Sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a sensor. The sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a plurality of vertical electrodes elongated vertically and disposed to face each other; a first horizontal electrode disposed below the plurality of vertical electrodes; and a shield electrode disposed below the plurality of vertical electrodes so as to cover the first horizontal electrode from the top thereof, wherein the first horizontal electrode and the shield electrode are disposed to be immersed in a fluid containing at least an oil, a sensing voltage can be applied to a first vertical electrode and the first horizontal electrode, and a ground voltage can be applied to a second vertical electrode and the shield electrode.

Description

sensor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sensor, and more particularly, to a sensor that calculates the amount of oil present inside a compressor.

[0002] Compressors are installed in home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners, as well as in vehicles, to compress refrigerant. Connected to a condenser and an evaporator, the compressor compresses the refrigerant vaporized in the evaporator and supplies it to the condenser.

[0003] To protect the compressor from mechanical friction, lubrication and cooling are provided by oil, and the compressor must always maintain a certain level of oil. The oil within the compressor circulates through the refrigerant cycle along with the refrigerant discharged from the compressor. If oil accumulates in the condenser, evaporator, and piping of the refrigerant cycle, it can lead to a decline in the system's performance. Furthermore, if oil recovery is not smooth, the amount of oil within the compressor can be insufficient, potentially causing compressor damage. To prevent such compressor damage, the system performs an oil recovery operation to recover oil accumulated in the condenser, evaporator, and piping back to the compressor.

[0004] Conventionally, a separate oil level sensor is installed in the compressor, and oil recovery operation is performed based on the amount of oil detected by the oil level sensor. Using an oil level sensor reduces unnecessary oil recovery operations, thereby improving energy efficiency and compressor performance reliability.

[0005] However, according to the conventional method, the oil level sensor is placed at a predetermined location inside the compressor, and it is only possible to check whether the amount of oil present inside the compressor corresponds to the predetermined location where the oil level sensor is installed. Therefore, there is a problem that multiple oil level sensors must be installed at various locations inside the compressor to accurately detect the amount of oil present inside the compressor.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0007] Another purpose is to provide a sensor that can accurately detect the concentration of oil present inside the compressor.

[0008] Another purpose is to provide a sensor that can accurately detect the amount of oil based on the concentration of oil present inside the compressor.

[0009] In order to achieve the above object, a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vertical electrodes that are vertically elongated and arranged to face each other; a first horizontal electrode arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes; and a shield electrode arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes so as to cover the first horizontal electrode from above, wherein the first horizontal electrode and the shield electrode are arranged to be immersed in a fluid that at least includes oil, and a sensing voltage can be applied to the first vertical electrode and the first horizontal electrode, and a ground voltage can be applied to the second vertical electrode and the shield electrode.

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vertical electrodes that are vertically elongated and arranged to face each other; a first horizontal electrode arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes; a ground electrode arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes; and a shield electrode arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes so as to cover the first horizontal electrode and the ground electrode from an upper side, wherein the shield electrode, the first horizontal electrode, and the ground electrode are arranged to be immersed in a fluid that at least includes oil, and a sensing voltage can be applied to the first vertical electrode and the first horizontal electrode, and a ground voltage can be applied to the second vertical electrode and the ground electrode.

[0011] The effects of the sensor according to the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the concentration of oil present inside a compressor can be accurately detected.

[0013] According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of oil can be accurately detected based on the concentration of oil present inside the compressor.

[0014] Further scope of the applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various modifications and variations within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, such as preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, are given by way of example only.

[0015] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating the configuration of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are drawings for reference in the description of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIGS. 8 and 9 are drawings for reference in the description of a sensor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, portions irrelevant to the description are omitted to clearly and concisely describe the present disclosure, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or extremely similar portions throughout the specification.

[0023] The suffixes "module" and "part" used in the following description are given solely for the convenience of writing this specification and do not impart any particularly significant meaning or role to the components themselves. Therefore, the terms "module" and "part" may be used interchangeably.

[0024] In this application, terms such as “include” or “have” are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but should be understood not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Additionally, while terms such as "first" and "second" may be used in this specification to describe various elements, these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another.

[0026] Hereinafter, directions are defined based on the rectangular coordinate system. In the rectangular coordinate system, the x-axis direction can be defined as the left-right direction. At this time, the direction toward +x with respect to the origin can mean the right direction, and the direction toward -x can mean the left direction. In addition, the y-axis direction can be defined as the front-back direction. At this time, the direction toward +y with respect to the origin can mean the front direction, and the direction toward -y can mean the rear direction. In addition, the z-axis direction can be defined as the up-down direction. At this time, the direction toward +z with respect to the origin can mean the upward direction, and the direction toward -z can mean the downward direction.

[0027] FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B are diagrams illustrating a system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the system may include a compressor (1) that compresses a refrigerant. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor (1) may circulate through a refrigerant cycle. In the present disclosure, the system is described as an air conditioner that provides heat-exchanged air to a room based on a refrigerant cycle.

[0029] The system may include an outdoor unit (ODU) and an indoor unit (IDU) connected to each other by refrigerant piping. The system may further include a remote control unit (RCU). The outdoor unit (ODU), indoor unit (IDU), and / or remote control unit (RCU) may transmit and receive signals to and from each other.

