Patent Description:
A new generation of hair dryers has one or more radiation sources that can emit infrared radiation, which can avoid excessive drying of hair during operation and play a role in hair care. However, if the hair dryer falls, bumps, or shakes violently during use, the impact will be transmitted to the one or more radiation sources through the housing of the hair dryer, which may lead to changes of the optical path or even damages to the one or more radiation sources.

<CIT> discloses a magnetic mounting system including a device having a magnetic attachment feature and a magnetic device mount. The magnetic device mount has a mating magnetic attachment feature. The magnetic attachment feature and mating magnetic attachment feature allow specific angular, radial, and/or longitudinal alignment of the device relative to the mount without a mechanical interface.

The present disclosure provides a mounting seat and a drying apparatus designed to solve the problem that the one or more radiation sources of a hair dryer in the prior art may be damaged during use.

A mounting seat according to the present invention is defined in independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are defined in dependent claims <NUM> to <NUM>.

The above and/or additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent and easy to understand from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, in which the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar components or components having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary, and are used only to explain the embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not to be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present disclosure.

In the description of this disclosure, it is to be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise" and "counterclockwise" and the like indicate the directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the purpose of facilitating the description of this disclosure and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the apparatus or components referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be construed as limiting this disclosure. In the description of this disclosure, the term "plural" means two or more, unless otherwise specifically limited.

In the description of this disclosure, it is to be noted that unless otherwise specifically provided and limited, the terms "mount", "connect" and "couple" shall be construed broadly, for example, they may be fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections. They may be mechanical connections or electrical connections. They may be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and may be internal connections between two components or interactive relationships between two components. For a person skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present disclosure can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

In this disclosure, unless otherwise specifically provided and limited, the first feature being "above" or "below" the second feature may include the first and second features being in direct contact, or the first and second features not being in direct contact but in contact through another feature therebetween. Moreover, the first feature being "above", "above" and "above" the second feature includes the first feature being directly above and diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is higher in horizontal height than the second feature. The first feature being "below", "below" and "below" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below and diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is lower in horizontal height than the second feature. The disclosure herein provides many different embodiments or examples used to realize the different structures of the present disclosure. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present disclosure, portions and settings of particular examples are described herein. They are, of course, examples only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or reference letters in different examples, and such repetition is for purposes of simplification and clarity, and is not in itself indicative of a relationship between the various embodiments and/or settings discussed. In addition, various specific examples of processes and materials are provided in this disclosure, but one of ordinary skill in the art may realize the application of other processes and/or the use of other materials.

As shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, a drying apparatus <NUM> is configured with a housing <NUM> and a mounting seat <NUM>. An airflow channel <NUM> and one or more radiation sources <NUM> are configured in the housing <NUM>. Each radiation source <NUM> is coupled to a mounting portion <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM>, and the mounting seat <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, so as to fix the radiation source <NUM> to the housing <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the one or more radiation sources <NUM> is not directly coupled to the mounting seat <NUM>, but is indirectly coupled to the mounting seat <NUM> by means of a structure such as assemblies, connectors, decorative parts, cover, or the like.

The radiation source <NUM> generates infrared radiation (IR) with a predetermined wavelength range and power density during operation, which is emitted to the target (e.g., hair, fabric) and then directly heats moisture of the target. Almost no heat is absorbed by the surrounding air in the form of radiation heat transfer, which greatly improves the energy utilization rate compared with the traditional heat conduction method. In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> only fix the one or more radiation sources <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> may further provide power supply, light convergence, heat dissipation or airflow resistance reduction function to the one or more radiation sources <NUM>.

When the drying apparatus <NUM> is in operation, an airflow is generated within the housing <NUM>, part of which the airflow passes through is defined as an airflow channel <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM>. The airflow passes through the airflow channel <NUM>, exiting the housing <NUM> and emitting toward the target to facilitate moisture evaporation. Moreover, the airflow can work with infrared radiation to expedite the moisture evaporation from the target.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the airflow channel <NUM> is a complete and separate structure that is installed within the housing <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM> and/or coupled to other related structures within the housing <NUM>. The airflow passes along the wall of the airflow channel <NUM> to the outside of the housing <NUM> without passing through other unrelated structures. For example, when a high-temperature hot airflow is generated within the drying apparatus <NUM>, the airflow channel <NUM> with a certain wall thickness may be made of a material with poor thermal conductivity, and the hot airflow within the airflow channel <NUM> does not heat the other unrelated structures during flowing.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the airflow channel <NUM> is formed by any combination of multiple portions of the drying apparatus <NUM>, rather than a complete and separate structure. For example, part of the housing <NUM>, part of the one or more radiation sources <NUM>, part of an airflow guiding structure (not shown), etc., are combined to form the airflow channel <NUM>. The airflow generated within the drying apparatus <NUM> passes through the multiple portions combined to the outside of the housing <NUM>. It may also be understood that within the housing <NUM>, all of the portions through which the airflow passes through combine to form the airflow channel <NUM>. For example, if there is a structure within the drying apparatus <NUM> that generates a large amount of heat during operation, part of this structure can be designed as part of the airflow channel <NUM> so that the airflow passes through its surface to dissipate the heat.

In some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> dries a target by airflow only without comprising the radiation sources <NUM>. Accordingly, there is no coupling relationship between the mounting seat <NUM> and the radiation sources <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> can form a structure such as an assembly, a connector, a decorative part, a cover, etc..

In some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> further comprises an airflow generating element, a heating assembly, a sensor and a circuit. The mounting seat <NUM> is coupled to at least one of the airflow generating element, the heating assembly, the sensor, the circuit, and the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> further comprises one or more accessories <NUM>. Each of the accessory <NUM> is configured to be removably attached to the housing <NUM>. The drying apparatus <NUM>, therefore, has at least two states:
Removal State: the accessory <NUM> and the housing <NUM> are separate from each other. The drying apparatus <NUM> in the removal state is configured to be used normally. In some of the foregoing and following embodiments, if there is no mention of whether the removable accessories <NUM> can be attached to the drying apparatus <NUM>, it shall be understood that the drying apparatus <NUM> is in the removal state.

Attaching State: the accessory <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM> in a predetermined manner. In some specific embodiments, when a user uses the drying apparatus <NUM> in this state, the accessory <NUM> is configured to change the original function of the drying apparatus <NUM>. For example, the drying apparatus <NUM> may be configured to adapt to one or more accessories <NUM>, which have different types of air nozzles. These air nozzles may change the airflow speed, airflow direction, and air outlet shape of the output airflow. In some specific embodiments, the accessory <NUM> enables the drying apparatus <NUM> to provide new functions. For example, the accessory <NUM> is designed to accommodate one or more essential oils, conditioners, perfumes, or the like. When the user is drying the hair with the drying apparatus <NUM>, such ingredients will be emitted to achieve one or more functions such as hair caring, conditioning or perfuming.

In other embodiments, the accessory <NUM> may be a holder, which itself is configured to be coupled to a wall, a desktop, a mirror cabinet, etc. In the attaching state, the housing <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM> and the holder are coupled to each other so that the drying apparatus <NUM> is configured in a preset position; in the removal state, the housing <NUM> is separated from the holder, and the user can use the drying apparatus <NUM> normally.

In different embodiments, the attaching method between the accessory <NUM> and the housing <NUM> can be any of the following:.

In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is substantially annular and configured to be detachably coupled to the housing <NUM> or the one or more accessories <NUM> by magnetic connection.

For clear description, the magnet in the following description refers to a structure that can form a magnetic field by itself, which can be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc. Magnetic material refers to a material that may not form a magnetic field by itself but can be moved by a magnetic field. The magnetic material may be iron, cobalt, nickel, their alloys, and so on. The magnetic connection between the mounting seat <NUM> and the housing <NUM>/accessory <NUM> comprise the following multiple embodiments:.

