Council Decision
of 13 March 2006
on the accession of the Community to United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Regulation No 55 on provisions concerning the approval of mechanical coupling components of combinations of vehicles
(Text with EEA relevance)
(2006/444/EC)
Article 1
Article 2
Article 3
AGREEMENT
Concerning the adoption of uniform technical prescriptions for wheeled vehicles, equipment and parts which can be fitted and/or be used on wheeled vehicles and the conditions for reciprocal recognition of approvals granted on the basis of these prescriptions(1)
(Revision 2, including the amendments which entered into force on 16 October 1995)
Addendum 54:
REGULATION No 55
Revised version providing Revision 1 consolidated with Corrigendum 1(1)
Uniform provisions concerning the approval of mechanical coupling components of combinations of vehicles
(Acts whose publication is obligatory)
Regulation No 55 of the Economic Commission for Europe of the United Nations (UN/ECE).
1. SCOPE
2. DEFINITIONS
Class A |
Coupling balls and towing brackets employing a 50 mm diameter spherical device and brackets on the towing vehicle for connecting to the trailer by means of a coupling head — see annex 5, paragraph 1. |
Class A50-1 to 50-5 |
Standard 50 mm diameter coupling balls with flange type bolted fixing. |
Class A50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm diameter coupling balls and brackets. |
Class B |
Coupling heads fitted to the drawbar of trailers for connecting to the 50 mm diameter coupling ball on the towing vehicle — see annex 5, paragraph 2. |
Class B50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm diameter coupling heads. |
Class C |
Drawbar couplings with a 50 mm diameter pin and with a jaw and an automatic closing and locking pin on the towing vehicle for connecting to the trailer by means of a drawbar eye — see annex 5, paragraph 3. |
Class C50-1 to 50-7 |
Standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar couplings. |
Class C50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar couplings. |
Class D |
Drawbar eyes having a parallel hole suitable for a 50 mm diameter pin and fitted to the drawbar of trailers for connecting to automatic drawbar couplings — see annex 5, paragraph 4. |
Class D50-A |
Standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar eyes for welded attachment. |
Class D50-B |
Standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar eyes for threaded attachment. |
Class D50-C& 50-D |
Standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar eyes for bolted attachment. |
Class D50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm pin diameter drawbar eyes. |
Class E |
Non-standard drawbars comprising overrun devices and similar items of equipment mounted on the front of the towed vehicle, or to the vehicle chassis, which are suitable for coupling to the towing vehicle by means of drawbar eyes, coupling heads or similar coupling devices — see annex 5, paragraph 5. |
|
Drawbars may be hinged to move freely in a vertical plane and not support any vertical load or be fixed in a vertical plane so as to support a vertical load (Rigid drawbars). Rigid drawbars can be entirely rigid or be flexibly mounted. |
|
Drawbars may comprise more than one component and may be adjustable or cranked. |
|
This Regulation applies to drawbars which are separate units, not an integral part of the chassis of the towed vehicle. |
Class F |
Non-standard drawbeams comprising all components and devices between the coupling devices, such as coupling balls and drawbar couplings, and the frame (for example the rear cross member), the load-bearing bodywork or the chassis of the towing vehicle — see annex 5, paragraph 6. |
Class G |
Fifth wheel couplings are plate type couplings having an automatic coupling lock and are fitted to the towing vehicle for connecting with a 50 mm diameter fifth wheel coupling pin fitted to a semitrailer — see annex 5, paragraph 7. |
Class G50 |
Standard 50 mm pin diameter fifth wheel couplings. |
Class G50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm pin diameter fifth wheel couplings. |
Class H |
Fifth wheel coupling pins, 50 mm diameter, are devices fitted to a semitrailer to connect with the fifth wheel coupling of the towing vehicle — see annex 5, paragraph 8. |
Class H50-X |
Non-standard 50 mm pin diameter fifth wheel coupling pins. |
Class J |
Non-standard mounting plates comprising all components and devices for attaching fifth wheel couplings to the frame or chassis of the towing vehicle. The mounting plate may have provision for moving horizontally, that is to form a sliding fifth wheel — see annex 5, paragraph 9. |
Class K |
Standard, hook type couplings intended for use with appropriate Class L type toroidal drawbar eyes — see annex 5, paragraph 10. |
Class L |
Standard toroidal drawbar eyes for use with appropriate Class K hook type couplings — see annex 5, paragraph 4. |
Class S |
Devices and components which do not conform to any of the Classes A to L or T above and which are used, for example, for special heavy transport or are devices unique to some countries and covered by existing national standards. |
Class T |
Non-standard, non-automatic dedicated drawbar type couplings which are able to be separated only by the use of tools and are typically used for trailers of car transporters. They shall be approved as a matched pair. |
Figure 1
Dimensions of the centre axle trailer
Av |
= |
maximum permitted axle mass of the steered axle in tonnes. |
C |
= |
mass of centre axle trailer in tonnes — see paragraph 2.11.1. of this Regulation. |
D |
= |
D value in kN — see paragraph 2.11.1. of this Regulation. |
Dc |
= |
Dc value in kN for centre axle trailers — see paragraph 2.11.1. of this Regulation. |
R |
= |
mass of towed vehicle in tonnes — see paragraph 2.11.1. of this Regulation. |
T |
= |
mass of towing vehicle in tonnes — see paragraph 2.11.1. of this Regulation. |
Fa |
= |
static lifting force in kN. |
Fh |
= |
horizontal component of test force in longitudinal axis of vehicle in kN. |
Fs |
= |
vertical component of test force in kN. |
S |
= |
static vertical mass in kg. |
U |
= |
fifth wheel imposed vertical mass in tonnes. |
V |
= |
V-value in kN — see paragraph 2.11.4. of this Regulation. |
a |
= |
equivalent vertical acceleration factor at the coupling point of centre axle trailers depending on the type of suspension of the rear axle(s) of the towing vehicle — see paragraph 2.11.4. of this Regulation. |
e |
= |
longitudinal distance between the coupling point of coupling balls which can be dismantled and the vertical plane of the fixing points (see Figures 20c to 20f) in mm. |
f |
= |
vertical distance between the coupling point of coupling balls which can be dismantled and the horizontal plane of the fixing points (see Figures 20c to 20f) in mm. |
g |
= |
acceleration due to gravity, assumed as 9,81 m/s2. |
L |
= |
theoretical drawbar length between the centre of the drawbar eye and the centre of the axle assembly in metres. |
X |
= |
length of the loading area of a centre axle trailer in metres. |
Subscripts: |
||
O |
= |
maximum test force |
U |
= |
minimum test force |
a |
= |
static force |
h |
= |
horizontal |
p |
= |
pulsating |
res |
= |
resultant |
s |
= |
vertical |
w |
= |
alternating force |
3. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICE OR COMPONENT
4. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES OR COMPONENTS
5. APPLICATION FOR APPROVAL OF A VEHICLE FITTED WITH A MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICE OR COMPONENT
6. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES FITTED WITH A MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICE OR COMPONENT
7. MARKINGS
8. APPROVAL
9. MODIFICATIONS OF THE MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICE OR COMPONENT, OR OF THE VEHICLE AND EXTENSION OF APPROVAL
10. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION PROCEDURES
11. PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION
12. PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED
13. TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS
14. NAMES AND ADDRESSES OF TECHNICAL SERVICES RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROVAL TESTS AND OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS
ANNEX 1
COMMUNICATION
(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
[Bild bitte in Originalquelle ansehen] |
issued by: |
Name of administration: ………………………………… ………………………………… ………………………………… |
concerning: |
APPROVAL GRANTED |
|
APPROVAL EXTENDED |
|
APPROVAL REFUSED |
|
APPROVAL WITHDRAWN |
|
PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED |
ANNEX 2
COMMUNICATION
(maximum format: A4 (210 × 297 mm))
[Bild bitte in Originalquelle ansehen] |
issued by: |
Name of administration: ………………………………… ………………………………… ………………………………… |
concerning: |
APPROVAL GRANTED |
|
APPROVAL EXTENDED |
|
APPROVAL REFUSED |
|
APPROVAL WITHDRAWN |
|
PRODUCTION DEFINITELY DISCONTINUED |
ANNEX 3
EXAMPLE OF AN ARRANGEMENT OF THE APPROVAL MARK
ANNEX 4
EXAMPLES OF ARRANGEMENTS OF MARKING OF THE CHARACTERISTIC VALUES
Description of mechanical coupling device or component |
Relevant characteristic values to be marked |
|||||
Class |
D |
Dc |
S |
U |
V |
|
Coupling balls and towing brackets — see annex 5, para. 1 of this Regulation |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
|
|
Coupling heads |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
|
|
Drawbar couplings |
★ |
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
Drawbar eyes |
★ |
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
Drawbars |
★ |
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
Drawbeams |
★ |
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
Fifth wheel couplings |
★ |
★ |
|
|
★ |
|
Fifth wheel pins |
★ |
★ |
|
|
|
|
Fifth wheel mounting plates |
★ |
★ |
|
|
★ |
|
Hook type couplings |
★ |
★ |
★ |
★ |
|
★ |
ANNEX 5
REQUIREMENTS FOR MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES OR COMPONENTS
1. COUPLING BALLS AND TOWING BRACKETS
Figure 2
Coupling ball of Class A
Figure 3
Dimensions of standard flange type ball couplings of Class A50-1
(see Table 2)
Figure 4
Dimensions of standard flange type ball couplings of Class A50-2 to A50-5
(see Table 2)
Class |
A50-1 |
A50-2, A50-4 |
A50-3, A50-5 |
Comments |
e1 |
90 |
83 |
120 |
±0,5 |
e2 |
|
56 |
55 |
±0,5 |
d2 |
17 |
10,5 |
15 |
H13 |
f |
130 |
110 |
155 |
+6,0 -0 |
g |
50 |
85 |
90 |
+6,0 -0 |
c |
15 |
15 |
15 |
Maximum |
l |
55 |
110 |
120 |
±5,0 |
h |
70 |
80 |
80 |
±5,0 |
Class |
A50-1 |
A50-2 |
A50-3 |
A50-3 |
A50-5 |
D |
17 |
20 |
30 |
20 |
30 |
S |
120 |
120 |
120 |
150 |
150 |
D |
= |
Maximum D value (kN) |
S |
= |
Maximum static mass (kg) |
2. COUPLING HEADS
3. DRAWBAR COUPLINGS
Figure 5
Horizontal rotation of the coupled drawbar eye
Figure 6
Vertical rotation of the coupled drawbar eye
Figure 7
Axial rotation of the coupled drawbar eye
Figure 8
Dimensions of standard drawbar couplings (mm),
(see Table 4)
Class |
C50-1 |
C50-2 |
C50-3 |
C50-4 |
C50-5 |
C50-6, C50-7 |
Remarks |
e1 |
83 |
83 |
120 |
140 |
160 |
160 |
±0,5 |
e2 |
56 |
56 |
55 |
80 |
100 |
100 |
±0,5 |
d1 |
|
54 |
74 |
84 |
94 |
94 |
max. |
d2 |
10,5 |
10,5 |
15 |
17 |
21 |
21 |
H13 |
f |
110 |
110 |
155 |
180 |
140 |
140 |
±3,0 |
g |
85 |
85 |
90 |
120 |
140 |
140 |
±3,0 |
a |
100 |
170 |
200 |
200 |
200 |
200 |
±20,0 - 0 |
b |
150 |
280 |
360 |
360 |
360 |
360 |
±20,0 - 0 |
c |
20 |
20 |
24 |
30 |
30 |
30 |
max. |
h |
150 |
190 |
265 |
265 |
265 |
265 |
max. |
l1 |
|
150 |
250 |
300 |
300 |
300 |
max. |
l2 |
150 |
300 |
330 |
330 |
330 |
330 |
max. |
l3 |
100 |
160 |
180 |
180 |
180 |
180 |
±20,0 |
T |
|
15 |
20 |
35 |
35 |
35 |
max. |
Class |
C50-1 |
C50-2 |
C50-3 |
C50-4 |
C50-5 |
C50-6 |
C50-7 |
D |
18 |
25 |
70 |
100 |
130 |
190 |
190 |
Dc |
18 |
25 |
50 |
70 |
90 |
120 |
130 |
S |
200 |
250 |
650 |
900 |
1000 |
1000 |
1000 |
V |
12 |
10 |
18 |
25 |
35 |
50 |
75 |
D |
= |
maximum D value (kN) |
Dc |
= |
