Figs. 751 to 753.--Monitor control switches. [Fig. 751], push button "start" and "stop" switch; [fig. 752], safety lever control switch with "slow" and "fast" buttons for rotary printing presses. This device will upon pressure of the "start" button, set the machine in motion and bring it up to the predetermined speed, either as previously set by the starter limits or by the setting of the rheostat arm. The stop button projects some distance beyond any other portion of the device, in order that in case of emergency the operator may stop the machine merely by hitting the face of the switch with his open hand. The lever control switch, [fig. 753], is similar in its action to the push button switch but combines two other features: locking point, and visual indication of the station from whence the press has been stopped. With the lever at the downward position, the press is locked and cannot be started from any other station. In order to make the press ready to start the lever must be raised to the central position. Thus a man may safely enter the press without delay by setting his station to the locked position, knowing that it cannot be started except by some one coming to that station and realizing that the press has been purposely locked. Also, by looking along the press, it is possible to tell from which station it has been locked, and proper action can be immediately taken. The safety control station is usually combined for use on large rotary presses with the "slow" and "fast" push buttons as shown in [fig. 752]. A pressure upon the fast or slow buttons will cause the press speed to be correspondingly accelerated or retarded, and this action will continue so long as the button is pressed. The press continues to run at the speed attained at the instant of releasing the button. Any speed may, therefore, be selected or changed to suit momentary requirements. This gives complete control excepting reversal which is not required of such a press.
Fig. 754.--Wiring diagram of the standard form of Monitor controller. A set of solenoids are connected in series and so interoperating as to cut resistance out of the armature circuit of the motor as the apparatus it is driving comes up to speed. The controller is designed to be used on all classes of work. In its simplest form, a single copper and graphite contact, is controlled by two magnets, so proportioned as to cut out the entire starting resistance when the armature current falls to a predetermined value. In the larger sizes, the number of steps controlling the resistance is increased and arranged to produce the correct acceleration. In every case the regulation of the starting resistance is effected entirely by the current passing to the motor without the use of dash pot, mechanical governor or delicate cut outs. The time element is thus directly proportioned to the load and the motor brought up to speed in the shortest time consistent with the load, but always with safe limitation of the armature current. The distinction between the current controlled starter and the starter with dash pot governor should be noted. The starter here shown limits the starting current to a fixed value throughout the starting operation, which is an ideal condition and prevents blowing fuses in starting.
Ques. How can shunt motors be controlled from a distant point?
Ans. The starter and switch are placed at the desired point and the two main wires and the field wires run from that point to the motor.
This requires additional wire which increases the cost and line loss.
Regulation of Motor Speed.--Motors are generally run on constant voltage circuits. Under these conditions, the speed of series motors varies with the load and at light loads becomes excessive. Shunt motors run at nearly constant speeds.
For many purposes, particularly for traction, and for driving tools, it is desirable to have speed regulation, so that motors running on constant voltage circuits may be made to run at different speeds.