Escalator - Revision history

Editor at 17:42, 10 November 2021

2021-11-10T17:42:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:42, 10 November 2021
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	Escalators are driven by a motor and chain system inside the truss. At its core are a pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears. The gears at the top of the escalator are turned by an electric motor, which in turn rotates the chain loops. The electric motor also powers the moving handrail which is looped around a series of wheels and is configured so that it moves at a similar speed to the steps.		Escalators are driven by a motor and chain system inside the truss. At its core are a pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears. The gears at the top of the escalator are turned by an electric motor, which in turn rotates the chain loops. The electric motor also powers the moving handrail which is looped around a series of wheels and is configured so that it moves at a similar speed to the steps.

−	~~= Find out more =~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===	+

	* Accessibility in the built environment.		* Accessibility in the built environment.
Line 93:		Line 91:
	* Stair design.		* Stair design.
	* Stairlift.		* Stairlift.
		+	* Walkway.
	* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.		* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 07:16, 24 September 2020

2020-09-24T07:16:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:16, 24 September 2020
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	* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.		* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.

−	[[Category:~~Design~~]] [[Category:~~Products_/_components~~]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Editor at 11:43, 23 November 2017

2017-11-23T11:43:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:43, 23 November 2017
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	~~Escalator~~ are mechanical devices used for transporting people vertically between different levels of buildings. Typically, they take the form of a moving staircase, consisting of a 'chain' of single-piece aluminium or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.	+	Escalators are mechanical devices used for transporting people vertically between different levels of buildings. Typically, they take the form of a moving staircase, consisting of a 'chain' of single-piece aluminium or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.

	Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of people is required, such as shopping centres, airports, transit systems, exhibition halls, hotels, arenas, public buildings, and so on.		Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of people is required, such as shopping centres, airports, transit systems, exhibition halls, hotels, arenas, public buildings, and so on.
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	* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.		* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.

−	[[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]	+	[[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]]

Designing Buildings at 16:09, 1 November 2017

2017-11-01T16:09:01Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:09, 1 November 2017
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	* Lifting platform.		* Lifting platform.
	* Lifts.		* Lifts.
		+	* Lifts and Escalators: A Quality Perspective.
	* Ramps.		* Ramps.
	* Smart elevators.		* Smart elevators.

Editor at 15:44, 13 March 2017

2017-03-13T15:44:06Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 13 March 2017
Line 91:		Line 91:
	* Spiral stairs and helical stairs.		* Spiral stairs and helical stairs.
	* Stair design.		* Stair design.
		+	* Stairlift.
	* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.		* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.

	[[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]		[[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]

Designing Buildings at 14:07, 28 February 2017

2017-02-28T14:07:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:07, 28 February 2017
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−	[[File:Escalator1.jpg\|~~800px~~]]	+	[[File:Escalator1.jpg\|link=File:Escalator1.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	~~An escalator is a~~ mechanical ~~device~~ used for transporting people vertically between levels ~~and floors~~ of ~~a building~~. ~~It takes~~ the form of a moving staircase, consisting of a chain of single-piece aluminium or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.	+	Escalator are mechanical devices used for transporting people vertically between different levels of buildings. Typically, they take the form of a moving staircase, consisting of a 'chain' of single-piece aluminium or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.

	Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of people is required, such as shopping centres, airports, transit systems, exhibition halls, hotels, arenas, public buildings, and so on.		Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of people is required, such as shopping centres, airports, transit systems, exhibition halls, hotels, arenas, public buildings, and so on.

−	~~As they~~ occupy the same physical space as a staircase, ~~and~~ have no waiting ~~interval~~ (~~except~~ during periods of congestion), ~~they are an advantageous alternative to lifts~~, ~~which sometimes may not~~ be practical.	+	They occupy the same physical space as a staircase, generally have no waiting time (other than during periods of congestion), allow a greater flow of people, and can be more practical than lifts. It is also possible for people to walk up or down escalators, if they are in a hurry, or if they break down.

