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Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title

Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 30 May 1994 relating to the mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachment to those vehicles (repealed)

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  1. Introductory Text

  2. Article 1.For the purpose of this Directive: ‘vehicle’ means any motor...

  3. Article 2.Member States may not refuse: EEC type-approval or national type-approval...

  4. Article 3.Member States shall adopt and publish the laws, regulations and...

  5. Article 4.This Directive is addressed to the Member States.

  6. Signature

    1. LIST OF ANNEXES

      1. ANNEX I

        1. 1. Scope

          1. 1.1. This Directive applies to the mechanical coupling devices for motor...

          2. 1.2. This Directive states the requirements which mechanical coupling devices intended...

          3. 1.3. The coupling devices are classified according to type, and distinguishing...

        2. 2. DEFINITIONS

          1. 2.1. Mechanical coupling devices between motor vehicles and trailers are all...

          2. 2.1.1. The coupling balls and towing brackets in Section 1.3.1 are...

          3. 2.1.2. The coupling heads in Section 1.3.2 are mechanical coupling devices...

          4. 2.1.3. The drawbar couplings in Section 1.3.3 are mechanical coupling devices...

          5. 2.1.4. The drawbar eyes in Section 1.3.4 are mechanical coupling devices...

          6. 2.1.5. The drawbars in Section 1.3.5 comprise overrun devices and similar...

          7. 2.1.6. The drawbeams in Section 1.3.6 are all parts and devices...

          8. 2.1.7. The fifth wheel coupling in Section 1.3.7 are plate-like coupling...

          9. 2.1.8. The fifth wheel coupling pins in Section 1.3.8. are a...

          10. 2.1.9. The mounting plates in Section 1.3.9 are all parts and...

          11. 2.1.10. Steering wedges are components mounted on semi-trailers which control positive...

          12. 2.1.11. Standard coupling devices are classified in Section 1.3. and conform...

          13. 2.1.12. Non-standard coupling devices are those of Classes A to J...

          14. 2.1.13. The miscellaneous coupling devices for transitional or exceptional use in...

          15. 2.1.14. Remote control devices are devices which, in the case of...

          16. 2.1.15. Remote indicators are indicating devices which indicate to the vehicle...

          17. 2.1.16. A type of mechanical coupling device means a device which...

          18. 2.1.17. A coupling procedure is automatic if reversing the towing vehicle...

          19. 2.1.18. The ‘D-value’ is defined as the theoretical reference force for...

          20. 2.1.19. The ‘V-value’ is defined as the theoretical reference force for...

          21. 2.1.20. ‘Centre-axle trailer’ means a towed vehicle equipped with a towing...

          22. 2.1.2.1. For vehicles not falling clearly in any of the above...

          23. 2.1.22. ‘Vehicle type’ means vehicles which do not differ with respect...

        3. 3. EEC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A COMPONENT

          1. 3.1. Application for EEC type-approval

            1. 3.1.1. The application for EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 3 (4)...

            2. 3.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex...

            3. 3.1.3. The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible...

          2. 3.2. Marking of specimen

            1. 3.2.1. Each of the specimens of the particular type of coupling...

            2. 3.2.2. factory mark, trade name or manufacturer's name (and trade mark...

            3. 3.2.3. type and, if applicable, version;

            4. 3.2.4. a sufficiently large space for the EEC approval mark and...

          3. 3.3. Granting of EEC type-approval

            1. 3.3.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EEC type-approval pursuant to...

            2. 3.3.2. A model for the EEC type-approval certificate is given in...

            3. 3.3.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive...

            4. 3.3.4. There shall be affixed, conspicuously and in a readily accessible...

            5. 3.3.4.1. A rectangle surrounding the letter ‘e’ followed by the distinguishing...

            6. 3.3.4.2. A two-digit number, indicating the number of the latest amendment...

            7. 3.3.4.3. The following supplementary marks placed anywhere close to the rectangle:...

            8. 3.3.5. The approval mark shall be indelible and clearly legible even...

