Toilet system

Abstract

To provide a toilet system that can enhance comfort during use while performing a spatial performance with lighting in a toilet room in a configuration in which equipment installed in the toilet room includes a light source.SOLUTION: A toilet system comprises a mirror part having a lighting unit, a counter having the lighting unit, and a toilet device for a toilet room. According to movement of a user in the toilet room, brightness of light sources of a first light source part provided on a hand-washing basin side of the lighting unit of the mirror part and a third light source part provided on the hand-washing basin side of the lighting unit of the counter is adjusted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a toilet system in which a hand washing basin is installed in a toilet room. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in toilet rooms, in addition to lighting the entire room using main lighting fixtures installed on the ceiling and / or walls, lighting fixtures configured by placing light sources in the plumbing fixtures installed in the room have been proposed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which illumination lights are provided on the toilet bowl body of a toilet device, a remote control for remotely operating the toilet device, and a hand washing basin. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2022-62929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] According to the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, by controlling the lighting of the footlights provided on the toilet body and the lights provided on the remote control and hand wash basin in coordination, the user can obtain the light necessary for activities performed in the toilet room. However, because the position of the user's eyes in the toilet room changes depending on the activities performed in the toilet room, the positioning of the toilet body with its light source, the remote control, and the hand wash basin can cause the user to feel dazzled by the illumination light when performing certain activities.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a toilet system that has a light source in the equipment installed in the toilet room, and that can improve comfort during use while creating a spatial effect by lighting the toilet room. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The toilet system of the present invention is a toilet system that has a hand wash basin in a toilet room in which a toilet device with a toilet seat is installed, and is equipped with a seat detection unit that is provided in the toilet device and detects when a user sits on the toilet seat, a lighting unit that has a hand wash light source unit that illuminates the area around the hand wash basin, and a lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit, and is characterized in that the lighting control unit adjusts the brightness of the light source of the hand wash light source unit, which is lit at a predetermined brightness, according to the detection result of the seat detection unit.

[0008] With this type of toilet system, the brightness of the light source of the hand wash light source unit that illuminates the area around the hand wash basin can be adjusted, so that lighting of the required brightness can be provided in the required positions in the toilet room in accordance with the user's movements from entering to leaving the toilet room without compromising the lighting presentation of the entire toilet space, thereby improving the user's comfort when using the toilet room.

[0009] Another aspect of the toilet system of the present invention is that the lighting unit has a plurality of light source units that are individually controlled by the lighting control unit, and the hand wash light source unit is a light source unit among the plurality of light source units that is located closest to the hand wash basin.

[0010] In a toilet system configured as described above, the lighting control unit can individually control the multiple light sources of the lighting unit, thereby adjusting the brightness of the light sources of only a specific part of the lighting unit. In other words, the range of light source brightness adjustment can be limited to the hand wash light source unit rather than the entire lighting unit, enabling partial lighting control according to the user's position and posture in the toilet. This further improves the spatial presentation of the lighting in the toilet room and the usability of the toilet room.

[0011] Another aspect of the toilet system of the present invention is that the lighting control unit controls the hand wash light source unit, which is lit at a predetermined brightness, to increase the brightness when it determines that the user has left the toilet seat based on the detection result input from the seat detection unit.

[0012] In this toilet system, the lighting control unit uses the seat detection unit's detection results to determine that the user has left the seat and increases the brightness of the light source of the hand wash light source unit located next to the hand wash basin. Therefore, when the user moves from using the toilet device to washing their hands at the hand wash basin, the area around the hand wash basin in the toilet room can be illuminated more brightly than the rest of the room. In this way, even without illuminating the entire toilet room, the user can easily determine the location of the hand wash basin and clearly see their hands while washing their hands. Therefore, the user does not find the lighting too dazzling, and the usability of the toilet room is improved.

[0013] Another aspect of the toilet system of the present invention is that a flushing operation unit is provided for flushing the toilet bowl of the toilet device, and the lighting control unit controls the hand wash light source unit, which is lit at a predetermined brightness, to increase the brightness when a command signal for flushing the toilet bowl is input from the flushing operation unit while the detection result of the seating detection unit determines that the user is not sitting on the toilet seat.

[0014] With a toilet system configured in this way, even if the brightness of the light source of the hand wash light source unit cannot be adjusted at the timing when the seat detection unit switches between detection and non-detection states, such as when the user urinates in a standing position, by using an operation command signal from the flushing operation unit provided for flushing the toilet bowl, it is possible to illuminate only the area around the hand wash basin in the toilet room more brightly than other areas in the toilet room at the timing when the user's movement shifts from using the toilet device to washing their hands at the hand wash basin.

[0015] Another aspect of the toilet system of the present invention is that the lighting unit is provided in a mirror unit arranged above the hand wash basin, and the hand wash light source unit is provided below the mirror unit.

[0016] According to a toilet system configured in this manner, the mirror section equipped with the lighting unit is configured as a lighting device, and by illuminating the hand washing basin from above, it is possible to provide a lighting effect that harmonizes with the toilet room.

[0017] Another aspect of the toilet system of the present invention is that the lighting unit has a counter board portion made of a light guide and is provided on a counter supporting the hand wash basin, and the hand wash light source unit is provided on the rear end side of the counter board portion behind the hand wash basin supported on the counter.

[0018] With a toilet system configured in this way, a counter equipped with a lighting unit is configured as a lighting device, and illumination is directed around the hand basin via a counter board made of a light guide, thereby providing a lighting effect that harmonizes with the toilet room. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention, in a configuration having a lighting unit, it is possible to improve the usability and design of a bathroom counter while maintaining the spatial presentation provided by light. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the interior of a toilet room in which a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing a toilet room in which a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 3] 1 is a side view showing a toilet room in which a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a mirror part according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5]FIG. 4 is a rear view showing a part of a mirror portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a portion of a counter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 taken along line B-B. [Figure 8] 1 is a block diagram showing a main control system in a toilet system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of lighting control in the toilet system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 4 is a timing chart showing an example of lighting control in the toilet system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a timing chart showing a reference example of lighting control in a toilet system. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a toilet room in which a toilet system according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a rear view showing a toilet room in which a toilet system according to another embodiment of the present invention is configured. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The present invention aims to improve spatial presentation through lighting and provide a more comfortable toilet space by devising a configuration of a toilet device having a toilet seat and a lighting unit that illuminates the area around the hand wash basin in a toilet room where the hand wash basin is installed. The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

[0022] In the embodiment of the present invention, an example will be described in which a mirror configured with an illumination unit and / or a counter is placed in a toilet room. Note that, hereinafter, unless a particular viewing direction is specified, the terms "front side" or "front side," "back side" or "rear side," "left and right sides," "flat side" or "upper side," and "bottom side" or "lower side" will be used based on the position of a user seated on the toilet seat of the toilet device.

[0023] First Embodiment [Toilet System] 1 to 3, a mirror unit 40 including a lighting unit and a counter 50, together with a toilet device 3, constitute a toilet system 1 that is installed in a toilet room 4. In other words, the toilet system 1 includes a cabinet 2, a mirror unit 40, a counter 50, and a toilet device 3, and is provided in the toilet room 4.

[0024] The toilet room 4 has a floor 5 that forms a horizontal floor surface 5a, and side walls 6 and a rear wall 7 that form a toilet space on the floor 5. The side walls 6 and the rear wall 7 form vertical wall surfaces 6a and 7a, respectively. A toilet device 3 is installed on the floor 5. In the toilet room 4, an entrance to the toilet room 4 is provided on the wall opposite the rear wall 7 (a front wall, not shown).

[0025] The toilet device 3 is installed in the toilet room 4 near (just in front of) the rear wall 7, with its front-to-back direction aligned with the front-to-back direction of the toilet space. The toilet device 3 comprises a toilet body 3a with a bowl portion that receives the user's excrement, a toilet seat 3b and a toilet lid 3c that are attached to the toilet body 3a, and a functional portion 3d that has various functions, forming a seat-type flush toilet.

[0026] The functional unit 3d has a configuration in which various devices are built into a specified casing, is provided at the upper rear of the toilet body 3a, and rotatably supports the toilet seat 3b and toilet lid 3c. The functional unit 3d includes a function control unit 36, a communication module 38, various sensors, electrical components, etc. (See FIG. 8). Note that the toilet device 3 may also be configured as a so-called wall-mounted toilet, in which the toilet body 3a is supported on the rear wall 7, for example.

[0027] The various sensors provided in the functional unit 3d include, for example, an approach detection sensor 72 that detects that the user M has approached within a predetermined range of the toilet device 3, a seating detection sensor 73 that detects that the user has sat on the toilet seat 3b, etc. As the sensor, a photoelectric sensor and / or an ultrasonic sensor, etc., is selected depending on the detection target.

[0028] Furthermore, a function control unit 36 provided in the function unit 3d controls, for example, a heated toilet seat function that warms the toilet seat 3b, a heated toilet seat function that warms the toilet seat 3b, etc. Electrical components that operate under the control of the function control unit 36 include, for example, a heater made of an electric heating wire that realizes the heated toilet seat function, and a motor 35 (see FIG. 8) that extends and retracts a cleaning nozzle that realizes the private parts cleaning function.

