Cartridge, use thereof and fluid device having

Abstract

In order to improve a cartridge, in particular a cartridge for a fluid device, comprising a container with an interior space, it is proposed that an inlet for a liquid opens into the interior space at an inlet opening and an outlet for the liquid opens into the interior space at an outlet opening, and wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in the interior space. At least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is barrier-free at least in the unfilled state of the interior space, and / or wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space, the length of the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the inner space is optimized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a cassette, a use of the cassette and a fluidic device having the cassette. Background Art

[0002] DE 10 2009 013 375 A1 discloses a device and a corresponding method for water treatment at a water outlet fitting in a sanitary area which is exposed to outflowing water.

[0003] DE 10 2018 106 446 A1 discloses an aroma cartridge for a steam device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide and / or improve a cassette and the use of a cassette and a fluidic device having a cassette.

[0005] In an embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by a cartridge, in particular a cartridge for a fluidic device. The cartridge comprises a container with an interior space, wherein an inlet for a liquid opens into the interior space at an inlet opening, and an outlet for the liquid opens into the interior space at an outlet opening, and

[0006] - wherein at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space,

[0007] and / or

[0008] wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space, so that the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is optimized in terms of length.

[0009] In an embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by the use of a cartridge in a fluidic device, wherein the cartridge comprises a container with an interior space, and wherein an inlet for a liquid opens into the interior space at an inlet opening, and an outlet for the liquid opens into the interior space at an outlet opening, and

[0010] - wherein at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space,

[0011] and / or

[0012] wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space, so that the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is optimized in terms of length.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, this object is achieved by a fluidic device comprising a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a container with an interior space, and wherein an inlet for a liquid opens into the interior space at an inlet opening, and an outlet for the liquid opens into the interior space at an outlet opening, and

[0014] - wherein at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space,

[0015] and / or

[0016] wherein the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space, so that the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is optimized in terms of length.

[0017] In particular, in the embodiment of the solution according to the invention, it is advantageous that the liquid flowing through the cassette can flow as unhindered as possible from the inlet opening through the interior space to the outlet opening, since the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is unobstructed. Advantageously, the flow resistance for the liquid in the interior space is therefore at least reduced or even minimized.

[0018] In particular, in an embodiment of the solution according to the invention, the advantage is that the liquid flowing through the box has to flow along the longest path through the interior space from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, because the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite areas of the interior space, so that the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is constructed in a manner optimized in length.

[0019] Advantageously, the box is configured to at least partially process the liquid flowing through the box and is constructed for this purpose. Advantageously, in order to at least partially process the liquid, a fluid-modifying material is arranged in the inner space in the filled state of the box and the inner space is advantageously filled with the fluid-modifying material. The liquid flowing through the inner space flows around the fluid-modifying material and is thereby at least partially processed accordingly. Therefore, it is advantageous to optimize the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in length, because the liquid is thus caused to flow around the fluid-modifying material along the longest possible route and be processed. Since there is already a certain flow resistance due to the flow around the fluid-modifying material, it is advantageous to make the connection beyond this unobstructed, so that the flow resistance for the fluid in the box is kept as low as possible and the liquid flowing through the inner space is not subjected to any other flow resistance except the fluid-modifying material in an optimized manner.

[0020] In particular, the cassette is provided and configured for use with a fluidic device configured at least partially as explained above and below.

[0021] In particular, the use of the cassette is provided for use in a fluidic device which is constructed at least partially as explained above and below.

[0022] Insofar as the cartridge and / or the application and / or the fluidic device have at least essentially identical features, these features are described together in the following.

[0023] No details have been provided so far regarding trouble-free connectivity.

[0024] It is preferably provided that at least the region of the connecting space surrounding the direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is free of obstructions, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space.

[0025] In particular, the connecting space region extends in a connecting direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and extends transversely to the connecting direction.

[0026] Advantageously, the connecting space region extends along a direct connecting line from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0027] For example, a direct connecting line extends through the center point of the inlet opening and through the center point of the outlet opening.

[0028] Advantageously, the connecting space region, at least for the most part along its extension in the connecting direction, has an extension transversely to, in particular at least approximately perpendicular to, the connecting direction that is at least approximately equal to or greater than the extension of the inlet opening and / or the extension of the outlet opening. It is particularly advantageous if the extension of the connecting space region transversely to the connecting direction is a multiple of, for example at least two times and / or at least three times and / or at least four times, the extension of the inlet opening and / or the extension of the outlet opening.

[0029] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the connecting space region extends at least predominantly along its extension in the connecting direction transversely, in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, to the connecting direction, for example in at least one direction, to at least one wall section of the container.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous if the connecting space area extends at least for the most part along its extension in the connecting direction, for example in directions extending transversely to the connecting direction, to several different wall sections of the container and in particular to all wall sections of the closed interior of the container.

[0031] In particular, a feature is at least predominantly formed with respect to a reference dimension if it is formed in at least half, preferably in at least three quarters, in particular in at least 90% of the cases, and / or, excluding exceptions to technically and / or non-technically related limitations, in the entire reference dimension.

[0032] In particular, the connecting space region has such an extension along at least a large part of its extension in the connecting direction if the connecting space region has such an extension along at least half, preferably at least three quarters, for example at least 90% of its extension in the connecting direction and / or at least as far as technically feasible along its entire extension in the connecting direction. For example, in at least one end section of the connecting space region, in particular in the end section where the inlet opening is located and / or in the end section where the outlet opening is located, such an extension is not possible because the interior space has a smaller extension in the region of these end sections.

[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the interior space is at least predominantly free of obstacles, at least in the unfilled state.

[0034] In particular, the largest possible unobstructed connecting space area and in particular an at least substantially unobstructed interior space have the advantage that the liquid can flow from the inlet opening through the interior space to the outlet opening in the most unhindered manner possible.

[0035] In particular, the connection and / or connection space area and / or the interior space is unobstructed if at least no elements of the container, in particular no elements of the box and preferably no further elements are arranged in the connection and / or connection space area and / or the interior space.

[0036] The fluid-modifying materials have not been elaborated so far.

[0037] In particular, it is provided that, in the filled state of the interior space, the interior space is at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, filled with the fluid-modifying material.

[0038] In particular, the fluid modifying material is configured to physically and / or chemically modify the liquid flowing through the cartridge.

[0039] In particular, it is provided that the liquid flowing through the box comprises at least water. For example, at least one additive is added to the water.

[0040] Advantageously, at least the water is treated by means of the fluid modifying material.

[0041] In particular, it is provided that the fluid-modifying material is at least partially designed for at least partially removing substances from the liquid, in particular physically and / or chemically, in particular for at least partially decalcifying the water.

[0042] In particular, the fluid modifying material may have a wide variety of compositions.

[0043] Preferably, the fluid modifying material comprises at least one resin.

[0044] It is particularly advantageous if the fluid modifying material is a granular medium.

[0045] In particular, in the filled state, the interior of the container and in particular the otherwise unobstructed connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and their connecting space area is at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, filled with the preferably granular fluid-modifying material.

[0046] In particular, granular media have the advantage that they have a large surface for interaction with the liquid to be treated and can be advantageously flowed around by the liquid.

[0047] For example, filling the interior space with granular media and / or removing used granular media from the interior space is easily achievable.

[0048] The construction of the container and the arrangement of the inlet opening and the arrangement of the outlet opening have not been described in detail so far.

[0049] In particular, the container comprises a plurality of wall segments, and the plurality of wall segments delimit the interior space. Preferably, the container is substantially composed of the plurality of wall segments.

[0050] In particular, the plurality of wall sections each extend in a respective plane of extension and have a respective thickness transversely to their respective plane of extension.

[0051] In particular, the plurality of wall sections each have an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface.

[0052] Advantageously, the respective inner wall surface of the wall section delimits at least a part of the interior space.

[0053] Advantageously, the inner wall surface is a flat surface, in particular, has no portion protruding into the interior space.

[0054] Preferably, no further elements of the container are arranged on at least one of the inner walls of the plurality of wall segments, advantageously on at least some of the walls, in particular at least the majority of the walls, for example on all the walls.

[0055] It is particularly advantageous if the overall surface formed by the inner wall surfaces of a plurality of wall segments completely encloses the interior space.

[0056] Preferably, no further elements of the container are arranged in the space enclosed by the overall casing.

[0057] Advantageously, the liquid can thus flow as unhindered as possible through the interior space enclosed by the inner wall surface.

[0058] In particular, the outer wall surfaces of a plurality of wall segments form the respective outer side of the container.

[0059] Advantageously, each wall segment of the plurality of wall segments thus separates the interior of the container from the surroundings of the container.

[0060] In particular, the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of a wall segment are opposite wall surfaces of the wall segment in the thickness direction of the wall segment, wherein in particular the thickness of the wall segment is measured in the thickness direction.

[0061] In particular, the container has an edge region.

[0062] In particular, in each case two wall sections are arranged adjacent to one another in the respective edge region.

[0063] In particular, the container has a plurality of corner regions.

[0064] In particular, in each case three wall sections are arranged adjacent to one another in the respective corner region.

[0065] In particular, the respective wall section extends in its extension plane to at least one end region and in particular between a plurality of end regions.

[0066] In particular, a maximum of 30% of the extension of the wall section in one direction in the plane of extension lies in the end region of the wall section.

[0067] Preferably, at least one wall segment of the plurality of wall segments, advantageously each of at least some of the wall segments, for example each of all the wall segments, extends in a respective longitudinal extension direction between two respective longitudinal end regions and in a respective transverse extension direction between two respective transverse end regions. In particular, the longitudinal extension direction and the transverse extension direction of the wall segments extend at least approximately perpendicularly to one another.

[0068] In particular, at least one wall segment is rectangular, and advantageously at least some of the wall segments are rectangular, for example, the extension of a wall segment in its longitudinal extension is equal to or greater than its extension in its transverse extension, for example at least 30% greater.

[0069] Advantageously, at least some (for example all) of the plurality of wall segments extend in a planar manner at least between their respective end regions.

[0070] Advantageously, the wall section of the container has a curvature at most in edge regions and / or corner regions.

[0071] Preferably, in some embodiments, the container is cuboid with substantially rectangular wall sections. For example, at least some edge regions are curved.

[0072] In particular, the wall segment is arranged in at least one end region on at least one further wall segment, and the at least two wall segments form a common edge region. Advantageously, each wall segment is arranged in its respective end region on at least one respective further wall segment, wherein the respective wall segment forms a respective edge region with the at least one further wall segment.

[0073] In particular, some (for example three) edge regions respectively adjoin one another and form respective corner regions of the container, wherein in the corner region some (for example three) wall segments are arranged adjacent to one another, which wall segments are arranged together with another wall segment in at least one of the edge regions.

[0074] Advantageously, the inlet opening is configured in the region of an inlet corner of the container.Preferably, the outlet opening is configured in the region of an outlet corner of the container.

[0075] In an advantageous embodiment, the inlet corner region (in which the inlet opening is formed) and the outlet corner region (in which the outlet opening is formed) do not have a common wall section. In particular, the wall sections arranged adjacent to one another in the inlet corner region (in which the inlet opening is formed) and the wall sections arranged adjacent to one another in the outlet corner region (in which the outlet opening is formed) are different wall sections.

[0076] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the inlet corner region (in which the inlet opening is formed) and the outlet corner region (in which the outlet opening is formed) are two corner regions of the container which are at the greatest distance from one another in the interior.

