Diffuser and hair dryer having a diffuser

A diffuser for a hair dryer includes a diffusing case, a guide frame provided inside the diffusing case to guide a flow of gas introduced into the diffusing case, a light irradiator provided inside the diffusing case and in front of the guide frame to irradiate light toward a front side of the diffusing case, and a discharge cover provided at the front side of the diffusing case. The discharge cover includes a gas discharge hole to discharge the gas inside the diffusing case to outside. The discharge cover includes a plurality of massage protrusions to press a target located in front of the discharge cover.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0044041, filed in Korea on Apr. 10, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a diffuser and a hair dryer including a diffuser.

When removing moisture from wet hair or when styling hair, a hair dryer that discharges gas through a gas outlet may be used. In one example, the hair dryer may provide air or gas having certain characteristics desired by a user, such as a desired gas temperature, a desired gas speed, and a desired gas flow shape or area, through a diffuser. The diffuser may be coupled to a main body of the hair dryer to change the gas characteristics. Further, the diffuser may include a care device such as massage protrusions or bristles to manage scalp health and the like.

Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 20-2011-0002484 discloses a diffuser provided in a hair dryer. The diffuser may be different from a gas outlet of the hair dryer in a cross-sectional area through which discharged gas flows or a speed of the discharged gas. It is important for the diffuser to efficiently discharge air or gas while sufficiently caring for a scalp or in facilitating hair styling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring toFIGS. 1-3, a hair dryer100may include a main body110, a handle180, and a diffuser200as shown inFIG. 1. In addition, as shown inFIG. 2, the main body110may include a gas or air outlet150through which gas or air introduced from outside is discharged.

As shown inFIG. 3, the main body110may include a gas or air flow path111through which the introduced gas flows. The gas inside of the gas flow path111may be discharged through the gas outlet150to the outside. The main body110may have an extended shape along a front-rear direction and may have various cross-sectional shapes such as circular, elliptical, stadium, or polygonal shapes when viewed from the front.

In the present disclosure, front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom definitions may be made centering on the main body110. Referring toFIG. 2, the gas outlet150may be provided at a front side of the main body110, and the handle180may have a shape extending substantially downward from the main body110.

The gas flowing inside the main body110may be introduced through a gas inlet, which may be provided on the handle180(as shown inFIG. 3) or alternatively on the main body110(for example, at a rear of the main body110). As shown inFIGS. 1 to 3, when the gas inlet is provided on the handle180, the gas flow path111may extend from gas inlet formed in the handle180toward the gas outlet150of the main body110, or upward and frontward. The gas may be introduced or suctioned from the outside through the gas inlet, and the introduced gas may flow along the gas flow path111and be discharged to the outside through the gas outlet150.

The handle180may be a portion of the hair dryer100grabbed by a hand of a user, and may have a shape that improves grip convenience. The handle180may extend downward from the main body110, as illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 3, but embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to a downward handle180. The handle180may be integrally molded with the main body110, or separately manufactured from the main body110and later coupled to the main body110.

When the handle180is manufactured separately from the main body110and later coupled to the main body110, the handle180may be provided such that a longitudinal direction thereof with respect to the main body110is fixed or variable. For example, the handle180may have a hinge coupling portion or hinge structure, and may be coupled to the main body110such that the longitudinal direction of the handle180is changeable (e.g., foldable) relative to the main body110so as to make grasping and/or styling convenient.

The extending direction of the handle180may vary. However, for convenience of description below, the direction in which the handle180extends from the main body110will be described as a downward direction.

Referring toFIG. 3, the hair dryer100according to an embodiment may include a fan119capable of moving (e.g., suctioning and/or discharging) gas or air and adjusting a speed of the gas or air discharged through the gas outlet150. The fan119may be provided in the gas flow path111to blow the gas. The fan119may be provided inside the handle180(as illustrated) or alternatively inside of the main body110(e.g., a rear of the main body110).

The fan119may be provided near or adjacent to the gas inlet. For example, when the gas inlet is provided in the handle180, the gas flow path111may extend from the gas inlet of the handle180to the gas outlet150, and the fan119may be provided in a portion of the gas flow path111located in the handle180.

A temperature adjuster117(e.g., a heater or cooler) may be provided inside of the main body110(or alternatively, the handle180) to adjust a temperature of the discharged gas. The temperature adjuster117may be provided in various forms and may be provided at various positions. InFIG. 2, the temperature adjuster117is provided inside the main body110.

In addition, the temperature adjuster117may be provided in various types. The temperature adjuster117may use a heating scheme by providing current to a coil-shaped resistor to generate heat. However, the resistor of the temperature adjuster117may not necessarily be in the shape of the coil, and may be provided in various types, such as a thermoelement capable of heating the gas or adjusting the temperature of the gas. As another example, the temperature adjuster117may include a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) or Peltier device to provide cool air.

A method for operating the hair dryer100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be schematically described with respect to gas or air flow.

First, the user may manipulate or operate a power button provided on the main body110or the handle180. When the power button is turned on, the fan119may be operated, and gas may be introduced or suctioned into the hair dryer100.

The gas introduced through the gas inlet flows along the gas flow path111via the fan119toward the gas outlet150, and the gas is discharged through the gas outlet150to the user. In this process, a flow speed of the gas along the gas flow path111may be adjusted by the fan119, and a temperature of the gas flowing along the gas flow path111may be adjusted by the temperature adjuster117.

In one example, the hair dryer100according to an embodiment may include a controller115. The controller115may be connected not only to the fan119, the temperature adjuster117, the power button, and a manipulator or user interface to select a desired temperature or flow speed, but also to a light irradiator or light260(FIG. 6), a proximity sensor269(FIG. 6), a moisture measurement protrusion or sensor312(FIG. 6), and the like, which may be provided on the diffuser200and to be described later. The controller115may control the above described components.

The controller115may be provided on one of the diffuser200, the main body110, or the handle180. Alternatively, a plurality of controllers115may be respectively arranged on all of the diffuser200, the main body110, and the handle180. As indicated inFIG. 3, the controller115may be provided on the main body110to be signally connected to the diffuser200, or, as indicated by the dotted lines inFIG. 1, a plurality of controllers115may be respectively arranged on the diffuser200and the main body110.

Adjusting operating states of the fan119and the temperature adjuster117may be performed by manipulation of the manipulator or user interface by the user or may be automatically performed based on an operation mode preset or predetermined in the controller115. In addition, when a distance to a target located in front of the diffuser200is identified to be equal to or less than a reference or predetermined distance through the proximity sensor269of the diffuser200, the controller115may control the light irradiator260of the diffuser200to irradiate light (FIG. 6).

The controller115may identify an impedance of the target located in front of the diffuser200through the moisture measurement protrusion312of the diffuser200, and determine a moisture amount of the target through the impedance. As the moisture amount increases, the controller115may control the fan119such that the speed of the gas discharged through the gas outlet150increases, control the temperature adjuster117such that the gas temperature increases, or control the light irradiator260such that a light amount of the light irradiator260increases.

As shown inFIG. 1 or 3, the main body110, where the gas outlet150is provided, may have a cross-section in an approximately circular shape and may have a front-rear length that is longer than a left-right width or diameter of the cross-section. However, the cross-section shape of the main body110may be varied as needed.

The gas outlet150of the hair dryer100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference toFIG. 3. At least a portion of the gas flow path111may be defined inside the main body110, and at least one side of the main body110may be opened or have an opening. For example, the main body110may extend in the front and rear direction, and a front surface thereof may be opened at a front end112(FIG. 4). The front end112may be a wall or front rim defining a front opening. The front opening of the main body110may be in communication with the gas flow path111. The gas outlet150may be defined by an inner rim or surface of the front end112. The front opening of the main body110may correspond to an end of the gas flow path111, and the end of the gas flow path111may correspond to the gas outlet150.

Referring toFIG. 4, in one example, the gas outlet150may include a discharge base or disc152, which may be provided at the front opening of the main body110. The discharge base152may be concentric with or provided inside of the front end112. An outer edge of the discharge base152may be spaced apart from the front end112to define a side portion or opening156therebetween. The discharge base may have a center portion or opening154. Gas may be discharged through the side and center openings154and156, which may alternatively be referred to as outer and inner openings. The gas flowing along the gas flow path111may be simultaneously delivered to the center opening154and the side opening156to be discharged to the outside.

The center opening154and the side opening156may correspond to discharge holes through which the gas is discharged from the gas outlet150. The center opening154may be defined at a central side on the cross-section of the gas outlet150, and a cross-sectional shape thereof may be circular. However, embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to circular cross-sections, and a shape of the center opening154may be a polygonal shape such as a square as needed, and a size of a diameter, width, or cross-sectional area thereof may also be varied as needed.

