Device for selecting tape-reel control mode

In combination, a device for selecting a tape-reel control mode adapted for use in a video tape recorder and/or player having a tape deck and having a pair of tape-reel setting discs to which a pair of tape reels journalled in a tape-cassette, support a tape portion stretched therebetween, are removably engaged as the tape-cassette is set on the deck, a torque transmission device for selectively supplying torque power from a drive motor to either one of the tape-reel setting discs, and means for braking said tape-reel setting discs under a selected predetermined control mode together with means for preventing slack in said stretched portion of a tape between said tape-reels, said braking means including braking members, characterized by a shift member retractably supported to a chassis and adapted to regulate said braking members, means for biasing said shift member at a braking position as the control mode is changed from a fast-running mode to another mode, a mode selecting cam associated to said shift member through a cam follow member, a cam-drive motor, a locking member adapted to lock said cam follow member at said fast-running mode position against biasing means, means for relieving the lock condition of said locking member relative to said cam follow member in such a manner that said mode selecting cam is controllably driven by said cam-drive motor in the same direction as that in the previous fast-running mode, just after the control mode is changed from the previous mode to the next mode;

• and means for locking said shift member in a fast-running mode position, and means for relieving the shift member from the locking condition, whereby said mode selecting cam being regulated by said cam drive motor just when the control mode is changed from the previous mode, thereby actuating said braking members ahead of the time at which said cam-drive motor starts under the next mode without it being loaded by said mode-selecting cam, and whereby said means for relieving includes an abutting member disposed on said locking member and a guide piece mounted on the mode-selecting cam so that the locking member turned with its abutting member being deflected by the guide piece in a manner to be disengaged from a free-end of said cam follow member when said mode-selecting cam is further turned in a counter-clockwise direction in which the tape-reel setting disc is driven under said fast-running mode.