Escalator: What is and How to Choose?

Escalators are common in large shopping malls, complexes, subways and other large buildings, and are common mobile auxiliary facilities and tools. There is no doubt that the setup of escalators provides great convenience for people to move between different stairs. If you are looking to purchase an escalator for your facility or are ready to invest in it, it is essential that you know something about escalators.

In this article you will learn:

• What is an escalator
• The structure of the escalator
• How escalators work
• How to choose an Escalator Manufacturer

What is an escalator

Electric ladders are generally inclined. Pedestrians stand on one end of the escalator and walk on the steps automatically, and they will automatically be brought to the other end of the escalator, and the steps will remain horizontal all the way. There are handrails on both sides of the ladder that move synchronously with the steps for users to hold. The escalator can always walk in one direction, but most of them can be controlled by the management personnel according to the needs of time and flow of people. Another kind of pedestrian transportation\transportation tool very similar to the escalator is the moving sidewalk. The main difference between the two is that the moving walks have no steps; most only walk on flat ground, or are slightly inclined.

The structure of the escalator

The escalator consists of a ladder road (modified slat conveyor) and handrails on both sides (modified belt conveyor). Its main components are steps, traction chains and sprockets, guide rail systems, main drive systems (including motors, deceleration devices, brakes and intermediate transmission links, etc.) electrical system etc. The steps gradually form steps after the horizontal movement at the passenger entrance (convenient for passengers to climb the stairs); when approaching the entrance, the steps gradually disappear, and the steps move horizontally again. These movements are realized by the step main wheel and the auxiliary wheel walking along different step guide rails respectively.

How escalators work

At the heart of the escalator are two chains, which rotate in cycles around two pairs of gears. At the top of the escalator, an electric motor drives the drive gear to turn the chainrings. A typical escalator uses a 100-horsepower engine to turn the gears. Both the engine and chain system are mounted in a truss, a metal structure that extends between two floors.

Unlike a conveyor belt that moves a plane, a chain link moves a set of steps. The most interesting thing about escalators is the way these steps move. The steps remain level as the chain moves. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the steps fold over each other to form a platform. This makes it easier to get up and down the escalator.

Each step on an escalator has two sets of wheels that turn along two separate tracks. The upper unit (the wheels near the top of the steps) is attached to a rotating chain and pulled by a drive gear located at the top of the escalator. The other sets of wheels simply slide along the track, following the first set of wheels.

The two tracks are spaced apart from each other, which keeps each step level. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the track is in a horizontal position, allowing the steps to flatten out. Each step has a series of grooves inside to connect it with the front and rear steps during the flattening process.

In addition to turning the main chain link, the electric motor in the escalator also moves the handrail. The handrail is just a rubber conveyor belt that loops around a series of wheels. The conveyor belt is precisely configured to move at exactly the same speed as the steps, giving occupants a smooth ride.

The escalator system is not capable of lifting people up dozens of floors like an escalator, but it is very suitable for providing short distance transportation. This is because of the high load rate of escalators. When the escalator is full, no one else can get on the escalator until it reaches the designated floor and returns. On an escalator, as long as one person reaches the upper level, space is made for others.

Classification of escalators

There is no strict classification method for escalators. They are generally divided into two categories: light and heavy. According to the decoration of the escalator, they are also divided into transparent unsupported, fully transparent with support, translucent or opaque with support, and outdoor escalators.

1. According to the conveying capacity, it is divided into different step widths, lifting heights and inclination angles. Transport capacity is divided by the number of passengers transported per hour.

2. According to the driving method, it is divided into end-driven escalators (or chain-type escalators) and intermediate-driven escalators (or rack-type escalators).

3. According to the form, it is divided into a stepped type with a manned person and a slope type suitable for trolleys in a large supermarket.

4. According to the operating frequency, it is divided into constant speed operation and variable frequency type (almost pause when no one is there).

Important Tips for Choosing an Escalator Manufacturer

• Evaluate various escalator styles

  Style is also a key consideration when choosing a new escalator. New escalators come in a variety of styles, so you'll want to choose the model that matches your home's interior design scheme. If your building has classic design elements, it will be important to choose a classic-style escalator with a matching tone. Modern buildings may look best when paired with streamlined escalators.

• Ask about maintenance plans

  The right escalator will be easy to maintain over the years. When you're buying a new escalator for your building, you can ask your sales team to help you find a new escalator with a proven track record. When you make a purchase, you may also want to ask about any warranty or service plans that came with your device. By choosing your escalator carefully, you will love your purchase.

• Maintain your escalator assets

  Regular maintenance by professionals will help avoid sudden failures. But even so, it's worth asking about procedures for minor emergencies.

• Investigate the background of escalator manufacturers

  After choosing the escalator you want, you must learn more about the escalator manufacturer that will cooperate with you. You must understand their business capabilities, after-sales capabilities and reputation to protect your own interests.

• Keep an eye on your costs

  There's no doubt that choosing the right escalator is a big investment, so be mindful of your costs and don't let an overly expensive escalator become a burden on you. We recommend you to choose escalator manufacturers in China who can keep the high quality of their products while having competitive prices.

Choose the right escalator

Whether you want any help with escalators, or shopping for an escalator, Joylive Elevator can help you get the right escalator for your building. Contact us now!