Server device, refrigeration cycle system, management method, and management program

Abstract

To achieve a mechanism for rental of a refrigerant.SOLUTION: A server device comprises a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit acquires a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device, and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device, determines a cost corresponding to the refrigerant amount, and stores the refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier in association with each other in the storage unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program. [Background technology]

[0002] In the midst of the global trend towards fluorocarbon regulations, it is expected that raw materials for refrigerants that use fluorocarbons will become scarce, and market prices are currently rising. For this reason, there is a demand for efficient recycling of refrigerants in refrigeration cycle systems.

[0003] As a mechanism for efficiently recycling refrigerants, for example, a mechanism for renting refrigerants to users of refrigeration cycle systems is considered. This is because, in the refrigeration cycle system, by considering the device and the refrigerant separately, it becomes easier to manage the amount of refrigerant.

[0004] Meanwhile, various techniques have been proposed so far as techniques for managing the amount of refrigerant. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2019 / 234824 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, the conventional management technology focuses on the decline in refrigeration capacity that accompanies a decrease in the amount of refrigerant after operation starts, and does not manage the initial amount of refrigerant that should be managed when renting the refrigerant. Therefore, the conventional management technology has a problem in that it is not possible to determine the rental fee, which should be determined at the time of renting the refrigerant before operation starts.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a server device, a refrigeration cycle system, a management method, and a management program for implementing a refrigerant rental mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The first aspect of the present disclosure is A control unit; A server device comprising: The control unit is Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier are stored in the storage unit in association with each other.

[0009] According to the first aspect of the present disclosure, a server device that realizes a refrigerant rental mechanism can be provided.

[0010] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the first aspect, The control unit is The cost is notified to a manager of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0011] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to the first or second aspect, The control unit is An amount of a refrigerant to be used in the refrigeration cycle apparatus out of a refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle apparatus is acquired before starting operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus.

[0012] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is the server device according to the third aspect, The amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed, and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

[0013] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a server device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, The control unit is permitting operation of the refrigeration cycle device on the condition that the fee has been paid; The refrigeration cycle device starts operation when operation is permitted.

[0014] In addition, a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is A first control unit that manages the refrigeration cycle device; A refrigeration cycle system comprising: a server device having a second control unit communicating with the first control unit and a storage unit, The second control unit is Acquiring, via the first control unit, a refrigerant amount of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier are stored in the storage unit in association with each other.

[0015] According to the sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a refrigeration cycle system that realizes a refrigerant rental mechanism can be provided.

[0016] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigeration cycle system according to the sixth aspect, The refrigeration cycle device measures the amount of the refrigerant filled in, associates the measured amount of refrigerant with the identifier, and transmits the measured amount of refrigerant to the second control unit via the first control unit.

[0017] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigeration cycle according to the seventh aspect, The amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed, and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

[0018] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a management method, comprising: The control unit: Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The amount of refrigerant, the cost, and the identifier are stored in a storage unit in association with each other.

[0019] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, a management method for realizing a refrigerant rental system can be provided.

[0020] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a management program, comprising: In the control section, Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier are stored in a storage unit in association with each other. Execute the process.

[0021] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, a management program for realizing a refrigerant rental system can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. [Figure 3B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a controller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a functional configuration of a server device. [Diagram 5] 11 is a first diagram showing a specific example of a cost calculation process performed by a refrigerant amount acquisition unit, a cost determination unit, and a notification unit of a server device. FIG. [Figure 6] A figure showing a specific example of operation permission management processing by a payment information acquisition unit and an operation management unit of the server device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an example of a first sequence diagram showing a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a second diagram showing an example of a system configuration of the refrigeration cycle system. [Figure 9] 13 is a second diagram showing a specific example of the cost calculation process performed by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit, the cost determination unit, and the notification unit of the server device. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an example of a second sequence diagram showing a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this specification and the drawings, components having substantially the same functional configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0024] [First embodiment] <System configuration of refrigeration cycle system> First, a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a first embodiment will be described. Fig. 1 is a first diagram showing an example of a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. As shown in Fig. 1, a refrigeration cycle system 100 includes a server device 110, a network terminal 120, and refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N (N is an integer of 2 or more).

[0025] In the refrigeration cycle system 100, the server device 110 and the network terminal 120 are communicatively connected via a network 150. In addition, in the refrigeration cycle system 100, the network terminal 120 and the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are communicatively connected via a network (not shown).

[0026] The server device 110 manages the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. In the first embodiment, the server device 110 acquires and manages the amount of refrigerant (initial amount) filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N at the time of installing each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and performing start-up processing.

