Front collision protection device and vehicle

By setting up a pressing part controlled by the drive unit in front of the vehicle seat, the problem of occupants diving in front of the zero-gravity seat is solved, protecting the occupants' calf, reducing damage to the lumbar spine and abdomen, and improving the safety of the occupants.

CN223161753UActive Publication Date: 2025-07-29ZHEJIANG GEELY HLDG GRP CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422434808.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-10-08
Publication Date
2025-07-29
Estimated Expiration
2034-10-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing constraint system is difficult to effectively deal with the diving phenomenon that occupants under the zero-gravity seats appear in frontal collisions, resulting in an increased risk of damage to the lumbar spine and abdominal organs.

Method used

A plate-shaped or block-shaped pressing part is arranged in front of the vehicle seat, and it is driven to unfold when a collision is carried out by the driving unit to suppress the occupant's calf to limit diving. Combined with the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism and the guidance system, it restricts the forward movement of the calf and reduces the vigorous movement of the occupant's upper body.

Benefits of technology

Effectively limit the forward movement of occupants' calf, reduce the risk of lumbar squeezing and abdominal organ damage, and improve the safety of occupants in frontal collisions.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of vehicle safety configuration, and provides a head-on collision protection device and a vehicle, the head-on collision protection device comprises a pressing part and a driving unit, the pressing part is arranged in front of a vehicle seat in a storage state, the pressing part is in a plate shape or a block shape, the driving unit is connected with the pressing part, and the driving unit is connected with the pressing part. The driving unit is used for driving the abutting part to be changed into the unfolding state from the storage state so as to abut against or be arranged on the front portions of the shanks of passengers in the vehicle at intervals. According to the scheme, the abutting part used for abutting against the legs of the passenger is additionally arranged, so that the driving unit can be started to drive the abutting part to press the legs of the passenger when head-on collision occurs, the passenger can be limited to dive by limiting forward movement of the shanks, the upper trunk of the passenger is turned up in an accelerated mode, and lumbar vertebra extrusion is relieved; the restraining strength of the waistband is weakened, and extrusion on abdominal organs and the chest is relieved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of vehicle safety configurations, and particularly to a frontal collision protection device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the popularization of zero-gravity seat technology in passenger vehicles, the comfort of occupants has posed new challenges in the field of safety design. The zero-gravity seat allows the occupant to adopt a sitting posture with a large inclination angle. In a frontal collision accident, this sitting posture will inevitably cause the occupant to dive downward, thereby causing serious injuries to the lumbar spine and abdominal organs.

[0003] In the current technical environment, restraint systems, especially seat belts and airbags, are usually designed and optimized for traditional normal sitting postures. In the face of a frontal collision, traditional restraint systems are difficult to effectively cope with the diving phenomenon that may occur in this sitting posture, that is, the situation where the occupant's body slides downward during the collision. This situation will cause the seat belt and airbag to fail to fully play their designed protective roles, thereby increasing the risk of occupant injury. Summary of the Utility Model

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art, the purpose of the present utility model is to provide a frontal collision protection device and a vehicle to improve the safety of vehicle occupants during a collision.

[0005] To achieve the above object and other related objects, the present utility model provides a frontal collision protection device applied to a vehicle, including:

[0006] A pressing part, which is arranged in front of the vehicle seat in a storage state, and the pressing part is plate-shaped or block-shaped;

[0007] A driving unit, connected to the pressing part, and the driving unit is used to drive the pressing part from the storage state to the unfolded state to press or be spaced in front of the lower legs of the vehicle occupants.

[0008] In a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the pressing part is arranged at a position corresponding to the vehicle instrument panel in front of the front row seat.

[0009] In a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the pressing part is a panel structure embedded in the vehicle instrument panel.

[0010] In a specific embodiment of the present utility model, the driving unit is arranged on the front side of the pressing part, and the driving unit includes:

[0011] A push cylinder, fixedly arranged with the vehicle;

[0012] Push rods, one is coaxially arranged at each end of the pushing cylinder and they are arranged in a mirror image. The push rods are pushed by the pushing cylinder to complete telescopic movements.

[0013] Link rods, two are arranged in a mirror image. Both ends of each link rod are hinged to the push rod and the pressing part. A guiding groove is arranged along the length direction of the link rod.

[0014] Guide posts, two are arranged in a mirror image. Each guide post is embedded in the guiding groove to form a guiding fit.

