DE102024104011A1 - Method for leak detection taking into account a gradient of a total elevation distance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting a leak of at least one air spring (101, 102) of a vehicle (200), the method comprising: - receiving (110)◯ a first data packet (D1) with▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum11) of a first air spring (101) of a vehicle (200),▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum12) of a second air spring (102) of a vehicle (200),◯ a second data packet (D2) with▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum21) of a first air spring (101) of a vehicle (200),▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum22) of a second air spring (102) of a vehicle (200), - calculating (120)◯ a first gradient (Slope1_D12) of the total lifting distance of the first air spring (101), depending on▪ the first total lifting distance (Sum11) of the first air spring (101), and▪ the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of the first air spring (101),◯ a second gradient (Slope2_D12) of the total lifting distance of the second air spring (102), depending on▪ the first total lifting distance (Sum12) of the second air spring (102), and▪ the second total lifting distance (Sum22) of the second air spring (102),- determining (130) a leakage of the first air spring (101) or second air spring (102) depending on the first gradient (Slope1_D12) and the second gradient (Slope2_D12).

Description

The invention relates to a method for detecting a leakage of at least one air spring according to the independent method claim, a corresponding air spring, a corresponding computer program product, a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit for carrying out the method and a corresponding vehicle with a corresponding control unit.

Vehicles with air springs are known, whereby the height of an air spring, in particular “how low” the vehicle or the air spring is, can be adjustable. A vehicle can, for example, have at least one air spring, for example one air spring per wheel. The height (in particular length) of an air spring can be adjusted using compressed air. For example, the air spring can be pressurized with compressed air in order to increase the height (e.g. from a first height to a second height). Alternatively, compressed air can be released from the air spring in order to reduce the height. It can also be provided that the air spring, a pressure accumulator (e.g. for compressed air) and/or a connecting line (between) has a leak. This can cause air or pressure to escape (unintentionally) and/or be reduced.

The state of the art has disadvantages. For example, leak detection is not possible or only inadequately possible. For example, the accuracy and/or reliability of leak detection may be insufficient. Furthermore, an (unnecessary) amount of information, in particular sensors and/or sensor data, may be required. Furthermore, detection of a leak and/or compensation of pressure losses may (only) be possible by using several/all control units and/or when starting the engine. A "tilt" of the vehicle, in particular due to different heights (e.g., due to leakage) of different air springs, cannot therefore be compensated for or can only be inadequately compensated for in vehicles, systems, and/or methods from the state of the art. Furthermore, detection and/or compensation of a leak, in particular during operation, e.g., while driving the vehicle, may be inadequate. The use of information, especially over a longer period of time and/or from other vehicles (e.g., a fleet of identical vehicles), may be unavailable or insufficient. Separating and/or differentiating between air springs with a leak and those without may also be impossible or at least difficult, particularly since manual height adjustments (performed by the driver) make detection difficult.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome at least one of the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for detecting a leak in at least one air spring. In addition, it can be an object to improve safety, driving behavior, roadholding, appearance and/or confidence in the vehicle. Furthermore, it can be an object to ensure improved utilization of information, in particular periods with and/or without altitude adjustments. In addition, it can be an object to enable optimized computing power of a control unit. Furthermore, a decentralization of calculations and/or data storage can be an object.

The above object is achieved by a method for detecting a leak in at least one air spring according to the independent method claim, an air spring according to the independent device claim, a computer program product having the features of the independent computer program product claim, a computer-readable data carrier having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a computer-readable data carrier, a control unit having the features of the independent patent claim relating to a control unit, and a vehicle having the features of the independent vehicle claim. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the description, and the drawings.

Features and details described in connection with the method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program product according to the invention and/or in connection with the computer-readable data carrier according to the invention and/or in connection with the control unit according to the invention and/or in connection with the vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other. In particular, advantages that are described in the context of the first, second, third, fourth, and/or fifth aspect also apply to the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and/or sixth aspect.

• - Empfangen, insbesondere durch eine Steuereinheit und/oder ein Backend,
  • ◯ eines ersten Datenpakets mit
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
  • ◯ eines zweiten Datenpakets mit
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
• - Berechnen
  • ◯ einer ersten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder,
  • ◯ einer zweiten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder,
• - Ermitteln einer Leckage der ersten Luftfeder und/oder zweiten Luftfeder in Abhängigkeit von der ersten Steigung und/oder der zweiten Steigung, und/oder insbesondere (auch) einer dritten Steigung und/oder vierten Steigung (siehe unten).

The above object is achieved according to a first aspect by a method for detecting a leakage of at least one air spring (e.g. according to the second aspect) of a vehicle (e.g. according to the sixth aspect), the method comprising:

• - Receive, in particular by a control unit and/or a backend,
  • ◯ a first data packet with
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance of a first air spring of a vehicle,
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance of a second air spring of a vehicle,
  • ◯ a second data packet with
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance of a first air spring of a vehicle,
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance of a second air spring of a vehicle,
• - Calculate
  • ◯ a first gradient of the total lifting distance of the first air spring, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance of the first air spring, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance of the first air spring,
  • ◯ a second gradient of the total lifting distance of the second air spring, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance of the second air spring, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance of the second air spring,
• - Determining a leakage of the first air spring and/or second air spring as a function of the first gradient and/or the second gradient, and/or in particular (also) a third gradient and/or fourth gradient (see below).

The method according to the first aspect can be computer-implemented and/or performed repeatedly and/or continuously. Preferably, the method can be performed during, before, and/or (preferably) during operation or use of the vehicle, for example, while driving. Alternatively or additionally, the method can be performed at (regular) intervals, for example, every three hours (see below). The control unit can implement the method, in particular where appropriate, for example, by controlling (height) sensors, the air spring(s), a pressure accumulator, and/or a compressor. It may be particularly preferred if the method is performed (at least partially) in a backend (e.g., the manufacturer's). A control unit can provide the data packets (or at least components thereof, e.g., measured heights), for example, via a data connection (e.g., the Internet).

Preferably, the method is designed to detect a leakage of at least one (e.g. first, second, third and/or fourth) air spring, a pressure accumulator and/or at least one connecting line (between).

The vehicle can have at least one air spring, in particular four air springs (e.g., for each wheel or in each "corner" of the vehicle). It can be provided that the at least one or each air spring is (reversibly) connectable or connected to a pressure accumulator and/or a compressor for applying compressed air or releasing compressed air. Accordingly, the pressure and/or height of the at least one air spring can be adjusted via the pressure accumulator and/or compressor. The pressure accumulator preferably has a (constant) volume. For example, it can be rigidly constructed, e.g., made of steel. The control unit can preferably control the air spring(s), the compressor, and/or the pressure accumulator, in particular the valves connected to them (e.g., via control signals). This allows the pressure and/or height of an air spring to be adjusted. This can be referred to as height adjustment. This can be performed manually (in particular by the driver) and/or automatically (e.g., as part of a level control by the control unit) (see below).

The (e.g. first, second, third and/or fourth) air spring can have a height sensor. The height sensor can be configured to measure the height (or length) of the air spring. It can be provided that the height is lower at lower pressure. It can be provided that the height is greater at higher pressure. It can be provided that the height sensor is connected to a (or the) control unit unit, for example via a data connection, whereby in particular data (e.g. the measured height) can be transmitted from the sensor to the control unit (in particular in order to store it and/or transmit it to a backend) and/or the control unit can control the sensor, for example in order to carry out a measurement.

• - ein erstes Datenpaket
  • ◯ eine erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten, zweiten, dritten, und/oder vierten (und/oder fünften ... etc.) Luftfeder und/oder
• - ein zweites Datenpaket
  • ◯ eine zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten, zweiten, dritten, und/oder vierten (und/oder fünften ... etc.) Luftfeder und/oder
• - ein drittes Datenpaket
  • ◯ eine dritte Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten, zweiten, dritten, und/oder vierten (und/oder fünften ... etc.) Luftfeder und/oder
• - ein viertes Datenpaket
  • ◯ eine vierte Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten, zweiten, dritten, und/oder vierten (und/oder fünften ... etc.) Luftfeder und/oder
• - ein fünftes (und/oder sechstes ... etc.) Datenpaket
  • ◯ eine fünfte (und/oder sechstes ... etc.) Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten, zweiten, dritten, und/oder vierten (und/oder fünften ... etc.) Luftfeder.

