tilt detection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory diagrams of a tilt detection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory diagrams of a tilt detection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory diagrams of a tilt detection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Next, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments embodying the present invention will be described to aid in understanding the present invention. 1 and 2, a tilt detection device 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is a device that detects the occurrence of a predetermined tilt in a pedestal 11, which is an example of a sensor unit, and includes a power generation unit 15 that generates electricity when both a positive electrode 13 and a negative electrode 14 come into contact with an electrolyte-containing rubber 12 containing an electrolyte solution, and an output unit 16 that is energized by the power generation of the power generation unit 15 and produces a predetermined output. A detailed description will be given below.

[0010] In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the tilt detection device 10 is elongated vertically and is used to detect collapses, landslides, etc. of a slope P. As shown in Figure 1, the tilt detection device 10 is equipped with piles 17 to be inserted into the slope P, and cradles 11 and plate-shaped support members 18 fixed to the piles 17. Therefore, the cradles 11 tilt and move together with the piles 17. The piles 17 are arranged vertically and inserted into the slope P so that the entire tilt detection device 10 is arranged vertically (this state of the tilt detection device 10 is the normal state).

[0011] One end (lower end) of the support member 18 is fixed to the pile 17, and a connector 19 is fixed to the other end (upper end) of the support member 18. A plate-shaped movable member 20 is rotatably attached to the connector 19. For example, by providing a shaft on the movable member 20 and providing a tubular portion on the connector 19 through which the shaft passes, the movable member 20 can be made rotatable relative to the connector 19.

[0012] The support member 18 and the movable member 20 have one side facing each other. Hereinafter, the one side and the other side of the support member 18 will be referred to as the "inner side" and the "outer side", respectively, and the one side and the other side of the movable member 20 will be referred to as the "inner side" and the "outer side", respectively. The negative electrode 14 is formed in a plate shape and is fixed with one entire surface thereof in close contact with the inner surface of the support member 18 .

[0013] In this embodiment, the positive electrode 13 and the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 are also formed in a plate shape, and the positive electrode 13, the negative electrode 14, and the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 are all approximately the same size. The positive electrode 13 is fixed with one entire surface thereof in close contact with the inner surface of the movable member 20, and the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 is fixed with one entire surface thereof in close contact with the other surface of the positive electrode 13.

[0014] The positive electrode 13 can be composed of a material with a low ionization tendency, such as carbon nanotubes (which may be SWNTs or MWNTs), carbon black, carbon nanofibers, Au, Pt, Ag, or Cu (meaning that it is essentially composed only of the relevant material), or can be composed mostly of the material, i.e., with carbon nanotubes, carbon black, carbon nanofibers, Au, Pt, Ag, or Cu as the main component.

[0015] In this embodiment, the positive electrode 13 is formed mainly from carbon nanotubes, which are an example of a carbon-based conductive material. This is because the positive electrode 13 is an aggregate of fine particles, which increases the surface area of ​​the positive electrode 13 and increases the contact area with the electrolyte-containing rubber 12, and because carbon is chemically stable and suitable for long-term use. The negative electrode 14 is required to be made of a material that has a certain degree of ionization tendency greater than that of the positive electrode 13, and can be made of, for example, Li, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Ni, Sn, or Pb as its main component.

[0016] In this embodiment, the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 is a rubber material in which an electrolyte solution is distributed, and the electrolyte solution is a solution in which a water-soluble substance is dissolved in water. The water-soluble substance may be one or more substances selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium carbonate, potassium pyrophosphate, magnesium perchlorate, calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, potassium acetate, urea, and potassium thiocyanate. These substances are deliquescent and have a solubility of 40 g / 100 g or more in water at 20°C.

[0017] The water-soluble substance does not need to be deliquescent, as long as it is soluble in water (or a water-containing solution). For example, a substance with a solubility of 5 g / 100 g or more in water (HO) at 20°C can be used. Specifically, one or more substances selected from the group consisting of potassium benzoate, trehalose, glucose, sucrose, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, citric acid, and water-soluble oils may be used as the water-soluble substance. However, in order to enable the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 to stably obtain moisture from the surrounding atmosphere, the water-soluble substance preferably has deliquescent properties.