            9. 3.3.6. Annex II to this Directive gives examples of the arrangement...

          4. 3.4. Modification of the type of mechanical coupling device and extension...

            1. 3.4.1. In the case of modification of a type approved pursuant...

        4. 4. EEC TYPE-APPROVAL FOR A VEHICLE

          1. 4.1. Application for EEC type-approval

            1. 4.1.1. The application for EEC type-approval pursuant to Article 3 (4)...

            2. 4.1.2. A model for the information document is given in Annex...

            3. 4.1.3. The following must be submitted to the technical service responsible...

          2. 4.2. Granting of EEC type-approval

            1. 4.2.1. If the relevant requirements are satisfied, EEC type-approval pursuant to...

            2. 4.2.2. A model for the EEC type-approval certificate is given in...

            3. 4.2.3. An approval number in accordance with Annex VII to Directive...

          3. 4.3. Modification of the type of vehicle and extension of EEC...

            1. 4.3.1. In the case of modification of a type-approval pursuant to...

            2. 4.3.2. The holder of an EEC vehicle type-approval can apply for...

            3. 4.3.3. In the case of standard coupling devices in classes A,...

        5. 5. REQUIREMENTS

          1. 5.1. The mechanical coupling devices between motor vehicles and trailers must...

          2. 5.2. Safe coupling and uncoupling of the vehicles must be possible...

          3. 5.3. The mechanical coupling devices shall be so designed and manufactured...

          4. 5.4. Every coupling device must be accompanied by installation and operating...

          5. 5.5. The materials that may be used are those for which...

          6. 5.6. All parts of the mechanical coupling devices whose failure could...

          7. 5.7. All couplings must be designed for positive mechanical engagement, and...

          8. 5.8. The mechanical coupling devices must satisfy the requirements of Annex...

          9. 5.9. Loading requirements

            1. 5.9.1. Mechanical coupling devices are subject to the tests described in...

            2. 5.9.2. These tests must not cause any cracks, fractures or other...

            3. 5.10. The installation of the mechanical coupling devices to the vehicle...

            4. 5.11. The abovementioned requirements and those of Annexes V, VI and...

        6. 6. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION

          1. 6.1. As a general rule, measures to ensure the conformity of...

          2. 6.2. The normal frequency of inspections to be carried out by...

      2. ANNEX II

        1. (a) Specimen EEC approval marking for a drawbar coupling

        2. (b) Specimen EEC approval marking for a drawbar eye

        3. (c) Specimen EEC approval mark for a fifth wheel coupling

        4. (d) Specimen EEC approval marking for a fifth wheel coupling pin...

        5. (e) Specimen EEC approval marking for a coupling ball and towing...

        6. (f) Specimen EEC approval marking for a coupling head

        7. (g) Specimen EEC approval marking for a drawbar

      3. ANNEX III

        INFORMATION DOCUMENT No ...

        1. The following information, if applicable, must be supplied in triplicate...

        2. If the systems, components of separate technical units have electronic...

      4. ANNEX IV

        1. Appendix I

          to EEC type-approval certificate No ... concerning the component type-approval of mechanical coupling devices with regard to Directive 94/20/EC

      5. ANNEX V

        Requirements for mechanical coupling devices

        1. 1. COUPLING BALLS AND TOWING BRACKETS

          1. 1.1. Coupling balls of Class A must conform to Figure 2...

          2. 1.2. The shape and the dimensions of the towing brackets have...

          3. 1.3. In the case of removable coupling balls the point of...

          4. 1.4. Coupling balls and towing devices must be able to satisfy...

          5. 1.5. Special requirements for standard coupling balls and flange type towing...

            1. 1.5.1. Dimensions of Class A 50-1 coupling balls and flange type...

            2. 1.5.2. Dimensions of Class A 50-2 and Class A 50-3 coupling...

            3. 1.5.3. Coupling balls and flange type towing brackets of the Classes...

        2. 2. COUPLING HEADS

          1. 2.1. Coupling heads of Class B 50 must be designed so...

          2. 2.2. Coupling heads must be able to satisfy the tests laid...

