Method for separating joining element of vehicle

Abstract

There is provided a vehicle comprising: a first element bonded to a second element by at least one adhesive link; and at least one wire for cutting the at least one adhesive link wherein at least a first portion of the wire is linked to the first element or the second element, and wherein a second portion of the wire is accessible for pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive link to cut the at least one adhesive link.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a vehicle comprising elements bonded together using an adhesive and having an integral cut line. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing such a vehicle, and a method of separating the bonded elements of the vehicle using an integral cut line. Background Technology

[0002] Mechanical fasteners (such as nuts and bolts) are widely used throughout vehicles due to their strength and ease of maintenance. However, mechanical fasteners have numerous drawbacks. For example, when large components are joined together, this may require many mechanical fasteners, which require significant time and effort to tighten and loosen during maintenance. Furthermore, mechanical fasteners are generally inefficient at transmitting or resisting loads applied perpendicular to their main axis (i.e., shear loads), meaning the number and size of fasteners must be increased to prevent all possible failure modes, including bolt shear failure, connector slippage, and failure at the edges of bolt holes. An alternative for connecting vehicle components is through adhesives. However, adhesives are generally considered semi-permanent devices for connecting vehicle components, which is disadvantageous for maintenance involving the separation of connected components. However, adhesives offer the advantage that they can be scaled up to connect larger components without significantly increasing the time required to connect multiple components. Adhesives also improve the handling of impact loads from different directions. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a method that benefits from the advantages of adhesives used to connect vehicle components while facilitating maintenance involving the separation of connected components. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising: a first element coupled to a second element by at least one adhesive connector; and at least one wire for cutting at least one adhesive connector, wherein at least a first portion of the wire is connected to the first element or the second element, and wherein a second portion of the wire is accessible for pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive connector to cut the at least one adhesive connector.

[0004] The present invention therefore provides a plurality of elements bonded together with an integral cutting wire by means of an adhesive connector, the integral cutting wire being arranged such that a portion of the wire can be used to pull the wire through the adhesive connector. This greatly simplifies the separation of the elements connected by the adhesive connector and thus facilitates vehicle maintenance.

[0005] Preferably, a first portion of the wire is anchored to a first or second element such that a second portion of the wire can be pulled through at least one adhesive connector to cut at least one adhesive connector, while the second portion of the wire remains anchored to the first or second element and held in place. Anchors typically include mechanical fasteners (such as bolts or rivets) to anchor the wire in place. Preferably, the first portion of the wire is anchored to the first or second element on a first side of the adhesive connector, and wherein the second portion of the wire is disposed on a second side of the adhesive connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, a first portion and / or a third portion of the wire is arranged to extend from a first side of the adhesive connector across the adhesive connector to a second side of the adhesive connector. Here, the wire can be connected to a first element or a second element via the adhesive connector, sometimes in both places. Preferably, the first and third portions of the wire typically cross the adhesive connector at or near opposite ends of the wire, and / or typically at or near opposite ends of the adhesive connector. Crossing the adhesive connector allows the second portion of the wire to be accessible from the second side of the adhesive connector for pulling the wire through at least one adhesive connector.

[0007] Preferably, the first portion of the wire is a part of the wire at or near a first end of the wire, and the second portion of the wire is a part of the wire at or near a second end of the wire. In particular, it is preferred that the first end of the wire is anchored to a first or second element, and that the second end is accessible to pull the wire through the adhesive connector. Assuming that the accessible portion of the wire is typically located at the end of the wire opposite the anchored end, this allows the wire to be easily retracted and manipulated to cut the adhesive connector.

[0008] Other embodiments also include a conduit provided across at least one of the adhesive connectors, wherein a first portion of the wire is connected to a first or second element at a first side of the conduit, and wherein the wire is arranged to pass through the conduit such that a second portion of the wire is accessible from a second side of the conduit, or wherein the wire is arranged such that a second portion of the wire is accessible from a second side of the conduit through the conduit. For example, the second portion of the wire may be spaced apart from the conduit along a direction corresponding to the length of the conduit. Preferably, the second portion of the wire is the portion of the wire adjacent to a second end of the wire (e.g., opposite to the first portion of the wire). The conduit may be, for example, a tube made of rubber or other hollow channel.

[0009] In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one adhesive bond comprises multiple regions arranged at different angles on the surface. Where mechanical fasteners can be used, it becomes particularly difficult to allow the mechanical fasteners to be secured along different axes, as this typically requires tightening and loosening the mechanical fasteners from gaps in multiple different directions around the securing element. Adhesive bonds extending across the surface at different angles can be conveniently cut using a one-piece cutting line, which can be bent or manipulated in different directions to cut more complex adhesive bonds. Where the adhesive bond is elongated, the different regions at different angles on the surface can be different regions of the adhesive bond along the elongated direction of the bond, or they can be different regions substantially perpendicular to the elongated direction of the bond. In other cases, different adhesive bonds can be arranged at different angles on the surface, but still cut by the same one-piece cutting line.

[0010] As noted above, at least one adhesive connector is generally elongated, preferably having a length of at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm, and most preferably at least 200 cm. As described above, the advantage of adhesive connectors is that they can be easily scaled up in size without significantly increasing the time required to separate multiple connector elements. Elongated adhesive connectors are also generally easier to cut. When multiple adhesive connectors are provided, each adhesive connector may be elongated individually or together, for example, extending along an elongated track of the adhesive connector. The width of each adhesive connector may be less than 15 cm, preferably less than 10 cm, more preferably less than 5 cm. The thickness of each adhesive connector may be no greater than 10 mm, preferably no greater than 5 mm, more preferably no greater than 3 mm. Preferably, the thickness of each adhesive connector is in the range of 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably in the range of 1 mm to 3 mm.

[0011] Where at least one adhesive connector is elongated, preferably, the line extends substantially along the entire length of the elongated adhesive connector or the entire length of each elongated adhesive connector. For example, a first portion of the line may be attached at one end of at least one adhesive connector, and a second portion of the line may be accessible at the opposite end of at least one adhesive connector.

