EP2132498B1 - Air conditioner and control method thereof - Google Patents

Air conditioner and control method thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2132498B1
EP2132498B1 EP07793535.1A EP07793535A EP2132498B1 EP 2132498 B1 EP2132498 B1 EP 2132498B1 EP 07793535 A EP07793535 A EP 07793535A EP 2132498 B1 EP2132498 B1 EP 2132498B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
oil
compressor
compressors
recovery
controller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07793535.1A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2132498A4 (en
EP2132498A2 (en
Inventor
Pil Hyun Yoon
Sung Oh Choi
Jae Heuk Choi
Baik Young Chung
Sai Kee Oh
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP2132498A2 publication Critical patent/EP2132498A2/en
Publication of EP2132498A4 publication Critical patent/EP2132498A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2132498B1 publication Critical patent/EP2132498B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B31/00—Compressor arrangements
    • F25B31/002—Lubrication
    • F25B31/004—Lubrication oil recirculating arrangements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/06—Several compression cycles arranged in parallel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2400/00—General features or devices for refrigeration machines, plants or systems, combined heating and refrigeration systems or heat-pump systems, i.e. not limited to a particular subgroup of F25B
    • F25B2400/07—Details of compressors or related parts
    • F25B2400/075—Details of compressors or related parts with parallel compressors
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2600/00—Control issues
    • F25B2600/02—Compressor control
    • F25B2600/025—Compressor control by controlling speed
    • F25B2600/0251—Compressor control by controlling speed with on-off operation
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
    • F25B2700/00—Sensing or detecting of parameters; Sensors therefor
    • F25B2700/03—Oil level