The side opening156may surround the center opening154. For example, as shown inFIG. 4, the center opening154may be defined in a substantially circular shape at the center of the discharge base152and/or a center of the entire gas outlet150, and the side opening156may be an opening in a shape of a ring surrounding the discharge base152. The ring shape may have an extended shape and/or a closed curve shape. For example,FIG. 4discloses the side opening156having a circular ring shape. However, the ring shape of the side opening156may not necessarily be circular, and may be, for example, a polygonal ring shape such as a triangle or a square.

An optional guide cone155may be provided inside of the center opening154such that gas flows through a ring-shaped opening defined between, on the one hand, an inner side of the discharge base152defining the center opening154, and, on the other hand, an outer surface of the guide cone155. Details of the discharge base152and guide cone155will be described later. Like the shape of the side opening156, the shape of the portion of the center opening154outside of the guide cone155is not limited to a circular ring shape, and may be, for example, a polygonal ring shape such as a triangle or a square.

The center opening154and the side opening156may be in communication with a same portion of the gas flow path111. The center opening154may be concentric with the side opening156.

A cross-sectional area of the entirety of the discharged gas may correspond to a size of an entire cross-section formed by the front end112. However, The discharge base152may block a portion of the gas flowing through the gas outlet150. The discharged gas may be diffused while flowing through the side opening156, and a portion of the gas flow may be distributed toward a center of the cross-section where the gas is not discharged (i.e., toward the discharge base152), and thus, the cross-sectional area of the discharge gas may be reduced.

The center opening154may be defined at a center of the side opening156, and the gas of the side opening156that is distributed toward the center of the discharge base152may be suppressed by gas discharged through the center opening154. The gas flowing through the center opening154may suppress the gas flowing through the side opening156and prevent the gas flowing through the side opening156from being distributed toward the center of the gas outlet150.

Gas flowing through the center and side openings154and156may have a large cross-sectional area, facilitating a drying process. For example, an entire volume of gas discharged through the center opening154and the side opening156may be sufficient to allow the user to dry a larger area.

Since the center opening154and the side opening156may be in communication with the same cross-sectional area of the gas flow path111, there may not necessarily be separate gas flow paths111for the center opening154and the side opening156. Thus, provided three-dimensional gas discharge to the user may be efficient.

The center opening154may be defined at a center of the discharge base152, and the side opening156may be defined between an outer circumferential surface of the discharge base152and the front end112of the main body110, which may be a wall or rim defining the front opening.

The discharge base152may be coupled to the front end112of the main body110and may have a same cross-sectional shape of the front opening, but embodiments disclosed herein are not be limited thereto and may be formed in various shapes or materials. For example, the discharge base152may be provided to be partially different from the shape of the front opening of the main body110to determine the shape of the side opening156, and may be molded with a material that is the same as or different from a material of the front end112or outer wall of the main body110.

The discharge base152may constitute an entirety or a portion of one surface (e.g., the front surface) of the main body11, so that the center opening154may be defined at the center of the discharge base152, and the side opening156may be defined between the outer circumferential surface of the discharge base152and the front end112of the main body110.

The discharge base152may be coupled to an opening of the main body110in various schemes, such as a scheme using a plurality of coupling ribs and/or may be integrally molded with the main body110.

In one example, as shown inFIG. 4, the discharge base152may be indented or recessed toward an interior of the main body110from the front end112such that a front rim of the front end112protrudes further forward than a front surface of the discharge base152.

Furthermore, a center of the front surface of the discharge base152may be indented or recessed toward the interior of the main body110such that the front surface of the discharge base152may form a curved or bent surface. Accordingly, the gas discharged through the center opening154may be discharged upstream or before the gas discharged through the side opening156.

When the gas discharged through the center opening154starts to be diffused prior to the gas discharged through the side opening156, the cross-sectional area of the gas discharged through the central opening154may be increased through diffusion, and may suppress a flow of the gas discharged through the side opening156toward a center. Further, a curvature of the curved surface of the front surface of the discharge base152may be variously set as necessary to prevent or reduce turbulence.

A guide cone155may be provided at a center of the center opening154to guide a flow of the gas discharged through the center opening154. The gas may be discharged between an inner surface of the center opening154and the guide cone155.

FIG. 4illustrates the guide cone155provided at the center of the center opening154. As the guide cone155is provided, the gas flowing through the center opening154is discharged into a space between the inner surface of the center opening154and an outer surface of the guide cone155.

When the guide cone155is provided at the center of the center opening154, the gas may flow through an outer portion of the center opening154, which may be a ring-shaped discharge hole. The gas discharged through the center opening154may have a ring-shaped cross-section.

The gas discharged through the center opening154may contribute to suppressing a reduction of a cross-sectional area of the gas discharged through the side opening156by blocking some gas discharged through the side opening156from flowing toward inward toward a center in the flow process. In addition, the guide cone155may increase a level or speed at which the gas discharged through the center opening154diffuses outward.

When the cross-sectional area of the gas discharged through the center opening154is increased due to the guide cone155, the suppression of inward flow of gas discharged through the side opening156may be increased.

In one example, in the guide cone155, a rear end protruding toward the gas flow path111and a front end protruding in a discharge direction of the gas of the center opening154may respectively have conical shapes. The conical shape may mean a shape in which a cross-sectional area has a circular or elliptical shape, and where a diameter or width of the circle gradually decreases as a length increases.

However, in the conical shape, the circular shape of the cross-sectional area is not limited to perfect circles and may have, for example an ellipse or stadium shape. Furthermore, a reduction in the diameter may not necessarily be constant; for example, a diameter reduction rate may gradually increase or gradually decrease.

As the front end of the guide cone155protrudes in the conical shape, the gas discharged through the center opening154may be increasingly concentrated toward a rim of the center opening154. Thus, a flow of the gas discharged through the side opening156and flowing toward the center opening154may be further suppressed.

An outer circumferential surface of the guide cone155may have a shape or size corresponding to an inner circumferential surface of the center opening154, and a separation distance between the outer circumferential surface of the guide cone155and the inner circumferential surface of the center opening154may be varied as needed. Further, the guide cone155may be made of a material the same as or different from the material of the discharge base152, and a curvature of the outer surface thereof may be variously designed as needed.

In one example, the gas outlet150may further include a discharge guide ring. The discharge guide ring may be provided on the inner surface of the center opening154and protrude in the discharge direction of the gas discharged through the center opening154to guide the gas flow together with the guide cone155.FIG. 4illustrates that the guide cone155and the discharge guide ring may be arranged in the center opening154.

The discharge guide ring may have a ring shape extending along the rim of the center opening154, and may be integrally molded with the discharge base152or molded separately from the discharge base152to be later coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the center opening154.

The discharge guide ring may protrude outward or forward and rearward from the center opening154or the discharge base152and/or protrude based on the gas discharge direction. The flow of the gas through the center opening154may be concentrated between the guide cone155and the discharge guide ring by the guide cone155and the discharge guide ring protruding from the center opening154. A protruding end of the discharge guide ring may have a curved shape to facilitate the gas flow. A diameter of the discharge guide ring may be different for each portion, and a shape thereof may also be varied as needed. The front end112of the main body110may include a first coupling member120described later.

Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, the diffuser200may be removably coupled to the main body110so that the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may be introduced into the diffuser200and to be discharged to the outside of the hair dryer100. The diffuser200may alternatively be referred to as a head or nozzle head.

The diffuser200may be coupled to the main body110such that a rear side thereof covers the gas outlet150, and the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may flow into the diffuser200through a gas inlet hole215defined at a rear side of the diffuser200.

The user may selectively use the diffuser200for scalp or hair management. For example, the user may use a diffuser200including a massage protrusion or bristle310and a light irradiator or light260, which will be described later, for scalp care. The user may also use the same diffuser200to dry hair, and a shape of the diffuser200may be configured such that a flow of a cross-sectional area of the gas is increased as needed in a hair drying step.

The rear side of the diffuser200may be coupled to the front end112of the main body110. A first coupling portion or member120(FIG. 4) may be provided at the front end112of the main body110, and a second coupling portion or member220configured to be coupled to the first coupling portion120may be provided at the rear side of the diffuser200.

A coupling scheme between the diffuser200and the main body110may vary. The diffuser200may be coupled to the main body110in a scheme such as screw coupling, fitting coupling, magnetic coupling, or sliding coupling to receive the gas from the main body110.

An embodiment of the present disclosure may improve ease of use of the user as the diffuser200is provided to be removable from the main body110. For example, the user may remove the diffuser200when the user desires to use more concentrated gas discharged directly from the gas outlet150of the main body110. Further, the user may add the diffuser200to the main body110when the user wants a more diffused or dispersed flow of gas.

The diffuser200may include a diffusing case210and a discharge or diffuser cover300. The diffusing case210and a discharge cover300may form an exterior of the diffuser200.

The diffuser may have a curved bell shape or hat shape. An inner diameter of the diffuser200may increase in a forward direction. An internal cross-sectional area of the diffusing case210and discharge cover300increases from a rear side or end212to a front side or rim211.