          3. 2.3. Any additional device (e. g. braking, stabilizer, etc.) shall not...

          4. 2.4. Horizontal rotation of the coupling head at least 90o to...

        3. 3. DRAWBAR COUPLINGS

          1. 3.1. Load requirements

          2. 3.2. Suitable drawbar eyes

          3. 3.3. Automatic operation

          4. 3.4. Jaw

          5. 3.5. Minimum freedom of movement of the coupled drawbar eye

          6. 3.6. Minimum angle for coupling-up and uncoupling

          7. 3.7. Locking to prevent inadvertent uncoupling

          8. 3.8. Hand levers

          9. 3.9. Special requirements for standard drawbar couplings of Class C 50-1...

            1. 3.9.1. The swivel motion of the drawbar eye about the transverse...

            2. 3.9.2. Tensile and compressive shock loads along the longitudinal axis due...

            3. 3.9.3. The dimensions given in Figure 8 and Table 3 must...

            4. 3.9.4. The couplings must be suitable and tested for the characteristic...

            5. 3.9.5. The coupling must be opened by means of a hand...

        4. 4. DRAWBAR EYES

          1. 4.1. General requirements for drawbar eyes

          2. 4.2. Special requirements for drawbar eyes of Class D 50-A

          3. 4.3. Special requirements for drawbar eyes of Class D 50-B

          4. 4.4. Special requirements for drawbar eyes of Class D 50-C

          5. 4.5. Load values for standard drawbar eyes

        5. 5. DRAWBARS

          1. 5.1. Drawbars of Class E must be able to satisfy the...

          2. 5.2. In order to provide a connection to the towing vehicle,...

          3. 5.3. Hinged drawbars must be clear of the ground. They shall...

          4. 5.4. Height adjusting devices for hinged drawbars

            1. 5.4.1. Hinged drawbars have to be equipped with devices for adjusting...

            2. 5.4.2. Height adjusting devices must be able to adjust the drawbar...

            3. 5.4.3. The height adjusting device must not interfere with easy movement...

            4. 5.4.4. The height adjusting devices must not interfere with the action...

          5. 5.5. In the case of drawbars combined with overrun brakes the...

          6. 5.6. Drawbars for use on centre-axle trailers must possess at least...

        6. 6. MOUNTING FRAMES

          1. 6.1. Mounting frames shall be appropriate for the attachment of the...

          2. 6.2. Mounting frames must not be welded to the chassis, bodywork...

          3. 6.3. Mounting frames must be able to satisfy the tests laid...

        7. 7. FIFTH WHEEL COUPLINGS AND STEERING WEDGES

          1. 7.1. Suitable fifth wheel coupling pins.

          2. 7.2. Automatic operation

          3. 7.3. Guides

          4. 7.4. Minimum free movement of the fifth wheel coupling with the...

          5. 7.5. Locking devices to prevent uncoupling of fifth wheel couplings

          6. 7.6. Operating devices

          7. 7.7. Surface finish

          8. 7.8. Load requirements

          9. 7.9. Steering wedges

            1. 7.9.1. The dimensions of steering wedges for the positive steering of...

            2. 7.9.2 The steering wedge must allow safe and secure coupling-up. The...

          10. 7.10. Special requirements for standard fifth wheels couplings

            1. 7.10.1. Standard fifth wheel couplings must have the dimensions indicated in...

            2. 7.10.2. Standard fifth wheel couplings must be suitable for and tested...

            3. 7.10.3. Release must be possible by a hand lever directly at...

            4. 7.10.4. Standard fifth wheel couplings must be suitable for the positive...

        8. 8. FIFTH WHEEL COUPLING PINS

          1. 8.1. Fifth wheel coupling pins of class H 50 (ISO 337)...

          2. 8.2. The coupling pins must be able to satisfy the tests...

        9. 9. MOUNTING PLATES

          1. 9.1. Class J mounting plats for fifth wheel couplings must have...

          2. 9.2. Mounting plates for standard fifth wheel couplings must be suitable...

