Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title

3.4. Jaw

Class C 50 drawbar couplings must have a jaw which is designed such that the appropriate drawbar eyes is guided into the coupling.

If the jaw, or a part supporting the jaw, can pivot about the vertical axis, it must establish itself automatically in the normal position and, with the coupling pin open, be effectively restrained in this position to give satisfactory guidance for the drawbar eye during the coupling procedure.

If the jaw, or a part supporting the jaw, can pivot about the transverse axis, the joint providing the rotation capability must be restrained in its normal position by a locking torque. This torque must be sufficient to prevent a force of 200 N acting vertically upwards on the top of the jaw producing any deflection of the joint from its normal position. It must be possible to bring the jaw to its normal position manually. A jaw that pivots about the transverse axis is only approved for vertical bearing loads S of up to 50 kg and a V-value of up to 5 kN.

If the jaw, or a part supporting the jaw, is pivoted about the longitudinal axis, the rotation must be restrained by a locking torque of at least 100 Nm.

The minimum required size of the jaw depends on the D value of the coupling:

The external corners of the jaw may be radiused.

Smaller jaws are permitted for Class C 50-X drawbar coupling if their use is restricted to centre-axle trailers up to 3,5 tonnes maximum permissible mass or if the use of a jaw from the above table is impossible due to technical reasons and if, furthermore, there are special circumstances such as visual aids for ensuring safe execution of the automatic coupling procedure and if the field of application is restricted in the approval according to Annex III.