[0029] The counter 50 has a rectangular counter board 51 whose longitudinal direction is the front-to-rear direction of the toilet room 4, and a lighting unit 52 (see FIG. 7), and is configured to be able to illuminate the inside of the toilet room 4 via the counter board 51. The counter 50 is installed along the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6 in the toilet room 4. That is, in this embodiment, the counter 50 is provided on the side wall 6 located to the right of the toilet device 3 in the toilet room 4.

[0030] The counter 50 is provided in contact with or nearly in contact with the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6, and with its right end in contact with or nearly in contact with the wall surface 7a of the rear wall 7. In other words, the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6, together with the wall surface 7a of the rear wall 7, form a right-angled corner in the toilet room 4, and the counter 50 is provided so that its rear right corner is aligned with the corner formed by the wall surfaces 6a and 7a. The counter 50 is provided, for example, over substantially the entire side wall 6 in the front-to-rear direction of the toilet room 4.

[0031] Counter 50 may be supported from below by cabinet 2 as an upper plate of cabinet 2, which will be described later, or may be attached to side wall 6. The height of counter 50 is, for example, about 60 to 80 cm.

[0032] A hand washing area 12 is provided in a portion of the counter 50 located in front of the toilet room 4. The hand washing area 12 includes a hand washing faucet 13 having a water outlet 13a that discharges water, and a hand washing basin 14 having a bowl portion 14a that serves as a hand washing basin for receiving the water discharged from the hand washing faucet 13. A drain outlet 14b opens at the bottom of the bowl portion 14a. A drain pipe that is inserted into an opening 51c (see Figure 6) that penetrates the counter board portion 51 is connected to the drain outlet 14b.

[0033] The hand wash faucet 13 is, for example, an automatic faucet that switches between discharging and stopping water based on the detection results of a detection sensor that detects the user's hands, etc. However, the hand wash faucet 13 may also be a manual faucet that has an operating part such as a lever for switching between discharging and stopping water. The hand wash part 12 allows hand washing within the toilet room 4.

[0034] An accent panel 15 is provided on the wall surface 6a above the counter 50. The accent panel 15 is added as an accent to the monotonous impression of the wall surface of the toilet room 4, improving the design of the toilet space. The accent panel 15 is a rectangular plate about 10 mm thick, and is provided across the wall surface 6a in the front-to-back direction. The accent panel 15 is made of a resin material, and also functions as a splash prevention panel to prevent water from splashing on the wall surface 6a when a user uses the hand washing area 12.

[0035] A mirror unit 40 is provided on the wall surface 6a above the counter 50 and above the hand washing unit 12. The mirror unit 40 has a vertically long oval mirror main body 41 and a lighting unit 42.

[0036] The cabinet 2 is provided below the counter 50, and is configured as a horizontally long box whose overall length corresponds to the longitudinal length of the counter 50. The cabinet 2 is a floating-type cabinet that is supported by the side wall 6 and is provided in a state where it is entirely floating above the floor surface 5a. The cabinet 2 is provided, for example, over an area that covers substantially the entire side wall 6 in the front-to-rear direction of the toilet room 4.

[0037] The cabinet 2 has a cabinet section 21 under the hand wash basin, a cabinet section 22 for a paper roll holder, a side cabinet section 23, and an end cabinet section 24.

[0038] The height of the cabinet 2 from the floor surface 5a, that is, the vertical dimension of the space above the floor surface 5a below the cabinet 2, is, for example, about 20 to 40 cm, but these dimensions are not particularly limited.

[0039] The cabinet section 21 under the hand wash basin is a cabinet section located below the hand wash section 12. The cabinet section 21 under the hand wash basin is configured as a double-door type cabinet section having a pair of rectangular plate-shaped opening and closing doors 31 (31a, 31b) that open and close in a double door manner.

[0040] A drain pipe that receives drainage water from the hand washing section 12 is provided inside the cabinet section 21 under the hand wash basin. One end of the drain pipe is connected to the drain outlet 14b of the hand wash basin 14, and the other end is connected to a predetermined drainage facility provided on the building side from the side wall 6 side or the floor 5 side. In addition, an electric water heater or the like for supplying hot water to the hand wash faucet 13 is housed inside the cabinet section 21 under the hand wash basin.

[0041] The toilet paper holder cabinet section 22 is a cabinet section in which a toilet paper holder 25 that holds toilet paper 26 is installed. The toilet paper holder cabinet section 22 is formed with a box-shaped storage space 22A that is open toward the inside of the toilet room 4, and the toilet paper holder 25 is installed in this storage space 22A.

[0042] The toilet paper holder 25 has two holders for holding two rolls of toilet paper 26 side by side. The holders of the toilet paper holder 25 are configured to hold the roll of toilet paper 26 in a replaceable manner with its axial direction aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the toilet room 4. The toilet paper holder 25 is provided in a fixed state at a predetermined position within the toilet paper holder cabinet section 22. Note that the toilet paper holder 25 may be configured to have, for example, a single holder.

[0043] A remote control 27 is provided above the paper roll holder 25 within the paper roll holder cabinet section 22. The remote control 27 is attached to the top surface of the paper roll holder cabinet section 22.

[0044] Remote control 27 is a so-called built-in type, and is provided with a retractable movable operating unit (not shown) having an operating surface on which a plurality of operating devices such as buttons are arranged. The operating unit is provided so as to be movable (rotatable) about a rotation axis direction parallel to side wall 6 on which cabinet 2 is installed. When remote control 27 is not in use, the operating unit is stored in a state where it is substantially flush with opening / closing door 31 of under-basin cabinet section 21 and opening / closing door 33 of side cabinet section 23, which will be described later.

[0045] Located at a position further back than the paper roll holder 25 in the paper roll holder cabinet 22 is a case 29 that houses an operation control unit 66 that receives output signals from operating devices such as buttons on the remote control 27 (see Figure 7). The case 29 is an electrical box that connects the commercial power supply to the remote control 27. Therefore, the case 29 houses a power supply unit 67 that includes an electrical circuit that converts power supplied from the commercial power supply into power suitable for operating the remote control 27, and a communication module 68 that enables wireless communication with the function control unit 36 of the function unit 3d of the toilet device 3 (see Figure 8).

[0046] The side cabinet 23 is a storage section provided on the right side of the paper roll holder cabinet 22. The side cabinet 23 has an openable / closable door 33. The internal space of the side cabinet 23 is used as a storage space for toiletry items and the like.

[0047] The end cabinet section 24 is a cabinet section that houses electrical components, etc. In the end cabinet section 24, the front surface section 34 is provided so as to be detachable from the frame of the cabinet 2, for example, by a hook-and-loop fastener. Note that the detachable structure of the front surface section 34 is not limited to a hook-and-loop fastener, and other detachable structures, such as a structure using a magnet, may also be used.

[0048] The end cabinet portion 24 houses electrical components such as a human body detection sensor 71 that detects a person entering the toilet room 4, and a power supply device such as an AC adapter (not shown).

[0049] The human body detection sensor 71 is, for example, a microwave sensor that uses microwaves to detect the entry of a person into the toilet room 4, and detects the movement of an object by transmitting microwaves and receiving microwaves reflected from the object, such as a human body, that has received the transmitted microwaves. Based on the detection information of the entry of a person into the toilet room 4 by the human body detection sensor 71, the ON / OFF operation of the driving of an LED element in the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50, which will be described later, is controlled.

[0050] The human body detection sensor 71 is supported on a surface within the end cabinet portion 24 via a support bracket or the like, and is installed so as to transmit microwaves toward the entrance / exit of the toilet room 4. In this embodiment, the human body detection sensor 71, which is located near the corner formed by the side wall 6 and the rear wall 7 on the rear side (rear wall 7 side) within the toilet room 4, transmits microwaves in a diagonally forward direction that is approximately diagonal in a plan view (see arrow C in Figure 2).

[0051] In the toilet system 1, based on the detection results of various sensors including the human body detection sensor 71, control such as turning on / off the lighting device and adjusting the brightness is performed.

[0052] [Mirror part] The configuration of the mirror unit 40 will be described with reference to Figures 4 and 5. In the mirror unit 40, the up-down direction (vertical direction) within the toilet room 4 is referred to as the up-down direction, the front-to-back direction as the left-to-right direction, the surface facing the side wall 6 of the toilet room 4 as the back surface, and the opposite side as the front surface. Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the mirror unit 40 from the back side, with a partially enlarged view shown in the lower left corner of the page. Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the lower back surface of the mirror unit 40.

[0053] The mirror section 40 has a mirror main body section 41 whose front surface is a mirror surface, and an illumination unit 42 as an illumination section including a light source section 45 attached to the mirror main body section 41.

[0054] The mirror main body 41 is composed of a vertically long, oval mirror surface 41a with a mirrored surface, and a mirror support 41b disposed on the back side of the mirror surface 41a to support the mirror surface 41a. The mirror support 41b is made of a plate-like member of a predetermined thickness and has a vertically long, oval shape that is smaller than the outer contour of the mirror surface 41a, and the light source 45 that constitutes the lighting unit 42 is disposed on its peripheral wall 41c. A cavity is provided inside the mirror support 41b so that electrical wires that supply power to the light source 45 can be inserted.

