Illumination device, toilet brush, and toilet device

Abstract

The present invention provides an illumination device that can be used for cleaning a sanitary facility such as a lavatory and that makes it easy to visually recognize dirt in the sanitary facility.　Provided is an illumination device 1 used for cleaning sanitary facilities 3, 4, and 5, said illumination device comprising a light-emitting body 151 that emits visible light with a wavelength of 420-590 nm. The light-emitting body 151 preferably emits green visible light with a wavelength of 490-550 nm. The sanitary facilities are at least one of a toilet device 3, 3B, a lavatory sink 5, and a lavatory cabinet 4.

Description

Lighting devices, toilet brushes and toilet bowl devices

[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting device, a toilet brush, and a toilet bowl device.

[0002] A toilet cleaning brush equipped with a UV light has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). The UV light has a germicidal effect, and can sterilize the brush head, which tends to become unsanitary, by irradiating it directly.

[0003] Utility Model Registration No. 3227123

[0004] However, when cleaning the toilet with a toilet brush, the lighting in the toilet stall is difficult to reach, making it difficult to see dirt on the surfaces of the toilet bowl, hand basin, etc. In recent years, the lighting in toilet stalls has become increasingly soft and calming, with soothing and relaxing lighting being used, which is particularly problematic in these cases. Furthermore, in small toilet stalls, lighting is rarely positioned to illuminate in all directions, so bending down to clean the toilet often blocks the ceiling light.

[0005] Furthermore, toilets and washbasins are usually white, and limescale is also white, making it difficult to detect stains visually, especially in the early stages. As a result, stains cannot be detected, delaying limescale removal, and the accumulated stains stick to the surface of the toilet or washbasin, making cleaning difficult.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a lighting device that is used for cleaning sanitary facilities such as toilets and that makes it easy to see dirt inside the sanitary facilities.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a lighting device used for cleaning sanitary equipment, the lighting device including a light emitter that emits visible light with a wavelength of 420 nm or more and 590 nm or less.

[0008] 7 is a perspective view showing the lighting device of the first embodiment installed in a toilet space. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 2. FIG. 10 is a side view of a toilet brush to which the lighting device of the first embodiment is attached. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the second embodiment installed in a toilet space. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the third embodiment installed in a toilet space. FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the toilet brush to which the lighting device of the third embodiment is attached. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of FIG. 15 as seen from the rear side. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the fourth embodiment installed in a toilet space. FIG. 17 is a plan view of a toilet seat on which the lighting device of the fourth embodiment is disposed. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the fifth embodiment installed in a toilet space. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the sixth embodiment attached to a cleaning tool. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a cleaning tool to which the lighting device of the sixth embodiment is attached. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a lighting device according to a modified example of the sixth embodiment. FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a toilet apparatus in which the lighting device of the seventh embodiment is stored. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the seventh embodiment stored in a toilet apparatus. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the lighting device of the eighth embodiment stored in a toilet apparatus. 10 is a table showing the results when daylight white ambient light is used in Example 1. FIG. 11 is a table showing the results when warm white ambient light is used in Example 1. FIG. 12 is a table showing the results of Example 2.

[0009] First Embodiment A first embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which light-emitting units 15 that emit light are represented by hatching with dots.

[0010] As shown in Figure 1, the lighting device 1 of this embodiment is used in a toilet space X1 where sanitary equipment is installed. The toilet space X1 is provided with a toilet brush 2, a toilet bowl unit 3, a cabinet 4, a hand wash basin 5, and a remote control unit 6. The toilet brush 2 is stored inside the cabinet 4 when not in use. The lighting device 1 is attached to the handle of the toilet brush 2. In Figures 1, 5, 6, 9, and 11, the toilet lid of the toilet bowl unit 3 is indicated by a two-dot chain line.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 2 , the lighting device 1 includes a main body 11, a lid 12, a holding piece 13, a control unit 14, a light emitter 15, and an illumination switch 16. As shown in FIG. 3 , three batteries BT are loaded inside the main body 11. Light is emitted from the lighting device 1 using the batteries BT as a power source. The lid 12 is provided at an end of the main body 11, and the end where the lid 12 is provided is the distal end of the lighting device 1. Opening and closing the lid 12 inserts and removes the batteries BT from the main body 11. The holding piece 13 is a plate-shaped member with claws 131 bent at an acute angle to provide elasticity to the claws 131. Two pairs of holding pieces 13 are arranged at a distance on the side of the main body 11 so that the bent claws 131 face each other. Therefore, a total of four pairs of holding pieces 13 are provided on the bottom surface of the main body 11.

[0012] 2 , the control unit 14 is provided inside the main body 11. The control unit 14 has a function of setting the power supply of the lighting device 1 to an on or off state, and a function of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit 15.

