Load detecting mechanism

A load detecting mechanism is provided comprising a vertical link extending in the vertical direction in which a load to be detected is exerted; first and second leaf spring members each having a first end portion connected to an upper end of the vertical link and extending horizontally in different first and second directions, respectively; third and fourth leaf spring members each having a first end portion connected to a lower end of the vertical link and extending horizontally and parallel to said first and second directions, respectively; a rigid block member having at least first, second and third end portions extending vertically and formed integrally with each other, the first end portion of said rigid block member being adjacent the vertical link, second end portions of the first and third leaf spring members being secured to the upper and lower ends of the second end portion of said rigid block member, respectively, to form a first parllelogram link mechanism, and second end portions of the second and fourth leaf spring members being secured to the upper and lower ends of the third end portion of said rigid block member, respectively, to form a second parallelogram link mechanism; and a load sensor positioned between the vertical link and the first end portion of the block member.