Inclination measuring device

The inclinometer device's link mechanism enables prolonged use by rotating wheels between exposed and housed states, addressing the challenges of pipe degradation and ensuring continuous measurement without new installations.

JP7867210B2Active Publication Date: 2026-05-29SAKATA ELECTRIC +1

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
SAKATA ELECTRIC
Filing Date
2021-07-14
Publication Date
2026-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing inclinometer devices face issues with prolonged use, as they become difficult to move along underground pipes after long periods, necessitating new pipe installations that incur costs and disrupt measurement continuity.

Method used

The inclinometer device features a link mechanism with axles and wheels that rotate around a center, allowing wheels to move between exposed and housed states, ensuring the device can be used for extended periods without needing new pipes.

Benefits of technology

This design prolongs the usability of guide pipes, maintaining measurement continuity and avoiding the need for costly replacements.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To enable a use of a guide pipe over a longer period than a conventional guide pipe.SOLUTION: An inclination measurement device comprises: a main body part 101 that has a length along one axis A; a first axel 102 and second axel 103 that are arranged in a mutually different direction via the one axis A; and a link mechanism unit 106 that attaches the first axel 102 and second axel 103 to the main body part 101 so that the first axel 102 and second axel 103 rotate centering around a predetermined rotation center. The link mechanism unit 106 includes at least one of a first inclination part IP1 linked to the first axel 102 so as to rotate in a prescribed direction when force from a first direction along the one axis A is applied, and a second inclination part IP2 linked to the second axel 103 so as to rotate in a prescribed direction when force in a second direction opposite the first direction and along the one axis A is applied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inclinometer.

Background Art

[0002] In landslide surveys, ground surveys, etc., various inclinometer devices for measuring ground displacement have been proposed. Some inclinometer devices use a guide pipe buried in the ground. In this type of inclinometer device, the ground displacement is measured by moving through the hole in the guide pipe and measuring the inclination of the guide pipe. In this type of inclinometer device, for example, the inclination of the guide pipe is continuously measured at predetermined time intervals such as one month or half a year. Then, from the change in the measured inclination, the ground displacement that occurred during that time interval is determined.

[0003] For example, the inclinometer described in Patent Document 1 (corresponding to the above "inclinometer device") has wheels and is suspended by a wire inside a buried pipe in the ground (corresponding to the above "guide pipe"). The buried pipe is provided with a groove along its axial direction. The inclinometer can move along the buried pipe as the wheels run in the groove. According to the description of Patent Document 1, when monitoring ground displacement from a remote location, the automatic winding and unwinding of the wire are automatically controlled by an inclinometer automatic insertion device, and the running measurement by the inclinometer is performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, with the inclinometer described in Patent Document 1, if the underground pipe is buried underground for a long period of time (for example, several months to several years), the inclinometer may become difficult to move along the underground pipe during measurement, making it difficult to perform measurements using that underground pipe.

[0006] In such cases, new underground pipes may be laid to replace the old underground pipes that have become unusable.

[0007] Laying new underground pipes incurs construction costs.

[0008] Furthermore, when new underground pipes are laid, the measurement conditions for measuring the inclination of the underground pipes may change, such as the difference in laying locations between the old and new pipes. If the measurement conditions change, it becomes difficult to compare the underground displacement obtained using the old and new underground pipes, and there is a risk that the continuity between the underground displacement obtained using the old underground pipes and the underground displacement obtained using the new underground pipes may be lost.

[0009] Thus, when it becomes difficult to use existing underground pipes, there are problems with simply burying new underground pipes to address the issue. Therefore, it is desirable that underground pipes be usable for a long time, but Patent Document 1 does not disclose any technology for this purpose.

[0010] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an inclination measuring device that allows the guide pipe to be used for a longer period of time than conventional devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] To achieve the above objective, the inclination measuring device according to the first aspect of the present invention is A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are mounted on the main body and are provided with a link mechanism that allows them to be displaced between a first state in which the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space, and a second state in which at least a portion of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is housed in the housing space, as the first axle and the second axle rotate around a center of rotation provided on the single axle. The aforementioned link mechanism is A link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the aforementioned center of rotation, with the first axle provided at one end located in a first direction along the single axis, and the second axle provided at the other end located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A first rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the first pivot point, which is located in the second direction relative to the center of rotation, among the first and second pivot points which are provided in substantially point-symmetric positions with respect to the center of rotation, A second rotation support unit is rotatably mounted to the second pivot point located in the first direction from the center of rotation, The first and second engagement portions are provided at positions substantially point-symmetric with respect to the rotation center, between the rotation center and the first and second axles, respectively, and include rod-shaped first and second engagement portions that protrude from the link member in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the vertical direction, The first rotation support unit is, The first guide hole is an elongated hole into which the first engaging portion is inserted, It includes a first inclined portion which is an end portion located in the first direction relative to the first axle, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the axle as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction. The second rotation support unit is, The second guide hole is an elongated hole into which the second engaging portion is inserted, It includes a second inclined portion which is an end portion located in the second direction relative to the second axle, The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle and the second axle rotate around the center of rotation and approach the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the first axle and the second axle rotate around the center of rotation and approach the single axis. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing it to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. To achieve the above objective, the inclination measuring device according to the second aspect of the present invention is: A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are on the same axle, and the first axle and the second axle are rotated around a center of rotation provided midway between the first axle and the second axle, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space, and the first wheel and the second wheel are mounted in the housing space, and the first axle and the second axle are mounted in the housing space, and the link mechanism is provided to attach the first axle and the second axle to the main body, The aforementioned link mechanism is A link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the aforementioned center of rotation, with the first axle provided at one end located in a first direction along the single axis, and the second axle provided at the other end located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A first rotation support portion is a flat, elastic member provided so as to extend from the first axle in the first direction and contact the outer surface of the main body portion, It includes a second rotation support portion which is a flat elastic member provided so as to extend in the second direction from the second axle and contact the outer surface of the main body portion. The first rotation support portion includes a first inclined portion that forms a main surface on the side opposite to the main surface facing the main body portion. The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the single axis so as to approach the single axis as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction, at least in the first state. When receiving a force from the first direction, it displaces the first axle and the second axle so as to approach the single axis by pushing the first axle. The second rotation support portion includes a second inclined portion that forms a main surface on the side opposite to the main surface facing the main body portion. The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the single axis so as to approach the single axis as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction, at least in the first state. When receiving a force from the second direction, it displaces the first axle and the second axle so as to approach the single axis by pushing the second axle. To achieve the above object, an inclination measuring device according to a third aspect of the present invention is a main body portion having a length along a single axis and including an accommodation space penetrating in a penetration direction perpendicular to the single axis, a first axle and a second axle arranged in different directions from each other via the single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. a link mechanism portion for attaching the first axle and the second axle to the main body portion so that the first wheel and the second wheel can be displaced between a first state in which the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the accommodation space and a second state in which at least a part of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is accommodated in the accommodation space by rotating about a rotation center provided between the first axle and the second axle while the first axle and the second axle are on the single axis. The link mechanism portion is attached rotatably about the rotation center a member having a point-symmetric shape with respect to the center of rotation, the first axle is provided at one end located in the first direction along the one axis, and the second axle is provided at the other end located in the second direction, which is the direction opposite to the first direction. In the first state, it extends in the second direction as it moves away from the center of rotation, then bends at the first pivot point so as it moves away from the center of rotation, and after extending in the first direction as it moves away from the center of rotation, it bends at the second pivot point so as it moves away from the center of rotation. a first link member; One end is on the one axis, and it is the first 1 provided in the direction 3 A second link member rotatably attached to the fulcrum; including a first guide hole that is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, and one end is rotatably attached to the other end of the 2 link member, and the one end of the first link member and the The other end of the second link member and a first rotation support part connecting them; A third link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the first pivot point, and the other end of which is rotatably attached to the one end of the first rotation support unit and the other end of the second link member, One end is on the one axis, and it is the first 2 provided in the direction 4 A 4 link member rotatably attached to the fulcrum; including a second guide hole that is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, and one end is rotatably attached to the other end of the 4 link member, and the 1 other end of the link member and the The other end of the fourth link member and a second rotation support part connecting them 、 A fifth link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the second pivot point, and the other end of which is rotatably attached to the one end of the second rotation support part and the other end of the fourth link member, including, The first rotation support part is the The aforementioned first guide hole that is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, and includes a first inclined part that is an end portion located in the first direction with respect to the first axle, The second rotation support part is the The aforementioned second guide hole that is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, This is the end portion located in the second direction relative to the second axle. and includes a second inclined part; The first inclined part is inclined with respect to the one axis so as to approach the one axis as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction, at least in the first state. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle rotates around the center of rotation and approaches the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the second axle rotates around the center of rotation and approaches the first axle. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing it to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. To achieve the above objective, the tilt measuring device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is: A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are on the same axle and rotate around an intermediate point provided between the first axle and the second axle, thereby displacing between a first state in which the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space and a second state in which at least a portion of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is housed in the housing space, the first axle and the second axle are attached to the main body and the link mechanism is provided to attach the first axle and the second axle to the main body, The aforementioned link mechanism is A first support point and a second support point are provided on the uniaxial axis at substantially equal distances from the aforementioned midpoint, It is mounted so as to be rotatable around the first pivot point, and the first axle is provided at one end. A third support point is provided at a position that sandwiches the first support point between it and the other end. The first link member and, It is mounted so as to be rotatable around the second pivot point, and the second axle is provided at one end. A fourth support point is provided at a position that sandwiches the second support point between it and the other end. The second link member, It includes a first guide hole, which is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, one end The second link member The aforementioned A first rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the other end and connects one end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member, It includes a second guide hole, which is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, one end The first link member The aforementioned A second rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the other end and connects the one end of the second link member and the other end of the first link member, A third link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the third pivot point, and the other end of which is attached to the other end of the second link member and the one end of the first rotation support part, A fourth link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the fourth pivot point, and the other end of which is attached to the other end of the first link member and the one end of the second rotation support part. Includes, The first rotation support portion includes a first inclined portion which is an end portion located in a first direction toward the second support point from the intermediate point, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the axle as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle rotates around the midpoint and approaches the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second rotation support portion includes a second inclined portion which is an end portion located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the second axle rotates around the midpoint and approaches the first axle. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing it to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe for a longer period of time than in the conventional method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the tilt measuring device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, the first wheel, and the second wheel in the open state according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of a cross-section in the longitudinal direction of a guide pipe according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates how to use the inclination measuring device according to Embodiment 1, where (a) shows the inclination measuring device positioned at the entrance E of the pipe hole, (b) shows the inclination measuring device moving along the middle of the pipe hole, and (c) shows the inclination measuring device reaching the measurement limit position of the pipe hole. [Figure 5] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, first wheel, and second wheel according to Embodiment 1, showing the transition from an open state to a closed state. [Figure 6] This figure shows typical deformations that occur in a guide pipe embedded in the ground, where (a) shows an example of shear, (b) shows an example of tilting, and (c) shows an example of buckling. [Figure 7] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, the first wheel, and the second wheel in the open state according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, first wheel, and second wheel according to Embodiment 2, showing the transition from an open state to a closed state. [Figure 9]This is a front enlarged view of the link mechanism, first wheel, and second wheel according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, where the link mechanism, first wheel, and second wheel in the open state are shown by solid lines, and the link mechanism, first wheel, and second wheel in the closed state are shown by dotted lines. [Figure 10] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, the first wheel, and the second wheel in the open state according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is an enlarged front view of the link mechanism, the first wheel, and the second wheel in the closed state according to Embodiment 4. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same elements will be denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings.