[0027] At the time of performing the start-up process, the amount of refrigerant (initial amount) charged in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is as follows: Amounts of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is installed, and The amount of refrigerant added before each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is installed and operation is started, In other words, the initial charging amount is an appropriate amount of refrigerant for operating the refrigerant cycle device.

[0028] The length and thickness of the refrigerant pipes of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are ultimately determined by the installation work of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. Therefore, when, for example, the length of the refrigerant pipes is longer than previously expected as a result of the installation work and refrigerant replenishment is required, the worker 170 uses the refrigerant charging device 160 to replenish the refrigerant on the spot. Specifically, the refrigerant is replenished by connecting a refrigerant cylinder of the refrigerant charging device 160 to a service port for refrigerant replenishment provided in the outdoor unit of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0029] At this time, the amount of the refrigerant replenished is measured by the measuring instrument 161. The amount of the refrigerant replenished measured by the measuring instrument 161 is manually input to, for example, an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. As a result, the amount of the refrigerant replenished is transmitted to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N, the network terminal 120, or the server apparatus 110 via the operator terminal.

[0030] The server device 110 determines a fee corresponding to the initial charge amount for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N based on the acquired initial charge amount of refrigerant. The server device 110 also stores the initial charge amount and the determined fee in association with an identifier for identifying each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. This allows the server device 110 to manage the fee determined based on the initial charge amount as a rental fee for renting the refrigerant.

[0031] The server device 110 transmits the fee determined based on the initial charged amount to the owner terminal 140 of the owner 141 (an example of a manager) of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N. This allows the owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N to pay the rental fee for the refrigerant rental to the seller of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to 130_N.

[0032] The network terminal 120 transmits the information received from each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N to the server device 110 via the network 150. In addition, the network terminal 120 transmits the information received from the server device 110 via the network 150 to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0033] For example, when the network terminal 120 receives the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that was filled in advance from the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, the network terminal 120 transmits the amount to the server apparatus 110 via the network 150. Also, it is assumed that the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that was replenished, measured by the measuring device 161, has been transmitted to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. Alternatively, it is assumed that the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that was replenished, measured by the measuring device 161, has been transmitted to the network terminal 120 via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by the operator 170. In this case, the network terminal 120 transmits the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that was replenished to the server apparatus 110.

[0034] The refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are apparatuses that condition the air in a target space by utilizing a refrigeration cycle that circulates thermal energy. As described above, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are filled with a refrigerant in advance, and a necessary amount of refrigerant is replenished using the refrigerant charging device 160 at the time of installation. When the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are able to communicate with the network terminal 120 at the time of installation, they transmit the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant that is pre-filled in the apparatus to the network terminal 120. In addition, when a necessary amount of refrigerant is replenished using the refrigerant charging device 160, and the amount of the refrigerant of the replenished refrigerant is notified via an operator terminal (not shown) owned by an operator 170, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N receive this. Furthermore, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N also transmit the received amount of refrigerant (amount of the refrigerant replenished) to the network terminal 120.

[0035] The owner terminal 140 is a terminal owned by an owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle system 100. The owner terminal 140 communicates with the server device 110 via the network 150. As a result, the owner terminal 140 receives, from the server device 110, the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. The owner 141 pays the received cost to the company that owns the refrigerant as a rental fee for renting the refrigerant.

[0036] In this way, in the conventional refrigeration cycle system, the cost of the refrigerant that was pre-charged was included in the cost of the refrigeration cycle device, so the initial amount of refrigerant charged was not managed. In contrast, in the server device 110 according to the first embodiment, - Manage the initial amount of refrigerant charged, which should be managed when renting refrigerant. - Determine the rental cost that should be determined at the time of refrigerant rental before operation begins.

[0037] As a result, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental mechanism.

[0038] <Outline of refrigeration cycle equipment> Next, a schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N will be described. In the first embodiment, since the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N are all the same type of refrigeration cycle apparatus, a schematic configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described here.

[0039] Fig. 2A is a diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 2A, the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 mainly has an outdoor unit 202 and an indoor unit 203. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 also has a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205 which are refrigerant pipes connecting the outdoor unit 202 and the indoor unit 203, and a controller 207 which controls the operation of the entire refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1.

[0040] In the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, a refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is compressed, condensed or dissipates heat, depressurizes, evaporates, and then compressed again, to perform a refrigeration cycle. In the first embodiment, the refrigerant circuit 200 is filled with a refrigerant for performing a vapor compression refrigeration cycle.

[0041] The refrigerant filled in the refrigerant circuit 200 is A refrigerant mixture containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluorocarbons; A mixed refrigerant containing 1,2-difluoroethylene and one or more hydrofluoroolefins; A mixed refrigerant containing one or more hydrofluorocarbons and one or more hydrofluoroolefins; At least one of the above refrigerants is used.