Receiving can be performed by the control unit (e.g., of the vehicle) and/or (preferably) by a backend. The backend can be specific to a manufacturer, controlled by the manufacturer, and/or owned by the manufacturer. The backend can comprise a server and/or a computer that (at least) partially implements and/or executes the method, for example, in combination with a control unit of the vehicle. Receiving can comprise storing. Receiving can preferably comprise a first, second, third, and/or fourth, and/or further (fifth, sixth, etc.) data packet. Preferably, it comprises:

• - a first data packet
  • ◯ a first total lifting distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth ... etc.) air spring and/or
• - a second data packet
  • ◯ a second total lifting distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth ... etc.) air spring and/or
• - a third data packet
  • ◯ a third total lifting distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth ... etc.) air spring and/or
• - a fourth data packet
  • ◯ a fourth total lifting distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth ... etc.) air spring and/or
• - a fifth (and/or sixth ... etc.) data packet
  • ◯ a fifth (and/or sixth ... etc.) total lift distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth ... etc.) air spring.

Table 1 (see below) can also be used as an example for this. In other words, a large number of data packets can be received. These can each have a total lifting distance for at least one (preferably all) air spring(s), but preferably at least for a first and a second air spring. The method can preferably be carried out with (or for) at least two, ideally four, air springs. The reception can take place (in time) at a later time, in particular with (in time) consecutive data packets. It can also be provided to receive at least two (or more) data packets at once. The data packets can be received by the control unit and/or provided by the control unit, in particular to a backend (which receives them).

• - einer ersten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
  • ◯ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder, und
  • ◯ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder,
• - einer zweiten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
  • ◯ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder, und
  • ◯ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder,
• - einer dritten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
  • ◯ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder, und
  • ◯ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder,
• - einer vierten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
  • ◯ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder, und
  • ◯ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder,
• - einer fünften (und/oder sechsten etc.) Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der fünften (und/oder sechsten etc.) Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
  • ◯ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der fünften (und/oder sechsten etc.) Luftfeder, und
  • ◯ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der fünften (und/oder sechsten etc.) Luftfeder.

The calculation can be performed depending on the reception, in particular the data packets. Preferably, the calculation comprises calculating at least one (preferably several or all) of the following features or variables:

• - a first gradient of the total lifting distance of the first air spring, depending on
  • ◯ the first total lifting distance of the first air spring, and
  • ◯ the second total lifting distance of the first air spring,
• - a second gradient of the total lifting distance of the second air spring, depending on
  • ◯ the first total lifting distance of the second air spring, and
  • ◯ the second total lifting distance of the second air spring,
• - a third gradient of the total lifting distance of the third air spring, depending on
  • ◯ the first total lifting distance of the third air spring, and
  • ◯ the second total lifting distance of the third air spring,
• - a fourth gradient of the total lifting distance of the fourth air spring, depending on
  • ◯ the first total lifting distance of the fourth air spring, and
  • ◯ the second total lifting distance of the fourth air spring,
• - a fifth (and/or sixth etc.) gradient of the total lifting distance of the fifth (and/or sixth etc.) air spring, depending on
  • ◯ the first total lifting distance of the fifth (and/or sixth etc.) air spring, and
  • ◯ the second total lift distance of the fifth (and/or sixth etc.) air spring.

The above statements can refer to a first and/or second data packet. It can be provided to perform this analogously for further data packets, in particular a third, fourth and/or fifth (and/or sixth, etc.) data packet. In other words, a gradient can be calculated for one (preferably each) air spring between the values of different (in particular consecutive) data packets. A gradient can be specific to the (respective) change, in particular over time and/or the mileage (e.g., mileage), of a (respective) total lift distance, which can preferably be specific to a (respective) air spring. This can make it possible to detect a leak, preferably depending on the gradient and/or a change in the gradient. For example, in the simplest case, it can be detected that (always and/or repeatedly) an air spring has an increased or higher total lift distance, in particular compared to one (or more) other air spring(s). This may indicate and/or allow the conclusion that there is a leak in the air spring, in particular because (always and/or repeatedly) a (relatively) larger height adjustment for the air spring was and/or had to be made, for example in order to achieve a zero level (at which the vehicle and/or the axle are straight/balanced). It may be provided that a leaking air spring, during an (automatic) height adjustment, always has to be raised somewhat/minimally further/more than an intact/tight air spring. This can be difficult (or impossible) to determine based on a height difference during a single or repeated height adjustment. According to the invention, this can be determined over a longer period of time and/or a longer mileage. Accordingly, even a small leak can advantageously be detected by determining the total lifting distance. This can increase safety.

The determination can be performed depending on the reception, in particular the data packets, and/or the calculation. In this case, the determination of a leak in the first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth, etc.) air spring can be performed depending on the first, second, third, and/or fourth (and/or fifth, etc.) gradient. The determination can be performed, for example, by comparing the gradients with each other and/or with a gradient limit value (see below). The determination can be performed depending on at least one or more percentage ratios of the gradients (with each other). For example, the determination can show that an air spring (in particular compared to at least one or more other air springs) must be raised repeatedly and/or always by a greater/higher percentage, e.g., by adjusting the height, for example, to achieve a zero level (at which the vehicle and/or the axle is straight/balanced). Furthermore, a determination can be carried out depending on at least one gradient and/or a percentage ratio of another air spring and/or another vehicle, in particular within an (entire) vehicle fleet. This can preferably be carried out in and/or through a backend. For example, local fluctuations, e.g., due to temperature and/or special weather conditions, can be better taken into account. This can prevent incorrect and/or inaccurate measurements or conclusions. For example, a (e.g., temporarily increased) gradient can be attributed to special pressure and/or temperature conditions. This can be determined and/or taken into account by comparing it with other vehicles, which are preferably subject to the same or similar (climatic) conditions, in order to advantageously enable optimized determination. This can thus enable more stable, robust, reliable, and/or cost-effective determination. This can also increase safety.

It can be provided that the detection of a leak is carried out depending on repeated execution of the method. For example, the method can be carried out repeatedly over an observation period. For example, the observation period can be between 60 seconds and 10,000 days, in particular between 30 minutes and 1,000 days, for example between 1 hour and 365 days, preferably between 6 hours and 100 days, particularly preferably between 1 day and 50 days, ideally between 3 and 30 days. Alternatively or additionally, the The observation period may depend on the vehicle's mileage. For example, the mileage may be between 1 km and 1,000,000 km, in particular between 10 km and 10,000 km, for example between 50 km and 5,000 km, preferably between 100 km and 1,000 km, and particularly preferably between 300 km and 800 km.

It can be provided that measured elevation changes, the first, second, third, and/or fourth total elevation distance and/or gradient and/or percentage ratio, for example, are subjected to filtering, in particular temporal filtering, smoothing, and/or (dynamic) compensation by the control unit and/or the backend. This can compensate for outliers and/or stabilize or make the determination more robust. This can (among other things) prevent a leak from being detected, in particular when no leak is present. It can be provided that, in particular when the method is repeatedly and/or continuously carried out, different or successive values, e.g., for the gradient and/or total elevation distance, are subjected to smoothing, in particular by the control unit and/or the backend. The smoothing can comprise (temporal) averaging, in particular to compensate for outliers and/or incorrect measurements. The average value for a number of measurements (e.g., simply repeating the method) can be between 2 and 10,000, in particular between 3 and 1,000, for example between 5 and 100, preferably between 8 and 64, particularly preferably between 10 and 48, ideally between 12 and 32. This can enable more stable behavior, increased reliability, and/or improved detection. Smoothing can preferably be performed by the control unit and/or the backend. The control unit and/or (preferably) the backend can thereby (comparatively) detect a leak faster and/or earlier.

• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder zumindest eine erste (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenänderung(en) einer ersten Luftfeder aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die erste Luftfeder durch eine erste (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenanpassung(en), vorzugsweise zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt oder ersten Kilometerstand, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder zumindest eine zweite (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenänderung einer ersten Luftfeder aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die erste Luftfeder durch eine zweite (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenanpassung(en), vorzugsweise zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt oder zweiten Kilometerstand, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder zumindest eine erste (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenänderung(en) einer zweiten Luftfeder aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die zweite Luftfeder durch eine erste (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenanpassung(en), vorzugsweise zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt oder ersten Kilometerstand, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder zumindest eine zweite (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenänderung(en) einer zweiten Luftfeder aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die zweite Luftfeder durch eine zweite (und/oder bevorzugt mehrere) Höhenanpassung(en), vorzugsweise zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt oder zweiten Kilometerstand, beaufschlagt wurde.