[0015] (Embodiment 1) The tilt measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as shown in the front view of Figure 1, comprises a main body 101, two pairs of first axles 102 and second axles 103, two pairs of first wheels 104 and second wheels 105, and two link mechanism parts 106.

[0016] The inclination measuring device 100 only needs to be equipped with at least one pair of first axles 102 and second axles 103. The number of pairs of first axles 102 and second axles 103 equipped in the inclination measuring device 100 and the number of link mechanism units 106 should correspond to the number of pairs of first axles 102 and second axles 103.

[0017] The main body 101 is generally round and has a length along a single axis A. A guide wire GW, data cable C, etc., which will be described in detail later, can be attached to the base end of the main body 101 as appropriate. Note that the guide wire GW and data cable C may be used interchangeably.

[0018] In this embodiment, the direction parallel to the single axis A is defined as the vertical axis, the base end to which the guide wire GW and data cable C (described later) are attached is defined as the upper end, and the opposite end is defined as the lower end, thus defining the upper and lower directions. The direction in which the first axle 102 protrudes from the main body 101 is defined as the left, and the direction in which the second axle 103 protrudes from the main body 101 is defined as the right, thus defining the left and right directions. The front is defined such that the left and right correspond to the left and right when viewed from the front, and the opposite direction is defined as the rear. These directions are used for explanatory purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention of this application.

[0019] The main body 101 includes two storage compartments 110, each of which forms a storage space that penetrates in the left-right direction. The main body 101 also incorporates a sensor for measuring the tilt angle of one axis A, a power supply for the sensor, etc. (not shown). The sensor measures, for example, the angle of one axis A with respect to the vertical direction.

[0020] Furthermore, the main body 101 is not limited to a round bar shape; any shape having a length along a single axis A is acceptable.

[0021] Each pair of first axles 102 and second axles 103 are parallel to each other and are arranged in different directions via the axle A within a virtual plane containing the axle A.

[0022] In this embodiment, the first axle 102 is an axle oriented in the front-rear direction and is positioned to the right of axle A in a plane parallel to the vertical and left-right directions that includes axle A. The second axle 103 is an axle oriented in the front-rear direction and is positioned to the left of axle A in a plane parallel to the vertical and left-right directions that includes axle A.

[0023] Each pair of first wheels 104 and second wheels 105 are mounted on the first axle 102 and the second axle 103, respectively. That is, the first wheel 104 is mounted on the first axle 102, and the second wheel 105 is mounted on the second axle 103. This allows the first wheel 104 to rotate around the first axle 102, and the second wheel 105 to rotate around the second axle 103.

[0024] In this embodiment, the diameters of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are equal and less than or equal to the thickness of the main body 101. However, the diameters of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 may be greater than the thickness of the main body 101.

[0025] Each of the link mechanism sections 106, as shown in the enlarged front view of Figure 2, is a part that constitutes a mechanism for attaching the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to the main body section 101, and is attached to the housing space section 110. The first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate around a constant rotation center RC by the link mechanism sections 106 to which they are attached.

[0026] The center of rotation RC is located midway between the first axle 102 and the second axle 103, and is on axle A. That is, when viewed from the front, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are positioned point-symmetrically with respect to the center of rotation RC, together with the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to which they are mounted.

[0027] Each of the linkage mechanisms 106 is configured to rotate the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC within a range of rotation in which the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can move in and out of the storage space 110. As a result, each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open state and a closed state.

[0028] Here, the open state is the state in which the width W is at its maximum. The closed state is the state in which the width W is at its minimum. The width W is the length in the left-right direction between the parts of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 that are furthest from axle A.

[0029] In this embodiment, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open state and a closed state, allowing them to move in and out of the storage space 110 in approximately their entirety. That is, in the open state, approximately the entirety of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is positioned outside the storage space 110 (see Figure 2). In the closed state, approximately the entirety of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is housed in the storage space 110.

[0030] Furthermore, each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 may be able to move in and out of the storage space 110 by displacing between the open and closed states. That is, in the open state, a portion of each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 may be located outside the storage space 110. Also, in the closed state, at least a portion of the part that is located outside the storage space 110 in the open state may be housed in the storage space 110.

[0031] Each of the link mechanism 106 in this embodiment includes a first support point R1, a second support point R2, a third support point R3, a fourth support point R4, a fifth support point R5, and a sixth support point R6. Each of the link mechanism 106 also includes a first link member L1, a second link member L2, a third link member L3, and a fourth link member L4. Furthermore, each of the link mechanism 106 includes a first rotation support member RP1 and a second rotation support member RP2.

