Tank device and control method for tank device

Abstract

To provide a tank device capable of effectively suppressing clogging in a water closet.SOLUTION: A tank device comprises a tank body, a wash water storage part, a water supply part, a wash water discharge valve, a wash water discharge part, a wash operation part, and an automatic wash control part. The wash water storage part is inside the tank body and stores wash water. The water supply part supplies water to the wash water storage part. The wash water discharge valve switches between an open state for discharging wash water to the water closet and a closed state for not discharging the wash water. The wash water discharge part discharges the wash water stored in the storage part to the water closet when the wash water discharge valve is in the open state. The wash operation part receives a user operation to set the wash water discharge valve to the open state. The automatic wash control part automatically controls the wash water discharge valve to the open state when a detection part detects discharge of wash water or a change related to discharge of wash water a predetermined number of times or more.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a tank device and a control method for the tank device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a water-washed toilet that includes a toilet body, a tank for storing washing water supplied to the toilet body, a drain valve device that opens and closes a drain port of the tank to perform toilet washing by supplying washing water from the tank to the toilet body, and a tank water supply control unit that performs water supply control for the tank.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The invention according to Patent Document 1 is a water-washed toilet that can suppress clogging of the drain pipe by increasing the washing water flowing when a certain time has elapsed since the previous washing. However, in actual use scenes, it is difficult to sufficiently suppress clogging only by washing at regular intervals, and more effective suppression of clogging is required.

[0005] As an example of the problems to be solved by the present invention, effectively suppressing clogging related to water-washed toilets can be mentioned.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention according to claim 1 is a tank body, a washing water storage part that is inside the tank body and stores washing water, a water supply part that supplies water to the washing water storage part, A flushing water discharge valve that switches between an open state in which the flushing water is discharged to the flush toilet and a closed state in which the flushing water is not discharged, A flushing water discharge section that discharges the flushing water stored in the flushing water storage section to the flush toilet when the flushing water discharge valve is in the open state, A flushing operation section where a user's operation to open the flushing water discharge valve is performed, An automatic flushing control section that automatically controls the flushing water discharge valve to the open state, A detection section that detects the discharge of the flushing water to the flush toilet or a change related to the discharge of the flushing water, and The automatic flushing control section automatically controls the flushing water discharge valve to the open state when the detection section detects the discharge of the flushing water or a change related to the discharge of the flushing water a predetermined number of times or more. It is a tank device.

[0007] The invention according to claim 8 is A control method for a tank device, The tank device includes A tank body, A flushing water storage section inside the tank body for storing flushing water, A water supply section for supplying water to the flushing water storage section, A flushing water discharge valve that switches between an open state in which the flushing water is discharged to the flush toilet and a closed state in which the flushing water is not discharged, A flushing water discharge section that discharges the flushing water stored in the flushing water storage section to the flush toilet when the flushing water discharge valve is in the open state, A flushing operation section where a user's operation to open the flushing water discharge valve is performed, A detection section that detects the discharge of the flushing water to the flush toilet or a change related to the discharge of the flushing water, and A detection step of detecting the discharge of the flushing water or a change related to the discharge of the flushing water by the detection section, After the detection step, a number determination step of determining whether the discharge of the flushing water or a change related to the discharge of the flushing water has been detected a predetermined number of times or more, In the number determination step, when it is determined that the discharge of the washing water or a change related to the discharge of the washing water has been detected a predetermined number of times or more, a control step of automatically controlling the washing water discharge valve to the open state is included. This is a control method for a tank device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, clogging related to a flush toilet can be effectively suppressed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] <Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tank device 1 according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the A - A portion shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows the state of the tank device 1 when a washing water discharge valve 40 (described later) according to the embodiment is in the closed state. DR1 is the height direction of the tank device 1 and is the vertical direction (up and down direction).

[0012] In an embodiment, the tank device 1 is installed in a flushing toilet (not shown). The tank device 1 can be attached to the flushing toilet by the attachment portion 5. The tank device 1 supplies the flushing water W to the flushing toilet. The flushing water W is water for flushing the flushing toilet. The flushing water W is supplied to the flushing toilet and then flows into the drain pipe.

[0013] The tank device 1 includes a tank body 10, a flushing water storage portion 20, a water supply portion 30, a flushing water discharge valve 40, a flushing water discharge portion 50, a flushing operation portion 60, and an automatic flushing control portion 70. The tank body 10 includes a main body portion 11 and a lid portion 12. The main body portion 11 has a box-like shape. The lid portion 12 is a lid that covers the upper portion of the main body portion 11.

