Control device and shower device

The control device integrates lighting with shower functions to adapt lighting modes based on user events and preferences, enhancing the user experience by creating a personalized and functional bathroom environment.

JP2025180534APending Publication Date: 2025-12-11LIXIL CORP
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024087930
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-30
Publication Date
2025-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing shower devices lack effective integration of lighting modes that adapt to user events and preferences, leading to inconsistent user experiences.

Method used

A control device that integrates with a shower apparatus, including a lighting system that adjusts lighting modes based on user identification, time of day, and functions performed in the bathroom, such as showering or drying, to create a personalized and functional lighting environment.

Benefits of technology

Enhances user experience by providing adaptive lighting that complements the user's activities, promoting comfort and ambiance through tailored illumination adjustments.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

To provide a technique capable of effectively utilizing an illumination device in a bathroom.SOLUTION: A control device may include: a specifying unit configured to specify an event that affects the bathroom; and a control unit configured to link the specified event with an illumination mode of an illumination device installed in the bathroom.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a control device and a shower device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a shower device in which multiple LEDs are arranged inside a ring-shaped shower body and along the circumferential direction of the shower body. In this shower device, when a user operates a switch, the multiple LEDs light up, illuminating the entire shower body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-79526 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The impression a user receives varies greatly depending on the lighting mode of the lighting device. This specification provides a technique that allows effective use of lighting devices in a bathroom. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The present disclosure relates to a control device that may include an identification unit that identifies an event that affects a bathroom, and a control unit that links the identified event with a lighting mode of a lighting device installed in the bathroom.

[0006] Another technology disclosed in this specification relates to a shower apparatus. The shower apparatus may include a head body having one or more water outlets, a light source attached to the head body, and an attachment mechanism that can switch between an attached state in which the light source is attached to the head body and a detached state in which the light source is detached from the head body. The attachment mechanism may be switchable between the attached state and the detached state from outside the head body. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 shows a perspective view of a bathroom unit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view of a shower device according to an embodiment; [Figure 3] 3 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2A and 2B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an attached state of the attachment mechanism of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the attachment mechanism of the first embodiment in a detached state. [Figure 7] 1 shows a configuration block diagram of a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 8] 1 shows a configuration block diagram of a control device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 9] 4 shows a flowchart of a bathroom lighting process in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 4 shows a flowchart of illumination change processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 14] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a third embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 19] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 21] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 22] 13A and 13B are schematic diagrams illustrating a light source unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to a tenth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating a light source unit according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a light source unit according to an eleventh embodiment. [Figure 28] 10 shows a perspective view of a modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 29] 29 shows a cross-sectional view of a modification of the attachment mechanism of FIG. 28. [Figure 30] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 31] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 32] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 33] 10 shows a cross-sectional view of another modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 34] 10 shows a plan view of another modified attachment mechanism. [Figure 35] A cross-sectional view taken along line XXXV-XXXV in Figure 34 is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] (First embodiment) (bathroom unit) As shown in FIG. 1, bathroom unit 1 is defined by wall surfaces 4, floor surface 5, and ceiling surface 6 that surround bathroom 2. In addition to wall surfaces 4, floor surface 5, and ceiling surface 6, bathroom unit 1 also includes a bathtub 8, a lighting system 10, one or more function-performing devices, a seat unit 9, an entry sensor 74 (see FIG. 8), and an identification device 72 (see FIG. 8). The function-performing devices refer to devices that perform functions in relation to bathroom 2. The one or more function-performing devices include a shower device 30, a shoulder-spout water-discharge device 64, a bathroom dryer 66, a display device 68, and a speaker device 70.

[0009] The bathtub 8 stores water for the user to bathe in. In this specification, the water is referred to as "water" regardless of the temperature. The bathtub 8 stores water supplied from a bathtub water supply unit (not shown). The bathtub 8 is located at one end of the bathroom 2. Next to the bathtub 8, there is a space for using the shower device 30. Next to the bathtub 8, there is a seat 9 on which the user sits when using the shower device 30. The top surface of the seat 9 has a generally flat shape to make it easy for the user to sit on.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 7, lighting system 10 includes lighting device 12 and control device 50. Lighting device 12 is disposed in bathroom 2. Control device 50 controls lighting device 12. Lighting device 12 illuminates at least a portion of bathroom 2 at various color temperatures and illuminances. Control device 50 controls lighting device 12 in conjunction with events that affect bathroom 2. Events that affect bathroom 2 include, for example, entry into the bathroom, identification information of a user using bathroom 2, and functions executed by one or more function-executing devices (e.g., the water discharge modes of shower device 30 and shoulder-discharge device 64).

[0011] Illumination device 12 has first illumination unit 14, second illumination unit 15, third illumination units 16 and 17, and fourth illumination unit 18. As shown in FIG. 1 , first illumination unit 14 is attached to shower device 30. Second illumination unit 15 and third illumination units 16 and 17 are attached to ceiling surface 6. Fourth illumination unit 18 is attached to shoulder-type water discharge device 64.

[0012] (Configuration of shower device) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the shower apparatus 30 is an overhead shower. In addition to the first illumination unit 14, the shower apparatus 30 includes a head main body 32, an attachment mechanism 39 for attaching the first illumination unit 14 to the head main body 32, and a cover 40 for covering the head main body 32. The head main body 32 is attached to the ceiling surface 6. The head main body 32 has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. The head main body 32 has a plate-shaped portion 32b and multiple protrusions 32c that protrude from the plate-shaped portion 32b to the lower end 32a of the head main body 32. The lower end 32a of the head main body 32 is provided with multiple types of outlets 34, 36, and 38. The head main body 32 is formed with a portion of multiple water supply paths 33 that respectively connect a water source (not shown) to the multiple outlets 34, 36, and 38. The shower device 30 discharges water supplied from a shower water supply device 31 through multiple water supply paths 33 and from multiple outlets 34, 36, 38. The head main body 32 has multiple outlets 34 spaced apart from one another. The multiple outlets 34 discharge water in shower form. Specifically, in shower form, each outlet 34 continuously discharges water droplets having a diameter of approximately 1 mm to 5 mm. The diameter of the water droplets discharged from each outlet 34 is not limited to the above range. The diameter of the droplets discharged from each outlet 34 may be less than approximately 1 mm or greater than approximately 5 mm.

[0013] The head main body 32 has a plurality of outlets 36 arranged at intervals. For example, four outlets 36 are arranged, one at each vertex of a square. The diameter of the outlets 36 is smaller than the diameter of the outlet 34. The plurality of outlets 36 eject water in a mist state. Specifically, in the mist state, water droplets having a particle size of approximately 100 μm to 750 μm are sprayed in a mist form from each outlet 36.

[0014] One outlet 38 is located in the center of the head main body 32. The diameter of the outlet 38 is larger than the diameters of the outlets 34 and 36. The outlet 38 ejects water in a cascading shower mode. Specifically, in a cascading shower mode, water is continuously ejected from the outlet 38 in a waterfall-like manner. The shower device 30 is located on the ceiling surface 6 in a range where the outlet 38 is located above the user's shoulders when the user is seated on the seat 9. There is no particular limit to the number of outlets 34, 36, and 38. For example, the number of outlets 36 may be three or less, or five or more. The number of outlets 34 may be two or more.

