Method for initializing a bus system for a process device and bus system

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for initializing a bus system for a process device and a bus system, wherein the bus system has at least one first bus user and a second bus user, wherein the first bus user and the second bus user are respectively installed at an installation location in the process device, wherein the first bus user is a management bus user, and wherein a list of at least two installation locations of the bus users is stored in the first bus user, and wherein the first bus user and the second bus user are connected to each other via a data bus. In the bus system, at least the second bus user has an identification sensor. In an excitation step, the identification sensor of the second bus user is excited with an identification stimulus; in a sending step, after receiving the identification stimulus via the identification sensor, the second bus user sends an identification signal to the management bus user, and in an assignment step, after receiving the identification signal, the management bus user assigns the second bus user to the installation location.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for initializing a bus system for a process device, wherein the bus system has at least a first bus user and a second bus user, wherein the first bus user and the second bus user are each installed at a mounting location in the process device, wherein the first bus user is an administrative bus user, and wherein a list of at least two mounting locations of the bus users is stored in the first bus user, and wherein the first bus user and the second bus user are connected to one another via a data bus. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding bus system for a process device and a corresponding bus user. Background Art

[0002] A large number of process devices are known from the prior art and are often controlled via bus systems. In bus systems, individual bus users of a process device can communicate with one another via a data bus or can be controlled, which in many production sectors not only simplifies production but also reduces production costs. Bus users are, for example, field devices of a process device.

[0003] For the present invention, the type of bus system is not important. Therefore, it is not important for the present invention which topology the bus system has or which protocol the individual bus users communicate with each other. It is only important that the bus system has at least one management bus user, wherein the management bus user is characterized by the fact that the management bus user can obtain information about the entire bus system relative to one or more other bus users. The management bus user can be a normal bus node, for example a bus master or also a bus slave, but the management bus user can also be a host computer (process control system) connected to the data bus. For this reason, we talk about "management bus users" here, because it is not important whether the management bus user can arbitrate the data bus as a resource.

[0004] A typical process plant has a plurality (eg several hundred) of bus subscribers, each of which is installed at a mounting location in the process plant.

[0005] In the case of bus systems known from the prior art, it is possible for the management bus user not to carry out a topology identification. This means that the management bus user cannot determine at which assembly locations the individual bus users of the bus system are arranged; it is therefore not able to assign the bus users to specific assembly locations. However, knowledge of this assignment is absolutely necessary for a smooth operation and process flow. Accordingly, the management bus user must train the individual bus users.

[0006] It is known from the prior art that training is performed via manual allocation. Each of these bus users has an identification feature that clearly identifies the bus user. This can be, for example, the serial number of the bus user. The serial number of the bus user is identifiable, for example, via a model plate placed at the bus user, or is callable via a digital interface of the bus user. The clear identification feature of each bus user makes it possible to manually allocate the bus user to the assembly site (for example, by a technician who puts the process device into operation). Especially in the case of multiple bus users (as exists in common process devices), manual allocation is extremely expensive and is particularly time-consuming. Summary of the invention

[0007] Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to specify a method for initializing a bus system and a corresponding bus system, with which method a simple initialization of the bus system can be achieved.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a method for initializing the bus system in question according to claim 1 .

[0009] In the following, in the description of the method according to the invention, reference is also made to the bus system according to the invention, because this simplifies the graphic description of the invention. All the embodiments made with respect to the method according to the invention also apply to the bus system according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0010] Firstly, the bus system according to the invention is characterized in that at least the second bus user has an identification sensor. If it is written that at least the second bus user has an identification sensor, then for example only the second bus user can have an identification sensor, but the first, i.e. the management bus user can also have an identification sensor. In the following, possible configurations of the identification sensor are discussed in more detail.

[0011] The method according to the invention for initializing a bus system is now characterized by the following method steps:

[0012] In the actuation step, an identification sensor of the second bus subscriber is actuated with an identification stimulus.

