Oil detection device, compressor having the same and method of controlling the compressor

An oil detection device for a compressor comprising:

• a reference unit to which an input signal is applied;
• a base unit disposed at one side of the reference unit, the base unit outputting a detection signal;
• a first augmenting unit disposed at the other side of the reference unit, the first augmenting unit outputting a detection signal;
• and
• a flow unit disposed in any one of the reference unit, the base unit and the first augmenting unit, the flow unit forming a passage in which an oil flows.

An oil detection device for a compressor to detect a level of an oil in the compressor comprising:

• a first detection unit comprising a first reference electrode and a first detection electrode disposed at both sides of the first reference electrode;
• and
• a second detection unit comprising a second reference electrode spaced from the first reference electrode and a second detection electrode disposed at both sides of the second reference electrode,
• wherein the first detection electrode of the first detection unit and the second detection electrode of the second detection unit are electrically connected to each other and transmit a detection signal to a control unit to control an oil collection operation.

A compressor comprising:

• a first detection unit comprising a first reference electrode and a first detection electrode disposed at both sides of the first reference electrode;
• a second detection unit comprising a second reference electrode spaced from the first reference electrode and a second detection electrode disposed at both sides of the second reference electrode;
• and
• a control unit converting a detection signal input from the first detection unit and the second detection unit into an electric signal, the control unit determining a level of an oil based on the converted electric signal.

A method of controlling a compressor comprising:

• inputting a detection signal from a first detection unit and a second detection unit disposed in the compressor;
• converting the input detection signal into an electric signal;
• determining a level of an oil in the compressor based on the converted electric signal;
• and
• controlling an oil collection operation when the determined oil level is lower than a preset level.

An oil detection device for a compressor comprising:

• first and second reference units to which an input signal is applied;
• first and second base units disposed at one side of the first and reference units, respectively, the first and second base units each outputting a detection signal;
• and
• first and second augmenting units disposed at the other side of the first and second reference units, respectively, the first and second augmenting units each outputting a detection signal;
• and
• a spacing unit to mechanically and electrically connect the first reference unit to the second reference unit, the spacing unit being configured so that the first reference unit, first base unit and first augmenting unit are disposed above the second reference unit, second base unit and second augmenting unit.