Variopanto® - Single-arm pantograph for cross-border rail traffic

Electrically powered rail cars such as locomotives, EMUs and other vehicles are increasingly used in international border traffic. But as power supply conditions and overhead contact systems differ from one country to the next, each system requires the construction of an individual pantograph system.

Benefits:

• The Variopanto® replaces two traditional pantographs
• Adjustable collector head width for different overhead contact profiles
• Reduction of weight and installation space
• Space optimization in the cabin (e.g. additional seats)
• Life cycle cost optimization
• Reduction of noise

In answer to this challenge we have develope the Variopanto. Its collector head can extend to fit wide overhead contact profiles and retract to match narrow ones. The flexible collector head alignment can adjust to overhead profiles between 1950 mm and 1450 mm in width. Not only the profiles are mechanically aligned, the contact strip section of the moveable end horns is also monitored by a pneumatic ADD (Automatic Dropping Device) and the width of the contact strip adjusts according to the requirements. The collector head is aligned by mean of a pneumatic positioning device which is operated with the already existing compressed air.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Variopanto® with adjustable collector head width

The Variopanto replaces two traditional pantographs and the normally  required circuit breaker as well as other connecting and fastening elements. This saves more than 50% weight and installation space. Depending on the train concept, additional seating space can be gained. At the same time, the
optimized constructive design results in lower noise emissions. It also cuts down the cost of maintenance and, consequently, reduces life cycle costs (LCC).