Patent Publication Number: US-2023135682-A1

Title: Chemical solution supply device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to a chemical solution supply device for supplying a chemical solution to a toilet bowl. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Conventionally, a chemical solution supply device has been known which is installed in a water supply receiving tray for washing hands in the upper portion of a water storage tank of a toilet, and which supplies a chemical solution for cleaning, deodorization, and fragrance to the washing water in the water storage tank (e.g., see Patent Document 1). A discharging tool is also known which discharges a gel-like chemical solution and adheres it like a stamp on the inner surface of a toilet bowl (e.g., see Patent Documents 2 and 3). 
     CITATION LIST 
     Patent Literature 
     
         
         Patent Document 1: JP 2013-79496A 
         Patent Document 2: JP 2016-124596A 
         Patent Document 3: JP 2017-218234A 
       
    
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
     A chemical solution supply device such as that of Patent Document 1 cannot be installed if there is no water supply receiving tray for hand washing. Also, even if there is a water supply receiving tray, the chemical solution supply device cannot be installed if, for example, an ornament is placed on the water supply receiving tray. On the other hand, if a discharging tool such as that of Patent Documents 2 and 3 is used, the amount of chemical solution that can be adhered to the inner surface of the toilet bowl with a single stamp is limited, and thus there is a risk that the chemical solution on the inner surface of the toilet bowl will be peeled off by flushing, and the chemical solution cannot be stably supplied. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide a chemical solution supply device for which an installation location can be easily ensured, and which can stably supply a chemical solution. 
     Solution to Problem 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a container having an inner space in which a chemical solution to be supplied to a toilet bowl is accommodated; and a flexible tube that is in communication with the inner space and defines a passage for guiding the chemical solution sent out from the inner space to the inside of the toilet bowl, or to the inside of a water tank for supplying washing water to the inside of the toilet bowl. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to the first aspect, in which the tube is installed so as to be sandwiched between a first element and a second element. The first element is a tank body included in the water storage tank and the second element is a lid of the tank body included in the water storage tank, or the first element is a rim of the toilet bowl and the second element is a toilet seat attached to the toilet bowl. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to the second aspect, further including a spacer that is installed so as to be sandwiched between the first element and the second element to prevent blockage of the passage. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to the second aspect or the third aspect, in which the tube is partially rigid at a portion to be sandwiched between the first element and the second element, or the chemical solution supply device further comprises a rigid guard portion that is attached to the portion of the tube that is to be sandwiched between the first element and the second element. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, further including a connecting member that allows the inner space and the passage to indirectly be in communication with each other by being connected to the container and the tube, receiving the chemical solution from the inner space, and supplying the chemical solution to the passage. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to the fifth aspect, in which the connecting member has a reservoir having a storage space for storing the chemical solution received from the inner space. The tube is connected to the reservoir such that the passage is in communication with the storage space, and the reservoir supplies the chemical solution stored in the storage space to the passage. 
     A chemical solution supply device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the chemical solution supply device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further including a support member for supporting the container such that the container is installed on a lid of a tank body included in the water storage tank, on a side of the water storage tank, or on a side of the toilet bowl. 
     Advantageous Effects of the Invention 
     According to the above aspect, a tube that is in communication with the container is used to supply the chemical solution contained in the container to the toilet bowl. Since this tube is flexible and can be deformed into various shapes, the chemical sent out from the inside of the container can be easily guided into the water storage tank or the toilet bowl regardless of where the container is installed. Accordingly, it is easy to ensure an installation location for the chemical solution supply device, and the chemical solution can be stably supplied. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a front view of a chemical solution supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of the chemical solution supply device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    is a diagram showing an installation example of the chemical solution supply device according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of a connecting member according to the first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from above. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a perspective view of the connecting member according to the first embodiment, as viewed obliquely from below. 
