Humidifying device

Abstract

To provide a humidifying device that can correctly detect the state of a humidifying filter.SOLUTION: A humidifying device 10 comprises a humidifying filter 20, a water supply tray 40, a case 11, and a water level sensor 50. The water supply tray 40 supports the humidifying filter 20. The water supply tray 40 houses humidifying water 42 to be supplied to the humidifying filter 20. The case 11 includes a tray housing part 30 housing the water supply tray 40. The water level sensor 50 detects a water level L of the humidifying water 42 in the water supply tray 40. The water level sensor 50 detects the water level L of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 in the water supply tray 40.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a humidifier. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a humidifier having a water level detection means, a tilt detection means, and a water level correction means. The humidifier in Patent Document 1 includes a water tank, a water supply unit that supplies water to the water tank, and a humidifying filter that is immersed in the water in the water tank. The water level detection means detects the water level in the water supply unit. The tilt detection means detects tilting of the side of the water supply unit. The water level correction means corrects the water level detected by the water level detection means using the value detected by the tilt detection means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-253757 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the humidifier of Patent Document 1, the water level detection means detects the water level in the water supply section rather than the water tank, so it may not be possible to correctly determine whether the humidifying filter in the water tank is immersed in water.

[0005] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a humidifier that can correctly determine whether a humidifying filter is in a state capable of humidifying air. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a humidifying device includes a humidifying filter, a water supply tray, a housing, and a water level sensor. The water supply tray supports the humidifying filter. The water supply tray stores humidifying water to be supplied to the humidifying filter. The housing includes a tray storage section that stores the water supply tray. The water level sensor detects the level of the humidifying water in the water supply tray. The water level sensor detects the level of the humidifying water at a position in the water supply tray directly below the humidifying filter. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the humidifier according to the present disclosure, it is possible to correctly determine whether or not the humidifying filter is in a state capable of humidifying air. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a part of a humidifier according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a view of the humidifier taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2, showing the humidifier inclined relative to the horizontal plane. [Figure 5] 3 is a view of the humidifier of FIG. 2 taken along the line VV. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated. Hereinafter, the vertical direction (gravity direction) will be referred to as the height direction Z, and two directions perpendicular to the height direction Z will be referred to as the front-rear direction X and the width direction Y, respectively. The front-rear direction X will also be referred to as the first direction X.

[0010] First, a humidifier 10 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a part of a humidifier 10 according to an embodiment. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the humidifier 10 of Figure 1. In Figure 1, the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper is the front-to-rear direction X (first direction X), the left-to-right direction of the paper is the width direction Y, and the up-to-down direction of the paper is the height direction Z. The humidifier 10 includes a housing 11, a humidifying filter 20, a water supply tray 40, and a water level sensor 50.

[0011] The housing 11 includes a tray housing section 30. The tray housing section 30 houses a water supply tray 40. The water supply tray 40 supports the humidifying filter 20. Humidifying water 42 is supplied to the humidifying filter 20. The water supply tray 40 houses the humidifying water 42 to be supplied to the humidifying filter 20. The water level sensor 50 detects the level of the humidifying water 42 in the water supply tray 40. The water level sensor 50 detects the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 on the water supply tray 40.

[0012] 1, the water level in the water supply tray 40 is correctly detected. Furthermore, because the water level sensor 50 detects the level of the humidifying water 42 directly below the humidifying filter 20, it is possible to correctly detect whether the level of the humidifying water 42 has reached the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20, i.e., whether humidifying water 42 is being supplied to the humidifying filter 20. If humidifying water 42 is being supplied to the humidifying filter 20, it is determined that the humidifying filter 20 is able to humidify air.

[0013] A part of the outer wall of the housing 11 (the wall portion on the right side in the Y direction in FIG. 1 ) is an outer wall panel 13 that can be removed from the housing 11. An outer wall filter 15 is provided on the outer wall panel 13. The humidifier 10 can take air from outside the housing 11 into the housing 11 through the outer wall filter 15. An air outlet 16 is provided at an upper part of the housing 11 in the height direction Z. The humidifier 10 can blow air from inside the housing 11 to the outside of the housing 11 through the air outlet 16.

