Disassembly plant for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle, dismantling device, method for disassembling a decommissioned vehicle, and dismantling method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disassembly plant (100) for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle (102), wherein the disassembly plant (100) comprises: - a dismantling station (104) to dismantle the decommissioned vehicle (102) in dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108); and / or - a preparatory station (110) (110) to register and / or prepare the decommissioned vehicle (102) for the dismantling station (104); and / or - a material processing station (112) for processing the dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108); and / or - a distribution station (114) to distribute and / or to transport away the processed dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108), wherein the preparatory station (110), the dismantling station (104), the material processing station (112) and / or the distribution station (114) are preferably arranged along a disassembly line (116) of the disassembly plant (100) along which the decommissioned vehicle (102) is transported or transportable during dismantling.

Description

[0001] Disassembly plant for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle, dismantling device, method for disassembling a decommissioned vehicle, and dismantling method

[0002] The present invention relates to a disassembly plant for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle.

[0003] Regarding environmental aspects in the industry, there is a clear signal towards circular economy, recycling and sustainability.

[0004] The car production industry causes high emissions and water consumption. Also, the number of so-called “end-of-life” vehicles (ELVs) is increasing. There are approximately 27 million ELVs each year that contain valuable materials which could be recycled and re-used.

[0005] Known disassembly plants are not efficient enough or cannot deal with different conditions. For example, known disassembly plants are outdoor plants, are not industrially organized, and do not have sufficient safety properties regarding pollution issues, e.g. due to the fluids contained in decommissioned vehicles.

[0006] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a disassembly plant which is efficient, and which offers a high safety standard regarding environmental protection.

[0007] This object is solved by a disassembly plant according to claim 1.

[0008] The disassembly plant for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle advantageously comprises a preparatory station to register and / or prepare the decommissioned vehicle for a dismantling station.

[0009] The disassembly plant preferably is configured for dismantling a plurality of decommissioned vehicles as well as a plurality of different types of decommissioned vehicles. Whenever singular is used in this specification, for the sake of clarity and for simplicity, also a plurality of decommissioned vehicles and / or a plurality of different types of decommissioned vehicles is meant, too.

[0010] The preparatory station will be described in more detail later on. Optional features of the preparatory station include, but are not limited to, the following:

[0011] The preparatory station is the first station the decommissioned vehicle arrives at.

[0012] The preparatory station in general serves to sort, categorize, register and / or label the decommissioned vehicle, e.g., by equipping the decommissioned vehicle with an identification tag (ID tag), in particular a bar code and / or NFC medium, etc.

[0013] The preparatory station preferably comprises a storage space for storing decommissioned vehicles. In particular, the storage space can be a parking space, e.g. a parking lot or high- bar storage space. At the parking space the vehicles are separated by brands, segments, version, for example.

[0014] Advantageously, the decommissioned vehicles are categorized and then stored, in particular parked, in the storage space depending on the category chosen for the respective decommissioned vehicle. It can be advantageous to label the decommissioned vehicles before storage. In particular, the decommissioned vehicle is preferably equipped with an ID tag before storage.

[0015] Alternatively, the decommissioned vehicle can be stored upon arrival, potentially in a chaotic manner, before being categorized and / or labeled, in particular equipped with an ID tag. The categorization and / or labeling may be carried out at respective storage locations of the decommissioned vehicles.

[0016] Before storage, during movement to a storage space, or after storage in a storage space, the decommissioned vehicle is preferably categorized. Such categorization preferably includes gathering and / or using information on vehicle brand, vehicle type, vehicle segment, and / or build version. Vehicle segments can be sports cars and / or SLIVs for example. Vehicle types can be sedan and / or coupe and / or a station wagon, for example. In the preparatory station, the decommissioned vehicle is preferably prepared for dismantling by carrying out one or more steps to bring the decommissioned vehicle into a prepared condition. The one or more steps may include, without limitations: cleaning the decommissioned vehicle, in particular the outside, the engine bay and / or the inside of the decommissioned vehicle; carrying out safety checks or procedures for ensuring a hazard-free dismantling process.

[0017] The decommissioned vehicle may be prepared by carrying out said one or more steps before storage or, alternatively, right before the dismantling process starts.

[0018] Advantageously, the disassembly plant further comprises a dismantling station to dismantle the decommissioned vehicle into vehicle parts and / or materials. In this station, the decommissioned vehicle will preferably be systematically dismantled in decommissioned vehicle parts and / or materials for later re-use.

[0019] As a third station, the disassembly plant advantageously comprises a material processing station for processing the dismantled vehicle parts and / or materials.

[0020] Advantageously, in this station, devices and machines are provided to implement a disintegration process of the dismantled vehicle parts and / or materials for re-use and recycling. These machines preferably use different technologies and physical principles to separate the different materials. Some technologies may comprise, without limitation: magnetism; and / or air jets; and / or specific gravity; and / or vision systems; and / or eddy currents.

[0021] A combination of these technologies may lead to obtaining raw materials characterized by an excellent level of purity, and therefore of high commercial value.

[0022] Advantageously, the disassembly plant further comprises a distribution station. The distribution station serves, without limitation, for the purpose of distributing the decommissioned vehicle parts. Advantageously, the distribution station may be further configured to ship the decommissioned vehicle parts.

[0023] Preferably, specific materials are or may be stored in containers. The materials will then be shipped to re-users. This storage preferably forms the last step of the overall dismantling process.

[0024] The preparatory station, the dismantling station, the material preparation station and the distribution station are arranged along a disassembly line of the disassembly plant. Advantageously, the decommissioned vehicle is transported or transportable along the disassembly line during dismantling.

[0025] Preferably, the disassembly line comprises transportation devices. For example, the disassembly line may comprise hooks for transporting the decommissioned vehicles. Preferably, the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle is transported or transportable by the hooks. The transportability along the disassembly line is advantageous, in particular because it enables an industrially organized dismantling process by the disassembly plant, which is highly efficient.