         FIG.  4 C  is a plan view of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  4 D  is a bottom view of the connecting member according to the first embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    is a front view of a chemical solution supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  6    is an exploded view of the chemical solution supply device according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    is a diagram showing an installation example of the chemical solution supply device according to the second embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  6   . 
         FIG.  9    is a diagram showing an installation example of a chemical solution supply device according to a modified example. 
         FIG.  10    is a diagram showing an installation example of a chemical solution supply device according to another modified example. 
         FIG.  11    is a diagram showing an installation example of a chemical solution supply device according to a further modified example. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
     Chemical solution supply devices according to several embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 
     1. First Embodiment 
     1-1. Overview of Chemical Solution Supply Device 
       FIG.  1    is a front view of a chemical solution supply device  100  according to a first embodiment of the present invention,  FIG.  2    is an exploded view thereof, and  FIG.  3    is a diagram showing a typical installation example of the chemical solution supply device  100 . The chemical solution supply device  100  is a device for supplying a chemical solution to the toilet bowl of a toilet, and as shown in these diagrams, the chemical solution supply device  100  includes a container  1  in which the chemical solution to be supplied to the toilet bowl is accommodated, and a tube  2  connected to the container  1 . Note that in the description here, unless otherwise specified, “upper (top surface)”, “lower (bottom surface)”, “left”, and “right” are defined as shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and “front (front surface)” means the near side in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , and “rear (rear surface)” means the far side in  FIGS.  1  and  2   . 
     The chemical solution supply device  100  is installed in the surrounding area of the water storage tank  9  so that the chemical solution can be supplied into the water storage tank  9  that supplies washing water into the toilet bowl. The water storage tank  9  includes a tank body  91  with an opening at its upper portion, and a lid  92  covering the opening at the upper portion of the tank body  91 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , the chemical solution supply device  100  is installed such that the container  1  is arranged on the upper surface of the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9  and the tube  2  is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 . Note that the upper surface of the lid  92  here constitutes a substantially horizontal plane, and a water supply receiving tray for washing hands is not arranged on the upper surface of the lid  92 . 
     The chemical solution supply device  100  of this embodiment further includes a spacer  3 . The tube  2  defines, in its interior, a passage S 2  that guides the chemical solution accommodated in the container  1  to the inside of the water storage tank  9 . Similarly to the tube  2 , the spacer  3  is installed so as to be sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92  in order to prevent the passage S 2  of the chemical solution in the tube  2  from being clogged. 
     Also, the chemical solution supply device  100  of this embodiment further includes a connecting member  4  connected to the container  1  and the tube  2 . The tube  2  is indirectly connected to the container  1  via the connecting member  4 . Although the details will be described later, the connecting member  4  plays a role of controlling the amount of chemical solution supplied from the container  1 . 
     The chemical solution contains one or more elements selected from the group including detergents, disinfectants, deodorants, and fragrances, and may also contain colorants. The chemical solution is mixed with the washing water to provide the effect of the components contained in the chemical solution to the inside of the toilet bowl or the inside of a toilet room. For example, if the chemical solution contains a detergent and a disinfectant, it can wash and disinfect the toilet bowl, and if it contains a deodorant and a fragrance, it can eliminate unpleasant odors in the toilet room and give off a pleasant scent. 
     1-2. Configuration of Each Portion 
     1-2-1. Container 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1  to  3   , the container  1  has a container body  10  having an inner space S 1  in which a chemical solution is accommodated, and a cap  12  closing the inner space S 1 . The shape of the container body  10  is not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, it has a dome shape that is wider in the left-right direction than in the depth direction and is slightly flattened in the left-right direction. 
     The container body  10  has an outlet portion  11  at the center of the lower portion thereof, which causes the inner space S 1  and an outer space to be in communication with each other, and the outlet portion  11  has a cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The cap  12  is fixed to the outlet portion  11  so as to cover and close the outlet portion  11 . In  FIG.  2   , for reference, a cross section of the outlet portion  11  and the cap  12  taken along a plane that passes through the central axis of the outlet portion  11  and is parallel to the left-right direction is partially indicated by dotted lines. 