Definitions

  • the present application discloses an air conditioner including a plurality of compressors which is configured to supply balanced amounts of oil to the compressors, and a control method thereof.
  • an air conditioner performs air conditioning using heat absorbed by or discharged from a refrigerant.
  • the refrigerant is subjected to a refrigeration cycle of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation.
  • One essential element of such an air conditioner is a compressor functioning to compress the refrigerant.
  • the compressor is subjected to a high pressure, high temperatures; and the moving parts of the compressor may experience a high degree of friction. As a result, if the compressor is not properly lubricated, it can be easily damaged.
  • JP-A-04-084073 discloses a freezer device wherein a control valve in an oil return pipe is released when a respective compressor is operated and oil is fed from an oil separator to a compressor being stopped and then flowed to the compressor being operated to keep an oil balanced state between compressors and prevent an operation without oil.
  • EP-A-1 120 611 describes an oil return mechanism disposed in a suction line of compressors in a refrigerating device having different capacities being operable to preferentially return a refrigerator oil separated from in a suction gas refrigerant to the compressor with the smallest capacity among the compressors.
  • JP-A-02-287067 discloses an oil separator for a plurality of compressors operated in parallel.
  • JP-A-09-113041 describes an air conditioner wherein, to reduce the number of pipes and to further prevent an amount of oil from becoming short in a compressor, an oil returning pipe is connected to a suction pipe of one compressor, an over-flow pipe of lubricant oil flowing from one compressor is connected to the suction pipe of the other compressor.
  • an air conditioning equipment wherein a plurality of compressors are arranged in parallel by arranging oil separators on delivery pipings of the compressors to connect oil return tubes respectively to suction pipings of adjacent compressors delivery pipings of the compressors to connect oil return tubes respectively to a suction pipings of adjacent compressors sequentially to prevent a deviation of a refrigerating machine oil.
  • EP-A-1 443 286 describes a refrigerating equipment wherein surplus portions of a lubricating oil in closed casings of compressors flow into oil pipes, individually, the lubricating oil having flowed into these oil pipes being supplied to the respective closed casings of the compressors through oil pipes and refrigerant inlet pipes.
  • an oil separator is arranged in a discharge line connected to an outlet of the compressor. The separator separates the oil from the refrigerant and returns the separated oil to the compressor.
  • an air conditioner as defined according to claim 1 is provided.
  • Air conditioners and control methods thereof can effectively perform oil balancing for a plurality of compressors, to achieve an enhancement in the operation reliability of the compressors.
  • all the compressors, which were operated in a normal operation are sequentially operated.
  • oil balancing can be effectively achieved.
  • An air conditioning system as described above can include both high-pressure type and low-pressure type compressors, connected in series, and are independently controlled. Accordingly, there is an advantage in that it is possible to easily adjust the compression ratio of the compression system. Also, the high-pressure type and low-pressure type compressors are connected using an oil connecting line. Accordingly, it is possible to equally distribute oil to the high-pressure type and low-pressure type compressors, through a simple method using the hydrostatic pressure of oil.
  • the air conditioner shown in FIG. 1 includes an outdoor unit 1, a distribution unit 2, and an indoor unit 3.
  • the air conditioner may perform only a cooling operation, only a heating operation, or the air conditioner may simultaneously perform both a cooling operation and a heating operation.
  • the indoor unit 3 may comprise one indoor unit, or may comprise a plurality of indoor units. Accordingly, the distribution unit 2 may be dispensed with or may be required, in accordance with the configuration of the indoor unit(s) 3.
  • the outdoor unit 1 includes a compression unit 10, a heat exchanging unit 30, and an expansion device 40.
  • the indoor unit 3 includes an indoor heat exchanger and an expansion valve.
  • the distribution unit 2 can include a refrigerant line connecting the outdoor unit 1 and indoor unit 3, and various valves, to control a re-frigerant flow between the outdoor unit 1 and the indoor unit 3.
  • a switching valve 20 is installed in the outdoor unit 1.
  • the switching valve 20 switches the flow direction of a refrigerant discharged from the compression unit 10.
  • the air conditioner includes oil separation units 100 respectively connected to a plurality of compressors constituting the compression unit 10.
  • Each oil separation unit 100 separates oil mixed with a refrigerant discharged from the associated compressor, and returns the separated oil to the associated compressor.
  • reference numeral 50 designates an accumulator.
  • the accumulator temporarily stores the refrigerant to be returned to each compressor, to control the refrigerant amount in each compressor.
  • the compression unit 10 includes three compressors 10a, 10b, 10c.
  • the number of oil separation units corresponds to the number of compressors.
  • the oil separation units 101, 102, 103 may be connected to the compressors by a plurality of recovery lines, respectively.
  • an oil balancer is provided in order to balance the amounts of oil in the compressors.
  • the oil balancer may include a bypass line communicating with the recovery lines and one or more bypass valves arranged in the bypass line.
  • the compression unit 10 includes a first compressor 10a, a second compressor 10b, and a third compressor 10c.
  • a first compressor 10a any number of compressors could be used, as long as the number of compressors is plural.
  • the plural compressors may comprise constant speed compressors or variable speed compressors.
  • the plural compressors may comprise a combination of variable speed compressors and constant speed compressors.
  • Discharge lines 11a, 11b, and 11c are connected to respective outlets of the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c. Compressed refrigerant flow through the discharge lines 11a, 11b, and 11c after it is discharged from the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • the oil separation unit includes a first oil separator 101, a second oil separator 102, and a third oil separator 103.
  • the first oil separator 101 is connected to the first discharge line 11a, to communicate with the first compressor 10a.