In some specific embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is fixedly coupled on the housing <NUM>, and one or more magnets are configured on the accessory <NUM>. When attaching the accessory <NUM>, the mounting seat <NUM> is magnetically connected to the one or more magnets on the accessory <NUM>, and the attaching process between the housing <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> is completed.

In some other specific embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is fixedly coupled on the accessory <NUM>, and one or more magnets are configured on the housing <NUM>. When attaching the accessory <NUM>, the mounting seat <NUM> is magnetically connected to the one or more magnets on the housing <NUM>, and the attaching process between the housing <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> is completed.

In some specific embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is fixedly coupled on the housing <NUM>, and the accessory <NUM> comprises one or more magnetic structures consisting of at least one magnetic material. When attaching the accessory <NUM>, the mounting seat <NUM> is magnetically connected to the one or more magnetic structures on the accessory <NUM>, and the attaching process between the housing <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> is completed.

In some other specific embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is fixedly coupled on the accessory <NUM>, and the housing <NUM> comprises one or more magnetic structures consisting of at least one magnetic material. When attaching the accessory <NUM>, the mounting seat <NUM> is magnetically connected to the one or more magnetic structures on the housing <NUM>, and the attaching process between the housing <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> is completed.

In the above two embodiments, the magnetic structure may also be a magnet with its magnetic pole opposite to that of the mounting seat <NUM>, which may complete the above attaching process as well.

(<NUM>) There may be a plurality of mounting seat <NUM>, which may at least comprise a first mounting seat and a second mounting seat. The first mounting seat may consist of a magnet. The second mounting seat may consist of at least one magnetic material, or may also be a magnet which magnetic pole is opposite to that of the first mounting seat. The first mounting seat and the second mounting seat are respectively fixedly coupled on the accessory <NUM> and the housing <NUM>. When attaching the accessory <NUM>, the first mounting seat is magnetically connected to the second mounting seat, and the attaching process between the housing <NUM> and the accessory <NUM> is completed.

In the above embodiments, at least one of the accessories <NUM> and the housing <NUM> has a generally annular mounting seat <NUM>. In the attaching state, the accessory <NUM> can rotate relative to the housing <NUM> by any angle along the axis of the mounting seat <NUM>, and keeps the attaching to the housing <NUM> by magnetic connection. In this way, the angle of the accessory <NUM> may be freely adjusted during operation.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting seat <NUM> may consist of at least one metallic material. Magnets and magnetic materials can be metallic or non-metallic materials. For example, the mounting seat <NUM> may consist of iron, which is both a metallic material and a magnetic material. Therefore, the description that the mounting seat <NUM> consists of a metallic material in various embodiments does not include the limitation on whether the mounting seat <NUM> comprise a magnet or at least one magnetic material.

It is easy to understand that the mounting seat <NUM> itself can also be a magnetic structure. In this case, the housing <NUM>/the accessory <NUM> can be configured with either a magnetic structure with opposite pole to the magnetic structure of the mounting seat <NUM>, or a metallic structure subject to magnetic force of the mounting seat <NUM>.

In other embodiments, the accessory <NUM> may also be attached to the housing <NUM> by means of snaping, threading, plugging, etc. The mounting seat <NUM> may be correspondingly configured with structures such as snaps, threads, plugs/slots, etc., which play a role of providing fastening force when the accessory <NUM> is attached to the housing <NUM>.

The technical features described above will not be repeated in the following. For repeated technical features, please refer to the above description.

Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide the mounting seat <NUM> as previously described, and hereinafter, unless otherwise noted, the mounting seat <NUM> is in a state of coupling to the drying apparatus <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, there is at least one hollow portion <NUM> in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m of the mounting seat <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> extends from a first edge <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM> to a second edge <NUM>. It may also be expressed as: in each cross section perpendicular to the first axis m, the hollow portion <NUM> extends from the first edge <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>. In the corresponding drawings of the present application, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> are cross-sectional views of the mounting seat <NUM> perpendicular to the first axis m; <FIG> are cross-sectional views of the drying apparatus <NUM> parallel to the first axis m.

In all cross sections of the mounting seat <NUM> perpendicular to the first axis m, the shape formed by the hollow portion <NUM> may be the same or different, but all extend from the first edge <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>, and the cross sections of the hollow portion <NUM> along the first axis m are continuous, so that the entire mounting seat <NUM> is penetrated. In other words, the hollow portion <NUM> penetrates the entire mounting seat <NUM> in the direction parallel to the first axis m; in the direction perpendicular to the first axis m, it penetrates from the first edge <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>.

The first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> refer to two different positions on the edge of the mounting seat <NUM>. For example, in some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> is generally part of a ring, the first edge <NUM> is a part of the outer edge of the ring, and the second edge <NUM> is a part of the inner edge of the ring. They belong to different edges of the mounting seat <NUM>. In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> are different parts of the outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM>. The naming of the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> is only to distinguish themselves, and there is no essential difference between them. The "ring shape" described in this disclosure is not limited to a ring shape with a circular outer edge and a circular inner edge, but includes any shape formed by a relatively positioned outer edge and inner edge, and the inner edge and outer edge are not limited to circular. The mounting seat <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally ring-shaped, and the mounting seat <NUM> shown in <FIG> is generally rectangular, but still encloses an inner edge, and a part of its inner edge constitutes the second edge <NUM>, therefore, it also belongs to the ring shape described in this disclosure.

The first axis m is a reference axis for designing the mounting seat <NUM>. In some embodiments, at least part of the airflow in the airflow channel <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM> passes along the first axis m. It is also understood that the airflow direction in the drying apparatus <NUM> is used as the reference axis for designing the mounting seat <NUM>. In some embodiments, the light emitting direction of the one or more radiation sources <NUM> is parallel or coincident with the first axis m. In some embodiments, the axis of the housing <NUM> is parallel or coincident with the first axis m. In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is a rotationally symmetric structure with its axis of symmetry coinciding with or parallel to the first axis m, i.e., the shapes formed by the mounting seat <NUM> in each cross-section are perpendicular to the first axis m.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> extends along the first axis m to form a structure parallel to the first axis m. In this way, in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the position, shape, and size of the shape formed by the hollow portion <NUM> are the same. In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is a rectangular groove configured on the mounting seat <NUM>. The rectangular groove extends from the first edge <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM> to the second edge <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM> in the length direction, and extends through the mounting seat <NUM> along the first axis m in the depth direction. In any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the shaped formed by the rectangular groove is a rectangle, and the same position, shape, and size are the same.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> comprises a structure that is inclined relative to the first axis m. In this way, in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the shape and size of the hollow portion <NUM> are the same, but the position of the shape is different.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is irregularly structured and extends in an irregular direction. In this way, in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the position, shape and size of the shape formed by the hollow portion <NUM> are all different, but the hollow portion <NUM> is continuous in the direction of the first axis m.

In other embodiments not shown, the hollow portion <NUM> may also be a structure that gradually expands or shrinks along the first axis m. In this way, in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the shapes formed by the hollow portion <NUM> are similar, but the sizes are different.

In multiple embodiments described above, as the hollow portion <NUM> extends through part of the mounting seat <NUM> along the first axis m, it cuts off the transmission path of the internal force within the mounting seat <NUM>, reduces the overall rigidity of the mounting seat <NUM>, and enables the whole mounting seat <NUM> to elastically deform when subjected to external impact. During the process, the space of the hollow portion <NUM> in various cross-sections increases or decreases, thereby absorbing part of the external impact.

When a user uses the drying apparatus <NUM> and it falls or collides, the external impact is transmitted from the housing <NUM> to the mounting seat <NUM>. Since the mounting seat <NUM> can absorb part of the impact by elastic deformation, it reduces the impact on the one or more radiation source <NUM>, thus providing buffering and protection for the one or more radiation source <NUM>.