     The material constituting the container  1  is not particularly limited, but typically, hard resin or metal can be used thereas. For example, the container body  10  can be preferably made of synthetic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, and polypropylene. The same applies to the cap  12  as well. 
     1-2-2. Connecting Member 
       FIGS.  4 A to  4 D  are views of the connecting member  4  viewed from various directions. The connecting member  4  is arranged between the container  1  and the tube  2  to connect them. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 C , the connecting member  4  has a rectangular plate-shaped base  40  and a cylindrical piercing portion  41  standing up from the center of the upper surface of the base  40 . The piercing portion  41  has a shape obtained by obliquely cutting the upper portion of a cylinder extending in the vertical direction, and the upper portion thereof is sharp. The piercing portion  41  is inserted into the outlet portion  11  so as to pierce the bottom surface of the cap  12  of the container  1  from below. The connecting member  4  further has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion  42 , and the peripheral wall portion  42  is spaced apart from the piercing portion  41  and stands up from the upper surface of the base  40  so as to surround the piercing portion  41 . An annular space surrounded by the outer surface of the piercing portion  41  and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion  42  receives the cap  12  and the outlet portion  11  of the container  1 . At this time, the outer surface of the cap  12  and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion  42  are in close contact with each other, and the connecting member  4  is fixed to the container  1  by the frictional force generated between them. 
     Also, as shown in  FIGS.  4 B and  4 D , the connecting member  4  further has an elongated columnar rod  43  hanging down from the center of the lower surface of the base  40 . A fine groove S 4  extending vertically over the entire length of the rod  43  is formed on the outer surface of the rod  43 . The fine groove S 4  extends so as to pass through not only the rod  43  but also the base  40 , and is in communication with the space S 3  inside the piercing portion  41 . Accordingly, when the piercing portion  41  pierces the cap  12  and the container  1  and the connection member  4  are connected to each other, the fine groove S 4  is in communication with the inner space S 1  of the container  1  via the space S 3  inside the piercing portion  41 , and serves as a passage through which the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  flows. In this embodiment, the cross section of the fine groove S 4  is V-shaped with a sharp bottom side. 
     The rod  43  is inserted into the passage S 2  inside the tube  2  at one end of the tube  2 . At this time, the inner surface of the tube  2  and the outer surface of the rod  43  are in close contact with each other, and the tube  2  is fixed to the connecting member  4  by the frictional force generated between them. As a result of the above, the fine groove S 4  and the passage S 2  are in communication with each other, and the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  is further sent to the passage S 2  after passing through the fine groove S 4 . At this time, the chemical solution flows out from the inner space S 1  to the fine groove S 4  and further to the passage S 2  at a slow speed due to capillary action as well as gravity. 
     The connecting member  4  further has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion  44 , and the peripheral wall portion  44  hangs down from the lower surface of the base  40  so as to surround the rod  43  at a distance from the rod  43 . An annular space surrounded by the outer surface of the rod  43  and the inner surface of peripheral wall  44  receives one end of the tube  2  attached to the rod  43 . 
     As described above, the connecting member  4  causes the inner space S 1  of the container  1  to indirectly be in communication with the passage S 2  in the tube  2 , receives the chemical solution from the inner space S 1 , and supplies the chemical solution to the passage S 2 . The connecting member  4  can control the supply amount of the chemical solution from the container  1  by appropriately adjusting the cross-sectional area of the fine groove S 4 , and thus stably supplies the chemical solution at a desired flow rate to the passage S 2  in the tube  2  further downstream, and consequently to the water storage tank  9 . 
