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East Japan Railway has developed E231 series based on the experience of
209 -950 series as proto type of new generation vehicle since 1998. E231
series has major 2 types. One is for rapid train and sub-urban use.
Another is for commuter use. Common construction of car body and common
equipments are basically taken both types, because of cost reduction and
maintenance. This page describes 1000 type of rapid train and
sub-urban use.
TIMS (train information management system) is revolution point in
E231 series. In the existing vehicles, cockpit monitor was no more than
the information display from equipment. The TIMS has ability of driver's
check such as pantograph, ATS, door opening, braking, lighting and etc.
As a result, we can minimize checking time and wiring of train lines.
Cockpit for suburban use has crushable zone to be based on old type E
217, because of safety for train crew and passengers. Moreover coupler
on controller vehicle has ability of plastic deformation. There are
still many road crossing in sub urban area. Because E231 of suburban
version will be used in cold climates, there are 2 heaters in cockpit.
There are 2 types of side widows. One is drop type and another is
fixed type. Both window types are heat and ultraviolet absorbing glass
of green color. Liner motor is used as door engine, because of compact.
Finally Japan Rail Fan Club has awarded to E231 series the Laurel Prize
as superior design in 2000.
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