[0014] An internal filter 19, a fan motor 61, a fan 62, a drive motor 67, and a drive roller 68 are arranged inside the housing 11. As shown in Fig. 1 , the outer wall filter 15, the internal filter 19, the humidifying filter 20, and the fan 62 are arranged side by side in the width direction Y.

[0015] As fan motor 61 rotates fan 62, air outside housing 11 is drawn into housing 11. The air drawn into housing 11 passes through outer wall filter 15, internal filter 19, and humidifying filter 20, and is blown out of housing 11 through outlet 16. Because humidifying water 42 is supplied to humidifying filter 20, the air that passes through humidifying filter 20 and is blown out from outlet 16 becomes highly humid. Therefore, humidifier 10 can blow out highly humid air from outlet 16 and humidify the environment in which humidifier 10 is installed.

[0016] Furthermore, the humidifier 10 can purify the ambient air because fine particles contained in the air drawn into the housing 11 are adsorbed by the outer wall filter 15, the internal filter 19, and the humidifying filter 20. The outer wall filter 15, the internal filter 19, and the humidifying filter 20 include, for example, nonwoven fabric filters containing porous materials such as activated carbon. The outer wall filter 15, the internal filter 19, and the humidifying filter 20 may also include, for example, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) made of densely packed fibers such as glass fiber.

[0017] In this embodiment, the humidifying filter 20 has a circular shape. A central axis 25 of the humidifying filter 20 is parallel to the width direction Y in Fig. 1. The radial ends of the circular humidifying filter 20 are the upper and lower ends in the height direction Z in Fig. 1. A gear portion 28 with teeth arranged in the circumferential direction is provided at the radial end (part far from the central axis 25) of the humidifying filter 20. The teeth of the gear portion 28 protrude in the radial direction. A filter member 22 that adsorbs particles and the like in the air is provided on the radially inner side of the humidifying filter 20 (part close to the central axis 25).

[0018] A drive roller 68 contacts gear portion 28 at the radial end of humidifying filter 20. Drive roller 68 is provided with a gear that meshes with gear portion 28. Drive roller 68 is rotated by a drive motor 67. As drive roller 68 rotates, humidifying filter 20 rotates around central axis 25 within water supply tray 40 via gear portion 28 that meshes with the gear of drive roller 68.

[0019] Meanwhile, the water supply tray 40 that supports the humidifying filter 20 extends in the front-to-rear direction X in Figure 1. The humidifying water 42 contained in the water supply tray 40 spreads in the front-to-rear direction X at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20. The lower end of the humidifying filter 20 in the height direction Z is immersed in the humidifying water 42 contained in the water supply tray 40. As the humidifying filter 20 rotates around the central axis 25 within the water supply tray 40, the humidifying water 42 adheres to the entire circumferential end of the humidifying filter 20. The humidifying water 42 that has adhered to the circumferential end of the humidifying filter 20 spreads throughout the entire humidifying filter 20 as the humidifying filter 20 rotates. Therefore, the air passing through the humidifying filter 20 is reliably humidified.

[0020] 1, the water level sensor 50 is disposed on the outside of the water supply tray 40. Specifically, the tray housing section 30 has one wall portion 31 and the other wall portion 32 disposed opposite each other with the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 in between, and the water level sensor 50 is disposed on one wall portion 31. A rotation detector 58 is disposed on the other wall portion 32.

[0021] In FIG. 1, the tray housing section 30 has a recessed shape that accommodates the water supply tray 40. The recess that accommodates the water supply tray 40 extends in the front-to-rear direction X to match the shape of the water supply tray 40. The recess (tray housing section 30) that accommodates the water supply tray 40 has two walls, one wall portion 31 and the other wall portion 32, that run along the side of the water supply tray 40 (the end portion in the width direction Y in FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1, when the water supply tray 40 that supports the humidifying filter 20 is housed in the tray housing section 30, the one wall portion 31 and the other wall portion 32 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction Y, sandwiching the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 therebetween. Therefore, the water level sensor 50 arranged on the one wall portion 31 is arranged in a position that faces the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 in the width direction Y.

[0022] Because the water level sensor 50 is disposed outside the water supply tray 40, it is preferable that the sensor be capable of detecting the level of the humidification water 42 without coming into direct contact with the humidification water 42 contained in the water supply tray 40. For example, the water level sensor 50 may be a capacitance type sensor. If the water level sensor 50 is a capacitance type sensor, the water level sensor 50 can detect the level of the humidification water 42 even if the walls of the water supply tray 40 and the tray housing section 30 are between the water level sensor 50 and the humidification water 42.