     Also, a support member  45  that supports the container  1  so that it is placed on the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9  is connected to the connection member  4 . The support member  45  plays a role of supporting the container  1  so that it is stably installed at a predetermined position. The connection member  4  and the support member  45  may be formed in one piece, or may be formed separately and then joined. In this embodiment, the support member  45  is composed of a plurality of legs hanging down from the lower surface of the base  40 . These legs extend vertically and are respectively arranged at four corners of the substantially rectangular base  40 . As shown in  FIG.  3   , these legs constituting the support member  45  are installed so as to stand on the upper surface of the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9 , and the container  1  is stably installed on the upper surface of the lid  92 . 
     Although the material constituting the connection member  4  and the support member  45  is not particularly limited, typically, hard resin or metal can be used thereas. For example, the connection member  4  can be preferably made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. The same applies to the support member  45  as well. 
     1-2-3. Tube 
     The tube  2  defines, in its interior, the passage S 2  through which the chemical solution flows. As described above, one end of the tube  2  is connected to the rod  43  of the connecting member  4  so as to cover it from the outside. Also, as described above, the passage S 2  is in communication with the inner space S 1  of the container  1  via the space S 3  inside of the piercing portion  41  and the fine groove S 4  when one end of the tube  2  and the rod  43  are connected to each other and the container  1  and the piercing portion  41  are connected to each other. Also, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the intermediate portion of the tube  2  is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 , and the other end is accommodated in the water storage tank  9 . Accordingly, the passage S 2  can guide the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  to the inside of the water storage tank  9 . 
     The tube  2  is flexible and can be deformed into various shapes. Accordingly, since the tube  2  can be freely bent, the container  1  and the inside of the water storage tank  9  can be connected to each other via the connection member  4 , regardless of where the container  1  is installed. As described above, the chemical solution supply device  100  can easily ensure an installation location and can stably supply the chemical solution from the inside of the container  1  to the inside of the water storage tank  9 . 
     The material constituting the tube  2  is not particularly limited as long as it has flexibility, but typically, rubber, thermoplastic elastomer, or soft resin can be used thereas. For example, the tube  2  can preferably be made of silicone rubber. Note that the contact angle of the chemical solution with respect to the material of the inner surface of the tube  2  is preferably 90° or less. In this case, the chemical solution can flow through the tube  2  at an appropriate speed that is neither too fast nor too slow. 
     1-2-4. Spacer 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the spacer  3  is installed so as to be sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9 , similarly to the tube  2 . The spacer  3  has a constant thickness in the vertical direction, and maintains the interval between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 . The number of spacers  3  is not particularly limited. One or a plurality of spacers  3  may be arranged only in the vicinity of the tube  2  in the annular upper portion of the tank body  91 , or a plurality of spacers  3  may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the annular upper portion of the tank body  91  at predetermined intervals. 
     In the example of  FIG.  3   , the spacer  3  has a recess on its lower surface, receives the upper portion of the tank body  91  in the recess, and covers the upper portion of the tank body  91  from above. Accordingly, the spacer  3  is firmly hooked onto the upper portion of the tank body  91  and does not easily fall off of the tank body  91 . 
     The tube  2  is flexible as described above. However, even when the tube  2  is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 , since the space in which the tube  2  is arranged is ensured by the spacer  3  between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 , the tube  2  is not crushed excessively or is not crushed at all due to the weight of the lid  92 . Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the passage S 2  is blocked and the chemical solution cannot flow through the passage S 2 . Also, by adjusting the number and arrangement of the spacers  3 , it is possible to prevent the lid  92  from rattling with respect to the tank body  91  due to the thickness of the tube  2  sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 . 
     The material constituting the spacer  3  is not particularly limited, but typically, hard resin, rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer can be used thereas. 