Within the scope of the invention, it may be advantageous that

• - the first total lifting distance of a first air spring comprises at least one first (and/or preferably several) height change(s) of a first air spring, with which in particular the first air spring was subjected by a first (and/or preferably several) height adjustment(s), preferably at a first time or first mileage, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance of a first air spring comprises at least one second (and/or preferably several) height change of a first air spring, with which in particular the first air spring was subjected by a second (and/or preferably several) height adjustment(s), preferably at a second time or second mileage, and/or
• - the first total lifting distance of a second air spring comprises at least one first (and/or preferably several) height change(s) of a second air spring, with which in particular the second air spring was subjected by a first (and/or preferably several) height adjustment(s), preferably at a first time or first mileage, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance of a second air spring comprises at least one second (and/or preferably several) height change(s) of a second air spring, with which in particular the second air spring was subjected by a second (and/or preferably several) height adjustment(s), preferably at a second time or second mileage.

It can be provided that a first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) total lifting distance comprises one or preferably several height changes. It can preferably be provided that a first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) total lifting distance comprises a sum and/or an integral over several, for example, all, and/or particularly preferably all automatic, height adjustments, in particular height changes resulting therefrom. In other words, it can be provided that either all height adjustments or height changes are taken into account or (preferably) only automatic height adjustments or height changes. A height adjustment can comprise height regulation and/or height control. This can be used to compensate for a reduced height, in particular due to a leak, another pressure change or pressure loss, and/or a temperature change. A height adjustment can comprise a change, preferably an increase, of an air spring, for example from a first (lower) height to a second (higher) height. A lowering is preferably not taken into account. In this case, height adjustment can be carried out automatically (repeatedly and/or multiple times), for example, including level control. It can be provided that air springs of an axle, e.g. (respectively) the front axle and/or rear axle, are brought to a (preferably identical) (zero) level or height. Alternatively or additionally, all air springs can be brought to a zero level. This can prevent and/or reduce the tilt of an air spring and/or the vehicle. This can Optimize appearance, handling, roadholding and/or safety. Height adjustment can also be carried out manually, for example by the driver, who can in particular achieve certain driving characteristics, appearance and the like through manual height adjustment. It can preferably be provided that manual height adjustment(s) are not taken into account. In other words, it can be that (only, in particular exclusively) automatic height adjustments are taken into account, in particular in order to form or calculate a total lifting distance or the total lifting distance. It can particularly preferably be provided that automatic height adjustments have at least one or more (automatic) correction controls. In this case, a correction control can have a height adjustment, in particular a raising of at least one air spring, which may be necessary in particular due to a leak. It can be provided that only correction controls are taken into account. This allows a particularly precise separation and/or weighting of leaks to take place. Corrective controls can, for example, be differentiated from other (likely automatic) height adjustments. For example, an (automatic) height adjustment can be designed to be speed-dependent. e.g., it can be provided that the height is reduced at speeds above 70 km/h (to improve road grip). Preferably, it can be provided that such height adjustments are not taken into account. This can optimize the detection of a leak. It can preferably be provided that automatic height adjustments immediately after starting and/or boarding and/or before stopping/parking are disregarded, for example, because people getting in can significantly influence the results. It can be provided that a height adjustment is carried out regularly (time-related and/or distance-related), e.g., every 50 km and/or every 5 minutes. The first height adjustment for the first, second, third and/or fourth (etc.) air spring can be or have been carried out at a first (identical) time (or period) and/or first mileage (e.g., 50 km). The second height adjustment for the first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) air spring can be or have been performed at a second (identical) time (or period) and/or second mileage (e.g., 100 km) (and so on). For example, the first height adjustment for the first air spring and the second height adjustment for the first air spring can be identical (e.g., no change in the leakage) or different (e.g., worsening of the leakage, more air may escape; in particular, the second height adjustment can be larger). The first height adjustment for the second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) air spring and the second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) height adjustment for the first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) air spring can be identical (e.g., no change in the leakage) or different (e.g., worsening of the leakage, more air may escape; in particular, the second height adjustment can be larger).

Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the method to be designed to be carried out during operation of the vehicle.

The method and/or a height adjustment can be carried out while the vehicle is in operation, for example while moving, in particular while driving. This can result in a tilt of the vehicle, for example due to a leak. The method can preferably detect a leak and/or (subsequently) compensate for it. This can prevent or compensate for a tilt and/or unfavorable balancing. This can advantageously reduce wear, lower maintenance costs, improve the driving feel, improve roadholding, and/or improve safety. After a height adjustment, in particular an automatic one, the changed height can be summed to form a total lifting distance. This can be (directly) evaluated and/or transmitted, e.g., from the control unit to a backend.

• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder beliebige Höhenanpassungen, insbesondere manuelle Höhenanpassungen und automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, aufweist oder nur automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer ersten Luftfeder beliebige Höhenanpassungen, insbesondere manuelle Höhenanpassungen und automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, aufweist oder nur automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, und/oder
• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder beliebige Höhenanpassungen, insbesondere manuelle Höhenanpassungen und automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, aufweist oder nur automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer zweiten Luftfeder beliebige Höhenanpassungen, insbesondere manuelle Höhenanpassungen und automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung, aufweist oder nur automatische Höhenanpassungen für eine Niveauregulierung.

Within the scope of the invention, it is conceivable that

• - the first total lifting distance of a first air spring has any height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level control, or only automatic height adjustments for level control, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance of a first air spring has any height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level control, or only automatic height adjustments for level control, and/or
• - the first total lifting distance of a second air spring has any height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level control, or only automatic height adjustments for level control, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance of a second air spring has any height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level control, or only automatic height adjustments for level control.

In other words, it can be provided that the first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) total lifting distance of a first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) air spring has any height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level control, or only automatic height adjustments for level control.

Automatic height adjustments can preferably be performed by the vehicle's control unit, in particular to achieve level control (preferably to a zero level) (see also above). It can be provided that all other manual and/or non-automatic height adjustments are not taken into account. This can reduce and/or prevent the driver's influence. This allows for a more stable, robust, and/or reliable determination. It can be provided that only correction controls are taken into account.

• - Subtrahieren eines ersten Kilometerstands, der insbesondere für die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder und/oder für die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder spezifisch ist, von einem zweiten Kilometerstand, der insbesondere für die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder und/oder für die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder spezifisch ist, um einen ersten Divisor zu erhalten,
• - Berechnen einer ersten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder durch
  • ◯ Subtrahieren der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder von der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder, um einen ersten Dividend zu erhalten,
  • ◯ Dividieren des ersten Dividenden durch den ersten Divisor um die erste Steigung zu erhalten,

und/oder

• - Berechnen einer zweiten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder durch
  • ◯ Subtrahieren der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder von der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder, um einen zweiten Dividend zu erhalten,
  • ◯ Dividieren des zweiten Dividenden durch den ersten Divisor um die zweite Steigung zu erhalten.

It can be provided within the scope of the invention that the calculation comprises:

• - subtracting a first mileage reading, which is in particular specific to the first total lift distance of the first air spring and/or to the first total lift distance of the second air spring, from a second mileage reading, which is in particular specific to the second total lift distance of the first air spring and/or to the second total lift distance of the first air spring, in order to obtain a first divisor,
• - Calculate a first gradient of the total lifting distance of the first air spring by
  • ◯ Subtracting the first total lift distance of the first air spring from the second total lift distance of the first air spring to obtain a first dividend,
  • ◯ Divide the first dividend by the first divisor to obtain the first slope,

and/or

• - Calculating a second gradient of the total lifting distance of the second air spring by
  • ◯ Subtracting the first total lift distance of the second air spring from the second total lift distance of the second air spring to obtain a second dividend,
  • ◯ Divide the second dividend by the first divisor to obtain the second slope.

Similarly, a third and/or fourth and/or fifth (etc.) gradient can be calculated. A gradient can be specific to (two) consecutive data packets and/or an air spring (see also Table 2 below). Calculating the gradient and/or determining it based on a gradient can be advantageous. In particular, an optimized determination can be achieved (compared to the pure total lifting distance), for example, because the influence of manual height adjustments can be reduced. Advantageously, this allows even the smallest leaks and/or leaks that have persisted over a long period of time to be detected. This allows for improved, more robust, more stable, and/or more reliable leak detection. This can increase safety.