[0013] After receiving the identification stimulus via the identification sensor, the second bus user transmits an identification signal identifying the second bus user to the managing bus user in a transmission step.

[0014] In the assigning step, after receiving the identification signal identifying the second bus user, the managing bus user assigns the second bus user to an installation location from among the installation locations listed in the stored list.

[0015] According to the invention, it has been recognized that the method for initializing a bus system can be greatly simplified by the fact that a bus user independently sends an identification signal which identifies him to the managing bus user. For this purpose, the bus user must be motivated only to send the identification signal. With the method according to the invention, it is therefore no longer necessary to manually assign the bus users to their respective installation locations, so that the method according to the invention can be used in a particularly time-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0016] As implemented, the bus users to be assigned to the installation site must be stimulated with an identification stimulus, i.e., the identification sensors of the bus users must be stimulated. In order to initiate the identification stimulus, it is provided in the embodiment that the bus system has a prompting unit. The prompting unit is connected to the management bus user via a communication channel, wherein the communication channel can be a wired communication channel or a wireless communication channel.

[0017] According to the invention, the method in one embodiment then has the further method steps:

[0018] In the notification step, the management bus user notifies the prompting unit of the installation locations of the bus users to be activated. In this embodiment, the management bus user therefore determines at which installation locations the bus users are to be activated. In particular, if the bus system has a plurality of bus users, the management bus user can specify the order of the installation locations at which the bus users installed there are to be activated. In this case, the order can correspond, for example, to the order of the installation locations stored in a list.

[0019] In an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention, in the notification step, the prompting unit informs the managing bus user of the mounting locations of the bus users to be activated. In this embodiment, the managing bus user therefore does not know at which mounting location the next bus user activation is to take place, but rather the managing bus user receives the information which mounting location is the next mounting location at which the bus user is to be activated. The sequence can be specified, for example, by the prompting unit. In a further embodiment, the sequence of the mounting locations can be predetermined for the prompting unit itself by a third party.

[0020] In a prompting step following the notification step, the prompting unit prompts the identification stimulus to output the identification stimulus. The identification stimulus can be, for example, a technician who initializes the bus system. Alternatively, the identification stimulus can also be, for example, a bus user in the bus system, in particular a field device of a process device, which outputs the identification stimulus.

[0021] In other embodiments, at least one third bus user is arranged in the bus system, wherein the third bus user is installed at a mounting location in the process device and also has an identification sensor. In this case, the third bus user is arranged in such a spatial arrangement relative to the second bus user that an intentional identification stimulus to the identification sensor of the second bus user also leads to an unintentional identification stimulus to the identification sensor of the third bus user. Correspondingly, both the second bus user and the third bus user each send an identification signal to the management bus user. It is also provided that the identification signal has a signal component that characterizes the identification stimulus.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, provision is accordingly made that in a comparison step, after obtaining the two identification signals, the managing bus user compares the signal components of the identification signals which characterize the identification activation with one another and identifies the intentionally activated bus user by means of this comparison. In an assignment step following the comparison step, the managing bus user assigns the intentionally activated bus user to an assembly location from among the assembly locations stored in the list.

[0023] By the construction scheme of the method according to the invention, it is possible to prevent the bus user from being erroneously assigned to the wrong installation location by the following manner: the bus user has been unintentionally stimulated by the identification stimulation of the adjacent bus user. When the bus users are arranged at very adjacent installation locations, such unintentional stimulation cannot be avoided, and / or when the identification stimulation is not locally limited, such unintentional stimulation cannot be avoided. In the following, based on an example (but not limiting the invention), the factual situation is to be explained. For example, if the identification sensor is constructed as a Hall sensor and the magnetic field is measured accordingly, the identification stimulation is performed in the following manner: the identification sensor is exposed to the magnetic field. The magnetic field is generated by a magnetic field generating device, for example, by a permanent magnet. In order to stimulate the identification sensor, the magnetic field generating device and the bus user are accumulated so close in space that the magnetic field spreads over the identification sensor. Now, if other bus users are arranged adjacent to the second bus user so that the magnetic field also at least partially spreads over the Hall sensors of the other bus users, the other bus users are also stimulated to output an identification signal that identifies him, and the other bus users have other identification sensors implemented as Hall sensors.