[0013] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the light-emitting unit 15 includes a first light-emitting unit 15A and a second light-emitting unit 15B. The first light-emitting unit 15A and the second light-emitting unit 15B have the same configuration, but the angles at which each light-emitting unit is provided in the lighting device 1 are different. The first light-emitting unit 15A includes a substrate L1 and an LED chip 151. The first light-emitting unit 15A forms a first irradiation surface that irradiates visible light to the outside. The substrate L1 is a base member for providing the LED chip. In this embodiment, a flexible resin tape substrate is used. A highly flexible material such as polyurethane is preferred as the material for the tape, but this is not limited thereto. The substrate L1 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11 opposite the holding piece 13 and is arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main body 11.

[0014] The second light-emitting unit 15B includes a substrate L2 and an LED chip 151. The second light-emitting unit 15B constitutes a second illumination surface that emits visible light to the outside. The substrate L2 is made of the same material as the substrate L1 and is bent from the end of the substrate L1 toward the bottom surface. As shown in FIG. 3 , the bending angle A is preferably approximately 130 degrees. The substrate L2 is arranged to cover the tip of the lighting device 1, and its length is shorter than that of the substrate L1. In this embodiment, a tape substrate is used, and the substrates L1 and L2 are formed by bending a single tape substrate. Note that if a fixed substrate is used instead of a flexible substrate, the substrates L1 and L2 may be separated. In this case, the ends of the substrates L1 and L2 are abutted against each other, and the substrate L2 is rotated approximately 130 degrees toward the bottom surface around the abutted end as an axis, so that no gap is created between the substrates L1 and L2.

[0015] The LED chip 151 is a COB (chip-on-board) LED. COB LEDs have high output and can illuminate a wide area. Furthermore, because multiple small LEDs are arranged in a row, they are brighter than a single LED and are less likely to create multiple shadows when illuminated. The LED chips 151 are arranged at equal intervals across the entire longitudinal direction of the substrates L1 and L2. The number of LED chips to be arranged, the spacing between the LED chips, and the size of the LED chips may be freely changed depending on the usage situation.

[0016] The wavelength of the LED chip 151 in this embodiment is in the range of wavelengths that emit green light. For example, it is visible light with a wavelength in the range of 490 nm to 550 nm. Green illumination with a medium or shorter wavelength has the effect of highlighting small scratches and distortions on the surface and making stains such as limescale on the toilet bowl easier to see. Furthermore, since the human eye is most sensitive to the wavelength of green light, it is easier to perceive than light of other colors, reducing eye strain.

[0017] 2 and 3 , the illumination switch 16 is a switch for switching the power supply of the lighting device 1 between an on state and an off state. In this embodiment, a push button is used, but the illumination switch of the present disclosure is not limited to this shape, and any type of switch may be used, for example, a rocker switch, a touch sensor, or the like. There are also no particular limitations on the location where the illumination switch 16 is provided; for example, the cover 12 may be provided with a switch function and serve as a switch.

[0018] In this embodiment, an LED chip that emits green light is used. However, the wavelength range to which the human eye is sensitive can vary depending on the environment, and the human eye may be more sensitive to colors closer to yellow than green. Furthermore, scratches and distortions can also be visually detected by blue light, which has an even shorter wavelength than green. Therefore, the wavelength of the LED chip of the present disclosure is not limited to the green light range. The wavelength range of the LED chip can be 420 nm or more and 590 nm or less, which emits blue to yellow light.

[0019] As shown in Figure 4, toilet brush 2 includes handle 21, grip 22, replacement sponge 23, tip 26, and pivot shaft 27. In the following description of Figure 4, "upper" refers to the handle side of handle 21, and "lower" refers to the tip 26 side.

[0020] As shown in Figure 4, the handle 21 in side view has a gently curved end on the handle side, making it easy to grip when cleaning. The longitudinal direction is straight, making it easy to attach the lighting device 1. The interior of the handle 21 is hollow.

[0021] The grip portion 22 has a grip piece 223. The grip piece 223 is a C-shaped member that clamps the replacement sponge 23. The grip piece 223 is connected to a removal switch mechanism (not shown) that is provided inside the handle portion 21, and by operating the switch mechanism, the grip piece 223 opens to the left and right due to elastic deformation, allowing the replacement sponge 23 to be removed and replaced.

[0022] The replacement sponge 23 is a disposable sponge used exclusively for cleaning the toilet, and is T-shaped. When in use, it is attached to the toilet brush 2 upside down in a T-shape. The horizontal part of the T-shape is used to clean the toilet bowl device 3, and the vertical part of the T-shape is clamped by the gripping piece 223.

