Protective device and protective procedure for the protection of a passenger

Abstract

Protective device for the protection of a passenger (6) within an interior (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising: - a protective device (10, 11, 12) with a protective element (13, 14, 15) which is movable into a protective position (46) and which is configured to protect the passenger (6) from an object (8) in the protective position (46), - a control device (35) which is configured to control a movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) (H), and - a prediction device (34) which is configured to predict the occurrence of a hazardous situation in which there is a danger to the passenger (6) due to an uncontrolled movement (47) of the object (8) (F), - wherein the control device (35) is configured to trigger the movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) upon prediction of the occurrence of the hazardous situation (G), characterized in that several protective elements (13, 14,15) are movably arranged within the vehicle (1), - the prediction device (34) is configured to predict an acceleration direction (40, 41) in which the vehicle (1) is accelerated in the hazardous situation (F1, FF1), and - the control device (35) is configured to trigger the movement of one or more of the protective elements (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) depending on the acceleration direction (40, 41) (G1, GG1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a protective device for protecting a passenger within the interior of a vehicle. The invention further relates to a protective method and a vehicle. The protective device comprises a protective assembly with a protective element that is movable into a protective position and is configured to protect a passenger from an object in that position. The protective device further comprises a control unit configured to control the movement of the protective element into the protective position.

[0002] Safety devices for vehicles are generally well-known. For example, a cargo net is often installed between the top of the rear seat backrest and the vehicle's headliner before driving. This prevents objects such as luggage from entering the passenger compartment from the cargo area during high acceleration, such as during hard braking or a rear-end collision.

[0003] DE 102 29 815 A1 describes a system for protecting the cargo area of ​​vehicles, particularly passenger cars. The system comprises sensors for detecting cargo in the cargo area, means for detecting the status of protective devices in the cargo area, and means for generating the cargo area status signal depending on the detection of cargo and the status of the protective device. Depending on the cargo area status signal and the current speed and / or driving situation of the vehicle, protective devices are moved into a predefined position.

[0004] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to increase the safety of a passenger of the vehicle while maintaining driving comfort.

[0005] This problem is solved according to the invention by a protective device having the features of claim 1.

[0006] Accordingly, a protective device of the type mentioned above is provided for by a forecasting device to predict the occurrence of a hazardous situation in which there is a danger to the passenger due to an uncontrolled movement of the object, and by a control device to trigger the movement of the protective element into the protective position when the occurrence of the hazardous situation is predicted.

[0007] The invention is based on the realization that previous solutions only initiate passenger protection in the vehicle interior once the hazardous situation has already occurred (so-called in-crash activation). This requires protective mechanisms that trigger within 5 to 50 milliseconds of the hazardous situation occurring. These protective mechanisms involve irreversible processes, for example, when triggered by pyrotechnic devices. Furthermore, the short reaction time limits the available options for designing the protective system.

[0008] Another disadvantage of permanently installed, stationary protective devices, such as luggage nets, is that they can restrict the driver's view.

[0009] The solution according to the invention overcomes these problems by predicting the hazardous situation before it occurs (so-called pre-crash detection). As soon as the occurrence of the hazardous situation is expected with a predetermined probability, the protective mechanism is triggered. Thus, the protection is also triggered before the hazardous situation occurs, which allows for a longer reaction time of the protective mechanism and consequently expands the options for the design of the protection.

[0010] The interior is preferably a passenger area designed for passenger use. For example, the interior includes a driver's seat, a front passenger seat, and / or a rear bench seat for seated passengers. The interior is further preferably the interior of a passenger car.

[0011] A hazardous situation is, for example, one in which the vehicle experiences high acceleration. This can occur, for instance, during hard braking. Another example of a hazardous situation is a collision with another vehicle. In such situations, objects can move uncontrollably. For example, hard braking can cause an object to accelerate relative to the vehicle and move uncontrollably with high momentum inside the vehicle.

[0012] The object is, for example, a piece of luggage. Other passengers are also to be understood as "object" within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, the object is located within the interior.

