GB2144897A

GB2144897A - Tape recorder having a mechanism for mechanically changing modes

Info

Publication number: GB2144897A
Application number: GB08417567A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Shigeo Tetsuka
Original assignee: Victor Company of Japan Ltd; Nippon Victor KK
Current assignee: Victor Company of Japan Ltd; Nippon Victor KK
Priority date: 1983-07-11
Filing date: 1984-07-10
Publication date: 1985-03-13
Also published as: JPS6018835A; GB8417567D0; GB2144897B; DE3425283A1

Abstract

A tape recorder 10 comprises a mode setting mechanism 11 for selectively setting the tape moving mode to an O-mode in which the moving direction of a tape within a loaded cassette is alternately and repeatedly changed between forward and reverse directions responsive to tape end direction, a U-mode in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction responsive to tape end detection and the tape is subsequently stopped responsive to another tape end detection, or an I-mode in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped responsive to detection of an end of the tape. The tape recorder further comprises a first mechanism 52-57 operated responsive to the tape end detection regardless of the tape moving mode, a tape stopping mechanism 62 for stopping the moving tape when operated, a direction changing mechanism for changing the moving direction of the tape when operated, and a second mechanism operated responsive to the tape moving mode and to the tape direction. The second mechanism operates the direction changing mechanism by the first mechanism in a first state thereof, and operates the tape stopping mechanism by the first mechanism in a second state thereof. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Tape recorder having a mechanism for mechanically changing modes The present invention generally related to tape recorders, and more particularly to a tape recorder which performs functions such as changing a tape moving direction or stopping a moving tape when an end of a tape is detected, by mechanical means.

Presently, there is a tape recorder which can assume any one of three possible tape moving modes. The three tape moving modes include a repetitive direction change mode (sometimes referred to as an O-mode) in which the tape moving direction is alternately and repeatedly changed between a forward direction and a reverse direction and a head is rotated over one-half revolution with every change of the tape moving direction, a direction change mode (sometimes referred to as a U-mode) in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction and the head is rotated over one-half revolution with the change of the tape moving direction, and a unidirectional mode (sometimes referred to as an Imode) in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped when an end of the tape is detected.In this type of tape recorder, the tape moving direction is changed or the moving tape is stopped when the end of the tape is detected, depending on the tape moving mode of the tape recorder.

In a conventional tape recorder of this type, the selected mode of the tape recorder, the tape moving direction, the existence of erroneous erasure preventing tabs or the like, are electrically detected by use of switches. Detection signals from the switches are supplied to an electrical processing circuit which energizes a desired plunger from among a plurality of plungers so as to operate a desired mechanism responsive to the detection signals. When the end of the tape is detected, the desired mechanism which is operated, puts the tape recorder in a tape moving direction change mode or a tape movement stop mode. Accordingly, the conventional tape recorder of this type requires the use of a plurality of switches and a plurality of plungers, and the manufacturing cost of the tape recorder is inevitably high.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a novel and useful tape recorder in which the problems described heretofore have been eliminated.

The present invention provides a tape recorder comprising, a tape moving mode setting mechanism for selectively setting a tape moving mode to a repetitive direction change mode, a direction change mode, or a unidirectional mode, said repetitive direction change mode being a tape moving mode in which a moving direction of a tape within a loaded tape cassette is alternately and repeatedly changed between a forward direction and a reverse direction responsive to a detection of an end of a tape, said direction change mode being a tape moving mode in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction responsive to a detection of an end of the tape and the tape thereafter moving in the reverse direction is stopped responsive to another detection of an end of the tape, said unidirectional mode being a tape moving mode in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped responsive to a detection of an end of the tape, a first mechanism operated responsive to the detection of an end of the tape regardless of the tape moving mode set by said tape moving mode setting mechanism, a tape stopping mechanism for stopping the moving tape when operated, a direction changing mechanism for changing the moving direction of the tape when operated, a tape moving direction detecting member for detecting the moving direction of the tape, and for assuming different positions responsive to the detected tape moving direction, and a second mechanism operated responsive to the tape moving mode set by said tape moving mode setting mechanism and to the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member, for assuming one of first and second states, said second mechanism operating said direction changing mechanism by said first mechanism in said first state and operating said tape stopping mechanism by said first mechanism in said second state, said second mechanism assuming said first state when the tape moving mode is set to said repetitive direction change mode by said tape moving mode setting mechanism, or when the tape moving mode is set to said direction change mode and the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member is the forward direction, said second mechanism assuming said second second state when the tape moving mode is set to said direction change mode by said tape moving direction setting mechanism and the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member is the reverse direction, or when the tape moving mode is set to unidirectional mode by said tape moving direction setting mechanism.

Another and more specific object of the present invention is to provide a tape recorder which comprises a mode selecting mechanism, an operating mechanism, a tape stopping mechanism, a tape moving direction changing mechanism, and a switching mechanism. The mode selecting mechanism selects the tape moving mode of the tape recorder from among a repetitive direction change mode in which the tape moving direction is alternately and repeatedly changed between a forward direction and a reverse direction and a head is rotated over one-half revolution with every change of the tape moving direction, a direction change mode in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction and the head is rotated over one-half revolution with the change of the tape moving direction, and a unidirectional mode in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped when and end of the tape is detected. The operating mechanism operates when the end of the tape is detected, regardless of the tape moving mode selected by the mode selecting mechanism. The tape stopping mechanism stops the moving tape when operated, and the tape moving direction changing mechanism moves the tape in a direction which is opposite to the tape moving direction up to that point when operated.The switching mechanism switches over so that the operating mechanism operates the tape moving direction changing mechanism when the tape moving mode selected by the mode selecting mechanism is the repetitive direction change mode of the direction change mode, and so that the operating mechanism operates the tape stopping mechanism when the tape moving mode selected by the mode selecting mechanism is the unidirectional mode. According to the tape recorder of the present invention, it is possible to operate the tape stopping mechanism or the tape moving direction changing mechanism responsive to the selected tape moving mode. Hence, it is unnecessary to provide a plunger exclusively for operating the tape stopping mechanism, and it is also unnecessary to provide a plunger exclusively for operating the tape moving direction changing mechanism.In addition, it is unnecessary to provide switches which assume ON or OFF states responsive to the tape moving mode to which the tape recorder is set, and moreover, there is no need to provide an electrical circuit or the like for discriminating the tape moving mode responsive to output signals of the switches. Therefore, the functions such as changing the tape moving direction or stopping the moving tape when the end of a tape is detected, can be performed by mechanical means.