[0023] The tip 26 is provided at the end of the handle 21 opposite the handle side, and is C-shaped so as to clamp the grip 22. The pivot 27 is a member that pivotally connects the handle 21 and the tip 26, and the tip 26 can freely pivot around the pivot 27. With this configuration, the replacement sponge 23 can be pivoted at any angle during use to clean the toilet device 3.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 1 , the toilet apparatus 3 includes a functional section 31, a toilet seat 32, a toilet bowl 33, and a toilet outer surface section 34. The functional section 31 is located at the rear of the toilet apparatus 3 and is composed of functional components for the toilet apparatus 3's flushing function, etc. The toilet seat 32 includes a seat surface section 32a and a seat back section 32b. The toilet bowl 33 is provided to store water for catching excrement. The toilet bowl 33 is prone to accumulating various types of dirt, including not only urine and other excrement residues, but also white limescale caused by crystallization of minerals such as calcium contained in water, black mold caused by mold infiltrating urine stains, and pink stains caused by the proliferation of airborne bacteria. The toilet outer surface section 34 is an exposed surface portion molded integrally with the toilet bowl 33. Like the toilet bowl 33, it is often molded from ceramic, but it may also be made of resin, for example, and is not particularly limited in material.

[0025] The cabinet 4 is a cabinet for storing toilet supplies, cleaning tools, etc. The cabinet 4 may also be configured to house the flush tank of the toilet apparatus 3. As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the cabinet 4 is provided at the rear of the toilet apparatus 3, but this arrangement is not limited to this. It may also be provided on the side of the toilet apparatus 3, or in an L-shape. The storage section may also be configured in any way, and may be a skeleton cabinet without a door.

[0026] The hand wash basin 5 is provided for washing hands after use. Since many of these products are made of ceramic and use water on a daily basis, they are prone to accumulating white limescale, similar to the toilet bowl 33. Leaving limescale can lead to the growth of black mold, so frequent cleaning is necessary. The shape and location of the hand wash basin 5 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 1 , and it may have any shape and be placed anywhere within the toilet space X1.

[0027] The remote control device 6 is a device that is capable of communicating with the control unit 14 of the lighting device 1 and that remotely controls the lighting device 1. The lighting device 1 is capable of communicating with the remote control device 6, which has an operation unit that can be operated by a user, via the control unit 14. The remote control device 6 can switch the power of the lighting device 1 between on and off and can also adjust the amount of green light emitted from the light-emitting unit 15. As shown in FIG. 1 , the remote control device 6 has an operation unit 61. The operation unit 61 is used by a user to operate the remote control device 6 and may be any type of device, such as a button type or a touch panel type. The remote control device 6 is attached to the toilet wall together with a remote control device that operates the functional unit 31 of the toilet device 3. The remote control device 6 may be incorporated into the remote control device of the toilet device 3, or may be detachable. The shape of the remote control device 6 is not limited to that of the present embodiment.

[0028] Next, a method for attaching the lighting device 1 to the toilet brush 2 will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, along with the effects thereof.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4, the lighting device 1 is attached to the approximate center of the handle 21 of the toilet brush 2, with the light-emitting part 15 aligned along the longitudinal direction of the handle 21. In this case, the second light-emitting part 15B is at the bottom.

[0030] The lighting device 1 is fixed to the toilet brush 2 by four holding pieces 13. The claw portions 131 of the holding pieces 13 can be easily fitted into the main body 11 by pushing them in, allowing the lighting device 1 to be securely fixed to the toilet brush 2. Furthermore, the claw portions 131 can be easily pulled out of the toilet brush 2 by gently pulling them, allowing the lighting device 1 to be detachably attached to the toilet brush 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the lighting device 1 is attached to the toilet brush 2 by engaging the claw portions 131, but the present disclosure is not limited to this configuration. Any configuration may be used as long as the lighting device 1 can be fixed to the toilet brush 2. For example, the lighting device 1 and the toilet brush 2 may be fixed using magnets, or hook-and-loop fasteners. The shape of the claw portions is also not limited to the shape of this embodiment, and the toilet brush 2 may be provided with an engaging groove, and the claw portions may be shaped so that they slide into the engaging groove and are fixed. In the present disclosure, the configuration for attaching the lighting device 1 to the toilet brush 2 is not limited.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the replacement sponge 23 of the toilet brush 2 can be replaced while the lighting device 1 remains attached to the toilet brush 2. When using the toilet brush 2 to clean a toilet bowl 33 (not shown), the replacement sponge 23 can be freely rotated relative to the handle 21. When the replacement sponge 23 is rotated relative to the handle 21 of the toilet brush 2 at an angle substantially equal to the bending angle A of the light-emitting unit 15, the plane of the replacement sponge 23 and the illumination surface of the second light-emitting unit 15B are configured to be parallel. Arrow B indicates the illumination range of the green light emitted from the light-emitting unit 15. Arrow D indicates the direction of travel of the replacement sponge 23. The lighting device 1 is positioned behind the replacement sponge 23 in the direction of travel of the replacement sponge 23.