• - ein Feststellen, dass keine Leckage vorliegt erfolgt, wenn das Vergleichen keine oder eine Abweichung der ersten Steigung, und/oder zweiten Steigung, insbesondere einer dritten Steigung, und/oder, insbesondere einer vierten Steigung, gleich oder unterhalb eines Steigungsgrenzwerts aufweist,
• - ein Feststellen einer Leckage erfolgt, wenn das Vergleichen eine Abweichung der ersten Steigung, und/oder zweiten Steigung, insbesondere einer dritten Steigung, und/oder, insbesondere einer vierten Steigung, oberhalb eines Steigungsgrenzwerts aufweist.

It is further conceivable that the determination of a leakage comprises a comparison between the first gradient and the second gradient, in particular between all gradients, wherein in particular

• - a determination that there is no leakage occurs if the comparison shows no deviation or a deviation of the first gradient, and/or second gradient, in particular a third gradient, and/or, in particular a fourth gradient, equal to or below a gradient limit value,
• - a leak is detected if the comparison shows a deviation of the first gradient, and/or second gradient, in particular a third gradient, and/or, in particular a fourth gradient, above a gradient limit value.

It can be provided that the first, second, third, and/or fourth (etc.) gradients are compared, in particular for (two) consecutive data packets, e.g., for a (respective) gradient between the first and second data packets. It can be provided that the gradient of air springs of an axle, e.g., the front axle and/or rear axle, are compared. If these are, for example, essentially the same or (respectively) below a gradient limit, it can be provided that no leak is detected (and presumably does not actually exist). Alternatively or additionally, it can also be provided that a comparison is carried out across all air springs, in particular all four air springs of a vehicle and/or in the corners of the vehicle. In this case, an air spring with a leak can preferably have an increased and/or greater gradient compared to at least one, preferably all other, air spring(s). A gradient limit value can, for example, be dimensionless and/or (preferably) have a unit, e.g. [m/km], in particular by how many meters (cumulatively or summed up) an air spring had to be raised per kilometer (mileage). A gradient limit can be between 0 and 100 m/km, in particular between 0.0001 and 10 m/km, for example between 0.001 and 1 m/km, preferably between 0.005 and 0.05 m/km, particularly preferably between 0.008 and 0.02 m/km, ideally between 0.01 and 0.015 m/km. If an air spring or the gradient of the air spring exceeds the gradient limit, in particular repeatedly (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 8, 16, or 32 times) and/or always, a leak can be detected.

• - Empfangen
  • ◯ des ersten Datenpakets mit
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer dritten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer vierten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs, und/oder
  • ◯ des zweiten Datenpakets mit
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer dritten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz einer vierten Luftfeder eines Fahrzeugs,
• - Berechnen
  • ◯ einer dritten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder,
  • ◯ einer vierten Steigung der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder,
• - Ermitteln einer Leckage der ersten Luftfeder, zweiten Luftfeder, dritten Luftfeder und/oder vierten Luftfeder in Abhängigkeit von der ersten Steigung, der zweiten Steigung, der dritten Steigung, und/oder der vierten Steigung.

It is also conceivable that the procedure has:

• - Received
  • ◯ of the first data packet with
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance of a third air spring of a vehicle,
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance of a fourth air spring of a vehicle, and/or
  • ◯ of the second data packet with
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance of a third air spring of a vehicle,
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance of a fourth air spring of a vehicle,
• - Calculate
  • ◯ a third gradient of the total lifting distance of the third air spring, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance of the third air spring, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance of the third air spring,
  • ◯ a fourth gradient of the total lifting distance of the fourth air spring, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance of the fourth air spring, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance of the second air spring,
• - Determining a leakage of the first air spring, second air spring, third air spring and/or fourth air spring depending on the first gradient, the second gradient, the third gradient and/or the fourth gradient.

Accordingly, a data packet can contain total lift distances for several, in particular all, air springs. At least two, preferably a plurality of, data packets can be received. In particular, these can be received over time, for example, because height adjustments are continuously being performed, and in particular, they can be received step by step.

• - Bestimmen einer kleinsten (und/oder minimalen) Steigung durch Vergleichen der ersten Steigung und/oder der zweiten Steigung und/oder der dritten Steigung und/oder der vierten Steigung (und/oder etc.), insbesondere aller (unterschiedlichen) Steigungen, wodurch insbesondere die kleinste, geringste und/oder minimale Steigung spezifisch sein kann (als Annahme) für eine Luftfeder ohne Leckage (bzw. zumindest mit der geringsten Leckage),
• - Bestimmen
  • ◯ eines ersten prozentualen Verhältnisses durch Division der ersten Steigung durch die minimale Steigung,
  • ◯ eines zweiten prozentualen Verhältnisses durch Division der zweiten Steigung durch die minimale Steigung,
  • ◯ insbesondere eines dritten prozentualen Verhältnisses durch Division der dritten Steigung durch die minimale Steigung,
  • ◯ insbesondere eines vierten prozentualen Verhältnisses durch Division der vierten Steigung durch die minimale Steigung,
  • ◯ etc.
• - Feststellen einer Leckage in Abhängigkeit von dem ersten prozentualen Verhältnis, und/oder dem zweiten prozentualen Verhältnis, insbesondere und/oder dem dritten prozentualen Verhältnis, und/oder, insbesondere dem vierten prozentualen Verhältnis, wobei insbesondere
  • ◯ ein Feststellen, dass keine Leckage vorliegt erfolgt, wenn das erste prozentuale Verhältnis, und/oder das zweite prozentualen Verhältnis, insbesondere und/oder das dritte prozentuale Verhältnis, und/oder, insbesondere das vierte prozentuale Verhältnis, keine oder eine Abweichung gleich oder unterhalb eines Verhältnisgrenzwerts aufweisen,
  • ◯ ein Feststellen einer Leckage erfolgt, wenn das erste prozentuale Verhältnis, und/oder das zweite prozentualen Verhältnis, insbesondere und/oder das dritte prozentuale Verhältnis, und/oder, insbesondere das vierte prozentuale Verhältnis, eine Abweichung oberhalb eines Verhältnisgrenzwerts aufweisen.

Within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible for the detection of a leak to include:

• - Determining a smallest (and/or minimum) gradient by comparing the first gradient and/or the second gradient and/or the third gradient and/or the fourth gradient (and/or etc.), in particular all (different) gradients, whereby in particular the smallest, lowest and/or minimum gradient can be specific (as an assumption) for an air spring without leakage (or at least with the lowest leakage),
• - Determine
  • ◯ a first percentage ratio by dividing the first gradient by the minimum gradient,
  • ◯ a second percentage ratio by dividing the second gradient by the minimum gradient,
  • ◯ in particular a third percentage ratio by dividing the third gradient by the minimum gradient,
  • ◯ in particular a fourth percentage ratio by dividing the fourth gradient by the minimum gradient,
  • ◯ etc.
• - Detecting a leakage depending on the first percentage ratio, and/or the second percentage ratio, in particular and/or the third percentage ratio, and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio, wherein in particular
  • ◯ a determination that there is no leakage occurs if the first percentage ratio, and/or the second percentage ratio, in particular and/or the third percentage ratio, and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio, show no deviation or a deviation equal to or below a ratio limit,
  • ◯ a leak is detected if the first percentage ratio, and/or the second percentage ratio, in particular and/or the third percentage ratio, and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio, show a deviation above a ratio limit value.

In other words, a standardization can be made to the air spring with the lowest pitch. This can, in particular as an assumption, have no leakage or be "tight." Accordingly, a difference to this air spring can be specific for a leak. In this case, a ratio limit value can be between 100% and 10,000%, in particular between 104% and 1,000%, for example between 108% and 200%, preferably between 112% and 164%, particularly preferably between 116% and 124%, ideally between 118% and 122%. It can be provided that a leak is (only) detected or considered confirmed when the ratio limit value has been repeatedly exceeded, for example at least twice, at least three times, at least four times, at least eight times, at least 16 times, at least 32 times, or at least 64 times. This can prevent misdiagnosis. A lower number can increase reliability. A higher number can (more reliably) prevent a misdiagnosis.

The above object is achieved according to a second aspect by an air spring according to the invention for a vehicle, wherein the air spring is designed to implement the method according to the first aspect, in particular in cooperation with a vehicle.

The air spring can be connected to a pressure accumulator and/or a compressor. It can (also) be provided that the compressor is connected to the pressure accumulator. The compressor can increase and/or decrease the pressure in the pressure accumulator and/or the at least one air spring. It can be provided that the at least one air spring is connected to the pressure accumulator via a line and/or a valve. Accordingly, the pressure accumulator can be (reversibly) decoupled from the at least one air spring. The volume of the pressure accumulator can be constant or kept constant, in particular between a first and a second point in time. The air spring can be adjusted by (manual and/or automatic) height adjustment; in particular, the height can be increased, for example, to a zero level, at which preferably all air springs, or at least all air springs on an axle, have a (substantially) identical height.