[0012] Preferably, at least one adhesive connector generally surrounds an area in which a first portion of the wire is connected to a first or second element. The cutting wire of the present invention can be particularly used to cut adhesive connectors surrounding a central area, as the wire can be anchored or otherwise connected within the surrounded area. Examples of such use include electronic housings (such as battery trays closed by a cover) or battery packs secured to a vehicle frame by adhesive connectors along the periphery of the battery pack, wherein the adhesive connectors are applied along the periphery surrounding the center of the tray. In these uses, it would be difficult to properly arrange the cutting wire across the adhesive connector into the surrounded central area without an integral cutting wire of the present invention already connected within the surrounded area.

[0013] In many embodiments, the adhesive connector may define a path, and the line is arranged to generally follow the path of at least one adhesive connector. For example, the adhesive connector may be positioned along a path at the mating surface between the first and second elements, and to ensure that the line can cut through each portion of the path, the line may be arranged on one side of the adhesive connector to follow a path, for example, generally parallel to the path of the adhesive connector. To keep the line in place as it follows this path, the line may be joined to the first or second element at multiple locations as it follows the path of at least one adhesive connector, wherein preferably, the line is joined to the first or second element at each of the multiple locations by a single adhesive.

[0014] As noted above, the invention is particularly useful when the first side of the adhesive connector is substantially enclosed between the first and second elements, and when a first portion of the wire is attached to the first or second element on the first side of the adhesive connector. This allows the first portion of the wire to be anchored or otherwise attached to the enclosed housing or other inaccessible area of ​​the vehicle, while still allowing the adhesive connector to be cut by the wire arranged across the connection between the inaccessible enclosed area and the external area.

[0015] Preferably, at least 60% of the wire length, more preferably at least 70% of the wire length, more preferably at least 80% of the wire length, even more preferably at least 90% of the wire length, and most preferably at least 95% of the wire length, is provided on the first side of the adhesive connector, wherein preferably, the first side of the adhesive connector is substantially closed between the first element and the second element. In this way, most of the wire can be secured in an unobstructed location during normal use and damage can be prevented.

[0016] It has been recognized that heating the wire before and / or during cutting to allow for better cutting through the adhesive is often helpful. A convenient way to achieve this is to provide a first end of the wire connected at an electrical connection point to a first or second element, wherein the electrical connection point electrically connects the wire to at least a portion of a circuit for heating the wire. For example, a metal anchor point can electrically connect the wire to a circuit. In this way, a technician can use the circuit to heat the wire, for example by retracting a second end of the wire before and / or during cutting the adhesive joint to resistively heat the wire.

[0017] Preferably, the wire is a metal wire, preferably a nickel-chromium alloy wire or stainless steel. Metal wire is particularly suitable for cutting adhesive joints and / or heating. While preferred, in alternative embodiments, the wire may be formed from, for example, a polymer.

[0018] Preferably, the wire includes an electrical insulator and / or a thermal insulator along at least a portion of its length. This facilitates the application of current to heat the wire without transferring heat or electricity to the first and second elements or other parts of the vehicle. The electrical and / or thermal insulator can be made of a sufficiently soft material that can also be cut by the wire once force is applied by pulling it.

[0019] Some embodiments also include shielding elements between at least some of the adhesive connectors in the line, the shielding elements being arranged to prevent the adhesive connectors from contacting the line during vehicle assembly. Preferably, the shielding elements are disposed between the line and the adhesive connector along at least 50%, preferably 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% of the line length. Preferably, the shielding elements follow the path of the adhesive connectors, between the adhesive connectors and the line. The shielding elements may be formed of a material such as foam to prevent adhesive extrusion, while the shielding elements themselves can be cut by the line as it is pulled through the adhesive connectors. The shielding elements can prevent the line from being completely embedded in the adhesive connectors.

[0020] This invention is suitable for use with any components of a vehicle connected by adhesive connectors. However, the invention is particularly useful when joining relatively large components in a manner that makes the opposite sides of the connector inaccessible to a technician.

[0021] Specifically, in some preferred embodiments, the first element is a vehicle frame, and the second element is a battery pack. One or more adhesive connectors may be positioned along the peripheral edge portions of the battery pack. One or more adhesive connectors generally surround the central region of the battery pack. The battery pack may include one or more peripheral flanges configured to form at least a portion of a mating surface with the frame, and one or more adhesive connectors may be positioned along one or more of said peripheral flanges. In these embodiments, a one-piece cut line may allow the battery pack to be removed from the vehicle frame for maintenance or replacement. The vehicle frame will generally correspond to a so-called body-in-white (BIW), where the frame at least defines the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. However, the frame may also be a component that will subsequently be assembled into the body or BIW. For example, the frame may include a floor frame that may define side skirt portions and / or sill portions of the body that generally define the plane of the vehicle's floor. Thus, the battery pack may be installed within the floor frame before the floor frame is connected to one or more other frame portions defining the body or BIW.

[0022] In other preferred embodiments, the first element is the housing of the vehicle's battery pack, and the second element is a closure for sealing the housing of the battery pack. For example, the first element may be a tray for the battery pack, which typically includes a base defining the tray and multiple peripheral walls, and the second element may include a cover attached to the tray by at least one adhesive fastener for sealing the tray, such as to a peripheral wall. In these embodiments, an integral cut line may allow removal of the battery pack closure to open the battery pack and allow access to the housing for maintaining the contents of the battery pack.

[0023] In another aspect of the invention, a battery pack for an electric vehicle may be provided, comprising a housing (preferably a tray) and a closure (preferably a cover for closing the tray) for sealing the housing, the closure being attached to the housing by at least one adhesive connector, wherein a first portion of a wire is connected to the housing or the closure, and wherein a second portion of the wire is accessible for pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive connector to cut the at least one adhesive connector. The battery pack may have any of the preferred features described above in conjunction with the first aspect.

[0024] In other preferred embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, one of the first and second elements is a panel, wherein preferably, the other of the first and second elements is a vehicle frame or a second panel. For example, one of these elements may be a sacrificial panel for protecting valuable components of a structure or vehicle from debris, abrasion, impact, weather, etc. A particularly preferred example is a chassis panel for a motor vehicle that faces the road during use. This can protect high-voltage battery packs or other chassis structures from impacts or debris. Advantageously, a one-piece cut line can be used to remove the chassis panel from the vehicle for replacement in case of damage.