[0042] The outdoor unit 202 is connected to the indoor unit 203 via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 200. The outdoor unit 202 mainly has a compressor 211, a four-way switching valve 212, an outdoor heat exchanger 213, an expansion valve 209, an outdoor fan 215, a liquid side shut-off valve 217, and a gas side shut-off valve 216.

[0043] The compressor 211 is a device that compresses a low-pressure refrigerant in a refrigeration cycle until it becomes high pressure. For example, a compressor in which a compression element such as a rotary type or scroll type is rotated and driven by a compressor motor can be used as the compressor 211. The compressor motor is for changing the capacity, and the operating frequency can be controlled by an inverter. For example, the rotation speed of the compressor 211 is controlled with a predetermined target evaporation temperature as a target value during cooling operation, and with a predetermined target condensation temperature as a target value during heating operation.

[0044] The four-way switching valve 212 switches the connection state of the refrigerant circuit 200, a first connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 213 and the suction side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side stop valve 216; a second connection state in which the discharge side of the compressor 211 is connected to the gas side stop valve 216 and the suction side of the compressor 211 is connected to the outdoor heat exchanger 213; can be switched.

[0045] The outdoor heat exchanger 213 is a heat exchanger that functions as a condenser or radiator of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and functions as an evaporator of low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation. The outdoor heat exchanger 213 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes (not shown) through which refrigerant flows, and a plurality of heat transfer fins (not shown) through which air flows between the gaps between the plurality of heat transfer tubes. The plurality of heat transfer tubes are aligned vertically, and each heat transfer tube extends substantially horizontally. The plurality of heat transfer fins extending vertically are aligned along the extension direction of the heat transfer tubes, with a predetermined interval between each other. The plurality of heat transfer fins and the plurality of heat transfer tubes are combined so that the plurality of heat transfer tubes penetrate each heat transfer fin.

[0046] The outdoor fan 215 supplies outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger 213, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the outdoor heat exchanger 213, and generates an air flow for discharging the air to the outside of the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor fan 215 is rotationally driven by an outdoor fan motor.

[0047] The expansion valve 209 is provided between the liquid side end of the outdoor heat exchanger 213 and the liquid side stop valve 217. The expansion valve 209 is, for example, an electronic expansion valve whose valve opening degree can be adjusted by control.

[0048] The liquid-side shutoff valve 217 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 .

[0049] The gas-side shutoff valve 216 is a manual valve arranged at a connection portion between the outdoor unit 202 and the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 .

[0050] The outdoor unit 202 has an outdoor unit control unit 221 that controls the operation of each part constituting the outdoor unit 202. The outdoor unit control unit 221 is connected to an indoor unit control unit 222 of the indoor unit 203 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0051] The outdoor unit 202 is provided with a discharge temperature sensor 225, an intake temperature sensor 226, an outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227, an outdoor air temperature sensor 228, and the like. Each of these sensors is electrically connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and transmits a detection signal to the outdoor unit control unit 221. The discharge temperature sensor 225 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through a discharge pipe 234 connecting the discharge side of the compressor 211 and one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The intake temperature sensor 226 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the intake pipe 235 of the intake flow path connecting the intake side of the compressor 211 and one of the connection ports of the four-way switching valve 212. The outdoor heat exchanger temperature sensor 227 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid side outlet of the outdoor heat exchanger 213, which is opposite to the side to which the third pipe 233 is connected. The outdoor air temperature sensor 228 detects the outdoor air temperature before passing through the outdoor heat exchanger 213.

[0052] The indoor unit 203 is installed on a wall surface, ceiling, etc. of a room which is a target space. The indoor unit 203 is connected to the outdoor unit 202 via a liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206 and a gas refrigerant connection pipe 205, and constitutes a part of the refrigerant circuit 200.

[0053] The indoor unit 203 includes an indoor heat exchanger 218 and an indoor fan 219 .

[0054] The liquid side of the indoor heat exchanger 218 is connected to the liquid refrigerant connection pipe 206, and the gas side end is connected to the gas refrigerant connection pipe 205. The indoor heat exchanger 218 is a heat exchanger that functions as an evaporator of low-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during cooling operation, and functions as a condenser or radiator of high-pressure refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle during heating operation.

[0055] The indoor fan 219 draws in indoor air, which is the target space, into the indoor unit 203, exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the indoor heat exchanger 218, and then generates an air flow for discharging the air to the outside of the indoor unit 203. The indoor fan 219 is rotationally driven by an indoor fan motor.

[0056] Moreover, the indoor unit 203 has an indoor unit control unit 222 that controls the operation of each part constituting the indoor unit 203. The indoor unit control unit 222 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 via a communication line, and transmits and receives control signals and the like.