This results in the same advantages with regard to an air spring according to the invention according to the second aspect as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention according to the first aspect.

The above object is achieved according to a third aspect by a computer program product according to the invention, comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to the first aspect.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a computer program product according to the invention according to the third aspect as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention according to the first aspect and/or an air spring according to the invention according to the second aspect.

The above object is achieved according to a fourth aspect by a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to the first aspect.

Thus, with regard to a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention according to the fourth aspect, the same advantages arise as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention according to the first aspect and/or an air spring according to the invention according to the second aspect and/or a computer program product according to the invention according to the third aspect.

The above object is achieved according to a fifth aspect by a control unit according to the invention, comprising a computing unit and a memory unit in which instructions are stored which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit, carry out a method according to the first aspect.

It can be provided that the control unit is designed as a main control unit, which is connected in particular to further, second and/or other control units. In this case, the control unit can be activated first ("wake up"), in particular upon start-up, wake-up, unlocking, a first measurement time and/or a second measurement time, while further control units are preferably inactive, in particular until the control unit has performed an (automatic) height adjustment of the at least one air spring. Accordingly, the control unit can (quickly) compensate for different heights of different air springs. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can be configured to perform the method and/or an (automatic) height adjustment, in particular a level control of different air springs, preferably to a (substantially) identical height, during operation of the vehicle, in particular while driving. The control unit can also be configured to perform a manual height adjustment, which is preferably initiated by the driver, by controlling, for example, a corresponding air spring and/or the pressure accumulator.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a control unit according to the invention according to the fifth aspect as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention according to the first aspect and/or an air spring according to the invention according to the second aspect and/or a computer program product according to the invention according to the third aspect and/or a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention according to the fourth aspect.

The above object is achieved according to a sixth aspect by a vehicle according to the invention comprising a control unit according to the fifth aspect and/or at least one air spring according to the second aspect.

The vehicle preferably comprises at least one air spring, preferably four air springs, in particular for each wheel (e.g., front left, front right, rear left, and/or rear right). The vehicle preferably comprises four wheels. The vehicle can therefore stand upright, in particular with respect to a longitudinal axis and/or transverse axis, by having different air springs (as far as possible) at the same height, in particular air springs on the same axle (e.g., front axle and/or rear axle). The control unit can be configured to perform or achieve height adjustment, level control, corrective control, or "standing straight" of the vehicle.

This results in the same advantages with regard to a vehicle according to the invention according to the sixth aspect as have already been described with regard to a method according to the invention according to the first aspect and/or an air spring according to the invention according to the second aspect and/or a computer program product according to the invention according to the third aspect and/or a computer-readable data carrier according to the invention according to the fourth aspect and/or a control unit according to the invention according to the fifth aspect.

• 1 ein Verfahren,
• 2 ein Fahrzeug,
• 3 ein prozentuales Verhältnis der Leckagegeschwindigkeit.

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. In the drawings:

• 1 a procedure
• 2 a vehicle,
• 3 a percentage ratio of the leakage rate.

In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even for different embodiments.

• - Empfangen 110
  • ◯ eines ersten Datenpakets D1 mit
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum11 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
  • ◯ eines zweiten Datenpakets D2 mit
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum22 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
• - Berechnen 120
  • ◯ einer ersten Steigung Steig1_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder 101, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum 11 der ersten Luftfeder 101, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 der ersten Luftfeder 101,
  • ◯ einer zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder 102, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 der zweiten Luftfeder 102, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum22 der zweiten Luftfeder 102,
• - Ermitteln 130 einer Leckage der ersten Luftfeder 101 oder zweiten Luftfeder 102 in Abhängigkeit von der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12 und der zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12.

1 shows a method for detecting a leak of at least one air spring 101, 102 of a vehicle 200, the method comprising:

• - Receive 110
  • ◯ a first data packet D1 with
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance Sum11 of a first air spring 101 of a vehicle 200,
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance Sum12 of a second air spring 102 of a vehicle 200,
  • ◯ a second data packet D2 with
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance Sum21 of a first air spring 101 of a vehicle 200,
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance Sum22 of a second air spring 102 of a vehicle 200,
• - Calculate 120
  • ◯ a first gradient Steig1_D12 of the total lifting distance of the first air spring 101, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance Sum 11 of the first air spring 101, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance Sum21 of the first air spring 101,
  • ◯ a second gradient Steig2_D12 of the total lifting distance of the second air spring 102, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance Sum12 of the second air spring 102, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance Sum22 of the second air spring 102,
• - Determining 130 a leakage of the first air spring 101 or second air spring 102 as a function of the first gradient Steig1_D12 and the second gradient Steig2_D12.

• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum11 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 zumindest eine erste Höhenänderung Δh11 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die erste Luftfeder 101 durch eine erste Höhenanpassung, vorzugsweise zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt oder ersten Kilometerstand km1, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 zumindest eine zweite Höhenänderung Δh21 einer ersten Luftfeder 101 aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die erste Luftfeder 101 durch eine zweite Höhenanpassung, vorzugsweise zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt oder zweiten Kilometerstand km2, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 zumindest eine erste Höhenänderung Δh12 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die zweite Luftfeder 102 durch eine erste Höhenanpassung, vorzugsweise zu einem ersten Zeitpunkt oder ersten Kilometerstand km1, beaufschlagt wurde, und/oder
• - die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum22 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 zumindest eine zweite Höhenänderung Δh22 einer zweiten Luftfeder 102 aufweist, mit welcher insbesondere die zweite Luftfeder 102 durch eine zweite Höhenanpassung, vorzugsweise zu einem zweiten Zeitpunkt oder zweiten Kilometerstand km2, beaufschlagt wurde.

It may be provided that

• - the first total lifting distance Sum11 of a first air spring 101 has at least one first height change Δh11 of a first air spring 101, with which in particular the first air spring 101 was subjected by a first height adjustment, preferably at a first time or first mileage km1, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance Sum21 of a first air spring 101 has at least one second height change Δh21 of a first air spring 101, with which in particular the first air spring 101 was subjected by a second height adjustment, preferably at a second time or second mileage km2, and/or
• - the first total lifting distance Sum12 of a second air spring 102 has at least one first height change Δh12 of a second air spring 102, with which in particular the second air spring 102 was subjected by a first height adjustment, preferably at a first time or first mileage km1, and/or
• - the second total lifting distance Sum22 of a second air spring 102 has at least a second height change Δh22 of a second air spring 102, with which in particular the second air spring 102 was subjected by a second height adjustment, preferably at a second point in time or second mileage km2.

• - Subtrahieren 121 eines ersten Kilometerstands km1, der insbesondere für die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum11 der ersten Luftfeder 101 und/oder für die erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 der zweiten Luftfeder 102 spezifisch ist, von einem zweiten Kilometerstand km2, der insbesondere für die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 der ersten Luftfeder 101 und/oder für die zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 der ersten Luftfeder 101 spezifisch ist, um einen ersten Divisor Divisor_D12 zu erhalten,
• - Berechnen 121.1 einer ersten Steigung Steig1_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der ersten Luftfeder 101 durch
  • ◯ Subtrahieren der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum11 der ersten Luftfeder 101 von der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 der ersten Luftfeder 102, um einen ersten Dividend Dividend1_D12 zu erhalten,
  • ◯ Dividieren des ersten Dividenden Dividend1_D12 durch den ersten Divisor Divisor_D12 um die erste Steigung Steig1_D12 zu erhalten, und/oder
• - Berechnen 121.2 einer zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der zweiten Luftfeder 102 durch
  • ◯ Subtrahieren der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 der zweiten Luftfeder 102 von der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum22 der zweiten Luftfeder 102, um einen zweiten Dividend Dividend2_D12 zu erhalten,
  • ◯ Dividieren des zweiten Dividenden Dividend2_D12 durch den ersten Divisor Divisor_D12 um die zweite Steigung Steig2_D12 zu erhalten.