[0033] This configuration ensures that green light from second light-emitting element 15B is directed toward the surface to be cleaned by replacement sponge 23, clearly highlighting dirt within toilet bowl 33. Furthermore, first light-emitting element 15A illuminates the interior of toilet bowl 33 over a wide area with green light, allowing the user to visually confirm where dirt is located within toilet bowl 33. Visible light diffused from lighting device 1 spreads outward from first light-emitting element 15A, which forms the first illumination surface along the longitudinal direction of handle 21 to which lighting device 1 is attached, and illuminates the surrounding area. The user can operate toilet brush 2 while recognizing dirt over a wide area within toilet bowl 33 using the diffused visible light, allowing for efficient cleaning of toilet apparatus 3.

[0034] If left unattended, limescale will stick to the toilet bowl 33 and is difficult to remove completely even with special detergents, etc. However, if you perform daily cleaning using the toilet brush 2 equipped with the lighting device 1, you can discover limescale that has formed inside the toilet bowl 33 in its early stages and easily remove it with just the toilet brush 2.

[0035] As described above, the lighting device 1 is detachable from the toilet brush 2. With this configuration, the detached lighting device 1 can be used to clean the hand basin 5. Furthermore, by using the detached lighting device 1 and freely moving it around to emit green light, various types of dirt in the toilet space X1 can be discovered. The lighting device 1 can be used to discover not only the toilet bowl 33 but also initial dirt that is difficult to see under normal toilet lighting or natural light, such as dirt scattered on the toilet seat 32 and the outer surface 34 of the toilet bowl, and dirt that has adhered to the cabinet 4, and this makes it possible to remove the dirt at an early stage.

[0036] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0037] For example, the replacement sponge 23 used in the above embodiment may be changed to a brush-type cleaning implement.

[0038] Furthermore, the first light-emitting element 15A and the second light-emitting element 15B of the lighting device 1 can be treated as independent light-emitting elements. That is, the first light-emitting element 15A and the second light-emitting element 15B can be arranged separately from each other. As an example, the first light-emitting element 15A can be attached to the handle 21 of the toilet brush 2 to illuminate the inside of the toilet bowl 33, and the second light-emitting element 15B can be attached to the tip 26 to illuminate the direction in which the replacement sponge 23 moves with visible light. With this configuration, the lighting device 1 has multiple illumination surfaces, each of which can emit light in a different direction.

[0039] Furthermore, the position at which the lighting device 1 is attached to the handle 21 of the toilet brush 2 is not limited to the configuration described above. For example, the lighting device 1 can be attached to the end of the handle 21 closer to the tip 26. This configuration allows the illuminated surface of the light-emitting unit 15 to be closer to the surface to be cleaned. In addition, the handle portion of the handle 21 can be made longer, which has the effect of making it easier to grip the handle 21 when cleaning.

[0040] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sanitary equipment in which the lighting device is installed is different. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described again.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, the lighting device 1B is provided inside the cabinet 4. The lighting device 1B is composed of the lighting device 1 and a holder H. The lighting device 1 is the same as the lighting device 1 used in the first embodiment. The holder H is fixed to the inner wall surface of the cabinet 4 and has a curved surface so that the holding piece 13 of the lighting device 1 can be fitted into it. The lighting device 1 is attached to the holder H fixed to the wall surface.

[0042] With this configuration, the lighting device 1 can be freely handled as an independent lighting device. In addition to being used for cleaning purposes, the lighting device 1 can also be used as an emergency light in emergencies such as power outages.

[0043] As described above, the second embodiment of the present disclosure allows the user to easily check the degree of dirt on the toilet apparatus 3 and determine in advance whether the toilet needs to be cleaned. Before preparing cleaning tools such as a toilet brush, or after using the toilet, the user can easily check the degree of dirt on the toilet apparatus 3 using the lighting device 1. This allows the toilet apparatus 3 to be cleaned efficiently.

[0044] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0045] For example, the lighting device 1B can be freely installed in a location other than the facilities installed in the above embodiment. As an example, if a lighting device needs to be used frequently, the lighting device 1B can be installed on a wall surface within the toilet space X1. Furthermore, the lighting device 1B can be installed not only inside the cabinet 4, but also on the top plate of the cabinet 4 or the outside of the door. Furthermore, when installing the lighting device 1B, the longitudinal direction of the lighting device 1B may be vertical or horizontal.

[0046] [Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the lighting device 1C is provided inside the toilet brush 2B and is not detachable from the toilet brush 2B. Other configurations than the lighting device 1C and the toilet brush 2B are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described further.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, toilet brush 2B is used in toilet space X1 and is stored inside cabinet 4 when not in use. Toilet brush 2B is provided with lighting device 1C.

[0048] 7 and 8, lighting device 1C includes control unit 14, light-emitting unit 15C, and transparent cover C. Toilet brush 2B includes handle 21B, grip 22B, replacement sponge 23, illumination switch 24, and mounting groove 25. As shown in Fig. 8, lighting device 1C is provided in mounting groove 25 of toilet brush 2B.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 7 , the control unit 14 is electrically connected to the light-emitting unit 15C. The control unit 14 has a function of turning the power of the lighting device 1C on or off and a function of adjusting the amount of light emitted from the light-emitting unit 15C. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the light-emitting unit 15C includes a substrate L3 and an LED chip 151. The substrate L3 is the same material as the substrate L1 and is a long, flat plate. The LED chip 151 is disposed on the substrate L3 as in the first embodiment. The transparent cover C is a plate-shaped cover material that is approximately the same size as the mounting groove 25 and is fitted snugly into the mounting groove 25. There are no limitations on the material as long as it has a high transmittance of visible light; for example, a transparent acrylic plate or a glass plate can be used.