[0030] The outdoor unit (ODU) may be equipped with a compressor (1), an oil separator (2), a changeover valve (3), an outdoor heat exchanger (4), an outdoor expansion valve (E2), and / or an accumulator (6). The indoor unit (IDU) may be equipped with an indoor heat exchanger (5) and an indoor expansion valve (E1).

[0031] The compressor (1) can compress the refrigerant introduced from the accumulator (6) to high temperature and high pressure. For example, the compressor (1) may be an inverter compressor capable of controlling the amount of refrigerant and the discharge pressure of the refrigerant by adjusting the operating frequency. For example, the compressor (1) may be an oil compressor that uses oil as a lubricant.

[0032] The oil separator (2) can recover oil from the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) and supply it back to the compressor (1). At this time, the first check valve (C1) can be installed in the pipe through which the oil separated from the oil separator (2) flows, thereby limiting the flow direction of the oil to the direction from the oil separator (2) to the compressor (1).

[0033] The switching valve (3) can selectively guide the refrigerant flowing from the oil separator (2) to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) or the indoor heat exchanger (5). For example, the switching valve (3) may be a four-way valve. In this case, the second check valve (C2) can limit the flow direction of the refrigerant to the direction from the oil separator (2) to the switching valve (3).

[0034] The outdoor heat exchanger (4) can exchange heat between the refrigerant and outdoor air. The direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (4) may vary depending on the system's operating mode, i.e., heating operation or cooling operation. An outdoor fan (not shown) is installed on one side of the outdoor heat exchanger (4) to control the amount of air supplied to the outdoor heat exchanger (4).

[0035] The indoor heat exchanger (5) can exchange heat between the refrigerant and indoor air. The direction of heat transfer between the refrigerant and indoor air in the indoor heat exchanger (5) may vary depending on the system's operating mode, i.e., heating operation or cooling operation. An indoor fan (not symbolized) is installed on one side of the indoor heat exchanger (5) to control the amount of air supplied to the indoor heat exchanger (5).

[0036] For example, the indoor heat exchanger (5) may include a plurality of indoor heat exchangers (5a, 5b, 5c). In this case, the indoor unit (IDU) may include a first indoor unit (IDUa) having a first indoor heat exchanger (5a), a first indoor fan, and a first indoor expansion valve (E1a), a second indoor unit (IDUb) having a second indoor heat exchanger (5b), a second indoor fan, and a second indoor expansion valve (E1b), and a third indoor unit (IDUc) having a third indoor heat exchanger (5c), a third indoor fan, and a third indoor expansion valve (E1c). Meanwhile, in response to the indoor cooling or heating demand load, some of the plurality of indoor heat exchangers (5a, 5b, 5c) may be operated, and the rest may not be operated.

[0037] Expansion valves (E1, E2) are installed between the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and the indoor heat exchanger (5), and can expand refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) or the indoor heat exchanger (5). In addition, the expansion valves (E1, E2) may include an outdoor expansion valve (E2) adjacent to the outdoor heat exchanger (4) and an indoor expansion valve (E1) adjacent to the indoor heat exchanger (5). In this case, the outdoor expansion valve (E2) may be used to expand refrigerant that has passed through the indoor heat exchanger (5), and the indoor expansion valve (E1) may be used to expand refrigerant that has passed through the outdoor heat exchanger (4). For example, the expansion valves (E1, E2) may be EEVs (Electronic Expansion Valves) capable of controlling the opening of a flow path of a refrigerant pipe in which the expansion valves (E1, E2) are installed.

[0038] For example, the indoor expansion valve (E1) may include a first indoor expansion valve (E1a) that expands refrigerant provided to the first indoor heat exchanger (5a), a second indoor expansion valve (E1b) that expands refrigerant provided to the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), and a third indoor expansion valve (E1c) that expands refrigerant provided to the third indoor heat exchanger (5c).

[0039] A plurality of sensors (not shown) can measure the temperature and / or pressure of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe.

[0040] A control unit (not shown) is electrically connected to each component of the system and can control the operation of each component of the system.

[0041] Referring to Fig. 1a, when a heating operation signal is input to the system, the control unit can perform heating operation of the system. For example, the heating operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by the user. As another example, the heating operation signal may be a signal provided to the control unit by a thermostat installed in an indoor space when the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is lower than a desired temperature set by the user by a certain level.

[0042] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the compressor (1) from the accumulator (6) can be compressed to high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant in the compressor (1) and discharged to the oil separator (2). Then, the refrigerant from which oil has been separated in the oil separator (2) can flow into the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) through the switching valve (3) and the first service valve (SV1). At this time, the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) can completely open the refrigerant flow path that passes through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) and leads to the outdoor heat exchanger (4). Then, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) can close the refrigerant flow path that passes through the first indoor heat exchanger (5a) and the third indoor heat exchanger (5c) and leads to the outdoor heat exchanger (4). Additionally, when the required heating load increases, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and / or the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) may also be opened.

[0043] As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the indoor air in the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can function as a condenser. And, according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, the indoor space can be heated. The refrigerant condensed while passing through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can pass through the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) and the second service valve (SV2) and then the outdoor expansion valve (E2). The refrigerant expanded while passing through the outdoor expansion valve (E2) can be distributed to multiple points of the outdoor heat exchanger (4) through the distributor (41).

[0044] As the heat energy of the outdoor air is transferred to the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can function as an evaporator. The refrigerant that has evaporated while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can be sequentially introduced into the compressor (1) through the header (42), the switching valve (3), and the accumulator (6). Thus, the refrigerant cycle for the heating operation of the aforementioned system can be completed.