Accordingly, gas delivered from the gas outlet150may be provided to the user in a state in which a flow cross-sectional area thereof is increased as the gas speed is reduced in the forward direction of the diffuser200. The user may use the diffuser200for natural drying, styling, etc. for hair.

The front side211of the diffusing case210may be opened to define an open front surface. An entirety or a portion of the front surface of the diffusing case210may define the open surface. The gas present inside the diffuser200may be discharged to the outside through the open surface of the diffusing case210and be provided to the user while being discharged forward through the front side211.

The open surface defined at the front side211of the diffusing case210may be exposed to the outside, or the discharge cover300may be provided to be coupled to the open surface.

FIG. 5shows a state in which the discharge cover300is coupled to the open surface. The discharge cover300may include at least one gas discharge hole305defined therein through which the gas may be discharged. The discharge cover300may have a shape corresponding to the open surface of the diffusing case210and may be coupled to the diffusing case210to be located on or at the open surface.

A plurality of gas discharge holes305may be defined and may be spaced apart from each other in the front surface of the discharge cover300.FIG. 5shows a plurality of gas discharge holes305that are uniformly distributed and arranged in the front surface of the discharge cover300. In such an arrangement, gas may be discharged through an entirety of the front surface of the discharge cover300, and the user may receive gas that is discharged forward through the discharge cover300and more uniformly dispersed.

The discharge cover300may be provided such that an edge302located on the outermost side with respect to a radial direction of the diffuser200is in close contact with the diffusing case210. The diffusing case210may have a front circumferential portion or rim236surrounding the open surface in the front side211, and the edge302may have a shape corresponding to that of the front circumferential portion236and may be in contact with the front circumferential portion236.

The front circumferential portion236may have a first portion237and a second portion238. The first portion237and the second portion238may be arranged with different distances from the gas inlet hole215and/or rear side212of the diffusing case210. The first and second portions237and238may represent various curves or waves defined by an outer edge of the diffusing case210. The first portion237may be a hump or mountain and the second portion238may be a valley such the front circumferential portion236is further forward at the first portion237than at the second portion238. The edge302of the discharge cover300may be molded to correspond to shapes of the first portion237and the second portion238so as to be in close contact with the front circumferential portion236of the diffusing case210.

The front circumferential portion236of the diffusing case210and the edge302of the discharge cover300may be designed to fit over or on a head of the user with an arbitrary curved surface while respectively having curvatures and having different lengths protruding forward along an outer circumferential direction of the diffuser200. Accordingly, a proximity or molding with the scalp or the hair of the user may be efficiently increased to minimize a space between the head of the user and the diffuser200, thereby increasing a heating, drying, or treating effect. An amount of gas discharged forward through the discharge cover300and/or an amount or intensity of light provided by the light irradiator260may be efficiently increased.

An ergonomic design is made through the front circumferential portion236of the diffusing case210and the edge302of the discharge cover300, which may be arranged to form curves when viewed from the side as described above and shown in the figures. In this case, the curvatures and the like of the front circumferential portion236and the edge302may be designed based on a standard head that is statistically determined.

For example, an embodiment of the present disclosure may define a R127 curvature design from a shape of the standard head, and design the shapes of the front circumferential portion236and the edge302, and an overall shape of the diffusing case210and discharge cover300, to correspond thereto.

In one example, a proximity or distance sensor269may be provided inside the diffusing case210to improve ease of use and efficiency of the diffuser200. An open region or hole303may be defined in the discharge cover300such that a distance measurement accuracy of the proximity sensor269for a target in front of the diffuser200(e.g., the hair or the scalp of the user) may be improved. The proximity sensor269may be implemented in various schemes such as pressure, ultrasound, infrared, laser, light, etc. to measure a distance to the target in front of the proximity sensor269, and a region of the discharge cover300in front of the proximity sensor269may be opened to define the open region303.

In one example,FIG. 5shows a discharge cover300having a plurality of massage protrusions or bristles310. The massage protrusions310may have a pillar shape protruding forward from the diffuser200and may press the scalp of the user to provide a massage effect. A cross-sectional shape, a protruding length, an arrangement form, and the like of the massage protrusions310may be variously determined in terms of a design. An embodiment of the present disclosure provides the user with scalp massage through the massage protrusions310while also providing the gas diffused through a front surface of the discharge cover300to the user, thereby providing the improved ease of use and facilitating scalp and hair care.

Referring toFIGS. 6 and 7, the diffuser200may include the diffusing case210, a guide frame240, the light irradiator260, a light diffusion frame280, and the discharge cover300.

A rear side212of the diffusing case210may be coupled with the main body110, and the open surface may be defined in the front side211. The inner diameter of the diffusing case210may increase from the rear side212to the front side211so that the gas exiting the main body110may be diffused and discharged to the outside. The gas discharged through the gas outlet150of the main body110may be provided to the user in a state in which the flow cross-sectional area thereof is increased as the gas is flowing in the diffusing case210.

FIGS. 6 and 7show a diffusing case210in which the inner diameter thereof increases from the rear side212to the front side211and accordingly an outer diameter thereof increases in the same manner. The gas inlet hole215may be defined in the rear side212of the diffusing case210. When the diffusing case210is coupled to the main body110, the gas inlet hole215may be positioned to face, surround, or communicate with the gas outlet150. Further, the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may be introduced into the diffusing case210through the gas inlet hole215.

The gas inlet hole215may be located at a center of the rear side212of the diffusing case210when viewed from the rear, and a cross-sectional shape of the gas inlet hole215may correspond to that of the gas outlet150. For example, the gas inlet hole215may be defined to have an inner diameter larger than that of the side opening156of the gas outlet150, so that the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may be completely introduced into the diffusing case210through the gas inlet hole215.

The second coupling portion220coupled to the main body110may be provided on the rear side212of the diffusing case210. The diffusing case210may include a rear circumferential portion or body217surrounding the gas inlet hole215in the rear side212, and the second coupling portion220may be provided at a rear end or side of the rear circumferential portion217surrounding the gas inlet hole215.

The second coupling portion220may further include a coupling sleeve or flange224. The coupling sleeve224may extend rearward from the rear of the rear circumferential portion217. The coupling sleeve224may be provided to outwardly surround the front end112of the main body110when the diffuser200is coupled to the main body110.

The first coupling portion120may be provided at the front end112of the main body110and may have a first magnetic fastening portion127(e.g., a magnet of a first polarity or a metal) embedded inside the outer wall of the front end112or located inside the outer wall. The first coupling portion120may further include a power transmitter or transceiver (e.g., a wireless power transceiver that works through electromagnetic induction) provided on an outer surface or a front surface of the outer wall of the front end112.

The second coupling portion220may have a second magnetic fastening portion227(e.g., a magnet of a second polarity or a metal) embedded in the rear circumferential portion217or located inside the rear circumferential portion217. The second coupling portion220may further include a power receiver or transceiver (e.g., a wireless power transceiver that works through electromagnetic induction) provided on or at an inner surface or rear surface of the coupling sleeve224.

The first coupling portion120may be coupled to the second coupling portion220. At least one of the first magnetic fastening portion127and the second magnetic fastening portion227may include a magnetic force generator (e.g., a ferromagnetic material or an electric current) so that the first magnetic fastening portion127and the second magnetic fastening portion227may be magnetically coupled to each other. The magnetic coupling means a scheme of mutual coupling through a magnetic force generated from the magnetic force generator, which may be implemented as a magnet and/or an electromagnet.

The power transmitter may supply power to the power receiver, which may be aligned, in contact with, or in connection with the power receiver when the diffuser200is coupled to the main body110. The power receiver may be connected to components or devices of the diffuser200(e.g., the light irradiator260, the proximity sensor269, and the moisture measurement protrusion312described later) to supply power thereto.

The open surface surrounded by the front circumferential portion236may be defined in the front side211of the diffusing case210, and the gas inside the diffusing case210may be discharged forward through the diffuser200through the open surface in the front side211.

The diffusion portion241of the guide frame240may face the gas inlet hole215to diffuse the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole215outward in the radial direction. The flow cross-sectional area of the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole215may be increased by the diffusion portion241.

A flow direction of the gas discharged from the center opening154may be changed by the diffusion portion241. The diffusion portion241may have a larger diameter than the center opening154, and diffuse the gas provided from the center opening154outward in the radial direction.

The first guide246may have a ring shape, and the diffusion portion241may be located at a center of the first guide246. The diffusion portion241may have a circular cross-section, and may be outwardly spaced apart from the diffusion portion241while being concentric with the diffusion portion241of the first guide246.

A first flow path or opening258may be provided between the first guide246and the diffusion portion241. The first guide246may be spaced apart from the diffusion portion241to define the first flow path258between the first guide246and the diffusion portion241. The gas diffused through the diffusion portion241may flow through the first flow path258.

