Brake mechanism of magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus

A brake mechanism of a magnetic recording/reproducing apparatus for applying to a reel a predetermined plurality of stages of brake torque by urging forces of an elastic member, comprising:

• a brake member provided so as to be pivotable, including a pressing part for applying a brake torque to the reel by pressing, and being movable between a pressing position where a brake torque is applied to the reel and a releasing position where the reel is released;
• an urging force switching member provided so as to be pivotable and movable among a plurality of specified action positions when the brake member is stopped at the pressing position or releasing position;
• an elastic member provided between said brake member and said urging force switching member for applying a different urging force to the brake member according to the action position of said urging force switching member;
• and
• a drive and control member for independently driving said urging force switching member to any particular one of the plurality of specified action positions when the brake member is stopped at either of the pressing position or releasing position, and for independently driving said brake member either to the pressing position or the releasing position when the urging force switching member is stopped at one of the plurality of specified action positions.