[0057] The indoor unit 203 is provided with an indoor liquid side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223, an indoor air temperature sensor 224, etc. Each of these sensors is electrically connected to the indoor unit control unit 222. The indoor liquid side heat exchanger temperature sensor 223 detects the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the liquid side outlet of the indoor heat exchanger 218, which is opposite to the side to which the gas refrigerant communication pipe 205 is connected. The indoor air temperature sensor 224 detects the temperature of the air in the room before passing through the indoor heat exchanger 218.

[0058] Next, a system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 will be described. Fig. 2B is a diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the refrigeration cycle apparatus. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, an outdoor unit control section 221 and an indoor unit control section 222 are connected via a communication line to configure a controller 207.

[0059] Various processes and controls by the controller 207 are realized by integrally functioning each part included in the outdoor unit control part 221 and the indoor unit control part 222. The remote control 220 is placed in a room which is a target space or in a specific space of a building including the target space, and is used by a user or the like to issue an operation control command for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 and to monitor the operation state.

[0060] The remote control 220 includes a reception unit 220a such as an operation button or a touch panel that receives information input by being operated by a user or the like, and a display 220b that can display various information. The remote control 220 is connected to the outdoor unit control unit 221 and the indoor unit control unit 222 via a communication line, and can supply information received from the user at the reception unit 220a to the controller 207. In addition, the information received from the controller 207 can be output on the display 220b.

[0061] The information received by the reception unit 220a from the user, etc., is not particularly limited, but includes various information such as a command to execute a cooling operation mode, a command to execute a heating operation mode, a command to stop operation, a set temperature, etc. The information displayed on the display 220b is not particularly limited, but includes the current operation mode status (cooling or heating), the set temperature, information indicating the occurrence of various abnormalities, etc.

[0062] <Hardware configuration of each device> Next, the hardware configuration of each device (here, the server device 110, the network terminal 120, and the controller 207) constituting the refrigeration cycle system 100 will be described.

[0063] (1) Hardware configuration of server equipment and network terminals Fig. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a server device and a network terminal. As shown in (a) of Fig. 3A, the server device 110 has a processor 301, a memory 302, an auxiliary storage device 303, a connection device 304, a communication device 305, and a drive device 306. The hardware components of the server device 110 are connected to each other via a bus 307.

[0064] The processor 301 includes various arithmetic devices such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), etc. The processor 301 reads various programs (for example, a management program, etc.) onto the memory 302 and executes them.

[0065] The memory 302 has a main storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The processor 301 and the memory 302 form a so-called computer (also called a "control unit" or a "second control unit"), and the processor 301 executes various programs read onto the memory 302, whereby the computer realizes various functions.

[0066] The auxiliary storage device 303 stores various programs and various information used when the various programs are executed by the processor 301 .

[0067] The connection device 304 connects the operation device 310 and the display device 311 to the server device 110 .

[0068] The communication device 305 is a device for connecting to the network 150 and communicating with the network terminal 120 or the owner terminal 140 .

[0069] The drive device 306 is a device for setting the recording medium 312. The recording medium 312 here includes media that record information optically, electrically, or magnetically, such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, etc. The recording medium 312 may also include semiconductor memories that record information electrically, such as ROM, flash memory, etc.

[0070] The various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 are installed, for example, by setting the distributed recording medium 312 in the drive device 306 and reading out the various programs recorded in the recording medium 312 by the drive device 306. Alternatively, the various programs to be installed in the auxiliary storage device 303 may be installed by being downloaded from the network 150 via the communication device 305.

[0071] 3A(b), network terminal 120 includes processor 321, memory 322, auxiliary storage device 323, I / F (Interface) device 324, and communication device 325. Each piece of hardware of network terminal 120 is connected to each other via bus 326.

[0072] Of these, the processor 321 to the auxiliary storage device 323 and the communication device 325 are similar to the processor 301 to the auxiliary storage device 303 and the communication device 305 of the server device 110, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0073] However, in network terminal 120, processor 321 and memory 322 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control unit"). Then, processor 321 executes various programs read onto memory 322, whereby the computer realizes various functions.

[0074] Moreover, the I / F device 324 connects the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and the network terminal 120.

[0075] (2) Controller hardware configuration Fig. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a controller of a refrigeration cycle apparatus. As shown in Fig. 3B, the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207 each have a processor 331, a memory 332, an auxiliary storage device 333, a connection device 334, and an I / F device 335. The hardware components of the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207 are connected to each other via a bus 336.

[0076] Of these, the processor 331 through the auxiliary storage device 333 and the I / F device 335 are similar to the processor 321 through the auxiliary storage device 323 and the I / F device 324 of the network terminal 120, respectively, and therefore description thereof will be omitted here.