Other objects and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a plan view showing an embodiment of a tape recorder according to the present invention in a state where a tape moving mode thereof is set to a repetitive direction change mode; Figure 2 is a side view showing a loaded state of a tape cassette; Figure 3 is a disassembled perspective view showing a mode selecting mechanism; Figures 4A and 4B respectively show a mode switching member in a position capable of operating a tape moving direction changing mechanism and in a position capable of operating a tape stopping mechanism; Figure 5 shows a tape driving mechanism and a magnetic head rotating mechanism in the tape recorder shown in Fig. 1; Figure 6 is a circuit diagram showing a circuit for operating a solenoid where an end of a tape is detected; Figure 7 is a plan view showing a part of the tape recorder in a fast-forward mode thereof;; Figure 8 shows a part of the tape recorder in a forward reproduction mode with the tape moving mode set to the repetitive direction change mode; 'Figure 9 shows a part of the tape recorder in a reverse reproduction mode with the tape moving mode set to the repetitive direction change mode; Figure 10 shows a part of the tape recorder in a recording mode with the moving mode set to the repetitive direction change mode, in a state where the loaded tape cassette has an erroneous erasure preventing tab for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape moves in a reverse direction;; Figure 11 shows a part of the tape recorder in a recording mode with the tape moving mode set to the repetitive direction change mode, in a state where the loaded tape cassette has no erroneous erasure preventing tab for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape moves in a reverse direction; and Figure 12 shows a part of the tape recorder in a reproduction mode with the tape moving mode set to a unidirectional mode.

The following table shows the operations of the tape recorder according to the present invention, for each of the combinations of a tape moving mode and an operating mode of the tape recorder. The tape moving mode of the tape recorder includes a repetitive direction change mode (hereinafter simply referred to as an O-mode) in which the tape moving direction is alternatively and repeatedly changed between a forward direction and a reverse direction and a head is rotated over one-half revolution with every change of the tape moving direction, a direction change mode (hereinafter simply referred to as a U-mode) in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction and the head is rotated over one-half revolution with the change of the tape moving direction,. and a unidirectional mode (hereinafter simply referred to as an I-mode) in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped when and end of the tape is detected. The operating mode of the tape recorder includes a reproduction mode, a recording mode, a fast-forward (FF) mode, a rewind (RWD) mode, and a cueing (CUE) mode.

Table

Tape moving Manual direction 0-mode U-mode I-mode change in direction Repro- Forward- D D duction mode Reverse D S S 1 D Record- Forward D S D mode l Reverse Record- Forward - S S S ing mode 2 Reverse - - - - FF, RWD, Forward S S S D & CUE modes Reverse S S S D In the table given above, the recording mode 1 represents a case where the tape recorder is in the recording mode and the loaded tape cassette has an erroneous erasure preventing tab for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape moves in the reverse direction. On the other hand, the recording mode 2 represents a case where the recording is in the recording mode and the loaded tape cassette does not have an erroneous erasure preventing tab for presenting erroneous erasure when the tape moves in the reverse direction. A reference character "D" represents a direction changing operation in which the moving direction of the tape is changed from the tape moving direction up to that point, and a reference character "S" represents a stopping operation in which the moving tape is stopped. A symbol "-" indicates that the tape recorder cannot assume the O-mode, the U-mode, or the I-mode.

Fig. 1 is a plan view showing a tape recorder 10 according to the present invention. The tape recorder 10 is of a type in which the tape moving direction can be changed so that both sides (that is, both the forward and reverse tracks) of a loaded cassette 16 are playable without the need to turn over the side of the tape cassette. This tape recorder 10 generally comprises a mode selecting mechanism 11, a tab detecting mechanism 12 for detecting an erroneous erasure preventing tab, a tape moving direction detecting mechanism 13, and a moving mechanism 14. A pause button 15a, a fast-forward button 1 sub, a play button 15c, a recording button 15d, a rewind button 15e, and a stop button 15f are respectively arranged at the front of the tape recorder 10.As indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1 and by a solid line in Fig.

2, the tape cassette 16 is loaded into the tape recorder 10 in a state where a forward take-up reel shaft 17, a reverse take-up reel shaft 18, a forward capstan 19, and a reverse capstan 20 are respectively inserted into the loaded tape cassette 16.

The mode selecting mechanism 11 generally comprises a mode selecting lever 24, an operating arm 26, a switchover arm 29, and a mode switching member 30, as shown in Fig. 3.

More determining depressions 24a, 24b, and 24c, are formed at the tip end of the mode selecting lever 24. The mode selecting lever 24 assumes an O-mode position 0 shown in Fig. 1 when the mode determining depression 24a engages with a pin 25a which is located on a chassis 25 of the tape recorder 11. The mode selecting lever 24 assumes a U-mode position U shown in Fig. 8 when the mode determining depression 24b engages with the pin 25a, and assumes an I-mode position / shown in Fig. 12 when the mode determining depression 24c engages with the pin 25a. A contact part 26a is formed at the tip end of the operating arm 26.

When the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the recording mode and the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have an erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when a tape 16c moves in the reverse direction, a tab detecting member 27 sliding in the direction of an arrow X1 makes contact with the contact part 26a as shown in Figs. 8 and 11. On the other hand, when a tape moving direction detecting lever 28 slides in the direction of tha arrow X1 so as to change the tape moving direction, this tape moving direction detecting lever 28 makes contact with the contact part 26a as shown in Fig. 8.

Accordingly, the operating arm 26 makes contact with and is rotated clockwise by the detecting member 27 or the detecting lever 28, so as to detect the tape moving direction or the existence of the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a. The switchover arm 29 has an engaging pin 29a located at the tip end thereof, and an engaging hole 19b located at the side thereof.