[0045] Referring to Fig. 1b, when a cooling operation signal is input to the system, the control unit can perform cooling operation of the system. For example, the cooling operation signal may be a signal arbitrarily input by the user. As another example, the cooling operation signal may be a signal provided to the control unit by a thermostat installed in an indoor space when the indoor temperature detected by the indoor temperature sensor is higher than a desired temperature set by the user by a certain level.

[0046] Specifically, the low-temperature, low-pressure refrigerant flowing into the compressor (1) from the accumulator (6) can be compressed to high temperature, high pressure in the compressor (1) and discharged to the oil separator (2). Then, the refrigerant from which oil has been separated in the oil separator (2) can flow into the outdoor heat exchanger (4) through the switching valve (3) and the header (42).

[0047] As heat energy is transferred from the refrigerant to the outdoor air in the outdoor heat exchanger (4), the refrigerant can be condensed. At this time, the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can function as a condenser.

[0048] The refrigerant condensed while passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can sequentially flow into the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) through the distributor (41), the outdoor expansion valve (E2), and the second service valve (SV2). At this time, the outdoor expansion valve (E2) can fully open the flow path. Then, the refrigerant expanded while passing through the second indoor expansion valve (E1b) can flow into the second indoor heat exchanger (5b). In addition, when the required cooling load increases, the first indoor expansion valve (E1a) and / or the third indoor expansion valve (E1c) can also be opened to a certain degree.

[0049] As the heat energy of indoor air is transferred to the refrigerant in the second indoor heat exchanger (5b), the refrigerant can evaporate. At this time, the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can function as an evaporator. And, according to the heat exchange between the refrigerant and the indoor air, the indoor space can be cooled. The refrigerant that has evaporated while passing through the second indoor heat exchanger (5b) can sequentially pass through the first service valve (SV1), the changeover valve (3), and the accumulator (6) and then flow into the compressor (1). Thus, the refrigerant cycle for the cooling operation of the aforementioned system can be completed.

[0050] Meanwhile, the system can perform an oil recovery operation. For example, when performing an oil recovery operation, the system can control the switching valve (3) so that the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (1) flows to the outdoor heat exchanger (4). At this time, the refrigerant can be condensed by heat exchange between the refrigerant and the outdoor air occurring in the outdoor heat exchanger (4). The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger (4) can be introduced into the indoor unit (IDU). The refrigerant can be evaporated by heat exchange between the refrigerant introduced into the indoor unit (IDU) and the indoor air.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the system may increase the operating frequency of the compressor (1) above a certain level when performing an oil recovery operation. For example, the system may set the operating frequency of the compressor (1) to the maximum when performing an oil recovery operation. The system may stop the operation of the indoor fan when performing an oil recovery operation. The system may control the operation of the outdoor fan based on the pressure of the outdoor unit-side pipe when performing an oil recovery operation. For example, when the pressure of the outdoor unit-side pipe exceeds a predetermined standard, the outdoor fan may be operated, and when the pressure is below the predetermined standard, the operation of the outdoor fan may be stopped.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 2, the system may include a communication unit (210), a sensor unit (220), a memory (230), a fan drive unit (240) that drives a fan (241), a compressor drive unit (250) that drives a compressor (241, compressor (1) of FIG. 1A), and / or a control unit (260).

[0054] The communication unit (210) may include at least one communication module. For example, the communication unit (210) may be provided in each of the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU), and the outdoor unit (ODU) and the indoor unit (IDU) may transmit and receive data between each other. For example, the communication unit (210) may be provided in a remote control unit (RCU).

[0055] The communication method of the outdoor unit (ODU), indoor unit (IDU) and / or remote control unit (RCU) may be, for example, a communication method using a power line, a serial communication method (e.g., RS-485 communication), a wired communication method through a refrigerant pipe, or a wireless communication method such as Wi-fi, Bluetooth, Beacon, or Zigbee.

[0056] The communication unit (210) can transmit and receive data with external devices. For example, the communication unit (210) can connect to a server connected to an external network and transmit and receive data.

[0057] The sensor unit (220) may be equipped with at least one sensor and may transmit data on a detection value detected through the sensor to the control unit (260).

[0058] The sensor unit (220) may be equipped with a heat exchanger temperature sensor (not shown). For example, the heat exchanger temperature sensor may be placed inside the indoor heat exchanger (5) and detect the temperature of the indoor heat exchanger (5).

[0059] The sensor unit (220) may be equipped with a pipe temperature sensor (not shown). The pipe temperature sensor can detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the system. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be disposed on an inlet pipe of the indoor unit (IDU) and / or an outlet pipe of the indoor unit (IDU) to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the pipe. For example, the pipe temperature sensor may be disposed on a pipe connected to the compressor (241) to detect the temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (241) (hereinafter, referred to as suction temperature) and / or the temperature of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (241) (hereinafter, referred to as discharge temperature).

[0060] The sensor unit (210) may be equipped with a pressure sensor (not shown). The pressure sensor (not shown) can detect the pressure of the gaseous refrigerant flowing through each pipe of the system. For example, the pressure sensor may be placed in a pipe connected to the compressor (241) and detect the pressure of the refrigerant flowing into the compressor (241) (hereinafter, suction pressure) and / or the pressure of the refrigerant discharged from the compressor (241) (hereinafter, discharge pressure).

