Hair dryer

Abstract

A blower for generating an air flow is provided. The blower includes a heater (400) and a curved surface (113A). The blower further comprises a fan unit (200) having an air inlet (210) arranged for drawing air into the fan unit and an air outlet (230) arranged for blowing air. The curved surface is arranged to direct at least some of the air blown from the air outlet back to the air inlet.

Description

Hair dryer Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hair dryer. Background Technology

[0002] Existing hair dryers generally include a housing, an air inlet that allows air to enter the housing, and a fan that moves the air from the air inlet through a heater to an air outlet (where the heated air leaves the housing).

[0003] WO2022157056A1 discloses a hair dryer for generating airflow, the hair dryer comprising a curved shape unit defining an outer surface of the hair dryer, a first portion of the outer surface being angled to a desired airflow direction, and a second portion of the outer surface being aligned with the desired airflow direction; a fan unit located at the first portion of the outer surface, the fan unit having an air inlet and an air outlet arranged to blow air along the first portion of the outer surface; and a heater for heating the user's hair.

[0004] US2021 / 307479A1 discloses a hair dryer including a main airflow path extending from an inlet disposed on a first side of the hair dryer to an outlet port. A water collection member may be located inside the inlet port. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an alternative design for a hair dryer that is more efficient than existing hair dryers. The invention is defined by the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0006] As illustrated in WO2022157056A1, as a result of the Coand effect, ambient pressure causes airflow to follow the shape of the curved shape unit. Therefore, the airflow will be guided from the first part of the outer surface to the second part, entering the desired direction towards the user's hair. The Coand effect can also cause ambient air not output by the fan unit to flow along with the airflow from the fan unit, resulting in a greater impact force in the total airflow than the airflow generated solely by the fan unit. The Coand effect is explained at https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Coand%C4%83_effect.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention also provides a hair dryer for generating airflow, the hair dryer comprising a fan unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged to draw air into the fan unit and the air outlet being arranged to blow air; a heater being arranged to heat the air; and a curved surface curved toward the air inlet, the curved surface being arranged to guide at least some of the air blown from the air outlet back to the air inlet, wherein the curved surface at least partially surrounds the air inlet such that at least a portion of the air inlet is located between the curved portions of the curved surface, each of the curved portions being curved toward the at least a portion of the air inlet so as to guide the air blown from the air outlet toward the at least a portion of the air inlet, respectively.

[0008] This curved surface allows some air to be recirculated back into the fan unit. Because the curved surface at least partially surrounds the air inlet, each curved section of the curved surface guides air blown out of the air outlet toward said at least a portion of the air inlet located between the curved sections, allowing air to be recirculated back into the fan unit from different locations around the air inlet.

[0009] This type of recycling can help reduce energy consumption by reusing heat energy, thus enabling more efficient hair drying.

[0010] For example, a curved surface could be the curved outer surface of a hair dryer.

[0011] In other words, a curved surface can be the curved outer surface of a hair dryer.

[0012] Therefore, the curved outer / external surface can guide at least a portion of the air blown out from the air outlet on the curved outer / external surface back to the air inlet.

[0013] As an alternative or supplement to the curved outer surface of a hair dryer, the curved surface can bend in a convex manner toward the air inlet.

[0014] Therefore, air can be directed toward the air inlet on a convex curved surface (e.g., on the convex curved outer surface of a hair dryer).

[0015] For example, the curved surface can completely surround the air inlet. For example, when viewed from the front of the hair dryer, the curved surface can be circular or elliptical, with the air inlet arranged within the circular or elliptical curved surface.

[0016] In other embodiments, the curved surface only partially surrounds the air inlet, and one or more gaps exist in the curved surface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the curved surface extends continuously between the curved portions. In other embodiments, some curved portions are spaced apart from each other, and the curved surface does not extend between such spaced curved portions, and thus does not connect such spaced curved portions.

[0018] In some embodiments, the curved portion of the curved surface includes opposing curved portions that are opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the air inlet is located between the opposing curved portions, which extend curvedly toward the at least a portion of the air inlet in opposite directions relative to each other. Therefore, air can be recirculated into the fan unit from locations opposite each other across the air inlets.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the curved surface can be arranged radially around the air inlet. Therefore, air can be recirculated into the fan unit from different radial locations around the air inlet.

[0020] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes a curved shape unit defining an outer surface of the hair dryer, an air inlet arranged to draw in air in a direction opposite to the desired airflow direction, and an air outlet arranged to blow air along a first portion of the outer surface.

[0021] It should be noted that, to avoid any ambiguity, the outer surface of a hair dryer refers to the outer surface of the hair dryer (in other words, the outer side surface).

[0022] The direction in which air is drawn into the fan unit through the air inlet can be considered the first direction, while the desired airflow direction can be considered the second direction.

[0023] Implicit in the above arrangement of the outer surface of the curved shape unit is that the first curved outer surface of the first portion is included in the outer surface. The first curved outer surface is arranged such that at least some of the air blown along the first portion is guided around the first curved outer surface and exits the outer surface in a second / desired direction of airflow opposite to the (first) direction in which the air is drawn into the fan unit via the air inlet.

[0024] For example, the first curved outer surface may be curved at least partially around the air inlet of the fan unit, such that the first curved outer surface guides air around the air inlet of the fan unit and enables the air to exit the outer surface in a second / desired airflow direction (opposite to the (first) direction in which the air is drawn into the air inlet).

[0025] Alternatively or additionally, the first portion of the outer surface may be a portion of the outer surface at the back side of the blower, which is away from the air inlet of the fan unit.

[0026] The first curved outer surface may extend curvedly to a point / location on the outer surface, the tangent of which is aligned with the second / desired direction of the airflow.

[0027] It should be noted that the first curved outer surface of the first portion may be curved to the second portion of the outer surface, such that at least some of the air blown along the first portion is guided around the first curved outer surface to the second portion and leaves the outer surface in a second / desired direction of airflow, which is opposite to the (first) direction in which air is drawn into the fan unit via the air inlet.

[0028] For example, the first curved outer surface may extend in a convex manner, such as extending from a first portion of the outer surface to a second portion.

[0029] The first curved outer surface may extend, for example, in a convex manner away from the back side of the hair dryer and curved toward the front side of the hair dryer, with the air inlet of the fan unit, which is drawn into the hair dryer in the first direction, facing that front side.

[0030] It should be noted that the curved surface may be included in an additional part, such as a hair dryer, or an additional part of a curved shape unit, which is provided (and in some embodiments, provided in addition to the first part and in addition to the second part) in addition to the first part.

[0031] In some embodiments, the curved surface bends from the second portion toward the air inlet.

[0032] In such embodiments, the second portion may be defined by the position of the at least portion of the air on the outer surface it reaches before being guided back to the air inlet, the tangent of which is aligned with the second / desired direction of the airflow.

[0033] More generally, it should be noted that the second part of the outer surface can be aligned with the second / desired direction of the airflow.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the first portion of the outer surface may be at an angle to the desired airflow direction.

[0035] As an alternative to the second portion, defined solely by its position on the outer surface (whose tangent aligns with the second / desired direction of the airflow), the second portion could take the form of a tubular section extending from the first curved outer surface away from the first portion. Such a tubular section could help guide air in the second / desired direction of the airflow.

[0036] In such embodiments, the second portion may include (e.g., may at least partially define) one or more orifices for allowing a portion of the air directed to the second portion to return toward the air inlet through the orifices. In other words, the orifices(multiple) may allow air to be recirculated back to the air inlet of the fan unit.

[0037] In such embodiments, the curved surface can be arranged to receive air that has passed through one or more holes.