[0018] The rubber material is not particularly limited, and for example, natural rubber, styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, acrylonitrile rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, urethane rubber, silicone rubber, fluororubber, chlorosulfonated polyethylene rubber, acrylic rubber, isoprene rubber, or epichlorohydrin rubber can be used.

[0019] In this embodiment, the electrolyte solution is dispersed approximately uniformly in the rubber material in the electrolyte-containing rubber 12. The state in which the electrolyte solution is dispersed approximately uniformly in the rubber material can be achieved by going through a process of mixing and dispersing the carrier to which the electrolyte solution is attached and the rubber material before crosslinking. The carrier is, for example, one or more substances selected from the group consisting of zeolite, diatomaceous earth, shirasu balloons, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene, silica gel, montmorillonite, kaolinite, pumice, shale, mesoporous silica, porous polymer beads, graphite, cellulose nanofibers, cork, and gamma alumina. The electrolyte solution may be distributed in the rubber material without using a carrier.

[0020] In this embodiment, the power generating section 15 is composed of an electrolyte-containing rubber 12, a positive electrode 13, and a negative electrode . Furthermore, the output unit 16 is connected to the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14 by conductors (not shown), respectively, and is fixed to the outer surface of the support member 18. In this embodiment, the output unit 16 is designed to be energized by power generated by the power generation unit 15 and to transmit a predetermined signal wirelessly. The predetermined signal transmitted from the output unit 16 is received by a receiver located at a distance from the tilt detection device 10.

[0021] The tilt detection device 10 also includes a spacer 21 that contacts the inner surface of the support member 18 and the inner surface of the movable member 20. One end of a spring 23 is connected to the other end of the spring 23, and a weight 22 is connected to the other end of the spring 23. The spring 23 is an example of a connecting member, and other examples of connecting members include a string and a wire. In this embodiment, the weight 22 is spherical, but the weight 22 does not have to be spherical. When the tilt detection device 10 is disposed vertically, the pedestal 11 is disposed horizontally, the weight 22 is placed on the pedestal 11, and the weight of the weight 22 does not act on the spacer 21. In this embodiment, the position of the weight 22 when it is placed on the pedestal 11 is taken as the reference position.

[0022] When the weight 22 is placed on the cradle 11, the spacer 21 contacts the inner surface of the support member 18 and the inner surface of the movable member 20, maintaining the distance from the movable member 20 to the support member 18 at a certain level or more, and providing a predetermined space between the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 and the negative electrode 14 (i.e., the power generation unit 15). Therefore, under normal circumstances, the spacer 21 keeps the negative electrode 14 out of contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 12, putting the power generation unit 15 in a non-power generation state where no power is generated.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 2 , if a collapse or landslide occurs on the slope P into which the pile 17 is inserted (i.e., if an abnormality occurs in the object to be detected), causing the pile 17, which was previously positioned vertically, to tilt, a predetermined tilt occurs in the entire tilt detection device 10, including the support base 11. As a result, the weight 22 falls from the support base 11 due to its own weight, and the load of the weight 22 acts on the spacer 21. The spacer 21 moves due to the load of the weight 22, and is released from the state in which it was in contact with both the inner surface of the support member 18 and the inner surface of the movable member 20 (the state in which the approach of the movable member 20 to the support member 18 was restricted). In this embodiment, from the viewpoint of stably moving the spacer 21 with the load of the weight 22, it is preferable (but not essential) that the mass of the spacer 21 be smaller than the mass of the weight 22.

[0024] Here, the occurrence of a predetermined inclination in the cradle 11 means that the cradle 11 is inclined at a predetermined angle in a predetermined direction. Assuming that the movable member 20 is disposed in front of the support member 18, in this embodiment, the cradle 11 and the like are designed so that the cradle 11 is inclined by D degrees (in this embodiment, D degrees is a predetermined angle of 15 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) in the direction in which the cradle 11 rolls forward, and the weight 22 falls from the cradle 11.