          3. 9.3. Mounting plates for fifth wheel couplings must be able to...

        10. 10. DEVICES FOR REMOTE INDICATION AND REMOTE CONTROL

          1. 10.1. General requirements

          2. 10.2. Remote indication

            1. 10.2.1. For an automatic coupling procedure, remote indication devices must indicate...

            2. 10.2.2. The change from the open to the closed and doubly...

            3. 10.2.3. If the open and/or unsecured position is indicated, a red...

            4. 10.2.4. In the case of indicating the completion of the automatic...

            5. 10.2.5. The appearance of any fault in the remote indication system...

            6. 10.2.6. The disengagement of one of the two locking devices must...

            7. 10.2.7. The mechanical indicators directly at the coupling device must be...

            8. 10.2.8. In order to avoid distracting the driver during normal driving,...

            9. 10.2.9. The operating controls and indicators of the remote indication devices...

          3. 10.3. Remote control

            1. 10.3.1. If a remote control device is employed, there must also...

            2. 10.3.2. There must be a dedicated switch (i. e. master switch,...

            3. 10.3.3. If remote control involves the coupling being opened by external...

            4. 10.3.4. If the actuating device for opening the coupling under remote...

            5. 10.3.5. Any single error in operation or the occurrence of any...

            6. 10.3.6. In the event of a failure of remote control it...

            7. 10.3.7. The operating controls and indicators for the remote control devices...

      6. ANNEX VI

        TESTING OF MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES

        1. 1. GENERAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS

          1. 1.1. Specimens of coupling devices must be tested; both, strength tests...

          2. 1.2. With coupling devices the strength must be verified by a...

          3. 1.3. The dynamic test should be performed with approximately sinusoidal load...

          4. 1.4. Only slight permanent deformation is permitted with the static tests...

          5. 1.5. The loading assumptions in the dynamic tests are based on...

          6. 1.6. The characteristic values D, S, V and U on which...

        2. 2. TEST PROCEDURES

          1. 2.1. For the dynamic tests and static tests the specimen must...

          2. 2.2. The test frequency must not exceed 35 Hz. The selected...

          3. 2.3. With alternating test forces (components) the mean force is zero....

          4. 2.4. With static tests other than the special tests required by...

          5. 2.5. The coupling devices on test should normally be mounted as...

          6. 2.6. Preferably, couplings have to be tested in original condition as...

        3. 3. SYMBOLS AND DEFINITIONS IN ANNEX VI

        4. 4. SPECIFIC TESTING REQUIREMENTS

          1. 4.1. Coupling balls and towing brackets

            1. 4.1.1. The mechanical coupling devices of coupling balls may be of...

            2. 4.1.2. The basic test is an endurance test with an alternating...

            3. 4.1.3. The positions of the fixing points for attaching the coupling...

            4. 4.1.4. The devices submitted to the test shall be provided with...

            5. 4.1.5. The assembly mounted on the test bed shall be subjected...

            6. 4.1.6. The test procedure is applicable to the different types of...

            7. 4.1.6.3. Coupling devices with variable dimensions e and f for demountable...

              1. 4.1.6.3.1. The strength tests for such towing brackets (shown in Figure...

              2. 4.1.6.3.2. If a worst case configuration can be defined by agreement...

              3. 4.1.6.3.3. In a simplified test programme, the value for f shall...

          2. 4.2. COUPLING HEADS

            1. 4.2.1. The basic test is an endurance test with an alternating...

            2. 4.2.2. The dynamic test must be performed with a Class A...

            3. 4.2.3. A static lifting test must also be performed. The coupling...

          3. 4.3. Drawbar couplings and draw beams

            1. 4.3.1. An endurance test must be performed on a test specimen....

            2. 4.3.2. Drawbar couplings for hinged drawbars (S=0)

            3. 4.3.3. Drawbar couplings for use with centre-axle trailers (S > 0)....

