Patent Abstract:
A scent diffuser includes a holder configured to hold a replaceable scent member, the holder having at least one discharge port configured to discharge scent emitted from the scent member. The scent diffuser further includes a slider with a manipulation part accessible to a user, the slider being configured to move relative to the holder based on force applied by the user to the manipulation part, and the manipulation part being configured to transmit force to the slider, thereby causing the slider to move. The slider is configured to adjust an extent of an opening of the discharge port based on a position to which the slider is moved.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0184786, filed on Dec. 19, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
       FIELD 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to a scent diffuser and a clothes treatment apparatus including the same. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A clothes treatment apparatus is an apparatus that is used to treat clothes, e.g., wash and dry clothes and smooth wrinkles in clothes. A clothes treatment apparatus may be used at a home or at a laundromat. 
         [0004]    There are different classifications of clothes treatment apparatuses, these classifications may include a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a refresher, and a steamer. A washer may be used for washing clothes, a dryer may be used for drying clothes, a washer/dryer may have both a washing and a drying function, a refresher may be used to refresh clothes, and a steamer may be used to remove wrinkles from clothes. 
         [0005]    In more detail, a refresher is an apparatus that may be used to keep clothes comfortable and fresh. The refresher may be used to dry clothes, to supply fragrance to clothes, to prevent the occurrence of static electricity in clothes, or to remove wrinkles from clothes. 
         [0006]    A steamer is an apparatus that may be used to supply steam to clothes to remove wrinkles from the clothes. Unlike a general iron, the steamer removes wrinkles from the clothes without directly applying heat to the clothes. 
         [0007]    A clothes treatment apparatus that includes both functions of a refresher and a steamer may remove wrinkles from clothes received in the clothes treatment apparatus, and may additionally deodorize the clothes, using steam and hot air. 
         [0008]    A scent diffuser configured to diffuse scent into a treatment chamber, in which clothes are received, may be used in a clothes treatment apparatus. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    The present disclosure is directed to a scent diffuser that is capable of enabling a user to adjust the amount or concentration of scent to be discharged, and a clothes treatment apparatus including the same. 
         [0010]    According to an innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this application, a scent diffuser includes a holder configured to hold a replaceable scent member, the holder having at least one discharge port configured to discharge scent emitted from the scent member; and a slider with a manipulation part accessible to a user, the slider being configured to move relative to the holder based on force applied by the user to the manipulation part, and the manipulation part being configured to transmit force to the slider, thereby causing the slider to move, where the slider is configured to adjust an extent of an opening of the discharge port based on a position to which the slider is moved. 
         [0011]    The scent diffuser may include one or more of the following optional features. The slider includes a plate that is disposed in the holder and that is configured to move along the holder to cover the discharge port; an opening adjustment port in the plate, the opening adjustment port being configured to overlap the discharge port to expose the scent member outward; and the manipulation part is disposed at the plate, the manipulation part being exposed outside of the holder and being configured to transmit the force applied by the user to the plate; where the plate is disposed in the holder such that the plate is configured to move simultaneously with the manipulation part to change an area that covers the discharge port. The holder is provided with a slit configured to guide movement of the manipulation part, and the manipulation part is configured to move along the slit. 
         [0012]    The opening adjustment port includes a plurality of opening adjustment ports, and the plurality of opening adjustment ports and the manipulation part are arranged in a line. The slider includes an interference protrusion, the holder includes at least one positioning protrusion configured to interfere with the interference protrusion based on movement of the slider, and an overlapping area between the discharge port and the opening adjustment port is maintained by interference between the positioning protrusion and the interference protrusion. The holder includes a first holder member and a second holder member, the first holder member and the second holder member being configured to rotate relative to each other, the discharge port is located in the first holder member, the scent member is mounted between the first holder member and the second holder member, and the slider is disposed between the scent member and the first holder member. 
         [0013]    The first holder member includes a plurality of discharge ports arranged in a line; and a slit that is connected to one of the plurality of discharge ports and that is configured to guide movement of the slider. The manipulation part is inserted through the discharge port and connected to the slit such that the manipulation part is configured to move along the slit. The first holder member includes a movement restriction protrusion configured to restrict a range of movement of the slider. The slider includes an interference protrusion, the holder includes at least one positioning protrusion configured to interfere with the interference protrusion based on movement of the slider, and an overlapping area between the discharge port and the opening adjustment port is maintained by interference between the positioning protrusion and the interference protrusion. 
