humidifier

Abstract

To provide a humidifier capable of accurately detecting a water level of a tray.SOLUTION: A humidifier includes: a bottomed tray 24 for storing water 23; a storage part 27 for storing the tray 24; a float 46 having a magnet 47, arranged inside the tray 24, and movable in a water depth direction in correspondence with fluctuation of the water level; and a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 52 arranged inside the storage part 27 in the water depth direction so as to detect magnetism of the magnet 47. The magnetic sensor elements 52 are vertically arranged at such intervals that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements 52 adjacent with each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet 47.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Humidifiers are known that detect and display the amount of water in a water tank, making it easier for users to check the remaining water level in the water tank. The humidifier described in Patent Document 1 has a floating body equipped with a magnet that floats at a position corresponding to the water level in the water tank. Multiple magnetic detectors are arranged in the water depth direction to detect the magnetic force of the magnet in the floating body. As a result, the height of the magnetic detectors that detect the magnetic force indicates the water level in the water tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-8784 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the humidifier in Patent Document 1 determines the water level using the single magnetic detector that detects the highest magnetic force. Therefore, if the installation width of the magnetic detectors is too wide, it is difficult to accurately detect the water level if the water level is in the middle of adjacent magnetic detectors.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a humidifier that can accurately detect the water level in the tray. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a humidifier includes a tray, a storage section, a float, and a magnetic sensor element. The tray has a bottomed shape for storing water. The storage section stores the tray. The float has a magnet. The float is disposed inside the tray and is movable in the water depth direction in response to fluctuations in the water level. The magnetic sensor element is disposed inside the storage section in the water depth direction and detects the magnetism of the magnet. There are multiple magnetic sensor elements. The multiple magnetic sensor elements are disposed at an interval such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the humidifier of the present invention, the water level in the tray can be detected accurately. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view of a humidifier according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tray in the humidifier. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a tray. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the bottom of the tray. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a water level detection device in a humidifier. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a magnetic sensor in the water level detection device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a float with a built-in magnet in the water level detection device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a modified example of the float of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a vertical cross section of the water level detection device. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a portion of the tray where a water level detection device is provided. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the portion of the tray where the water level detection device is provided. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the function of preventing water shaking by the humidifying filter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters and detailed description will not be repeated.

[0010] A humidifier 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external view of the humidifier 100 according to the embodiment. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Figure 1.

[0011] The humidifier 100 shown in Figure 1 has a rectangular parallelepiped casing 11. On the top surface 12 of the casing 11, there are provided an outlet 14 for humidified air 13, switches 15 for operating the humidifier 100, a water inlet 16 for supplying water 23 for humidification to the humidifier 100, and required display devices.

[0012] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. 2, a rear surface 19 of casing 11 is provided with an intake port 17 for indoor air to be used for humidification. An air passage 18 is formed inside casing 11, running from intake port 17 downward along rear surface 19, then from rear surface 19 to front surface 20 of casing 11 at a position below intake port 17, and then upward along front surface 20 within casing 11, finally reaching air passage 14. A fan 22 is provided in an upper portion of casing 11 to generate airflow 21 in air passage 18.

[0013] A storage section 27 occupies a large space in the lower part of the interior of casing 11. A tray 24 that stores water 23 for humidification is provided in this storage section 27. Tray 24 has a rectangular parallelepiped tank structure with an open upper end 25. The portion of tray 24 above water surface 26 of water 23 forms part of air passage 18, i.e., the portion of air passage 18 that runs from rear surface 19 to front surface 20 within casing 11.

[0014] Humidifying filter 28 is installed vertically inside tray 24. This vertically oriented humidifying filter 28 is configured so that its lower portion is submerged in water 23 and its upper portion is located in a portion of air path 18 above water surface 26. As a result, the portion of humidifying filter 28 located in air path 18 draws up water 23 by surface tension, and air flow 21 is passed through the portion that has drawn up water 23, thereby humidifying air flow 21.

[0015] Tray 24 containing humidifying filter 28 can be pulled out from a position inside casing 11 as shown in Figure 2 to the outside of casing 11. After being pulled out, tray 24 can be pushed back into casing 11 as shown in the figure.

