Tape recorder apparatus

Abstract

A tape recorder apparatus is compatible with both analog and digital audio tape cassettes 1, 2, upper surfaces of the cassettes being formed with different engaging holes 1a, 2a, respectively. This tape recorder apparatus includes a holder 3 for selectively receiving either of these two different kinds of tape cassettes 1, 2; and a retainer member 4 which is swingably supported about a shaft 4d and disposed adjacent to but spaced from the holder 3. This retainer member 4 has a pair of engaging hooks 4a, 4c disposed along an insertion direction of the tape cassette 1 or 2. Each of these engaging hooks 4a, 4c exclusively engages with either of different engaging holes 1a, 2a formed on the two different kinds of tape cassettes 1, 2 when a respective tape cassette 1 or 2 is completely inserted in the holder 3. This retainer member 4 further includes a resilient portion 4b for flexibly causing a swing movement of the engaging hooks 4a, 4c in both directions for engaging and disengaging with the tape cassettes 1 or 2. Shift members 5, 6 and 7, are connected with the retainer member 4 directly or indirectly, for shifting the tape cassette 1 or 2 from a first position, where the tape cassette is completely held in the holder 3, to a second position where the tape cassette is set to execute its recording or reproducing operation.