[0025] Furthermore, permanent magnets 25 and 26 are attached to the outer surfaces of the support member 18 and the movable member 20, respectively. The permanent magnets 25 and 26 are arranged in a direction that attracts each other, and a force acts on the movable member 20 in a direction that draws it closer to the support member 18. Therefore, when the spacer 21 is released from contact with both the inner surface of the support member 18 and the inner surface of the movable member 20, the magnetic force of the permanent magnets 25, 26 causes the movable member 20, the positive electrode 13, and the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 to move around the connection point between the movable member 20 and the connecting device 19, and the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 comes into contact with the negative electrode 14.

[0026] When the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 and the negative electrode 14 come into contact with each other, the power generating unit 15 comes into a power generating state with both the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14 in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 12, and supplies power to the output unit 16. The output unit 16, which has received power supply, wirelessly transmits a predetermined signal (performs a predetermined output). Regardless of the materials of the support member 18 and the movable member 20, it is preferable that the spacer 21 be an insulator in order to prevent power generation when the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 and the negative electrode 14 are not in contact with each other (it goes without saying that the spacer 21 may be a conductor depending on the design).

[0027] Therefore, weight 22 moves from the reference position due to its own weight in accordance with the predetermined inclination of pedestal 11, causing power generation unit 15, which was in a non-power generating state, to switch to a power generating state. Then, spacer 21 is moved by the own weight of weight 22 that has moved from the reference position, and together with weight 22, switches power generation unit 15, which was in a non-power generating state, to a power generating state.

[0028] Furthermore, the permanent magnets 25, 26 generate magnetic forces in a direction that presses both the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14 against the electrolyte-containing rubber 12, ensuring that the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 and the negative electrode 14 are in close contact with each other. Here, magnetic forces in the same direction may be generated in the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 or the positive electrode 13 without using permanent magnets. For example, a magnetic material may be contained in the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 or the positive electrode 13, and the negative electrode 14 may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, or a permanent magnet may be provided on the negative electrode 14 side. Furthermore, the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14 may be pressed against the electrolyte-containing rubber 12 using a force other than magnetic force (for example, the elastic force of an elastic body such as a spring).

[0029] As in the present embodiment, by keeping the power generating unit 15 in a non-power generating state during normal times when the cradle 11 is not tilted to a predetermined degree, and by switching the power generating unit 15 to a power generating state when an abnormality occurs in the object to be detected and the cradle 11 is tilted to a predetermined degree as a result, deterioration of the positive electrode 13 and the negative electrode 14 can be prevented compared to when the power generating unit 15 is in a power generating state during normal times. Therefore, the tilt detection device 10 can be used to detect an abnormality in the object to be detected over a long period of time without replacing the power generating unit 15, which is the power supply unit. In this embodiment, an abnormality in the object to be detected means that the cradle 11 (i.e., the sensor unit), which is positioned as a reference, is tilted due to the occurrence of the abnormality.

[0030] In this embodiment, the entire tilt detection device 10 including the output unit 16 is designed so that a predetermined tilt occurs together with the cradle 11, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the cradle 11 tilts together with the stake 17, the output unit 16 may not tilt.

[0031] In addition, the base 11, the electrolyte-containing rubber 12, the positive electrode 13, the negative electrode 14, the output section 16, the support member 18, the connector 19, the movable member 20, the spacer 21, the weight 22, the spring 23, and the permanent magnets 25 and 26 are housed in a container 27 as shown in FIG. 1 to prevent them from coming into contact with dust, rain, etc. outside the container 27. Here, since the output voltage value and output current value of the power generation unit 15 during power generation vary depending on whether or not it comes into contact with water and the humidity level, by sealing the above-mentioned components including the power generation unit 15 in a container 27, the voltage and current applied from the power generation unit 15 in a generating state to the output unit 16 are stabilized and at a predetermined magnitude.

[0032] Moreover, in this embodiment, water-absorbing substance 28 that has absorbed water in advance is placed in container 27, and water vapor permeable membrane 29 is provided to separate the space in container 27 where water-absorbing substance 28 is placed from the space where other components are placed. Therefore, the humidity inside container 27 is kept constant. Water-absorbing polymer, silica gel, etc. can be used as water-absorbing substance 28. In addition, part or all of the container 27 may be made of a translucent material so that a user of the tilt detection device 10 can see inside the container 27 (for example, to check whether the weight 22 has fallen from the receiving base 11).

