The Laboratory, in addition to the tests in the cableway field, is carrying out tests on elements necessary for towing vehicles or trailers. The coupling devices for motor vehicles are all the parts and devices mounted on the structure, on the chassis and bodywork of the vehicles that allow them to connect a towing vehicle and towed vehicle. They also include fixed or removable parts to fix, adjust or operate these devices attack. The pintle hooks must fulfill the following requirements:
- during the locking to ensure compatibility between motor vehicles and various types of trailers;
- ensure a safe coupling of vehicles in all conditions of use;
- ensure safety during coupling and uncoupling.
The standards establish the structural characteristics and the methods for testing the pintle hook, towing bar and towing eye. The tests are performed according to CUNA norm or directives 89/173/EEC, 97/24 EEC and the test may be performed under static or dynamic conditions. Under the static testing universal machines allow to test components up to 10 MN regarding the dynamic test the maximum cyclical force is 100 kN. Can also be carried out dynamic tests multiaxial synchronizing the various hydraulic pistons 25, 50 and 100 kN.
Pintle hook, towing bar and towing eye drawings