[0016] Water 23 needs to be supplied to the tray 24, and one method of supplying water is to supply water from a water supply port 16 provided on the top surface 12 of the casing 11 while the tray 24 is still housed in the casing 11. Another method of supplying water is to pull the tray 24 out of the casing 11 and carry it to the position of a faucet, and then supply water.

[0017] The tray 24 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 3 to 5. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the tray 24 in the humidifier 100. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the tray 24. Figure 5 is a diagram showing the cross-sectional structure of the bottom 59 of the tray 24.

[0018] 3 shows the state when tray 24 containing humidifying filter 28 is pulled out to the outside of casing 11. As shown in the figure, tray 24 is provided with handle 30 for suspending and supporting tray 24 when tray 24 is pulled out from casing 11. Handle 30 is formed in a U-shape, and one end and the other end of the U-shape are attached to one and the other side walls 32 of tray 24 by pins 31.

[0019] The handle 30 is rotatable around the pin 31 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the handle 30 is accommodated in the tray 24 in a reclined or lying position near the front wall 33 of the tray 24 and below the upper end 25 of the tray 24, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 3. In other words, when the tray 24 is pushed into the casing 11, the handle 30 is accommodated inside the tray 24 in a position near the front wall 33 of the tray 24 and below the upper end 25 of the tray 24.

[0020] Handle 30 can be rotated about pin 31 as a fulcrum, so that it stands upright from tray 24, as shown by the imaginary lines in Figure 3. This upright position can be taken when tray 24 is pulled out of casing 11, and in this position, tray 24 can be supported in a suspended manner as described above. Supporting tray 24 in a suspended manner allows tray 24 to be carried toward a location such as a water faucet, and allows tray 24 filled with water to be carried to casing 11, i.e., the installation location of humidifier 100.

[0021] As shown in Figure 4, on one and the other side walls 32 of the tray 24, at a position below the handle 30 housed in the tray 24, a first protruding wall 35 and a second protruding wall 36 are provided to respectively block both end faces 34 of the humidifying filter 28 in a contacting state, thereby preventing leakage of the air flow 21.

[0022] The first protruding wall 35 and the second protruding wall 36 are formed from a position directly below the handle 30 to a position on the lower end side of the tray 24 where the humidifying filter 28 is housed. In other words, the first protruding wall 35 and the second protruding wall 36 are provided in the water depth direction. The first protruding wall 35 is formed by shaping the side wall 32 of the tray 24 to protrude inward.

[0023] The second protruding wall 36 functions as a guide wall, but is formed of a separate member from the side wall 32 of the tray 24. As a result, an accommodation space 37 for a water level detection device for detecting the water level of the water 23 stored in the tray 24 is formed between the second protruding wall 36 and the side wall 32 of the tray 24.

[0024] 2 shows water surface 26 of water 23 stored in tray 24, but the full water level of tray 24 is set to be slightly above the center in the height direction of humidifying filter 28. This makes it possible to ensure the required ventilation cross section for air passage 18 above water surface 26 in tray 24.

[0025] 5, recess 38, where humidifying filter 28 is located, is located in the center of bottom 59 of tray 24 between front wall 33 and rear wall 57, but is deeper than other portions 39. This allows the remaining water 23 to be efficiently collected in humidifying filter 28 when the amount of water 23 stored in tray 24 decreases.

[0026] Furthermore, when the tray 24 is pulled out of the casing 11, the recess 38 is difficult to see because it is blocked by the humidifying filter 28, but the other part 39 is easily visible to the user because there is nothing blocking it.

[0027] 5, the tray 24 is provided with wheels 41 so that the tray 24 can be easily pulled out from the casing 11 and pushed into the casing 11. Therefore, the tray 24 has the recess 38 formed deeper than the other portion 39, which makes it easy to ensure space for installing the wheels 41 near the recess 38 and below the bottom wall that constitutes the other portion 39. As an example, the tray 24 has four wheels 41 arranged on either side of the recess 38.

[0028] When the humidifier 100 is large, the amount of water 23 stored in the tray 24 may reach, for example, 7 liters. The wheels 41 are provided to enable the tray 24 storing such a large amount of water 23 to be pushed into the casing 11 particularly smoothly.