[0026] The preparatory station may comprise a vehicle registration area, a vehicle storage area and / or a vehicle washing area. In general, and as described before, the preparatory station serves for the purpose of bringing the decommissioned vehicles in a condition for dismantling. In the registration area, a decommissioned vehicle preferably gets registered. In particular, the decommissioned vehicle is registered based on one or more parameters, such as model year, model, market needs for spare parts, condition and / or other parameters. The decommissioned vehicle preferably gets equipped with an ID tag. More preferably, the ID tag stores information about the afore-mentioned parameters.

[0027] After the registration process, the vehicle is stored on the preparatory station. Advantageously, the decommissioned vehicles are sorted based on the afore-mentioned parameters. Preferably, the decommissioned vehicles are stored in the area directly on the ground. When a volume of decommissioned vehicles increases, it might be convenient that the vehicles are stored on cantilever structures. These cantilever structures can comprise, but are not limited to, three or more levels. This permits to save space and optimize the flows to the storage area and the dismantling station. At the washing station, the decommissioned vehicles are preferably washed as described above. Here, the decommissioned vehicles get further prepared for the dismantling process.

[0028] To optimize the dismantling process, the dismantling station preferably comprises one or more dismantling sub-stations. Without limitation, the dismantling station comprises a fluid removal station, an exterior removal station, a body removal station, an interior removal station and / or a core separation station.

[0029] Preferably, the fuel removal station is the starting point of the dismantling process. Here, at least the following steps can be implemented: removing / extracting the fluids of the decommissioned vehicle; and / or unbolting all screws; and / or triggering the airbags.

[0030] The fluid removal station advantageously comprises respective equipment and tools. In addition, the removed fluid, especially fuel, is preferably stored for the own vehicles or machines or tools of the dismantling plant.

[0031] Advantageously, the fluid removal station may further comprise at least one drainage system. The fluid removal station may be further configured, without limitation, to collect operating fluids of the decommissioned vehicle, in particular fuel, lubricants, coolant, and brake fluid. The drainage system may be further configured to store all the collected fluids. Therefore, the risk these fluids might enter the environment is prevented.

[0032] Moreover, - as mentioned before - the recycling starts preferably at least at this station, since the removed fuel of the decommissioned vehicles is used for the own vehicles of the plant. Advantageously, all collected fluids are stored in specific tanks. These tanks may, for instance, be delivered to reconditioning companies for fluid reconditioning.

[0033] The exterior removal station is configured for dismantling of the exterior of the decommissioned vehicle. In particular, the exterior removal station is configured for, but not limited to, dismantling wheels, exterior plastics, bumpers and / or lighting components. In this context, the definition “is configured for” is to be understood in the sense that the station comprises all necessary tools and machines to execute the above-mentioned tasks, namely the removal of the mentioned parts.

[0034] At this sub-station, spare part storage devices may be further provided. The spare part storage devices advantageously serve for the purpose of storing potential spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0035] The stored spare parts will preferably be delivered to a special area of the disassembly plant to enter the spare part program. In this program, they will preferably be offered on the market. Other parts, which are not spare parts, will be delivered to the material processing station. For this step, conveyor belts are preferably provided.

[0036] Also, the dismantling station, and preferably one or more of its sub-stations, advantageously comprise a pit to collect all leaking fluids resulting from the extraction of the parts. Preferably, all sub-stations of the dismantling station comprise a respective pit. These fluids are aspirated by pumps to prevent environmental pollution.

[0037] At least the dismantling station, preferably all stations of the disassembly plant, comprise overhead hoists to transport the decommissioned vehicles. In particular, the hoists are, without limitation, electrified hoists. The hoists preferably are overhead hoists running on an upper rail of the plant.

[0038] This solution advantageously permits flexibility for all the brands / segments of vehicles arriving at the disassembly plant. The hoists preferably pick up the front and back of the vehicles since nearly all vehicles have simple common support points.

[0039] Advantageously, all the stations also have a bench where the vehicle is supported during the dismantling operations. The bench can be a very simple structure or, alternatively, a lifting table enabling for height adjustment prior to or during the dismantling process.

[0040] The body removal station is configured for dismantling body work of the decommissioned vehicle. In particular, the body removal station is configured, but not limited, to dismantle closures, glass components and / or the hood. Also, the body removal station preferably comprises the necessary tools and machines to dismantle these parts. In addition, the body removal station advantageously comprises spare part storage devices for spare parts as mentioned before. All closures can be separated from the vehicle body by unbolting the hinges or cutting the hinges with hydraulic scissors. Advantageously, the provision of a balancer with vacuum caps permits to move the part in total ergonomic condition.

[0041] Preferably, the body removal station also comprises a manual machining tool for removing and cutting the windshield of the decommissioned vehicle. This is convenient considering that the windshield is the only glass part that can be removed by cutting its perimeter with this special manual machining tool, because it’s stratified.

[0042] All the other side glass parts of the decommissioned vehicle, which are usually made of tempered glass, are preferably separated from the vehicle body by applying an adhesive film on the outer side of the vehicle, and then breaking each glass from the inside of the vehicle. The provision of an adhesive film allows preventing spreading of broken glass pieces (often in the range of thousands) in the surrounding environment

[0043] The interior removal station is configured for dismantling an interior of the decommissioned vehicle. Without limitation, the interior removal station may be configured to dismantle inner trims, seats, carpets, cables and / or wiring components. The interior removal station further comprises all necessary tools and machines for dismantling the interior of the decommissioned vehicle. The interior removal station preferably comprises spare part storage devices for spare parts.

[0044] The core separation station is preferably configured for dismantling core parts of the decommissioned vehicle. In particular, the core separation station is configured, but not limited to, dismantle the engine, transmission, suspension and / or axle components. This sub-station will be described in more detail below.

[0045] Advantageously, all mentioned spare part storage devices can be handled by forklifts adapted to t bring them to a desired position.

[0046] Advantageously, the material processing station may comprise one or more material processing sub-stations, in particular: a metal sub-station for processing dismantled metal parts of the decommissioned vehicle; a core sub-station for processing dismantled core parts of the decommissioned vehicle; a exterior-interior sub-station for processing dismantled exterior and / or interior parts of the decommissioned vehicle; an electronics sub-station for processing dismantled cables and wiring of the decommissioned vehicle; and / or a tire sub-station for processing dismantled tires of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0047] Preferably, the material processing station may be provided with a sub-station for each material to be processed, to achieve a good quality level in materials processing. In other words, the process of material separation and processing can be optimized. Moreover, the need of maintenance on the several equipment is minimized.

