Diffuser and hair dryer having the same

A diffuser may include a diffusing case having a rear side removably coupled to a main body of a hair dryer. Fluid (such as gas or air) discharged from the main body is introduced into the diffusing case through an inlet hole defined at the rear side. The fluid introduced into the diffusing case is discharged to an outside through a front side of the diffusing case. A light irradiator may be provided inside the diffusing case to irradiate light toward the front side of the diffusing case. The light irradiator may include a plurality of light emitters arranged on a circuit board to emit light. Some of the plurality of light emitters may be spaced apart from others of the plurality of light emitters in a front-rear direction.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0044037, 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 having a massage protrusion for hair or scalp treatment. The above references are incorporated by reference herein where appropriate for appropriate teachings of additional or alternative details, features and/or technical background.

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.1to3, 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.1to3, 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.1or3, 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, so that it may be advantageous for the entire discharged gas to maintain an initial cross-sectional area thereof.

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 farther 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.5and6, 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.6and7, 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.6and7show 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 connector288to 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.

The hair dryer100according to an embodiment may include the main body110, the handle180, and the diffuser200. The diffuser200may include the diffusing case210and the light irradiator260.

Referring toFIG.8, the light irradiator260may include the plurality of light emitters262arranged on the circuit board265to emit the light. Some of the plurality of light emitters262may be arranged to be positioned more forward (further away from the gas inlet hole215) than the others thereof.

The light irradiator260may irradiate the light forward through the discharge cover300of the diffuser200toward the scalp or the hair of the user to care for the scalp or the hair. The light irradiated from the light irradiator260may be in various types such as infrared light, visible light, ultraviolet light, etc. The light by the light irradiator260may remove moisture from the scalp or the hair or provide a sterilizing effect.

In one example, the plurality of light emitters262may be arranged at different vertical levels and different front-rear levels. Some of the plurality of light emitters262may be spaced apart from the others of the plurality of light emitters262in the front-rear direction.

For example, the plurality of light emitters262may include a first group, a second group, and a third group respectively spaced forwardly apart from the gas inlet hole215of the diffuser200by a first distance, a second distance, and a third distance. The number of groups may be variously set as needs. The first, second, and third distances may depend on positions of the central board266, first board267, and second board268, respectively.

The first group, the second group, the third group, etc. may have different positions so that light may be irradiated to the user in a three-dimensional way. The human head may be interpreted as forming an arbitrary curved surface as described above. When a light irradiator260irradiates the light to the scalp or the hair of the user through the light emitters262entirely located on one plane, different light amounts may be provided to different portions of a curved scalp. Accordingly, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of light emitters262may be divided into a plurality of groups, and the plurality of groups may have different separation distances in the forward direction from the gas inlet hole215, thereby providing three-dimensional light that may reach various sides of a curved head.

FIG.8shows the plurality of light emitters262forwardly spaced apart from a center of the light irradiator260in a direction away from the center of the light irradiator260according to an embodiment to form a substantially curved surface. However, such an arrangement of the light emitters262may not be necessarily limited as described above, and the light emitters262may be variously arranged as necessary.

In one example,FIG.8shows a state in which the proximity sensor269is provided at the center of the light irradiator260on the central board266. The proximity sensor269may be provided to measure the separation distance from the head or target located in front of the diffusing case210, and may be connected to the controller115.

The proximity sensor269may measure the separation distance from the target, and the measured value may be transmitted to the controller115. When the separation distance measured by the proximity sensor269is equal to or less than a reference or predetermined distance, the controller115may control the light irradiator260to irradiate the light.

The user may utilize the hair dryer100coupled with the diffuser200in various ways. For example, the user may dry the hair by setting the distance between the diffuser200and the scalp to be equal to or greater than a certain distance, and may perform scalp care through the massage protrusion310by setting the distance between the diffuser200and the scalp to be equal to or less than the certain distance.