     2. Second Embodiment 
     2-1. Overview of Chemical Solution Supply Device 
       FIG.  5    is a front view of a chemical solution supply device  200  according to a second embodiment of the present invention,  FIG.  6    is an exploded view thereof, and  FIG.  7    is a diagram showing a typical installation example of the chemical solution supply device  200 . The chemical solution supply device  200  is also a device that supplies a chemical solution to the toilet bowl of a toilet, similarly to the chemical solution supply device  100 . In the following description, elements held in common between the chemical solution supply devices  100  and  200  are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted as appropriate. In the description here, unless otherwise specified, “upper (top surface)”, “lower (bottom surface)”, “left”, and “right” are defined as shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , “front (front surface)” means the near side in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , and “rear (rear surface)” means the far side in  FIGS.  5  and  6   . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  5  to  7   , the chemical solution supply device  200  also includes a container  1  in which a chemical solution is accommodated and a tube  2  connected to the container  1 , and the chemical solution supply device  200  is installed in the surrounding area of the water storage tank  9  such that the chemical solution can be supplied to the inside of the water storage tank  9 . As shown in  FIG.  7   , the chemical solution supply device  200  is also installed such that the container  1  is arranged on the upper surface of the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9  and the tube  2  is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 . The chemical solution supply device  200  also further includes a spacer  3  that is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92  in order to prevent the passage S 2  in the tube  2  from being blocked. The spacer  3  can also prevent the lid  92  from rattling with respect to the tank body  91  due to the thickness of the tube  2 . 
     On the other hand, the chemical solution supply device  200  further includes a cover member  5 , a lower container  6 , and a reservoir  7  that are arranged between the container  1  and the tube  2 , instead of the connecting member  4 . The tube  2  is indirectly connected to the container  1  via these elements  5  to  7 . These elements  5  to  7  function as a connecting member that connects the container  1  and the tube  2  as a whole, and play a role of controlling the supply amount of the chemical solution from the container  1 , similarly to the connecting member  4 . 
     2-2. Configuration of Each Portion 
     Details of the cover member  5 , the lower container  6 , and the reservoir  7  will be described below in order. 
     2-2-1. Cover Member 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , the cover member  5  has a circular plate-shaped base  50  and a cylindrical piercing portion  51  that stands up from the center of the upper surface of the base  50 . Note that, in  FIG.  6   , for reference, cross sections of the cover member  5  and the lower container  6  taken along a plane that passes through the central axis of the piercing portion  51  and is parallel to the left-right direction are partially indicated by dotted lines. The piercing portion  51  has a shape obtained by obliquely cutting the upper portion of a cylinder extending in the vertical direction, and the upper portion thereof is sharp. The piercing portion  51  is inserted into the outlet portion  11  so as to pierce the bottom surface of the cap  12  of the container  1  from below. The cover member  5  further has a cylindrical peripheral wall portion  52 , and the peripheral wall portion  52  is spaced apart from the piercing portion  51  and stands upward from the outer peripheral edge of the base  50  so as to surround the piercing portion  51 . An annular space surrounded by the outer surface of the piercing portion  51  and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion  52  receives the cap  12  and the outlet portion  11  of the container  1 . 
     Also, the cover member  5  further has a cylindrical port member  53  that hangs down from the center of the lower surface of the base  50 . A minute opening is formed in the center of the base  50 , and the port member  53  is arranged so as to surround the opening. Accordingly, a space S 21  inside the piercing portion  51  is in communication with a space S 22  inside the port member  53 . Note that the port member  53  has a smaller diameter than the piercing portion  51 . 
     The cover member  5  further has an annular top surface portion  54  that is continuous with the upper edge of the peripheral wall portion  52  and extends radially outward from the upper edge. The outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion  54  is rectangular. Moreover, the cover member  5  further has a peripheral wall portion  55  that hangs down from the outer peripheral edge of the top surface portion  54 . The peripheral wall portion  55  has a rectangular cylinder shape. A pair of left and right protrusions  55   a  protrude radially outward from the vicinity of the lower portions of the left wall portion and the right wall portion of the peripheral wall portion  55 . These protrusions  55   a  connect the lower container  6  and the cover member  5  by hooking onto a pair of left and right claw portions  64  of the lower container  6 , which will be described later. 
