Arrangement for preventing energy absorbing material degradation on draft gears

摘要

A draft gear assembly includes a yoke and a coupler follower disposed within the yoke. A front compressible resilient member is disposed intermediate the yoke and the coupler follower. A rear compressible resilient member engages a back wall of the yoke at one end and engages a rear follower at a distal end. A center rod extends through the rear compressible resilient member and the rear follower and engages a shortening member. A plurality of stops members are attached to the back wall of the yoke for limiting compression of the rear compressible resilient member during buff travel. The stop members may be extended toward the coupler follower for limiting compression of the front compressible resilient member during draft travel. Alternatively, a center rod or elastomeric pads may be adapted for limiting compression of the resilient compressible members during buff and draft travel. Stops for limiting compression may be also attached to a center sill.