Abstract: An electro-optical scanning device comprises a lens (2) having an optical axis (2a), which lens is movable in a focusing direction (F), related to the optical axis, to form at least one radiation spot on a surface to be scanned, and in a tracking direction (T), oriented transversely of the focusing direction, to follow a recording track. The scanning device comprises a stationary section (16) having first actuator means and a movable section (6) having second actuator means, which movable section is movable relative the stationary section and carries said lens, which actuator means cooperate electromagnetically with one another via an air gap (20) in order to drive the lens. The movable section is secured to the stationary section by elastically deformable suspension means.

Abstract: An apparatus having a frame (1) carrying a turntable (3) for supporting the information carrier, which turntable is rotatable about an axis of rotation (3A), a slide (9), which is movable between two end positions, with a scanning unit, guide spindles (5, 7) and a linear motor unit (17, 19) for the slide, and an electrically energizable clamping unit (21). In the non-energized condition the clamping unit clamps the slide in any arbitrary stationary position of the slide along its path and in the energized condition it does not clamp the slide. During operation of the device a control unit at least substantially simultaneously turns on a first energizing current to the motor drive unit and a second energizing current to the clamping unit at the beginning of a displacement of the slide and at least substantially simultaneously turns off the first energizing current and the second energizing current at the end of the displacement.

Abstract: The optical unit comprises a frame (1), a subrame (3), and objective holder (5) having an objective (7) for concentrating the radiation beam so as to form a radiation spot. First connecting means (11) movably connect the objective holder to the subrame, which first connecting means allow focussing movements of the objective and counteract other movements. Second connecting means (9) movably connect the subframe to the frame, which second connecting means allow radial tracking movements of the objective and counteract other movements. Electrically controllable first focussing means (19), connected to the frame and electrically controllable second focussing means (21) connected to the objective holder cooperate with each other to produce the focussing movements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optical device for optically scanning an information carrier, comprising a stationary frame, a movable optical holder, in which an objective having an optical axis is eccentrically mounted, a first electromagnetic actuator for translating the optical holder along a pivotal axis and a second electromagnetic actuator for pivoting the optical holder about this pivotal axis. Each of the actuators comprises a first actuator element secured to the frame and a second actuator element secured to the holder, the first and the second actuator elements cooperating with each other via air gaps. The optical holder is formed with a bore which extends parallel to the optical axis and in which the second actuator element of the second actutor is secured and in which the first actuator element which cooperate with said second actuator element extends with clearance. The second actuator element of the second actuator also functions as the balancing mass.