In addition, when assembling the mounting seat <NUM> to the housing <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM>, a force may also be applied to the mounting seat <NUM> to deform it, i.e., the space of the hollow portion <NUM> decreases in certain cross-sections and is released after the mounting seat <NUM> is coupled to the predetermined position of the housing <NUM>. During the release process of the mounting seat <NUM>, the reduced space on the hollow portion <NUM> will recover and increase to the original space. At this time, an elastic coupling is configured between the mounting seat <NUM> and the housing <NUM> to increase the coupling strength. Therefore, the mounting seat <NUM> in the embodiment of the present disclosure also has the characteristics of simple assembly and high coupling strength.

In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is a one-piece molded metallic portion. The mounting seat <NUM> may be configured by cutting and removing part of the material from a predetermined area of the mounting seat <NUM> to form the hollow portion <NUM>, or the mounting seat <NUM> may be formed directly by casting, stamping, 3D printing, etc. The metallic mounting seat <NUM> has both good structural strength and elasticity, and can provide both firm coupling and absorb impact force. In addition, since metal generally has good heat resistance and thermal conductivity, the metallic mounting seat <NUM> may absorb the heat of the one or more radiation sources <NUM> and emit it outwardly, thus forming a heat dissipation structure for the one or more radiation sources <NUM> as a whole, effectively preventing overheating of the one or more radiation sources <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> comprises a metallic portion and a non-metallic portion, with at least part of the hollow portion <NUM> being configured in the metallic portion. The non-metallic portion of the mounting seat <NUM> may made of rubber, plastic, silicone, ceramic, polymer material, and the like. In some embodiments, the non-metallic portion may be coupled to the hollow portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the non-metallic portion is designed to be the part where the mounting seat <NUM> is installed, connected, and coupled to the related electrical structure within the drying apparatus <NUM>, such as the power supply circuit of the radiation sources <NUM>, in order to avoid the mounting seat <NUM> from forming a short circuit or leakage risk.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> further comprises a first antenna <NUM> within the housing <NUM>. The drying apparatus <NUM> is configured to generate wireless signals for wireless communication and data transmission through the first antenna <NUM>. In some specific embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> may communicate wirelessly with a smart terminal. The user may control the drying apparatus <NUM> or reads the operation data of the drying apparatus <NUM> on the smart terminal. In some specific embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> comprises a plurality of air nozzles. In the attaching state, the first antenna <NUM> is used to establish wireless communication with the air nozzles to identify the type of air nozzles and obtain working modes. In some specific embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> can also establish wireless communication with other drying apparatuses <NUM>. For example, after a drying apparatus <NUM> is updated with new firmware, it can transmit the new firmware to other drying apparatuses <NUM> with which it has established communication, ensuring that all drying apparatuses <NUM> have synchronized data and are updated.

In some specific embodiments, the first antenna <NUM> at least partially surrounds the first axis m. In other embodiments, the first antenna <NUM> comprises an annular portion, which is an annulus or a part of an annulus, and an axis of the annular portion is parallel to or coincident with the first axis m.

As shown in the <FIG>, when the drying apparatus <NUM> is wireless communication through the first antenna <NUM>, a changing magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the communication magnetic field) is generated around the first antenna <NUM>. In conjunction with some of the foregoing embodiments, when the mounting seat 12a (in the relevant drawings and descriptions of the present disclosure, in order to distinguish between the two types of mounting seats <NUM> and 12a, the mounting seat 12a does not have a hollow portion <NUM>, while the mounting seat <NUM> does have a hollow portion <NUM>) is a metallic structure and satisfies a certain distance and position relationship with the first antenna <NUM>, the mounting seat 12a is at least partially within a magnetic field of the first antenna141 and comprises a conductor placed in a changing magnetic field. According to the Faraday's law of electromagnetic induction, the interior of the mounting seat 12a will be induced by the communication magnetic field to generate an induced eddy current i. The induced eddy current i itself will also generate a changing magnetic field (hereinafter referred to as the induced magnetic field). The direction of the induced magnetic field is opposite to that of the communication magnetic field. The antagonism between the two will attenuate the signal strength of the first antenna <NUM>, thereby interfering with the wireless communication of the drying apparatus <NUM>. Moreover, the closer the location where the mounting seat 12a forms the induced eddy current i is to the first antenna <NUM>, and the closer the size of the annular loop of the induced eddy current i is to the size of the first antenna <NUM>, the greater the signal strength attenuation caused by the induced eddy current i on the first antenna <NUM>.

In particular, when using high-frequency radio signals (such as RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) for communication, the high-frequency alternating current flowing in the first antenna <NUM> will cause the skin effect. That is, the current will tend to be concentrated on the surface of the first antenna <NUM>. Consequently, the mounting seat 12a will be affected by the skin effect, causing formation of a larger induced eddy current i in the area closer to the antenna <NUM>, which will further aggravate the signal strength attenuation of the first antenna <NUM>, resulting in a decrease in signal strength and communication stability. In other words, during high-frequency signal communication, greater signal strength attenuation experienced by the mounting seat 12a may result in lower communication stability of the drying apparatus <NUM>.

It should be noted that in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mounting seat 12a is not limited to having certain specific shapes, structures, positions or providing certain functions. When any metallic portion is configured in the drying apparatus <NUM>, as long as it meets the conditions of forming an induced eddy current i and the signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM> exceeds a predetermined threshold, the metallic portion can be regarded as the aforementioned mounting seat 12a. This signal attenuation may be measured by the following test method: after removing the metallic portion from its original position, the signal strength of the first antenna <NUM> is significantly improved, and the improvement amplitude is, for example, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%; then the metallic portion can be regarded as the aforementioned mounting seat <NUM>.

In conjunction with some of the foregoing embodiments, the mounting seat 12a is not limited to a structure fixedly coupled within the housing <NUM>. If the drying apparatus <NUM> is configured to be attachable by one or more removable accessories <NUM>, which comprise metallic structures inside, in the attaching state, the metallic structure induces the aforementioned induced eddy currents i and causes the signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM>, then this metallic structure is also considered as the aforementioned mounting seat 12a.

In order to minimize the signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM>, in the present disclosure, a hollow portion <NUM> is configured on the mounting seat <NUM>. The induced eddy currents i cannot pass through the hollow portion <NUM>, and thus the hollow portion <NUM> may cut off the transmission path of the induced eddy current i within the mounting seat <NUM>, thereby reducing the induced eddy currents i, and minimize the signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM>. The effect of the hollow portion <NUM> on the signal strength on the first antenna <NUM> can be measured by the following test method: replacing the mounting seat 12a with the mounting seat <NUM>, the signal strength on the first antenna <NUM> is significantly improved, and the improvement amplitude is, for example, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%. Then, the follow portion <NUM> is confirmed to be in effect.

In a specific scenario, the drying apparatus <NUM> is configured to be attachable to a plurality of accessories <NUM>. The first antenna <NUM> reads the pre-stored information in the related storage device of the accessory <NUM> through wireless communication, thereby recognizing the type of the accessory <NUM> or reading the configuration data related therewith. When the mounting seat 12a is present, the signal strength on the first antenna 141is low, making it difficult to accurately read the pre-stored information in the accessory <NUM>, causing problems such as failure to recognize the accessory <NUM>, incorrect recognition of the accessory <NUM>, and incomplete data reading. After using the mounting seat <NUM>, since the hollow portion <NUM> is set to reduce the wireless communication interference to the first antenna <NUM>, the first antenna <NUM> can perform preset and sufficiently strong wireless communication, and completely and correctly read the preset information from the related storage device of the accessory <NUM>.