[0050] Handle 21B is the straight-line handle of toilet brush 2B. Handle 21B is hollow and has grip 22B inside. One end of handle 21B is C-shaped so as to sandwich grip 22B. Opening 211B is provided in approximately the center of handle 21B.

[0051] The grip portion 22B has a switch portion 221B and a grip piece 223B. The switch portion 221B is a sliding mechanism that moves up and down and protrudes to the outside from an opening 211B provided in the handle portion 21B. The grip piece 223B is a C-shaped member that holds the replacement sponge 23B. The grip piece 223B is connected to the switch portion 221B inside the handle portion 21B.

[0052] The replacement sponge 23 is the same as the replacement sponge 23 used in the first embodiment. By sliding the switch portion 221B downward, the gripping pieces 223B are pushed downward and open to the left and right due to elastic deformation, releasing the replacement sponge 23 from the gripping pieces 223B. Conversely, by sliding the switch portion 221B upward, the gripping pieces 223B close inward and can clamp the replacement sponge 23.

[0053] The illumination switch 24 is a switch for switching the power of the lighting device 1C on or off. While a push button is used in this embodiment, the illumination switch of the present disclosure is not limited to this shape and may be a switch of any configuration, such as a rocker switch or a touch sensor. Furthermore, the illumination switch 24 may be located anywhere on the toilet brush 2B.

[0054] The mounting groove 25 is provided on the surface opposite to the opening 211B in order to store the lighting device 1C inside the handle portion 21B.

[0055] According to the present embodiment described above, the toilet brush 2B equipped with the lighting device 1C has the effect of making it possible to detect initial stains on the toilet bowl 3, which are difficult to see under normal toilet lighting or natural light, and to remove the stains at an early stage.

[0056] Furthermore, because the lighting device 1C is incorporated into the toilet brush 2B, the handle 21B can be made into a clean, even shape. This configuration allows the toilet brush 2B to be extended to the back of the drainage channel provided at the rear of the toilet bowl 33, for example. Because the lighting device 1C is protected by the transparent cover C, the toilet apparatus 3 can be thoroughly cleaned without worrying about water accumulated in the toilet bowl 33. Furthermore, the toilet brush 2B has a simple configuration, making it easy for children to use and easy to use at home.

[0057] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0058] For example, the shape of the toilet brush 2B is not limited to the above-described shape. For example, the toilet brush may be entirely curved, with the tip of the handle that holds the sponge bent. Furthermore, the replacement sponge 23 used in the above embodiment may be replaced with a brush-type cleaning tool.

[0059] Furthermore, the substrate L3 of the light-emitting unit 15C is not limited to a flat plate shape. For example, to illuminate a wider area, a substrate with a gently curved arch shape may be used so that a convex portion is formed toward the illuminated surface. The transparent cover C may also be configured in an arch shape to match the shape of the substrate L3.

[0060] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sanitary equipment in which the lighting device is installed is different, and the configuration of the lighting device to be installed is different. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so the description will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 9, the lighting device 1D is provided on the seat back 32b of the toilet seat 32. The lighting device 1D is made up of a plurality of lighting devices.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 10, the lighting device 1D is composed of lighting devices 111a, 111b, 112a, and 112b. The lighting devices 111a and 111b have light-emitting portions of the same length. One lighting device 111a and one lighting device 111b are provided along the longitudinal direction of the seat back 32b between the left and right cushioning materials of the seat back 32b indicated by the dashed line in Fig. 10. The lighting devices 112a and 112b have light-emitting portions shorter than those of the lighting devices 111a and 111b. The lighting devices 112a and 112b are provided at the tip of the seat back 32b of the toilet seat 32.

[0063] The light-emitting unit may be the same as that in the above-described embodiment. The lighting device 1D may be provided, for example, inside the seat back 32b, with a portion of the bottom surface of the seat back 32b cut out and covered with a cover made of a material with high transmittance for visible light. This allows visible light to be irradiated onto the toilet bowl 33.

[0064] In Figure 10, arrow E indicates the illumination range of lighting device 1D. With this configuration, lighting device 1D can illuminate every corner of the inside of toilet bowl 33 with green light. Arrow E illuminates the inside of toilet bowl 33 without any gaps, making it possible to illuminate dirt that is normally difficult to see with the naked eye.

