Mode changing mechanism for cassette tape recording and/or reproducing

Abstract

In a cassette tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a tape drive with a rotatable idler which is bodily shiftable for changing the operating mode, a mode changing mechanism has first and second mode selecting slide members mounted on a chassis for independent movements along parallel paths between operative and inoperative positions, a pivot arm carrying the idler and being swingable in opposite directions, for example, for establishing fast-forward and rewind modes, respectively, a coupling member straddling the slide members and being engageable with the pivot arm and with actuating members which are provided on the slide members, respectively, and which engage the coupling member at respective locations thereon spaced apart in a direction transverse to the paths of movement of the slide members, and a spring acting on the coupling member along a line of force which is intermediate the locations where the actuating members engage the coupling member and in a direction for causing the coupling member to simultaneously move the slide members to their inoperative positions. The movement of a selected one of the slide members to its operative position turns the coupling member about the actuating member on the other slide member and thereby effects swinging of the pivot arm in one direction or the other for establishing a corresponding mode.