The mode switching member 30 esentially has a V-shape as shown in Figs. 4A and 4B. A shaft 31c extending in the sliding direction of a support base 31, supports the mode switching member 30 on the support base 31. Thus, the mode switching member 30 can pivot about the shaft 31c in the direction of arrows Al and A2, within a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction of the support base 31. The engaging pin 29a of the operating arm 29 engages with the mode switching member 30. The mode switching member 30 assumes a second state shown in Fig. 4A in which a tape moving direction changing mechanism can be operated, and a first state shown in Fig. 4B in which a tape stopping mechanism can be operated, depending on the rotational position of the operating arm 29.

The tab detecting mechanism 12 generally comprises the tab detecting member 27 and a tab detecting plate 32. The tab detecting plate 32 detects the existence of the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing the erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction. The tab detecting plate 32 is urged in the direction of an arrow Y1 by the action of a coil spring 33, and makes contact with and detects the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a of the loaded tape cassette 16 as shown in Fig. 2. In this state, a pin 32a located on the tab detecting plate 32 engages with a depression 27a of the tab detecting member 27.

A tab detecting plate 34 detects the existence of an erroneous preventing tab 16b for preventing the erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the forward direction. In the state shown in Fig. 1, the tab detecting plate 34 makes contact with the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16b and is displaced in the direction of the arrow Y1 against the force exerted by a coil spring 96, and detects the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16b.

The tape moving direction detecting mechanism 13 generally comprises the tape moving direction detecting lever 28, and a rotary lever 35 for selecting the tape moving direction. The tape moving direction detecting lever 29 has a T-shape, and is slidable in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2. A central part of the tape moving direction detecting lever 28 engages with the rotary lever 35 which rotates in accordance with the tape moving direction.

The moving mechanism 14 generally comprises a detecting lever 36 and a V-shaped connecting lever 39. The detecting lever 36 is slidable in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2, and is urged in the direction of the arrow X2 by the action of a coil spring 95. In the state shown in Fig. 1 in which the fast-forward button 15b and the rewind button 15e are not pushed, a pin 36a located on the detecting lever 36 fits into a depression 37a of a fast-forward lever 37, and a pin (not shown) located on the detecting lever 36 in correspondence with a depression (not shown) of a rewind lever 38 fits into the depression of the rewind lever 38. In this state, the detecting lever 36 is displaced in the direction of the arrow X2. The V-shaped connecting lever 39 is supported by a pin 25b which is located on the chassis 25 of the tape recorder 10.The tip end of one arm part 39a of the connecting lever 39 makes contact with the detecting lever 36. On the other hand, a projecting pin 39c located at the tip end of the other arm part 39a of the connecting lever 39, engages with the engaging hole 29b of the switchover arm 29.

A recording mode direction lever 40 is slidable in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2. In a state where the recording button 15d is not pushed, a pin 40a located on the recording mode detecting lever 40 fits into a depression 42a of a recording mode lever 42, and the recording mode detecting lever 40 is displaced in the direction of the arrow X1 by the action of a spring 41. A connecting member 43 is supported by a pin 25c which is located on the chassis 25 of the tape recorder 10, and has three pins 43a, 43b, and 43c. The pin 43a engages with a.

depression 40b of the recording mode detecting lever 40. The pin 43b engages with an engaging hole 44a. This engaging hole 44a is formed at the tip end of a rod 44 which engages with a projecting pin 249 located on the bottom surface of the mode selecting lever 24. The pin 43c engages with an elongated hole 46a which is formed in a pushing lever 46.

A manual direction change lever 45 has the pushing lever 46 rotatably supported at the tip end thereof. The direction change lever 45 is supported by a pin 25d which is located on the chassis 25 of the tape recorder 10. The direction change lever 45 is urged in the direction of the arrow Y1 by the action of a spring 47, and engages with a pin 25e which is located on the chassis 25. The pushing lever 46 moves in the directions of the arrows Y1 and Y2 in accordance with the rotation of the direction change lever 45.

An operating lever 48 has a contact pin 48a on one end thereof, and an engaging part 48b on the other end thereof. The tip end of the pushing lever 46 or the mode switching member 30 makes contact with the contact part 48a. The operating lever 48 is rotatably supported by a pin 25f which is located on the chassis 25. When the operating lever 48 rotates clockwise, the engaging part 48b pushes a pin 49a which is located on a gear wheel 49, and the gear wheel 49 is rotated clockwise so as to change the tape moving direction to the reverse direction as will be described later on in the specification. The gear wheel 49 has a teethless part over a predetermined angular range thereof, as shown in Fig. 1.

A recording mode rotary lever 50 is supported by a pin 25i which is located on the chassis 25. One end of the rotary lever SO is coupled to the tab detecting member 27 by way of a spring 51. An engaging part 50a is formed on the other end of the rotary lever 50. This engaging part 50a engages with a pin 40c which is located on the recording mode detecting lever 40.

A mode switching solenoid 52 is energized when a tape end detecting element 53 detects an end of the tape 16c. One end of a rotary lever 54 is supported by a pin 25j which is located on the chassis 25, and this rotary lever 54 is rotated counter-clockwise when the solenoid 52 is energized. The tape end detecting operation and a circuit for operating the solenoid 52 will be described later on in the specification. An engaging part 54a located at the tip end of the rotary lever 54, makes contact with a pin 55b which is located on the left end of a sliding lever 55.

The sliding lever 55 is slidable in the directions of the arrows X1 and X2. When the tape 1 6c moves in the forward direction, the forward take-up reel shaft 17 rotates an arm member (not shown) by way of a slip clutch (not shown), and the sliding lever 55 is moved in the direction of the arrow X1 by this arm member. On the other hand, when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction, the reverse take-up reel shaft 18 rotates another arm member (not shown) by way of another slip clutch (not shown), and the sliding lever 55 is moved in the direction of the arrow X1. A contact part 55a which is formed at the right end of the sliding lever 55, restricts a Tshaped arm 56 in a waiting state. The T-shaped arm 56 has a pin 56a which is engageable by a cam 57a of a cam gear wheel 57.The T-shaped arm 56 is rotatably coupled to the tip end of an L-shaped lever 58, and is urged to rotate counterclockwise by the action of a torsion spring (not shown). The L-shaped lever 58 is supported by a pin 25k which is located on the chassis 25, and is urged to rotate clockwise by the action of a spring 59. The L-shaped lever 58 has an engaging part 58a which engages with a pin 31a located on the support base 31.