[0065] As described above, the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure allows the user to easily check the state of dirt on the toilet bowl 33 and determine in advance whether the toilet needs cleaning. For example, after using the toilet, the lighting device 1D can be used to illuminate every corner of the toilet bowl 33, allowing the user to detect initial limescale buildup. If dirt is present, the user can clean the toilet bowl 33 using the toilet brush 2.

[0066] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0067] For example, the configuration of the lighting device 1D is not particularly limited. As an example, a single long lighting device may be provided at the tip of the seat back 32b. The number of lighting devices and the locations of the lighting devices on the seat back 32b can be freely changed.

[0068] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 11. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the sanitary equipment in which the lighting device is installed is different. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0069] As shown in Figure 11, the lighting device 1E is provided on the front bottom surface of the functional unit 31 of the toilet apparatus 3. For example, the lighting device 1E can be arranged on the bottom surface of a base member that houses the functional components of the functional unit 31, and a portion of the bottom surface of the base member can be cut out and covered with a cover material made of a material with high transmittance for visible light. With this configuration, the toilet bowl 33 can be illuminated over a wide area from the bottom surface of the functional unit 31, which is located at the rear upper part of the toilet apparatus 3. The light-emitting unit can be the same as that in the above-described embodiment.

[0070] As described above, the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure allows the user to easily check the state of dirt on the toilet bowl 33 and determine in advance whether the toilet needs cleaning. For example, after using the toilet, the lighting device 1E can be used to illuminate every corner of the toilet bowl 33, allowing the user to detect initial limescale stains. If dirt is present, the user can clean the toilet bowl 33 using the toilet brush 2.

[0071] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate.

[0072] The location where the lighting device 1E is to be installed is not particularly limited, and it may be installed freely in the functional section 31 as long as it can irradiate the toilet bowl 33 with visible light.

[0073] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The lighting device 7 of this embodiment is a cylindrical penlight-type lighting device, and its use is not limited to toilet spaces. As a result, a user can hold the lighting device 7 in their hand without attaching it to any fixture, and it can be used as an independent lighting device in various spaces within a building.

[0074] The lighting device of the present disclosure is not limited to use in toilet spaces, but can also be used to detect limescale stains in sanitary facilities around water, such as kitchens or bathrooms. The sanitary facilities of the present disclosure include at least one of kitchen facilities, washroom facilities, and bathroom facilities.

[0075] 12 , the lighting device 7 includes a main body 71, an irradiation switch 72, a tip 73, and a clip 74. The main body 71 is cylindrical and contains a battery. Using the battery as a power source, the lighting device 7 emits light by operating the irradiation switch 72.

[0076] The main body 71 contains a light source (light emitter) such as an LED chip and a control unit that sets the power supply of the lighting device 7 to the on or off state, and when the irradiation switch 72 is turned on, the light source emits light, and light is irradiated from the tip surface 73 a. The wavelength of the light source used in the lighting device 7 is the same as that of the LED chip 151 of the first embodiment.

[0077] As shown by the two-dot chain line in Figure 12, the tip portion 73 extends, and as the tip portion 73 extends and contracts, an aperture mechanism provided therein changes the size of the hole through which light passes, thereby adjusting the amount of light emitted from the lighting device 7. The aperture mechanism constitutes an adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure that can adjust the amount of light from the light emitter. Furthermore, the adjustment mechanism of the present disclosure is not limited to an aperture mechanism. For example, it may be an adjustment mechanism that adjusts the amount of light from the light emitter by changing the distance of a lens provided therein.

[0078] The clip 74 is provided on the side of the main body 71 and is made of an elastic plate material like a clip provided on a writing instrument. The clip 74 constitutes the attachment portion of the present disclosure. The lighting device 7 can be attached to various media by clamping an object with the clip 74. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, by providing an annular receiving bracket T1 on the handle of the cleaning tool CT, the lighting device 7 can be detachably attached to an attachment object such as the cleaning tool CT.

[0079] The type of cleaning tool CT is not limited, but may be, for example, a sponge or brush with a handle for cleaning around water. With this configuration, when the cleaning tool is taken out to clean the sanitary facilities, the lighting device can be immediately ready to use. Furthermore, when the lighting device is finished being used, it can be easily stored in the handle of the cleaning tool, improving convenience.

[0080] As shown in Figure 15, as a modification of the mounting portion, an engagement groove 74B can be provided on the illumination device. The functions of the main body 71B, illumination switch 72B, and tip portion 73B of the illumination device 7B are the same as those of the main body 71, illumination switch 72, and tip portion 73 of the illumination device 7, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. The illumination device 7B is configured to be lighter and more compact than the illumination device 7, and a substantially T-shaped engagement groove 74B is provided on the main body 71B.

[0081] The handle of the cleaning tool CT2 is provided with an approximately T-shaped engaging claw portion T2, and by sliding the engaging groove portion 74B of the lighting device 7B to engage with the engaging claw portion T2 of the cleaning tool CT2, the lighting device 7B can be removably attached to the cleaning tool CT2.

