Background and overview
In response to increasing residential development along the Hohi Line,
JR Kyushu introduced the kiha220-100 series in 1996 to improve public perception
and shorten travel times. This single-ended, suburban diesel-hydraulic
DMU incorporates select components identical to the kiha200-0 series, facilitating
cost-effective production. A total of five 2-car sets, consisting of a
single-cab kiha200-100 vehicle with a toilet and kiha200-1100 vehicle with
no toilet, were allocated to the Kumamoto depot, reflecting a targeted
fleet enhancement tailored to local service demands.
Car body
The vehicles feature steel-constructed bodies measuring 20,800 mm in length and 2,994 mm in width, with a 14,400 mm bogie centre distance. The cab end is equipped with a gangway door, above which a destination rollsign is mounted. Flanking the gangway are two horizontally arranged rectangular headlights and taillights.
Each side of the vehicle is fitted with three double-leaf automatic doors
with steps, each 1,300 mm wide. Door actuators are housed within the door
headers. Between the doors, two pairs of fixed or drop windows measuring
974 mm × 890 mm and at the rear, one fixed window measuring 1080
mm × 890 mm provide natural light and ventilation.
Additional exterior components on the car sides include a destination rollsign and station broadcast speakers mounted on the frieze panel. Roof-mounted air conditioning comprises two units: a prime mover-driven AU607K rated at 20,600 kcal/h and a self-powered AU608K rated at 20,000 kcal/h. Notably, the design omits roof ventilators. Indoor units are installed in the ceiling, while the outdoor units are positioned beneath the floor.
To maximize the passenger saloon space, the exhaust pipe of a prime mover is fitted at the end plate outside. The vehicles also utilize close-contact couplers, designed to accommodate automatic jumper couplers for streamlined multiple-unit operations.
Bogies
The powered bogies used are type DT600KA, while the trailer bogies are type TR600KA. Both types feature bolster-less secondary suspension with air springs, corn-shaped multilayer rubber springs for journal support, and draw gear with a Watts linkage system.
The powered bogies utilize a two-axle drive configuration, supporting traction performance under varied operating conditions. To achieve a lower floor height, both bogie types incorporate bow-shaped frames that allow the bolster suspension mounting points to be positioned below the conventional baseline.
Tapered roller bearings are adopted for axle support, ensuring stable rotational performance and durability under fluctuating loads.
In terms of braking systems, the powered bogies are equipped with single-tread brake rigging, while the trailer bogies feature a combination of single-tread brake rigging and disc brake systems, providing enhanced braking force.
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
The units are powered by a DMF13HZA four-cycle straight-six diesel engine manufactured by Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd., delivering an output of 450 PS. The prime mover incorporates an exhaust-gas-driven turbocharger and an intercooler, enabling a maximum service speed of 110 km/h.
Power is transmitted via an R-DW4 hydraulic transmission system, featuring a jaw clutch and a two-stage direct-coupled drive range. This configuration achieves high mechanical transmission efficiency despite the use of a friction clutch mechanism.
The braking system is electronically controlled and integrates both exhaust braking and holding brake functions, ensuring effective deceleration and operational safety under varied service conditions.
Accommodation
Traction unit and ancillary equipments
The units are powered by a DMF13HZA four-cycle straight-six diesel engine manufactured by Niigata Engineering Co., Ltd., delivering an output of 450 PS. The prime mover incorporates an exhaust-gas-driven turbocharger and an intercooler, enabling a maximum service speed of 110 km/h.
Power is transmitted via an R-DW4 hydraulic transmission system, featuring a jaw clutch and a two-stage direct-coupled drive range. This configuration achieves high mechanical transmission efficiency despite the use of a friction clutch mechanism.
The braking system is electronically controlled and integrates both exhaust braking and holding brake functions, ensuring effective deceleration and operational safety under varied service conditions.
Operations
They entered revenue services on the Houhi and Misumi lines in 1997. Currently,
they are used on the rural services on the Houhi, Kyudau, and Misumi lines. |
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