[0038] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes one or more air guiding elements that protrude beyond the outer surface to guide a secondary airflow displaced by the fan unit, the secondary airflow being spaced apart from the primary airflow guided by the curved surface in a direction away from the air inlet. The air guiding elements (multiple) can help mitigate the problem of hair being blown away from the hair dryer due to the so-called air multiplication effect, which is caused by air being guided around (at least) the curved surface, entraining air around the curved surface. The latter allows hair to be blown away from the drying airflow, which may be loose rather than clumped. By providing a secondary airflow through the air guiding elements (multiple), spaced apart from the primary airflow provided by the curved surface that is not guided by the air guiding elements (multiple), hair can be carried by the secondary airflow closer to the air inlet of the fan unit.

[0039] In addition, once the hair is drawn / pulled into the area defined by the air inlet of the hair dryer, multiple air guiding elements, which can be considered air guide wings, help to provide hot air (heated by the heater) behind the hair. This type of hot air can be drawn in through the hair, which helps to increase the drying speed.

[0040] For example, multiple air guiding elements may include pairs of air guiding elements spaced apart from each other (e.g., opposite), wherein the air inlet of the fan unit is disposed between the pairs of air guiding elements.

[0041] These paired air guide elements can each be arranged on the side of the hair dryer to define a central channel for receiving hair between the paired air guide elements.

[0042] The central channel can extend, for example, parallel to the handle of the hair dryer.

[0043] In this way, the central channel can receive hair in the direction in which the hair naturally falls.

[0044] When oriented for use, the central channel facing the top of the hairdryer and the openings facing the bottom of the hairdryer provide airflow along the scalp.

[0045] By directing air at least partially across the scalp, rather than directing all the hot air towards the scalp (as in the case of a conventional hair dryer), multiple air-guiding elements, such as pairs of air-guiding elements, can make a hair dryer more scalp-friendly.

[0046] In some embodiments, one or more air guide elements are bent inward, for example, convex inward, toward the path taken by air drawn into the air inlet along a first direction. This arrangement of the air guide elements (multiple) can help keep hair near the hair dryer by effectively providing an air curtain extending transversely to the first and second directions of airflow through a secondary airflow, which prevents hair from being blown away from the air inlet of the fan unit.

[0047] In some embodiments, each of such air guiding elements (a plurality of them) may protrude beyond the curved surface to reach an end spaced apart from the air inlet, wherein the curved surface is arranged closer to the air inlet than the respective end.

[0048] In some embodiments, one or more of the air guiding elements are arranged to guide air displaced by the fan unit on the outer surface of the air guiding elements. In such embodiments, the outer surface may have a convex curvature.

[0049] In such embodiments, the Coanda effect can be utilized in terms of the airflow entraining surrounding air on the outer surface. This can help the secondary airflow keep the hair near the hairdryer.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the air guiding elements (multiple) are arranged to guide air displaced by the fan unit on the inner surface of the air guiding elements (multiple). In such embodiments, the inner surface may have a concave curvature.

[0051] In this type of embodiment, the Coanda effect, which entrains ambient air, may not exist, which helps to improve thermal efficiency because less ambient unheated air is drawn into the blower for heating by the heater.

[0052] Regarding the location of the fan unit, the fan unit may be located at a first portion of the outer surface. In some embodiments, the air outlet of the fan unit is arranged inside the blower and is configured to blow air along an internal duct of the blower that extends to the outer surface.

[0053] In some embodiments, the curved shape unit provides a shower head shape for the hair dryer. This type of shower head shape allows the user to intuitively apply the hair dryer to their hair.

[0054] The curved shape unit can have, for example, a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0055] Alternatively or additionally, air inlets can be arranged concentrically within curved-shaped units.

[0056] The first portion of the outer surface may include an opening, wherein the opening is aligned with an air inlet.

[0057] The opening can be located at the center of the first part of the outer surface.

[0058] Alternatively, the opening can be a strip shape located away from the center of the first part of the outer surface.

[0059] The curved shape unit can thus define the inner surface of the internal cavity of the hair dryer, in which the heater is located.

[0060] As an alternative or supplementary option for positioning the heater in the internal cavity, electronic components and / or motors (such as the motor of the fan unit) may be arranged in the internal cavity.

[0061] Hair dryers may include air inlet grilles with inlet openings that allow air to enter the fan unit. These air inlet grilles help prevent objects from coming into contact with moving parts inside the hair dryer, such as the fan blades (multiple) of the fan unit.

[0062] In some embodiments, the air inlet grille has outwardly projecting areas (multiples) and / or inwardly projecting areas (multiples), the outwardly projecting areas protruding outward toward the front side of the hair dryer, for example, the air inlet being drawn in in a second direction is facing that front side, and the inwardly projecting areas being recessed inward relative to the front side of the hair dryer. This type of profile of the air inlet grille helps to allow air to pass through the air inlet when hair is placed above the air inlet grille.

[0063] Alternatively, the air inlet grille can be a flat / planar air inlet grille. The flat hair contact surface of a flat / planar air inlet grille can help straighten / smooth the hair.

[0064] In some embodiments, the inlet opening comprises an arrangement of concentric annular slits. The concentric annular slits may, for example, be defined between separating elements, wherein the separating elements near the periphery of the air inlet grille are more curved toward the curved surface than the separating elements at or near the center of the air inlet grille. This curved separating element design can follow the (main) airflow guided by the curved surface to reduce noise and drag. Furthermore, this design can mean that the direction of airflow is regulated for optimal backflow / recirculation, and that the airflow reaches the hair.

[0065] In some embodiments, a partition element at or near the periphery of the air inlet grille can guide air from a curved surface into a concentric annular slit at or near the periphery of the air inlet grille.

[0066] A heater included in a hair dryer can heat air before it leaves the hair dryer. In some embodiments, the heater includes a heating wire, a coil heating element, a ceramic heater, a light source, or any combination of the aforementioned heaters.

[0067] A key challenge may be installing the heater in a way that minimizes airflow obstruction. For example, the mica supports used to hold the heater may pose a risk of obstructing airflow.

[0068] In some embodiments, the heater includes a coil heating element. A heat-resistant cord may be arranged within the coil heating element, wherein the heat-resistant cord includes an attachment portion, such as a loop, that protrudes through the windings of the coil heating element to reach the exterior of the coil heating element. The attachment portion may be attached to a mounting member, such as a hook, arranged around the coil heating element in a hair dryer.

[0069] This can provide a relatively high-performance, low-weight, and low-cost heater structure in the context of the hair dryer disclosed herein.

[0070] The coil heating element can be mounted around the wall (e.g., around the internal cavity) that defines the internal space of the hair dryer via heat-resistant ropes and mounting components.

[0071] The spacing along the heat-resistant rope between adjacent attachment portions (e.g., rings) can determine the number of coil heating element windings for each segment of the coil heating element, wherein each segment is arranged between adjacent mounting members.

[0072] In some embodiments, the fan unit includes a centrifugal fan. Such centrifugal fans can provide particularly effective / efficient airflow along a first portion of the outer surface.

[0073] In some embodiments, the fan unit includes a flat brushless DC motor. This type of motor has the benefit of reducing noise and allows the hair dryer to be made more compact.

[0074] In some embodiments, the fan unit's motor (e.g., a flat brushless DC motor) is mounted at the back of the fan unit. This provides a relatively space-efficient solution for mounting the fan unit.

[0075] The hair dryer may include a handle attached to a curved unit for the user to hold. The handle facilitates the use of the hair dryer because the user can hold the handle and direct the airflow in a secondary / desired direction to their hair (or direct it to another person's hair if the user is using the hair dryer to dry and / or style another person's hair).

[0076] In some embodiments, the handle may be rotatable relative to the drying unit of the hair dryer, for example, freely rotatable. For example, the handle may be rotatable, for example, freely rotatable relative to the drying unit, which includes a curved-shape unit, a fan unit, and a heater.