A lock plate 60 is urged in the direction of the arrow X2 by the action of a spring 61, and locks the buttons 15a through 15e which are pushed in the direction of the arrow Y1. A stop mode lever 62 is slidable in the directions of the arrows Y1 and Y2, and is urged in the direction of the arrow Y2 by the action of a spring 63. The stop mode lever 62 has an engaging part 62a located at one end thereof in the direction of the arrow Y2, and a contact part 62b located on the other end thereof in the direction of the arrow Y1. The mode switching member 30 makes contact with the contact part 62b. A transmitting member 64 is supported on a pin 259 which is located on the chassis 25.This transmitting member 64 has a pin 64a which engages with an engaging part 60a located on the right end of the lock plate 60, and a pin 64b which engages with the engaging part 62a of the stop mode lever 62.

As shown in Fig. 3, the mode selecting mechanism 11 is assembled by assembling members onto a base member 65. The mode selecting lever 24, the operating arm 26, the base member 65, and the switchover arm 29 are coaxially disposed rotatable about a shaft 25n which is located on the chassis 25. The base member 65 has engaging pins 65a and 65b which are located on the upper surface thereof in an upwardly projecting manner, and engaging pins 65e and 65d which are located on the lower surface thereof in a downwardly projecting manner.

The base member 65 further has a hole 65e for hooking one end of a spring thereto, and a spring support part 65f. The spring support part 65f is an arcuate rod over which a coil spring is fitted.

The mode selecting mechanism 11 is assembled in the following manner. That is, the engaging pins 65a and 65b of the base member 65 are fitted into respective arcuate engaging holes 29c and 29d of the switchover arm 29. Further, the engaging pin 65e of the base member 65 is fitted into an arcuate engaging hole 26b of the operating arm 26 and into an arcuate engaging hole 24d of the mode selecting lever 24, and the engaging pin 65d of the base member 65 is fitted into an arcuate engaging hole 26c of the operating lever 26 and into an arcuate engaging hole 24e of the mode selecting lever 24. In this state where the switchover arm 29, the base member 65, the operating arm 26, and the mode selecting lever 24 are piled on top of each other in this sequence, the mode selecting mechanism 11 is fitted over a pin 25h which is located on the chassis 25.The mode selecting lever 24 is urged to rotate clockwise by the action of a coil spring 66 which is stretched across a pin 24f located on the upper surface of the mode selecting lever 24 and the hole 65e in the base member 65. A coil spring 67 is fitted over the spring support part 65f of the base member 65, and the free end of the spring support part 65f is fitted into a hole 26d in a vertical part of the operating arm 26.

This coil spring 67 is thus compared between the base member 65 and the operating arm 26, and the operating arm 26 is urged to rotate counterclockwise by the action of the compressed coil spring 67. In this state, the contact part 26a of the operating arm 26 makes contact with the tab detecting member 27 and the tape moving direction detecting lever 28. A coil spring 68 is stretched across a pin 29e located on the upper surface of the operating arm 29 and the hole 65e in the base member 65. Hence, the operating arm 29 is urged to rotate counterclockwise by the action of the coil spring 68.

The engaging pin 29a of the switchover arm 29 is fitted within a groove part 30a of the mode switching member 30. When the switchover arm 29 rotates clockwise, the mode switching member 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow Al as shown in Fig. 4B, and assumes the first state where a contact part 30b of the mode switching member 30 opposes the contact part 62b of the stop mode lever 62. On the other hand, when the switchover arm 29 rotates counterclockwise, the mode switching member 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow A2 as shown in Fig. 4A, and assumes the second state where a contact part 30c of the mode switching member 30 opposes the contact part 48a of the operating lever 48.

Next, description will be given with respect to the tape driving mechanism and the magnetic head rotating mechanism by referring to Fig. 5. Details of the tape driving mechanism and the magnetic head rotating mechanism are disclosed in a British Patent Application No. 841 2748 entitled "TAPE RECORDER HAVING REVERSIBLE TAPE TRAVELING DIRECTION" filed May 18, 1984, in which the applicant is the same as the applicant of the present application.

In Fig. 5, a motor 70 rotates flywheels 21 and 22 by way of a belt 71. In addition, a pulley 72 which rotates unitarily with the take-up flywheel 21, rotates pulleys 74 and 75 by way of a belt 73. A magnetic head 76 is supported on a head holder 77. The magnetic head 76 has a head rotating gear wheel 76a which meshes with a fan-shaped gear wheel 78. A head rotating lever 79 is supported by a shaft 84. A forked engaging part 79a formed on one end of the head rotating lever 79, engages with an arm part 78a of the fan-shaped gear wheel 78. A pin 79b is located on the other end of the head rotating lever 79, and this pin 79b fits into a cam groove 86a of a head rotating cam gear wheel 86. The cam gear wheel 86 meshes with a small gear wheel 85 which is formed unitarily on the gear wheel 49.A gear ration between the small gear wheel 85 and the cam gear wheel 86 is 1:2, and the small gear wheel 85 makes one revolution while the cam gear wheel 86 makes a one-half revolution.

The tape take-up drive system on the take-up reel side is selected and the tape moving direction is set to the forward direction, by rotating the rotary lever 35 so that a contact part 35a located on the tip end thereof separates from a take-up lever 88 and makes contact with a supply lever 89. The rotary lever 35 is coaxially supported with the head rotating lever 79, and is coupled to the head rotating lever 79 through a torsion spring 90. In addition, the rotary lever 35 has a contact pin 35b which makes contact with an arm 81 of a pinch roller 80 located on the take-up side, and a contact part 35e which makes contact with an arm 83 of a pinch roller 82 located on the supply side.A head pushing lever 91 has an arm part 91a which is in sliding contact with a cam 92a of a gear wheel 92 which has a teethless part over a predetermined angular range thereof. When the tape recorder 10 is set to the fast-forward or rewind mode, the gear wheel 92 rotates and the arm part 91a is pushed by the cam 92a, and an arm part 91b accordingly pushes a head base 93 in the direction of the arrow Y2. The head holder 77 is secured on the head base 93. An L-shaped lever 94 has an arm part 94a which is in sliding contact with a cam 92b of the gear wheel 92. When the tape recorder 10 is set to the fast-forward or rewind mode, only the rotary lever 35 is rotationally displaced to a neutral position responsive to the rotation of the gear wheel 92.