  • the second oil separator 102 is connected to the second discharge line 11b, to communicate with the second compressor 10b.
  • the third oil separator 103 is connected to the third discharge line 1 1c, to communicate with the third compressor 10c.
  • the supply lines, through which refrigerant flows from the accumulator 50 to the respective compressors includes a first supply line 12a connected to the first compressor 10a, a second supply line 12b connected to the second compressor 10b, and a third supply line 12c connected to the third compressor 10c.
  • the oil separators 101, 102, and 103 separate oil mixed with the refrigerant discharged from the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • the separated oil is then returned to the compressors via the supply lines 12a, 12b, and 12c, so as to return the separated oil to the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively.
  • the air conditioner includes recovery lines 111, 112, and 113, through which oil flows from the oil separators 101, 102, and 103 to the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113 comprise a first recovery line 111 connected between the first oil separator 101 and the first supply line 12a, a second recovery line 112 connected between the second oil separator 102 and the second supply line 12b, and a third recovery line 113 connected between the third oil separator 103 and the third supply line 12c.
  • Opening/closing valves 151, 152, and 153 are arranged in the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113, to open or close the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113, and thus, to control recovery of oil to the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c, respectively.
  • the opening/closing valves 151, 152, and 153 comprise a first opening/closing valve 151 for controlling recovery of oil through the first recovery line 111, a second opening/ closing valve 152 for controlling recovery of oil through the second recovery line 112, and a third opening/closing valve 153 for controlling recovery of oil through the third recovery line 113.
  • expansion devices 141, 142, and 143 are arranged in the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113.
  • the expansion devices act to expand (lower the pressure) oil which is being returned to the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • the expansion devices 141, 142, and 143 comprise a first expansion device 141 for expanding oil recovered through the first recovery line 111, a second expansion device 142 for expanding oil recovered through the second recovery line 112, and a third expansion device 143 for expanding oil recovered through the third recovery line 113.
  • the reason why the expansion devices 141, 142, and 143 are installed is that there is a pressure difference between the refrigerant supplied from the accumulator 50 to each of the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c and the oil recovered from the associated oil separators 101, 102, or 103.
  • the refrigerant from the accumulator 50 has a low pressure, whereas the oil separated from the compressed refrigerant has a high pressure.
  • the expansion devices reduce the pressure of oil flowing through the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113, and thus, reducing the pressure difference between each recovery line 111, 112, or 113 and the associated return line 12a, 12b, or 12c.
  • the pressure reduction function is also desirable because a reduction in temperature is also achieved during the expansion of the oil, and this helps to reduce an oil evaporation phenomenon to a certain degree.
  • the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113 are connected to a bypass line 120 such that the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113 communicate.
  • the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113 comprise a first recovery line 111, a second recovery line 112, and a third recovery line 113 which all communicate with the bypass line 120.
  • oil from the first oil separator 101 flowing through the first recovery line 111 may be sent through the bypass line 120 such that it is introduced into the second and third recovery lines 112 and 113, to thereby be recovered to the second and third compressors 10b and 10c.
  • the oil recovered from any of the oil separators 101, 102, and 103 can be supplied, via the bypass line 120, to a compressor which contains an insufficient amount of oil.
  • control valves 131 and 132 are arranged in the bypass line 120, to control oil flows among the recovery lines 111, 112, and 113.
  • the control valves 131 and 132 comprise a first control valve 131 arranged in a portion of the bypass line 120 connecting the first and second recovery lines 111 and 112, and a second control valve 132 arranged in a portion of the bypass line 120 connecting the second and third recovery lines 112 and 113.
  • the first control valve 131 controls an oil flow between the first recovery line 111 and the second recovery line 112.
  • the second control valve 132 controls an oil flow between the second recovery line 112 and the third recovery line 113.
  • solenoid valves may be used.
  • valves, which can adjust an opening degree thereof may be used.
  • the control method for the first embodiment may include a normal operation step where oil separated by the plurality of oil separators 101, 102, and 103 is returned to their corresponding compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • the method would also include an oil balancing operation step for sequentially introducing the oil separated by the oil separators 101, 102, and 103 into the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c.
  • a controller which is included in the air conditioner may execute the normal operation step and the oil balancing operation step at intervals of a predetermined time. Alternatively, the controller may execute the normal operation step and the oil balancing operation step, based on data obtained in accordance with a measurement by a sensor for sensing the amount of oil of each compressor.
  • the controller closes the first and second control valves 131 and 132, and opens the first, second, and third opening/closing valves 151, 152, and 153, to enable the normal operation to be executed.
  • oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the first compressor 10a.
  • Oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is introduced into the second compressor 10b, and oil separated by the third oil separator 103 is introduced into the third compressor 1Oc.
  • the amount of oil contained in each compressor may vary.
  • an oil shortage may occur in one of the compressors. Even in the case in which the compressors have similar capacities, an oil unbalance phenomenon may occur because the driving times of the compressors may be different.
  • an oil balancing operation is executed in the air conditioner.
