Sensor assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor assembly (1) for a vehicle, comprising a control device (2), a plurality of sensors (3), a data bus (4) connecting each sensor (3) with the control device (2), a supply line (5) connecting each sensor (3) with the control device (2) for a voltage supply, and an addressing line (6) connecting each two sensors (3) following each other on the data bus (4) in series with each other for a sequential signal transmission of an addressing signal between the sensors (3), wherein the control device (2) is provided for assigning an individual geographical address to each sensor (3) based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signal, and / or wherein each sensor (3) is provided for assigning an individual geographical address to itself based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signal.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] The present invention relates to a sensor assembly for a vehicle and a method for addressing the sensor assembly.

[0002] Sensor assemblies for vehicle assistance systems, such as parking assistance systems, are known, and these systems typically include multiple identical ultrasonic sensors. Before the assistance system is initially put into operation, or when using the individual sensors, proper addressing of the sensors is required so that the sensor data of each sensor can be assigned to a specific and unique location relative to the other sensors. This usually requires expensive hardware and / or a complex calibration process. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In contrast, the sensor assembly according to the invention, possessing the features of claim 1, stands out for its particularly simple implementation of sensor addressing using simple and cost-effective hardware. This is achieved by a sensor assembly comprising a control device, multiple sensors, a data bus, and a supply line. The data bus connects each sensor to the control device for data transmission, and the supply line connects each sensor to the control device for voltage supply. Preferably, in this case, the voltage supply to the sensors is understood as an electrical energy source for providing the voltage to the sensors being integrated into the control device. Preferably, alternatively, a separate electrical energy source, such as a vehicle battery, can be provided to supply the voltage to the sensors. For example, in the case of such a separate energy source, the voltage supply to the sensors can be implemented via the control device, which is specifically configured to interrupt and connect the voltage supply to the sensors. Preferably, all sensors are connected to the control device in parallel circuits via the supply line and / or via the data bus. Additionally, the sensor assembly includes an addressing line that connects each pair of sensors sequentially connected to the data bus in series. This means that all sensors are connected in series with the control device via addressing lines. Here, addressing lines enable sequential signal transmission of addressing signals between sensors. Specifically, these addressing signals can sequentially, preferably originating from the control device, traverse all sensors via the addressing lines. The control device is configured to assign an individual geographic address to each sensor based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signals. Alternatively or additionally, each sensor is configured to assign itself an individual geographic address based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signals. Here, the following address is considered the geographic address: using this address, the control device can identify the order in which the sensors are arranged on the data bus.

[0004] In other words, in addition to the data bus and supply lines, the sensor assembly also has addressing lines that connect sensors, particularly portions of the sensors, in series with respect to the control device. Therefore, when addressing signals are transmitted on the addressing lines, these signals can sequentially, i.e., traverse each sensor in turn. Thus, different sensors can be distinguished from each other based on the sequential traversal of the addressing signals. In particular, the order in which the addressing signals traverse the sensors can be determined. Based on this information, each sensor can be assigned an individual geographic address, so that the sensor data generated by the sensor can be uniquely assigned to a location on the data bus. Here, the geographic addresses of the sensors can be centrally assigned using the control device. Alternatively or additionally, each sensor can assign a geographic address to itself or all sensors.

[0005] Therefore, the sensor device can definitively and uniquely assign a predefined location on the data bus to the sensor data transmitted by a specific sensor via the data bus. Preferably, for example, when the sensor assembly is part of a parking guidance system, the control device can thereby identify which sensor is located in which part of the vehicle's bumper cover. Thus, for example, the direction of an obstacle detected in the vehicle's environment can be determined. For example, this can be used by the control device to operate a display with lateral resolution to visually display the location of the obstacle.

[0006] In particular, it is assumed here that the topology of the data bus is known. In other words, the sensor assembly has multiple sensor receivers, on which sensors are arranged, in particular, along the direction of the data bus, wherein the sensor receivers are arranged relative to each other at predefined / pre-known positions.