[0055] The lighting unit 42 has a plurality of (two) light source sections 45a, 45b in which light sources are arranged (the two light source sections 45a, 45b are collectively referred to simply as the light source section 45). The light source section 45 is configured by holding a plurality of LED elements serving as light sources on a tape-shaped substrate 44.

[0056] Each of the multiple LED elements is held by a substrate, and is configured as a surface-mounted LED (hereinafter referred to as LED package 43) packaged with electrodes for connection to a power source provided on the back side of the substrate. Such LED packages 43 are then arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of base material 44 to form a module (LED module), which is mounted in lighting unit 42 as light source section 45.

[0057] The base material 44 is made of a resin tape material such as a long flexible film with a width of about 10 mm, and an adhesive layer such as double-sided tape is provided on the surface opposite to the holding surface for the plurality of LED packages 43, allowing the tape-like light source unit 45 to be attached to the mirror support unit 41b of the mirror main body 41 along the curved surface of the peripheral wall 41c. Power supply lines and signal communication lines that supply power to each LED package 43 are arranged on the base material 44. Because the LED packages 43 held by the continuous base material 44 share the same power supply line and communication line, they can be turned on and off as a single unit as the light source unit 45.

[0058] Although the light source unit 45 is configured in a tape-like shape using a flexible base material 44, a hard plate material approximately 10 cm long may be used instead of the base material 44. In this case, an LED module is formed by arranging 4 to 8 LED packages 43 in a row on the base material plate, and such short LED modules are connected via a flexible harness that integrates an electrical supply line and a signal communication line, thereby forming a single light source unit that shares an electrical supply line and a signal communication line. The flexibility of the harness between the short LED modules also makes it possible to arrange the light source unit along the curved surface of the peripheral wall 41c of the mirror support unit 41b.

[0059] In this embodiment, two light source units 45a, 45b of different lengths are electrically separated by dividing the base material 44 and attached to the mirror support unit 41b. In the lighting unit 42 of the mirror unit 40, the shorter of the two light source units 45a, 45b is arranged along the lower arc-shaped peripheral wall 41c of the oval-shaped mirror support unit 41b and is designated as the first light source unit 45a, while the longer light source unit is arranged along the long sides of the oval-shaped mirror support unit 41b and the upper arc-shaped peripheral wall 41c and is designated as the second light source unit 45b. The first light source unit 45a and the second light source unit 45b are each connected to the lighting control unit 46 so that they can be controlled individually (see FIG. 8). Of the first light source unit 45a and the second light source unit 45b, the first light source unit 45a, which is closer to the hand wash basin 14, corresponds to the hand wash light source unit.

[0060] A case 49 protrudes rearward from the mirror support 41b below the rear side of the mirror main body 41. The case 49 is an electrical junction box that connects the commercial power source to the light sources 45a and 45b. The case 49 houses a lighting control unit 46 that controls the first light source 45a and the second light source 45b of the lighting unit 42, a power supply unit 47 that includes a power supply circuit that converts power supplied from the commercial power source into power suitable for driving LED elements, and a communication module 48. The lighting control unit 46 is connected to the communication module 48 and can obtain output information from various sensors from the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3 via wireless communication via the communication module 48.

[0061] The mirror unit 40 is configured to be wall-mounted, and the side wall 6 on which the mirror unit 40 is installed has a hole that can accommodate the case unit 49. The mirror unit 40 installed on the side wall 6 illuminates the room by reflecting light emitted from the lighting unit 42 onto the back surface of the mirror surface 41a and the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6 so that the light spreads outward from the outer periphery of the mirror unit 40. In other words, the mirror unit 40 functions as an indirect lighting device.

[0062] [counter] The structure of the counter 50 will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the counter 50, the up-down direction (vertical direction) within the toilet room 4 is referred to as the up-down direction, the front-rear direction as the left-right direction, and the direction perpendicular to the left-right direction in a plan view as the front-rear direction. That is, in the counter 50, the side wall 6 side is the rear side in the front-rear direction and the opposite side is the front side, and in the left-right direction, the rear wall 7 side is the right side and the opposite side is the left side. Figure 6 is a plan view of the counter 50, and in this figure, the frame upper plate portion 64 of the light guide 60 is not shown, with a partially enlarged view shown at the top of the page. Also, Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in Figure 2, and in this figure, a partially enlarged view is shown at the top of the page.

[0063] The counter 50 has a counter board 51 and a lighting unit 52 as a lighting section disposed at the rear end of the counter board 51.

[0064] The counter plate 51 is formed of a single flat plate. That is, the upper surface of the counter plate 51 becomes the upper surface of the counter 50, and the lower surface of the counter plate 51 becomes the lower surface of the counter 50.

[0065] The plate that forms the counter board 51 can be made of a transparent resin plate, such as an epoxy resin, that has light-guiding properties. That is, the counter board 51 is a light-guiding body, and each surface of the plate is polished to provide a surface finish. This results in a counter board 51 with excellent design appeal. More specifically, by polishing the top and bottom surfaces and the front, back, left, and right end surfaces of the transparent resin plate using sandpaper or the like to achieve a predetermined surface roughness, the counter board 51 can have an appearance that is colorless, transparent, or white and translucent.

[0066] Counter board 51 has a light entrance surface onto which light emitted from lighting unit 52 enters, and a light exit surface that emits light guided inside the board to the outside, and each surface has a predetermined surface roughness selected that is at least suitable for light entering counter board 51 and light exiting counter board 51. The light entrance surface is rear end surface 51b, which is the connection end with light guide 60 of lighting unit 52 (described below), and the light exit surface is top surface 51a of counter board 51. When light emitted from lighting unit 52 is guided into counter board 51, the light is scattered and exits from top surface 51a of counter board 51. This allows counter 50 to function as an indirect lighting device.

[0067] Next, we will explain the lighting unit 52. The lighting unit 52 has a plurality of (two) light source sections 55a, 55b each including a plurality of LED elements (the two light source sections 55a, 55b are collectively referred to simply as light source section 55), and a light guide 60 that holds the light source sections 55 and enables connection to the rear end of the counter plate section 51.

[0068] Each of the multiple LED elements is held on a substrate, similar to the lighting unit 42 of the mirror section 40, and is packaged as an LED package 43 with electrodes connected to a power source on the back side of the substrate.The LED packages 43 are arranged in a row on a long support plate 54 at predetermined intervals, and the LED modules are implemented in the lighting unit 52 as light source sections 55.

[0069] The support plate 54 is, for example, a hard plate of a predetermined length (e.g., 300 mm). Therefore, the light source section 55 is configured by connecting LED modules of a predetermined length, each having a predetermined number of LED packages 43 arranged therein, using a common power supply line and communication line. However, the support plate 54 may be a flexible tape-like material similar to the base material 44 of the lighting unit 42.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 6, the light source unit 55 is composed of two light source units 55a and 55b of different lengths, with the power supply line and signal communication line separated by dividing the support plate 54. In the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50, of the two light source units 55a and 55b, the shorter one disposed in front of the toilet paper holder 25 in the toilet room 4 is designated as the third light source unit 55a, and the longer one disposed behind the toilet paper holder 25 is designated as the fourth light source unit 55b. Each of the light source units 55a and 55b is connected to the lighting control unit 56 so that they can be controlled individually (see FIG. 8). Of the third and fourth light source units 55a and 55b, the third light source unit 55a, which is closer to the hand wash basin 14, corresponds to the hand wash light source unit.

[0071] A case 59 is provided on the underside of a reinforcing plate 69 attached to the rear end of the underside of the counter plate 51. The case 59 is an electrical junction box that connects a commercial power source to the light source units 45a and 45b. The case 59 houses an illumination control unit 46 that controls the illumination unit 52, a power supply unit 57 that includes a power supply circuit that converts power supplied from the commercial power source into power suitable for driving LED elements, and a communication module 58. The illumination control unit 46 is connected to the communication module 58 and can obtain output information from various sensors from the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3 by wireless communication via the communication module 58.

[0072] The light guide 60 is a long frame whose length corresponds to the left-right length of the counter plate portion 51, and can be made of, for example, an aluminum alloy member formed by extrusion. The light guide 60 has a frame bottom plate portion 61, a frame rear plate portion 62 that rises vertically from the rear end of the frame bottom plate portion 61, a frame front plate portion 63 that rises from the front end of the frame bottom plate portion 61, and a frame upper plate portion 64 that extends forward from the upper end of the frame rear plate portion 62.

[0073] The support plate 54 of the LED module is fixed to the frame bottom plate portion 61 by screw fastening, etc. The frame bottom plate portion 61 supports a plurality of LED elements with their light emitting surfaces facing upward.

[0074] The front frame plate 63 is formed shorter than the rear frame plate 62 by the thickness of the counter plate 51. The front frame plate 63 has an inclined portion 63a that slopes rearward to cover approximately half of the area of the LED package 43 from above to prevent light emitted from each of the LED elements from directly entering the light-receiving surface of the counter plate 51. The upper end of the flat portion 63b extends rearward beyond the rear end surface 51b of the counter plate 51. The inclined portion 63a and the flat portion 63b function as a shield to prevent light emitted from the LED elements from directly entering the counter plate 51. The upper flat surface of the flat portion 63b abuts against the bottom surface of the counter plate 51, thereby sandwiching the rear end of the counter plate 51 between the front frame plate 63 and the upper frame plate 64 of the light guide 60. That is, the space between the upper end of the frame front plate 63 and the front end of the frame upper plate 64 forms an opening for guiding light to the counter plate 51, and the rear end surface 51b of the counter plate 51 forms the light entrance surface.