[0077] However, in the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207, the processor 331 and the memory 332 form a so-called computer (also referred to as a "first control section"). The processor 331 executes various programs read onto the memory 332, and the computer realizes various functions.

[0078] Further, the connection device 334 connects each sensor, each device, etc. in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 to the outdoor unit control section 221 and the indoor unit control section 222 constituting the controller 207.

[0079] <Server device functional configuration> Next, a description will be given of the functional configuration of the server device 110. As described above, a management program is installed in the server device 110, and the server device 110 functions as a refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401, a cost determination unit 402, a notification unit 403, a payment information acquisition unit 411, and an operation management unit 412 by executing the management program.

[0080] The refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the amount of the refrigerant (initial amount) filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N in association with an identifier for identifying each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. As described above, the amount of the refrigerant (initial amount) filled in each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N includes the following: Amounts of refrigerant filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is installed, and The amount of refrigerant replenished to each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N before the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are installed and operation is started, Includes:

[0081] As described above, the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 acquires the initial charged amount of refrigerant by using the following method. A method of acquiring data from a network terminal 120; A method of acquiring the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled from the network terminal 120, and acquiring the amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the start of operation from an operator terminal possessed by an operator 170; This includes:

[0082] The refrigerant amount acquiring unit 401 notifies the cost determining unit 402 of the acquired initial charged amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0083] The cost determination unit 402 stores the initially charged amount of refrigerant and the identifier notified by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 in the cost storage unit 404. Furthermore, the cost determination unit 402 calculates the cost corresponding to the initially charged amount of refrigerant, for example, by multiplying the initially charged amount notified by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 by the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant, and stores the cost in the cost storage unit 404. In this case, it is assumed that the unit price per unit amount of refrigerant is set in advance in the cost determination unit 402.

[0084] Alternatively, cost determination unit 402 derives the cost corresponding to the initially charged amount of refrigerant by, for example, comparing the initially charged amount notified by refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 with a table that defines the relationship between the refrigerant amount and the amount, and stores the cost in cost storage unit 404. In this case, cost determination unit 402 is assumed to have stored in advance a table in which an amount is assigned to each range of refrigerant amounts, such as "XX yen" for a "range from 5 kg to 10 kg."

[0085] In addition, the cost determination unit 402 reads out the cost corresponding to the initial charging amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device from the cost storage unit 404 at an appropriate timing when performing the start-up process of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, and notifies the notification unit 403.

[0086] The notification unit 403 transmits the cost corresponding to the initial charge amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device to the owner terminal 140 of the owner 141 of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 to 130_N, and prompts the payment of the rental cost for the refrigerant rental. The notification unit 403 also notifies the payment information acquisition unit 411 of the cost corresponding to the initial charge amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle device.

[0087] 5 is a first diagram showing a specific example of the cost calculation process by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit, the cost determination unit, and the notification unit of the server device. Here, a specific example of the cost calculation process for the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 is shown. As indicated by the reference numeral 501, the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401 Identifier of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1="ID001", The amount of refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 is 1 ", The amount of refrigerant replenished to the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 is 1 ", As shown in reference numeral 502, the initial charge amount of the refrigerant = 1 "(a 1 +b 1 ) is calculated.

[0088] As shown by the reference numeral 503, the cost determination unit 402 determines the initial charge amount of the refrigerant="c 1 " is multiplied by the unit price per unit of refrigerant="α", to obtain the cost corresponding to the initial charge of refrigerant="C 1 " to decide.

[0089] Returning to the description of Fig. 4, the payment information acquisition unit 411 acquires a notification of completion of payment when the owner 141 pays the rental fee for renting the refrigerant in response to the notification unit 403 transmitting the fee corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged to the owner terminal 140. For example, the payment information acquisition unit 411 acquires a notification of completion of payment of the rental fee for renting the refrigerant for each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N from a transfer destination institution or the like. In addition, the payment information acquisition unit 411 stores the notification of completion of payment in the payment information storage unit 413.

[0090] The operation management unit 412 judges whether or not to permit operation of each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N based on the notification of payment completion stored in the payment information storage unit 413. The operation management unit 412 monitors the payment status of the owner 141, for example, by accessing the payment information storage unit 413 at a predetermined cycle, and permits operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus for which payment has been completed.

[0091] When each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N receives an instruction to start operation, it accesses the operation management unit 412, and if operation is permitted, it starts operation, and if operation is not permitted, it controls so as not to start operation.

[0092] Alternatively, the operation management unit 412 may transmit the determination result (permission or non-permission) of whether or not to permit operation to each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. In this case, when each of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N receives an instruction to start operation, if a notification of permission has been received, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N perform control so as to start operation, and if a notification of non-permission has been received, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N perform control so as not to start operation.

