DE102004055518A1 - Bumper arrangement with protection device e.g. for vehicle, has cross beam having side member directly or indirectly fastened to vehicle protecting pedestrians, cyclists, animals when colliding with vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The bumper arrangement (2) has a cross beam (40). The cross beam has a side member (6) directly or indirectly or fastened to the vehicle. A protection device (3) is provided to protect pedestrians, cyclists, animals when colliding with the vehicle. The protection device has an extending protection element (30) covering above the cross beam. The bumper arrangement is fastened over an attachment mechanism (32) toward the cross beam and can be set upwards. The protection device is provided with a power consuming mechanism. The mechanism is for deformation of the protection element and or an attachment mechanism.

Description

The The invention relates to a bumper assembly for use in the front and / or Rear area of a vehicle, comprising at least one cross member, wherein the crossbeam on at least one longitudinal member of the Vehicle directly or indirectly fastened or attached and where a protective device for the protection of pedestrians, cyclists, animals etc. is provided in collision with the vehicle.

such bumper assemblies are known in the art. In accidents involving persons or Animals are hit by vehicles, carry the persons or Animals often very serious injuries of it, as they are mostly in the area of the knee joints be caught and thrown onto the bonnet of a vehicle. It can they even slide up and against the windshield of the vehicle If necessary, beat them through. By the force of impact and the The persons are thrown against or into the windshield Animals sometimes not only significantly, but even fatally injured. Another negative effect in this context today preferred integration of bumpers in the body of a vehicle, making the bumpers relatively deep are arranged. Particularly injury-intensive are also towering Front end and stable, unyielding additional bumpers used as cow catcher (Bullbar) be designated.

It is known in the art to provide protective devices for the protection of pedestrians, which often cause the front of the vehicle to be raised or include airbags provided in the front of the vehicle. From the DE 199 44 670 A1 For example, a bumper assembly in the manner of a bullbar is known, with a cover over the bullbar for the protection of pedestrians is provided.

From the DE 199 05 784 C2 is an impact protection device is known, which is movable by a drive from a voltage applied to the vehicle forward to an extended position. As drive, an airbag is provided. This is arranged between an end portion of the impact protection device and the body structure of the vehicle and pushes the end portion on deployment of the vehicle body structure on deployment. A similar principle is also in the DE 198 18 586 C1 discloses, on all sides of the vehicle elements, including strips, can be extended. However, with the provision of such impact protection devices there is always the danger for the person concerned that they crash the harder on the road, since it is additionally pushed away from the vehicle.

In the DE 299 08 722 U1 Also, the provision of an inflatable safety balloon or spoiler in the area of a front bumper or windshield is disclosed to prevent over-ride of a person colliding with the vehicle and to soften their impact on the windshield.

The provision of a rear deflectable leg spoiler in conjunction with a foam sheathing on a bumper is in the DE 103 04 784 A1 disclosed. From the DE 102 40 269 A1 is a front bumper known, which can be lowered to protect people against the Fahrzeugbug down. From the DE 30 51 041 C2 a shock protection device is known in which a downwardly extendable element is provided to avoid lower leg fractures of a pedestrian. A stiffening element designed as a hard foam body extends horizontally transversely to the vehicle longitudinal axis in the front region of a protective part which is arranged below the bumper, projects forward and is substantially rigid. The above devices for the protection of persons are aimed at alleviating leg injuries of an injured person. However, if a person is hit so that it crashes onto the vehicle, other means are provided in the prior art, which cause a lifting of a front hood to form a distance to the hard parts of the engine compartment, so that the person does not Impact additionally injured.