  • the controller of the air conditioner controls the oil balancer included in the air conditioner to supply balanced amounts of oil to the compressors.
  • the oil balancing operation step may include step A of operating at least one compressor while stopping the remaining compressors, and a step B of controlling the oil balancer to allow oil to be supplied to the non-operating compressors.
  • the oil balancing operation step may further include a step C of operating at least one compressor including the compressor supplied with oil, and introducing oil into the compressors, except for the operating compressor.
  • the oil balancing operation step may include repeating steps A, B, and C for all the plural compressors.
  • the controller of the air conditioner operates one of the plural compressors, while stopping the remaining compressors.
  • the controller then controls the oil balancer such that oil separated by the oil separator associated with the operating compressor is supplied to one or both of the stopped compressors.
  • the controller operates the first compressor 10a, while stopping the second and third compressors 10b and 10c.
  • the controller then opens the first control valve 131 and second opening/closing valve 152, while closing the second control valve 132, first opening/closing valve 151, and third opening/closing valve 153. Accordingly, oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the stopped second compressor 10b via the bypass line 120 and second recovery line 112.
  • the controller operates the first compressor 10a for a first predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the first compressor 10a is completed, the controller maintains the first and third compressors 10a and 10c in a stopped state. Simultaneously, the controller operates the second compressor 10b, which has been supplied with oil in the above procedure. Thereafter, the controller opens the second control valve 132 and third opening/closing valve 153, while closing the first control valve 131, first opening/closing valve 151, and second opening/closing valve 152. Accordingly, oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is introduced into the stopped third compressor 10c via the bypass line 120 and third recovery line 113. In this case, the controller operates the second compressor 10b for a second predetermined time.
  • the controller sequentially executes the above-described procedures for all compressors.
  • sequential operations of the compressors mean that all compressors operate sequentially in a given order.
  • the controller maintains the second compressor 10b and first compressor 10a in a stopped state.
  • the controller operates the third compressor 10c.
  • the controller opens the first control valve 131, the second control valve 132 and first opening/ closing valve 151, while closing the second opening/closing valve 152, and third opening/closing valve 153.
  • oil separated by the third oil separator 103 is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the bypass line 120 and first recovery line 111.
  • the controller operates the third compressor 10c for a third predetermined time.
  • the controller may execute the above-described procedures once for all compressors. If necessary, the controller may repeat the above-described procedures several times. After completion of the above-described procedures, the amounts of oil supplied to the compressors are balanced due to the following reasons.
  • the ratio of oil mixed with a refrigerant in one compressor during operation of the compressor is different from those in the remaining compressors.
  • a compressor containing a large amount of oil a large amount of oil is mixed with a refrigerant.
  • a compressor containing a small amount of oil a small amount of oil is mixed with a refrigerant.
  • the air conditioner can operate in the following manner. First, the controller determines which one of the compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c, contains an insufficient amount of oil, based on sensing data from the sensors. If it is determined that the second compressor 10b has an insufficient amount of oil, the controller then operates the first compressor 10a, while stopping the second and third compressors 10b and 10c. Thereafter, the controller opens the first control valve 131 and second opening/closing valve 152, while closing the second control valve 132, first opening/closing valve 151, and third opening/closing valve 153. Accordingly, oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the second compressor 10b via the bypass line 120 and second recovery line 112. Thus, the second compressor 10b is replenished with the oil.
  • the controller will then execute a control operation to introduce oil separated by the first oil separator 101 into the third compressor 10c, and thus, to replenish the third compressor 10c with the oil.
  • the controller will then execute a control operation to supply oil only to the first compressor 10a.
  • the first and second control valves 131 and 132 are eliminated. That is, the first, second, and third recovery lines 111, 112, and 113 are always in communication by the bypass line 120.
  • the control method according to this embodiment is also applicable to the case in which the first and second control valves 131 and 132 are used, as long as the first and second control valves 131 and 132 are maintained in an opened state. In the following description, it is assumed that, during the normal operation step, all the first, second, and third compressors were operated, and an oil unbalance occurred among the compressors.
  • the controller first operates the first and second compressors 10a and 10b, while stopping the third compressor 10c.
  • the controller then closes the first and second opening/closing valves 151 and 152, while opening the third opening/closing valve 153. Accordingly, oil separated by each of the first and second oil separators 101 and 102 passes through the bypass line 120, and is then introduced into the third compressor 10c via the third recovery line 113.
  • the controller operates the first and second compressors 10a and 10b for a first predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operations of the first and second compressors 10a and 10b are completed, the controller operates the second and third compressors 10b and 10c, while maintaining the first compressor 10a in a stopped state.
  • the controller closes the second and third opening/closing valves 152 and 153, while opening the first opening/ closing valve 151. Accordingly, oil separated by each of the second and third oil separators 102 and 103 passes through the bypass line 120, and is then introduced into the first compressor 10a via the first recovery line 111. In this case, the controller operates the second and third compressors 10b and 10c for a second predetermined time.