As described above, the distance between the diffuser200and the scalp of the user may vary. An embodiment of the present disclosure may irradiate the light to the user when the separation distance between the diffuser200and the user is equal to or less than the reference distance. The reference distance may be defined as a distance at which the irradiation of the light to the user may have an effective meaning, and the reference distance may be variously determined based on experimental and statistical results.

For example, when the distance between the diffuser200and the user exceeds the reference distance, it may be understood as a situation in which a care effect is insufficient even when the light irradiator160is operated to emit light toward the user, or in which the user does not require the light irradiation in a strategic or efficient point of view.

In one example, when the distance between the diffuser200and the user is equal to or less than the reference distance, and when the light is irradiated to the user, such a situation may be one which the scalp or hair care effect by the light irradiator160may satisfy an intended or predetermined treatment or care level, and in which the user requires the care effect through the light irradiation.

As described above, the controller115, via the proximity sensor269and the light irradiator260, may effectively distinguish a situation in which the light is irradiated to the user and a situation in which the light is not irradiated and improve the ease of use and the efficiency.

The plurality of light emitters262may be arranged away from the center of the light irradiator260along the radial direction of the light irradiator260as the distance forwardly spaced apart from the gas inlet hole215increases.FIG.8shows the light emitters262arranged to be away from the center of the light irradiator260as the separation distance in the forward direction from the gas inlet hole215increases.

The plurality of light emitters262may be arranged on a substantially concave or curved surface. That is, the plurality of light emitters262may be forwardly arranged in the direction away from the center of the light irradiator260to be arranged along a surface of a substantial hemisphere, which may be partially defined by an arrangement of the circuit board165.

The head of the user or a specific region where the diffuser200is used may form a substantially curved surface even though a deviation may exist in some cases. In view of this, the plurality of light emitters262may be arranged to correspond to the shape of the user's head. Therefore, the light irradiator260may irradiate an entirety of light with improved uniformity to the head of the user having a specific curvature.

The light irradiator260may include the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268. The central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may have different separation distances in the forward direction from the gas inlet hole215.

Each of the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may include the plurality of light emitters262, and the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may be spaced apart from each other along the front and rear direction, thereby forming a three-dimensional light distribution region as described above.

The central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may have different separation distances in the forward direction, so that, even when the front surfaces of the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268have substantially flat surfaces, the light irradiator260may irradiate light with uniform light distribution to the user as the plurality of light emitters262have a three-dimensional arrangement.

Referring toFIG.9, the first board267may be provided forward from or in front of the central board266and the second board268may be provided forward from or in front of the first board267. The central board266, the first board167, and the second board268may be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction.

FIG.9shows the first board267having a separation distance N1in the forward direction from the central board266, and the second board268having a separation distance N2in the forward direction from the first board267. N1and N2may be identical to each other. However, the present disclosure may not be limited thereto, and N1and N2may be variously determined in terms of design.

The first board267may have a diameter larger than that of the central board and the second board268may have a diameter larger than that of the first board267. An entirety of the plurality of light emitters262arranged on the central board266, the first board267, and the second board268may be arranged on one virtual or imaginary curved surface. As described above, the virtual curved surface formed by the light irradiator260may be provided to be similar to the user's head to irradiate a uniform light distribution to the user's scalp and hair.

The light irradiator260may have the first flow path258through which the gas flows defined between the central board266and the first board267in the radial direction, and the second flow path259through which the gas flows defined between the first board267and the second board268. The guide frame240, the light irradiator260, and the light diffusion frame280may define the first flow path258and the second flow path259together.

The first board267may be spaced apart from the central board266by M1along the radial direction of the light irradiator260and the second board268spaced apart from the first board267by M2. An inner diameter of the first board267may differ from an outer diameter of the central board266by M1, and an inner diameter of the second board268may differ from an outer diameter of the first board267by M2. The first flow path258may have a width M1and the second flow path259may have a width M2.

Similarly, in the guide frame240(FIG.6), a separation distance M1may be formed between the diffusion portion241and the first guide246, and a separation distance M2may be formed between the second guide251and the first guide246. The first and second flow paths258and259may have a constant width M1and M2, respectively, while passing through the guide frame250and the light irradiator280.