[0015] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, an elastic energy absorption mechanism for hindering the forward movement of the pressing part is arranged on the front side of the pressing part.

[0016] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a gas generator is arranged in the pushing cylinder.

[0017] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the driving unit simultaneously constitutes the elastic energy absorption mechanism.

[0018] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, when the pressing part is in an unfolded state, the included angle between the push rod and the link rod is an obtuse angle.

[0019] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the pressing part is made of a soft material.

[0020] The present invention also proposes a vehicle, including the front collision protection device as described above.

[0021] The present invention proposes a front collision protection device and a vehicle. In the above solution, a pressing part for pressing the legs of the occupant is additionally arranged. In this way, when a frontal collision occurs, the driving unit can be activated to drive the pressing part to press the legs of the occupant, so that the forward movement of the lower legs can be restricted, thereby restricting the diving of the occupant, enabling the upper trunk of the occupant to accelerate and turn up - the lumbar spine compression is relieved, and the restraint strength of the seat belt is weakened - the compression on the abdominal organs and chest is relieved. Description of the Drawings

[0022] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings required for describing the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a schematic structural diagram of the front collision protection device in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the working state of the front impact protection device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 10, pressing portion; 20, driving unit; 21, pushing cylinder; 22, pushing rod; 23, connecting rod; 24, guide column; 25, gas generator; 26, guide groove. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following describes the embodiments of the present invention through specific examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand the other advantages and benefits of the present invention from the disclosure herein. The present invention may also be implemented or applied through various other specific embodiments, and the details in this specification may be modified or altered based on different perspectives and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments and features within these embodiments may be combined with one another, unless they conflict.

[0027] It should be noted that the illustrations provided in the following embodiments are only schematic illustrations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the illustrations only show components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the number, shape and size of components in actual implementation. During actual implementation, the type, quantity and proportion of each component can be changed at will, and the component layout type may also be more complicated.

[0028] In modern passenger car design, the introduction of zero-gravity seats allows passengers to sit at a steep angle, enhancing comfort and experience during long journeys. However, this seating position inevitably causes the occupant to dive downward in a head-on collision, posing a risk of severe lumbar compression and abdominal organ damage. Traditional restraint systems designed for normally seated occupants, such as seatbelts and seat airbags, have limitations when faced with the challenges posed by this new seating position.

[0029] The current technical methods mainly include the following:

[0030] Enhanced lap belt function: This approach increases the restraint strength of the lap belt to prevent occupants from diving. However, this approach may cause excessive compression of the occupant's lumbar spine during a collision, increasing the risk of lumbar injury. Furthermore, excessive seat belt force on the abdomen may exacerbate damage to abdominal organs.

[0031] Knee airbags: Attempts have been made to mitigate the dive phenomenon by adding knee airbags. However, because the occupant's entire body weight is almost entirely placed on the knee airbag during the forward impact during a dive, the airbag's restraint effect is ineffective. Furthermore, deployment of the airbag may cause additional pressure and injury to the occupant's legs.

[0032] Full - wrap airbag system: This system fits over the upper body from the head and can provide better protection in side - impact accidents, especially for the upper body of the occupant. However, the full - wrap airbag cannot effectively solve the problem of the occupant diving forward in a frontal collision, so there are still limitations in protecting against lumbar spine compression injuries.

[0033] Improved seat - belt design: Some R & D teams have tried to improve the function of seat - belts by increasing the restraint strength of the seat - belt on the waist. However, this method may increase the excessive compression on the occupant's abdomen, leading to an increased risk of abdominal organ damage.

[0034] Currently, existing technical methods for the injury problems faced by occupants in a large - inclination sitting position each have their limitations. An effective solution still needs to be continuously studied and innovated to balance the needs between occupant comfort and safety, and further improve the protection level of vehicle occupants in collision accidents.

[0035] As Figure 1 , 2 shown, the present utility model proposes a frontal - collision protection device applied to a vehicle, including a pressing part 10 and a driving unit 20:

[0036] The pressing part 10 is arranged in front of the vehicle seat in a stored state, and the pressing part 10 is plate - shaped or block - shaped. The pressing part 10 is located in front of the vehicle seat and is in a stored state usually. These pressing parts 10 can be plate - shaped or block - shaped structures, designed to deploy and provide protection in the event of an accident. During normal driving and riding, the pressing part 10 is located in front of the vehicle seat and in a stored state, without causing any inconvenience or impact to the occupant.