[0061] The sensor unit (220) may be equipped with an indoor temperature sensor (not shown) that detects indoor temperature and / or an outdoor temperature sensor (not shown) that detects outdoor temperature.

[0062] The sensor unit (220) may be equipped with an indoor humidity sensor (not shown) that detects indoor humidity and / or an outdoor humidity sensor (not shown) that detects outdoor humidity.

[0063] The sensor unit (220) may include a sensor (300, see FIG. 3) (hereinafter, referred to as an oil sensor) that outputs a signal corresponding to oil stored inside the compressor (241). The oil sensor (300) may detect the amount of fluid stored inside the compressor (241). The oil sensor (300) may detect the concentration of oil in the fluid. The fluid stored inside the compressor (241) may include at least oil. The fluid stored inside the compressor (241) may further include a refrigerant.

[0064] The memory (230) can store data related to the operation of each component provided in the system.

[0065] The memory (230) can store programs for signal processing and control within the control unit (260), and can store processed data and data to be processed. For example, the memory (230) can store application programs designed for the purpose of performing various tasks that can be processed by the control unit (260), and can selectively provide some of the stored application programs upon request from the control unit (260).

[0066] The memory (230) may include, for example, at least one of volatile memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.) or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), etc.).

[0067] The fan drive unit (240) can drive a fan (241) provided in the system. For example, the fan (241) may include an outdoor fan and / or an indoor fan.

[0068] The fan driving unit (240) may include a rectifier (not shown) that rectifies AC power into DC power and outputs it, a dc capacitor (not shown) that stores a pulsating voltage from the rectifier, an inverter (not shown) that has a plurality of switching elements and converts and outputs smoothed DC power into three-phase AC power of a predetermined frequency, and / or at least one motor that drives a fan (241) according to three-phase AC power output from the inverter.

[0069] Meanwhile, the fan drive unit (240) may be provided with separate configurations for driving the outdoor fan and the indoor fan. For example, the system may include a first fan drive unit for driving the outdoor fan and a second fan drive unit for driving the indoor fan.

[0070] The compressor driving unit (250) can drive the compressor (241). The compressor driving unit (250) may include a rectifier (not shown) that rectifies AC power into DC power and outputs it, a dc capacitor (not shown) that stores a pulsating voltage from the rectifier, an inverter (not shown) that has a plurality of switching elements and converts and outputs smoothed DC power into three-phase AC power of a predetermined frequency, and / or a compressor motor (102b) that drives the compressor (241) according to the three-phase AC power output from the inverter.

[0071] The control unit (260) can control the overall operation of the system. The control unit (260) can be connected to each component provided in the system, and can control the overall operation of each component by transmitting and / or receiving signals between each component.

[0072] The control unit (260) can control the operation of the fan drive unit (240) to change the rotation speed of the fan (241). For example, the fan drive unit (240) can change the rotation speed of the outdoor fan by changing the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to the outdoor fan motor according to the control of the control unit (260). For example, the fan drive unit (240) can change the rotation speed of the indoor fan by changing the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to the indoor fan motor according to the control of the control unit (260).

[0073] The control unit (260) can change the operating frequency of the compressor (241) by controlling the operation of the compressor drive unit (250). For example, the compressor drive unit (250) can change the operating frequency of the compressor (241) by changing the frequency of the three-phase AC power output to the compressor motor (102b) according to the control of the control unit (260).

[0074] The control unit (260) may be provided not only in the outdoor unit (ODU), but also in the indoor unit (IDU), the outdoor unit (ODU), and / or the remote control unit (RCU).

[0075] The control unit (260) may include at least one processor, and may control the overall operation of the system using the processor included therein. Here, the processor may be a general processor, such as a central processing unit (CPU). Of course, the processor may also be a dedicated device, such as an ASIC, or another hardware-based processor.

[0076] The control unit (260) can acquire data related to each component provided in the system. At this time, the control unit (260) can acquire data related to each component provided in the system at regular time intervals according to a predetermined cycle, taking into account the computational load.

[0077] The control unit (260) can perform various operations based on the acquired data and control the overall operation of each component provided in the system according to the operation results.

[0078] Data related to each component provided in the system may include, for example, the operating frequency of the compressor (241), the suction temperature of the compressor (241), the discharge temperature, the suction pressure, the discharge pressure, the concentration of oil stored inside the compressor (241), the amount of oil, the inlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit (IDU), the outlet-side pipe temperature of the indoor unit (IDU), the indoor temperature, the outdoor temperature, the opening amount of the electronic expansion valve (EEV), etc.

[0079] Meanwhile, the system may further include an input device (not shown) capable of receiving user input. For example, when the system receives user input via an input device (e.g., a touch panel, keys, etc.), it may perform an action corresponding to the received user input.

[0080] The system may further include an output device (not shown) that outputs a message regarding the operating status of the system. For example, the output device may include a display device such as a display, a light emitting diode (LED), and / or an audio device such as a speaker or buzzer.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a sensor according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the oil sensor (300) may include an electrode assembly (310) and / or a processing circuit (320).

[0083] The electrode assembly (310) may include a plurality of electrodes. Some of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310) may be formed to extend vertically. Others of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310) may be formed to extend horizontally.

[0084] The electrode assembly (310) may be disposed inside the compressor (1). The electrode assembly (310) may be exposed to a fluid stored inside the compressor (1). At least some of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310) may be disposed to be immersed in the fluid. The fluid stored inside the compressor (1) may include at least oil. The fluid stored inside the compressor (1) may further include a refrigerant.