The effect of the hollow portion <NUM> on the induced eddy currents i for two exemplary mounting seat 12a will be described in detail below in combination with the accompanying drawings of <FIG>, <FIG>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows a generally circular mounting seat 12a. The mounting seat 12a forms a conductor as a whole, and allows current to flow freely inside. When the first antenna <NUM> performs wireless communication, the induced eddy current i is generated and stimulated inside the mounting seat 12a. The illustrated dashed line arrows indicate the closed loop and direction of the induced eddy current i. It is easy to understand that the direction of the induced eddy current i is only an example and not a limitation. Moreover, the direction of the actual induced eddy current i will alter periodically. The mounting seat 12a is improved to the mounting seat <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to some embodiments of this application, which is divided into two sub-parts <NUM> by the hollow portion <NUM>. The original transmission path of the induced eddy current i is cut off by the hollow portion <NUM>, and the induced eddy current i1 and the induced eddy current i2 are formed in the two sub-parts <NUM> respectively. Only a small portion of the induced eddy current i1 and the induced eddy current i2 are formed in the outer surface of the mounting seat <NUM> affected by the skin effect, and their total current is smaller than the original induced eddy current i. Moreover, in the region where the induced eddy current i1 and the induced eddy current i2 are close to each other (that is, at the opposite sidewall of the hollow portion <NUM>), the two currents are in opposite directions, with each forming a magnetic field in the opposite direction and mutually excite the loss, resulting in an increase in the impedance of the loop, thereby reducing the current formed. Based on the above two reasons, compared with the induced eddy current i formed by the mounting seat 12a, the induced eddy current i1 and the induced eddy current i2 formed after the mounting seat <NUM> is cut off by the hollow portion <NUM> greatly reduce the signal strength of the first antenna <NUM> The influence, thereby improving the signal strength and communication stability of the drying device <NUM>.

Specifically, <FIG> shows a generally annular mounting seat 12b. The induced eddy current i is generated inside the mounting seat 12b by the magnetic excitation of the first antenna <NUM>. The illustrated dashed line arrows indicate the closed loop and direction of the induced eddy current i. It is easy to understand that the direction of the induced eddy current i is only an example and not a limitation. Moreover, the direction of the actual induced eddy current i will alter periodically. The mounting seat 12b is improved to the mounting seat <NUM> shown in <FIG> according to some embodiments of this disclosure. The hollow portion <NUM> extends through from the outer edge to the inner edge, radially cuts off the annular mounting seat <NUM> and the closed loop of the original induced eddy current i. The induced eddy current i3 formed on the mounting seat <NUM> cannot be closed along a complete circular loop, but forms a multi-layer closed loop with reciprocating path (only two layers are shown in the figure). The current flow directions between adjacent layers of the induced eddy current i3 are opposite, and each will form a magnetic field in the opposite direction and mutually cause the loss, resulting in an increase in the impedance of the loop, causing the induced eddy currents i<NUM> to cancel itself out. As a result, there is a decrease in the current compared to the original induced eddy currents i. Therefore, the induced eddy currents i<NUM> formed within the mounting seat <NUM> can significantly reduce the signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM>, compared to the original induced eddy currents i, thereby improving the signal strength and communication stability of drying apparatus <NUM>.

Only two exemplary embodiments are shown above. It should be noted that mounting seat 12a is not limited to a circular shape, but in other embodiments may be quadrilateral, hexagonal, irregularly shaped, etc. The annular mounting seat 12b is also not limited to an annulus or ring-shape, but in other un-shown embodiments may be quadrilateral, hexagonal, irregularly shaped, etc. The main difference between the mounting seat 12b and the mounting seat 12a is that the mounting seat 12b comprises a hollow space 125a inside. The hollow portion <NUM> extends from the outer edge of the mounting seat 12b to the hollow space 125a to reduce the induced eddy currents i. In contrast, the mounting seat 12a is substantially a complete structure, which needs to be extended through completely by the hollow portion to achieve the same effect. It is easy to understand that for the mounting seat 12b may be further divided by the hollow portion <NUM> into two separate subparts to further reduce the induced eddy currents i.

The hollow portion <NUM> mentioned anywhere in the preceding and following sections cuts off the path of the induced eddy currents i, similar to the above scenarios, and can effectively reduce the interference to the wireless communication stability of the drying apparatus <NUM>.

In some specific embodiments, the first antenna <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the housing <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> is also coupled to the housing <NUM> and within the magnetic field of the first antenna <NUM>. In some specific embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> further comprises one or more accessories <NUM>, the first antenna <NUM> is fixedly coupled to the one or more accessories <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> is within the magnetic field of the first antenna <NUM> when the drying apparatus <NUM> is in the attaching state. Accordingly, the induced eddy currents i within the mounting seat <NUM> is formed by the magnetic field of the first antenna <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> comprises a first antenna <NUM> and a second antenna <NUM>. Both are used for wireless communication. Except name differentiation, there is no essential difference between the first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>. In some specific embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> communicates with other devices wirelessly via first antenna <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM>, for example, communicates with smart terminals via Bluetooth, or accesses the network via Wi-Fi to communicate with cloud devices. In some specific embodiments, the first antenna and the second antenna <NUM> of the drying apparatus <NUM> communicate wirelessly. For example, the first antenna <NUM> is configured within the housing <NUM> and the second antenna <NUM> is configured within the accessory <NUM>. When the drying apparatus <NUM> is in the attaching state, the first antenna <NUM> communicates with the second antenna <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> is in the magnetic field of either the first antenna <NUM> or the second antenna <NUM>, and accordingly, the induced eddy currents i is formed within the mounting seat <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, in some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> further comprises a connecting portion <NUM>, the connecting portion <NUM> fills at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>, and the mounting seat <NUM> is made of a different material from the connecting portion <NUM>. For example, the connecting portion <NUM> is made of metal, and the mounting seat <NUM> is made of non-metal. Or, the connecting portion <NUM> is made of non-metal and mounting seat <NUM> is made of metal. Or, the connecting portion <NUM> and mounting seat <NUM> are made of metal with different physical properties, such as different strengths, different electrical conductivity, and the like. Or, the connecting portion <NUM> and the mounting seat <NUM> are made of different non-metals. The connecting portion <NUM> may fill a part of the hollow portion <NUM>, or it may fill the entire hollow portion <NUM>, so that the mounting seat <NUM> has a complete outer and/or inner edge. The connecting portion <NUM> may also be formed by stitching together a plurality of materials and structures.

It needs to be explained that since the hollow portion <NUM> cuts off at least a local area of the mounting seat <NUM>, it destroys the integrity of the mounting seat <NUM>. Therefore, the material strength of the connecting portion <NUM> is not limited to being less than or equal to the material strength of the mounting seat <NUM>. The material strength of the connecting portion <NUM> can also be greater than the material strength of the mounting seat <NUM>.

According to some of the foregoing embodiments, it may also be known that in some embodiments, an insulating material can be filled in the hollow portion <NUM> to form a connecting portion <NUM>. The connecting portion <NUM> itself may also play a role in cutting off the induced eddy current i, so that the mounting seat <NUM> does not have a significant missing part in appearance, and it can also achieve the purpose of reducing the interference to the wireless communication stability of the drying apparatus <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> comprises an airflow portion <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> comprises the outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM>, and the second edge <NUM> comprises the outer edge of the airflow portion <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM> extends through the airflow portion <NUM> from first edge <NUM> to the second edge <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, there is a separate airflow channel <NUM> within the drying apparatus <NUM>, and the airflow channel <NUM> is coupled to the airflow portion <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM>. In other words, when the drying apparatus <NUM> is in operation, the airflow only passes through the airflow channel <NUM>, and does not pass through the airflow portion <NUM>, let alone enter the hollow portion <NUM>. Thereby, the hollow portion <NUM> does not create additional airflow noise and ensures smoothness of the high-speed airflow as it passes through airflow channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the airflow portion <NUM> is combined with other structures within the housing <NUM> to form the airflow channel <NUM>, or the airflow portion <NUM> forms the entire airflow channel <NUM>. In other words, when the drying apparatus <NUM> is in operation, the airflow directly passes through the airflow portion <NUM> of the mounting seat <NUM>. Since the hollow portion <NUM> extends through to the airflow portion <NUM>, a small amount of airflow passes from the airflow channel <NUM> along the hollow portion <NUM>, which dissipate heat from the sidewalls within the hollow portion <NUM>, thereby increasing the heat dissipation area of the entire mounting seat <NUM>. Alternatively, the airflow emits out of the mounting seat <NUM> through the hollow portion <NUM> to dissipate heat to other structures within the housing <NUM>.