[0077] This allows the upper part (including the drying unit) and the lower part (including the handle) of the hair dryer to be passively or actively aligned with the direction of the hair being treated by the hair dryer.

[0078] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes a sensor for sensing the temperature of the airflow at the hair dryer's air outlet and controlling the heater based on the sensed airflow temperature. This type of feedback control helps ensure that the air applied to the hair is properly heated.

[0079] Alternatively or additionally, the hair dryer may include a distance sensor for sensing the distance between the hair dryer and the hair during use, and controlling the heater based on the distance between the hair dryer and the hair. This helps ensure that the air applied to the hair is at the appropriate temperature when it reaches the hair.

[0080] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes a communication unit for communicating with a mobile device. This can help enhance the user experience, for example, by enabling users to control and / or monitor the use of the hair dryer via their mobile devices.

[0081] It should be noted that in addition to drying hair, hair dryers can also be used for hair styling, such as smoothing and / or straightening.

[0082] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes multiple hair styling elements for styling hair, such as multiple detachable hair styling elements.

[0083] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes a hairbrush with bristles for combing hair.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, hair dryers may include topical and / or additive elements for nourishing hair.

[0085] In some embodiments, the hair dryer includes a battery that powers the hair dryer. Such a battery can facilitate the use of the hair dryer, for example by avoiding interference with such use by cables that connect the hair dryer to an external (e.g., mains power) power source.

[0086] Therefore, a hair dryer can be a cordless hair dryer, such as a cordless hair dryer that includes multiple detachable hair styling attachments.

[0087] In some embodiments, the battery may be included (e.g., stored) in the handle of the hair dryer. Including the battery in the handle is advantageous for size and weight reasons. However, this reduces the available space in the handle for housing electronics. Furthermore, high-performance hair dryers often require more control electronics for motor control.

[0088] In some embodiments, the middle portion of the hair dryer (e.g., included in or defined by a curved shape unit) is arranged between the first portion and the second portion, and air is moved by the fan unit along the first portion in a first flow direction, and air is moved by the fan unit along the second portion in a second flow direction different from the first flow direction.

[0089] In such embodiments, the intermediate portion may include at least one partition (e.g., a wall) and one or both of at least one portion (e.g., a motor) of the control electronics and fan unit.

[0090] Such reception of at least one part of the control electronics and / or fan unit in the intermediate section (e.g., within a curved-shape unit) can free up space in the remainder of the hair dryer, for example, to facilitate battery storage in the handle of the hair dryer.

[0091] According to another aspect, a hair dryer for generating airflow is provided, the hair dryer comprising: a heater for heating air; a curved shape unit defining an outer surface of the hair dryer; a fan unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged for drawing air into the fan unit and the air outlet being arranged for blowing air along the outer surface; and one or more air guiding elements protruding beyond the outer surface to guide a secondary airflow displaced by the fan unit, the secondary airflow being spaced apart from the primary airflow guided by the outer surface in a direction away from the air inlet.

[0092] The air guiding elements (multiple) can be any of the embodiments described above with respect to the first aspect. As previously stated, the air guiding elements (multiple) can help mitigate the problem of hair being blown away from the hair dryer due to the so-called air multiplication effect, which is caused by air being guided around (at least) a first curved outer surface, entraining air around the outer surface. The latter allows hair to be blown away from the dry airflow, which may be loose rather than bundled. By providing a secondary airflow through the air guiding elements (multiple), which is spaced apart from the primary airflow provided by the outer surface that is not guided by the air guiding elements (multiple), hair can be brought to the vicinity of the hair dryer by the secondary airflow.

[0093] In addition, once the hair is drawn / pulled into the area defined by the air inlet of the hair dryer, multiple air guiding elements, which can be considered air guide wings, help to provide hot air (heated by the heater) behind the hair. This type of hot air can be drawn in through the hair, which helps to increase the drying speed.

[0094] More generally, the embodiments described herein with respect to the first aspect, such as those relating to curved surfaces, curved shape units, fan units, heaters, and / or handles, are applicable to the second aspect, and vice versa.

[0095] These and other aspects of the invention will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0096] Figure 1A schematically shows a side view of an embodiment of the hair dryer.

[0097] Figure 1B schematically shows a rear view of the hair dryer of Figure 1A.

[0098] Figure 1C schematically shows a front view of a hair dryer according to an example.

[0099] Figure 2 schematically illustrates the airflow path of the hair dryer according to the embodiments of Figures 1A to 1C during use.

[0100] Figure 3A schematically illustrates a hair dryer according to the second example.

[0101] Figure 3B schematically illustrates the airflow path of the hair dryer shown in Figure 3A.

[0102] Figure 3C schematically illustrates a variation of the hair dryer shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0103] Figure 3D schematically illustrates another variation of the hair dryer shown in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0104] Figure 4 provides a schematic side view of the curved shape unit of the hair dryer according to the third example.

[0105] Figure 5 provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the fourth example.

[0106] Figure 6 provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the fifth example.

[0107] Figure 7 provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the sixth example.

[0108] Figure 8 provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the seventh example.

[0109] Figure 9A provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the eighth example.

[0110] Figure 9B schematically shows a front view of the hair dryer in Figure 9A.

[0111] Figure 9C provides a schematic view from below the hair dryer shown in Figure 9A.

[0112] Figure 10A provides a schematic side view of a hair dryer according to the ninth example.

[0113] Figure 10B schematically shows a front view of the hair dryer of Figure 10A.

[0114] Figure 10C provides a schematic view from below the hair dryer shown in Figure 10A.

[0115] Figures 11A to 11C are copies of the views provided in Figures 10A to 10C, respectively, showing hair treated with a hair dryer.

[0116] Figure 12 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of a hair dryer according to the tenth example.

[0117] Figure 13 provides a schematic cross-sectional view of a hair dryer according to Example 11.

[0118] Figure 14 provides a schematic side view of the hair dryer according to the twelfth example.

[0119] Figure 15 provides a schematic side view of a hair dryer according to Example 13.

[0120] Figures 16 to 18 provide schematic views illustrating the air inlet grille of a hair dryer according to another example.

[0121] Figures 19 to 21 provide schematic diagrams showing hair near the air inlet grilles shown in Figures 16 to 18.

[0122] Figure 22 provides an enlarged view of the example shown in Figure 17, which shows the dividing element that defines the annular slit disposed in the air inlet grille.

[0123] Figure 23 schematically depicts the middle section of a hair dryer, according to an example, containing control electronics.

[0124] Figure 24 shows a heater according to an example.

[0125] Figure 25 schematically depicts the installation of the heater shown in Figure 24 in a hair dryer.

[0126] Figure 26 shows the heat-resistant rope and mounting components for mounting the coil heating element of the heaters shown in Figures 24 and 25, but the coil heating element itself is omitted from Figure 26.

[0127] Figure 27 shows the heat-resistant rope and mounting components shown in Figure 26, as well as the coil heating element. Detailed Implementation

[0128] A hair dryer for generating airflow is provided. The hair dryer includes a heater for heating air and a curved surface. The hair dryer also includes a fan unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged to draw air into the fan unit and the air outlet being arranged to blow air out. The curved surface is arranged to guide at least a portion of the air blown from the air outlet back to the air inlet.

[0129] A hair dryer for generating airflow is also provided. The hair dryer includes a heater for heating air, and a curved shape unit defining an outer surface of the hair dryer. The hair dryer also includes a fan unit having an air inlet and an air outlet, the air inlet being arranged to draw air into the fan unit, and the air outlet being arranged to blow air along the outer surface.

[0130] Figures 1A and 1B show a side view and a rear view of an embodiment of the hair dryer, respectively. It should be understood that the figures are rough sketches drawn only to illustrate the principles of this disclosure.