[0037] The driving unit 20 is connected to the pressing part 10, and the driving unit 20 is used to drive the pressing part 10 from the stored state to the deployed state to press or be arranged at an interval in front of the lower legs of the vehicle occupant. The function of the driving unit 20 is to control the pressing part 10 to change from the stored state (such as the solid - line position shown in Figure 2 ) to the deployed state (such as the dotted - line position shown in Figure 2 ). This driving unit 20 usually adopts a mechanical or electric system to ensure a quick response and deployment of the pressing part 10 in the event of a collision. The driving unit 20 can be a hydraulic - pushing mechanism, a pneumatic - pushing mechanism, an electric - push - rod 22 mechanism, etc. The front part of the lower legs of the vehicle occupant refers to the part of the leg that swings without being restricted by the seat and generally includes the knees. The term "arranged at an interval" means that after the pressing part 10 is deployed, it does not contact the lower legs of the occupant but is still on the forward - moving path of the lower legs of the occupant.

[0038] The pressing part 10 can reduce or completely restrict the swing of the calf part in the deployed state. When a vehicle collision occurs, the calf part of the occupant often swings due to the collision force or is injured due to the impact. The presence of the pressing part 10 can reduce or completely restrict the swing of the calf part, thereby reducing the additional injuries caused thereby. By restricting the free swing of the calf part, the pressing part 10 can enhance the body stability of the occupant during the collision. This helps to reduce the violent movement of the lower body during the collision and further reduces the risk of injury to the spine and other critical parts. The design of the pressing part 10 can protect the calf part directionally, especially significantly reducing calf fractures and soft tissue injuries under the action of the collision force.

[0039] The drive unit 20 is communicatively connected to the electronic control unit (ACU). When a frontal collision occurs in the vehicle, the sensor system of the vehicle will detect the collision intensity and direction. Once a collision is detected, the drive unit 20 will be immediately activated. After the drive unit 20 is started, it will quickly drive the pressing part 10 to change from the stored state to the deployed state.

[0040] It makes the pressing part 10 pop out in front of the calf. This process helps to reduce the risk of injury to the calf part of the occupant when a collision occurs. The design of the pressing part 10 not only restricts the forward movement of the calf, but also can restrict the occupant from diving. This design helps to reduce the risk of the upper body of the occupant accelerating and flipping as well as lumbar spine compression. When a collision occurs, this system can also reduce the restraint intensity of the seat belt on the abdominal organs and chest, thereby alleviating the compression received in these areas.

[0041] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the pressing part 10 is arranged in front of the front row seat corresponding to the vehicle instrument panel. In this way, the pressing part 10 can protect the front row occupants. Arranging the pressing part 10 at the instrument panel position in front of the front row seat can effectively optimize the vehicle safety system, provide specific protection measures for the front row occupants, and thus minimize the risk of injury in a vehicle collision.

[0042] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the pressing part 10 is a panel structure embedded in the vehicle's instrument panel. The embedded design enables the pressing part 10 to seamlessly integrate into the vehicle's instrument panel, without appearing obtrusive or affecting the overall aesthetic design of the vehicle interior. The embedded design also helps to maximize the use of the space inside the vehicle, avoiding problems such as space waste or unreasonable layout caused by safety devices. This is crucial for the comfort and practicality of the vehicle interior.

[0043] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the drive unit 20 is arranged on the front side of the pressing part 10, as Figure 2 shown, the drive unit 20 includes a push cylinder 21, a push rod 22, a connecting rod 23 and a guide post 24:

[0044] The push cylinder 21 is fixed to the vehicle and can be a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic cylinder. It is the driving force for the entire mechanism and can be a hydraulic, electric, or pneumatic cylinder. It is fixed to the vehicle structure, typically connected to the vehicle frame or other structure via a fixed point.

[0045] A push rod 22 is coaxially provided at each end of the push cylinder 21 and arranged in a mirror image. The push rod 22 is pushed by the push cylinder 21 to complete the telescopic action. Under the action of the push cylinder 21, the two push rods 22 can perform telescopic actions in opposite directions.

[0046] Two mirror-image connecting rods 23 are provided, each hingedly connected to the push rod 22 and the pressing portion 10 at both ends. Guide grooves 26 are provided along the length of the connecting rods 23. These guide grooves 26 guide and control the movement path of the connecting rods 23, ensuring stable and orderly movement of the pressing portion 10. The guide grooves 26 can be strip-shaped grooves or strip-shaped holes.