[0007] Here, the sensor assembly offers the following advantages: Given the explicit and unique geographical assignability of sensors from their geographic addresses, parallel wiring of all sensors with respect to the supply line is possible. Thus, it is unnecessary, for example, to have the supply line bypass each sensor via switching elements or the like, which could lead to losses. This type of direct connection between each sensor and the supply line results in each sensor receiving an optimal voltage supply. In particular, the internal resistance or structure of the sensor has little or no influence on the voltage supply. This allows virtually any number of sensors to be interconnected on the data bus.

[0008] The data bus can preferably have a single data line to which each of the sensors is connected. Alternatively, the data bus can also have two or more data lines, with each sensor connected to each data line.

[0009] Preferably, the sensors are constructed identically, but preferably, each sensor may have an individual sensor mark, such as an individual serial number.

[0010] Therefore, by connecting sensors to control devices via a data bus, communication with the control device can be achieved with particularly low hardware costs, especially without the need for separate wiring for each sensor to the control device. Another advantage is the ability to easily replace structurally identical sensors, where the replaced sensor can be addressed automatically and in a simple manner.

[0011] The content of the dependent claims is a preferred extension of the present invention.

[0012] Preferably, each sensor has an addressable input pin and an addressable output pin configured for connection to an addressing line, particularly a segment thereof. Preferably, each sensor also has a data pin, particularly a bidirectional data pin, for connection to a data bus, and a supply input pin for connection to a supply line. That is, the sensor has additional pins for input and output of addressing signals, enabling sequential signal transmission via all cascaded sensors in a simple manner. In particular, the addressable output pins are connected to the corresponding addressable input pins of sensors subsequently arranged on the data bus.

[0013] Particularly preferably, the address input pin of the first sensor on the data bus is connected to the supply line. Here, the sensor that is positioned closest to the control device on the data bus is considered the first sensor. Therefore, by connecting to the supply line, a voltage signal can be transmitted as an address signal via the address line. This results in a particularly simple and cost-effective structure for the sensor assembly. In particular, this allows the use of a particularly short line that branches off from the supply line and connects to the address input pin of the first sensor.

[0014] Preferably, the addressing input pin of the first sensor on the data bus is connected, in particular directly, to the control device. This allows the control device to directly generate addressing signals and thus specifically control and influence the addressing process. Furthermore, the control device can be configured to generate multiple types of addressing signals to achieve sequential signal transmission between sensors in an optimal manner suited to the intended use.

[0015] More preferably, the control device is configured to generate a clock signal in the addressing lines to synchronize the sensors with each other and / or with the control device. Thus, in addition to particularly simple addressing, it is possible to synchronize the sensors with each other and / or with the control device, which particularly advantageously affects the optimal operation of the sensor assembly, for example, for cross-echo detection.

[0016] Preferably, each sensor has a switching device configured to connect an addressing signal to the next sensor on the data bus. Preferably, the switching device can be a simple switch, such as an n-channel MOSFET. Particularly advantageous here is that only simple signals need to be transmitted via this addressing line, thus the switching device does not need to be designed to carry high current. Therefore, the switching device can, and thus the sensors can, be manufactured particularly simply and cost-effectively. Instead of a simple switch, the switching device can also have complex logic configured to perform deterministic signal processing. For example, the complex logic can be configured to generate pulse signals.

[0017] Particularly preferably, the switching device for each sensor is configured to output an individual addressing signal. Specifically, the addressing signal to be output is modified based on the addressing signals of sensors pre-arranged on the data bus, i.e., generated, for example, as a variation of the corresponding received addressing signal. Particularly preferably, the switching device has complex logic configured to change the addressing signal in response to its reception, for example, by increasing the number of pulses in the pulse signal.

[0018] Preferably, the sensor is an ultrasonic sensor. Therefore, this sensor assembly is particularly an ultrasonic system that can be used for distance detection. For example, the sensor assembly can be used for distance detection in parking guidance systems or other driver assistance systems. Preferably, the ultrasonic sensor is fixed in a fixed position within the vehicle's body panels. In particular, the ultrasonic sensor is here fixed in the vehicle's bumper, wherein, preferably, a minimum of two and a maximum of twelve ultrasonic sensors are provided for each bumper.