[0131] The hair dryer includes a curved shape unit that defines an outer surface 100 of the hair dryer. In this example, a first portion 111 of the outer surface is angled to the desired airflow direction AF, and a second portion 112 of the outer surface is aligned with the desired airflow direction AF. A fan unit 200 mounted on the first portion 111 of the outer surface is shown in Figure 1A.

[0132] The curved shape unit 100 may also define an inner surface 120 on the opposite side of the outer surface. The inner surface 120 forms the internal cavity 130 of the hair dryer.

[0133] The fan unit 200 has an air inlet 210 (in this example, the air inlet has an air inlet grille) and an air outlet 230 (in this example, the air outlet has an air outlet grille). The air inlet is arranged to draw in air in a direction FD opposite to the desired airflow direction AF.

[0134] The first portion 111 of the outer surface may have an opening 140. The opening 140 may be positioned at the center of the first portion 111 of the outer surface, as shown in FIG1A. The opening may be of any shape, such as a circular shape, a square shape, etc.

[0135] Advantageously, the opening 140 can be aligned with the air inlet 210. The term "aligned" herein means that, viewed from the front or rear view, the opening 140 and the air inlet 210 have at least partially overlapping areas. Preferably, the opening 140 and the air inlet 210 have the same shape and completely overlap when viewed from the front or rear view; that is, the air inlet 210 and the opening 140 coincide at a first portion 111 on the outer surface. Alternatively, the fan unit 200 can partially protrude inward through the opening 140 into the internal cavity 130, such that the air inlet 210 is located within the internal cavity 130.

[0136] The fan unit 200 can therefore draw in air from the side of the internal cavity 130 through the air inlet 210. The fan unit 200 then blows air out from the air outlet 230 along the first portion 111 of the outer surface, and further, as a result of the Coanda effect, the ambient pressure causes the airflow to follow the shape of the curved shape unit 100. Thus, the airflow can be guided from the first portion 111 of the outer surface to the second portion 112 of the outer surface, entering a desired direction AF toward the user's hair. The arrows in Figure 1A illustrate the direction of the intake and exhaust airflow.

[0137] As shown in Figure 1A, a first curved outer surface 111A of the first portion 111 may be included in the outer surface. The first curved outer surface 111A may be arranged such that at least some of the air blown along the first portion 111 is guided around the first curved outer surface 111A and exits the outer surface in a desired airflow direction AF opposite to the (first) direction FD in which the air is drawn into the fan unit 200 via the air inlet 210.

[0138] For example, the first curved outer surface 111A may be curved to the second portion 112 of the outer surface, such that at least some of the air blown along the first portion 111 is guided around the first curved outer surface 111A to the second portion 112, and leaves the outer surface in a desired airflow direction AF opposite to the (first) direction FD in which the air is drawn into the fan unit 200 via the air inlet 210.

[0139] As also shown in Figure 1A, the first curved outer surface 111A of the first portion 111 can be curved at least partially around the air inlet 210, such that the first curved outer surface 111A guides air around the air inlet 210 and allows the air to leave the outer surface in the desired airflow direction AF (opposite to the (first) direction FD in which air is drawn into the air inlet 210).

[0140] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG1A, the first portion 111 of the outer surface may be a portion of the outer surface located at the back side BS of the blower, which is away from the air inlet 210 of the fan unit 200.

[0141] The first curved outer surface 111A of the first part 111 can be curved in a convex manner to the second part 112 of the outer surface, in other words, convexly away from the back side BS of the hair dryer and towards the front side FS of the hair dryer, for example, air is drawn in in the first direction FD and the air inlet 210 is towards the front side FS.

[0142] More generally, and still referring to Figure 1A, the hair dryer includes a curved surface 113A that bends toward the air inlet 210 to guide at least some of the air blown from the air outlet 230 back to the air inlet 210. For example, the curved surface 113A may guide a portion of the air directed to the second section 112 back to the air inlet 210. This type of recirculation can help reduce energy consumption through the reuse of heat energy, thereby enabling more efficient hair drying.

[0143] It should be noted that the curved surface 113A may be included in, for example, an additional portion 113 of a hair dryer, such as an additional portion 113 of a curved shape unit 100, which is provided in addition to the first portion 111 (and in some embodiments, in addition to the first portion 111 and the second portion 112).

[0144] In some embodiments, such as as shown in FIG1A, the second portion 112 is in the form of a tubular portion extending away from the first curved outer surface 111A of the first portion 111. Such a tubular portion can help guide air in the desired airflow direction AF.

[0145] In such embodiments, and now referring to FIG1C, the second portion 112 may include (e.g., may at least partially define) one or more orifices 114 for allowing a portion of the air directed to the second portion 112 to return toward the air inlet 210 through the one or more orifices 114. In other words, the orifices(multiple) 114 may allow air to be recirculated back to the air inlet 210 of the fan unit 200.

[0146] Referring to Figures 1A and 1C, the curved surface 113A can be arranged to receive air that has passed through one or more holes 114.

[0147] More generally, still referring to Figures 1A to 1C, the handle 300 can be attached to the curved shape unit 100 for the user to hold.

[0148] As also shown in FIG. 1A, the heater 400 included in the hair dryer can heat the air before it leaves the hair dryer. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 1A, the heater 400 is arranged upstream of the air inlet 210 such that the air is heated before entering the fan unit 200 via the air inlet 210. In other embodiments, the heater 400 is arranged downstream of the air outlet 230 such that the air is heated after leaving the fan unit 200 via the air outlet 230.

[0149] The heater 400 can be positioned, for example, within the internal cavity 130. A heater 400 in this position may be safer than, for example, being wound around the outer surface of the curved-shape unit 100.

[0150] In some embodiments, such as as shown in FIG1A, the heater 400 includes a heating wire 401 wound on a bracket 402. Preferably, the bracket 402 is mounted in the internal cavity 130 adjacent to and coaxial with the opening 140. As a result, air can be heated before being drawn into the fan unit 200. Alternatively, the heater 400 can be another type of heater 400, such as a ceramic heater, a PTC heater, a light source, or a combination of different types of heaters 400.

[0151] In some embodiments, the handle 300 may be rotatable relative to the drying unit of the hair dryer, for example, freely rotatable. For example, the handle may be rotatable, for example, freely rotatable relative to the drying unit, which includes the curved shape unit 100, the fan unit 200, and the heater 400.

[0152] This allows the upper part (including the drying unit) and the lower part (including the handle) of the hair dryer to be passively or actively aligned with the direction of the hair being treated by the hair dryer.

[0153] Figure 2 illustrates a hair dryer in use according to an embodiment. The arrows in Figure 2 indicate the airflow path, including the directions of the airflow being drawn in and blown out. The internal cavity 130 of the curved-shape unit 100 faces the user's hair during use, and the fan unit 200 draws in air from the side of the internal cavity 130, i.e., from the side of the user's hair. The air may be heated by the heater 400 before entering the fan unit 200, and then the fan unit 200 blows the hot air along a first portion 111 of the outer surface to a second portion 112 of the outer surface and towards the user's hair. In other words, during use, the desired airflow direction AF of the hair dryer is towards the user's hair, and the opposite direction FD is away from the user's hair.

[0154] The advantage of this embodiment is that the user's hair will not fly because the force of the hot airflow blowing toward the hair is balanced by the force of the air being drawn into the fan unit 200.

[0155] As can be seen from Figure 2, at least a portion of the hot air blown toward the hair from the second portion 112 of the outer surface can be recirculated back to the fan unit 200 through the air inlet 210. Therefore, another advantage of this embodiment is that faster and more efficient drying can be achieved. This recirculation can be achieved by including a curved surface 113A, which is curved toward the air inlet 210 so that a portion of the air directed to the second portion 112 is guided back toward the air inlet 210.