         [0014]    The holder includes a first holder member and a second holder member, the first holder member and the second holder member being configured to rotate relative to each other, a scent member installation space and a slider installation space are defined between the first holder member and the second holder member, the scent member being mounted in the scent member installation space, and the slider being mounted in the slider installation space, the first holder member includes a plurality of discharge ports arranged in a line, and a slit that is connected to one of the plurality of discharge ports and that is configured to guide movement of the slider, and the slider includes a plate disposed in the slider installation space such that the plate is configured to move along the holder to cover the discharge ports, and an opening adjustment port located in the plate, the opening adjustment port being configured to overlap the discharge port to expose the scent member outward, the manipulation part is inserted through the discharge port and connected to the slit such that the manipulation part is exposed outward from the first holder member, the manipulation part being configured to move along the slit based on the user manipulating the manipulation part. 
         [0015]    According to another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this application a clothes treatment apparatus includes a cabinet with a treatment chamber configured to receive clothes and a cycle chamber configured to house machinery; a blowing unit installed in the cycle chamber and configured to circulate air in the treatment chamber; and a scent diffuser separably disposed in the treatment chamber and configured to diffuse scent into the treatment chamber, where the scent diffuser includes a holder configured to hold a replaceable scent member, the holder having at least one discharge port configured to discharge scent emitted from the scent member; and a slider with a manipulation part accessible to a user, the slider being configured to move relative to the holder based on force applied by the user to the manipulation part and the manipulation part being configured to transmit force to the slider, thereby causing the slider to move, where the slider is configured to adjust an extent of an opening of the discharge port based on a position to which the slider is moved. 
         [0016]    The scent diffuser may include one or more of the following optional features. The scent diffuser includes a discharge panel defining the treatment chamber, the discharge panel including an air blowing port configured to discharge air blown by the blowing unit, where the scent diffuser is separably mounted in the discharge panel. The scent diffuser is separably mounted in the air blowing port. The scent diffuser includes a steam unit configured to supply steam to the treatment chamber, where the steam unit is mounted in the cycle chamber, and the discharge panel further includes a steam discharge port configured to discharge steam generated by the steam unit. 
         [0017]    The holder includes a first holder member and a second holder member, the first holder member and the second holder member being configured to rotate relative to each other, a scent member installation space and a slider installation space are defined between the first holder member and the second holder member, where the scent member is mounted in the scent member installation space, and the slider is mounted in the slider installation space, the first holder member includes a plurality of discharge ports arranged in a line, and a slit that is connected to one of the discharge ports and that is configured to guide movement of the slider, and the slider includes a plate disposed in the slider installation space such that the plate is configured to move along the holder to cover the discharge ports, and an opening adjustment port located in the plate, the opening adjustment port being configured to overlap the discharge port to expose the scent member outward, and the manipulation part is inserted through the discharge port and connected to the slit such that the manipulation part is exposed outward from the first holder member, the manipulation part being configured to move along the slit based on the user manipulating the manipulation part. 
         [0018]    The slider includes a plate that is disposed in the holder and that is configured to move along the holder to cover the discharge port; an opening adjustment port located in the plate, the opening adjustment port being configured to overlap the discharge port to expose the scent member outward; and the manipulation part is disposed at the plate, the manipulation part being exposed outside of the holder and being configured to transmit the force applied by the user to the plate, and where the plate is disposed in the holder such that the plate is moved simultaneously with the manipulation part to change an area that covers the discharge port. The opening adjustment port includes a plurality of opening adjustment ports, and the plurality of opening adjustment ports and the manipulation part are arranged in a line. The slider includes an interference protrusion, the holder includes at least one positioning protrusion configured to interfere with the interference protrusion based on movement of the slider, and an overlapping area between the discharge port and the opening adjustment port is maintained by interference between the positioning protrusion and the interference protrusion. 