[0024] In addition to the method for initializing a bus system, the present invention also relates to a bus system for a process device. The bus system has at least one first bus user and a second bus user, wherein the first bus user and the second bus user are each installed at an installation location in the process device. The first bus user is an administrative bus user, wherein a list of at least two installation locations of the bus users is stored in the first bus user. Furthermore, the first bus user and the second bus user are connected to each other via a data bus.

[0025] In the case of a bus system, this object is primarily and essentially achieved in that at least the second bus user has an identification sensor, wherein the second bus user is designed such that, after receiving an identification stimulus via the identification sensor, the second bus user sends an identification signal identifying the second bus user to the managing bus user. Furthermore, the managing bus user is designed such that, after receiving the identification signal identifying the second bus user, it assigns the second bus user to an assembly location listed in the stored list.

[0026] In a particularly preferred embodiment, a prompting unit is provided, which is connected to the management bus user via a communication channel. The communication channel in this case can be, for example, a wireless communication channel or a wired communication channel. The identification stimulus can be, for example, a user, in particular a technician who puts the process device into operation using the bus system according to the invention. However, the identification stimulus can also be realized, for example, by a field device of the process device. The prompting unit is constructed so that: it prompts the identification stimulus to output the identification stimulus.

[0027] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the bus system according to the invention, the prompt unit is designed so that it informs the managing bus user of the installation location of the bus user to be activated. In this embodiment, the managing bus user is thus informed of the location at which the bus user installed there is activated.

[0028] In an alternative embodiment, the managing bus user is designed such that it informs the prompting unit of the installation location of the bus user to be activated. The managing bus user correspondingly informs the prompting unit that the activation to output the identification of the bus user is to take place at the installation location (especially specified by the managing bus user).

[0029] Particularly preferably, the management of the bus users specifies a sequence of installation locations at which the bus users installed there are to be activated, preferably successively.

[0030] According to the invention, the identification sensor can be implemented in different ways and methods. Particularly preferably, the identification sensor of the bus user is designed as an inductive sensor, as a capacitive sensor, as an acceleration sensor, as a Hall sensor, as an infrared sensor or as a key. This list is not final, and more precisely, any other design of the identification sensor is included in the invention.

[0031] The type of identification stimulus depends on the construction scheme of the identification sensor.

[0032] If the identification sensor is designed as an acceleration sensor, for example, the identification stimulus is achieved by a movement of the bus user, such as a vibration. This can be achieved, for example, by a technician tapping the bus user.

[0033] If the identification sensor is designed as a Hall sensor, the identification excitation can be realized, for example, by holding a magnetic field source (eg a permanent magnet) at the bus user. In an alternative embodiment, the magnetic field source is fixedly installed in the process device and the bus user is brought into the vicinity of the magnetic field source.

[0034] If the identification sensor is designed as an infrared sensor, the identification stimulus preferably takes place by coupling in an infrared signal which is emitted by an infrared transmitter.

[0035] If the identification sensor is designed as a key, the identification actuation is performed by pressing the key. Thus, for example, a circuit in a bus subscriber can be closed or opened.

[0036] In an embodiment in which a plurality of bus users are provided, each having an identification sensor, the identification sensors of the individual bus users are designed identically. In other embodiments in which a plurality of bus users are provided, each having an identification sensor, the identification sensors of the individual bus users are implemented differently. In other embodiments in which a plurality of bus users are provided, each having an identification sensor, several identification sensors are designed identically and the other identification sensors are designed differently from one another.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment of the bus system according to the invention, it is provided that at least one third bus user is installed at a location of installation in the process plant. The third bus user has an identification sensor and is arranged in such a spatial arrangement with respect to the second bus user that an intentional identification stimulus to the identification sensor of the second bus user also results in an unintentional identification stimulus to the identification sensor of the third bus user. The two bus users then send an identification signal to the managing bus user.