[0014] The flushing water storage portion 20 is inside the tank body 10 (main body portion 11). The flushing water storage portion 20 stores the flushing water W. The flushing water storage portion 20 is a portion formed inside the tank body 10 (main body portion 11) for storing the flushing water W. It is assumed that the flushing water W is stored up to the water surface WL1 in the flushing water storage portion 20 shown in FIG. 2.

[0015] The water supply portion 30 supplies water to the flushing water storage portion 20. The water supply portion 30 may supply water to the flushing water storage portion 20, for example, using a detection portion 80 (described later) that detects that the water surface WL1 of the flushing water storage portion 20 has dropped. The water supply portion 30 includes a tank water inlet 31 and a water supply path 32. The tank water inlet 31 is a portion for attaching, for example, a hose or a pipe when supplying water from the outside of the tank body 10 to the flushing water storage portion 20. The water supply path 32 is a passage through which the water supplied from the outside of the tank body 10 passes. The flushing water W is stored in the flushing water storage portion 20 by the water supplied from the tank water inlet 31 flowing through the water supply path 32 and into the flushing water storage portion 20.

[0016] (Flushing water discharge valve 40) In an embodiment, the washing water discharge valve 40 is provided (disposed) at the bottom of the tank body 10 (washing water storage unit 20). The washing water discharge valve 40 switches between an open state and a closed state. The open state is a state in which the washing water W is discharged to the flush toilet, and is a state in which the washing water discharge valve 40 is separated from the washing water discharge unit 50 (described later). The closed state is a state in which the washing water W is not discharged, and is a state in which the washing water discharge valve 40 is in close contact with the washing water discharge unit 50 (described later).

[0017] In an embodiment, the washing water discharge valve 40 includes a hemispherical upper hemispherical portion 41, a disk-shaped disk portion 42, and a hemispherical lower hemispherical portion 43. In an embodiment, the upper hemispherical portion 41, the disk portion 42, and the lower hemispherical portion 43 may be provided integrally. The disk portion 42 is sandwiched between the upper hemispherical portion 41 and the lower hemispherical portion 43. The upper hemispherical portion 41 is provided above the lower hemispherical portion 43 in the height direction DR1. In an embodiment, the hemispherical portion of the upper hemispherical portion 41 may have a smaller diameter than the hemispherical portion of the lower hemispherical portion 43.

[0018] The washing water discharge unit 50 discharges the washing water W stored in the washing water storage unit 20 to the flush toilet when the washing water discharge valve 40 is in the open state. The washing water discharge unit 50 includes a discharge passage 51. The discharge passage 51 is a passage through which the washing water W passes when the washing water W stored in the washing water storage unit 20 is discharged to the flush toilet. Also, in the closed state, the rubber-like packing portion 42a of the disk portion 42 is in close contact with the inlet portion 51a of the discharge passage 51.

[0019] The washing operation unit 60 is operated by the user to open the washing water discharge valve 40. In an embodiment, the washing operation unit 60 is, for example, a manual washing handle. For example, when the user operates the washing handle (when the user's operation is performed), the washing water discharge valve 40 can be opened.

[0020] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the A-A portion shown in FIG. 1 when in the open state. In the embodiment, the cleaning operation unit 60 can open the cleaning water discharge valve 40 via the long first long portion 90. The first long portion 90 is connected to the cleaning operation unit 60 and the cleaning water discharge valve 40. The first long portion 90 is connected to the cleaning water discharge valve 40 (upper hemispherical portion 41). In the embodiment, the first long portion 90 may be made of a metal material.

[0021] In the embodiment, the first long portion 90 is, for example, a ball chain (a chain in which a plurality of balls having substantially the same diameter are connected). In the embodiment, when the user operates the cleaning handle (cleaning operation unit 60) (when the user's operation is performed), the ball chain (first long portion 90) is tensioned, and the ball chain pulls up the cleaning water discharge valve 40. Thereby, the cleaning water discharge valve 40 can be opened.