The second guide251may have a ring shape corresponding to the ring shape of the first guide246, and the diffusion portion241and the first guide246may be located at a center of the second guide251. The second guide251may be concentric with the diffusion portion241and the first guide246and may be spaced apart from the first guide246.

An inner diameter of the first guide246may be larger than the diameter of the diffusion portion241, and an inner diameter of the second guide251may be larger than an outer diameter of the first guide246. Accordingly, the first flow path258may be defined between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246, and a second flow path or opening259may be defined between the first guide246and the second guide251.

The gas diffused by the diffusion portion241may flow through the first flow path258and the second flow path259. An outer diameter of the second flow path259may be larger than the diameter of the gas inlet hole215, so that the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole215may be diffused by the diffusion portion241and flow with a larger flow cross-section.

The light irradiator260may be located in front of the guide frame240and installed on a front surface of the guide frame240. The light irradiator260may have a plurality of light emitters262(e.g., light emitting diodes or LEDs) arranged on a circuit board265. The circuit board265may include a plurality of circuit boards separated from each other, and the plurality of boards of the circuit board265may have a size, shape and arrangement corresponding to that of the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251of the guide frame240. The circuit board265may not interfere with gas or air flowing through the first and second flow paths258and259.

The plurality of circuit boards265may respectively include a central board or base266, a first board or ring267, and a second board or ring268. The central board266may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the diffusion portion241. For example, the diffusion portion241may have the circular cross-section, and the central board266may have a circular cross-section in the same manner as the diffusion portion241. The central board266may be provided on or at a front surface of the diffusion portion241and may include a plurality of light emitters262.

The first board267may have a shape corresponding to the first guide246. For example, the first guide246may have a ring shape, and the first board267may have a ring shape in the same manner as the first guide246. The first board267be provided on or at a front surface of the first guide246and may include a plurality of light emitters262.

The second board268may have a shape corresponding to the second guide251. For example, the second guide251may have a ring shape, and the second board268may have a ring shape in the same manner as the second guide251. The second board268may be provided on or at a front surface of the second guide251and may include a plurality of light emitters262.

The central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may be arranged to be concentric like the diffusion portion241, first guide246, and second guide251of the guide frame240. The first board267may be outwardly or radially spaced apart from the central board266, and the second board268may be outwardly or radially spaced apart from the first board267. An inner diameter of the first board267may be larger than a diameter of the central board266, and an inner diameter of the second board268may be larger than an outer diameter of the first board267. Like the guide frame240, the first flow path258may be located between the central board266and the first board267, and the second flow path259may be located between the first board267and the second board268.

A position of the light irradiator260may be secured by a coupling between the light diffusion frame280and the guide frame240, which will be described later. Alternatively, the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may be optionally coupled (e.g., adhered, welded, or pressed-fit) to front surfaces of the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251, respectively. The circuit board265may include optional tabs or connectors corresponding to the guide connectors253to connect the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268to each other. When such optional connectors are included, the optional connectors may be coupled to (e.g., adhered, welded, or pressed-fit) to the guide connectors254of the guide frame140and/or light diffusion connectors288of the light diffusion frame280described later. As another alternative, when such optional connectors are included, the circuit board265may be coupled to just one or two of the front surfaces of the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251. For example, the central board266may be secured to the diffusion portion241, while the first and second boards267and268merely contact and/or are merely positioned to align with the first guide246, and the second guide251, respectively.

The light irradiator260may irradiate light toward the front side211of the diffusing case210through the plurality of light emitters262. The light irradiated from the light irradiator260may be emitted toward a location ahead or forward of the diffuser200through the front side211of the diffusing case210.

For example, the light irradiated from the light irradiator260may pass through the open surface of the diffusing case210and through the gas discharge holes305of the discharge cover300, through the massage protrusion310of the discharge cover300, or, if the discharge cover300is made of a transparent or translucent material, through a main body or portion the discharge cover300.

As the light is irradiated forward from the diffuser200, the diffuser200may treat a user's hair or scalp care. The light irradiated from the light irradiator260may contribute to improving scalp and hair health while drying the user's scalp or hair or while providing heat to the user's scalp or hair. The wavelength of the light irradiated from the light emitter262may be predetermined or may be selected by the user. For example, red light (620-660 nm) may be used to prevent hair loss or increase blood flow to the scalp, or UV light (100-400 nm) may be used to sanitize the scalp or treat skin conditions such as scalp psoriasis.

The proximity sensor269may be provided on the circuit board265of the light irradiator260.FIG. 6shows a state in which the proximity sensor269is provided on the central board266of the light irradiator260.

The proximity sensor269may be provided at a center of the central board266. The proximity sensor269may be provided to measure a separation distance from the target positioned in front of the proximity sensor269. The controller115may be provided to control the light irradiator260based on the separation distance between the proximity sensor269and the target measured by the proximity sensor269.

For example, when the separation distance from the target measured by the proximity sensor269is equal to or less than a reference or predetermined distance, the controller115may control the light irradiator260such that the light irradiator260irradiates the light forward via the light emitters262. The reference distance may be predetermined in terms of a design or control. The light irradiator260may also be operated through a physical switch, which may be operated even when the separation distance measured by the proximity sensor269is equal to or less than the reference distance. As the proximity sensor269is used, the light irradiator260may be operated when the separation distance from the target in front of the diffuser200(i.e., the scalp or the hair of the user) is equal to or less than the reference distance, thereby improving ease of use and an operation efficiency.

The proximity sensor269may be provided in various types. For example, the proximity sensor269may be a pressure sensor that detects whether a pressing force is applied from the user's scalp or hair, or a photosensitive sensor that measures a level at which an amount of sensed light decreases as the separation distance from the scalp or the hair decreases.

In addition, the proximity sensor269may be an infrared (IR) sensor that measures an infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the separation distance from the scalp or the hair. In this case, the proximity sensor269may be provided to irradiate the infrared ray forward.

The light diffusion frame280may be located in front of the light irradiator260. The light diffusion frame280may be installed on a front surface of the light irradiator260to forwardly cover the light emitters262of the light irradiator260.

The light diffusion frame280may include a central light diffusion portion or diffuser282, a first light diffusion portion or diffuser284and a second light diffusion portion or diffuser286. The light diffusion frame280may further include a light diffusion connector or rib288to connect the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286to each other.

The central light diffusion portion282may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to that of the central board266. For example, the central board266may have a circular cross-section, and the central light diffusion portion282may have a circular cross-section in the same manner as the central board266and may cover the front surface of the diffusion portion241.

The first light diffusion portion284may have a shape corresponding to the first board267. For example, the first board267may have the previously described ring shape, and the first light diffusion portion284may have a ring shape in the same manner as the first board267and may cover the front surface of the first board267.

The second light diffusion portion286may have a shape corresponding to the second board268. For example, the second board268may have the previously described ring shape, and the second light diffusion portion286may have a ring shape in the same manner as the second board268and may cover the front surface of the second board268.

The central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286may be arranged to be concentric like the arrangement of the guide frame240and the light irradiator260. The first light diffusion portion284may be outwardly spaced apart from the central light diffusion portion282, and the second light diffusion portion286may be outwardly spaced apart from the first light diffusion portion284so as not to block a flow of discharged air or gas.

An inner diameter of the first light diffusion portion284may be larger than a diameter of the central light diffusion portion282, and an inner diameter of the second light diffusion portion286may be larger than an outer diameter of the first light diffusion portion284. Like the guide frame240, the first flow path258may be located between the central light diffusion portion282and the first light diffusion portion284, and the second flow path259may be located between the first light diffusion portion284and the second light diffusion portion286.

The diffuser200may be provided in a shape in which the first flow path258and the second flow path259are extended in the front and rear directions through the guide frame240, the light irradiator260, and the light diffusion frame280. The light diffusion connector288may be provided in a shape corresponding to the guide connector253. For example, the guide connector253and the light diffusion connector288may have an extended shape along the radial direction of the diffuser200.

The light diffusion connector288may be located in front of and aligned with the guide connector253so as not to block a flow of discharged air or gas. The light diffusion frame280may be fixed inside the diffusing case210as the light diffusion frame280is fastened to the guide connector253.

An embodiment of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of a design and structurally stable in that, in a state in which the guide frame240is constituted by a plurality of components, the plurality of components may be able to be handled as a single component through the guide connector253. In addition, an embodiment of the present disclosure is advantageous in terms of the design and structurally stability in that, in a state in which the light diffusion frame280is constituted by a plurality of components, the plurality of components are able to be handled as a single component through the light diffusion connector288.

Furthermore, the light diffusion connector288of the light diffusion frame280may be coupled to the guide connector253of the guide frame240, so that all of the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286may be stably fixed and secure, which is advantageous in terms of coupling.