[0082] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate. The mounting portion of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the lighting device may be detachably attached to the cleaning tool CT by providing a pair of a magnetic member and an iron plate as a bracket on the main body of the lighting device and the handle of the cleaning tool CT. Alternatively, magnetic members may be provided on both the main body of the lighting device and the handle of the cleaning tool CT. Furthermore, a semicircular engaging claw may be provided on the cleaning tool CT, and the main body of the lighting device may be engaged with the engaging claw. Furthermore, a cylindrical cavity may be provided in the upper part of the handle of the cleaning tool CT, and the lighting device may be housed inside the cavity.

[0083] Seventh Embodiment Next, a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 16 , a toilet apparatus 3B is a lift-up toilet apparatus in which a toilet seat 32B and a front base member 312 of a functional unit 31B are raised and lowered to open a toilet bowl 33B. A storage compartment 31a is provided on the lower side of the front base member 312, and a lighting device 8 can be stored therein. As shown in FIG. 17 , the storage compartment 31a includes a lid 311. The shape of the lid 311 is not limited to that of this embodiment, and it may be formed integrally with a substantially C-shaped lighting device tray, for example. With this configuration, a lighting device 8 can be installed in the lighting device tray that is pulled out from the functional unit 31B.

[0084] The peripheral members of the storage section 31a provided on the front base member 312 of the functional section 31B are formed of a transmissive material such as a transparent resin. With this configuration, when the front base member 312 is lifted up, the light emitted from the lighting device 8 stored in the storage section 31a can illuminate the upper surface of the toilet seat 32B and the inside of the toilet bowl 33B. The lighting device 8 includes a main body 81 and an illumination switch 82, and since its functions are the same as those of the main body 71 and illumination switch 72 of the lighting device 7, a description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] 17, the difference between the lighting device 8 and the lighting device 7 is that the lighting device 8 has an illumination unit that irradiates light generated from a light-emitting element on the side of the main body 81. With this configuration, the lighting device 8 can illuminate the toilet seat 32B and toilet bowl 33B over a wide area, making it possible to detect dirt on the toilet apparatus 3B over a wider area.

[0086] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be modified as appropriate. The lighting device used in this embodiment is not limited to the lighting device 8. Lighting devices of other embodiments may be stored in the storage section 31 a.

[0087] Eighth Embodiment An eighth embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The lighting device of the present disclosure is provided in a functional unit 31 of a toilet apparatus 3. As shown in Fig. 18 , the functional unit 31 has a top cover 313 and an under cover 314. A storage section 31b is provided at the rear of the under cover 314, which is exposed when the top cover 313 is removed, so that the lighting device 7 can be stored inside the top cover 313. This configuration allows the lighting device 7 to be used to efficiently clean the toilet space X1, improving convenience.

[0088] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment and may be modified as appropriate. The lighting device used in this embodiment is not limited to lighting device 7. Lighting devices of other embodiments may be stored in storage section 31b. Furthermore, the toilet device of this embodiment is not limited to toilet device 3, and a storage section may be provided in any type of toilet device. For example, storage section 31b may be provided in toilet device 3B.

[0089] The present disclosure will be described in more detail below based on examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0090] Example 1: The difference in illuminance depending on wavelength was measured when the brightness of the light emitted from the lighting device was set to approximately the same under ambient light with different color temperatures, and the difference in the visibility of limescale stains on ceramic was visually confirmed for each wavelength of light, and the visibility of limescale stains was compared. Specifically, the indoor ambient light was set to two color temperatures: daylight white (approximately 4600 K) and warm white (approximately 3000 K). For each ambient light, LED lights (lighting devices) with different wavelengths were irradiated onto sample ceramic three times, and the illuminance (lx) of the LED lights was measured.

[0091] Two types of sample ceramic were prepared: one with limescale and one without, and both were lined up and simultaneously illuminated with an LED light. The illuminance of the LED light was set to approximately the same, and the distance from the LED light (light source) to the illuminance meter was approximately 15 cm. The illuminance meter used was a Konica Minolta T-10A. The experiment was conducted inside a toilet, and the toilet lighting device that provided ambient light was a downlight installed on the ceiling.

[0092] The results are shown in Figures 19A and 19B. Figure 19A shows the results of illuminating sample pottery with an LED light in daylight (approximately 4600K) ambient light. Figure 19B shows the results of illuminating sample pottery with an LED light in incandescent (approximately 3000K) ambient light. Visual comparison of the sample pottery confirmed that light with a wavelength that produces a green light color is most effective in detecting limescale stains in both ambient light conditions.

[0093] From the results shown in Figures 19A and 19B, it is desirable that a lighting device that makes it easy to detect limescale on ceramics has an illuminance of light irradiated onto sanitary equipment that is in the range of 1000lx to 3000lx when the color temperature of the ambient light is in the range of 3000K to 4600K.