[0075] The corner where the frame rear plate 62 rising from the rear end of the frame bottom plate 61 meets the frame upper plate 64 provided opposite the frame bottom plate 61 forms an inclined surface in a cross-sectional view. This inclined surface is inclined at, for example, 30 to 60 degrees with respect to the light-emitting surfaces of the LED elements so as to face the light-receiving surface of the counter plate 51. Light emitted from the multiple LED elements and guided upward is reflected by the inclined surface and guided to the light-receiving surface of the counter plate 51.

[0076] The light guide 60 is fixed by screws via a support bracket 79 to a reinforcing plate 69 attached to the rear end side of the underside of the counter plate 51. The support bracket 79 is an angle bracket that divides a metal plate of a predetermined length into approximately thirds in the length direction, with right-angle bends formed in two places that are bent in different directions, and is configured to include a portion that supports the light guide 60 from the bottom and a portion that abuts against the underside of the reinforcing plate 69. The light guide 60 is fixed to the reinforcing plate 69 via the support bracket 79, with the rear end of the counter plate 51 sandwiched between the frame front plate 63 and the frame upper plate 64.

[0077] In counter 50 equipped with lighting unit 52 configured as described above, light emitted from the LED elements of third light source 55a and fourth light source 55b passes through a light guide path formed in light guide 60 and enters the light entrance surface of counter board 51. The light guided by light guide 60 and entering counter board 51 exits from upper surface 51a of counter board 51, which is the light exit surface, and illuminates toilet room 4.

[0078] [Lighting Control] Next, the lighting control of the lighting unit 42 of the mirror section 40 and the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50 in the toilet system 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the main electrical configuration of the toilet system 1. FIGS. 9 and 10 are timing charts illustrating the on / off and brightness adjustment of the light source section 45 of the lighting unit 42 and the light source section 55 of the lighting unit 52. FIG. 11 is a timing chart illustrating a reference example in which the user uses the toilet device 3 in a different scene from that shown in FIG. 9. Note that FIG. 8 only illustrates the electrical configuration related to lighting control, with signal flow (signal lines) indicated by dashed lines and power lines that supply power indicated by solid lines. In addition, in the timing charts shown in FIGS. 9 to 11, changes in the brightness of the light sources corresponding to the hand-washing light sources of the mirror section 40 and the counter 50 are indicated by bold lines.

[0079] The toilet system 1 includes a control unit for each device equipped with electrical components arranged in the toilet room 4. Specifically, the toilet system 1 includes a function control unit 36 that controls various functions of the toilet device 3, a lighting control unit 46 that controls the lighting unit 42 of the mirror unit 40, a lighting control unit 56 that controls the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50, and an operation control unit 66 that controls the remote control 27.

[0080] Each of the function control unit 36, the lighting control units 46, 56 and the operation control unit 66 is a control device consisting of a board on which electronic components are arranged, and is realized by any hardware, software or combination thereof, including a calculation unit and memory, and executing a program stored in the memory on the calculation unit.

[0081] The function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3 is communicatively connected to a human body detection sensor 71 disposed in the end cabinet unit 24, and an approach detection sensor 72 and a seating detection sensor 73 disposed in the function unit 3d of the toilet device 3. The function control unit 36 is connected to a communication module 38 that is separated from the toilet device 3 and enables wireless communication with other devices disposed in the toilet room 4. Therefore, the human body detection sensor 71, the remote control 27, and the mirror unit 40 are communicatively connected to the function control unit 36 via the communication module 38.

[0082] The human body detection sensor 71 outputs a human body detection signal to the function control unit 36 from the time a user enters the toilet room 4, during their stay, until they leave the room. This allows the function control unit 36 to monitor the entry and exit of users into the toilet room 4 based on the detection results of the human body detection sensor 71.

[0083] The approach detection sensor 72 is an approach detection unit that detects when a user approaches within a predetermined range from the toilet device 3, and outputs a detection signal to the function control unit 36 while the user remains within the predetermined range from the toilet device 3.

[0084] The seating detection sensor 73 is a seating detection unit that detects that a user is seated on the toilet seat 3b, and outputs a seating detection signal to the function control unit 36 while the user is seated on the toilet seat 3b.

[0085] The operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27 receives power from the power supply unit 67 and is connected to the flush button 27a etc., and receives signals output when the user operates these buttons. The operation control unit 66 is connected to a communication module 68, and is connected to the operation control unit 66 of the toilet device 3 via wireless communication so that it can communicate with the operation control unit 66 of the toilet device 3. As a result, the remote control 27 functions as an operation unit for executing the flush function and the private parts cleansing function of the toilet body 3a of the toilet device 3. The operation control unit 66 also obtains information on the detection results of each sensor via wireless communication with the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3, and stores that information.

[0086] Furthermore, since the case 29 housing the operation control unit 66 and the case 49 housing the lighting control unit 56 of the counter 50 are arranged close to each other (see FIG. 7), the operation control unit 66 is connected to the lighting control unit 56 via wired communication (signal line). Therefore, with regard to the control of the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50, the remote control 27 may function as an input device for changing the illuminance setting (light source brightness setting). That is, by inputting a button operation signal to the lighting control unit 56 via the operation control unit 66, it may be possible to select the lighting setting stored in the lighting control unit 56. Note that the illuminance setting may be set based on a value obtained by measuring the light irradiated onto the floor surface 5a of the toilet room 4 with an illuminometer, for example, or may be set by setting the light source brightness based on the value of the direct current applied to the LED element.

[0087] The lighting control unit 46 of the mirror unit 40 receives power from a power supply unit 47 and is connected to a communication module 48. The lighting control unit 46 is capable of wireless communication with the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3 via the communication module 47 and the communication module 38. The lighting control unit 46 is connected to a first light source unit 45a and a second light source unit 45b. A power line for receiving power from the power supply unit 47 is connected to each of the first light source unit 45a and the second light source unit 45b, and a signal line for receiving a dimming signal from the lighting control unit 46 is connected to each of the first light source unit 45a and the second light source unit 45b. Therefore, the lighting control unit 46 performs different lighting controls for the first light source unit 45a, which emits light onto the lower side of the mirror unit 40, and the second light source unit 45b, which emits light onto the other sides and upper side.

[0088] The lighting control unit 56 of the counter 50 receives power from the power supply unit 57 and is communicatively connected to the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27 via a wired signal line. The lighting control unit 56 is connected to the third light source unit 55a and the fourth light source unit 55b. The third light source unit 55a and the fourth light source unit 55b are each connected to a power line for receiving power from the power supply unit 57 and a signal line for receiving a dimming signal from the lighting control unit 56. Therefore, the lighting control unit 56 performs different lighting controls for the third light source unit 55a, which emits light on the side of the hand washing unit 12 on the counter 50, and the fourth light source unit 55b, which is closer to the toilet device 3 than the hand washing unit 12.

[0089] A memory of the lighting control unit 46 that controls the lighting unit 42 pre-stores a plurality of programs for turning on / off (ON / OFF) the first light source unit 45a and the second light source unit 45b and for switching the brightness of the light source between two levels, high and low, when the first light source unit 45a is on, in accordance with the detection / non-detection status (sensor status) of each of the sensors, the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor 72, and the seating detection sensor 73. Similarly, a memory of the lighting control unit 56 that controls the lighting unit 52 pre-stores a plurality of programs for turning on / off (ON / OFF) the third light source unit 55a and the fourth light source unit 55b and for switching the brightness of the light source between two levels, high and low, when the third light source unit 55a is on, in accordance with the detection / non-detection status (sensor status) of each of the sensors, the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor 72, and the seating detection sensor 73. Each program is executed by the operation of the arithmetic unit of the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56.

[0090] The brightness of the light source in the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a is set to high or low, for example, with a brightness corresponding to the maximum rated input current value of the LED module being "high" and a brightness corresponding to an input current value that is 50% of the maximum rated value being "low." Furthermore, due to their placement, the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a are controlled as hand-washing light sources that illuminate the area around the hand-washing basin 14. Meanwhile, the second light source unit 45b and the fourth light source unit 55b are controlled as light sources that maintain a predetermined brightness within the toilet room 4. The lighting control of the second light source unit 45b and the fourth light source unit 55b does not involve dimming, which changes the brightness of the light source like the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, but maintains the predetermined brightness. In this embodiment, the brightness of the light sources of the second light source unit 45b and the fourth light source unit 55b is set to be the same as when the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a is set to "low."

[0091] The following describes lighting patterns realized by controlling the light source units of the lighting unit 42 and the lighting unit 52 in the toilet system 1. The lighting patterns are realized by sequentially executing programs called by conditions in the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56. A program called by a condition is, for example, a program that specifies an operation command to turn on the first light source unit 45a at "high" brightness when the detection signal from the human body detection sensor 71 starts to be input, and the conditions (sensor status and current status of each light source unit) correspond to the operation command for each light source unit. Therefore, the lighting patterns realized also vary depending on the contents of the programs stored in advance in the memories of the lighting unit 42 and the lighting unit 52.

