Operating device, position-switching device, and magneto-optical recording/reproducing apparatus

An operating device, comprising:

• a pair of linear members made of a shape memory alloy, and contracting axially due to heat generated by electrification and generating tension in the contracting direction;
• a movable member supported on a fixing member to be rotatable about a pivot shaft;
• a pair of drive rods respectively connected to both sides of the movable member with the pivot shaft being disposed between the sides of the movable member;
• and
• a power supply circuit for selectively electrifying the linear members,
• the linear members each having one end connected to the fixing member and the other end connected to the drive rod,
• the movable member repeatedly operating around the pivot shaft due to selective electrification of the power supply circuit, wherein
• the movable member comprises a locking unit for locking at rotation stop points in both directions around the pivot shaft,
• the locking unit including:
• a cam provided on the movable member,
• a locking arm having a base end pivotally supported on the fixing member and a leading end provided with a cam following roller which contacts with the cam slidingly, and
• an elastic member for urging the locking arm in a direction of pressing the cam following roller to the cam,
• the cam including:
• a one-side active surface a for applying force received from the cam following roller to the movable member swinging in one direction, and
• an other-side active surface for applying force received from the cam following roller to the movable member swinging in the other direction.