[0025] In other embodiments, one of the first and second elements is a first main structural component of the vehicle, and the other of the first and second elements is a second main structural component of the vehicle. For example, the invention can be used for sections of the vehicle body structure that require repair / replacement in the event of a collision, such as collision rails or bumper beams.

[0026] While certain particularly preferred uses of the first aspect of the invention have been provided above, it should be understood that many different possible uses of the invention exist. For example, the invention can be used for any electrical enclosure or mechanical component requiring robust mechanical retention and / or a high IP rating and infrequent access for servicing, such as a gearbox or transmission housing or an electric motor housing. The invention can also be used, for example, for screens or other mating surfaces in vehicle center consoles. Other uses may include transparent surfaces in vehicles or interior surfaces of automobiles.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method is provided for separating a first element of a vehicle from a second element of the vehicle, wherein the first element is bonded to the second element by at least one adhesive connector, and wherein the vehicle includes at least one wire for cutting the at least one adhesive connector, wherein at least a first portion of the wire is connected to the first element or the second element, the method comprising retracting a second portion of the wire and pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive connector to cut the at least one adhesive connector. This method corresponds to the method performed on a vehicle according to the first aspect of the invention. All the preferred features described above can be implemented in this context.

[0028] Preferably, the method includes heating the wire before and / or during the pulling of the wire through at least one adhesive connector, wherein heating the wire preferably includes passing an electric current through the wire. In a particularly preferred embodiment, a first end of the wire is connected at an electrical connection point to a first or second element, wherein the electrical connection point electrically connects the wire to at least a portion of a circuit for heating the wire, and wherein heating the wire includes using at least a portion of the circuit to heat the wire.

[0029] According to a third aspect of the invention, a method of manufacturing a vehicle is provided, the method comprising: providing a wire for cutting adhesive connectors; and attaching at least a first portion of the wire to a first or second element of the vehicle; and bonding the first element to the second element using at least one adhesive connector such that a second portion of the wire is accessible for pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive connector to cut the at least one adhesive connector. This corresponds to a method of manufacturing a vehicle according to a first aspect of the invention. All the preferred features described above can be implemented in this context. It should be understood that, since the wire can be attached to the first or second element via an adhesive connector, the steps of the method can be performed simultaneously during the formation of the adhesive connector. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] Figure 1 A top view of a portion of the vehicle body, including the installed battery pack, is shown;

[0032] Figure 2 It shows crossing Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of the vehicle body and battery pack;

[0033] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 The schematic top view of the battery pack on the vehicle body is omitted.

[0034] Figures 4A to 4E Five alternative schematic cross-sections are shown through the vehicle body with the installed battery pack;

[0035] Figure 5 Enlarged details of a schematic cross-section through a vehicle body with a mounted battery pack are shown;

[0036] Figure 6 A schematic top view of the battery pack, with the vehicle body installation omitted, is shown.

[0037] Figure 7 A schematic top view of the battery pack, with the vehicle body installation omitted, is shown.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for installing a battery pack in a vehicle body;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing a battery pack installed in a vehicle body;

[0040] Figure 10 It is a schematic cross-section through the vehicle body and battery pack according to another embodiment;

[0041] Figure 11A It is a schematic cross-section through a battery pack according to another embodiment; and Figure 11B yes Figure 11A The amplified portion;

[0042] Figure 12 yes Figure 11A A schematic top view of an embodiment;

[0043] Figure 13 yes Figure 11A A schematic top view of a variation of the embodiment; and

[0044] Figure 14 yes Figure 11A A schematic top view of another variation of the embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Figure 1 A portion of the body 1 is shown. The body includes a frame 10. This frame can be what is known as a body-in-white (BIW). Figure 1 The diagram shows a floor frame segment comprising opposing longitudinal structural members 11a and 11b, corresponding to side skirts or sill areas of the vehicle body. This floor frame may be part of the BIW (Body-In-Wall) or a separate frame portion to be later assembled into the BIW. The longitudinal structural members 11a and 11b extend along the longitudinal length of the vehicle body between the front and rear wheels and typically include collision-absorbing structures designed to absorb side impacts. The frame 10 also includes a front transverse structural member 12 extending between the longitudinal structural members 11a and 11b, just behind the front wheel area of ​​the vehicle body, and a rear transverse structural member 13 extending between the longitudinal structural members 11a and 11b, just before the rear wheel area of ​​the vehicle body. The transverse and longitudinal structural members thus define the floor portion of the vehicle body. The floor portion of the vehicle body generally defines a plane of the floor that is substantially parallel to the ground. The lateral and longitudinal structural members also define generally rectangular openings having multiple truncated corners 14 extending vertically through the base plate portion, in which the battery pack 20 is positioned. The front lateral structural member 12 is connected to the front impact structure 2 and is designed to transmit forward impact forces along the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b and around the battery pack 20. Similarly, the rear lateral structural member 13 is connected to the rear impact structure 3 and is designed to transmit rear impact forces along the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b and around the battery pack 20.

[0046] As mentioned above, the battery pack 20 is located in the opening 14 through the frame 10. The battery pack includes a main housing 21 in which multiple battery modules, along with other battery components, are located. The battery pack 20 is generally shaped to correspond to the shape of the opening 14 through the frame 10. The battery pack is generally planar, having a width in the lateral direction similar in size to the width of the frame and a length in the longitudinal direction similar in size to the length of the frame, but relatively small in the vertical direction, thus intended to be located approximately within the vehicle's floor. A peripheral flange 22 is located at the peripheral edge of the battery pack 20 surrounding the main housing 21. In this embodiment, the battery pack is inserted into the frame from below, and therefore the flange 22 extends from the lower surface of the battery pack away from its central axis, which is perpendicular to the overall plane of the battery pack. The flange has a smaller thickness in the vertical direction than the main housing 21 of the battery pack. Therefore, when inserted from below the frame 10, the peripheral flange 22 can engage the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b along the respective sides of the battery pack 20, while most of the main housing 21 is located inside the opening 14, generally between the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b. Figure 2 A cross-section through the frame is shown in a plane extending along the vertical and horizontal directions, and the main housing of the battery located between the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b is shown, wherein the upper surface of the flange 22 and the vertical sidewall of the housing 21 form a mating surface with the frame 10.