In addition, when the drying apparatus <NUM> is in operation, there is a possibility that the air outlet is blocked by foreign objects, at which time the airflow within the airflow channel <NUM> cannot emit out of the drying apparatus <NUM>. If the drying apparatus <NUM> emits hot air, the heat generated within it cannot be carried away by the airflow, which will cause the temperature within drying apparatus <NUM> to rise rapidly. Even if the drying apparatus <NUM> emits airflow at ambient temperature, the increased resistance of the airflow within the airflow channel <NUM> will cause a rapid rise in the power of the airflow generating element (such as the motor), which will also cause the airflow generating element to overheat and affect its life. In the above embodiment, the hollow portion <NUM> extending through the airflow channel <NUM> may act as a venting channel of the airflow channel <NUM>. When the air outlet of the drying apparatus <NUM> is blocked by a foreign object, the airflow within the airflow channel <NUM> vents through the hollow portion <NUM>, thereby avoiding the aforementioned problems.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, a hollow space 125a is configured inside the mounting seat <NUM>. More specifically, in any cross-section perpendicular to the first axis m, the mounting seat <NUM> extends radially around the hollow space 125a. In the direction along the first axis m, the mounting seat <NUM> extends axially around the hollow space 125a.

The first edge <NUM> comprises the outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM>, and the second edge <NUM> comprises the outer edge of the hollow space 125a. In other words, the hollow portion <NUM> extends through to the hollow space 125a from the outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> to the outer edge of the hollow space 125a. In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> extends around the hollow space 125a as a whole and in a rectangular shape. In other embodiments not shown, the extension shape of the mounting seat <NUM> can also be any one of a polygon, triangle, circle, ellipse, semicircle, or a part of any one of these shapes, or it can extend along an irregular shape. In some more specific embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow space 125a comprises the aforementioned airflow portion <NUM>, that is, the airflow passes through the middle of the mounting seat <NUM>. In other embodiments not shown, although the hollow space 125a does not comprise an airflow portion <NUM>, it can be configured with other structures of the drying apparatus <NUM>, such as sensors, circuits, heating elements (such as resistance wires), etc..

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is specifically annular or a part of an annulus, and the middle of the annulus is the hollow space 125a. The axis of the mounting seat <NUM> can be parallel or coincident with the first axis m. In other embodiments, the shape of the mounting seat <NUM> can be a rotationally symmetric structure with the first axis m as the axis of symmetry. The mounting seat <NUM> is an annulus or a part of an annulus in any cross section perpendicular to the first axis m. The hollow portion <NUM> extends from the outer edge of the annulus to the inner edge, and partially cuts off the mounting seat <NUM>.

In a more specific embodiment, the hollow portion <NUM> extends radially along the mounting seat <NUM>. The radial direction is perpendicular to both the axis of the mounting seat <NUM> and the first axis m.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, in any cross section perpendicular to the first axis m, the mounting seat <NUM> is divided by the hollow portion <NUM> into at least two mutually independent sub-parts <NUM>. In other words, the mounting seat <NUM> includes at least two sub-parts <NUM>, and the two sub-parts <NUM> are spaced apart. The space between them comprises the hollow portion <NUM>. It can also be understood that the drying apparatus <NUM> has multiple sub-parts <NUM> that are spaced apart, and these sub-parts <NUM> together form the mounting seat <NUM>. The space between adjacent sub-parts <NUM> comprises the hollow portion <NUM>. When the mounting seat <NUM> deforms from buffering due to external impact, the space of the hollow portion <NUM> in any cross section increases or decreases, but the sub-parts <NUM> themselves do not necessarily deform.

In conjunction with some of the foregoing embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> may have an airflow portion <NUM>, at least part of which is formed by at least one subpart <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the mounting portion <NUM> comprises a light cup <NUM>. A receiving chamber <NUM> is configured within the light cup <NUM> for the coupling of the one or more radiation sources <NUM>. When the one or more radiation sources <NUM> are coupled to the receiving chamber <NUM>, the light cup <NUM> is configured to converge, reflect, and guide the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more radiation sources <NUM> to generate a preset light field. The hollow portion <NUM> divides the light cup <NUM> into at least two sub-parts <NUM>. It can also be understood that the light cup <NUM> has two sub-parts <NUM> that are spaced apart, and the space between them comprises the hollow portion <NUM>.

Since the radiation source <NUM> emits heat when in operation, the light cup <NUM> needs to have a high heat resistance to avoid damage from heat deformation. In addition, the radiation source <NUM> will experience problems such as lifetime decay and spectral drift in a high temperature environment. The light cup <NUM> also needs to have a high thermal conductivity to quickly dissipate heat and reduce the temperature of the radiation source <NUM> during operation. According to the above description, in some embodiments, at least part of the light cup <NUM> is made of a metal material. In addition to having better heat resistance and thermal conductivity, metal materials are also easy to process to form a smooth light-guide surface, so that the light cup <NUM> can converge, reflect, and guide the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source <NUM>.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is a first antenna <NUM> configured within the drying apparatus <NUM>. Due to limited space within the drying apparatus <NUM>, the first antenna <NUM> is in close proximity to the light cup <NUM>. Consequently, the metallic portion of the light cup <NUM> will be excited by the magnetic field of the first antenna and generate the induced eddy currents. The induced eddy currents can cause the signal attenuation of the first antenna <NUM>. This issue is mitigated by the hollow portion <NUM>, which cut off the path of the induced eddy currents within the light cup <NUM>, as described in preceding or subsequent relevant sections. The present disclosure also includes various embodiments with different types, quantities, and structures of the light cup <NUM>, all of these embodiments can be described with reference to the above description and will not be repeated in the following.

In combination with some of the aforementioned embodiments, a first antenna <NUM> is configured inside the drying apparatus <NUM>. Since the internal space of the drying apparatus <NUM> is limited, the first antenna <NUM> is in close proximity to the light cup <NUM>. This will cause the metallic portion of the light cup <NUM> to be affected by the magnetic field of the first antenna <NUM> and form an induced eddy current, which will cause signal strength attenuation on the first antenna <NUM>. Therefore, it is necessary to cut off the transmission path of the induced eddy current inside the light cup <NUM> through a hollow portion <NUM>. For specific details, please refer to the aforementioned and following descriptions. In other embodiments of this disclosure, there will be a plurality of light cups <NUM> with different types, quantities, and structures. Their features can refer to the above description, and will not be repeated in the following.