     The material constituting the cover member  5  is not particularly limited, but typically, hard resin or metal can be used thereas. For example, the cover member  5  can be preferably made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. 
     2-2-2. Lower Container 
     The lower container  6  is a dish-shaped container that receives the lower portion of the container  1  including the outlet portion  11  and the cap  12  from below. The lower container  6  has a bottom surface portion  61  and an outer wall portion  62  that stands upward and outward from the bottom surface portion  61 . Inside the outer wall portion  62 , the lower container  6  further has a rectangular cylinder-shaped peripheral wall portion  63  standing up from the upper surface of the bottom portion  61 , and the space inside the peripheral wall portion  63  accommodates the cover member  5 . At this time, the peripheral wall portion  63  is received in a rectangular annular space surrounded by the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion  52  and the inner surface of the peripheral wall portion  55  of the cover member  5 . On the upper surface of the bottom surface portion  61 , a pair of left and right claw portions  64  stand up from positions spaced apart from the peripheral wall portion  63  to the left and right. These claws  64  are hooked on the protrusions  55   a  of the cover member  5  described above, and as a result, the lower container  6  is fixed to the cover member  5 . Accordingly, the lower container  6  does not accidentally fall off of the cover member  5 . 
     The lower container  6  further has a plate member  65  hanging down from the center of the lower surface of the bottom surface portion  61 . The width direction of the plate member  65  extends in the left-right direction, and the thickness direction extends in the front-rear direction. A cylindrical protrusion  66  rises from the center of the upper surface of the plate member  65 . An opening is formed in the center of the bottom surface portion  61 . The protrusion  66  extends vertically so as to pass through the opening in the center of the bottom surface portion  61 . The protrusion  66  has a shape obtained by obliquely cutting the upper portion of a cylinder extending in the vertical direction, and the upper portion is sharp. A large number of fine grooves S 25  extending in the vertical direction are formed on the front and rear surfaces of the plate member  65 . 
     The protrusion  66  is inserted into the space S 22  inside the port member  53  when the cover member  5  is accommodated in the space inside the peripheral wall portion  63  and the lower container  6  and the cover member  5  are connected to each other. A fine groove S 24  extending in the vertical direction is formed on the outer surface of the protrusion  66  over the entire length of the protrusion  66 . Accordingly, when the lower container  6  and the cover member  5  are connected to each other, the piercing portion  51  penetrates the cap  12 , and the container  1  and the cover member  5  are connected to each other, the fine groove S 24  is in communication with the inner space S 1  of the container  1 . More specifically, the fine groove S 24  is in communication with the inner space S 1  of the container  1  via the space S 21  inside the piercing portion  51 , and serves as a passage through which the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  flows. 
     After passing through the fine groove S 24 , the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  reaches the plate member  65  below the protrusion  66  and flows into the fine groove S 25  of the plate member  65 . At this time, the chemical solution flows from the inner space S 1  into the fine groove S 24 , and further into the fine grooves S 25  at a slow speed due to capillary action as well as gravity. After reaching the lower ends of the fine grooves S 25  of the plate member  65 , the chemical solution drops from the plate member  65  and is accommodated in the reservoir  7 . The fine grooves S 25  also serve as passages through which the chemical solution sent out from the inner space S 1  flows. 
     The lower container  6  further has a rectangular cylinder-shaped peripheral wall portion  67 , and the peripheral wall portion  67  is spaced apart from the plate member  65  and hangs down from the lower surface of the bottom surface portion  61  so as to surround the plate member  65 . A pair of front and rear rods  68  extending in the vertical direction are arranged at the center of the front surface and the center of the rear surface of the peripheral wall portion  67 . Although the details will be described later, the pair of front and rear rods  68  are used for positioning the lower container  6  with respect to the reservoir  7 . 