[0015] The cover 40 is detachably attached to the head main body 32. The cover 40 has a plurality of through holes that expose the plurality of ejection ports 34, 36, 38 downward when the cover 40 is attached. The cover 40 has a plurality of hook portions 40a that can be hooked onto the head main body 32. This secures the cover 40 to the head main body 32. The cover 40 is made of a resin material. In a modified example, the cover 40 may be made of stainless steel. In another modified example, the cover 40 may have a metal plating film applied to either the resin or stainless steel that forms the cover 40.

[0016] (Configuration of the first lighting unit) The first illumination unit 14 is disposed on the lower end 32a side of the head main body 32. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the first illumination unit 14 includes a light source unit 22, a substrate 24, and a wiring unit 28. The light source unit 22 is disposed on the lower surface 24a of the substrate 24. The light source unit 22 is integrally formed with the substrate 24. A wiring circuit is formed on the substrate 24. The light source unit 22 is electrically connected to the wiring circuit of the substrate 24. The substrate 24 has a waterproof structure for protecting the wiring circuit from contact with water. For example, the lower surface 24a of the substrate 24 may have a coating film that covers the wiring circuit. The coating film may be formed of a waterproof material such as resin. The wiring unit 28 includes wiring 28a and a connector 28b. The wiring unit 28 electrically connects the substrate 24 to an external power source (not shown).

[0017] (Light source configuration) In FIG. 5, the water supply path 33 between the water supply source and the outlet 38, that is located outside the shower apparatus 30, is simply illustrated by a dashed line. The light emitted by the light source unit 22 is illustrated by a chain line. As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the light source unit 22 is attached around the outlet 38. The light source unit 22 is an annular member. The light source unit 22 has multiple light sources 25 and a diffusion unit 26. The diffusion unit 26 diffuses the light from the multiple light sources 25 downward in the shower apparatus 30. Each of the multiple light sources 25 has a pair of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 25a, 25b. The pair of LEDs 25a, 25b is arranged to emit light downward. The LEDs 25a and 25b have different color temperatures. The LED 25a emits daylight light (e.g., approximately 6500K). The LED 25b emits incandescent light (e.g., approximately 2700K). Each light source 25 uses two LEDs 25a, 25b and can emit light with a color temperature ranging from incandescent to daylight. The number of LEDs 25a, 25b in each light source 25 is not particularly limited. Each light source 25 may have one LED, or three or more LEDs. The multiple light sources 25 are arranged within the diffusion section 26. In the light source section 22, the multiple light sources 25 are arranged at predetermined intervals along the periphery of the opening of the outlet 38. The diffusion section 26 has an annular shape. The diffusion section 26 is formed of a translucent material that transmits light. The diffusion section 26 is a cover member that covers the light source section 22 from below. In a modified example, the light source section 22 may be embedded within the diffusion section 26. In another modified example, the diffusion section 26 does not necessarily diffuse the light of each light source 25. In this case, the diffusion section 26 may include, for example, a lens that refracts the light of each light source 25. By passing through the diffuser 26, the light of each light source 25 may be converted into light having a desired orientation angle.

[0018] FIG. 4 schematically shows the positional relationship between the outlet 38 and the light source unit 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the light source unit 22 is exposed below the shower device 30 through a through-hole in the cover 40 that exposes the outlet 38. The light source unit 22 is disposed outside the outlet 38. The light source unit 22 extends along the periphery of the opening of the outlet 38 in the head main body unit 32. The light source unit 22 extends around the entire circumference of the outlet 38. With this configuration, the light source unit 22 can illuminate the water being ejected from the outlet 38 from all directions.

[0019] The position of light source unit 22 disposed at outlet 38 is not limited to the position described above, and light source unit 22 may be attached around outlet 38. Around outlet 38 means that light source unit 22 is disposed within a range where light from light source unit 22 hits the end of water ejected from outlet 38 on the outlet 38 side. The end on the outlet 38 side is located above the user's head when using shower apparatus 30. With this configuration, light from light source unit 22 is irradiated onto water ejected from outlet 38, providing an illuminated environment that the user finds comfortable.

[0020] (Installation mechanism for the first lighting unit) As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the first illumination unit 14 is detachably attached to the head body 32 by an attachment mechanism 39. Detailed structures such as the multiple outlets 34, 36, and 38 of the head body 32 and the multiple through-holes formed in the cover 40 are omitted in FIG. 6. The head body 32 has a recess 32d into which the substrate 24 is fitted and a recess 32e in which the wiring 28 electrically connects the light source unit 22 on the substrate 24 is disposed. The attachment mechanism 39 can be switched between an attached state in which the first illumination unit 14 is attached to the head body 32 (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and a detached state in which the first illumination unit 14 is detached from the head body 32 (see FIG. 6). This configuration allows the first illumination unit 14 to be easily removed from the shower apparatus 30. This eliminates the need to replace the entire shower apparatus 30, providing greater user convenience.

[0021] The mounting mechanism 39 has a plurality of fastening members such as bolts, rivets, etc. The base plate 24 is a rectangular plate-like member. The plurality of fastening members are arranged at the four corners of the base plate 24. The plurality of fastening members penetrate the base plate 24 and are fixed to the head main body 32.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, the second lighting unit 15 is a line light that emits light in a linear pattern. The second lighting unit 15 is arranged along the upper edge of the seat unit 9 on the ceiling surface 6. The second lighting unit 15 illuminates the side of the bathroom 2 where the seat unit 9 is arranged. The second lighting unit 15 has a light source unit that has multiple light sources. The multiple light sources are arranged in a straight line at a predetermined interval along the edge of the ceiling surface 6.

[0023] The third lighting units 16 and 17 are downlights. The third lighting units 16 and 17 are located on the ceiling surface 6, opposite the shower device 30 in the longitudinal direction of the bathtub 8. For example, the third lighting unit 16 is located on the washing area side adjacent to the bathtub 8 (i.e., the shower device 30 side). For example, the third lighting unit 17 is located on the bathtub 8 side. This allows the washing area side of the bathroom 2 to be illuminated relatively brightly. The third lighting units 16 and 17 can illuminate the bathroom in a spot-like manner. Each of the third lighting units 16 and 17 has a light source unit with at least one light source. The third lighting units 16 and 17 and the first lighting unit 14 are located at the vertices of a triangle. This allows the third lighting units 16 and 17, together with the first lighting unit 14, to illuminate the entire bathroom 2 with a constant illuminance. In a variant, the third lighting units 16 and 17 may be spotlights with a narrower illumination range than downlights. For example, each of third lighting units 16, 17 may be lit independently. In this case, third lighting units 16, 17 may function as reading lights or as decorative lighting that adds a touch of elegance to bathroom 2 by illuminating walls 4 and floor 5 of bathroom 2, the surface of the water in bathtub 8, etc. The positions of third lighting units 16, 17 are not particularly limited. For example, one of third lighting units 16, 17 may be located in an area facing bathtub 8 on ceiling surface 6 and adjacent to shower apparatus 30. In another variation, one of third lighting units 16, 17 may be a downlight, and the other of third lighting units 16, 17 may be a spotlight.

[0024] The fourth lighting unit 18 is attached to the shoulder water discharge device 64. The fourth lighting unit 18 is disposed inside the outlet that discharges water from the shoulder water discharge device 64. It can irradiate light onto the water discharged from the shoulder water discharge device 64. The fourth lighting unit 18 has a light source unit that has at least one light source.