[0156] As previously described, this portion of air can reach the curved surface 113A via holes (a plurality of holes) 114 in the tubular portion, which defines a second portion 112 of the outer surface.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the airflow may not escape completely as in a conventional hair dryer, and the device can be placed close to the hair and scalp to allow for even more effective drying.

[0158] In some embodiments, referring now to Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4, the second portion 112 is defined by a location on the outer surface where a portion of the air (which has been guided to the second portion 112 on the first curved outer surface 111A) reaches before being guided back to the air inlet 210, and the tangent 115 of that location (see Figure 4) is aligned with the desired airflow direction AF.

[0159] More generally, and referring to Figures 1A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4, it is clear that the curved surface 113A at least partially surrounds the air inlet 210, such that at least a portion of the air inlet 210 lies between the curved portions CP1 and CP2 of the curved surface 113A. The curved portions CP1 and CP2 are each curved toward said at least a portion of the air inlet 210 so as to guide air blown from the air outlet 230 toward said at least a portion of the air inlet 210, respectively.

[0160] Because the curved sections CP1 and CP2 are arranged at different locations around the air inlet 210, and each guides air blowing from the air outlet 230 toward at least a portion of the air inlet 210 located between the curved sections CP1 and CP2, air can be recirculated from different locations around the air inlet 210 back into the fan unit 200. This recirculation helps reduce energy consumption through the reuse of heat energy, thereby enabling more efficient hair drying.

[0161] In some embodiments, still referring to Figures 1A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4, the curved portions CP1 and CP2 of the curved surface 113A include opposing curved portions CP1 and CP2 that are opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the air inlet 210 is located between the opposing curved portions CP1 and CP2, which extend curvedly toward the at least a portion of the air inlet 210 in opposite directions relative to each other. Therefore, air can be recirculated into the fan unit 200 from positions opposite to each other across the air inlet 210.

[0162] Alternatively or additionally, the curved surface 113A may be arranged radially around the air inlet 210. Therefore, air can be recirculated into the fan unit 200 from different radial locations around the air inlet 210.

[0163] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the curved surface 113A completely surrounds the air inlet 210. For example, when viewed from the front side FS of the blower, the curved surface 113A may be circular or elliptical, and the air inlet 210 is arranged within the circular or elliptical curved surface 113A.

[0164] In other embodiments, such as as shown in FIG3C, the curved surface 113A only partially surrounds the air inlet 210, for example, one or more gaps GP exist in the curved surface 113A.

[0165] In some embodiments, the curved surface 113A extends continuously between the curved portions CP1, CP2. In other embodiments, such as those shown in FIG3D, some curved portions CP1, CP2 are spaced apart from each other, and the curved surface 113A does not extend between these spaced curved portions CP1, CP2.

[0166] Figure 4 schematically depicts the location on the first curved outer surface 111A (see arrow 116A) to the outer surface defining the second portion 112, and a portion of the air is guided back to the air inlet 210 on the curved surface 113A (see arrow 116B). It should be understood that in this embodiment, the first curved outer surface 111A extends to the curved surface 113A at the location defined by the second portion 112. In this embodiment, there is no physical second portion 112; the term "second portion" is used only to define the location.

[0167] In some embodiments, and continuing to refer to FIG4, the curved surface 113A extends inward from the first curved outer surface 111A of the first portion 111, such that the outer surface extends curved toward the air inlet 210 with a continuous curvature.

[0168] Arrow 116C in Figure 4 represents the total airflow around the outer surface via the continuous curvature provided by the first curved outer surface 111A and the curved surface 113A (excluding the airflow leaving the outer surface along the desired airflow direction AF).

[0169] More generally, referring to the embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 4, it should be noted that the second portion 112 of the outer surface can be aligned with the second / desired direction of the airflow AF.

[0170] Air directed around the first curved outer surface 111A to the second portion 112 can be considered as reaching a point / location on the outer surface, the tangent 115 of which is aligned with the desired airflow direction AF, and downstream of this point / location, air is directed along the tubular portion and / or along the curved surface 113A.

[0171] Similar to the embodiments of Figures 1A and 1B, when in use, the fan unit 200 of the hair dryer shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4 can draw in air from the user's hair side, and the air can be heated by the heater 400 before entering the fan unit 200. The fan unit 200 then blows the hot air along a first portion 111 of the outer surface to a second portion 112 of the outer surface and towards the user's hair. The arrows in Figure 3B indicate the direction of the airflow being drawn in and blown out. An opening 140 located near the second portion 112 of the outer surface allows the fan unit 200 to easily recirculate the hot air blown along the second portion 112.

[0172] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG4, an internal air duct 117 is arranged in an air outlet 230 to guide air leaving the fan unit 200 to the outer surface, or at least toward the outer surface.

[0173] Figures 5 through 8 schematically illustrate variations of the designs shown in Figures 3A, 3B, and 4. The embodiment shown in Figure 5 differs from that shown in Figure 4 in that the air outlet 230 is positioned further forward, in other words, closer to the front side FS of the blower.

[0174] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the airflow needs to travel around the entire outer surface, while in the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the airflow needs to travel around a smaller portion of the outer surface.

[0175] Figures 6, 7 and 8 schematically illustrate an example in which the first curved outer surface 111A terminates before line A (shown in Figure 4), no second portion 112 is included in the outer surface, and no curved surface 113A extends inwardly curved toward the air inlet 210.

[0176] In some embodiments, referring now to Figures 9A to 9C and 10A to 10C, the hair dryer includes one or more air guiding elements 118 that protrude beyond the outer surface and / or curved surface 113A to guide secondary airflows FP2, FP3 displaced by the fan unit 200, which are spaced apart from the primary airflow FP1 guided by the outer surface and / or curved surface 113A in a direction away from the air inlet 210.

[0177] As best shown in Figures 9B and 9C, such guide elements (multiples) 118 may include multiple air guide elements 118 arranged around the air inlet 210.

[0178] For example, still referring to Figures 9B and 9C, a plurality of air guide elements 118 may include pairs of air guide elements 118 spaced apart from each other (e.g., opposite each other), wherein the air inlet 210 of the fan unit 200 is disposed between the pairs of air guide elements 118.

[0179] These paired air guiding elements 118 can each be arranged on the side of the hair dryer to define a central channel for receiving hair. The central channel can extend parallel to the handle 300 of the hair dryer (refer again to Figures 1A to 1C). In this way, the central channel can receive hair along the direction in which the hair naturally falls.

[0180] When oriented for use, the openings in the center channel toward the top of the hairdryer and toward the bottom of the hairdryer can be relatively large to provide airflow along the scalp.

[0181] By directing air at least partially across the scalp, rather than directing all the hot air to the scalp (as in the case of a conventional hair dryer), air guiding elements (multiple) 118, such as a pair of air guiding elements 118, can make the hair dryer more scalp-friendly.

[0182] Air guiding elements (multiples) 118 can help mitigate the problem of hair being blown away from the hair dryer due to the so-called air multiplication effect, which is caused by air being guided around (at least) a first curved outer surface 111A, entraining air around the outer surface. This allows hair to be blown away from the dry airflow, which may be loose rather than tufted. Referring to Figures 11A to 11C, a secondary airflow FP3 is provided by the air guiding elements (multiples) 118, which is spaced apart from the main airflow FP1 on the outer surface that is not guided by the air guiding elements (multiples) 118 in a direction away from the air inlet 210. Hair HA can be held near the hair dryer by the secondary airflow FP3.

[0183] Furthermore, once the hair HA is drawn / pulled onto the area of ​​the defined air inlet 210 of the hair dryer, the air guiding elements (multiple) 118, which can be considered as air guiding wings, can help provide hot air (heated by the heater 400) behind the hair HA. This type of hot air can be drawn through the hair, which helps to increase the drying speed.

