Tape recording and reproducing apparatus with a mechanism for changing over the electrical characteristics of the apparatus

Claim 1

A cassette-type magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus employing a tape cassette containing a pair of reels and a magnetic tape of a predetermined length transported therebetween, said magnetic tape being formed either by a first type of magnetic material having first characteristics or a second type of magnetic material having second characteristics, said tape cassette being provided at the back wall thereof with means indicating the type of the magnetic tape contained therein, a depressable-key board including at least a playback key, magnetic head means, a carrier means having said magnetic head means mounted thereon and being forwardly movable by depressing said playback key so that said magnetic head means is brought into engagement with said magnetic tape, and a mechanism including switch means for changing over the electrical characteristicS of said magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus so as to match the type of the magnetic material forming said magnetic tape, characterized in that said changeover mechanism comprises detector means contacting said indication means of said tape cassette and assuming a first or position according to the type of the magnetic material forming said magnetic tape contained in said tape cassette, shifter means mechanically coupled to said detector means, and actuator means pivotally mounted on said shifter means for actuating said switch means, said shifter means assuming in accordance with the position of said detector means either a first position where said actuator means is engaged by said carrier means when the latter is forwardly moved in response to the depression of said playback key or a second position where said actuator means is not engaged by said carrier means when the latter is caused to effect said movement, wherein when said detector means assumes said first position and said playback key is depressed, said actuator means is engaged by said carrier means and is pivotally moved to actuate said switch means, thereby changing over the electrical characteristics of said apparatus.