Tension control mechanism for a recording/reproducing device

Claim 1

In a recording and reproduction device for a tape-like carrier having at least one scanning device and two spools for the carrier, first and second tape-tension adjusting levers, and first and second guidance devices disposed on said levers, respectively, for guiding and maintining the carrier thereon, spring means exerting a force against said levers, the levers being displaceable from a rest position to one of a plurality of operating positions against the force of the spring means, the force having a first value sufficient to maintain the carrier on the guidance devices, a second larger value for selective recording and reproduction of the carrier, and a third largest value for fast rewinding of the carrier, the improvement comprising, in combination: tape-tension adjusting means for the spring means, wherein the force of the spring means has first, second and third deflection regions, controllable by said tape-tension adjusting means, the force of said spring means being adjustable by said tape-tension adjusting means in said first region to said first value, being adjustable, in said second region to said second value, and being adjustable in said third region to said third value, said third value being below a predetermined maximum allowable value that, if attained, would result in a permanent deformation of said tape-like carrier, said spring means comprising first, second and third pre-stressed tension springs, wherein the displacement of said first spring is limited against a force having said first value, wherein said second and third springs are jointly displaceable against a force having said second value, and wherein the displacement of the tape-tension adjusting levers at their extreme positions is limited against a force having said third value.