[0025] In the second illumination unit 15, the third illumination units 16 and 17, and the fourth illumination unit 18, each light source unit is configured similarly to the first illumination unit 14 and can emit light with a color temperature ranging from incandescent to daylight. In a modified example, each light source unit may emit light with a color temperature within a specific range. For example, if the third illumination unit 17 is a spotlight and functions as a reading light, the third illumination unit 17 may be capable of emitting only daylight light.

[0026] (Control device configuration) As shown in FIG. 7 , the control device 50 is communicatively connected to the lighting device 12. The control device 50 includes a control unit 52 and a storage unit 54. The control unit 52 includes a CPU. The control unit 52 executes processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the storage unit 54. The storage unit 54 is configured with a ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. The storage unit 54 stores various programs. The storage unit 54 stores information and data necessary for the control unit 52 to execute processing. In a modified example, the control unit 52 may include another processing device, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), instead of a CPU as a processing device that executes the computer program.

[0027] A first operating device 76 is communicatively connected to the control device 50. The first operating device 76 has one or more buttons operated by a user. When a button is operated by the user, the first operating device 76 transmits a signal corresponding to the button to the control device 50. The first operating device 76 has one or more lighting buttons 76A that instruct the control device 50 on the lighting mode of the lighting device 12. The lighting mode includes on / off, color temperature, and illuminance. Upon receiving an operation signal from the first operating device 76, the control device 50 changes the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 based on the received operation signal. The first operating device 76 is attached to the wall 4 in the bathroom 2. The first operating device 76 is connected to the control device 50 by wire. In a variant, the first operating device 76 may be connected to the control device 50 wirelessly.

[0028] The storage unit 54 of the control device 50 stores multiple lighting tables for determining the lighting mode of the lighting device 12. In the initial state of the control device 50, a reference lighting table and one or more individual lighting tables are stored in the storage unit 54. A user can select one individual lighting table from the one or more individual lighting tables. The control device 50 stores the individual lighting table selected by the user in combination with user identification information in the storage unit 54. When the control device 50 acquires user identification information, it selects the individual lighting table associated with the user identification information. When the control device 50 does not acquire user identification information, it selects the reference lighting table. Each lighting table stores a combination of functions to be executed by all function-executing devices included in the bathroom unit 1, the time period during which the user uses the bathroom 2, and the lighting mode of the lighting device 12. The control device 50 identifies the mode of the function-executing device and the time period, and stores the combination using the selected lighting table.

[0029] The time periods are divided into wake-up time periods, daytime time periods, and time periods before bedtime. The control device 50 identifies whether the time period is wake-up time periods, daytime time periods, or before bedtime based on information about the time the user uses the bathroom 2. The control device 50 identifies the time period by acquiring time information from a schedule function executed by a program stored in the storage unit 54. In a variant, the control device 50 may identify the time period using information from a light sensor placed, for example, on a window in the bathroom 2.

[0030] The functions executed by the function execution device include the water discharge modes of the shower device 30 and the shoulder discharge device 64, and the functions executed by the bathroom dryer 66, the display device 68, and the speaker device .

[0031] As shown in FIG. 8, the control device 50 is communicably connected to a water discharge control device 56, a shoulder water discharge device 64, a bathroom dryer 66, a display device 68, and a speaker device 70.

[0032] The water discharge control device 56 controls the switching valve device 62. The switching valve device 62 is equipped with a solenoid valve. The switching valve device 62 connects the supply source to the shower device 30. The water discharge control device 56 controls the water discharge mode of the shower device 30. The water discharge mode of the shower device 30 includes water supply and water stop, the flow rate, temperature, and change over time of the discharged water (i.e., the state of change when water is discharged while changing the flow rate, temperature, etc. over time), and shower water discharge, mist spray, and water shower discharge.

[0033] The water discharge control device 56, like the control device 50, includes a control unit 58 and a storage unit 59. The control unit 58 executes processing in accordance with a computer program stored in the storage unit 59.

[0034] A second operating device 78 is communicatively connected to the water discharge control device 56. Like the first operating device 76, the second operating device 78 has one or more buttons operated by the user. The second operating device 78 has one or more shower buttons 78A that instruct the control device 50 on the water discharge mode of the shower device 30. When the user operates the shower button 78A, the second operating device 78 sends an operating signal to the water discharge control device 56 to change the water discharge mode of the shower device 30. When the water discharge control device 56 receives an operating signal from the second operating device 78, it changes the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 based on the received operating signal. As shown in FIG. 1 , the second operating device 78 is attached to the wall 4 of the bathroom 2. The second operating device 78 is connected to the water discharge control device 56 by wire. In a modified example, the second operating device 78 may be connected to the water discharge control device 56 wirelessly.

[0035] A third operating device 80 is communicatively connected to the control device 50 and the water discharge control device 56. The third operating device 80 has one or more buttons similar to those of the first operating device 76 and the second operating device 78. The third operating device 80 has one or more lighting buttons 80A similar to those of the first operating device 76, and one or more shower buttons 80B similar to those of the second operating device 78.

[0036] The third operating device 80 transmits an operation signal to the control device 50 to change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 in response to a user's operation of the lighting button 80A. When the control device 50 receives an operation signal related to the lighting device 12 from the third operating device 80, it changes the water discharge mode of the lighting device 12 based on the received operation signal. When the user operates the shower button 80B, the third operating device 80 transmits an operation signal to the water discharge control device 56 to change the water discharge mode of the shower device 30. When the water discharge control device 56 receives an operation signal from the third operating device 80, it changes the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 based on the received operation signal. The third operating device 80 is connected wirelessly to both the control device 50 and the water discharge control device 56. In a modified example, the third operating device 80 may be connected to both the control device 50 and the water discharge control device 56 by wire.

[0037] Water discharge control device 56 transmits operation signals for shower device 30 obtained from second operating device 78 and third operating device 80 to control device 50. Control device 50 obtains water discharge mode information for shower device 30 from the operation signals obtained from operating devices 78, 80 via water discharge control device 56.

[0038] Other function-performing devices besides the shower device 30 that are associated with the lighting device 12 are described below.

[0039] In addition to the fourth lighting unit 18, the shoulder water spouting device 64 has a discharge port (not shown) that discharges water drawn up from inside the bathtub 8. The shoulder water spouting device 64 discharges a stream of water from the discharge port into the bathtub 8. In other words, the water in the bathtub 8 circulates between the bathtub 8 and the shoulder water spouting device 64. The shoulder water spouting device 64 changes its water discharge mode using an operating device (not shown) operated by the user. The water discharge mode of the shoulder water spouting device 64 includes water discharge and water stop, as well as the flow rate of the discharged water and changes over time.

[0040] Bathroom dryer 66 can be changed into various operating modes depending on the combination of the heat source and ventilation fan drive states. The various operating modes include, for example, ventilation, dehumidification, cool air, drying, and heating. Bathroom dryer 66 changes its operating mode using an operating device (not shown) operated by the user.

[0041] The display device 68 displays images such as videos. The display device 68 can display videos obtained from the outside via an internet line, radio waves, etc. The display device 68 can be connected to a video distribution server. The display device 68 transmits a signal indicating the category of the video the user is watching to the control device 50. The display device 68 is disposed on the wall surface 4 opposite the side surface on which the outlet of the shoulder water discharge device 64 is disposed.