In some more specific embodiments as shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> further comprises a connecting portion <NUM> configured in the hollow portion <NUM>. In the figure, The connecting portion <NUM> fills the entire hollow portion <NUM> and connects the adjacent subpart <NUM> to each other. The connecting portion <NUM> can be made of materials with a certain degree of elasticity, such as rubber, plastic, polymer material, and other, which ensures the mounting seat <NUM> can still form a complete whole after being extended through by the hollow portion <NUM> and the integrity of its structure while reducing the overall rigidity. In other embodiments, the connecting portion <NUM> may also fill part of the hollow portion <NUM>. It shall be noted that the material strength of the connecting portion <NUM> is not limited to being less than or equal to the material strength of the mounting seat <NUM>, and the material strength of the connecting portion <NUM> may also be greater than the material strength of the mounting seat <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> is filled and configured in the hollow portion <NUM>, keeping the outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> intact. The airflow won't generate noise when passes through the hollow portion <NUM> in the airflow channel <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one end wall of the connecting portion <NUM> and the inner wall of the receiving chamber <NUM> together form a reflecting surface for light convergence, so that the inner wall of the light cup <NUM> remains intact. After the infrared radiation emitted by the one or more radiation sources <NUM> coupled to the light cup <NUM> reaches the reflecting surface, it is reflected at a predetermined angle to converge and guide the infrared radiation. The reflecting surface may be a coating made of a high-reflectivity material, which is applied to the inner wall of the receiving chamber <NUM> and the corresponding end wall of the connecting portion <NUM> to form a complete and continuous reflecting surface. It thereby avoids any impact on the optical performance of the light cup <NUM> caused by the hollow portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, in combination with <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting portion <NUM> itself may also be configured for the coupling of the one or more radiation sources <NUM>. Compared with the mounting seat <NUM> without the hollow portion <NUM>, the mounting seat <NUM> in the illustrated embodiment may couple the same number of radiation sources <NUM>. In other embodiments not shown, part of the radiation source <NUM> may also be coupled to the connecting portion <NUM>. In other words, the radiation sources <NUM> coupled to the mounting seat <NUM> is partially coupled to the mounting portion <NUM> and partially coupled to the connecting portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> comprises a plurality of light cups <NUM>. Each light cup <NUM> comprises a receiving chamber <NUM> for coupling one or more radiation source <NUM>. After the radiation source <NUM> is coupled to the receiving chamber <NUM>, the light cup <NUM> may converge, reflect, and guide the infrared radiation emitted by the radiation source <NUM> to generate infrared radiation at predetermined light field. In different embodiments, other structures may also be combined the radiation source <NUM> to achieve functions such as heat dissipation, fixation, power supply and the like. In combination with <FIG>, when the drying apparatus <NUM> with the mounting seat <NUM> is in operation, a plurality of radiation sources <NUM> simultaneously emit infrared radiation to generate a predetermined light field. To avoid confusion, the light field generated by a single radiation source <NUM> is referred to as a sub-light field hereinafter, and the light field generated by all radiation sources <NUM> together is referred to as a total light field. Compared with the embodiments shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, in some embodiments shown in <FIG>, more radiation sources <NUM> can generate a total light field with a greater total power. In addition, in the light field generated by the radiation source <NUM>, the closer the distance to the radiation source <NUM>, the greater the radiation power density. In some embodiments, even if the total power is the same, as in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the total power is provided by the plurality of radiation sources <NUM> together, so the power density of the sub-light field of each radiation source <NUM> is smaller. When the user is closer to any radiation source <NUM>, it is only in the sub-light field of that radiation source <NUM>, which reduces the risk of rapid temperature rise and burns. However, in the embodiments shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the total power is provided by a single radiation source <NUM>, which may save overall space, but when the user is closer to the radiation source <NUM>, they will be in a region of the light field with a higher power density, and there may be a risk of rapid temperature rise and burns.

In these embodiments, the mounting seat <NUM> is substantially annular and has an annular outer edge and an annular inner edge. Among them, the annular outer edge is used for coupling to the housing <NUM>. A plurality of light cups <NUM> are arranged along the annular mounting seat <NUM>. The outer edge of each light cup <NUM> is part of the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM>, and the inner edge of each light cup <NUM> is part of the annular inner edge of the mounting seat <NUM>.

In some more specific embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the annular inner edge of the mounting seat <NUM> forms the airflow portion <NUM>, which forms at least part of the airflow channel <NUM>, or is coupled to the airflow channel <NUM>. When the drying apparatus <NUM> is in operation, the air emits from the area enclosed by the annular inner edge of the mounting seat <NUM>. The infrared radiation emitted by a plurality of light cups <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM> generates a total light field that surrounds the outside of the airflow. In order to maximize the light emitting area of the total light field, the plurality of light cups <NUM> are designed to fill the entire end wall of the house <NUM> except for the air outlet. The annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> is tightly coupled to the inner wall of the housing <NUM>. When the user drops or collides with the drying apparatus <NUM>, the external impact will be directly transmitted from the housing <NUM> to the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM>. Since the mounting seat <NUM> itself can absorb the impact through deformation, the impact transmitted to the radiation source <NUM> is greatly reduced, thereby providing buffering and protection to the radiation source <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, at least one part of the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> is a first edge <NUM>, and at least another one part of the annular inner edge of the mounting seat <NUM> is a second edge <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> generally extends substantially radially from the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> to the annular inner edge of the mounting seat <NUM>. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, at least one part of the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> is the first edge <NUM>, and another one part of the annular outer edge of the mounting seat <NUM> is the second edge <NUM>, that is, the hollow portion <NUM> extends through the entire mounting seat <NUM>, dividing the mounting seat <NUM> into two sub-parts <NUM>.

Without increasing the size of the mounting seat <NUM>, the configuration of the hollow portion <NUM> will reduce the size of the emitting area of the total-light field, thereby affecting the total-light field. Further, the larger the size of the hollow portion <NUM> itself, the greater the magnitude of deformation of the entire mounting seat <NUM>, and the greater its buffering effect upon impact, but the greater the influence on the total-light field. On the contrary, the smaller the size of the hollow portion <NUM> itself, the smaller the influence on the total-light field, but the smaller the magnitude of deformation of the entire mounting seat <NUM>, and the weaker its buffering effect upon impact. Therefore, different hollow portions <NUM> are designed according to actual needs in different embodiments.

In a plurality of embodiments provided in the present disclosure, a plurality of different configuration ways of coupling a plurality of the light cups <NUM> to the hollow portion <NUM> are disclosed. The relevant embodiments are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, at least one of the pluralities of light cups <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM> forms at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>. In other words, the hollow portion <NUM> configured on the mounting seat <NUM> alters the structure of at least one light cup 127a. Compared with the other light cups <NUM>, the light cup 127a has an incomplete inner and/or outer contour with missing portions forms at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>. The missing portion of the light cup 127a affect its optical performance. Therefore, in these embodiments, the hollow portion <NUM> affects not only the total-light field, but also the sub-light field of the light cup 127a.

More specifically, in some embodiments shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is integrally formed in the light cup 127a. In other words, among the plurality of light cups <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM>, there is only one light cup 127a, which forms the entire hollow portion <NUM>. The first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> are respectively the two edges of the light cup 127a. In this way, the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field is limited to affecting the sub-light field of only one light cup 127a.

In some embodiments, a radiation source <NUM> is coupled to the light cup 127a. The shape of the hollow portion <NUM> can be iteratively optimized through a combination of optical simulation, light field detection, etc., to minimize its impact on the sub-light field of the light cup 127a. For example, in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> extends along a direction inclined to the first axis m so that the light cup 127a has an inclined missing portion. In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> extends along a direction parallel to the first axis m so that the light cup 127a has a missing portion that extends in a direction parallel to the first axis m.

In some more specific embodiments, a connecting portion <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, may also be configured in the hollow portion <NUM> so that the light cup 127a has a complete reflecting surface, which greatly reduces the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the sub-light field of the light cup 127a. The connecting portion <NUM> can be referenced as described above, and it fills part of or entire hollow portion <NUM>, thereby prevent the hollow portion <NUM> from impacting the optical and aerodynamic performance of the mounting seat <NUM>. The user may not be able to detect the presence of the hollow portion <NUM> when directly observing the mounting seat <NUM>, giving the mounting seat <NUM> a better appearance consistency. The hollow portion <NUM> at any position in the following description can be reduced by configuring the connecting part <NUM>, and the impact on the sub-light field, total light field and aerodynamic performance will not be repeated.

In other embodiments, the radiation source <NUM> is not coupled to the light cup 127a. In this way, there is no need to consider the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the sub-light field of the light cup 127a. The hollow portion <NUM> can be designed through mechanical simulation, mechanical testing and other methods to maximize its buffering effect. The relationship between the light cup 127a and the hollow portion <NUM> at any position in the foregoing or the following description can be referenced to the above description, and will not be repeated.

In the embodiments shown in <FIG> or <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured on two light cups 127a. Specifically, there are two affected light cups 127a among the plurality of light cups <NUM>. Each light cup 127a has the first edge <NUM> and part of the second edge <NUM>, and together they form the entire hollow portion <NUM>. Consequently, the hollow portion <NUM> affects the sub-light fields of two light cups 127a.

Specifically, in some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured on two adjacent light cups 127a. In some more specific embodiments, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured uniformly on two light cups 127a, that is, the missing portion of the two light cups 127a are of the same size. In some other more specific embodiments, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured not uniformly on two light cups 127a, that is, the missing portion of the two light cups 127a are of different sizes.

