The core components of an escalator are two chains that rotate in cycles around two pairs of gears. At the top of the escalator, there is an electric motor driving the transmission gear to rotate the chain ring. A typical escalator uses a 100 horsepower engine to rotate the gears. The engine and chain system are both installed in a truss, which refers to a metal structure that extends between two floors.
Unlike the conveyor belt moving one plane, the chain loop moves a set of steps. The most interesting aspect of escalators is the way these steps move. The steps remain level while the chain is moving. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the steps fold together to form a platform. This makes it easier to climb up and down the escalator.
Each step on the escalator has two sets of wheels that rotate along two separate tracks. The upper device (wheel near the top of the step) is connected to a rotating chain and pulled by a drive gear located at the top of the escalator. The wheels of the other groups only slide along the track, following behind the first group of wheels.
The two tracks are separated from each other, which keeps each step level. At the top and bottom of the escalator, the tracks are in a horizontal position to flatten the steps. There are a series of grooves inside each step to connect with the front and rear steps during the flattening process. In addition to rotating the main chain link, the electric motor in the escalator can also move the handrail.
The armrest is just a rubber conveyor belt that circulates around a series of wheels. The conveyor belt is precisely configured to move at the same speed as the steps, making the passenger feel smooth. The escalator system is not like elevators that can lift people up dozens of floors, but it is very suitable for providing short distance transportation. This is because of the high load rate of the escalator.
After the elevator is full, it must wait until it reaches the designated floor and returns before others can board the elevator. On an escalator, as long as one person reaches the upper level, they will make room for others.