[0019] More preferably, the supply line and / or data bus has an integrated circuit, wherein each sensor is connected to the integrated circuit via a connecting element. Therefore, in particular, the connecting element may have a connecting line and a so-called splice, which is configured to connect the connecting line to the integrated circuit. This provides exceptionally high flexibility for the sensor assembly, as, for example, any number of sensors can be "spliced" at any point on a single circuit without, for example, replacing the integrated circuit.

[0020] Preferably, the supply line and / or ground line and / or data bus are routed through each sensor, preferably via input pins and output pins for each sensor respectively. In particular, the supply line and / or ground line and / or data bus are thus divided into multiple individual segments. Preferably, the supply line and / or data bus are routed through each sensor in such a way that voltage supply and / or data exchange are still achieved as in the case of a parallel circuit of sensors. That is, within the sensor, for example on the circuit board of each sensor, voltage tapping is performed such that the structural elements of all sensors to be supplied with voltage remain connected in parallel with respect to the control device. Similarly, data exchange can be performed in parallel with respect to the control device. Thus, all interfaces of the sensor can be connected via pins, thereby eliminating the need for additional connection lines and splices to attach the sensor to the supply line and / or data bus. Depending on the structure of the sensor assembly, this can result in a cost advantage.

[0021] Particularly preferably, the control device has non-volatile memory. Alternatively or additionally, each sensor has non-volatile memory. With such non-volatile memory, the assigned geographic address can be stored, so that the allocation program only needs to be executed once, since the geographic address can subsequently be read from the non-volatile memory. Alternatively, the control device and / or all sensors can be constructed without memory, i.e., without memory. This allows for particularly cost-effective sensor assemblies. In this case, addressing is required before each operation of the sensor assembly. Here, due to the special structure of the sensor assembly, particularly fast and resource-efficient addressing can still be performed.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention provides a method for addressing sensors in a sensor assembly. Preferably, the sensor assembly is the sensor assembly described above. The sensor assembly includes a control device, multiple sensors, a data bus, a supply line, and an addressing line. The data bus connects each sensor to the control device, the supply line connects each sensor to the control device for voltage supply, and the addressing line connects each pair of sensors sequentially on the data bus for sequential signal transmission of addressing signals between the sensors. To address the sensors, based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signals, individual geographic addresses are assigned to all sensors sequentially, starting from the first sensor on the data bus. Therefore, this method allows for a simple possibility of addressing sensors, which can be performed automatically with a particularly cost-effective and low-power-loss-optimized construction of the sensor assembly.

[0023] Preferably, the method for addressing the sensor is executed exactly once, especially when the sensor assembly is initially put into operation. Alternatively, the method can be executed every time the sensor assembly is put into operation.

[0024] Preferably, each assigned geographic address is stored in the non-volatile memory of the corresponding sensor and / or in the non-volatile memory of the control device. For example, this eliminates the need for the sensor to be addressed only once. Upon restarting the sensor assembly, the geographic address can be easily read from one or more non-volatile memories using the control device, thus avoiding the need to re-address the sensor.

[0025] Preferably, the allocation of geographic addresses includes the following steps:

[0026] - Determine the sensor to be received from, the addressing signal being applied to the sensor to be received from.

[0027] - Assign the geographic address to the sensor that is ready to receive the data.

[0028] - Forward the addressing signal to the next sensor on the data bus.

[0029] Preferably, the addressing signal can be modified during forwarding or alternatively can remain unchanged. Preferably, in response to assigning a geographic address to a determined sensor, the sensor is switched from a ready-to-receive state to an addressed state, particularly in the addressed state, where the sensor can no longer be identified as ready to receive the addressing signal. The sensors receive the addressing signal sequentially through the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signal between sensors on the data bus. Assuming that the sensors are arranged sequentially on the data bus according to the forwarding of the addressing signal, geographic addresses can be assigned accordingly, for example, in ascending order. The determination of a ready-to-receive sensor can be performed, for example, such that the sensor recognizes that an addressing signal, for example in the form of a voltage or a special signal type, is applied to the sensor's addressing input pin. In response to this recognition, the ready-to-receive sensor can transmit a corresponding signal to the control device. Alternatively, the control device can, for example, send an inquiry instruction to all sensors as follows: whether the sensor is ready to receive.