[0023] Furthermore, because the water level sensor 50 is disposed outside the water supply tray 40, the water level sensor 50 does not occupy space within the water supply tray 40. Furthermore, when the humidifying filter 20 is rotated, the water level sensor 50 does not interfere with the rotation of the humidifying filter 20. This increases the degree of freedom in the structure of the humidifier 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 1 , the water level sensor 50 is disposed at a position that is approximately the same height as the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 in the height direction Z, but may be disposed at a position offset from the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 in the front-to-back direction X (first direction X). The water level sensor 50 may also have an extension in the front-to-back direction X. Even if the water level sensor 50 is offset from the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 in the front-to-back direction X, the water level sensor 50 can detect the level of the humidifying water 42 at a height directly below the humidifying filter 20. Furthermore, if the water level sensor 50 has an extension in the front-to-back direction X, the water level sensor 50 can detect the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position offset in the front-to-back direction X from the bottom end of the humidifying filter at a height directly below the humidifying filter. It is preferable that the water level sensor 50 be able to detect the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position offset in the front-to-back direction X from the bottom end of the humidifying filter within the diameter of the humidifying filter 20. For example, if the water level sensor 50 is positioned within the diameter of the humidifying filter 20 in the front-to-rear direction X, the water level sensor can detect the level of the humidifying water 42 within a range that overlaps with the humidifying filter 20 when viewed from above in the height direction Z. Even in this case, the water level sensor 50 can detect the water level at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20. It is also preferable that the water level sensor 50 has a spread in the height direction Z. That is, the water level sensor 50 should be able to detect the level of the humidifying water 42 not just at a single point at the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20, but also in a range from above the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 to below the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20. If the water level sensor 50 has a spread in the height direction Z, the water level sensor 50 can detect the height of the surface of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 (a position opposite the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 in the height direction Z). Specifically, the humidifying filter 20 can detect whether the surface of the humidifying water 42 is below the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 (not touching the humidifying filter 20) or whether the surface of the humidifying water 42 is above the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20 (the humidifying filter 20 is submerged).

[0025] The water level sensor 50 need only be capable of detecting the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 (a position facing the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 along the height direction Z), and does not necessarily have to be located at a position facing the lower end of the humidifying filter 20. For example, an optical sensor or a radio wave rangefinder (radar) may be provided as the water level sensor 50 at a position above the surface of the humidifying water 42, such as a position above the humidifying filter 20. The water level sensor 50 provided above the surface of the humidifying water 42 can detect the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 by measuring the distance from the water level sensor 50 to the surface of the humidifying water 42. In particular, it is preferable that the distance from the water level sensor 50 to the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 be known in advance. By comparing the distance from the water level sensor 50 to the surface of the humidifying water 42 with the distance from the water level sensor 50 to the bottom end of the humidifying filter 20, the water level sensor 50 can determine whether the humidifying filter 20 is immersed in the humidifying water 42.

[0026] Next, the accommodation of the water supply tray 40 in the tray accommodation section 30 will be described in more detail with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a view taken along the line III-III in Figure 2, and is a cross-sectional view of the humidifier 10 as seen from above (in a plan view).

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the tray accommodating section 30 provided inside the housing 11 has an opening 14 into which the water supply tray 40 is inserted. In Fig. 2, the opening 14 is an opening provided on the outer wall surface in the front-rear direction X (first direction X) of the housing 11. The water supply tray 40 is inserted into the opening 14 along the front-rear direction X (first direction X).

[0028] It is preferable that a cover not shown in Fig. 2 can be attached to the opening 14. A water tank that supplies humidifying water 42 to the water supply tray 40 may be attached to the cover of the opening 14. The humidifying water 42 may be supplied to the water supply tray 40 from the outlet 16 above the housing 11. The opening 14 is removed when the water supply tray 40 is inserted into or removed from the tray storage section 30. It is preferable that the opening 14 is covered with a cover when the water supply tray 40 is stored in the tray storage section 30.

