Vehicle air conditioning unit

Abstract

The present invention provides a vehicle air conditioning device that can prevent other passengers from contracting an infectious disease when a passenger who is suffering from an infectious disease is present in the vehicle. The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention comprises: a physical condition information sensor that detects information related to the physical condition of the passenger riding in the vehicle as physical condition information; and a control unit that is configured to selectively perform external air circulation control and internal air circulation control, wherein the external air circulation control is a control that discharges the air in the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle and introduces the external air outside the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle, and the internal air circulation control is a control that returns the air taken into the interior of the vehicle after taking in the air in the interior of the vehicle. The control unit performs the external air circulation control when it is determined based on the physical condition information that at least one of the passengers is suffering from an infectious disease.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle air conditioning device. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-298326 discloses a vehicle air conditioner for heating the interior of a vehicle. The vehicle air conditioner (hereinafter referred to as a "conventional air conditioner") is configured to heat the interior of a vehicle through an external air circulation control, wherein the external air circulation control takes in external air from the outside of the vehicle, heats the external air, supplies the heated external air to the interior of the vehicle, and discharges the air in the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the conventional air conditioner is configured to heat the interior of a vehicle through an internal air circulation control, wherein the internal air circulation control takes in the air in the interior of the vehicle, heats the air, and returns the heated air to the interior of the vehicle.

[0003] Conventional air conditioners heat the interior of a vehicle by circulating external air when the temperature of the air inside the vehicle is higher than the temperature of the outside air. Conventional air conditioners heat the interior of a vehicle by circulating internal air when the temperature of the air inside the vehicle is lower than the temperature of the outside air.

[0004] Furthermore, when the interior of the vehicle is heated by the above-mentioned internal air circulation control when a passenger in the vehicle has an infectious disease such as a cold, the infectious source will circulate in the interior of the vehicle. At this time, if there are passengers who do not have an infectious disease, the passengers may also suffer from the same infectious disease. This applies not only to the case of heating the interior of the vehicle, but also generally applies to the case of circulating the air in the interior of the vehicle without exhausting the air from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned problems. Specifically, one object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle air conditioning device that can prevent other passengers from contracting an infectious disease when a passenger who is suffering from an infectious disease is present in the interior of a vehicle.

[0006] The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention includes a body condition information sensor and a control unit. The body condition information sensor detects information related to the body condition of a passenger riding in the vehicle as body condition information. The control unit is configured to selectively perform external air circulation control, which is control for exhausting the air in the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle and introducing the outside air outside the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle, and internal air circulation control, which is control for returning the air taken into the interior of the vehicle after taking in the air in the interior of the vehicle.

[0007] The control unit is configured to execute the external air circulation control when it is determined based on the physical condition information that at least one of the occupants suffers from an infectious disease.

[0008] According to this, when the infectious source exists in the interior of the vehicle, the air in the interior of the vehicle is discharged to the outside of the vehicle, thereby also discharging the infectious source to the outside of the vehicle. In addition, the external air is re-introduced into the interior of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the passengers from contracting infectious diseases.

[0009] The vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention may further include a plurality of intake ports for taking in air from the interior of the vehicle. In this case, the control unit may be configured to perform the external air circulation control by taking in air from the interior of the vehicle from the intake port closest to the at least one passenger suffering from the infectious disease and exhausting the taken-in air to the outside of the vehicle when it is determined that at least one of the passengers suffers from an infectious disease.

[0010] According to this, the air around the passengers, which is the cause of the generation of the infectious source, is discharged to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent other passengers from being infected with the infectious disease.

[0011] In addition, in the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the body condition information sensor is, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the skin of the occupant as the occupant's skin temperature. In this case, the control unit may be configured to determine, based on the occupant's skin temperature detected by the temperature sensor, that an occupant whose body temperature is above a predetermined body temperature is a occupant suffering from an infectious disease.

[0012] In addition, in the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the body condition information sensor is, for example, a camera that photographs the passenger. In this case, the control unit may be configured to determine a passenger who has a specific biological reaction as a passenger suffering from an infectious disease based on the image of the passenger photographed by the camera.

[0013] In addition, the physical condition information sensor is, for example, a microphone that detects sounds in the interior of the vehicle. In this case, the control unit may be configured to determine that an occupant who has a specific biological reaction is an occupant suffering from an infectious disease based on the sounds detected by the microphone.

[0014] Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the vehicle may be equipped with a battery. In this case, the control unit may be configured to, when there is a request to preheat the battery and the temperature of the air in the interior of the vehicle is higher than the temperature of the battery, perform the external air circulation control in a manner that the air taken in from the interior of the vehicle is supplied to the battery and the air supplied to the battery is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle.

[0015] According to this, the air exhausted from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle can be used to warm up the battery.

[0016] Furthermore, in the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the vehicle may be equipped with a battery. In this case, the control unit may be configured to, when there is a request to cool the battery and the temperature of the air in the interior of the vehicle is lower than the temperature of the battery, perform the external air circulation control in a manner that the air taken in from the interior of the vehicle is supplied to the battery and the air supplied to the battery is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle.

[0017] According to this, the air exhausted from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle can be used to cool the battery.

[0018] In addition, it may be that the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention includes a heating device, which heats the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle through the external air circulation control, and the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention includes a heat exchanger on the upstream side of the heating device, and the heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the air discharged from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle through the external air circulation control and the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle.

[0019] According to this, when the vehicle interior is heated by the heating device and the temperature of the air in the vehicle interior is higher than the temperature of the outside air, the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior can be heated by the air in the vehicle interior exhausted to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the heating effect of the vehicle interior can be improved.

[0020] In addition, it may be that the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention includes a refrigeration device, which cools the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle through the external air circulation control, and the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention includes a heat exchanger on the upstream side of the refrigeration device, and the heat exchanger performs heat exchange between the air discharged from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle through the external air circulation control and the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle.

[0021] According to this, when the interior of the vehicle is cooled by the refrigeration device and the temperature of the air inside the vehicle is lower than the temperature of the outside air, the outside air introduced into the interior of the vehicle can be cooled by the air inside the vehicle exhausted to the outside of the vehicle. Therefore, the cooling effect inside the vehicle can be improved.

[0022] In addition, in the vehicle air-conditioning device of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to execute the internal air circulation control instead of the external air circulation control when it is determined that at least one of the passengers suffers from an infectious disease and the passenger requests the execution of the internal air circulation control.

[0023] According to this, the external air circulation control is executed only when the occupant does not request the execution of the internal air circulation control. Therefore, the external air circulation control is prevented from being executed contrary to the request of the occupant.

[0024] In addition, in the vehicle air conditioning device of the present invention, the control unit may be configured to: when it is determined that at least one of the passengers suffers from an infectious disease and the external air circulation control is executed, notify the passengers that the external air circulation control will be executed.

[0025] According to this, when the occupant does not wish to execute the external air circulation control, the occupant can be prompted to request execution of the internal air circulation control.

[0026] The components of the present invention are not limited to the embodiments. Other objects, other features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 The diagrams show a vehicle air conditioner according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner is applied.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 3 It is a diagram conceptually showing a vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioning device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, as viewed from above.

[0031] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the CPU of the ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 6 This is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the CPU of the ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing a vehicle air conditioner according to a first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner is applied.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner according to the first modified example is applied, as viewed from above.

[0035] Fig. 9 It is a diagram conceptually showing a vehicle air conditioning device according to a first modified example.

[0036] Fig.10 This is a diagram showing a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner according to the first modified example is applied, as viewed from above.

[0037] Fig.11 It is a diagram showing a vehicle air conditioner according to a second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle to which the vehicle air conditioner is applied.

[0038] Fig.12 It is a diagram conceptually showing a vehicle air conditioning device according to a second modified example.

[0039] Fig.13 This is a flowchart showing a routine executed by the CPU of the ECU of the vehicle air conditioning system according to the second modified example.