         [0019]    The holder includes a first holder member and a second holder member, the first holder member and the second holder member being configured to rotate relative to each other, the discharge port is located in the first holder member, the scent member is mounted between the first holder member and the second holder member, and the slider is disposed between the scent member and the first holder member. The holder further includes a slider installation space defined in the first holder member, the slider being movably mounted to the slider installation space; and a scent member installation space defined in the second holder member, the replaceable scent member being mounted in the scent member installation space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    The implementations will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements wherein: 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an example clothes treatment apparatus; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an example scent diffuser, which is separated from the clothes treatment apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an example cycle assembly; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the example cycle assembly; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a detailed perspective view of part A shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is a detailed exploded perspective view of part B shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is an exploded perspective view of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 5 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 5  in a state in which the scent diffuser is open; 
           [0030]      FIG. 10  is a view showing a first example of the operation of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 5  when a discharge port of the scent diffuser is completely closed; 
           [0031]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view taken along line C-C′ of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 12  is a view showing a second example of the operation of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 10  when the discharge port of the scent diffuser is ⅓ open; 
           [0033]      FIG. 13  is a sectional view taken along line D-D′ of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0034]      FIG. 14  is a view showing a third example of the operation of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 10  when the discharge port of the scent diffuser is ⅔ open; 
           [0035]      FIG. 15  is a sectional view taken along line E-E′ of  FIG. 14 ; 
           [0036]      FIG. 16  is a view showing a fourth example of the operation of the scent diffuser shown in  FIG. 10  when the discharge port of the scent diffuser is completely open; 
           [0037]      FIG. 17  is a sectional view taken along line F-F′ of  FIG. 16 ; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 18  is a block diagram of an example clothes treatment apparatus. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Hereinafter, an example clothes treatment will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 4 and 16 . 
         [0040]    The clothes treatment apparatus  1  according to this implementation includes a cabinet  10 , which defines a treatment chamber  12  that is open at the front thereof, and a door  20  configured to open and close the front of the cabinet  10 . 
         [0041]    The interior of the cabinet  10  is partitioned into upper and lower interior parts by a partition plate  11 . A treatment chamber  12 , in which clothes are hung, is defined in the interior of the cabinet  10  above the partition plate  11 . A cycle chamber  14 , in which machinery is installed, is defined in the interior of the cabinet  10  below the partition plate  11 . 
         [0042]    Clothes may be hung in the treatment chamber  12 . In the treatment chamber  12 , wrinkles in the clothes may be smoothed, or the clothes may be deodorized, by the circulation of steam or air. 
         [0043]    A hanger support bar  13  is configured to support clothes hangers, on which clothes may be hung, is provided in the upper part of the treatment chamber  12 . The hanger support bar  13  may be configured to be moved in the treatment chamber  12  in forward and rearward directions, in upward and downward directions, and/or in leftward and rightward directions by a driving device, such as a motor. The hanger support bar  13  may be periodically reciprocated. 
         [0044]    An air blowing port  16  and a steam discharge port  17  are formed in the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0045]    In this implementation, the air blowing port  16  and the steam discharge port  17  are formed in a discharge panel  15 . 
         [0046]    The air blowing port  16  and the steam discharge port  17  may be formed in different panels. In this implementation, the discharge panel  15  constitutes a portion of the cycle chamber  14 . The discharge panel  15  is located at the rear side of the partition plate  11 . The discharge panel  15  and the partition plate  11  form a continuous surface. The discharge panel  15  may be inclined toward the partition plate  11 . 
         [0047]    Air blown by a blowing unit  30  is discharged through the air blowing port  16 . 
         [0048]    Steam generated by a steam unit  40  is discharged through the steam discharge port  17 . 
         [0049]    A blowing unit  30  for circulating air in the treatment chamber  12 , a steam unit  40  for supplying steam into the treatment chamber  12 , a heat pump unit  50  for conditioning air in the treatment chamber  12 , and a control unit  60  for controlling the respective units  30 ,  40 , and  50  may be installed in the cycle chamber  14 . 
         [0050]    In this implementation, an assembly of machinery, including the blowing unit  30 , the steam unit  40 , the heat pump unit  50 , and the control unit  60 , which are required to perform respective cycles of the clothes treatment apparatus, is defined as a cycle assembly. 