[0029] 2, water supply tray 40 accommodated in tray accommodating section 30 includes a water storage section 43, a partition plate 44, and a filter accommodating section 45. Water storage section 43 temporarily stores humidification water 42 supplied from a water tank attached to the cover of opening 14 or from air outlet 16.

[0030] Partition plate 44 is a plate that separates water storage section 43 and filter accommodating section 45. Although not shown in Fig. 2, a hole that communicates from water storage section 43 to filter accommodating section 45 is formed at the lower end of partition plate 44 in height direction Z, and humidifying water 42 stored in water storage section 43 moves from the hole at the lower end to filter accommodating section 45.

[0031] The filter housing portion 45 is a portion that directly supports the humidifying filter 20. The filter housing portion 45 in Fig. 2 is a trough-shaped (gutter-shaped) water tank that extends in the front-rear direction X (first direction X).

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3, engagement portions 48 are provided at predetermined positions in the first direction X of the water supply tray 40 (one or more positions along the first direction X, two positions in Fig. 3). In Fig. 3, the engagement portions 48 are provided as recesses recessed in the width direction Y in the filter accommodating portion 45, which is generally rectangular in plan view.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3, the humidifier 10 further includes a pressing member 38 that presses the water supply tray 40. The pressing member 38 is disposed on the other wall 32 of the tray housing section 30. The pressing member 38 presses the water supply tray 40 toward one wall 31. The pressing member 38 is a member made of an elastic material such as rubber. Alternatively, the pressing member 38 may be a member including a coil spring, a leaf spring, or the like that presses the water supply tray 40.

[0034] Because the water supply tray 40 containing the humidifying water 42 is pressed toward one wall portion 31 on which the water level sensor 50 is disposed, the distance between the humidifying water 42 and the water level sensor 50 is shortened, allowing the water level sensor 50 to detect the level of the humidifying water 42 with high accuracy. In particular, if the water level sensor 50 is a capacitance-type sensor, the accuracy of detecting the level of the humidifying water 42 increases when the water supply tray 40 is pressed toward one wall portion 31.

[0035] In Fig. 3, two pressing members 38 (the same number as the engagement portions 48) are provided along the first direction X, and each pressing member 38 engages with the engagement portion 48 of the water supply tray 40 in the first direction X. The engagement portions 48 are then pressed by the pressing members 38. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 3, the pressing members 38 are shaped to protrude from the tray accommodating portion 30 toward the water supply tray 40 in the width direction Y. The pressing members 38 and the engagement portions 48 make it easy to position the water supply tray 40 along the front-rear direction X (first direction X) when it is inserted into the tray accommodating portion 30.

[0036] For example, if the pressing member 38 is made of an elastic material, when the water supply tray 40 is inserted into the tray housing section 30 along the first direction X, the portion of the pressing member 38 that protrudes toward the water supply tray 40 is compressed in the width direction Y along the outer surface of the water supply tray 40. When the position of the engagement portion 48 of the water supply tray 40 along the first direction X coincides with the position of the pressing member 38, the pressing member 38, compressed in the width direction Y, expands toward the engagement portion 48 that is recessed in the width direction Y. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 , the pressing member 38 fits into the engagement portion 48, pressing the engagement portion 48 and engaging in the first direction X.

[0037] When the pressing member 38 fits into the engaging portion 48 and engages in the first direction X, resistance to movement of the water supply tray 40 along the first direction X increases. When the operator inserts the water supply tray 40 into the tray accommodating portion 30 along the first direction X, the operator can stop inserting the water supply tray 40 along the first direction X when resistance to moving the water supply tray 40 becomes large. Therefore, the operator can easily position the water supply tray 40 relative to the tray accommodating portion 30 along the first direction X to a position where the pressing member 38 fits into the engaging portion 48.

[0038] Note that, in order to press the water supply tray 40 toward the one wall portion 31, a tapered portion may be provided in the tray accommodating portion 30 instead of the pressing member 38. The tapered portion of the tray accommodating portion 30 may be shaped to guide the water supply tray 40 toward the one wall portion 31 as the water supply tray 40 is inserted into the tray accommodating portion 30 along the first direction X. When the water supply tray 40 is inserted all the way into the tray accommodating portion 30, the tapered portion presses the water supply tray 40 toward the one wall portion 31.

