Patent ID: 8089621
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: G01C

Abstract:
1. A tilt sensor comprising: a light emitting element for emitting detection light; a plurality of photodetectors for detecting the detection light; and a rolling element accommodated in a hollow portion and movable, within the hollow portion, in a first direction, in a second direction different from the first direction, and in a third direction different from both the first direction and the second direction, the hollow portion being provided with six detecting positions, of which two detecting positions are arranged in the first direction, two detecting positions are arranged in the second direction, and two detecting positions are arranged in the third direction; wherein: the six detecting positions include a complete blocking position and a plurality of partial blocking positions; and when in the complete blocking position, the rolling element prevents the detection light from reaching any one of the photodetectors, and when in one of the partial blocking positions, the rolling element prevents the detection light from reaching one of the photodetectors that corresponds to said one of the partial blocking positions, while also allowing the detection light to reach the remaining ones of the photodetectors.