Tape driving mechanism for tape recorders with solenoid operated clutch pulleys

Claim 1

Tape recording and/or playback apparatus comprising a pair of splined spindles spaced apart so as to receive a tape cassette, drive pulleys disposed coaxially with respect to the spindles, one for each spindle, transmission means via which the spindles are coupled continuously to receive, in operation of the apparatus driving torque from a motor and two solenoid operated face plate clutches one for each pulley, for mechanically coupling one or other of the drive pulleys coaxially in driving engagement with its associated spindle so as to effect fast tape wind or re-wind in accordance with which one of the said clutches is engaged, said apparatus also comprising a pinch roller, a magnetic head assembly, a carrier arm supporting the pinch roller and magnetic head assembly in spaced apart relationship, a further solenoid operatively associated with the carrier arm, a pivot about which the carrier arm is moved consequent upon operation of the solenoid, the magnetic head assembly and pinch roller being arranged on a common radial line through the pivot and to one side of the pivot, a capstan, a flywheel coupled coaxially with the capstan, and a motor for driving the capstan, the arrangement being such that when the carrier arm is moved consequent upon operation of the further solenoid the magnetic head assembly is brought into contact with magnetic tape carried in a tape cassette and the pinch roller is moved so that the tape is pinched for driving purposes between the pinch roller and the capstan, the axis of the pinch roller being fixed with respect to the axis of the capstan when these parts are brought together for driving the tape.