[0047] Two guide posts 24 are provided in mirror image, and each guide post 24 is embedded in the guide groove 26 to form a guide fit. The function of the guide post 24 is to ensure that the connecting rod 23 remains on the correct track during movement, avoiding deviation or loss of control, and at the same time ensuring that the forward and backward movement of the pressing part 10 is accurate and reliable.

[0048] When the push cylinder 21 is acted upon by a driving force, it begins to operate, causing the push rod 22 to extend and retract. This retracting motion of the push rod 22 is transmitted to the connecting rod 23. The movement of the connecting rod 23 is restricted to a predetermined path by the engagement of the guide groove 26 and the guide post 24. This movement of the connecting rod 23 drives the pressing portion 10 forward and backward, protecting the occupant's lower leg.

[0049] In a specific embodiment of the present invention, an elastic energy absorbing mechanism is provided on the front side of the pressing portion 10 to prevent the pressing portion 10 from moving forward. The elastic energy absorbing mechanism may include the following components:

[0050] Spring system: A spring may be used to provide elasticity. When the pressing portion 10 is subjected to external impact force, the spring will be compressed to absorb and store energy.

[0051] Damper: A damper may be integrated to control the movement speed and vibration of the pressing portion 10. The damper can reduce the impact force when the pressing portion 10 moves forward by dissipating kinetic energy.

[0052] Deformable materials: Use specially designed deformable materials, such as polymers or metal alloys, which can undergo reversible or irreversible deformation when subjected to force, thereby absorbing and releasing energy.

[0053] Buffer structure: The elastic energy-absorbing mechanism may also include some buffer structures, such as foam plastics or other energy-absorbing materials, to absorb impact energy and reduce the risk of occupant injury.

[0054] like Figure 1 As shown, a gas generator 25 is housed within the push cylinder 21. The push cylinder 21 is a gas cylinder, and the gas generator 25 can be a gunpowder or gas-generating agent. The function of the gas generator 25 is to quickly generate large amounts of gas or pressure when needed, thereby driving the piston of the push cylinder 21 to perform a rapid pushing action. Using gunpowder or gas-generating agent as the gas generator 25 means that it can release large amounts of gas or generate high-pressure gas in a very short time.

[0055] The above-mentioned elastic energy-absorbing mechanism refers to the case where an additional elastic energy-absorbing mechanism is provided. In the specific preferred embodiment of the present application, the drive unit 20 also constitutes the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism. The push cylinder 21 of the drive unit 20 is filled with gas and can be compressed, and elastic energy absorption can be achieved during the compression process. By combining the drive unit 20 with the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism, the additional volume and weight of the system can be avoided. Designing the drive unit 20 as part of the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism can simplify the design and manufacturing process of the overall system. Since the drive unit 20 and the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism share a structure, the overall efficiency and reliability of the system can be improved. Integrating the drive unit 20 and the elastic energy-absorbing mechanism can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. Shared components and simplified design mean that fewer components need to be purchased and maintained, thereby saving costs.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, when the pressing portion 10 is in the expanded state, the angle between the push rod 22 and the connecting rod 23 is an obtuse angle. The obtuse angle design helps to avoid dead points in the mechanical system. Dead points refer to the phenomenon that the connecting rod 23 cannot generate enough force to continue to push the system at a certain angle. By setting the obtuse angle, the connecting rod 23 can generate force at different positions, thereby ensuring that the system can operate at various angles. When the leg presses on the pressing portion 10, the pressure generated pushes it forward through the pressing portion 10. This movement connects the connecting rod 23 to the piston of the push rod 22, thereby starting the compression process of the piston. The piston of the push rod 22 is compressed under the drive of the connecting rod 23, and elastic energy absorption is achieved by using energy storage devices such as gas or springs.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the pressing portion 10 is made of a soft material. Soft materials generally have good energy absorption properties and can effectively absorb and disperse impact or pressure. Soft materials can reduce the risk of accidents, especially in areas that require user contact.

[0058] The utility model also provides a vehicle, comprising the frontal collision protection device as described above.

[0059] The present invention proposes a frontal collision protection device and a vehicle. In the above scheme, a pressing portion 10 for pressing the legs of the occupant is additionally provided. In this way, when a frontal collision occurs, the driving unit 20 can be activated to drive the pressing portion 10 to press the legs of the occupant. In this way, the occupant can be restricted from diving by limiting the forward movement of the calves, so that the occupant's upper torso is accelerated to flip up - the compression of the lumbar spine is relieved, the strength of the waist belt restraint is weakened, and the compression of the abdominal organs and chest is relieved.