	A variation of the escalator is the moving walkway, which transports people horizontally.		A variation of the escalator is the moving walkway, which transports people horizontally.
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	=== History ===		=== History ===

−	The first escalator was patented by two Americans, Leamon Souder and Nathan Ames, in the mid-19th century. However, their patented designs were never manufactured~~. It wasn’t until the early-20th century that a working prototype designed by Charles Seeburger and Jesse Reno was produced~~.	+	The first escalator was patented by two Americans, Leamon Souder and Nathan Ames, in the mid-19th century. However, their patented designs were never manufactured.

−	Their working model gained a lot of attention and was first installed in New York City’s department stores. In 1910, Seeburger and Reno sold their invention to the Otis Elevator Company.	+	It wasn’t until the early-20th century that a working prototype designed by Charles Seeburger and Jesse Reno was produced. Their working model gained a lot of attention and was first installed in New York City’s department stores. In 1910, Seeburger and Reno sold their invention to the Otis Elevator Company.

	=== Speed ===		=== Speed ===

−	The ~~general~~ speed of ~~an escalator~~ is constant at around 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft) per second. This translates to around 27-55 m (90-180 ft) per minute. ~~Therefore, an~~ escalator moving an average of 44 m (145 ft) per minute can transport over 10,000 people per hour, which is a considerably higher capacity than a standard lift system.	+	The speed of escalators is constant and is generally around 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft) per second. This translates to around 27-55 m (90-180 ft) per minute. An escalator moving an average of 44 m (145 ft) per minute can transport over 10,000 people per hour, which is a considerably higher capacity than a standard lift system.

	=== Configurations ===		=== Configurations ===

−	There are three configurations that are most common ~~for~~ escalator systems~~. These are as follows~~:	+	There are three basic configurations that are used for most common escalator systems:

−	* Parallel: Escalators positioned side-by-side ~~both~~ moving in opposite directions.	+	* Parallel: Escalators positioned side-by-side, moving in opposite directions.
−	* Criss-cross: Escalators moving in one direction are ‘stacked’, minimising ~~the~~ space requirements.	+	* Criss-cross: Escalators moving in one direction are ‘stacked’, minimising space requirements.
	* Multiple parallel: A bank of two or more escalators, with differing directions.		* Multiple parallel: A bank of two or more escalators, with differing directions.

	=== Design considerations ===		=== Design considerations ===

−	There a number of factors that affect the design of an escalator ~~system. These can include the following~~:	+	There a number of factors that affect the design of escalator systems, including:

−	* ~~Physical requirements –~~ vertical and horizontal distance to be spanned.	+	* The vertical and horizontal distance to be spanned.
−	* ~~Location~~.	+	* The location.
−	* ~~Building~~ infrastructure.	+	* Other building infrastructure.
−	* Traffic patterns ~~– from one floor to another, or towards a particular building element~~.	+	* Traffic patterns.
−	* Safety considerations ~~– carrying capacity must match or exceed the expected peak traffic demand~~.	+	* Carrying capacity.
		+	* Safety considerations.
	* Aesthetic preferences.		* Aesthetic preferences.

−	[[File:~~Canary Wharf Escalators~~.JPG\|~~2736px~~]]	+	[[File:Canary_Wharf_Escalators.JPG\|link=File:Canary_Wharf_Escalators.JPG]]

	= Escalator components =		= Escalator components =
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	=== Landing platforms ===		=== Landing platforms ===

−	These contain the curved sections of the tracks, in addition to the gears and motors. The floor plate provides a space for users to stand before stepping onto the moving steps. The comb plate has a series of cleats (like the teeth of a comb), that mesh with matching cleats on the edges of the steps and minimise the gap between the stair and the landing.	+	These contain the curved sections of the tracks, in addition to the gears and motors. The floor plate provides space for users to stand before stepping onto the moving steps. The comb plate has a series of cleats (like the teeth of a comb), that mesh with matching cleats on the edges of the steps and minimise the gap between the stair and the landing.