[0022] (Detection unit 80) The detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the cleaning water W to the flush toilet or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W. The change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W includes, for example, a change in the water surface WL1 (WL2) of the cleaning water W (change in water level). In the embodiment, the detection unit 80 includes a float switch unit 81. The float switch unit 81 is a device for detecting the height (water level) of the water surface WL1 (WL2) of the cleaning water W. For example, as the water level of the cleaning water W fluctuates, the float portion of the float switch unit 81 floats and sinks, and in conjunction with this movement, the on / off of the reed switch is switched. Then, using the change in the on / off state (change in conduction) of the reed switch, the float switch unit 81 can detect the change in the water level of the cleaning water W. Further, the float switch unit 81 (detection unit 80) may transmit information (signal) indicating that it has detected the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W to the automatic cleaning control unit 70 (described later).

[0023] In an embodiment, the detection unit 80 uses the float switch unit 81 to detect the number of changes in the water level of the washing water W, thereby detecting the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W. For example, in the open state, after the washing water W is discharged into the water washing toilet bowl, if the height of the water surface WL1 (see FIG. 2) drops to the height of the water surface WL2 (see FIG. 3), the float portion of the float switch unit 81 also drops (see FIGS. 2 and 3). And when the float portion drops, the float switch unit 81 may be able to detect the discharge of the washing water W. Also, when the water level of the water surface WL2 rises to the water surface WL1 due to the water supply by the water supply unit 30 to the washing water storage unit 20, the float switch unit 81 may be able to detect the water supply of the washing water W. Note that when the float portion rises, the float switch unit 81 may be able to detect the water supply of the washing water W.

[0024] (Automatic cleaning control unit 70) The automatic cleaning control unit 70 automatically controls the washing water discharge valve 40 to be in an open state. In an embodiment, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 is a unit for controlling the washing water discharge valve 40, and includes a hardware part and a software part.

[0025] In an embodiment, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 includes a control board 71 for controlling the washing water discharge valve 40. The control board 71 is installed outside the tank body 10. In an embodiment, the control board 71 is disposed on the lid portion 12.

[0026] When the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 automatically controls the washing water discharge valve 40 to an open state. For example, when the detection unit 80 detects that the float switch unit 81 is conducting and the number of times of detecting the conduction reaches the predetermined number, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 may open the washing water discharge valve 40. "When the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more" may be the case where the float switch unit 81 detects the decrease in the water level of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more, or the case where the float switch unit 81 detects the rise of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more. From the viewpoint of satisfying both water conservation and clogging suppression, the above-mentioned predetermined number is preferably 3 to 10 times, more preferably 4 to 9 times, and still more preferably 5 to 8 times.

[0027] In the embodiment, the tank device 1 further includes a long second long portion 95. The second long portion 95 is connected to the automatic cleaning control unit 70 and the washing water discharge valve 40. In the embodiment, the second long portion 95 is connected to the upper hemispherical portion 41. In the embodiment, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 may include a motor (not shown), and the second long portion 95 may be connected to the motor. Note that the second long portion 95 may be a configuration included in the automatic cleaning control unit 70.

[0028] In the embodiment, the second long portion 95 is, for example, a chain. The second long portion 95 is, for example, made of a resin material. When the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 applies tension to the chain, which is the second long portion 95 (for example, winds up the second long portion 95 with a motor or the like), and pulls up the washing water discharge valve 40 connected to the second long portion 95. In this way, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 automatically controls the washing water discharge valve 40 to an open state.

[0029] Further, when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 detects that the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W has occurred a predetermined number of times or more by the detection unit 80, the cleaning water discharge valve 40 may be opened two or more times. That is, after the automatic cleaning control unit 70 opens the cleaning water discharge valve 40, the cleaning water W is discharged into the flush toilet, and water is supplied to the cleaning water storage unit 20, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 may open the cleaning water discharge valve 40 again.

[0030] In addition, the tank device 1 has a normal discharge mode for discharging a normal amount of the cleaning water W and a large discharge mode for discharging an amount of the cleaning water W larger than the normal amount. When an operation by the user is performed on the cleaning operation unit 60, the cleaning water discharge unit 50 discharges the cleaning water W in the normal discharge mode. When the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the cleaning water W a predetermined number of times or more, the cleaning water discharge unit 50 discharges the cleaning water W in the large discharge mode. That is, after the discharge of the cleaning water W due to the user's operation, the discharge of the cleaning water W due to the automatic cleaning control unit 70 is additionally performed.