  • the controller operates the third and first compressors 10c and 10a, while maintaining the second compressor 10b in a stopped state.
  • the controller closes the third and first opening/closing valves 153 and 151, while opening the second opening/closing valve 152. Accordingly, oil separated by each of the third and first oil separators 103 and 101 passes through to the bypass line 120, and is then introduced into the second compressor 10b via the second recovery line 112. In this case, the controller operates the third and first compressors 10c and 10a for a third predetermined time.
  • the controller may execute the above-described procedures once. If necessary, the controller may repeat the above-described procedures several times. After completion of the above-described oil balancing operation, the controller opens the first, second, and third opening/closing valves 151, 152, and 153, to enable a normal operation to be executed. In the normal operation, oil emerging from the first oil separator 101, oil emerging from the second oil separator 102, and oil emerging from the third oil separator 103 will be mixed in the bypass line 120.
  • control valves 131 and 132 are used, they are opened in the oil balancing operation, but are closed in the normal operation.
  • the controller will not operate a compressor which contains an insufficient amount of oil. Instead, the controller will operate at least one of the remaining compressors and control the opening/closing valves to supply oil to the compressor containing an insufficient amount of oil.
  • the controller when the first compressor 10a contains an insufficient amount of oil, the controller does not operate the first compressor 10a, but operates the second compressor 10b, which contains a sufficient amount of oil. Thereafter, the controller closes the second and third opening/closing valves 152 and 153, while opening the first opening/closing valve 151.
  • oil separated by the oil separator 102 associated with the operating second compressor 10b is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the first recovery line 111.
  • the sensor of the first compressor 10a senses the amount of oil in the first compressor 10a, to determine the operating time of the second compressor 10b.
  • the air conditioner according to this embodiment eliminates the opening/closing valves, but additionally includes a second bypass line 121 for connecting the third recovery line 113 and first recovery line 111.
  • a third control valve 133 is arranged in the second bypass line 121, to control a flow of oil passing through the second bypass line 121.
  • the controller first operates the first compressor 10a, while stopping the second and third compressors 10b and 10c.
  • the controller then closes the second and third control valves 132 and 133, while opening the first control valve 131. Accordingly, oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is partially introduced into the first compressor 10a via the first recovery line 111. The remaining portion of the separated oil is introduced into the second compressor 10b via the bypass line 120. In this case, the controller operates the first compressor 10a for a first predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the first compressor 10a is completed, the controller operates the second compressor 10b, while maintaining the third and first compressors 10c and 10a in a stopped state.
  • the controller closes the third and first control valves 133 and 131, while opening the second control valve 132. Accordingly, oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is partially introduced into the second compressor 10b via the second recovery line 112. The remaining portion of the separated oil is introduced into the third compressor 10c via the bypass line 120.
  • the controller operates the second compressor 10b for a second predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the second compressor 10b is completed, the controller operates the third compressor 10c, while maintaining the first and second compressors 10a and 10c in a stopped state.
  • the controller closes the first and second control valves 131 and 132, while opening the third control valve 133. Accordingly, oil separated by the third oil separator 103 is partially introduced into the third compressor 10c via the third recovery line 113. The remaining portion of the separated oil is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the second bypass line 121. In this case, the controller operates the third compressor 10c for a third predetermined time.
  • the controller may execute the above-described procedures once. If necessary, the controller may repeat the above-described procedures several times. After completion of the above-described oil balancing operation, the controller executes a control operation for a normal operation of the air conditioner. That is, the controller closes the first, second, and third control valves 131, 132, and 133, and operates at least one of the first, second, and third compressors 10a, 10b, and 10c, which is required for the normal operation.
  • oil emerging from the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the first compressor 10a.
  • Oil emerging from the second oil separator 102 is introduced into the second compressor 10b, and oil emerging from the third oil separator 103 is introduced into the third compressor 10c.
  • the controller will not operate the compressor which contains an insufficient amount of oil, but will operate at least one of the remaining compressors and control the control valves to supply oil to the compressor containing an insufficient amount of oil.
  • the controller when the first compressor 10a contains an insufficient amount of oil, the controller does not operate the first compressor 10a, but operates the second compressor 10b, which contains a sufficient amount of oil.
  • the controller closes the second and third control valves 132 and 133, while opening the first control valve 131.
  • oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is partially introduced into the first compressor 10a via the bypass line 120 and first recovery line 111.
  • the remaining portion of the separated oil is introduced into the second compressor 10b.
  • the sensor of the first compressor 10a senses the amount of oil in the first compressor 10a during the operation of the second compressor 10b, to determine the operating time of the second compressor 10b.
  • the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes two compressors.
  • a control procedure for the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment will now be described in detail.
  • an oil balancing operation is executed when it is assumed that, during the normal operation step, both the first and second compressors were operated, and an oil unbalance occurred between the compressors.
