Protective cover for vehicle

Abstract

Protective cover (1) for a vehicle, wherein the protective cover (1) comprises several protective segments (10, 12, 16, 18) and one or more connecting devices (22, 24, 26); in a fitted state of the protective cover, the protective segments are connected to one another by means of the connecting devices and are designed to fasten the protective cover to the vehicle; in a not fitted state of the protective cover, the protective segments are removable; and the protective cover is designed, in the fitted state, to protect one or more external surfaces of the vehicle by means of protective material (40) at the protective segments.

Description

The invention relates to the field of vehicle armor and the protection of vehicles, for example against physical impacts during operation. The application relates to a protective cover and a retrofit kit for a vehicle and parts thereof. To protect vehicles from external impacts, especially motor vehicles, various measures and vehicle classes have been developed. These are designed to protect vehicles against projectiles, impacts, and blasts. Special protection vehicles typically have integrated armor plating that protects both the vehicle and its occupants from external attacks. These vehicles are usually standard passenger cars that are modified, incorporating steel plates into the body and replacing the windows with laminated safety glass, which offers increased resistance. Commercial vehicles are also modified, for example, for cash-in-transit vehicles, and often include tracking devices. Armored vehicles are also developed for other applications and situations, such as military vehicle classes like infantry fighting vehicles, main battle tanks, attack helicopters, battleships, and armored trains.Existing vehicles are also being converted for additional armor, for example by welding on steel plates or cage armor, whereby a compromise usually has to be found between modifications to the vehicle, limited protection and loss of form and possibly function of the vehicle. There is a need to improve the protection of vehicles, in particular to increase protection against impacts such as blows, projectiles and blasts, to expand the operational possibilities of vehicles and their safety, and / or to largely maintain and supplement the vehicle's functionality. Various techniques described in the present disclosure fulfill this need, each by means of a protective cover for a vehicle, a retrofit kit for protecting a vehicle, and a protective segment for protecting a vehicle, in each case according to the teaching of the main claim or one of the dependent claims. Embodiments, further developments, and variants of the present invention are in particular the subject of the dependent claims. A first aspect of the invention relates to a protective cover for a vehicle. The protective cover comprises several protective segments and one or more connecting devices. When the protective cover is in place, the protective segments are connected to one another by means of the connecting devices and are designed to attach the protective cover to the vehicle. When the protective cover is not in place, the protective segments are removable. Furthermore, the protective cover is designed, when in place, to protect one or more external surfaces of the vehicle by means of protective material on the protective segments. One advantage of attaching the protection to the vehicle using appropriately designed protective segments and connecting devices is that, compared to other solutions where protection, particularly armor, is integrated into the vehicle's body and / or permanently welded on, fewer modifications to the vehicle are required. This allows for the retrofitting of protective elements to production vehicles, specifically the addition of armor plating after the vehicle has been manufactured. Furthermore, such retrofitting can be carried out more quickly, with less infrastructure, and / or closer to the intended deployment location. Another advantage of the protective material in the protective segments is that external surfaces can be specifically protected, thus improving protection, thereby increasing the range of applications and enhancing safety during operations. For the purposes of the disclosure, "removable" means at least that a part, in particular a protective segment, can be removed from its designated position on the vehicle with at least substantial damage to both the vehicle and the part. In particular, the part can be rotated and moved, and in some variations, reversibly deformed, so that it is no longer in contact with the vehicle and can be removed from it. Another advantage of protective segments that are removable when not in place is that, at least while they are not yet attached, these segments can be positioned and attached to the vehicle, particularly individually. This facilitates the application of protection, especially armor plating, and / or reduces the tools and / or expertise required for retrofitting. In the context of this disclosure, "removable" also means that a part, especially a protective segment, can be attached to a designated position on the vehicle with essentially no damage to either the vehicle or the part. This involves, in particular, rotating and moving the part, and in some variations, reversibly deforming it until it is in the intended position. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "vehicle" is understood to mean at least a technical device designed for movement on and / or through a medium, in particular on roads, rails, on or in water, or in the air. A vehicle can be self-propelled or externally propelled and includes various propulsion methods, such as muscle power, push or pull power, and motor propulsion, for example, by combustion, electric, or hybrid engines. Depending on its design, a vehicle serves to transport persons, goods, and / or equipment, or it can also be operated without a transport purpose, for example, as an autonomous surveillance or work vehicle. Some vehicles have a load-bearing structure or body that accommodates or protects functional components, superstructures, and / or transported persons, materials, and the like.The term includes in particular passenger cars, trucks, trailers, rail vehicles, agricultural machinery, watercraft, aircraft, drones and other mobile platforms, including automated or remotely controlled versions. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "motor vehicle" is understood to be at least a vehicle with its own propulsion system. In some variants, the motor vehicle serves to transport persons, goods, equipment, or other loads. In some variants, its propulsion unit is an integral part of the vehicle. In other variants, the propulsion system may be interchangeable. The motor vehicle is designed in such a way that it can move independently using its own propulsion system, in particular without relying on an external propulsion source. In some variants, the propulsion system is an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, or a combination of both in the form of a hybrid drive. In other variants, the propulsion system may be a jet engine.Motor vehicles can be designed for different traffic or operational areas, with a particular distinction made between land-, water- and air-based designs. A "land vehicle"—or land-based motor vehicle—is typically designed for operation on solid surfaces and can be equipped with either wheels or tracks. Examples include passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, quad bikes, all-terrain vehicles, and tracked vehicles such as construction equipment, snowmobiles, or armored vehicle platforms. Rail-bound vehicles, such as locomotives or railcars, can also be considered land vehicles if the drive system is integrated into the vehicle itself. Similarly, trains with their own propulsion or via a locomotive or railcar can also be classified as land vehicles. “Airborne motor vehicles” within the meaning of the disclosure are motor vehicles and include, in particular, aircraft with wings, rotary-wing aircraft such as helicopters, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) systems, multicopters, drones, and airships. These are characterized by a capability to generate lift, whether by aerodynamic wings or by static lift bodies, and have at least one active propulsion unit for generating thrust or control force, such as an engine, propeller, or rotor drive. A “watercraft” within the meaning of the disclosure is at least any motor vehicle designed for movement on or under water. This includes, among other things, motorboats, ships, jet skis, diving vehicles, and submarines, where buoyancy is generated by hydrostatic or hydrodynamic principles and propulsion enables independent movement in the water. Furthermore, motor vehicles can be designed as so-called "amphibious vehicles," which are constructed for combined use on land and water. Such vehicles may, for example, have wheel or track drives for land operation and propulsion systems or buoyant body structures