         [0051]    The blowing unit  30  includes a blowing fan  32  and an inlet duct  34 . 
         [0052]    The inlet duct  34  is installed at the suction side of the blowing fan  32  to guide air in the treatment chamber  12  to the blowing fan  32 . 
         [0053]    The blowing fan  32  may be rotated to blow air. The blowing fan  32  suctions air from the treatment chamber  12 , and discharges the suctioned air to the heat pump unit  50 . 
         [0054]    When the steam unit  40  is powered on, heat is generated from the steam unit  40 . The steam unit  40  converts water supplied from a water supply tank  80 , which will be described hereinafter, into steam. The generated steam may be discharged into the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0055]    In this implementation, a flow channel may be defined such that the steam flows into the treatment chamber  12  via the heat pump unit  50 . 
         [0056]    The heat pump unit  50  may include a heat pump cycle that includes a compressor, a condenser, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. Based on the operation mode of the heat pump unit  50 , cooled air or heated air may be discharged into the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0057]    In particular, the heat pump unit  50  may heat air around the condenser through heat exchange with a refrigerant, and may supply the heated air into the treatment chamber  12  through the blowing unit  30 . The high-temperature air, which may be supplied into the treatment chamber  12 , is used to treat clothes that are hung on the clothes hangers, which are supported by the hanger support bar  13 . In a case which the heat pump unit  50  is not operated, but only the blowing unit is operated, room-temperature air is supplied into the treatment chamber  12 . In addition, air cooled by the evaporator may be supplied into the treatment chamber  12  through the blowing unit  30 . 
         [0058]    The heat pump unit  50  may dehumidify the air in the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0059]    A tank module  70  for storing water may be installed in front of the cycle chamber  14 . The tank module  70  may include a water supply tank  80  for supplying water to the steam unit  40  and a drainage tank  90  for collecting and storing condensed water that is generated in the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0060]    A water supply level sensor  81  for sensing the level of water stored in the water supply tank  80  is installed in the water supply tank  80 , and a drainage level sensor  91  for sensing the level of water stored in the drainage tank  90  is installed in the drainage tank  90 . 
         [0061]    Water from the water supply tank  80  flows to the steam unit  40  via a water supply pump  45 . 
         [0062]    Water that is condensed in the treatment chamber  12  flows to the lower side of the treatment chamber  12  due to gravity, and may then be pumped to the drainage tank  90  by a drainage pump  46 . Water that is condensed in the heat pump unit  50  also flows to the drainage tank  90  via the drainage pump  46 . 
         [0063]    The water supply pump  45  or the drainage pump  46  is controlled by the control unit  60 . 
         [0064]    In this implementation, a tank module frame  71  may be installed in front of the inlet duct  34 . 
         [0065]    A tank installation space  73  may be defined between the tank module frame  71  and the door  20 . The tank module frame  71  may be coupled to the partition plate  11  to isolate the cycle chamber  14  from the outside. 
         [0066]    A tank support bar  75 , which is configured to interfere with at least one selected from between the water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90 , may be installed in front of the tank installation space  73 . 
         [0067]    The tank support bar  75  prevents the water supply tank and/or the drainage tank  90  from being unintentionally separated from the tank installation space  73 . The tank support bar  75  is configured to support the front of the water supply tank  80  and the front of the drainage tank  90 . 
         [0068]    When the door  20  is opened and closed, the water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  are prevented from being separated from the tank installation space  73 . 
         [0069]    In this implementation, the lower end of the water supply tank  80  may be placed on the upper end of the tank support bar  75 , and the lower end of the drainage tank  90  may be placed on the upper end of the tank support bar  75 . 
         [0070]    A tank support end  79 , which is configured to interfere with the tank support bar  75 , may be formed on at least one selected from between the water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90 . 
         [0071]    The tank support end  79  may be concavely recessed. 
         [0072]    The front of the tank support bar  75  and the front of the water supply tank  80  may be configured to form a continuous surface due to the tank support end  79 . In addition, the front of the tank support bar  75  and the front of the drainage tank  90  may be configured to form a continuous surface due to the tank support end  79 . 