[0030] Particularly preferably, the allocation of geographic addresses is achieved through a control device. Alternatively or additionally, each sensor can assign itself a geographic address. In the case where each sensor assigns itself a geographic address, a particularly simple addressing process can be performed by modifying the geographic address of each sensor based on the geographic addresses of sensors pre-positioned in the data bus, for example, by increasing the sensor's geographic address. Preferably, after the geographic address is allocated, a sensor status notification is transmitted to the control device, whereby the control device can check whether the geographic address allocation was successful, thus obtaining a particularly robust and reliable system.

[0031] In particular, before or during the forwarding of address signals to the next sensor on the data bus, each sensor preferably modifies, and in particular adds, the address signal. This allows for particularly simple and, for example, control-device-independent addressing of the sensors. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The present invention will now be described with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings. In the drawings, components with the same function are designated by the same reference numerals. Here are examples:

[0033] Figure 1 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 Show Figure 1 A simplified schematic view of the sensor assembly in its mounted state on a vehicle body panel.

[0035] Figure 3 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 5 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Figure 1A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly 1 for a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. The sensor assembly 1 includes a control device 2 and a plurality of sensors 3. For example, as shown, the sensor assembly 1 may include three sensors 3. Alternatively, any number of sensors 3 is possible, preferably two, four, or six sensors 3. The sensors 3 are identical in construction, i.e., structurally identical. The sensors 3 are ultrasonic sensors, which are capable of identifying objects in the environment near the vehicle by emitting and receiving ultrasonic signals.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown in the simplified schematic, sensor assembly 1 can be installed in a cover 100 of a vehicle (not shown). Here, sensors 3 are respectively arranged at predefined positions on cover 100. In order to spatially assign the sensor data generated by the sensors 3, i.e., to distinguish, for example, whether the determined sensor data was generated by the sensor 3 on the left or the sensor 3 on the right in the direction of travel A, each sensor 3 needs to be geographically addressed before environmental detection begins with sensor assembly 1.

[0040] The following describes the structure of sensor component 1 and the addressing of sensor 3.

[0041] The sensor assembly 1 includes a supply line 5, a ground line 50, and a data bus 4, which has two parallel data lines 41 and 42. Each of these lines is constructed as a single unit, which connects all the sensors 3 in the parallel circuit to the control device 2.

[0042] For connection to supply line 5, each sensor 3 has a connection element 51 in the form of a short line segment and a supply input pin 52. Similarly, each sensor 3 has two connection elements 45 in the form of short line segments and two data output pins 43 for connection to data lines 41, 42 of data bus 4.

[0043] Furthermore, sensor assembly 1 has an addressing line 6, through which two sensors 3, sequentially connected to each other on data bus 4, are interconnected. For this purpose, each sensor 3 has an addressing input pin 62 and an addressing output pin 63 for connection to the addressing line 6. The wiring of the addressing line 6 can be considered, for example, a "daisy chain".

[0044] Each sensor 3 has a switching device 7, which in the first embodiment is constructed as a simple switch, such as an n-channel MOS-FET. Here, the switching device 7 is located between the address input pin 63 and the address output pin 63. Therefore, in order to forward the address signal in the address line 6, the switching device 7 must be operated accordingly, in particular closed. Thus, the address signals are transmitted sequentially along the sensors 3 arranged sequentially on the data bus 4.

[0045] exist Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the address input pin 63 of the first sensor 3 on the data bus 4, that is, the sensor 3 arranged closest to the sensor device 2, is connected to the supply line 5.

[0046] Here, the geographic addressing of the sensor is performed based on the sequential transmission of the addressing signals in addressing line 6, as described below.

[0047] Before starting the method for addressing sensor 3, turn on all switching devices 7 so that addressing lines 6 are interrupted.

[0048] Initially, the first sensor 3 detects an address signal in the form of a supply voltage applied to its address input pin 63. Thus, the first sensor 3 is defined as "ready to receive," while all other sensors 3 are not. The control device 2 simultaneously signals all sensors 3 with a first geographic address, which specifically represents a first location on the data bus 4. Here, the first sensor 3, ready to receive, can accept the first geographic address, for which all other sensors 3 are not ready to receive. Subsequently, the first sensor can report successful reception to the control device 2.