Similarly, in the light diffusion frame280(FIG.6), a separation distance M1may be formed between the central light diffusion portion282and the first light diffusion portion284, and a separation distance M2may be formed between the second light diffusion portion286and the first light diffusion portion284. The first and second flow paths258and259may have a constant width M1and M2, respectively, while passing through the guide frame250, light irradiator280, and the light diffuser280.

The light irradiator260may be provided such that the separation distance between the central board266and the first board267in the radial direction is equal to the separation distance between the first board267and the second board268, and the separation distance between the central board266and the first board267in the front and rear direction is equal to the separation distance between the first board267and the second board268.

M1and M2may have a same value, and N1and N2may have a same value. Accordingly, even when the plurality of circuit boards265respectively include the plurality of light emitters262arranged thereon, separation distances between the plurality of light emitters262may be uniform in all directions.

Through the light emitters262uniformly distributed as described above, the light irradiator260may irradiate the uniform light distribution toward the scalp of the user. In this connection, a light amount per unit area or an intensity provided to the user, the number of light emitters262, and the separation distance may be determined in a mutual relationship.

First, light distribution provided from one light emitter262may be assumed or considered to follow the Lambertian Distribution. A light distribution modeling formula based on the above assumption is as follows:

The above formula refers to an amount of light provided to a flat surface as light irradiation in a substantially conical shape is performed from one light emitter262. The θ may correspond to 60 degrees.

In one example, an example of a modeling formula of light amount per unit area by the plurality of light emitters262is as follows.

Here, F is a light amount per unit area, ‘P(LED Array)’ is a total light amount, ‘PSingle LED’ is a light amount by one light emitter262, ‘n’ is the number of light emitters262, ‘A’ is a light distribution area, ‘m’ is the number of separations between the boards, ‘DLED’ is a separation distance between the boards, and is a separation distance between the light emitter262and a surface to which the light is irradiated.

In the modeling formula, the light emitter is assumed to be a plane and the surface to which the light is irradiated is also assumed to be a plane. In the present disclosure, the light emitter262and the surface to which the light is irradiated are assumed to be curved surfaces respectively having certain curvatures, but the formula for planar analysis as described above may be used because the curvatures are matched to be similar to each other and the corresponding curvatures are not large.

After setting the total amount of light provided to the user in advance, the number of light emitters262, the separation distances between the plurality of circuit boards265in the front and rear direction and in the radial direction, and other factors may be determined using the modeling formula. However, the design of the present disclosure may not be necessarily limited to the modeling formula and various formulas may be used. The light irradiator260may have a uniform light distribution by designing the separation distances M1and M2between the plurality of circuit boards265to be equal to each other and designing N1and N2to be equal to each other.

The discharge cover300may be provided on the front side211of the diffusing case210, and the plurality of massage protrusions310may be arranged on the discharge cover300. The user may proceed with the scalp and hair care utilizing the massage protrusions310in addition to the light irradiator260.

FIG.10shows the light irradiator260provided on the front surface of the guide frame240. The proximity sensor269may be provided on the central board266, and the open region303may be defined in a portion of the discharge cover300in front of the proximity sensor269.

The proximity sensor269may be in various types, and may be provided to sense the infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the separation distance from the target as described above. In addition, the proximity sensor269may be the IR sensor that directly irradiates the infrared ray to the target and senses the infrared ray reflected from the target.

Through the open region303of the discharge cover300, the proximity sensor269may measure the separation distance from the front target (i.e., the user's scalp or hair). In addition, when the separation distance from the target is equal to or less than the reference distance, the controller115may control the light irradiator260to irradiate the light as described above.

FIG.10shows the light blocking portion271provided to surround the proximity sensor269on the central board266. The light blocking portion271may be provided to surround the proximity sensor269to shield the plurality of light emitters262from the proximity sensor269, and may have a front opening so that a signal (e.g., infrared ray or light amount) transmitted from the target may be provided to the proximity sensor269.