The light diffusion frame280may be made of a material through which light is transmitted (i.e., a transparent or translucent material, such as plastic or glass). The light irradiated from the light irradiator260may be scattered and diffused while passing through the light diffusion frame280. The light diffusion frame280may be provided in front of the light irradiator260so that the light irradiated from the light irradiator260may be provided to the user while being scattered and diffused and being uniformly dispersed in a larger area.

A treatment for the diffusion or the scattering of the light may be performed on a front surface or a rear surface of the light diffusion frame280. For example, etching may be performed or a pattern through laser processing and the like may be formed on a surface of the light diffusion frame280.

In one example, the central light diffusion portion282may shield the front surface of the central board266, and a portion of the central light diffusion portion282in front of the proximity sensor269may be opened or formed with a hole such that the measurement of the separation distance from the target in front of the diffuser200via the proximity sensor269may be convenient or undisturbed. When the proximity sensor269is provided at the center of the central board266, the central light diffusion portion282may have a hole defined at a center thereof (as shown in the figures) to expose the proximity sensor269forwardly and allow transmission of a signal to or from the proximity sensor269.

The discharge cover300may shield the open surface defined in the front side211of the diffusing case210in which the guide frame240, the light irradiator260, and the light diffusion frame280may be embedded. The plurality of gas discharge holes305may be defined in the discharge cover300so that gas may be discharged and the light may be irradiated forward.

The edge302of the discharge cover300may have a curvature configured to correspond to that of the front circumferential portion236of the diffusing case210when viewed from the side. A front surface of the discharge cover300may form a curved surface that is indented or recessed rearwards centerwardly so that the discharge cover300may have a shape corresponding to the head of the user, which may facilitate a massage effect through the massage protrusions310while providing the gas or air and the light to the user.

The plurality of massage protrusions310may each have a contact portion provided on a front surface or end thereof. The contact portions of the plurality of massage protrusions310may be configured such that a sense of touch with the scalp or the hair of the user may be improved and damage to the scalp and the hair may be minimized. For example, the contact portion may be made of an elastic or soft material such as silicon, rubber, or plastic.

The discharge cover300may also include at least one moisture measurement protrusion or sensor312, which may also serve as a massage protrusion310. The moisture measurement protrusion312may be provided to measure a moisture amount of the scalp or the hair of the user. A pair of moisture measurement protrusions312may be arranged to measure an impedance, such as a bioelectrical impedance through an electric field formed therebetween.

The moisture measurement protrusions312may be connected to the controller115. The controller115may determine the impedance using a voltage, a current, a resistance, and the like, which are identified through the moisture measurement protrusion312, and determine the moisture amount of the scalp or the hair of the user based on the determined impedance. The controller115may further control an operation of the fan119, the temperature adjuster117, or the light irradiator260based on the determined moisture amount.

For example, the controller115may control the fan119to increase a rotation speed (such that the speed of discharged gas increases) as the determined moisture amount of the scalp or the hair of the user increases. Alternatively or in addition thereto, the controller115may control the temperature adjuster117such that a temperature of the discharged gas increases and/or control the light irradiator260such that a light amount or intensity increases as the determined moisture amount of the scalp or the hair of the user increases. A light amount or intensity may be increased by increasing a number of light emitters262emitting light and/or increasing an intensity of light emitted by each light emitter262.

A pair of moisture measurement protrusions312may include a first moisture measurement protrusion315electrically having a first pole and a second moisture measurement protrusion316having a second pole opposite to the first pole. The controller115may determine the impedance and the moisture amount through the electric field formed between the first moisture measurement protrusion315and the second moisture measurement protrusion316.

A plurality of pairs of moisture measurement protrusions312, each of which includes the first moisture measurement protrusion315and the second moisture measurement protrusion316, may be arranged. One pair of moisture measurement protrusions312may be provided to be spaced apart from another pair of moisture measurement protrusions312, and different massage protrusions310may be positioned therebetween.

In one example, the open region303may be defined at a center of the discharge cover300. The proximity sensor269may be exposed forward through the hole defined in the light diffusion frame280and the open region303of the discharge cover300, and may measure the separation distance from the target in front of the diffuser200. A protection member (e.g., a transparent film or layer) that protects the proximity sensor269and allows the infrared ray or the like to pass straight therethrough may be provided in front of the proximity sensor269(e.g., in a center hole of the light diffusion frame or in the open region303).

Referring toFIG. 7, the first coupling portion120of the main body110may include the first magnetic fastening portion127, and the second coupling portion220of the diffuser200may include the second magnetic fastening portion227. The diffuser200may be coupled to the front end112of the main body110through a magnetic coupling or interaction between the first magnetic fastening portion127and the second magnetic fastening portion227. The first coupling portion120may further include a hook fastener or loop, and the second coupling portion220may further include a hook configured to be fastened to the hook fastener so that a coupling stability between the diffuser200and the main body110may be enhanced.

Hereinafter, a flow of the gas discharged from the gas outlet150according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIG. 7. In the gas outlet150, the gas is discharged from the center opening154and the side opening156. The gas inlet hole215of the diffusing case210may have a diameter equal to or larger than that of the side opening156and face the gas outlet150so that the gas discharged from the center opening154and the side opening156may be introduced into the inlet hole215.

The guide frame240may be provided inside the diffusing case210to face the gas outlet150. The diffusion portion241of the guide frame240may be positioned to face the center opening154of the gas outlet150.

The gas discharged from the center opening154may flow toward the diffusion portion241. As the diffusion portion241has a diameter larger than that of the center opening154, the gas discharged from the center opening154may be diffused outward along the radial direction of the diffuser200.

The diffusion portion241may have a diffusion protrusion or cone242on a rear surface thereof facing the center opening154. The diffusion protrusion242may have a curvature such that a diameter thereof decreases in a rearward direction to protrude or point toward the gas outlet160. The diameter of the diffusion protrusion242may decrease toward a center, which may face the gas outlet160. A diffusion effect of the gas discharged from the center opening154may be improved by the diffusion protrusion242.

At least a portion of the gas discharged from the center opening154may flow along the first flow path258defined between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246in the guide frame240by the diffusion portion241and the diffusion protrusion242. In one example, the gas discharged from the side opening156may flow outward to surround the gas discharged from the center opening154, and the gas discharged from the side opening156may also diffuse outward along the radial direction of the diffuser200as the gas of the center opening154is diffused by the diffusion portion241. At least a portion of the gas discharged from the side opening156and at least a portion of the gas discharged from the center opening154may flow along the second flow path259defined between the first guide246and the second guide251in the guide frame240.

Despite a design feature where the inner diameter of the diffuser200may increase in a forward direction, the discharging of the gas through the center opening154and the side opening156in the forward direction while being maintained in a specific form may be effectively suppressed through the guide frame240. The diffuser200may allow the gas discharged from the center opening154and the side opening156to be effectively dispersed and diffused with a larger flow cross-sectional area while preventing the flow of the gas from being maintained in the specific form.

In one example, the light irradiator260and the light diffusion frame280may be arranged in front of the guide frame240inside the diffusing case210. The light irradiator260and the light diffusion frame280may be coupled with the guide frame240and may be handled as a single component, improving space utilization, convenience, security, and design.

The light irradiator260and the light diffusion frame280may define the first flow path258and the second flow path259together with the guide frame240. The flow of the gas formed by the guide frame240may be effectively maintained, and the gas may be discharged forward from the diffuser200through the light irradiator260and the light diffusion frame280.

In the light irradiator260, the first board267may be positioned to be forward or in front of the central board266, and the second board268may be positioned to be forward or in front of the first board267. The plurality of light emitters262arranged in the light irradiator260may be arranged to form a spherical or curved surface that is indented or recessed rearward. The plurality of light emitters262may be arranged in a form in which a distance from a center of the light irradiator260along the radial direction increases forwardly. Such arrangement of the light emitters262may correspond to the shape of the front surface of the discharge cover300indented rearward. The plurality of light emitters262arranged on the light irradiator260may be arranged to form the curved surface to correspond to the user's head having a curvature, so that a uniform amount of light may be provided to the user's scalp and hair.

Like the light irradiator260, the guide frame240may be provided such that the first guide246may be positioned] forward or in front of the diffusion portion241, and the second guide251may be positioned forward or in front of the first guide246. The first board267provided on the front surface of the first guide246may be positioned forward or in front of the central board266provided at the front surface of the diffusion portion241, and the second board268provided at the front surface of the second guide251may be positioned forward or in front of the first board267.

Like the light irradiator260, in the light diffusion frame280, the first light diffusion portion284may be positioned forward or in front of the central light diffusion portion282, and the second light diffusion portion286may be positioned forward or in front of the first light diffusion portion284. A distance between the light diffusion frame280and the light irradiator260may be kept constant, and uniform dispersion and scattering of the light may be induced. In the guide frame240, as the second guide251may be positioned forward of the first guide246and the first guide246may be positioned forward of the diffusion portion241, a space in which the gas introduced from the gas inlet hole215is diffused in the radial direction may be secured, and the gas may be smoothly introduced into the first flow path258and the second flow path259.