[0093] Alternatively, the operation management unit 412 may notify the result of the judgment as to whether or not to permit operation (permitted, not permitted) to an operator terminal (not shown) held by the operator 170, and the operator 170 may directly set the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to be operable or inoperable.

[0094] It is assumed that the instruction to start operation is given, for example, by the user of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N.

[0095] Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a specific example of operation permission management processing by a payment information acquisition unit and an operation management unit of the server device. Here, a specific example of operation permission management processing for the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 is shown. As shown by reference numeral 601 in Fig. 6(a), when the payment information acquisition unit 411 is notified by the notification unit 403 of the cost corresponding to the initial charging amount of refrigerant and the identifier of the refrigeration cycle apparatus, the payment information acquisition unit 411 stores the payment status="not yet" in the payment information storage unit 413.

[0096] Thereafter, when the owner 141 completes payment of the rental fee for the refrigerant rental and receives a notice of completion of payment, the payment information acquisition unit 411 updates the payment status to “payment completed” as indicated by the reference numeral 602 .

[0097] Moreover, the operation management unit 412 accesses the payment information storage unit 413 at a predetermined cycle to check the payment status and hold the result of the determination of whether or not driving is permitted. Reference numeral 611 in Fig. 6(b) indicates the result of the determination when the payment information storage unit 413 is accessed at the timing when the payment status indicated by reference numeral 601 is stored. In this case, the operation management unit 412 determines that driving is not permitted, and therefore "not permitted" is held in the driving permission field, as indicated by reference numeral 611.

[0098] 6(b), reference numeral 612 indicates a determination result when the payment information storage unit 413 is accessed at the timing when the payment status indicated by reference numeral 602 is stored. In this case, the driving management unit 412 determines that driving is permitted, and therefore, as indicated by reference numeral 612, "permission" is held in the driving permission field.

[0099] In this way, the operation management unit 412 permits operation of the refrigeration cycle device on the condition that the rental fee for renting the refrigerant has been paid in response to the transmission of the fee corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged.

[0100] <Process flow of the refrigeration cycle system> Next, a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system 100 from installation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N to start of operation will be described. Fig. 7 is an example of a first sequence diagram showing a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system.

[0101] In step S701, the operator 170 uses the refrigerant charging device 160 to replenish the refrigerant to the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N and measures the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that has been replenished. The operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant that has been replenished to the server apparatus 110 in association with the identifiers of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N. The operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant that has been replenished and the identifier to the server apparatus 110 by using the operator terminal 720. Alternatively, the operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant that has been replenished and the identifier to the server apparatus 110 via the network terminal 120 by using the operator terminal 720. Alternatively, the operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant that has been replenished and the identifier to the server apparatus 110 via the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N and the network terminal 120 by using the operator terminal 720.

[0102] In step S702, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmit, to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120, the amount of refrigerant with which the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N have been filled in advance.

[0103] In step S703, the server device 110 acquires the initial charged amount of refrigerant for the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N.

[0104] In step S704, server device 110 determines the cost corresponding to the initial charge amount of refrigerant, and stores it in cost storage unit 404.

[0105] In step S705, the server device 110 stores default information ("not yet") in the payment status in the payment information storage unit 413, and holds default information ("not permitted") in the driving permission.

[0106] In step S706, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N perform start-up processing.

[0107] In step S707, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N determine whether or not an instruction to start operation has been received. If it is determined in step S707 that an instruction to start operation has not been received (NO in step S707), the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N wait until an instruction to start operation is received. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S707 that an instruction to start operation has been received (YES in step S707), the process proceeds to step S713.

[0108] On the other hand, in step S708, the server device 110 transmits to the owner terminal 140 the identifiers of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N and the cost corresponding to the initial charging amount of the refrigerant.

[0109] In step S709, the owner 141 having the owner terminal 140 pays the rental fee for the refrigerant rental by transferring the fee to the transfer destination institution 710.

[0110] In step S710, the transfer destination institution 710 notifies the server device 110 that the owner 141 has completed payment of the fee.

[0111] In step S711, in response to receiving the notice of payment completion, server device 110 updates the payment status stored in payment information storage unit 413 from "not yet" to "payment completed."

[0112] In step S712, the server device 110 updates the driving permission / prohibition stored in the field from "not permitted" to "permitted" in response to updating the payment status.

[0113] In step S713, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N access the server apparatus 110 and confirm whether operation is permitted. If the confirmation result shows that operation permission="not permitted", the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N do not start operation. On the other hand, if operation permission="permitted" is held, in step S714, the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N start operation.