[0032] Each of the pivot points R1 to R6 is composed of, for example, a generally round bar-shaped member (shaft). Each of the link members L1 to L4 and the rotation support members RP1 to RP2 is composed of a flat metal plate containing a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction.

[0033] The shafts constituting each of the pivot points R1 to R6 are inserted into the holes of the associated link members L1 to L4 and rotation support members RP1 to RP2. This allows the link members L1 to L4 and rotation support members RP1 to RP2 to rotate around the connected pivot points R1 to R6. Each pair of holes and shafts is rotatable relative to each other, but fits together to such a degree that sliding movement (up, down, forward, and backward movement) is almost impossible. Furthermore, the members constituting each of the pivot points R1 to R6 are preferably configured to lock the holes so that the associated link members L1 to L4 cannot move in the forward and backward directions.

[0034] As a result, each of the pivot points R1 to R6 can hold the attached link members L1 to L4 and rotation support members RP1 to RP2 so that they can rotate relative to each other around their respective axes in the front-rear direction. Note that the configuration of the link members L1 to L4, rotation support members RP1 to RP2 and pivot points R1 to R6 is not limited to that described herein, and may be configured in an appropriate manner so as to allow the attached link members L1 to L4 to rotate relative to each other.

[0035] These link members L1 to L4 and rotation support members RP1 to RP2 are provided in pairs so as to sandwich the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 from the front and rear. Note that the link members L1 to L4 and rotation support members RP1 to RP2 do not necessarily have to be provided in pairs front and rear, and each may be composed of a single rod-shaped member.

[0036] In detail, the first support point R1 and the second support point R2 are support points provided in the housing space 110 at equal distances from the rotation center RC on a single axis A. The first support point R1 is fixed to the main body 101 above the rotation center RC. The second support point R2 is fixed to the main body 101 below the rotation center RC.

[0037] Furthermore, each of the first support R1 and the second support R2 includes an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring, that applies force to the first link member L1 and the second link member L2 in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow T in Figure 2, so that they remain open when no external force is applied.

[0038] The first link member L1 is a member that is rotatably attached to the main body 101 around the first pivot point R1, and the first axle 102 is attached near the end of the portion that extends downward and to the right of the first pivot point R1 when it is in the open state. In addition, when the first link member L1 is in the open state, the fourth pivot point R4 and the third pivot point R3 are provided on the upper left and lower right sides of the first pivot point R1, respectively.

[0039] The second link member L2 is a member that is rotatably attached to the main body 101 around the second pivot point R2, and the second axle 103 is attached near the end of the portion that extends to the upper left relative to the second pivot point R2 when in the open state. In addition, when the second link member L2 is in the open state, the sixth pivot point R6 and the fifth pivot point R5 are provided on the upper left and lower right sides of the second pivot point R2, respectively.

[0040] The third link member L3 is a member that connects the third support point R3 and the fifth support point R5, and extends generally in the vertical direction when open. The fourth link member L4 is a member that connects the fourth support point R4 and the sixth support point R6, and extends generally in the vertical direction when open.

[0041] As described in detail later, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate within a predetermined range around the rotation center RC by link members L1 to L4 connected at the first support point R1 to the second support point R2. Along with this rotation, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open position and a closed position. Here, the "open position" is the state in which the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is at its maximum, and the "closed position" is the state in which the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is at its minimum, and the same applies hereafter.

[0042] The first rotation support member RP1, when in the open state, is a member that connects the first axle 102 located near the upper right end and the fifth support point R5 provided near the lower left end, and includes a first guide hole 111 and a first inclined portion IP1.

[0043] The first guide hole 111 is an elongated hole into which the first axle 102 is inserted, and guides the first axle 102 when the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around the rotation center RC. When open, the first guide hole 111 extends downward in a generally straight line from its upper end, while being slightly inclined to the left.

[0044] The first inclined portion IP1 is positioned below the first wheel 104 in the vertical direction and is inclined to the left as it moves downward, approaching the axle A.

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, when a downward force F1 is applied to the first inclined portion IP1, the first rotation support member RP1 rotates counterclockwise around the fifth pivot point R5 in Figure 2. Consequently, the first axle 102 receives a force from the portion forming the first guide hole 111, moves along the first guide hole 111, and rotates clockwise around the first pivot point R1 in Figure 2. As a result, the first axle 102 rotates in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0046] Thus, the first inclined section IP1 is associated with the first axle 102 such that when a downward force F1 is applied, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC. The predetermined direction is clockwise in Figure 2. That is, rotation in this predetermined direction causes the first axle 102 to move downward and the second axle 103 to move upward.

[0047] Furthermore, the first inclined portion IP1 includes a portion located below the first wheel 104. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the first inclined portion IP1 extends from the vicinity of the main body 101 to the right of the center of the first wheel 104 (away from the axle A). Here, "extends" means existing in an extending manner, and the same applies hereafter.

[0048] The second rotation support member RP2 is a member that connects the second axle 103, which is located near the lower left end when in the open state, and the fourth pivot point R4, and includes a second guide hole 112 and a second inclined portion IP2.

[0049] The second guide hole 112 is an elongated hole into which the second axle 103 is inserted, and guides the second axle 103 when the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around the rotation center RC. When open, the second guide hole 112 extends upward in a generally straight line from its lower end, while being slightly inclined to the right.

[0050] The second inclined section IP2 is positioned above the second wheel 105 in the vertical direction and is inclined to the right as it moves upward, approaching the axle A.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, when a force F2 from above is applied to the second inclined portion IP2, the second rotation support member RP2 rotates counterclockwise around the fourth pivot point R4 in Figure 2. Consequently, the second axle 103 receives a force from the portion forming the second guide hole 112, moves along the second guide hole 112, and rotates clockwise around the second pivot point R2 in Figure 2. As a result, the second axle 103 rotates in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0052] Thus, the second inclined section IP2 is associated with the second axle 103 such that when a force F2 is applied from above, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC. The predetermined direction is clockwise in Figure 2, as described above.

[0053] Furthermore, the second inclined portion IP2 includes a portion located above the first wheel 105. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the second inclined portion IP2 extends from the vicinity of the main body 101 to the left of the center of the second wheel 105 (away from the axle A).

[0054] (How to use the incline measuring device 100) A guide wire GW and a data cable C are connected to the base end of the inclinometer 100. The data cable C is used to send and receive data between the inclinometer 100 and the data logger 115.

[0055] In the inclination measurement using the tilt measuring device 100, a guide pipe P is used, which is pre-embedded in the ground G to be measured. The guide pipe P is a pipe of a predetermined length, with a pipe hole provided inside along its length, at least one of which is open. The material of the guide pipe P may be selected as appropriate, but for example, it is metal. The guide pipe P is often embedded in the ground G so that its length is roughly aligned with the vertical direction.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3, the cross-section of the guide pipe P in the longitudinal direction is generally annular. The inner wall of the guide pipe P is provided with grooves GR1 to GR4 that extend along the longitudinal direction of the guide pipe P. The grooves GR1 to GR4 are grooves into which the first wheel 104 or the second wheel 105 is fitted when measured by the inclination measuring device 100, and are provided in pairs so as to face each other with a center PC in the cross-section in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] Figure 3 shows an example in which four grooves GR1 to GR4 are provided at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the guide pipe P. In the guide pipe P shown in Figure 3, in the longitudinal cross-section, GR1 and GR2 face each other via the central PC, and GR3 and GR4 face each other via the central PC. Note that it is sufficient for the guide pipe P to have at least one pair of grooves.

[0058] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4(a), the inclination measuring device 100 is inserted from the ground through the entrance E of the pipe hole of the guide pipe P embedded in the ground G, with the lower end leading. At this time, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are fitted into pairs of opposing grooves GR (for example, GR1 and GR2). Here, groove GR is a general term for grooves GR1 to GR4, and the same applies hereafter.

[0059] In the open state, the width W is set to be slightly larger than the distance between the bottoms B of the opposing grooves GR (i.e., the circumferential portions of the inner walls forming the grooves GR of the guide pipe P). Therefore, when fitting the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 into the grooves, for example, an operator can reduce the width W by pushing the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 so that the inclination measuring device 100 is positioned at the entrance E of the pipe hole. When the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are fitted into the pair of opposing grooves GR, the width W increases due to the elastic member. This maintains the state in which the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are fitted into the pair of opposing grooves GR.