To mitigate a hit on a front hood of a vehicle, it is from the DE 102 57 125 A1 known to arrange the front cover displaceable or liftable and provide below the front hood sensor-actuated actuators. A similar effect is to be achieved by a tension member of a shape memory material according to the DE 102 55 249 A1 be effected. The erection of a front hood in the lock area is from the DE 102 49 272 A1 known, wherein the hood lock is mounted on a lock carrier, which is held linearly adjustable in a vehicle-mounted housing. In the event of a collision, a limited list is created. Also from the EP 1 104 726 A2 For example, a protective device for protecting pedestrians in a collision with a vehicle is known, wherein the bumper is lowered by deforming a deformation element. In its normal position, the bumper is placed over the body of the vehicle, with a deformation distance of 80 mm therefrom. An elaborate structure of a pedestrian protection actuator for moving the front hood of a vehicle is in the DE 10 2004 002 213 A1 of fenbart. In this not only different levers and joints, but also spring elements and a return device are provided. Just as elaborate is the in the DE 10 2004 002 212 A1 disclosed pedestrian protection actuator designed to displace the front hood of a vehicle that uses various spring elements and a locking device with a toggle lever assembly. Another device for lifting a front door of a vehicle with rear hinge device is in the EP 1 293 400 A2 disclosed. All of the above-mentioned means for lifting the bonnet can protect only one already at a certain speed on the bonnet plummeting person on impact with the bonnet. How the person hits the front hood can not be influenced by these devices.

A certain influence by grabbing and dropping a pedestrian on a front hood of a vehicle reveal the DE 102 22 535 A1 and the DE 102 22 533 A1 , Thereafter, on the one hand a rotating roller and on the other an elastic band are provided, which show an upward rotational movement and tangentially detect the pedestrian and lift off from the ground due to their rotational movement. A carpet-like collecting surface is according to the DE 101 43 448 A1 unrolled in front of a vehicle, also with an upward rotation to provide a softer ground for the falling pedestrian.

From the US 4,015,870 is a device in the form of a pivotable element which is fixed to the front end of the front hood of a vehicle known. This raises the protection of a pedestrian and leaves it, however, head first on the near the front window of the vehicle area. This will probably result in unwanted head injuries of the pedestrian or there is the risk that this slips into the windshield of the vehicle.

To avoid striking the head of a person upon impact with a vehicle in the region of its roof pillars, it is out of DE 101 38 253 C1 known to provide T-shaped blind profiles, of which a T-leg is stored within the roof pillar, curved and moved from a fixed rest position into a spring-loaded operative position and the other transverse thereto extending T-leg forms an impact surface.

The bring the above-described facilities for the protection of pedestrians Partially the risk of having pedestrians with stronger head injuries than would be the case without these facilities. Besides, they are pushing the pedestrians of the vehicle forward to a knock on the bonnet to avoid. However, there is a risk for pedestrians in the direction of travel of the vehicle on the road pushed to be at the risk of them still being Rolling vehicle overrun become.

Of the present invention is based on the object, a bumper assembly to further educate that even better protection for pedestrians, but also for Cyclists can be created, being a rough and uncoordinated Serving of these on a front hood or a rear area a vehicle is avoided without the front hood set up and pedestrians and cyclists are not be pushed forward in front of the vehicle.

The Task is by a bumper assembly solved according to the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the protective device at least one extending above the at least one cross member Protective element which in the bumper assembly via a Fastener mounted and in the direction away from the cross member substantially can be raised upwards. Further developments of the invention are in the dependent claims Are defined.