[0114] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment: The initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigeration cycle device (the amount of refrigerant that was previously filled and the amount of refrigerant that was replenished) and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device are obtained. Determine the cost associated with the initial charge of refrigerant. The initial amount of refrigerant charged, the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged, and an identifier are stored in the cost storage unit in association with each other.

[0115] In this way, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment manages the initial amount of refrigerant charged, which should be managed when renting a refrigerant, and determines the rental fee, which should be determined at the time of renting the refrigerant before operation is started. As a result, the server device 110 according to the first embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental mechanism.

[0116] [Second embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, the amount of refrigerant refilled into the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N using the refrigerant charging device 160 is transmitted via the operator terminal 720 possessed by the operator 170. However, the method in which the server device 110 acquires the initial charged amount of refrigerant is not limited to this.

[0117] For example, after refrigerant is refilled using the refrigerant charging device 160, when the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N perform start-up processing, each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N may measure the amount of refrigerant in the device itself. This allows the server device 110 to acquire the amount of refrigerant measured by each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1-130_N as the initial charging amount. Hereinafter, the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0118] <System configuration of refrigeration cycle system> First, a system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system according to a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a second diagram showing an example of the system configuration of a refrigeration cycle system. The differences from the system configuration described in the first embodiment with reference to FIG. 1 are as follows: There is no configuration in which the operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant of the refrigerant that has been replenished, measured by the measuring device 161, to the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1, the network terminal 120, or the server apparatus 110 via the operator terminal; The refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmit the amount of the refrigerant measured when performing the start-up process to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 as an initial charge amount, instead of transmitting the amount of the refrigerant previously filled. It is.

[0119] <Example of cost calculation process> Next, a specific example of the cost calculation process performed by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401, the cost determination unit 402, and the notification unit 403 of the server device 110 will be described. FIG. 9 is a second diagram showing a specific example of the cost calculation process performed by the refrigerant amount acquisition unit, the cost determination unit, and the notification unit of the server device. As indicated by reference numeral 901, in the second embodiment, the refrigerant amount acquisition unit 401: Identifier of the refrigeration cycle device 130_1="ID001", Initial amount of refrigerant charged 1 ", Get the.

[0120] As shown by the reference numeral 902, the cost determination unit 402 determines the initial charge amount of refrigerant="c 1 " is multiplied by the unit price per unit of refrigerant="α", to obtain the cost corresponding to the initial charge of refrigerant="C 1 " to decide.

[0121] <Process flow of the refrigeration cycle system> Next, a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system 100 from installation of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N to start of operation will be described. Fig. 10 is an example of a second sequence diagram showing a process flow of the refrigeration cycle system. The difference from the first sequence diagram described with reference to Fig. 10 in the above first embodiment is steps S1001 to S1003.

[0122] In step S1001, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N perform start-up processing.

[0123] In step S1002, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N measure the amount of refrigerant in the device itself. Note that any method may be used to measure the amount of refrigerant in the device itself, and a conventionally known method, such as the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-64410, may be used.

[0124] In step S1003, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmit the measured refrigerant amount to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120 as the initial charged amount of refrigerant.

[0125] <Summary> As is clear from the above description, the server device 110 according to the second embodiment: The initial amount of refrigerant charged in the refrigeration cycle device (the amount of refrigerant measured by the refrigeration cycle device) and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device are acquired. Determine the cost associated with the initial charge of refrigerant. The initial amount of refrigerant charged, the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged, and an identifier are stored in the cost storage unit in association with each other.

[0126] As a result, the server device 110 according to the second embodiment can realize a refrigerant rental mechanism, similar to the first embodiment.

[0127] [Third embodiment] In the above-described first embodiment, it has been described that the refrigerants pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N at the time of installation of each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are all used during operation. However, it is not always the case that the refrigerants pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are all used during operation, and there are cases where some of the refrigerants are not used.

[0128] For example, assume that the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are models capable of handling refrigerant pipe lengths of Lm or less. In this case, the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are filled with refrigerant of Lm in advance, but at the site where the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N are actually installed, the refrigerant pipe lengths may be shorter than Lm.

[0129] In such a case, a part of the refrigerant pre-filled in the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N is not used and is stored in a container, for example. In this case, the operator 170 transmits the amount of the refrigerant actually used to the refrigeration cycle device 130_1, the network terminal 120, or the server device 110 via the operator terminal 720.

[0130] In the above first embodiment, it has been described that each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N transmits the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant previously filled to the server device 110 via the network terminal 120. However, the method of transmitting the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant previously filled to the server device 110 is not limited thereto, and for example, an administrator of the server device 110 may input the amount of refrigerant to the server device 110 via the operation device 310.