[0040] Fig.14 It is a diagram conceptually showing a vehicle air conditioning device according to a third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Description of Reference Numerals

[0042] 10: Vehicle air conditioning unit; 30R: Rear intake switching valve; 90: ECU; 91F: Front surface temperature sensor; 91R: Rear surface temperature sensor; 92F: Front cabin camera; 92R: Rear cabin camera; 93F: Front microphone; 93R: Rear microphone; 94: Interior air temperature sensor; 96: Battery temperature sensor; 100: Vehicle; 101: Battery; Pd: Driver; Pf: Front passenger; Pr: Rear passenger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Hereinafter, a vehicle air conditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. A vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention and a vehicle 100 to which the vehicle air conditioning device 10 is applied are shown in FIG. Figure 1 .

[0044] In this example, the vehicle 100 is a so-called plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHV) having an internal combustion engine (not shown), an electric generator (not shown), and a battery 101. The battery 101 is housed in a battery housing 102. In addition, the battery 101 is cooled by cooling water. The vehicle 100 is driven by the power output by the internal combustion engine and the power output by the electric generator. When the electric generator functions as a motor and outputs power, the battery 101 supplies power to the electric generator. In addition, the battery 101 can be charged with the power generated by the electric generator when the electric generator is rotated by external energy such as the running energy of the vehicle 100 and the power output by the internal combustion engine. Moreover, the battery 101 can also be charged from an external power source.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air conditioner 10 includes a front blower 20F, a rear blower 20R, a circulation switching valve 30F, a rear intake switching valve 30R, a cooling and heating device 40 , a display device 50 , and an ECU 90 .

[0046] ECU is an abbreviation of electronic control unit. ECU90 has a microcomputer as a main part. The microcomputer includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, non-volatile memory, and interface, etc. The CPU implements various functions by executing instructions, programs, or routines stored in the ROM.

[0047] Moreover, if Figure 2As shown, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 has a right outside air inlet 61R, a left outside air inlet 61L, a right front inside air inlet 62R, a left front inside air inlet 62L, a right rear inside air inlet 63R, a left rear inside air inlet 63L, an inside air exhaust port 64, a central air inlet 65C, a right air inlet 65R, and a left air inlet 65L.

[0048] The right outside air intake port 61R is an opening for taking in outside air. The right outside air intake port 61R is provided at a position to the right of the center position of the width 100W of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle width direction DW") and in front of the driver's seat 100D in the width direction DW of the vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "vehicle width direction DW"). The right outside air intake port 61R is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0049] The left outside air intake 61L is an opening for taking in outside air. The left outside air intake 61L is provided on the left side of the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and in front of the passenger seat 100F. The left outside air intake 61L is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0050] The right front interior air intake 62R is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The right front interior air intake 62R is provided on the right side of the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and in front of the driver's seat 100D. The right front interior air intake 62R is exposed in the vehicle interior 105.

[0051] The left front interior air intake 62L is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The left front interior air intake 62L is provided at a position to the left of the center position of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and in front of the passenger seat 100F. The left front interior air intake 62L is exposed in the vehicle interior 105.

[0052] The right rear interior air intake port 63R is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The right rear interior air intake port 63R is provided adjacent to a portion (eg, C-pillar) on the right rear side of the rear seat 100R.

[0053] The left rear interior air intake port 63L is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The left rear interior air intake port 63L is provided adjacent to a left rear portion (eg, C-pillar) of the rear seat 100R.

[0054] The inside air outlet 64 is an opening for discharging the air in the vehicle cabin 105 to the outside of the vehicle 100. The inside air outlet 64 is provided at a right rear portion of the vehicle 100. The inside air outlet 64 is exposed to the outside of the vehicle 100.

[0055] The center air inlet 65C is an opening for introducing air into the vehicle interior 105. The center air inlet 65C is provided at the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and in front of the driver seat 100D and the passenger seat 100F. The center air inlet 65C is exposed in the vehicle interior 105.

[0056] The right air introduction port 65R is an opening for introducing air into the vehicle interior 105 . The right air introduction port 65R is provided at a position right in front of the driver's seat 100D. The right air introduction port 65R is exposed in the vehicle interior 105 .

[0057] The left air introduction port 65L is an opening for introducing air into the vehicle interior 105 . The left air introduction port 65L is provided at a position in the left front of the passenger seat 100F. The left air introduction port 65L is exposed in the vehicle interior 105 .

[0058] like Figure 3 As shown, the right outside air intake port 61R is connected to the circulation switching valve 30F via the right outside air intake duct 71R and the common outside air intake duct 71C. The left outside air intake port 61L is connected to the circulation switching valve 30F via the left outside air intake duct 71L and the common outside air intake duct 71C.

[0059] The right front inside air intake port 62R is connected to the circulation switching valve 30F via the right front inside air intake duct 72R. The left front inside air intake port 62L is connected to the circulation switching valve 30F via the left front inside air intake duct 72L.

[0060] The circulation switching valve 30F is connected to the front blower 20F via a common air intake duct 73C.

[0061] The front blower 20F is connected to the right air inlet 65R via the common air inlet duct 74C and the right air inlet duct 75R. In addition, the front blower 20F is connected to the center air inlet 65C via the common air inlet duct 74C and the center air inlet duct 75C. In addition, the front blower 20F is connected to the left air inlet 65L via the common air inlet duct 74C and the left air inlet duct 75L.

[0062] The cooling and heating device 40 is disposed in the common air introduction duct 74C. The cooling and heating device 40 can cool or heat the air flowing in the common air introduction duct 74C.

[0063] The right rear interior air intake port 63R is connected to the rear intake switching valve 30R via the right rear interior air intake duct 76R. The left rear interior air intake port 63L is connected to the rear intake switching valve 30R via the left rear interior air intake duct 76L. The rear intake switching valve 30R is connected to the rear blower 20R via the rear common interior air intake duct 76C. The rear blower 20R is connected to the interior air exhaust port 64 via the common interior air exhaust duct 77C. A filter 80 is provided in the common interior air exhaust duct 77C.

[0064] When the front blower 20F is in operation and the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F is set to the interior air circulation position, the air of the cabin 105 is taken into the front blower 20F from the cabin 105 via the right front interior air intake port 62R, the left front interior air intake port 62L, the right front interior air intake duct 72R, the left front interior air intake duct 72L, the circulation switching valve 30F, and the common air intake duct 73C. The air taken into the front blower 20F is introduced into the cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the right air introduction duct 75R, and the right air introduction port 65R, introduced into the cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the center air introduction duct 75C, and the center air introduction port 65C, and introduced into the cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the left air introduction duct 75L, and the left air introduction port 65L.

[0065] On the other hand, when the front blower 20F is in operation and the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F is set to the outside air circulation position, outside air is taken into the front blower 20F from outside the vehicle 100 via the right outside air intake port 61R, the left outside air intake port 61L, the right outside air intake duct 71R, the left outside air intake duct 71L, the common outside air intake duct 71C, the circulation switching valve 30F, and the common air intake duct 73C. The outside air taken into the front blower 20F is introduced into the vehicle cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the right air introduction duct 75R, and the right air introduction port 65R, introduced into the vehicle cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the center air introduction duct 75C, and the center air introduction port 65C, and introduced into the vehicle cabin 105 via the common air introduction duct 74C, the left air introduction duct 75L, and the left air introduction port 65L.

[0066] When the rear blower 20R is in operation and the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R is set to the right intake position, the air in the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the right rear interior air intake port 63R, the right rear interior air intake duct 76R, the rear intake switching valve 30R, and the rear common interior air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common interior air exhaust duct 77C and the interior air exhaust port 64.

[0067] On the other hand, when the rear blower 20R is operated and the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R is set to the left intake position, the air of the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the left rear interior air intake port 63L, the left rear interior air intake duct 76L, the rear intake switching valve 30R, and the rear common interior air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common interior air exhaust duct 77C and the interior air exhaust port 64.

[0068] When the rear blower 20R is in operation and the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R is set to the left-right intake position, the air in the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the right rear interior air intake port 63R, the left rear interior air intake port 63L, the right rear interior air intake duct 76R, the left rear interior air intake duct 76L, the rear intake switching valve 30R, and the rear common interior air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common interior air exhaust duct 77C and the interior air exhaust port 64.