[0013] The protective device includes, for example, a mechanism by which the protective element can be moved into the protective position. Furthermore, the mechanism is preferably configured to move the protective element into other positions, such as a starting position. The mechanism includes, for example, a drive that is operatively connected to the protective element in such a way that it causes the protective element to move into the protective position.

[0014] Passenger protection from an object preferably includes protection when the object moves from a first section of the interior to a second section in which the passenger is located. In this protective position, the protective element is preferably configured to prevent the object from moving into the second section, thus preventing injury to the passenger. Particularly during high vehicle acceleration due to hard braking or a collision, the movement of an object moving with high momentum in the inertial frame of reference towards the passenger is especially dangerous. The aforementioned initial position is, for example, a position in which the protective element does not impede the object's movement from the first to the second section.

[0015] The control unit is preferably configured to generate a control signal by means of which a drive of the protective device is controlled. The drive is preferably operatively connected to the protective element in such a way that it causes the movement of the protective element into the protective position.

[0016] The predictive device preferably comprises a computing unit that calculates the probability of the hazardous situation occurring. The computing unit preferably takes into account vehicle information and / or environmental information. The vehicle information includes, for example, current vehicle control data, data based on sensor signals acquired by vehicle sensors, etc.

[0017] The phrase "the predictive device is configured to predict the occurrence of a hazardous situation" is preferably understood by those skilled in the art to mean that the predictive device is configured to predict whether the hazardous situation will occur (or not). A prediction of this type is described, for example, in DE 10 2016 218 549 B3. Furthermore, a prediction of this type is described in the article "Predictive Vehicle Safety - Validation Strategy of a Perception-Based Crash Severity Prediction Function" by the authors Roman Putter, Andre Neubohn, Andre Leschke, and Roland Lachmayer, published in Applied Sciences 2023, 13, 6750. The phrase "when predicting the occurrence of the hazardous situation" is preferably understood by those skilled in the art to mean that the occurrence of the hazardous situation is assumed if the probability of its occurrence exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0018] Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the other features mentioned in the dependent claims and in the following description and illustrated in the figures of the drawing, wherein the individual features can in principle be implemented independently of one another and in any combination.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, the protective device is designed to execute the movement of the protective element reversibly. In this way, driving comfort is increased and the handling of the protective device is simplified, since the protective device does not need to be replaced or serviced after being triggered.

[0020] A person skilled in the art understands the reversible execution of the movement preferably to mean that the protective device is configured to move the protective element back from the protective position to another position, for example, a starting position, after it has been triggered. This is further preferably implemented in such a way that maintenance or replacement of the protective device is not required after it has been triggered.

[0021] In this respect, this embodiment differs from protective devices that trigger the movement into the protective position through a pyrotechnic mechanism. This is because pyrotechnic mechanisms require the replenishment of the associated pyrotechnic charge to make them ready for re-triggering.

[0022] According to a further preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, the protective device comprises a barrier strip which can be guided into the protective position along a guide device, wherein the guide device extends from the vehicle roof into a passenger area and / or a luggage area. This results in a particularly suitable design of a protective device that can be easily integrated into a passenger vehicle. In addition, the guide device provides increased stability of the barrier strip.

[0023] The separating barrier comprises, for example, a fabric strip and / or a textile mesh. Preferably, the protective device with the separating barrier as a protective element is designed to be manually moved into the protective position and back into the starting position by a passenger, particularly when a hazardous situation does not exist, for example, when the vehicle is stationary or parked.

[0024] The guide device preferably comprises a slide rail configured to guide the movement of the separating strip into the protective position. Further preferably, the guide device comprises at least one retaining element designed to hold the separating strip in the slide rail in a hazardous situation.

[0025] The passenger area is preferably an area intended for the passenger's stay. The luggage area, for example, is located within the vehicle's trunk.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, the protective device comprises a motor drive for driving a roller and the protective element a separating strip that can be unrolled from the roller. This represents a particularly space-saving and practical design of the protective device, the movement of which into the protective position can also be designed to be reversible.