As a result, a bumper arrangement is created, in which the person hit in the event of a collision or the cyclist is caught by the bumper arrangement and deposited on the front hood of a vehicle. In this case, the protective element extending above the at least one cross member is above it. The person comes with this protective element in contact and is collected by this one hand and on the other hand stored on the front hood. Unlike the solution after US 4,015,870 there is no longer a risk that the person will be catapulted onto the front hood of the vehicle. Rather, it is gently deposited on this. By attaching the protection device in the bumper assembly or in the area the raised protective device projects only limited in height, preferably does not dominate a front hood of a vehicle. The provision of the protection device in or on the bumper assembly allows a cheaper exchange than if this device were integrated in the front hood or tailgate of a vehicle.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if the protective device with at least one direction for energy absorption and / or energy conversion is provided. Particularly preferably, the device for absorbing energy and / or energy conversion is an elastic and / or plastic deformation of the above the at least one cross member extending protective element and / or its fastening device. By providing a means for absorbing energy and / or energy conversion, the energy to be dissipated at the meeting of the person and the vehicle can be better absorbed and the person thereby intercepted. The energy is not dissipated by the impact of the person on the front hood of the vehicle and its deformation, which usually leads to injury to the person, but converted into deformation energy in deforming the protective element and / or its fastening device. If the protective element is designed in the form of an elongated element, deformation can be carried out very well transversely to the longitudinal extent. The preferably substantially vertically extending fastening element can deform or bend well in the direction of the vehicle or its front hood. Such an energy absorption by deformation of the protective device is not provided in the prior art as described above. The outward - front, side and rear - unfolding airbags, such as in the DE 198 18 586 C1 revealed, although take energy, but push the person concerned away to the outside, so that it does not fall on the vehicle, but on the road. Also, the up in the front of the bonnet device according to US 4,015,870 is not the energy intake, but the mere lifting of the person. In contrast to the roller or belt drive for lifting the person, as in the DE 102 22 535 A1 , of the DE 102 22 533 A1 as well as the DE 101 43 448 A1 disclosed, the person is not taken in the lower leg or foot area and pulled to the vehicle, which is not caught. Rather, it is according to the invention selectively supported at a higher point and placed in the direction of movement while reducing the kinetic energy on the front hood or tailgate of the vehicle.

Preferably the fastening device comprises at least one lifting element or is designed as such. The fastening device is used thus not only attaching the guard to the vehicle or the bumper arrangement, but also the setting up of the protective device in case of need. It may thus be advantageous for the number of elements of the protective device reduced and the guard more compact than some facilities of the prior art become. Preferably, the at least one lifting elements has a stroke from 100 to 200 mm. As a result, it is already possible, a Pedestrians, but also intercept a cyclist and on a front hood of a vehicle store. Of course it is basically also possible, a bigger hub provide, as well as a smaller one, provided that a lifting a Person on the front hood of the vehicle is still possible and this person Do not put your head first on the bonnet of the vehicle thrown, but ordered on this is filed.

The Lifting element may preferably pyrotechnic, by spring force, hydraulically or pneumatically actuated be. Another type of actuation is possible, if they cause an extension or erection of the lifting element can. Preferably, the lifting element is formed telescopically. hereby this may possibly even be partially extended. Besides that is it thereby advantageously possible to provide a stable base for attachment to the bumper assembly, in Connection with the possibility bend the lifting element to absorb energy because the telescopic trained lifting usually is wider in its lower part than in its upper part.

Prefers is a sensor means for triggering the Set up the protective device provided. The setting up can by touch, preferably a touch sensor is used or already triggered before contact, e.g. activated by a proximity sensor. Preferably, such sensor means and actuating means for triggering the Aufstellens the lifting elements provided, which is a very quick release of the Setting up the at least one lifting element in fractions of a second cause.

Prefers is in a spring-operated deployable lifting a manual release, however in a pyrotechnic actuated Lifting element preferably provided triggered by a sensor means. In a spring-mounted lifting element, e.g. one Lever be provided which releases a spring element when a person pushes against this lever. To one Abuse of parked vehicles can be avoided for verification before triggering the presence of another signal, e.g. a signal that is a running one Motor signals and / or a brake signal to be queried. In providing a sensor means for triggering e.g. pyrotechnic actuated Lifting element is also advantageous before triggering the Existence of another signal queried. The sensor means can for example, just before a collision of a person or a cyclist its approach and / or touch.

