Patent ID: 7121136

Claim:
A hardness testing apparatus comprising: an indenter shaft having an indenter at a top thereof, a load applying mechanism for applying a predetermined force to the indenter shaft in its axial direction; and a supporting structure for supporting the indenter shaft movably in its axial direction, the supporting structure comprising: a first elastic member having an end fixed to the indenter shaft; a second elastic member having an end fixed to a body of the hardness testing apparatus; and a connecting portion for connecting another end of the first elastic member and another end of the second elastic member, the first and second elastic members being integrally formed out of a plate spring, wherein the second elastic member warps to deaden movement of the indenter shaft which is caused by warp of the first elastic member in the axial direction of the indenter shaft, when the load applying mechanism applies the predetermined force to the indenter shaft, and is directed in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the indenter shaft.