[0092] The lighting patterns A1, A2, and A3 shown in Figure 9 are lighting patterns when a user M enters an unmanned toilet room 4, sits on the toilet seat 3b of the toilet device 3 to relieve himself / herself, gets up from the toilet seat 3b, washes his / her hands in the hand washing basin 14, and then exits the toilet room 4.

[0093] As shown in the sensor status in Figure 9, each of the human body detection sensor 71, approach detection sensor 72, and seat detection sensor 73 outputs a detection signal in response to the movement of user M while user M is within the detection range of the respective sensor, and stops outputting the detection signal when user M moves out of the detection range of the respective sensor, entering a non-detection state.

[0094] More specifically, when a user M enters the toilet room 4, the human body detection sensor 71 detects the user M. A detection signal is input to the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3, and further input to the lighting control unit 46 via the communication module 38 and the communication module 48, and also input to the lighting control unit 56 via the communication module 38, the communication module 68, and the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27.

[0095] When a user M approaches the toilet device 3 (toilet bowl body 3a), the approach detection sensor 72 detects the user M. A detection signal is input to the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3, and further input to the lighting control unit 46 via the communication module 38 and the communication module 48, and also input to the lighting control unit 56 via the communication module 38, the communication module 68, and the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27.

[0096] When user M sits on toilet seat 3b, seat detection sensor 73 detects user M. A detection signal is input to function control unit 36 of toilet device 3, and further input to lighting control unit 46 via communication module 38 and communication module 48, and also input to lighting control unit 56 via communication module 38, communication module 68 and operation control unit 66 of remote control 27.

[0097] When the user M leaves the toilet seat 3b, moves away from the toilet device 3, and moves in front of the hand washing unit 12, the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state. Furthermore, when the user M finishes washing his / her hands in the hand washing unit 12 and leaves the toilet room 4, the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state. In other words, no signals are input to the function control unit 36 from any of the sensors, and the function control unit 36 stops transmitting detection information from each sensor to the lighting control units 46 and 56.

[0098] In response to such sensor conditions and input of detection signals, the lighting control units 46 and 56 execute the following lighting control.

[0099] Illumination pattern A1 will now be described. In illumination pattern A1, upon receiving a detection signal from human body detection sensor 71 that detects the entry of user M into unattended toilet room 4, illumination control unit 46 executes control to turn on first light source unit 45a, which was off (OFF), at a "high" brightness level and turn on second light source unit 45b. Similarly, illumination control unit 56 executes control to turn on third light source unit 55a, which was off (OFF), at a "high" brightness level and turn on fourth light source unit 55b. As a result, within toilet room 4, only the area around hand washing basin 14 is illuminated more brightly than other areas in the room.

[0100] Next, upon receiving a detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72 that detects that the user M has approached the toilet device 3, the lighting control unit 46 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "high" to "low." Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "high" to "low." Note that the detection result of the approach detection sensor 72 may be used as a trigger to drive a motor (not shown) under the control of the function control unit 36 of the toilet function arranged in the function unit 3d, thereby automatically opening and closing the toilet lid 3c.

[0101] Thereafter, when the seating detection sensor 73 goes into a non-detection state, the lighting control unit 46 determines that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b, and executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "low" to "high." Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 determines that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b, and executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "low" to "high."

[0102] When the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 execute control to turn off all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0103] The illumination pattern A2 will be described. The illumination pattern A2 is the same as the illumination pattern A1 in that the first light source unit 45a, the second light source unit 45b, the third light source unit 55a, and the fourth light source unit 55b are turned on (ON) when a detection signal is received from the human body detection sensor 71 that detects the entry of a user M into an unattended toilet room 4. However, the illumination pattern A2 differs in that the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a is turned on in a "low" state. That is, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to turn on the first light source unit 45a, which was turned off (OFF), in a "low" state and to turn on the second light source unit 45b. Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to turn on the third light source unit 55a, which was turned off (OFF), in a "low" state and to turn on the fourth light source unit 55b. This allows the toilet room 4 to be illuminated with light that gives a uniform impression overall.

[0104] Subsequently, after receiving the detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72 and the detection signal from the seating detection sensor 73, the lighting control unit 46 determines that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b at the timing when the seating detection sensor 73 goes into a non-detection state, and executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "low" to "high." Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "low" to "high."

[0105] When the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 execute control to turn off all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0106] The illumination pattern A3 will now be described. In the illumination pattern A3, the timing at which the first light source unit 45b and the third light source unit 55a are turned on is different from the illumination patterns A1 and A2. That is, when the detection signal from the human body detection sensor 71 is received, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to turn on (ON) the second light source unit 45b, which was turned off (OFF). Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to turn on (ON) the fourth light source unit 55b, which was turned off (OFF). At this time, because the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a remain turned off, the area around the hand wash basin 14 in the toilet room 4 is dark, but the area is bright enough for the user M to identify the location of the toilet device 3.

[0107] Subsequently, at the timing of receiving the detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to turn on the first light source unit 45a that was in the off state (OFF) with the light source brightness set to "low." Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to turn on the third light source unit 55a that was in the off state (OFF) with the light source brightness set to "low."

[0108] Furthermore, after receiving the detection signal from the seating detection sensor 73, when the seating detection sensor 73 goes into a non-detection state, the lighting control unit 46 determines that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b, and executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "low" to "high." Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "low" to "high."

[0109] Thereafter, when the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the illumination control unit 46 and the illumination control unit 56 execute control to turn off (OFF) all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0110] In the toilet system 1, the mirror 40 and counter 50, which are configured as lighting devices, each have multiple individually controllable light sources. Different lighting controls are performed for the first light source 45a and third light source 55a, which illuminate the area around the hand wash basin 14 in the toilet room 4, and the second light source 45b and fourth light source 55b, which are positioned to illuminate other areas. The reason for this lighting control is as follows: For example, if the brightness of the light sources is set to "high" along the entire circumference of the mirror 40 and along the entire length of the counter board 51 of the counter 50, the user M will feel dazzled upon entering the toilet room 4. This can be particularly problematic at night when the user is in the middle of sleep, as the glare can awaken the user's brain, making it difficult for them to fall asleep and reducing the quality of their sleep. On the other hand, if the brightness of the light source remains "low" around the entire circumference of the mirror portion 40 and along the entire length of the counter board portion 51 of the counter 50, the light will not reach the inside of the bowl portion 14a of the hand washing basin 14 located below the mirror portion 40 or near the spout 13a of the hand washing faucet 13, making it difficult to see one's hands when washing one's hands.

[0111] Therefore, in the toilet system 1, taking into consideration the issue of using the toilet in the middle of sleep and the overall lighting design of the toilet room 4, the overall illuminance of the lighting device is reduced, while the brightness of only the light sources that illuminate the area around the hand wash basin 14 is increased after the user M relieves himself / herself in the toilet device 3. This allows the user M to recognize the location of the hand wash basin 14 and brightly illuminates the bowl portion 14a of the hand wash basin 14, making it easier for the user M to see his / her hands while washing his / her hands. In other words, by adjusting the brightness of some of the light sources of the multiple light sources that are lit at a predetermined brightness set in consideration of the lighting design of the toilet room 4 according to the detection result of the seat detection sensor 73, the system provides an appropriate brightness that makes it easy for the user M to see his / her hands while washing his / her hands without causing discomfort to the user M due to glare from the lighting. Furthermore, in the toilet system 1, the brightness of the lighting device can be limited to a portion of the lighting, so the overall lighting design of the toilet room 4 is not impaired.

[0112] In the arrangement of the equipment in the toilet room 4 of the toilet system 1, when user M approaches the toilet bowl (toilet device 3) to sit on the toilet seat 3b, he or she turns 180 degrees to face the front of the toilet room 4. As a result, the hand washing unit 12 is located diagonally to the front right of user M, and the area around the hand washing basin 14 comes into user M's field of vision. Furthermore, when user M sits on the toilet seat 3b, as shown in FIG. 3, the height of user M's head, indicated by the two-dot chain line, and the counter 50 are closer than when user M is standing, and the first light source 45a of the mirror unit 40 is positioned at eye level with user M. In other words, for light sources located in a location that is within user M's field of vision and causes glare depending on user M's behavior and posture in the toilet room 4, the brightness of the light source can be reduced at an appropriate time to reduce the discomfort caused by the light when user M uses the toilet.

[0113] In illumination pattern A1, the illumination control unit 46 of the mirror unit 40 and the illumination control unit 56 of the counter 50 perform illumination control to reduce the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, which are the hand-washing light sources, during the time from when the approach detection sensor 72 starts detecting to when the seat detection sensor 73 switches from detecting to not detecting. In illumination patterns A2 and A3, the illumination control unit 46 of the mirror unit 40 and the illumination control unit 56 of the counter 50 set the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a when turned on to "low," at least during the time from when the approach detection sensor 72 starts detecting to when the seat detection sensor 73 switches from detecting to not detecting. This reduces the discomfort caused by light when user M is using the toilet.

[0114] Furthermore, first light source unit 45a is located below the eye level of user M when standing in mirror unit 40, and while it illuminates user M's hands from above, the light from the light source does not directly enter the eyes of user M. Similarly, third light source unit 55a also illuminates user M's hands from below using light guided inside counter board unit 51, but the light from the light source does not directly enter the eyes of user M. Therefore, even if the brightness of the light sources of first light source unit 45a and third light source unit 55a is increased, it does not cause discomfort to users using hand washing basin 14.