[0027] The skilled person understands the phrase "motor drive for driving the roller" to mean either a direct drive, which is integrated into the roller, for example, or an indirect drive via a gearbox or a pulling mechanism, in which the motor drive causes the movement of the separating strip into the protective position by pulling on the separating strip.

[0028] The separating layer preferably corresponds to the separating layer according to the embodiment described above.

[0029] According to a further preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, several protective elements are movably arranged within the vehicle. The predictive device is configured to predict the direction of acceleration in which the vehicle will accelerate in a hazardous situation. The control unit is further configured to trigger the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position, depending on the direction of acceleration. In this way, the passenger protection can be appropriately adapted to the hazardous situation.

[0030] Preferably, one or more of the protective elements are selected for movement into the protective position by the predictive device and / or the control device. This allows the protective element(s) that provide passenger protection to be selected, while other protective elements that do not provide passenger protection in a hazardous situation are not moved into the protective position. Instead, these other protective elements remain in their initial position.

[0031] Based on the prediction of the acceleration direction in which the vehicle will accelerate in the hazardous situation, the acceleration direction of an object inside the vehicle is preferably predicted. This is because the acceleration of the object and the resulting uncontrolled movement of the object within the interior can pose a danger to the person inside the vehicle.

[0032] Preferably, several acceleration directions of the vehicle during the hazardous situation are predicted. Furthermore, preferably, the vehicle's trajectory during the hazardous situation is also predicted, wherein the control device is configured to control the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the acceleration trajectory.

[0033] In a further preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, a detection device is provided to detect a passenger area of ​​the vehicle intended for passengers. Furthermore, a recognition device is provided to identify at least one passenger within the passenger area based on the detection. Several protective elements are also movably arranged within the vehicle, and the control unit is configured to trigger the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the detected passenger. In this way, the passenger protection can be adapted to the distribution of passengers within the passenger area.

[0034] Preferably, one or more of the protective elements are selected for movement into the protective position by the prediction device and / or the control device. This allows the protective element(s) that provide passenger protection to be selected, while another protective element or elements that do not provide passenger protection based on the detected passenger distribution are not moved into the protective position. Instead, these additional protective elements remain in their initial position.

[0035] The detection device includes, for example, an optical detection device, such as a camera or LIDAR device (LIDAR: Light Detection and Ranging).

[0036] Alternatively or additionally, the detection device includes a seat sensor which is designed to detect the presence of a passenger in a seat of the vehicle.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described design, the control unit is configured to control the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the direction of acceleration and the detected passenger. By combining the information on the direction of acceleration and the detected passenger, a particularly efficient control of one or more protective elements into the protective position becomes possible. Thus, for example, only those protective elements that actually protect a passenger in the given direction of acceleration are moved into the protective position. Other protective elements can remain in their initial position.

[0038] In the embodiments described above, the detection device is preferably further configured to detect a luggage area and the passenger area of ​​the interior. In the embodiments described above, the recognition device is preferably further configured to detect at least one object within the passenger area and / or luggage area. In the embodiments described above, the control device is preferably further configured to control the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the direction of acceleration, the detected passenger, and the detected object.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment of the protective device according to the invention, the predictive device comprises a computing unit configured to predict the occurrence of a hazardous situation using a model. This model is based on machine learning. Predicting the occurrence of a hazardous situation using a machine learning-based model has the advantage that vehicle manufacturers and operators can draw on extensive knowledge from past hazardous situations and skillfully utilize this knowledge for prediction. This is particularly advantageous given that modern vehicles already collect extensive data on driving behavior, which can be used in the machine learning process.

[0040] Preferably, the model is created using an artificial neural network. The artificial neural network receives vehicle information and / or environmental information as input. The vehicle information is formed, for example, from vehicle data representing the vehicle and its operating data. The environmental information is formed, for example, from environmental data representing the vehicle's surroundings. Environmental data includes, for example, video data, weather data, traffic data, etc. For the prediction, the model outputs a probability value indicating the likelihood of the hazardous situation occurring.