for water operation. Hovercraft, which can glide over both solid and liquid surfaces using a cushion of air generated by a blower, are also considered amphibious vehicles. Furthermore, the term "motor vehicle" also includes "special vehicles" and "special-purpose vehicles" designed for specific uses or environments. These include, among others, armored vehicles with protection systems against ballistic, explosive, or mechanical impacts; emergency vehicles with special equipment for police, fire departments, rescue services, or technical assistance services; cash-in-transit vehicles with increased security requirements; mobile laboratories or communication platforms; and autonomous vehicles with partially or fully automated control based on sensors, software algorithms, and artificial intelligence. A motor vehicle within the meaning of the disclosure can be designed in various scales, designs and equipment variants and regularly serves the purpose of safe, efficient and location-independent locomotion or transport under its own power. In some embodiments, the technical teaching of the invention can also be applied to vehicles that do not have their own drive system, i.e., vehicles that are not designed as motor vehicles. These include, in particular, trailers, semi-trailers, passive vehicle modules, or other structurally comparable vehicle components that interact with a driven vehicle during intended operation. In some variants, such vehicles may have, in particular, structural, functional, or safety-related features that correspond to the embodiments described in this disclosure or can be used in a comparable manner. This applies, for example, to components or systems that, with regard to their design, protective function, sensor integration, or power supply, can also be integrated into or combined with non-driven vehicle components. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "protective cover" is understood to mean at least a device designed or intended to at least partially cover and thus protect something, in particular a vehicle. A protective cover intended to protect a vehicle can, in particular, be attached to it, thereby protecting the vehicle when attached. While in some variants a protective cover is designed to cover certain external surfaces of a vehicle, in other variants a protective cover is designed to at least substantially enclose a vehicle, thereby covering, in particular, the external surfaces largely or completely. For the purpose of protection, the protective cover is designed, in particular, to at least delay, mitigate, or prevent any impact on the vehicle, its components, and / or any occupants by means of a protective material.In some variants, the protective covering is designed to mitigate, delay, and / or absorb mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, ballistic, or a combination thereof impacts. The protective effect can be directed against external or internal impacts. In particular, in some variants, the protective covering is designed to attenuate external impacts, especially by absorbing, reflecting, and / or spatially distributing the energy and / or momentum of the impact before it reaches the vehicle's outer surfaces. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "fitted state" is understood to mean at least a state of the protective cover in which the protective cover is fitted to the vehicle. To fit the cover, some or all of its protective segments can be positioned in designated areas, particularly on the vehicle's exterior surfaces, and some or all of the connecting devices can be closed, i.e., connected to their respective counterparts and / or protective segments. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "protective segment" is understood to be at least a part of the protective covering that is separate from other protective segments of the protective covering, i.e., not directly but indirectly, for example by means of a connecting section, or at least movably connected to other protective segments, and which contains protective material or is designed to contain protective material—for example, protective packages—and for this purpose has, in particular, one or more pockets. The protective material is limited to the respective protective segment; that is, in particular, a protective package does not extend over several protective segments, but rather the protective material is subdivided according to the protective segments and / or protective packages containing protective material are separated according to the protective segments.In some variants, such a protective segment, if it incorporates protective material—for example, because it is integrated into the protective segment or because a protective package is inserted into a pocket of the protective segment—may exhibit greater rigidity than other parts, particularly connecting sections between protective segments. A protective segment may also be specifically designed for a particular area of ​​the vehicle, such as part of or an entire exterior surface. If such a protective segment is designed for a specific area of ​​the vehicle, it may be specifically configured to protect that area and / or, particularly in conjunction with other protective segments and connecting elements, to achieve a positive-locking attachment to the vehicle when the protective covering is in place.In some variants, particularly rigid ones, a protective segment for a specific area of ​​the vehicle is pre-shaped to correspond to the shape of that area, especially its outer surface. In other variants, a protective segment, particularly one with lower stiffness, is designed to assume a shape in its applied state that corresponds to the shape of that area, especially its outer surface. In some embodiments, the protective segments are designed in conjunction with the connecting devices to attach the protective cover to the vehicle in a form-fitting manner. One advantage of form-fitting attachment to the vehicle is that, compared to other solutions where protection, especially armor, is permanently mounted, fewer modifications to the vehicle are required. This makes it easier to equip a vehicle with protection, particularly armor. Furthermore, compared to other attachment methods that involve modifications to the vehicle, such as welding, the effort and / or the required tools can be reduced. This, in turn, can reduce the training requirements for personnel installing protective equipment on vehicles. In some embodiments, the protective material, in particular as a protective package, is incorporated, in particular integrated and / or sewn firmly into some or all of the protective segments. One advantage of integrated protective material is that it can itself serve as the structure for the respective protective segment, and / or reduce the need for additional material and / or avoid multiple layers of material, resulting in a flatter and / or lighter protective cover or a more uniform shape. This also reduces the increase in the vehicle's external dimensions caused by the protective cover. Furthermore, a more uniform shape can prevent or at least reduce bulges, thereby reducing the risk of the protective cover, especially in the case of bulges, snagging on the vehicle's surroundings. In some embodiments, some or all protective segments have one or more pockets for receiving a protective package containing protective material. In some embodiments, where protective segments have a pocket for protective material and where the protective material is incorporated into protective segments, one or more protective segments have a combination of the pocket and the incorporated protective material. One advantage of a pocket for holding a protective package containing protective material is that the protective cover can be adapted to specific requirements by equipping the pocket with a protective package made of appropriate material – for example, protection against projectiles of varying sizes and weights. The protective material can also be changed, especially renewed, in this way, thus extending the service life of the protective cover. An advantage of internal pockets or openings in pockets – that is, especially on the inside of the protective cover, which, when worn, faces the vehicle's exterior surfaces – is that the protective packages are better protected from external influences, especially tampering, when the cover is in place. Conversely, an advantage of external pockets or openings...The advantage of the external openings of the pockets – especially on an outer side of the protective cover, which when worn is turned away from the vehicle and / or towards the vehicle's surroundings – is that protective packages can be easily changed even when worn. In some embodiments, the protective cover, and in particular one or more of its protective segments, is designed to attach protective material, especially a protective package containing protective material, between the protective cover and the vehicle. In some variants, at least one of the protective segments has hook-and-loop