Particularly preferred are the lifting or fastening element and the substantially in Direction of the cross member extending protective element connected to each other or connected or at least partially formed in one piece. In the case of a partially integral construction, for example, an upper region of the fastening element may be formed as an extension piece of the protective element. This embodiment is particularly suitable for telescopically formed lifting elements, the upper portion is formed in this way as part of the protective element.

Preferably this is at least one lifting element for tilting or pivoting from this towards the vehicle yielding stored and / or displaced. Such yielding storage or relocatability can advantageously in addition to a suitable shape and material choice in addition to Support energy intake. To support a compliance and improvement of energy intake and energy conversion Preferably, the lower portion of the protective device bellows be trained and / or sheathed. Such a bellows-like Recording in the lower region of the lifting element or fastener leads to an advantageous resilient base portion of the lifting or Fastening element, which also in the longitudinal direction of a largely provides reversible compliance.

Prefers is that at least one above the cross member extending protective element so trained and attachable to this, that an optical unit is created. The protective element can with respect to his Shaping advantageous optimally to the course of at least one crossbeam be adjusted. Often these days is the front end of a vehicle subject very strong designerischen specifications, which is why the provision of protective devices is partially problematic. Here proves it is particularly advantageous that the protective device according to the invention Barely perceptible to be placed on top of the bumper assembly can. In addition to the protective effect for People and possibly animals is therefore also an optical integration in the other shape of the bumper assembly is easily possible. The above the at least one cross member extending protective element the protective device can be advantageously shaped so that it Shaping the outside the bumper arrangement and / or the cross member is adjusted, creating an optical unit. Especially preferred this is at least one extending above the at least one cross member Protective element shell-shaped formed, in particular as a half-shell. This is an adjustment to the shape of the cross member or the top of the bumper assembly especially possible. In the normal position, so the voltage applied to the actual bumper Position, the protective element clings to this and thereby falls optically not on, is rather regarded as part of this.

Prefers this is at least one extending above the cross member Protective element of an elastically and / or plastically deformable Material. Particularly preferably, this is at least one protective element and / or the at least one fastening element made of a material, at low load elastically yielding and at higher load is plastically deformable. An exchange of a protective device is thus higher only after acting Loads required. Another advantage is that through a plastic deformation even more energy can be absorbed resulting in higher Stress proves to be beneficial.

Preferably this is at least one protective element and / or fastener of a metal and / or plastic and / or composite material. Particularly advantageous is the use of a metal structure Protective device proved, as this is particularly good can be designed that at low loads an elastic Yielding and at higher Loads a plastic deformation occurs.

Prefers has the at least one protective element for reducing a risk of injury for with this in touch coming people or animals rounded corners and / or edges. Such a design can also be fitted in the bumper assembly facilitate.

is in extension of side rails of a vehicle provided at least one deformation element, it turns out to be particularly advantageous, the fastening device transverse to the longitudinal extent a deformation element in this to arrange and / or fasten and / or to be arranged so that it extends therethrough. deformation elements should be a deformation of side rails at a collision of a vehicle at lower speeds by converting impact energy prevent in deformation energy and thus help after collisions an expensive replacement of side rails in most cases to avoid. Since the deformation elements in the bumper assembly protrude and usually with the at least one cross member the bumper arrangement are connected, it proves to be advantageous, the at least one To arrange protection in these deformation elements, since their replacement is generally relatively inexpensive possible. Due to its box-like shape they usually show also a sufficient stability to optimally accommodate the protective device.

Preferably, the fastening device is arranged on a deformation element, that it is supported on a wall of the deformation element. The fastening device can either be supported on an outer or on an inner side of a wall of the deformation element, ie extend transversely through a part of the deformation element or be fitted on the outer side thereof. Alternatively, the fastener may be arranged to extend entirely across the deformation element. In addition, it is possible to arrange the fastening device at an outwardly facing end of a deformation element, for example at the front end. Moreover, it is advantageously possible, the fastening means of the protective device in an energy-absorbing deformation element, as for example in the DE 103 59 483 described to be mounted or stored within a deformation element. Such a deformation element may for example be provided in the form of a sheet fastened in a deformation element at different locations. It proves to be advantageous to use the additional spring effect, which results by arranging the at least one fastening element transversely to the longitudinal extent of the deforming element which is otherwise fastened within the deformation element only at some points along its edges.