[0029] A holding device is provided for firmly holding the tray 24 storing such a large amount of water 23 within the casing 11. For example, as shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4, inclined projections 42 are formed by integral molding or the like on the side walls 32 of the tray 24, particularly on both side walls 32 at positions close to the front wall 33. Meanwhile, the casing 11 is provided with hooks 43 having a leaf spring structure.

[0030] When tray 24 is pushed into casing 11, protrusions 42 with an inclined structure elastically push apart hooks 43, and then engage with hooks 43 due to the elasticity of hooks 43. This holds tray 24 in casing 11, preventing tray 24 from slipping out of casing 11. When tray 24 is pulled out from casing 11, the pulling force causes protrusions 42 with an inclined structure to elastically push apart hooks 43, thereby releasing the engagement between protrusions 42 and hooks 43.

[0031] Next, the water level detection device in the humidifier 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 4, and 6 to 12. Fig. 6 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the water level detection device in the humidifier 100. Fig. 7 is a view showing a magnetic sensor 50 in the water level detection device. Fig. 8 is a view showing a float 46 with a built-in magnet in the water level detection device. Fig. 9 is a view showing a modified example of the float 46 in Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the water level detection device. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a portion of the tray 24 where the water level detection device is provided. Fig. 12 is another perspective view of the portion of the tray 24 where the water level detection device is provided.

[0032] 4 is formed in the vertical direction from the bottom of the recess 38 in the tray 24 to directly below the position where the handle 30 is installed on the tray 24. In detail, as shown in FIG. 6, the storage space 37 is formed to have a rectangular cross section by the side wall 32 of the tray 24 and a wall portion 45 of the second protruding wall 36 that has a U-shaped cross section.

[0033] The accommodation space 37 accommodates a float 46 having a rectangular cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the accommodation space 37 and formed rectangular in front view. As an example, the float 46 shown in FIG. 8 has a pair of main surfaces 46a, 46a whose horizontal length is longer than their depth length (longer in the left-right direction in FIG. 8). Whichever of the pair of main surfaces 46a, 46a faces the magnetic sensor element 52 is detected by the magnetic sensor element 52. By elongating the shape of the float 46 in the horizontal direction, water remaining in the bottom 59 of the tray 24 can be detected over a wider range. As a result, the difference between the actual remaining water volume and the displayed water volume can be reduced.

[0034] The float 46 is configured to float on the water 23 stored in the tray 24. The float 46 rises and falls in response to fluctuations in the water level of the water 23. A wall portion 45 with a U-shaped cross section that forms the storage space 37 functions as a guide for the float 46 as it rises and falls. A magnet 47 is attached to the float 46. As shown in FIG. 8, the magnet 47 is located in the center of the rectangular shape of the float 46 when viewed from the front.

[0035] The magnet 47 must be heavy enough that the float 46 on which the magnet 47 is attached can float without any problems in the water 23. This condition determines the size of the magnet 47 and the float 46. The size of the magnet 47 determines the magnetic force.

[0036] 10, a vertical rib 49 is provided on a portion of the side wall 32 of the tray 24 facing the storage space 37 and on a portion of the second protruding wall 36 facing the storage space 37, extending in the vertical direction of the storage space 37. The rib 49 is a protrusion that protrudes toward the storage space 37 and is formed integrally with the side wall 32 and the second protruding wall 36, for example, made of resin, so that its length direction is the vertical direction. The rib 49 formed on the second protruding wall 36 corresponds to the "first rib," and the rib 49 formed on the side wall 32 corresponds to the "second rib."

[0037] Two ribs 49 are formed at a distance from each other on each of the side wall 32 and the second protruding wall 36 of the tray 24. The ribs 49 are configured so that their tips can come into contact with the float 46. As a result, the float 46 is prevented from coming into surface contact with the side wall 32 and the second protruding wall 36 of the tray 24, and when the level of the water 23 inside the tray 24 fluctuates, the float 46 can rise and fall smoothly within the storage space 37 in response.

[0038] It should be noted that, instead of forming the ribs 49 on the side wall 32 and the second protruding wall 36 of the tray 24 as described above, the same function can be obtained by forming similar ribs 49 on the float 46.

[0039] As shown in Fig. 6, a magnetic sensor 50 is attached to the inner surface of a wall portion 48 of the storage portion 27 of the casing 11, which is at a position corresponding to the storage space 37 when the tray 24 is pushed into the casing 11. As shown in Fig. 7, the magnetic sensor 50 has a substrate 51 that is elongated in the vertical direction and a plurality of magnetic sensor elements 52. The plurality of magnetic sensor elements 52 are arranged in the vertical direction with a fixed interval between adjacent ones in the vertical direction.

