Linear motor actuator for moving an optical read/write head

Abstract

An electrodynamic actuator for optical storage systems comprising an electromechanical actuating device which is constructed to move an optical write and/or read unit into write or read operating positions relative to a storage medium, comprising a linear motor which comprises spaced apart parallel stator sections, which are constituted by rod-shaped stator iron elements carrying induction coils which are stationary relative to the stator, a permanent magnet being arranged between said stator sections and being guided to be longitudinally movable in a direction of translation between the axial ends of the stator sections. The permanent magnet carries the optical system of the optical unit and has a magnetic field which is oriented perpendicularly to the direction of translation and parallel to a central plane in which the stator irons, the induction coils and the permanent magnet itself are arranged. The permanent magnet is movable between the stator sections relative to the common central plane, a plurality of induction coils are arranged after each other in the longitudinal direction on each rod-shaped stator iron element, and can be switched into and out of circuit separately, and conductor bundles extend parallel to the stator sections between the permanent magnet and the two stator sections and are combined at the axial ends of the stator sections to form one or more focussing coils.