[0069] When the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R is set to the closing position, the air in the vehicle interior 105 is not taken into the right rear interior air intake duct 76R nor into the left rear interior air intake duct 76L.

[0070] The filter 80 is disposed in the common internal air exhaust duct 77C. The filter 80 is formed of a material capable of capturing pathogens such as viruses in the air.

[0071] like Figure 1 As shown, the circulation switching valve 30F, the front blower 20F, the rear intake switching valve 30R and the rear blower 20R are electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can control the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F. In addition, the ECU 90 can operate the front blower 20F or stop the front blower 20F. In addition, the ECU 90 can control the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R. In addition, the ECU 90 can operate the rear blower 20R or stop the rear blower 20R.

[0072] <Cooling and heating equipment>

[0073] The cooling and heating device 40 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can control the operation of the cooling and heating device 40 so that the air flowing through the common air introduction duct 74C is cooled or heated by the cooling and heating device 40.

[0074] <Display device>

[0075] The display device 50 is mounted at a location of the vehicle 100 that can be seen by the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Figure 1 As shown, the display device 50 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can cause the display device 50 to display various images.

[0076] <Sensors, etc.>

[0077] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 includes a surface temperature sensor device 91, a cabin camera device 92, a microphone device 93, an internal air temperature sensor 94, an external air temperature sensor 95, a battery temperature sensor 96, a circulation switching switch 97, an air supply switch 98 and a temperature setting dial 99.

[0078] <Surface temperature sensor device>

[0079] The surface temperature sensor device 91 includes a rear surface temperature sensor 91R. The rear surface temperature sensor 91R can detect infrared rays emitted by an object, for example. The surface temperature sensor device 91 is an infrared thermal imager (thermography) that can detect the surface temperature of an object by analyzing the infrared rays detected by the rear surface temperature sensor 91R. The rear surface temperature sensor 91R is mounted on the ceiling 106 of the vehicle compartment 105 (hereinafter referred to as "vehicle compartment ceiling 106") in such a manner that it can detect the temperature Tr_face of the skin on the face of a passenger Pr (hereinafter referred to as "rear passenger Pr") sitting in the rear seat 100R. Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the rear surface temperature sensor 91R is mounted at the center of the width of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction DW and mounted on the cabin ceiling 106 between the driver seat 100D and the passenger seat 100F and the rear seat 100R.

[0080] like Figure 1As shown, the rear surface temperature sensor 91R is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The rear surface temperature sensor 91R detects the temperature Tr_face of the skin of the face of the rear seat occupant Pr, and sends a signal Sr_temp (hereinafter referred to as "rear temperature signal Sr_temp") indicating the detected temperature Tr_face to the ECU 90.

[0081] ECU90 obtains the temperature Tr_face of the skin of the face of the rear passenger Pr based on the rear temperature signal Sr_temp. ECU90 estimates the body temperature Tr_body of the rear passenger Pr based on the obtained temperature Tr_face. When the estimated body temperature Tr_body is above the prescribed body temperature Tbody_th (for example, 37°C), ECU90 determines that the rear passenger Pr suffers from an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses and bacteria exist in the vehicle compartment 105. Pathogens such as viruses and bacteria become the cause of infectious diseases to humans. Therefore, pathogens such as viruses and bacteria are sources of infection.

[0082] <Carriage camera device>

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle cabin camera device 92 includes a rear vehicle cabin camera 92R. The rear vehicle cabin camera 92R is mounted on the vehicle cabin ceiling 106 in such a manner as to be able to photograph the rear passenger Pr. Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the rear cabin camera 92R is installed in the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and in the cabin ceiling 106 between the driver seat 100D and the passenger seat 100F and the rear seat 100R.

[0084] The rear cabin camera 92R is electrically connected to the ECU 90 . The rear cabin camera 92R captures the space in the cabin 105 including the rear passenger Pr, and transmits captured image data Dr_image (hereinafter referred to as “rear image data Dr_image”) to the ECU 90 .

[0085] The ECU 90 determines whether the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction such as coughing or sneezing based on the rear image data Dr_image. If it is determined that the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction more than a predetermined number of times Nth within a predetermined time Tth, the ECU 90 determines that the rear passenger Pr has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, the ECU 90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105.

[0086] The prescribed time Tth may be appropriately set to a time suitable for accurately determining whether the rear passenger Pr has an infectious disease such as a cold. In addition, the prescribed number of times Nth may also be appropriately set to a number suitable for accurately determining whether the rear passenger Pr has an infectious disease such as a cold. It should be noted that the prescribed number of times Nth may be "1". In this case, there is no need to set the prescribed time Tth.

[0087] Furthermore, the ECU 90 determines whether or not there is a rear passenger Pr based on the rear image data Dr_image.

[0088] <Microphone device>

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the microphone device 93 includes a rear microphone 93R. The rear microphone 93R is mounted on the vehicle ceiling 106 in such a manner as to be able to detect the sound emitted by the rear passenger Pr. Figure 4 As shown, in this example, the rear microphone 93R is mounted in the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and on the cabin ceiling 106 between the driver seat 100D and the passenger seat 100F and the rear seat 100R.

[0090] like Figure 1 As shown, the rear microphone 93R is electrically connected to the ECU 90 . The rear microphone 93R detects a sound generated in the vehicle cabin 105 , and sends a signal Sr_sound indicating the sound (hereinafter referred to as “rear sound signal Sr_sound”) to the ECU 90 .

[0091] The ECU 90 determines whether the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction such as coughing or sneezing based on the rear sound signal Sr_sound. If the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction more than a predetermined number of times Nth within a predetermined time Tth, the ECU 90 determines that the rear passenger Pr has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, the ECU 90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105.

[0092] <Interior air temperature sensor>

[0093] The interior air temperature sensor 94 is mounted at a location of the vehicle 100 that can detect the temperature Tin of the air in the vehicle compartment 105. Figure 1 As shown, the interior air temperature sensor 94 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The interior air temperature sensor 94 detects the temperature Tin of the air in the vehicle compartment 105 and sends a signal indicating the detected temperature Tin to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 acquires the temperature Tin of the air in the vehicle compartment 105 as the interior air temperature Tin based on the signal received from the interior air temperature sensor 94.

[0094] <Outside air temperature sensor>

[0095] The outside air temperature sensor 95 is mounted at a location of the vehicle 100 that can detect the temperature Tout of the outside air. Figure 1 As shown, the outside air temperature sensor 95 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The outside air temperature sensor 95 detects the temperature Tout of the outside air and sends a signal indicating the detected temperature Tout to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 acquires the temperature Tout of the outside air as the outside air temperature Tout based on the signal received from the outside air temperature sensor 95.

[0096] <Battery temperature sensor>

[0097] The battery temperature sensor 96 is mounted at a location of the vehicle 100 that can detect the temperature Tbat of the battery 101. Figure 1 As shown, the battery temperature sensor 96 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The battery temperature sensor 96 detects the temperature Tbat of the battery 101 and sends a signal indicating the detected temperature Tbat to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 acquires the temperature Tbat of the battery 101 as the battery temperature Tbat based on the signal received from the battery temperature sensor 96.

[0098] <Cycle switch>

[0099] The cycle switching switch 97 is mounted at a position of the vehicle 100 that can be operated by the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Figure 1 As shown, the circulation switching switch 97 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. When the circulation switching switch 97 is set to the internal air circulation request position, the circulation switching switch 97 sends the internal air circulation request signal Sin to the ECU 90. On the other hand, when the circulation switching switch 97 is set to the external air circulation request position, the circulation switching switch 97 sends the external air circulation request signal Sout to the ECU 90.

[0100] When the ECU 90 receives the interior air circulation request signal Sin, the ECU 90 sets the interior air circulation request flag Xin to “1”. On the other hand, when the ECU 90 receives the exterior air circulation request signal Sout, the ECU 90 sets the interior air circulation request flag Xin to “0”.

[0101] <Air supply switch>

[0102] The air supply switch 98 is mounted at a position of the vehicle 100 that can be operated by the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Figure 1As shown, the air supply switch 98 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. When the air supply switch 98 is set to the on position, the air supply switch 98 sends an air supply request signal Sair to the ECU 90. On the other hand, when the air supply switch 98 is set to the off position, the air supply switch 98 sends an air supply off request signal Soff to the ECU 90.