Next, description will be given with respect to the circuit which operates the solenoid 52, by referring to Fig. 6.

In Fig. 6, a switch SW closes when the play button 15c, the fast-forward button 15b, or the rewind button 15e is pushed, and the motor 70 starts to rotate responsive to the closing of the switch SW. When the motor 70 rotates, the tape 1 6c moves as will be described later on in the specification, and a disc 18a rotates unitarily with the reverse take-up reel shaft 18. A light reflecting part and a non-reflecting part are alternately arranged in the circumferential direction of the disc 18a. The tape end detecting element 53 comprising a light emitting diode D1 and a phototransistor (11, detects the rotation of the disc 1 8a, and detection pulses from the tape end detecting element 53 are obtained at a connection point a.The detection pulses are converted into a D.C signal by diodes D2 and D3, and a D.C. voltage Vis obtained at a connection point b. A transistor Q2 is ON and a transistor Q3 is OFF. The solenoid 52 is not energized and remains inoperative, because the transistor Q3 is OFF.

When an end of the tape 1 6c is reached, the disc 18a stops rotating, and no detection pulses are obtained at the connection point a. As a result, the D.C. voltage at the connection point b becomes zero. Hence, the transistor Q2 is turned OFF and the transistor Q3 is turned ON, and the solenoid 52 is energized and operated.

When the tape 1 6c starts to move in the reverse direction, the transistor Q2 is turned ON and the transistor Q3 is turned OFF, and the solenoid 52 is made inoperative. On the other hand, when the button 15c, 15b, or 15e which was pushed and assumes the operating position is returned to the original state, the switch SW opens and the solenoid 52 is made inoperative.

Next, description will be given with respect to the operation of the tape recorder 10 when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in the Mode, the U-mode, and the I-mode, for each of th(.'S(.' cases.

First, description will be given with respect to a case (1-a) where the end of the tape 16e Is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the reprod###.tior mode and the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode, by referring to Figs. 1, 4, and 5. In thlo case (1-a), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position 0, and the play button 1 sic is pushed and locked at the operating position by the lock plate 60, as shown in Fig. 1.

Because the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position 0, the mode switching member 30 assumes the second state shown in Fig. 4A. In addition, since the play button 1 sic is pushed and locked at the operating position, the switch SW is closed and the motor 70 rotates. The motor 70 rotates the capstan 19 counterclockwise, the capstan 20 clockwise, and both the pulleys 74 and 75 counterclockwise. The rotation of the pulley 74 is transmitted to the forward take-up reel shaft 17 through a gear 103 and a transmission gear 102, and the forward take-up reel shaft 17 is rotated counterclockwise.

Moreover, as shown in Fig. 5, the head rotating lever 79 rotates clockwise. The supply pinch roller 82 separates from the capstan 20, and the take-up pinch roller 80 presses against the capstan 19. Accordingly, the tape 1 6c within the tape cassette 16 moves in the forward direction, that is, in the direction of the arrow X1. The magnetic head 76 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 and makes contact with the tape 15c In other words, the tape recorder 10 assumes the forward reproduction mode in which the tape 1 6c moves in the forward direction.

In the forward reproduction mode of the tape recorder 10, the sliding lever 55 is slid in the direction of the arrow X1. The T-shaped arm 56 is engaged by the counter part 55a, and is restricted from being rotated counterclockwise by the action of a torsion spring (not shown). The pin 56a is positioned on the outside of a rotating locus of the cam 57a of the cam gear wheel 57 which rotates counterclockwise. Thus, the pin 56a is not engaged by the cam 57a, and the cam 57a rotates without engaging with the pin 56a.

When all of the tape 1 6c is taken up by the take-up reel shaft 17 and the forward reproduction is finished, the end of the tape 1 6c is detected by the tape end detecting element 53. Hence, the solenoid 52 is energized as described before, and the rotary lever 54 is rotated counterclockwise as indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1. The sliding lever 55 is moved in the direction of the arrow X2 responsive to this counterclockwise rotation of the rotary lever 54.

When the sliding lever 55 moves in the direction of the arrow X2, the contact part 55a separates from the T-shaped arm 56. The T-shaped arm 56 disengages from the contact part 55a and is rotated counterclockwise by the action of a torsion spring (not shown), and the pin 56a enters within the rotating locus of the cam 57a. Accordingly, the pin 56a is engaged by the cam 57a, and the L-shaped lever 58 rotates counterclockwise and rotationally returns together with the T-shaped arm 56 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 1. Due to the counterclockwise rotation of the L-shaped lever 58, the support base 31 temporarily returns in the direction of the arrow Yl, together with the mode switching member 30.

The operations described heretofore are performed regardless of the tape moving direction and regardless of the operating and tape moving modes of the tape recorder 10.

Because the mode switching member 30 assumes the second state as described before, the contact part 30b does not make contact with the engaging part 62b as the support base 31 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1. On the other hand, the contact part 30c makes contact with and pushes the engaging part 48b so as to rotate the operating lever 48 counterclockwise, as the support base 31 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1.

Due to the counterclockwise rotation of the operating lever 48, the engaging part 48b pushes the pin 49a and rotates the gear wheel 49 counterclockwise. Accordingly, a teethless part 49b of the gear wheel 49 deviates from the position opposing a driving gear wheel 101. As a result, the gear wheel 49 and the driving gear wheel 101, and the gear wheel 49 undergoes one revolution until the teethless part 49b again opposes the driving gear wheel 101. A cam 49c which is unitarily formed on the gear wheel 49, rotates the head pushing lever 91 counterclockwise over a predetermined angle.Consequently, the arm part 91b of the head pushing lever 91 moves the head base 93 in the direction of the arrow Y2, and the head base 93 is pushed back in the direction of the arrow Y2 to the head rotating position where the magnetic head 74 can be rotated.

