Abstract: Protection devices in motor vehicles typically have a movable element, for example a roll bar (1) or a flap, which, in the initial state, is fixed in its position by a releasable holding device. In the event of a hazard, the movable element can be released under sensor control by a common pyrotechnic actuator (11) and can be deployed with the protection being activated. The protection device also has a means (8, 9) for locking the deployed, movable element. A driving pressure chamber (12, 15), which is fixed on the bodywork and in which a driving piston (2 with 13, 16) connected to the movable element is accommodated in a guided manner, is connected downstream of the pyrotechnic actuator (11).

Abstract: The invention is based on a known rollover protection system for motor vehicles having two seat-related rotary bars permanently articulated to the vehicle body, said rotary bars each being fixable in the stored resting position by means of a holding device, and being rotatable into a locked support position by means of a sensor-controlled drive. To compactly design the system with several functional parts, the invention provides a toggle lever arrangement to convert the movement of the drive into a rotary bar movement, said arrangement being articulated to the drive and the rotary bar such that it is folded at least partially within the area framed by the rotary bar when the rotary bar is in its resting position.