[0042] The speaker device 70 includes two speakers that output audio within the bathroom 2. The speaker device 70 is wirelessly connected to an audio device located outside the bathroom 2. Examples of audio devices include mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers, as well as stationary devices. The speaker device 70 outputs music downloaded by the user from the speakers. Alternatively, the speaker device 70 may play music downloaded to the audio device using a streaming method. The speaker device 70 transmits a signal indicating the category of the music acquired from the audio device to the control device 50. In a modified example, the control device 50 may directly receive a signal indicating the category of the music from the audio device. In another modified example, the control device 50 may be able to identify the category of the music being played by the speaker device 70 from the audio output from the speaker device 70. The position and number of the speaker devices 70 are not particularly limited. For example, the speaker device 70 may be fixed to the ceiling surface 6, the wall surface 4, the bathtub 8, or the like, or may be detachably attached. The number of speakers may be one, or may be three or more.

[0043] The control device 50 is communicatively connected to each of the identification device 72 and the entry sensor 74 .

[0044] The identification device 72 acquires an identification signal that identifies the user. For example, before using the bathroom 2, the user wirelessly connects the user's personal terminal to the identification device 72 and transmits an identification signal to the identification device 72. The identification device 72 receives the signal transmitted from the user and acquires the identification signal. The personal terminal is, for example, a smartphone. The identification device 72 transmits the acquired identification signal to the control device 50. The identification device 72 is located outside the bathroom 2.

[0045] The entry sensor 74 detects whether or not a user is present in the bathroom 2. The entry sensor 74 is an infrared human presence sensor. The entry sensor 74 is disposed on the ceiling surface 6 of the bathroom 2. In a modified example, the entry sensor 74 may be a door sensor that detects whether a door is open or closed.

[0046] (Processing by the control device) The control device 50 executes the bathroom lighting process as shown in FIGS.

[0047] In S10, the control device 50 monitors whether a user has entered the bathroom 2. When the entry sensor 74 detects that a user has entered the bathroom 2 (YES in S10), the control device 50 determines that a user has entered the bathroom and starts the bathroom lighting process.

[0048] In S12, the control device 50 determines whether it has acquired the user's identification signal. If the control device 50 has acquired the identification signal (YES in S12), it determines an individual lighting table from the identification information included in the identification signal in S16. If the control device 50 has not acquired the user's identification signal in S12 (NO in S12), it determines the lighting table that determines the mode of the lighting device 12 as the reference lighting table in S18.

[0049] In S20, the control device 50 identifies the time period during which the user will use the bathroom 2. The control device 50 acquires current time information from the schedule function and identifies the time period from the acquired time information. For example, when the control device 50 acquires that the current time is 6:00 a.m., it may identify the time period as a time period for waking up. For example, when the control device 50 acquires that the current time is 9:00 p.m., it may identify the time period as a time period before going to bed.

[0050] In S24, the control device 50 turns on the lighting device 12 based on either the individual lighting table or the reference lighting table determined in S16 or S18 based on the user's entry identified in S10 and the time period identified in S20. For example, if the reference lighting table is determined as the lighting table in S18 and the time period is identified as a wake-up time period in S20, the control device 50 may turn on the lighting device 12 at a daylight color temperature. This can help wake the user up. For example, if the reference lighting table is determined as the lighting table in S18 and the time period is identified as a time period before bedtime in S20, the control device 50 may turn on the lighting device 12 at a warm white color temperature. This can help the user fall asleep.

[0051] In S26, control device 50 executes the illumination change process shown in Fig. 10. In the illumination change process, the illumination mode of lighting device 12 is changed based on a user operation signal that changes the illumination mode and the water discharge mode of shower device 30 using operation devices 76, 78, 80, and a signal indicating a function to be executed by another identified function executing device. Control device 50 changes the illumination mode of lighting device 12 each time it receives a signal.

[0052] In S28, controller 50 determines whether or not an operation signal for shower device 30 has been acquired. If an operation signal for shower device 30 has been acquired (YES in S28), controller 50 determines the water discharge mode for shower device 30 based on the acquired operation signal.

[0053] In S32, the control device 50 changes the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 in accordance with the water discharge mode determined in S28. Specifically, the control device 50 determines the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 from the time period determined in S20 and the water discharge mode determined in S28, using either the individual lighting table or the reference lighting table determined in S16 and S18. The control device 50 switches the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to the determined lighting mode.

[0054] In S34, the control device 50 determines whether or not an operation signal for the lighting device 12 has been acquired. If an operation signal for the lighting device 12 has been acquired (YES in S34), the control device 50 proceeds to S38. If an operation signal for the lighting device 12 has not been acquired (NO in S34), the control device 50 proceeds to S46 in FIG. 9.

[0055] If an operation signal for the shower device 30 is not acquired in S28 (NO in S28), the control device 50 determines in S36 whether an operation signal for the lighting device 12 is acquired. If an operation signal for the lighting device 12 is acquired (YES in S36), the control device 50 proceeds to S38. If an operation signal for the lighting device 12 is not acquired (NO in S36), the control device 50 proceeds to S40.

[0056] If an operation signal for the lighting device 12 is acquired in either S34 or S36 (YES in S34, YES in S36), in S38 the control device 50 changes the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to the acquired lighting mode in accordance with the acquired operation signal. After executing the process of S38, the control device 50 proceeds to S46 in FIG. 9.

[0057] In S40, it is determined whether a signal indicating a function of another function-performing device other than the shower device 30 has been acquired. The other function-performing devices in S40 refer to the shoulder-spouting water-discharge device 64, the bathroom dryer 66, the display device 68, and the speaker device 70. If a signal indicating a function of another function-performing device has not been acquired (NO in S40), the process proceeds to S46 in Figure 9. If a signal indicating a function of a function-performing device has been acquired (YES in S40), in S42, the function being performed by that function-performing device is identified based on the signal of the function-performing device acquired in S40.

[0058] For example, when an operation signal indicating the water discharge mode of the shoulder water discharge device 64 is acquired, the control device 50 may identify, from the acquired signal, which water discharge mode the shoulder water discharge device 64 is in. This signal may be transmitted, for example, from an operation device operated by a user to change the operating state of the shoulder water discharge device 64.

[0059] For example, when control device 50 acquires a signal indicating the operating state being performed by bathroom dryer 66, it may determine from the acquired signal whether bathroom dryer 66 is in the ventilation, dehumidification, cool air, drying, or heating operating state. This signal may be transmitted from an operating device (not shown) operated by a user to change the operating state of bathroom dryer 66, for example.

[0060] For example, when a signal indicating the category of a video being viewed by a user on the display device 68 is acquired, the control device 50 may use the acquired signal to determine which category of video to play on the display device 68. This signal may be a signal transmitted by the display device 68, or the control device 50 may read a signal acquired by the display device 68 from a video distribution server.

[0061] For example, when a signal indicating the category of music to be played on the speaker device 70 is acquired, the control device 50 identifies the category of music to be played on the speaker device 70 based on the acquired signal.

[0062] In S44, the mode of the lighting device 12 is changed according to the function of the function executing device identified in S42. Specifically, the control device 50 determines the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 based on the time period identified in S20 and the function identified in S42, using either the individual lighting table or the reference lighting table determined in S16 and S18. The control device 50 switches the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to the determined lighting mode.

