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Fully automatic coupling systems 24V (FACS) for heavy commercial vehicle combinations — Part 2: 50 mm fifth wheel couplings - electrical and pneumatic interface

This is a new method of connecting trucks with trailers. The conventional method involves that once the fifth wheel is connected, that a series of electrical and pneumatic spiral cables and tubes are connected between the truck and trailer. These coils have always had issues with wear and maintenance, and with the safety of the operator who is connecting the cables.

For several years there has been a system developed by Jost (KKS system) and this new system is broadly based on something similar. There has been involvement from most of the major 5th wheel manufacturers, and from several of the ISO working groups to develop the next generation of FACS.

The design of the new connector currently includes 30 electrical contacts, and 2 pneumatic connections, all housed in the same connector located under the 5th wheel. It is therefore possible for the driver to connect the trailer and 5th wheel, raise the landing legs, and have the electrical and pneumatic connections all connected without him having to leave his cab. This is therefore a system developed not only that increases safety, but reduces connecting time.

Currently the standard is in a draft copy stage, and has yet to be finalised before going to an international vote on whether it becomes an ISO standard.

For further information please do not hesitate to contact Simon Pearce at Autac Products Ltd.

Driver monitoring of direction indicator and stop lamp failure is an important safety feature in all Truck/Trailer combinations approved for use on public roads, and a legal requirement. Current failure detection circuits are designed to monitor the voltage/current response of 21 Watt filament bulb lamps. Due to the fact that failure detection in Trucks and Trailers using all LED direction indicator/stop lamps or a mix of bulb & LED lamps is not possible with common measures, many Trucks & Trailers are fitted with supplementary electronic devices with different monitoring systems to solve the problem.
These supplementary electronic devices are non-standardised, expensive, have varying quality levels and are already out-dated when released.
Maintenance free 'Fit and Forget' LED lighting solutions are becoming economically attractive, but the incompatibility of low power LED lamps with existing 21W filament bulb failure monitoring systems, and the necessity of supplementary electronic devices, is preventing these cost effective and environmentally friendly solutions coming into widespread use by industry.
The new standard defines a technical solution (compatible), based on a commercially available concept, that can immediately be adopted by industry for the current fleet (by retro-fitting), and utilised in the design of future trucks and trailers (new types). The technical solution covers any combination of LED and 21W filament bulb lamps in truck and trailer combinations, so ensuring compatibility of lamp operation in the heavy truck and trailer
interchange (trucks connected to different trailers in the working environment)

The above problem is currently being discussed by a panel of experts made up from the lamp manufacturers, ISO experts and representatives from some of the major truck and trailer producers. The aim is to write an ISO standard which will solve the above problem, this standard will be based on a system developed by Hella. Once finished, it will go for voting in accordance with ISO. Currently the initial draft standard has been circulated and comments are being received to be discussed at the next ISO meeting.

• Improved waterproof connections
• The ability to use up to 13 wires one plug, so saving space on the tow bar
• Twist lock coupling, which ensures that the plug is aligned exactly to the socket

There were some discussions during 2007 as to whether the UK will change over from the 2 x 7 pin systems to one of the 13 pin systems. Following several meetings involving some of the major Caravan manufacturers, the National Caravan Club, UK ISO (International Standards Organisation), Wiring manufacturers and tow bar representatives a decision was made to adopt the 13 pin ISO 11446 system as the preferred electrical connection to be used within the UK. This does not mean that the existing 2 x 7 pin (ISO 1724 and ISO 3732) or the West 13 pin system cannot still be used, but it is anticipated that the ISO 11446 system will start to be fitted by some manufacturers to new Caravans sold in the UK starting during 2008. There will be a need either for some form of adaptor (13 pin to 2 x 7 pin, or 7 pin to 13 pin) to be used if the towing vehicle still has 2 x 7 pin sockets, or the alternative would be to have the towing vehicle electrics converted over to the single 13 pin socket. Further details as to the various adaptors available are available on request.