Apparatus for detecting moisture based on signal outputted from heat flow sensor

A moisture detection apparatus, comprising:

• a case of which at least a portion serves as a detection surface:
• a heat flow sensor that is housed in the case and provided such as to be in contact with the detection surface;
• a heat source that is housed in the case and provided on a side facing the detection surface with the heat flow sensor therebetween;
• and
• a determining unit that is housed in the case and configured to determine whether or not moisture is detected based on a detection result from the heat flow sensor, wherein
• the heat flow sensor is arranged such as to be oriented to detect a flow of heat from the heat source towards the detection surface,
• the heat source generates heat at all times at an amount that enables the heat flow sensor to be in a thermally saturated state in a state in which moisture is not attached to an outer side of the detection surface, and
• the determining unit is configured to determine that moisture is detected when an output from the heat flow sensor changes such as to exceed a threshold prescribed in advance.