−	[[File:Escalator2.jpg\|~~800px~~]]	+	[[File:Escalator2.jpg\|link=File:Escalator2.jpg]]

	=== Truss ===		=== Truss ===

−	The ~~hollow metal~~ structure that bridges the lower and upper landings, and carries ~~all~~ the straight track sections. Steel or concrete supports connect the ends of the truss to the top and bottom landing platforms.	+	The structure that bridges the lower and upper landings, and carries the straight track sections. Steel or concrete supports connect the ends of the truss to the top and bottom landing platforms.

	=== Balustrade ===		=== Balustrade ===

−	This is the structure ~~for~~ the handrail of the escalator and can be made of metal, sandwich ~~panel~~ or glass.	+	This is the structure supporting the handrail of the escalator and can be made of metal, sandwich panels or glass.
		+
		+	=== Handrail ===
		+
		+	The handrail moves courtesy of a chain connected to the main drive gear by a series of pulleys. It is generally made from a blend of synthetic polymers and rubber, and is designed to be very durable.

	=== Tracks ===		=== Tracks ===
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	=== Steps ===		=== Steps ===

−	These are solid and made of die-cast aluminium or steel. They are cleated with comb-like protrusions that mesh with the comb plates. The steps are linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop.	+	These are typically solid and made of die-cast aluminium or steel. They are cleated with comb-like protrusions that mesh with the comb plates. The steps are linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop.
−		+
−	~~=== Handrail ===~~	+
−		+
−	~~The handrail moves courtesy of a chain connected to the main drive gear by a series of pulleys. It is generally made from a blend of synthetic polymers and rubber, and is designed to be durable.~~	+
−		+
−	~~= How an escalator works =~~	+
−		+
−	An escalator works by way of a motor and chain system inside the truss, which is a metal structure that extends between the top and bottom. At its core are a pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears. The gears at the top of the escalator are turned by an electric motor, which in turn rotates the chain loops.	+

−	The steps, connected in series, always step level as ~~the chains~~ move. The steps create a flat platform at both the top and the bottom of the escalator by collapsing on each other. This works by way of the two sets of wheels on each step. The upper set of wheels are connected to the rotating chains, pulled by the gears at the top of the escalator. The lower set of wheels follow behind and just glide along on their track.	+	The steps, connected in series, always step level as they move. The steps create a flat platform at both the top and the bottom of the escalator by collapsing on each other. This works by way of the two sets of wheels on each step. The upper set of wheels are connected to the rotating chains, pulled by the gears at the top of the escalator. The lower set of wheels follow behind and just glide along on their track.

−	~~The spacing of the tracks ensure that the step always remains level. The tracks level to horizontal at the top and bottom, which flattens the stairway.~~	+	=== Motor ===

−	The electric motor also powers the moving handrail which is looped around a series of wheels and is configured so that it moves at ~~the same~~ speed as the steps.	+	Escalators are driven by a motor and chain system inside the truss. At its core are a pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears. The gears at the top of the escalator are turned by an electric motor, which in turn rotates the chain loops. The electric motor also powers the moving handrail which is looped around a series of wheels and is configured so that it moves at a similar speed to the steps.

	= Find out more =		= Find out more =

Editor: Created page with "800px = Introduction = An escalator is a mechanical device used for transporting people vertically between levels and floors of a building. It takes the..."

2017-02-28T12:30:24Z

Created page with "800px = Introduction = An escalator is a mechanical device used for transporting people vertically between levels and floors of a building. It takes the..."

New page

[[File:Escalator1.jpg|800px]]

= Introduction =

An escalator is a mechanical device used for transporting people vertically between levels and floors of a building. It takes the form of a moving staircase, consisting of a chain of single-piece aluminium or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.

Escalators are commonly used in buildings where the movement of a large number of people is required, such as shopping centres, airports, transit systems, exhibition halls, hotels, arenas, public buildings, and so on.