[0103] When the ECU 90 receives the air blowing request signal Sair, the ECU 90 sets the value of the air blowing request flag Xair to “1”. On the other hand, when the ECU 90 receives the air blowing off request signal Soff, the ECU 90 sets the value of the air blowing request flag Xair to “0”.

[0104] <Temperature setting dial>

[0105] The temperature setting dial 99 is mounted at a location of the vehicle 100 that can be operated by the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Figure 1 As shown, the temperature setting dial 99 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The temperature setting dial 99 sends a signal Stemp indicating the temperature set by the driver Pd or the front passenger Pf by operating the temperature setting dial 99 (hereinafter referred to as "set temperature signal Stemp") to the ECU 90.

[0106] The ECU 90 acquires the temperature set by the driver Pd or the front passenger Pf as the set temperature Tset based on the set temperature signal Stemp.

[0107] <Overview of the operation of vehicle air conditioning system>

[0108] Next, the outline of the operation of vehicle air conditioner 10 will be described.

[0109] <Normal internal air circulation control>

[0110] When the vehicle air conditioner 10 receives the internal air circulation request signal Sin while receiving the air supply request signal Sair, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the normal internal air circulation control. When performing the normal internal air circulation control, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the internal air circulation position, sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the cut-off position, operates the front blower 20F, and stops the operation of the rear blower 20R.

[0111] Thus, the air of the vehicle interior 105 is taken into the right front interior air intake duct 72R via the right front interior air intake port 62R, and is taken into the left front interior air intake duct 72L via the left front interior air intake port 62L. The taken-in air flows through the circulation switching valve 30F, the common air intake duct 73C, the front blower 20F, the common air introduction duct 74C, the right air introduction duct 75R, the left air introduction duct 75L, and the center air introduction duct 75C, and is introduced into the vehicle interior 105 via the right air introduction port 65R, the left air introduction port 65L, and the center air introduction port 65C.

[0112] It should be noted that, during the execution of normal internal air circulation control, the vehicle air-conditioning device 10 controls the operation of the cooling and heating device 40 by introducing air of a set temperature Tset obtained based on a set temperature signal Stemp into the vehicle compartment 105 from the right air inlet 65R, the left air inlet 65L and the central air inlet 65C.

[0113] <Normal external air circulation control>

[0114] On the other hand, when the vehicle air conditioner 10 receives the outside air circulation request signal Sout when receiving the air supply request signal Sair, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the normal outside air circulation control. When performing the normal outside air circulation control, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the outside air circulation position, sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left and right intake position, and operates the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R.

[0115] Thus, the outside air is taken into the right outside air intake duct 71R through the right outside air intake port 61R, and is taken into the left outside air intake duct 71L through the left outside air intake port 61L. The taken-in outside air flows through the common outside air intake duct 71C, the circulation switching valve 30F, the common air intake duct 73C, the front blower 20F, the common air introduction duct 74C, the right air introduction duct 75R, the left air introduction duct 75L, and the center air introduction duct 75C, and is introduced into the vehicle interior 105 through the right air introduction port 65R, the left air introduction port 65L, and the center air introduction port 65C.

[0116] It should be noted that, during the execution of normal external air circulation control, the vehicle air-conditioning device 10 controls the operation of the cooling and heating device 40 by introducing air of a set temperature Tset obtained based on a set temperature signal Stemp into the vehicle compartment 105 from the right air inlet 65R, the left air inlet 65L and the central air inlet 65C.

[0117] <Forced external air circulation control>

[0118] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 performs the forced outside air circulation control when it is determined based on the rear temperature signal Sr_temp, the rear image data Dr_image, and the rear sound signal Sr_sound that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle cabin 105. When the forced outside air circulation control is performed, the vehicle air conditioner 10 controls the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F, the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R, the operation of the front blower 20F, and the operation of the rear blower 20R as follows.

[0119] The vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the external air circulation position when it is determined that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to a position corresponding to the seat position of the rear passenger Pr suffering from an infectious disease.

[0120] Specifically, when only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the right rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the right intake position. On the other hand, when only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the left rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left intake position. Furthermore, when only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the center rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left and right intake positions. Furthermore, when at least two of the rear passenger Pr sitting on the right rear seat 100R, the rear passenger Pr sitting on the left rear seat 100R, and the rear passenger Pr sitting on the center rear seat 100R suffer from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left and right intake positions. Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 operates the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R.

[0121] Accordingly, in the case where there is a rear passenger Pr suffering from an infectious disease, the air of the vehicle compartment 105 is taken in from the right rear interior air intake port 63R or the left rear interior air intake port 63L provided at a position close to the rear passenger Pr. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air that may contain pathogens from coming into contact with the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf from contracting an infectious disease. In addition, it is possible to prevent the air that may contain pathogens from coming into contact with other rear passengers Pr who do not suffer from an infectious disease. Therefore, it is possible to prevent other rear passengers Pr from contracting an infectious disease.

[0122] It should be noted that the vehicle air-conditioning device 10 can also be configured to determine that pathogens are present in the vehicle cabin 105 when two or all of the following conditions are met: the condition that the body temperature Tr_body of the rear passenger Pr is higher than the specified body temperature Tbody_th; ​​the condition that the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction more than a specified number of times Nth within a specified time Tth based on the rear image data Dr_image; and the condition that the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction more than a specified number of times Nth within a specified time Tth based on the rear sound signal Sr_sound.

[0123] It should be noted that the vehicle air-conditioning device 10 can also be configured such that even when it is determined that pathogens exist in the vehicle cabin 105, when the driver Pd or the front passenger Pf has requested internal air circulation by operating the circulation switching switch 97, forced external air circulation control is not performed and normal internal air circulation control is performed.

[0124] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 may be configured to perform the forced outside air circulation control after the display device 50 displays the contents of the forced outside air circulation control, if the driver Pd or the front passenger Pf does not request the inside air circulation by operating the circulation switching switch 97. In this case, after the display device 50 displays the contents of the forced outside air circulation control, when the driver Pd or the front passenger Pf requests the inside air circulation by operating the circulation switching switch 97, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 stops the forced outside air circulation control and performs the normal inside air circulation control.

[0125] <Specific operation of vehicle air conditioning system>

[0126] Next, the specific operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 will be described. The CPU of the ECU 90 of the vehicle air conditioner 10 is configured to execute the following operation every time a predetermined time Tcal elapses. Figure 5 Therefore, if the specified timing is reached, the CPU will Figure 5 The process starts from step 500, and the process proceeds to step 505, where it is determined whether the value of the passenger flag Xper is "1". The value of the passenger flag Xper is set to "1" when it is determined that there is a rear passenger Pr. On the other hand, the value of the passenger flag Xper is set to "0" when it is determined that there is no rear passenger Pr.

[0127] If the determination in step 505 is "yes", the CPU advances the process to step 510 to determine whether the value of the fever flag Xtemp is "1". The value of the fever flag Xtemp is set to "1" when it is determined that the body temperature Tr_body of the rear occupant Pr is equal to or higher than the predetermined body temperature Tbody_th. On the other hand, the value of the fever flag Xtemp is set to "0" when it is determined that the body temperature Tr_body of any rear occupant Pr is lower than the predetermined body temperature Tbody_th.

[0128] When the determination result is YES in step 510 , the CPU advances the process to step 520 .

[0129] On the other hand, if the determination in step 510 is "No", the CPU advances the processing to step 515 to determine whether the value of the biological reaction flag Xreact is "1". The value of the biological reaction flag Xreact is set to "1" when it is determined that the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological reaction a predetermined number of times Nth or more within the predetermined time Tth. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no rear passenger Pr who has performed a biological reaction a predetermined number of times Nth or more within the predetermined time Tth, the biological reaction flag Xreact is set to "0".

[0130] When the determination result is YES in step 515 , the CPU advances the process to step 520 .

