7.4.3 Function and Overview of Escalator & Travelator
FIGURE 7.4.3a DIAGRAM OF ESCALATOR (SIMILARLY TO TRAVELATOR) SOURCE: (http://www.robsonforensic.com/upload/articles/Forensic-Escalator-Header.jpg)
The steel truss forms the frame of the escalator/travelator. The truss is designed to receive the static and dynamic loads. The total load is transferred to the 2 ends of the escalator/travelator. It is of the utmost importance that the building structures are of sufficient strength to withstand such loads. The guides attached to the steel truss where the escalator pallets seat and guided in their movement. The guides are accurately machined and aligned to ensure proper and smooth running of the pallets. The pallets are designed with cleats which will fit into friction wheel of most trolleys. Fixed to the truss is the profile to guide the handrail and to fix the glass balustrade. The top landing of the escalator houses the drive motor chain and controller. The supporting ends of the building structure must be constructed accurately in distance-wise as any deviation from the required dimension will affect the escalator installation. Any structure constructed to the side and top of the escalator must not pose hazards to the escalator passengers.