[0031] Note that in the large discharge mode, an amount of the cleaning water W that is, for example, 1.5 times, 2 times, 3 times, or 5 times the amount in the normal discharge mode may be discharged. The amount of the cleaning water W to be discharged can be adjusted, for example, by adjusting the length of the second long portion 95. That is, when the relatively short second long portion 95 is used, when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 (motor) pulls up the second long portion 95, the cleaning water discharge valve 40 immediately opens, so that the amount of the cleaning water W to be discharged increases. Further, when the relatively long second long portion 95 is used, even when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 (motor) pulls up the second long portion 95, the time during which the cleaning water discharge valve 40 remains closed increases, so that the amount of the cleaning water W to be discharged decreases.

[0032] (Operation example of the embodiment) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method of the tank device 1 according to the embodiment. In the user operation step S100, it is assumed that an operation by the user to open the cleaning water discharge valve 40 is performed on the cleaning operation unit 60 (for example, it is assumed that the user turns the cleaning handle).

[0033] When the washing water discharge valve 40 is opened by the operation of the user, the washing water W is discharged into the water closet, and the water level of the washing water W drops (see FIG. 3). Then, in the detection step S200, the detection unit 80 (float switch unit 81) detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W. That is, the float switch unit 81 detects that the water level of the washing water W has become below a certain reference level. Then, the float switch unit 81 transmits detection information (detection signal) indicating that the water level of the washing water W has become below a certain reference level (indicating that a change related to the discharge of the washing water W or the discharge of the washing water W has been detected) to the automatic washing control unit 70.

[0034] In the reception step S300, the automatic washing control unit 70 receives the above detection information (detection signal).

[0035] In the number determination step S400, the automatic washing control unit 70 determines whether or not a change related to the discharge of the washing water W or the discharge of the washing water W has been detected a predetermined number of times or more using the above detection information (detection signal). The specific determination method is as follows.

[0036] The number of times the above detection information (detection signal) has been received before the reception step S300 (referred to as the "detection number") is counted and stored in a storage unit (not shown) included in the automatic washing control unit 70. Further, it is assumed that the above predetermined number (threshold value) is also stored in the storage unit. In the number determination step S400, the automatic washing control unit 70 compares the number obtained by adding 1 to the detection number stored in the storage unit with the predetermined number, and determines whether or not a change related to the discharge of the washing water W or the discharge of the washing water W has been detected a predetermined number of times or more. For example, if the detection number before the reception step S300 is 4 times and the predetermined number is 5 times and they are stored in the storage unit as described above, in the number determination step S400, the automatic washing control unit 70 determines that a change related to the discharge of the washing water W or the discharge of the washing water W has been detected a predetermined number of times or more.

[0037] When the automatic cleaning control unit 70 determines that the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W has been detected a predetermined number of times or more (YES in the number determination step S400), it proceeds to the time determination step S500.

[0038] In the time determination step S500, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 determines whether the time elapsed until the detection unit 80 (float switch unit 81) detects the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W a predetermined number of times or more, starting from a predetermined timing, exceeds a predetermined time. The "predetermined timing" may be, for example, the timing when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 (or the cleaning operation unit 60) opens the cleaning water discharge valve 40 before the user operation step S100. When the above time elapsed until the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is detected a predetermined number of times or more exceeds the above predetermined time (YES in the time determination step S500), it proceeds to the control step S600. The specific determination method is as follows.

[0039] For example, assume that the predetermined timing is the timing when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 opens the cleaning water discharge valve 40 before the user operation step S100. And assume that the above predetermined time (threshold value) is 4 hours and is stored in the above storage unit. And assume that 5 hours have elapsed from the time when the automatic cleaning control unit 70 last opened the cleaning water discharge valve 40 until the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is detected a predetermined number of times or more in the number determination step S400. In this case, in the time determination step S500, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 determines that the time elapsed until the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is detected a predetermined number of times or more exceeds the above predetermined time. In this case, it proceeds to the control step S600.

[0040] In control step S600, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 automatically controls the cleaning water discharge valve 40 to open it in the large amount discharge mode. Then, the cleaning water discharge unit 50 discharges the cleaning water W in the large amount discharge mode. That is, in control step S600, in addition to the discharge of the cleaning water W caused by the user's operation in the user operation step S100, the discharge of the cleaning water W caused by the automatic control of the automatic cleaning control unit 70 is performed. Therefore, a large amount of cleaning water W is discharged into the flush toilet, and clogging of the drain pipe can be suppressed.

[0041] In addition, when the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is not detected a predetermined number of times or more (NO in the number determination step S400), or when the time elapsed until the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is detected a predetermined number of times or more does not exceed the predetermined time (NO in the time determination step S500), the process may be terminated. In this case, the cleaning water discharge unit 50 will only discharge the cleaning water W caused by the user's operation in the user operation step S100 in the normal amount discharge mode.