[0047] In this embodiment, the battery pack 20 is used in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The adhesive connector 30 shown is installed within the frame 10. (As shown in...) Figure 2 As can be seen, the adhesive connector is positioned on the upper surface of the peripheral flange 22 of the battery pack and engages the peripheral flange to the lower surface of the lateral structural members 11a, 11b. The lower surfaces of the lateral structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b are defined as complementary edges surrounding the opening 14, which engage with the peripheral flange. Although the engagement surface between the upper surface of flange 22 and the lower surfaces of the lateral structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b is shown as a flat surface, it should be understood that any complementary engagement surface can be used.

[0048] Figure 3 A top view of the battery pack 20, with frame 10 omitted, is shown, allowing the path followed by the adhesive connectors 30 to be seen. Figure 3As shown, the main housing of the battery pack has a generally rectangular coverage area with truncated corners to match the shape of the opening 14 through the frame. A peripheral flange 22 extends from the lower surface of the battery pack around the entire periphery of this main housing 21, creating a step that descends from the upper surface of the battery pack to the upper surface of the peripheral flange 22. An adhesive connector 30 is disposed in a continuous path extending around the entire peripheral flange 22 of the battery pack 20 to surround the main housing 21. This allows the battery pack to be bonded to the frame 10 around its entire periphery.

[0049] The adhesive used for the adhesive connector 30 can be a stretchable structural adhesive with polyurethane chemistry. The materials for the battery housing 21 and flange 22 can be composite materials comprising a resin matrix, reinforcing fibers, and metal inserts. The frame 10 can be made of aluminum alloy components. While these materials are typical, in principle, any combination of materials used for the battery pack and frame can be used with adhesives suitable for bonding those materials.

[0050] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle is also shown to have an integrated cutting wire 60 for cutting adhesive connectors. In this embodiment, the integrated cutting wire 60 is disposed on the battery pack. For example, the wire may be made of stainless steel and may have a diameter of 1 mm. The wire may have a circular cross-section or a square or rectangular cross-section to define a sharper cutting edge. Alternatively, the wire may be a braided cutting wire. The majority of the wire's length extends along a peripheral flange 22, which is positioned between the main housing 21 and the adhesive connector 30. The wire may be weakly bonded to the flange 22 with a small dot adhesive. This is described below. Figure 6 A clearer example is provided below. The first end 61 of the cut line 60 is securely anchored to the battery pack. In this embodiment, the first end is anchored near the lower left corner of the main housing 21, as shown below. Figure 6 As shown. The cutting line follows... Figure 3 The line follows a clockwise path, extending completely around the main housing 21. When the line reaches the anchor point again, the second end 62 of the line passes through the adhesive connector 30, making it accessible to a technician. To cut the adhesive, the technician simply needs to retract the second end of the line 62 and pull the line through the adhesive connector following the path around the battery pack 20.

[0051] Figures 1 to 3 The illustration shows one possible mating surface and mounting arrangement of the battery pack 20 and the frame 10, but other mounting arrangements are possible. See now for further details. Figures 4A to 4ESeveral alternative configurations are described, each of which is an alternative cross-section passing through the frame 10 in a plane extending along both the vertical and horizontal directions. As will be described, each of these may also be provided with an integral cut line. These alternative embodiments will now be described in conjunction with… Figures 1 to 3 Differences between the embodiments.

[0052] Figure 4A An embodiment is shown in which the frame 10 is further provided with a flange 16 that partially projects from the sidewalls of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b into the opening 14 for engaging the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack 20. This defines a generally stepped engagement surface between the battery pack 20 and the frame 10. The battery pack is additionally bonded to the frame 20 by a second adhesive connector 31 positioned between the lower surface of the flange 16 of the frame 10 and the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack. The second adhesive connector may be configured to extend around the entire periphery of the upper surface of the main housing 21 or may extend only partially around the periphery. The second adhesive connector increases the bonding strength between the battery pack 20 and the frame 10. In this embodiment, a first cutting line 60 is configured to cut a first adhesive connector disposed between the battery pack flange 22 and the lower surfaces of structural members 11a, 11b, and a second cutting line 70 is configured to cut a second adhesive connector 31 disposed between the flange 16 of the frame 10 and the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack. The first cutting line 60 is anchored to the battery pack flange 22 and is aligned with the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack. Figure 3 The same manner described extends around the main housing 21 of the battery pack so as to lie in substantially the same plane as the adhesive connector 30. The second cut line 70 may be anchored to the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack and extends around the main housing 21 in the same plane as the second adhesive connector 31. Therefore, removing the battery pack may include: retracting the second end of the first cut line 60 through the opening in the bottom plate of the frame (i.e., the unanchored end) and pulling it through the first adhesive connector 30 from outside the vehicle following a path around the adhesive connector of the frame.

[0053] Figure 4B The joint surface between the frame 10 and the battery pack 20 is shown. Figures 1 to 3The mating surfaces are the same as in the previous embodiment. However, in this embodiment, a second adhesive connector 31 is provided between the vertical sidewall of the main housing 21 of the battery pack 20 and the inner sidewalls of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b facing the opening 14. This second adhesive connector not only increases the bonding strength between the battery pack 20 and the frame 10, but also ensures that the adhesive connectors will experience the same forces in different relative directions by arranging the two adhesive connectors on surfaces that define an angle between them. For example, a lateral impact force can generate a shear force on the first adhesive connector 30, but a compressive force on the second adhesive connector 31. This reduces the risk that the two adhesive connectors will fail due to the same impact. In this embodiment, the cut line is anchored to the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack and extends around the periphery of the upper surface of the main housing 21. The second end of the cutting wire can then be arranged to pass through both the first and second adhesive connectors, between the sidewall of the main housing 21 and one of the structural members 11a, 11b, and then between the upper surface of the battery pack flange 22 and the lower surface of the structural member. To remove the battery pack, a technician can then retract the second end of the cutting wire and pull the wire through both adhesive connectors, following the path of the adhesive connectors around the battery pack 20.