Even when the light irradiator260is provided to irradiate an infrared ray forward and the proximity sensor269is provided to sense an infrared ray reflected from the target, the light emitters262may be shielded from the proximity sensor269through the light blocking portion271, so that the separation distance from the front target may be effectively measured without interference.

The light blocking portion271may be provided on the rear surface of the discharge cover300in a shape of a pipe, tube, or hollow cylinder surrounding the open region303and extend in a front-rear direction. The light blocking portion271may be formed integrally with the discharge cover300, integrally formed with the central board266, or manufactured separately from the discharge cover300and later coupled to the central board266.

Referring toFIGS.6,10, and11, the diffuser200may include the guide frame240. In addition, the guide frame240may include the diffusion portion241provided to face the gas inlet hole215to diffuse the gas. The first guide246may be formed in the ring shape to have the diffusion portion241provided at the center thereof. The second guide251may be formed in the ring shape to have the diffusion portion241and the first guide246arranged at the center thereof.

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. The second board268may be provided on the front surface of the second guide251.

As described above, the plurality of independent circuit boards265are arranged on the front surface of the guide frame240, and the light irradiator260may be handled integrally with the guide frame240even in a state including the plurality of separate components, which may be advantageous in manufacturing and assembly processes.

In one example,FIG.11shows a state in which the light emitter262of the light irradiator260is provided rearward of the massage protrusion310of the discharge cover300according to an embodiment. Referring toFIG.11, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, 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.

Accordingly, 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 including a diffuser capable of effectively irradiating light to a user for scalp and hair care. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer including the same with scalp and hair care effects improved by irradiating light that is uniformly dispersed and has a large area to a user. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser and a hair dryer including the same in which a plurality of components are simply and effectively fastened and an efficient flow path of gas is included.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a diffuser including a light irradiator for improving scalp and hair health of a user. The light irradiator may correspond to an LED module including a plurality of light emitters. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide a structure that optimizes an arrangement and light amounts of LEDs for scalp care effect and performance.

The LEDs arranged on a flat surface may have a large overlapping region of light, and a region in which the light is concentrated may be generated for a target to which the light is irradiated. Embodiments disclosed herein may provide an optimized arrangement structure in which the light may be uniformly distributed.

Embodiments disclosed herein may set a light amount suitable for the user's scalp care, and may implement the optimized arrangement by setting a distance between the LEDs, the number of LEDs, a distance between the LED and the scalp, etc. as variables such that the amount of provided light per unit area is uniform.

A specific formula may be used for the light amount of the LED. When a total light amount for the scalp care is determined, the number and the arrangement structure of the LEDs may be derived using another formula.

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

The light irradiator may be provided inside the diffusing case to irradiate light toward the front side of the diffusing case, the light irradiator includes a plurality of light emitters arranged on a circuit board to emit light, and some of the plurality of light emitters are forwardly spaced apart from the others of the plurality of light emitters.

The light irradiator for the user's scalp and hair care may be provided. Further, the plurality of light emitters arranged in the light irradiator may not be arranged on a specific or same flat plane, but have a three-dimensional arrangement structure, so that three-dimensional and uniform light corresponding to a user's head may be provided. The plurality of light emitters may be located farther away from a center of the light irradiator along a radial direction of the light irradiator as a separation distance in the forward direction from the gas inlet hole increases.

The circuit board may include a plurality of circuit boards, and the plurality of circuit boards may include a central board, a first board, and a second board. The central board may be provided at the center of the light irradiator, the first board may be formed in a ring shape and have the central board provided at a center of the first board, and the second board may be formed in a ring shape and has the central board and the first board arranged at a center of the second board.

The central board, the first board, and the second board may have different separation distances in the forward direction or front-rear direction from the gas inlet hole. The first board may be provided to be forwardly spaced apart from the central board, and the second board may be provided to be forwardly spaced apart from the first board.

The light irradiator may include a first flow path for flowing or moving the gas therethrough defined between the central board and the first board in a radial direction, and a second flow path for flowing or moving the gas therethrough defined between the first board and the second board in the radial direction.