[0039] Next, referring to FIG. 4, we will explain how the state of the humidifying filter 20 (whether the humidifying filter 20 is capable of humidifying air) is correctly detected. FIG. 4 is a view taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 2, showing the humidifying device 10 tilted relative to horizontal plane H. The view taken along line IV-IV shows the humidifying filter 20 viewed from one wall portion 31 in the Y direction. The humidifier 10 may tilt relative to horizontal plane H, for example, when placed on a tilted desk or when a portion of the humidifier 10 runs over an obstacle. When the humidifier 10 tilts, the humidifying filter 20 may not be able to humidify air even if humidifying water 42 is contained in the water supply tray 40. In FIG. 4, the tilt of the humidifier 10 causes the water supply tray 40 to tilt away from the humidifying filter 20 relative to horizontal plane H (to the right in the figure). The humidifying water 42 moves due to gravity in the direction away from the humidifying filter 20 (to the right in the figure) within the water supply tray 40. In Figure 4, because the humidifying water 42 is moving in the direction away from the humidifying filter 20, the humidifying water 42 is not in contact with the humidifying filter 20, and the humidifying filter 20 is unable to humidify the air.

[0040] At a position away from the humidifying filter 20 (the position on the right side in the figure), the distance from the bottom of the water supply tray 40 to the surface of the humidifying water 42 is large. Therefore, when the level of the humidifying water 42 is detected at a position away from the humidifying filter 20, the level of the humidifying water 42 is detected as being high. If the level of the humidifying water 42 is detected as being high, there is a possibility that the state of the humidifying filter 20 will be erroneously determined to be a state in which it is possible to humidify the air.

[0041] However, as shown in FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the water level sensor 50 is positioned opposite the lower end of the humidifying filter 20. The water level sensor 50, positioned opposite the lower end of the humidifying filter 20, detects the level of the humidifying water 42 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20 (a position opposite the humidifying filter 20 in the height direction Z). In FIG. 4 , the level of the humidifying water 42 has not reached the lower end of the humidifying filter 20 at a position directly below the humidifying filter 20. If the level of the humidifying water 42 has not reached the lower end of the humidifying filter 20, the humidifying filter 20 is unable to humidify air. In FIG. 4 , because the water level sensor 50 is not detecting the level of the humidifying water 42, it can be determined that the humidifying filter 20 is unable to humidify air. Therefore, according to this embodiment, even if the humidifier 10 is tilted, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining whether the humidifying filter 20 is able to humidify air.

[0042] Next, detection of the rotational position of the humidifying filter 20 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 5. Figure 5 is a view taken along the line VV of the humidifier 10 in Figure 2. The view taken along the line VV is a view of the humidifying filter 20 as seen from the side of the other wall portion 32 in the Y direction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 1, a rotation detector 58 is disposed on the other wall portion 32 of the tray storage section 30. The rotation detector 58 detects the rotational position of the humidifying filter 20. As shown in FIG. 5, a detectable member 24 that rotates together with the humidifying filter 20 is attached to the humidifying filter 20. The detectable member 24 is detected by the rotation detector 58. The detectable member 24 is, for example, a magnet. The rotation detector 58 is, for example, a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall element). The detectable member 24 and the rotation detector 58 are not limited to a magnet and a magnetic sensor. Any device may be used as long as the rotation detector 58 detects the rotational position of the humidifying filter 20 by detecting the detectable member 24.

[0044] In FIG. 5, humidifying filter 20 includes water-absorbent filter member 22, detected member 24 detected by rotation detector 58, and outer circumferential gear portion 28, as well as filter frame 21 and shielding wall 23.

[0045] Filter frame 21 is a frame that is attached to the surface (the surface in width direction Y) of filter member 22. There is a portion in the circumferential direction of humidifying filter 20 where the area occupied by filter frame 21 is larger. The portion where the area occupied by filter frame 21 is larger is shielding wall 23 of humidifying filter 20. Sensable member 24 is disposed on shielding wall 23 or in an area covered by shielding wall 23. A notch is formed in the area of ​​filter member 22 that faces part of shielding wall 23, and filter member 22 is configured not to be immersed in humidifying water 42 when in the rotational position where shielding wall 23 is at the bottom end as shown in FIG. 5 .