As they occupy the same physical space as a staircase, and have no waiting interval (except during periods of congestion), they are an advantageous alternative to lifts, which sometimes may not be practical.

A variation of the escalator is the moving walkway, which transports people horizontally.

=== History ===

The first escalator was patented by two Americans, Leamon Souder and Nathan Ames, in the mid-19th century. However, their patented designs were never manufactured. It wasn’t until the early-20th century that a working prototype designed by Charles Seeburger and Jesse Reno was produced.

Their working model gained a lot of attention and was first installed in New York City’s department stores. In 1910, Seeburger and Reno sold their invention to the Otis Elevator Company.

=== Speed ===

The general speed of an escalator is constant at around 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft) per second. This translates to around 27-55 m (90-180 ft) per minute. Therefore, an escalator moving an average of 44 m (145 ft) per minute can transport over 10,000 people per hour, which is a considerably higher capacity than a standard lift system.

=== Configurations ===

There are three configurations that are most common for escalator systems. These are as follows:

* Parallel: Escalators positioned side-by-side both moving in opposite directions.
* Criss-cross: Escalators moving in one direction are ‘stacked’, minimising the space requirements.
* Multiple parallel: A bank of two or more escalators, with differing directions.

=== Design considerations ===

There a number of factors that affect the design of an escalator system. These can include the following:

* Physical requirements – vertical and horizontal distance to be spanned.
* Location.
* Building infrastructure.
* Traffic patterns – from one floor to another, or towards a particular building element.
* Safety considerations – carrying capacity must match or exceed the expected peak traffic demand.
* Aesthetic preferences.

[[File:Canary Wharf Escalators.JPG|2736px]]

= Escalator components =

The following components make up an escalator system:

=== Landing platforms ===

These contain the curved sections of the tracks, in addition to the gears and motors. The floor plate provides a space for users to stand before stepping onto the moving steps. The comb plate has a series of cleats (like the teeth of a comb), that mesh with matching cleats on the edges of the steps and minimise the gap between the stair and the landing.

[[File:Escalator2.jpg|800px]]

=== Truss ===

The hollow metal structure that bridges the lower and upper landings, and carries all the straight track sections. Steel or concrete supports connect the ends of the truss to the top and bottom landing platforms.

=== Balustrade ===

This is the structure for the handrail of the escalator and can be made of metal, sandwich panel or glass.

=== Tracks ===

The step-wheel track for the front wheels of the steps, and the trailer-wheel track for the back wheels of the steps, cause the steps to form a staircase as they move from under the comb plate.

=== Steps ===

These are solid and made of die-cast aluminium or steel. They are cleated with comb-like protrusions that mesh with the comb plates. The steps are linked by a continuous metal chain that forms a closed loop.

=== Handrail ===

The handrail moves courtesy of a chain connected to the main drive gear by a series of pulleys. It is generally made from a blend of synthetic polymers and rubber, and is designed to be durable.

= How an escalator works =

An escalator works by way of a motor and chain system inside the truss, which is a metal structure that extends between the top and bottom. At its core are a pair of chains looped around two pairs of gears. The gears at the top of the escalator are turned by an electric motor, which in turn rotates the chain loops.

The steps, connected in series, always step level as the chains move. The steps create a flat platform at both the top and the bottom of the escalator by collapsing on each other. This works by way of the two sets of wheels on each step. The upper set of wheels are connected to the rotating chains, pulled by the gears at the top of the escalator. The lower set of wheels follow behind and just glide along on their track.

The spacing of the tracks ensure that the step always remains level. The tracks level to horizontal at the top and bottom, which flattens the stairway.

The electric motor also powers the moving handrail which is looped around a series of wheels and is configured so that it moves at the same speed as the steps.

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===

* Accessibility in the built environment.
* Firefighting lift.
* Lifting platform.
* Lifts.
* Ramps.
* Smart elevators.
* Spiral stairs and helical stairs.
* Stair design.
* Wheelchair platform stairlifts.

[[Category:Design]] [[Category:Products_/_components]]