              1. 4.3.3.1. Centre-axle trailer masses up to and including 3,5 tonnes

              2. 4.3.3.2. Centre-axle trailer masses exceeding 3,5 tonnes

            4. 4.3.4. Static test on coupling pin locking device

          4. 4.4. Drawbar eyes

            1. 4.4.1. Drawbar eyes must be subjected to the same dynamic testing...

            2. 4.4.2. The testing of drawbar eyes must be conducted in such...

          5. 4.5. Drawbars

            1. 4.5.1. Drawbars shall be tested in the same way as drawbar...

            2. 4.5.2. For drawbars for full trailers with free movement in the...

            3. 4.5.3. In the case of steered axles, the resistance to bending...

          6. 4.6. Fifth wheel couplings

            1. 4.6.1. The basic strength tests are a dynamic test and a...

            2. 4.6.2. Static tests

              1. 4.6.2.1. Standard fifth wheel couplings designed for a steering wedge or...

              2. 4.6.2.2. A static lifting test must be performed on all fifth...

          7. 4.6.3. Dynamcic test

            1. 4.6.3.1. In the case of fifth wheel couplings not intended for...

            2. 4.6.3.2. In the case of fifth wheel couplings intended for the...

            3. 4.6.3.3. For the dynamic test of fifth wheel couplings, a suitable...

          8. 4.7. Mounting plates for fifth wheel couplings

          9. 4.8. Fifth wheel coupling pins of semi-trailers

            1. 4.8.1. A dynamic test with alternating stress must be performed on...

            2. 4.8.2. A dynamic test with a horizontal load of Fhw =...

      7. ANNEX VII

        REQUIREMENTS RELATING TO THE TYPE-APPROVAL OF THE VEHICLE TYPE WITH REGARD TO THE OPTIONAL ATTACHMENT OF MECHANICAL COUPLING DEVICES TO THIS VEHICLE.

        1. 1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

          1. 1.1. The vehicle manufacturer shall state which types and classes of...

          2. 1.2. The coupling device shall be attached to the vehicle type...

          3. 1.3. Only automatic coupling devices which allow an automatic coupling procedure...

          4. 1.4. When mounting coupling devices of Classes B, D, E and...

        2. 2. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

          1. 2.1. Attachment of coupling balls and towing brackets

            1. 2.1.1. Coupling balls and towing brackets must be attached to a...

            2. 2.1.2. For coupling balls and towing brackets the vehicle manufacturer must...

            3. 2.1.3. It must also be possible to couple and uncouple ball...

            4. 2.1.4. The mounted coupling ball must not obscure the place or...

          2. 2.2. Attachment of coupling heads

            1. 2.2.1. Class B coupling heads are permitted for trailers of the...

            2. 2.2.2. It must be possible to operate the coupling heads safely...

          3. 2.3. Attachment of drawbar couplings and mounting blocks

            1. 2.3.1. Mounting dimensions for standard drawbar couplings

            2. 2.3.2. Need for remote controlled couplings

            3. 2.3.3. Easy and safe coupling operation

            4. 2.3.4. Accessibility

            5. 2.3.5. Clearance for the hand lever

            6. 2.3.6. Clearance for free movement of drawbar coupling

            7. 2.3.7. Admissibility of drawbar couplings with a special joint for vertical...

          4. 2.4. Attachment of drawbar eyes and drawbars on trailers.

            1. 2.4.1. Drawbars for centre-axle trailers must have a support device adjustable...

            2. 2.4.2. When attaching drawbar eyes and drawbars to centre-axle trailers with...

          5. 2.5. Attachment of fifth wheel couplings, mounting plates and coupling pins...

            1. 2.5.1. Class G 50 fifth wheel couplings must not be mounted...

            2. 2.5.2. Semi-trailers must be equipped with landing gear or any other...

            3. 2.5.3. The fixing of the fifth wheel coupling pin in the...

            4. 2.5.4. If a semi-trailer is equipped with a steering wedge it...

      8. ANNEX VIII

      9. ANNEX IX

        1. Appendix I

          to EEC type-approval certificate No concerning the type-approval of a vehicle with regard to Directive 94/20/EC

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