Escalator Mechanism
Escalators consist of continuous and interconnected metal steps attached, and the return steps are hidden under the upper steps. Still, when we look at the stairs in terms of classification, we see that the stairs are divided into three general categories, which are:
Stairs that are installed in closed environments or inside the building. (Indoor)
Stairs that are installed in open and outdoor environments. (outdoor)
Stairs that are installed in semi-closed environments. (semi-outdoor)
Escalators intended for use in open places must be more resistant and have a higher quality and durability. The amount of people moving when using ordinary stairs is not comparable. Statistics have shown that if we use escalators in shopping centers to move visitors to higher floors, the possibility of visiting increases significantly.
In recent years, the use of escalators has become increasingly popular around the world. For example, in the United States of America, an estimated 30 million escalators are in operation, which covers 90 billion movements annually. Therefore, escalators are considered one of the most important means of public transportation and play a significant role in people’s movement.
Inside the escalator
Escalators have an electric motor, which in some cases is designed with two motors side by side. Escalators, which are known as steps, have two wheels on both sides placed on a step chain.
The step chain is placed around the main shaft, which is connected to the motor by a motor chain. Escalators have a safety micro switch that prevents the device from damaging itself or the passenger.
Escalator Installation
One of the essential points about escalators is their installation. Escalators must be designed to be placed on the main beams of the structure and placed on the seat only by weight force and without the use of welding or screws.
For escalators above 6 meters, a middle base is designed. Also, the escalator is divided into multiple pieces according to the floor-to-floor height and the environmental conditions of the project or is sent to the project site and installed and assembled by a specialist.
Like other mechanical devices, Escalators require service, repairs, and maintenance, which professionals perform.