[0048] To efficiently process the materials and dismantled vehicle parts, the material processing station may comprise shredders and / or mills.

[0049] In particular, the material processing station preferably comprises, for each sub-station, special shredders and / or mills which are adapted for each processing step and / or to each material to be processed.

[0050] Preferably, at least a part of the shredders and / or mills is arranged in a pit. By positioning at least part of the shredders and / or mills in a pit, the overall required space is reduced. Moreover, a process of loading the shredders and / or mills is simplified.

[0051] This arrangement is also advantageous in terms of noise reduction, as loud parts of the machines can be arranged in the pit and therefore below the ground, thus reducing noise emissions.

[0052] Preferably, the distribution station may comprise material storage devices for the processed materials from the material processing station. In addition, or alternatively, the distribution station may be further configured for distributing and loading the processed materials to transport vehicles. The material storage devices can be, but are not limited to, containers. For reasons of safety and optimization, the disassembly plant can be advantageously configured such that a flow of arriving decommissioned vehicles and the shipment of materials are completely separated within the plant area.

[0053] All containers with the separated materials are preferably located in a specific area. The containers can be loaded on transport vehicles for delivery of the materials stored therein to respective final users.

[0054] As mentioned in the foregoing, the preparatory station and / or the dismantling station may be provided with a spare part station for storing dismantled spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle. Preferably, each sub-station of the dismantling station comprises a spare part station for storing dismantled spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle. Advantageously, the spare parts can be registered. Preferably, the spare parts are equipped with an identification tag (ID tag), in particular a bar code and / or NFC medium, etc.

[0055] Preferably, the disassembly plant further comprises a management system which is configured, but not limited, to: register the decommissioned vehicle and label the decommissioned vehicle; identify spare parts of each decommissioned vehicle by evaluating vehicle characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle; and / or display an identified spare part of the decommissioned vehicle on a display at one or more dismantling sub-stations of the dismantling station, so that the identified spare part can be appropriately stored.

[0056] Advantageously, the management system may be adapted to manage all stations of the plant and / or one or more sub-stations, combining them in an operatory manner.

[0057] For example, registration and labeling of the decommissioned vehicle may advantageously happen at the preparatory station. The registration and labeling process has been described above and will not be further described for the sake of brevity. The management system is preferably configured to store information concerning the registered and labeled decommissioned vehicle in a database of all decommissioned vehicles which are at the disassembly plant.

[0058] Advantageously, the management system may be further configured to store identification information of the spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle in said database, preferably based on the characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0059] A possible, non-limiting scenario regarding the identification and storing of a spare part is as described in the following.

[0060] In general, when a decommissioned vehicle arrives at a sub-station of the dismantling station, an identified spare part is removed and stored.

[0061] To enable an operator to identify the spare part which is to be removed and stored, the management system is configured to display the identified spare part on a display that is provided at the dismantling sub-station. Preferably, every dismantling sub-station comprises at least one display, allowing to show one or more identified spare parts of the current decommissioned vehicle that need to be removed and stored.

[0062] For example, the management system may identify, based on the characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle, that the doors of the vehicle are potentially lucrative as spare parts on the market. In such a case, processing means of the management system display this information on a display provided at the exterior removal station. Accordingly, operators at this station are made aware of this information and, accordingly, will proceed with the removal of the doors. The removed doors are then placed into respective spare part storage devices, instead of being directed to the material processing station.

[0063] The characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle comprise at least one among: model and year of the decommissioned vehicle; number of models built; current market needs for parts of this kind of vehicle; current market price of spare parts of this kind of vehicle; and / or vehicle identification number. For instance, the model and the year of the decommissioned vehicle may provide relevant information to evaluate if the vehicle is a classic car and may thus offer good chances on the spare part market as the vehicle is no longer being produced.

[0064] Similarly, the number of the models built may be a good indicator to determine if the decommissioned vehicle is a rare model. In general, spare parts of rare models reach higher prices on the market.

[0065] The current market needs for parts of a certain kind of vehicle may be a good indicator to identify what kind of parts of this vehicle are potentially needed on the market, if at all.

[0066] Also, the current market prices for spare parts of a specific kind of vehicle may be a good indicator to evaluate whether it might be worth to store spare parts of a decommissioned vehicle of this kind or not.

[0067] The vehicle identification number provides general information regarding the vehicle, e.g., if it is reported as stolen. This kind of information may be relevant, e.g., in order to avoid problems caused by unwantedly selling spare parts of a vehicle which has been reported as stolen.

[0068] Advantageously, the label may contain information about at least one of the following characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle: model year; type of vehicle; engine type; exhaust emission standard; and / or fuel type.

[0069] The model year may provide relevant information regarding manufacturing materials of the vehicle, e.g. to consider whether the vehicle includes manufacturing materials which need to be handled with care due to potential health and / or environmental hazard.

[0070] The type of the vehicle, e.g., if it is a sports car, a sedan or a station wagon, may provide useful information to determine which kinds of tools and machines are needed to dismantle the vehicle. Other relevant information may concern the engine type. For example, whether the vehicle comprises a V8 or a V6 may have an impact on the selection of tools and machines that are required in the dismantling process. If the vehicle comprises an American V8, it should be noted that measures of bolts and screws comprised therein are expressed in inches (instead of metric values).

[0071] Information concerning the exhaust emission standard may be useful in the recycling process of the catalytic converters and other parts which are affected by the exhaust emission standard.

[0072] Information concerning fuel type may be useful for the purpose of fuel recycling. In particular, there is a difference between recycling of gasoline compared, e.g., to diesel.

[0073] These parameters and information are advantageous for the overall efficiency of the disassembly plant.

[0074] As a further aspect, a dismantling apparatus for dismantling components of a decommissioned vehicle is disclosed and claimed herewith. In particular, the dismantling apparatus is or can be configured for a use in a disassembly plant as described in the foregoing. More preferably, the dismantling apparatus is or can be configured to operate at the core separation station of the dismantling station.

