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). The protection device is designed with regard to the pyrotechnic release and erecting
system in such a manner that, with as small a pyrotechnic charge as possible and a defined holding force which is not applied by additional holding elements, the movable element can obtain a very
high kinetic energy even after just a few millimeters of extension travel. To accomplish this, a releasable connection is formed by a locally delimited, frictional and / or form-fitting and / or bonding direct connection (14) between the wall of the driving pressure chamber (12, 15) and the driving
piston (2 with 13, 16). The direct connection has a releasable holding force which amounts to at least 300 N and at maximum 5000 N.