Touch sensor

Abstract

A touch sensor of the invention can output a directional information from which direction an object to be measured touches a contact, as well as a positional information. The touch sensor includes a movable plate; at least four movable support points provided on the movable plate in a rectangular shape; a measuring shaft attached to the movable plate to extend perpendicularly thereto; and a base plate situated at a side facing the movable support points and having at least four fixed support portions corresponding to the respective support points. When no force is applied to the measuring shaft, all the support points and support portions contact together. When the object to be measured touches a contact portion, two of the support points situated adjacent to each other become temporary rotational supporting points, and two support points provided at a side opposite to the temporary rotational supporting points are separated from the support members corresponding thereto. In the invention, less than four movable contact points and less than four fixed contact points corresponding thereto are selected. When one of the contact points actuates, a positional signal is outputted accurately.