Preferably, it can be provided that the calculation 120 comprises:

• - Subtracting 121 a first mileage km1, which is in particular specific to the first total lift distance Sum11 of the first air spring 101 and/or to the first total lift distance Sum12 of the second air spring 102, from a second mileage km2, which is in particular specific to the second total lift distance Sum21 of the first air spring 101 and/or to the second total lift distance Sum21 of the first air spring 101, in order to obtain a first divisor Divisor_D12,
• - Calculating 121.1 a first gradient Steig1_D12 of the total lifting distance of the first air spring 101 by
  • ◯ Subtracting the first total lifting distance Sum11 of the first air spring 101 from the second total lifting distance Sum21 of the first air spring 102 to obtain a first dividend Dividend1_D12,
  • ◯ Dividing the first dividend Dividend1_D12 by the first divisor Divisor_D12 to obtain the first slope Slope1_D12, and/or
• - Calculating 121.2 a second gradient Steig2_D12 of the total lifting distance of the second air spring 102 by
  • ◯ Subtracting the first total lift distance Sum12 of the second air spring 102 from the second total lift distance Sum22 of the second air spring 102 to obtain a second dividend Dividend2_D12,
  • ◯ Divide the second dividend Dividend2_D12 by the first divisor Divisor_D12 to obtain the second slope Slope2_D12.

• - ein Feststellen 132, dass keine Leckage vorliegt erfolgt, wenn das Vergleichen 131 keine oder eine Abweichung der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12, und/oder zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12, insbesondere einer dritten Steigung Steig3_D12, und/oder, insbesondere einer vierten Steigung Steig4_D12, gleich oder unterhalb eines Steigungsgrenzwerts Steig_grenz aufweist,
• - ein Feststellen 133 einer Leckage erfolgt, wenn das Vergleichen 131 eine Abweichung der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12, und/oder zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12, insbesondere einer dritten Steigung Steig3_D12, und/oder, insbesondere einer vierten Steigung Steig4_D12, oberhalb eines Steigungsgrenzwerts Steig_grenz aufweist.

In addition, it can be provided that the determination 130 of a leakage comprises a comparison 131 between the first gradient Steig1_D12 and the second gradient Steig2_D12, in particular between all gradients Steig1_D12, Steig2_D12, Steig3_D12, Steig4_D12, wherein in particular

• - a determination 132 that no leakage is present is made if the comparison 131 shows no deviation or a deviation of the first gradient Steig1_D12, and/or second gradient Steig2_D12, in particular a third gradient Steig3_D12, and/or, in particular a fourth gradient Steig4_D12, equal to or below a gradient limit value Steig_grenz,
• - a leak is detected 133 if the comparison 131 shows a deviation of the first gradient Steig1_D12, and/or second gradient Steig2_D12, in particular a third gradient Steig3_D12, and/or, in particular a fourth gradient Steig4_D12, above a gradient limit value Steig_grenz.

• - Empfangen 110
  • ◯ des ersten Datenpakets D1 mit
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum13 einer dritten Luftfeder 103 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
    • ▪ einer ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum14 einer vierten Luftfeder 104 eines Fahrzeugs 200, und/oder
  • ◯ des zweiten Datenpakets D2 mit
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum23 einer dritten Luftfeder 103 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
    • ▪ einer zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum24 einer vierten Luftfeder 104 eines Fahrzeugs 200,
• - Berechnen 120
  • ◯ einer dritten Steigung Steig3_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der dritten Luftfeder 103, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum13 der dritten Luftfeder 103, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum23 der dritten Luftfeder 103,
  • ◯ einer vierten Steigung Steig4_D12 der Gesamtanhebungsdistanz der vierten Luftfeder 104, in Abhängigkeit von
    • ▪ der ersten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum14 der vierten Luftfeder 104, und
    • ▪ der zweiten Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum24 der zweiten Luftfeder 104,
• - Ermitteln 130 einer Leckage der ersten Luftfeder 101, zweiten Luftfeder 102, dritten Luftfeder 103 und/oder vierten Luftfeder 104 in Abhängigkeit von der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12, der zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12, der dritten Steigung Steig3_D12, und/oder der vierten Steigung Steig4_D12.

It is also conceivable that the procedure has:

• - Receive 110
  • ◯ of the first data packet D1 with
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance Sum13 of a third air spring 103 of a vehicle 200,
    • ▪ a first total lifting distance Sum14 of a fourth air spring 104 of a vehicle 200, and/or
  • ◯ of the second data packet D2 with
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance Sum23 of a third air spring 103 of a vehicle 200,
    • ▪ a second total lifting distance Sum24 of a fourth air spring 104 of a vehicle 200,
• - Calculate 120
  • ◯ a third gradient Steig3_D12 of the total lifting distance of the third air spring 103, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance Sum13 of the third air spring 103, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance Sum23 of the third air spring 103,
  • ◯ a fourth gradient Steig4_D12 of the total lifting distance of the fourth air spring 104, depending on
    • ▪ the first total lifting distance Sum14 of the fourth air spring 104, and
    • ▪ the second total lifting distance Sum24 of the second air spring 104,
• - Determining 130 a leakage of the first air spring 101, second air spring 102, third air spring 103 and/or fourth air spring 104 as a function of the first gradient Steig1_D12, the second gradient Steig2_D12, the third gradient Steig3_D12, and/or the fourth gradient Steig4_D12.

• - Bestimmen 134 einer kleinsten Steigung Steig_min durch Vergleichen der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12 und der zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12, insbesondere aller Steigungen Steig1_D12, Steig2_D12, Steig3_D12, Steig4_D12,
• - Bestimmen 135
  • ◯ eines ersten prozentualen Verhältnisses Proz1_D12 durch Division der ersten Steigung Steig1_D12 durch die minimale Steigung Steig_min,
  • ◯ eines zweiten prozentualen Verhältnisses Proz2_D12 durch Division der zweiten Steigung Steig2_D12 durch die minimale Steigung Steig_min,
  • ◯ insbesondere eines dritten prozentualen Verhältnisses Proz3_D12 durch Division der dritten Steigung Steig3_D12 durch die minimale Steigung Steig_min,
  • ◯ insbesondere eines vierten prozentualen Verhältnisses Proz4_D12 durch Division der vierten Steigung Steig4_D12 durch die minimale Steigung Steig_min,
• - Feststellen 136 einer Leckage in Abhängigkeit von dem ersten prozentualen Verhältnis Proz1_D12, dem zweiten prozentualen Verhältnis Proz2_D12, insbesondere dem dritten prozentualen Verhältnis Proz3_D12, und/oder, insbesondere dem vierten prozentualen Verhältnis Proz4_D12, wobei insbesondere
  • ◯ ein Feststellen 137, dass keine Leckage vorliegt erfolgt, wenn das erste prozentuale Verhältnis Proz1_D12, das zweite prozentualen Verhältnis Proz2_D12, insbesondere das dritte prozentuale Verhältnis Proz3_D12, und/oder, insbesondere das vierte prozentuale Verhältnis Proz4_D12, keine oder eine Abweichung gleich oder unterhalb eines Verhältnisgrenzwerts Verh_grenz aufweisen,
  • o ein Feststellen 138 einer Leckage erfolgt, wenn das erste prozentuale Verhältnis Proz1_D12, das zweite prozentualen Verhältnis Proz2_D12, insbesondere das dritte prozentuale Verhältnis Proz3_D12, und/oder, insbesondere das vierte prozentuale Verhältnis Proz4_D12, eine Abweichung oberhalb eines Verhältnisgrenzwerts Verh_grenz aufweisen.

Preferably, it can be provided that the detection 130 of a leak comprises:

• - Determining 134 a smallest gradient Steig_min by comparing the first gradient Steig1_D12 and the second gradient Steig2_D12, in particular all gradients Steig1_D12, Steig2_D12, Steig3_D12, Steig4_D12,
• - Determine 135
  • ◯ a first percentage ratio Proz1_D12 by dividing the first gradient Steig1_D12 by the minimum gradient Steig_min,
  • ◯ a second percentage ratio Proz2_D12 by dividing the second gradient Steig2_D12 by the minimum gradient Steig_min,
  • ◯ in particular a third percentage ratio Proz3_D12 by dividing the third gradient Steig3_D12 by the minimum gradient Steig_min,
  • ◯ in particular a fourth percentage ratio Proz4_D12 by dividing the fourth gradient Steig4_D12 by the minimum gradient Steig_min,
• - Detecting 136 a leak as a function of the first percentage ratio Proz1_D12, the second percentage ratio Proz2_D12, in particular the third percentage ratio Proz3_D12, and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio Proz4_D12, wherein in particular
  • ◯ a determination 137 that there is no leakage occurs if the first percentage ratio Proz1_D12, the second percentage ratio Proz2_D12, in particular the third percentage ratio Proz3_D12, and/or, in particular the fourth percentage ratio Proz4_D12, show no deviation or a deviation equal to or below a ratio limit value Verh_grenz,
  • o a leak is detected 138 if the first percentage ratio Proz1_D12, the second percentage ratio Proz2_D12, in particular the third percentage ratio Proz3_D12, and/or, in particular the fourth percentage ratio Proz4_D12, have a deviation above a ratio limit value Verh_grenz.