[0041] The artificial neural network is trained, for example, using training data obtained from past driving situations of several vehicles. These driving situations include, in particular, situations immediately preceding a hazardous situation, but also the hazardous situations themselves. Training takes place, for example, in a secure environment outside the vehicle, such as a test environment. After training, a computer program representing the model can be uploaded and installed on the predictive device. Furthermore, an updated model can be uploaded during vehicle maintenance, thereby further improving the prediction over the vehicle's lifetime.

[0042] The artificial neural network, for example, has one or more layers of neurons that are neither input nor output neurons. These non-input and non-output layers are often referred to as hidden layers. Preferably, the hidden layers are modified during the training and learning of the artificial neural network. Machine learning involving artificial neural networks with multiple hidden layers is often referred to as deep learning.

[0043] The aforementioned problem is further solved according to the invention by a vehicle with the features of claim 9. Accordingly, the vehicle comprises a protective device of the type described above.

[0044] The vehicle is preferably a passenger transport vehicle. More preferably, the vehicle is a passenger car.

[0045] The aforementioned problem is further solved according to the invention by a protective method for protecting a passenger within an interior space, comprising the features of claim 10. Accordingly, the protective method comprises: predicting the occurrence of a hazardous situation in which the passenger is at risk due to uncontrolled movement of an object, by means of a predictive device. The method further comprises: controlling the movement of a protective element of a protective device into a protective position by means of a control device, wherein the passenger is protected from an object by the protective element in the protective position. The control device triggers the movement of the protective element into the protective position upon predicting the occurrence of the hazardous situation.

[0046] Preferably, the movement of the protective element in the protective method is performed reversibly.

[0047] Preferably, a separating track of the protective device is guided into the protective position along a guide device. The guide device extends from the vehicle roof into a passenger area and / or luggage area.

[0048] Preferably, the protective device further comprises a motor drive. The protective element includes a separating strip that is unwound from and / or wound onto a roller. The motor drive powers the roller for unwinding and winding.

[0049] Preferably, several protective elements are movably arranged within the vehicle. The predictive device forecasts the direction of acceleration in which the vehicle will accelerate in a hazardous situation. The control unit triggers the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position, depending on the direction of acceleration.

[0050] Preferably, a detection device covers a passenger area of ​​the vehicle intended for passengers. A recognition device detects at least one passenger within the passenger area based on this detection. Several protective elements are movably arranged within the vehicle. The control unit triggers the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the detected passenger.

[0051] Preferably, the control device further controls the movement of one or more of the protective elements into the protective position depending on the direction of acceleration and the detected passenger.

[0052] Preferably, the forecasting device further comprises a computing device that predicts the occurrence of the dangerous situation using a model, wherein the model is based on machine learning.

[0053] For advantages, embodiments and design details of the vehicle and protection method according to the invention, reference can be made to the preceding description of the corresponding features of the protection device.

[0054] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 An embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention with a protective device according to the invention in a schematic top view, Fig. 2 the embodiment of the vehicle according to the invention with a protective device according to the invention in a schematic side view, Fig. 3 an information technology structure of elements of the protective device according to the invention and Fig. 4 An embodiment of the protection method according to the invention as a schematic flowchart.

[0055] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a vehicle 1 with a protective device 2. In the top view of Fig. 1 shows the roof, the vehicle's headliner and the pillars of vehicle 1 cut out from the view. Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of vehicle 1. Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows an information technology structure of elements of the protective device 2. Fig. Figure 4 shows the sequence of a protection procedure 3 as a schematic flowchart. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 with the same reference symbols.

[0056] Vehicle 1 has an interior 4 with a passenger compartment 5, which is intended for the accommodation of a passenger 6. Interior 4 also contains a luggage compartment 7, which is intended for storing an item 8, such as a piece of luggage 9. The luggage compartment 7 is, for example, the trunk of vehicle 1.

