Mode selecting device for a video signal reproducing apparatus

A device for selecting the mode of operation of an apparatus for reproducing video signals recorded on a record medium during movement of the latter, said device comprising:

• a control shaft adapted to rotate about an axis;
• a control member for manually controlling the rotation of said control shaft about said axis;
• latch means for maintaining said control shaft in one of a first and second axial position along said axis;
• drive gear means fixedly mounted on said control shaft;
• rotation detecting means for detecting the rotational speed and the angular position of said control shaft about said axis;
• brake member means;
• friction means having clutch means adapted to engage with said drive gear means when said control shaft is maintained in said first axial position and which is disengaged from said drive gear means when said control shaft is maintained in said second axial position;
• spring means for biasing said friction means into engagement with said brake member means when said control shaft is maintained in said first axial position so as to maintain said control shaft at a desired angular position;
• center position detecting means for detecting a center rotational position of said control shaft when the latter is maintained in said first axial position, said center rotational position corresponding to a still motion mode of said record medium, said center position detecting means including a shutter plate coupled to said control shaft when the latter is maintained in said first axial position;
• and
• return means for returning said shutter plate to said center rotational position when said control shaft is maintained in said second axial position.