Abstract: A device for driving a positioning element via a stepping motor is described. This device makes it possible to continue operating the stepping motor in conjunction with its use as an encoder during phases without electrical control, so that the position last reached under electrical control, with a zero-current change in the position, possibly as a result of manual operation of the positioning element that is rotationally or frictionally coupled with the motor rotor, is constantly updated so that the control electronics is informed at all times of the actual position from which the stepping motor is to be controlled electrically to assume a new position. The device not only permits eliminating indexing devices that are subject to wear, but also allows automatic return, for example of a positioning element to its previous starting position after it has been shifted or adjusted from by an outside influence.

Abstract: The connection of the circuit board (7) of the appliance to connector blocks (10) is obtained by inserting and soldering holders (11) having connecting terminals (16) to the circuit board, connector blocks (10) being loosely attached to said connecting terminals (16). The mutual mechanical and electric connection is obtained by inserting the assembly into a case which secures the connector blocks to the circuit board, on one hand, and by fastening clamps which establish a connection of the connecting terminals (16) to connected conductors. The assembly of the appliance is particularly rational since the holders (11) with the connecting terminals are placed on the circuit board together with the remaining, non-represented components and are soldered thereto in common, the connector blocks (10) being simply slid on. The assembly is thus well suited for automation. The connector blocks abut to the edges of the circuit board (7), thus allowing a good space utilization and a compact construction.

Abstract: A housing for a control apparatus is made of a synthetic material and includes a lower part and a cover. In the lower part are provided an upper printed board and one or more lower printed boards. Additional modules can be connected with the upper printed board by means of connectors. The lower printed boards are inserted on supporting ribs and between guiding ribs under the upper printed board and in the inserted condition they are exchangeably connected with a printed bus. At the bottom of the lower part of the housing is fastened a screening sheet. The housing of the apparatus can be realized at low costs and due to the screening sheet, a sufficient screening can be guaranteed. The two or three stages permit a compact construction of the apparatus and notwithstanding, all printed boards are easily accessible, in that the lower printed boards are to be removed without any dismounting of the upper printed board.

Abstract: A central carrier, which is constructed as a stamped part or a metallized plastic part is used for the mutual electrical and mechanical connection of the other components of the system. A plastic material and molded part is sprayed around the carrier. In turn, this molded part holds together the carrier which, after the plastic was sprayed around it, was divided into electrically insulated conductor parts, and which molded part forms housing walls as well as a plug casing.

Abstract: A valve head is actuated by a resetting spring, on one hand, and on the other hand, by the rotor of a motor acting upon a screw and nut assembly. The rotor of the motor is axially coupled to a plunger of an electromagnet. Said valve head, the rotor of the motor, and said plunger of said electromagnet are thus jointly displaceable in the axial direction. In the resting position, or in the case of a power breakdown, said valve is closed by a spring, and said rotor as well as said plunger of said de-energized electromagnet are axially displaced. In the working position, said plunger is attracted and maintained in its working position by a pole piece of said electromagnet, and said rotor is also maintained in its working position in order to regulate the position of said valve head by means of said screw and nut assembly.

Abstract: Small-size motors, particularly vehicle step motors in a system used to adjust vehicle parts, are connected directly with a housing in which an assigned electronic control system is housed. A bus supplies each of the motors or its associated electronic control system with adjusting commands and energy. The housings in which the electronic control systems are housed, are closed off tightly with respect to dust and dirt but not with respect to vapor, so that moisture can diffuse out of these housings. This arrangement permits a simple and operationally reliable construction.

Abstract: A headlamp positioning device having a stepping motor and a sensor for detecting loss of steps in the motor. An electronic controller operating in open-loop with the motor automatically reinitiates the positioning upon the detection of loss of steps due to an impediment during the positioning of the headlamps.

Abstract: By means of a potentiometer an analog voltage Ua is applied to an A/D converter. A reference voltage Uref is also applied to the A/D converter and the same produces a digital output information corresponding to the ratio between the analog voltage and the reference voltage. This digital output information of the A/D converter is periodically counted by a preselection counter and this counter delivers an output pulse whenever it has counted the value stored in the A/D converter. The potentiometer, A/D converter and counter form a time base of which the time unit depends on the position of the potentiometer only and not on fluctuations of the operating voltage. Due to the continuous periodic sampling and storing of the digital output information of the A/D converter, high accuracy of the time basis is obtained since a statistic mean value of the digital value is repeatedly counted.

Abstract: A rotor of T-shaped section lies on the motor shaft. The rotor comprises two external symmetrical collars which comprise radial magnetized permanent magnetic poles. Two identical stator parts, symmetrically arranged in the motor comprise external pole teeth lying external resp. internal of each of one of the collars of the motor. This gives rise to a radial flow of magnetic flux in the external lying, radially magnetized permanent magnetic poles of the rotor which leads to a high torque and efficiency. The construction of the motor is simple. Relatively thin material may be used. Relatively high number of poles are possible due to the fact that the effective poles, of the stator and of the rotor lie at the outside.