[0057] The in Fig. Vehicle 1 shown is essentially like the one in Fig. The two vehicles shown are set up as shown. Fig. 1 and Fig. The two differ essentially in the situation in which vehicle 1 is located.

[0058] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, passenger 6 is seated in a driver's seat 19. The piece of luggage 9 is located in a passenger seat 20.

[0059] The protective device 1 has several protective devices 10, 11, 12, each of which has a protective element 13, 14, 15. In the illustrated embodiment, the protective elements 13, 14, 15 are designed as separating tracks 16, 17, 18. The in Fig. 2 The separating track 17 shown is in a protective position 46 in which the passenger 6 is protected from the object 8.

[0060] With regard to the protective device 11, the following is an example: Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that the separating strip 17 can be unrolled from a roller 36 when moving into the protective position 46 and can be rolled up when moving into a starting position. The separating strip 17 is guided by a guide device 42, which is designed as a slide rail. The guide device 42 extends downwards from the vehicle ceiling into the passenger compartment 5 and / or luggage compartment 7.

[0061] The in Fig. The object 8 shown is an object which, in a dangerous situation, for example in a side impact, can move from the passenger seat 20 towards the driver's seat 19. This constitutes an uncontrolled movement 47 of the object 8. In the protective position, the protective element 15 prevents the uncontrolled movement 47 of the luggage 9 towards the passenger 6 in order to avoid or at least reduce the risk of injury to the passenger 6 from the luggage 9.

[0062] The Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 further shows a control unit 35, which is configured to control the movement of the protective elements 13, 14, and 15. The control unit 35 is, for example, a higher-level control unit intended for the central control of the protective devices 10, 11, and 12. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 35 is configured as a distributed unit, with each part of the control unit 35 assigned to the respective protective device 10, 11, or 12. The control unit 35 outputs a control signal 43 to drive the roller 36. The control unit 35 includes a computing unit 39, which is configured to execute a computer program. For example, the control signal 43 causes the protective device 35 to move from its initial position to the protective position 46 at high speed. This can be triggered by a spring preload or pyrotechnics.For a slow movement from the protective position 46 back to the starting position, the control signal 43, for example, activates a motor drive 44 to drive the roller 36. Alternatively, manual winding into the starting position is possible.

[0063] The in Fig. The object 8 shown is an object which, in a dangerous situation, for example during hard braking or a rear-end collision, can move from the luggage compartment 7 or a rear seat 21 towards the driver's seat 19. This represents an example of an uncontrolled movement 47 of the object 8. In this case, the protective element 14 in the protective position 46 prevents the uncontrolled movement 47 of the object 8 towards the passenger 6 in order to avoid or at least reduce the risk of injury to the passenger 6 from the object 8.

[0064] Vehicle 1 has two detection devices 22 and 23 for detecting the surroundings 33 of vehicle 1. Detection device 22 is a front camera, which is essentially oriented in the direction of travel 30. Detection device 23 is a rear camera, which is essentially oriented opposite to the direction of travel 30 (backwards).

[0065] Vehicle 1 has the following features: Fig. 1. Detection devices 24 to 27 are shown, which detect the interior 4 during operation. Detection device 24 detects the luggage compartment 7 during operation, and detection devices 25, 26, and 27 detect the passenger compartment 5 during operation. In vehicle 1, the following are shown: Fig. Two detection devices, 28 and 29, are shown, which detect the interior space 4 during operation. Detection devices 25, 26, and 27 can (even though this is not shown) be part of the system shown. Fig. The vehicle shown in section 2 may be 1 and the detection devices 28 and 29 may (even though this is not shown) be part of the system shown in Fig. The vehicle shown is number 1.

[0066] The in Fig. The embodiment of the protection method 3 shown in Figure 4 is described below in conjunction with the elements of the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 described.

[0067] In process step A, vehicle 1 moves along a route in direction 30.

[0068] In process step B, the detection devices 24 to 29 record the interior 4. In process step B1, the detection devices 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29 record the passenger area 5 and the detection device 24 record the baggage area 7 in process step B2.