[0038] The management bus subscriber accordingly receives two identification signals, of which only one bus subscriber can be assigned to the assembly location or is to be assigned to the assembly location.

[0039] According to the invention, it is further provided that the identification signal has a signal component that characterizes the identification excitation. Furthermore, the management bus user is designed such that, after receiving the two identification signals, it compares the signal components of the identification signals that characterize the identification excitation with one another and, from this comparison, infers the bus user that was intentionally activated and assigns this bus user to the installation location. This ensures that a unique bus user is unambiguously assigned to the installation location.

[0040] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the management bus user is designed such that it compares the signal amplitudes of the signal components characterizing the identification excitation with one another. In this case, the signal amplitude of the intentionally excited bus user is greater than the signal amplitude of the unintentionally excited bus user.

[0041] In addition to the bus system, the invention also relates to a bus user for the bus system. In the case of the bus user according to the invention, the object on which the invention is based is achieved in that the bus user has an identification sensor and is designed such that, after receiving an identification stimulus, the bus user can emit an identification signal that identifies the bus user.

[0042] The bus user according to the invention is preferably designed according to at least one feature that characterizes the bus user, which feature has been implemented in conjunction with the bus system according to the invention. Accordingly, all embodiments made in conjunction with the bus system apply correspondingly to the bus user according to the invention with respect to the bus user.

[0043] In addition to initializing the bus system according to the invention, the method described above is also suitable for enabling position identification of individual bus users in continuous operation.

[0044] The method according to the invention is also suitable for simplifying the replacement of field devices in process plants. Newly introduced field devices can then be initialized in the manner and method according to the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] In detail, there are now many possibilities for designing and expanding the method according to the invention, the bus system according to the invention and the bus user according to the invention. For this purpose, reference is made on the one hand to the claims that are subordinate to the parallel claims and on the other hand to the description of the exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings,

[0046] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a first specific embodiment of a method for initializing a bus system.

[0047] Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a second specific embodiment of a method for initializing a bus system.

[0048] Figure 3 A process device having a bus system is shown, and

[0049] Figure 4 Different construction options for identification sensors and identification stimuli are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] Figure 11 shows a block diagram of a method 100 for initializing a bus system 1 for a process device 2. Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a bus system 1 is shown in FIG. Figure 1 The method 100 shown in FIG.

[0051] exist Figure 3 The bus system shown in FIG. 1 is installed in a process device 2, wherein the process device 2 in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a filling device for filling a container with a flowable medium. However, the illustration of the process device 2 as a filling device should not limit the invention. Rather, the bus system 1 can be installed in any process device 2.

[0052] The bus system 1 has a first bus user 3 and a second bus user 4, wherein the first bus user 3 and the second bus user 4 are each installed at a mounting location 5 in a process device 2. The first bus user 3 is implemented as an administrative bus user 6, in which a list of at least two mounting locations 5 of the bus users 3, 4 is stored. Furthermore, the first bus user 3 and the second bus user 4 are connected to one another via a data bus 7. The second bus user 4 has an identification sensor 8.

[0053] Method 100 (in Figure 1 ) is now characterized in that first in an activation step 101, the identification sensor 8 of the second bus user 4 is activated with an identification stimulus 9. After the identification stimulus 9 has been received by the identification sensor 8 of the second bus user 4, the second bus user 4 sends an identification signal identifying the second bus user to the management bus user 6 in a transmission step 102. In an assignment step 103, after receiving the identification signal identifying the second bus user 4, the management bus user 6 performs an assignment of the second bus user 4 to a mounting location 5 from among the mounting locations 5 listed in the stored list. The method shown makes it possible to initialize the bus system 1 in a very time-saving and perfect manner, since a manual assignment of the individual bus users 3, 4 to the mounting locations 5 of the process devices 2 is omitted.