[0063] For example, if the control device 50 determines in S42 that the water discharge mode of the shoulder water discharge device 64 is water discharge, then in S44, it may turn on the fourth illumination unit 18 and change the illuminance levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17 to 25% of the maximum illuminance. In a modified example, the illuminance levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17 at this time may be other than 25% of the maximum illuminance. For example, the illuminance levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17 may be 10% or 0% of the maximum illuminance. If the control device 50 determines in S42 that the water discharge mode of the shoulder water discharge device 64 is stopped, then it may turn off the fourth illumination unit 18 and change the illuminance levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17 to 50% of the maximum illuminance. In a modified example, the illuminance levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17 at this time may be other than 50% of the maximum illuminance. For example, the illumination levels of the other lighting units 14, 15, 16, and 17 may be 75% or 100% of the maximum illumination.

[0064] For example, when control device 50 determines in S42 that the operating state of bathroom dryer 66 is heating, it may change the color temperature of the lighting mode of lighting device 12 to warm white in S44. For example, when control device 50 determines in S42 that the operating state of bathroom dryer 66 is cool air, it may change the color temperature of the lighting mode of lighting device 12 to daylight.

[0065] For example, if the control device 50 determines in S42 that the category of video the user is watching on the display device 68 is a video for children, then in S44 the control device 50 may change the illumination level of the lighting device 12 to 100% of the maximum illumination level.

[0066] For example, if the control device 50 determines in S42 that the category of the music being played from the speaker device 70 is jazz, then in S44 the control device 50 may change the color temperature of the lighting device 12 to warm white.

[0067] In S46, the control device 50 monitors whether the user has left the bathroom. If the control device 50 does not detect the presence of a user in the bathroom 2, it determines that the user has left the bathroom (YES in S46), and in S50 turns off the lighting device 12, thereby ending the bathroom lighting process.

[0068] In S46, if the control device 50 detects that a user is present in the bathroom 2 (NO in S46), it returns to S26 and repeats the lighting change process from S28 to S44 in FIG. 10 until it is determined in S46 that the user has left the bathroom.

[0069] As an example, the control device 50 acquires an operation signal for the shower device 30 in S28. If the acquired operation signal determines that the shower device 30 has started shower water discharge (i.e., the water discharge mode is water supply) (YES in S28), the control device 50 may change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to a mode corresponding to shower water discharge in S32. The control device 50 may, for example, turn on the lighting device 12 at 100% of maximum illuminance. If the control device 50 does not acquire an operation signal for the lighting device 12 in S34 (NO in S34) or does not determine that the user has left the room in S46 of FIG. 9 (NO in S46), the control device 50 may return to S28 of FIG. 10 for the lighting change process in S26. Next, the control device 50 acquires an operation signal for the shower device 30 in S28. If the acquired operation signal determines that the shower device 30 has stopped shower water discharge (i.e., the water discharge mode is stopped) (YES in S28), the control device 50 may change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to a mode corresponding to stopping shower water discharge in S32. For example, the control device 50 may reduce the illuminance level of the lighting device 12 to 50% of the maximum illuminance over a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) over time. This process allows the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to transition automatically to a state where the user is in a relaxed state due to the water being stopped from the shower device 30, without the user operating the lighting device 12. In a modified example, when the control device 50 determines that the shower water discharge has stopped, the control device 50 may reduce the illuminance level of the lighting device 12 over time over a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) after a predetermined period (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed. If the control device 50 does not acquire an operation signal for the lighting device 12 in S34 (NO in S34) and does not determine that the user has left the room in S46 (NO in S46), the control device 50 may return to S28 of FIG. 10 for the lighting change process of S26.

[0070] For example, if control device 50 does not acquire operation signals for shower device 30 and lighting device 12 (NO in S28 and NO in S36), but acquires a signal from shoulder-spouting device 64 in S40 to S42 and identifies the water spouting mode as water spouting, control device 50 may change the lighting mode of lighting device 12 to one that corresponds to shoulder-spouting in S44. In this case, control device 50 may change the illuminance level of fourth lighting unit 18 over time to 75% of the maximum illuminance, and may change the illuminance levels of lighting units 14, 15, 16, and 17 other than fourth lighting unit 18 over time to 25% of the maximum illuminance. If control device 50 does not identify the user's departure in S46 (NO in S46 of FIG. 9), control device 50 may return to S28 of FIG. 10 for the lighting change process of S26. If the control device 50 does not receive an operation signal for the shower device 30 (NO in S28) but receives an operation signal for the lighting device 12 (YES in S36) before the user finishes using the shoulder-discharge device 64, the control device 50 may change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 to the lighting mode previously received in S38 in accordance with the operation signal previously received. Alternatively, if a signal indicating the function of the display device 68 is received in S40 before the user finishes using the shoulder-discharge device 64, the control device 50 may determine in S42 that a movie will be viewed on the display device 68 based on the signal previously received in S40. In S44, the control device 50 may determine a lighting mode corresponding to viewing a movie on the display device 68. In this case, for example, the control device 50 may change the illumination level of the fourth illumination unit 18 to 0% of maximum illumination in accordance with the illumination mode corresponding to viewing a movie. The control device 50 may change the illumination levels of the other illumination units 14, 15, 16, and 17, as well as the fourth illumination unit 18, to 0% of maximum illumination in accordance with the illumination mode corresponding to viewing a movie.

[0071] In another modification, in the lighting change process, if the function being executed by the speaker device 70 (which category of music to play) is identified in S40 before the user finishes using the shoulder water discharge device 64, the control device 50 may prioritize the water discharge mode resulting from the water discharge mode of the shoulder water discharge device 64 rather than the speaker device 70 in S42. The control device 50 may store priorities for changing the lighting in the function-executing devices. The priorities of the function-executing devices may be set in advance in the storage unit 54 of the control device 50 or may be set by the user. In another modification, the priorities may be determined by an operation device that transmits an operation signal to cause the function-executing device to execute the function.

[0072] In this embodiment, by specifying the water discharge mode of shower apparatus 30, multiple lighting units 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 can be changed at once according to the specified water discharge mode. Therefore, the user does not need to operate each of lighting units 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18 to change the corresponding lighting mode each time the mode of shower apparatus 30 is changed. This reduces the amount of work required of the user and saves time and effort.

[0073] In this embodiment, the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 is identified using operation signals acquired from the operation devices 78 and 80, and if the lighting mode linked to the identified water discharge mode differs from the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 corresponding to the operation signal acquired from the operation devices 76 and 80, the operation signal received last is given priority. This prevents the control device 50 from freezing due to overlapping instructions from the operation devices 76, 78, and 80, even when the lighting device 12 is operated by multiple operation devices 76, 78, and 80. In a modified example, the control device 50 may change the lighting mode by giving priority to the operation signal received first, or by giving priority to either the operation signal of the shower device 30 or the operation signal of the lighting device 12.

[0074] In particular, in this embodiment, the lighting mode of lighting device 12 is linked to function-executing devices other than shower device 30. With this configuration, control device 50 can automatically select a lighting mode that matches the function being executed by the function-executing device, such as the water discharge mode of shoulder-discharge device 64, the category of music being played by speaker device 70, or the category of video being viewed on display device 68.