fasteners, hooks, eyelets, snap fasteners, a zipper, buckles, straps, magnets, or a combination thereof for attaching protective material, with a protective package containing protective material provided for this protective segment having corresponding counterparts. Also, in some variants, the protective cover, and in particular at least one of its protective segments, is shaped—at least when in place—such that protective material, and in particular a protective package containing protective material, is positively engaged between the protective cover and the vehicle. In this advantageous way, material and therefore weight and / or volume of the protective covering can be saved compared to bags with or for protective material. In some embodiments, the protective covering is designed to protect the entire vehicle. In other embodiments, the protective covering is designed to protect only specific areas, in particular selected exterior surfaces of the vehicle. When manufacturing, using, and selecting a protective covering according to the technical teaching of the invention, a trade-off can be made, particularly depending on the intended, and especially planned, application scenario, between the greatest possible protection and an embodiment in which only partial areas are protected. Full-surface protection, in some variants, makes it possible to protect at least substantially all exterior surfaces of the vehicle, including, in particular, the underside of the vehicle. Conversely, protecting only partial areas, in some variants, allows for reduced weight and / or material usage.This also allows other areas of the vehicle to remain free of the protective covering, for example, for functions of the vehicle that are performed and / or operate in these areas that remain free. In some embodiments, particularly those with full-surface protection, the protective covering has one or more openings for functional units. In some variants, such functional units interact with the vehicle's environment and can be vehicle components or additional equipment, such as tires, vents, sensors, weapon systems, vision panels, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more of the protective segments have camouflage material on the side facing away from the vehicle when the cover is in place. In some variants, this facing away is also called the outside of the protective cover. Furthermore, the outside of the protective cover is specifically oriented towards the area surrounding the vehicle. One advantage of camouflage material is that it makes it more difficult to detect the vehicle, especially in relation to its surroundings, thereby improving the vehicle's protection. This means that potential external impacts, such as projectiles, can not only be reduced by the protective material itself, but also avoided or the risk of such impacts can be minimized by the camouflage. In some embodiments where protective segments have camouflage material, the camouflage material, in conjunction with a form of protective covering when in place, is designed to camouflage the vehicle visually, in the infrared range, multispectrally, from radar or a combination thereof. This advantageous approach expands the potential applications of such a camouflaged vehicle. Furthermore, safety during an operation can be advantageously increased through camouflage tailored to the specific mission. In some embodiments, the protective covering is also designed to protect against an electromagnetic pulse. In some embodiments, the camouflage material is also designed to protect against an electromagnetic pulse. To protect against electromagnetic pulses, the protective covering, in particular a protective segment, can have electrically conductive layers. In some variants, the camouflage material itself is electrically conductive and / or has conductive layers. Alternatively or additionally, the protective covering or the protective segment has another layer for protection against electromagnetic radiation, especially an electromagnetic pulse. Furthermore, in some variants, the protective segments can be electrically connected when deployed, particularly to form a Faraday cage. In some embodiments, at least one of the protective segments has one or more spacer elements on a side of this protective segment facing the vehicle when in place. The spacer elements are designed to keep the protective material of this protective segment away from one or more outer surfaces of the vehicle, which are located particularly on this protective segment. In some variants, the spacer elements are connected to the protective segment, particularly integrally, which facilitates the application of the protective segment and the spacer elements and / or reduces any change in positioning, particularly so-called "slippage," during use, thereby increasing safety. In some embodiments, the protective cover has one or more spacer elements on a side facing the vehicle in the applied state, on at least one outer surface of the vehicle. The spacer elements are designed to space the protective material and / or at least one of the protective elements away from the at least one outer surface of the vehicle. In some embodiments with one or more spacer elements, the spacer elements comprise or are made of deformable, in particular compressible and / or elastic material, especially molded. In some variants, such an elastically compressible material is a foam. One advantage of spacer elements is that a distance exists between the protective material and the outer surface(s), and in the event of an impact, such as an explosion or a projectile, the protective material can move towards the outer surface(s), thereby reducing the direct force transmission from the protective material to the outer surface(s) and / or allowing the spacer elements to absorb energy from the impact and / or cushion forces from the impact. In some variants of embodiments with spacer elements, at least some of the spacer elements are connected to at least one of the connecting devices, particularly integrally. This facilitates the application of the protective cover and the spacer elements and / or reduces any change in positioning, especially so-called "slipping," during use, thereby increasing safety. In some variants, at least some of the spacer elements can be positioned separately from the protective segments and / or connecting elements on the vehicle when not in place. In some variants, the spacer elements are connected to each other, but not necessarily to one of the protective segments, when not in place, for example, directly or with a mesh. The spacer elements can be connected in such a way as to facilitate application to the vehicle.Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, the protective cover features a holding device for spacers, designed to keep the spacers in place on the vehicle when fitted. In some variants, the holding device includes a net, whereby, during application, the spacers are first positioned on the vehicle and then the net encloses them, so that the spacers are positioned between the vehicle and the net. In some variants, the spacers and the holding device are also connected to each other, particularly integrally, which facilitates the application of the spacers. When fitting the protective cover and / or the protective segment, separately positionable spacers can be arranged, particularly before the protective segment(s) are fitted to the vehicle. Subsequently, the protective segment or another part of the protective cover, such as one of the connecting devices, can be positioned on the vehicle above these spacers, i.e., further spaced from the vehicle by the spacers. In some variants, this results in the spacers being attached to the vehicle, particularly in a form-fitting manner. An advantage of spacer elements that are not connected to the protective segments, at least when not in place, can be found in particular in the fact that the protective covering can be adapted to different, especially similar, vehicle shapes by selecting appropriately designed spacer elements, while the rest of the protective covering, in particular the protective segment(s), can remain at least substantially unchanged. In some embodiments, where the protective cover, in particular at least one of the protective segments, has one or more spacer elements, the spacer elements are shaped to form one or more ventilation channels on the outer surface(s) of this protective segment when in place. In some variants, the protective cover has one or more openings from the ventilation channels to the vehicle's surroundings. One advantage of ventilation ducts is that they can supply air to or exhaust air from the vehicle's functional units, thereby maintaining the vehicle's functionality, particularly that of the motor vehicle. Another advantage is that they allow heat to be dissipated from the vehicle, especially from external surfaces of the ventilation ducts, and / or from the side of the protective segment facing away from the vehicle, which can occur, for example, due to solar radiation. This