         [0073]    The water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  may be disposed in the tank installation space  73  such that the water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  are arranged parallel to each other in rightward and leftward directions. 
         [0074]    When the door  20  is in an opened position, the water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  are exposed to a user. 
         [0075]    The water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  may be withdrawn by the user. 
         [0076]    The water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  may be separated from the tank module frame  71 . The water supply tank  80  and the drainage tank  90  may be separably mounted in the tank installation space  73 . 
         [0077]    The water supply tank  80  may be connected to the steam unit  40  to supply water to the steam unit  40 . The drainage tank  90  may be connected to the treatment chamber  12  to store water discharged from the treatment chamber  12  or the heat pump unit  50 . 
         [0078]    The drainage tank  90  may be configured to function identical to the water supply tank  80 . The drainage tank  90  may be disposed alongside the water supply tank  80 . 
         [0079]    The clothes treatment apparatus  1  may further include a scent diffuser  100  configured to diffuse scent into the treatment chamber  12 . The scent diffuser  100  may be disposed in the treatment chamber  12 . After the scent diffuser  100  is completely used, the user may replace the scent diffuser  100  with a new one. 
         [0080]    In this implementation, the scent diffuser  100  may be separably mounted in the discharge panel  15 . The scent diffuser  100  may be inserted into an opening formed in the discharge panel  15 . The user may simply pull the scent diffuser  100  to separate the scent diffuser  100  from the discharge panel  15 . 
         [0081]    The scent diffuser  100  may be provided with a handle  129 . The user may pull the scent diffuser  100  while holding the handle  129  to separate the scent diffuser  100  from the discharge panel  15 . 
         [0082]    The scent diffuser  100  may be provided in a flow channel along which air blown by the blowing unit  30  is guided to the air blowing port  16 . Alternatively, the scent diffuser  100  may be separably provided at any constructional component, such as the door  20 , other than the discharge panel  15  as long as the scent diffuser  100  can supply scent into the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0083]    Hereinafter, an example scent diffuser  100  will be described in detail with reference to  FIGS. 5 to 17 . 
         [0084]    A replaceable scent member  5  may be mounted in the scent diffuser  100 . 
         [0085]    The scent diffuser  100  may be separably mounted in the discharge panel  15 . 
         [0086]    The scent diffuser  100  includes a holder  110 , in which the scent member  5  is mounted, the holder  110  having at least one discharge port  124 , and a slider  140  movably provided at the holder  110  for adjusting the extent of opening of the discharge port  124  based on the position thereof. 
         [0087]    The scent member  5  may be made of a material that diffuses scent. When the scent member  5  is exposed to the air, the scent member  5  diffuses scent into the air. In this implementation, the scent member  5  may be provided in a sheet type form. The scent member  5  may be provided in various other forms, such as a particle type form and a liquid type form. 
         [0088]    When the scent member  5  is completely used, the user may separate the scent member  5  from the discharge panel  15  of the treatment chamber  12 , and may then mount a new one in the discharge panel  15  of the treatment chamber  12 . 
         [0089]    The holder  110  may be provided with a scent member installation space  111 , in which the scent member  5  is received. Scent discharged from the scent member  5  may be diffused to the outside through the discharge port  124 . 
         [0090]    A plurality of discharge ports  124  may be provided. In this implementation, the discharge ports  124  constitute a plurality of lines. The discharge ports  124  constitute a plurality of lines in a longitudinal direction. 
         [0091]    The discharge ports  124  constitute two lines L 1  and L 2  (see  FIG. 5 ), which are spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the slider  140  moves. The extents of opening of the discharge ports  124  constituting each line L 1  or L 2  are simultaneously adjusted by the slider  140 . 
         [0092]    Hereinafter, the discharge ports  124  constituting the first line L 1  will be referred to as first discharge ports, and the discharge ports  124  constituting the second line L 2  will be referred to as second discharge ports, as needed. 
         [0093]    At least a portion of the slider  140  may be exposed outward from the holder  110  such that the user can manipulate the slider  140 . The slider  140  may be moved by a user&#39;s manipulation, whereby the extent of opening of the first discharge ports and the second discharge ports may be adjusted. 