[0069] In process step C, a recognition device 31 recognizes, based on the data acquired in process step B, that passenger 6 is located within passenger area 5. In process step CC, the recognition device 31 recognizes that the passenger 6 is located within passenger area 5. Fig. 1. The piece of luggage shown (9) is located on the passenger seat (20), or that it is in Fig. 2. The luggage shown is 9 on the rear seat 21 or in the luggage compartment 7.

[0070] In process step D, the detection devices 22 and 23 detect the environment 33 of the vehicle 1. In process step E, a recognition device 32 detects, for example, the area in Fig. Vehicle 1 shown indicates that another vehicle, not shown, is on a side-impact collision course with vehicle 1. Regarding the [unclear] in Fig. The detection device 32, for example, recognizes that another vehicle not shown has come to a stop in the direction of travel 30 in front of vehicle 1.

[0071] Based on the detection in process step E, a prediction is made in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a prediction device 34 in a process step F, indicating whether a hazardous situation will occur. The prediction device 34 includes a computing unit 37, which is configured to execute a computer program. The computer program represents a model 38, which is based on machine learning and is formed using an artificial neural network.

[0072] For example, the forecasting device 34 calculates in relation to the in Fig. The equation shows two vehicles: one with a probability of a collision with another vehicle that has come to a stop 30 degrees ahead of vehicle 1 in the direction of travel, and another with a probability of vehicle 1 braking sharply. Given a specific probability value, it is assumed that the hazardous situation will occur. In other words, it is predicted that the hazardous situation will occur.

[0073] If, in process step F, it is predicted that the hazardous situation will occur, the control device 35 triggers the movement of the protective element 15 in a process step G (with respect to Fig. 1) or of the protective element 14 (with regard to Fig. 2) and controls the movement of the protective element 15 or 14 into the protective position 46 in a process step H.

[0074] With regard to the in Fig. In a process step F1, the prediction device 34 further predicts that, in the dangerous situation of a side impact, vehicle 1 (shown) and another vehicle (not shown) on a side collision course with vehicle 1, will be accelerated in the acceleration direction 41. Accordingly, object 8 will be accelerated in the opposite direction in the inertial frame of reference of vehicle 1.

[0075] With regard to the in Fig. In a process step FF1, the prediction device 34 also predicts that, in the dangerous situation of impact or heavy braking, vehicle 1 and the other vehicle which has come to a stop in direction 30 in front of vehicle 1, will be accelerated in an acceleration direction 40 against the direction of travel 30.

[0076] With regard to the in Fig. Based on the vehicle 1 shown and the expected acceleration direction 41 in the hazardous situation, the control unit 35 triggers the movement of the protective element 15 in a process step G1 and controls the movement of the protective element 15 into the protective position 46 in a process step H1. The acceleration direction 41 is taken into account and the protective elements 14 and 16 remain in their initial positions.

[0077] With regard to the in Fig. Given the vehicle 1 shown and the expected acceleration direction 40 in the hazardous situation, the control unit 35 triggers the movement of the protective element 14 in a process step GG1 and controls the movement of the protective element 14 into the protective position 46 in a process step HH1. The acceleration direction 40 is taken into account and the protective elements 15 and 16 remain in their initial positions.

[0078] If the hazardous situation no longer exists or the movement of the protective element 14, 15 has been triggered falsely positive, the protective element 14, 15 in the protective position 46 is reversibly moved back to an initial position by rolling up the separating track 17 using the roller 36.