facilitates temperature management and / or prevents or at least reduces overheating of the vehicle.In some variants, the vehicle's external temperature with protective cover in place, especially the temperature on the side facing away from the vehicle, can be reduced and / or adjusted to the vehicle's environment using active temperature management, thereby improving the vehicle's camouflage, particularly in combination with camouflage material. In some embodiments, where some of the protective segments are designed to form ventilation channels on the vehicle's outer surfaces when in place, at least some of the ventilation channels are oriented along the vehicle's direction of travel. This advantageously allows an airflow along these ventilation channels to be generated or enhanced by the vehicle's forward motion. In some embodiments, where some of the protective segments are designed to form ventilation channels on the vehicle's outer surfaces when in place, at least some of the ventilation channels are arranged and shaped such that they begin or end on the underside of the vehicle and / or have at least one opening on the underside leading to the environment below the vehicle. This advantageous method allows air, particularly heated air, to be drawn away from under the vehicle, thereby improving camouflage and, in particular, reducing the vehicle's heat signature. In some embodiments, the protective cover and at least one of the protective segments are designed such that, when in place, this protective segment is removable. This protective segment is also referred to as a removable protective segment. The protective cover is designed to remain connected to the vehicle even when the removable protective segment has been removed from the vehicle and, in particular, when those connecting devices designed to connect the removable protective segment to other protective segments have been released. In some variants, the protective cover is designed to remain positively connected to the vehicle even when the removable protective segment has been removed. One advantage of a removable protective segment is that it can be detached from the vehicle while the rest of the protective covering remains attached, particularly in a form-fitting manner. This simplifies the process of replacing the removable protective segment. In some variants, switching to a removable protective segment with specific properties, such as a particular camouflage pattern or protective material, allows the vehicle's protective covering to be adapted for a specific mission, and this adaptation is significantly faster than with a variant that requires replacing the entire protective covering. Similarly, if the removable protective segment is damaged, the protective covering can be repaired more quickly. In some embodiments, the connecting devices are designed to detachably join the protective segments. This advantageous method allows the protective cover to be fitted and positively attached to the vehicle by positioning the protective segments on the vehicle and closing the connecting devices, thus securing it in the fitted state. This method also allows the protective cover to be released by loosening the connecting devices, thereby enabling the removal of the protective segments from the vehicle and allowing the protective cover to be returned to the unfitted state. This allows the protective cover to be reused multiple times. In other embodiments, the connecting devices are designed to join the protective segments together in such a way that they can no longer be separated from one another without damage. This advantageous method makes it particularly difficult to manipulate the protective covering, for example, by removing protective segments during use, thereby increasing safety. In some embodiments, at least one of the connecting devices is integrally connected to one of the protective segments. This advantageous method reduces errors due to potentially incorrect connections between the protective segment and the connecting device. In some embodiments, the protective cover further comprises a fastening element which is integrally connected to at least one of the protective segments and / or one of the connecting devices. The fastening element is designed to be detachably connected to a mounting base to form a fastening device, wherein, in the applied state, the fastening element is detachably connected to a mounting base to form a fastening device, and the mounting base is attached to the vehicle. One advantage of the fastening device is that, in addition to the positive locking fastening via the fastening base, the protective cover is also attached to the vehicle when in place, which in particular reduces slippage and / or increases protection. In some versions, the protective cover can be designed so that, for fitting, the mounting base is first connected to the vehicle, and then the protective segment is positioned on the vehicle using the mounting element and connected to the mounting base via the mounting element. This prevents or at least reduces slippage of the protective segment and, in particular, simplifies fitting. In some versions, this protective segment can also serve as a starting point for positioning and attaching further protective segments, which can further facilitate fitting. In some versions, this allows a single person to fit the protective cover. In some versions, the mounting base is designed to be screwed, welded, soldered, glued, and / or riveted to the vehicle. In some embodiments, at least one of the protective segments and / or at least one of the connecting devices has a magnet and is designed for magnetic connection to the vehicle. In this advantageous way, this protective segment can be additionally magnetically connected to the vehicle, for example indirectly via the connecting device, and / or slippage after positioning the protective segment on the vehicle can be prevented or at least reduced, thereby particularly facilitating the application of the protective cover and / or increasing the safety of the protection. In some embodiments, at least one of the connecting and / or fastening devices is designed as a hook and loop fastener, webbing, buckle, hook, eyelet, screw or nut, zipper, magnet, bolt or a combination thereof, or has a corresponding part thereof, wherein another of the connecting or fastening devices has a complementary part thereof or is designed as such. In this advantageous way, the protective segments can be connected to each other, especially in a detachable manner. In some versions, when in place, some of the protective segments are connected to each other by one type of the aforementioned connecting device, while others are connected by a different type. For example, in some versions, those protective segments that are positioned first on the vehicle during installation are connected by magnets, other protective segments, particularly those that achieve a dimensionally stable connection with minimal play, are connected by buckles, and at least one removable protective segment is connected to other protective segments by means of a zipper. This advantageous arrangement allows for simple temporary fastening using the magnets, secure retention of the protective cover using the buckles, and quick attachment and / or removal of the removable protective segment using the zipper. In some embodiments, the protective cover further includes a ventilation device designed for air exchange between a side facing the vehicle and a side facing away from it, i.e., in particular between the inside and the outside of the protective cover. In some embodiments where the protective cover has a ventilation device, the ventilation device, when in place, is positioned at an air inlet and / or air outlet of the vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, such as an exhaust pipe. The ventilation device includes a spacer designed to keep one or more of the protective segments at the air inlet or outlet apart from it to facilitate air exchange. This advantageously improves air exchange with the vehicle's surroundings and / or prevents protective segments from at least partially covering the air inlet or outlet, thus hindering air exchange. In some embodiments, at least one of the protective segments has a textile material and is movable and deformable when not in place. In some embodiments, at least one protective segment has a rigid material and is dimensionally stable. In some embodiments, at least one of the protective segments has a transparent material. In some embodiments, where at least one of the protective segments has or consists of a transparent material, the protective cover is designed to position the transparent material in the applied state to allow for an unobstructed view of the vehicle's field of vision, lighting device, or optical sensor. This advantageous method allows the transparent material to be positioned so that protection is provided by the protective material even in the area of ​​the field of vision, lighting device, or optical sensor, while