         [0094]    The holder  110  includes a first holder member  120  and a second holder member  130 . The scent member installation space  111 , in which the scent member  5  is mounted, may be formed between the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130 . 
         [0095]    The scent member installation space  111  may be formed in the first holder member  120  or the second holder member  130 . In this example, the scent member installation space  111  may be formed in the second holder member  130 . A slider installation space  113 , in which the slider  140  is mounted, may be formed in the first holder member  120 . 
         [0096]    The discharge ports  124  may be formed in the first holder member  120  or the second holder member  130 . In this implementation, the discharge ports  124  are formed in the first holder member  120 . 
         [0097]    The first holder member  120  includes a first housing  121 , in which the slider installation space  113  is formed. 
         [0098]    The second holder member  130  includes a second housing  131 , in which the scent member installation space  111  is formed. 
         [0099]    The scent member  5  and the slider  140  are arranged opposite to each other. 
         [0100]    The discharge ports  124  and a slit  125  are formed in the first housing  121 . 
         [0101]    The slit  125  extends in a longitudinal direction of the first holder member  120  to guide the movement of the slider  140 . 
         [0102]    The slit  125  may be formed separately from the discharge ports  124 . In this implementation, the slit  125  may be connected to one of the discharge ports  124 , i.e. a discharge port  124   a.    
         [0103]    In this implementation, the discharge port  124   a  connected to the slit  125  is used as a manipulation part installation hole, in which the slider  140  is mounted. The manipulation part installation hole may be formed separately from the discharge port  124   a.    
         [0104]    The discharge port  124   a  is formed so as to be wider than the slit  125 . 
         [0105]    The first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  may be separably coupled to each other. Furthermore, the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  may be connected to each other such that the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  can be rotated relative to each other. 
         [0106]    To this end, one selected from between the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  may include a pivot  127 , which is used as a rotational shaft about which the other selected from between the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  can be rotated, and the other selected from between the first holder member  120  and the second holder member  130  may include a hinge coupling unit  132 , which is rotatably coupled to the pivot  127 . 
         [0107]    The hinge coupling unit  132  may be separably coupled to the pivot  127 . The hinge coupling unit  132  extends so as to correspond to the pivot  127 . 
         [0108]    The hinge coupling unit  132  may be provided with a recess  132   a  (see  FIG. 6 ), through which the pivot  127  is inserted. The hinge coupling unit  132  may be formed from an elastic material (e.g. a synthetic resin) such that the circumference of the recess  132   a  is elastically deformed to some extent when the pivot  127  is inserted into the recess  132   a . The first holder member  120 , the second holder member  130 , and/or the slider  140  may be made of a synthetic resin by injection molding. 
         [0109]    The pivot  127  may be forcibly inserted into the hinge coupling unit  132 . When the pivot  127  is inserted into the hinge coupling unit  132 , the hinge coupling unit  132  is elastically deformed such that the pivot  127  can be inserted into the hinge coupling unit  132 . When the pivot  127  is separated from the hinge coupling unit  132 , the hinge coupling unit  132  may also be elastically deformed. 
         [0110]    The slider  140  includes a plate  141  disposed in the holder  110  such that the plate  141  can move along the holder  110 . A manipulation part  142  may be formed at the plate  141 , the manipulation part  142  being exposed outward from the holder  110 . The manipulation part  142  may be manipulated by a user, and is configured to move along the slit  125 . The opening adjustment ports  144  may be formed in the plate  141 , the opening adjustment ports  144  being configured to overlap the discharge ports  124  so as to expose the scent member  5 . 
         [0111]    The plate  141  may be disposed in the holder  110  to change the area that covers the discharge ports  124  based on the position of the slider  140 . 
         [0112]    The manipulation part  142  is the exposed portion of the slider  140 , and is exposed outward from the holder  110 . The manipulation part  142  constitutes a portion of the slider  140 . In this implementation, the manipulation part  142  protrudes from the plate  141 . In a case where the holder is configured to have a structure in which a portion of the plate  141  is exposed outward, the exposed portion of the plate  141 , which is exposed outward from the holder, may be used as the manipulation part. 