[0131] In the above first embodiment, the notification unit 403 is described as transmitting the cost corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged for each refrigeration cycle apparatus to the owner terminal 140. However, the method of transmission to the owner terminal 140 is not limited to this, and for example, the costs corresponding to the initial amount of refrigerant charged for each of the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may be added up and transmitted to the owner terminal 140. In this case, the operation management unit 412 holds operation permission="not permitted" for all of the refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N until the payment status is updated to="payment completed".

[0132] In addition, in the above first embodiment, no mention is made of the function of the controller 207 when the operator 170 transmits the amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant that has been replenished, for example, to the refrigeration cycle device 130_1. However, the controller 207 may execute, for example, a plurality of modes.

[0133] Specifically, the controller 207 may execute a start-up mode. In this case, when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 130_1 is started in the start-up mode, the controller 207 transmits the amount of the refrigerant filled in advance in the apparatus to the server apparatus 110 via the network terminal 120 together with the identifier of the apparatus. Also, the controller 207 communicates with an operator terminal 720 possessed by the operator 170 and receives the amount of the refrigerant that has been replenished. Furthermore, the controller 207 transmits the received amount of the refrigerant together with the identifier of the apparatus to the server apparatus 110 via the network terminal 120.

[0134] In this way, by starting the controller 207 in start-up mode, the refrigeration cycle device 130_1 can transmit the initial amount of refrigerant charged (the amount of refrigerant that was pre-filled, the amount of refrigerant that was replenished) to the server device 110 in association with the identifier of the device itself.

[0135] In the above first embodiment, it has been described that the refrigerant is replenished to each of the refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N. However, if the length of the refrigerant pipe is shorter than expected as a result of installation work, for example, the refrigerant is not replenished. In this case, the amount of the refrigerant that has been filled in advance becomes the initial amount of refrigerant. For example, in the example of FIG. 5, the initial amount of refrigerant charged is 1 "="a 1 "

[0136] Further, in the above first and second embodiments, the refrigeration cycle system 100 has been described as having a plurality of refrigeration cycle devices 130_1 to 130_N, but the refrigeration cycle system 100 may have one refrigeration cycle device.

[0137] In the above first and second embodiments, the case has been described where the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N communicate with the server device 110 via the network terminal 120. However, the multiple refrigeration cycle apparatuses 130_1 to 130_N may communicate with the server device 110 without going through the network terminal 120.

[0138] Although the embodiments have been described above, it will be understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 100: Refrigeration cycle system 120: Network terminal 130_1~130_N: Refrigeration cycle equipment 140: Owner terminal 160: Refrigerant charging equipment 207: Controller 401: Refrigerant amount acquisition unit 402: Cost Determination Department 403: Notification Department 411: Payment information acquisition unit 412: Operation Management Department 720: Worker terminal

Claims

1. A control unit; A server device comprising: The control unit is Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier are stored in the storage unit in association with each other. Server device.

2. The control unit is The server device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a server device that notifies a manager of the refrigeration cycle device of the cost.

3. The control unit is The server device according to claim 1 , wherein an amount of a refrigerant used in the refrigeration cycle device, out of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device, is obtained before starting an operation of the refrigeration cycle device.

4. The server device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes an amount of refrigerant that was previously filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and an amount of refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

5. The control unit is permitting operation of the refrigeration cycle device on the condition that the fee has been paid; The server device according to claim 1 , wherein the refrigeration cycle device starts operation when operation is permitted.

6. A first control unit that manages the refrigeration cycle device; A refrigeration cycle system comprising: a server device having a second control unit communicating with the first control unit and a storage unit, The second control unit is Acquiring, via the first control unit, an amount of refrigerant of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier are stored in the storage unit in association with each other. Refrigeration cycle system.

7. 7. The refrigeration cycle system according to claim 6, wherein the refrigeration cycle device measures an amount of the refrigerant of the sealed refrigerant, associates the measured amount of the refrigerant with the identifier, and transmits the measured amount of the refrigerant to the second control unit via the first control unit.

8. 8. The refrigeration cycle system according to claim 6, wherein the amount of the refrigerant sealed in the refrigeration cycle device includes an amount of the refrigerant that was filled in the refrigeration cycle device before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and an amount of the refrigerant that was replenished before the refrigeration cycle device was installed and started to operate.

9. The control unit: Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier are stored in a storage unit in association with each other. Management method.

10. In the control section, Acquire a refrigerant amount of a refrigerant sealed in a refrigeration cycle device and an identifier for identifying the refrigeration cycle device; determining a cost corresponding to said amount of refrigerant; The refrigerant amount, the cost, and the identifier are stored in a storage unit in association with each other. A management program for executing processes.

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