[0131] When the CPU advances the processing to step 520, the CPU determines whether the value of the internal air circulation air supply flag Xin_air is "0". The value of the internal air circulation air supply flag Xin_air is set to "1" when the circulation switching switch 97 is set to the internal air circulation request position and the air supply switch 98 is set to the on position. On the other hand, the value of the internal air circulation air supply flag Xin_air is set to "0" when the circulation switching switch 97 is set to the external air circulation request position. In addition, the value of the internal air circulation air supply flag Xin_air is set to "0" when the air supply switch 98 is set to the off position.

[0132] When a YES determination is made in step 520 , the CPU advances the process to step 525 , and determines whether or not the time Tout_air that has elapsed since the start of the forced outside air circulation control is shorter than a predetermined time Tout_air_th.

[0133] If the determination result is "yes" in step 525, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 530, and causes the display device 50 to display a notification screen for notifying the execution of the forced external air circulation control. Next, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 535, and sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the external air circulation position. Next, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 540, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to a position corresponding to the seat position of the rear passenger Pr suffering from an infectious disease. Next, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 545, and causes the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R to operate. Thereafter, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 595, and temporarily terminates this routine.

[0134] On the other hand, if the determination result is “No” in step 525, the CPU advances the processing to step 550. Furthermore, if the determination result is “No” in step 520, the CPU also advances the processing to step 550. Furthermore, if the determination result is “No” in step 515, the CPU also advances the processing to step 550. Furthermore, if the determination result is “No” in step 505, the CPU also advances the processing to step 550.

[0135] When the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 550, the CPU stops displaying the notification screen for notifying the execution of the forced external air circulation control on the display device 50. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 555, and sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the cut-off position. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 560, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the cut-off position. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 565, and stops the operation of the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 570, and executes Figure 6 The routine shown.

[0136] When the CPU has entered the process into step 570, the CPU Figure 6 The CPU starts the process at step 600 and proceeds to step 605 to determine whether the value of the air supply request flag Xair is "1". If the determination at step 605 is "yes", the CPU proceeds to step 610 to determine whether the value of the internal air circulation request flag Xin is "0".

[0137] If the judgment is "yes" in step 610, the CPU causes the processing to enter step 615, and sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the external air circulation position. Then, the CPU causes the processing to enter step 620, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left and right intake position. Then, the CPU causes the processing to enter step 625, and operates the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R. Then, the CPU causes the processing to enter step 630, and operates the cooling and heating device 40 in a manner to reach the set temperature Tset. After that, the CPU causes the processing to enter step 695. Figure 5 Step 595 temporarily ends this routine.

[0138] On the other hand, if the determination result in step 610 is "No", the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 635, and sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the internal air circulation position. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 640, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the cut-off position. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 645, and causes the front blower 20F to operate and the rear blower 20R to stop. Next, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 650, and causes the cooling and heating device 40 to operate in such a manner as to reach the set temperature Tset. Thereafter, the CPU causes the process to proceed to step 695. Figure 5 Step 595 temporarily ends this routine.

[0139] On the other hand, if the determination result in step 605 is "No", the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 655, and sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the closing position. Then, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 660, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the closing position. Then, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 665, and stops the operation of the front blower 20F and the operation of the rear blower 20R. Then, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 670, and stops the operation of the cooling and heating device 40. Thereafter, the CPU causes the processing to proceed to step 695. Figure 5 Step 595 temporarily ends this routine.

[0140] The above is an example of the specific operation of the vehicle air conditioning device 10. According to this, when there is a rear passenger Pr suffering from an infectious disease, the air in the vehicle compartment 105 that may contain pathogens can be prevented from coming into contact with the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the other rear passengers Pr. Therefore, the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the other rear passengers Pr can be prevented from contracting an infectious disease.

[0141] <First Modification>

[0142] The vehicle air conditioning device 10 may also be configured as follows. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the first modified example of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a side intake switching valve 30S. Figure 8 As shown, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the first modified example further includes a right side inside air intake port 66R and a left side inside air intake port 66L.

[0143] The right side interior air intake port 66R is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The right side interior air intake port 66R is provided at a position of a wall (for example, a B-pillar) of the vehicle interior 105 that partitions the vehicle interior 105, right rearward of the driver's seat 100D and right frontward of the rear seat 100R. The right side interior air intake port 66R is exposed in the vehicle interior 105.

[0144] The left side interior air intake port 66L is an opening for taking in air from the vehicle interior 105. The left side interior air intake port 66L is provided at a position of a wall (for example, a B-pillar) of the vehicle interior 105 that partitions the vehicle interior 105, which is located to the left rear of the passenger seat 100F and to the left front of the rear seat 100R. The left side interior air intake port 66L is exposed in the vehicle interior 105.

[0145] like Fig. 9 As shown, the right side inside air intake port 66R is connected to the side intake switching valve 30S via the right side inside air intake pipe 78R. The left side inside air intake port 66L is connected to the side intake switching valve 30S via the left side inside air intake pipe 78L. The side intake switching valve 30S is connected to the rear common inside air intake pipe 76C between the rear intake switching valve 30R and the rear blower 20R via the side common inside air intake pipe 78C.

[0146] When the rear blower 20R is in operation and the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S is set to the right intake position, the air in the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the right side inside air intake port 66R, the right side inside air intake duct 78R, the side intake switching valve 30S, the side common inside air intake duct 78C, and the rear common inside air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common inside air exhaust duct 77C and the inside air exhaust port 64.

[0147] On the other hand, when the rear blower 20R is operated and the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S is set to the left intake position, the air of the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the left side inside air intake port 66L, the left side inside air intake duct 78L, the side intake switching valve 30S, the side common inside air intake duct 78C, and the rear common inside air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common inside air exhaust duct 77C and the inside air exhaust port 64.

[0148] When the rear blower 20R is in operation and the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S is set to the left-right intake position, the air in the vehicle cabin 105 is taken into the rear blower 20R via the right side inside air intake port 66R, the left side inside air intake port 66L, the right side inside air intake duct 78R, the left side inside air intake duct 78L, the side intake switching valve 30S, the side common inside air intake duct 78C, and the rear common inside air intake duct 76C. The air taken into the rear blower 20R is discharged to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common inside air exhaust duct 77C and the inside air exhaust port 64.

[0149] When the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S is set to the closing position, the air in the vehicle interior 105 is not taken into the right side interior air intake duct 78R nor into the left side interior air intake duct 78L.

[0150] like Figure 7 As shown, the side intake switching valve 30S is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can control the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S.

[0151] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the surface temperature sensor device 91 of the vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the first modified example includes a front surface temperature sensor 91F in addition to a rear surface temperature sensor 91R. In addition, the cabin camera device 92 of the vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the first modified example includes a front cabin camera 92F in addition to a rear cabin camera 92R. In addition, the microphone device 93 of the vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the first modified example includes a front microphone 93F in addition to a rear microphone 93R.

[0152] <Front surface temperature sensor>

[0153] The front surface temperature sensor 91F can detect infrared rays emitted by an object, for example. The surface temperature sensor device 91 is an infrared thermal imager that can detect the surface temperature of an object by analyzing the infrared rays detected by the front surface temperature sensor 91F. The front surface temperature sensor 91F is mounted on the vehicle ceiling 106 in such a manner that it can detect the temperature Td_face of the skin on the face of the driver Pd and the temperature Tf_face of the skin on the face of the front passenger Pf. Fig.10 As shown, in this example, the front surface temperature sensor 91F is mounted on the cabin ceiling 106 at the center of the width of the vehicle 100 in the vehicle width direction DW and at the left front of the driver's seat 100D and the right front of the passenger seat 100F.

[0154] like Figure 7 As shown, the front surface temperature sensor 91F is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The front surface temperature sensor 91F detects the temperature Td_face of the skin of the face of the driver Pd and the temperature Tf_face of the skin of the face of the front passenger Pf, and sends a signal Sf_temp (hereinafter referred to as "front temperature signal Sf_temp") indicating the detected temperature Td_face and temperature Tf_face to the ECU 90.