Since the hollow portion <NUM> is configured on two adjacent light cups 127a, the hollow portion <NUM> may have a larger size to achieve a greater buffering effect. In addition, compared with some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, some embodiment, as shown in <FIG> has a smaller impact on the optical performance of the light cup 127a, because the missing portion of the light cup 127a is configured at its edge; while the missing portion of the light cup 127a in <FIG> is closer to its center, which has greater impact on the optical performance. Therefore, although the hollow portion <NUM> in some embodiment, as shown in <FIG> affects two light cups 127a, the impact on the total-light field may be less than or equal to that of some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured on two non-adjacent light cups 127a. Part of the outer edge of the one light cup 127a comprises a first edge <NUM>, and part of the outer edge of another light cup 127a comprises part of the second edge <NUM>.

Compared with the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the two light cups 127a affected by the hollow portion <NUM> in <FIG> are distributed in two areas on the mounting seat <NUM>, which can avoid the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field of being too concentrated in one area, causing local radiation intensity of the total light field being too low.

More specifically, the hollow portion <NUM> extends through the entire mounting seat <NUM>, dividing the mounting seat <NUM> into two sub-parts <NUM>, of which relevant description may be referred to the description above. Therefore, compared with the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the former may achieve a greater buffering effect.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, it may also be understood that there are two hollow portions <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM>, each hollow portion <NUM> extending through a light cup 127a, and the two hollow portions <NUM> are arranged radially. In other embodiments, the number of the hollow portions <NUM> can be greater, and such hollow portions <NUM> may not be arranged radially. For example, in some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the number of the hollow portions <NUM> is three, which form angles with each other.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, a light cup 127b is configured on the mounting seat <NUM>. The light cup 127b has the same shape and size as other light cups <NUM>, and has a complete inner and/or outer contour. The difference from other light cups <NUM> is that the light cup 127b includes a first part b1 and a second part b2, wherein the first part b1 is made of the same material as other light cups <NUM>, and the second part b2 is made of a different material from the first part b1. The second part b2 comprises a connecting portion in some of the aforementioned embodiments. In other words, some embodiment, as shown in <FIG> can be understood as: the light cup 127b has a missing portion forming a hollow portion, and then the second part b2 is made of another material to fill the missing portion, which supplements the light cup 127b a complete inner contour and/or outer contour.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is configured outside all light cups <NUM>. In other words, the first edge <NUM> and the second edge <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM> are both configured outside all light cups <NUM>. That is, all light cups <NUM> have complete inner contours and/or outer contours. In this way, the optical performance of the light cup <NUM> is not affected by the hollow part <NUM> directly.

In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, one of the pluralities of light cups <NUM> is missing, forming the hollow portion <NUM>. In other words, the number of the light cups <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM> is reduced by one, with the hollow portion <NUM> at a size equivalent to that of the missing light cup <NUM>. It may also be understood that, based on some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the size of the hollow portion <NUM> is increased until it is the same as the entire light cup 127a, and the missing portion of the light cup 127a is equivalent to its entirety, which is the embodiment, as shown in <FIG>. In this embodiment, the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field is: reducing the sub-light field of one light cup <NUM>. In other embodiments, more light cups <NUM> can be reduced, for example, two or three light cups <NUM> can be reduced to form a larger hollow portion <NUM>.

In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the pluralities of light cups <NUM> comprises at least one light cup 127c (i.e., a second set of the light cups), which is of a different material from other light cups <NUM> (i.e., a first set of the light cups) and forms the connecting portion in some of the aforementioned embodiments. In other words, the embodiments can be understood as: the plurality of light cups <NUM> (i.e., the first set of the light cups) form at least part of the mounting portion <NUM>, and some positions in the plurality of light cups <NUM> are left empty to form the hollow portion. At least one light cup 127c (i.e., the second set of the light cups) is then made of another material and mounted on the hollow portion, and the mounting seat <NUM> is supplemented to have a structure with a complete inner and/or outer contour, so that the total-light field is not affected by the hollow portion. In other embodiments, there may also be a plurality of light cups 127c missing, such as two or three.

In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, there are spaces between each adjacent light cup <NUM> on the mounting seat <NUM>. In other words, the mounting seat is not comprised entirely by light cups <NUM>. A plurality of light cups <NUM> are dispersed on the mounting seat <NUM> in a spaced apart manner. The hollow portion <NUM> is configured at any of the spaces. In this way, the hollow portion <NUM> does not affect any light cup <NUM>, the number of light cups <NUM>, and the total-light field at all. In other embodiments, a plurality of spaces may also be selected to form a plurality of hollow portions <NUM>, such as two, three, and so forth.

In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, there are two sizes of light cups on the mounting seat <NUM>. For the sake of convenience, they are divided into: a first light cup <NUM>, which is the same as the light cup in other embodiments; a second light cup 127d, which is smaller in size than the first light cup <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> is adjacent to the second light cup 127d. Since the size of the second light cup 127d is smaller, it can save space to form the hollow portion <NUM>. This configuration both takes into account the total number of light cups <NUM>, and avoid the second light cup 127d from having an incomplete inner and/or outer contour due to being extended through by the hollow portion <NUM>. In this embodiment, the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field is limited to the impact on the sub-light field of the second light cup 127d.

As shown in <FIG>, for ease of description, the distance between the two ends of the first light cup <NUM> in the circumferential direction of the mounting seat <NUM> is defined as a first dimension a (hereinafter also referred to as the length direction), and the distance between the two ends in the radial direction of the mounting seat <NUM> is defined as a second dimension b (hereinafter also referred to as the width direction). In order to make each first light cup <NUM> having as large a reflecting surface as possible, the first light cups <NUM> arranged along the circumferential direction of the mounting seat <NUM> are elongated. That is, for any first light cup <NUM>, the first dimension a is greater than the second dimension b. In some specific embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the second light cup 127d is smaller in size in the length direction, and its first dimension a is smaller than that of other light cups <NUM>. In this way, part of the space can be saved in the circumferential direction of the mounting seat <NUM> to form the hollow portion <NUM>. In addition, since the actual reflecting surface of the radiation source <NUM> is approximately circular, the elongated light cup <NUM> has inconsistent energy density loss in the width direction and the length direction, which will cause uneven distribution of infrared radiation in the sub-light field. After the first dimension a of the second light cup 127d is reduced, the shape of its reflecting surface is closer to a circle, which is equivalent to optimizing the shape of the reflecting surface and reducing the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the sub-light field of the second light cup 127d. In other embodiments, the first dimension a and the second dimension b of the second light cup 127d can also be reduced at the same time. In other embodiments, the first light cup <NUM> can also be proportionally reduced as a whole (for example, the reduction coefficient is <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) to obtain the second light cup 127d.

In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the second light cup 127d has a concave inner wall <NUM> on the side close to the hollow portion <NUM>. The concave inner wall <NUM> is concave towards the inside of the second light cup 127d, making room for the hollow portion <NUM> and ensuring that the wall thickness of the light cup <NUM> is uniform, so as to maximize the light emitting area. The concave inner wall <NUM> shown in the figure is flat and substantially parallel to the extending direction of the hollow portion <NUM>. In some other embodiments, the concave inner wall <NUM> comprises a concave surface, and the curvature is different from that of other areas of the inner wall of the second light cup 127d. It shall be noted that in some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the two ends of any first light cup <NUM> form a structure similar to the concave inner wall, in order to increase the light emitting area. Compared with the similar structure of the first light cup <NUM>, the concave inner wall <NUM> of the second light cup 127d is more concave to make more room for the hollow portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, there are two second light cups 127e on the mounting seat <NUM>. The size of the second light cup 127e is smaller than that of the first light cup <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> is configured between the two second light cups 127e. The size reduction of the second light cup 127e compared with the first light cup <NUM> can be one of the following three types: the first dimension a is reduced, the first dimension a and the second dimension b are both reduced, and the whole is proportionally reduced. The relevant technical effects can be referred to the description above. The difference from some embodiment, as shown in <FIG> is that there are two second light cups 127e with reduced size in some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, which reduces the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the optical performance of each second light cup 127e and optimizes the impact of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, there is a common sidewall <NUM> between two adjacent light cups <NUM>. The two end walls of the common sidewall <NUM> are respectively configured inside the two light cups <NUM>, each forming part of the inner wall of the corresponding receiving chamber <NUM>. There are at least two light cups 127f on the mounting seat <NUM>, and the common sidewall 1271a between them is thinker than other common sidewalls <NUM>. The hollow portion <NUM> is configured inside the common sidewall 1271a. For ease of description, the plurality of light cups <NUM> are divided into: the first light cup <NUM>, which is not adjacent to the common sidewall 1271a; the second light cup 127f, which is directly adjacent to the common sidewall 1271a.