[0077] In an advantageous embodiment, the container extends at least substantially in an extension plane and in a height direction, wherein the height direction extends at least approximately perpendicular to the extension plane. In particular, the extension plane is defined by two extension directions. For example, the two extension directions extend at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0078] In an advantageous embodiment, the extension of the container in the height direction is smaller, for example at least 30% smaller, than the extension of the container in at least one of the two extension directions, preferably in both extension directions.

[0079] For example, one of the two directions of extension extends in the direction in which the container has a minimum extension relative to the extension plane, and / or one of the two directions of extension extends in the direction in which the container has a maximum extension relative to the extension plane.

[0080] Preferably, the container has two wall sections which are arranged opposite each other in height direction.

[0081] Advantageously, the two wall sections arranged opposite each other in the height direction extend at least predominantly (for example at least between their respective end regions) parallel to the plane of extension of the container.

[0082] Preferably, the two wall sections arranged opposite each other in the height direction have essentially the same shape, which in particular defines the base area of ​​the container.

[0083] In particular, at least one lateral wall section extends between two wall sections arranged opposite to each other in the height direction. For example, a plurality of lateral wall sections are provided. Preferably, one of the extension directions of the lateral wall sections extends at least approximately parallel to the height direction.

[0084] Preferably, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are formed on opposite sides of the interior space in the height direction.

[0085] In particular, the inlet opening is constructed in one of the two wall sections arranged opposite to each other in the height direction, and / or the outlet opening is constructed in one of the two wall sections arranged opposite to each other in the height direction, for example in the other of the two wall sections arranged opposite to each other in the height direction.

[0086] For example, it is advantageous here that the structural space required for the box between the inlet and the outlet is small, since the inlet and the opening can be arranged opposite each other with respect to a smaller height direction, but despite this, due to the optimized arrangement of the inlet opening and the outlet opening in terms of length, the liquid flowing through the box is still processed along the longest possible route in the interior space of the box.

[0087] For example, the cassette can thus be arranged in a space-saving manner, for example between a unit that is connected and / or can be connected to the inlet, in particular a water tank, and a unit that is connected and / or can be connected to the outlet.

[0088] It is particularly advantageous if the inlet, in particular its inlet nipple, extends away from the container in the height direction. In particular, the inlet, in particular its inlet nipple, extends away from a wall section in which the inlet opening is formed.

[0089] Preferably, the outlet, for example its outlet nipple, extends away from the container in the height direction. In particular, the outlet, for example its outlet nipple, extends away from the wall section in which the outlet opening is configured.

[0090] For example, a compact installation situation can be achieved for the box. This has the advantage that the structural space available transversely to the height direction can be used for expansion of the container and thus the interior space and the length-optimized connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be designed to be as large as possible.

[0091] Advantageously, the area into which the inlet opening of the interior opens and the area into which the outlet opening of the interior open are opposite in the interior in at least one of the two directions of extension of the container, preferably in both directions and / or in the height direction.

[0092] It is particularly advantageous if the region of the interior space into which the inlet opening opens and the region into which the outlet opening opens are regions which are opposite with respect to the direction in which the interior space at least approximately has its maximum extent.

[0093] In particular, the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately its greatest extent extends diagonally to the height direction and / or extends diagonally to at least one of the two extension directions of the container, preferably both extension directions. In particular, the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately its greatest extent extends along a spatial diagonal of the interior space.

[0094] Advantageously, the region into which the inlet opening of the interior space opens and the region into which the outlet opening of the interior space opens are located at opposite ends of a spatial diagonal of the interior space.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, in at least one projection plane, the area where the projection of the inlet opening lies and the area where the projection of the outlet opening lies are opposite areas. In particular, these two areas are opposite areas with respect to the projection of at least one of the two extension directions and / or with respect to the projection of the height direction and / or with respect to the projection of the direction in which the interior space at least approximately has its maximum extension range and / or with respect to the projection of at least one extension direction of at least one wall section in which the inlet opening or the outlet opening is constructed. In particular, these two opposite areas are opposite areas of the projection of the interior space. This is provided in particular for at least one, preferably at least a plurality of, of the projection planes defined as follows:

[0096] - a projection plane extending at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction, and / or

[0097] - a projection plane at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of extension, and / or

[0098] - a projected plane that is crossed by the diagonal extension of the interior space, and / or

[0099] - a projection plane spanned by an extension direction of a wall segment and an extension direction of another wall segment, wherein the two wall segments are arranged adjacent to one another in an edge region and / or a corner region and the inlet opening or the outlet opening is arranged in the edge region and / or the corner region, and wherein the two extension directions spanning the projection plane extend away from the region in which the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed and are, for example, extension directions of the wall segments in which the respective wall segment extends furthest away from the region in which the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed.

[0100] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the interior is designed to be unobstructed so that, in at least one projection plane, at least predominantly only the region of the interior that is unobstructed for the flow is projected onto the region between the projection of the inlet opening and the projection of the outlet opening. This aspect is provided in particular for at least one, preferably at least a plurality of, projection planes defined as follows:

[0101] - at least approximately perpendicular to the projection plane in the height direction, and / or

[0102] - a projection plane at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of extension, and / or

[0103] - a projected plane that is crossed by the diagonal extension of the interior space, and / or

[0104] - a projection plane spanned by an extension direction of a wall segment and an extension direction of another wall segment, wherein the two wall segments are arranged adjacent to one another in an edge region and / or a corner region and the inlet opening or the outlet opening is arranged in the edge region and / or the corner region, and wherein the two extension directions spanning the projection plane extend away from the region in which the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed, and are, for example, extension directions of the wall segments in which the respective wall segment extends furthest away from the region in which the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed.

[0105] Preferably, the cassette is configured for at least a substantially vertical orientation. Advantageously, the cassette is used in at least a substantially vertical orientation. Preferably, the cassette is arranged in the fluidic device in at least a substantially vertical orientation.

[0106] In particular, at least one of the following features is provided in the intended vertical orientation:

[0107] - the outlet opening is arranged in a region of the interior space which is located below with respect to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity, and / or the inlet opening is arranged in a region of the interior space which is located above with respect to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity, and / or

[0108] - the height direction of the container is oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity,

[0109] and / or

[0110] - one of the two extension directions of the container is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity,

[0111] and / or

[0112] - the wall surface of the wall section in which the inlet opening is formed and / or the wall surface of the wall section in which the outlet opening is formed is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device,

[0113] and / or

[0114] - the extension direction of the wall section in which the inlet opening is formed and / or the extension direction of the wall section in which the outlet opening is formed is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device, wherein in particular in this direction of extension extending in parallel the wall section has its maximum extension and / or the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed in an end region of the wall section relative to this direction of extension extending in parallel, wherein advantageously the inlet opening is formed in the upper end region and / or the outlet opening in the lower end region and above / below relative to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device.

[0115] For example, by the vertical orientation of the box, the flow of liquid through the inner space is at least not adversely affected by gravity and advantageously is at least somewhat supported. For example, the advantage of the vertical orientation is that the box can be arranged in a compact manner in the device.

[0116] In an advantageous embodiment, the container comprises at least two different container parts. Advantageously, the at least two container parts each have at least one wall segment.

[0117] For example, one of the at least two container parts is essentially composed of only one wall segment.

[0118] In an advantageous embodiment, it is provided that a screen is arranged in the inlet opening and / or a screen is arranged in the outlet opening.

[0119] In an advantageous embodiment, the fluid device, in particular at least one, for example integral or separate, application unit of the fluid device, is designed at least in one function for applying a fluid, in particular a hot fluid.

[0120] In particular, the fluid device, in particular at least one, for example integrated or separate, application unit of the fluid device, is designed for cleaning in at least one function, wherein a fluid, for example a hot fluid, is advantageously applied at least partially for cleaning.

[0121] In some advantageous embodiments, the fluid device, in particular at least one, eg integrated or separate, application unit of the fluid device, is designed for at least one function for ironing, wherein in particular a fluid, in particular a hot fluid, is at least partially applied.

[0122] In particular, the thermal fluid comprises hot water, in particular at least partially water vapor and / or at least partially hot liquid water, advantageously hot water atomized into fine droplets.

[0123] Preferably, the temperature of the thermal fluid is at least 60° C., preferably at least 80° C., for example at least 90° C. In some preferred embodiments, the temperature of the thermal fluid is at least 100° C.

[0124] For example, the fluidic device is a modular device or at least a substantially monolithic device.

[0125] Advantageously, the fluid device comprises a device housing, wherein the device housing defines a housing interior.

[0126] In particular, the device-related equipment and / or units of the fluid device are at least partially arranged in the housing interior of the device housing.

[0127] In particular, the device housing is the housing of a device module and / or the housing of an at least substantially integral device.

[0128] In particular, the device housing extends in a main direction and in a vertical direction, wherein the main direction and the vertical direction extend at least approximately perpendicularly to one another.

[0129] In particular, the front side and the rear side of the device housing are opposite sides of the device housing in a main direction.

[0130] In particular, the transverse direction extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the main direction and / or the vertical direction.

[0131] Advantageously, the device housing has a gripping area for an integrated or separate arrangement.

[0132] For example, an integral grip unit is formed in the grip region.

[0133] For example, a recess for a separate handle module is formed in the handle region.

[0134] Preferably, the gripping region extends, for example, starting from a rear side of the device housing in a region of the device housing that is located toward the rear with respect to the main direction.

[0135] In particular, a location for an integrated or separate application unit is formed on the front side of the device housing.

[0136] For example, the application unit is at least partially formed at the arrangement point for the application unit.

[0137] For example, a fastening unit for an application unit, in particular a separate application unit, advantageously an application module, is formed at the arrangement point for the application unit.

[0138] In an advantageous embodiment, the device housing has a water tank area for arranging a water tank, which can be attached in particular in a releasable manner.

[0139] For example, in the water tank area, a recess is formed in the device housing for accommodating a water tank, which can be fastened in particular in a releasable manner.

[0140] In particular, the water tank area is formed on the rear side of the device housing.

[0141] In an advantageous embodiment, the gripping area is formed above the pitcher area with respect to the vertical direction.

[0142] For example, a power supply opening for the power supply unit is configured at the rear side of the device housing, in particular at the rear section of the device housing. For example, the power supply opening is provided and configured for passing a cable.

[0143] In particular, the cassette is designed to be formed in the housing interior and is arranged, for example, in the housing interior.

[0144] Advantageously, the cassette is designed to be arranged adjacent to the water tank area, in particular adjacent to the water tank area with respect to a main direction, and is arranged there, for example.

[0145] The cassette is preferably arranged within the housing interior, in particular with respect to a main direction of the device housing, between the water tank area and a unit to which the cassette is advantageously connected indirectly or directly in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0146] In particular, the box is arranged in a lower area within the housing in relation to the vertical direction of the device housing and is arranged inside the housing, for example next to the water tank area with respect to the main direction and / or next to a unit that is directly or indirectly connected to the box in an advantageously fluid-conducting manner.

[0147] For example, a unit which is advantageously coupled directly or indirectly to the cassette in a fluid-conducting manner is a thermal fluid generating unit and / or a pump.

[0148] In the above and below, elements and features understood as particularly and / or preferably and / or advantageously and / or advantageously and / or for example and / or in the form of a variant are optional elements and features, which are, for example, inventive improvements, but are not absolutely necessary for the basic inventive solution and its success.