[0155] ECU90 obtains the temperature Td_face of the skin of the driver Pd's face and the temperature Tf_face of the skin of the front passenger Pf's face based on the front temperature signal Sf_temp. ECU90 estimates the body temperature Td_body of the driver Pd based on the acquired temperature Td_face and estimates the body temperature Tf_body of the front passenger Pf based on the acquired temperature Tf_face. When the estimated body temperature Td_body is above the prescribed body temperature Tbody_th, ECU90 determines that the driver Pd suffers from an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses and bacteria exist in the vehicle cabin 105. In addition, when the estimated body temperature Tf_body is above the prescribed body temperature Tbody_th, ECU90 determines that the front passenger Pf suffers from an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses and bacteria exist in the vehicle cabin 105.

[0156] <Front cabin camera>

[0157] The front cabin camera 92F is mounted on the cabin ceiling 106 in such a manner that it can capture images of the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Fig.10As shown, in this example, the front cabin camera 92F is mounted on the cabin ceiling 106 at the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and at the left front of the driver's seat 100D and the right front of the passenger seat 100F.

[0158] The front cabin camera 92F is electrically connected to the ECU 90 , and captures the space in the cabin 105 including the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf, and transmits captured image data Df_image (hereinafter referred to as “front image data Df_image”) to the ECU 90 .

[0159] ECU90 determines whether the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf have performed biological reactions such as coughing and sneezing based on the front image data Df_image. When it is determined that the driver Pd has performed biological reactions more than the specified number of times Nth within the specified time Tth, ECU90 determines that the driver Pd has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105. In addition, when it is determined that the front passenger Pf has performed biological reactions more than the specified number of times Nth within the specified time Tth, ECU90 determines that the front passenger Pf has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105.

[0160] Furthermore, the ECU 90 determines whether or not the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf are present based on the front image data Df_image.

[0161] <Front microphone>

[0162] The front microphone 93F is mounted on the vehicle ceiling 106 in such a manner as to be able to detect the sounds made by the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf. Fig.10 As shown, in this example, the front microphone 93F is mounted on the vehicle ceiling 106 at the center of the vehicle width 100W in the vehicle width direction DW and at the left front of the driver's seat 100D and the right front of the passenger seat 100F.

[0163] like Figure 7 As shown, the front microphone 93F is electrically connected to the ECU 90 . The front microphone 93F detects a sound generated in the vehicle cabin 105 , and transmits a signal Sf_sound indicating the sound (hereinafter referred to as “front sound signal Sf_sound”) to the ECU 90 .

[0164] ECU90 determines whether the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf have performed biological reactions such as coughing and sneezing based on the front sound signal Sf_sound. In the case where the driver Pd has performed biological reactions more than a specified number of times Nth within the specified time Tth, ECU90 determines that the driver Pd has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105. In addition, in the case where the front passenger Pf has performed biological reactions more than a specified number of times Nth within the specified time Tth, ECU90 determines that the front passenger Pf has an infectious disease such as a cold. In this case, ECU90 determines that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle compartment 105.

[0165] <Overview of Operation of Vehicle Air Conditioning Device According to First Modification>

[0166] Next, an overview of the operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 according to the first modified example will be described.

[0167] The vehicle air conditioner 10 performs forced outside air circulation control when it is determined based on the front temperature signal Sf_temp, the front image data Df_image, the front sound signal Sf_sound, the rear temperature signal Sr_temp, the rear image data Dr_image, and the rear sound signal Sr_sound that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle cabin 105. When the forced outside air circulation control is performed, the vehicle air conditioner 10 controls the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F, the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R, the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S, the operation of the front blower 20F, and the operation of the rear blower 20R as follows.

[0168] When determining that pathogens such as viruses exist in the vehicle interior 105 , the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the circulation switching valve 30F to the external air circulation position.

[0169] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to a position corresponding to the seat position of the rear passenger Pr suffering from an infectious disease. Specifically, in the case where only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the right rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the right intake position. On the other hand, in the case where only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the left rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left intake position. Furthermore, in the case where only the rear passenger Pr sitting on the center rear seat 100R suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left and right intake positions. In addition, when at least two of the rear passengers Pr sitting on the right rear seat 100R, the rear passengers Pr sitting on the left rear seat 100R, and the rear passengers Pr sitting on the center rear seat 100R have an infectious disease, the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R is set to the left and right intake position.

[0170] Moreover, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 sets the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S to a position corresponding to whether the driver Pd suffers from an infectious disease and whether the front passenger Pf suffers from an infectious disease. Specifically, in the case where only the driver Pd suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 sets the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S to the right intake position. On the other hand, in the case where only the front passenger Pf suffers from an infectious disease, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 sets the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S to the left intake position. In addition, in the case where the driver Pd and the front passenger Pf suffer from an infectious disease, the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S is set to the left and right intake positions.

[0171] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 operates the front blower 20F and the rear blower 20R.

[0172] According to this, when the driver Pd is suffering from an infectious disease, the air of the vehicle cabin 105 is taken in from the right side interior air intake port 66R disposed at a position close to the driver Pd. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air that may contain pathogens from contacting the front passenger Pf and the rear passenger Pr. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the front passenger Pf and the rear passenger Pr from suffering from an infectious disease.

[0173] Furthermore, when the front passenger Pf is suffering from an infectious disease, the air of the vehicle cabin 105 is taken in from the left side interior air intake port 66L provided at a position close to the front passenger Pf. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air that may contain pathogens from coming into contact with the driver Pd and the rear passenger Pr. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driver Pd and the rear passenger Pr from suffering from an infectious disease.

[0174] Furthermore, when there is a rear passenger Pr who is suffering from an infectious disease, the air of the vehicle compartment 105 is taken in from the right rear interior air intake port 63R or the left rear interior air intake port 63L provided at a position close to the rear passenger Pr. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the air that may contain pathogens from coming into contact with the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the other rear passengers Pr. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the other rear passengers Pr from contracting an infectious disease.

[0175] <Specific Operation of the Vehicle Air Conditioning Device of the First Modification>

[0176] The CPU of the ECU 90 of the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the first modified example is configured to execute the Figure 5 and Figure 6 The routine shown.

[0177] It should be noted that in the first variant, the CPU executes Figure 5 and Figure 6 In the case of the routine shown, the value of the passenger flag Xper is set to "1" when it is determined that the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, or the rear passenger Pr exists. On the other hand, the value of the passenger flag Xper is set to "0" when it is determined that the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the rear passenger Pr do not exist.

[0178] In addition, the value of the fever flag Xtemp is set to "1" when it is determined that any one of the body temperature Td_body of the driver Pd, the body temperature Tf_body of the front passenger Pf, and the body temperature Tr_body of the rear passenger Pr is equal to or higher than the predetermined body temperature Tbody_th. On the other hand, the value of the fever flag Xtemp is set to "0" when it is determined that the body temperature Td_body of the driver Pd, the body temperature Tf_body of the front passenger, and the body temperature Tr_body of the rear passenger Pr are all lower than the predetermined body temperature Tbody_th.

[0179] Furthermore, the value of the biological response flag Xreact is set to "1" when it is determined that any one of the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological response a predetermined number of times Nth or more within the predetermined time Tth. On the other hand, the biological response flag Xreact is set to "0" when it is determined that none of the driver Pd, the front passenger Pf, and the rear passenger Pr has performed a biological response a predetermined number of times Nth or more within the predetermined time Tth.

[0180] In addition, Figure 5In step 540, the CPU sets the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S to a position corresponding to whether the driver Pd has an infectious disease and whether the front passenger Pf has an infectious disease, and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to a position corresponding to the seat position of the rear passenger Pr who has an infectious disease. Figure 5 In step 560 , the CPU sets the operating positions of the side intake switching valve 30S and the rear intake switching valve 30R to the closing positions.

[0181] In addition, Figure 6 In step 620, the CPU sets the operating position of the side intake switching valve 30S to the cut-off position and sets the operating position of the rear intake switching valve 30R to the left-right intake position. Figure 6 In step 640, the CPU sets the operating positions of the side intake switching valve 30S and the rear intake switching valve 30R to the cut-off positions. Figure 6 In step 660 , the CPU sets the operating positions of the side intake switching valve 30S and the rear intake switching valve 30R to the closing positions, respectively.