[0079] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived by the person skilled in the art without leaving the scope of protection of the invention. Reference symbol list 1 vehicle 2 Protective device 3 Protection methods 4 Interior 5 passenger area 6 passengers 7 Luggage compartment 8 Item 9 pieces of luggage 10, 11, 12 Protective device 13, 14, 15 Protective element 16, 17, 18 Separating lane 19 Driver's seat 20 Passenger seat 21 Rear seat 22 to 29 Recording device 30 Direction of travel 31 Recognition device 32 Recognition device 33 Surroundings 34 Forecasting device 35 Control unit 36 rolls 37 Computing equipment 38 model 39 Computing equipment 40, 41 Acceleration direction 42 Guide system 43 Control signal 44 Motor drive 46 Protective position 47 uncontrolled movement A process step B, B1, B2 Procedure step C, CC Process step D Process step E Process step F, F1, FF1 Process step G, G1, GG1 Procedural step H, H1, HH1 Process step QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102 29 815 A1

[0003] DE 10 2016 218 549 B3

[0017] Cited non-patent literature

[0000] Predictive Vehicle Safety - Validation Strategy of a Perception-Based Crash Severity Prediction Function” by the authors Roman Putter, Andre Neubohn, Andre Leschke and Roland Lachmayer, which was described in Applied Sciences 2023, 13, 6750

[0017]

Claims

[1] Protective device for the protection of a passenger (6) within an interior space (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising: - a protective device (10, 11, 12) with a protective element (13, 14, 15) which is movable into a protective position (46) and which is designed to protect the passenger (6) from an object (8) in the protective position (46), and - a control device (35) which is configured to control a movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) (H), characterized by - a forecasting device (34) which is designed to forecast the occurrence of a hazardous situation in which there is a danger to the passenger (6) due to an uncontrolled movement (47) of the object (8) (F), - wherein the control device (35) is configured to trigger the movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) when the occurrence of the hazardous situation is predicted (G). [2] Protective device according to claim 1, characterized by , that - the protective device (10, 11, 12) is set up to make the movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) reversible. [3] Protective device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that - the protective device (10, 11, 12) comprises a separating track (16, 17, 18) which can be guided along a guide device (42) into the protective position (46), wherein the guide device (42) extends from a vehicle roof into a passenger area (5) and / or luggage area (7). [4] Protective device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the protective device (10, 11, 12) includes a motor drive (44) for driving a roller (36) and - the protective element (13, 14, 15) comprises a separating strip (16, 17, 18) that can be unrolled from the roll (36). [5] Protective device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - several protective elements (13, 14, 15) are movably arranged within the vehicle (1), - the prediction device (34) is set up to predict (F1, FF1) an acceleration direction (40, 41) in which the vehicle (1) will accelerate in the dangerous situation, and - the control device (35) is set up to trigger the movement of one or more of the protective elements (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) depending on the direction of acceleration (40, 41) (G1, GG1). [6] Protective device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - a recording device (24-29) is installed to record a passenger area (5) of the vehicle (1) which is intended for the presence of passengers (6) (B1), - a detection device (31) is installed to detect at least one passenger (6) within the passenger area (5) by means of the detection (C), - several protective elements (13, 14, 15) are movably arranged within the vehicle (1) and - the control device (35) is set up to trigger the movement of one or more of the protective elements (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) depending on the detected passenger (6) (G). [7] Protective device according to claims 5 and 6, characterized by , that - the control device (35) is set up to control the movement of one or more of the protective elements (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) depending on ◯ of the acceleration direction (40, 41) and ◯ of the detected passenger (6) to control. [8] Protective device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the forecasting device (34) comprises a computing device (37) which is set up to forecast the occurrence of the dangerous situation using a model (38) wherein the model (38) is based on machine learning. [9] Vehicle comprising a protective device (2) according to at least one of the preceding claims 1 to 8. [10] Protective method for the protection of a passenger (6) within an interior (4) of a vehicle (1), comprising: - Predicting (F) the occurrence of a hazardous situation in which there is a danger to the passenger (6) due to an uncontrolled movement (47) of the object (8) using a predictive device (34) and - Controlling (H) a movement of a protective element (13, 14, 15) of a protective device (10, 11, 12) into a protective position (46) by means of a control device (35), wherein the passenger (6) is protected from an object (8) by the protective element (13, 14, 15) in the protective position (46), - wherein the control device (35) triggers the movement of the protective element (13, 14, 15) into the protective position (46) when the occurrence of the hazardous situation is predicted (G).

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