FIG. 7shows the guide frame240, the light irradiator260, and the light diffusion frame280protruding forward in a direction away from centers thereof.

FIG. 7also shows a light blocking portion or shield271surrounding the proximity sensor269. The light blocking portion271may have a hollow cylindrical shape, but embodiments disclosed herein are not limited. The light blocking portion271may be provided to surround the proximity sensor269along a circumferential direction of the diffuser200, preventing a situation in which the light emitter262around the proximity sensor269affects a measurement the proximity sensor269. The proximity sensor269may be located inside the light blocking portion271. The light blocking portion271may have a shape extending from the central board266to the discharge cover300.

The light blocking portion271may be opened in a forward direction to prevent structural interference from occurring in a measurement of the separation distance between the diffuser200and the front target by the proximity sensor269. For example, when the proximity sensor269measures an infrared ray transmitted from the target, the light blocking portion271may have a front opening to allow the infrared ray transmitted from the target to be completely provided to the proximity sensor269.

The light blocking portion271may be provided to extend rearward from the discharge cover300, or may be formed integrally with the discharge cover300or integrally with the central board266. The light blocking portion271may be manufactured separately from the discharge cover300and the central board266, and may be later coupled to or combined with the discharge cover300and/or the central board266.

As described above, the hair dryer100may include the main body110, the handle180, and the diffuser200. The main body110may include the gas outlet150to discharge the gas introduced from the outside, and the handle180may extend from the main body110.

The diffuser200may be removably coupled to the main body110so that the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may flow into the diffuser200, and the gas introduced into the diffuser200may be discharged to the outside. The diffuser200may include the diffusing case210and the guide frame240. The rear side212of the diffusing case210may be coupled to the main body110, the gas discharged from the gas outlet150may be introduced into the diffusing case210through the gas inlet hole215defined in the rear side212, the gas introduced into the diffusing case210may be discharged from the front side211, and the inner diameter of the diffusing case210may increase toward the front side211from the rear side212.

The guide frame240may be provided inside the diffusing case210to guide the flow of the gas introduced into the diffusing case210, and the light irradiator260may be provided inside the diffusing case210and in front of the guide frame240to irradiate the light to the front side211of the diffusing case210.

The discharge cover300may be provided at the front side211of the diffusing case210and may include the gas discharge hole305through which the gas introduced into the diffusing case210is discharged to the outside. In addition, the discharge cover300may include the massage protrusion310that protrudes forward to press the target located in front of the discharge cover300. The diffusing case210may be provided such that an inner diameter thereof increases forwardly or in an axial direction.

Referring toFIG. 8, the guide frame240may include the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251. The diffusion portion241may be provided to face the gas inlet hole215to diffuse the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole215.

The first guide246may be formed in the ring shape and have the diffusion portion241at the center thereof, and the first flow path258through which the gas flows may be defined between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246.

The second guide251may be formed in the ring shape and have the diffusion portion241and the first guide246at the center thereof, and the second flow path259through which the gas flows may be defined between the first guide246and the second guide251.

The diffusion portion241may have various cross-sectional shapes.FIG. 8shows the diffusion portion241having a substantially circular cross-section, but embodiments disclosed herein are not limited. The diffusion portion241may be located inside the diffusing case210and located at a center of the cross-section of the diffusing case210.

The diffusion protrusion242protruding rearward from the rear surface of the diffusion portion241may be formed in a horn or dome shape having a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the diffusion portion241. InFIG. 8, the diffusion protrusion242having a conical or dome shape with a circular cross-section shape as in the diffusion portion241is shown.

The diffusion protrusion242may be provided such that a protruding height thereof increases toward a center or rear of the diffusion protrusion242. The diffusion protrusion242may face the gas outlet150so that the diffusion protrusion242may diffuse the gas discharged from the gas outlet150in the radial direction of the diffuser200.

The diffusion portion241may be provided to face the center portion154of the gas outlet150, and may diffuse the gas discharged from the center portion154in the radial direction. The front surface of the diffusion portion241may be flat so that the central board266may be installed thereon.

The first guide246may be formed in the ring shape, concentric with the diffusion portion241, and have the diffusion portion241at the center thereof. When viewed from the rear, the first guide246may be formed in a ring shape surrounding the diffusion portion241.

The first guide246may be formed in a circular ring or a polygonal ring shape, and may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the diffusion portion241.FIG. 8shows the diffusion portion241having a circular cross-section shape and the first guide246having the circular ring shape according to an embodiment.

The first guide246may be spaced apart from the diffusion portion241along the radial direction, so that the first flow path258may be defined between the first guide246and the diffusion portion241. The front surface of the first guide246may be flat so that the first board267of the light irradiator260may be coupled thereto.

The first guide246may be located forwardly of the diffusion portion241. The front surface of the first guide246may be provided to be farther frontward of the front surface of the diffusion portion241. Accordingly, the first board267of the light irradiator260may be located forwardly of the central board266.

The second guide251may be formed in the ring shape, concentric with the diffusion portion241and the first guide246, and have the diffusion portion241and the first guide246at the center thereof. When viewed from the rear, the second guide251may be formed in a ring shape surrounding the diffusion portion241and the first guide246.

The second guide251may be formed in a circular ring or a polygonal ring shape, and may be formed to correspond to the cross-sectional shapes of the diffusion portion241and the first guide246.FIG. 8shows the diffusion portion241having the circular cross-sectional shape and the second guide251having the circular ring shape according to an embodiment.

The second guide251may be spaced apart from the first guide246along the radial direction so that the second flow path259may be defined between the first guide246and the second guide251. The separation distance between the second guide251and the first guide246may be the same as the separation distance between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246.

The first flow path258and the second flow path259may have the same width, and the light emitters262on the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may be uniformly spaced apart from each other along the radial direction.

The front surface of the second guide251may be flat so that the second board268of the light irradiator260may be coupled thereto. The second guide251may be located forwardly of the first guide246. The front surface of the second guide251may be located farther frontward of the front surface of the first guide246. The second board268of the light irradiator260may be located forwardly of the first board267.

The separation distance between the second guide251and the first guide246in the forward direction may be the same as the separation distance between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246in the forward direction. Accordingly, the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may form a uniform light distribution while having the same separation distance in the forward direction from each other.

The second guide251may be provided to be in close contact with the inner surface of the diffusing case210. Structural stability of the guide frame240may be improved, rigidity of the diffusing case210may be reinforced, and the gas inside the diffusing case210may flow stably through the first flow path258and the second flow path259.

The guide connector253may include a plurality of guide connectors or ribs253as needed. The guide connector253may have a shape outwardly extending in the radial direction from the diffusion portion241.

The guide connector253may be manufactured separately from at least some of the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251, and may be coupled to the at least some of the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251.

In addition, in the guide frame240, the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, the second guide251, and the guide connector253may be integrally formed. Since the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251may be handled integrally by the guide connector253, an entirety of the guide frame240may be integrally formed, which may be advantageous. As the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251may be offset in the forward direction, the front surface of the guide connector253may also have a stepped shape.

Referring toFIG. 9, the light irradiator260may include the plurality of light emitters262arranged on the plurality of circuit boards265to emit the light. The plurality of circuit boards265may include the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268. The central board266may be provided on the front surface of the diffusion portion241. The first board267may be provided on the front surface of the first guide246, and the first flow path258may be defined between the first board267and the central board266. The second board268may be provided on the front surface of the second guide251, and the second flow path259may be defined between the first board267and the second board268.

A separate coupling structure between the light irradiator260and the diffusing case210may be omitted, and the light irradiator260may be structurally stably provided through the guide frame240.

Each of the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may include the plurality of light emitters262. The plurality of light emitters262may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the light irradiator260, and may form a plurality of rows.

FIG. 9shows a plurality of light emitters262arranged in the circumferential direction and forming two rows on the central board266, and a plurality of light emitters262arranged in the circumferential direction and forming one row on each of the first board267and the second board268according to an embodiment.

The number of light emitters262may be varied as needed, and the number of light emitters262for each board may also be varied as needed. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of light emitters262may be arranged to have a same separation distance from each other in the circumferential direction. The plurality of light emitters262may be arranged to have the same separation distance from each other in the radial direction. In this case, a separation distance between neighboring light emitters262in the radial direction and the widths of the first flow path258and the second flow path259may be the same or similar.

In one example, the first guide246may be forwardly spaced apart from the diffusion portion241, the second guide251may be forwardly spaced apart from the first guide246, the first board267may be forwardly spaced apart from the central board266, and the second board268may be forwardly spaced apart from the first board267.

As the second board268is located forwardly of the first board267, and as the first board267is located forwardly of the central board266, the light emitter262of the second board268may be located forwardly of the light emitter262of the first board267, and the light emitter262of the first board267may be located forwardly of the light emitter262of the central board266. The light emitters262may be arranged to form or simulate a curvature when viewed from the side. The plurality of light emitters262may be forwardly arranged in a direction to be farther away from the center of the light irradiator260along the radial direction.