[0149] Preferred embodiments and features of the invention as well as, for example, its advantages are the subject matter of the following detailed description and illustration of exemplary embodiments of various variants. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0150] Preferred features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following detailed description and illustration of embodiments.

[0151] in:

[0152] Figure 1 : shows an embodiment of a device in three different device configurations, wherein in these device configurations the device is a longer device and, in particular, an extension module is incorporated into the device configuration;

[0153] Figure 2 : shows an embodiment of the device in a device configuration as a handheld device;

[0154] Figure 3 : shows a variant of an embodiment of the device in a device configuration as a handheld device;

[0155] Figure 4 : shows an embodiment of a device with a flexible extension module in a device configuration;

[0156] Figure 5 : shows an enlarged view of a section of the fastening unit of the device module, in which the fastening unit of the grip module is accommodated;

[0157] Figure 6 : Shows the Figure 5 A similar illustration of the fastening unit of the grip module, but housing the fastening unit of the extension module;

[0158] Figure 7 : A diagram showing the interior of a device according to one embodiment;

[0159] Figure 8 : A diagram showing the interior of a device of a variant embodiment;

[0160] Figure 9 : A cross-sectional view of the device housing of the device module is shown;

[0161] Figure 10 : shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a grip module;

[0162] Figure 11 : A cross-sectional view showing a variation of an embodiment of a grip module;

[0163] Figure 12 : A cross-sectional view of a device housing of a device according to another embodiment is shown, which has an integrated grip unit;

[0164] Figure 13 : A sectional view of a device housing of a device showing a further embodiment variant, which has an integrated grip unit;

[0165] Figure 14 : An enlarged view of a section of a layout section of the device housing is shown, wherein a gripping unit and / or an application unit can be arranged on the layout section;

[0166] Figure 15 : shows a top view of the box; and

[0167] Figure 16 :shows the Figure 15 A cross-sectional view of the box with section XVI-XVI drawn in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0168] The embodiment of the device, generally designated 100, is designed as a modular device and includes a plurality of modules. The plurality of modules can be assembled into the device 100 in different device configurations 105. In particular, in different device configurations 105, different modules and / or modules are assembled in a different order to form the device 100.

[0169] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 Three different device configurations 105I, 105II, 105III of the device 100 are shown, and Figure 2 shows a device configuration 105IV of the device 100, Figure 4 A device configuration 105V of the device 100 is shown.

[0170] The device 100 comprises at least one device module 112 and / or a gripping module 114 and / or at least one application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118 .

[0171] In variations of this embodiment, more or fewer modules may be provided. For example, in some variations, the device module 112 integrally includes the gripping unit, and thus, for example, no separate gripping module 114 is provided. For example, in some variations, the device module 112 also includes at least the application unit, and thus, in particular, no separate application module 116 is provided.

[0172] In particular, device 100 can be configured for different applications via various device configurations 105 .

[0173] In particular, in at least one device configuration 105, here in Figure 1 In the exemplary device configurations 105I, II, and III shown in FIG, the device is a long handheld device. At least one extension module 118 is incorporated into the device configuration 105 corresponding to the long handheld device, and is fastened at least to the device module 112 and / or the grip module 114 and / or the application module 116.

[0174] For example, in a device configuration 105 corresponding to a longer handheld device, here in device configuration 105I, the device module 112 and the application module 116 are fastened adjacent to each other and at least one extension module 118, for example two extension modules 118I, II, is placed between the device module 112 and the grip module 114.

[0175] For example, in a device configuration 105 corresponding to a longer handheld device, here in device configuration 105II, at least one extension module 118, here in extension module 118II, is placed between the device module 112 and the application module 116, and at least one extension module 118, here in extension module 118I, is placed between the device module 112 and the holding module 114.

[0176] For example, in a device configuration 105 corresponding to a longer handheld device, here in device configuration 105III, the device module 112 and the gripping module 114 are fastened adjacent to each other and at least one extension module 118 is inserted between the device module 112 and the application module 116, here for example two extension modules 118I and 118II.

[0177] In particular, device configurations 105I, II, and III corresponding to longer handheld devices are advantageous in increasing the direct range of motion that a user can achieve with device 100. For example, a longer handheld device is advantageous because it enables the user to perform functions of device 100 in different and / or at least specific body positions, particularly in an upright position. In particular, device 100 is advantageous in device configuration 105 as a longer handheld device, thereby enabling the user to clean floors and / or wall areas of varying heights in an upright position.

[0178] It is particularly advantageous that, depending on the device configuration 105I, II, III, the device module 112 can be arranged at different distances from the gripping module 114 and / or the application module 116 in order to achieve an operation suitable for use and / or a more user-friendly module arrangement.

[0179] In particular, in the device configuration 105, here in Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the device configuration 105IV exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 , the device 100 is a small handheld device, wherein in this device configuration 105IV, the device module 112 is assembled only with the holding module 114 and the application module 116 .

[0180] For example, a device configuration 105IV corresponding to a small handheld device may be advantageous in providing a user with a convenient and compact device.

[0181] For example, in some variants, a device configuration 105V is provided in which at least one extension module 118 is placed between the device module 114 and the application module 116, but in which no gripping module 114 is provided. Figure 4 As shown in the example.

[0182] For example, this device configuration 105V without the grip module 114 is advantageous if the device module 114 can be placed in a certain location and / or the application module 116 can be grasped by a user so that the device 100 can be used to act on an object and / or surface and / or other items.

[0183] Device module 112 at least partially (preferably at least predominantly) includes the device technology necessary for at least one function of device 100. For example, the device technology including device module 112 includes at least one functional unit for a function of device 100 and / or a control unit (particularly an electronic control unit) for controlling the device technology (particularly for controlling at least one functional unit), and / or display elements and / or operating elements and / or a power supply unit. Advantageous embodiments of device module 112 are described in more detail below.

[0184] In an advantageous variant of this embodiment, the device 100 is a fluid device, and at least one functional unit of the device module 112 is a thermal fluid generating unit.

[0185] The gripping module 114 comprises at least one element constituting a handle. Advantageous embodiments of the gripping module 114 will be explained in more detail below.

[0186] The application module 116 is designed to act on an object, in particular an object and / or a surface, in accordance with at least one function of the device 100 .

[0187] In particular, in the device 100 designed as a fluidics device, the application module 116 is configured for applying a hot fluid, for example, for cleaning and / or ironing. In particular, the application module 116 includes at least one outlet opening for the hot fluid. For example, the application module includes at least one outlet nozzle, preferably for targeted and / or pressurized application of the hot fluid.

[0188] In some advantageous variants, application module 116 is configured for a cleaning function. In particular, at least one cleaning element can be arranged on application module 116 and / or, for example, application module 116 comprises at least one cleaning element. For example, the at least one cleaning element is a cleaning cloth and / or a cleaning brush.

[0189] For example, in some variants, the application module 116 is configured for treating items, such as ironing clothes. Preferably, for the ironing function, the corresponding application module 116 has an ironing surface, in particular a metal surface, in which an outflow opening for the hot fluid is advantageously configured.

[0190] In particular, at least one extension module 118, in particular a plurality of extension modules 118, is provided and constructed for this purpose to increase the direct radius of motion that the user can achieve when using the device 100 and / or thereby enable the user to use the device 100 in a more comfortable, in particular upright, body posture.

[0191] In particular, the extension module 118 is at least largely formed by an extension module body. Advantageously, the extension module body extends longer between two ends. In particular, the extension module body is provided with a fastening unit 132 at each of the two ends.

[0192] In some variants, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the device module 112 and the application module 116 when the extension module 118 is inserted between the device module 112 and the application module 116. In particular, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the device module 112 and the gripping module 114 when the extension module 118 is inserted between the device module 112 and the gripping module 114.

[0193] For example, in a device 100 configured as a fluidic device, at least one extension module 118 is configured to conduct a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid, from the device module 112 to the application module 116, and in particular, the at least one extension module includes a line for the fluid for this purpose. For example, in a simple variant, a cavity in the extension module body at least predominantly constitutes the line for the fluid, wherein the cavity extends continuously between the two ends of the extension module body.

[0194] In some advantageous variants, the extension module 118 does not functionally connect the handle module 114 and the device module 112 , but rather merely fulfills an extension function, so that the extension module 118 can be designed to be simple in terms of structural design.

[0195] This is advantageously provided, for example, when no device technology is formed in handle module 114 or when the device technology formed in handle module 114 (eg at least one operating element) communicates wirelessly with the device technology formed in device module 112 .

[0196] In some advantageous extension modules 118, at least the extension module body of the extension module is rigidly constructed, and advantageously, the respective fastening units at the respective ends of the extension module body are rigidly arranged. In particular, such a rigid extension module 118 is advantageous for device configurations 105I, II, III corresponding to longer handheld devices, such as in Figure 1 As shown in the example.

[0197] In some advantageous extension modules 118, the extension module body of the extension module is at least partially (eg, completely) flexible between its two ends, such as Figure 4 For example, this allows, for example, a manipulation of the application module 116 that is advantageous for certain applications to be carried out at least largely independently of the accompanying movement of the device module 112 .

[0198] although Figure 4 The flexible extension module 118 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG is shown for a device configuration 105V without a grip module 114 , wherein, in certain applications, an inserted flexible extension module 118 may still be advantageous in the case of a device configuration 105 with a grip module 114 .

[0199] In particular, each of the modules 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 has at least one fastening unit 132 , by means of which the respective module 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 can be fastened adjacent to another module 112 , 114 , 116 , 118 .

[0200] In particular, the device module 112 has two fastening units 132. In particular, the grip-side fastening unit 132 is designed for assembly with a grip module, either by directly fastening the two modules adjacent to one another or by means of at least one extension module 119 inserted and fastened between the modules. In particular, the application-side fastening unit is designed for assembly with at least one application module 116, either by directly fastening the two modules adjacent to one another or, for example, by means of at least one extension module 119 inserted and fastened between the modules.

[0201] Each extension module 118 advantageously has two fastening units 132 in order to be able to be fastened to two further modules in each case.

[0202] In particular, the grip module 114 has precisely one fastening unit 132 .

[0203] In particular, the application module 116 has exactly one fastening unit 132 .

[0204] In particular, the fastening units 132 each have at least one loose state and at least one tight state. In the loose state, the fastening unit 132 is not fastened to another fastening unit 132 of another module, and the two modules are loose from each other unless the two modules are fastened adjacent to each other using other fastening units. In the tight state, the two fastening units 132 are fastened to each other, and the two modules having the two fastening units 132 are fastened adjacent to each other.

[0205] In particular, two different types of fastening units 132 are provided, for example a first type of fastening unit 132a and a second type of fastening unit 132b, wherein one type of fastening unit 132, 132a can be fastened to the other type of fastening unit 132, 132b.

[0206] In particular, the grip module 114 has one type of fastening unit 132 , for example a first type of fastening unit 132 a , while the grip-side fastening unit 132 of the device module 112 is of another type, for example a second type of fastening unit 132 b , or vice versa.

[0207] In particular, the application module 116 has one type of fastening units 132 , for example the second type 132 b , while the application-side fastening units 132 of the device module 112 are of another type, for example the first type 132 a , or vice versa.