[0049] In response, the first sensor 3 closes its switching device 7, which can be done either automatically or by instruction from the control device 2. Thus, the first sensor 3 is able to forward the addressing signal to the second sensor 3 along the data bus 4. Furthermore, the first sensor 3, having successfully obtained a geographic address, is simultaneously placed in a non-receiving state, and the control device 2 sends the second geographic address to all sensors based on feedback from the assignment of the first geographic address.

[0050] Subsequently, the second sensor 3 recognizes that an addressing signal in the form of a supply voltage is applied to the addressing input pin 63 of the second sensor, and continues to re-execute the described program until all sensors 3 are geographically addressed.

[0051] This means that by sequentially activating the addressing signals on the addressing line 6, the sensors 3 on the data bus 4 are connected one by one. Thus, each sensor 3 can be individually assigned a geographical address based on the wiring topology of the sensor assembly 1. Based on this geographical addressing, the control device 2 can definitively and uniquely identify the installation location of each sensor 3.

[0052] Here, the key features of sensor assembly 1 and the addressing method are their particularly simple and cost-effective construction and feasibility. A particular advantage is that even with the parallel voltage supply to all sensors 3, a series connection of the sensors 3 still exists, which allows the determination of the relative positions of all sensors 3 with respect to each other. Since the voltage supply is implemented in parallel, the same operating voltage can be supplied to all sensors 3. Therefore, sensor assembly 1 can be expanded with any number of sensors 3, wherein the same voltage can always be supplied to all sensors 3 thanks to the simple and cost-effective instrumentation of sensor assembly 1.

[0053] The following is for reference. Figures 3 to 5 Other preferred embodiments and variations of the addressing method are described below.

[0054] Figure 3 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown. The second embodiment substantially corresponds to... Figure 1 In the first embodiment, the difference is that the addressing line 6 is not connected to the supply line 5, but to the control device 2. Therefore, the addressing signal can be directly output by the control device 2.

[0055] Here, instead of a simple constant voltage signal, the control device 2 can generate more complex addressing signals. Preferably, the control device 2 generates a clock signal in the addressing line 6, which enables the sensors 3 to synchronize with each other and / or with the control device 2. This provides other advantages, such as secure and interference-free data communication on the data bus 4. Furthermore, the propagation time and cross-echo of the ultrasonic signals emitted by the sensors 3 can be measured very accurately. Additionally, an additional clock generator in the sensors 3 can be eliminated, thereby saving further costs.

[0056] Figure 4 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown. The third embodiment substantially corresponds to... Figure 1 The first embodiment differs in that an alternative switching device 7 is used. In the third embodiment, the switching device 7 is a complex logic unit capable of generating multiple different signals. Furthermore, the address input pin 62 of the first sensor 3 is open, i.e., unconnected.

[0057] Here, the first sensor 3 can identify the open state of its address input pin 62 and assign itself a first geographic address, such as address "1". Subsequently, the switching device 7 of the first sensor 3 can generate a single pulse 60 as an addressing signal in the addressing line 6, which is received by the subsequent second sensor 3. The second sensor 3 detects the single pulse 60, recognizes that the first geographic address has been assigned, and assigns itself a subsequent second geographic address, such as address "2". The switching device 7 then modifies the addressing signal, for example, by incrementing it, and transmits the modified addressing signal to the next sensor 3. These steps are repeated accordingly until all sensors 3 are geographically addressed.

[0058] Figure 5 A simplified schematic view of a sensor assembly 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown. The fourth embodiment substantially corresponds to... Figure 3 The second embodiment differs in that the sensor wiring is replaced. Figure 5 In the fourth embodiment, the supply line 5, the ground line 50, and the two data lines 41 and 42 of the data bus 4 are respectively guided through each sensor 3. Here, each sensor 3 has two pins: one input pin 52, 56, 62, 43 and one output pin 53, 57, 63, 44 for each line 5, 6, 41, 42, 50. Here, within the sensor 3, for example on the circuit board of each sensor 3, voltage tapping is always performed such that the structural elements of all sensors 3 to be supplied with voltage are connected in parallel with respect to the control device 2. Similarly, data exchange can still be performed in parallel with respect to the control device 2. With this structure, connecting lines and branch points, i.e., "joints," on the lines can be saved.