[0060] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone skilled in the art may modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and technical principles disclosed in the present invention are intended to be covered by the claims of the present invention.

[0061] In the description herein, many specific details, such as examples of components and / or methods, are provided to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that embodiments of the present invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other devices, systems, components, methods, components, materials, parts, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not specifically shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0062] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "a specific embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, and not necessarily in all embodiments. Thus, various appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or "in a specific embodiment" in different places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any specific embodiment of the invention may be combined with one or more other embodiments in any suitable manner. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein and are considered part of the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0063] It should also be understood that one or more of the elements shown in the figures may also be implemented in a more separate or more integrated manner, or even removed because they are inoperable in certain circumstances or provided because they may be useful depending on the application.

[0064] In addition, unless otherwise expressly specified, any reference signs in the drawings shall be construed as illustrative only and not limiting. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the term "or" as used herein is generally intended to mean "and / or". Where the term is anticipated to be unclear due to the ability to provide separation or combination, the combination of components or steps will also be regarded as being specified.

[0065] As used in the description herein and throughout the following claims, unless otherwise indicated, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents. Similarly, as used in the description herein and throughout the following claims, unless otherwise indicated, the phrase "in" shall mean "in" and "on".

[0066] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present utility model (including that set forth in the abstract) is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present utility model to the precise forms disclosed herein. While specific embodiments of the present utility model and examples thereof have been described herein for purposes of illustration only, various equivalent modifications will be apparent to and can be made by those skilled in the art within the spirit and scope of the present utility model. As noted, these modifications can be made to the present utility model in accordance with the foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments thereof, and such modifications will be within the spirit and scope of the present utility model.

[0067] The systems and methods have been described generally herein to facilitate an understanding of the details of the present utility model. In addition, various specific details have been given to provide a general understanding of the embodiments of the present utility model. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments of the present utility model may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other devices, systems, components, methods, materials, parts, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, and / or operations have not been shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the present utility model.

[0068] Accordingly, while the present utility model has been described herein with reference to its specific embodiments, modifications, various changes and substitutions are also within the foregoing disclosure, and it should be understood that in some instances, some features of the present utility model may be employed without corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope and spirit of the claimed utility model. Accordingly, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular environment or material to the spirit and scope of the present utility model. The present utility model is not intended to be limited to the specific terms and / or the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present utility model, but the present utility model will include any and all embodiments and equivalents falling within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the scope of the present utility model will be determined only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A frontal collision protection device, characterized in that, Comprising: A pressing part, which is arranged in front of the vehicle seat in a stored state, and the pressing part is plate-shaped or block-shaped; A driving unit, connected to the pressing part, and the driving unit is used to drive the pressing part from the stored state to the deployed state to press or be spaced in front of the lower legs of the vehicle occupants.

2. The front collision protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing part is arranged in front of the front row seat at a position corresponding to the vehicle instrument panel.

3. The frontal collision protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing part is a panel structure embedded in the instrument panel of the vehicle.

4. A frontal collision protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The driving unit is arranged on the front side of the pressing part, and the driving unit includes: A pushing cylinder, fixedly arranged with the vehicle; Push rods, one is coaxially arranged at each end of the pushing cylinder and arranged in a mirror image, and the push rods are pushed by the pushing cylinder to complete the telescopic action; Link rods, two are arranged in a mirror image, and both ends of each link rod are hinged to the push rod and the pressing part, and a guiding groove is arranged along the length direction of the link rod; Guide posts, two are arranged in a mirror image, and each guide post is embedded in the guiding groove to form a guiding fit.

5. A frontal collision protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, An elastic energy absorption mechanism for hindering the forward movement of the pressing part is arranged on the front side of the pressing part.

6. The frontal collision protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, A gas generator is arranged in the pushing cylinder.

7. The frontal collision protection device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The driving unit simultaneously constitutes the elastic energy absorption mechanism.

8. A frontal collision protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the pressing part is in the deployed state, the included angle between the push rod and the link rod is an obtuse angle.

9. A frontal collision protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pressing part is made of a soft material.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that, Comprising the frontal collision protection device according to any one of claims 1-9.