[0046] 1 and 5, the rotation of drive roller 68, which meshes with gear portion 28 of humidifying filter 20, causes humidifying filter 20 to rotate about central axis 25. Sensable member 24 rotates together with humidifying filter 20. Rotation detector 58 is disposed on the other wall portion 32 facing the lower end of humidifying filter 20, and therefore, when senseable member 24 is detected by rotation detector 58, senseable member 24 (and shielding wall 23) is located at the lower end of humidifying filter 20. Therefore, rotation detector 58 can detect the rotational position of humidifying filter 20 by determining whether or not senseable member 24 is located at the lower end of humidifying filter 20. Furthermore, if the rotation speed of humidifying filter 20 is constant, rotation detector 58 can also calculate the rotation angle of humidifying filter 20 based on the time elapsed since senseable member 24 was detected.

[0047] The provision of rotation detector 58 detects the rotational position of humidifying filter 20. Detecting the rotational position of humidifying filter 20 enables humidifier 10 to adjust the rotational position of humidifying filter 20 to an appropriate state. For example, if sensed member 24 is provided on shielding wall 23 or in an area covered by shielding wall 23, as shown in FIG. 5 , then when rotation detector 58 detects sensed member 24, shielding wall 23 will be located at the bottom end of humidifying filter 20. When operation of humidifier 10 is stopped (when air is not being humidified), it is preferable that rotation of humidifying filter 20 be stopped with shielding wall 23 located at the bottom end of humidifying filter 20. If filter element 22 is immersed in humidifying water 42 for a long period of time while humidifying filter 20 is not rotating, filter element 22 may deteriorate. If the rotation of the humidifying filter 20 is stopped when the shielding wall 23 is positioned at the lower end of the humidifying filter 20, i.e., when the filter member 22 is not immersed in the humidifying water 42, deterioration of the filter member 22 is prevented.

[0048] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The drawings mainly show each component in a schematic manner for ease of understanding, and the thickness, length, number, spacing, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may differ from the actual ones due to the convenience of creating the drawings. Furthermore, the materials, shapes, dimensions, etc. of each component shown in the above embodiments are merely examples and are not particularly limited, and various modifications are possible within a scope that does not substantially deviate from the configuration of the present invention. [Industrial Applicability]

[0049] The present invention provides a humidifier and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0050] 10 Humidifier 11. Housing 14 Openings 20 Humidification filter 21 Filter frame 22 Filter member 23 Shielding Wall 24 Detectable member 25 Center axis 30 Tray storage area 31 One wall 32 Other wall 40 Water Tray 42 Humidifying water 50 Water level sensor 58 Rotation detector

Claims

1. A humidifying filter, a water supply tray that supports the humidifying filter and contains humidifying water to be supplied to the humidifying filter; a housing including a tray accommodating portion that accommodates the water supply tray; a water level sensor that detects the level of the humidification water in the water supply tray; Equipped with The water level sensor detects the level of the humidifying water at a position directly below the humidifying filter in the water supply tray.

2. the water level sensor is a capacitance sensor, The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the water level sensor is disposed outside the water supply tray at a position facing a lower end of the humidifying filter in the water supply tray.

3. Further provided is a pressing member that presses the water supply tray, the tray housing portion has one wall portion and another wall portion that are arranged opposite to each other with a lower end of the humidifying filter therebetween, the water level sensor is disposed on the one wall of the tray accommodating section, The pressing member is and disposed on the other wall portion of the tray accommodating portion. The humidifier according to claim 2 , wherein the water supply tray is pressed toward the one wall portion.

4. The tray accommodating portion has an opening into which the water supply tray is inserted, the water supply tray is inserted into the opening along a first direction; 4. The humidifier according to claim 3, wherein the water supply tray is provided at a predetermined position in the first direction with an engaging portion that is pressed by the pressing member and engages with the pressing member in the first direction.

5. The humidifying filter is It has a circular shape, The humidifier according to claim 1 , wherein the humidifying filter rotates around a central axis within the water supply tray.

6. a rotation detector that detects the rotation position of the humidifying filter; a detection member that rotates together with the humidifying filter and is detected by the rotation detector; Furthermore, the tray housing portion has one wall portion and another wall portion that are arranged opposite to each other with a lower end of the humidifying filter therebetween, the water level sensor is disposed on the one wall of the tray accommodating section, The humidifier according to claim 5 , wherein the rotation detector is disposed on the other wall of the tray accommodating section.

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