[0040] Any magnetic sensor element can be used as the magnetic sensor element 52 as long as it can detect the magnetic field of the magnet 47 provided on the float 46. Among them, a Hall sensor can be preferably used.

[0041] Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom of storage space 37 in tray 24 pushed into casing 11 and the corresponding portion of casing 11 where magnetic sensor 50 is provided. Fig. 10 shows that storage space 37 reaches bottom wall 53 of recess 38 in tray 24. Fig. 10 also shows another portion 39 at the bottom of tray 24 and a bottom wall 54 of another portion 39.

[0042] 11 is a cutaway view of the second protruding wall 36 for forming the storage space 37 of the tray 24. As shown in the figure, the storage space 37 is open at its upper end 25, with the handle 30 located below the opening 55. By providing the handle 30 in this manner, the float 46 comes into contact with the handle 30, preventing it from jumping out above the opening 55. The positional relationship between the storage space 37 and the handle 30 is also shown in FIG. 12.

[0043] The handle 30, the second protruding wall 36, and the float 46 are detachably provided on the tray 24. As a result, the handle 30, the second protruding wall 36, and the float 46 can be cleaned to prevent the adhesion of scale and the generation of other contaminants.

[0044] In this embodiment, the float 46 is rectangular in front view. However, the float of this embodiment is not limited to a rectangular shape. FIG. 9 illustrates a modified version of the float 46. As shown in this figure, the float 46B is square in front view. The magnet 47B is located in the center of the square. The magnet 47B generates the same magnetic force on both the front and back sides of the square. In other words, the float 46B equipped with the magnet 47B is omnidirectional. This offers the advantage that the float 46B does not need to be reassembled after cleaning. Specifically, the float 46B does not need to be reassembled in either direction, regardless of its vertical or horizontal orientation. Similarly, the float 46B does not need to be reassembled in either direction, regardless of which of its two square faces is facing the magnetic sensor element 52. This facilitates reassembly of the float 46B after cleaning.

[0045] Next, the spacing between the magnetic sensor elements 52 in the magnetic sensor 50 will be described with reference to Figure 10. As shown in Figure 10, the spacing between vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 is set so that any one of the vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 can always reliably detect the magnet 47, regardless of the vertical position of the float 46 equipped with the magnet 47. This makes it possible to always reliably detect the height of the magnet 47, i.e., the level of the water 23 in the tray 24. This spacing is determined based on the magnetic force of the magnet 47, which is determined from the size of the magnet 47 described above.

[0046] Another embodiment of the spacing between vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 will be described. As another embodiment, the spacing may be set such that both of a pair of vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 can detect the magnet 47.

[0047] In this case, the water level of the water 23 inside the tray 24 gradually drops as the humidification is performed, and at that time, the detection information from the lower magnetic sensor element 52 of the pair of vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 is given priority to detect the water level. The calculation for this is performed by a control device not shown. In other words, when the upper magnetic sensor element 52 of the pair of vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 detects the magnetism of the magnet 47, and the lower magnetic sensor element 52 also detects the magnetism of the magnet 47, the control device gives priority to the detection information from the lower magnetic sensor element 52 to detect the water level.

[0048] Conversely, when water is supplied from the water supply port 16 provided on the top surface 12 of the casing 11 while the tray 24 is still housed in the casing 11, the level of the water 23 inside the tray 24 gradually rises, and at that time, the water level is detected by giving priority to the detection information from the upper magnetic sensor element 52 of a pair of vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52. The calculation for this is also performed by a control device (not shown). In other words, when the lower magnetic sensor element 52 of a pair of vertically adjacent magnetic sensor elements 52 detects the magnetism of the magnet 47, the control device detects the water level by giving priority to the detection information from the upper magnetic sensor element 52.

[0049] In general, in humidifiers, when the amount of water in tray 24 falls below a specified level, this fact is usually indicated by switches 15 installed at the positions shown in Figure 1. In the illustrated humidifier 100, a control device (not shown) causes a display device on top surface 12 of casing 11 to display this information based on the detection results of magnetic sensor 50.