[0075] The dismantling apparatus comprises a positioning and / or securing device for positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle in a dismantling position.

[0076] The dismantling apparatus further comprises a main separating device for separating, in particular removing, engine components and / or transmission components from a vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle. The main separating device is preferably configured for ripping out engine components and / or transmission components of the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0077] The dismantling apparatus preferably comprises a base station. The main separating device and / or the positioning and / or securing device are at least partially arranged on the base station and configured to move relative to each other. The dismantling apparatus advantageously provides for an efficient and fast separation of the engine and / or transmission components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0078] Preferably, the base station comprises a guide device for guiding the main separating device toward and away from the decommissioned vehicle. In an alternative configuration, the movement can be reversed so that the separating device carries out a separating step, in particular by cutting out what is to be separated, and afterwards remains in place with the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle being moved away. Here, a configuration in which the main separating device is moved away from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle is described as a non-limiting example. The same principles analogously apply to the above-mentioned alternative configuration where the movement is reversed.

[0079] Advantageously, the dismantling apparatus may further comprise a drive device for moving the main separating device along the guide device. The guide device, in combination with the drive device, offers an efficient and easy way to move the main separating device for separating, in particular ripping out, the afore-mentioned engine components and / or transmission components.

[0080] Preferably, the dismantling apparatus may further comprise one or at least two auxiliary separating devices for separating, in particular removing, axle components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0081] In particular, the at least two auxiliary separating devices are configured for ripping out axle components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0082] In this context, the definition “axle components” is to be understood as comprising suspension parts and / or wheel mount parts, for example.

[0083] Preferably, the main separating device may comprise: an upper separating element; and / or a lower separating element. The at least one separating element may be a removing element, in particular a claw element, which reaches behind the engine components and / or transmission components to be separated, in order to firmly grab them for forceful extraction. In particular, the upper separating element and / or the lower separating element may be removing elements, in particular claw elements, which reach behind the engine components and / or transmission components to be separated in order to firmly grab and maintain in place these components for forceful extraction.

[0084] The at least one separating element, in particular the upper separating element and / or the lower separating element, may form or comprise one or more cutting elements for cutting away engine components and / or transmission components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0085] Preferably, the upper separating element and the lower separating element are rotatably connected relative to each other via a bearing element.

[0086] Advantageously, the main separating device may comprise an actuating element for moving the upper separating element and / or the lower separating element from an open position to a closed position and vice versa.

[0087] The main separating device may comprise a support element for supporting the upper separating element and / or the lower separating element.

[0088] The main separating device is preferably configured to separate, in particular cut out and / or rip out, engine components and / or transmission components of the decommissioned vehicle, in particular by holding, crushing, squeezing and / or grabbing them between the upper separating element and the lower separating element in the closed position, and by relatively moving the upper separating element and the lower separating element away from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0089] This relative movement may include turning or sliding away from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle, e.g. in a horizontal direction, in an upper direction, in an inclined direction, or in any other direction away from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle. The dismantling process according to the invention can be compared to a crocodile biting, in particular where the main separating element “bites” into the engine components and / or transmission components of the decommissioned vehicle, and rips them out of the vehicle body.

[0090] Conveniently, the dismantling apparatus may comprise four auxiliary separating devices. Here, two auxiliary separating devices are preferably positioned on each side of the positioning and securing device.

[0091] Advantageously, the dismantling apparatus may comprise one auxiliary separating device for each wheel in order to separate, in particular remove, respective axle components. The dismantling apparatus may comprise two auxiliary separating device pairs, in particular a front auxiliary separating device pair for separating, in particular removing, front axle components, and a rear auxiliary separating device pair for separating, in particular removing, rear axle components.

[0092] This setup conveniently enables the dismantling apparatus to remove all four axle components of the decommissioned vehicle at once, thus increasing the overall level of efficiency.

[0093] The positioning and / or securing device may advantageously comprise a height adjustment device, in particular a lifting element or lifting table, for adjusting the height of the decommissioned vehicle, preferably for adjusting the height to a vertical position of a main separation device and / or one or more auxiliary separation devices.

[0094] Conveniently, the at least two auxiliary separating devices may be positioned on the base station and configured to move relative to the base station.

[0095] Preferably, the at least one auxiliary separating device which separates, in particular removes, the rear axle components is movable in a direction toward the rear end of the vehicle body relative to the base station, in particular to rip out the rear axle components in a rearward direction of the decommissioned vehicle. Analogously, the at least one auxiliary separating device which separates, in particular removes, the front axle components, is movable in a direction toward the front end of the vehicle body relative to the base station, in particular to rip out the front axle components in a forward direction of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0096] Preferably, the front auxiliary separating device pair is movable together with the main separating device pair in a forward direction of the decommissioned vehicle so as to separate, in particular rip out, the engine components and / or the transmission components and the front axle components together in one combined and / or coordinated movement.

[0097] In this context, the definition “ripping out” is used to denote the separation of one or more components from a main body / assembly without any prior disconnection of screws, bolts, flanges, welding seams and / or any other connection means. Otherwise stated, the definition “ripping out” denotes a forced extraction of one or more components from a main body / assembly, in which mechanical connection means are not disconnected (e.g., unscrewed, cut, or otherwise removed by means of human and / or robotic operation), but rather destroyed.

[0098] The at least two auxiliary separating devices and / or the at least two auxiliary separating device pairs may be adaptable to different vehicle types, especially depending on the wheel base of the decommissioned vehicle.

[0099] It can be advantageous if the at least one auxiliary separating device, in particular all four auxiliary separating devices, is / are movable to grab the respective axle components from the side of the vehicle body. After firmly grabbing the respective axle components, the at least one auxiliary separating device, in particular all four auxiliary separating devices, is / are movable in another direction, in particular in a direction that is essentially parallel to a main direction or driving direction of the vehicle.

[0100] Preferably, the front auxiliary separating device pair is movable from the side on to the front axle components and, after grabbing the front axle components, is movable in a forward direction of the decommissioned vehicle so as to separate, in particular rip out, the front axle components in a forward direction.