2 shows a vehicle 200 with at least one air spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104. An air spring 100, 101, 102, 103 can be arranged, for example, on the rear axle. For example, a further (e.g. fourth) air spring 100, 104 is arranged on the front axle. The at least one air spring 100 has a height sensor 10, which is configured to measure a (first and/or second) height h1, h2. The height can be changed by a height adjustment. The height "bridged" by a height adjustment can be transmitted to a control unit and/or a backend. Furthermore, this can be used (as a component) for a total lifting distance. A total lifting distance preferably comprises one or more heights (distances) increased (by height adjustment). The at least one air spring can be connected to a pressure accumulator (for providing compressed air for height adjustment), in particular via lines (such as pipes or hoses). The vehicle 200 also includes a control unit ECU having a computing unit CU and a memory unit MU. The control unit ECU can be connected to the height sensor 10 and/or a backend, for example, via a (respective) data connection. This allows (measurement) data to be exchanged and/or control to take place.

3 shows a percentage ratio Proz (y-axis), for example as a function of time t or an observation period and/or a mileage (mileage) of the vehicle (x-axis). For example, a vehicle 200 with four air springs 101, 102, 103, 104 can be assumed. The percentage ratio for the air spring(s) 100 front right Fr_Re, front left Fr_Li, rear right Hi_Re, and rear left Hi_Li is shown. The (respective) percentage ratio can vary and, in particular, become larger or smaller. This can be reduced (at least partially) by smoothing. However, in particular if an air spring 100 has a (larger) leak, this can be determined by a ratio limit value Verh_grenz being exceeded, whereby, for example, an air spring 100 rear right on the vehicle Hi_Re (first) exceeds the ratio limit value Verh_grenz. The curve (of Hi_Re) can be designed as an increasing curve, but in particular not necessarily as a (strictly) monotonically increasing curve. Alternatively, the representation of 3 also show a corresponding gradient (y-axis) and/or a gradient limit gradient_limit (horizontal line). Table 1: Data package(s) Data package 1 Data package 2 Data package 3 Data package 4 Data package 5 First air spring (e.g. front left) 0.5 m (Sum11) 1.0 m (Sum21) 1.5 m (Sum31) 2.0 m (Sum41) 2.5 m (Sum51) Second air spring (e.g. front right) 0.5m(Sum12) 1.1 m (Sum22) 1.7 m (Sum32) 2.3 m (Sum42) 2.9 m (Sum52) Third air spring (e.g. rear left) 0.5 m (Sum13) 1.0 m (Sum23) 1.5 m (Sum33) 2.0 m (Sum43) 2.5 m (Sum53) Fourth air spring (e.g. rear right) 0.5 m (Sum14) 1.0 m (Sum24) 1.5 m (Sum34) 2.0 m (Sum44) 2.5 m (Sum54) Mileage 50 km (km1) 100 km (km2) 150 km 200 km 250 km

• - erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum 11 einer ersten Luftfeder
• - erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum12 einer zweiten Luftfeder
• - erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum13 einer dritten Luftfeder
• - erste Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum14 einer vierten Luftfeder
• - zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum21 einer ersten Luftfeder
• - zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum22 einer zweiten Luftfeder
• - zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum23 einer dritten Luftfeder
• - zweite Gesamtanhebungsdistanz Sum24 einer vierten Luftfeder
• - etc.

Table 1 shows exemplary data packets D1, D2, D3, D4 etc., in particular for a first, second, third and/or fourth air spring 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, which can be arranged, for example, “in the corners” of a vehicle 200, in particular comprising:

• - first total lifting distance Sum 11 of a first air spring
• - first total lifting distance Sum12 of a second air spring
• - first total lifting distance Sum13 of a third air spring
• - first total lifting distance Sum14 of a fourth air spring
• - second total lifting distance Sum21 of a first air spring
• - second total lifting distance Sum22 of a second air spring
• - second total lifting distance Sum23 of a third air spring
• - second total lifting distance Sum24 of a fourth air spring
• - etc.

The data packets can be specific to a mileage, e.g. km1 and/or km2.

Table 2 shows, by way of example and in particular based on Table 1, a calculation 120 and/or determination 130. By way of example (in Tables 1 and 2), three air springs 101, 103, 104 are of the same type or behave in the same way, while the second air spring 102 has a leak. Table 2: Calculating and determining D1 compared to D2: CalculateSlopePercentage Ratio D2 compared to D3: CalculateSlopePercentage Ratio D3 compared to D4: CalculateSlopePercentage Ratio First air spring (e.g. front left) 1.0m - 0.5m = 0.5m(Dividend1_D12) 1.5m - 1.0m = 0.5m (Dividend1_D23) 2.0m - 1.5m = 0.5m (Dividend1_D34) 100km - 50km = 50km (Divisor_D12) 150km - 100km = 50km (Divisor_D23) 200km - 150km = 50km (Divisor_D34) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig1_D12) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig1_D23) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig1_D34) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc1_D12) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc1_D23) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc1_D34) Second air spring (e.g. front right) 1.1m - 0.5m = 0.6m (Dividend2_D12) 1.7m - 1.1m = 0.6m (Dividend2_D23) 2.3m - 1.7m = 0.6m (Dividend2_D34) 100km - 50km = 50km (Divisor_D12) 150km - 100km = 50km (Divisor_D23) 200km - 150km = 50km (Divisor_D34) 0.6m / 50km = 0.012 [mm/km] (Steig2_D12) 0.6m / 50km = 0.012 [mm/km] (Steig2_D23) 0.6m / 50km = 0.012 [mm/km] (Steig2_D34) (0.012/0.01)*100% = 120% (Proc2_D12) (0.012/0.01)*100% = 120% (Proc2_D23) (0.012/0.01)*100% = 120% (Proc2_D34) Third air spring (e.g. rear left) 1.0m - 0.5m = 0.5m(Dividend3_D12) 1.5m - 1.0m = 0.5m (Dividend3_D23) 2.0m - 1.5m = 0.5m (Dividend3_D34) 100km - 50km = 50km (Divisor_D12) 150km - 100km = 50km (Divisor_D23) 200km - 150km = 50km (Divisor_D34) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig3_D12) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig3_D23) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig3_D34) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc3_D12) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc3_D23) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proc3_D34) Fourth air spring (e.g. rear right) 1.0m - 0.5m = 0.5m(Dividend4_D12) 1.5m - 1.5m = 0.5m (Dividend4_D23) 2.0m - 1.5m = 0.5m (Dividend4_D34) 100km - 50km = 50km (Divisor_D12) 150km - 100km = 50km (Divisor_D23) 200km - 150km = 50km (Divisor_D34) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig4_D12) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig4_D23) 0.5m / 50km = 0.01 [mm/km] (Steig4_D34) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proz4_D12) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proz4_D23) (0.01/0.01)*100% = 100% (Proz4_D34)

List of reference symbols

10

Altitude sensor

100

air spring

101

first air spring

102

second air spring

103

third air spring

104

fourth air spring

110

Received

120

Calculating a gradient

121

Subtracting odometer readings

121.1

Calculating a first gradient

121.2

Calculating a second gradient

130

Detecting a leak

131

Comparing the gradients

132

Determine that there is no leak

133

Detecting a leak

134

Determining a minimum gradient

135

Determine a first, second, third, fourth percentage ratio

136

Determining a leak based on a percentage ratio

137

Determine that there is no leakage based on the percentage ratio

138

Determining a leak based on a percentage ratio

200

vehicle

ECU

Control unit

CU

Computing unit

MU

storage unit

D1

first data packet

D2

second data packet

Dividend1_D12

first dividend

Dividend2_D12

second dividend

Divisor_D12

(first) divisor

km1

first mileage

km2

second mileage

Process

percentage ratio

Proc1_D12

first percentage ratio

Proz2_D12

second percentage ratio

Proc3_D12

third percentage ratio

Proz4_D12

fourth percentage ratio

Behavior limit

Ratio limit

Steig1_D12

first climb

Steig2_D12

second climb

Steig3_D12

third climb

Steig4_D12

fourth climb

climb_min

smallest gradient

Steig_grenz

gradient limit

Sum11

first total lifting distance of a first air spring

Sum12

first total lifting distance of a second air spring

Sum13

first total lifting distance of a third air spring

Sum14

first total lifting distance of a fourth air spring

Sum21

second total lifting distance of a first air spring

Sum22

second total lifting distance of a second air spring

Sum23

second total lifting distance of a third air spring

Sum24

second total lifting distance of a fourth air spring

h1

first height

h2

second height

Δh11

first height change of a first air spring

Δh12

second height change of a first air spring

Δh21

first height change of a second air spring

Δh22

second height change of a second air spring

Fr_Li

Air spring front left

Fr_Re

Air spring front right

Hi_Li

Air spring rear left

Hi_Re

Air spring rear right

Claims (12)