[0085] A voltage may be applied to the electrode assembly (310). A sensing voltage may be applied to some of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310). The sensing voltage may be an alternating voltage whose voltage value periodically changes. The sensing voltage may have a predetermined frequency. A ground voltage may be applied to other some of the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310).

[0086] The processing circuit (320) can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly (310). The processing circuit (320) can apply voltage to the electrode assembly (310).

[0087] The processing circuit (320) can detect the electrostatic capacitance based on the voltage applied to the electrode assembly (310). The processing circuit (320) can detect the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to a first electrode to which a sensing voltage is applied and a second electrode to which a ground voltage is applied, among the plurality of electrodes included in the electrode assembly (310). The electrostatic capacitance corresponding to two electrodes among the plurality of electrodes can be detected based on mathematical expression 1.

[0088]

[0089] Here, C is the electrostatic capacitance, is the permittivity corresponding to vacuum, where is the dielectric constant corresponding to the material between the two electrodes, d is the distance between the two electrodes, and A is the area of ​​the electrode in contact with the material.

[0090] The processing circuit (320) can calculate the concentration of oil contained in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1) based on the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode assembly (310). The processing circuit (320) can calculate the amount of fluid stored inside the compressor (1) based on the electrostatic capacitance of the electrode assembly (310).

[0091] The processing circuit (320) may include a capacitance detection circuit (321) that detects the capacitance for the electrode assembly (310). The processing circuit (320) may include a control circuit (323) that calculates the concentration of oil and the amount of fluid. The capacitance detection circuit (321) and the control circuit (323) may be implemented as a single configuration or may be implemented as separate configurations. Meanwhile, the capacitance detection circuit (321) and / or the control circuit (323) may be included in the control unit (270) of the system.

[0092] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode assembly (310) may include a plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420).

[0094] A plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be formed to extend vertically. The plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be formed to have a first length (l1) along the front-back direction.

[0095] A plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be arranged to face each other. One side of the first vertical electrode (410) and one side of the second vertical electrode (420) may face each other. The plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be arranged in parallel.

[0096] A plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (d). One side of the first vertical electrode (410) and one side of the second vertical electrode (420) facing each other may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance (d).

[0097] A plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may be in contact with a fluid, at least some of which is stored inside the compressor (1). A sensing voltage may be applied to the first vertical electrode (410). A ground voltage may be applied to the second vertical electrode (420).

[0098] Since the distance (d) at which the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) are spaced apart and the length (l1) of the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) are constant, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) can correspond to the height (h1) (hereinafter, fluid surface height) from the lower end of the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) to the surface (400) of the fluid. That is, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) can correspond to the amount of fluid stored inside the compressor (241).

[0099] Meanwhile, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) can correspond to the concentration of oil contained in the fluid located between the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420).

[0100] Referring to Fig. 5, as the oil level height (h1) increases, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may increase. At this time, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) may vary depending on the concentration of oil contained in the fluid. For example, when comparing the case where the oil concentration is 100% (510), the case where the oil concentration is 75% (520), the case where the oil concentration is 50% (530), the case where the oil concentration is 33% (540), and the case where the oil concentration is 0% (550), the change in the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) according to the oil level height (h1) may be smaller as the oil concentration increases.

[0101] Accordingly, since the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) varies depending on the concentration of oil, the control circuit (323) can first determine the concentration of oil and then determine the amount of fluid based on the concentration of oil.

[0102] Referring again to FIG. 4, the electrode assembly (310) may include a first horizontal electrode (430) and / or a second horizontal electrode (440).

[0103] The first horizontal electrode (430) may be formed to extend horizontally. The first horizontal electrode (430) may be formed to have a first width (w1) in the left-right direction. The first horizontal electrode (430) may be formed to have a second length (l2) in the front-back direction.

[0104] The first horizontal electrode (430) may be positioned below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420). The first horizontal electrode (430) may be positioned so as to be immersed in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1). That is, in the case where a minimum amount of fluid is stored inside the compressor (1), the surface (400) of the fluid may be located above the first horizontal electrode (430).

[0105] The second horizontal electrode (440) may be formed to extend horizontally. The second horizontal electrode (440) may be formed to have a second width (w2) that is different from the first width (w1). In the present disclosure, an example in which the first width (w1) is smaller than the second width (w2) is described. The second horizontal electrode (440) may be formed to have a second length (l2) along the front-back direction.

[0106] The second horizontal electrode (440) may be positioned below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420). The second horizontal electrode (440) may be positioned so as to be immersed in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1). That is, in the case where a minimum amount of fluid is stored inside the compressor (1), the surface (400) of the fluid may be located above the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0107] The first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440) may be arranged side by side along the horizontal direction. The first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440) may be arranged spaced apart from each other.

[0108] The electrode assembly (310) may include a shield electrode (450). The shield electrode (450) may be formed to extend horizontally. The shield electrode (450) may be formed to have a third width (w3). The third width (w3) may be greater than or equal to the sum of the first width (w1) and the second width (w2). The shield electrode (450) may be formed to have a third length (l3) along the front-back direction. The third length (l3) may be greater than or equal to the second length (l2). In the present disclosure, it is described that both ends of the shield electrode (450) correspond to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440), respectively, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the left end of the shield electrode (450) may extend away from the first horizontal electrode (430). For example, the right end of the shield electrode (450) may be extended away from the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0109] The shield electrode (450) may be positioned below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420). The shield electrode (450) may be positioned to cover the first horizontal electrode (430) from above. The shield electrode (450) may be positioned to cover the second horizontal electrode (440) from above.

