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Directive 94/20/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council (repealed)Show full title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to the mechanical coupling devices of motor vehicles and their trailers and their attachment to those vehicles (repealed)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.GENERAL TESTING REQUIREMENTS

1.1.Specimens of coupling devices must be tested; both, strength tests and function tests being performed. However the Technical Service may waive a strength test if the simple design of a component makes a theoretical check possible. The theoretical checks must ensure the same quality of results as with dynamic or static testing. In cases of doubt it is the results of dynamic testing that are overriding. The Technical Service responsible will decide on the type of tests to be employed.
1.2.With coupling devices the strength must be verified by a dynamic test (endurance test). In certain cases some additional static tests may be necessary (see Section 4).
1.3.The dynamic test should be performed with approximately sinusoidal load (alternating and/or pulsating) with a number of stress cycles appropriate to the material. No cracks of fractures must occur.
1.4.Only slight permanent deformation is permitted with the static tests prescribed. The plastic deformation after releasing must not be more than 10 % of the maximum deformation.
1.5.The loading assumptions in the dynamic tests are based on the horizontal force component in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and the vertical force component. Horizontal force components transverse to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, and moments, are not taken into account provided they are of only minor significance.

If the design of the coupling device or its attachment to the vehicle or the attachment of additional systems (as stabilizers, short coupling systems, etc.) generates additional forces or moments additional tests may be required by the Technical Service.

The horizontal force component in the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is represented by a theoretically determined reference force, the D value as defined in Annex 1, Section 2.1.18. The vertical force component, where applicable, is represented by the static vertical bearing load S at the point of coupling and the assumed vertical load V, defined in Annex I, Section 2.1.19 or by the static vertical bearing load U in case of fifth wheel couplings.

1.6.The characteristic values D, S, V and U on which the tests are based, must be taken from the manufacturer's application for the granting of EEC type-approval.

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