[0208] In some advantageous variants, the fastening units 132 of the holding module 114 and the application module 116 are of the same type, for example, respectively fastening units 132a of the first type, and therefore the fastening units on the holding side and the fastening units on the application side of the device module 112 are of the same type and of a different type from the fastening units in the holding module 114 and the application module 116.

[0209] In some variants, the fastening units 132 in the gripping module 114 and the application module 116 are of different types, and thus the gripping-side fastening units 132 and the application-side fastening units 132 on the device module 112 are also of different types.

[0210] Advantageously, one type of fastening unit (here, for example, the first type of fastening unit 132a) has a fastening receptacle 136, while another type of fastening unit 132 (here, for example, the second type of fastening unit 132b) has a fastening mating element 138, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the example.

[0211] The fastening fitting 138 is configured to be received in the fastening receptacle 136 in the fastened state. In particular, in the released state of the fastening unit 136, the fastening fitting 138 of the other fastening unit 132 is not arranged and received in the fastening receptacle 136 of the fastening unit. In particular, in the released state of the fastening unit 132, the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit is not arranged and received in the fastening receptacle 136 of the other fastening unit 132.

[0212] In particular, a respective fastening mechanism is provided, which is at least partially formed on each of the fastening units 132. In particular, the fastening mechanism is configured to hold the mutually fastened fastening units 132 in a fastened state. In particular, in the fastened state, the fastening mechanism holds the fastening fitting 138 in the fastening receptacle 136 in which the fastening fitting 138 is accommodated. Advantageously, the fastening mechanism is a releasable fastening mechanism, and in its released position, the mutually fastened fastening units 132 can be separated from one another and placed in their released state. For example, in the released position of the fastening mechanism, the fastening fitting 138 can be removed from the fastening receptacle 136 in which it is accommodated.

[0213] For example, the fastening mechanism is a locking mechanism. Here, one type of fastening unit 132 has a locking link, which is accommodated in a locking receptacle of another type of fastening unit 132 for fastening. In particular, the locking link can be pressed out of the locking receptacle, so that the locking mechanism is in a released position.

[0214] Preferably, the device 100 , in particular at least most of the device modules 112 , comprises a detection device 152 for detecting at least some of the device configurations 105 .

[0215] In particular, a sensor 156 is associated with the fastening unit 132 and is arranged in particular therein.

[0216] Advantageously, at least one fastening unit 132 of the device module 112, in particular at least the fastening unit 132 on the grip side, comprises a sensor 156, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the example.

[0217] In some variants, at least one fastening unit of gripping module 114 and / or of application module 116 and / or of at least one extension module 118 comprises a sensor 156 .

[0218] Advantageously, at least one sensor 156 and in particular the fastening units 132 of at least some of the other modules are designed such that the sensor 156 can at least partially detect whether the fastening unit 132 assigned thereto is in a fastened state with another fastening unit 132 .

[0219] In an advantageous variant, two subtypes of corresponding fastening units 132 are provided for the at least one fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor 156. The two subtypes of corresponding fastening units 132 are fastening units 132 that can be fastened together with the fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor in a fastened state. For example, the two subtypes of corresponding fastening units 132 are of a different type than the fastening unit 132 with the associated sensor 156.

[0220] Here, the difference between the two subtypes of fastening units 132 is that the detection result of the sensor 156 when the fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor is in a fastened state with a fastening unit 132 of one of the two subtypes is different from the detection result of the sensor 156 when the fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor is in a fastened state with a fastening unit 132 of the other subtype of the two subtypes.

[0221] Advantageously, corresponding fastening units 132 of one subtype are provided for at least one category of modules, and corresponding fastening units 132 of another subtype are provided for the remaining categories of modules. In particular, the categories of modules here are device modules 112, gripping modules 114, at least one application module 116, and extension modules 118.

[0222] Advantageously, the at least one sensor 156 can thus distinguish between, on the one hand, the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor and the corresponding fastening unit 132 of one of the two subtypes being in a fastened state, and, on the other hand, the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor being in another state. Advantageously, it can thus be detected whether a module having the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor is fastened to a module of at least one type.

[0223] In an advantageous variant, at least one sensor 156 is triggered when the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor is in a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 corresponding to one of the two subtypes, and the at least one sensor 156 is not triggered when the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor is in a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 corresponding to the other subtype and when the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor is in a loosened state.

[0224] In some variant embodiments, the detection results of at least one sensor 156 are different in at least three states of the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor (i.e., when the fastening unit 132 corresponding to one subtype is in a fastened state, when the fastening unit 132 corresponding to another subtype is in a fastened state, and in a loosened state), so that at least these three different states can be distinguished based on the detection results of the at least one sensor 156.

[0225] In an advantageous variant, the fastening unit 132 on the gripping side of the device module 112 and the sensor 156 associated with the fastening unit on the gripping side and the fastening units 132 of at least most other modules are therefore constructed so that the sensor 156 can distinguish between, on the one hand, the fastening unit 132 on the gripping side associated with the at least one sensor being in a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 of the extension module 118 and, on the other hand, the fastening unit 132 on the gripping side associated with the at least one sensor being in another state.

[0226] In some advantageous variants, the gripping-side fastening unit 132 and the sensor 156 associated with the gripping-side fastening unit and at least the fastening units 132 of most other modules are therefore constructed so that the sensor 156 can at least distinguish between, on the one hand, the gripping-side fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor being in a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 of the gripping module 114 and, on the other hand, the gripping-side fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor being in another state.

[0227] In some advantageous variants, the fastening unit 132 on the application side and the sensor 156 associated with the fastening unit on the application side and at least the fastening units 132 of most other modules are constructed so that the sensor 156 can at least partially distinguish between different states of the fastening unit 132 on the application side associated with the at least one sensor, in particular, can at least distinguish between a fastened state with the fastening unit of the extension module 118 and / or a fastened state and / or a loosened state with the fastening unit 132 of at least one application module 116.

[0228] In some variants in which multiple application modules 116 are provided, the multiple application modules 116 have, for example, different subtypes of fastening units 132, so that, for example, for the fastening units 132 of the extension module 118 and / or for the fastening units 132 of the application side of the device module 112, when at least one fastening unit 132 has an associated sensor 156, the associated sensor 156 can distinguish between the fastening state of the fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor and the fastening units 132 of different application modules, and thus can identify which of the different application modules 116 is used in the device configuration 105.

[0229] In some variant embodiments, the fastening unit 132 of the gripping module 114 and the sensor 156 associated therewith, as well as the fastening units 132 of at least most other modules, are constructed so that the associated sensor 156 can distinguish at least some states of the fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor, in particular, can distinguish between a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 of the extension module 118 and / or a fastened state and / or a loosened state with the fastening unit 132 of the device module 112.

[0230] In particular, the sensor 156 has a detection area 162 in the fastening unit 132 associated therewith, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in the example.

[0231] Advantageously, at least some of the corresponding fastening units 132 have elements 164 to be detected, wherein, when the fastening units 132 are in the fastened state, the elements 164 to be detected are arranged in the detection region 162 and are therefore detected by the sensor 156 .

[0232] In particular, only corresponding fastening units 132 of one subtype have an element 164 to be detected.

[0233] The corresponding fastening unit 132 of the other subtype is designed such that, in the fastened state with the fastening unit 132 having the detection area 162, the section of the corresponding fastening unit 132 of the other subtype that enables detection is not arranged in the detection area 162. In particular, in such a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 of the other subtype, the sensor 156 of the fastening unit 132 having the detection area 162 is not triggered.

[0234] Advantageously, in this design, the sensor 156 can distinguish between, on the one hand, a fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor and a fastening unit 132 having an element 164 to be detected being in a fastened state and, on the other hand, a fastening unit 132 associated with the sensor being in another state, in particular a loosened state and / or a fastening unit 132 not having a section capable of detection.

[0235] For example, the detection region 162 of the at least one sensor 156 is formed in the fastening receptacle 136 of the fastening unit 132 associated with the at least one sensor, and advantageously at least in the end region, for example, at the end 166 of the fastening receptacle 136. The fastening receptacle 136 extends from the receiving opening 168 to this end region and the end 166 of the fastening receptacle 136.

[0236] In particular, the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit in the module in which the fastening state is to be detected is designed to be longer than the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit 132 in the module in which the sensor 156 is not to be triggered. Figure 5 and Figure 6 136 of the fastening unit 132 on the grip side of the device module 112 and the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit 132 of the extension module 138, which is longer than the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit 132 of the grip module 114. However, the fastening unit 132 of the application-side fastening unit 132 and the fastening fitting 136 of the fastening unit 132 of other modules and / or the fastening fitting 138 of the fastening unit of other modules can also be designed accordingly, so that Figure 5 and Figure 6 The illustrations in are also representative of these design solutions.

[0237] In some advantageous variants, at least one sensor 156 is a contact sensor. In particular, the contact sensor is at least partially arranged in its detection area 162 .

[0238] In particular, the element 164 to be detected of the contact sensor is a contact section of the corresponding fastening unit 132, wherein, when the fastening unit 132 associated with the contact sensor and the corresponding fastening unit 132 are in a fastened state, the contact section extends into the detection area 162 and triggers the contact sensor.

[0239] In particular, a corresponding fastening unit 132 of a subtype is constructed so that, when the fastening unit 132 associated with the contact sensor is in a fastened state, no section of the corresponding fastening unit 132 of the subtype extends into the detection area 162 of the contact sensor and therefore does not trigger the contact sensor in this fastened state.

[0240] In some advantageous variants, at least one sensor 156 of the detection device 152 is a contactless sensor.

[0241] In particular, the contactless-acting sensor is a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor.

[0242] In particular, a corresponding fastening unit 132 of one subtype has a magnet as the element to be detected 164. For example, a corresponding fastening unit 132 of another subtype does not include a magnet.

[0243] Therefore, the magnetic sensor can distinguish, on the one hand, whether the fastening unit 132 associated with the magnetic sensor is in a fastened state with a fastening unit 132 corresponding to a subtype having a magnet, and on the other hand, whether the fastening unit 132 associated with the magnetic sensor is in another state, in particular, in a loosened state and is in a fastened state with a fastening unit 132 corresponding to another subtype not having a magnet.

[0244] Preferably, the device 100 , in particular at least the device technology equipment and / or at least one functional unit in the device module 112 , can be operated in at least two different operating modes.

[0245] Advantageously, the at least two operating modes include at least one continuous operating mode and / or at least one action operating mode. Here, the at least one continuous operating mode and the at least one action operating mode are operating modes that are activated in the switched-on state.

[0246] Furthermore, the device 100 , in particular at least the device equipment and / or at least one functional unit thereof, has at least one shutdown state.

[0247] Advantageously, the device 100 , in particular at least its technical device equipment and / or at least one functional unit, has at least one idle mode in the switched-on state.

[0248] In particular, the device 100 , when associated with a thermal fluid generating unit, has at least one continuous operating mode and an active operating mode in the switched-on state, and also, for example, a rest mode in the switched-on state.

[0249] In particular, the hot fluid generation unit delivers hot fluid in the active operating mode. In particular, in the rest mode, the delivery of hot fluid is at least interrupted. However, for example, in the rest mode, the heating element of the hot fluid generation unit is still at least partially active.

[0250] In particular, in the rest mode, no fluid therefore passes through the thermal fluid generating unit configured as a continuous heater and is discharged as thermal fluid.