[0054] Figure 4C The joint surface between the battery pack 20 and the frame 10 is shown in the figure. Figure 4A In the embodiment described, the flange 16 partially protrudes from the sidewalls of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b into the opening 14. However, in this embodiment, there is no adhesive fastener provided along the mating surface between the flange 16 and the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack. Instead, a plurality of mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b are provided at the mating surface between the flange 16 and the upper surface of the main housing 21. Figure 4COnly two mechanical fasteners are shown in the cross-section, but it should be understood that mechanical fasteners can be provided at multiple locations around the mating surface between the battery pack 20 and the frame 10. In this embodiment, the mechanical fasteners include bolts. Threaded bolt shafts are provided that project from the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack. These bolt shafts are received in corresponding holes passing through the flange 16 and secured by nuts, such that the battery pack is bolted to the frame. Although bolts are described as mechanical fasteners in this embodiment, it should be understood that any type of mechanical fastener can be used, including clips, pins, or rivets. In this embodiment, the use of mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b, in addition to the adhesive connection 30 between the flange 22 of the battery pack 20 and the frame, ensures that the battery mounting section is more resilient to different failure modes that individually affect each connection type. Mechanical fasteners can also be used to position the battery pack and hold it in place when the adhesive dries. In this embodiment, the cut line 60 can be anchored again to the battery pack flange 22 and with respect to... Figure 3 The same manner described extends around the main housing 21 of the battery pack so as to lie in substantially the same plane as the adhesive fastener 30. In this embodiment, separating the battery pack from the frame would require cutting the adhesive fastener and loosening both the mechanical fasteners 40a and 40b using a cutting wire. However, due to the availability of the adhesive fastener, fewer mechanical fasteners can be used than are required to withstand the same impact force.

[0055] Figure 4D An embodiment is shown in which a generally continuous base plate surface 15 extends between transverse structural members 12, 13 and longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b such that there are no openings through the frame in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the battery pack is mounted to the frame by adhesive fasteners 30, which are again positioned in a continuous path extending around the entire peripheral flange 22 of the battery pack 20, so as to surround the main housing 21. Furthermore, mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b are again provided in the form of bolts, wherein the threaded bolt shafts are configured to protrude from the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack, but in this embodiment, they are received in corresponding holes by the generally continuous base plate surface 15. The cutting line of this embodiment can be provided in the same manner as described above, and the separation of the battery pack from the frame can be... Figure 4C The same as in.

[0056] Figure 4E It shows the relationship with Figure 4D Different embodiments exist, in which the mating surface between the battery pack and the frame includes multiple portions arranged at an angle relative to the horizontal plane, and adhesive fasteners are provided along the mating surface. Specifically, instead of a peripheral flange 22 extending in the horizontal plane, in this embodiment, the flange 22a is arranged at an angle inclined downwards in a direction away from the main housing 21 of the battery pack. Figure 4E As shown, this means that the angle between the flange and the horizontal plane (i.e., the plane of the base plate and the battery pack) is... Figure 4E The left side is an angle of approximately 10° counterclockwise rotation, and... Figure 4E The right side is an angle of approximately 10° clockwise rotation. Although not shown in the figure, the flanges along the front and rear edges of the battery pack 20 similarly slope downwards from and away from the main housing 21 of the battery pack. The lower surfaces of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b slope in a complementary manner, i.e., downwards in a direction away from the center of the frame. The adhesive connector 30 is disposed between the inclined upper surface of the flange 22a and the inclined lower surfaces of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b. This joint surface shape means that lateral impact forces will partially place the adhesive connector in compression rather than pure shear, meaning it is less likely to fail. Again, a cut line 60 is provided that is capable of cutting through the angled adhesive connector, which anchors the adhesive connector 30 to the angled flange 22a between the adhesive connector 30 and the main housing 21 of the battery pack and follows the path of the adhesive connector around the main housing 21.

[0057] It should be understood that the different features described above regarding alternative cross sections can be combined as desired. For example, Figure 4E The inclined flange 22a can be set at Figure 2 or Figures 4A to 4D In any embodiment. Similarly, Figure 4B The second adhesive connector 31 on the vertical sidewall can be provided in any other embodiment.

[0058] Figure 5 It is shown in comparison with the reference Figures 1 to 3An enlarged portion of the frame and battery pack is constructed in a substantially similar manner to that described. However, in this embodiment, a conduit 50 is provided across the adhesive connector 30. This conduit may be a small tube (approximately 2 mm in diameter) made of a soft and thin rubber or polymer material (e.g., EPDM or ABS) that extends through the adhesive connector 30. In this embodiment, the conduit follows a path beginning at a first end 51 located exactly at the outer edge of the peripheral flange, in an opening that enters into the gap between the flange and the lower surface of the longitudinal structural member, so that it is accessible from the outside of the frame. The conduit extends from this first end 51 toward the center of the battery pack across the adhesive connector. The conduit runs along the mating surface between the frame 10 and the battery pack 20 until it reaches the opening through the frame. The second end 52 of the conduit is thus accessible near the upper surface of the main housing 21 of the battery pack 20 through the opening 14 through the frame 10. As will be described in more detail below, this conduit can be used to remove the battery pack from the frame. Specifically, the integrated cutting wire can be arranged to pass along the conduit 50 between the first end 51 and the second end 52. Using the wire arranged in this way, a technician can pull the wire along the path around the adhesive connector of the battery pack 20 through the adhesive connector to cut the adhesive connector to allow removal of the battery pack.