[0042] (Function and effect) As described above, the tank device 1 according to the embodiment includes the automatic cleaning control unit 70. When the detection unit 80 detects a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W or the discharge of the cleaning water W a predetermined number of times or more, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 automatically controls the cleaning water discharge valve 40 to open it. Thereby, according to the number of times the cleaning water W is discharged into the flush toilet, the cleaning water W can be automatically discharged into the flush toilet. Thereby, clogging related to the flush toilet (such as clogging of dirt in the flush toilet and drain pipe) can be effectively suppressed without the user's trouble.

[0043] Furthermore, the detection unit 80 may detect a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W or the discharge of the cleaning water W by detecting the number of changes in the water level of the cleaning water W. Thereby, a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W or the discharge of the cleaning water W can be effectively detected.

[0044] Furthermore, starting from a predetermined timing, when the time elapsed until the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more exceeds a predetermined time, the automatic washing control unit 70 may automatically control the washing water discharge valve 40 to an open state. That is, even when the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W or a change related to the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more, if the predetermined time has not elapsed, the automatic washing control unit 70 may not open the washing water discharge valve 40. When not much time has elapsed since the timing of the previous discharge of the washing water W, excessive discharge of the washing water W can be suppressed by suppressing the automatic discharge of the washing water W. Therefore, water conservation can be achieved while maintaining the suppression of clogging related to the water flush toilet.

[0045] Furthermore, when a user operates the washing operation unit 60, the washing water discharge valve 40 is opened by applying tension to the first long portion 90. And when the detection unit 80 detects the discharge of the washing water W a predetermined number of times or more, the automatic washing control unit 70 automatically controls the washing water discharge valve 40 to an open state by applying tension to the second long portion 95. By using the first long portion 90 and the second long portion 95, it is possible to realize the manual discharge of the washing water W and the automatic discharge of the washing water W with a simple configuration. Furthermore, by connecting both the first long portion 90 and the second long portion 95 to the washing water discharge valve 40, the structure of the tank device 1 can be further simplified.

[0046] Furthermore, the first long portion 90 may be made of a metal material, and the second long portion 95 may be made of a resin material. When the number of times tension is applied to the first long portion 90 is more than the number of times tension is applied to the second long portion 95, the strength of the first long portion 90 can be increased by making the first long portion 90 of a metal material. Also, the weight of the second long portion 95 can be reduced by making the second long portion 95 of a resin material. Therefore, it becomes easier for the automatic washing control unit 70 to pull up the second long portion 95.

[0047] Furthermore, the control board 71 is installed outside the tank body 10. By installing the control board 71 outside the tank body 10, it is possible to suppress the adverse effect on the control board 71 caused by the moisture (e.g., condensed water) inside the tank body 10.

[0048] As described above, the embodiments have been described with reference to the drawings, but these are examples of the present invention, and various configurations other than the above can also be adopted.

[0049] The detection unit 80 may be able to detect a change in the water level caused by the cleaning operation unit 60, or may be able to detect a change in the water level caused by the automatic cleaning control unit 70.

[0050] Note that the detection unit 80 may detect the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W using the image information captured by the camera. Further, the detection unit 80 may detect the acceleration by the acceleration sensor attached to the cleaning lever (cleaning operation unit 60) and detect the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W.

[0051] The detection unit 80 may detect a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W by detecting the supply of the cleaning water to the cleaning water storage unit 20 by the water supply unit 30.

[0052] The discharge amount of the cleaning water W caused by the automatic cleaning control unit 70 does not have to be a large amount (an amount larger than the normal amount), and may be, for example, a normal amount (1 times), 0.8 times, 0.6 times, etc.

[0053] In the embodiment, the control method in which the automatic cleaning control unit 70 opens the cleaning water discharge valve 40 is arbitrary and does not have to be the method using the second long portion 95.

[0054] In an embodiment, the cleaning operation unit 60 may be a cleaning button. In this case, when the cleaning button is pressed, the cleaning water discharge valve 40 may be configured to be in an open state. Further, the cleaning operation unit 60 may include a detection device using infrared rays, and the cleaning water discharge valve 40 may be opened when a user holds a hand over the detection device (user operation).

[0055] In an embodiment, the tank device 1 may further include an overflow pipe 97 (see FIG. 2). When the water surface WL1 rises above the upper end of the overflow pipe 97, the overflow pipe 97 can discharge the cleaning water W flowing in from the upper end to the discharge passage 51 (in this case, it is not necessary to keep the cleaning water discharge valve 40 open).