[0094] Furthermore, when the color temperature of the ambient light is within the range of 3000 K to 4600 K and the illuminance of the ambient light is within the range of 400 lx to 600 lx, it is desirable that the illuminance of the light irradiated from the lighting device onto the sanitary equipment be within the range of 2000 lx to 3000 lx. In a more preferred embodiment of the lighting device, when the color temperature of the ambient light is within the range of 3000 K to 4600 K and the illuminance of the ambient light is within the range of 400 lx to 600 lx, it is desirable that the illuminance of the light irradiated from the lighting device onto the sanitary equipment be within the range of 2300 lx to 2700 lx.

[0095] Example 2 A similar experiment was conducted under a condition where the ambient light was daylight (approximately 4600K) and the lights in the bathroom were turned off to reduce the illuminance of the ambient light. Other conditions and equipment were the same as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 20. It was confirmed that light with a wavelength that produces a green color was significantly better at detecting limescale stains. Furthermore, light with wavelengths in the red or blue range had low illuminance and was therefore less visible than light with a green wavelength.

[0096] 20, it is clear that for a lighting device that makes it easy to detect limescale on pottery, the illuminance of the light irradiated onto the sanitary equipment from the lighting device is preferably in the range of 1000 lx to 1500 lx when the illuminance of the ambient light is in the range of 0 lx to 10 lx. A more preferred lighting device is one that irradiates onto the sanitary equipment from the lighting device with an illuminance of 1100 lx to 1300 lx when the illuminance of the ambient light is in the range of 0 lx to 10 lx.

[0097] 1, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 7A, 7B, 8 Lighting device, 2, 2B Toilet brush, 3, 3B Toilet device, 4 Cabinet (toilet cabinet), 5 Hand wash basin (toilet hand wash basin), 6 Remote control device, 14 Control unit, 15A First light-emitting unit (first irradiation surface), 15B Second light-emitting unit (second irradiation surface), 16, 24, 72, 72B, 82 Irradiation switch, 21, 21B Handle (handle), 23 Replacement sponge (brush head), 31 Functional unit, 32 Toilet seat, 33 Toilet bowl, 61 Operation unit, 71, 71B, 81 Main body, 71a Tip surface, 74, 74B Mounting unit

Claims

1. A lighting device used for cleaning sanitary facilities, comprising an illuminator that emits visible light with a wavelength of 420 nm or more and 590 nm or less.

2. The lighting device according to claim 1, wherein the light emitter emits green visible light having a wavelength of 490 nm or more and 550 nm or less.

3. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sanitary equipment is at least one of a toilet device, a toilet hand washing basin, and a toilet cabinet.

4. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lighting device is provided in the sanitary equipment or a cleaning tool for the sanitary equipment.

5. The lighting device according to claim 4, wherein the cleaning tool is a toilet brush, and the lighting device is provided on the toilet brush.

6. The lighting device of claim 5, wherein the lighting device is removably attached to the toilet brush.

7. The lighting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the lighting device is provided on a handle of the toilet brush.

8. The lighting device according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the light-emitting element is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the handle of the toilet brush.

9. The lighting device of any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the toilet brush has a replaceable brush head.

10. The lighting device according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the lighting device has a plurality of irradiation surfaces that irradiate visible light emitted by the light-emitting body to the outside.

11. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the lighting device irradiates visible light emitted by the light-emitting element toward the outside from an irradiation surface along the longitudinal direction of the handle of the toilet brush.

12. The lighting device according to claim 10, wherein the illumination surface is provided behind a brush head of the toilet brush and illuminates a cleaning surface from behind the brush head.

13. The lighting device described in claim 10, wherein the toilet brush is connected to the handle so that the brush or sponge can be rotated around an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handle, and the lighting device has a first illumination surface along the longitudinal direction of the handle and a second illumination surface that illuminates the tip side of the toilet brush.

14. The lighting device according to claim 13, wherein the first irradiation surface and the second irradiation surface are disposed spaced apart from each other.

15. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sanitary equipment is a toilet apparatus, and the lighting device is provided in at least one of a functional part of the toilet apparatus and a toilet seat, and is positioned in a position capable of illuminating the toilet bowl.

16. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a control unit that controls the light emission of the light emitter.

17. The lighting device according to claim 16, wherein the lighting device is capable of communicating with a remote control device having an operation unit operable by a user via the control unit.

18. An illumination device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising an adjustment mechanism capable of adjusting the amount of light emitted by the light emitter.

19. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, having an attachment portion for detachably attaching the lighting device to an object to which the lighting device is to be attached.

20. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a main body and an illumination switch for switching the power supply of the lighting device between an on state and an off state.

21. The lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising an irradiation section for irradiating light generated from the light-emitting body onto at least one of the tip surface or side surface of the main body.

22. The lighting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sanitary equipment is at least one of a kitchen equipment, a washroom equipment, and a bathroom equipment.

23. A toilet brush equipped with a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

24. A toilet device comprising a lighting device according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

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