         [0113]    The extent of opening the discharge ports  124  may be adjusted based on the area covered by the plate  141 . One side part of the plate  141  is configured to adjust the extent of opening of the first discharge ports  124 , and the other side part of the plate  141  is configured to adjust the extent of opening of the second discharge ports  124 , on the basis of the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0114]    The slit  125 , which extends in a direction in which the manipulation part  142  moves, may be formed in the holder  110 . In this case, the manipulation part  142  may move along the slit  125 . The slit  125  may extend from one of the discharge ports  124 , i.e. the discharge port  124   a . The discharge port  124   a , which is connected to the slit  125 , is sufficiently large to allow the manipulation part  142  to pass therethrough. 
         [0115]    The manipulation part  142  may be inserted into the discharge port  124   a  from the inside of the discharge port  124   a  such that the manipulation part  142  protrudes outward from the first holder member  120 . 
         [0116]    The slit  125  is formed so as to be narrower than each of the discharge ports  124 . The slit  125  extends in a direction in which the slider  140  moves. The manipulation part  142  is connected to the plate  141  via a connection part that is narrow enough to pass through the slit  125 . 
         [0117]    The amount of scent discharged from the scent diffuser  100  may be set based on the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124 . The extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  corresponds to the position of the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0118]    The plate  141  is configured to move to adjust the area of the discharge ports  124  that is covered. Referring to  FIGS. 10 to 17 , it can be seen that the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  can be adjusted through several stages based on the position of the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0119]    In the slider  140 , the manipulation part  142  may be located at the middle of the opening adjustment ports  144 . The opening adjustment ports  144  disposed at the upper side of the manipulation part  142  and the opening adjustment ports  144  disposed at the lower side of the manipulation part  142  may be arranged symmetrically. 
         [0120]    The slit  125  may be located in the middle of the holder  110 . The manipulation part  142  is configured to move along the slit  125 , which is located in the middle of the holder  110 . The user may intuitively check the position of the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0121]    A plurality of opening adjustment ports  144  is provided. The opening adjustment ports  144  simultaneously overlap the discharge ports  124  constituting the first line L 1  or the discharge ports  124  constituting the second line L 2 . 
         [0122]    For example, the opening adjustment ports  144  may simultaneously adjust the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  constituting the first line L 1 . The scent member  5  may be exposed from the discharge ports  124  through the opening adjustment ports  144 . 
         [0123]    In this implementation, one opening adjustment port  144  overlaps one discharge port  124 . 
         [0124]    The opening adjustment ports  144  and the manipulation part  142  are arranged in a line. 
         [0125]    The opening adjustment ports  144  move the same distance as the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0126]    In the above arrangement, it is possible for the user to intuitively check the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124 . The extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  is adjusted based on the position of the manipulation part  142 . 
         [0127]    When the manipulation part  142  is completely aligned with the discharge ports  124 , the discharge ports  124  are completely open. On the other hand, when the manipulation part  142  completely deviates from the discharge ports  124 , the discharge ports  124  are completely closed. 
         [0128]    The slider  140  may be provided with at least one interference protrusion  143 . 
         [0129]    The holder  110  may be provided with one or more positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f , which are located in a path along which the interference protrusion  143  moves and which interfere with the interference protrusion  143  when the slider  140  is moved. 
         [0130]    The number of positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  may be greater than the number of interference protrusions  143 . When the user moves the manipulation part  142 , the user may perceive the sensation of the interference protrusions  143  moving over the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f.    
         [0131]    Since the positions of the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  are set so as to correspond to the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124 , the user may manipulate the slider  140  such that the slider  140  can be appropriately positioned based on a predetermined extent of opening of the discharge ports  124 . 
         [0132]    The holder  110  may be provided with at least one movement restriction protrusion  128   a  and  128   b  for limiting a movable range of the slider  140 . The slider  140  may be disposed between the movement restriction protrusion  128   a  and  128   b.    
         [0133]    The movement of the slider  140  in one direction may be restricted by the first movement restriction protrusion  128   a , and the movement of the slider  140  in the other direction is restricted by the second movement restriction protrusion  128   b.    