[0075] (Second embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, this embodiment differs in the configuration of the light source unit 122. The diffusion section 126 of the light source unit 122 does not extend around the entire circumference of the outlet 38. A gap is formed between one end 122a and the other end 122b in the circumferential direction of the light source unit 122. With this configuration, the light source unit 122 can irradiate light from a partial direction onto the water being discharged from the outlet 38.

[0076] (Third embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 13 and 14. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, this embodiment differs in the configuration of the light source unit 222. The diffusion unit 226 of the light source unit 222 extends over approximately half the circumference of the outlet 38. With this configuration, light can be irradiated onto only one side of the water ejected from the outlet 38 in a predetermined direction across the ejected water.

[0077] (Fourth embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, this embodiment includes two light source units 322A and 322B. The light sources 25 of the light source unit 322A are connected to a substrate 324A, and the light sources 25 of the light source unit 322B are connected to a substrate 324B separate from the substrate 324A. The substrates 324A and 324B may have a waterproof structure similar to the substrate 24 of the first embodiment. The light source unit 322A is located on one side of the outlet 38 in a predetermined direction. The light source unit 322B is located on the other side of the outlet 38 in the predetermined direction. This configuration allows the two light source units 322A and 322B to be individually controlled. This allows the user to emit light from at least one of the light source units 322A and 322B according to preference. The number of light source units 322A and 322B is not limited to two and may be three or more. In a modified example, the diffusion portion may extend between the light source portion 322A and the light source portion 322B along the circumferential direction of the outlet 38. This improves the design of the first illumination portion.

[0078] (Fifth embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 17 and 18. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, this embodiment differs in the configuration of light source units 422A and 422B. Light source unit 422A has a light guide unit 442, a light source 425, and a substrate (not shown) to which light source 425 is connected. Light guide unit 442 is an annular light guide plate. Light guide unit 442 is made of a fluorine-based resin material. In a modified example, light guide unit 442 may be made of another resin material having light-guiding properties. Light source unit 422B is configured similarly to light source unit 422A.

[0079] The light-guiding unit 442 has an extending portion 442a that extends along the periphery of the opening of the outlet 38, and a branching portion 442b that branches off from the extending portion 442a and extends in one direction. A light source 425 is disposed at an end on one side of the branching portion 442b. The light source 425 is disposed so as to irradiate light toward the light-guiding unit 442. The light source 425 includes one or more LEDs (not shown). Even when the light-guiding unit 442 is used for each of the light source units 422A and 422B, light is irradiated from each of the light source units 422A and 422b onto the water discharged from the outlet 38, providing a lighting environment that the user finds comfortable. In particular, by irradiating light from each of the light sources 425 through the light-guiding unit 442, the directionality of each of the light sources 25 is reduced. This allows only the upper portion of the water being discharged from outlet 38 to be illuminated, reducing glare from light sources 422A and 422B. In this embodiment, light can be effectively applied to the mist, particularly when shower device 30 sprays it. Because light sources 422A and 422B are independent of each other, in addition to illuminating the water being discharged, one of light sources 422A and 422B may also function as a display that displays the temperature of the water before it is discharged, for example when shower device 30 is in standby mode.

[0080] In light source unit 422A, branch portion 442b and light source 425 are covered from below by cover 40. That is, branch portion 442b and light source 425 of light source unit 422A are located in positions that are not visible to the user. In light source unit 422B, branch portion 442b and light source 425 are located below cover 40 and are not covered by cover 40. That is, branch portion 442b and light source 425 of light source unit 422B are located in positions that are visible to the user. The position of light guiding unit 442 is not limited to this embodiment. Each light guiding unit 442 may be located in a position that is visible to the user, or may be located in a position that is not visible to the user. This is not limited to this embodiment. As described above, using light guiding units 442 reduces the glare of light source units 422A and 442B, so each light guiding unit 442 can be freely positioned according to the design of shower apparatus 30.

[0081] (Sixth embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the configurations of light sources 422A and 322B are different in this embodiment. Light source 422A is the same as light source 422A in the fifth embodiment, and light source 322B is the same as in the fourth embodiment. With this configuration, when the water discharge mode of shower device 30 is changed between water splashing and mist spray, the light source that emits light can be switched between light source 422A and light source 322B to match the changed water discharge mode of shower device 30. This allows light to be effectively irradiated onto the water discharged from outlet 38 depending on the water discharge mode. For example, when water splashing is selected, light is emitted from light source 422A, and when mist spray is selected, light is emitted from light source 322B.

[0082] Seventh embodiment The differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 21. As shown in FIG. 21, this embodiment differs in the configuration of the light source unit 522. In the light source unit 522, two types of LEDs 25a and 25b with different color temperatures are repeatedly arranged so as to alternate with each other. The multiple LEDs 25a and 25b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction. With this configuration, the light source unit 522 is configured so that the multiple LEDs 25a and the multiple LEDs 25b alternately emit light, thereby making it possible to express a flickering light.

[0083] (Eighth embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 22 and 23. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the configuration of the light source unit 622 is different. In FIG. 23, the board connected to the multiple light sources 25 is not shown. The light source unit 622 is disposed within the water supply path 33. The light source unit 622 is disposed on the inner surface of the outlet 38. The outer diameter of the diffusion section 626 of the light source unit 622 is smaller than the inner diameter of the outlet 38. Even with this configuration, the light source unit 622 can irradiate light onto the water being discharged from the outlet 38. Since the position of the light source unit 622 has been changed, the configuration of the head main body unit 632 may also be different.

[0084] (Ninth embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the fourth and eighth embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. 24 . As shown in FIG. 24 , the configuration of the light source unit 722 is different. The light source unit 722 is located above the water supply path 33 and can irradiate light into the water supply path 33. When viewed from below, the light source unit 722 at least partially overlaps the opening area of ​​the outlet 38. The light source unit 722 includes a light guide unit 742, a light source 725, and a substrate (not shown) to which the light source 725 is connected. The light guide unit 742 is configured similarly to the fourth embodiment and is, for example, a rectangular conductor plate. The light source 725 is arranged to irradiate light toward the light guide unit 742. The light source 725 includes one or more LEDs (not shown). With this configuration, the light source unit 722 can also irradiate light onto water discharged from the outlet 38.

[0085] (Tenth embodiment) Differences between this embodiment and the ninth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 25 . As shown in FIG. 25 , the configuration of the light source unit 822 is different. The light source unit 822 has a light source 825. The light source 825 has one or more LEDs. The light source unit 822 is disposed within the water supply path 33. When the outlet 38 is viewed from below, the light source unit 822 is not located within the opening area of ​​the outlet 38. The light source unit 822 is located on the upper side of the inner surface of the water supply path 33. The light source unit 822 may be located upstream within the water supply path 33. Even with this configuration, the light source unit 822 can irradiate light onto the water discharged from the outlet 38. In this embodiment, the light source unit 822 irradiates light onto the water path of the water flowing through the water supply path 33, thereby irradiating light onto the water discharged from the outlet 38.

[0086] (Eleventh embodiment) The differences between this embodiment and the tenth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 26 and 27. As shown in Figures 26 and 27, the position of the light source unit 922 is different. The light source unit 922 is located directly above the outlet 38. When the outlet 38 is viewed from below, the light source unit 922 is located at the center C of the opening area of ​​the outlet 38. Even with this configuration, the light source unit 922 can irradiate light onto the water being discharged from the outlet 38.