simultaneously preserving the function, such as seeing or illuminating the vehicle's surroundings or detecting them using the optical sensor, for example, a camera. In some embodiments, the protective cover can be at least partially bonded to the vehicle's exterior surfaces. This advantageous method allows the protective cover to be additionally secured to the vehicle and prevented from slipping. In some versions, the bonding can be achieved with a removable adhesive. In some embodiments where one of the protective segments has a transparent material, the transparent material is bonded to the vehicle, for example, a viewing window of the vehicle such as a windshield or a sensor window, with a transparent adhesive when in place. This advantageously reduces visual impairments caused by passage through multiple material layers, thereby increasing operational capability and / or safety. Furthermore, in some variants, the transparent adhesive has an optical density that corresponds at least substantially to, and in particular lies between, the optical density of the viewing window or the transparent material. In some variants, the protective material is selected from a group of: - Ballistic material, in particular woven or knitted fabrics made of aramids, carbon fiber or high-molecular-weight polyethylenes, or plates or films made of ceramic, steel or titanium; - Puncture-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the ballistic material, or plates or films made of aluminum or a chainmail mesh, such as steel; - Cut-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the puncture-resistant material; - Impact-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the ballistic material, aluminum plates, plates made of plastics such as polycarbonate or non-Newtonian fluids; - Laminated safety glass; or a combination thereof, in particular a multi-layered one. For the purposes of this disclosure, a "plate" is understood to be, in particular, a planar, dimensionally stable structural element made of or consisting of a solid material, such as ceramic, metal, or plastic. The plate has a thin, yet defined thickness relative to its surface area, and this thickness need not be constant across the entire surface. A plate can have a flat or planar shape, or a curved shape, such as a bent or shell-like design. However, the shape is not such that it is a closed hollow form, such as a cylinder or a tube. The plate serves, in particular, as a protective material against impact, puncture, cut, or blows.In various embodiments, the plate is either detachably inserted into a protective segment or module, or permanently integrated within it, for example by textile inserts, bonding, or a material-bonded connection with a carrier layer. In other embodiments, a protective package also includes or consists of the plate. A second aspect of the invention relates to a retrofit kit for the protection of a vehicle, which has at least all components of a protective cover according to the first aspect of the invention. The possible advantages, embodiments or variants of the first aspect of the invention also apply accordingly to the retrofit kit according to the second aspect of the invention. Another advantage of the retrofit kit is that existing vehicles, especially production vehicles, can be retrofitted with the protective cover. For this purpose, the retrofit kit can include packaging and any tools required for installation, be transported to the deployment site, and fitted to a vehicle already there. In some embodiments, the retrofit kit further includes one or more additional protective segments designed to replace protective segments of the protective cover and / or to adapt the protective cover to a specific application scenario. In some embodiments, the retrofit kit also includes a mounting base designed to be attached to the vehicle and connected to a mounting base of the protective cover. A third aspect of the invention relates to a protective segment, in particular for a protective cover and / or for a retrofit kit. The protective segment has camouflage material on a side facing away from the vehicle when in place, particularly when the protective cover is in place, and one or more spacer elements on a side facing the vehicle when in place. The spacer elements are shaped to form one or more ventilation channels on at least one outer surface of the vehicle when the protective segment is in place. The possible advantages, embodiments or variants of the first and second aspects of the invention, in particular those relating to camouflage and ventilation channels, also apply accordingly to the protective segment according to the third aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, the protective segment is designed for attachment to the vehicle, wherein it is already connected to the vehicle, either on its own or with at least one other protective segment, in particular by a positive fit, a frictional fit, or a material bond. In some variants, the protective segment has one or more magnets or fastening elements for corresponding mounting bases installed on the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, in some variants, the protective segment has a connecting device designed to connect the protective segment to at least one other protective segment and / or, for example as a strap, to connect the protective segment to the vehicle, in particular by a positive fit. In this advantageous way, certain areas of the vehicle can be connected to the vehicle already with one and, if necessary, two additional protective segments.to protect further associated protective segments, in particular from physical impacts by means of protective material, camouflage and / or thermal management, whereby in particular heat sources are shielded and / or heat is dissipated. For the purposes of this disclosure, an "operation" refers in particular to an event or scenario / operational scenario in which the vehicle performs a task, especially for and / or controlled by a person. In some variations, the person may be inside the vehicle, i.e., an occupant. In other variations, the vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, may be remotely controlled. In some variations, the vehicle, especially a motor vehicle, may also be remotely controlled automatically and / or possess autonomous control. The operation may take place within a broader context, such as a tactical, operational, or emergency response situation, but this is not a requirement. An operation may include activities such as reconnaissance, detection, guidance, rescue, guarding, destruction, or disposal, or a combination thereof.Such deployments may include, in particular, activities within the framework of police, military service, or rescue operations, where the vehicle is exposed to potential impacts, especially external hazards, and where the protective covering serves to protect the vehicle and any occupants, especially their physical safety. Preparatory or accompanying phases may also fall under or be part of such a deployment, in particular training exercises, drills, test scenarios, transport phases related to an operation, and states of heightened readiness. A further aspect of the invention relates to a manufacturing method for a protective cover, in particular one according to the first aspect of the invention, and / or for a retrofit kit according to the second aspect of the invention. The manufacturing method comprises at least the following: - determining a vehicle for which the protective cover / retrofit kit is to be manufactured; - determining the dimensions of the vehicle, in particular the sizes, arrangements, and contours of the vehicle's exterior surfaces; - specifying which areas of the vehicle are to be protected with protective material and / or in which areas protective segments of the protective cover / retrofit kit are to be applied;- Subdividing the areas so that individual protective segments can be applied and, in some variants, removed again, whereby in some variants protective segments made of deformable material can be pulled over such areas and / or in some variants protective segments made of non-deformable, especially rigid, material can only be placed on top, which could limit the choice of subdivisions; - Providing the protective segments for the subdivided areas;- Providing connection devices for the protective cover and / or the retrofit kit, wherein in some variants one, several or all of the connection devices are connected to at least one of the protective segments and / or a first part of a respective connection device is connected to a first of the protective segments and a second part of the respective connection device is connected to a second of the protective segments, and the first and second parts are, in particular, detachably connectable or connected to each other. The possible advantages, embodiments or variants of the preceding aspects of the invention also apply accordingly to the manufacturing process according to the further aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, the manufacturing process further includes the provision of protective material, in particular protective packages. A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for applying a protective cover, in particular one according to the first or second aspect of the invention, and / or according to the manufacturing method of the further aspect of the invention. The method comprises at least the following: - providing the protective cover or at least its parts, in particular as a retrofit kit; - positioning the protective segments of the protective cover on a vehicle to be protected; - closing the connecting devices of the protective cover and thus, in particular, connecting the protective segments to one another and attaching the protective cover to the vehicle. The possible advantages, embodiments or variants of the preceding aspects of the invention also apply accordingly to the method for applying a protective covering according to the further aspect of the invention. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of a protective cover, in particular one according to the first or second aspect of the invention, and / or according to the manufacturing method of the further aspect of the invention, during an operation. Depending on the operation, and especially before the operation, a protective cover suitable for a vehicle and for the respective operation, or a retrofit kit that enables such a protective cover, is selected and provided. The protective cover is then fitted to the vehicle. Finally, at least in some variants, the vehicle, protected by the protective cover, is used in the operation. The possible advantages, embodiments or variants of the preceding aspects of the invention also apply accordingly to the use of a protective covering according to the further aspect of the invention. In some embodiments, a suitable camouflage material and thus the appropriate protective covering may depend on the environment in which the vehicle is used, such as wooded areas, desert or snow. In some embodiments where the protective segment and / or the protective cover incorporates a camouflage material for desert camouflage, the camouflage material features a desert-colored pattern. Similarly, some embodiments for snow camouflage feature a pattern that mimics a snowy landscape. Likewise, some embodiments for water camouflage feature patterns corresponding to the body of water. Furthermore, some embodiments feature different patterns and / or colors for different areas of the vehicle, which are typically facing any observer and thus concealing their respective surroundings.For example, some variants for aerial camouflage may feature sky patterns and / or colors (white, gray, and / or blue) on vehicle areas that are usually facing downwards towards the ground, and patterns and / or colors corresponding to terrain on the ground (e.g., green and / or brown) on vehicle areas that are usually facing upwards, or turquoise, blue, and / or black for water below the vehicle. In some embodiments, the appropriate protective material and thus the appropriate protective covering may depend on a threat situation, such as expected external impacts on the vehicle, like blows, explosions or projectiles, possibly of different calibers and penetration values. Further advantages, features and application possibilities will result from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments and / or from the figures. Brief description of the characters The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures and advantageous embodiments. Identical elements or components of the embodiments are essentially identified by the same reference numerals, unless otherwise described or evident from the context. The following are shown, partly schematically: Fig. 1 shows a protective cover according to one embodiment in the applied state; Fig. 2 a and b shows a protective segment according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 shows a retrofit kit according to one embodiment; Fig. 4 shows various connecting devices for connecting protective segments; Fig. 5 shows a layered structure of an embodiment of a protective segment; Fig. 6 shows a protective cover according to another embodiment in the unapplied state together with a motor vehicle to be protected; Fig. 7 shows various spacer elements in a section through a protective segment according to yet another embodiment; and Fig. 8 shows a protective cover according to yet another embodiment in the applied state. Detailed description of implementation examples The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the present invention. Elements and / or components shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements and / or components shown in the figures are represented in such a way that their function and / or purpose become clear to a person skilled in the art. Fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of a protective cover 1 for a vehicle in a state attached to the vehicle. In one embodiment, the protective cover for a motor vehicle, in particular a land vehicle, especially an off-road vehicle, is designed, and in particular shaped, as the vehicle indicated for illustration in Fig. 1, but which is not part of the protective cover. The protective cover 1 has as protective segments at least a windshield protective segment 10, a front protective segment 12, an upper protective segment 14, a removable protective segment 16, and a side protective segment 18. The protective cover may also have a protective segment for the opposite side of the motor vehicle, which, however, is not shown in the side view of Fig. 1. The windshield protection segment 10 is manufactured in some variants as a plate made of transparent polycarbonate or at least has an element made of transparent material which, when in place, is arranged on a windshield of the motor vehicle and allows a view through the windshield and the windshield protection segment 10 to the outside towards the surroundings of the motor vehicle. In some versions, the windshield protection segment 10 is bonded to the windshield using a transparent adhesive, such as an elastic silicone adhesive. The front protection segment 12 is, in some versions, made of textile material, in particular para-aramid or polyamide, and has one or more pockets for holding protective packages containing protective material. In the fitted state shown here, the front protection segment 12 is connected to the windshield protection segment 10 by means of one or more connecting elements 22, in particular by screws. In some versions, the connecting elements 22 are designed as screws and threads, with the windshield protection segment 10 having threads and the front protection segment 12 having threads or openings for the screws.Accordingly, in some variants the upper protective segment 14 is made of textile material and connected to the windshield protective segment 10, in particular by screws. As shown in some variants, the upper protective segment 14 has a protective material 40, for example a combination of a knitted fabric made of aramids with ceramic tiles. In some other variants, the front protective segment 12 is made of a dimensionally stable material, for example comprising a multi-layered composite material of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and titanium, wherein the front protective segment 12 is placed over a front area, in particular a hood of the motor vehicle, to apply the protective cover 1. The protective covering 1 also has a ventilation device 30 at the front protective segment 12 and in particular at the engine hood, which, by means of a spacer device of the ventilation device 30, spaces the protective segment 12 away from the motor vehicle, in particular a radiator grille of the engine hood, and allows the supply of air, in particular for cooling and / or for a drive motor of the motor vehicle. The side protective segment 18 is made of textile material in some variants and of a plate, for example of steel or titanium, in some of the other variants. The protective cover has further connecting devices, not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of clarity, in particular for connecting the side protective segment 18 to the upper protective segment 14. In some variants, the upper protective segment 14 is connected to the side protective segment 18 by means of a zipper. The front protective segment 12, when in place, extends particularly below a front area of ​​the vehicle, especially below the vehicle's bumper. By positioning the protective segments 10, 12, 14, and 18, a positive-locking connection is formed, thus attaching the protective cover 1 to the vehicle. The removable protective segment 16, when in place, is connected to the front protective segment 12 and the side protective segment 18 by means of the connecting devices 26. In some versions, the connecting devices 26 are buckles and are connected to the removable protective segment 16 via straps, which are sewn to the removable protective segment 16. The buckles can be opened to release the