[0054] As in Figure 3As can be seen in the figure, a prompting unit 10 is further provided, which is connected to the management bus user 6 via a communication channel 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the prompting unit 10 is implemented as a display. In the illustrated embodiment, the management bus user 6 is constructed so that the management bus user 6 notifies the prompting unit 10 of the installation location 5 of the bus user 4 to be stimulated. On the display, the installation location 5 of the bus user 4 to be stimulated is correspondingly imaged and is visible, for example, to a technician who initializes the bus system. Furthermore, the prompting unit 10 is constructed so that the prompting unit 10 prompts the identification stimulus 11 (i.e., in the present invention, for example, a technician) to issue the identification stimulus 9. In the present example, it can be achieved that the prompting unit 10 outputs a signal tone and further visually signals the installation location 5 of the bus user 4 to be stimulated next.

[0055] exist Figure 3 In the exemplary embodiment of the filling device shown in , the identification sensor 8 of the second bus user 4 is designed as a Hall sensor 15. The identification excitation 9 is correspondingly performed in that the identification sensor 8 is exposed to a magnetic field. The magnetic field 12 is generated by means of a permanent magnet 13, which is brought into the vicinity of the second bus user 4. Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , a permanent magnet 13 with a magnetic field 12 is schematically shown.

[0056] In addition to the second bus user 4, the process device 2 has a third bus user 14, which likewise has an identification sensor 8 designed as a Hall sensor 15 and is arranged spatially adjacent to the second bus user 4. As schematically shown, an identification stimulus 9 for the identification sensor 8 of the second bus user 4 by means of the magnetic field 12 also results in an identification stimulus 9 for the identification sensor 8 of the third bus user 14, since the magnetic field 12 also extends over the third bus user 14, in particular the identification sensor 8 of the third bus user 14. The third bus user 14 is designed identically to the second bus user 4 and is correspondingly implemented in such a way that after stimulating the identification sensor 8, the third bus user 14 sends an identification signal to the managing bus user 6. Accordingly, in the present invention, both the second bus user 4 and the third bus user 14 send identification signals to the managing bus user 6.

[0057] The identification signal has a signal component that characterizes the identification stimulus 9. The management bus user 6 is accordingly designed so that, after receiving the two identification signals, the management bus user 6 compares the signal components of the identification signals that characterize the identification stimulus 9 with each other and, by comparing the signal components, infers which bus user 4, 14 has been intentionally stimulated (i.e., the identification stimulus 9 has been applied). The bus user (in the present invention, the bus user 4) is then assigned to the assembly site 5 by the management bus user 6. In the present invention, the management bus user 6 compares the signal amplitudes of the signal components that characterize the identification stimulus. With such a design, it is possible to prevent a bus user 4, 14 from being incorrectly assigned to the assembly site 5 if the bus user 4, 14 emits an identification signal unintentionally, i.e., due to the identification stimulus 9 of an adjacent bus user 4.

[0058] exist Figure 2 Another method 100 is shown in Figure 1 Compared to the method 100 shown in FIG. 1 , the method 100 has additional method steps. In a notification step 104, the management bus user 6 notifies the prompting unit 10 of the installation location 5 of the bus user 4 to be activated. In a subsequent prompting step 105, the prompting unit 10 prompts the identification stimulus 11 to output the identification stimulus 9. The identification stimulus 11 follows this prompting. Correspondingly, in the activation step 101, the identification sensor 8 of the second bus user 4 is activated with the identification stimulus 9. In the next sending step 102, after receiving the identification stimulus 9 by the identification sensor 8, the second bus user 4 sends an identification signal to the management bus system 6 that identifies the second bus user 4. In the activation step 101, in the present invention, the identification sensor 8 of the third bus user 14 is unintentionally activated, wherein the third bus user 14 sends an identification signal that identifies the third bus user to the management bus user 6 in the sending step 102. The management bus user 6 thus receives two identification signals from two different bus users 4, 14. The two identification signals each have a signal component that characterizes the identification stimulus 9. In a comparison step 106, after obtaining the two identification signals, the management bus user 6 compares the signal components of the identification signals that characterize the identification stimulus 9 and identifies the bus user to be stimulated (in the present invention, the bus user 4) by comparing the signal components. In an assignment step 103', the installation site 5 is assigned to the bus user.

