Electromagnetic linear actuator comprising a fixed portion, a movable portion, and a guide having dampers directly attached thereto, and a tape drive using the electromagnetic linear actuator

An electromagnetic linear actuator comprising:

• a fixed portion;
• a movable portion holding an object;
• and
• a guide coupled to said fixed portion and said movable portion for guiding said movable portion to be movable with respect to said fixed portion only in a predetermined direction,
• said guide comprising:
• a guide shaft fixed to said fixed portion and extending in said predetermined direction, said guide shaft having a first and a second portion which are apart from each other in said predetermined direction;
• a bearing connected to said movable portion and coupled to said guide shaft so as to be slidable along said guide shaft;
• and
• a first and a second damper having elasticity and directly attached to said first and said second portions of the guide shaft by said elasticity, respectively, said first and said second dampers limiting a stroke of said movable portion and absorbing mechanical shock of said movable portion.