The cam gear wheel 86 which meshes with the small gear wheel 85 on the gear wheel 49, rotates over an angle of approximately 1 80' as the gear wheel 49 undergoes one revolution, due to the ratio between the cam gear wheel 86 and the small gear wheel 85. Since the pin 79b of the head rotating lever 79 is fitted into the cam groove 86a of the cam gear wheel 86, the pin 79b moves along the cam groove 86a from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the cam gear wheel 86 as the cam gear wheel 86 rotates counterclockwise, and the head rotating lever 79 rotates clockwise about the shaft 84.

In addition, the engaging part 79a of the head rotating lever 79 engages with the arm part 78a of the fan-shaped gear wheel 78, and rotates the fan-shaped gear wheel 78 clockwise.

Thus, the magnetic head 76 makes a one-half revolution within the head holder 77, together with the gear wheel 76a.

The rotary lever 35 rotates clockwise unitarily with the head rotating lever 79, by the action of the torsion spring 90. Accordingly, the contact part 35a of the rotary lever 35 separates from the supply lever 89 and makes contact with the take-up lever 88. The take-up lever 89 is rotated counter-clockwise against the action of a spring 88a, and separates the transmitting gear wheel 102 from the forward take-up reel shaft 17 and the gear wheel 103. The take-up lever 89 which is released from the restriction by the engaging part 35a, rotates counterclockwise due to the action of a spring 104. When the take-up lever 89 rotates counterclockwise, a transmitting gear 105 is caused to mesh with a gear wheel 106 which meshes with the reverse take-up reel shaft 18. and to mesh with a gear wheel 75a which is formed unitarily on the pulley 75.As a result, a tape take-up drive system for moving the tape 1 6c in the reverse direction, is formed by the gear 75a, the transmitting gear 105, the gear 106, and the reverse take-up reel shaft 18.

Due to the clockwise rotation of the rotary lever 35, the contact part 35b makes contact with the arm 81 so as to rotate the arm 81 counterctockwise. Further, the contact part 35c separates from the arm 83 to as to rotate the arm 83 counterclockwise. For this reason, the pinch roller 80 separates from the capstan 19, and the pinch roller 82 presses against the capstan 20 through the tape 16c.

When the cam 49c of the gear wheel 49 undergoes one revolution, the head pushing lever 91 rotates clockwise. Hence, the head base 93 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1, and the magnetic head 76 makes contact with the tape 16c.

Accordingly, the tape 1 6c is driven in a state pinched between the pinch roller 82 and the capstan 20, and is taken up by the take-up reel shaft 18. The tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction indicated by the arrow X2, and the reverse track is formed on the tape 1 6c by the magnetic head 76.

In other words, the tape recorder 10 performs a direction changing operation when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected, and assumes the reverse reproduction mode.

When the tape 16c starts to move in the reverse direction, the solenoid 52 is made inoperative as described before. The sliding lever 55 slides in the direction of the arrow X1. and the T-shaped arm 56 and the L-shaped lever 58 resume the original states indicated by the solid lines in Fig. 1. In addition, the operating arm 26 is pushed and rotated clockwise by the tape moving direction detecting lever 28, but the switchover arm 29 is restricted from rotating clockwise by the mode selecting lever 24 which is set at the position 0. Hence, the switchover arm 29 remains in the original position and does not rotate, and the mode switching member 30 remains in the second state.

When the end of the tape 16c is detected when the tape recorder 10 assumes the reverse reproduction mode, the tape recorder 10 operates substantially in the same manner as when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward reproduction mode. The operating lever 48 is pushed and rotated by the mode switching member 30, and the tape driving mechanism and the magnetic head rotating mechanism operate and return to the respective original states shown in Fig. 5. In other words, the tape recorder 10 performs a direction changing operation and assumes the forward reproduction mode.

Therefore, the tape recorder 10 performs a direction changing operation every time the end of the tape 1 6c is detected, and alternately assumes the forward reproduction mode and the reverse reproduction mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (1-b) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the recording mode and the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 has the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction. In this case (1-b), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position 0, and the recording button 15e is pushed in the state shown in Fig. 1 in which the play button 1 sic is locked in the operating position. Both the recording button 15e and the play button 1 sic are locked in the respective operating positions by the lock plate 60, and the tape recorder 10 assumes the recording mode.

The recording mode detecting lever 40 moves in the direction of the arrow X2 responsive to the pushing of the recording button 15e. The connecting member 43 rotates clockwise, and the rod 44 moves in the direction of the arrow Y2. Hence, the mode selecting lever 24 is rotated clockwise by the rod 44, and the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position U where the pin 25a fits into the depression 24b.

In other words, when the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to the recording mode when the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode, the tape moving mode of the tape recorder 10 is forcibly changed to the U-mode from the O-mode. As will be described later on in the specification, the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to a stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected when the tape 1 6c is moving in the reverse direction, so that an erroneous recording will not be made over the pre-recorded forward track.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (I-c) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the recording mode and the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction. In this case (1-c), the tape moving mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed from the O-mode to the U-mode, as in the case (1 -b) described before.

As will be described later on in the specification, the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to the stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected when the tape 1 6c is moving in the forward direction, so that an erroneous recording will not be made over the prerecorded reverse track.

In other words, as shown in the table given before, the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 cannot be changed to the recording mode when the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (1-d) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the fast-forward, rewind, or cueing mode and the tape moving mode is set to the O-mode. When the fast-forward button 15b is pushed when the tape moving mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the O-mode, the fast-forward lever 37 is locked by the lock plate 60 at the position moved in the direction of the arrow Y1 as shown in Fig. 7. Due to this movement of the fast-forward lever 37 in the direction of the arrow Y1, the detecting lever 36 moves in the direction of the arrow X1, and the connecting lever 39 rotates counterclockwise. Among the members constituting the mode selecting mechanism 11, only the switchover arm 29 rotates clockwise.Accordingly, the mode switching member 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow Al in Fig. 4A and assumes the first state shown in Fig. 4B.