[0101] Similarly, the rear auxiliary separating device pair is preferably movable from the side on to the rear axle components and, after grabbing the rear axle components, is movable in a rearward direction of the decommissioned vehicle so as to separate, in particular rip out, the rear axle components in a rearward direction.

[0102] Advantageously, the positioning and securing device may be arranged at the base station and configured to move relative to the base station.

[0103] Preferably, the actuating element may be hydraulically driven. This ensures the necessary force to separate the engine and / or transmission parts from the decommissioned vehicle. Typical forces can be up to three tons.

[0104] Advantageously, at least a part of the upper separating element and / or at least a part of the lower separating element may be replaceable. The replacement of at least a part of the separating elements provides for improved and easier replacement of used and / or damaged elements. Therefore, the overall efficiency is increased, while the maintenance costs and times are reduced.

[0105] The positioning and / or securing device may comprise one or at least two clamping elements. The one or at least two clamping elements serve for the purpose of positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle, in particular the vehicle body, preferably the passenger compartment of the vehicle body, in the dismantling position.

[0106] Advantageously, the positioning and / or securing device may comprise four clamping elements, in particular one for each door opening of the vehicle body. The arrangement of the clamping elements may differ depending on the type of the vehicle. For instance, in case of a car, said arrangement may different depending on whether the car is a four-door car or a two-door car.

[0107] Preferably, the clamping elements are configured to hold the decommissioned vehicle in place during the separation of the engine components and / or transmission components and / or axle components.

[0108] Furthermore, the dismantling apparatus may comprise positioning sensors and a control unit, wherein: the positioning sensors are configured to determine position signals and transmit the determined position signals to the control unit, said position signals including information about the position of the decommissioned vehicle; and the control unit is configured to control the main separating device and / or the positioning and / or securing device and / or the at least two auxiliary separating devices based on the determined position signals.

[0109] This setup enables the dismantling apparatus to at least semi-automatically adjust and / or move the elements and devices for separating the engine components and / or the transmission components.

[0110] The invention further provides a method for disassembling a decommissioned vehicle, in particular by using a disassembly plant as described in the foregoing, wherein the method comprises: registering and / or preparing the decommissioned vehicle for a dismantling station in a preparatory station; dismantling the decommissioned vehicle into dismantled vehicle parts and / or materials in the dismantling station; and / or processing the dismantled vehicle parts and / or materials in a material processing station; and / or distributing and / or transporting away the processed dismantled vehicle parts and / or materials in a distribution station, wherein the preparatory station, the dismantling station, the material processing station and the distribution station are preferably arranged along a disassembly line of the disassembly plant along which the decommissioned vehicle is transported during dismantling.

[0111] The invention further provides a dismantling method for dismantling components of a decommissioned vehicle, in particular by using a dismantling apparatus as described in the foregoing, wherein the method comprises: positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle in a dismantling position at or on a positioning and / or securing device; separating engine components and / or transmission components from a vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle using a main separating device, in particular ripping out engine components and / or transmission components of the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle using the main separating device.

[0112] The above-described methods preferably comprise one or more or all of the features and / or advantages of the devices and plants described herein. Accordingly, reference is made to the respective description in order to avoid unnecessary repetition of features and / or advantages.

[0113] Further preferred features and / or advantages of the invention are subject-matter of the following description of the figures:

[0114] Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of a disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0115] Fig. 2 a schematic plan of the different stations of the disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0116] Fig. 3 a schematic plan of the preparatory station of the disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0117] Fig. 4 a schematic plan of the disassembly station of the disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0118] Fig. 5 a schematic plan of the material processing station of the disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0119] Fig. 6 a schematic plan of the distribution station of the disassembly plant according to the invention;

[0120] Fig. 7 a schematic side view of a dismantling apparatus according to the invention;

[0121] Fig. 8 a schematic top view of the dismantling apparatus according to Fig. 7.

[0122] In the figures, identical components are denoted with the same reference signs.

[0123] Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a disassembly plant 100 for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0124] The disassembly plant 100 comprises a dismantling station 104 to dismantle the decommissioned vehicle 102 in dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108. The disassembly plant 100 further comprises a preparatory station 110 to register and / or prepare the decommissioned vehicle 102 for the dismantling station 104.

[0125] Moreover, the disassembly plant 100 comprises a material processing station 112 for processing the dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108. In addition, the disassembly plant 100 comprises a distribution station 114 to distribute and / or to transport away the processed dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108.

[0126] As shown in Fig. 1 , the preparatory station 110, the dismantling station 104, the material processing station 112 and the distribution station 114 are arranged along a disassembly line 116 of the disassembly plant 100 along which the decommissioned vehicle 102 is transported or transportable during the dismantling process.

[0127] Preferably, the whole disassembly plant 100 is located in a building. In other words, all stations 104, 110, 112, 114 are located “under one roof”.

[0128] As shown Fig. 2, the disassembly plant 100 is divided into four main stations. The preparatory station 110 at the beginning of the disassembly plant 100, the dismantling station 104 as the core station regarding the dismantling process, the material processing station 112, and lastly the distribution station 114.

[0129] The preparatory station 110 comprises a vehicle registration area 118. In the vehicle registration area 118, the decommissioned vehicles 102 arrive at the first time at the disassembly plant 100 and get registered. For example, the decommissioned vehicles 102 can be assigned a label and / or a bar code. The decommissioned vehicles 102 are sorted based on one or more predefined parameters such as model, engine type, model year, and / or other parameters, and then stored at a vehicle storage area 120. It can be advantageous to label the decommissioned vehicles 102 before storage. In particular, the decommissioned vehicle 102 can be provided with an ID tag prior to storage.

[0130] Alternatively, the decommissioned vehicle 102 can be stored upon arrival, potentially in a chaotic manner, before being categorized and / or labeled, in particular equipped with an ID tag. Here, categorization and / or labeling is usually carried out at the storage location of the decommissioned vehicle 102. In the present embodiment, the preparatory station 110 further comprises a vehicle washing area 122 to clean the decommissioned vehicles 102 and to bring them into a clean condition for dismantling.