[0110] As the shield electrode (450) is positioned above the first horizontal electrode (430) to cover the first horizontal electrode (430), the influence of the second vertical electrode (420) on the first horizontal electrode (430) can be reduced. In addition, as the shield electrode (450) is positioned above the second horizontal electrode (440) to cover the second horizontal electrode (440), the influence of the second vertical electrode (420) on the second horizontal electrode (440) can be reduced.

[0111] Meanwhile, as the shield electrode (450) is disposed above the first horizontal electrode (430) so as to cover the first horizontal electrode (430), the influence of the change in the fluid level height (h1) according to the amount of fluid on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) can be reduced. In addition, as the shield electrode (450) is disposed above the second horizontal electrode (440) so as to cover the second horizontal electrode (440), the influence of the change in the fluid level height (h1) according to the amount of fluid on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450) can be reduced.

[0112] The shield electrode (450) may be arranged so that at least a portion thereof is immersed in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1). In the case where a minimum amount of fluid is stored inside the compressor (1), the surface (400) of the fluid may be located above the lower surface of the shield electrode (450). That is, the shield electrode (450) may be arranged so that the lower surface of the shield electrode (450) is immersed in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1).

[0113] A sensing voltage can be applied to the first horizontal electrode (430). A sensing voltage can be applied to the second horizontal electrode (440). A ground voltage can be applied to the shield electrode (450).

[0114] Since the lower surfaces of the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) are immersed in the fluid, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) can correspond to the concentration of oil contained in the fluid. Since the lower surfaces of the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450) are immersed in the fluid, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450) can correspond to the concentration of oil contained in the fluid.

[0115] The electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) may correspond to the oil concentration for the first depth (d1) of the fluid facing downward. The electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450) may correspond to the oil concentration for the second depth (d2) of the fluid facing downward. At this time, since the first width (w1) of the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second width (w2) of the second horizontal electrode (440) are different, the first depth (d1) and the second depth (d2) may be different from each other. Since the first width (w1) is smaller than the second width (w2), the first depth (d1) may be smaller than the second depth (d2).

[0116] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the depth of the fluid. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the first depth (d1) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450). For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the second depth (d2) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6, when the first concentration of oil corresponding to the first depth (d1) of the fluid and the second concentration of oil corresponding to the second depth (d2) of the fluid are different from each other, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on the first concentration of oil and the second concentration of oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration with respect to the difference between the first depth (d1) and the second depth (d2). For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on data about the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid corresponding to the first concentration, the second concentration, and the difference between the first concentration and the second concentration.

[0118] Accordingly, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control circuit (323) can first determine the concentration of the oil and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the determined concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450) and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the determined concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) and the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450), and then determine the amount of fluid based on the determined concentration of oil.

[0119] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed descriptions of any content overlapping with that described in FIG. 4 will be omitted.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 7, the electrode assembly (310) may further include a ground electrode (460). The ground electrode (460) may be formed to extend horizontally. The ground electrode (460) may be formed to have a fourth width (w4) along the left-right direction. The ground electrode (460) may be formed to have a second length (l2) along the front-back direction.

[0121] The ground electrode (460) may be disposed below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420). The ground electrode (460) may be disposed below the shield electrode (450). The ground electrode (460) may be disposed so as to be covered by the shield electrode (450). The ground electrode (460) may be disposed so as to be immersed in the fluid stored inside the compressor (1). That is, in the case where a minimum amount of fluid is stored inside the compressor (1), the surface (400) of the fluid may be located above the ground electrode (460).

[0122] The first horizontal electrode (430), the second horizontal electrode (440), and the ground electrode (460) may be arranged in parallel along the horizontal direction. The first horizontal electrode (430), the second horizontal electrode (440), and the ground electrode (460) may be arranged spaced apart from each other. The ground electrode (460) may be arranged between the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0123] A sensing voltage can be applied to the first horizontal electrode (430). A sensing voltage can be applied to the second horizontal electrode (440). A ground voltage can be applied to the ground electrode (460).

[0124] Since the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) are immersed in the fluid, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) can correspond to the concentration of oil contained in the fluid. Since the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460) are immersed in the fluid, the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460) can correspond to the concentration of oil contained in the fluid.

[0125] The electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) may correspond to the oil concentration for the third depth (d3) of the fluid facing downward. The electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460) may correspond to the oil concentration for the fourth depth (d4) of the fluid facing downward. At this time, since the first width (w1) of the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second width (w2) of the second horizontal electrode (440) are different, the third depth (d3) and the fourth depth (d4) may be different from each other. Since the first width (w1) is smaller than the second width (w2), the third depth (d3) may be smaller than the fourth depth (d4).

[0126] According to one embodiment, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the depth of the fluid. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the third depth (d3) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460). For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the fourth depth (d4) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460).

[0127] When the third concentration of oil corresponding to the third depth (d3) of the fluid and the fourth concentration of oil corresponding to the fourth depth (d4) of the fluid are different from each other, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on the third concentration of oil and the fourth concentration of oil.