[0251] In particular, in thermal fluid generating units having a boiler unit for heating the fluid, no thermal fluid is delivered in the standstill mode, but for example thermal fluid or at least warmed fluid remains ready in the boiler unit.

[0252] In particular, in the continuous operation mode, it is provided that at least the functional unit, in particular the device 100 , remains in the continuous operation mode after switching to the continuous operation mode until the continuous operation mode is actively terminated by a user operation.

[0253] In particular, the user can switch the device into the continuous operation mode by actuating the operating element and terminate the continuous operation mode by actuating the operating element.

[0254] For example, after switching to at least one continuous operation mode, the hot fluid generating unit continuously delivers hot fluid until the continuous operation mode is ended by a user's manipulation.

[0255] In at least one action mode, it is provided that at least the functional unit, such as device 100, remains in the active mode after switching to the action mode, but only if the user performs a desired action in a timely manner. In some embodiments, to remain in at least one action mode, the user must perform an action at the latest after a predetermined time interval. In particular, the predetermined time interval lasts for several seconds, for example, between one and ten seconds. In some embodiments, a continuous user action is required to remain in at least one action mode.

[0256] For example, in at least one action operation mode, the hot fluid generating unit continues to deliver hot fluid as long as the user performs the required action in a timely manner, and when the required action is stopped, that is, when the user does not perform the required action within a predetermined time interval or ends the continuous action, the delivery of the hot fluid is stopped.

[0257] It is particularly advantageous if device 100 switches between at least two operating modes as a function of the state detected by detection device 152 .

[0258] This is particularly advantageous when at least one functional unit of device 100 should and / or needs to be operated in different operating modes in different device configurations 105 .

[0259] For example, it is provided that, for safety-related reasons, the thermal fluid generating unit in the device configuration 105IV corresponding to a small handheld device is only operated in the action operating mode.

[0260] In particular, in an advantageous variant, the detection device 152 is configured to detect whether an extension module 118 is fastened to the grip-side fastening unit 132 of the device module 112. In particular, in this variant, the hot fluid generating unit is operated by default in at least one action operating mode, so that hot fluid is only supplied when the user performs regular and timely actions. In this variant, if the detection device 152 detects that an extension module 118 is fastened to the grip-side fastening unit 132 of the device module 112, at least the operating mode of the hot fluid generating unit is switched to a continuous operating mode, so that hot fluid is continuously supplied from the start of the switch until the continuous operating mode is actively terminated.

[0261] In some variants, the detection device 152 is configured to at least detect whether the device module 112 is fastened to the grip-side fastening unit 132 with the grip module 114. In particular, in such a variant, at least for the thermal fluid generating unit, the device switches to at least one operational mode as soon as the detection device 152 detects that the device module 112 is fastened to the grip-side fastening unit 132 with the grip module 114.

[0262] In some advantageous variants, the detection device 152 is at least configured to detect whether the application module 116 is fastened to the application-side fastening unit 132 of the device module 112. In particular, in this variant, it is provided that when the application-side fastening unit 132 of the device module 112 is fastened to the fastening unit 132 of the application module 116, at least the operating mode of the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to at least one action operating mode. In this variant, it is particularly advantageous if the detection device 152 is also configured to detect whether the extension module 118 is fastened with its fastening unit 132 to the grip-side fastening unit 132. It is then provided that when the fastening unit 132 on the holding side is in a fastened state with the fastening unit 132 of the extension module 118, at least the operating mode of the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to the continuous operating mode, and the same is true when the application module 116 is fastened to the fastening unit 132 on the application side using its fastening unit 132, because a device configuration corresponding to a longer handheld device is thus formed, such as device configuration 105I, and in this device configuration the thermal fluid generating unit can operate in the continuous operating mode.

[0263] The following combines Figures 7 to 14 The diagram in FIGURE 1 illustrates the structure of device 100 in more detail. In some variants of this embodiment, device 100 is modularly constructed, for example, from at least one device module 112 and / or a gripping module 114 and / or at least one application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118, and is particularly constructed as described above. In other variants of this embodiment, device 100 is constructed at least partially as a monolithic device 100. Unless explicitly referring to one of these variants below, the corresponding description relates to different variants of device 100. Possible differences between different variants of this embodiment are explained in detail below.

[0264] The device 100 includes, among other things, a device housing 212 , and the device housing 212 defines a housing interior 214 .

[0265] For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 The center section shows the device housing 212 and the housing interior 2 in one variant.

[0266] In particular, the device housing 212 is made of multiple parts. For example, two shell parts are provided, which basically define the housing interior 214. In particular, these housing parts are at least mostly made of plastic.

[0267] For example, Figure 91 shows at least housing parts, such as a shell part, which together define a housing interior 214 for a variant in which a device module 112 and further modules that can be fastened thereto are provided, in particular a gripping module 114 and an application module 116, as well as, for example, at least one extension module 118. Device housing 212 is the housing of device module 112.

[0268] For example, for the variant of the grip module 114, Figure 10 and Figure 11 At least the parts which together form the grip module 114 are shown, in particular the housing part.

[0269] For example, Figure 12 and Figure 13 A variation of the housing parts, such as shell parts, that at least jointly define the housing interior 214 is shown for an embodiment in which the device 100 is at least partially a unitary device 100. For example, the handle is also formed by the device housing 212. In this case, the device housing 212 is the housing of the at least partially unitary device 100.

[0270] In particular, the device housing 212 has a front side 222 and a rear side 224 , wherein the front side 222 and the rear side 224 are opposite sides of the device housing 212 with respect to the main direction 216 .

[0271] In particular, an arrangement location 232 for an application unit 236 is formed on the front side 222 , wherein the application unit 236 is arranged and / or can at least be arranged at the arrangement location 232 .

[0272] In some variants of the device 100, the placement location 232 is a fastening unit 132, preferably at least partially configured as described above. In these variants, the application unit 236 is a separate application module 116, preferably at least partially configured as described above. The separate application unit 236 has a corresponding fastening unit 132, by means of which the application unit 236 can be fastened, in particular releasably, to the placement location 232, which is configured as a fastening unit 132.

[0273] In some variations of device 100, application unit 236 is integrally formed with device housing 212. In particular, at least a portion of application unit 236 is arranged, in particular securely arranged, at arrangement location 232 on at least one portion of device housing 212 that together define housing interior 214. For example, these portions are joined to one another at arrangement location 222. For example, in such variations, at least a portion of application unit 236 and at least one housing portion that together define housing interior 214 are at least partially integrally formed.

[0274] In particular, the device housing 212 has an upper side 242 and an underside 244 , wherein the upper side 242 and the underside 244 are opposite sides of the device housing 212 in a vertical direction 246 of the device housing 212 .

[0275] The vertical direction 246 and the main direction 226 of the device housing 212 extend at least approximately perpendicularly to one another.

[0276] In particular, the device housing 112 has an in particular flat placement surface 252 on the bottom side 244 . In particular, the placement surface 252 extends at least substantially in the main direction 226 and in a transverse direction 256 .

[0277] The transverse direction 256 extends at least approximately perpendicular to the main direction 226 and at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction 246 of the device housing 212. For example, the device housing 212 has two lateral sides, which are opposite sides of the device housing 212 in the transverse direction 256.

[0278] In this description, directional statements in the front and rear are to be understood with respect to the main direction 226 , and directional statements in the upper and lower directions are to be understood with respect to the vertical direction 246 , and directional statements in the sideways directions are to be understood with respect to the transverse direction 256 .

[0279] The device 100 comprises a gripping unit 262. The gripping unit 262 comprises at least one gripping element 264, which constitutes a handle.

[0280] In some advantageous embodiments, the gripping unit 262 is configured as an independent gripping module 114. Figure 10 and Figure 11 , a variant of a gripping unit 262 designed as a gripping module 114 is shown.

[0281] In some advantageous embodiments, the gripping unit 262 is formed at least partially, preferably at least predominantly, by the device housing 212, in particular by at least one housing part which together define the housing interior 214. A variant with a gripping unit 262 which is at least partially integrated into the device housing 212 is exemplarily shown in FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 13 Shown in.

[0282] Unless explicitly stated below, the description of the gripping unit 262 relates to both embodiments and variants thereof in which the gripping unit 262 is an independent gripping module, and to other embodiments and variants thereof in which the gripping unit 262 is at least partially integrated into the device housing 212.

[0283] Grip element 264 extends lengthwise between a front end 266 and a rear end 268 , wherein front end 266 is advantageously arranged in front of rear end 268 with respect to main direction 226 .

[0284] The device housing 212 has an arrangement location 272 , at which the grip unit 262 is arranged and / or can be arranged on at least a part of the device housing 212 .

[0285] In the embodiment in which the grip unit 262 is a separate grip module 114, a fastening unit 132 is formed at the arrangement location 272 for the grip unit 262. Furthermore, the grip module 114 forming the grip unit 262 has a fastening unit 132, which is preferably arranged at the front end 266 of the grip element 264. In particular, the fastening unit 132 is at least partially configured as described above.

[0286] In an embodiment in which the gripping unit 262 is at least partially integrated into the device housing 212, the gripping element 264 or an arrangement element for the gripping element preferably transitions, in particular integrally, into another element and / or another section of the device housing 212 at the arrangement location 272, and / or the gripping element 264 or the arrangement element and another element and / or another section of the device housing 212 are joined to one another, for example, at the arrangement location 272.

[0287] In particular, arrangement location 272 is formed at front end 266 of grip element 264 or of the arrangement element.

[0288] For example, the deployment element extends from the deployment site to the front end 266 of the gripping element 264 .

[0289] In some advantageous embodiments, the gripping element 264 has at least one free end 266, 268, the free end being in particular the rear end 268, as exemplarily shown in FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 7 、 Figure 10 and Figure 12 As shown in the variant scheme.

[0290] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one further element of the gripping unit 262 is arranged at the front end 266 of the gripping element 264, and at least one further element of the gripping unit 262 is arranged at the rear end 268 of the gripping element 264, as exemplarily shown in FIG. Figure 3 、 Figure 8 、 Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown in the variant scheme.

[0291] Advantageously, the gripping unit 262 comprises at least one supporting element 276 , 278 , preferably at least one front supporting element 276 and / or rear supporting element 278 .

[0292] Advantageously, at least one supporting element 276, 278 is arranged at one of the longitudinal ends 266, 268 of the gripping element 264, and in particular, the front supporting element 276 is arranged at the front longitudinal end 266 and / or the rear supporting element 278 is arranged at the rear longitudinal end 268.

[0293] Advantageously, the device housing 212 comprises at least one supporting element 284 , on which at least one support element 276 , 278 , in particular at least two support elements 276 and 278 , are supported.

[0294] In the variant in which the gripping unit 262 is a separate gripping module 114 , the support element 284 comprises in particular a support surface 286 , on which the at least one supporting element 276 , 278 or the plurality of supporting elements 276 and 278 rest in the fastened state.

[0295] In some variants, it is provided that at least one supporting element 276 , 278 is supported directly on the supporting element 284 in contact with the supporting surface 286 .

[0296] In an advantageous variant, the gripping unit 262 has a contact element 288 which is advantageously at least partially integral with at least one supporting element 276, 278, and in the fastened state, the contact element 288 rests on the supporting surface 286 of the supporting element 284. In particular, the supporting element 276 can thus be supported indirectly on the supporting element 284 via the contact element 288, advantageously over a large area.