[0115] Furthermore, in the lighting patterns A1 to A3, lighting control is executed to increase the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, which are the hand-washing light source units, at the timing when the seating detection sensor 73 switches from detection to non-detection. This control makes it possible to guide the user M to the hand-washing basin 14 with light, and also realizes indoor lighting effects that match the user M's actions in the toilet room 4.

[0116] Furthermore, in lighting pattern A1, the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, which are the hand-washing light source units, is set high at the timing when user M enters toilet room 4. This allows user M to easily determine the location of hand-washing basin 14 as soon as he or she enters the room, even if user M is unfamiliar with toilet room 4, such as in a lodging facility, or if the lighting on the toilet device 3 side of toilet room 4 alone is insufficient to illuminate the area around hand-washing unit 12 near the entrance / exit of toilet room 4.

[0117] Furthermore, in lighting pattern A1, the timing for reducing the brightness of the light sources of first light source unit 45a and third light source unit 55a is the timing when the detection signal is input from approach detection sensor 72 before user M sits on toilet seat 3b, but it may also be the timing when the detection signal is input from seating detection sensor 73. While lighting control units 46, 56 determine that user M is seated on toilet seat 3b from at least the detection result of seating detection sensor 73, which is a seating detection unit, by reducing the brightness of the light sources of first light source unit 45a of lighting unit 42 and third light source unit 55a of lighting unit 52, it is possible to reduce the glare of the lighting when sitting.

[0118] Furthermore, in the lighting pattern A2, the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, which are the hand-washing light source units, is set low when the user M enters the toilet room 4. This makes it possible to prevent the user M from being woken up by a sudden change in brightness when entering the toilet room 4, for example, when the environment around the toilet room 4 is dark, such as late at night while the user is asleep.

[0119] In addition, in lighting pattern A3, the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a, which are the hand-washing light source units, are turned off (OFF) from the time the user M enters the toilet room 4 until he approaches the toilet device 3, and the brightness of the light sources is set to low when the approach detection sensor 72 starts detecting. This type of pattern A3 can suppress sudden changes in brightness within the toilet room 4 when combined with other lighting devices around the toilet device 3, such as under-cabinet lighting installed below the cabinet 2 to illuminate the floor surface 5a, or foot lighting installed in the toilet device 3. This can enhance the lighting effect by lighting up sequentially from the user M's feet in accordance with the user M's movements in the toilet room 4, without causing discomfort to the user M due to the glare of the lighting.

[0120] The above-described lighting patterns A1 to A3 are lighting patterns for when the user M relieves himself / herself while sitting on the toilet seat 3b, but below, lighting patterns for when the user M relieves himself / herself without sitting on the toilet seat 3b will be described. First, referring to Fig. 11, problems that arise when lighting control is performed based on the detection results of the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor 72, and the seating detection sensor 73, as with the lighting patterns A1 to A3, when the user M urinates while standing and not sitting on the toilet seat 3b will be described. Note that the lighting patterns C1, C2, and C3 shown in Fig. 11 correspond to the lighting patterns A1, A2, and A3 shown in Fig. 9, respectively.

[0121] As shown in the sensor status in Figure 11, when a user M enters the toilet room 4, the human body detection sensor 71 detects the user M. A detection signal is input to the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3, and further input to the lighting control unit 46 via the communication module 38 and the communication module 48, and also input to the lighting control unit 56 via the communication module 38, the communication module 68 and the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27.

[0122] When a user M approaches the toilet device 3 (toilet bowl body 3a), the approach detection sensor 72 detects the user M. A detection signal is input to the function control unit 36 of the toilet device 3, and further input to the lighting control unit 46 via the communication module 38 and the communication module 48, and also input to the lighting control unit 56 via the communication module 38, the communication module 68, and the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27.

[0123] When the user M urinates in a standing position and then moves away from the toilet device 3 to the front of the hand washing section 12, the approach detection sensor 72 goes into a non-detection state. Furthermore, when the user M finishes washing his / her hands in the hand washing basin 14 and leaves the toilet room 4, the human body detection sensor 71 goes into a non-detection state. The seating detection sensor 73 is always in a non-detection state because the user M is not seated on the toilet seat 3b.

[0124] In response to such sensor conditions and input of detection signals, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 execute the following lighting control.

[0125] In illumination pattern C1, the illumination control unit 46 turns on (ON) the first light source unit 45a, which was off (OFF), at a high brightness, turns on (ON) the second light source unit 45b, and then executes control to change the brightness of the first light source unit 45a from high to low, triggered by a detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72. Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 turns on (ON) the third light source unit 55a, which was off (OFF), at a low brightness, turns on (ON) the fourth light source unit 55b, and then executes control to change the brightness of the third light source unit 55a from high to low, triggered by a detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72.

[0126] Subsequently, upon receiving a detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "high" to "low." Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "high" to "low."

[0127] When the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 execute control to turn off all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0128] In the lighting pattern C2, the lighting control unit 46 executes control to turn on the first light source unit 45a, which was in the off state (OFF), at a "low" brightness level and turn on the second light source unit 45b, at the timing when a detection signal is received from the human body detection sensor 71 that detects a user's entry into the unattended toilet room 4. Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to turn on the third light source unit 55a, which was in the off state (OFF), at a "low" brightness level and turn on the fourth light source unit 55b.

[0129] Subsequently, when the detection signal of the approach detection sensor 72 is received, the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state, and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the illumination control unit 46 and the illumination control unit 56 execute control to turn off (OFF) all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0130] In illumination pattern C3, the illumination control unit 46 controls the second light source unit 45b, which has been turned off (OFF), to turn on (ON) at the timing when the detection signal is received from the human body detection sensor 71. Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 controls the fourth light source unit 55b, which has been turned off (OFF), to turn on (ON).

[0131] Subsequently, at the timing of receiving the detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to turn on the first light source unit 45a that was in the off state (OFF) with the light source brightness set to "low." Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to turn on the third light source unit 55a that was in the off state (OFF) with the light source brightness set to "low."

[0132] Thereafter, when the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the illumination control unit 46 and the illumination control unit 56 execute control to turn off (OFF) all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0133] 9 and 11, in illumination patterns A1 to A3, there are times when the detection state of seat detection sensor 73 switches from non-detection to detection and then from detection to non-detection as user M sits on and leaves toilet seat 3b, whereas in illumination patterns C1 to C3, there are no such times. Therefore, in illumination patterns C1 to C3, the control performed in illumination patterns A1 to A3 when the detection state of seat detection sensor 73 switches from detection to non-detection, i.e., the control to change the brightness of the light sources of first light source unit 45a and third light source unit 55a from "low" to "high," is not performed. As a result, when user M washes his or her hands after using the toilet, the area around hand basin 14 is dark, making it difficult for him or her to see his or her hands.

[0134] As explained by comparing illumination patterns A1-A3 and illumination patterns C1-C3, if illumination control unit 46 and illumination control unit 56 cannot use the detection result of seat detection sensor 73 as a trigger to change the brightness of the light source, illumination control that keeps the brightness of the hand-washing light source unit high at least until user M leaves the toilet bowl and finishes washing their hands is not possible. In contrast, illumination pattern B1, which will be described next, uses an operation signal of toilet device 3 other than a sensor as the signal that triggers changing the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit. This solves the problems shown with illumination patterns C1-C3. Illumination pattern B1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0135] In the toilet system 1, the lighting control unit 46 of the mirror unit 40 and the lighting control unit 56 of the counter 50 are configured to be able to send and receive information to and from the operation control unit 66 of the remote control 27, as shown in Fig. 8. Therefore, when the user M operates each button on the remote control 27, an operation signal (pulse signal) is input, and the lighting control unit 46 can obtain this information via the operation control unit 66, communication module 68, and communication module 48, and the lighting control unit 56 can obtain this information via the operation control unit 66.

[0136] In addition, in the case of the lighting pattern B1 shown in Figure 10, the information input to the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 will be described as an example in which the information is an operation signal of the flush button 27a, which is a flush operation unit provided on the remote control 27 and instructs toilet flushing.

[0137] In lighting pattern B1, the lighting control unit 46 executes control to turn on the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a at "high" brightness upon receiving a detection signal from the human body detection sensor 71 that detects the entry of a user M into the unattended toilet room 4. Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to turn on the second light source unit 45b and the fourth light source unit 55b.

[0138] Next, upon receiving a detection signal from the approach detection sensor 72, the illumination control unit 46 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "high" to "low." Similarly, the illumination control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "high" to "low." The illumination control by the illumination control unit 46 and the illumination control unit 56 up to this point is the same as that for illumination pattern C1.

[0139] Next, when an operation signal for the flush button 27a of the remote control 27 is input, the lighting control unit 46 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the first light source unit 45a from "low" to "high." Similarly, the lighting control unit 56 executes control to change the brightness of the light source of the third light source unit 55a from "low" to "high." This causes the area around the hand basin 14 to be illuminated more brightly than the rest of the area. The flush button 27a is operated just before the user M leaves the toilet bowl after urinating in a standing position. Therefore, when the user M, who has been standing with his / her back to the hand basin 14, turns around and looks at the hand basin 14, the area around the hand basin 14 will be illuminated more brightly than the rest of the area.