     Also, the lower container  6  further has a support portion  69  extending downward from the outer wall portion  62 . In this embodiment, the support portion  69  is constituted by a plurality of legs. These legs extend in the vertical direction, and two of these legs are arranged in the lower portion of the front surface of the outer wall portion  62  at a certain interval in the left-right direction, and two of them are further arranged at the lower portion of the rear surface of the outer wall portion  62  at a certain interval in the left-right direction. 
     Although the details will be described later, in this embodiment, the reservoir  7  is arranged below the lower container  6 , and the container  1  is placed on the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9  via the reservoir  7 . However, if the cover  92  has a water supply receiving tray for hand washing, the container  1  can also be installed on the water supply receiving tray using only the cover member  5  and the lower container  6 , without using the reservoir  7 . At this time, the pair of front and rear rods  68  are inserted together with the plate member  65  into an opening formed in the water supply receiving tray through which the washing water flows into the water storage tank  9 . Also, at this time, the plurality of legs constituting the support portion  69  are installed so as to stand upright on the water supply receiving tray. The support portion  69  supports the container  1  so that the container  1  is stably installed in the water supply receiving tray. 
     Although the material constituting the lower container  6  is not particularly limited, typically, hard resin or metal can be used thereas. For example, the lower container  6  can be preferably made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. 
     2-2-3. Reservoir 
     The reservoir  7  has a box shape with an opening at its upper portion, and has a storage space S 26  in which the chemical solution is stored. The reservoir  7  is arranged below the lower container  6 , receives the chemical solution from the inner space S 1  of the container  1  via the cover member  5  and the lower container  6 , and temporarily stores the chemical solution in the storage space S 26 . 
       FIG.  8    is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIII-VIII of  FIG.  6   . The reservoir  7  includes a rectangular bottom surface portion  70 , and a front wall portion  71 , a rear wall portion  72 , a left wall portion  73 , and a right wall portion  74  that stand up from the front edge, rear edge, left edge, and right edge of the bottom portion  70 , respectively. Also, the reservoir  7  further has an angular loop-shaped flange  76  that is continuous with the upper edges of the walls  71  to  74 . 
     A pair of front and rear recesses  75  extending in the vertical direction are formed in the center in the left-right direction of the inner surfaces of the front wall portion  71  and the rear wall portion  72 . The pair of front and rear rods  68  of the lower container  6  are inserted into these recesses  75 , whereby the lower container  6  is positioned with respect to and connected to the reservoir  7 . At this time, the bottom surface portion  61  of the lower container  6  is placed on the upper surface of the flange  76 . Note that at this time, the plurality of legs constituting the support portion  69  are arranged at positions that do not interfere with the flange  76 , as shown in  FIG.  5   . 
     An outlet is formed in the vicinity of the bottom surface portion  70  in the right wall portion  74  of the reservoir  7 , and the tube  2  is inserted into the outlet. The tube  2  is fixed to the reservoir  7  by fixing means (not shown). As described above, the tube  2  is connected to the reservoir  7  such that the passage S 2  in its interior is in communication with the storage space S 26 . 
     When the reservoir  7  and the lower container  6  are connected to each other, the plate member  65  and the peripheral wall portion  67  of the lower container  6  are received in the storage space S 26 . As described above, the chemical solution is sent from the inner space S 1  of the container  1 , follows various routes, and reaches the fine grooves S 25  of the plate member  65  of the lower container  6 . Thereafter, the chemical solution flows downward along the fine grooves S 25  and drops into the reservoir  7  from the fine grooves S 25 . The reservoir  7  supplies the chemical solution thus stored in the storage space S 26  to the passage S 2  in the tube  2  via the outlet of the right wall portion  74 . Thereafter, the chemical solution passes through the passage S 2  and is ultimately guided into the water storage tank  9 . 
     The material constituting the reservoir  7  is not particularly limited, but typically, hard resin or metal can be used thereas. For example, the reservoir  7  can be preferably made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. 