[0297] In particular, in some variants, the abutment element 288 extends between the two support elements 276 and 278 and the abutment element 288 is arranged with opposite longitudinal ends on one of the two support elements 276 and 278 .

[0298] In the variant in which the grip unit 262 is at least partially integrated, at least one supporting element 276 , 278 and preferably both supporting elements 276 and 278 are arranged supported on the supporting element 288 , in particular are formed on the supporting element 288 .

[0299] For example, both supporting elements 276 and 278 extend, in particular at least substantially in vertical direction 246 , away from grip element 264 , such that support element 284 and / or abutment element 288 are spaced apart from grip element 264 .

[0300] Advantageously, grip unit 262 has a through-grip opening 292 , grip element 264 being partially delimited by a downwardly directed side of through-grip opening 292 .

[0301] For example, the front support element 276 delimits the through-opening 292 at the front, while the rear support element 278 delimits the through-opening 292 at the rear.

[0302] Preferably, an element arranged opposite grip element 264 in vertical direction 246 delimits grip opening 292 at the bottom. For example, this opposite element is an element of device housing 212. In some advantageous variants, this opposite element is an element of grip unit 262, extending, for example, between two supporting elements 276 and 278. In particular, depending on the variant, this opposite element is support element 284 or contact element 288.

[0303] Advantageously, the grip opening 292 is formed continuously in the transverse direction 256 , so that a user of the device 100 can grip the handle formed by the grip element 264 through the grip opening 292 in this direction.

[0304] The device housing 212 therefore has a gripping region 296 in which, depending on the embodiment variant, the gripping unit 262 is formed and / or can be arranged and fastened at least to the device housing 212 .

[0305] Thus, in some variants of some embodiments, grip element 264 and advantageously at least one supporting element 276 , 278 and, for example, support element 284 are formed in grip region 296 .

[0306] In some exemplary embodiments, the device housing 212 has a recess 298 in the grip region 296 , into which a separate grip unit 262 that can be fastened to the device housing 212 can be inserted.

[0307] Advantageously, an arrangement location 272 for the handle unit 262 is arranged at the front end of the recess 298 , which arrangement location preferably includes the fastening unit 132 .

[0308] The recess 298 is delimited, for example, substantially at the bottom by the support surface 286 .

[0309] In particular, the gripping area 296 is located above the longitudinal center plane 312 of the device housing 212 and behind the vertical center plane 314 of the device housing 212 .

[0310] In particular, longitudinal center plane 312 extends at least substantially along main direction 226 and transverse direction 256 and at least approximately perpendicular to vertical direction 246. In particular, at least 40% of the total extent of device housing 212 in vertical direction 246 is located above and / or below longitudinal center plane 312.

[0311] In particular, vertical center plane 314 extends at least substantially along vertical direction 246 and transverse direction 256, and vertical center plane 314 extends at least approximately perpendicular to main direction 226. In particular, at least 40% of the total extent of device housing 212 along main direction 226 is located in front of and / or behind vertical center plane 314.

[0312] Between the arrangement location 232 for the application unit 236 and the arrangement location 272 for the gripping unit 262 , the device housing 212 has an arrangement section 322 .

[0313] For example, in Figure 14 , an enlarged view of arrangement section 322 is shown for a variant in which arrangement locations 232 , 272 for application unit 236 and for gripping unit 262 are designed as fastening units 132 .

[0314] The design of the arrangement section 322, as will be explained below, is advantageously provided in variants in which at least one of the arrangement locations 232, 272 is designed as a fastening unit 132 and / or in which at least the application unit 236 and / or the gripping unit 262 are at least partially integral with the device housing 212. Figure 14 The illustrations in FIG. 1 are also representative for other variants and are advantageously combined with Figure 14 The exemplary embodiments explained are also at least partially provided for other variants, for example Figure 12 and Figure 13 The variants shown in FIG.

[0315] In particular, arrangement location 272 for gripping unit 262 is arranged higher with respect to vertical direction 246 than arrangement location 232 for application unit 236 .

[0316] Advantageously, the arrangement section 322 is oriented obliquely downward in its extension forward toward the front side 222 .

[0317] In particular, the arrangement section 322 extends at least substantially along a geometric arrangement axis 326 . The arrangement axis 326 extends through the two arrangement locations 232 and 272 .

[0318] In particular, the axial direction of the arrangement axis 326 is defined by the longitudinal extension of an arrangement element at the arrangement location 232, 272. For example, this is an arrangement element of the fastening fitting 138 and / or the fastening receptacle 136 or an element at which, on the one hand, a part of the application unit 236 or the gripping unit 262 and, on the other hand, a part of the arrangement section 322 transition into one another and / or join together.

[0319] Advantageously, the central axis of the arrangement element extends on the arrangement axis 326 or at least approximately parallel to the arrangement axis 326, wherein the central axis is defined by the longitudinal extension of the arrangement element. If the central axis deviates from the arrangement axis 326, the offset between the two axes is preferably less than the longitudinal extension of the arrangement element, in particular less than half of this longitudinal extension.

[0320] Preferably, the device electronics are at least partially, in particular at least predominantly, arranged in arrangement section 322 .

[0321] Advantageously, the arrangement section 322 includes an outer wall section 332 of the device housing 212. In particular, the outer wall section 332 extends between the two arrangement locations 232 and 272 at an angle relative to the main direction 226 and at an angle relative to the vertical direction 246. For example, the outer wall section 332 of the arrangement section 322 extends at least in sections parallel to the arrangement axis 326 and / or at least in sections at an angle relative to the arrangement axis 326, advantageously only slightly at an angle.

[0322] In particular, the device housing 212 has an interaction side 342. Preferably, the interaction side 342 is formed on the arrangement section 322 and in particular on a wall section 332 of the arrangement section.

[0323] On the interaction side 342 , the device 100 has at least one operating element 246 of an operating device of the device 100 and / or at least one display element of a display device of the device 100 .

[0324] In particular, at least one operating element 346 is configured to switch the device on and off. Advantageously, at least one operating element 346 is provided, which needs to be actuated as an action in at least one action operating mode. In particular, at least one operating element 346 is a button.

[0325] At least one display element is used to display at least one state of the device 100. For example, the display element displays whether the device is turned on and / or off. In particular, the display element displays at least one operating mode of the device.

[0326] According to different variants, at least one display element is a simple luminous means, in particular a light emitting diode. In some variants, at least one display element is designed for more complex reproduction of information about the device state and is, for example, a display screen.

[0327] In particular, it is advantageous to arrange operating elements and / or display elements for interaction between a user and the device on the inclined interaction side 242 of the arrangement section 322, because these elements are easier for the user to reach and / or see when using the device 100 in different orientations.

[0328] Arranging operating elements 346 on arrangement section 322 and in particular close to arrangement location 272 for handle unit 262 is advantageous because these operating elements 346 are easily accessible to a user holding device 100 by the grip of handle unit 262 .

[0329] Advantageously, the device 100 includes a water tank 352. The water tank 352 can be arranged on the device housing 212 in a water tank area 354 of the device housing 212 and can be fastened to the device housing 212 in a releasable manner.

[0330] In particular, the water tank 352 has a storage space for storing liquid.

[0331] Advantageously, the water tank 352 has a fluid connection. This connection allows the reservoir of the water tank 352 to be connected to the circuitry in the device housing 212 in a fluid-conducting manner. Advantageously, a hose is arranged in the reservoir, one end of which leads to the fluid connection. A weight is arranged at the other end of the hose, and the hose opens into the reservoir at this end. Advantageously, even in different orientations of the device 100, the end of the hose that opens into the reservoir is arranged in an area of ​​the reservoir that is relatively low in relation to gravity. Therefore, even if the liquid level in the reservoir is low, the hose end remains in the liquid and can be drained via the hose.

[0332] In particular, the device housing 212 has a recess 356 in the water tank area 354 , wherein the water tank 352 is received in the recess 356 for fastening.

[0333] In particular, in the water tank area 354, a fastening mechanism for the water tank 352 is at least partially configured on the device housing 212. For example, the fastening mechanism, configured as a locking mechanism, includes a locking member and a locking receptacle. The locking receptacle and the locking member lock with each other to releasably secure the water tank 352. In particular, at least some of the locking members are configured on the water tank 352 and the corresponding locking receptacles are configured on the device housing 212, and / or at least some of the locking members are configured on the device housing 212 and the corresponding locking receptacles are configured on the water tank 352.

[0334] Advantageously, the water tank area 354 is formed in a rear region of the device housing 212 with respect to the main direction 226 and in a lower region with respect to the vertical direction 246 .

[0335] In particular, the device housing 212 has an edge section 358 that delimits a recess 356 for the water tank 352. Advantageously, the edge section 358 first extends from the rear side 224 of the device housing 212 substantially forward in the main direction 226 and then downward in the vertical direction 246 to the underside 244 of the device housing 212.

[0336] The device housing 212 includes a rear section 364 that extends to the rear side 224 .

[0337] In particular, the rear section 364 is bounded at least partially upward by elements delimiting the gripping region 296 , ie in particular by the contact element 388 or the support element 284 , and downward at least partially by the edge section 158 of the pitcher region 354 .

[0338] In particular, rear section 364 is at least partially a narrow section with respect to its extent in vertical direction 246, since grip area 296 is at least partially formed above rear section 364 and pitcher area 354 is formed below rear section 364. For example, the narrow section of rear section 364 in vertical direction 246 is at most 20% of the total extent of device housing 212 in vertical direction 246.

[0339] In particular, rear section 364 extends from rear side 224 forward along grip region 296 and pitcher region 354 and to front ends of these regions 296 , 354 extending further forward in main direction 226 .

[0340] For example, the gripping area 296 extends further forward than the pitcher area 354. In the region along the main direction 226 where the gripping area 296 still advantageously extends forward but the pitcher area 352 no longer does, the rear section 364 advantageously widens downwardly as far as the underside 244 of the device housing 212.

[0341] The device 100 comprises a power supply unit 372 . The power supply unit 372 is advantageously arranged at least substantially in the rear section 364 .

[0342] In an advantageous variant, the device 100 is a cabled device, and the power supply unit 372 comprises a cable with a power plug for coupling to a power interface.

[0343] In particular, the device housing 212 has a power supply opening 374, through which the cables are introduced into the housing interior 214. Advantageously, the power supply opening 374 is formed on the rear side 224 at the rear section 364.

[0344] For example, the cable is passed through rear section 364 to at least one further element of power supply unit 372, from which the electrical energy is distributed to the units and / or electronic components in device housing interior 214. Power supply unit 372 advantageously includes a transformer to convert the output voltage provided by the current interface into the voltage required by the device's technical equipment.

[0345] In some variants, the power supply unit 372 includes an energy storage device, such as a battery and / or an accumulator. In these variants, the power supply unit 372 also advantageously includes a distribution element to distribute the electrical energy provided by the energy storage device.

[0346] Advantageously, the hot fluid generating unit 378 of the device 100 is arranged in a front region of the device housing 212 with respect to the main direction 226 and preferably close to the arrangement location 232 for the application unit 236. In particular, the hot fluid generating unit 378 is arranged below the arrangement section 322 with respect to the vertical direction 246.

[0347] In some advantageous variations, thermal fluid generation unit 378 comprises a continuous heater for heating the liquid.

[0348] In some advantageous variations, thermal fluid generation unit 378 comprises a boiler having a heating element for heating the liquid.