         [0134]    The discharge ports  124  may be completely closed (see  FIG. 10 or 11 ) at a position at which the slider  140  cannot move any further due to the first movement restriction protrusion  128   a . The discharge ports  124  may be completely open (see  FIG. 16 or 17 ) at a position at which the slider  140  cannot move any further due to the second movement restriction protrusion  128   b.    
         [0135]    The movement restriction protrusions  128   a  and  128   b  are formed in a direction crossing the movement path of the slider  140 . In this implementation, each of the movement restriction protrusions  128   a  and  128   b  may be formed to have a rib shape. 
         [0136]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the interference protrusions  143  may be provided at opposite sides of the manipulation part  142 . In the first housing  121 , positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  for restricting the position of one interference protrusion  143  may be disposed at one side of the slit  125  such that the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  are arranged in a line. 
         [0137]    In the first housing  121 , positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  for restricting the position of the other interference protrusion  143  may be disposed at the other side of the slit  125 , such that the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  are arranged in a line. The positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  for restricting the position of one interference protrusion  143  and the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  for restricting the position of the other interference protrusion  143  may be disposed symmetrically. 
         [0138]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 to 17 , the scent diffuser  100  may be configured such that the discharge ports  124  can be adjusted to have four extents of opening, for example, fully open, ⅓ open, ⅔ open, and fully closed. The six positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  may be arranged along the movement path of the interference protrusions  143  in a line. 
         [0139]    Referring to  FIG. 10 or 11 , the first positioning protrusion  126   a  is configured to interfere with the interference protrusion  143  when the slider  140  is moved from the left to the right. After the interference protrusion  143  moves over the first positioning protrusion  126   a , the slider  140  comes into contact with the first positioning protrusion  126   a , with the result that the slider  140  does not move any further. 
         [0140]    Referring to  FIG. 12 or 13 , the second positioning protrusion  126   b  and the third positioning protrusion  126   c  are provided so as to set the position of the slider  140  at which the discharge ports  124  are ⅓ open. 
         [0141]    In a state in which the discharge ports  124  are ⅓ open, the interference protrusion  143  is located between the second positioning protrusion  126   b  and the third positioning protrusion  126   c  (hereinafter, referred to as a ⅓ open position). 
         [0142]    Referring to  FIG. 14 or 15 , the fourth positioning protrusion  126   d  and the fifth positioning protrusion  126   e  are provided so as to correspond to the position of the slider  140  at which the discharge ports  124  are ⅔ open. 
         [0143]    In a state in which the discharge ports  124  are ⅔ open, the interference protrusion  143  is located between the fourth positioning protrusion  126   d  and the fifth positioning protrusion  126   e  (hereinafter, referred to as a ⅔ open position). 
         [0144]    Referring to  FIG. 16 or 17 , when the slider  140  is moved from the position at which the discharge ports  124  are ⅔ open, the interference protrusion  143  moves over the six positioning protrusion  126   f . At this time, the slider  140  comes into contact with the second movement restriction protrusion  128   b , with the result that the slider  140  does not move any further. 
         [0145]    As described above, the positioning protrusions  126   a  to  126   f  may enable the user to recognize the positions of the slider  140  that correspond to the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  based on the sensation of manipulation during the manipulation of the slider  140 , and may prevent the movement of the slider  140  after the interference protrusions  143  are located at the predetermined positions (e.g. the ⅓ open position and the ⅔ open position). 
         [0146]    According to implementations, the positioning protrusions may be configured differently. For example, a larger number of positioning protrusions may be provided in order to adjust the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  through a larger number of stages. 
         [0147]    In another implementation, one selected from between the slider  140  and the holder  110  may include an interference protrusion, and the other selected from between the slider  140  and the holder  110  may include positioning insertion parts, into which the interference protrusion is inserted when the slider  140  is located at predetermined positions. In this case, the positioning insertion parts may be provided at positions corresponding to the extent of opening of the discharge ports  124  and the interference protrusion may be inserted into the positioning insertion parts during the movement of the slider  140 . 
         [0148]    It will be apparent that, although implementations have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, the disclosure is not limited to the above-described implementations, and therefore various modifications and variations can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Thus, modifications and variations should not be understood independently of the technical spirit or prospect of the disclosure. The above implementations are therefore to be construed in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Technology Classification (CPC): 3