The Guard can also also on a separate, on the at least one cross member of a bumper assembly fastened and with the at least one longitudinal member of the vehicle directly or be fastened indirectly connectable element. For example, can the at least one fastener on such e.g. the bumper assembly reinforcing Element to be attached to the front. So it is possible the Protective device at each providing sufficient stability Adjust to the bumper assembly Fasten.

Protective devices according to the invention can both provided on a front side of a vehicle as well as at the rear be, where there is an arrangement in the bumper assembly he follows. As a collision between a pedestrian, cyclist or animal and a vehicle more often in the front of the vehicle takes place as in the rear area, is usually a variant used in arrangement in the front bumper assembly. All above but also apply to the use of the protective device in the area of the rear side Bumper assembly.

to closer explanation The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to the drawings described in more detail. These show in:

1 a sketched side view of a vehicle with inventive front-side bumper assembly,

2 a side detail view, partially in section, of the front portion of the vehicle according to 1 .

3 a top view of a bumper assembly according to the invention with arranged in deformation elements fastening means of a protective device according to the invention,

4 an alternative embodiment of an attachment of a protective device according to the invention to a bumper assembly, and

5 a plan view of another embodiment of an attachment of a protective device according to the invention to an energy-absorbing deformation element within a deformation element.

1 shows a sketch of a side view of a vehicle 1 with in its front bumper arrangement 2 integrated inventive protection device 3 , Apart from the front side, such a protective device can also be used in the rear bumper arrangement 3 be provided. The protective device 3 has a protective element 30 on top of an actual bumper 4 is arranged and this partially covered. The protective element 3 is preferably cup-shaped (see also 2 and 3 ) and overlaps the bumper from above. In the in 1 shown embodiment, a paragraph is formed between the protective element and the bumper arranged thereunder. Alternatively, it is also possible to provide the protective element with a barely recognizable transition to the surface of the bumper. However, the formation of a heel can be used as a design element.

2 shows a detailed view of the front bumper assembly 2 according to 1 , It can be seen that the protective device 3 in a deformation element 5 , also known as Crashbox, is inserted. The deformation element 5 is as an extension of a longitudinal member 6 of the vehicle with this via mounting flanges 50 . 60 connected. The deformation element 5 is at its front end 51 on the inside of the bumper 4 or one of this encased, better in 3 visible cross member 40 attached. to Be attachment is a flange element 52 intended.

At a distance from the flange element 52 is a sleeve 31 for fixing a fastening device 32 the protective device 3 arranged in the deformation element substantially at right angles to its longitudinal extent. In this sleeve is a base section 33 inserted as a lifting element for setting up the protective element fastening device. From the base section 33 another section protrudes 34 the lifting element, on which the protective element 30 is attached. For attachment is an opening 35 in the protective element and a section inserted therethrough 36 smaller diameter than the other two visible sections 33 and 34 provided the lifting element. On the outside of the protective element is a bulbous cap 37 arranged, for example, may be a head part of a rivet-like element, which in the section 36 and / or the opening 35 is plugged, for connecting the protective element and fastening device. Instead of such a cap, only a screw or the like connecting or fastening element can be provided, which also allows a connection between the protective element and fastening device or lifting element. Instead of a plurality of protective element and fastening device, at least a part of the fastening device with the protective element may be in one piece. Here, for example, the section is suitable 34 , in which case the section 36 and the opening 35 omitted. The lifting element can, as in 2 indicated, be telescopically formed, the individual sections are inserted into each other.