When the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the fast-forward mode, the support base 31 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1. The contact part 30b of the mode switching member 30 makes contact with the contact part 62b of the stop mode lever 62, and the stop mode lever 62 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y1. Due to this movement of the stop mode lever 62 in the direction of the arrow Yl, the lock plate SO is moved in the direction of the arrow X1 by way of the transmitting member 64. The locking with respect to the fast-forward lever 37 is cancelled, and the fast-forward button 15b is returned to the original position. The operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is thus changed to the stop mode.

During the cueing mode, a search is made to find the beginning of a desired pieces of music while the tape 1 6c moves in the forward direction at a high speed. Operations similar to the operations described above for the case where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the fast-forward mode, are performed when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the cueing mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (2-a) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the reproduction mode and the tape moving mode is set to the U-mode, by referring to Figs. 8 and 9. In this mode (2-a), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position U and the play button 1 sic is pushed, as shown in Fig. 8. When the mode selecting lever 24 is rotated from the position 0 to the position U, the mode selecting lever 24 rotates independently of the switchover arm 29, and the mode switching member 30 assumes the second state.

When the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward reproduction mode, the support base 31 moves in the direction of the arrow Y1 together with the mode switching member 30 and rotates the operating lever 48, as in the case described before. Accordingly, the mechanism shown in Fig. 5 operates, and the tape recorder 10 performs the direction changing operation, so as to change the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 to the reverse reproduction mode.

When the tape moving direction changes to the reverse direction, the tape moving directions detecting lever 28 moves in the direction of the arrow X2 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in Fig. 8 and as shown in Fig. 9, and the operating arm 26 rotates clockwise. In this state, the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position U, and the switchover arm 29 can rotate clockwise. For this reason, the switchover arm 29 is rotated clockwise through the spring 67 and the base member 65, responsive to the clockwise rotation of the operating arm 26. The mode switching member 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow Al and assumes the first state shown in Fig. 48.

Accordingly, when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the reverse reproduction mode, the mode switching member 30 moves the stop mode lever 62 in the direction of the arrow Y2.

Thus, the lock plate 60 moves in the direction of the arrow X1, and the locking with respect to the play button 1 sic in the operating position is cancelled. The play button 1 sic returns to the original position, and the tape recorder 10 assumes the stop mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (2-b) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the recording mode and the tape moving mode is set to the U-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 has the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction, by referring to Fig. 10. In this case (2-b), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position U, and the play button 1 sic and the recording button 15d are locked at the respective operating positions. The recording mode detecting lever 40 moves in the direction of the arrow X2 responsive to the pushing of the recording button 15d, and the rotary lever 50 rotates clockwise.The tab detecting member 27 is urged in the direction of the arrow X1 by the action of the spring 51. However, since the tab detecting plate 32 detects the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a and moves in the direction of the arrow Yl, the tab detecting member 27 is engaged by the pin 32a and is restricted from moving in the direction of the arrow X1. Thus, the tab detecting member 27 remains in the original position, and will not push the operating arm 26.

Hence, the mode selecting mechanism 11, the mode switching member 30, or the like, operate similarly as in the case described above where the tape recorder 10 assumes the reproduction mode. In other words, when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward recording mode, the direction changing operation is performed so that the operating mode is changed to the reverse recording mode. On the other hand, when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the reverse recording mode, the operating mode is changed to the stop mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (2-c) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the recording mode and the tape moving mode is set to the U-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction, by referring to Fig. 11. In this case (2-c), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position U, and the play button 1 sic and the recording button 15d are locked at the respective operating positions, as in the case described above.The tab detecting plate 32 does not detect the erroneous erasure preventing tab 1 6a, that is, it is detected that the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a. Thus, the tab detecting plate 32 moves in the direction of the arrow Y2, and the pin 32a escapes from the depression 27a of the tab detecting member 27. For this reason, the tab detecting member 27 moves in the direction of the arrow Xl, the operating arm 26 rotates clockwise, and the switchover arm 29 also rotates clockwise. Consequently, the mode switching member 30 rotates in the direction of the arrow Al and assumes the first state shown in Fig.

4B.

Accordingly, when the first end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward recording mode, the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to te stop mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (2-d) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the fast-forward, rewind, or cueing mode and the tape moving mode is set to the U-mode. In this case (2-d), the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to the stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected, regardless of whether the tape 1 6c is moving in the forward direction or the reverse direction, as in the case (1-d) described before.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (3-a) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the reproduction mode and the tape moving mode is set to the Mode, by referring to Fig. 12. In this case (3-a), the mode selecting lever 24 is set to the position I, and the play button 1 sic is pushed. Due to the rotation of the mode selecting lever 24 up to the position L the operating arm 26 and the switchover arm 29 rotate clockwise together with the base member 65. The mode switching member 30 assumes the second state shown in Fig. 4B.When the tape moving mode is set to the I-mode, the mode switching member 30 is maintained at the position where the tape stopping mechanism can be operated, regardless of the moving direction of the tape 15c, regardless of the operating mode of the tape recorder 10, and regardless of the existence of the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a.

When the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward reproduction mode or the reverse reproduction mode, the stop mode lever 62 is pushed by the mode switching member 30 and is moved in the direction of the arrow Yi. The play button 1 sic thus returns to the original position, and the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to the stop mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (3-b) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the reproduction mode and the tape moving mode is set to the I-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 has the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction. In this case (3-b), the tape recorder 10 operates similarly as described heretofore, and the operating mode is changed to the stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward recording mode or the reverse recording mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (3-c) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the reproduction mode and the tape moving mode is set to the I-mode, and the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a for preventing erroneous erasure when the tape 1 6c moves in the reverse direction. In this case (3-c), the tape recorder 10 operates similarly as described heretofore, and the operating mode is changed to the stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the forward recording mode or the reverse recording mode.

Next, description will be given with respect to a case (3-d) where the end of the tape 1 6c is detected in a state where the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is set to the fast-forward, rewind, or cueing mode and the tape moving mode is set to the I-mode. In this case (3-d), the tape recorder 10 operates similarly as described heretofore, and the operating mode is changed to the stop mode when the end of the tape 1 6c is detected during the fast-forward, rewind, or cueing mode.

Descriptions will now be given with respect to the manipulation of the mode selecting lever 24 and the manual direction change lever 45.