[0059] Figure 6 A top view of the battery pack is schematically shown to illustrate the integral cut line 60 more clearly. The battery pack has a generally square outline and again includes a main housing 21 that holds battery modules, etc., and a peripheral flange 22 extending therefrom. Again, an adhesive connector 30 is provided that extends along the peripheral flange 22 and surrounds the main housing 21 of the battery pack 20. In this embodiment, the integral cut line 60 is disposed on the battery pack. Again, the line can be made of stainless steel and, for example, can be 1 mm in diameter, and can have a circular cross-section or a square or rectangular cross-section to define a sharper cut edge. Alternatively, the line can be a braided cut line. The majority of the length of the line extends along the peripheral flange 22, which is positioned between the main housing 21 and the adhesive connector 30. The line can be weakly bonded to the flange 22 by small dots of adhesive 63 located at multiple locations around the path followed by the cut line 60. This can be the same adhesive used for the connector 30 or it can be a different adhesive. A first end 61 of the cut line 60 is securely anchored to the battery pack. In this embodiment, the first end is anchored near the upper right corner of the main housing 21, such as... Figure 6 As shown. This anchor point preferably electrically connects the cutting wire to a portion of a circuit that can be used for resistance heating of the cutting wire. The cutting wire follows... Figure 6The wire follows a counter-clockwise path that extends completely around the main housing 21. After completing the full path around the main housing 21, the short section of the wire overlaps itself, and then the second end of the wire 62 passes through the conduit 50 provided across the adhesive connector 30. The free second end is thus provided at the outer edge of the battery pack 20, where it can be reached by a technician. To cut the adhesive, the technician only needs to retract the second end of the wire 62, complete the circuit to the second end of the wire to resistively heat the wire, and pull the wire through the adhesive connector following the path around the battery pack 20. To complete this circuit, a second connection point can be provided elsewhere on the battery housing 21, which is electrically connected to the anchor point. In some embodiments, current from the battery modules in the battery pack can be used to resistively heat the wire 60.

[0060] exist Figure 7 Alternative embodiments are shown. This embodiment is related to... Figure 6 The difference lies in that four spaced-apart adhesive connectors are provided along the respective edges of the battery pack, corresponding to the edges of the transverse structural members 12, 13 and the longitudinal structural members 11a, 11b, respectively. In this embodiment, the second end of the wire 62 can simply be provided through the gap between two adjacent adhesive connectors to allow the second end of the wire to be accessible along the outer edge of the battery pack 20.

[0061] Now will be further referenced Figure 8 This describes a process for mounting a battery pack within a vehicle frame. In a first step S101, a vehicle frame defining the floor portion of the vehicle body is provided, and in step S102, a battery pack to be mounted to the frame is provided. The frame 10 may be as specifically described above. Figures 1 to 4E Any frame described and battery pack 20 can be the corresponding battery pack described above.

[0062] In step S103, a cutting wire 60 is provided. A first end 61 of the cutting wire is anchored to the battery pack 20 at a point where an adhesive connector, to which the wire will be applied in a subsequent step, will be positioned. For this purpose, any suitable anchoring member, such as an eyelet bolt to which the wire is tied, can be used. The wire is arranged to extend around the periphery of the battery pack along a path slightly inside the path of the adhesive connector applied in a subsequent step, until the wire extends approximately around the entire periphery of the battery pack 20. As described above, to hold the wire in proper position on the battery pack 20, small dots of adhesive can be applied along the path of the wire at regular intervals.

[0063] In step S104, the conduit 50 is provided and arranged near the second end 62 of the wire and arranged such that it will extend across the adhesive connector applied in a subsequent step. The second end of the wire 62 then passes through the conduit 50.

[0064] In step S105, an adhesive is applied to coat the peripheral flange 22 of the battery pack 20. As described above, the adhesive is preferably a paste-like, extensible structural adhesive with polyurethane chemistry, and is applied by coating the peripheral flange 22 of the battery pack 20 with the peripheral flange horizontal and facing upward. The adhesive is applied in a thickness of at least 3 mm, which will compensate for any roughness on the surface of the battery pack or frame. The adhesive is applied to define one or more adhesive connectors 30, which generally extend around the entire periphery of the battery pack to surround the main housing 21 of the battery pack. The adhesive is applied such that it extends over the conduit provided in step S104, such that the second end of the wire remains accessible and free to move within the conduit 50.

[0065] In step S106, the battery pack 20 is positioned within the base plate portion defined by the frame 10. The battery pack is arranged such that the adhesive on the battery pack is located at a suitable mating surface with the frame 10, as described above. In this step, any mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b can be used to properly position the battery pack 20 and can therefore include means for guiding and positioning the battery pack to its precise position within the vehicle frame during the arrangement step. For example, if the mechanical fasteners include bolts, the bolt shaft and complementary bolt holes can aid in positioning the frame and battery pack. A similar effect can be achieved without using mechanical fasteners such as locating pins.

[0066] Finally, in step S107, the battery pack is bonded to the frame using adhesive connectors. This process may include pressing the battery pack against the frame as the adhesive solidifies. This can simply involve lowering the frame onto the battery pack or pressing the battery pack upwards into the frame, allowing the weight of the frame to act, pressing the battery pack against the frame and counteracting the hydraulic pressure generated by adhesive extrusion. However, preferably, mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b are used to clamp the battery pack against the frame while the adhesive solidifies to bond the battery pack to the frame. These mechanical fasteners between the battery pack and the vehicle frame can hold them together during bonding to counteract the hydraulic pressure generated by adhesive extrusion. Such mechanical fasteners can be driven to a hard stop by a compression limiter to control the adhesive gap to a precise size and avoid hard contact between the vehicle frame and the battery case. For example, in the case where the mechanical fasteners include bolts, 3 mm spacer elements can be placed on one or more bolt shafts between the battery pack and the frame to ensure a 3 mm adhesive connector thickness. Mechanical fasteners can also exclusively provide a means of holding the battery pack in place as the adhesive hardens, thus enabling subsequent vehicle handling operations while the adhesive reaches its full strength.

[0067] Now refer to Figure 9 The process for removing the battery pack installed in the manner described above is further described. In the first step (S201), a cutting line is arranged across the adhesive connector. Regarding... Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the case of the embodiments shown and described, the cutting lines can be pre-arranged to cross the adhesive connector.