[0349] In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 heats the liquid to a thermal fluid having a temperature of at least 60 degrees Celsius, preferably at least 80 degrees Celsius, for example at least 90 degrees Celsius. For example, the thermal fluid includes hot liquid and / or gaseous medium, in particular water vapor.

[0350] In particular, the device 100 comprises a line arrangement for conducting a fluid in the housing interior 214 .

[0351] At least when the water tank 352 is fastened to the device housing 212 , the hot fluid generating unit 378 can be connected to the water tank 352 in a fluid-conducting manner via a line arrangement.

[0352] In particular, a line section of the line arrangement leads to an arrangement point 232 for an application unit 236 .

[0353] In particular, the application unit 236 can be connected to the circuit system at least in a fluid-conducting manner. Advantageously, the integral application unit 236 is connected to the circuit system in a fluid-conducting manner. Advantageously, at least in the assembled device configuration 105, the separate application modules 116 are connected to the circuit system in a fluid-conducting manner.

[0354] In particular, in an active operating mode, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 supplies thermal fluid via the line arrangement to the application unit 236. In particular, at least in a rest mode and / or in the switched-off state, no thermal fluid is supplied to the application unit 236.

[0355] Advantageously, a pump 382 is arranged in the line arrangement. In particular, the pump 382 is arranged between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generating unit 378 with respect to the main direction 226. In particular, the pump 382 is arranged in the rear section 364 and there, preferably in the area widening to the bottom side 244.

[0356] Preferably, the apparatus 100 comprises a cartridge 410. In particular, a fluid modifying material 414 is arranged in the cartridge 410 for at least partially treating the liquid from the water tank 352.

[0357] Advantageously, the liquid provided by the water tank 352 comprises water, in particular at least mainly water. For example, at least one additive is added to the water. Advantageously, the fluid modifying material 414 is configured to at least partially decalcify the water.

[0358] Advantageously, the cassette 410 is arranged in the rear section 364 and there preferably in the region widened as far as the underside 244 .

[0359] Preferably, the cassette 410 is arranged between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generation unit 378 , and in particular between the water tank area 354 and the pump 382 , with respect to the main direction 226 .

[0360] Figure 15 and Figure 16 A cartridge 410 is shown as an example.

[0361] The box 410 includes a container 422 having an interior space 424. In particular, the container 422 is constructed from a plurality of outer wall segments 428.

[0362] Advantageously, the outer wall section 428 surrounds the interior space 424 and forms the exterior of the container 422 .

[0363] Advantageously, the container 422 is at least substantially cuboid in shape and a wall section 428 is formed on each side of the container 422 .

[0364] For example, the container 422 has six outer wall segments 428I to 428VI.

[0365] To the extent that wall segments 428 are constructed at least substantially identically, multiple wall segments 428 are described collectively, and in particular, a reference to one wall segment 428 should be understood to mean that at least one wall segment, preferably at least some of the wall segments, for example, all of the wall segments 428, have the described features. In particular, if at least one specific wall segment is to be specifically mentioned when describing wall segments and / or elements / features of wall segments, the corresponding additional reference is accompanied by a Roman numeral representing that specific wall segment. The corresponding Roman numeral is to be understood merely as the designation of that specific wall segment and does not convey any further information, in particular, the Roman numerals do not convey any prioritization of the wall segments 428 and / or any information regarding the total number of wall segments.

[0366] In particular, each wall segment 428 has a respective inner wall surface 432 and a respective outer wall surface 434. The inner wall surface 432 and the outer wall surface 434 of the wall segment 428 are opposite wall surfaces of the wall segment 428 in a thickness direction 438 of the wall segment 428.

[0367] The wall sections 428 delimit the interior 424 with inner wall surfaces 432 , while the outer wall surfaces 434 face the surroundings of the container 422 and in particular the surroundings of the cassette 410 . In particular, the interior 424 is enclosed by the inner wall surfaces 432 of all wall sections 428 .

[0368] In particular, each wall segment 428 extends substantially in an extension plane. The extension plane extends at least partially at least approximately perpendicularly to a thickness direction 438 of the wall segment 428 .

[0369] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the wall segments 428 are flat wall segments, and their extension plane is an extension plane spanned by two extension directions 442, 444 that extend at least approximately perpendicular to one another. In the flat wall segments 428, their thickness direction 438 is oriented in the same direction at least over a majority of the extension of the flat wall segments 428.

[0370] In some variants, at least one wall section 428 is curved. In a curved wall section 428, its extension surface is also correspondingly curved, and the orientation of the thickness direction 438 of the curved wall section 428 changes along the extension of the curvature.

[0371] For example, the respective wall section 428 extends in a longitudinal extension direction 442 and in a transverse extension direction 444 , wherein the longitudinal extension direction 442 and the transverse extension direction 444 define a geometrical extension surface.

[0372] The respective wall section 428 extends in its extension plane to at least one end region 452 , 454 and in particular extends between a plurality of end regions 452 , 454 .

[0373] For example, the wall section 428 extends along its longitudinal extension direction 442 between two opposite longitudinal end regions 452 and / or the wall section 428 extends along its transverse extension direction 444 between two opposite transverse end regions 454 .

[0374] In particular, the extension of the wall section 428 in the directions of extension 442 , 444 , for example in its longitudinal extension 442 and / or in its transverse extension 444 , is greater, preferably significantly greater, than its thickness measured in the thickness direction 438 .

[0375] In particular, at most 30% of the total extension of the wall section 428 in its directions of extension 442 , 444 , for example in its longitudinal extension direction 442 and / or in its transverse extension direction 444 , is located in the end regions 452 , 454 .

[0376] In particular, two wall segments 428 are arranged adjacent to one another with respective end regions 452 , 454 in edge regions 462 . In particular, end regions 452 , 454 of three wall segments 428 and thus also edge regions 462 between these wall segments 428 meet in respective corner regions 466 .

[0377] For example, at least some of the wall sections are rounded in their end regions 452, 454, and accordingly, the container 422 has at least some rounded edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466, as shown in the example. Figure 15 As shown in .

[0378] In particular, the container 422 extends in an extension plane 468. The extension plane 468 is spanned by two extension directions 472 and 474, which extend, for example, at least approximately perpendicularly to one another.

[0379] In particular, the container 422 has a smaller extension in a height direction 476 than in the two extension directions 472 and 474. In particular, the height direction 476 extends at least approximately perpendicularly to the extension plane 468.

[0380] The height of the container 422 is measured in the height direction 476. For example, the height of the container 422 is at most 70%, in particular at most 50%, of the minimum extension of the container 422 in the extension directions 472, 474.

[0381] In particular, two wall segments 428, for example, wall segment 428I and wall segment 428II, are spaced apart from one another in height direction 476 and are advantageously arranged opposite one another in height direction 476. Preferably, the two wall segments 428I, II extend at least approximately parallel to the geometric plane of extension 468. In particular, the extension directions 442I, II of the two wall segments 428I, II spaced apart from one another in height direction 476 extend substantially parallel to the geometric plane of extension 468.

[0382] In particular, two wall sections 428I and 428II spaced apart from one another in the height direction 476 have essentially the same shape in their extension plane and thus define, for example, a base area of ​​the container 422 .

[0383] In particular, the wall sections 428I, II spaced apart from one another in the height direction 476 are designed to be substantially rectangular, so that the base area of ​​the container 422 is also substantially rectangular, wherein the corners are preferably rounded, as shown in the example at Figure 15 As shown in .

[0384] In particular, at least one wall segment 428 extends between two wall segments 428I, II spaced apart from one another in the height direction 476 and is arranged on the two wall segments 428I, II in a respective edge region 462 .

[0385] In particular, the container 422 is of substantially cylindrical design, wherein a wall section 428 extends in each of opposite base areas of the cylindrical shape and at least one wall section 428 extends in the lateral surface of the cylindrical shape.

[0386] For example, a lateral wall segment 428 (here wall segments 428III to 428VI) extends in its extension direction 442, 444 along a height direction 476 between two wall segments 428I, II, which are spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476 and extend in its other extension direction 442, 444 between two different lateral wall segments 428III, IV, V, VI.

[0387] For example, two wall segments are arranged opposite each other in the two extension directions 472 and 474 of the container 422. For example, wall segments 428III and 428V are arranged opposite each other in the extension direction 472, and wall segments 428IV and 428VI are arranged opposite each other in the extension direction 474.

[0388] In particular, the container 422 is constructed from at least two different container parts 482, 484. In particular, the respective container parts 482, 484 are each formed in one piece.

[0389] At least some of the container parts 482 , 484 , in particular all of the container parts 482 , 484 , each include at least one wall section 428 .

[0390] Advantageously, one of the container parts (here container part 484 ) is essentially formed by one wall segment 428 , while the other container part (here container part 482 ) comprises the remaining wall segment 428 .

[0391] In particular, the container part 484, which is essentially formed by one wall section 428, is thus designed as a cover for the other container part 482. In particular, one of the wall sections spaced apart in the height direction 476, here the wall section 428II, essentially forms the container part 484, which is in particular a cover.

[0392] The wall sections 428 , which are formed from the same container part 482 , 484 and are arranged adjacent to one another in the edge region 462 , are preferably formed adjacent to one another in their edge region 462 .

[0393] The wall segments 428, which are configured as different container parts 482, 484 and are arranged adjacent to each other in the edge region 462, are preferably connected to each other in a form-fitting manner, at least in the assembled state of the container 422, in its edge region 462. Advantageously, the two wall segments 428 have interengaging form-fitting elements 492, 494 for this purpose. For example, one of the two form-fitting elements 492, 494 has a groove, while the other of the two form-fitting elements 492, 494 has a projection that engages in the groove.

[0394] The container 422 has an inlet 512 that opens into the interior space 424 at an inlet opening 514 . The container 422 has an outlet 516 that opens into the interior space 424 at an outlet opening 518 .

[0395] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in one container part 482 , 484 , while the outlet opening 518 is formed in the other container part 482 , 484 .

[0396] Inlet opening 514 and outlet opening 518 are connected to one another in a fluid-conducting manner in interior space 424 at least along connection 526 . Liquid flowing into interior space 424 via inlet opening 514 can therefore reach outlet opening 518 along connection 526 .

[0397] In particular, connection 526 extends at least along a geometric connection line 528. In particular, connection line 528 is straight and extends along the shortest path between inlet opening 514 and outlet opening 518. For example, connection line 528 is a straight line extending through the center point of inlet opening 514 and the center point of outlet opening 518.

[0398] Advantageously, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are arranged such that the connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 is optimized in length.

[0399] In particular, optimizing the length of connection 526 and, in particular, optimizing the length of connecting line 528 should be understood to mean that the connection is designed to be as long as possible, taking into account, for example, practical and / or technical conditions. For example, openings 514, 518 cannot be designed arbitrarily close to the edge of either container part 482, 484, but rather a sufficiently large edge section must be present to ensure the stability of container parts 482, 484.

[0400] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are therefore arranged such that the shortest connection 526 between the two openings 514 , 518 is as long as possible.

[0401] To optimize length, it is preferably provided that the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in wall sections 428 that are arranged opposite each other in one direction. In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in the wall section 428II. And, arranged opposite this wall section 428II in the height direction 476 is the wall section 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0402] In particular, inlet opening 514 is formed in one end region 452 , 454 of wall section 428 , in which inlet opening 514 is formed. In particular, outlet opening 518 is formed in one end region 452 , 454 of wall section 428 , in which outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0403] In particular, the two end regions 452 , 454 of the opening, in which the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are respectively formed, are opposite to one another in at least one direction.

