A motor comprises: coil on/off switching devices for switching between an
on-state wherein current is supplied to the coils, and a first off-state
wherein the coil terminals are open-circuited or a second off-state
wherein the coil terminals are short-circuited; and a coil current
control device for controlling switching operations of the coil on/off
switching devices according to commands input to the motor. In the event
that motor movement with great mechanical compliance is required, the
ratio of the period of the first off-state is increased, and on the other
hand, in the event that motor movement with great viscosity resistance is
required, the ratio of the period of the second off-state is increased.
This solves the problems of torque loss and cogging during a period
wherein no current is applied to the coil.