Automatic tape loading type recording and/or reproducing apparatus having a pinch roller actuating device

Claim 1

Automatic tape loading type recording and/or reproducing apparatus comprising loading means for drawing a tape-form of recording medium out of a tape housing structure and loading the same along a specific tape path, moving means for moving said loading means from a disengaged position to an operative position and for returning the same from the operative position to the disengaged position, a capstan means and pinch roller means disposed along the specific tape path, pinch roller actuating means responsive to the arrival of said loading means at the operative position for pressing said pinch roller against said capstan with the recording medium interposed therebetween to move the recording medium along the specific tape path, and means for recording and/or reproducing from the recording medium moving along the specific tape path signals, said pinch roller actuating means comprising: a. a solenoid having a plunger rod, one end of which is provided with a pin; b. a lever member engaging the pin of the solenoid plunger, said lever member being pivoted on a pivot pin; c. a pressing member swingable between first and second positions, at the first position said pressing member being spaced apart from the pinch roller whiCh is spaced apart from said capstan and releasably engaging the pin of the plunger rod in an unenergized state of said solenoid, at the second position the pressing member pressing the pinch roller against said capstan with the recording medium interposed therebetween; d. pushing means for releasing said pressing member from engagement with the pin of the plunger rod and moving said pressing member from the first position toward the second position to contact and move the pinch roller toward said capstan, as said loading means moves from the disengaged position toward the operative position; e. energizing means responsive to the arrival of said loading means at the operative position for energizing said solenoid to pull the plunger rod and rotate said lever member about the pivot pin whereby said pressing member is impacted by the pin of the moving plunger rod and engaged by the pin of the plunger rod so as to swing to the second position; f. locking means responsive to the rotation of said lever member by said energizing means for locking said pressing member at the second position and holding the pinch roller pressed against said capstan while said loading means lies on the operative position.