Tape recorder having a compact reverse function including a limiter gear

Abstract

A tape recorder including a limiter gear mechanism having a torque limiter; a driving device for rotationally driving the limiter gear mechanism in a forward or reverse direction; a swing lever swingably provided between a pair of reel bed gears, and having a gear train adapted to be rotated by the limiter gear mechanism; a magnetic head supporting member for supporting a pair of magnetic heads selectively operable according to a tape travelling direction, one of the magnetic heads between an operative position in contact with a tape and an inoperative position in separation from the tape; a direction lever for selecting the tape travelling direction and controlling movement of the magnetic head supporting member so as to selectively restrict movement of the other magnetic head to the operative position; and a mode lever movable among a neutral position, a record position and a playback position, and biasing the magnetic head supporting member to the operative position of one of the magnetic heads when the mode lever is moved to the record or the playback position; whereby when so biased by the magnetic head supporting member urges a depressed portion of the swing lever to swing the swing lever and mesh the gear train with one of the reel bed gears according to the tape travelling direction.