[0059] exist Figure 4 , different bus users 4 are shown with different identification sensors 8. Furthermore, corresponding identification stimuli 9 are shown, which are adapted to the type of identification sensor 8.

[0060] exist Figure 4In a, a bus user 4 is shown with an identification sensor 8 designed as a Hall sensor 15. The identification excitation 9 takes place here with the aid of a magnetic field 12, which is generated by a permanent magnet 13. The permanent magnet 13 is brought into the vicinity of the bus user 4, so that the identification sensor 8, ie the Hall sensor 15, is exposed to the magnetic field 12.

[0061] exist Figure 4 In b, a bus user 4 is shown with an identification sensor 8 designed as an infrared sensor 16. The identification stimulus 9 is provided by an infrared signal 22 which is emitted by an infrared transmitter 17.

[0062] exist Figure 4 c shows a bus user 4 with an identification sensor 8 implemented as an acceleration sensor 18, i.e. as a capacitive acceleration sensor 18. The identification stimulus 9 is here performed by a vibration 19 of the bus user 4, in particular the acceleration sensor 18. The vibration 19 can be achieved, for example, by a technician knocking on the bus user 4 or bumping against it.

[0063] exist Figure 4 d shows a further embodiment in which the bus user 4 has an identification sensor 8 designed as a key. The identification actuation 9 takes place here by a keystroke 21. The hand of a technician performing the keystroke 21 is shown.

