ISO 13044-1:2012

Road vehicles - 24 V fully automatic coupling systems (FACS) for heavy commercial vehicle combinations - Part 1: General requirements and definitions

Véhicules routiers — Dispositifs d'attelage entièrement automatiques (FACS) à 24 V pour ensembles routiers lourds — Partie 1: Exigences générales et définitions

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-May-2012
• ICS: 43.040.70 - Couplings
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 40 - Specific aspects for light and heavy commercial vehicles, busses and trailers
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 22/SC 40 - Specific aspects for light and heavy commercial vehicles, busses and trailers
• Current Stage: 9093 - International Standard confirmed
• Start Date: 25-Jan-2023
• Completion Date: 13-Dec-2025

Overview

ISO 13044-1:2012 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that establishes general requirements and definitions for 24 V fully automatic coupling systems (FACS) used in heavy commercial vehicle combinations. This standard focuses on creating a resilient framework for standardized coupling interfaces between towing vehicles and trailers, particularly for those with a technical maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kg. The goal is to ensure the safe and efficient operation of fully automatic coupling systems, improving safety, reducing operating costs, and increasing convenience in heavy vehicle operations.

Key Topics

• Coupling System Classes
  ISO 13044-1 classifies coupling systems by their level of automation:

  • Manual Coupling System (MCS): Mostly manual operations, with mechanical closing automatic.
  • Automatic Coupling System (ACS): Some operations, including mechanical coupling, electrical, pneumatic, and auxiliary functions, partially automatic.
  • Fully Automatic Coupling System (FACS): All operations-mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and auxiliary-are performed automatically without manual intervention.

• Operation Modes

  • Mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic connection/disconnection modes include manual, remote, and fully automatic processes.
  • Definitions clarify procedures such as manual mechanical coupling or automatic electrical disconnection.

• Performance and Safety Requirements

  • Connectors must ensure reliability and durability with protection against contamination (water, dirt, grease).
  • Mixed-mode operation must maintain safe communication, abiding by ISO 11992 for digital information interchange and pneumatic signal delay standards.
  • Standard pin numbering and functions must conform to ISO 12098 and ISO 7638 to ensure compatibility and interoperability.

• Auxiliary Functionality

  • Functions that assist drivers during coupling/uncoupling, such as handling landing legs or underrun protection, are included within the scope of fully automatic systems.

Applications

ISO 13044-1:2012 is applicable in the design, manufacture, and operation of coupling systems used in heavy commercial vehicles such as:

• Tractor-trailers and other road vehicle combinations with trailers above 3,500 kg maximum technical mass.
• Automated logistics and freight operations aiming to reduce manual handling risks and operational downtime.
• Vehicle manufacturers and component suppliers developing or integrating fully automatic coupling systems to enhance safety and efficiency.
• Service providers and fleet operators implementing advanced automated interfaces to improve productivity and worker safety.

The standard supports improvements in:

• Safety: Minimizing personnel injury hazards during coupling and uncoupling processes through automation.
• System Availability: Enhancing operational uptime by reducing mechanical wear and increasing connection reliability.
• Convenience: Automating complex multi-media connections including electrical and pneumatic interfaces, reducing manual labor.

Related Standards

ISO 13044-1 references and aligns with several important international standards to ensure comprehensive system compatibility:

• ISO 4091: Connectors for electrical connections between towing and towed vehicles.
• ISO 7638-1 and 7638-2: Connectors specific to braking systems and running gear for 24 V and 12 V electrical systems.
• ISO 11992 (Parts 1-3): Digital information interchange standards for electrical connections between towing and towed vehicles.
• ISO 12098: Specifications for 15-pole electrical connectors for 24 V vehicle systems.
• ECE Regulations R13, R48, and R55: Regulations concerning braking, lighting installations, and mechanical coupling components for vehicles.

These related standards provide detailed requirements for electrical, pneumatic, and digital interface compatibility, reinforcing ISO 13044-1’s objective to standardize fully automatic coupling systems within the heavy commercial vehicle industry.

