Multi-cartridge apparatus for recording and reproducing audio signals automatically and successively

An apparatus for recording and reproducing audio signals automatically and successively from a plurality of cartridges, comprising:

• cartridge receiving means having a plurality of spaces defined by at least one partition wall provided between upper and lower base plates, each space receiving one cartridge therein;
• transducing head means and cartridge sensing switch means mounted in each cartridge receiving space;
• bias means mounted in each cartridge receiving space for normally urging a cartridge in a cartridge receiving space out of engagement with the corresponding transducing head means and sensing switch means;
• cartridge moving means mounted in each cartridge receiving space for selectively moving a cartridge in that space into an operating position in contact with the corresponding transducing head means and against the force of said bias means, said cartridge moving means including a locking lever pivotally mounted for movement in the corresponding cartridge receiving space and having a lock roller mounted at one end portion for engagement with a recess in the corresponding cartridge, means coupled to said lock lever for urging the lock lever in a direction of movement such that said lock roller contacts said cartridge, a locking cam having a cam slope which contacts the other end portion of said locking lever, each locking cam being mounted on a common control cam shaft such that the cam slope of each locking cam is angularly offset from each other locking cam slope;
• and
• control means coupled to said control cam shaft to rotate said cam shaft upon a predetermined control signal to selectively control the movement of said cartridges into and out of engagement with their corresponding transducing head means.