[0184] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 9A-9C and 10A-10C, one or more air guiding elements 118 are bent inward, for example, inwardly and convexly, toward the path taken by the air drawn into the air inlet 210 along the first direction FD. This arrangement of the air guiding elements (multiples) 118 can help to effectively provide an air curtain extending transversely to the first direction FD and the desired airflow direction AF through secondary airflows FP2, FP3 to keep hair near the hair dryer, preventing the hair from being blown away from the air inlet 210.

[0185] In some embodiments, each of the air guiding elements (a plurality of) 118 may protrude beyond the outer surface and / or curved surface 113A to reach an end 119 spaced apart from the air inlet 210, wherein the curved surface 113A is closer to the air inlet 210 than the corresponding end 119.

[0186] In some embodiments, and referring to FIG9C, one or more of the air guiding elements(plural) 118 are arranged to guide air displaced by the fan unit 200 on the outer surface 118A of the air guiding elements(plural) 118. In such embodiments, the outer surface 118A may have a convex curvature.

[0187] In this type of embodiment, the Coanda effect can be utilized in terms of the airflow entraining surrounding air on the outer surface 118A. This can help the secondary airflow FP2 keep the hair HA near the hair dryer.

[0188] In other embodiments, and referring to Figures 10C and 11C, one or more of the air guiding elements (a plurality of) 118 are arranged to guide air displaced by the fan unit 200 on the inner surface 118B of the air guiding elements (a plurality of) 118. In such embodiments, the inner surface 118B may have a concave curvature.

[0189] In this type of embodiment, the Coanda effect, which entrains ambient air, may not exist, which helps to improve thermal efficiency because less ambient unheated air is drawn into the blower for heating by the heater 400.

[0190] It should be noted that, in this respect, the hair dryer can have any suitable shape. In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4, the curved shape unit 100 provides a shower head shape for the hair dryer. This type of shower head shape allows the user to intuitively apply the hair dryer to their hair.

[0191] The curved shape unit 100 may have, for example, a circular shape or an elliptical shape.

[0192] The cross-section of the curved shape element 100 perpendicular to the first direction FD can have a circular shape (a disk shape without a hollow center, as shown in Figure 12), an annular shape (a donut shape, for example, with a hollow center, as shown in Figure 13), or a polygonal shape (e.g., a rectangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc.). It should be noted that the line CS in each of Figures 12 and 13 is a cross-sectional line.

[0193] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 12 and 13, the curved shape unit 100 is arranged to first guide the airflow to the desired airflow direction AF, and then continuously guide the airflow to the air inlet 210.

[0194] Alternatively or additionally, and still referring to Figures 12 and 13, the fan unit 200 may be arranged inside the curved-shape unit 100, for example, the entire unit (including the motor 220).

[0195] It should be noted that the air inlet 210 can be arranged concentrically within the curved shape unit 100.

[0196] Regarding the positioning of the fan unit 200, the fan unit 200 may be located at the first portion 111 of the outer surface. In some embodiments, such as as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the air outlet 230 of the fan unit 200 is arranged inside the blower and is arranged to blow air along the internal duct of the blower, which extends to the outer surface.

[0197] This disclosure also envisions examples in which no outer surface is arranged to guide airflow such that the airflow exits the outer surface in a desired airflow direction AF, opposite to the (first) direction FD in which air is drawn into the fan unit 200 via the air inlet 210. In this regard, Figures 14 and 15 schematically depict a hair dryer that does not have the fan unit 200 and an outer surface arranged in this manner, but instead includes a curved surface 113A extending inwardly toward the air inlet 210. Thus, air is guided back to the air inlet 210 on the curved surface 113A (see arrow 116B).

[0198] Referring to Figures 16 to 22, it should be noted that the inlet openings of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C allow air to enter the fan unit 200 via the air inlet 210.

[0199] The size of the inlet opening can be, for example, the size specified in IEC 61032, to prevent the user's fingers from passing through the inlet opening and touching the moving parts (multiple) of the hair dryer.

[0200] Air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C can also be arranged to optimize the aforementioned air recirculation and / or prevent hair from clogging the air inlet 210, and allow the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C to be as close as possible to the hair HA so that it can be dried / styled quickly and properly. Air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C can also be sources of resistance (and therefore a cause of lower efficiency) and increased noise.

[0201] Therefore, air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C can be key components in hair dryer design.

[0202] Consider the external curvature or shape of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C and / or the inlet shape / pattern of the inlet opening for airflow.

[0203] The external curvature or shape can be related to the positioning of the hair HA and reducing the risk of air inlet 210 blockage. In this respect, if the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C are blocked, the air outlet 230 may not be able to expel enough air to push the hair HA aside. Subsequently, if the heater 400 is not controlled, it may overheat, and the hair dryer may malfunction.

[0204] Therefore, air outlet 230 can be configured to deliver sufficient airflow to push the hair HA away, and air inlet 210 can be configured to draw in sufficient air to pull the hair HA toward air inlet 210, but without providing a suction force greater than the blowing force. In other words, once the hair HA is pushed onto the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C, the force F1 acting on the hair HA from air outlet 230 may need to be greater than the force F2 acting on the hair HA (wet or dry hair) due to the lower pressure provided at air inlet 210.

[0205] Figures 8, 16 and 21 schematically depict an outwardly curved air inlet grille 211A, the curvature of which causes the central region of the air inlet grille 211A to protrude relative to the peripheral region of the air inlet grille 211A toward the front side FS of the blower (to which the air intake 210 is directed).

[0206] Figures 6, 17, and 19 schematically depict a planar, in other words, flat air inlet grille 211B. The flat hair contact surface of the flat / planar air inlet grille 211B can help straighten / smooth hair HA.

[0207] Figures 7, 18 and 20 schematically depict an inwardly curved air inlet grille 211C, the curvature of which causes the central region of the air inlet grille 211C to be recessed relative to the peripheral region of the air inlet grille 211C away from the front side FS of the blower.

[0208] Compared to the planar air inlet grille 211B (see Figure 19), the inwardly curved air inlet grille 211C (see Figure 20) and the outwardly curved air inlet grille 211A (see Figure 21) help minimize the risk of hair HA blocking the air inlet 210.

[0209] The outwardly curved shape of the air inlet grille 211A can mean that a hair HA can only contact the air inlet grille 211A within a limited area, preferably in the area of ​​lowest airflow, such as in the central area of ​​the air inlet grille 211A.

[0210] In the case of an inwardly curved air inlet grille 211C, hair HA is most likely to come into contact with the outer area of ​​the air inlet grille 211C, so the central area of ​​the air inlet grille 211C can remain open for air to pass through.

[0211] In embodiments where the air outlet 230 is annular (e.g., circular), an outwardly curved air inlet grille 211A or an inwardly curved air inlet grille 211C may be preferred for air recirculation back into the air inlet 210.

[0212] More generally, the air inlet grilles 211A, 211C may have outwardly protruding areas (multiples) that protrude outward toward the front side FS of the blower (to which the air intake 210 is directed), and / or inwardly protruding areas (multiples) that are recessed inward relative to the front side FS of the blower.

[0213] The contours of the air inlet grilles 211A and 211C help allow air to pass through the air inlet 210 when the hair HA is placed above the air inlet grilles 211A and 211C.

[0214] The inlet shape / pattern of the inlet openings in the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, and 211C is related to air resistance, and therefore to efficiency and noise. This inlet shape / pattern can be selected to create the desired overall airflow, allowing air to reach the hair HA further before being recirculated back to the air inlet 210. A recirculation hair dryer (where air is recirculated back to the air inlet 210) can be designed to direct air away from the hair dryer to dry the hair HA, but also to collect air back to the air inlet 210 for heat reuse.

[0215] In some embodiments, such as those shown in Figures 16 to 22, the inlet opening may include an arrangement of concentric annular slits.