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By adhering to ISO 13044-1:2012, manufacturers and operators can achieve safer, more reliable, and interoperable coupling systems for heavy commercial vehicle combinations, fostering enhanced operational efficiency and driver safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 13044-1
First edition
2012-05-15
Road vehicles — 24 V fully automatic
coupling systems (FACS) for heavy
commercial vehicle combinations —
Part 1:
General requirements and definitions
Véhicules routiers — Dispositifs d’attelage entièrement automatiques
(FACS) à 24 V pour ensembles routiers lourds —
Partie 1: Exigences générales et définitions
Reference number
©
ISO 2012
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or ISO’s
member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
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Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
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Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the International
Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 13044-1 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 22, Road vehicles, Subcommittee SC 15,
Interchangeability of components of commercial vehicles and buses.
ISO 13044 consists of the following parts, under the general title Road vehicles — 24 V fully automatic coupling
systems (FACS) for heavy commercial vehicle combinations:
— Part 1: General requirements and definitions
— Part 2: Electrical and pneumatic interface for 50 mm fifth wheel couplings
Introduction
This part of ISO 13044 specifies general requirements and definitions to ensure the safe operation of fully
automated coupling systems (FACS).
The introduction of FACS has brought new perspectives and needs into the area of trailer couplings. This
has made evident the need for a resilient structure among trailer coupling classes. The ISO 13044 series is
intended to facilitate interaction between International Standards and relevant regulations.
The drivers for the introduction of FACS are the following:
— personnel injury hazards associated with coupling and uncoupling operations;
— system availability and operating cost;
— convenience.
It is foreseen that interfaces for media other than those included in this part of ISO 13044 will be entering
the area of trailer coupling in the future. Examples of those other media are hydraulic and radio frequency
transmissions. Definitions and general requirements for those interfaces will be included in later editions of this
part of ISO 13044.
iv © ISO 2012 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 13044-1:2012(E)
Road vehicles — 24 V fully automatic coupling systems (FACS)
for heavy commercial vehicle combinations —
Part 1:
General requirements and definitions
1 Scope
This part of ISO 13044 defines coupling classes, different levels of automation and the general limitations in
terms of topology and procedures with respect to electrical and pneumatic connections. This part of ISO 13044
provides a framework under which detailed connector designs applicable for fifth wheel or drawbar couplings
may be standardized. The framework refers to vehicle combinations that include trailers with a technical
maximum mass in excess of 3 500 kg.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document
(including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4091, Road vehicles — Connectors for the electrical connection of towing vehicles and towed vehicles —
Definitions, tests and requirements
ISO 7638-1, Road vehicles — Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles — Part 1:
Connectors for braking systems and running gear of vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage
ISO 7638-2, Road vehicles — Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles — Part 2:
Connectors for braking systems and running gear of vehicles with 12 V nominal supply voltage
ISO 11992-1, Road vehicles — Interchange of digital information on electrical connections between towing and
towed vehicles — Part 1: Physical and data-link layers
ISO 11992-2, Road vehicles — Interchange of digital information on electrical connections between towing and
towed vehicles — Part 2: Application layer for brakes and running gear
ISO 11992-3, Road vehicles — Interchange of digital information on electrical connections between towing and
towed vehicles — Part 3: Application layer for equipment other than brakes and running gear
ISO 12098, Road vehicles — Connectors for the electrical connection of towing and towed vehicles — 15-pole
connector for vehicles with 24 V nominal supply voltage
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 Operation modes
3.1.1
mechanical coupling and uncoupling
physical engagement and disengagement of the towing vehicle and trailer
3.1.1.1
manual mechanical coupling
manual procedure required to safeguard the completion of the mechanical engagement
3.1.1.2
manual mechanical uncoupling
manual procedure required to safeguard the completion of the mechanical disengagement
3.1.1.3
remote mechanical coupling
engagement procedure completed by indirect operation of a remote device requiring additional action
from the operator
3.1.1.4
remote mechanical uncoupling
disengagement procedure completed by indirect operation of a remote device requiring additional action
from the operator
3.1.1.5
automatic mechanical coupling
procedure performed by reversing the towing vehicle against the trailer in order to completely engage the coupling,
to lock it automatically and to indicate proper engagement of the locking devices without any external intervention
3.1.1.6
automatic mechanical uncoupling
disengagement of the locking m
...