US4507599A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and device for controlling a stepping motor
Assignee: ETA SA Manufacture Horlogere Suisse
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Filing: 1983-09-29
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Granted: 1985-03-26
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Expires: 2003-09-29
Abstract
Abstract The rotor of a stepping motor may remain blocked in an intermediate position different from a rest position if its control circuit adjusts the electric energy of the driving pulses to the minimum corresponding to the actual mechanical load of the motor determined by a measuring circuit. To remove this risk, the method consists in producing with the aid of a generator and applying to the motor, pulses which allow release of the rotor when it has remained blocked in an intermediate position in response to a driving pulse. The release pulses are distinct from any correction pulses which are applied in known manner to make up a lost step. The release pulses precede the correction pulses and are preferably of such polarity as to return the rotor to its starting position to ensure correct action of the ensuing correction pulses. This method applies in particular to the control of the stepping motor of an electronic timepiece.
Inventors
- 👤 Yves Guerin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:27
CPC Classifications
G; G04; G04C; G04C3/00; G04C3/14; G04C3/143
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
Method for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of any other influence, comprising the steps of: applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; applying a release pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; and then applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
Method for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of any other influence, comprising the steps of: applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; applying a release pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; and then applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 1, wherein said release pulse is applied to said coil with the opposite polarity to that of the immediately preceding driving pulse.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
119 words
Method for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of any other influence, comprising the steps of: applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; applying a release pulse to said coil after each driving pulse for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; and applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
119 words
Method for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of any other influence, comprising the steps of: applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; applying a release pulse to said coil after each driving pulse for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; and applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 3, wherein said release pulse is applied to said coil with the opposite polarity to that of the immediately preceding driving pulse.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
132 words
Device for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of current in said coil, comprising: means for applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; means for producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; generator means for applying a release pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; and means for applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal after said release pulse.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
132 words
Device for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of current in said coil, comprising: means for applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; means for producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; generator means for applying a release pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; and means for applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal after said release pulse.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 5, wherein said release pulse has the opposite polarity of the immediately preceding driving pulse.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
126 words
Device for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of current in said coil, comprising: means for applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; generator means for applying a release pulse to said coil after each driving pulse for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; means for producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; and means for applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
126 words
Device for controlling a stepping motor having a coil, a rotor magnetically coupled to said coil and means for bringing said rotor into, or maintaining it in, at least one rest position in the absence of current in said coil, comprising: means for applying a driving pulse to said coil each time the rotor is to turn by one step; generator means for applying a release pulse to said coil after each driving pulse for causing said rotor to be released if it has been blocked during said step; means for producing a detection signal if said rotor has not correctly completed its step in response to said driving pulse; and means for applying a correction pulse to said coil in response to said detection signal.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 7, wherein said release pulse has the opposite polarity of the immediately preceding driving pulse.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-03-25 | 1988-09-24 | 1989-03-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-03-25 | 1992-09-24 | 1993-03-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-03-25 | 1996-09-24 | 1997-03-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |