R55_03_26
Report from the third meeting of the Informal Working
group concerning regulation 55 under UNECE GRRF.
Welcome
The workgroup chairman Jürgen Westphäling welcomed all experts to the meeting venue at Tüv-Süd in
Garching. A special welcome was directed to Mr. Didier Turlier representing the Lohr company in
France.
Call around the table
There were fourteen experts that attended the meeting. Apologizes were received from Mr Grassi of
Orlandi, Mr. Alan Feltham of SAF/Holland, Mr.Borgi of CBM, Mr. Schauer of VDMA and Mr Bailey of
DfT UK. Eventually Mr. Teyssier sent a message that he could not attend as his flightcould not leave the
ground due to snow in Lyon. A call around the table was made.
Report on the subgroup on Agriculture coupling equipment (R55-03-18, R55-03-19)
Mr Westphäling reported that after that the German rules were translated into English and put forward as
a proposal the workload for Mr. Schauer had changed drastically due to the parallel work with the
upcoming frame directive for agricultural machines and vehicles. Hence Mr. Schauer is no longer able to
lead the sub-group. Meanwhile the Italian delegation had identified a number of differences towards the
national Italian rules. Those differences the Italians were not prepared to accept right away. Hence they
had started a local workgroup to discuss the German proposal and possibly make an own proposal for
agricultural coupling equipment. Also the French delegation had some comments on the German
proposal. However it was decided to wait for the Italian initiative managed by UNACOMA. It was also
noted that the time frame to be able to match the development of the European Frame directive is very
tight.
The list of simple item processed during the second meeting
It was discussed whether the changes that will be proposed from this workgroup should be the base for a
new revision or just amendments to the current series of amendments. It was concluded that at least the
simple item could be in the current series of amendments. It was further observed that the simple items
were to their character on the interpretation level and hence there should be no transition period needed.
Since the second meeting the proposals for the simple items had been reviewed by among others Mr.
Stokreef. Concerning item number 17 it was observed that the proposed new §§ 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6 are
already covered by Annex 5 §1.2, main text§ 5.3.3 and §4.3 respectively. Hence the only remaining new
§6.7 is renumbered to §6.4.
Review of the list of items
Item 7 Simple
After having reconsidered this item it was observed that the requirement for a secondary coupling was in
the regulation located under a heading for ball couplings. However there exist also pin couplings for light
trailers. Hence the wording and location became more complicated. It was noted that the requirement for
a secondary coupling applies only to light trailer. This may be a fact that could make the task somewhat
simpler. Mr. Westphäling will work out a proposal to the next meeting.
Item 10 Simple Complex
This item has not been thoroughly investigated yet. The wording has to account for the differing test
requirement that applies for class T as compared to class C. This started a discussion to what is a drawbar
coupling. As Class C and Class T is said to be drawbar couplings the rest e.g. annex 5 and annex 6
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become unclear. The concept “drawbar coupling” leads the comprehension to a coupling where a drawbar
is part of the connection between towing and towed vehicle. Then you may argue that a hook type
coupling Class K is also a drawbar coupling. Mr. Westphäling have in some context used the word clevis
(Explanation found under www.synonym.com: a coupler shaped like the letter U with holes through each end so a bolt or pin can pass
through the holes to complete the coupling; used to attach a drawbar to a plow or wagon or trailer etc. )
It was agreed that Mr.
Westphäling shall rework the Class C definition and review the consequences that such a rework will
have for the rest of the regulation e.g. annex 5 and annex 6.
Item 11 Simple (R55-03-20, R55-03-21)
Mr. Tagliaferri referenced the discussion that he and Mr. Teyssier had had since last meeting. During the
investigation in the details of the indication requirements they had identified some ambiguities. This was
illustrated in the document R55-03-21. Further work need to be done on this item. Mr. Tagliaferri and Mr.
Teyssier took on the task to do so. It was said that the rework should be done in the spirit of the ECE
Regulation 121. (Comment from the secretary: the definition §2.9 has to be addressed in this context )
Item 12 Simple (R55-03-03, R55-03-07, R55-03-08)
Mr. Zander had prepared new drawings showing specification of the required free space around the
coupling. These drawings were much improved as compared to the previous edition. A question arose
however to how to secure the clearance above the main body of the coupling. The proposal as it was
presented was judged to leave open the possibility to have less than 60 mm free space directly over the
main coupling body. Mr. Algüera volunteered to adjust the drawings. A proposal was presented at the end
of the meeting. There was not enough time to discuss. Hence Mr. Westphäling will distribute the sketched
to the members of the workgroup. The members are expected to comment as soon as possible such that
this matter can be closed at the next meeting.
Item 17 Simple
Requirements copied from 94/20/EC were agreed during the second meeting to be added. However as
stated above some adjustments was decided at this meeting.
Item 22 Complex (R55-03-14, R55-03-23)
Since the second meeting Mr. Svensson had reworked this item and proposed a new simplified formula to
account for the safety margin as the original procedure used in Sweden. This formula even though being
much simpler than that procedure was judged to be too complicated still. The group is in favor of the
general principle but would prefer a straight line for the relation. There was a short discussion on the
trade-off between V and S performance. Mr. Turlier pointed to the fact that the loading condition was
multi-axial. Hence some investigations into this circumstance are called for. He volunteered to make such
investigation together with Mr. Svensson.
Mr. Westphäling agreed to send to the secretary the German FS5 procedure.
Item 2 Complex (R55-03-09, R55-03-10, R55-03-11)
It was noted that the auxiliary use of couplings, in particular Class A, is increasing. As electro powered
bicycles are becoming more popular the weight carried on the auxiliary carriers attached to the coupling
is increasing. Hence an increasing number of claims are expected. The group is considering a separate set
of requirements in order to cover these applications. A proposal to amend Annex 6 § 1.5 adding to the
end of that paragraph:
Every other use of coupling device as well as mounting of supplement devices (such as stabilizators, luggage
carrier, short coupling devices, fixing points for positive steering, and else), by which supplement forces or
torques are caused to the coupling devices, has to be taken into account. The permission of using this kind of
devices as well as the relating B-value shall be noticed on the manufacturer’s plate and in the mounting
instructions.
In order to do this some extra investigation is required. Mr. Ittersum accepted the task to start these
investigations. As the discussions vent on the issue coupling brakes addressing wobbling instabilities
came up. There was no good knowledge about the size of those forces. Mr. Turlier was asked to give
some information about the forces that the Lohr design for such brakes on commercial trailers. This will
be on the agenda at the next meeting. Also AL-KO will look into what forces such brakes cause. Mr.
VBG GROUP TRUCK EQUIPMENT AB
Box 1216
SE-462 28 VÄNERSBORG
Sweden
Telephone
+46 521 27 77 00
Fax
+46 521 27 77 90
Reg. no.
556229-6573
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SE-462 56 VÄNERSBORG
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Ittersum, Mr. Preud’homme and Mr. Westphäling will work together on an improved proposal.
Item 13 Complex
The extended contacts with more people that have historically been involved in this matter did not shed
any new light on the subject. The group is still convinced that something need to be done. Indication of
the appropriate Av1 and Av2 values on the type approval plate is the main direction. In order to get forward
Mr. Svensson proposed to get in contact with Mr. Geoff Walsh from New Zeeland who has been involved
in their redesign of their requirement gathered in the document NZS5446:2007. There they put in a very
detailed handling of the lateral strength of drawbars. What change has that brought?
Item 5 Complex
This item was started for some different reasons. First it is not as open in regulation 55 as it is in directive
94/20/EU, Secondly there is a risk that Class S becomes like a “dust bin” where everything that could not
be classified in any other Class will be certified. The actual trigger is the classification of emerging fully
automatic coupling systems.
It was noted that fully automatic coupling systems that in effect is a coupling system of an existing Class,
e.g. Class C or Class G, that has got additional functionality to handle electric and pneumatic connections
will remain Class C or Class G or whatever is the base. Any other design that is quite unique and that
does not fit into any of the existing classes need to be handled more strict. The proposal is to design a new
Class, W, where unique fully automatic coupling systems are certified. This new Class shall clarify:
- the required level of automation
- declaring any exemptions needed
- underlining the requirements of ECE R55 to be fulfilled anyway.
- clearing the discussion of interchangeability
Mr. Gunneriusson and Mr. Svensson accepted the task to outline proposal for the definition of this new
Class W.
It was in this context noted the Annex 7 §1.5.2 already envision a fully automatic fifth wheel coupling.
That paragraph put a requirement that such coupling systems shall have landing legs that are operated
automatically. Mr Algüera volunteered to look into this matter and possibly outline a new proposal for the
text.
Item 3 Complex
Information from DLG is awaited.
Item 4 Complex
No proposal had been compiled yet. The meeting time schedule was tight and this item did henceforth not
appear on the agenda.
Item 24 Complex (R55-03-24)
The requirements on the rubbing plate and the installation of the king-pin were discussed. Mr. Algüera
noted that the Regulation 55 put requirements to the king-pin itself and the usually circular piece welded
in to the rubbing plate. The remaining structure, i.e. the rubbing plate and its backing stiffeners,
transferring the forces from the king-pin to the semitrailer side members go without any requirements.
Even though this is analogue to mounting plate and drawbeams on the tractor/truck side industry seem
reluctant to put up requirements. From the perspective of the company of Mr. Algüera they are getting
more and more claims where the king-pin installation has been torn away from the semitrailer. Currently
there are 10 to 15 such claims a year while it was none 15 years ago.
Within ISO there has been some work on deformation and stiffness requirements for the rubbing plate.
See ISO 1726-3.
In this context it was also discussed the need to have a more stringent definition on what is coupling
equipment.
The history of how to handle trailers varies between the different countries. The Netherlands abandoned
trailer testing some 30 years ago. Italy has a format calculation procedure. Mr. Tagliaferri promised to
send a copy of that procedure to the secretary.
A general discussion on this item brought up some odd cases where the stress on the forward structure on
a semi-trailer is becoming extreme. Those include transports on trains and on ships.
VBG GROUP TRUCK EQUIPMENT AB
Box 1216
SE-462 28 VÄNERSBORG
Sweden
Telephone
+46 521 27 77 00
Fax
+46 521 27 77 90
Reg. no.
556229-6573
Registered office
Herman Kreftings gata 4
SE-462 56 VÄNERSBORG
R55_03_26
To bring this item forward it was proposed that the participants with access to accident statistics shall try
to get some supporting material for a continued discussion at the next meeting. Statistics may be available
at least from KBA, RDW, TS (Sweden).
Item 25 Complex
Mr. Stokreef presented a proposal to introduce requirements on minimum articulation angles for
couplings as installed on the vehicle. The proposed limiting angles gave reason for a vivid discussion. For
example the proposal for vertical angles was ±20°. Putting this in the context of the standardized under
slung mounting positions that limiting angle requires approximately 690 mm free space above the
coupling at 1900 mm under slung position. It was hard to come to a common position on this item. It was
decided that each country represented around the table should investigate what limiting anles the national
legislations apply if any.
Close of the meeting
The chairman thanked all participating experts for their contribution and wished them a safe journey
home. Welcome back in April of 2013. Likewise the attendees expressed their gratitude for the
hospitality by TÜV-SÜD to host the meeting.
The next meeting will be held in Hamburg on the 11th to 12th of April 2013.
Resolutions and actions
No. Description
1
Item list in ToR extended with two items.
29. Integrated drawbar, 30. Simple drawbar
2
The German TA 31 sent to the secretary
3
TûV-Nord procedure on rigid drawbars sent to
the secretary
4
Invite Lucien Vogel of Lohr to the group
5
Invite German trailer manufacturers to the
group
6
Invite other trailer manufacturers through
CLCCR
7
Invite representatives from UTAC to the
group
8
Investigate further experts to the agricultural
subgroup
9
Item 6, Collect further information on locking
of foldable class A couplings
10 Item 7, In principle agreed but formulation
shall be reconsidered.
11 Item 8, Agreed without modifications
12 Item 10, No agreement reached, reclassified as
complex.
13 Item 11, Proposal agreed in principle. Mr.
Teyssier of Volvo volunteered to reconsider
the formulation. Mr. Tagliaferri offered his
support.
14 Item 12, The drawings proposed needed
improvement. The justification is required to
be better founded in the statistics.
15 Item 17, Agreed
VBG GROUP TRUCK EQUIPMENT AB
Box 1216
SE-462 28 VÄNERSBORG
Sweden
Telephone
+46 521 27 77 00
Time
2012 Oct 11
Actor
Svensson
Closed
Yes
2012 Oct 11
2012 Oct 11
Conrad
Conrad
Yes
2012 Oct 11
2012 Oct 11
Preud´homme
Westphäling
Yes
Yes
2012 Oct 11
Svensson
Yes
2012 Oct 11
Preud´homme
2012 Oct 11
All
2012 Oct 11
Ittersum
2012 Oct 11
Westphäling,
Stokreef
2012 Oct 11
2012 Oct 11
Decided
2012 Oct 11
Teyssier,
Tagliaferri
2012 Oct 11
Zander
2012 Oct 11
Fax
+46 521 27 77 90
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Reg. no.
556229-6573
Registered office
Herman Kreftings gata 4
SE-462 56 VÄNERSBORG
R55_03_26
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Item 18, Proposal was agreed. The
formulation does cover fully automatic
coupling systems.
Item 23, Proposal disagreed and withdrawn
Item 22, Proposal supported and Mr. Svensson
was assigned the task to elaborate the proposal
Item 2, No agreement was reached at this time
more information on accident statistics needed
Item 2, AL-KO to send internal procedure to
Mr. Westphäling
Item 2, TÜV-Rheinland to send internal
procedure to Westphäling
Item 2, Try to get documentation on the Dutch
automobile club procedures and send to
Westphäling
Item 13, Support but further information
wanted. Contact Mr. Bonacker for more
background.
Item 3, Proposal in principle agreed. More
information on mechanism required.
Westphäling contacts DLG. Svensson contacts
Mr. Bonacker.
Item 4, Pommier is invited to outline a new
class L2 intended for use with pin type
couplings with cylindrical (prismatic) pin.
Items agreed at the 2012 Oct 10-11 will be
formalized in a working document for the
GRRF session 2013 Feb
Next meeting to be held in Garching 2013 Jan
15-16
Italian UNACOMA to prepare a proposal for
agricultural couplings
Simple items will go in the current series of
amendments.
No transition period needed for the simple
items
Handle both ball and pin couplings in the
context of secondary coupling. New proposal.
Introduce clevis in the definition of Class C
clearing out ambiguities. New proposal
Further detail the requirement for remote
indication. New proposals.
Distribute new sketches on free space
definition.
Comment on the new sketches for free space
Proposal for item 17 adjusted
Further elaborate on the trade-off proposal,
aiming for a straight line
Send the German documented procedure FS5
to the secretary
VBG GROUP TRUCK EQUIPMENT AB
Box 1216
SE-462 28 VÄNERSBORG
Sweden
Telephone
+46 521 27 77 00
2012 Oct 11
Yes
2012 Oct 11
2012 Oct 11
Svensson
2012 Oct 11
Westphäling
2012 Oct 11
Jaumouille
2012 Oct 11
?
2012 Oct 11
Stokreef
2012 Oct 11
Svensson
2012 Oct 11
Westphäling,
Svensson
(Challenge to all
experts)
Preud´homme
2012 Oct 11
2012 Oct 11
Yes
Yes
Yes
Westphäling,
Svensson
2012 Oct 11
Yes
Yes
2013 Jan 16
Westphäling
2013 Jan 16
Decided
Yes
2013 Jan 16
Decided
Yes
2013 Jan 16
Westphäling
2013 Jan 16
Westphäling
2013 Jan 16
2013 Jan 16
Tagliaferri,
Teyssier
Westphäling
2013 Jan 16
2013 Jan 16
2013 Jan 16
All
Decided
Turlier, Svensson
2013 Jan 16
Westphäling
Fax
+46 521 27 77 90
Reg. no.
556229-6573
Yes
Registered office
Herman Kreftings gata 4
SE-462 56 VÄNERSBORG
R55_03_26
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Start outline requirements for auxiliary usage
of coupling equipment.
Supply information on force level from
coupling brakes.
2013 Jan 16
Ittersum
2013 Jan 16
Investigate the outcome from the changed
rules for drawbar lateral forces in NewZeeland
Coupling in existing classes developed to
become fully automatic coupling remain in the
original class.
Outline a new Class W for coupling systems
of unique concept. Draw on the Class T when
outlining the definition
Review Annex 7 §1.5.2
Investigate and compile statistics concerning
king-pin and supporting structure in semitrailers.
2013 Jan 16
Turlier, Ittersum,
Preud´home,
Westphäling,
Jaumouille
Svensson
2013 Jan 16
Decided
2013 Jan 16
Svensson,
Gunneriusson
2013 Jan 16
2013 Jan 16
Investigate and compile information on
limiting articulation angles for coupling
equipment as installed on the vehicles
2013 Jan 16
Algüera
Stokreef, Hansen,
Gunneriusson,
Bailey,Preud´home,
Tagliaferri
Stokreef, Hansen,
Gunneriusson,
Bailey,Turlier,
Erario/Tagliaferri
VBG GROUP TRUCK EQUIPMENT AB
Box 1216
SE-462 28 VÄNERSBORG
Sweden
Telephone
+46 521 27 77 00
Fax
+46 521 27 77 90
Reg. no.
556229-6573
Yes
Registered office
Herman Kreftings gata 4
SE-462 56 VÄNERSBORG