The light irradiator may be provided such that a separation distance between the central board and the first board is equal to a separation distance between the first board and the second board in the radial direction and in a front-rear direction.

The diffuser may further include 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 the outside. The discharge cover may include a plurality of massage protrusions protruding forward to press a target located in front of the discharge cover. The plurality of light emitters may be arranged to respectively face the plurality of massage protrusions inside the diffusing case.

The diffuser may further include a proximity sensor provided on the central board to measure a separation distance from the target in front of the discharge cover. An open region may be defined in a region of the discharge cover defined in front of the proximity sensor.

The diffuser may further include a controller provided inside the diffusing case to control the light irradiator to irradiate the light when the separation distance between the proximity sensor and the target is equal to or less than a reference distance. The proximity sensor may be provided to sense an infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the separation distance from the target.

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 guide frame provided inside the diffusing case to guide flow of the gas introduced through the gas inlet hole. The guide frame may include a diffusion portion provided to face the gas inlet hole to diffuse the gas, a first guide formed in a ring shape to have the diffusion portion located at a center of 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. The central board may be provided on a front surface of the diffusion portion, the first board may be provided on a front surface of the first guide, and the second board may be provided on a front surface of the second guide.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a hair dryer including a main body, a handle, and a diffuser. The main body may include a gas or air outlet to discharge fluid (such as air or gas) therethrough. The handle may extend from the main body. The diffuser may be 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 removably coupled to the main body. The gas discharged from the gas outlet 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 to an outside through a front side of the diffusing case. The light irradiator may be provided inside the diffusing case to irradiate light toward the front side of the diffusing case.

The light irradiator may include a plurality of light emitters arranged on a circuit board to emit light. Some of the plurality of light emitters may be forwardly spaced apart from the others of the plurality of light emitters.

The hair dryer may further include a proximity sensor provided on the light irradiator to measure a separation distance from a target provided in front of the diffusing case. A controller may control the light irradiator to irradiate the light when the separation distance between the proximity sensor and the target is equal to or less than a reference or predetermined distance.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser comprising a case having a front side, a rear side configured to be removably coupled to a hair dryer, and an inlet formed at the rear side and configured to receive fluid discharged from the hair dryer. The front side of the case may be recessed rearward to have a concave shape. The diffuser may include a light provided inside the case to irradiate light toward the front side of the case. The light may include a circuit board and a plurality of light emitters arranged on the circuit board. At least one section of the circuit board may be provided to be closer to the rear side of the case than another section of the circuit board such that some of the plurality of light emitters may be provided to be closer to the front side than others. A front-rear distance between the plurality of light emitters from the inlet may increase in a radial direction.

The circuit board may include a central board provided at a center of the circuit board, a first board formed in a ring shape, the first board being radially spaced apart from and surrounding the central board, which may be provided at a center of the first board, and a second board formed in a ring shape, the second board being radially spaced apart from and surrounding the first board and having the central board at a center. The central board, the first board, and the second board may have different front-rear distances from the inlet. The first board may be farther forward from the inlet than the central board, and the second board may be farther forward from the inlet than the first board.

The circuit board may include a first flow path defined between the central board and the first board, and a second flow path defined between the first board and the second board, wherein fluid received through the inlet flows through the first and second flow paths. A front-rear distance between the central board and the first board may be equal to a front-rear distance between the first board and the second board. A radial distance between the central board and the first board may be equal to a radial distance between the first board and the second board.

A cover may be provided at the front side of the case. The cover may include a discharge hole through which fluid inside the case may be discharged. A plurality of protrusions may protrude forward from the cover to press a target in front of the cover. The plurality of light emitters may be arranged to respectively align with rear sides of the plurality of protrusions.

A proximity sensor may be provided on the central board to measure a separation distance from the target. A controller may be provided inside the case and configured to control the light to irradiate light via the plurality of light emitters when the separation distance between the proximity sensor and the target may be equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

The proximity sensor may be configured to sense an infrared ray transmitted from the target to measure the separation distance from the target. A tube may surround the proximity sensor to shield the proximity sensor from light emitted by the plurality of light emitters. The tube may have a front opening so as not to interfere with infrared rays transmitted to or from the target. The tube may be provided on a rear surface of the cover and extends rearward.