[0060] The inclination measuring device 100 is suspended by a guide wire GW. The guide wire GW is extended by a motor, an operator, etc., and moves inward through the pipe hole with its lower end leading, as shown in Figure 4(b). At this time, the inclination measuring device 100 moves with the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 fitted into opposing grooves GR, so it can move along the guide pipe P.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4(c), when the inclination measuring device 100 reaches a predetermined measurement limit position for the guide pipe P, the guide wire GW is retracted. As a result, the inclination measuring device 100 moves forward towards the entrance E through the pipe hole, with the upper end leading.

[0062] As the inclination measuring device 100 moves through the pipe hole, it measures its own inclination angle relative to the vertical using a built-in sensor each time it moves through a predetermined section (for example, a length corresponding to the total length of the inclination measuring device 100). In addition, the amount of guide wire GW extended from the position where the inclination measuring device 100 is inserted into the entrance E of the pipe hole is measured by the extension amount meter 116. By measuring the amount of guide wire GW extended, the position the moving inclination measuring device 100 passes through in the guide pipe P can be measured.

[0063] The inclination measuring device 100 sequentially outputs the measured inclination angle to the data logger 115, which is connected via data cable C. The wire feed rate meter 116 sequentially outputs the measured guide wire GW feed rate to the data logger 115 via wireless communication or other means. As a result, the data logger 115 stores the inclination angle at the point where the inclination measuring device 100 passes.

[0064] Since the inclination measuring device 100 moves roughly along the guide pipe P, the inclination angle measured by the inclination measuring device 100 while moving through the pipe hole corresponds to the inclination of the guide pipe P at the point of passage. Therefore, the data logger 115 can collect measurement data in which the passage position and the inclination angle are associated. When it reaches the entrance E of the pipe hole, the winding of the guide wire GW is completed and the inclination measuring device 100 is retrieved.

[0065] By analyzing the measurement data collected by the data logger 115, the inclination angle of the guide pipe P in the ground can be determined according to its depth. When underground displacement occurs, the guide pipe P tilts accordingly, so for example, the underground displacement that occurred between two measurement points can be determined from the inclination angle of the guide pipe P in relation to its depth, obtained based on measurement data from two different measurement points.

[0066] In detail, for example, suppose that at a certain measurement point T1, measurement data is obtained that correlates the passage position (the amount of guide wire GW extended) with the inclination angle θ1 (degrees). If L1 is the distance between the upper and lower ends of each section, the difference in horizontal position ΔX1 (m) can be calculated by L1 × sinθ1. Assuming that the depth D (m) of the measurement position is approximately equal to the amount of guide wire GW extended, the horizontal position X1 (m) of the approximate center of the guide pipe P, corresponding to the depth D (m) from the entrance E at measurement point T1, can be determined by adding the difference ΔX1 (m).

[0067] Furthermore, suppose that at measurement time T2, which is later than measurement time T1, measurement data is obtained that correlates the passage position (amount of guide wire GW extended) with the inclination angle θ2 (degrees). In this case as well, the approximate horizontal position X2 (m) of the center of the guide pipe P can be determined according to the depth D (m) from the entrance E at measurement time T2.

[0068] By determining the difference between horizontal positions X1(m) and X2(m) that share the same depth D(m), the underground displacement (m) that occurred at depth D(m) between measurement times T1 and T2 can be determined.

[0069] Here, we have explained an example of how to determine the approximate horizontal position X1 and X2 (m) of the center of the guide pipe P and the underground displacement according to the depth D (m), but these methods may be modified as appropriate.

[0070] (Movement of wheels 104 and 105 by link mechanism 106) In the tilt measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, by providing a link mechanism 106, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be linked together and rotated around the rotation center RC, as shown in Figure 5 when the tilt measuring device 100 is viewed from the front.

[0071] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the transition from the open state to the closed state of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 5 due to the operation of the link mechanism 106 according to this embodiment. In Figure 5, the framework of the link members L1 to L2 and the rotation support members RP1 to RP2 is represented by solid lines, and the pivot points R1 to R6 are represented by black circles, illustrating the link mechanism 106 as a model.

[0072] In Figure 5, solid lines of different thicknesses indicate the skeletons (centers of the members when viewed from the front) of the link members L1-L2 and the rotation support members RP1-RP2. Thick dotted lines indicate the skeletons of the link members L3-L4. This is to facilitate the distinction between the link members L1-L4 and the rotation support members RP1-RP2 in the figure. Furthermore, in Figure 5, the positions of the first guide hole 111 and the second guide hole 112 in each state are indicated by dotted lines.

[0073] Figure 5(a) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 106 in the open state, and corresponds to the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 106 shown in Figure 2.

[0074] Figure 5(b) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 106 in the first state between the open and closed states, and Figure 5(c) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 106 in the second state between the open and closed states. Figure 5(d) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 106 in the closed state.

[0075] As can be seen by referring to Figures 5(a) to (d), the link members L1 to L4 and the rotation support members RP1 to RP2 rotate around the pivot points R1 to R6 to which they are respectively attached, allowing the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to move along the respective longitudinal directions of the first guide hole 111 and the second guide hole 112. As a result, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around the rotation center RC, and the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced to any state between the open and closed states.

[0076] When changing from an open state to a closed state, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate in one rotational direction (clockwise in Figure 5) around the rotation center RC. As described above, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 gradually decreases with this rotation in one rotational direction.

[0077] In the closed state shown in Figure 5(d), the entirety of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are housed within the storage space, and the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is minimized. Therefore, in the closed state, the length of the entire inclination measuring device 100 in the left-right direction is the same as the thickness of the main body 101.

[0078] The first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can also change from a closed state to an open state by rotating around the rotation center RC in the opposite direction to the rotational direction described above (counterclockwise in Figure 5). As they rotate in this reverse direction, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 gradually increases.

[0079] (Method for passing through the deformed part of guide pipe P) With conventional inclinometers (for example, the inclinometer described in Patent Document 1), if the guide pipe P is buried underground for a long period of time (for example, several months to several years), the inclinometer may become difficult to move along the guide pipe P during measurement.

[0080] To determine the cause, the inventors investigated the guide pipe P, which made it difficult to move the inclination measuring device. As a result, the inventors found that partial or localized deformation of the pipe hole in the guide pipe P was the main cause of the difficulty in moving the inclination measuring device 100.

[0081] Furthermore, it was found that the deformation of the guide pipe P that makes it difficult to move the inclination measuring device 100 mainly consists of shearing, tilting, and buckling of the guide pipe P, as shown in Figure 6.

[0082] Shear is a deformation in which the guide pipe P bends or curves in different directions over a relatively short distance (within a predetermined distance) along the axial direction of the guide pipe P, as shown in Figure 6(a) as an example.

[0083] Tilt is a deformation in which the guide pipe P bends or curves, as shown in Figure 6(b), and does not involve tilting in different directions at a relatively close distance.

[0084] Buckling is a deformation in which the guide pipe P is compressed from above and below, as shown in Figure 6(c) as an example. In a guide pipe P where buckling occurs, the material around almost the entire circumference of the guide pipe P may deform inward and protrude into the guide pipe P at that point.

[0085] In the tilt measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, when in the open state, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are exposed outward from their respective first axles 102 and second axles 103.

[0086] Here, "outward" for the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 refers to the direction away from the axle A, which corresponds to the right for the first wheel 104 in this embodiment and to the left for the second wheel 105 in this embodiment. Furthermore, "exposed" means that, when viewing the inclination measuring device 100 from the front, there are no members that protrude beyond the member in that direction.

[0087] First, for example, when the lower end is moved to the front, let's assume that a deformed portion that protrudes due to buckling or the like, but does not exceed the radius of the first wheel 104, comes into contact with the first wheel 104. Alternatively, when the upper end is moved to the front, let's assume that a deformed portion that protrudes due to buckling or the like, but does not exceed the radius of the second wheel 105, comes into contact with the second wheel 105.

