Thin bias magnet unit for magneto-optical recording device

摘要

A bias magnet unit has a permanent magnet that applies a bias magnetic field to an optical spot on a magneto-optical disk. A driving coil rotates the magnet in order to change a polarity of the bias magnetic field. A sensor detects the intensity and polarity of the bias magnetic field to confirm the rotational position of the magnet after it has been rotated. A linkage structure that is connected between a magnet holder of the magnet unit and the housing has arms that drive the magnet unit between two positions, one in which the magneto-optical disk cartridge can be inserted into the device and another in which the disk is loaded onto the spindle motor for recording/playback. Overall, the components of the device cooperate structurally to provide a relatively thin device structure having low power consumption.