A guide frame may be provided inside the case to guide a flow of fluid introduced through the inlet. The guide frame may include a diffusion guide facing the inlet and configured to diffuse the fluid, a first guide formed in a ring shape, the first guide being radially spaced apart from and surrounding the diffusion guide, which may be provided at a center of the first guide, and a second guide formed in a ring shape, the second guide being radially spaced apart from and surrounding the first guide. The diffusion guide may be provided at a center of the second guide, the central board may be provided on a front surface of the diffusion guide, the first board may be provided on a front surface of the first guide, and the second board may be provided on a front surface of the second guide.

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 front side, a rear side removably coupled to the main body, and an inlet provided at the rear side to receive fluid discharged from the outlet, a circuit board provided inside of the case, and a plurality of light emitters arranged on the circuit board to emit light toward a target in front of the diffuser. A center of the circuit board may be closer to the inlet than an outer edge of the circuit board such that some of the plurality of light emitters may be closer to the inlet than others.

A proximity sensor may be provided on the circuit board to measure a separation distance from the target, and a controller connected to the circuit board and configured to control the plurality of light emitters to emit light when the separation distance between the proximity sensor and the target may be equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

Embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented as a diffuser for a hair dryer comprising an outer shell having a front side, a rear side configured to be coupled to and removed from a hair dryer, and an inlet formed at the rear side that may be configured to communicate with an outlet of the hair dryer. The outer shell may have a concave curvature such that a front edge, which may be an outer edge, may be farther from the inlet than the rear side. A first circuit board may be configured to align with the inlet, and a second circuit board may be spaced apart from and surrounding the first circuit board, the second circuit board being provided farther from the inlet than the first circuit board. A third circuit board may be spaced apart from and surrounding the second circuit board, the third circuit board being provided farther from the inlet than the second circuit board.

A plurality of first light emitting devices may be provided on the first circuit board. A plurality of second light emitting devices may be provided on the second circuit board. A plurality of third light emitting devices may be provided on the third circuit board, wherein the pluralities of the first, second, and third light emitting devices may be configured to emit light away from the inlet.

An inner shell may be configured to couple to the outer shell. The inner shell may be recessed rearward to have a concave curvature and have at least one discharge hole through which fluid flowing from the inlet and between the first, second, and third circuit boards may be discharged through the discharge hole. A plurality of protrusions may protrude forward from the inner shell away from the inlet. The first, second, and third circuit boards may be provided between the inner and outer shells

At least some of the plurality of protrusions may be made of a light transmissive material. At least some of the first, second, and third light emitting devices may be aligned with rear sides of the plurality of protrusions made of the light transmissive material such that light may be emitted through the protrusions made of the light transmissive material.

The at least one discharge hole may include a plurality of discharge holes. At least some of the first, second, and third light emitting devices may be aligned with some of the plurality of discharge holes such that light may be emitted through the plurality of discharge holes.

A light diffuser may be provided at a front of the circuit board. The light diffuser may have a shape configured to not obstruct a flow of fluid between the first, second, and third circuit boards.

Embodiments disclosed herein may provide the diffuser and the hair dryer including the same capable of effectively irradiating the light to the user for the scalp and hair care. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein may provide the diffuser and the hair dryer including the same with the scalp and hair care effects improved by irradiating the light that is uniformly dispersed and has the large area to the user. In addition, embodiments disclosed herein may provide the diffuser and the hair dryer including the same in which a plurality of components are simply and effectively fastened and the efficient flow path of gas is included.

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.

However, the present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to embodiments described herein. In addition, in order to clearly describe the present disclosure, components irrelevant to the description are omitted, and like reference numerals are assigned to similar components throughout the specification.

In this specification, duplicate descriptions of the same components are 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. Further, 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’.