[0088] With such a relatively small amount of deformation, the portion of the first wheel 104 that is outward from the first axle 102, or the portion of the second wheel 105 that is outward from the second axle 103, will be the first to come into contact with the deformed area. In this case, the first wheel 104 or the second wheel 105 will receive a force from the deformed area that includes an inward component. Here, inward is the direction opposite to the outward direction described above, that is, the direction towards the axle A, which corresponds to the left for the first wheel 104 in this embodiment and to the right for the second wheel 105 in this embodiment.

[0089] Therefore, the force acting on the first wheel 104 or the second wheel 105 from the deformed area causes the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to rotate around the rotation center RC, displacing the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 so that the width W decreases. As a result, the inclination measuring device 100 can pass over the deformed area.

[0090] Thus, when the amount of deformation in the guide pipe P due to shear, tilting, buckling, etc., is small, the inclination measuring device 100 can generally pass over the deformed area because the portions of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 that are outside the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 are exposed.

[0091] Next, for example, when moving downwards with the lower end leading, suppose that a deformed portion protruding with a size exceeding the radius of the first wheel 104 comes into contact with the first wheel 104. Or, when moving upwards with the upper end leading, suppose that a deformed portion protruding with a size exceeding the radius of the second wheel 105 comes into contact with the second wheel 105.

[0092] In a conventional tilt measuring device that does not have a first rotation support member RP1 (first inclined portion IP1) and a second rotation support member RP2 (second inclined portion IP2), the first wheel 104 receives a downward force at or near its lower end. The second wheel 105 receives an upward force at or near its upper end.

[0093] The downward force on the first wheel 104 and the upward force on the second wheel 105 are both in the opposite direction to the force that rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 2) around the rotation center RC. Therefore, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 cannot rotate around the rotation center RC, and the width W cannot be reduced in many cases. As a result, the inclination measuring device 100 often gets stuck at the deformed area and cannot pass through it.

[0094] In contrast, the inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment includes a first inclined portion IP1. As described above, the first inclined portion IP1 is associated with the first axle 102 such that when a force F1 is applied from below, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC. Therefore, when moving downward with the lower end leading, even if a deformed portion that protrudes to a size exceeding the radius of the first wheel 104 comes into contact with the first wheel 104, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are displaced so that the width W becomes smaller, and the inclination measuring device 100 can pass over the deformed portion.

[0095] Furthermore, the inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment includes a second inclined portion IP2. As described above, the second inclined portion IP2 is associated with the second axle 103 such that when a force F2 is applied from above, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC. Therefore, when the upper end is moved to the front, even if a deformed portion that protrudes to a size exceeding the radius of the second wheel 105 comes into contact with the second wheel 105, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are displaced so that the width W becomes smaller, and the inclination measuring device 100 can pass over the deformed portion.

[0096] Thus, with the inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, even guide pipes P that have undergone relatively large deformations are more likely to be able to pass through the deformed portion. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe for a longer period of time than in the conventional method.

[0097] So far, the tilt measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention has been described.

[0098] The inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment includes a first inclined section IP1 and a second inclined section IP2. As a result, as described above, the likelihood of passing through the deformed portion of the guide pipe P increases. Therefore, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe P for a longer period of time than in the conventional method.

[0099] In the inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, the first inclined portion IP1 includes a portion located below the first wheel 104. The second inclined portion IP1 also includes a portion located above the second wheel 105.

[0100] This allows the first inclined portion IP1 or the second inclined portion IP2 to more reliably contact the deformed portion when it protrudes beyond the radius. As a result, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is reduced, increasing the likelihood that they can pass over the deformed portion of the guide pipe P. Therefore, the guide pipe P can be used for a longer period than before.

[0101] The inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment is equipped with a first guide hole 111 and a second guide hole 112. This allows the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to move smoothly and rotate around the rotation center RC. Therefore, the width W can be smoothly changed in accordance with the deformation of the guide pipe P. Consequently, the inclination measuring device 100 can pass through the deformed portion.

[0102] In the tilt measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, each of the first guide hole 111 and the second guide hole 112 extends linearly along one direction perpendicular to the through-direction of the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 (in this embodiment, the front-rear direction).

[0103] The first guide hole 111 and the second guide hole 112 have a simple configuration in which they extend in a straight line. Generally, elongated holes that extend in a straight line are easier to provide than elongated holes that include bent or curved portions. Therefore, guide holes 111 and 112 for rotating the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC can be easily provided in the first rotation support member RP1 and the second rotation support member RP2, respectively. Consequently, it becomes easy to use the guide pipe P for a longer period of time than in the conventional method.

[0104] In the inclination measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, the diameters of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are less than or equal to the thickness of the main body 101. As a result, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is smaller than when their diameters are greater than the thickness of the main body 101, making it easier for them to pass through pipe holes that have narrowed due to deformation. Therefore, even guide pipes P that have undergone deformation are more likely to be able to move.

[0105] Therefore, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe P for a longer period than before.

[0106] In the tilt measuring device 100 according to this embodiment, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can move in and out of the storage space by the rotation of the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC. As a result, when passing through a deformed portion of the guide pipe P, at least a portion of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be retracted into the storage space. This reduces the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 compared to when they cannot be retracted into the storage space, making it easier to pass through the pipe hole that has narrowed due to deformation. Therefore, even if the guide pipe P has been deformed, the possibility of movement increases.

[0107] Therefore, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe P for a longer period than before.

[0108] The inclination measuring device 100 may be equipped with only one of the first inclined section IP1 and the second inclined section IP2. This increases the likelihood that even a guide pipe P that has undergone relatively large deformation can pass through the deformed section, in at least one of the cases where the lower end is moved to the front and the upper end is moved to the front. Consequently, it becomes possible to use the guide pipe for a longer period of time than in the conventional method.

[0109] (Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 describes a link mechanism configuration that differs from that of Embodiment 1. The inclination measuring device according to this embodiment may be configured in general the same way as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1, except for the link mechanism.

[0110] The outline of the link mechanism 206 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the link mechanism 106 according to Embodiment 1. That is, as shown in the enlarged front view of Figure 7, the link mechanism 206 is a part that constitutes a mechanism for attaching the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to the main body 101 so that the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around a constant rotation center RC, and is attached to the housing space 110. The rotation center RC is located midway between the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 and is on one axis A.

[0111] Furthermore, the link mechanism 206 is configured to rotate the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC within a rotation range in which the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can move in and out of the storage space. As a result, each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open state and a closed state.

[0112] More specifically, the link mechanism 206 according to this embodiment includes a central support RRC, a seventh support R7, an eighth support R8, a ninth support R9, a tenth support R10, an eleventh support R11, and a twelfth support R12. The link mechanism 206 also includes a central rotating link member LC1, a fifth link member L5, a sixth link member L6, a seventh link member L7, and an eighth link member L8. Furthermore, the link mechanism 206 includes a third rotation support member RP3 and a fourth rotation support member RP4.

[0113] Each of the pivot points RRC, R7-R12 is composed of a generally round bar-shaped member, similar to each of the pivot points R1-R6. Each of the link members LC1, L5-L8 and the rotation support members RP3-RP4 is composed of a flat metal plate with a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction, similar to each of the link members L1-L4 and the rotation support members RP1-RP2. The members constituting each of the pivot points RRC, R7-R12 are inserted into the holes of the associated link members LC1, L5-L8 and rotation support members RP3-RP4. As a result, the link members LC1, L5-L8 and rotation support members RP3-RP4 can rotate around the connected pivot points RRC, R7-R12.

[0114] More specifically, the central support point RRC is a support point located in the housing space 110 midway between the first support point R1 and the second support point R2 on a single axis A. In other words, the central support point RRC is located at the rotation center RC.

[0115] Furthermore, the central support RRC may include an elastic member (not shown) such as a spring that applies force to the central rotating link member LC1 in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow T in Figure 7, so that it remains open when no external force is applied.

[0116] The central rotation link member LC1 is mounted so as to be able to rotate around the central pivot point RRC.

[0117] In its open state, the central rotating link member LC1 is provided with a ninth pivot point R9 located to the upper right of the central pivot point RRC. In its open state, the first wheel 102 is attached to the end of the central rotating link member LC, which is located to the lower right of the ninth pivot point R9.