[0140] Thereafter, when the approach detection sensor 72 enters a non-detection state and the human body detection sensor 71 enters a non-detection state, the illumination control unit 46 and the illumination control unit 56 execute control to turn off all of the first to fourth light source units (45a, 45b, 55a, 55b) after a predetermined time has elapsed since the human body detection sensor 71 entered a non-detection state. As a result, the lights in the unoccupied toilet room 4 are turned off.

[0141] As described above, in lighting pattern B1, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 use the operation signal of the remote control 27 in addition to the detection results of the human body detection sensor 71 and the approach detection sensor 72 for lighting control by the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56, thereby making it possible to provide lighting of appropriate brightness at a more appropriate timing in response to the movements of the user M in the toilet room 4.

[0142] In addition, the lighting control unit 46 and the lighting control unit 56 may perform control to gradually decrease the brightness from "high" to "low" or gradually increase it from "low" to "high" over a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) at the point where the brightness of the light sources of the first light source unit 45a and the third light source unit 55a is switched between high and low in the lighting patterns shown in Figures 9 and 10.

[0143] Furthermore, the flush operation unit is not limited to the flush button 27a of the remote control 27, but may be, for example, an operation unit such as a flush lever arranged on the toilet device 3, which is configured to be able to transmit an operation signal when operated.

[0144] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment described above, an example of a toilet system 1 was described in which a counter 50 and a cabinet 2 are arranged along the wall surface 6a of a side wall 6 in a toilet room 4 having an entrance / exit on the front wall, and a toilet device 3 is arranged on the rear wall 7 side, but the toilet system of the present invention can also be configured for toilet rooms with entrance / exit locations that are different.

[0145] 12 and 13 illustrate a toilet room 400 configured with a toilet system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a side view, and Fig. 13 is a rear view with the rear wall 7 removed. Note that the same members as those in the first embodiment described above are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The entrance to the toilet room 400 is provided on a side wall (not shown) diagonally forward and to the left as viewed from the user M shown in FIG. 12. Compared to the toilet room 4, the toilet room 400 has a narrower interior depth as viewed from the entrance. Therefore, if the toilet device 3 is placed on the rear wall 7 with its front-to-rear direction aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the toilet room 400, the counter 50 and cabinet 2 cannot be placed along the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6. Therefore, instead of the counter 50 and cabinet 2, a cabinet 200 equipped with a hand washing unit 12 is installed on the front wall 8. A mirror unit 40 is installed on the wall surface 8a of the front wall 8 above the hand washing unit 12. In other words, in the toilet room 400 of the toilet system 100, the cabinet 200 is placed facing the toilet device 3.

[0147] The toilet system 100 includes a toilet device 3, a cabinet 200, and a mirror unit 40, and is provided in a toilet room 400. Because the toilet system 100 does not include a counter 50 as a lighting device, the first light source unit 45a of the mirror unit 40 is the only hand-washing light source unit.

[0148] The cabinet 200 has a generally box-like shape, and is supported by the front wall 8, so that the bottom thereof is generally raised above the floor surface 5a. The right end of the cabinet 200 is in contact with or generally in contact with the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6. The cabinet 200 is also provided, for example, in a range of approximately two-thirds from the rear side of the wall surface 8a of the front wall 8 in the left-right direction of the toilet room 400. The front of the cabinet 200 is a single-wing door, allowing fixtures and the like to be stored inside. The height of the top surface of the cabinet 200 is, for example, approximately 60 to 80 cm.

[0149] A hand washing section 12 is provided on the cabinet 200. A bowl section 14a of a hand washing basin 14 that receives water discharged from a hand washing faucet 13 is fitted into the top surface of the cabinet 200.

[0150] The toilet device 3 is installed in the toilet room 400 near (just in front of) the rear wall 7 so that its front-to-rear direction is aligned with the front-to-rear direction of the toilet space. Therefore, as shown in Figure 12, when a user M sits on the toilet seat 3b, the user M will generally face the mirror unit 40 and the cabinet 200.

[0151] A holder 126 equipped with a toilet paper holder 25 for holding toilet paper 26 is provided on the wall surface 6a of the side wall 6, at a position approximately in the middle of the toilet room 400 in the front-to-rear direction, and above the toilet device 3 and below the top surface of the cabinet 200 in the vertical direction. Also, a remote control 127 configured to be able to communicate with the functional unit 3d of the toilet device 3 is arranged above the holder 126.

[0152] Remote control 127 is a wall-mounted remote control that is roughly rectangular and has a long horizontal dimension, and operation buttons are arranged on the upper part of remote control 127. Note that remote control 127 may be a portable type that receives power from a battery and is detachable from the wall.

[0153] The human body detection sensor 71 is attached with its detection surface facing the entrance / exit direction to the wall surface 6a near the corner formed by the side wall 6 and the rear wall 7. The human body detection sensor 71 may be provided in the toilet device 3 in the same way as other sensors.

[0154] The electrical configuration related to lighting control in the toilet system 100 according to this embodiment is the same as that shown in Fig. 8, excluding the configuration related to the counter 50. Therefore, the first light source section 45a and the second light source section 45b of the lighting unit 42 of the mirror section 40 are also turned on (ON), turned off (OFF), and adjusted for brightness by the operation of the arithmetic device of the lighting control section 46, as shown in the timing charts of Figs.

[0155] In this way, even if the arrangement of equipment within the toilet room 400 or the number and position of lighting devices are changed, by configuring the lighting unit that illuminates the area around the hand washing basin 14 to have multiple light source units that can be controlled individually, it is possible to provide appropriate brightness in the room while lighting the toilet space in accordance with the actions of user M within the toilet room 400.

[0156] In the second embodiment of the toilet system 100, the hand-washing light source unit is explained as an example of a configuration in which only the first light source unit 45a of the mirror unit 40 is used, but the top plate of the cabinet 200 may be configured in the same way as the counter 50.

[0157] Furthermore, in a cabinet such as cabinet 200, whose width is, for example, approximately twice the width of the hand wash basin 14, when the top plate is configured as a lighting device equivalent to the counter 50, the lighting unit does not need to be configured in such a way that the lighting control unit 56 can individually control two light sources 55, as in the counter 50. In other words, if both ends of the counter in the width direction are sufficiently close to the hand wash basin 14, a single light source unit provided across the width of the counter may be used as the hand wash light source unit, and the lighting control unit may adjust the illuminance of the entire counter lighting. Note that in the toilet system 100 of the second embodiment, since at least the first light source unit 45a in the lighting unit 42 of the mirror unit 40 is used as the hand wash light source unit, the counter may be configured as a lighting device by disposing a lighting unit provided with either the third light source unit 55a or the fourth light source unit 55b across the width of the counter.

[0158] Furthermore, there may be one hand-washing light source unit in the toilet room 400, as in the toilet system 100, or there may be more than one. The hand-washing light source unit is not limited to one of multiple light source units controlled by one lighting control unit. In other words, it may be a single light source unit included in one lighting device. That is, through the coordinated control of multiple lighting control units arranged in each of multiple lighting devices as the toilet system, a dimmable light source unit among the multiple light source units included in the toilet system can be used as the hand-washing light source unit.

[0159] Therefore, in a toilet system that does not have a mirror section 40, for example, the top surface of a narrow cabinet 200 can be used as a counter configured as a lighting device, and the single light source section (third light source section 55a) of the counter's lighting section (lighting unit) can be used as a single hand-washing light source section in the toilet system.

[0160] In the first and second embodiments described above, the toilet system 1,100 includes the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor 72, and the seating detection sensor 73 as a detection unit for detecting the state of the human body, and at least one of the detection results of these sensors is used to turn on / off the lights in the entire toilet room and adjust the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit. However, this is not limited to this. The state of the human body here refers to the position of the user M in the toilet room and the posture of the user when using the facilities in the toilet room. The detection unit for detecting the state of the human body may be further equipped with a posture detection sensor that detects a standing posture, or may replace any of the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor, and the seating detection sensor 73. Furthermore, as described in the first embodiment using the illumination pattern B1 as an example, the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit may be adjusted by further using an output signal from an operating device configured to output an operating signal, such as the remote control 27.

[0161] The toilet system 1,100 of the first and second embodiments having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, the toilet system 1,100 adjusts the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source in the lighting section (lighting units 42, 52) according to the detection result of the seating detection sensor 73. This makes it possible to provide brightness that makes the hand-washing basin 14 easy to see at a timing that matches the actions of the user M, without changing the overall impression of the lighting in the toilet space. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both spatial design through lighting and improved usability of the equipment installed in the toilet room 4,400.

[0162] In addition, in the toilet system 1,100, the lighting section (lighting units 42, 52) has multiple light source sections (first light source section 45a, second light source section 45b, third light source section 55a, fourth light source section 55b) that are individually controlled by lighting control sections 46, 56, so that lighting of different brightness can be achieved in areas closer to the hand wash basin 14 and other areas.