The mode selecting lever 24 is appropriately manipulated even when the tape recorder 10 assumes the reproduction mode, the recording mode, the fast-forward mode, or the rewind mode, and the tape moving mode is appropriately changed to one of the O-mode, the U-mode, and the I-mode. i However, during the recording mode, the rod 44 moves in the direction of the arrow Y2 as shown in Fig. 10, and for this reason, the position of the mode selecting lever 24 cannot be changed from the position U to the position 0.

The manual direction change lever 45 is manipulated to undergo a clockwise rotation when the tape 1 6c moves in the forward direction or the reverse direction, and the pushing lever 46 is moved in the direction of the arrow Y2.

During the reproduction mode, the pushing lever 46 opposes the operating lever 48 as shown in Fig. 1 and 8. The pushing lever 46 also opposes the operating lever 48 during the fastforward mode and the rewind mode. Hence, when the manual direction change lever 45 is manipulated during the reproduction mode, the fast-forward mode, or the rewind mode, the pushing lever 46 pushes the operating lever 48. As a result, the tape recorder 10 performs a direction changing operation so as to change the moving direction of the tape 16c. During the recording mode in which the loaded tape cassette 16 has the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a, the pushing lever 46 opposes the arm part 31b of the support base 31, as shown in Fig.

10. On the other hand, during the recording mode in which the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 1 spa, the pushing lever 42 opposes the arm part 31 b of the support base 31, as shown in Fig. 11. When the manual direction change lever 45 is manipulated during the recording mode, the support base 31 is pushed by the pushing lever 46 and is moved in the direction of the arrow Y1. For this reason, during the former recording mode in which the loaded tape cassette 16 has the erroneous erasure preventing tab 1 6a, the mode switching member 30 assumes the second state shown in Fig. 4A, and the tape recorder 10 performs the direction changing operation responsive to the manipulation of the manual direction change lever 45. During the latter recording mode in which the loaded tape cassette 16 does not have the erroneous erasure preventing tab 16a, the mode switching member 30 assumes the first state shown in Fig. 4B, and the operating mode of the tape recorder 10 is changed to the stop mode responsive to the manipulation of the manual direction change lever 45.

Further, the present invention is no limited to these embodiments, but various variations and modifications my be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tape recorder comprising: a tape moving mode setting mechanism for selectively setting a tape moving mode to a repetitive direction change mode, a direction change mode, or a unidirectional mode, said repetitive direction change mode being a tape moving mode in which a moving direction of a tape within a loaded tape cassette is alternately and repeatedly changed between a forward direction and a reverse direction responsive to a detection of an end of a tape, said direction change mode being a tape moving mode in which the tape moving direction is only changed to the reverse direction from the forward direction responsive to a detection of an end of the tape and the tape therafter moving in the reverse direction is stopped responsive to another detection of an end of the tape, said unidirectional mode being a tape moving mode in which the tape moving in the forward or reverse direction is stopped responsive to a detection of an end of the tape; a first mechanism operated responsive to the detection of an end of the tape regardless of the tape moving mode set by said tape moving mode setting mechanism; a tape stopping mechanism for stopping the moving tape when operated; a direction changing mechanism for changing the moving direction of the tape when operated; a tape moving direction detecting member for detecting the moving direction of the tape. and for assuming different positions responsive to the detected tape moving direction; and a second mechanism operated responsive to the tape moving mode set by said tape moving mode setting mechanism and to the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member, for assuming one of first and second states, said second mechanism operating said direction changing mechanism by said first mechanism in said first state and operating said tape stopping mechanism by said first mechanism in said second state, said second mechanism assuming said first state when the tape moving mode is set to said repetitive direction change mode by said tape moving mode setting mechanism, or when the tape moving mode is set to said direction change mode and the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member is the forward direction, said second mechanism assuming said second state when the tape moving mode is set to said direction change mode by said tape moving direction setting mechanism and the tape moving direction detected by said tape moving direction detecting member is the reverse direction, or when the tape moving mode is set to said unidirectional mode by said tape moving direction setting mechanism.

2. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 in which said first mechanism comprises a tape end detecting element for detecting the end of the tape, a solenoid operated responsive to an output of said tape end detecting element, a cam which rotates while the tape moves, and a lever mechanism engageable by said cam when said solenoid is operated, said lever mechanism being displaced in one direction by said cam which engages therewith.

3. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 in which said second mechanism comprises a member which is mounted on said first mechanism so that said member can undergo a displacment in a predetermined plane substantially perpendicular to a moving direction of said first mechanism, and said member undergoes the displacement in said predetermined plane so that said second mechanism assumes one of said first and second states.

4. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 in which said second mechanism comprises a shaft which is mounted on said first mechanism so that said shaft extends in a moving direction of said first mechanism, and a member pivotally supported by said shaft, and said member pivots so that said second mechanism assumes one of said first and second states.

5. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises fast-forward and rewind mode setting mechanisms for setting an operating mode of said tape recorder to a fast-forward mode or a rewind mode, and a linking mechanism operated responsive to the operating mode set by said fast-forward and rewind mode setting mechanisms, for operating said second mechanism to assume said second state when the operating mode is set to the fast-forward or rewind mode.

6. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises a recording mode setting mechanism for setting an operating mode of said tape recorder to a recording mode, a linking mechanism responsive to the operating mode set by said recording mode setting mechanism, for operating said second mechanism to assume said second state when the operating mode is set to the recording mode, and a tab detecting mechanism for detecting an existence of a an erroneous erasure preventing tab which is provided on said loaded tape cassette so as to prevent an erroneous erasure when the tape moves in the reverse direction, said linking mechanism being operative when said erroneous erasure preventing tab is detected by said tab detecting mechanism, and being restrictively operative when no erroneous erasure detecting tab is detected by said erroneous erasure detecting mechanism.

7. A tape recorder as claimed in claim 1 which further comprises a recording mode setting mechanism for setting an operating mode of said tape recorder to a recording mode, and a mechanism for forcibly changing the tape moving mode set by said tape moving mode setting mechanism from said repetitive direction change mode to said direction change mode when the operating mode is set to said recording mode by said recording mode setting mechanism in a state where the tape moving mode has been set to said repetitive direction change mode by said tape moving mode setting mechanism.