[0128] Accordingly, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the control circuit (323) can first determine the concentration of the oil and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the determined concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460) and then determine the amount of the fluid based on the determined concentration of the oil. For example, the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of oil corresponding to the surface (d0) of the fluid based on the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) and the electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460), and then determine the amount of fluid based on the determined concentration of oil.

[0129] According to one embodiment, no voltage may be applied to the shield electrode (450). That is, the shield electrode (450) may be configured for passive shielding. When the shield electrode (450) is configured for passive shielding, the influence of the second vertical electrode (420) on the first horizontal electrode (430) and / or the second horizontal electrode (440) may be further reduced. In addition, when the shield electrode (450) is configured for passive shielding, the influence of the change in the fluid level height (h1) according to the amount of fluid on the capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) and / or the capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460) may be further reduced. In addition, when the shield electrode (450) is configured for passive shielding, the electrode assembly (310) may block the influence of noise introduced from the outside.

[0130] Meanwhile, if the shield electrode (450) is configured for passive shielding, parasitic capacitance may exist between the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450). In addition, parasitic capacitance may also exist between the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450). Such parasitic capacitance may be a factor that reduces the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).

[0131] According to one embodiment, a sensing voltage may be applied to the shield electrode (450). That is, the shield electrode (450) may be configured for active shielding.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, when looking at the output of the sensor in the time domain, the noise included in the output of the sensor can be significantly reduced when there is a configuration for passive shielding (802) or a configuration for active shielding (803), compared to when there is no configuration for passive shielding or active shielding (801).

[0133] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 9, when examining the output of the sensor in the frequency domain, when there is a configuration for passive shielding (902), the noise peak at a given frequency (e.g., 50 Hz) can be reduced compared to when there is no configuration for passive shielding or active shielding (801). In addition, when there is a configuration for active shielding (903), the noise peak at a given frequency (e.g., 50 Hz) can be further reduced compared to when there is a configuration for passive shielding (902).

[0134] In this way, when a sensing voltage is applied to the shield electrode (450), no potential difference occurs between the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) and between the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450), so that parasitic capacitance can be eliminated. Accordingly, due to the elimination of parasitic capacitance, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) can be improved.

[0135] As described above, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the concentration of oil present inside the compressor (1) can be accurately detected.

[0136] Additionally, according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, the amount of oil can be accurately detected based on the concentration of oil present inside the compressor (1).

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, a sensor (300) according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) that are vertically elongated and arranged to face each other; a first horizontal electrode (430) arranged below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420); and a shield electrode (450) arranged below the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) so as to cover the first horizontal electrode (430) from above, wherein the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450) are arranged to be immersed in a fluid that includes at least oil, and a sensing voltage may be applied to the first vertical electrode (410) and the first horizontal electrode (430), and a ground voltage may be applied to the second vertical electrode (420) and the shield electrode (450).

[0138] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a capacitance detection circuit (321) may be further included to detect a first capacitance corresponding to the first vertical electrode (410) and the second vertical electrode (420), and a second capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the shield electrode (450).

[0139] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control circuit (323) is further included, and the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the second electrostatic capacitance, and determine the amount of the fluid based on the concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

[0140] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second horizontal electrode (440) is further included, which is disposed on the lower side of the shield electrode (450), and the sensing voltage is applied to the second horizontal electrode (440), and a first width (w1) of the first horizontal electrode (430) may be different from a second width (w2) of the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0141] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the shield electrode (450) may be arranged to cover the second horizontal electrode (440) from the upper side.

[0142] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440) may be arranged side by side along the horizontal direction.

[0143] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control circuit (323) is further included, and the electrostatic capacity detection circuit (321) detects a third electrostatic capacity corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the shield electrode (450), and the control circuit (323) determines a first concentration of the oil corresponding to a first depth of the fluid based on the second electrostatic capacity, determines a second concentration of the oil corresponding to a second depth of the fluid based on the third electrostatic capacity, determines a third concentration of the oil corresponding to a surface of the fluid based on the first concentration of the oil and the second concentration of the oil, and determines an amount of the fluid based on the third concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacity.

[0144] A sensor (300) according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) that are vertically elongated and arranged to face each other; a first horizontal electrode (430) arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420); a ground electrode (460) arranged on a lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420); And a shield electrode (450) disposed on the lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes (410, 420) so as to cover the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) from the upper side, wherein the shield electrode (450), the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460) are disposed to be immersed in a fluid including at least oil, and a sensing voltage can be applied to the first vertical electrode (410) and the first horizontal electrode (430), and a ground voltage can be applied to the second vertical electrode (420) and the ground electrode (460).

[0145] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the sensing voltage can be applied to the shield electrode (450).

[0146] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a capacitance detection circuit (321) may be further included to detect a first capacitance corresponding to the first vertical electrode (410) and the second vertical electrode (420), and a second capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode (430) and the ground electrode (460).

[0147] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a control circuit (323) is further included, and the control circuit (323) can determine the concentration of the oil based on the second electrostatic capacitance, and determine the amount of the fluid based on the concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

[0148] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a second horizontal electrode (440) is further included, which is disposed on the lower side of the shield electrode (450), and the sensing voltage is applied to the second horizontal electrode (440), and a first width (w1) of the first horizontal electrode (430) may be different from a second width (w2) of the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0149] Additionally, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the shield electrode (450) may be arranged to cover the second horizontal electrode (440) from the upper side.

[0150] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first horizontal electrode (430), the second horizontal electrode (440), and the ground electrode (460) may be arranged in parallel along a horizontal direction, and the ground electrode (460) may be arranged between the first horizontal electrode (430) and the second horizontal electrode (440).

