Windscreen wiper systems for rail transport
Greater efficiency and safety through innovative technology. With Wald Antriebe solutions for freight and passenger trains, people and goods are transported reliably and safely worldwide.
Wald Antriebe, with its wiping technology division in rail transport, stands for technological innovation and robust engineering. The demands on wiping technology in rail transport are changing rapidly. Not only are the windows in modern rail vehicle construction becoming increasingly larger, but regulatory requirements are also becoming increasingly complex.
Fire protection, EMC, fields of vision, redundancy – all these topics require continuous further development of all components. Wald Antriebe is a reliable partner for rail vehicle manufacturers and reliably supports customers through all new requirements.
From compact wiper systems for small windows to large pantographs for double-decker trains, we can develop and manufacture the right system for every rail vehicle, individually tailored to each project.
Vehicle types
Modern trams are characterized by large, mostly heavily curved windshields. Wald Antriebe has developed wiper systems that are suitable for these challenging windshield geometries. The development goal for our wiper systems for trams was to provide the driver with the best possible visibility while also taking into account modern sensors and cameras, which also require a clear “view” to the front.
Underground passenger transport has a number of special features for which Wald Antriebe has developed suitable solutions. Whether it’s additional manual drives for the windshield wipers in the event of a total power failure or particularly water-saving wiper systems for small water tanks that can be placed in the driver’s cab: Wald Antriebe has the right solution.
Whether single-deck or double-deck, regional trains and suburban trains with a cruising speed of up to 160 km/h and high operating capacity transport many people to work or on vacation every day. Numerous European and Asian train manufacturers rely on Wald Antriebe’s wiper systems when designing their regional trains.
With a cruising speed of up to 200 km/h, Intercity trains pose a particular challenge for windshield wiper systems. Wald Antriebe has developed suitable systems to ensure the stability and reliability of the windshield wipers even when trains are approaching and in double traction.
Locomotives are undoubtedly the workhorses of the railways. In both passenger and freight transport, locomotives cover millions of kilometers over many years. The windshield wiper system must therefore be extremely durable and reliable to ensure that people and goods reach their destination safely. For many years, Wald Antriebe has been building robust and durable windshield wiper systems for locomotives in various sizes and performance classes.
Rack railways, diagnostic trains, and construction locomotives are just a few examples of special rail vehicles. These can pose particular challenges for the windshield wiper system, including special EMC requirements, limited space, and unusual wiper blade geometries. Talk to us about your special projects—we are sure to find a solution.
System types
Pantographs consist of a wiper system with a double arm, in which both individual arms are driven together. The arms are connected by a rider, achieving a very straight wipe pattern. Pantographs are particularly suitable for tall, narrow windows and are standard in most rail vehicles.
Parallel wiper systems consist of two individual arms that are driven simultaneously by a single motor. Parallel systems are used on vehicle windows that are wider than they are tall and where the driver’s side has a larger field of vision than the passenger side.
Single systems consist of only one wiper arm with a wiper blade. This system is particularly suitable for smaller windows or in very confined spaces. A single system allows for large wiping angles.
If the window is very flat and very wide, as is the case with many trucks, for example, a triple system is often used. All three arms move simultaneously, as in a parallel system, and are driven by a single motor.
Butterfly systems consist of two individual arms. The movement of the motor is transmitted via levers, rods, and a triangular plate to produce a counter-rotating movement of the wiper arms, with one of the arms reacting slightly delayed to prevent the arms from colliding. This system is mainly used for large, relatively flat windshields, such as those found on buses.
If the window is very flat and very wide, as is the case with many trucks, for example, a triple system is often used. All three arms move simultaneously, as in a parallel system, and are driven by a single motor.
Product Portfolio
Fehlt, Schnittstellenintegration
Electronic controls
Our control systems can be used to comprehensively control both 110V and 24V systems. Multiple motors, interval wiping, pumps, heating, electronic valves, and more can be centrally programmed and coordinated on a project-specific basis to ensure that the desired functionality is fully achieved.
Of course, the controls are certified for rail transport and protected against moisture, dust, and vibrations.
3D development
Our 3D developers create a detailed 3D model for each system in the existing installation space of the vehicle to guarantee a perfect result and full functionality without collisions with other components.
Lifetime tests
Every system is put through its paces. In our endurance testing laboratory, every system is tested according to SAE standards – on the original windshield if desired. Our test benches are fully sensor-monitored and electronically controlled and can therefore be in operation 24/7. On request, the complete tests can be recorded with HD cameras and streamed via the Internet over a secure connection.
Certificates
