Escalator Steps
Escalators are mechanical devices used to transport people vertically from one level of a building to another. They typically take the form of a chain of single-piece aluminum or stainless steel steps guided by a system of tracks in a continuous loop.
Each step is solid, one-piece, die-cast aluminum. Rubber mats may be affixed to their surface to reduce slippage, and yellow demarcation lines indicate their edges.
The Tracks
Escalators are moving staircases that transport passengers from a lower level of a building or structure to an upper level. They are typically used in malls, airports, convention centers, hotels and other public buildings. They also serve as moving walkways in transit systems and rail stations.
The steps of an escalator consist of single-piece aluminum or stainless steel steps that move on a system of tracks in a continuous loop. Each step has an axle that is connected to the axles of the other steps by a continuous metal chain.
Each escalator also has two platforms at both ends of the truss, which are also called landing platforms. These platforms house the curved section of the tracks as well as gears and motors that operate the stairs.
These platforms also contain a floor plate and a comb plate. The floor plate is flush with the floor and is often hinged to provide access to the machinery below, if needed. The comb plate has grooves resembling the teeth of a comb and meshes with the matching grooves found on the edges of the step tread surface.
Unlike most other types of staircases, escalator steps are designed to escalator steps change from an erect to a collapsible staircase as needed. The track system pulls the steps from the bottom platform to the top in a continuous loop and back to the bottom again as needed.
The escalator’s driving system is made up of the main drive gear, the step drive system and the handrail drive system. The handrails move at the same speed as the steps and are supported by a chain connected to the drive gear by a series of pulleys.
Each handrail has a slider, a tension member, inner components and an outer layer. The slider is a layer of synthetic cotton that allows the handrail to glide smoothly along its track, while the tension member provides stability and strength.
Both the riser and tread of each step are cleated with comb-like protrusions that mesh with the bottom and top platform comb plates and the following steps in the chain. This enables the steps to collapse and flatten on each other, and travel easily around a bend in the curved section of the track.
The Steps
The steps on an escalator move in a circular loop, linked together by a system of tracks. The steps are made from solid, one piece die-cast aluminum or steel. They are often painted with yellow demarcation lines to indicate their edges.
Escalators can be found in public buildings and airports, as well as in underground railway stations. They provide a convenient way to transport large numbers of people at a rapid pace, allowing passengers to avoid having to wait for an elevator.
They also provide the opportunity for passengers to access different floors of a building more quickly than would be possible by walking or using an elevator. This allows for faster and more efficient transfers of passengers from lower levels to upper levels, which can save time for everyone.
As the escalator moves, its steps continually circulate, changing their position to allow them to be used by new passengers. This can be an uncomfortable experience for elderly or disabled people, so escalators are equipped with step reversal sprockets at each landing.
These sprockets engage the steps in a 180 deg arc to reverse their direction of movement, which helps ensure that the stairs remain level as they move through the loop. This allows the steps to be used by both people and wheelchair users without any difficulty.
Once the steps have reverted to their original position, they are then threaded back onto a motorized loop at the bottom of the escalator. As they do this, they are combed with grooves, which help to keep the steps clean and free of trash or other debris that might otherwise be left on the steps.
When you step on an escalator, it’s important to stand near the center of the steps and extend your foot forward. Then, quickly and confidently step up with your other foot, while keeping a firm grip on the handrail.
If you are wearing sandals, make sure to keep your feet on the flat steps at the front of the escalator instead of sliding them along the edge. This is to prevent yourself from tripping over when the leading flat steps rise or fall.
The Comb Plate
The comb plate on an escalator step is a safety device fitted to ensure that passengers escalator steps do not slip or get their feet caught between the step tread surface and the landing plate. This is especially important in high traffic escalators and moving walks.
The teeth on the comb plate are aligned with the recess on the steps and are rounded in shape to minimize the risk of trapping or pinching the passenger’s foot. They are often provided in yellow to help passengers identify the transition line between the steps and the landing plate.
In addition, a safety switch is fitted behind the comb plate to stop the escalator in case anything gets stuck there. This can be a small stone, screw or coin which can easily break off and cause serious injury to a passenger.
When it is not properly maintained, the escalator comb plate can quickly lose its integrity and become very unsafe to use. This is why it should always be checked regularly and replaced as necessary.
Broken teeth on escalator comb plates or gaps at the side are very dangerous for children. They can catch fingers, toes or shoes. This can lead to lost toes and finger injuries or even death.
Moreover, it can also damage the escalator steps or the moving walk. This is why it is important to keep the comb plate on an escalator in good condition and make sure it is installed at both ends of the escalator or moving walk.
The escalator comb plate should be adjustable to ensure the correct meshing between the comb teeth and the grooves on the escalator step or moving walk. It should not be fixed in place with bolts or screws.
It should be made of aluminum alloy or carbon steel and should be able to withstand the load of the escalator. It should also be designed so that it can be adjusted and tensioned.
A micro switch is fitted behind the comb plate to control the movement of the escalator in case something gets stuck between the comb and the step or moving walk. This switch is normally closed and when it opens, the escalator will stop.
The Wheels
Escalators are a type of power driven moving stairway used to transport people between floors of buildings or structures. They are a popular form of transportation in many areas around the world, including department stores, shopping malls, airports, transit systems (railroad stations), convention centers, hotels, arenas, stadiums and public buildings.
Escalator steps are powered by an electrical motor or a steam or diesel-powered internal combustion engine. They move at speeds of 0.3-0.6 metres per second (1-2 ft/s) and may traverse vertical distances of up to 18 meters (60 feet).
The steps on an escalator are usually single-piece aluminum or stainless steel that is attached to the escalator tracks by a pair of bolts. The escalator track is also connected to a truss which serves as the structural frame of the escalator. The truss is generally made of metal or steel and has a variety of components to ensure stability and strength, and may also include a number of pits and pit-like supports at the bottom to support the weight of the escalator.
Each step is guided by a guide wheel or roller that rides on the track. The sides of the wheels contact the guide portions on the track when a dimensional lateral limit is reached in either direction, causing scuffing and wear. These scuffing effects can be reduced by frequent lubrication.
In addition to the wheels, an escalator also has a handrail that is guided by rollers that press on the inside or gliding side of the handrail. These rollers may be fixed or movable depending on the need for speed and/or comfort.
Another important feature of the handrail is a comb plate that helps to keep the steps smooth as they roll up and down the track. The comb plate is usually made of a rubber or synthetic material. It is also designed to protect the steps from human vandalism and mechanical wear.
The rollers on an escalator step are typically heavy duty, and are manufactured by Faigle(c). They have high load capacity, abrasion resistance and are approved by public authorities and OEMs. They are available as replacements for escalators produced by KONE, Schindler, Fujitec and SJEC – visit our lift and escalator range or get in touch with our technical support team to find the right roller for your machine.