[0064] Reference numerals

[0065] 100 Methods

[0066] 101 Motivation Steps

[0067] 102 Sending Steps

[0068] 103 Allocation Steps

[0069] 103' Allocation Steps

[0070] 104 Notification Steps

[0071] 105 Tips Steps

[0072] 106 Comparison Steps

[0073] 1 Bus system

[0074] 2 Process equipment

[0075] 3 First bus user

[0076] 4 Second bus user

[0077] 5 Assembly location

[0078] 6 Management Bus Users

[0079] 7 Data Bus

[0080] 8 Marking sensor

[0081] 9 Logo Incentive

[0082] 10 Prompt Unit

[0083] 11 Communication Channels

[0084] 12 Magnetic Field

[0085] 13 permanent magnet

[0086] 14 Third bus user

[0087] 15 Hall sensor

[0088] 16 Infrared sensor

[0089] 17 Infrared transmitter

[0090] 18 Accelerometer

[0091] 19 Vibration

[0092] 20 keys

[0093] 21 Keystrokes

[0094] 22 Infrared signal

Claims

1. A method (100) for initializing a bus system (1) for a process device (2), wherein the bus system (1) has at least one first bus user (3) and a second bus user (4), The first bus user (3) and the second bus user (4) are respectively installed at an installation location (5) in the process device (2), wherein the first bus user (3) is an administrative bus user (6) and wherein a list of at least two installation locations (5) of the bus users (3, 4) is stored in the first bus user (3), wherein the first bus user (3) and the second bus user (4) are connected to one another via a data bus (7), and wherein at least the second bus user (4) has an identification sensor (8), In the stimulation step (101), the identification sensor (8) of the second bus user (4) is stimulated by using an identification stimulus (9). wherein in the sending step (102), after receiving the identification stimulus (9) via the identification sensor (8), the second bus user (4) sends an identification signal identifying the second bus user (4) to the management bus user (6); and In the assignment step (103), after obtaining the identification signal identifying the second bus user (4), the management bus user (6) assigns the second bus user (4) to an assembly location (5) among the assembly locations (5) listed in the stored list.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: A prompt unit (10) is provided, the prompt unit (10) being connected to the management bus user (6) via a communication channel (11), and characterized in that: In a notification step (104), the management bus user (6) notifies the prompting unit (10) of the installation location (5) of the bus user (4) to be stimulated, or the prompting unit (10) notifies the management bus user (6) of the installation location (5) of the bus user (4) to be stimulated, and In the prompting step (105), the prompting unit (10) prompts the identification incentive party to output the identification incentive (9).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: At least one third bus user (14) is provided, wherein the third bus user (14) is installed at an installation location (5) in the process device (2) and has an identification sensor (8), wherein the third bus user (14) is located in such a spatial arrangement with respect to the second bus user (4) that an intentional identification stimulus (9) to the identification sensor (8) of the second bus user (4) also leads to an unintentional identification stimulus (9) to the identification sensor (8) of the third bus user (14), so that the second bus user (4) and the third bus user (14) are The third bus users (14) each send an identification signal, wherein the identification signal has a signal component that characterizes the identification stimulus (9), wherein in a comparison step (106), after obtaining two identification signals, the management bus user (6) compares the signal components of the identification signals that characterize the identification stimulus (9) with each other and identifies the bus user (4) that intends to be stimulated by the comparison, and in an assignment step (103), the management bus user (6) assigns the bus user (4) to an assembly location (5) from among the assembly locations (5) listed in the stored list.

4. A bus system (1) for a process device (2), comprising at least one first bus user (3) and at least one second bus user (4), wherein the first bus user (3) and the second bus user (4) are each installed at a mounting location (5) in the process device (2), wherein the first bus user (3) is an administrative bus user (6), and wherein a list of at least two mounting locations (5) of the bus users (3, 4) is stored in the first bus user (3), and wherein the first bus user (3) and the second bus user (4) are connected to one another via a data bus (7). It is characterized in that At least the second bus user (4) has an identification sensor (8), wherein the second bus user (4) is designed such that, after receiving an identification stimulus (9) via the identification sensor (8), the second bus user (4) sends an identification signal identifying the second bus user (4) to the managing bus user (6); and the managing bus user (6) is designed such that, after receiving the identification signal identifying the second bus user (4), the managing bus user (6) assigns the second bus user (4) to an assembly location (5) from among the assembly locations (5) listed in the stored list.

5. The bus system (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that A prompting unit (10) is provided; the prompting unit (10) is connected to the management bus user (6) via a communication channel (11); and the prompting unit (10) is constructed so that: the prompting unit (10) prompts the identification stimulus party to output the identification stimulus (9).

6. The bus system (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The prompting unit (10) is designed so that: the prompting unit (10) notifies the managing bus user (6) of the installation location (5) of the bus user (4) to be activated; or the managing bus user (6) is designed so that: the managing bus user (6) notifies the prompting unit (10) of the installation location (5) of the bus user (4) to be activated.

7. The bus system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that The identification sensor (8) is designed as an inductive sensor, as a capacitive sensor, as a Hall sensor (15), as an infrared sensor (16), as an acceleration sensor (18), or as a key (20).

8. The bus system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that At least one third bus user (14) is installed at an installation location (5) in the process device (2); the third bus user (14) has an identification sensor (8) and is in such a spatial arrangement with respect to the second bus user (4) that an intentional identification stimulus (9) to the identification sensor (8) of the second bus user (4) also results in an unintentional identification stimulus (9) to the identification sensor (8) of the third bus user (14), so that both bus users (4, 14) send an identification signal to the management bus user (6); the identification signal has a signal component that characterizes the identification stimulus (9); and the management bus user (6) is designed such that: after obtaining the two identification signals, the management bus user (6) compares the signal components of the identification signals that characterize the identification stimulus (9) with one another and identifies the intentionally stimulated bus user (4, 14) by comparison and assigns the bus user (4) to a mounting location (5) from among the mounting locations (5) listed in the stored list.

Images