[0033] The tilt detection device 10 described so far requires the weight 22 to fall from the support base 11 and the power generation unit 15 to generate electricity, so that the tilt detection device 10 needs to tilt in a forward direction, but this is not limited to this. For example, in tilt detection device 40 according to the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 3(A), the portion of pedestal 41, which is the sensor unit, on which weight 22 is placed is bowl-shaped (this portion is not limited to being bowl-shaped), and regardless of the direction in which pedestal 41 is tilted, weight 22 falls from pedestal 41 and power generation unit 15 generates power, as shown in Fig. 3(B). Note that in tilt detection device 40, components similar to those in tilt detection device 10 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] By adjusting the shape of the pedestal 41, it is possible to make the angle at which the weight 22 falls from the pedestal 41 the same regardless of the direction in which the pedestal 41 is tilted, or to make the angle at which the weight 22 falls different depending on the direction in which the pedestal 41 is tilted. The weight 22 is connected to the spacer 21 by a string 42.

[0035] Furthermore, the weight 22 does not need to be placed on the cradle 11, 41. 4(A) shows a tilt detection device 50 according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in which a ring-shaped positive electrode 52, a ring-shaped electrolyte-containing rubber 53, a disk-shaped negative electrode 54, and a spherical weight 55 are arranged in this order from one end to the other end inside a hollow cylindrical container 51. The positive electrode 52 is in close contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 53, while the negative electrode 54 is arranged at a distance from the electrolyte-containing rubber 53 by a spring 56 inserted through the inner periphery of the positive electrode 52 and the inner periphery of the electrolyte-containing rubber 53.

[0036] Weight 55 is disposed at a position away from negative electrode 54. A protrusion 57 is provided in container 51 between negative electrode 54 and weight 55, and protrusion 57 prevents weight 55 from approaching negative electrode 54 more than a certain distance when container 51 is disposed substantially horizontally. Normally, when the container 51 is placed substantially horizontally, the negative electrode 54 is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 53, and the positive electrode 52, electrolyte-containing rubber 53, and negative electrode 54 (that is, the power generation section) are in a non-power generating state.

[0037] When the container 51 tilts so that one end lowers and the other end rises, and the tilt angle exceeds a predetermined value, as shown in Figure 4(B), the weight 55 moves by its own weight and passes over the protrusion 57, pushing the negative electrode 54 and bringing the negative electrode 54 into contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 53. This causes the power generation unit consisting of the positive electrode 52, electrolyte-containing rubber 53, and negative electrode 54 to generate electricity and provide it to an output unit (not shown). In the tilt detection device 50, the container 51 corresponds to the sensor unit.

[0038] 5(A) shows a tilt detection device 60 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in which the negative electrode 61 can be fixed to a weight 62. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the tilt detection device 60 has a disc-shaped positive electrode 63, a disc-shaped electrolyte-containing rubber 64 fixed to the positive electrode 63, and a cylindrical weight 62 to which the disc-shaped negative electrode 61 is attached, which are arranged in this order from one end to the other end in a container 51. The container 51 of the tilt detection device 60 has the same structure as the container 51 of the tilt detection device 50, and therefore the same reference numerals are used and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0039] The weight 62 is sized so that a predetermined gap exists between the inner peripheral surface of the container 51 and the weight 62. Normally, when the container 51 is placed substantially horizontally, the negative electrode 61 and the weight 62 are placed in a position where the negative electrode 61 is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 64. When the container 51 tilts in a direction in which one end lowers and the other end rises, and the tilt angle reaches a predetermined value or more, as shown in Fig. 5(B), the weight 62 moves together with the negative electrode 61 due to its own weight, and the negative electrode 61 comes into contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 64. As a result, the power generation unit consisting of the positive electrode 63, the electrolyte-containing rubber 64, and the negative electrode 61 generates electricity and supplies the power to an output unit (not shown).

[0040] In the tilt detection device 60, the container 51 also corresponds to the sensor unit. Here, the tilt detection device 60 does not have a permanent magnet, but when the container 51, which is the sensor part, is tilted, the weight of the weight 62 brings both the positive electrode 63 and the negative electrode 61 into close contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber 64. This is also the case with the tilt detection device 50.

