Prediction Model and Experimental Study on Braking Distance under Emergency Braking with Heavy Load of Escalator

In order to study the relationship between the braking distance and the load of escalator and realize the prediction of the rated load braking distance with a little load, the method of combining theoretical analysis and experimental research is used. First, the dynamic characteristics of the escalator during emergency braking are analyzed, and the prediction model of the braking distance of the escalator under different loads is derived based on the law of conservation of energy. Furthermore, the influence coefficients under different loads were determined through experimental studies, the model was revised, and the concept of equivalent no-load kinetic energy (ENKE) was proposed. The research shows that the braking distance of the escalator increases nonlinearly with the increase in load. When the no-load braking distance and the 25% rated load braking distance change greatly, the braking distance increases faster as the load increases; the escalators with large brake force have a small ENKE and are easy to stop. Otherwise, it is difficult to stop. The test results show that the comparison between the predicted value of the prediction model and the measured value has a maximum error of 2.7%, and the maximum error at rated load is only 2.0%, which fully meets the needs of engineering measurement. And the prediction method reduces test costs, enhances test security, and improves test coverage.