connections between the protective segment 16 and the protective segments 12 and 18, allowing the protective segment 16 to be removed. As shown in Fig. 1, in some variants the wheels, as functional units of the motor vehicle, protrude from the bottom of the protective cover 1. In particular, the front protective segment 12 may have openings for those wheels which are arranged at the front of the motor vehicle, and the protective cover 1 may not cover the underside of the motor vehicle in a rear area. For clarity, the protective segments in Fig. 1 are shown spaced apart from one another. In some variants, the protective covering has additional protective material at connection points, particularly where the protective segments are spaced apart, especially to reduce any gaps in the protection. In some other variants, the protective covering and at least some of the protective segments are designed so that these protective segments overlap at the connection point. This reduces gaps and thus increases the level of protection. Fig. 2a schematically shows a view of a side facing the vehicle, in particular also called the inside of the protective cover, of an embodiment of a protective segment 214. Fig. 2b schematically shows a frontal view of the embodiment of the protective segment 214. Fig. 2b also shows, for illustrative purposes, an outer surface 201, in particular an area of ​​the vehicle's roof, which is not part of the protective segment. The protective segment 214 from Figs. 2a and 2b corresponds in some variants to the upper protective segment 14 from Fig. 1. The protective segment 214 has several spacer elements 234. In some variants, these are made of or incorporate an elastic material. In some variants, the elastic material is a foam. The protective segment 214 also has a cover 242, in particular made of a textile material, with a pocket 244 for receiving protective material, for example, protective packages that can be inserted into the pocket 244. Furthermore, the protective segment has camouflage material 260 on a side facing away from the vehicle when the protective segment is deployed. The camouflage material 260 is designed, in particular in conjunction with a form of protective covering when deployed, to camouflage the vehicle visually, in the infrared range, multispectrally, from radar, or a combination thereof. In some variants, the camouflage material 260 and the spacer elements 236 are integrally connected to the cover 242, for example, by sewing. As shown in Fig. 2b, the spacer elements 234 are designed to space the shell 242, and thus also any protective material contained in the pocket 244, away from the outer surface 201. Furthermore, the spacer elements 234 are shaped as elongated profiles or beams and are attached side by side to the shell 242, with a gap between them and open towards the outer surface, so that, when in place, air channels 236 are formed, particularly in conjunction with the outer surface. In some variants, the ventilation channels 236 are oriented, and in particular the spacer elements 234 are shaped and arranged, such that they run along a typical airflow pattern in the vehicle, for example in its usual direction of travel, thereby facilitating ventilation and cooling by means of the airflow, such as a driving breeze. Fig. 3 schematically shows an embodiment of a retrofit kit 300 for the protection of a motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the retrofit kit 300 is designed for an off-road vehicle and can, in particular, provide protection for the off-road vehicle similar to the protective cover shown in Fig. 1 and be designed accordingly. In one embodiment, the retrofit kit 300 comprises a front protection segment 310, a windshield protection segment 312, an upper protection segment 314, a side protection segment 318 for one side of the vehicle, and another side protection segment 319 for the opposite side of the vehicle. The upper protection segment 314 is designed to protect upper outer surfaces, including those of the rear of the vehicle. The retrofit kit also includes a replacement protection segment 311, which can be used to replace the front protection segment 310, for example, to adapt to a specific application or if the protection segment 310 is damaged. To accommodate different applications, the replacement protection segment is designed differently from the protection segment 310 in some variants. For example, in some variants the protection segment 310 features a lightweight textile protective material, whereas the replacement protection segment 311 uses armored steel plates as its protective material. The upper protective segment 314 has several spacer elements 336, which are designed to space other parts of the protective segment 314 away from the outer surfaces of the vehicle and between which ventilation channels are formed, leading to a ventilation device 336 of the protective segment 314. In some variants, the ventilation device 336 is designed as an opening; in other variants, it is designed as an active ventilation device with protective material, possibly at least one air filter, and an air movement device such as a fan. In some variants, the ventilation device 336 is arranged on the protective segment 314 such that, when in place, air can exit through it at the rear or back of the vehicle or enter through it. The retrofit kit 300 also includes a base plate 350 as an additional protective segment. The base plate 350 has a further ventilation device 356. This can be designed similarly to the ventilation device 336, but in some variants, it can be arranged on the base plate 350 in such a way that air is drawn in at the front of the vehicle and can be supplied with air to, for example, an engine, in particular an internal combustion engine, for propelling the vehicle. Furthermore, in some variants, the air, or a portion thereof, can be guided through the ventilation channels 366 of the front protective segment 312 and the windshield protective segment 310 and directed to the ventilation channels of the upper protective segment 314, thereby enabling, in particular, temperature management, especially cooling of the vehicle.One advantage of the arrangement of the ventilation devices 336 and 356 may be, in particular, that a driving wind can support air movement through the ventilation ducts and thus ventilation and any cooling. The base plate 350 also has one or more openings 354 for functional units, in particular four openings 354 for the four wheels of the motor vehicle. Thus, in some variants, only the wheels protrude from a protective cover attached to the motor vehicle using the retrofit kit, thereby enabling full-surface protection. The base plate 350 also has one or more fastening elements 358. The retrofit kit 300 includes corresponding mounting bases 305. The one or more mounting bases 305 are designed to be permanently connected to the vehicle. In some versions, these are components of magnetic fasteners that are welded to the vehicle, particularly to its underbody. In such versions, the fastening elements 358 are corresponding components of the magnetic fasteners, thus enabling the base plate 350 to be attached to the vehicle floor and preventing it from being opened by magnetic force, i.e., magnetically locking a corresponding locking mechanism. The retrofit kit 300 also has connecting devices for connecting the protective segments, which are not shown in Fig. 3 for the sake of clarity. In some variants, the retrofit kit has more mounting bases 305 than the base plate 350 has fastening elements 358, in particular a multiple of the fastening elements. In this advantageous way, several vehicles, especially of the same type, can be equipped with the mounting bases 305 and the protective cover, which can be assembled with the retrofit kit, can be mounted on one or another of the vehicles as required for use. Fig. 4 schematically shows different embodiments of connecting devices for connecting protective segments in an exemplary protective segment. As shown in Fig. 4, one or more of the connecting devices can be designed as: - an eyelet 460; - a snap with spring 462; - a magnet 464; - a bolt 466 with a cotter pin 467; and / or - a hook strap 468, also referred to in some variants as a hook and loop fastener, which can in particular be connected with a loop strap. Figure 5 schematically shows a layered structure according to an embodiment of a protective segment 510 as an exploded view. For illustration, a direction 501 towards the body of a vehicle to be protected by the protective segment and a direction 502 towards the surroundings are also shown. In one embodiment, the protective segment 510 has a layer with several spacer elements 512 located closest to the vehicle when in place. These are also referred to as "spacers" and / or "circulation elements" in some variants. The spacer elements 512 are connected to a layer 513, also referred to as the "back side". In some versions, the back side 513 is made of a textile material. The back side 513 can serve as a substrate for the spacers 512 and other