[0118] Furthermore, the central rotating link member LC1 is provided with a tenth pivot point R10 located to the lower left of the central pivot point RRC when in the open state. The second wheel 103 is attached to the end of the central rotating link member LC1 located to the upper left of the tenth pivot point R10 when in the open state.

[0119] The seventh support point R7 and the eighth support point R8 are support points located in the housing space 110 at equal distances from the rotation center RC on the single axis A. The seventh support point R7 is fixed to the main body 101 below the rotation center RC. The eighth support point R8 is fixed to the main body 101 above the rotation center RC.

[0120] The fifth link member L5 and the sixth link member L6 are mounted so as to be rotatable about the seventh pivot point R7 and the eighth pivot point R8, respectively. When the fifth link member L5 is in the open position, it is provided with an eleventh pivot point R11 located approximately to the right of the seventh pivot point R7. When the sixth link member L6 is in the open position, it is provided with a twelfth pivot point R12 located approximately to the left of the eighth pivot point R8.

[0121] The seventh link member L7 is a member that connects the ninth support point R9 and the eleventh support point R11, and in the open state extends generally downward and to the right from the ninth support point R9 to the eleventh support point R11. The eighth link member L8 is a member that connects the tenth support point R10 and the twelfth support point R12, and in the open state extends generally upward and to the left from the tenth support point R10 to the twelfth support point R12.

[0122] As described in detail later, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate within a predetermined range around the rotation center RC by link members LC1 and L5-L8 connected by the central support RRC and the seventh support R7 to the twelfth support R12. Along with this rotation, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between the open position and the closed position.

[0123] The third rotation support member RP3 is a member that connects the first axle 102 located near the upper right end and the 11th pivot point R11 located near the lower left end when in the open state, and includes a first guide hole 111 and a first inclined portion IP1 similar to those in Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation of the first guide hole 111 and the first inclined portion IP1 in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0124] The fourth rotation support member RP4, when in the open state, is a member that connects the second axle 103 located near the lower left end and the twelfth pivot point R12 provided near the upper right end, and includes a second guide hole 112 and a second inclined portion IP2 similar to those in Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed description of the second guide hole 112 and the second inclined portion IP2 in this embodiment will be omitted.

[0125] The method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment is the same as the method of using the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation of the method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0126] (Movement of wheels 104 and 105 by link mechanism 206) In the tilt measuring device according to this embodiment, by providing a link mechanism 206, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be linked together and rotated around the rotation center RC, as shown in Figure 8 when the tilt measuring device is viewed from the front.

[0127] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the transition from the open state to the closed state of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 due to the operation of the link mechanism 206 according to this embodiment. In Figure 8, as in Figure 5, in order to easily distinguish between the link members LC1, L5~L8 and the rotation support members RP3~RP4, the skeletons of the link members LC1, L5~L6 and the rotation support members RP3~RP4 are shown by solid lines of different thicknesses, and the skeleton of the link members L7~L8 is shown by thick dotted lines. Also in Figure 8, the positions of the first guide hole 111 and the second guide hole 112 in each state are shown by dotted lines.

[0128] Figure 8(a) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 206 in the open state, and corresponds to the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 206 shown in Figure 7.

[0129] Figure 8(b) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 206 in the first state between the open and closed states, and Figure 8(c) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 206 in the second state between the open and closed states. Figure 8(d) shows the state of the wheels 104 and 105 by the link mechanism 206 in the closed state.

[0130] As can be seen by referring to Figures 8(a) to (d), similar to Embodiment 1, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate around the rotation center RC by rotating the link members LC1, L5 to L8 and the rotation support members RP3 to RP4 around the pivot points RRC, R7 to R12 to which they are respectively attached.

[0131] When changing from an open state to a closed state, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate in one rotational direction (clockwise in Figure 8) around the rotation center RC, and the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 gradually decreases.

[0132] In the closed state shown in Figure 8(d), the entirety of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are housed within the storage space, and the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 is minimized. Therefore, in the fourth state, the length of the entire inclination measuring device 100 in the left-right direction is the same as the thickness of the main body 101.

[0133] The first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can also change from a closed state to an open state by rotating around the rotation center RC in the opposite direction to the rotational direction described above (counterclockwise in Figure 8). As they rotate in this reverse direction, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 gradually increases.

[0134] Thus, with the link mechanism 206 according to this embodiment, the wheels 104 and 105 operate in the same manner as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, they can pass through the deformed portion of the guide pipe P, just like the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0135] The inclination measuring device equipped with the link mechanism 206 according to this embodiment also achieves the same effects as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0136] (Embodiment 3) Embodiment 3 describes a link mechanism configuration that differs from that of Embodiment 1. The inclination measuring device according to this embodiment may be configured in general the same way as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1, except for the link mechanism.

[0137] The outline of the link mechanism 306 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the link mechanism 106 according to Embodiment 1. That is, as shown in the enlarged front view of Figure 9, the link mechanism 306 is a part that constitutes a mechanism for attaching the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to the main body 101 so that the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around a constant rotation center RC, and is attached to the housing space 110. The rotation center RC is located midway between the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 and is on one axis A.

[0138] Furthermore, the link mechanism 306 is configured to rotate the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC within a rotation range in which the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can move in and out of the storage space. As a result, each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open state and a closed state.

[0139] In Figure 9, the link mechanism 306, the first wheel 104, and the second wheel 105 in the open state are shown with solid lines, while the link mechanism 306, the first wheel 104, and the second wheel 105 in the closed state are shown with dotted lines. As shown in the figure, in the tilt measuring device according to this embodiment, when the device is closed, a portion of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 are housed in the storage space 110.

[0140] In detail, the link mechanism 306 according to this embodiment includes a central pivot RRC and a central rotation link member LC1 that are generally the same as those in Embodiment 2. However, the central rotation link member LC1 according to this embodiment differs from the central rotation link member LC1 according to Embodiment 2 in that it does not have pivot points R9 to R10. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation of the central pivot RRC and central rotation link member LC1 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0141] With this central rotation link member LC1 associated with the central pivot RRC, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate within a predetermined range around the rotation center RC. As a result of this rotation, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open position and a closed position.

[0142] Furthermore, the link mechanism 306 includes a fifth rotation support member RP5 and a sixth rotation support member RP6.

[0143] The fifth rotation support member RP5 is, for example, an elastic plate-shaped member made of metal or resin, with its upper end fixed to the first axle 102 and extending from the upper end including a sloping portion so that the lower end contacts the outer surface of the main body portion 110. The portion forming the lower surface of the sloping portion constitutes a first sloping portion IP1 that is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed description of the first sloping portion IP1 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0144] When no external force is applied and the fifth rotation support member RP5 is in an open state, it maintains a state in which its lower end is in contact with the outer surface of the main body 110, as shown in Figure 9.

[0145] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when a downward force F1 is applied to the first inclined portion IP1, the fifth rotation support member RP5 can gradually move downward while maintaining contact between its lower end and the outer surface of the main body portion 110, pushing the first axle 102, which is fixed to its upper end, to the left. At this time, the first axle 102 receives a force from the upper end of the fifth rotation support member RP5 and rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 9) around the rotation center RC. As a result, the fifth rotation support member RP5 can change to any state between the open state shown by the solid line in Figure 9 and the closed state shown by the dotted line in the same figure.

[0146] Thus, in this embodiment as well, the first inclined portion IP1 is associated with the first axle 102 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, such that when a downward force F1 is applied, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0147] The sixth rotation support member RP6 is, for example, an elastic plate-shaped member made of metal or resin, with its lower end fixed to the second axle 103 and extending from the lower end including a sloping portion so that the upper end contacts the outer surface of the main body 110. The portion forming the upper surface of the sloping portion constitutes a second sloping portion IP2 that is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed description of the second sloping portion IP2 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0148] When no external force is applied and the sixth rotation support member RP6 is in an open state, it maintains a state in which its upper end is in contact with the outer surface of the main body 110, as shown in Figure 9.