[0216] In some embodiments, such as as best shown in FIG22, concentric annular slits may be defined between the partition elements 212, wherein the partition elements 212 near the periphery of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C are more curved toward the curved shape unit 100 and / or the curved surface 113A than the partition elements 212 at or near the center of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C.

[0217] This curved separator element 212 design can follow the (main) airflow FP1 pattern and be aligned with the air vector to reduce noise and drag. Furthermore, this design can mean that the airflow direction is regulated to achieve optimal backflow / recirculation and arrival towards the hair HA. Figure 22 schematically illustrates how the separator element 212 enables airflow optimization to allow backflow to occur with less or no loss, and to allow more airflow to leave the hair dryer and return to the air inlet 210.

[0218] In some embodiments, and still referring to FIG22, the partition element 212 at or near the periphery of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C can guide air from the curved surface 113A to the concentric annular slit at or near the periphery of the air inlet grilles 211A, 211B, 211C.

[0219] In some embodiments, the opening 140 is strip-shaped and positioned away from the center of the first portion 111 of the outer surface. For example, the opening 140 is an annular strip-shaped opening 140 and is located near the second portion 112 of the outer surface, as shown in FIG3A. Having a strip-shaped opening 140 allows for airflow at relatively high pressure.

[0220] More generally, the fan unit 200 can have any suitable design. In some embodiments, the fan unit 200 is a centrifugal fan. The fan unit includes a motor 220. The motor 220 of the fan unit 200 can be positioned at the rear of the fan unit 200, as shown in FIG1A. Alternatively, the motor 220 can be positioned at the front of the fan unit 200, or at the center of the fan unit 200, or at any other suitable location, as long as it can draw in air through the air inlet 210 and blow air through the air outlet 230. It should be understood that, in the context of this disclosure, the term “front” means the side facing the user or closer to the user than “back”. In the embodiment shown in FIG1A, the back of the fan unit 200 is on the right-hand side, while the front of the fan unit 200 is on the left-hand side.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the hair dryer includes a sensor (not shown) for sensing the temperature of the airflow at the air outlet 230 of the hair dryer. The temperature sensor may be an infrared temperature sensor or any other type of temperature sensor known in the art. As described above, the hair dryer according to this disclosure can recirculate hot air, therefore, the hair dryer requires less power. Utilizing the temperature sensor, it allows the heater 400 to be controlled based on the sensed airflow temperature.

[0222] During use, the distance between the hair dryer and the hair HA affects the amount of recirculated airflow; for example, more hot air can escape when the hair dryer is in contact with the hair HA. According to one embodiment, the hair dryer may include a distance sensor (not shown) for sensing the distance between the hair dryer and the hair during use. The distance sensor can be of any type known in the art, such as an infrared distance sensor, a laser-based distance sensor, an ultrasonic distance sensor, a camera-based distance sensor, etc. Therefore, the heater 400 can be controlled based on the distance between the hair dryer and the hair during use.

[0223] Optionally, the hair dryer includes a communication unit (not shown) for communicating with a mobile device, so that sensing signals can be sent from the hair dryer to the mobile device, and control signals can be sent from the mobile device to the hair dryer.

[0224] Optionally, less power may be required due to the recirculated hot air, and the hair dryer may consist only of a battery (not shown) that powers the hair dryer. The battery may be a replaceable or rechargeable battery. In other words, a recirculation hair dryer (in which air is recirculated back into the air inlet 210 of the fan unit 200 to enable the reuse of heat energy) may be battery powered.

[0225] In some embodiments, a battery, such as a replaceable or rechargeable battery, may be included in the handle 300.

[0226] Including the battery in the handle 300 can be advantageous for size and weight reasons. However, this would reduce the available space in the handle 300 for housing electronics. Furthermore, high-performance hair dryers often require more control electronics for motor control.

[0227] Therefore, in some embodiments, and referring to FIG23, the middle portion of the hair dryer (e.g., included in or defined by the curved shape unit 100) is arranged between the first portion and the second portion, with air being moved by the fan unit 200 along the first portion in a first flow direction 600, and air being moved by the fan unit 200 along the second portion in a second flow direction 601 different from the first flow direction 600.

[0228] In such embodiments, the intermediate portion may include at least one or both of the partitions 602, 603 (e.g., walls) and at least one portion of the control electronics 604 and the fan unit 200 (e.g., motor 220). This kind of reception of at least one portion of the control electronics 604 and / or the fan unit 200 in the intermediate portion (e.g., within the curved shape unit 100) can free up space in the remainder of the hair dryer, for example, to facilitate battery storage in the handle 300 of the hair dryer.

[0229] In some embodiments, and still referring to FIG23, control electronics 604, motor 220 and / or heater 400 may be arranged in the internal cavity 630 of the hair dryer.

[0230] Regarding heater 400, a key challenge may be installing heater 400 to minimize airflow obstruction. For example, the mica bracket 402 used to support heater 400 (e.g., its heating wire 401) may pose a risk of obstructing airflow.

[0231] In some embodiments, and now referring to Figures 24 through 27, the heater 400 includes a coil heating element 410. A heat-resistant cord 411 may be arranged within the coil heating element 410, wherein the heat-resistant cord 411 includes an attachment portion 412, such as a loop, which protrudes through the winding of the coil heating element 410 to reach the exterior of the coil heating element 410. The attachment portion 412 may be attached to a mounting member 413, such as a hook, arranged around the coil heating element 410 in a hair dryer.

[0232] This can provide a relatively high-performance, low-weight, and low-cost heater 400 structure in the context of the hair dryer disclosed herein.

[0233] The coil heating element 410 can be mounted around the wall defining the internal space of the blower (e.g., around the internal cavity 130) via a heat-resistant rope 411 and mounting member 413.

[0234] The spacing between adjacent attachment portions 412 (e.g., rings) along the heat-resistant rope 411 determines the number of windings of each segment of the coil heating element 410, each segment being arranged between adjacent mounting members 413.

[0235] In some embodiments, and referring to FIG25, the heat-resistant rope 411 is arranged within the coil heating element 410 by being fed through the center of the coil heating element 410 (see step 414 in FIG25). The heat-resistant rope 411 may be tied together, for example by connecting the free ends 415, 416 of the heat-resistant rope 411 to each other (see step 417 in FIG25).

[0236] Once the heat-resistant rope 411 is bound together in a defined circle, the heat-resistant rope 411, together with the coil heating element 410, can be attached to the mounting member 413 (e.g., hook) via the attachment portion 412 (e.g., loop) for installation.

[0237] This allows the coil heating element 410 to be pulled out at a defined pitch. In this way, the need for an internal or relatively large external mica support 402 can be eliminated.

[0238] Figure 26 schematically depicts the span of the heat-resistant rope 411 (coil heating element 410 not shown), such that the attachment portion 412 (e.g., a loop) is attached to the mounting member 413 (e.g., a hook). Figure 27 shows the heat-resistant rope 411 thus spanned together with the coil heating element 410.

[0239] The following embodiments are also disclosed:

[0240] Example 1. A hair dryer for generating airflow, the hair dryer comprising:

[0241] A curved shape unit (100) defines the outer surface of the hair dryer, a first portion (111) of the outer surface is angled to the desired airflow direction (AF), and a second portion (112) of the outer surface is aligned with the desired airflow direction (AF);

[0242] A fan unit (200) located at a first portion (111) of the outer surface, the fan unit having an air inlet (210) and an air outlet (230), the air inlet being arranged to draw in air in a direction opposite to the desired airflow direction (AF), and the air outlet being arranged to blow air along the first portion (111) of the outer surface; and

[0243] A heater used to heat air.

[0244] Example 2. A hair dryer according to Example 1, wherein a first portion of the outer surface includes an opening (140), and the opening is positioned aligned with an air inlet.