  • the controller first operates one of the two compressors. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , the controller operates the first compressor 10a, while stopping the second compressor 10b. Thereafter, the controller closes the first opening/closing valve 151, while opening the second opening/closing valve 152 and control valve 131. As the first compressor 10a operates, oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the second compressor 10b via the bypass line 120 and second recovery line 112. In this case, the controller operates the first compressor 10a for a first predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the first compressor 10a is completed, the controller maintains the first compressor 10a in a stopped state, while operating the second compressor 10b. Thereafter, the controller closes the second opening/closing valve 152, while opening the first opening/closing valve 151 and control valve 131. Accordingly, oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the bypass line 120 and first recovery line 111. In this case, the controller operates the second compressor 10a for a second predetermined time.
  • the controller closes the control valve 131, while opening the first and second opening/closing valves 151 and 152, to enable a normal operation to be executed.
  • the air conditioner according to the fourth embodiment can operate in the following manner. First, if it is determined that the first compressor 10a contains an insufficient amount of oil, based on sensing data from the sensors, the controller stops the first compressor 10a, and operates the second compressor 10b. The controller opens the first opening/closing valve 151, closes the second opening/closing valve 152, and opens the control valve 131. As the second compressor 10b operates, oil separated by the second oil separator 102 is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the bypass line 120 and first recovery line 111. Thus, the second compressor 10b is replenished with oil.
  • the controller stops the second compressor 10b, and operates the first compressor 10a.
  • the controller opens the second opening/closing valve 152 and control valve 131, and closes the first opening/closing valve 151.
  • oil separated by the first oil separator 101 is introduced into the second compressor 10b via the bypass line 120 and second recovery line 112.
  • the second compressor 10b is replenished with oil.
  • the controller closes the control valve 131, while opening the first and second opening/closing valves 151 and 152, to enable a normal operation to be executed.
  • the air conditioner according to this embodiment includes a single oil separator 200.
  • An oil balancing operation in the air conditioner according to the fifth embodiment will now be described. In the following description, an oil balancing operation is executed when it is assumed that during the normal operation step, all the first, second, and third compressors were operated, and an oil unbalance occurred among the compressors.
  • the controller first operates the first compressor 10a, while stopping the second and third compressors 10b and 10c.
  • the controller then closes the first and third opening/ closing valves 151 and 153, while opening the second opening/closing valve 152. Accordingly, oil separated by the oil separator 200 is introduced into the second compressor 10b via the second recovery line 112. In this case, the controller operates the first compressor 10a for a first predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the first compressor 10a is completed, the controller operates the second compressor 10b, while maintaining the third and first compressors 10c and 10a in a stopped state. Thereafter, the controller closes the second and first opening/ closing valves 152 and 151, while opening the third opening/closing valve 153. Accordingly, oil separated by the oil separator 200 is introduced into the third compressor 10c via the third recovery line 113. In this case, the controller operates the second compressor 10b for a second predetermined time.
  • the controller After the operation of the second compressor 10b is completed, the controller operates the third compressor 10c, while maintaining the first and second compressors 10a and 10b in a stopped state. Thereafter, the controller closes the third and second opening/closing valves 153 and 152, while opening the first opening/closing valve 151. Accordingly, oil separated by the oil separator 200 is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the first recovery line 111. In this case, the controller operates the third compressor 10c for a third predetermined time.
  • the controller may execute the above-described procedures once. If necessary, the controller may repeat the above-described procedures several times. After completion of the above-described oil balancing operation, the controller opens the first, second, and third opening/closing valves 151, 152, and 153, to enable a normal operation to be executed. In the normal operation, oil emerging from the oil separator 200 is introduced into the compressors via the first, second and third recovery lines, respectively.
  • the controller will not operate the compressor which contains an insufficient amount of oil, but will operate at least one of the remaining compressors and control the opening/closing valves to supply oil to the compressor containing an insufficient amount of oil.
  • the controller when the first compressor 10a contains an insufficient amount of oil, the controller does not operate the first compressor 10a, but operates the second compressor 10b, which contains a sufficient amount of oil.
  • the controller closes the second and third opening/closing valves 152 and 153, while opening the first opening/ closing valve 151. Accordingly, oil separated by the oil separator 200 is introduced into the first compressor 10a via the first recovery line 111.
  • the sensor of the first compressor 10a senses the amount of oil in the first compressor 10a, to determine the operating time of the second compressor 10b.
  • any reference in this specification to "one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “example embodiment”, etc. means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention.
  • the appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
  • the air conditioners and control methods thereof can effectively perform oil balancing for a plurality of compressors, to achieve an enhancement in the operation reliability of the compressors.
  • all the compressors, which were operated in a normal operation are sequentially operated.
  • oil balancing can be effectively achieved.
EP07793535.1A 2007-03-02 2007-08-17 Air conditioner and control method thereof Not-in-force EP2132498B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020070021118A KR100878819B1 (ko) 2007-03-02 2007-03-02 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법
PCT/KR2007/003931 WO2008108518A2 (en) 2007-03-02 2007-08-17 Air conditioner and control method thereof