[0149] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when a force F2 from above is applied to the second inclined portion IP2, the sixth rotation support member RP6 can gradually move downward while maintaining contact between its upper end and the outer surface of the main body portion 110, pushing the second axle 103, which is fixed to its lower end, to the right. At this time, the second axle 103 receives a force from the upper end of the sixth rotation support member RP6 and rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 9) around the rotation center RC. As a result, the sixth rotation support member RP6 can change to any state between the open state shown by the solid line in Figure 9 and the closed state shown by the dotted line in the same figure.

[0150] Thus, in this embodiment as well, the second inclined portion IP2 is associated with the second axle 103 in such a way that when a force F2 is applied from above, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0151] The method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment is the same as the method of using the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation of the method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0152] (Movement of wheels 104 and 105 by link mechanism 306) In the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment, by providing a link mechanism 306, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be linked and rotated around the rotation center RC, as described above. As this rotation occurs, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be any size between the open state and the closed state. Thus, even with the link mechanism 306 according to this embodiment, the wheels 104 and 105 operate in the same way as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, similar to the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1, it can pass through the deformed portion of the guide pipe P.

[0153] The inclination measuring device equipped with the link mechanism 306 according to this embodiment also achieves the same effects as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0154] (Embodiment 4) Embodiment 4 describes a link mechanism configuration that differs from that of Embodiment 1. The inclination measuring device according to this embodiment may be configured in general the same way as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1, except for the link mechanism.

[0155] The outline of the link mechanism 406 according to this embodiment is the same as that of the link mechanism 106 according to Embodiment 1. That is, as shown in the enlarged front view of Figures 10-11, the link mechanism 406 is a part that constitutes a mechanism for attaching the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 to the main body 101 so that the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 rotate around a constant rotation center RC, and is attached to the housing space 110. The rotation center RC is located midway between the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 and is on one axis A.

[0156] Furthermore, the link mechanism 406 is configured to rotate the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 around the rotation center RC within a rotation range in which the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can move in and out of the storage space. As a result, each of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open state and a closed state.

[0157] Figure 10 shows the link mechanism 406, the first wheel 104, and the second wheel 105 in the open state. Figure 11 shows the link mechanism 406, the first wheel 104, and the second wheel 105 in the closed state.

[0158] In detail, the link mechanism 406 according to this embodiment includes a central pivot RRC and a central rotating link member LC2, similar to those in Embodiment 2. For the sake of brevity, a more detailed description of the central pivot RRC according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0159] The central rotation link member LC2, like the link member LC1, is made of a flat metal plate with a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction, and a round rod-shaped shaft that constitutes the central pivot RRC is inserted into the hole. In this way, the central rotation link member LC2 is mounted so that it can rotate around the central pivot RRC. In this embodiment as well, the central pivot RRC includes an elastic member (not shown), such as a spring, that applies force to the central rotation link member LC2 in the direction indicated by the dotted arrow T in Figure 10, so that it is in an open state when no external force is applied.

[0160] In the open state, the central rotating link member LC2 has a first wheel 102 attached near the end located to the lower right of the central pivot RRC, and a first engaging portion EP1 is fixed between the central pivot RRC and the first wheel 102. The first engaging portion EP1 is made up of a round bar-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction and is inserted into a first guide hole 411, which will be described later.

[0161] Furthermore, in the open state, the central rotating link member LC2 has a second wheel 103 attached near the end located to the upper left of the central pivot point RRC, and a second engaging portion EP2 is fixed between the central pivot point RRC and the second wheel 103. The second engaging portion EP2 is made up of a round bar-shaped member extending in the front-rear direction and is inserted into a second guide hole 412, which will be described later.

[0162] With the central rotation link member LC2 associated with the central pivot RRC, the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 can rotate within a predetermined range around the rotation center RC. As a result of this rotation, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be displaced between an open position (see Figure 10) and a closed position (see Figure 11).

[0163] Furthermore, the link mechanism 406 according to this embodiment includes a 13th pivot R13, a 14th pivot R14, a 7th rotation support member RP7, and an 8th rotation support member RP8.

[0164] The 13th pivot point R13 and the 14th pivot point R14 are each composed of a generally round rod-shaped shaft, similar to the pivot point RRC. Each of the rotation support members RP7 to RP8 is composed of a flat metal plate with a hole that penetrates in the thickness direction, similar to the central rotation link member LC2. The shaft constituting the 13th pivot point R13 is inserted into the hole of the 7th rotation support member RP7, and the shaft constituting the 14th pivot point R14 is inserted into the hole of the 8th rotation support member RP8. As a result, the rotation support members RP7 to RP8 can rotate around the respective associated pivot points R13 to R14.

[0165] In detail, the 13th support point R13 is fixed to the upper right of support point RRC and is located near the upper left end of the 7th rotation support member RP7 when in the open position.

[0166] The seventh rotation support member RP7 has a shape that accommodates the first wheel 104 when closed, and includes a first guide hole 411 and a first inclined portion IP1 which is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, a more detailed description of the first inclined portion IP1 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0167] The first guide hole 411 is an arc-shaped elongated hole, provided between the 13th pivot point R13 and the portion where the first wheel 104 is housed in the closed state. As described above, the first engaging portion EP1 is inserted into the first guide hole 411.

[0168] As shown in Figure 10, when a downward force F1 is applied to the first inclined portion IP1, the seventh rotation support member RP7 rotates clockwise in Figure 10 around the thirteenth pivot point R13. At this time, a downward force is applied to the seventh rotation support member RP7 as the first engaging portion EP1 is pressed against the portion forming the first guide hole 411. As a result, the first axle 102 rotates together with the seventh rotation support member RP7 in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 10) around the rotation center RC. This allows the seventh rotation support member RP7 to change to any state between the open state shown in Figure 10 and the closed state shown in Figure 11.

[0169] Thus, in this embodiment as well, the first inclined portion IP1 is associated with the first axle 102 in the same manner as in Embodiment 1, such that when a downward force F1 is applied, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0170] The 14th support point R14 is fixed to the upper right of support point RRC and is located near the lower right end of the 8th rotation support member RP8 when in the open position.

[0171] The eighth rotation support member RP8 has a shape that accommodates the second wheel 105 when closed, and includes a second guide hole 412 and a second inclined portion IP2 which is generally the same as that of Embodiment 1. For the sake of brevity, a more detailed description of the second inclined portion IP2 according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0172] The second guide hole 412 is an arc-shaped elongated hole, provided between the 14th pivot point R14 and the portion where the second wheel 105 is housed in the closed state. As described above, the second engaging portion EP2 is inserted into the second guide hole 412.

[0173] As shown in Figure 10, when an upward force F2 is applied to the second inclined portion IP2, the eighth rotation support member RP8 rotates clockwise in Figure 10 around the fourteenth pivot point R14. At this time, an upward force is applied to the eighth rotation support member RP8 as the second engaging portion EP2 is pressed against the portion forming the second guide hole 412. As a result, the second axle 103 rotates together with the eighth rotation support member RP8 in a predetermined direction (clockwise in Figure 10) around the rotation center RC. This allows the eighth rotation support member RP8 to change to any state between the open state shown in Figure 10 and the closed state shown in Figure 11.

[0174] Thus, in this embodiment as well, the second inclined portion IP2 is associated with the second axle 103 in such a way that when a force F2 is applied from above, it rotates the first axle 102 and the second axle 103 in a predetermined direction around the rotation center RC.

[0175] The method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment is the same as the method of using the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1. For the sake of simplicity, a detailed explanation of the method of using the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment will be omitted.

[0176] (Movement of wheels 104 and 105 by link mechanism 406) In the inclination measuring device according to this embodiment, by providing a link mechanism 406, the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be linked and rotated around the rotation center RC, as described above. As this rotation occurs, the width W of the first wheel 104 and the second wheel 105 can be any size between the open state and the closed state. Thus, even with the link mechanism 406 according to this embodiment, the wheels 104 and 105 operate in the same way as in Embodiment 1. Therefore, similar to the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1, it can pass through the deformed portion of the guide pipe P.

[0177] The inclination measuring device equipped with the link mechanism 406 according to this embodiment also achieves the same effects as the inclination measuring device 100 according to Embodiment 1.