[0087] Aspects of the technology disclosed in this specification are listed below.

[0088] A first aspect relates to a control device. The control device may include an identification unit that identifies an event that affects a bathroom, and a control unit that links the identified event with a lighting mode of a lighting device installed in the bathroom.

[0089] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the identification unit may identify a water discharge pattern of water discharged from a shower device installed in the bathroom, and the control unit may link the lighting pattern of the lighting device to the identified water discharge pattern.

[0090] In a third aspect, in any one of the first and second aspects, the control device further includes an acquisition unit that acquires signals corresponding to user operations from each of a first operating device for the user to operate the lighting device and a second operating device for the user to operate a shower device arranged in the bathroom, wherein the identification unit identifies a water discharge mode of water discharged from the shower device arranged in the bathroom using the signal acquired from the second operating device, and the control unit may control the lighting device in either the first lighting mode or the second lighting mode according to a preset priority when the first lighting mode of the lighting device corresponding to the signal acquired from the first operating device differs from a second lighting mode of the lighting device linked to the identified water discharge mode.

[0091] In a fourth aspect, in any one of the first to third aspects, the identification unit may identify a function to be executed by a function executing device that executes a function other than a shower device disposed in the bathroom, and the control unit may link the lighting mode of the lighting device to the identified function.

[0092] In a fifth aspect, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the identification unit may identify environmental information according to the surrounding environment of the bathroom, and the control unit may link the lighting mode of the lighting device to the identified environmental information.

[0093] In a sixth aspect, in the fifth aspect, the identification unit may identify identification information that identifies a user using the bathroom, and the control unit may link the lighting mode of the lighting device according to the user identified by the identified identification information.

[0094] A seventh aspect relates to a shower apparatus including a head body having one or more water outlets, a light source attached to the head body, and an attachment mechanism switchable between an attached state in which the light source is attached to the head body and a detached state in which the light source is detached from the head body, and the attachment mechanism may be switchable between the attached state and the detached state from outside the head body.

[0095] In an eighth aspect, in the seventh aspect, the head body has one or more specific water discharge openings that continuously discharge water in a waterfall-like manner, and the light source may be arranged around the specific water discharge openings.

[0096] In a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the light source may irradiate light onto the water discharged from the specific water discharge opening.

[0097] In a tenth aspect, in any one of the seventh to ninth aspects, the light source may include at least one of a semiconductor light emitting element and a light guiding section.

[0098] Specific examples of the technology disclosed in this specification have been described in detail above. These are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and variations of the specific examples exemplified above. Modifications of the above embodiments are listed below.

[0099] (1) The function-performing devices in bathroom 2 are not limited to those described above and may include a variety of devices. For example, the function-performing devices may include a diffuser device, a smart mirror, a bathtub cleaning device, etc. The control device 50 may identify the functions performed by these function-performing devices and link the lighting mode of lighting device 12.

[0100] When the control device 50 determines that the diffuser device operated by the user is activated through an operating device (not shown), the control device 50 may change the color of the illumination device 12 to warm white.

[0101] The control device 50 may detect the user's face detected by the smart mirror, determine that the user is performing face care, and, if it determines that the user is performing face care, change the illumination level of the lighting device 12 to 100% of the maximum illumination.

[0102] When the control device 50 determines that an operating device (not shown) operated by a user causes the operated bathtub cleaning device to perform a cleaning function to clean the bathtub 8, the control device 50 may change the illumination level of the lighting device 12 to 100% of the maximum illumination level.

[0103] (2) The control device 50 may identify environmental information according to the surrounding environment of the bathroom 2 and change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12. The environmental information according to the surrounding environment may include, for example, disaster information such as earthquakes and the brightness outside the house.

[0104] (3) The control device 50 may link the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 not only to the functions executed by the function executing device and environmental information corresponding to the surrounding environment of the bathroom 2 but also to identify various events that affect the bathroom 2. The control device 50 may link the lighting mode by identifying, for example, the season, the temperature in the bathroom, the humidity in the bathroom, etc. For example, the season may be identified using a schedule function of the control device 50. The temperature and humidity in the bathroom may be identified using a thermo-hygrometer placed in the bathroom 2.

[0105] (4) The user identification information acquired by the identification device 72 may include the user's age. When the control device 50 determines from the user's age information that the user is at least one of a child and an elderly person, it may increase the illuminance level of the lighting unit that illuminates the area around the bathtub 8. The area around the bathtub 8 is the area where the user's feet are placed on the floor 5 when the user leaves the bathtub 8. By illuminating the area around the bathtub 8, which may be a blind spot when the user leaves the bathtub 8 to go to the washing area, it is possible to prevent children and elderly people from falling due to poor visibility of their feet.

[0106] (5) The user may change part or all of the individual lighting table in accordance with the user's preference in the control device 50. The control device 50 may store the individual lighting table changed by the user.

[0107] (6) The water discharge control device 56 may send a signal indicating the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 to the control device 50 even when the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 is changed by a signal other than an operation signal from the operating devices 78, 80. For example, when the water discharge control device 56 changes the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 over time, the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 may be changed in accordance with the change in the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 over time. This saves the user the trouble of changing the lighting mode. In a modified example, the water discharge control device 56 may change the lighting mode of the lighting device 12 when the water discharge mode of the shower device 30 is changed for a reason unintended by the user (for example, a water outage due to the water supply source). This allows the user to be notified of an unintended change in the water discharge mode.

[0108] (7) Control device 50 may transmit a signal indicating the lighting mode to be changed to water discharge control device 56. Water discharge control device 56 may change the water discharge mode of shower device 30 in response to the signal indicating the lighting mode transmitted from control device 50. When control device 50 receives an operation signal from operating devices 76, 80 to change the lighting mode, it may change the water discharge mode of shower device 30 based on this signal and the lighting table. In this case, when control device 50 determines that shower device 30 is currently dispensing water, it may prioritize the water discharge mode currently being executed by shower device 30 over the water discharge mode indicated by the operation signal from operating devices 76, 80.

[0109] (8) The one or more LEDs used as light sources of the lighting device 12 are not limited to LEDs with different color temperatures. The one or more LEDs of the lighting device 12 may include, for example, a red LED that emits red light, a blue LED that emits blue light, and a green LED that emits green light. Using such LEDs of the three primary colors allows the lighting device 12 to emit light with a broad wavelength similar to that of sunlight. This allows the user to experience a simulated sunlight-like experience in the bathroom 2. By adjusting the light intensity of each LED of the three primary colors, the lighting device 12 can emit a wider range of colors, thereby providing the user with a lighting environment with excellent color rendering, such as incorporating seasonal colors into the bathroom 2. In this way, the lighting device 12 can adjust the color of the lighting in addition to the color temperature and illuminance. In this case, for example, the control device 50 may turn on the lighting device 12 in blue when an earthquake early warning is received. This allows the user to be effectively notified and encouraged to calm down. The control device 50 may be communicably connected to a receiver capable of receiving earthquake early warnings. The user to be notified may be inside or outside bathroom 2. In a variation, one or more LEDs of lighting device 12 may include LEDs that emit light of different colors other than red, blue, and green.