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2132498A2 EP2132498A2 (en) 2009-12-16
EP2132498A4 EP2132498A4 (en) 2012-01-25
EP2132498B1 true EP2132498B1 (en) 2016-10-05

Family

ID=39732141

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07793535.1A Not-in-force EP2132498B1 (en) 2007-03-02 2007-08-17 Air conditioner and control method thereof

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US20080209924A1 (ko)
EP (1) EP2132498B1 (ko)
KR (1) KR100878819B1 (ko)
ES (1) ES2607932T3 (ko)
WO (1) WO2008108518A2 (ko)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108224839A (zh) * 2017-12-29 2018-06-29 Tcl空调器(中山)有限公司 一种多联机空调系统及其控制方法

Families Citing this family (29)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8037712B2 (en) * 2008-10-28 2011-10-18 Lg Electronics Inc. Hermetic compressor and refrigeration cycle having the same
KR101495186B1 (ko) * 2010-04-01 2015-02-24 엘지전자 주식회사 복수 개의 압축기를 구비한 공기조화기 및 그의 운전방법
KR101452767B1 (ko) 2010-04-01 2014-10-21 엘지전자 주식회사 압축기의 오일 레벨 감지수단
JP5773730B2 (ja) * 2011-04-28 2015-09-02 三菱重工業株式会社 室外機ユニット
KR101721110B1 (ko) * 2011-06-08 2017-04-10 엘지전자 주식회사 냉동사이클 장치 및 이 냉동사이클 장치의 운전방법
CN102818390B (zh) 2011-06-08 2015-12-09 Lg电子株式会社 制冷循环装置及其操作方法
CN103673397B (zh) * 2012-09-04 2016-04-20 约克广州空调冷冻设备有限公司 并联压缩机油路系统和制冷机组
CN103673399B (zh) * 2012-09-14 2016-06-08 珠海格力电器股份有限公司 多模块并联均油系统及控制方法
CN103913015B (zh) * 2012-12-31 2016-04-27 丹佛斯（天津）有限公司 油平衡装置以及使用其的制冷系统
CN103062841B (zh) * 2013-01-18 2015-08-19 四川长虹电器股份有限公司 一种空调系统、控制系统及空调控制方法
WO2014160459A1 (en) 2013-03-13 2014-10-02 Bergstrom, Inc. Air conditioning system utilizing heat recovery ventilation for fresh air supply and climate control
KR20150050710A (ko) 2013-10-30 2015-05-11 엘지전자 주식회사 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법
WO2015065495A1 (en) 2013-11-04 2015-05-07 Bergstrom, Inc. Low profile air conditioning system
KR102136874B1 (ko) * 2013-12-26 2020-07-23 엘지전자 주식회사 공기조화기
WO2015140879A1 (ja) * 2014-03-17 2015-09-24 三菱電機株式会社 冷凍サイクル装置
US9783024B2 (en) 2015-03-09 2017-10-10 Bergstrom Inc. System and method for remotely managing climate control systems of a fleet of vehicles
WO2017006452A1 (ja) * 2015-07-08 2017-01-12 三菱電機株式会社 空気調和装置
US9874384B2 (en) 2016-01-13 2018-01-23 Bergstrom, Inc. Refrigeration system with superheating, sub-cooling and refrigerant charge level control
US10589598B2 (en) 2016-03-09 2020-03-17 Bergstrom, Inc. Integrated condenser and compressor system
US10081226B2 (en) * 2016-08-22 2018-09-25 Bergstrom Inc. Parallel compressors climate system
US10562372B2 (en) 2016-09-02 2020-02-18 Bergstrom, Inc. Systems and methods for starting-up a vehicular air-conditioning system
US10675948B2 (en) 2016-09-29 2020-06-09 Bergstrom, Inc. Systems and methods for controlling a vehicle HVAC system
US10369863B2 (en) 2016-09-30 2019-08-06 Bergstrom, Inc. Refrigerant liquid-gas separator with electronics cooling
US10724772B2 (en) 2016-09-30 2020-07-28 Bergstrom, Inc. Refrigerant liquid-gas separator having an integrated check valve
JP6896078B2 (ja) * 2017-07-27 2021-06-30 三菱電機株式会社 冷凍サイクル装置
US11448441B2 (en) 2017-07-27 2022-09-20 Bergstrom, Inc. Refrigerant system for cooling electronics
US11420496B2 (en) 2018-04-02 2022-08-23 Bergstrom, Inc. Integrated vehicular system for conditioning air and heating water
CN109297151B (zh) 2018-10-22 2020-12-15 广东美的暖通设备有限公司 空调系统的回油控制方法、装置、存储介质及空调系统
CN113883683B (zh) * 2021-09-28 2024-01-19 青岛海尔中央空调有限公司 用于多联机空调机组的控制方法