[0178] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the present invention also includes forms that appropriately combine some or all of the embodiments and modifications described herein, and forms that appropriately modify such forms. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0179] 100 Inclination measuring device 101 Main body 102 1st axle 103 2nd axle 104 1st wheel 105 2nd wheel 106,206,306,406 Link mechanism 110 Containment space 111,411 First guide hole 112,412 Second guide hole 115 Data Logger 116 Dispensing Meter A single axis RC rotation center R1~R14 1st pivot point~14th pivot point L1~L8 1st link member~8th link member RP1, RP3, RP5, RP7 First rotation support member RP2, RP4, RP6, RP8 Second rotation support member IP1 1st slope IP2 2nd slope RRC center fulcrum LC1, LC2 Center Rotating Link Member G Ground P Guide Pipe PC-centered E Entrance RRC center fulcrum LC central rotating link member

Claims

1. A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are mounted on the main body and are provided with a link mechanism that allows them to be displaced between a first state in which the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space and a second state in which at least a portion of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is housed in the housing space, as the first axle and the second axle rotate around a center of rotation provided on the single axle. The aforementioned link mechanism is A link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the aforementioned center of rotation, with the first axle provided at one end located in a first direction along the single axis, and the second axle provided at the other end located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A first rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the first pivot point, which is located in the second direction relative to the rotation center, among the first and second pivot points which are provided in substantially point-symmetric positions with respect to the rotation center. A second rotation support unit is rotatably mounted to the second pivot point located in the first direction from the center of rotation, The first and second engagement portions are provided at positions substantially point-symmetric with respect to the rotation center, between the rotation center and the first and second axles, respectively, and include rod-shaped first and second engagement portions that protrude from the link member in a direction perpendicular to the axis and the vertical direction, The first rotation support unit is, The first guide hole is an elongated hole into which the first engaging portion is inserted, It includes a first inclined portion which is an end portion located in the first direction relative to the first axle, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the axle as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction. The second rotation support unit is, The second guide hole is an elongated hole into which the second engaging portion is inserted, It includes a second inclined portion which is an end portion located in the second direction relative to the second axle, The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle and the second axle rotate around the center of rotation and approach the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the first axle and the second axle rotate around the center of rotation and approach the single axis. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing the first axle to move together with the second axle towards the first axle. Inclination measuring device.

2. A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are on the same axle, and the first axle and the second axle are rotated around a center of rotation provided midway between the first axle and the second axle, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space, and the first wheel and the second wheel are mounted in the housing space, and the first axle and the second axle are mounted in the housing space, and the link mechanism is provided to attach the first axle and the second axle to the main body, The aforementioned link mechanism is A link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the aforementioned center of rotation, with the first axle provided at one end located in a first direction along the single axis, and the second axle provided at the other end located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, A first rotation support portion is a flat, elastic member provided so as to extend from the first axle in the first direction and contact the outer surface of the main body portion, It includes a second rotation support portion, which is a flat, elastic member provided so as to extend from the second axle in the second direction and contact the outer surface of the main body portion, The first rotation support portion includes a first inclined portion that forms a main surface opposite to the main surface facing the main body portion, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it moves closer to the axle as it moves further away from the first axle in the first direction, and when subjected to a force from the first direction, it pushes the first axle, thereby displacing the first axle and the second axle so that they move closer to the axle. The second rotation support portion includes a second inclined portion that forms a main surface opposite to the main surface facing the main body portion, The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle, at least in the first state, such that it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction, and when subjected to a force from the second direction, it pushes the second axle, thereby displacing the first and second axles so that they move closer to the first axle. Inclination measuring device.

3. A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are on the same axle, and the first axle and the second axle are rotated around a center of rotation provided midway between the first axle and the second axle, so that the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space, and the first wheel and the second wheel are mounted in the housing space, and the first axle and the second axle are mounted in the housing space, and the link mechanism is provided to attach the first axle and the second axle to the main body, The aforementioned link mechanism is A first link member that is rotatably mounted about the center of rotation and has a point-symmetric shape with respect to the center of rotation, wherein a first axle is provided at one end located in a first direction along the axis, and a second axle is provided at the other end located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and in a first state, extends toward the second direction as it moves away from the center of rotation, then bends at a first pivot point so as it moves away from the center of rotation, and extends toward the first direction as it moves away from the center of rotation, then bends at a second pivot point so as it moves away from the center of rotation, A second link member having one end on the aforementioned axis and rotatably attached to a third pivot point provided in the first direction from the rotation center, A first rotation support unit includes a first guide hole which is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, and one end of the first rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the other end of the second link member, connecting the one end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member. A third link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the first pivot point, and the other end of which is rotatably attached to the one end of the first rotation support unit and the other end of the second link member, A fourth link member having one end on the aforementioned axis and rotatably attached to a fourth pivot point provided in the second direction from the rotation center, A second rotation support unit includes a second guide hole, which is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, and one end of the second rotation support unit is rotatably attached to the other end of the fourth link member, connecting the other end of the first link member and the other end of the fourth link member. It includes a fifth link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the second pivot point, and the other end of which is rotatably attached to the one end of the second rotation support part and the other end of the fourth link member, The first rotation support unit is, The first guide hole is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, It includes a first inclined portion which is an end portion located in the first direction relative to the first axle, The second rotation support unit is, The second guide hole is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, It includes a second inclined portion which is an end portion located in the second direction relative to the second axle, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the axle as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle rotates around the center of rotation and approaches the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the second axle rotates around the center of rotation and approaches the first axle. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing the first axle to move together with the second axle towards the first axle. Inclination measuring device.

4. A main body having a length along one axis and including a housing space that penetrates in a direction perpendicular to the axis, A first axle and a second axle are arranged in different directions via the aforementioned single axis, The first wheel and the second wheel are attached to the first axle and the second axle, respectively. The first axle and the second axle are on the same axle and rotate around an intermediate point provided between the first axle and the second axle, thereby displacing between a first state in which the first wheel and the second wheel are exposed outward from the housing space and a second state in which at least a portion of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is housed in the housing space, the first axle and the second axle are attached to the main body and the link mechanism is provided to attach the first axle and the second axle to the main body, The aforementioned link mechanism is A first support point and a second support point are provided on the uniaxial axis at substantially equal distances from the aforementioned midpoint, A first link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the first pivot point, with the first axle provided at one end and a third pivot point provided at a position between the other end and the first pivot point, A second link member is mounted so as to be rotatable about the second pivot point, with the second axle provided at one end and a fourth pivot point provided at a position between the second pivot point and the other end, A first rotation support unit includes a first guide hole which is an elongated hole into which the first axle is inserted, and one end of the first support unit is rotatably attached to the other end of the second link member, connecting the one end of the first link member and the other end of the second link member. A second rotation support unit includes a second guide hole which is an elongated hole into which the second axle is inserted, and one end of the second support unit is rotatably attached to the other end of the first link member, connecting the one end of the second link member and the other end of the first link member. A third link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the third pivot point, and the other end of which is attached to the other end of the second link member and the one end of the first rotation support part, It includes a fourth link member, one end of which is rotatably attached to the fourth pivot point, and the other end of which is attached to the other end of the first link member and the one end of the second rotation support part, The first rotation support unit includes a first inclined portion which is an end portion located in a first direction toward the second pivot point from the intermediate point, The first inclined portion is inclined with respect to the axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the axle as it moves away from the first axle in the first direction. The first guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the first axle so that when the first inclined portion receives a force from the first direction, the first axle rotates around the midpoint and approaches the single axis. When the first inclined portion of the second axle receives a force from the first direction, the first guide hole guides the first axle, causing the second axle to move together with the first axle towards the first axle. The second rotation support portion includes a second inclined portion which is an end portion located in a second direction opposite to the first direction, The second inclined portion is inclined with respect to the first axle such that, at least in the first state, it approaches the first axle as it moves away from the second axle in the second direction. The second guide hole is an elongated hole that guides the second axle so that when the second inclined portion receives a force from the second direction, the second axle rotates around the midpoint and approaches the first axle. When the second inclined portion of the first axle receives a force from the second direction, the second guide hole guides the second axle, causing the first axle to move together with the second axle towards the first axle. Inclination measuring device.

5. The diameter of each of the first wheel and the second wheel is less than or equal to the thickness of the main body. An inclination measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.