[0151] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the control circuit (323) is further included, and the electrostatic capacity detection circuit (321) detects a third electrostatic capacity corresponding to the second horizontal electrode (440) and the ground electrode (460), and the control circuit (323) determines a first concentration of the oil corresponding to a first depth of the fluid based on the second electrostatic capacity, determines a second concentration of the oil corresponding to a second depth of the fluid based on the third electrostatic capacity, determines a third concentration of the oil corresponding to a surface of the fluid based on the first concentration of the oil and the second concentration of the oil, and determines an amount of the fluid based on the third concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacity.

[0152] The attached drawings are only intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in this specification are not limited by the attached drawings, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present disclosure.

[0153] Meanwhile, the operating method of the present disclosure can be implemented as processor-readable code on a processor-readable recording medium. A processor-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices that store data that can be read by a processor. Examples of processor-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage devices, etc., and also include those implemented in the form of a carrier wave, such as transmission via the Internet. Furthermore, the processor-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, so that the processor-readable code can be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0154] In addition, although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications may be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or prospect of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A plurality of vertical electrodes that are extended vertically and arranged facing each other; a first horizontal electrode disposed below the plurality of vertical electrodes; and A shield electrode is disposed on the lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes so as to cover the first horizontal electrode from the upper side, The first horizontal electrode and the shield electrode are arranged to be immersed in a fluid containing at least oil, A sensing voltage is applied to the first vertical electrode and the first horizontal electrode, A sensor characterized in that a ground voltage is applied to the second vertical electrode and the shield electrode.

2. In paragraph 1, A sensor further comprising a capacitance detection circuit that detects a first capacitance corresponding to the first vertical electrode and the second vertical electrode, and a second capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode and the shield electrode.

3. In paragraph 2, Including more control circuits, The above control circuit, Based on the second electrostatic capacity, the concentration of the oil is determined, A sensor characterized in that the amount of the fluid is determined based on the concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

4. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a second horizontal electrode disposed on the lower side of the shield electrode; The sensing voltage is applied to the second horizontal electrode, A sensor characterized in that the first width of the first horizontal electrode is different from the second width of the second horizontal electrode.

5. In paragraph 4, A sensor characterized in that the shield electrode is positioned to cover the second horizontal electrode from the upper side.

6. In paragraph 4, A sensor characterized in that the first horizontal electrode and the second horizontal electrode are arranged side by side along a horizontal direction.

7. In paragraph 4, Including more control circuits, The above electrostatic capacitance detection circuit detects a third electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode and the shield electrode, The above control circuit, Based on the second electrostatic capacitance, a first concentration of the oil corresponding to a first depth of the fluid is determined, Based on the third electrostatic capacitance, a second concentration of the oil corresponding to a second depth of the fluid is determined, Based on the first concentration of the oil and the second concentration of the oil, a third concentration of the oil corresponding to the surface of the fluid is determined, A sensor characterized in that the amount of the fluid is determined based on the third concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

8. A plurality of vertical electrodes extending vertically and arranged facing each other; A first horizontal electrode disposed below the plurality of vertical electrodes; a ground electrode disposed on the lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes; and A shield electrode is disposed on the lower side of the plurality of vertical electrodes so as to cover the first horizontal electrode and the ground electrode from the upper side, The shield electrode, the first horizontal electrode and the ground electrode are arranged to be immersed in a fluid containing at least oil, A sensing voltage is applied to the first vertical electrode and the first horizontal electrode, A sensor characterized in that a ground voltage is applied to the second vertical electrode and the ground electrode.

9. In paragraph 8, A sensor characterized in that the sensing voltage is applied to the shield electrode.

10. In paragraph 8, A sensor further comprising a capacitance detection circuit that detects a first capacitance corresponding to the first vertical electrode and the second vertical electrode, and a second capacitance corresponding to the first horizontal electrode and the ground electrode.

11. In paragraph 10, Including more control circuits, The above control circuit, Based on the second electrostatic capacity, the concentration of the oil is determined, A sensor characterized in that the amount of the fluid is determined based on the concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

12. In paragraph 10, Further comprising a second horizontal electrode disposed on the lower side of the shield electrode; The sensing voltage is applied to the second horizontal electrode, A sensor characterized in that the first width of the first horizontal electrode is different from the second width of the second horizontal electrode.

13. In paragraph 12, A sensor characterized in that the shield electrode is positioned to cover the second horizontal electrode from the upper side.

14. In paragraph 12, The first horizontal electrode, the second horizontal electrode, and the ground electrode are arranged side by side along the horizontal direction, A sensor characterized in that the ground electrode is disposed between the first horizontal electrode and the second horizontal electrode.

15. In paragraph 12, Including more control circuits, The above electrostatic capacitance detection circuit detects a third electrostatic capacitance corresponding to the second horizontal electrode and the ground electrode, The above control circuit, Based on the second electrostatic capacitance, a first concentration of the oil corresponding to a first depth of the fluid is determined, Based on the third electrostatic capacitance, a second concentration of the oil corresponding to a second depth of the fluid is determined, Based on the first concentration of the oil and the second concentration of the oil, a third concentration of the oil corresponding to the surface of the fluid is determined, A sensor characterized in that the amount of the fluid is determined based on the third concentration of the oil and the first electrostatic capacitance.

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