Patent ID: 8222894
Filing Date: 2012-07-17
Classification: G01D

Abstract:
1. A sensing apparatus for sensing a first linear displacement along a first straight line and a second linear displacement along a second straight line, which differs from the first straight line, the sensing apparatus comprising: a base; a movable part capable of performing at least a first turn and a second turn, the movable part being rotatably supported by the base, the first turn being a turn about a third straight line, the second turn being a turn about a fourth straight line substantially orthogonal to the third straight line; a first input unit placed so as to turn the movable part about the third straight line when a force along the first straight line is applied to the first input unit, the first input unit being part or all of a first member formed integrally with or secured to the movable part; a second input unit placed so as to turn the movable part about the fourth straight line when a force along the second straight line is applied to the second input unit, the second input unit being part or all of a second member formed integrally with or secured to the movable part; a turning member secured to the movable part, the turning member turning together with the movable part; and a sensing element that is secured to a reference position of the base, senses a direction of the turning member relative to the reference position, and outputs a signal determined on the basis of the detected direction to identify the first linear displacement and the second linear displacement.