[0068] In step S202, the adhesive and / or the wire may be heated. Heating the adhesive can soften it, and heating the wire causes it to soften the adhesive when it comes into contact with it. The adhesive can be heated by placing a heat source in contact with the opposing surface of the peripheral flange. The wire can be heated by a resistance process, as described above. As described above, if the wire is anchored to the battery pack or frame at one end, the anchoring point may include an electrical connection to the vehicle floor or to a vehicle-specific circuit that is accessible in the vehicle when the battery is being serviced.

[0069] In step S203, the cutting wire is pulled through the adhesive connector. The cutting wire can be pulled to follow the path of the adhesive connector around the battery pack. Pulling can be done manually or with tool assistance. If a one-piece cutting wire is used, only one end of the wire needs to be pulled while the other end remains anchored in place. Once the wire has been pulled through the entire path of the adhesive connector, the adhesive will be cut.

[0070] In step S204, any mechanical fasteners 40a, 40b can be disengaged. For example, if the battery pack 20 is also bolted to the frame, the bolts can be removed to allow the battery pack to be removed.

[0071] Finally, in step S205, the battery pack is separated from the vehicle frame by cutting the adhesive connectors and disengaging any mechanical fasteners.

[0072] The above embodiments have illustrated several embodiments in which the present invention provides means for separating a vehicle battery pack from a vehicle frame. Other embodiments of the invention, illustrated in other contexts, will now be described.

[0073] Figure 10 The following embodiment is shown, in which the invention is implemented in the context of a sacrificial chassis panel for an electric vehicle. However, in principle, the invention can be used to connect sacrificial chassis panels to other types of vehicles or to other types of panels to a vehicle frame. In this embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery pack 20, which is configured to... (See also...) Figures 1 to 3 It is mounted to the vehicle frame in the same manner as described. In particular, a first adhesive connector 30 is provided, which connects the battery pack 20 to the lower surface of the structural members 11a, 11b of the vehicle frame via flange 22.

[0074] This embodiment and Figures 1 to 3 The difference in this embodiment lies in the application of a sacrificial chassis panel 80 to the downward-facing surface of the battery pack 20. The chassis panel 80 is a flat sheet of a suitable material, such as aluminum or carbon fiber reinforced polymer. The mating surface between the battery pack 20 and the chassis panel 80 is defined by a raised ridge 23 on the lower surface of the battery pack. This ridge 23 is generally located in the region of the peripheral flange 22 and thus extends generally around the periphery of the lower surface of the battery pack 20. The chassis panel 80 is bonded to the ridge 23 by a second adhesive connector 31 located between the ridge 23 and the upward-facing surface of the sacrificial chassis panel 80. The purpose of the raised ridge 23 is to separate the sacrificial chassis panel 80 from the main housing 21 of the battery pack to improve the operation of the sacrificial chassis panel 80.

[0075] A cutting line 60 is provided in the space between the sacrificial chassis panel 80 and the lower surface of the battery pack 20, within the area surrounded by the second adhesive connector 31. The cutting line 60 is anchored to the chassis panel 80 at an anchor point in the space between the sacrificial chassis panel 80 and the lower surface of the battery pack 20, within the area surrounded by the second adhesive connector 31. As in previous embodiments, the cutting line 60 can be arranged to follow the path of the adhesive connector, which can optionally be referenced... Figure 6The same method described is used to secure the battery pack to the chassis panel 80 via adhesive points. Again, after following the entire path of the adhesive connector, the second free end of the line 60 can be arranged to cross the adhesive connector so that a technician can access the battery pack from the edge between the flange 22 and the chassis panel 80.

[0076] Figure 11A The following embodiment is illustrated, in which the first element is a battery pack housing and the second element is a closure 24 (i.e., a cover) for the battery pack housing. In this embodiment, the battery pack body 21 and flange 22 define an open tray that opens through a lower surface shown in the figure. The tray is closed by a cover 24 having a shape and size that conforms to the periphery of the tray defined by the flange. The cover 24 is secured to the tray by an adhesive connector 30 disposed between the flange and the cover and extending around the entire periphery of the battery pack.

[0077] Figure 12 A schematic plan view of the cover 24 is shown, illustrating the arrangement of the adhesive connector 30 and the cutting line 60. As illustrated in the figure, in this embodiment, the adhesive connector 30 extends around the periphery of the battery pack cover 24, thereby surrounding the central region of the cover. The cutting line 60 is arranged such that it follows the path of the adhesive connector around the periphery of the cover, and deviates from that path to be parallel to the path of the adhesive connector. Although not shown in the figure, the cutting line can be referenced above. Figure 6 The described method uses small dot adhesive to hold the wire in place. In this embodiment, the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the wire are arranged to extend across the adhesive connector, such that the adhesive connector holds these segments of the wire in place. The first end 61 and the second end 62 of the wire are arranged to cross the adhesive connector at approximately the same position on the battery cover 24.

[0078] like Figure 11B As shown, in this embodiment, the shield 25 is positioned between the adhesive connector 30 and the cut line 60. For example, the shield can be an elongated ring formed of foam material. Figure 12 The diagram illustrates a shield 25 arranged between the wire 60 and the adhesive connector 30, and the wire 60 and adhesive connector 30 extending around the periphery of the battery cover 24, following the paths of the wire 60 and adhesive connector 30. A small gap is provided in the shield 25 to allow the wire to pass through, with a first end 61 and a second end 62 of the cut wire 60 extending across the adhesive connector 30 through this gap. It will be understood that this type of shield can be used in any of the foregoing embodiments to protect the wire from being squeezed out by the adhesive during the formation of the adhesive connector 30.

[0079] In this embodiment, to remove the battery cover 24 from the tray, a technician can retract the first end 61 and the second end 62 of the wire 60. One end can then be anchored in place, while the other end is pulled along the path of the adhesive connector to cut through the adhesive. This action of pulling the wire to cut the adhesive connector will also cut the foam used to form the shielding between the adhesive connector 30 and the wire.

[0080] In each of the above embodiments, a single cutting line has been provided that extends around the periphery of the engaging element. However, this is not necessary and may be impractical if other parts of the vehicle obstruct the periphery of the element. Figure 13 A variation in which multiple cutting lines are provided is shown. This variation is illustrated in the context of the battery tray and cover just described, but it should be understood that this can be applied to any embodiment of the above embodiments.

