Clepa submitted GRRF-66-08 on road trains and vehicle combinations. The discussion on this document is mentioned in the GRRF report under item 23. The group decided that in phase 2 of the work of this group, the group could build further on the Clepa document.
It is to be treated in this context : braking, steering, couplings and vehicle stability. This group will give a hint to GRE to look at lighting for these combinations.
After the next GRRF, all GRRF participants will be informed of phase 2 of the work of this group and will be invited to participate in the work.
9. The expert from Sweden, chairing the informal group on Automated Connections between Vehicles (ACV), reported on the progress made by the group (GRRF-73-09). The informal group produced the informal document GRRF-73-15 proposing to amend UN Regulation No. 13 with provisions for Automated Connections between Vehicles. Following a discussion on the interoperability and safety provided by such systems, GRRF requested the informal group to provide some clarifications and a risk analysis for consideration at the next session of GRRF.
10. The expert from Sweden sought GRRF’s guidance on the part of the mandate of ACV informal group with respect to road trains. Some governmental experts expressed their wish to work on this matter. The expert from CLEPA reminded GRRF about the existence of GRRF-66-08. This document will be reinserted into the agenda of the next session of GRRF. At the request of the informal group, the chair provided guidance on the prioritization of work, proposing to finish the work on ACV and then to start to work on road trains. In this respect, the chair requested the informal group to review the terms of reference of ACV and to prepare an updated version if necessary.
8. The Chair of the informal working group on ACV introduced GRRF-76-29 proposing follow-up actions for the ACV informal working group, on road trains. GRRF noted that this matter would interest both braking experts and mechanical coupling experts. GRRF supported GRRF-76-29 and requested a proposal for a Terms of Reference update for the informal group, which the chair of the informal group volunteered to prepare.
The group agreed that the document will be revised in depth at later sessions, taking into account the progress made with the working document MVC-02-03 and its revisions.
The group agreed to review the document paragraph by paragraph.
There was a debate on the necessity to add a definition of a “towing trailer”: there are 2 types of towing trailer i.e. semi-trailer with 5th wheel, and extended chassis with 5th wheel. Agreed to delete the reference to “this regulation”.
Definition of dolly: Debate on the possible restriction of such definition: it could prevent adding some future new technologies. Agreed to change the definition: “dolly” means a towing trailer designed for the sole purpose to tow a semi-trailer.” Agreed to make the definition of a dolly as a sub-definition of towing trailer.
Paragraph 5.1.3.: adopted
Paragraph 5.1.3.1. to 5.1.3.4.1.: adopted. Mr. Heim pointed out that there use of “coupling head” is unclear, since it is usually understood as a pneumatic connector, while it is here used as both pneumatic and electric. The group agreed to keep this issue in head.
Paragraph 5.1.3.5.: adopted
Paragraph 5.1.3.6.3.: adopted
Paragraph 5.1.3.6.4.: question of the meaning of “highest”. There was a debate on the interpretation of the last sentence of the paragraph. The group agreed to flag this sentence and inquire on the origin of the change. The 1st sentence may be interpreted such that if there is in the chain a vehicle with only pneumatic brake/only electric brake, then the combination may have the wrong design and the relevant action must be taken. MMrr Heim and Adam volunteered to dig in the working documents and the history of the document for finding the meaning and purpose of the paragraph.
Conclusion: M. Heim and M. Adam to provide explanation on the necessity of the proposed paragraph.
Paragraph 5.1.3.9.: the group tried to secure that the hoses and cables are always provided. PT proposed a simplified wording (MVC-05-05):
“Paragraph 5.2.1.3.9. The flexible hoses and cables used for the connection between a towing vehicle for semi-trailer and its following semi-trailer shall be part of the towing vehicle.
The flexible hoses and cables used for the connection between a towing vehicle for trailer other than a semi-trailer and its following trailer shall be part of the following trailer.
In the case of an automated connector, this requirement regarding the allocation of flexible hoses and cables is not applicable.”
The drawings should be added in the regulation. CA proposed an alternative wording, focusing on the owner of the hoses:
“towing vehicles having a 5th wheel, and towed vehicles having a drawbar shall provide the flexible hoses and cables for the connection between towing and towed vehicles.”
[The meeting report contains proposed sketches for vehicle combinations.]
The group adopted the PT proposal, as amended, together with the sketches. The group acknowledged that there is still room for grammatical improvement, and that the sketches could be placed either as an explanation in the justifications to the working document, or as a new annex of the regulation.
Paragraph 5.2.1.18.: the group acknowledged that the word “towing” was not present in the current text of the regulation, hence should not be deleted.
Conclusion:
Text adopted.
Group to keep in mind the necessity to add equivalent provisions for towing trailers.
Paragraph 5.2.1.28.1.: “one cooker is enough in the kitchen”, i.e. two controllers in a control loop could lead to unstable situations. Hence the group agreed to keep the requirement of one unique coupling force control.
Conclusion: proposed change adopted.
The group had no time to continue the revision of the document further than paragraph 5.2.1.28.1.