[0056] In an embodiment, the control step S600 may be entered without performing the time determination step S500. That is, the automatic cleaning control unit 70 may automatically control the cleaning water discharge valve 40 to be opened without measuring the time elapsed until the discharge of the cleaning water W or a change related to the discharge of the cleaning water W is detected a predetermined number of times or more.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0057] 1 Tank device 10 Tank body 20 Cleaning water storage section 30 Water supply section 32 Water supply path 40 Cleaning water discharge valve 50 Cleaning water discharge section 60 Cleaning operation unit 70 Automatic cleaning control unit 71 Control board 80 Detection unit 81 Float switch section 90 First long section 95 Second long section W Cleaning water

Claims

1. The tank body, a cleaning water storage section disposed inside the tank body and configured to store cleaning water; a water supply unit that supplies water to the flush water storage unit; a flush water discharge valve that switches between an open state in which the flush water is discharged into the flush toilet bowl and a closed state in which the flush water is not discharged; a flush water discharge section that discharges the flush water stored in the flush water storage section into the flush toilet bowl when the flush water discharge valve is in the open state; a flush operation unit that is operated by a user to place the flush water release valve in the open state; an automatic flushing control unit that automatically controls the flushing water release valve to the open state; a detection unit that detects the release of the flush water into the flush toilet bowl or a change associated with the release of the flush water, The automatic cleaning control unit automatically controls the cleaning water release valve to the open state when the detection unit detects the release of the cleaning water or a change related to the release of the cleaning water a predetermined number of times or more.

2. 2. The tank device according to claim 1, The detection unit detects the release of the cleaning water or a change related to the release of the cleaning water by detecting the number of changes in the level of the cleaning water.

3. 2. The tank device according to claim 1, A tank device in which, starting from a predetermined timing, if the time that has elapsed until the detection unit detects the release of the cleaning water or a change related to the release of the cleaning water a predetermined number of times or more exceeds a predetermined time, the automatic cleaning control unit automatically controls the cleaning water release valve to the open state.

4. 2. The tank device according to claim 1, a first long portion connected to the cleaning operation portion and the cleaning water discharge valve; A second long portion connected to the automatic flushing control unit and the flushing water release valve, When the user operates the cleaning operation unit, tension is applied to the first elongated portion, causing the cleaning water release valve to be in the open state, The automatic cleaning control unit, when the detection unit detects the release of the cleaning water a predetermined number of times or more, automatically controls the cleaning water release valve to the open state by applying tension to the second long portion, a tank device.

5. The tank device according to claim 4, the first elongated portion is made of a metal material; The tank device, wherein the second elongated portion is made of a resin material.

6. 2. The tank device according to claim 1, The automatic cleaning control unit includes a control board, A tank device, wherein the control board is installed outside the tank body.

7. 2. The tank device according to claim 1, the tank device has a normal amount release mode for releasing a normal amount of the flushing water and a large amount release mode for releasing an amount of the flushing water larger than the normal amount, A tank device in which, when the user performs the operation on the cleaning operation unit, the cleaning water release unit releases the cleaning water in the normal amount release mode, and when the detection unit detects the release of the cleaning water a predetermined number of times or more, the cleaning water release unit releases the cleaning water in the large amount release mode.

8. A method for controlling a tank device, comprising: The tank device includes: The tank body, a cleaning water storage section disposed inside the tank body and configured to store cleaning water; a water supply unit that supplies water to the flush water storage unit; a flush water discharge valve that switches between an open state in which the flush water is discharged into the flush toilet bowl and a closed state in which the flush water is not discharged; a flush water discharge section that discharges the flush water stored in the flush water storage section into the flush toilet bowl when the flush water discharge valve is in the open state; a flush operation unit that is operated by a user to place the flush water release valve in the open state; a detection unit that detects the release of the flush water into the flush toilet bowl or a change associated with the release of the flush water, A detection step of detecting the release of the cleaning water or a change related to the release of the cleaning water by the detection unit; a number-of-times determination step for determining whether or not the release of the wash water or a change related to the release of the wash water has been detected a predetermined number of times or more after the detection step; A control method for a tank device, comprising: a control step of automatically controlling the cleaning water release valve to the open state when it is determined in the number determination step that the release of the cleaning water or a change related to the release of the cleaning water has been detected a predetermined number of times or more.

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