Patent ID: 6930727

Claim:
A protection-cover opening/closing mechanism for a recording/playback apparatus, the protection cover opening/closing mechanism comprising: an electromagnet which includes a stator around which an electromagnetic coil is formed and a movable member; first lever means to which the movable member is pivotally attached at a first end portion of the first lever means, which is supported in such a manner that the first lever means is rotatable around a first axis; first force-applying means which applies a rotational force around the first axis to the first lever means; second lever means that is disposed on a stationary member in such a manner that the second lever means is able to, reciprocate by sliding on the stationary member in a direction away from and toward an initial position, and which is engageable with a second end portion of the first lever means; and second force-applying means which applies a force to the second lever means in the direction toward the initial position; wherein, while a recording medium is being operated, current is applied to the electromagnetic coil to restrain the movable member on the stator by magnetic suction force and thereby prevent the first lever means from rotating around the first axis, and movement of the second lever means in the direction away from the initial position is limited within a limit position due to the engagement between the second end portion of the first lever means and the second lever means, thereby locking a protection cover at a closed position, and, when the recording medium is not being operated, current is not applied to the electromagnetic coil, so it becomes possible to open the protection cover by moving the second lever means away from the initial position beyond the limit position.