Escalator combplate retraction device

A combplate assembly of an escalator, comprising:

• a combplate partially defining a step-combplate interface of the escalator, the combplate including a plurality of combplate teeth;
• a retraction device configured to move the combplate along a travel direction from a normal position toward a retracted position when an entrapment of an object is detected at the step-combplate interface;
• wherein the retraction device includes one or more solenoids to retain the combplate in the normal position, the one or more solenoids including one or more solenoid pistons extending laterally at least partially across the combplate to block movement of the combplate;
• wherein the one or more solenoids are activated to retract the one or more solenoid pistons to release the combplate when an entrapment is detected, allowing for movement of the combplate toward the retracted position.

A method of operating an escalator, comprising:

• driving a moving step including a plurality of grooves in a travel direction toward a combplate, the combplate disposed at at least a downstream end of the moving step relative to the travel direction at a step-combplate interface;
• detecting an entrapment at the step-combplate interface;
• and
• activating a retraction device to move the combplate along the travel direction from a normal position toward a retracted position;
• wherein when an entrapment is detected, one or more solenoids are activated to move one or more solenoid pistons from an extended position at least partially blocking the combplate laterally to a retracted position allowing for movement of the combplate.