[0131] In the present embodiment, the dismantling station 104 comprises five sub-stations. The first sub-station is the fluid removal station 124. In the fluid removal station, all fluids of the decommissioned vehicle 102 are removed. To prevent environmental pollution, the fluid removal station 124 comprises a drainage system 150 which leads the removed fluid into tanks for storing the fluids. Examples of fluids to be removed are brake fluid, engine coolant, glass washing fluid, engine and transmission fluids and fuel. Removed fuel of the decommissioned vehicles 102 may be (re-)used for the machines and vehicles of the disassembly plant 100.

[0132] The second sub-station of the dismantling station 104 is an exterior removal station 126. The exterior removal station 126 is configured for dismantling the exterior of the decommissioned vehicles 102, in particular for dismantling wheels, exterior plastics, bumpers and / or lighting components.

[0133] A body removal station 128 is the third sub-station of the dismantling station 104. The body removal station 128 is configured for dismantling body work of the decommissioned vehicles 102, in particular closures, glass components and / or the hood.

[0134] An interior removal station 130 forms the fourth sub-station of the dismantling station 104, in which the interior components, e.g. inner trims, seats, carpets, cables and / or wiring components are removed.

[0135] A core separation station 132 is the fifth sub-station of the dismantling station 104. The core separation station 132 is configured for dismantling core parts of the decommissioned vehicles 102, in particular the engine, transmission, suspension and / or axle components. This station is also defined as “divorce station”, since it is configured to implement a process which is the opposite of the so-called “marriage”, in which the engine comes into the vehicle, e.g., a car, during the production process.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the material processing station 112 also comprises five substations. A first station of the material processing station 112 is the metal sub-station 134 for processing dismantled metal parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0137] A further sub-station of the material processing station 112 is the core sub-station 136 for processing dismantled core parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0138] A third sub-station of the material processing station 112 is the exterior-interior sub-station 138 for processing dismantled exterior and / or interior parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0139] As a fourth sub-station, the material processing station 112 comprises an electronics substation 139 for processing dismantled cables and wiring components of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0140] A fifth sub-station of the material processing station 112 is a tire sub-station 140 for processing dismantled tires of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0141] The distribution station 114 comprises a plurality of material storage devices 156, e.g., containers, for storing the processed dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108 before they get loaded to transport vehicles 144 and transported to re-users.

[0142] In the present embodiment, the disassembly plant 100 further comprises a management system 146. The management system 146 coordinates the whole dismantling process form the registration of the decommissioned vehicle 102 until transport of the processed parts 106 and materials 108.

[0143] The management system 146 is also configured to identify and classify spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0144] In other respects, the embodiment of a disassembly plant 100 shown in Fig. 2 is identical in structure and function to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1 , so that reference is made to the foregoing description thereof. With regard to Fig. 3, a detailed plan of the preparatory station 110 is shown. As can be seen in Fig. 3, three decommissioned vehicles 102 are located at the vehicle registration area 118. As mentioned before, at the vehicle registration area 118, the decommissioned vehicles 102 get registered and are then sorted based on specific predefined parameters. At this stage, the decommissioned vehicle 102 is also checked by the management system 146 to determine if it contains potentially useful spare parts. To identify whether a decommissioned vehicle 102 comprises spare parts of interest, car characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle 102 are evaluated. The characteristics of the vehicle comprise at least one among: model and year of the decommissioned vehicle 102; number of models built; current market needs for parts of this kind of vehicle; current market price of spare parts of this kind of vehicle and / or vehicle identification number.

[0145] If a spare part is identified by the management system 146 as being of interest, information about the identified spare part is stored in a database. During the dismantling process of the decommissioned vehicle 102, information about the identified spare part is displayed on a display provided at the sub-station where the identified spare part is likely to be dismantled. One or more operators in that sub-station are thus made aware of the identified spare part of interest and, accordingly, proceed with the removal and specific storage of the identified spare part.

[0146] The preparatory station 110 further comprises parking lots 148 for parking the decommissioned vehicles 102. The decommissioned vehicles 102 can be transported by forklifts to a respective parking lot 148. The forklift can further comprise a user device, such as a tablet or a personal computer, to edit the current location of the decommissioned vehicle 102, or to show the driver of the fork lift where a decommissioned vehicle 102 is located. The user device can be connected to the management system 146 to ease the organization of process steps at the preparatory station 110, and to increase the overall efficiency.

[0147] Moreover, the preparatory station 110 comprises a vehicle washing area 122 to clean the decommissioned vehicles 102 before they are guided in the disassembly line 116.

[0148] In other respects, the embodiment of a disassembly plant 100 shown in Fig. 3 is identical in structure and function to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1-2, so that reference is made to the foregoing description thereof. Fig. 4 shows a more detailed plan of the dismantling station 106 of the disassembly plant 100. The four disassembly lines 116 lead to the fluid removal station 124 in which all fluids of the vehicle get removed and stored in tanks by a drainage system 150. After removing all the fluids, the decommissioned vehicles 102 are transported to the exterior removal station 126, in which all exterior parts get removed. After that, the rest of the decommissioned vehicles 102 is moved to the body removal station 128. At the body removal station 128, body work gets removed. In Fig. 4, at the body removal station 128, spare part storage devices 142 for the spare parts can be seen. However, all the substations of the dismantling station 104 may comprise such spare part storage devices 142, e.g. storage racks, for storing and transporting the spare parts.

[0149] The interior removal station 130 is the next sub-station for the decommissioned vehicle 102. The interior components, in particular inner trims, seats, carpets, cables and / or wiring components, are removed here.

[0150] At the core removal station 132 of the dismantling station 104, the engine and transmission, as well as the suspension parts, get removed.

[0151] All the dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108 of the five afore-mentioned substations will be transported, e.g., by conveyor belts, to the material processing station 112.

[0152] In other respects, the embodiment of a disassembly plant 100 shown in Fig. 4 is identical in structure and function to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 3, so that reference is made to the foregoing description thereof.

[0153] In Fig. 5, the material processing station 112 is shown in more detail.

[0154] Here, to process all the dismantled vehicle parts 106 and materials 108, the material processing station 112 is divided into five sub-stations.

