Seiko Instruments Inc. has developed "SSM" series, small but high-torque stepping motors. This motor is expected to be suitable to drive a lens of a phonecam, a shutter and diaphragm of a digital camera, etc.
The newly developed motors "SSM-4029" and "SSM-4049" measure diameter: 4.0 mm x length: 2.9 mm and 4.0 x 4.9 mm, respectively. The former motor is the world's smallest at practical level and produces a torque of 0.033 mN·m. The latter motor boasts a torque of 0.059 mN·m, which is equivalent to that of the previous product although its length has been reduced. Both models exhibit a high resolution featuring a step angle of 18°.
Small stepping motors are often used as a driving source for digital cameras and phonecams since they provide easy and precise control of the drive angle. However, although the devices on which it is mounted are becoming smaller, it has been difficult to reduce the size of a stepping motor. To address that issue, SII has revamped the motor design by adopting its proprietary terminal configuration as well as optimizing the magnetic circuit and contriving small mechanical parts used in the SSM series. As a result, SII has succeeded in size reduction of the motor without changing the coil volume.
Along with the stepping motor, SII also offers high precision modules using micro gears and small-diameter lead screws. An overseas optical equipment manufacturer reportedly cooperated in the development.
Chiho Matsuda, Nikkei Monozukuri
Nikkei Electronics |
Nikkei Monozukuri |
Nikkei Automotive Technology |
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
 |
| The magazine for electronics designers and managers. | Design You Won't Regret - How to Reduce the Risk of Accidents | The comprehensive automotive technology magazine. |
Copyright © 1995-2010 Nikkei Business Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.
All editorial content and graphics on this Web site may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the copyright owner.