layers. The protective segment 510 features a layer of camouflage material 516 facing the environment when deployed. In some variants, this is also referred to as "(multi-spectral) camouflage" or "camouflage layer". Between the backing layer 513 and the camouflage layer 516, a layer 514 containing protective material is arranged. This is also referred to as the "protective package" in some variants. In some variants, layers 512, 513, 514 and 516 are integrally connected to each other, for example by being sewn and / or glued together and / or, especially in the case of the camouflage layer, applied as a coating on another of the layers, for example as camouflage paint on the protective material. Fig. 6 schematically shows a protective cover 600 according to a further embodiment in the unattached state together with a motor vehicle 601 to be protected. For further explanation, heat sources 603 and the movement of heat / heated air are also illustrated in Fig. 6. In one embodiment, the motor vehicle is a tracked vehicle 601 and the protective cover 600 is designed, in particular shaped, to protect it. One heat source 603 is, in particular, the sun, which shines on the motor vehicle 601 and could heat it up. The protective cover 600 has an upper protective segment 614 and two side protective segments 616 and 618. Accordingly, the protective cover can also have further side protective segments on the opposite side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. 6, heated air 606 moves particularly upwards. Accordingly, the protective segments 614, 616 and 618 have spacer elements which form upwardly directed ventilation channels. The protective segments 614, 616 and 618 each have protective material and are, at least externally, camouflaged. In some variants, the protective segments 614, 616 and 618 can also be individually attached to the motor vehicle, for example by means of magnets incorporated into the protective segments. Fig. 7 schematically shows various spacer elements in a section through a protective segment in a top view according to yet another embodiment, together with a vehicle for illustration. In one embodiment, the vehicle can be the tracked vehicle 601 from Fig. 6. The protective segment 616 can also correspond to a protective segment from Fig. 6. In some variants, the protective segment features one or more closed profiles 741 as spacers. These profiles are made of a readily deformable material, such as aluminum or elastic plastic. They are designed as hollow profiles and / or filled with another material, such as a compressible material like a gas or foam, and / or with a liquid or liquefiable material, which, upon physical impact, can flow along the profile and escape at specific points to dissipate the impact force. In some variants, the protective segment features one or more U-profiles 742 as spacers. These are made of a readily deformable material, such as aluminum or elastic plastic, in some variants. In some versions, the protective segment features one or more spacer elements, profile 743, which are shaped like mushroom heads. These are made of a readily deformable material, such as aluminum or elastic plastic, in some versions. In some variants, the protective segment features one or more spacer elements, specifically lamellae 744. These are made of a readily deformable material, such as aluminum or elastic plastic, in some variants; in other words, they are made of such a material and / or are manufactured from it. Furthermore, in some variants, the lamellae are designed and arranged so that they can fold over upon impact, thus dissipating the impact force. In some variants, the protective segment features one or more foam blocks 745 as spacers. Fig. 8 schematically shows a protective cover 800 according to one embodiment in the applied state. In one embodiment, the protective cover 800 is designed to protect a helicopter, which is also shown in Fig. 8 for illustrative purposes but is not part of the protective cover. The protective cover has a front protective segment 812 and a rear protective segment 818, which are detachably connected by means of one or more connecting devices 820. While exemplary embodiments, application possibilities, and application examples have been described in detail, particularly with reference to the figures, it should be noted that a multitude of modifications are possible. Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the exemplary embodiments and applications are merely examples and are not intended to restrict the scope of protection, application, or design in any way.Rather, the preceding description provides the skilled person with a guide for the implementation and / or application of at least one embodiment, whereby various modifications, in particular alternative or additional features and / or modifications of the function and / or arrangements of the described components, can be made at the skilled person's request, without deviating from the subject matter defined in the attached claims and their legal equivalents and / or leaving their scope of protection.

Claims

Protective cover (1) for a vehicle, wherein the protective cover (1) comprises several protective segments (10, 12, 16, 18) and one or more connecting devices (22, 24, 26); in a fitted state of the protective cover, the protective segments are connected to one another by means of the connecting devices and are designed to fasten the protective cover to the vehicle; in a not fitted state of the protective cover, the protective segments are removable; and the protective cover is designed, in the fitted state, to protect one or more external surfaces of the vehicle by means of protective material (40) at the protective segments. Protective cover according to claim 1, wherein the protective segments have camouflage material (260) on a side facing away from the vehicle when applied and the camouflage material in conjunction with a form of protective cover when applied is designed to camouflage the vehicle visually, in the infrared range, multispectral, from radar or a combination thereof. Protective covering according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the protective segments has one or more spacer elements (234) on a side of this protective segment (214) facing the vehicle in the applied state, which are designed to space the protective material (240) at this protective segment from the outer surfaces of the vehicle there. Protective covering according to claim 3, wherein the spacer elements are shaped to form one or more ventilation channels (236) on the outer surface(s) of this protective segment when in the applied state. Protective cover according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective cover and at least one of the protective segments, designated as a removable protective segment (16), are designed such that in the applied state the removable protective segment is removable, the protective cover remaining connected to the vehicle. Protective covering according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the connecting devices (26) is integrally connected to each of the protective segments (16) and the connecting devices are designed to detachably connect the protective segments (16, 12, 18) to each other. Protective covering according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the protective material (40) is selected from the group consisting of: - ballistic material, in particular woven or knitted fabrics of aramids, carbon fiber or high molecular weight polyethylenes or plates or films of ceramic, steel or titanium; - puncture-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the ballistic material or plates or films of aluminum or a chainmail weave; - cut-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the puncture-resistant material; - impact-resistant material, in particular corresponding to the ballistic material, aluminum plates, steel plates, plates of plastics such as polycarbonate or non-Newtonian fluids; - laminated safety glass; or a combination thereof, in particular a multi-layered one. Retrofit kit (300) for the protection of a vehicle, which has at least all components of a protective cover according to one of the preceding claims. Retrofit kit according to claim 8, which further comprises one or more additional protective segments (311) configured to replace protective segments (310) of the protective covering or to adapt the protective covering to an operational scenario. Protective segment (214) for a protective cover (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or for a retrofit kit according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the protective segment (214) has camouflage material (260) on a side facing away from the vehicle in an applied state and has one or more spacer elements (234) on a side facing the vehicle in an applied state, which are shaped to form one or more ventilation channels (236) on at least one outer surface of the vehicle in this protective segment in an applied state.

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