[0081] Figure 13 A battery pack cover 25 is shown, which is generally square in shape in this schematic diagram. Separate adhesive fasteners 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d are provided along each peripheral edge of the cover. The adhesive fasteners together generally surround the central area of ​​the cover. Corresponding cut lines 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d are provided along each edge of the cover and inserted from the corresponding adhesive fasteners 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. The first end of each line 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d is anchored to the cover 24 at a corresponding anchor point 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d at one end of the corresponding adhesive fastener 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d. From the anchor point, each line 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d follows the path of the corresponding adhesive fastener 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d to the opposite end of the adhesive fastener. In this embodiment, each wire extends beyond the end of the corresponding adhesive connector 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, then turns and extends toward the edge of the battery pack cover 24, allowing a technician to access the second end of the wire. Although not shown, these wires can again be held in place by, for example, small dots of adhesive along the path of the wires 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d. In this embodiment, a technician can sequentially retract the second end of each wire 60a, 60b, 60c, 60d and pull the wire toward the corresponding anchor point 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d through the corresponding adhesive connector 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d to cut the adhesive connector.

[0082] exist Figure 14In another variation shown, the first and second ends of each wire can generally cross the respective adhesive connectors 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d at their opposite ends, and a technician can retract the opposite ends of each wire and pull them toward each other to cut the adhesive connectors.

Claims

1. A vehicle comprising: a first element bonded to a second element by at least one adhesive joint; and at least one line for severing the at least one adhesive joint, wherein at least a first portion of the line is joined to the first element or the second element, and wherein a second portion of the line is accessible for pulling the line through the at least one adhesive joint to sever the at least one adhesive joint.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, The first portion of the line is anchored to the first element or the second element such that the second portion of the line can be pulled through the at least one adhesive joint to sever the at least one adhesive joint when the second portion of the line is anchored to the first element or the second element while remaining in place.

3. The vehicle of claim 2, wherein, The first portion of the line is anchored to the first element or the second element on a first side of the adhesive joint, and wherein the second portion of the line is arranged on a second side of the adhesive joint.

4. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first portion and / or a third portion of the line is arranged to extend across the adhesive joint from the first side of the adhesive joint to the second side of the adhesive joint.

5. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first portion of the line is a portion of the line at or near a first end of the line, and the second portion of the line is a portion of the line at or near a second end of the line.

6. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, further comprising a conduit disposed across at least one of the adhesive joints, wherein, The first portion of the line is joined to the first element or the second element at a first side of the duct, and wherein the line is arranged to pass through the duct such that the second portion of the line is accessible from a second side of the duct, or wherein the line is arranged such that the second portion of the line is accessible through the duct from a second side of the duct.

7. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one adhesive joint comprises regions arranged at different angles on a surface.

8. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one adhesive joint is elongate, preferably having a length of at least 30 cm, preferably at least 50 cm, more preferably at least 100 cm, most preferably at least 200 cm.

9. The vehicle of claim 8, wherein, The line extends substantially along an entire length of the or each elongate adhesive joint.

10. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one adhesive joint substantially encloses a region in which the first portion of the line is joined to the first element or the second element.

11. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The line is arranged to substantially follow a path of the at least one adhesive joint.

12. The vehicle of claim 11, wherein, The line is joined to the first element or the second element at a plurality of locations when the line follows the path of the at least one adhesive joint.

13. The vehicle of claim 12, wherein, The line is joined to the first element or the second element at each of the plurality of locations by a patch of adhesive.

14. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, A first side of the adhesive joint is substantially enclosed between the first element and the second element, and wherein the first portion of the line is joined to the first element or the second element on the first side of the adhesive joint.

15. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, at least 60% of the length of the wire, preferably at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%, more preferably at least 90%, most preferably at least 95% of the length of the wire is disposed on a first side of the adhesive joint, wherein preferably the first side of the adhesive joint is substantially enclosed between the first element and the second element.

16. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, A first portion of the wire is joined to the first element or the second element at an electrical connection point, wherein the electrical connection point electrically connects the wire to at least a portion of an electrical circuit for heating the wire.

17. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, Preferably, the wire is a metal wire, preferably a nichrome wire.

18. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The wire comprises an electrical and / or thermal insulator along at least a portion of the length of the wire.

19. The vehicle of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a shield between at least some of the wire and the adhesive joint, the shield being arranged to prevent the adhesive joint from contacting the wire during assembly of the vehicle.

20. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first element is a vehicle frame, and wherein the second element is a battery pack.

21. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, The first element is a housing of a battery pack of the vehicle, and wherein the second element is a closure for enclosing the housing of the battery pack.

22. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, One of the first element and the second element is a panel, preferably a chassis panel of the vehicle, wherein preferably the other of the first element and the second element is a vehicle frame or a second panel.

23. The vehicle of any of the preceding claims, wherein, One of the first element and the second element is a first primary structural component of the vehicle, and the other of the first element and the second element is a second primary structural component of the vehicle.

24. A method of separating a first element of a vehicle from a second element of the vehicle, wherein, The first element is bonded to the second element by at least one adhesive joint, and wherein the vehicle comprises at least one wire for cutting the at least one adhesive joint, wherein at least a first portion of the wire is joined to the first element or the second element, the method comprising retracting a second portion of the wire and pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive joint to cut the at least one adhesive joint.

25. The method of claim 24, comprising heating the wire before and / or during pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive joint, wherein preferably heating the wire comprises passing an electrical current through the wire.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein, A first portion of the wire is joined to the first element or the second element at an electrical connection point, wherein the electrical connection point electrically connects the wire to at least a portion of an electrical circuit for heating the wire, and wherein heating the wire comprises heating the wire using at least a portion of the electrical circuit.

27. A method of manufacturing a vehicle, comprising: providing a wire for cutting an adhesive joint, and joining at least a first portion of the wire to a first element or a second element of the vehicle; and bonding the first element to the second element using at least one adhesive joint such that a second portion of the wire is accessible for pulling the wire through the at least one adhesive joint to cut the at least one adhesive joint.

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