[0155] The metal sub-station 134 is configured for processing dismantled metal parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102. The core sub-station 136 is configured for processing dismantled core parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102, and the exterior-interior sub- station 138 is configured for processing dismantled exterior and / or interior parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0156] The electronics sub-station 139 is configured for processing dismantled cables and wiring of the decommissioned vehicle 102. The tire sub-station 140 is configured for processing dismantled tires of the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0157] All the afore- mentioned sub-stations comprise shredders 152 and mills 154 for processing the vehicle parts 106 and the materials 108, wherein each sub-station is equipped with shredders 152 and mills 154 which are adapted and configured to process the respective materials 108 of each sub-station. The shredders 152 as well as the mills 154 all have the same general setup: a collector, a shredder 152, which is arranged under the collector, a conveyor belt arranged after or under the shredder 152 to transport the material 108 to a mill 154.

[0158] Preferably, at least a part of the shredders 152 and mills 154 is located in a pit 155 to reduce noise and to ease the processing. In other words, the shredder 152 can be in the pit to also ease the feeding of the shredder 152. A conveyor belt can then transport the shredded material out of the pit to a mill 154.

[0159] In other respects, the embodiment of a disassembly plant 100 shown in Fig. 5 is identical in structure and function to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 4, so that reference is made to the foregoing description thereof.

[0160] As can be seen in Fig. 6, the distribution station 114 comprises a plurality of material storage devices 156 such as containers. The different dismantled vehicles parts 106 and materials 108 are stored in the material storage devices 156 until they get transported to re-users by transport vehicles 144.

[0161] In other respects, the embodiment of a disassembly plant 100 shown in Fig. 6 is identical in structure and function to the embodiments shown in Figs. 1 to 5, so that reference is made to the foregoing description thereof.

[0162] Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 show a side view as well as a top view of a dismantling apparatus 158 for dismantling components of a decommissioned vehicle 102. The dismantling apparatus 158 is preferably used at the core separation station 132 of the dismantling station 104 of the afore-mentioned disassembly plant 100.

[0163] To dismantle the core parts of the decommissioned vehicle 102, the dismantling apparatus comprises a positioning and / or securing device 160 for positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle 102 in a dismantling position. The dismantling apparatus 158 further comprises a main separating device 162 for removing, in particular for ripping out, engine components and / or transmission components of the decommissioned vehicle 102, at least two auxiliary separating devices 164 for removing axle components of the decommissioned vehicle 102 and a base station 166, wherein the main separating device 162 and / or the positioning and / or securing device 160 and / or the at least two auxiliary separating devices 164 are at least partially arranged on the base station and configured to move relative to each other.

[0164] Moreover, the base station 166 comprises a guide device 167 for guiding the main separating device 162 toward and away from the decommissioned vehicle 102. To move the base station 166 along the guide device 167, the dismantling apparatus 158 further comprises a drive device 169.

[0165] The main separating device 162 comprises an upper separating element 168 and a lower separating element 170; wherein the upper separating element 168 and / or the lower separating element 170 are rotatably connected relative to each other via a bearing element 172.

[0166] The main separating device 162 further comprises an actuating element 174 for moving the upper separating element 168 and the lower separating element 170 from an open position to a closed position and vice versa. The actuating element 174 according to the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 and 8 is a hydraulically driven piston-cylinder unit.

[0167] Moreover, the main separating device 162 comprises a support element 175 for supporting the upper separating element 168 and the lower separating element 170. The main separating device 162 is configured to dismantle the components by holding them between the upper separating element 168 and the lower separating element 170 in the closed position and by relatively moving away from the decommissioned vehicle 102. The auxiliary separating devices 164 are configured to dismantle axle components of the decommissioned vehicle 102. They are also positioned on the base station 166 and configured to move relative to the base station 166.

[0168] The positioning and / or securing device 160 comprises at least two clamping elements 176 for positioning and securing the decommissioned vehicle 102.

[0169] In addition, the dismantling apparatus 158 comprises positioning sensors 178 and a control unit 180. In Fig. 7, only one positioning sensor 178 is shown for illustrative purpose.

[0170] The positioning sensors 178 are configured to determine position signals and transmit the determined position signals to the control unit 180, said position signals including information about a position of the decommissioned vehicle 102. The control unit 180 is configured to control the main separating device 162 and / or the positioning and / or securing device 160 and / or the at least two auxiliary separating devices 164 based on the positioning signals.

[0171] List of reference signs disassembly plant decommissioned vehicle dismantling station dismantled vehicle parts materials preparatory station material processing station distribution station disassembly line vehicle registration area vehicle storage area vehicle washing area fluid removal station exterior removal station body removal station interior removal station core separation station metal sub-station core sub-station exterior-interior sub-station electronics sub-station tire sub-station spare part storage device transport vehicles management system parking lots drainage system shredders mills

[0172] Pit material storage device dismantling apparatus positioning and / or securing device main separating device auxiliary separating device base station guide device upper separating element drive device lower separating element bearing element actuating element support element clamping element positioning sensor control unit

Claims

Claims1. Disassembly plant (100) for dismantling a decommissioned vehicle (102), wherein the disassembly plant (100) comprises: a dismantling station (104) to dismantle the decommissioned vehicle (102) in dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108); and / or a preparatory station (110) to register and / or prepare the decommissioned vehicle (102) for the dismantling station (104); and / or a material processing station (112) for processing the dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108); and / or a distribution station (114) to distribute and / or to transport away the processed dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108), wherein the preparatory station (110), the dismantling station (104), the material processing station (112) and / or the distribution station (114) are preferably arranged along a disassembly line (116) of the disassembly plant (100) along which the decommissioned vehicle (102) is transported or transportable during dismantling.

2. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 1 , wherein the preparatory station (110) comprises a vehicle registration area (118), a vehicle storage area (120) and / or a vehicle washing area (122).

3. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the dismantling station (104) comprises a plurality of dismantling sub-stations, in particular a fluid removal station (124), an exterior removal station (126), a body removal station (128), an interior removal station (130) and / or a core separation station (132).

4. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 3, wherein the fluid removal station (124) comprises at least one drainage system (150) and / or is configured to catch operating fluids of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular fuel, lubricants, coolant and brake fluid.

5. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the exterior removal station (126) is configured for dismantling the exterior of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular for dismantling wheels, exterior plastics, bumpers and / or lighting components.

6. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the body removal station (128) is configured for dismantling body work of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular closures, glass components and / or the hood.

7. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the interior removal station (130) is configured for dismantling an interior of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular inner trims, seats, carpets, cables and / or wiring components.

8. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the core separation station (132) is configured for dismantling core parts of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular engine, transmission, suspension and / or axle components.

9. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the material processing station (112) comprises one or more material processing substations, in particular: a metal sub-station (134) for processing dismantled metal parts of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or a core sub-station (136) for processing dismantled core parts of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or an exterior-interior sub-station (138) for processing dismantled exterior and / or interior parts of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or an electronics sub-station (139) for processing dismantled cables and wiring of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or a tire sub-station (140) for processing dismantled tires of the decommissioned vehicle (102).

10. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 9, wherein the material processing station (112) comprises shredders (152) and / or mills (154) for processing the dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108).11 . Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 10, wherein at least a part of the shredders (152) and / or mills (154) is arranged in a pit.

12. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution station (114) comprises material storage devices (156) for the materials (108) of the material processing station (112) and / or wherein the distribution station (114) is further configured for distributing and loading the materials (108) on transport vehicles (144).

13. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the preparatory station (110) and / or the dismantling station (104), preferably each substation of the dismantling station (104), comprises a spare part station for storing dismantled spare parts of the decommissioned vehicle (102).

14. Disassembly plant (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the disassembly plant (100) further comprises a management system (146) which is configured to: register the decommissioned vehicle (102) and label the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or identify spare parts of each decommissioned vehicle (102) by evaluating vehicle characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and / or display an identified spare part of the decommissioned vehicle (102) on a display at one or more dismantling sub-stations of the dismantling station (104), so that the identified spare part can be appropriately stored.

15. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle (102) comprise at least one among: model and year of the decommissioned vehicle (102); number of models built; current market needs for parts of this kind of vehicle; current market price for spare parts of this kind of vehicle; and / or vehicle identification number.

16. Disassembly plant (100) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the label contains information about at least one of the following characteristics of the decommissioned vehicle (102): model year; and / or type of vehicle; and / or engine type; and / or exhaust emission standard; and / or fuel type.

17. Dismantling apparatus (158) for dismantling components of a decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular for a use in a disassembly plant (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) comprises: a positioning and / or securing device (160) for positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle (102) in a dismantling position; a main separating device (162) for separating engine components and / or transmission components from a vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular for ripping out engine components and / or transmission components of the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102).

18. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to claim 17, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) further comprises a base station (166), wherein the main separating device (162) and / or the positioning and / or securing device (160) are at least partially arranged on the base station (166) and configured to move relative to each other.

19. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to claim 18, wherein the base station (166) comprises a guide device (167) for guiding the main separating device (162) toward and away from the decommissioned vehicle (102).

20. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to claim 19, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) further comprises a drive device (169) for moving the main separating device (162) along the guide device (167).

21. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) further comprises one or at least two auxiliary separating devices (164) for removing axle components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular for ripping out axle components from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102).

22. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 17 to 21 , wherein the main separating device (162) comprises: an upper separating element (168); a lower separating element (170), wherein the upper separating element (168) and the lower separating element (170) are rotatably connected relative to each other via a bearing element (172); an actuating element (174) for moving the upper separating element (168) and / or the lower separating element (170) from an open position to a closed position and vice versa; and a support element (175) for supporting the upper separating element (168) and the lower separating element (170); wherein the main separating device (162) is configured to rip out components of the decommissioned vehicle (102) by holding them between the upper separating element (168) and the lower separating element (170) in the closed position, and by relatively moving the upper separating element (168) and the lower separating element (170) away from the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102).

23. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 21 or 22, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) comprises four auxiliary separating devices (164), wherein two auxiliary separating devices (164) are positioned on each side of the positioning and / or securing device (160).

24. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the at least two auxiliary separating devices (164) are positioned on the base station (166) and configured to move relative to the base station (166).

25. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the actuating element (174) is hydraulically driven.

26. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein at least a part of the upper separating element (168) and / or at least a part of the lower separating element (170) is replaceable.

27. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 17 to 26, wherein the positioning and / or securing device comprises at least two clamping elements (176) for positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle (102) in the dismantling position.

28. Dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 17 to 27, wherein the dismantling apparatus (158) comprises positioning sensors (178) and a control unit (180), wherein: the positioning sensors (178) are configured to determine position signals and transmit the determined position signals to the control unit (180), said position signals including information about a position of the decommissioned vehicle (102); and the control unit (180) is configured to control the main separating device (162) and / or the positioning and / or securing device (160) and / or the at least two auxiliary separating devices (164) based on the determined positioning signals.

29. Method for disassembling a decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular by using a disassembly plant (100) according to one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the method comprises: registering and / or preparing the decommissioned vehicle (102) for a dismantling station (104) in a preparatory station (110); dismantling the decommissioned vehicle (102) into dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108) in the dismantling station (104); processing the dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108) in a material processing station (112); and / or distributing and / or transporting away the processed dismantled vehicle parts (106) and / or materials (108) in a distribution station (114), wherein the preparatory station (110), the dismantling station (104), the material processing station (112) and / or the distribution station (114) are preferablyarranged along a disassembly line (116) of the disassembly plant (100) along which the decommissioned vehicle (102) is transported during dismantling.

30. Dismantling method for dismantling components of a decommissioned vehicle (102), in particular by using a dismantling apparatus (158) according to one of claims 17 to 28, wherein the dismantling method comprises: positioning and / or securing the decommissioned vehicle (102) in a dismantling position at or on a positioning and / or securing device (160); separating engine components and / or transmission components from a vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102) using a main separating device (162), in particular ripping out engine components and / or transmission components of the vehicle body of the decommissioned vehicle (102) using the main separating device (162).

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