On the mounting seat <NUM>, the distance between the two second light cups 127f is farther (compared to the distance between the two first light cups <NUM>, or between the first light cup <NUM> and the second light cup 127f), and a thicker common sidewall 1271a is configured between them. A hollow portion <NUM> is configured inside the common sidewall 1271a. In other embodiments not shown, there can be more second light cups 127f, and correspondingly more common sidewalls 1271a.

More specifically, the above-mentioned common sidewall 1271a can be implemented by one of the following manners:.

Wherein all of the first light cup <NUM>, the second light cup 127f in schemes (<NUM>) and (<NUM>) have the same optical performance, and the first light cup <NUM> and the second light cup 127f also have the same size. The size of the second light cup 127f in scheme (<NUM>) is smaller than that of the first light cup <NUM>, the optical performance of the second light cup 127f is affected, and the optical performance of the first light cup <NUM> is not affected.

In schemes (<NUM>) and (<NUM>), all first light cups <NUM> and second light cups 127f have the same optical performance, and the first light cup <NUM> and the second light cup 127f can also have the same size. In scheme (<NUM>), the size of the second light cup 127f is smaller than that of the first light cup <NUM>, the optical performance of the second light cup 127f is affected, and the optical performance of the first light cup <NUM> is not affected.

In some embodiments as shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> includes at least two separate subparts <NUM>, and at least one subpart <NUM> has at least two light cups <NUM>, the adjacent subpart <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, and the spaced areas constitute at least a part of the hollow portion <NUM>. In some embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is not a slot configured on the mounting seat <NUM>, but is configured by a space between the plurality of separate subparts <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> in <FIG> has three subparts <NUM>, and each subpart <NUM> has two light cups <NUM>. In other embodiments not shown, only one subpart <NUM> having two light cups <NUM>, and the other subparts <NUM> having only one light cup <NUM>. In other embodiments not shown, the number of the light cups <NUM> on each subpart <NUM> exceeding two.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> includes at least two independent subparts <NUM>, and at least one subpart <NUM> has at least two light cups <NUM>. The adjacent subparts <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, and the spaced areas constitute at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>. The difference from the above-mentioned embodiments is that in the embodiments shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> is not a groove configured on the mounting seat <NUM>, but is configured by the spaced areas between multiple independent subparts <NUM>. The mounting seat <NUM> shown in <FIG> has three subparts <NUM>, and each subpart <NUM> has two light cups <NUM>. In other unshown embodiments, only one subpart <NUM> has two light cups <NUM>, and other subparts <NUM> each have only one light cup <NUM>. In other unshown embodiments, the number of light cups <NUM> on each subpart <NUM> exceeds two.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> includes at least two separate subparts <NUM>, with at least one subpart 126a having at least a part of one light cup <NUM> and another entire light cup <NUM>. It is also to be understood that the subpart 126a has a complete the light cup <NUM> and an incomplete light cup <NUM>. The other part of the light cup <NUM> may independently form a subpart <NUM> or may be configured on the other subpart <NUM> with other the light cups <NUM>. Two adjacent subparts <NUM> are spaced apart from each other and the spaced area constitute at least a part of the hollow portion <NUM>. The space between the two parts of the light cup <NUM> also comprises at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, the mounting seat <NUM> includes at least two independent subparts <NUM>, and at least one subpart 126a has at least part of a light cup <NUM> and another light cup <NUM>. It can also be understood that subpart 126a has a complete light cup <NUM> and an incomplete light cup <NUM>. The other part of the light cup <NUM> can independently constitute a subpart <NUM>, or it can be configured on another subpart <NUM> with other light cups <NUM>. The adjacent subparts <NUM> are spaced apart from each other, and the spaced areas constitute at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>. The space between the two parts of the light cup <NUM> also constitutes at least part of the hollow portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the drying apparatus <NUM> further comprises an optical element <NUM> made of a light-equalizing material, which is coupled to the mounting seat <NUM> and covers the emitting area of each of the one or more radiation sources <NUM>. The infrared radiation emitted by each of the one or more radiation sources <NUM> during operation enters the optical element <NUM> from the entrance surface of the optical element <NUM>; and the optical element <NUM> is configured to diffuse the infrared radiation passing through it uniformly, the effect of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total-light field can be reduced except that the infrared radiation is more uniform and dispersed, so that the infrared radiation emitted by each of the one or more radiation source <NUM> is uniformly emitted from the emitting area of the optical element <NUM>, and the energy distribution of the total-light field is relatively uniform.

As shown in <FIG>, in some embodiments, the drying device <NUM> also comprises an optical element <NUM>. The optical element <NUM> is made of a light-diffusing material and is mounted on the mounting seat <NUM> and covers the emitting area of each radiation source <NUM>. When each radiation source <NUM> is in operation, the infrared radiation emitted from the entrance surface of the optical element <NUM> enters the optical element <NUM>, and after being uniformly diffused in the optical element <NUM>, it is emitted from the emitting area of the optical element <NUM> and the drying device <NUM>. In addition to making the infrared radiation more uniform and dispersed, the optical element <NUM> can also reduce the influence of the hollow portion <NUM> on the total light field, so that the infrared radiation emitted from each radiation source <NUM> is uniformly emitted from the emitting area of the optical element <NUM>, and the energy distribution of the total light field is more uniform.

In some embodiments, the light emitted by the radiation source <NUM> has a visible light band, so that the user can observe whether the radiation source <NUM> operates from the emitting area of the optical element <NUM>. In some embodiments as shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> affects the sub-light field of the one or more light cups 127a, which may cause the light emitted from the light cup 127a to be lower in brightness than the other light cups <NUM>, so that the user perceives that there is a brightness difference between the plurality of radiation sources <NUM>. After the optical element <NUM> is added, after the optical element <NUM> is homogenized, the local brightness can be prevented from falling, so that the user is difficult to perceive the influence of the hollow portion <NUM> on the light cup 127a, and the appearance consistency of the drying apparatus <NUM> is ensured.

In some embodiments, the light emitted by the radiation source <NUM> includes a visible light band, so that the user can observe from the emitting area of the optical element <NUM> whether the radiation source <NUM> is operating. In some embodiments shown in <FIG>, the hollow portion <NUM> affects the sub-light field of one or more light cups 127a, which may cause the light emitted from the light cup 127a to be lower in brightness than other light cups <NUM>, so that the user perceives that there is a brightness difference between multiple radiation sources <NUM>. After the optical element <NUM> is added, it can avoid local brightness drop after homogenization, so that the user can hardly perceive the influence of the hollow portion <NUM> on the light cup 127a, ensuring the consistency of the appearance of the drying device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mounting seat (<NUM>) for coupling to a drying apparatus (<NUM>) comprising an airflow channel, wherein the mounting seat (<NUM>) is characterized by further comprising:
a hollow portion (<NUM>) configured to cut off a path of induced eddy currents within the mounting seat (<NUM>),
wherein in any cross-section of the mounting seat (<NUM>) perpendicular to a first axis, the hollow portion (<NUM>) extends from a first edge of the mounting seat (<NUM>) to a second edge of the mounting seat (<NUM>).