The protective element 30 is formed in cross-section substantially L-shaped. It has a laterally projecting lower edge pointing in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the bumper or of the cross member 38 on, which rests against the surface of the bumper. This not only visually a unit between the protective element and the bumper is formed, but it can also be an unwanted ingress of dirt in the space between the protective element and bumper severely limited, especially if along the edge of a sealing element additionally applied or the edge itself in the manner of a Is formed sealing element.

A collision of a pedestrian or cyclist or even before their impact on the bumper assembly, the erection of the lifting element (by the dashed lines in 2 indicated) triggered, for example, by a sensor means, however, in 2 not shown. The lifting element can be installed by spring force, pyrotechnic means, pneumatic or hydraulic means, etc. The choice of the respective agent can be made dependent inter alia on the available installation space on the vehicle. How clear 2 shows, in contrast to the prior art, the protective element is not far beyond the vertical extent of the front hood 10 lifted but only so far that a person can be lifted onto the front hood and placed on this gently. For this purpose it may be sufficient to raise the protective element almost to the level of the front edge of the front hood. The person is thus not head first upside down on the front hood, so that the risk of head injuries can be reduced.

As by the arrow 7 in 2 indicated, the protective device is deformed in a collision of a person in the arrow direction or at least relocated to absorb the applied energy and thus slow down the movement of the person. Since the lifting element is thinner in the upper region, it can give better in this area and deform. Also the protective element 30 can yield elastically or possibly plastically deform, as in 3 indicated by the dashed lines. The protective device can thus absorb and transform the kinetic energy of a person to protect them from major injuries.

As the top view of an inventively designed bumper assembly according to 3 can be further removed, the two fastening devices 32 with their base sections 33 on a respective wall 53 arranged a deformation element. In the illustrated embodiment, this is an outer wall. However, the fastening device can also stand on the inside of a wall and extend through the opposite wall. As indicated in the left section of the bumper assembly, the attachment device protrudes 32 through a section of the cross member 40 through, so this one there through opening 41 having.

An alternative embodiment of the attachment of the fastening device in a bumper assembly is in 4 shown. This is at the front end 51 the deformation element 5 a sheet metal element 42 to reinforce this area of the cross member 40 arranged. The deformation element is via a flange element 54 on the sheet metal element 42 attached. From the cross member protrudes a towing sleeve 43 out, which is connected to the deformation element or the sheet metal element. Above the towing socket can, for example, the fastening device to the sheet metal element 32 be secured, for example by welding, soldering, etc. Alternatively, the fastening device in turn on a wall of the deforma be arranged and fastened, which is in 4 indicated by dashed lines. The protective element is in 4 not shown for clarity of the remaining elements.

At the in 5 illustrated embodiment, the fastening device 32 in the deformation element 5 attached. The deformation element has an energy-absorbing deformation element 55 on, in or on the base section 33 the fastening device 32 is arranged. The deformation element does not extend through the entire deformation element, but ends at a distance from the rear attachment flange 50 the deformation element. The deformation element is along its longitudinal sides 56 . 57 only partially attached to the inside of the outer walls of the deformation element. Front side, the deformation element is not attached directly to the cross member or the cross member shell, but only indirectly via the towing sleeve connected to the deformation element 43 , Since the free suspension of the deformation element brings about a degree of flexibility, it can still support the effect of the protective device when setting or fastening the fastening device on or in the deformation element.

A further assistance the resilience of the protective device upon impact of a person can by a bellows-shaped or appropriately sheathed Base section are provided. This variant is in the figures not shown.

Next the embodiments described in the foregoing and shown in the figures of bumper assemblies can still numerous further are formed, with which in each case a protective device provided with at least one protective element and at least one fastening device is, with the protective device erectable and at the same time compliant and is designed to absorb energy. By suitable choice of material can for energy absorption and energy conversion both an elastic Resilience and a plastic deformability are still supported.

