Magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus

A magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus for loading a tape from a first state, in which the tape is mounted on a chassis, to a second state, in which a tape running path is formed as a result of a tape guide element pulling out and winding the tape at a prescribed position, the magnetic recording and reproduction apparatus comprising:

• a tape guide element guiding member for guiding the tape guide element;
• a bendable chain-like driving member having a first end and a second end, the chain-like driving member being connected to the tape guide element guiding member at the first end, and the second end of the chain-like driving member being pulled or pushed so as to produce a reciprocating movement of the tape guide element guiding member;
• and
• a chain guiding member for guiding the chain-like driving member,
• wherein:
• the chain-like driving member includes a plurality of flexures for facilitating a bending movement of the chain-like driving member, and
• the chain-like driving member causes a reciprocating movement of the tape guide element while being bent during a loading operation for transferring from the first state into the second state and an unloading operation for transferring from the second state into the first state.