What is an escalator, how it works, where it is installed

. Residents of big cities know first-hand what an escalator is . This is a very convenient vehicle that can be found today not only in the metro, but also in many shopping, entertainment centers, railway stations and airports. The scale of such structures is also not the same. The height of the escalators can reach really impressive sizes.

Modern designs of conveyors are significantly different from the mechanisms of the past. This allows you to achieve much more comfortable movement of people, as well as absolutely silent operation of the system. It will be interesting to learn more about these devices for everyone.

General information

, торгового центра или вокзала не вызывает у нас никаких опасений. Today, the escalator of the metro , shopping center or station does not cause us any fear. This is the usual mode of transportation for all even small children. The first escalator, which appeared in London in 1898, caused quite mixed feelings among the people.

This luxury was afforded at that time by Harrods. But visitors were afraid to climb the new device. The store manager found a way out of the situation. He put special employees at the exit from the miracle-ladder. They poured a glass of brandy to every daredevil who ventured to take advantage of the escalator.

Those distant times have long since passed. Today we are not afraid to step onto the surface of this technique to climb or descend to a certain height. , которая имеет уклон в 30-35 градусов, в наше время называется эскалатором. A moving ladder , which has a slope of 30-35 degrees, is nowadays called an escalator.

The basic principle of the escalator

, не нужно быть технологом. To understand what an escalator is , you do not need to be a technologist. Everything looks pretty simple. The escalator tape consists of steps. They are installed in the casing and smoothly move up or down the inclined plane. To people it was convenient to stand on a moving surface, on each side there is a band of handrails. It moves parallel to the steps at the same speed.

To use the vehicle was safe, the creators of these devices provided for a certain system. On the lower stage of the escalator there is a fixed comb. From under her tape begins to move. Each stage is indicated by restrictive lines.

When the escalator belt leaves from under the comb, the steps are in a folded, flat way. A man comes to this line. After a while, the steps begin to rise smoothly. At this time, it is important to get up right. For this purpose, the steps are denoted by restrictive lines. Usually they are bright yellow. When the steps rise, a person must stand with both feet on one of them.

Where is the escalator installed?

There are several basic criteria for distinguishing between escalators. The first is the size. There are tunnel and floor types. The first type is the metro escalator. Their length can reach more than 100 m. For example, the longest escalator in the world works at the station "Admiralteyskaya". Each of its ribbons has a length of 137.4 m. At the same time, the height to which a person descends and rises is almost 69 m. Tunnel escalators have great strength.

The floor variants of transport tapes are most often found in our daily life. , практически каждый торговый центр обладает таким эскалатором. The central children's world , almost every shopping center has such an escalator. They are able to lift people only one floor. But such escalators are significantly different in design, bundling and the width of the steps.

Operating principle

, необходимо рассмотреть подробно принцип действия этого транспортера. In order to understand what an escalator is , it is necessary to consider in detail the operating principle of this conveyor. In almost all species it is identical. Each stage is installed between two long chains. Bottom of the whole system is on rollers. They ride along the guide rails.

The chains are closed and move continuously in a circle. They are driven by two large shafts. They are installed at the top and bottom. They are driven by a motor. This system is under the floor.

In the subway there are usually on duty, which in case of an emergency situation can turn off the movement of the escalator. In the floor versions there is a special button. Therefore, in the event of a dangerous situation, everyone can turn off the steps.

What are the mechanisms

многие из нас не догадываются, какой механизм скрыт под ступенями. Holding onto the escalator handrail, many of us do not know what mechanism is hidden under the steps. Most often in such devices running chain. It's like a bicycle chain.

Separate transmission gearing and friction. In the first case, it is possible to distinguish chain mechanisms, cylindrical, worm and reed varieties. Friction transmissions are of friction type and belt type. The cost and technical characteristics of each species are different.

Advantages and disadvantages of the escalator

, здание вокзала, аэропорта или метрополитена пользуются представленными транспортерами. The central children's world , the station building, the airport or the subway use the presented conveyors. When using them, it is necessary to remember the rules of behavior on the escalator and the features of such mechanisms.

Of the advantages should be noted the high throughput. This makes it possible to move people much faster than they would go through the steps. In case of unforeseen breakdown, the escalator can be operated as an ordinary ladder.

But there are several drawbacks to this system. The escalator does not allow transportation of trolleys, bulky items or cargo. The cost of such conveyors is more expensive than that of the elevator. Persons with disabilities who move with wheelchairs can not climb the escalator. In this case, it is necessary to install travolators. Their design is more thoughtful.

Behavior rules

должны придерживаться нескольких правил поведения. People on the escalator must adhere to several rules of conduct. This will avoid unpleasant situations. Stand on the steps of the escalator you need to the right side. Face should be turned in the direction of movement. You should hold your hand by the handrail.

You can not step on the yellow limit line. Young children should be held by the hand or on their hands. It is necessary to hold the edges of long clothing so that it does not fall into the elements of the escalator.

It is forbidden to sit on the steps, put bags on them. Also, you can not lean on the rail or run along the steps. After climbing or descending, you should move away from the escalator opening.

Having studied what an escalator is and what are the basic rules of its operation, one can understand the essence of this convenient mechanism. It is installed in a variety of public places. When the rules of operation of this device are fulfilled, the conveyor will be completely safe.