Family Cites Families (25)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4589263A (en) * 1984-04-12 1986-05-20 Hussmann Corporation Multiple compressor oil system
JPH02287067A (ja) * 1989-04-27 1990-11-27 Daikin Ind Ltd 並列運転される複数圧縮機用油分離器
JP2865707B2 (ja) * 1989-06-14 1999-03-08 株式会社日立製作所 冷凍装置
JPH0484073A (ja) * 1990-07-26 1992-03-17 Sanyo Electric Co Ltd 冷凍装置
JP3143140B2 (ja) * 1991-04-18 2001-03-07 三洋電機株式会社 冷凍装置
JPH06109337A (ja) * 1992-09-28 1994-04-19 Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd 空気調和機の冷媒回路
US5369958A (en) * 1992-10-15 1994-12-06 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Air conditioner
US5634345A (en) * 1995-06-06 1997-06-03 Alsenz; Richard H. Oil monitoring system
JP3291424B2 (ja) * 1995-10-11 2002-06-10 三洋電機株式会社 空気調和機
JPH09243213A (ja) * 1996-03-13 1997-09-19 Hitachi Ltd 空気調和機
EP0838640A3 (en) * 1996-10-28 1998-06-17 Matsushita Refrigeration Company Oil level equalizing system for plural compressors
US6145326A (en) * 1999-04-29 2000-11-14 Systematic Refrigeration, Inc. Forced oil cooling for refrigeration compressor
WO2001006181A1 (fr) * 1999-07-21 2001-01-25 Daikin Industries, Ltd. Dispositif refrigerant
JP2001324236A (ja) * 2000-05-19 2001-11-22 Fujitsu General Ltd 空気調和機
KR100407946B1 (ko) * 2000-12-27 2003-12-01 엘지전자 주식회사 두 개의 압축기를 구비한 공기조화기
KR100413427B1 (ko) * 2000-12-27 2003-12-31 엘지전자 주식회사 두 개의 압축기를 구비한 공기조화기
JP4108957B2 (ja) * 2001-10-19 2008-06-25 東芝キヤリア株式会社 冷凍装置
JP4300804B2 (ja) * 2002-06-11 2009-07-22 ダイキン工業株式会社 圧縮機構の均油回路、冷凍装置の熱源ユニット及びそれを備えた冷凍装置
JP4173784B2 (ja) * 2003-08-29 2008-10-29 三星電子株式会社 複数圧縮機の均油システム
KR100504900B1 (ko) * 2003-10-10 2005-07-29 엘지전자 주식회사 4대의 압축기를 구비한 공기조화기 및 그의 균유운전 제어방법
KR20050079463A (ko) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-10 엘지전자 주식회사 공기조화기
KR20050079464A (ko) * 2004-02-06 2005-08-10 엘지전자 주식회사 공기조화기의 오일조절 시스템
US6983622B2 (en) * 2004-04-20 2006-01-10 Danfoss Commercial Compressors Gas distribution device
JP3939314B2 (ja) * 2004-06-10 2007-07-04 三星電子株式会社 空気調和装置及びその均油運転方法
KR101230690B1 (ko) * 2005-03-11 2013-02-07 엘지전자 주식회사 멀티형 공기조화기의 실외기 시스템

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108224839A (zh) * 2017-12-29 2018-06-29 Tcl空调器(中山)有限公司 一种多联机空调系统及其控制方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ES2607932T3 (es) 2017-04-04
KR100878819B1 (ko) 2009-01-14
US20080209924A1 (en) 2008-09-04
KR20080080857A (ko) 2008-09-05
WO2008108518A3 (en) 2009-05-28
WO2008108518A2 (en) 2008-09-12
EP2132498A4 (en) 2012-01-25
EP2132498A2 (en) 2009-12-16

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2132498B1 (en) Air conditioner and control method thereof
EP3568650B1 (en) Oil management for micro booster supermarket refrigeration system
JP4013261B2 (ja) 冷凍装置
EP2196748B1 (en) Refrigeration apparatus and method for controlling the same
US6941767B2 (en) Compression mechanism oil equalizing circuit, refrigeration system heat source unit, and refrigeration system provided with the same
AU749518B2 (en) Refrigerating device
EP2218984B1 (en) Air conditioner and method of controlling the same
AU2007241898B2 (en) Refrigeration system
EP1666806A2 (en) Multi-air condition system and method for controlling the same
KR100564444B1 (ko) 에어컨의 액 냉매 누적 방지 장치 및 방법
EP2074355B1 (en) Air conditioner and controlling method for the same
CN110023692B (zh) 制冷装置
US8276400B2 (en) Refrigeration apparatus
EP1508757A1 (en) Compression mechanism of refrigerator
EP1600709B1 (en) Multi-air conditioner
CN107906790B (zh) 空调器回油系统、方法及空调器
JP3883725B2 (ja) 空気調和装置の運転方法及び空気調和装置
US11391496B2 (en) Refrigerating cycle apparatus
KR101203868B1 (ko) 공기조화기 및 그 제어방법
JPH04320763A (ja) 冷凍装置
KR101688152B1 (ko) 냉장고
CN110926068A (zh) 一种空调系统及其控制方法

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20091001

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20111227

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F25B 31/00 20060101AFI20111220BHEP

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20160315

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: CHOI, JAE HEUK

Inventor name: CHUNG, BAIK YOUNG

Inventor name: YOON, PIL HYUN

Inventor name: OH, SAI KEE

Inventor name: CHOI, SUNG OH

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: LG ELECTRONICS INC.

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 835011

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20161015

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007048212

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20161005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 835011

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20161005

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170106

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170205

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170206

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602007048212

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20170105

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20170706

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20170817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170831

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20070817

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20161005

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20190819

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20190709

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20190911

Year of fee payment: 13

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20161005

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20200706

Year of fee payment: 14

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200831

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200817

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20220110

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 602007048212

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200818

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20220301