[0050] Examples of displays by the display device will be described with reference to Figures 1, 5, and 10. As shown in Figures 1, 5, and 10, when the lowest magnetic sensor element 52 of the magnetic sensor 50 detects the magnet 47 of the float 46, the control device causes the display device on the top surface 12 of the casing 11 to display that fact, i.e., that the amount of water in the tray 24 is low. This display may be an optical display such as a lit or flashing LED (Light Emitting Diode), an acoustic display such as a warning sound, or any other display method, and the display method is arbitrary.

[0051] At this time, since the storage space 37 is formed corresponding to the recess 38 in the bottom 59 of the tray 24, i.e., the recess 38 formed deeper than the other part 39, it is possible to indicate, for example, when the water 23 in the other part 39 is completely gone, i.e., when the amount of water in the tray 24 is reduced to the minimum possible level.

[0052] For example, when the second-lowest magnetic sensor element 52 detects the magnet 47 of the float 46 and the bottom-most magnetic sensor element 52 detects the magnet 47 of the float 46, it is possible to display at that point that the water 23 in the tray 24 has run out.

[0053] In this regard, with the configuration of the tray 24, when the user receives a low water level indication and pulls out the tray 24 from the casing 11, the water 23 is collected in the recess 38, and the other part 39 has little water or no water 23, so that the low water level can be effectively conveyed to the user.

[0054] Conversely, when water is supplied from the water supply port 16 on the top surface 12 of the casing 11 while the tray 24 remains housed in the casing 11, the water level detection by the magnetic sensor 50 can also be effectively utilized.

[0055] In other words, when the water level inside the tray 24 rises, the float 46 also rises correspondingly, and as this happens, the magnetic sensor element 52 installed on the upper side gradually begins to detect the magnet 47. At this time, it is effective to, for example, display a weak warning corresponding to a full tank when the second magnetic sensor element 52 from the top detects the magnet 47, and display a strong warning corresponding to a full tank when the topmost magnetic sensor element 52 detects the magnet 47.

[0056] As shown in Figure 1, if a water level confirmation window 56 is provided on the front wall 33 of the tray 24, it will be possible to check the water level in the tray 24 while adding water, for example. However, by issuing the above-mentioned caution or warning, it is possible to reliably prevent the water 23 from overflowing from the tray 24 due to an excessive amount of water being added.

[0057] Next, the swaying of water 23 inside tray 24 will be described with reference to Figure 13. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the function of humidifying filter 28 in preventing water swaying. When tray 24 is inserted or removed from casing 11, or when one side of casing 11 is moved, water 23 stored in tray 24 sways accordingly in the direction of insertion or removal and the direction of movement. When tray 24 sways in the direction of insertion or removal, as shown in Figure 13, swaying water 23 hits front wall 33 and rear wall 57 of tray 24 and ripples upward.

[0058] At this time, the swaying water 23 passes through the humidifying filter 28 in the thickness direction. The illustrated humidifying filter 28 has pleats 58, and the folds of the pleats 58 are arranged in the vertical direction. This is expected to have a wave-damping effect, suppressing the swaying of the water 23 and the resulting upward rippling. The pleats 58 of the humidifying filter 28 are shown in detail in Figures 3 and 4.

[0059] The front wall 33 of the tray 24 houses the handle 30, so that rising water 23 hits the handle 30, thereby achieving a wave-breaking effect.

[0060] With the configuration of tray 24 described above, storage space 37 for magnetic sensor 50 defined by second protruding wall 36 is provided in correspondence with the installation position of humidifying filter 28. Therefore, the water 23 described above is less likely to sway in storage space 37, and the height of float 46 can therefore be stabilized.

[0061] Furthermore, because second protruding wall 36 forming storage space 37 is provided in correspondence with the installation position of humidifying filter 28, second protruding wall 36 can be hidden by humidifying filter 28, thereby reducing the presence of second protruding wall 36 and preventing the interior of tray 24 from feeling cluttered. Of course, because float 46 rises and falls within storage space 37, which has a closed structure surrounded by second protruding wall 36, the appearance of clutter that would occur if float 46 were exposed inside tray 24 can be prevented.

