Background and overview
JR West developed 223-1000 series suburban DC electric multiple unit (EMU) trains to introduce 130km/h operation to the special rapid services in 1995. 9 eight-car sets and 5 four-car sets were delivered.
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8-car set
| Kumoha2231000 |
Saha2231000 |
Saha2231000 |
Moha2231000 |
Saha2231000 |
Saha2231000 |
Moha2231000 |
Kuha2221000 |
| motored |
trailer |
trailer |
motored |
trailer |
trailer |
motored |
trailer |
Traction system
aux. pwr. supply
compressor |
|
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Traction system
aux. pwr supply
compressor |
|
|
Traction system
aux. pwr supply
compressor |
WC |
4-car set
| Kumoha2231000 |
Saha2231000 |
Moha2231000 |
Kuha2221000 |
| motored |
trailer |
motored |
trailer |
Traction system
aux. pwr supply
compressor |
|
Traction system
aux. pwr supply
compressor |
WC |
|
Car body
They have 2950mm wide body with bead pressed skin, incorporating light
weight stainless construction. Improved bending rigidity of their body
realized by omitting door case windows accomplished better ride characteristics.
Bodies are unpainted and have the beige, brown, white and blue waistline
band running the length of each car below the windows. They also have brown
block accents applied at door cases. Their cab end is constructed by streel,
having spacious windscreens and a gangway at the centre. They are equipped
with three 1300mm wide double-leaf automatic sliding doors on each side
of the vehicles. Door operating equipments, WTK112A are fitted above the
door header of the sliding doors which can be operated manually by pushing
the buttons fitted beside the door. Horizontal band of 5 set windows including
2 drop windows having 950mm height are fitted between the doors. Double-glazing
glass is employed for all windows in order to improve noise and thermal
insulation property, and prevents their windows from dew condensation.
Roller-binding train-type indicators and LED destination indicators are
fitted on each side of their body. Motored vehicles employ two air conditioners,
WAU705, rated at 20,000kcal/h/unit on their roof. Trailer vehicles employ
split type air conditioners, WAU305, rated at 40000kcal/h. Two indoor units
are fitted on their roof and one outdoor unit is fitted under their floor
in order to realize a low centre of gravity. Electric fans of air conditioner
supply fresh air into the passenger room, instead of ventilators on the
roof. End cars are equipped with the automatic jumper coupler to ease rush-up
operations.
Bogies
The 223-1000 series are equipped with WDT56 bogies on the powered cars and WTR240 bogies on the trailers, featuring bolster-less secondary air suspension and axle arm type journal box supporting system. Their bogies employ the single link traction device. These bogies adopt the yaw dampers and anti-rolling stabilizer to ensure smooth ride characteristics even at 130km/h. Motored bogie employs double tread brake device. Trailer bogie employs both the double disk brake device and the single tread brake device.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
All motored cars are equipped with a 3-step variable frequency drive traction
system, WPC7, featuring Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor (IGBT) controls
four asynchronous traction motors, WMT102A, with a power output of 220kW
on axle basis. Their traction system is integrated with the auxiliary power
supply unit with a power output of 110kVA. In case of the auxiliary power
supply unit failure, one variable frequency drive unit for traction motor
can switch to supply electricity as the backup auxiliary power supply unit.
Thus 223-1000 series realize that the ratio of motored vehicle to trailer
vehicle is 1:2, and that same high acceleration performance as 207 series
and maximum service speed at 130km/h stand side by side. Motored cars are
also equipped with a motor driven air compressor, WMH3093-WTC2000D, under
their floor, and are also equipped with a cross arm type current pickup,
WPS27D, with the protection against heavy snow, and prepared to be fitted
with another current pickup on their roof. 223-1000 series feature the
electric commanding brake with regenerative brake and holding brake, featuring
brake control of trailer priority. Thus, motored cars equipped with all
necessary equipment get heavy tare weight bodies to realize high enhanced
adhesion.
Accommodation
Seating accommodation consists of 2+2 abreast switchable transverse seating
with 910mm seating pitch and transverse bucket seating bays with fold-down
auxiliary seating provided next to the doorway, in order to increase standing
capacity during peak hours. LED displays for providing passenger information
are fitted in zigzags and door chimes are fitted above the door header
of the sliding doors. Straps were fitted throughout their body. Trailer
end cars, class kuha222-2000, are equipped with a Japanese style toilet
employing a chemical disposable tank.
Modification and refurbishment
The prominent anti-fall plates on the front ends were began to be fitted from 2015.
From 2019, a refurbishment programme was commenced on 223-1000 series.
Roller-binding train-type indicators and LED destination indicators were
replaced with full-colour LED indicators. LED headlights and auxiliary
headlights were employed. Trailer end cars are equipped with a universal
access toilet, and all end cars are equipped with wheelchair spaces.
The semiconductor elements of their traction system were renovated. Body Vibration Detector (BVD) were additionally introduced.
In Spring 2019, select 223-1000 end cars on 4-car sets underwent modifications to introduce the "A-Seat", a reserved seat service currently found on select 12-car special rapid services. On these cars, straight blue stripes run along the sides of the car and the center door is permanently sealed. Seating is in a 2 + 2 configuration and WiFi is equipped along with power outlets. A baggage rack is also fitted next to the doorway. A universal access toilet is also introduced.
Operations
223-1000 series entered rapid services and special rapid services of JR Kobe, JR Kyoto, and Biwako lines along with 221 series from August, 1995.
In 2000, 223-1000 series started 130km/h operation by introducing additional 223 series vehicles classified into -2000 subseries and withdrawing 221 series from special rapid services.
"A-Seat" services on select special rapid services started in 1999.
223-1000 series are now used on the ordinary, the rapid, and the special rapid services of JR Kobe, JR Kyoto, Biwako, Kosei, Sayno, and Ako lines. |
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