     As described above, the cover member  5 , the lower container  6 , and the reservoir  7  allow the inner space S 1  of the container  1  to indirectly be in communication with the passage S 2  in the tube  2 . These elements  5  to  7  receive the chemical solution from the interior space S 1  and supply the chemical solution to the passage S 2 . These elements  5  to  7  can control the supply amount of the chemical solution from the container  1  by appropriately adjusting the cross-sectional areas of the fine grooves S 24  and S 25  through which the chemical solution passes, and thus stably supply the chemical solution with a desired flow rate to the passage S 2  further downstream, and consequently, into the water storage tank  9 . Since the chemical solution supply device  200  also has the tube  2 , which is flexible, it is easy to ensure an installation location, similarly to the chemical solution supply device  100 . 
     3. Modified Examples 
     Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the following modifications are possible. Also, the gists of the following modified examples can be combined as appropriate. 
     &lt;3-1&gt; 
     In the above embodiment, the container  1  was installed on the lid  92  of the water storage tank  9 , and the tube  2  was installed so as to be sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92 . However, the mode of installation of the chemical solution supply devices  100  and  200  is not limited to this example, and the chemical solution supply devices  100  and  200  can be installed in various locations. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  9   , the container  1  may also be installed on the side of the water storage tank  9 . In this case, it is preferable to appropriately modify the support member  45  to a shape capable of supporting the container  1  so as to be installed on the side of the water storage tank  9 . 
     Also, for example, as shown in  FIG.  10   , the container  1  may be installed on the side of the toilet bowl  8 , and one end of the tube  2  may be accommodated in the toilet bowl  8 . In this case, the passage S 2  in the tube  2  can guide the chemical solution directly into the toilet bowl  8  without going through the water storage tank  9 . Also, in this case, it is preferable to appropriately modify the support member  45  into a shape capable of supporting the container  1  so as to be installed on the side of the toilet bowl  8 . Also, in this case, the tube  2  can be installed so as to be sandwiched between the rim  81  of the toilet bowl  8  and the toilet seat  82  attached to the toilet bowl  8 . Also, in this case, similarly to the tube  2 , the spacer  3  is preferably installed so as to be sandwiched between the rim  81  of the toilet bowl  8  and the toilet seat  82 . 
     Note that  FIGS.  9  and  10    show a modified example of the chemical solution supply device  100 , but the chemical solution supply device  200  can also be modified so that the container  1  can be installed on the side of the water storage tank  9  or the side of the toilet bowl  8 . In this case, it is sufficient to also provide the chemical solution supply device  200  with a support member that performs the same function as the support member  45 . 
     &lt;3-2&gt; 
     In the above embodiment, the spacer  3  can be omitted. In this case, the portion of the tube  2  that is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92  (or between the rim  81  of the toilet bowl  8  and the toilet seat  82 ) may be partially rigid so as not to be crushed. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIG.  11   , a rigid guard member  21  may be attached to the portion of the tube  2  that is sandwiched between the tank body  91  and the lid  92  (or between the rim  81  of the toilet bowl  8  and the toilet seat  82 ) so that the portion is not crushed. For example, the guard member  21  can be made of a hard material such as hard resin, and can be realized as a tubular member into which the tube  2  is inserted. In this case, the guard member  21  is preferably slidable along the lengthwise direction of tube  2 . 
     &lt;3-3&gt; 
     In the first embodiment, the connecting member  4  may be omitted and the tube  2  may be directly connected to the outlet portion  11  of the container  1 . Similarly, in the second embodiment as well, the cover member  5 , the lower container  6 , and the reservoir  7  may be omitted, and the tube  2  may be directly connected to the outlet portion  11  of the container  1 . 
     LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           100  Chemical solution supply device 
           1  Container 
           2  Tube 
           21  Guard member 
           3  Spacer 
           4  Connecting member 
           45  Support member 
           7  Reservoir 
         S 1  Inner space 
         S 2  Passage 
         S 26  Storage space 
           8  Toilet bowl 
           81  Rim 
           82  Toilet seat 
           9  Water storage tank 
           91  Tank body 
           92  Lid