An ergonomic arrangement optimized for the user's head may be made. In addition, an offset distance of the first board267offset forward from the central board266and an offset distance of the second board268offset forward from the first board267may be equal such that distribution of the light provided to the user's scalp and hair may be uniform.

As shown inFIG. 6, the discharge cover300re may have a shape in which the front surface thereof is indented or recessed rearward in a direction toward the center thereof. The discharge cover300may be provided to form a curved surface corresponding to the user's head to achieve a uniform distance between an entirety of the discharge cover300and the user's hair and scalp and to improve a feeling of use and a convenience of use of the user. A region of the discharge cover300located in front of the proximity sensor269may be opened to form the open region303.

The proximity sensor269may be provided to sense an infrared ray transmitted or reflected from the target to measure the separation distance from the target. The light blocking portion271may be provided to surround the proximity sensor269to shield the proximity sensor from the plurality of light emitters262, and may have a front opening aligned with the proximity sensor269so that the infrared ray transmitted from the target may be provided to the proximity sensor269. As shown inFIG. 7, the light blocking portion271may be provided on the rear surface of the discharge cover300to extend rearward while surrounding the open region303.

Referring toFIG. 10, the light diffusion frame280may be provided between the discharge cover300and the light irradiator260and allow the light to be diffused while forwardly passing through the light diffusion frame280. Embodiments disclosed herein may be advantageous in that the light irradiated from the light irradiator260may be distributed and scattered by the light diffusion frame280to be provided to the user with a larger area, and the light distribution may be uniform.

The light diffusion frame280may include the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286. The central light diffusion portion282may be provided to cover the front surface of the central board266. The first light diffusion portion284may be provided to cover the front surface of the first board267, and may have the first flow path258defined between the central light diffusion portion282and the first light diffusion portion284. Further, the second light diffusion portion286may be provided to cover the front surface of the second board268, and may have the second flow path259defined between the first light diffusion portion284and the second light diffusion portion286. The light diffusion frame280may be effective in that a light loss is small and a transmittance is high compared to a film or a sheet, and may be advantageous for gas flow formation because the first flow path258and the second flow path259are defined between the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portions286.

The region of the central light diffusion portion282located in front of the proximity sensor269may be opened and be penetrated by the light blocking portion271. The guide frame240may include the guide connector253. The guide connector253may extend along the radial direction of the guide frame240to connect the diffusion portion241, the first guide246, and the second guide251with each other.

The guide frame240may be effective because the plurality of components defining the first flow path258and the second flow path259may be integrally handled by the guide connector253to form a manufacturing and coupling structure. The light diffusion frame280inFIG. 10may include the light diffusion connector or rib288. The light diffusion connector288may extend along the radial direction of the light diffusion frame280to connect the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286with each other.

The light diffusion frame280may be effective because the plurality of components defining the first flow path258and the second flow path259may be integrally handled by the guide connector253to form the manufacturing and coupling structure. The light diffusion frame280may be advantageous in that, as the light diffusion connector288is located in front of the guide connector253and coupled to the guide connector253, the light diffusion frame280may be structurally stably formed by the guide frame240even when a separate coupling structure with the diffusing case210is not formed, and the central light diffusion portion282, the first light diffusion portion284, and the second light diffusion portion286may be structurally and securely fixed together by only the fastening of the light diffusion connector288.

The light diffusion frame280may have a light diffusion pattern290formed on the front surface thereof. The light diffusion pattern290may be formed such that a plurality of regions having different protruding heights in the front-rear direction are alternately arranged with each other. The light diffusion pattern290may be formed through an etching scheme, an injection molding, a laser scheme, etc.

The light diffusion pattern290may have an uneven surface shape in which convex portions and concave portions are alternately arranged with each other in all directions like an embossing shape, and may have a surface shape in which the convex portions and the concave portions are alternately arranged with each other along the radial direction like a wave shape.

The light diffusion pattern290may be formed on the front surface and/or the rear surface of the light diffusion frame280, or alternatively inside the light diffusion frame280. A dispersion degree and a scattering degree may be increased in a process in which the light of the light irradiator260passes through the light diffusion frame280by the light diffusion pattern290, so that the light provided to the user may be uniformly distributed and provided to the user with the larger area.

Referring toFIG. 11, the plurality of light emitters262may be arranged inside the diffusing case210to respectively face the plurality of massage protrusions310. The light irradiated from the light emitter262may be transmitted to the massage protrusion310through the gas discharge hole305, or may be transmitted to the massage protrusion310by passing through the discharge cover300, which may be made of a light transmissive material. The light irradiated from the light emitter262may be transmitted to the scalp and the hair of the user through the massage protrusion310so that direct light transmission may be possible and a care effect of the scalp and the hair may be improved.

However, embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily limited thereto. For example, some of the plurality of light emitters262may be respectively arranged rearward of the massage protrusions310, and others may be arranged rearward of the gas discharge hole305to irradiate the light. Further, the plurality of light emitters262may be evenly distributed such that separation distances therebetween are uniform or may be concentrated in some regions as needed, regardless of an arrangement of the massage protrusions310.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer that may effectively manage a user's scalp or hair health. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer that effectively improve a flow of fluid, air, or gas provided to a user and have efficient structures.

An integrated hair dryer including an LED module for user's scalp care may be disadvantageous in terms of ease of use for a customer because the LED module is not able to be detached, which leads increase of weight and volume. In addition, in the integrated diffuser, the number, arrangement, and light amounts of LEDs for a user's scalp or hair care function may not be sufficient, so that a care effect may not be sufficient. In a case of a single scalp care apparatus independent from the hair dryer, a cold or warm air mode through gas provision may not be able to be implemented except for care through the LED module, so that there may be limitations in improving a care performance of the user's hair or scalp.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser that may be attached to or detached from a hair dryer for user's scalp care and may irradiate light through an LED to a user, and a hair dryer including a diffuser.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser including an LED light irradiator provided to be detachable from the hair dryer. The diffuser may implement a cooling mode using a gas or air discharge function of a main body of the hair dryer, and may have a flow path structure to improve gas flow inside the diffuser. In order to improve the gas flow inside the diffuser, an LED module apparatus may have a structure in which three types of PCBs are arranged in a stepwise manner. The gas flow paths may be distributed in the diffuser, so that the gas may be diffused and efficient gas provision may be possible.

The LED module may include a proximity sensor to determine whether the user's scalp is approached and a light blocking portion to prevent internal interference of the LED light, which may affect the proximity sensor.

In order to secure ergonomic usability, a R127 curvature defined based on a Korean standard head may be applied to the structure of the LED module in which the three types of PCBs are arranged in the stepwise manner. Thus, the ergonomic usability may be provided to the user.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser including a diffusing case, a guide frame, a light irradiator, and a discharge cover. The diffusing case may have a rear side removably coupled to a main body of a hair dryer. Gas or fluid discharged from the main body may be introduced into the diffusing case through a gas inlet hole defined at the rear side. The gas introduced into the diffusing case may be discharged from a front side of the diffusing case.

The guide frame may be provided inside the diffusing case to guide flow of the gas introduced into the diffusing case, and the light irradiator may be provided inside the diffusing case and in front of the guide frame to irradiate light toward the front side of the diffusing case. The discharge cover may be provided at the front side of the diffusing case and include a gas discharge hole to discharge the gas inside the diffusing case to outside. The discharge cover may include a plurality of massage protrusions to press a target located in front of the discharge cover. An inner diameter of the diffusing case may increase forwardly.

The guide frame may include a diffusion portion provided to face the gas inlet hole to diffuse the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole, a first guide formed in a ring shape to have the diffusion portion located at a center of the first guide, wherein the first flow path to flow or move the gas therethrough is defined between the diffusion portion and the first guide, and a second guide formed in a ring shape to have the diffusion portion and the first guide at a center of the second guide, wherein the second flow path to flow or move the gas therethrough is defined between the first guide and the second guide.

The light irradiator may include a plurality of light emitters arranged on a plurality of circuit boards to emit light, and the plurality of circuit boards may include a central board provided on a front surface of the diffusion portion, a first board provided on a front surface of the first guide, wherein the first flow path is defined between the central board and the first board, and a second board provided on a front surface of the second guide, wherein the second flow path is defined between the first board and the second board. The first guide may be forwardly spaced apart from the diffusion portion, and the second guide may be forwardly spaced apart from the first guide. The first board may be forwardly spaced apart from the central board, and the second board may be forwardly spaced apart from the first board.

The plurality of light emitters may be arranged to respectively face the plurality of massage protrusions inside the diffusing case. The discharge cover may have a front surface having a shape of being indented rearwards in a direction toward a center of the front surface.