Method for detecting a leakage of at least one air spring (101, 102) of a vehicle (200), the method comprising: - Receiving (110) ◯ a first data packet (D1) with ▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum11) of a first air spring (101) of a vehicle (200), ▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum12) of a second air spring (102) of a vehicle (200), ◯ a second data packet (D2) with ▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum21) of a first air spring (101) of a vehicle (200), ▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum22) of a second air spring (102) of a vehicle (200), - Calculating (120) o a first gradient (Steig1_D12) of the total lifting distance of the first air spring (101), depending on ▪ the first total lifting distance (Sum11) of the first air spring (101), and ▪ the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of the first air spring (101), o a second gradient (Steig2_D12) of the total lifting distance of the second air spring (102), depending on ▪ the first total lifting distance (Sum12) of the second air spring (102), and ▪ the second total lifting distance (Sum22) of the second air spring (102), - determining (130) a leakage of the first air spring (101) or second air spring (102) depending on the first gradient (Steig1_D12) and the second gradient (Steig2_D12). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that - the first total lifting distance (Sum11) of a first air spring (101) has at least one first height change (Δh11) of a first air spring (101), with which in particular the first air spring (101) was subjected by a first height adjustment, preferably at a first point in time or first mileage (km1), and/or - the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of a first air spring (101) has at least one second height change (Δh21) of a first air spring (101), with which in particular the first air spring (101) was subjected by a second height adjustment, preferably at a second point in time or second mileage (km2), and/or - the first total lifting distance (Sum12) of a second air spring (102) has at least one first height change (Δh12) of a second air spring (102), with which in particular the second air spring (102) was subjected by a first height adjustment, preferably at a first point in time or first mileage (km1), and/or - the second total lifting distance (Sum22) of a second air spring (102) has at least one second height change (Δh22) of a second air spring (102), with which in particular the second air spring (102) was subjected by a second height adjustment, preferably at a second point in time or second mileage (km2). Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that - the first total lifting distance (Sum11) of a first air spring (101) has any desired height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level regulation, or only automatic height adjustments for level regulation, and/or - the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of a first air spring (101) has any desired height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level regulation, or only automatic height adjustments for level regulation, and/or - the first total lifting distance (Sum12) of a second air spring (102) has any desired height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level regulation, or only automatic height adjustments for level regulation, and/or - the second total lifting distance (Sum22) of a second air spring (102) has any desired height adjustments, in particular manual height adjustments and automatic height adjustments for level regulation, or only automatic height adjustments for Level control. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the calculation (120) comprises: - subtracting (121) a first mileage (km1), which is in particular specific for the first total lifting distance (Sum11) of the first air spring (101) and/or for the first total lifting distance (Sum12) of the second air spring (102), from a second mileage (km2), which is in particular specific for the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of the first air spring (101) and/or for the second total lifting distance (Sum21) of the first air spring (101), in order to obtain a first divisor (Divisor_D12), - calculating (121.1) a first gradient (Slope1_D12) of the total lifting distance of the first air spring (101) by o subtracting the first total lift distance (Sum11) of the first air spring (101) from the second total lift distance (Sum21) of the first air spring (102) to obtain a first dividend (Dividend1_D12), o dividing the first dividend (Dividend1_D12) by the first divisor (Divisor_D12) to obtain the first gradient (Slope1_D12), and/or - calculating (121.2) a second gradient (Slope2_D12) of the total lift distance of the second air spring (102) by o subtracting the first total lift distance (Sum12) of the second air spring (102) from the second total lift distance (Sum22) of the second air spring (102) to obtain a second dividend (Dividend2_D12), ◯ dividing the second dividend (Dividend2_D12) by the first divisor (Divisor_D12) to obtain the second slope (Slope2_D12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (130) of a leak comprises a comparison (131) between the first gradient (Steig1_D12) and the second gradient (Steig2_D12), in particular between all gradients (Steig1_D12, Steig2_D12, Steig3_D12, Steig4_D12), wherein in particular - a determination (132) that no leak is present takes place if the comparison (131) shows no deviation or a deviation of the first gradient (Steig1_D12), and/or second gradient (Steig2_D12), in particular a third gradient (Steig3_D12), and/or, in particular a fourth gradient (Steig4_D12), equal to or below a gradient limit value (Steig_grenz), - a determination (133) of a leak is carried out if the comparison (131) shows a deviation of the first gradient (Steig1_D12), and/or second gradient (Steig2_D12), in particular a third gradient (Steig3_D12), and/or, in particular a fourth gradient (Steig4_D12), above a gradient limit value (Steig_grenz). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises: - receiving (110) ◯ the first data packet (D1) with ▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum13) of a third air spring (103) of a vehicle (200), ▪ a first total lifting distance (Sum14) of a fourth air spring (104) of a vehicle (200), and/or ◯ the second data packet (D2) with ▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum23) of a third air spring (103) of a vehicle (200), ▪ a second total lifting distance (Sum24) of a fourth air spring (104) of a vehicle (200), - calculating (120) o a third gradient (Steig3_D12) of the total lifting distance of the third air spring (103), depending on ▪ the first Total lift distance (Sum13) of the third air spring (103), and ▪ the second total lift distance (Sum23) of the third air spring (103), o a fourth gradient (Steig4_D12) of the total lift distance of the fourth air spring (104), depending on ▪ the first total lift distance (Sum14) of the fourth air spring (104), and ▪ the second total lift distance (Sum24) of the second air spring (104), - determining (130) a leakage of the first air spring (101), second air spring (102), third air spring (103) and/or fourth air spring (104) depending on the first gradient (Steig1_D12), the second gradient (Steig2_D12), the third gradient (Steig3_D12), and/or the fourth gradient (Steig4_D12). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the determination (130) of a leakage comprises: - determining (134) a smallest gradient (Steig_min) by comparing the first gradient (Steig1_D12) and the second gradient (Steig2_D12), in particular all gradients (Steig1_D12, Steig2_D12, Steig3_D12, Steig4_D12), - determining (135) o a first percentage ratio (Proz1_D12) by dividing the first gradient (Steig1_D12) by the minimum gradient (Steig_min), o a second percentage ratio (Proz2_D12) by dividing the second gradient (Steig2_D12) by the minimum gradient (Steig_min), o in particular a third percentage ratio (Proc3_D12) by dividing the third gradient (Steig3_D12) by the minimum gradient (Steig_min), o in particular a fourth percentage ratio (Proc4_D12) by dividing the fourth gradient (Steig4_D12) by the minimum gradient (Steig_min), - determining (136) a leak as a function of the first percentage ratio (Proc1_D12), the second percentage ratio (Proc2_D12), in particular the third percentage ratio (Proc3_D12), and/or, in particular the fourth percentage ratio (Proc4_D12), wherein in particular o a determination (137) that no leak is present takes place when the first percentage ratio (Proc1_D12), the second percentage ratio (Proc2_D12), in particular the third percentage ratio (Proc3_D12), and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio (Proc4_D12), have no deviation or a deviation equal to or below a ratio limit value (Verh_grenz), o a detection (138) of a leak occurs if the first percentage ratio (Proc1_D12), the second percentage ratio (Proc2_D12), in particular the third percentage ratio (Proc3_D12), and/or, in particular, the fourth percentage ratio (Proc4_D12), have a deviation above a ratio limit value (Verh_grenz). Air spring (100) for a vehicle (200), wherein the air spring (100) is designed, in particular in cooperation with a vehicle (200), to implement the method according to one of the preceding claims. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the computer program product is executed by a computer, cause the computer to implement the method according to any one of the preceding claims. Computer-readable data carrier in which instructions are stored which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Control unit (ECU), comprising a computing unit (CU) and a memory unit (MU) in which commands are stored which, when at least partially executed by the computing unit (CU), carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims. Vehicle (200) comprising a control unit (ECU) according to the preceding claim and/or at least one air spring (100) according to one of the preceding claims.