DRAFT GEAR ASSEMBLY, COMPRISING A HOUSING, A COMPRESSIBLE ELASTOMERIC SPRING ELEMENT AND A FRICTION CUSHIONING MECHANISM.

摘要

A draft gear assembly (84) for cushioning both buff and draft dynamic impact forces being applied to a center sill member of a railway vehicle includes a housing member (300) closed at one end and open at an opposed end, the housing member having a rear portion (312) adjacent the closed end and a front portion adjacent the open end. At least one compressible elastomeric spring (102g) is positioned within the rear portion and has a rear end thereof abutting at least a portion of an inner surface of the closed end. A friction clutch mechanism (350) is also provided in abutting engagement with each of the front end of the compressible elastomeric spring and the coupler shank. The housing member may be provided with a pair of ledge portions (336) disposed intermediate its ends and attachment members (342) disposed on the open end for attaching the housing member directly to the coupler shank (12).