Patent ID: 9442056
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: G01N

Claim Text:
1. A hardness tester for measuring hardness of a sample by forming an indentation in a surface of a sample by applying a predetermined test force with an indenter, then measuring dimensions of the indentation, the hardness tester comprising: a plurality of weights stacked on top of each other in a vertical direction, the plurality of weights configured to apply the predetermined test force to the sample through the indenter and comprising: a transmission configured to transmit to the indenter, as the test force, a force of gravity acting on the plurality of weights, the transmission comprising: a test force switch configured to switch a magnitude of the test force by switching between the weights applying the test force, wherein the test force switch comprises: a cam positioned below the plurality of weights and configured for rotation concentric with the plurality of weights, and formed such that a horizontal-direction width changes according to a rotation angle; and a weight support configured to support the weights and formed by a pair of members positioned so as to be mutually point-symmetrical in the horizontal direction with the cam therebetween, and a first end being rotatable around a vertical axis, wherein the weight support is configured to be continuously biased such that a second end closes toward the cam, and a distance between the second ends changes due to rotating the first ends, caused by rotation of the cam, such that the switching between which of the plurality of weights is to be supported can be performed.