[0182] <Second Modification>

[0183] The vehicle air conditioning device 10 may also be configured as follows. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle air conditioning device 10 according to the second modified example of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a first switching valve 31 and a second switching valve 32. Fig.12 As shown, the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the second modification further includes a first battery duct 71B and a second battery duct 72B.

[0184] The first switching valve 31 is disposed in the common inside air discharge duct 77C. The second switching valve 32 is disposed in the common inside air discharge duct 77C on the downstream side of the first switching valve 31 .

[0185] One end of the first battery pipe 71B is connected to the first switching valve 31. The other end of the first battery pipe 71B is connected to the battery case 102. One end of the second battery pipe 72B is connected to the second switching valve 32. The other end of the second battery pipe 72B is connected to the battery case 102.

[0186] like Fig.11 As shown, the first switching valve 31 is electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can control the operating state of the first switching valve 31. The second switching valve 32 is also electrically connected to the ECU 90. The ECU 90 can control the operating state of the second switching valve 32.

[0187] When the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 are respectively set to the normal positions, the air exhausted from the rear blower 20R is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the common inside air exhaust duct 77C and the inside air exhaust port 64. On the other hand, when the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 are respectively set to the branch positions, the air exhausted from the rear blower 20R flows into the battery case 102 via the common inside air exhaust duct 77C, the first switching valve 31, and the first battery duct 71B. Moreover, in this case, the air in the battery case 102 is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle 100 via the second battery duct 72B, the second switching valve 32, the common inside air exhaust duct 77C, and the inside air exhaust port 64.

[0188] <Overview of Operation of Vehicle Air Conditioning Device According to Second Modification>

[0189] The vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the second modified example determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is lower than the target battery temperature Tbat_tgt and the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the battery temperature Tbat when the forced outside air circulation control is executed. In other words, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 determines whether the condition of requesting preheating of the battery 101 and the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the battery temperature Tbat when the forced outside air circulation control is executed.

[0190] When warming up of the battery 101 is requested and the inside air temperature Tin is equal to or higher than the battery temperature Tbat, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to the branch positions and performs forced outside air circulation control.

[0191] According to this, when the warm-up of the battery 101 is required, air having a temperature higher than the battery temperature Tbat is supplied into the battery case 102. Therefore, the warm-up of the battery 101 is promoted.

[0192] On the other hand, when the battery 101 is requested to be preheated but the internal air temperature Tin is lower than the battery temperature Tbat, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to normal positions and performs forced external air circulation control.

[0193] According to this, when the warm-up of the battery 101 is required, air having a temperature lower than the battery temperature Tbat is not supplied into the battery case 102. Therefore, the warm-up of the battery 101 is not hindered. Therefore, the warm-up of the battery 101 is promoted.

[0194] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 determines whether the battery temperature Tbat is higher than the target battery temperature Tbat_tgt and the internal air temperature Tin is lower than the battery temperature Tbat when the forced external air circulation control is executed. In other words, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 determines whether the cooling of the battery 101 is requested and the internal air temperature Tin is lower than the battery temperature Tbat when the forced external air circulation control is executed.

[0195] When cooling of the battery 101 is requested and the inside air temperature Tin is equal to or lower than the battery temperature Tbat, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to the branch positions and performs forced outside air circulation control.

[0196] According to this, when cooling of the battery 101 is required, air having a temperature lower than the battery temperature Tbat is supplied into the battery case 102. Therefore, cooling of the battery 101 is promoted.

[0197] On the other hand, when cooling of the battery 101 is requested but the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the battery temperature Tbat, the vehicle air conditioner 10 sets the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to normal positions and performs forced external air circulation control.

[0198] According to this, when cooling of the battery 101 is required, air having a temperature higher than the battery temperature Tbat is not supplied into the battery case 102. Therefore, cooling of the battery 101 is not hindered. Therefore, cooling of the battery 101 is promoted.

[0199] <Specific Operation of Vehicle Air Conditioning Device of Second Modification>

[0200] Next, the specific operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the second modified example will be described. The CPU of the ECU 90 of the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the second modified example is configured to execute the following operation every time a predetermined time Tcal elapses. Fig.13 and Figure 6 The routine shown.

[0201] Fig.13 The routine shown is the same as that shown in FIG. 1 except that steps 1365, 1370, and 1375 are added. Figure 5 Therefore, after performing the process of step 545 , the CPU advances the process to step 1365 to determine whether there is a request to supply the air taken into the rear common interior air intake duct 76C from the vehicle interior 105 to the battery case 102 .

[0202] When it is determined to be YES in step 1365, the CPU advances the process to step 1370 to set the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to the branch positions. Thereafter, the CPU advances the process to step 595 to temporarily terminate this routine.

[0203] On the other hand, if it is determined to be "NO" in step 1365, the CPU advances the processing to step 1375 to set the operating positions of the first switching valve 31 and the second switching valve 32 to the normal positions. Thereafter, the CPU advances the processing to step 595 to temporarily terminate this routine.

[0204] The above is an example of the specific operation of the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the second modification. According to this, when warming up the battery 101 is required, warming up the battery 101 is promoted, and when cooling the battery 101 is required, cooling the battery 101 is promoted.

[0205] In addition, when there is a passenger suffering from an infectious disease, it is possible to prevent the air in the vehicle compartment 105, which may contain pathogens, from coming into contact with other passengers. Therefore, it is possible to prevent other passengers from contracting the infectious disease.

[0206] <Third Modification>

[0207] In addition, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 may also be configured as follows. Fig.14 As shown, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 of the third modified example of the embodiment of the present invention further includes a heat exchanger 81. The heat exchanger 81 is disposed in the common inside air discharge duct 77C and the common air intake duct 73C so as to perform heat exchange between the air flowing in the common inside air discharge duct 77C and the air flowing in the common air intake duct 73C.

[0208] <Operation of the Vehicle Air Conditioning Device of the Third Modification>

[0209] The vehicle air conditioner 10 of the third modified example operates in the same manner as the vehicle air conditioner 10 of the second modified example.

[0210] When heating the cabin 105, the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the external air temperature Tout. Therefore, when forced external air circulation control or normal external air circulation control is performed and the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 without passing through the battery housing 102, the external air introduced into the cabin 105 is heated by the air of the cabin 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the cabin 105 becomes higher. In addition, when the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery housing 102 and the air cools the battery 101, the temperature of the air rises. Therefore, the external air introduced into the cabin 105 is heated by the air of the cabin 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the cabin 105 becomes higher. On the other hand, when the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery housing 102 and the air preheats the battery 101, the temperature of the air drops. However, even then, the temperature of the air is likely to be higher than the outside air temperature Tout. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior 105 is heated by the air of the vehicle interior 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the vehicle interior 105 is increased.

[0211] On the other hand, when cooling the cabin 105, the internal air temperature Tin is lower than the external air temperature Tout. Therefore, when forced external air circulation control or normal external air circulation control is performed and the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 without passing through the battery case 102, the external air introduced into the cabin 105 is cooled by the air of the cabin 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cabin 105 becomes higher. In addition, when the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery case 102 and the air preheats the battery 101, the temperature of the air decreases. Therefore, the external air introduced into the cabin 105 is cooled by the air of the cabin 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cabin 105 becomes higher. On the other hand, when the air of the cabin 105 is supplied to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery case 102 and the air cools the battery 101, the temperature of the air rises. However, even so, the temperature of the air is likely to be lower than the outside air temperature Tout. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the vehicle interior 105 is cooled by the air of the vehicle interior 105 supplied to the heat exchanger 81. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the vehicle interior 105 is improved.

[0212] It should be noted that the vehicle air-conditioning device 10 of the third variant can also be configured as follows: in order to more reliably improve the heating efficiency or cooling efficiency of the vehicle compartment 105, it is determined whether to supply the air of the vehicle compartment 105 to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery housing 102 when performing forced external air circulation control or normal external air circulation control, based on the relationship between the internal air temperature Tin, the external air temperature Tout and the battery temperature Tbat.

[0213] For example, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 is configured to supply the air in the vehicle cabin 105 to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery housing 102 when heating the vehicle cabin 105 and preheating of the battery 101 is requested and the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the battery temperature Tbat, if both of the following conditions 1 and 2 are satisfied. It should be noted that when heating the vehicle cabin 105, the internal air temperature Tin is higher than the external air temperature Tout.