1

vehicle

2

bumper assembly

3

guard

4

bumper

5

deformation element

6

longitudinal beams

7

arrow

10

bonnet

30

protection element

31

shell

32

Fastening device / lifting element

33

base section

34

Another section

35

opening

36

section

37

bulbous cap

38

lower edge

40

crossbeam

41

Through opening

42

sheet metal element

43

towing jack

50

mounting flange

51

front side The End

52

flange

53

wall

54

flange

55

flexure

56

long side

57

long side

60

mounting flange

Claims (25)

Bumper assembly ( 2 ) for use in the front and / or rear of a vehicle ( 1 ), comprising at least one cross member ( 40 ), wherein the cross member ( 40 ) on at least one longitudinal member ( 6 ) of the vehicle ( 1 ) can be fastened or fastened directly or indirectly, and wherein a protective device ( 3 ) to protect pedestrians, cyclists, animals, etc. in the event of a collision with the vehicle ( 1 ), characterized in that the protective device ( 3 ) at least one above the at least one cross member ( 40 ) extending protective element ( 30 ) located in the bumper assembly ( 2 ) via a fastening device ( 32 ) and in the direction away from the cross member ( 40 ) can be set up substantially upwards. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective device ( 3 ) is provided with at least one device for energy absorption and / or energy conversion. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the means for energy absorption and / or energy conversion elastic and / or plastic deformation of the protective element ( 30 ) and / or the fastening device ( 32 ). Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device ( 32 ) comprises at least one lifting element or is designed as a lifting element. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 4, characterized in that the lifting element and the substantially in the direction of Querträ gers ( 40 ) extending protective element ( 30 ) are connectable to each other or connected or at least partially in one piece. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one lifting element for tilting or pivoting of this in the direction towards the vehicle is resiliently mounted and / or displaced. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the at least one lifting element is formed telescopically. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the at least one lifting element has a stroke of 100 to 200 mm. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one above the cross member ( 40 ) extending protective element ( 30 ) can be placed on it so that an optical unit is created. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) and / or the fastening device ( 32 ) consists of or consist of an elastically and / or plastically deformable material. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) is made of a material which is elastic at low load and plastically deformable at higher load. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) consists of a metal and / or plastic and / or composite material. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) has a metal structure. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) for reducing the risk of injury to persons or animals in contact with rounded corners and / or edges. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one protective element ( 30 ) is cup-shaped. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device ( 32 ) transverse to the longitudinal extent of a deformation element ( 5 ) is arranged and / or fixed in this and / or extending therethrough. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening device ( 32 ) so on a deformation element ( 5 ) is arranged on a wall ( 53 ) of the deformation element ( 5 ) is supported. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the fastening device ( 32 ) at an outward-facing end ( 51 ) of a deformation element ( 5 ) is arranged. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the fastening device ( 32 ) of the protective device ( 30 ) in an energy absorbing deformation element ( 55 ) within a deformation element ( 5 ) attachable or fixed or stored. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in order to support a compliance, the lower region of the protective device ( 3 ) bellows-shaped and / or coated. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 4 to 20, characterized in that the at least one lifting element for setting up the protective device is pyrotechnic, operated by spring force, hydraulic or pneumatic. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor means for triggering the erection of the protective device ( 30 ) is provided. Bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to claim 21, characterized in that when providing a spring-actuated lifting element, a manually actuable triggering device is provided. Protective device ( 3 ) for use in a bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of the preceding claims for the protection of pedestrians and cyclists, the protective device ( 3 ) at least one protective element ( 30 ) and at least two transverse to this extending fasteners ( 32 ) for attaching the protective element in or on the bumper arrangement, wherein the protective element ( 30 ) has a greater longitudinal than transverse extent and wherein the fastening elements ( 32 ) designed as lifting elements and on the underside of the protective element ( 30 ) are arranged. Motor vehicle ( 1 ) with a bumper assembly ( 2 ) according to one of claims 1 to 23.