[0110] (9) In another variation, one or more LEDs in lighting device 12 may include an LED, such as an ultraviolet (UV) LED, that has minimal impact on the human body and also has a sterilizing function. For example, control device 50 may turn on the ultraviolet LED in lighting device 12 when bathroom dryer 66 determines that dehumidification operation has ended. This allows bathroom 2 to be sterilized with ultraviolet light. In this case, the light source of lighting device 12 is not limited to an ultraviolet LED. Lighting device 12 may also include other light sources, such as an ultraviolet lamp, an ultraviolet laser, or an ultraviolet surface-emitting laser.

[0111] (10) The LED used as the light source of the lighting device 12 is an example of a “semiconductor light-emitting element” according to the present technology. For example, the light source may be another semiconductor light-emitting element such as a semiconductor laser or an organic electroluminescence (EL).

[0112] (11) The attachment mechanism for attaching the first illumination unit 14 to the head main body 32 can be modified in various ways. For example, the attachment mechanism may have a bayonet structure. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , the attachment mechanism may be composed of convex portions 1026a and 1026b formed on the diffusion unit 1026 of the light source unit 1022 and concave portions 1032f and 1032g formed on the protruding portion 1032c extending to the lower end 1032a of the head main body 1032. The convex portions 1026a and 1026b may protrude radially inward from the inner surface of the through hole of the diffusion unit 1026. The concave portions 1032f and 1032g may be disposed on the outer surface of the protruding portion 1032c in a range facing the convex portions 1026a and 1026b. The concave portions 1032f and 1032g receive the convex portions 1026a and 1026b. The light source unit 1022 is disposed on the head main body 32 such that the positions of the recesses 1032f and 1032g are aligned with the circumferential positions of the protrusions 1026a and 1026b, and the protrusion 1032c of the head main body 1032 is inserted into the through-hole of the diffusion unit 1026. After the protrusion 1032c is inserted into the through-hole of the diffusion unit 1026, the light source unit 1022 is rotated around the protrusion 1032c, whereby the recesses 1032f and 1032g and the protrusions 1026a and 1026b fit together. As a result, the light source unit 1022 is fixed to the head main body 1032. The shapes of the plate-like portion 1032b of the head main body 1032 and the substrate 1024 may be modified as appropriate depending on the attachment mechanism. The substrate 1024 may have a waterproof structure, similar to the substrate 24 of the first embodiment. In another modification, a convex portion may be formed on the protruding portion of the head main body, and a concave portion may be formed on the light source portion.

[0113] (12) In a modified example, the attachment mechanism 1139 may be a bent plate-shaped spring member, as shown in Figure 30. The attachment mechanism 1139 may be made of metal.

[0114] (13) In a modified example, as shown in Fig. 31, the attachment mechanism 1239 may include a pin portion 1239b and a rotation stopper portion 1239a that rotatably supports the pin portion 1239b with respect to the head main body portion 32. The rotation stopper portion 1239a may be made of resin.

[0115] (14) In a modified example, the attachment mechanism 1339 may be a tape-like adhesive, as shown in Figure 32. The attachment mechanism 1339 may adhere the substrate 24 and the head main body 32 to each other.

[0116] (15) In a modified example, as shown in FIG. 33 , the attachment mechanism 1439 may be composed of a cover 40, a magnetic body 1444, and a substrate 1424. The magnetic body 1444 may be attached to the inside of the cover 40. The magnetic body 1444 is a plate-shaped member. The magnetic body 1444 may be arranged around a through-hole in the cover 40 that exposes the outlet 38 of the head main body 32. The magnetic body 1444 may have a through-hole through which the light source unit 22 can be inserted. The substrate 1424 may be attached to the cover 40 by being attracted by the magnetic force of the magnetic body 1444. The first illumination unit may be attached to the head main body 32 by attaching the cover 40 to the head main body 32. The substrate 1424 may be formed of a magnetic material such as a magnet. For example, the combination of the material constituting the magnetic body 1444 and the material constituting the substrate 1424 may be a combination of a magnet and a magnet, or a combination of a magnet and a metal such as iron, cobalt, nickel, etc., or an alloy of iron, cobalt, nickel, etc. The substrate 1424 may have a waterproof structure, similar to the substrate 24 of the first embodiment.

[0117] (16) In a modified example, as shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 , the attachment mechanism may be composed of hook portions 1524a, 1524a arranged at one end of the substrate 1524 and a hook portion 1524b arranged at the other end of the substrate 1524. Each of the hook portions 1524a, 1524a, 1524b may be hooked onto the head main body portion 32. The first illumination unit 1514 may be fixed to the head main body portion 32 by hooking the hook portions 1524a, 1524a, 1524b onto the head main body portion 32. The substrate 1524 may have a waterproof structure, similar to the substrate 24 of the first embodiment.

[0118] (17) The technical elements described in at least one of the specification and drawings exhibit technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. The technology exemplified in at least one of the specification and drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives itself has technical utility. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1: Bathroom system, 2: Bathroom, 10: Lighting system, 12: Lighting device, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 1514: Lighting section, 22, 122, 222, 322A, 322B, 422, 422A, 422B, 442B, 522, 622, 722, 822, 922, 1022: Light source section, 25, 425, 725, 825: Light source, 25a, 25b: L ED, 30: shower device, 32, 632, 1032, head main body, 34, 36, 38: outlet, 39, 1239, 1139, 1239, 1339, 1439: mounting mechanism, 50: control device, 52: control unit, 54: storage unit, 64: shoulder water discharge device, 66: bathroom dryer, 68: display device, 70: speaker device, 76, 78, 80: operating device

Claims

1. an identification unit that identifies an event that affects the bathroom; A control device comprising: a control unit that links the identified event with the lighting mode of lighting devices installed in the bathroom.

2. the specifying unit specifies a water discharge pattern of water discharged from a shower device arranged in the bathroom; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit links the lighting mode of the lighting device to the specified water discharge mode.

3. an acquisition unit that acquires signals corresponding to user operations from a first operation device for a user to operate the lighting device and a second operation device for a user to operate a shower device disposed in the bathroom, the identification unit identifies a water discharge pattern of water discharged from a shower device disposed in the bathroom using a signal acquired from the second operating device; 3. The control device according to claim 1, wherein, when a first lighting mode of the lighting device corresponding to the signal acquired from the first operating device differs from a second lighting mode of the lighting device linked to the identified water discharge mode, the control unit controls the lighting device in either the first lighting mode or the second lighting mode according to a predetermined priority.

4. the identification unit identifies a function to be executed by a function execution device that executes a function other than the shower device disposed in the bathroom; The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit links the lighting mode of the lighting device with the identified function.

5. The identification unit identifies environmental information according to a surrounding environment of the bathroom, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit links the lighting mode of the lighting device with the specified environmental information.

6. The identification unit identifies identification information that identifies a user who uses the bathroom, The control device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit links the lighting modes of the lighting devices in accordance with the user identified by the specified identification information.

7. a head body having one or more water discharge openings; a light source attached to the head body; an attachment mechanism that can switch between an attachment state in which the light source is attached to the head body and a detached state in which the light source is detached from the head body; The attachment mechanism is switchable between the attached state and the detached state from outside the head body.

8. The head body has one or more specific water discharge openings that continuously discharge water in a waterfall-like manner, The shower apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the light sources are arranged around the specific water outlet opening.

9. The shower apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the light source irradiates light onto the water discharged from the specific water discharge opening.

10. The shower apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the light source comprises at least one of a semiconductor light emitting element and a light guiding section.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Shower device

    JP2003079526A