Abstract: A drive system includes an electric motor having a rotor and a stator. A nut is rigidly connected to the rotor. A spindle is positioned to be non-rotating and has a drive connection with the nut. A piston rod has one longitudinal end fixed to the spindle, with the spindle extending coaxial to the piston rod. The spindle is driven by the nut in response to rotation of the rotor so that the piston rod executes a linear movement controlled by the electric motor.

Abstract: By monitoring the load of the electric motor, it can be reliably determined when the electric motor runs up against a stop in the starting position of the awning, etc.The electric motor turns off automatically and resets an internal counter. When the awning, etc., is being extended, a certain number of pulses is counted per rotation of the electric motor, and after a certain predetermined count value is reached, which indicates that the awning, etc., has arrived at end position, the electric motor is turned off. Because the counting device is reset in the starting position, the electric motor automatically compensates for any change which may have occurred in the length of the fabric of the awning, etc., the next time an actuation is carried out.