maximum D value (kN) for centre axle trailer applications |
S |
= |
maximum static vertical load on coupling (kg) |
V |
= |
maximum V value (kN) |
4. DRAWBAR EYES
Figure 9
Slotted sleeve for Class D50 drawbar eyes
Figure 10
Non-slotted sleeve for Class D50-C drawbar eyes
Class |
h (mm) |
b (mm) |
D50-A |
65 +2/-1 |
60 +2/-1 |
D50-X |
80 max. |
62 max. |
Class |
D |
Dc |
S |
V |
D50-A |
130 |
90 |
1 000 |
30 |
D50-B |
130 |
90 |
1 000 |
25 |
D50-C |
190 |
120 |
1 000 |
50 |
D50-D |
190 |
130 |
1 000 |
75 |
Figure 11
Dimensions of Classes D50-A and D50-X drawbar eyes,
(see Table 6)
Figure 12
Dimensions of Class D50-B drawbar eyes,
(see other dimensions in Figure 11)
Figure 13
Dimensions of Classes D50-C and D50-D drawbar eyes,
(see other dimensions in Figure 11)
Figure 14
Dimensions of Class L toroidal drawbar eyes
(see Table 8)
Class |
L1 |
L2 |
L3 |
L4 |
L5 |
remarks |
a |
68 +1,6/-0,0 |
76,2 ±0,8 |
76,2 ±0,8 |
76,2 ±0,8 |
1 000 |
|
b |
41,2 ±0,8 |
41,2 ±0,8 |
41,2 ±0,8 |
41,2 ±0,8 |
41,2 ±0,8 |
|
c |
70 |
65 |
65 |
65 |
70 |
min. |
Class |
L1 |
L2 |
L3 |
L4 |
L5 |
D kN |
30 |
70 |
100 |
130 |
180 |
Dc kN |
27 |
54 |
70 |
90 |
120 |
S kg |
200 |
700 |
950 |
1 000 |
1 000 |
V kN |
12 |
18 |
25 |
35 |
50 |
5. DRAWBARS
6. DRAWBEAMS
Figure 15
Mounting dimensions for standard drawbar couplings
(see Table 10)
Class |
C50-1 |
C50-2 |
C50-3 |
C50-4 |
C50-5 |
C50-6, C50-7 |
Remarks |
e1 |
83 |
83 |
120 |
140 |
160 |
160 |
±0,5 |
e2 |
56 |
56 |
55 |
80 |
100 |
100 |
±0,5 |
d1 |
|
55 |
75 |
85 |
95 |
95 |
+1,0/-0,5 |
d2 |
10,5 |
10,5 |
15 |
17 |
21 |
21 |
H13 |
T |
|
15 |
20 |
35 |
35 |
35 |
max. |
F |
120 |
120 |
165 |
190 |
210 |
210 |
min. |
G |
195 |
95 |
100 |
130 |
150 |
150 |
min. |
L1 |
|
200 |
300 |
400 |
400 |
400 |
min. |
7. FIFTH WHEEL COUPLINGS AND STEERING WEDGES
Figure 16
Dimensions of standard fifth wheel couplings
(see Table 11)
Figure 16a
Mounting holes tolerances for class J mounting plates for fifth wheel couplings
(see para. 9.1. of this annex)
Class |
G50-1 |
G50-2 |
G50-3 |
G50-4 |
G50-5 |
G50-6 |
H |
140-159 |
160-179 |
180199 |
200-219 |
220-239 |
240-260 |
Figure 17
Dimensions of spring-mounted steering wedges
8. FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING PINS
Figure 18
Dimensions of Class H50 fifth wheel coupling pins
9. MOUNTING PLATES
10. HOOK TYPE COUPLINGS
Figure 19
Dimensions and articulation of Class K hook type couplings
Class |
K1 |
K2 |
K3 |
K4 |
KA1 |
KA2 |
KA3 |
Remarks |
e1 |
|
83 |
83 |
120 |
120 |
140 |
160 |
±0,5 |
e2 |
|
56 |
56 |
55 |
55 |
80 |
100 |
±0,5 |
e3 |
90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
±0,5 |
d2 |
17 |
10,5 |
10,5 |
15 |
15 |
17 |
21 |
H13 |
c |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
3 |
min. |
f |
130 |
175 |
175 |
180 |
180 |
200 |
200 |
max. |
g |
100 |
100 |
100 |
120 |
120 |
140 |
200 |
max. |
a |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
45 |
±1,6 - 0 |
L1 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
120 |
250 |
300 |
300 |
max. |
L2 |
74 |
74 |
63 |
74 |
90 |
90 |
90 |
max. |
L3 |
110 |
130 |
130 |
150 |
150 |
200 |
200 |
max. |
Class |
K1 |
K2 |
K3 |
K4 |
KA1 |
KA2 |
KA3 |
D kN |
17 |
20 |
20 |
25 |
70 |
100 |
130 |
Dc kN |
|
|
17 |
20 |
54 |
70 |
90 |
S kg |
120 |
120 |
200 |
250 |
700 |
900 |
1000 |
V kN |
|
|
10 |
10 |
18 |
25 |
35 |
11. DEDICATED DRAWBAR TYPE COUPLINGS — CLASS T
12. DEVICES FOR REMOTE INDICATION AND REMOTE CONTROL
ANNEX 6
TESTING OF MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES OR COMPONENTS
1. GENERAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS
2. TEST PROCEDURES
3. SPECIFIC TESTING REQUIREMENTS
Figure 20
Arrangements of ball type towing brackets
Figure 21
Angles of application of test force
Figure 22
Angles of application of test force
Figure 23
Dynamic test
Test Force |
Mean value (kN) |
Amplitude (kN) |
Horizontal Force |
0 |
±0,6 Dc (see note) |
Vertical Force |
S x g/1 000 |
±0,6 V (see note) |
Note: In the case of Class T dedicated drawbar couplings these values shall be reduced to ±0,5Dc and ±0,5V. |