Elevators & Escalators
Quality in Motion
History of the Escalator Mitsubishi Monumental Escalators Escalator Structure and Equipment Glossary
Escalators & Moving Walks
Escalator Structure and Equipment
Standard (J) Type Escalator Other Escalators, Moving Walks
Operating Switches Safety Devices
Standard (J) Type Escalator
Most common escalators share the same basic structure as the Standard (J) Type Escalator.
1.Balustrade 2.Truss 2-1.Top Machine Room / Bottom Machine Room 2-2.Other Truss Parts 3.Steps
Standard (J) Type Escalator
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[1] Balustrade
The side of an escalator extending above the Steps, which includes Skirt Guard, Interior Panel, Deck Board and Moving Handrails.
1) Moving Handrail
A handhold that moves along the top of the Balustrade in synchronization with the Steps.
2) Interior Panel
The major panel portion of the Balustrade located immediately below the Moving Handrails, made of glass.
3) Deck Board
A decorative capping member of the balustrade of an escalator, which continues in the traveling direction (see figure below).
4) Skirt Guard
The lowest panel within the Balustrade, located immediately below the Inner Deck and adjacent to the Steps at a slight gap from the Steps.
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[2] Truss
Assembly of structural steel that supports the weight and load of an escalator. (A Control Panel, Drive Units for Steps and Moving Handrails and other components are housed inside the structure.)
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[2-1] Top Machine Room/Bottom Machine Room
1) Control Panel
Controls stop/start operation and also supplies electric power to the Drive Unit.
2) Drive Unit
A unit to drive the escalator, comprised of electric motor, decelerator, electromagnetic brake, V belt, Sprocket, and other components.
3) Drive Chain
A chain that transmits the Drive Unit’s power to the drive wheel (Sprocket).
4) Sprocket (top/bottom)
Drive wheels installed at top and bottom to drive the Steps. The top Sprocket drives the moving Steps, while the bottom sprocket turns the Steps.
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[2-2] Other Truss Parts
1) Main Track
A rail to guide the Driving Rollers.
2) Trailing Track
A rail to guide the Trailing Rollers.
3) Moving Handrail Drive Unit
A device that indirectly drives the Moving Handrail at the same speed as the Steps via the Moving Handrail Drive Chain.
[3] Step
The moving platform on which escalator passengers ride.
1) Step Tread
The part of the step where a passenger stands.
2) Riser
The upright part of a Step.
3) Step Demarcation Line
A yellow line along both sides of a Step to demarcate the proper standing area, thereby preventing passengers from coming into contact with the Skirt Guard and stumbling.
4) Driving Roller/Trailing Roller
Each Step is linked to the Step Chains via the Step shaft and the wheels. The front wheel is called the Driving Roller and the rear wheel is called the Trailing Roller.
5) Step Chain
A chain, located on both sides of an escalator, connecting the Steps and driven by the Step Chain Sprocket.
Floor Plate
A removable steel plate finished with anti-slip patterns, typically situated above the escalator trusswork at the boarding and landing areas.
Comb Plate
The section of the Floor Plate on which the comb teeth segments are mounted.
Comb
A section or steel plate with teeth that mesh with the Step cleats at the boarding and landing areas, to prevent fingers, feet or foreign objects from getting caught between the moving Steps and Floor Plate.
Round Light
A round light installed on the Interior Panel at the boarding and landing areas.
Comb Light
Lighting provided at Comb level at the terminal ends of an escalator for increased illumination.
Under-Handrail Lighting
Lighting installed under the Moving Handrails (glass panel only).

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