The diffuser may further include a proximity sensor provided on the central board to measure a distance from the target in front of the discharge cover, and an open region may be defined in the discharge cover at a location in front of the proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be provided to sense an infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the distance from the target, and the diffuser may further include a light blocking portion provided to surround the proximity sensor to shield the plurality of light emitters from the proximity sensor. The light blocking portion may be opened forward such that the infrared ray transmitted from the target is provided to the proximity sensor.

The light blocking portion may be provided on a rear surface of the discharge cover and extend rearward while surrounding the open region. The diffuser may further include a light diffusion frame provided between the discharge cover and the light irradiator. The light irradiated from the light irradiator may be diffused while forwardly penetrating the light diffusion frame.

The light diffusion frame may include a central light diffusion portion provided on a front surface of the central board, a first light diffusion portion provided on a front surface of the first board and a second light diffusion portion provided on a front surface of the second board. The first flow path may be defined between the central light diffusion portion and the first light diffusion portion. The second flow path may be defined between the first light diffusion portion and the second light diffusion portion. A region of the central light diffusion portion located in front of the proximity sensor may be opened and penetrated by the light blocking portion.

The guide frame may further include a guide connector extending along a radial direction of the guide frame to connect the diffusion portion, the first guide, and the second guide to each other. The light diffusion frame may further include a light diffusion connector extending along a radial direction of the light diffusion frame to connect the central light diffusion portion, the first light diffusion portion, and the second light diffusion portion with each other, and the light diffusion connector may be located in front of the guide connector and coupled to the guide connector.

A hair dryer may include a main body including a gas outlet to discharge gas therethrough, a handle extending from the main body, and a diffuser removably coupled to the main body to introduce the gas discharged from the gas outlet therein and discharge the gas introduced therein to outside.

The diffuser may include a diffusing case having a rear side coupled to the main body. The gas may be discharged from the gas outlet and introduced into the diffusing case through a gas inlet hole defined at the rear side. The gas may be introduced into the diffusing case and discharged outside through a front side of the diffusing case. A guide frame may be provided inside the diffusing case to guide flow of the gas introduced into the diffusing case. A light irradiator may be provided inside the diffusing case and in front of the guide frame to irradiate light toward the front side of the diffusing case, and a discharge cover may be provided at the front side of the diffusing case. The discharge cover may include a gas discharge hole to discharge the gas inside the diffusing case to the outside. The discharge cover may include a plurality of massage protrusions to press a target located in front of the discharge cover.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer that may effectively manage the user's scalp or hair health. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer that effectively improve the flow of the gas provided to the user and have the efficient structures.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser comprising a case having a rear side, the rear side configured to be removably coupled to a hair dryer, an inlet provided at the rear side and configured to receive fluid discharged from the hair dryer, a guide frame provided inside the case to guide a flow of received fluid through case, a light provided inside the case and in front of the guide frame to irradiate light toward the front side of the case, and a cover provided at the case to cover the light and the guide frame. The cover may include at least one discharge hole through which fluid inside of the case may be discharged, the guide frame being configured to guide fluid toward the cover, and a plurality of massage protrusions configured to press a target located at a front of the cover. An inner diameter of the case may increase in a front-rear direction away from the rear side and toward the cover.

The guide frame may include a diffusion guide aligned with the inlet and configured to diffuse fluid introduced through the inlet, a first guide formed in a ring shape concentric with the diffusion guide, and a second guide formed in a ring shape concentric with the diffusion guide and the first guide. A first flow path may be defined between the diffusion guide and the first guide, a second flow path may be defined between the first guide and the second guide, and fluid introduced through the inlet may flow along the first and second flow paths.

The light may include a central board provided on a front surface of the diffusion guide, a first board provided on a front surface of the first guide, wherein the first flow path may be defined between the central board and the first board, a second board provided on a front surface of the second guide, and a plurality of light emitters provided on the central, first, and second boards. The second flow path may be defined between the first board and the second board.

The first guide may be farther from the inlet than the diffusion guide in a front-rear direction away from the inlet and toward the cover. The second guide may be farther forward from the inlet than the first guide in the front-rear direction. The first board may be farther forward from the inlet than the central board in the first direction. The second board may be farther forward from the inlet than the first board in the front-rear direction.

The plurality of light emitters may be respectively aligned with the plurality of massage protrusions in the front-rear direction. The cover may have a front surface that may be increasingly recessed rearwards in a direction toward a center of the front surface so as to have a concave curvature.

A proximity sensor may be provided on the central board to measure a distance from the target in front of the cover. The cover may include a hole that aligns with a front of the proximity sensor.

The proximity sensor may be provided to sense an infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the distance from the target. The diffuser may include a housing surrounding the proximity sensor to shield the proximity sensor from light emitted by the plurality of light emitters. A front of the housing may be opened to allow passage of the transmitted infrared ray. The housing may be provided on a rear surface of the cover and extends rearward.

A light diffuser may be provided between the cover and the light to diffuse light emitted by the plurality of light emitters. The light diffuser may include a central light diffuser provided at a front surface of the central board, a first light diffuser provided at a front surface of the first board, and a second light diffuser provided at a front surface of the second board. The first flow path may be defined between the central light diffuser and the first light diffuser. The second flow path may be defined between the first light diffuser and the second light diffuser. The central light diffuser may include a hole, and the housing may penetrate the hole.

The guide frame may include at least one guide rib extending along a radial direction of the guide frame to connect the diffusion guide, the first guide, and the second guide. The light diffuser may include at least one connector rib extending along a radial direction of the light diffuser to connect the central light diffuser, the first light diffuser, and the second light diffuser. The connector rib and the guide rib may be coupled to each other.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a hair dryer comprising a main body including an outlet through which fluid may be discharged, a handle extending from the main body, and a diffuser. The diffuser may include a case having a rear side removably coupled to the main body, an inlet formed in the rear side and communicating with the outlet of the main body when the case may be coupled to the main body so as to receive discharged fluid, a guide frame provided inside the case to guide fluid, a light provided inside the case and in front of the guide frame to irradiate light away from the rear side of the case, and a cover provided at the case and including at least one discharge hole through which fluid inside of the case may be discharged, the cover including a plurality of massage protrusions protruding from a front of the cover.

A light diffuser may be provided between the cover and the light to diffuse light being transmitted toward the cover. The guide frame may include a plurality of openings through which fluid flows. The light may include a plurality of openings aligning with the plurality of openings of the guide frame so as not to obstruct a flow of fluid. The light diffuser may include a plurality of openings aligning with the plurality of openings of the light and guide frame so as not to obstruct a flow of fluid.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser for a hair dryer comprising a concave shell having a rear end defining an inlet configured to receive a flow of fluid and an outer end defining a front opening, the outer end being a front end and provided farther away from the inlet than the rear end in a front-rear direction, a cover coupled to an inner side of the concave shell to cover the front opening, the inner shell having a concave curvature and at least one discharge hole through which fluid introduced through the inlet may be discharged, a guide frame having a dome facing the inlet to diffuse fluid radially outward and a plurality of openings that may be concentric with the dome through which fluid flows toward the cover, a circuit board provided at a front surface of the guide frame and having a plurality of openings aligning with the plurality of openings of the guide frame so as not to interfere with a flow of fluid, a plurality of light emitting diodes provided on the circuit board and configured to emit light toward the cover, a light diffuser provided in front of the plurality of light emitting diodes to diffuse light transmitted through the light diffuser toward the cover, the light diffuser having a plurality of openings aligning with the plurality of openings of the circuit board and the guide frame so as not to interfere with a flow of fluid, and a plurality of massage protrusions extending from a front side of the cover.

A plurality of first rings may be concentric with the dome and define the plurality of openings in the guide frame. A plurality of second rings may be concentric with a central light diffuser and define the plurality of openings in the light diffuser A plurality of third rings may be concentric with a central board that define the plurality of openings in the circuit board. The central board may face a flat front surface of the dome.

A plurality of first ribs may extend in a radial direction of the guide frame to connect the plurality of first rings. A plurality of second ribs may extend in a radial direction of the light diffuser to connect the plurality of second rings. The plurality of first ribs may be respectively coupled to the plurality of second ribs to secure the plurality of third rings therebetween.

Although a specific embodiment of the present disclosure has been illustrated and described above, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains will appreciate that various modifications are possible within the limits without departing from the technical spirit of the present disclosure provided by the following claims. In this specification, duplicate descriptions of the same components may be omitted.

Further, in this specification, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “connected with” another component, the component may be directly connected with the other component or intervening components may also be present. In contrast, it will be understood that when a component is referred to as being “directly connected with” another component in this specification, there are no intervening components present. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a specific embodiment only and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. The singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”, and “including” specify the presence of the certain features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and parts or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and parts or combinations thereof. The term ‘and/or’ includes a combination of a plurality of listed items or one of the plurality of listed items. In this specification, ‘A or B’ may include ‘A’, ‘B’, or ‘both A and B’.