[0245] Example 3. A hair dryer according to Example 2, wherein the opening (140) is located at the center of the first part (111) of the outer surface.

[0246] Example 4. A hair dryer according to Example 2, wherein the opening (140) is a strip shape of the center of the first part (111) away from the outer surface.

[0247] Example 5. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein a curved shape unit (100) defines an inner surface (120) that forms an internal cavity (130) of the hair dryer, and the heater is positioned in the internal cavity.

[0248] Example 6. A hair dryer according to Example 5, wherein the heater includes at least one of the following: a heating wire, a ceramic heater, and a light source.

[0249] Example 7. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the fan unit includes a centrifugal fan.

[0250] Example 8. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the motor (220) of the fan unit (200) is mounted on the back of the fan unit.

[0251] Example 9. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the fan unit includes a flat brushless DC motor.

[0252] Example 10. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the hair dryer includes a handle (300) connected to a curved shape unit (100).

[0253] Example 11. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the hair dryer includes a sensor for sensing the airflow temperature at the air outlet of the hair dryer, and controls the heater based on the sensed airflow temperature.

[0254] Example 12. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the hair dryer includes a distance sensor for sensing the distance between the hair dryer and the hair during use, and controlling the heater based on the distance between the hair dryer and the hair.

[0255] Example 13. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the hair dryer includes a communication unit for communicating with a mobile device.

[0256] Example 14. A hair dryer according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the hair dryer includes a battery that powers the hair dryer.

[0257] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative and not limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference numerals in parentheses within the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. In an apparatus claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The recitation of certain measures in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

Claims

1. A hair dryer for generating an airflow, the hair dryer comprising: A fan unit (200) having an air inlet (210) and an air outlet (230), the air inlet being arranged to draw air into the fan unit (200) and the air outlet being arranged to blow air out; a heater (400) arranged to heat the air; and a curved surface (113A) curved toward the air inlet (210), the curved surface (113A) being arranged to guide at least some of the air blown from the air outlet (230) back to the air inlet (210), wherein the curved surface (113A) at least partially surrounds the air inlet (210) such that at least a portion of the air inlet (210) lies between curved portions (CP1, CP2) of the curved surface (113A), each of the curved portions (CP1, CP2) being curved toward the at least portion of the air inlet (210) to guide the air blown from the air outlet (230) toward the at least portion of the air inlet (210), respectively.

2. The hair dryer according to claim 1, wherein the curved portions (CP1, CP2) of the curved surface (113A) include opposing curved portions that are opposite to each other, wherein at least a portion of the air inlet is located between the opposing curved portions, and wherein the opposing curved portions extend curvedly toward the at least a portion of the air inlet (210) relative to each other in opposite directions.

3. The hair dryer according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the curved surface (113A) is arranged radially around the air inlet (210).

4. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a curved shape unit (100) defining an outer surface of the hair dryer, wherein the air inlet (210) is arranged to draw air into the fan unit (200) in a first direction (FD), and the air outlet (230) is arranged to blow air along a first portion (111) of the outer surface, wherein the outer surface includes a first curved outer surface (111A) of the first portion (111), the first curved outer surface (111A) being arranged such that at least some of the air blown along the first portion (111) is guided around the first curved outer surface (111A) and exits the outer surface in a second airflow direction (AF) opposite to the first direction (FD).

5. The hair dryer according to claim 4, wherein the fan unit (200) is located at the first portion (111) of the outer surface, and / or wherein the first portion (111) of the outer surface is at an angle to the second airflow direction (AF).

6. The hair dryer according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the air outlet (230) of the fan unit (200) is disposed within the hair dryer and is arranged to blow air along an internal duct of the hair dryer extending to reach the outer surface.

7. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first curved outer surface (111A) of the first portion (111) is curved in a convex manner.

8. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the curved shape unit (100) provides a shower head shape for the hair dryer.

9. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the first portion (111) of the outer surface includes an opening (140), and the location of the opening (140) is aligned with the air inlet (210).

10. The hair dryer according to claim 9, wherein the opening (140) is located at the center of the first portion (111) of the outer surface.

11. The hair dryer according to claim 9, wherein the opening (140) is a strip shape at the center of the first portion (111) away from the outer surface.

12. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein the curved shape unit (100) defines an inner surface (120) that forms an internal cavity (130, 630) of the hair dryer.

13. The hair dryer according to claim 12, wherein the heater (400) is positioned in the internal cavity (130, 630); optionally, wherein the heater (400) comprises at least one of the following: a heating wire (401), a coil heating element (410), a ceramic heater, and a light source.

14. The hair dryer according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the electronic components and / or the motor (220) are arranged in the internal cavity (130, 630).

15. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 14, wherein the first curved outer surface (111A) extends curvedly to the curved surface (113A).

16. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 4 to 15, wherein the first curved outer surface (111A) extends curvedly to a second portion (112) of the outer surface, and the curved surface (113A) bends from the second portion (112) toward the air inlet (210).

17. The hair dryer of claim 16, wherein the second portion (112) of the outer surface is aligned with the second airflow direction (AF).

18. The hair dryer according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the second portion (112) is a tubular portion extending away from the first curved outer surface (111A) of the first portion (111).

19. The hair dryer of claim 18, wherein the second portion (112) includes one or more holes (114) for allowing a portion of the air directed to the second portion (112) to return toward the air inlet (210) through the one or more holes (114).

20. The hair dryer of claim 19, wherein the one or more holes (114) are arranged to allow a portion of the air directed to the second portion (112) to pass through the one or more holes to reach the curved surface (113A).

21. The hair dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, the hair dryer comprising one or more air guiding elements (118) protruding beyond the curved surface (113A) to guide secondary airflows (FP2, FP3) displaced by the fan unit (200), the secondary airflows being spaced apart from the primary airflow (FP1) guided by the curved surface (113A) in a direction away from the air inlet (210).

22. The hair dryer of claim 21, wherein the one or more air guiding elements (118) are curved inward and convexly toward the path taken by the air drawn into the air inlet (210).

23. The hair dryer according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the one or more air guiding elements (118) are arranged to guide air displaced by the fan unit (200) on the outer surface (118A) and / or the inner surface (118B) of the one or more air guiding elements (118), the inner surface (118B) being opposite to the outer surface (118A).

24. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein each of the one or more air guiding elements (118) protrudes beyond the curved surface (113A) to reach an end (119) spaced apart from the air inlet (210), the curved surface (113A) being arranged closer to the air inlet (210) than the end (119).

25. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the one or more air guiding elements (118) comprises a pair of air guiding elements (118) arranged on the side of the hair dryer to define a central channel for receiving hair between the pair of air guiding elements (118); optionally, wherein the central channel extends parallel to a handle (300) included in the hair dryer.

26. The hair dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an air inlet grille (211A, 211B, 211C) having an air inlet for allowing air to enter the fan unit (200) via the air inlet (210).

27. The hair dryer of claim 26, wherein the air inlet grille (211A, 211C) has one or more outwardly projecting regions and / or one or more inwardly projecting regions, the outwardly projecting regions projecting outward toward the front side (FS) of the hair dryer, air being drawn into the air inlet (210) toward the front side (FS), and the inwardly projecting regions being recessed inward relative to the front side (FS) of the hair dryer.

28. The hair dryer according to claim 26, wherein the air inlet grille (211B) is a flat air inlet grille (211B).

29. The hair dryer according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the inlet opening comprises an arrangement of concentric annular slits.

30. The hair dryer according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heater (400) includes a coil heating element (410), wherein a heat-resistant cord (411) is disposed within the coil heating element (410), the heat-resistant cord (411) including an attachment portion (412) protruding through the winding of the coil heating element (410) to reach the outside of the coil heating element (410), and wherein the attachment portion (412) is attached to a mounting member (413) disposed around the coil heating element (410) in the hair dryer.

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