[0214] Condition 1: The difference dTbat between the internal air temperature Tin and the battery temperature Tbat is smaller than a predetermined threshold dTth_1.

[0215] Condition 2: The difference dTout between the inside air temperature Tin and the outside air temperature Tout is greater than a predetermined threshold dTth_2.

[0216] In this case, even if the air in the cabin 105 is supplied to the battery case 102 and the temperature of the air drops, the drop in the temperature of the air is small. In addition, even if the temperature of the air drops, the temperature of the air is sufficiently higher than the outside air temperature Tout. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the cabin 105 can be heated in the heat exchanger 81 by the air. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the cabin 105 can be improved.

[0217] On the other hand, the vehicle air conditioner 10 is configured to supply the air of the cabin 105 to the heat exchanger 81 without passing through the battery case 102 when either of the above-mentioned conditions 1 and 2 is not satisfied. Accordingly, the temperature of the air of the cabin 105 does not drop in the battery case 102. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the cabin 105 can be heated in the heat exchanger 81 by the air. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the cabin 105 can be improved.

[0218] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 is configured to supply the air of the vehicle compartment 105 to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery case 102, regardless of the difference dTbat between the inside air temperature Tin and the battery temperature Tbat and the difference dTout between the inside air temperature Tin and the outside air temperature Tout, when the vehicle compartment 105 is heated and the battery 101 is cooled, in spite of the difference dTbat between the inside air temperature Tin and the outside air temperature Tout. In this case, the temperature of the air of the vehicle compartment 105 rises in the battery case 102. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the vehicle compartment 105 can be heated in the heat exchanger 81 by the air. Therefore, the heating efficiency of the vehicle compartment 105 can be improved.

[0219] On the other hand, the vehicle air conditioning device 10 is configured to supply the air in the vehicle cabin 105 to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery case 102 when both the following conditions 3 and 4 are satisfied when the vehicle cabin 105 is cooled and the battery 101 is requested to be cooled. It should be noted that, in general, the battery temperature Tbat will not be lower than the outside air temperature Tout, so when the vehicle cabin 105 is cooled, the inside air temperature Tin is lower than the battery temperature Tbat. In addition, when the vehicle cabin 105 is cooled, the inside air temperature Tin is lower than the outside air temperature Tout.

[0220] Condition 3: The difference dTbat between the internal air temperature Tin and the battery temperature Tbat is smaller than a predetermined threshold dTth_3.

[0221] Condition 4: The difference dTout between the inside air temperature Tin and the outside air temperature Tout is greater than a predetermined threshold dTth_4.

[0222] In this case, even if the air in the cabin 105 is supplied to the battery case 102 and the temperature of the air rises, the rise in the temperature of the air is small. In addition, even if the temperature of the air rises, the temperature of the air is sufficiently lower than the outside air temperature Tout. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the cabin 105 can be cooled in the heat exchanger 81 by the air. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cabin 105 can be improved.

[0223] On the other hand, the vehicle air conditioner 10 is configured to supply the air of the cabin 105 to the heat exchanger 81 without passing through the battery case 102 when any one of the above conditions 3 and 4 is not satisfied. Accordingly, the temperature of the air of the cabin 105 does not rise in the battery case 102. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the cabin 105 can be cooled in the heat exchanger 81 by the air. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cabin 105 can be improved.

[0224] Furthermore, the vehicle air conditioner 10 is configured to supply the air of the cabin 105 to the heat exchanger 81 via the battery case 102, regardless of the difference dTbat between the inside air temperature Tin and the battery temperature Tbat and the difference dTout between the inside air temperature Tin and the outside air temperature Tout, when cooling the cabin 105 and requesting preheating of the battery 101. In this case, the temperature of the air of the cabin 105 drops in the battery case 102. Therefore, the outside air introduced into the cabin 105 can be cooled in the heat exchanger 81 by this air. Therefore, the cooling efficiency of the cabin 105 can be improved.

[0225] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be adopted within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle air conditioning device, comprising: a physical condition information sensor that detects information related to the physical condition of an occupant riding in the vehicle as physical condition information; and a control unit configured to selectively execute external air circulation control and internal air circulation control, wherein the external air circulation control is control for exhausting the air in the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle and introducing the external air outside the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle, and the internal air circulation control is control for returning the air taken into the interior of the vehicle after taking the air into the interior of the vehicle. in, The control unit is configured to: when it is determined based on the physical condition information that at least one of the occupants suffers from an infectious disease, forcibly execute the external air circulation control, The vehicle is equipped with a battery. The control unit is configured to: when the external air circulation control is forcibly executed and there is a request to preheat the battery, and the temperature of the air in the interior of the vehicle is higher than the temperature of the battery, execute the external air circulation control in a manner such that air taken in from the interior of the vehicle is supplied to the battery and the air supplied to the battery is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle, The vehicle air conditioning device further includes a plurality of intake ports for taking in air from a room of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that at least one of the passengers suffers from an infectious disease, perform the external air circulation control by taking in air from the interior of the vehicle through the inlet closest to the at least one passenger suffering from the infectious disease and exhausting the taken-in air to the outside of the vehicle.

2. A vehicle air conditioning device, comprising: a physical condition information sensor that detects information related to the physical condition of an occupant riding in the vehicle as physical condition information; and a control unit configured to selectively execute external air circulation control and internal air circulation control, wherein the external air circulation control is control for exhausting the air in the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle and introducing the external air outside the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle, and the internal air circulation control is control for returning the air taken into the interior of the vehicle after taking the air into the interior of the vehicle. in, The control unit is configured to: when it is determined based on the physical condition information that at least one of the occupants suffers from an infectious disease, forcibly execute the external air circulation control, The vehicle is equipped with a battery. The control unit is configured to: when the external air circulation control is forcibly executed and there is a request to cool the battery, and the temperature of the air in the interior of the vehicle is lower than the temperature of the battery, execute the external air circulation control in a manner such that air taken in from the interior of the vehicle is supplied to the battery and the air supplied to the battery is exhausted to the outside of the vehicle, The vehicle air conditioning device further includes a plurality of intake ports for taking in air from a room of the vehicle. The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that at least one of the passengers suffers from an infectious disease, perform the external air circulation control by taking in air from the interior of the vehicle through the inlet closest to the at least one passenger suffering from the infectious disease and exhausting the taken-in air to the outside of the vehicle.

3. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The body condition information sensor is a temperature sensor that detects the skin temperature of the occupant as the skin temperature of the occupant. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the skin temperature of the occupant detected by the temperature sensor, that an occupant having a body temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined body temperature is an occupant suffering from an infectious disease.

4. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The body condition information sensor is a camera that takes a picture of the passenger. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the image of the occupant captured by the camera, that an occupant who has a specific biological reaction is an occupant suffering from an infectious disease.

5. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The body condition information sensor is a microphone that detects sounds inside the vehicle. The control unit is configured to determine, based on the sound detected by the microphone, that an occupant who has a specific biological reaction is an occupant suffering from an infectious disease.

6. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device includes a heating device, which heats the outside air introduced into the interior of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle through the external air circulation control, and the vehicle air conditioning device includes a heat exchanger on the upstream side of the heating device, which exchanges heat between the air discharged from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle through the external air circulation control and the outside air introduced into the interior of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle.

7. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The vehicle air conditioning device includes a refrigeration device, which cools the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle through the external air circulation control, and the vehicle air conditioning device includes a heat exchanger on the upstream side of the refrigeration device, which exchanges heat between the air discharged from the interior of the vehicle to the outside of the vehicle through the external air circulation control and the outside air introduced from the outside of the vehicle into the interior of the vehicle.

8. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit is configured to execute the interior air circulation control without executing the exterior air circulation control when it is determined that at least one of the occupants suffers from an infectious disease and the occupants request execution of the interior air circulation control.

9. The vehicle air conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The control unit is configured to, when it is determined that at least one of the occupants suffers from an infectious disease and the outside air circulation control is to be executed, notify the occupants that the outside air circulation control is to be executed.

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