[0041] 6(A) shows a tilt detection device 70 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and the sensor unit 71 may have a bearing 72, which is an example of a base member, and a rotatable member 73 rotatably supported by the bearing 72 (i.e., provided rotatably with respect to the bearing 72). As shown in FIG. 6(A), the tilt detection device 70 has a cylindrical (the shape is not limited, and it does not have to be cylindrical) rotatable member 73 partially inserted into the inner periphery of the annular bearing 72.

[0042] The bearing 72 may be a sliding bearing or a rolling bearing. The tilt detection device 70 is installed so that the bearing 72 tilts when an abnormality (for example, tilt) occurs in the detection object. A weight 74 is fixed to the outer periphery of the part of rotatable member 73 exposed from bearing 72, and a plate-shaped support 75 is connected in an inclined state to the top part of rotatable member 73 exposed from bearing 72. Support 75 is arranged between the axis of rotatable member 73 and weight 74 when viewed in the axial direction of rotatable member 73, and is inclined so as to lean toward weight 74.

[0043] A plate-shaped positive electrode 76 is fixed to one surface of the support 75 (the surface opposite to the surface closer to the weight 74), and a plate-shaped electrolyte-containing rubber 77 is fixed to the positive electrode 76. A weight 78 is attached to the other side surface of the support 75 (the surface closer to the weight 74). A plate-shaped rotating tool 79 is further attached to the top of the rotatable member 73 so as to be rotatable (pivotable).

[0044] When viewed in the axial direction of rotatable member 73, rotating tool 79 is disposed on a line passing through the axial center of rotatable member 73 and weight 74, and is arranged in a state of being inclined on the opposite side of weight 74 with support tool 75 as the reference. A plate-shaped negative electrode 80 is fixed to the surface of rotating tool 79 facing one side surface of support tool 75, and a weight 81 is attached to the opposite surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, the power generating unit 82 is configured to include a positive electrode 76, an electrolyte-containing rubber 77, and a negative electrode 80, and the power generating unit 82 tilts together with the bearing 72 and the rotatable member 73 (i.e., the sensor unit 71) and rotates integrally with the rotatable member 73.

[0045] Weight 81 has a smaller mass than either of weights 74 and 78. The tilt angle of sensor unit 71 is less than a predetermined value, the rotating tool 79 is tilted so that its upper portion is away from support tool 75, and the negative electrode 80 is not in contact with electrolyte-containing rubber 77. In other words, power generation unit 82 is in a non-power generating state. When the tilt detection device 10 including the sensor unit 71 is tilted, the weights 74 and 78 move by their own weight to positions corresponding to the tilt direction of the sensor unit 71, causing the rotatable member 73 to rotate integrally with the power generation unit 82.

[0046] If sensor unit 71 were to tilt so that the 0 o'clock position rose and the 6 o'clock position fell, weights 74 and 78 would move by their own weight to the 6 o'clock position with the center of rotatable member 73 as the reference, causing rotatable member 73 to rotate together with power generation unit 82, which is in a non-power generating state. In other words, weights 74 and 78 would move toward the lowest point of tilted sensor unit 71, causing rotatable member 73 to rotate.

[0047] 6(B), the rotational element 79 rotates so that its upper portion approaches the support element 75, causing the negative electrode 80 to contact the electrolyte-containing rubber 77 and generating electricity in the power generating element 82. Therefore, the weights 74 and 78 move by their own weight to positions corresponding to the tilted direction of the sensor element 71, rotating the rotatable member 73 and causing the power generating element 82 to enter a power generating state when the tilt angle of the power generating element 82 reaches a predetermined value or more.