[0062] 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]

[0063] The present invention provides a humidifier and has industrial applicability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 24 trays 27 Storage section 28 Humidification filter 30 Handle 32 Side wall (inner wall) 36 Second protruding wall (guide wall) 37 Containment Space 38 Recess 39 Other parts 41 wheels 45 Wall part (inner wall) 46 Float 46a Main surface 47 Magnet 49 Ribs 50 Magnetic Sensor 52 Magnetic sensor element 53 Bottom wall 54 Bottom Wall 59 Bottom

Claims

1. a tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; a control device for controlling the plurality of magnetic sensor elements; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at an interval such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, and two adjacent magnetic sensor elements are arranged at an interval such that they can detect the magnetism of the magnet, The control device of the humidifier is configured such that, when the lower magnetic sensor element of the two adjacent magnetic sensor elements arranged in the water depth direction detects the magnetism of the magnet, and the upper magnetic sensor element detects the magnetism of the magnet, the control device prioritizes the detection information from the upper magnetic sensor element to detect the water level.

2. A tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; a control device for controlling the plurality of magnetic sensor elements; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at an interval such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, and two adjacent magnetic sensor elements are arranged at an interval such that they can detect the magnetism of the magnet, The control device of the humidifier is configured such that, when the upper magnetic sensor element of the two adjacent magnetic sensor elements arranged in the water depth direction detects the magnetism of the magnet, and the lower magnetic sensor element detects the magnetism of the magnet, the control device prioritizes the detection information from the lower magnetic sensor element to detect the water level.

3. A display unit that displays the detected water level via the control device is further provided.

3. The humidifier according to claim 1, wherein the display unit has a warning unit that warns a user when the lowest magnetic sensor element among the plurality of magnetic sensor elements detects the magnetism of the magnet, or when the highest magnetic sensor element detects the magnetism of the magnet.

4. A tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; A guide wall provided inside the tray in the water depth direction; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at intervals such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, the float is capable of ascending and descending between the guide wall and the inner wall of the tray, The tray has a handle for carrying; The handle is housed inside the tray along an inner wall of the tray, A humidifier, wherein the handle is contactable with an upper end of the float.

5. A tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; A guide wall provided inside the tray in the water depth direction; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at intervals such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, the float is capable of ascending and descending between the guide wall and the inner wall of the tray, The float has a pair of main surfaces whose horizontal length is longer than its length in the water depth direction, The humidifier is configured such that whichever of the pair of main surfaces faces the magnetic sensor element is detected by the magnetic sensor element.

6. A tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; A guide wall provided inside the tray in the water depth direction; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at intervals such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, the float is capable of ascending and descending between the guide wall and the inner wall of the tray, The bottom of the tray has a recess, The float is housed in the recess when the tray is empty of water.

7. The humidifier according to claim 4 , wherein the guide wall is detachably provided on the tray.

8. The humidifier according to claim 7 , further comprising a first rib on either the guide wall or a surface of the float facing the guide wall.

9. The humidifier according to claim 8 , further comprising a second rib on either the inner wall of the tray or a surface of the float facing the inner wall.

10. Further comprising a humidifying filter disposed inside the tray; a lower end of the humidifying filter inserted into the recess; 7. The humidifier according to claim 6, wherein a surface of the guide wall opposite to a surface facing the float is in contact with a side surface of the humidifying filter.

11. The humidifier of claim 6, wherein the recess is formed in a central portion of the bottom of the tray.

12. The humidifier of claim 6, wherein the tray has a plurality of wheels disposed on either side of the recess.

13. a tray having a bottom for storing water; a storage section for storing the tray; a float having a magnet, disposed inside the tray, and capable of rising and falling in the direction of water depth in response to fluctuations in water level; a plurality of magnetic sensor elements disposed inside the storage portion in the water depth direction and configured to detect the magnetism of the magnet; a display unit that displays the water level based on the detection results of the plurality of magnetic sensor elements; Equipped with the plurality of magnetic sensor elements are arranged at an interval such that at least one of the magnetic sensor elements adjacent to each other in the water depth direction can detect the magnetism of the magnet, and when the magnet is located between two adjacent magnetic sensor elements, the two adjacent magnetic sensor elements can detect the magnetism of the magnet; When the two adjacent magnetic sensor elements detect the magnetism of the magnet, the display unit displays different water levels depending on whether the water level is rising or falling. Humidifier.

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