Claims

1. A sensor assembly for a vehicle, comprising: - Control device (2) - Multiple sensors (3) - Data bus (4), which connects each sensor (3) to the control device (2), - A supply line (5) connects each sensor (3) to the control device (2) for voltage supply. - Addressing line (6), which connects two sensors (3) sequentially on the data bus (4) in series for sequential transmission of addressing signals between the sensors (3). The addressing line (6) operates separately from the data bus (4). The control device (2) is configured to assign an individual geographic address to each sensor (3) based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signal, and / or Each sensor (3) is configured to assign itself an individual geographic address based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signal. Specifically, a predefined location on the data bus is explicitly and uniquely assigned by each of the multiple sensors (3) via sensor data transmitted through the data bus based on the assigned individual's geographic address. Each sensor (3) has an addressing input pin (62) and an addressing output pin (63) for connection to the addressing line (6). The addressing input pin (62) of the first sensor on the data bus (4) is connected to the control device (2). The control device (2) is configured to generate a clock signal in the addressing line (6) for synchronizing the sensors (3) with each other and / or for synchronizing with the control device (2).

2. The sensor assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The address input pin (62) of the first sensor on the data bus (4) is connected to the supply line (5).

3. The sensor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each sensor (3) has a switching device (7) configured to connect the addressing signal to the next sensor (3) on the data bus (4).

4. The sensor assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The switching device (7) of each sensor (3) is set to output an individual addressing signal.

5. The sensor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The sensor (3) is an ultrasonic sensor.

6. The sensor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The supply line (5) and / or the data bus (4) are constructed as an integrated line, wherein each sensor (3) is connected to the supply line (5) and / or the data bus (4) by means of connecting elements (45, 51).

7. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The supply line (5) and / or ground line (50) and / or the data bus (4) are guided through each sensor (3).

8. The sensor assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The control device (2) and / or each sensor (3) has a non-volatile memory, or the control device (2) and / or each sensor (3) is configured to be memoryless.

9. The sensor assembly according to claim 7, wherein, For each sensor (3), the supply line (5) and / or the ground line (50) and / or the data bus (4) are guided through each sensor (3) via the input pins (43, 52, 56) and the output pins (44, 53, 57).

10. A method for addressing a sensor (3) of a sensor assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The sensor assembly (1) includes a control device (2), multiple sensors (3), a data bus (4), a supply line (5), and an addressing line (6). The data bus connects each sensor (3) to the control device (2), the supply line connects each sensor (3) to the control device (2) for voltage supply, and the addressing line connects two consecutive sensors (3) on the data bus (4) in series for sequential signal transmission of addressing signals between the sensors (3). In this process, based on the sequential signal transmission of the addressing signals, each sensor (3) is assigned an individual geographic address sequentially, starting from the first sensor on the data bus (4). Specifically, a predefined location on the data bus is explicitly and uniquely assigned by each of the multiple sensors (3) via sensor data transmitted through the data bus based on the assigned individual's geographic address. Each sensor (3) has an addressing input pin (62) and an addressing output pin (63) for connection to the addressing line (6). The addressing input pin (62) of the first sensor on the data bus (4) is connected to the control device (2). The control device (2) is configured to generate a clock signal in the addressing line (6) for synchronizing the sensors (3) with each other and / or for synchronizing with the control device (2).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, Each geographic address is stored in the non-volatile memory of the corresponding sensor (3) and / or in the non-volatile memory of the control device (2).

12. The method according to any one of claim 10 or 11, wherein, The allocation of the geographic address includes the following steps: - Determine the sensor to be received (3), the addressing signal being applied to the sensor to be received. - Assign the geographic address to the sensor (3) that is ready to receive it. - The addressing signal is forwarded to the next sensor (3) on the data bus (4).

13. The method according to claim 12, - Wherein, the allocation of the geographic address is achieved through the control device (2), and / or - in, Each sensor (3) assigns itself the geographic address, and after the assignment, transmits the status notification of the sensor (3) to the control device (2).

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, Each sensor (3) modifies the addressing signal.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Each sensor (3) adds the addressing signal.

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