[0048] According to this embodiment, when the inclination of the sensor unit 71, which has been tilted by a predetermined angle (hereinafter referred to as D' degrees) or more, becomes less than the predetermined angle (a predetermined angle smaller than D' degrees), the rotating device 79 tilts in a direction in which the negative electrode 80 moves away from the electrolyte-containing rubber 77, and the power generation unit 82 returns to a non-power generation state, i.e., when the sensor unit 71 is again tilted by D' degrees or more, it can return to a state in which power generation begins. In FIG. 6, the output unit is omitted.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and all changes in conditions that do not depart from the gist of the present invention are within the scope of application of the present invention. For example, an abnormality in a detection object detected by a tilt detection device may be a tilt or collapse of a structure beyond a predetermined level, or the liquefaction of a solid.

[0050] In addition, under normal circumstances (when the object to be detected is normal), the electrolyte-containing rubber and the negative electrode are in contact with each other while the positive electrode is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber, or both the negative electrode and the positive electrode are not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber, and an abnormality occurs in the object to be detected, causing a predetermined tilt in the sensor section, so that the positive electrode comes into contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber. Furthermore, the predetermined output of the output unit is not limited to the transmission of a predetermined signal, but may be, for example, the sound being emitted by the output unit or the lighting of a lighting unit. When a spacer is provided, the weight may be directly connected to the spacer. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 10: tilt detection device, 11: cradle, 12: electrolyte-containing rubber, 13: positive electrode, 14: negative electrode, 15: power generation unit, 16: output unit, 17: stake, 18: support member, 19: connector, 20: movable member, 21: spacer, 22: weight, 23: spring, 25, 26: permanent magnet, 27: container, 28: water-absorbent material, 29: water vapor permeable membrane, 40: tilt detection device, 41: cradle, 42: string, 50: tilt detection device, 51: container, 52: positive electrode, 53: Electrolyte-containing rubber, 54: Negative electrode, 55: Weight, 56: Spring, 57: Convex portion, 60: Tilt detection device, 61: Negative electrode, 62: Weight, 63: Positive electrode, 64: Electrolyte-containing rubber, 70: Tilt detection device, 71: Sensor unit, 72: Bearing, 73: Rotatable member, 74: Weight, 75: Support, 76: Positive electrode, 77: Electrolyte-containing rubber, 78: Weight, 79: Rotating tool, 80: Negative electrode, 81: Weight, 82: Power generation unit, P: Inclined surface

Claims

1. A tilt detection device that detects the occurrence of a predetermined tilt in a sensor unit, a power generation section in which both the positive electrode and the negative electrode come into contact with an electrolyte-containing rubber containing an electrolyte solution, and which generates electricity; an output unit that is energized by the power generation unit and produces a predetermined output; The tilt detection device is characterized in that the power generation unit changes from a non-power generation state in which at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode is not in contact with the electrolyte-containing rubber and no power is generated to the power generation state when the predetermined tilt occurs in the sensor unit.

2. 2. The tilt detection device according to claim 1, further comprising a weight that moves from a reference position by its own weight in response to the predetermined tilt of the sensor unit, thereby changing the power generation unit from the non-power generation state to the power generation state.

3. The tilt detection device according to claim 2, further comprising a spacer to which the weight is connected directly or via a connecting member, providing a predetermined space in the power generation unit in the non-power generation state to prevent at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode from contacting the electrolyte-containing rubber, and the spacer is moved by the weight of the weight that has moved from the reference position, and together with the weight, brings the power generation unit in the non-power generation state into the power generation state.

4. 4. The tilt detection device according to claim 2, wherein the power generation unit generates a magnetic force in a direction that presses both the positive electrode and the negative electrode against the electrolyte-containing rubber when the power generation unit is in the non-power generation state.

5. The tilt detection device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the sensor unit is a support base on which the weight is placed when the power generation unit is in the non-power generating state, and the weight falls from the support base when the predetermined tilt occurs in the support base.

6. The tilt detection device of claim 2, characterized in that the sensor unit has a base member and a rotatable member that is rotatably mounted on the base member, the power generation unit tilts together with the sensor unit and rotates integrally with the rotatable member, and the weight moves by its own weight to a position corresponding to the tilt direction of the sensor unit, rotating the rotatable member and causing the power generation unit in the non-power generation state to enter the power generation state when the tilt angle of the power generation unit becomes greater than a predetermined value.

7. 2. The tilt sensor according to claim 1, wherein the positive electrode is made mainly of a carbon-based conductive material.

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