[0163] In addition, in the toilet system 1,100, at least one of the multiple light source units (first light source unit 45a, second light source unit 45b, third light source unit 55a, fourth light source unit 55b) individually controlled by the lighting control units 46, 56 is a hand-washing light source unit configured to be able to adjust the brightness of the light source. In other words, in the toilet system 1,100, the multiple individually controlled light source units include a single light source unit included in each lighting unit of multiple lighting devices provided in the toilet room 4, and multiple light source units separated so as to be individually controllable included in the lighting unit of one lighting device, and the hand-washing light source unit is at least one of these multiple light source units, and the light source unit is configured to be able to be dimmed.

[0164] In addition, in the toilet system 1,100, when the lighting control unit 46, 56 determines that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b based on the input of the detection result from the seat detection sensor 73, it controls the hand-washing light source unit (first light source unit 45a, third light source unit 55a) that is lit at a predetermined brightness (brightness "low") to increase the brightness. This makes it possible to provide the brightness necessary for actions such as hand washing around the hand-washing basin 14 without impairing the lighting effect of the entire toilet space. Note that the predetermined brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit is the brightness of the light source that is set as the initial setting in relation to the brightness of the light sources of the other light source units from the perspective of lighting effect in the toilet space. If the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit is changed to two levels, "low" and "high," as in the first and second embodiments, the brightness setting of "low" corresponds to the predetermined brightness. Note that the brightness of the light source may be changed to three levels, "low," "medium," and "high." In this case, the "low" or "medium" setting corresponds to the predetermined brightness.

[0165] Furthermore, in the toilet system 1,100, the lighting section is a lighting unit 42 of the mirror section 40 configured as a lighting fixture, and the first light source section 45a of the lighting unit 42's multiple light source sections (first light source section 45a, second light source section 45b) is a hand-washing light source section arranged on the hand-washing basin 14 side of the mirror section 40, and when the lighting control section 46 determines from the detection result of the seating detection sensor 73 that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b, it controls the hand-washing light source section to increase the brightness of the light source. This makes it possible to make the area around the hand-washing basin 14 brighter before the user M has finished using the toilet and heads to the hand-washing basin 14, and to assist the user M's movement within the toilet room 4,400 with lighting effects.

[0166] Furthermore, in the toilet system 1,100, the lighting unit that illuminates the area around the hand wash basin 14 is the lighting unit 52 of the counter 50 that is configured as a lighting fixture and on which the hand wash basin 14 is installed, and of the multiple light source units (third light source unit 55a, fourth light source unit 55b) of the lighting unit 52, the third light source unit 55a is the hand wash light source unit that is located on the hand wash basin 14 side of the counter 50, and when the lighting control unit 56 determines from the detection result of the seat detection sensor 73 that the user M has left the toilet seat 3b, it controls the hand wash light source unit to increase the brightness of the light source. This makes it possible to provide lighting of appropriate brightness at the required time and in the required position for the user M.

[0167] In addition, in the toilet system 1,100, the lighting control unit 46, 56 adjusts the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit using the detection results of the sensors (human body detection sensor 71, approach detection sensor 72, seated detection sensor 73) as well as the operation signal of the flushing operation unit. With this configuration, the lighting around the hand-washing basin 14 can be appropriately controlled regardless of whether the user M is standing or seated when relieving himself / herself in the toilet, and the lighting effect of the toilet space can be maintained. This improves the usability of the toilet room 4,400.

[0168] Furthermore, the toilet system 1,100 includes a detection unit that includes a seating detection unit (seat detection sensor 73) that detects when user M sits on the toilet seat 3b, as well as an approach detection sensor 72. As a result, when the light source of the hand-washing light source unit (first light source unit 45a, third light source unit 55a) is lit at a brightness higher than a predetermined brightness, the lighting control units 46, 56 can perform lighting control that reduces the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit just before user M sits on the toilet seat 3b, based on the detection result of the approach detection sensor 72. This eliminates the problem of glare from the lighting when user M is sitting.

[0169] In the first embodiment described above, the mirror unit 40 and counter 50 configured as lighting devices are employed in the toilet system 1, and in the second embodiment, an example is shown in which the mirror unit 40 configured as a lighting device is employed in the toilet system 100. However, other lighting fixtures, etc. may be additionally installed in the toilet system 1. Other lighting devices for main lighting and indirect lighting may also be installed in the toilet room 4,400. For example, a lighting device (lighting unit) that illuminates the floor surface 5a may be installed on the underside of the cabinet 2,200, and the lighting control of the lighting unit may be configured to be performed in accordance with the detection result of at least one of the human body detection sensor 71, the approach detection sensor 72, and the seating detection sensor 73.

[0170] In the first embodiment described above, the area below the hand wash basin 14 is made into a storage area by the cabinet 2, and in the second embodiment, the area below the hand wash basin 14 is made into a storage area by the cabinet 200, but these storage areas may not be necessary.

[0171] Although several embodiments and examples of the present invention have been described, these embodiments and examples are merely examples of the present invention, and the toilet system according to the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples. Therefore, even if it is not the above-described embodiments and examples, various modifications are possible depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the effects described in this disclosure are merely examples and are not limiting, and other effects may also be obtained.

[0172] The present invention can take the following forms. (1) A toilet system including a hand washing basin in a toilet room in which a toilet device having a toilet seat is installed, a seat detection unit provided in the toilet device and configured to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat; An illumination unit having a hand washing light source unit that illuminates the periphery of the hand washing basin; an illumination control unit that controls the illumination unit; Equipped with The lighting control unit adjusts the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit, which is turned on at a predetermined brightness, in accordance with the detection result of the seating detection unit. A toilet system characterized by: (2) the illumination unit has a plurality of light source units that are individually controlled by the illumination control unit, The hand washing light source unit is a light source unit arranged at a position close to the hand washing basin among the plurality of light source units, The toilet system according to (1) above. (3) When the lighting control unit determines that the user has left the toilet seat based on the input of the detection result from the seat detection unit, the lighting control unit controls to increase the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit that is lit at a predetermined brightness. The toilet system according to (1) or (2) above. (4) a flushing operation unit for flushing the toilet bowl of the toilet device is provided; When the seating detection unit determines that the user is not seated on the toilet seat and the flushing operation unit inputs a toilet flush command signal, the lighting control unit controls the hand-washing light source unit, which is lit at a predetermined brightness, to increase the brightness. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (3) above. (5) The lighting unit is provided on a mirror unit arranged above the hand washing basin, The hand-washing light source unit is provided below the mirror unit. The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (4) above. (6) The lighting unit has a counter plate portion made of a light guide and is provided on a counter supporting the hand washing basin, The hand-washing light source unit is provided on the rear end side of the counter board portion behind the hand-washing basin supported on the counter, The toilet system according to any one of (1) to (5) above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 1. Toilet System 2 Cabinets 3 Toilet equipment 3c Toilet seat 3d function part 4 Toilet Room 5 beds 6 side wall 6a Wall 7 Back wall 8 Front wall 12 Hand washing area 14 Hand wash basin 27 Remote Control 27a Cleaning button (cleaning operation part) 36 Function control section 37 Power supply section 38 Communication Module 40 Mirror section 41 Mirror body 42 Lighting unit (lighting section) 45a 1st light source section (hand wash light source section) 45b 2nd light source section 46 Lighting control unit 47 Power supply section 48 Communication Module 50 counters 51 Counter board 51a Top side 52 Lighting unit (lighting section) 55a 3rd light source section (hand wash light source section) 55b 4th light source section 56 Lighting control unit 60 Light Guide 66 Operation control section 67 Power supply section 68 Communication Module 71 Human body detection sensor (detection unit) 72 Approach detection sensor (approach detection unit) 73 Seat detection sensor (seat detection part) 100 Toilet System 200 Cabinets

Claims

1. A toilet system including a hand washing basin in a toilet room in which a toilet device having a toilet seat is installed, a seat detection unit provided in the toilet device and configured to detect a user sitting on the toilet seat; An illumination unit having a hand washing light source unit that illuminates the periphery of the hand washing basin; an illumination control unit that controls the illumination unit; Equipped with The lighting control unit adjusts the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit, which is turned on at a predetermined brightness, in accordance with the detection result of the seating detection unit. A toilet system characterized by:

2. the illumination unit has a plurality of light source units that are individually controlled by the illumination control unit, The hand washing light source unit is a light source unit arranged at a position close to the hand washing basin among the plurality of light source units, 2. The toilet system of claim 1.

3. When the lighting control unit determines that the user has left the toilet seat based on the input of the detection result from the seat detection unit, the lighting control unit controls to increase the brightness of the light source of the hand-washing light source unit that is lit at a predetermined brightness.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

4. a flushing operation unit for flushing the toilet bowl of the toilet device is provided; When the seating detection unit determines that the user is not seated on the toilet seat and the flushing operation unit inputs a toilet flush command signal, the lighting control unit controls the hand-washing light source unit, which is lit at a predetermined brightness, to increase the brightness.

2. The toilet system of claim 1.

5. The lighting unit is provided on a mirror unit arranged above the hand washing basin, The hand-washing light source unit is provided below the mirror unit.

5. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the toilet system comprises: a first opening;

6. The lighting unit has a counter plate portion made of a light guide and is provided on a counter supporting the hand washing basin, The hand-washing light source unit is provided on the rear end side of the counter board portion behind the hand-washing basin supported on the counter, 5. The toilet system according to claim 1, wherein the toilet system comprises: a first opening;

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