[0404] In particular, the longitudinal extension direction 442II of the wall segment 428II in which the inlet opening 514 is constructed and the longitudinal extension direction 442I of the wall segment 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is constructed extend at least approximately parallel to each other, and / or the lateral extension direction 444II of the wall segment 428II in which the inlet opening 514 is constructed and the lateral extension direction 444I of the wall segment 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is constructed extend at least approximately parallel to each other.

[0405] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in the region of its wall section 428 , these regions being opposite in at least one direction of extension 442 , 444 of its wall section 448 , preferably in both directions of extension 442 , 444 .

[0406] In particular, the region in which the inlet opening 514 is configured in its wall section and the region in which the outlet opening 518 is configured in its wall section 428 are opposite to each other with respect to at least one of the directions of extension 472 , 474 of the container 422 , preferably in both directions of extension 472 , 474 of the container 422 .

[0407] In particular, the projections of the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 onto at least one geometrical projection plane are therefore opposite to one another in at least one direction.

[0408] In particular, the projection of the inlet opening 514 and the projection of the outlet opening 518 in a projection plane 534 extending at least substantially perpendicularly to the height direction 476 are opposite to each other in at least one direction, in particular opposite to each other in at least one extension direction 472, 474 of the container 422, preferably opposite to each other in both extension directions 472, 474 of the container 422, and / or opposite to each other in at least one extension direction 442, 444 of the wall section 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is constructed, preferably opposite to each other in at least some of these extension directions 442, 444 of the wall section 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is constructed.

[0409] In particular, the projection of the inlet opening 514 and the projection of the outlet opening 518 in the projection plane 536 extending parallel to the height direction 476 are opposite to each other in a direction perpendicular to the height direction 476 and extending in the projection plane 536 .

[0410] In particular, the further projection plane in which the projections of the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are opposite to each other in at least one direction is a projection plane that extends at least approximately perpendicularly to at least one extension direction 472, 474 of the container 422, and / or is a projection plane that extends at least approximately perpendicularly to at least one extension direction 442, 444 of the wall section 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is constructed.

[0411] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in at least one edge region 462, wherein the edge region 462 is formed from the wall segment 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and at least one further wall segment 428. Preferably, the inlet opening 514 is formed in a corner region 466 of the container 422, wherein the corner region 466 is formed from the wall segment in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and at least two further wall segments 428. In particular, in this exemplary embodiment, the corner region 466, and therefore also the edge region 462 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, is formed from a wall segment 428II extending at least transversely to the height direction 476 and further wall segments 428IV and 428V, whose extension directions 442, 444 extend at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0412] In particular, the outlet opening 518 is formed in at least one edge region 462 of the container 422, wherein the edge region 462 is formed by the wall segment 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed and at least one further wall segment 428. Preferably, the outlet opening 518 is formed in a corner region 466 of the container 422, wherein the corner region is formed by the wall segment 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed and at least two further wall segments 428. In particular, in the present exemplary embodiment, the corner region 466, and therefore also the edge region 462 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, is formed by a wall segment 428I extending at least transversely to the height direction 476 and further wall segments 428III and 428VI, one of whose extension directions 442, 444 extends at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0413] Advantageously, the wall section 428 forming the edge region 462 and in particular the corner region 466 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed is a different wall section from the wall section 428 forming the edge region 462 and in particular the corner region 466 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0414] In particular, the edge region 462 and, in particular, the corner region 466 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, on the one hand, and the edge region 462 and, in particular, the corner region 466 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, on the other hand, are opposite regions 462, 466 at least in the height direction 476 of the container 422 and / or in at least one of the two directions of extension 472, 474, preferably in both directions of extension 472, 474. Advantageously, these edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466 are opposite in a plurality of these directions 476, 472, 474.

[0415] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in opposite regions of the interior 424 along a spatial diagonal of the interior 424 , in particular in the edge region 462 and / or the corner region 466 .

[0416] In particular, the spatial diagonal extends at least obliquely relative to the height direction 476 and / or obliquely relative to the two directions of extent 472 , 474 .

[0417] In particular, the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is thus designed in a length-optimized manner, since the two openings 514 , 518 are formed in opposite regions of the container 422 , in particular opposite edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466 .

[0418] Advantageously, the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is configured to be unobstructed at least in the unfilled state of the cartridge 410. Advantageously, in particular the direct connection 526 extending along the connecting line 528 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is configured to be unobstructed at least in the unfilled state.

[0419] Advantageously, the connecting space region 542 is formed unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state. The connecting space region 542 extends in a connecting direction 544 from the inlet opening 514 along the connection 526 to the outlet opening 518 and runs transversely to the connecting direction 544 .

[0420] In particular, the connecting space region 542 extends along a direct connecting line 528 from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518 .

[0421] Advantageously, the connecting space region 542 extends transversely to the connecting direction 544 at least over an extent which corresponds at least substantially to the extent of the inlet opening 514 and / or the extent of the outlet opening 518 and in particular to at least twice this extent.

[0422] It is particularly advantageous if the connecting space region 542 extends at least to the inner wall surface 432 of the wall segment 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is constructed, and to the inner wall surface 432 of the wall segment 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is constructed, and / or preferably to the inner wall surfaces 432 of at least some of the other wall segments 428, in particular to the inner wall surfaces 432 of all wall segments 428.

[0423] In particular, the entire interior space 424 is designed to be unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state.

[0424] In particular, the region is configured to be unobstructed if no container portion and / or other portion of the box 410 and / or another portion projects into the region of the interior space 424. In particular, an unobstructed region is one without any portion.

[0425] In particular, the unobstructed connection 526 and the unobstructed connection space area 542 are advantageous because a large amount of fluid-modifying material 414 can be filled into the unobstructed area, in particular the entire unobstructed interior space 424, and in the filled state, the liquid flowing from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518 can flow well around the filled fluid-modifying material 414, but otherwise the flow of the fluid is not hindered due to the unobstructed nature of the connection 526.

[0426] By arranging the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 in a length-optimized manner the connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 , the flowing fluid flows around as much fluid-modifying material 414 as possible via the longest possible connection 526 .

[0427] Advantageously, the fluid modifying material 414 is a granular medium.

[0428] In particular, this allows for an advantageous filling of the interior 424 , and the granular medium provides a larger surface for reacting with the liquid flowing through the interior 424 .

[0429] In particular, the fluid modifying material 414 is configured for treating a liquid, such as for decalcifying water.

[0430] Advantageously, a screen 554 is arranged in the inlet opening 514. In particular, a screen 558 is arranged in the outlet opening 518. In particular, the screen 554 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the screen 558 in the outlet opening 518 are designed so that they prevent, in particular, granular fluid-modifying material 414 from at least predominantly escaping from the interior 424 through the openings 514, 518. In particular, the screens 554, 558 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the outlet opening 518 are designed so that the liquid flowing through can pass through the screens 554, 558 as unhindered as possible. For example, the screen 554 in the inlet opening 514 is designed so that any impurities present in the incoming liquid are retained by the screen 554 and thus at least in small quantities or, advantageously, at least substantially not at all, reach the interior 424.

[0431] In particular, the inlet 512 includes an inlet nipple 564. The inlet nipple 564 includes a flow-through space for the liquid that leads to the inlet opening 514, wherein the flow-through space is surrounded circumferentially by the nipple wall of the inlet nipple. Advantageously, the inlet nipple 564, in particular its flow-through space and / or its nipple wall, extends between the inlet opening 514 and one end of the inlet nipple 564 transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicularly to the extension direction 424, 444 of the wall section 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, and / or in particular extends at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0432] In particular, outlet 516 includes an outlet nipple 568. Outlet nipple 568 includes a flow-through space for the liquid that leads to outlet opening 518, wherein the flow-through space is surrounded circumferentially by a nipple wall of outlet nipple 568. Advantageously, outlet nipple 568, in particular its flow-through space and / or its nipple wall, extends from outlet opening 518 to one end of outlet nipple 568 transversely and in particular at least approximately perpendicularly to extension directions 442, 444 of wall section 428 in which outlet opening 518 is formed and / or extends substantially parallel to height direction 476.

[0433] Advantageously, the cassette 410 is arranged in the housing interior 214 of the device housing 212 in such a way that a height direction 476 of the container 422 extends at least substantially parallel to the main direction 226 .

[0434] Advantageously, the wall section 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed faces the water tank area 354. In particular, the inlet nipple 564 extends toward the water tank area 354.

[0435] Advantageously, the wall section 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed faces forward with respect to the main direction 226 and, for example, faces the hot fluid generating unit 378 and / or the pump 382. In particular, the outlet nipple 568 extends forward in the main direction 226, for example, in the direction of the hot fluid generating unit 378 and / or in the direction of the pump 382.

[0436] In particular, the cassette 410 can thus be arranged in a space-saving manner adjacent to the water tank area 354, and in particular between the water tank area 354 of the device housing 212 on the one hand and the hot fluid generating unit 378 and / or the pump 382 on the other hand, since the container 422 has its minimum extension in the height direction 476. Nevertheless, it is possible for the liquid flowing through the cassette 410 to flow around as much of the fluid-modifying material 414 as possible, since the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is designed in a length-optimized manner.

[0437] Preferably, the cassette 410 is arranged in the device housing 212 such that the inlet 512 with the inlet opening 514 is arranged above the outlet 516 with the outlet opening 518 with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the device housing 212 .

[0438] Advantageously, the inlet 512 is arranged in the uppermost region of the container 422, and in particular in the uppermost region of the cassette 410, with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the device housing 212. Advantageously, the outlet 516 is arranged in the lowermost region of the container 422, and in particular in the lowermost region of the cassette 410, with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the device housing 212.

[0439] In particular, the water tank 352 can be connected in a fluid-conducting manner via at least one line section of the line arrangement to the inlet 512 of the cassette 410. Advantageously, when the water tank is fastened to the device housing 212, the water tank 352 is connected in a fluid-conducting manner via at least one line section to the inlet 512 of the cassette 410.

[0440] Advantageously, the outlet 516 is connected in a fluid-conducting manner to at least one line section of the line arrangement and, in particular, via the line arrangement, to the hot fluid generating unit 378 and / or the pump 382 .

[0441] Since the inlet 512 is advantageously arranged above the outlet 516, the flow of liquid through the cartridge 410 during use of the device 100, at least in most orientations of the device 100, is at least not hindered by gravity, and advantageously is at least supported by gravity, since the inlet opening 514 is also arranged above the outlet opening 518 with respect to the direction of gravity. Advantageously, this arrangement of the inlet opening 514 above the outlet opening 518 is also provided in at least most possible device configurations 105 of the device 100.

[0442] Reference Signs List

[0443] 100 devices

[0444] 105 device configuration

[0445] 112 equipment module

[0446] 114 grip module

[0447] 116 application module

[0448] 118 extension module

[0449] 132 fastening unit

[0450] 136 fastening accommodation portion

[0451] 138 fastening fittings

[0452] 152 detection equipment

[0453] 156 sensors

[0454] 162 detection areas

[0455] 164 components to be detected

[0456] 166 Fasten the end of the receiving portion

[0457] 168 accommodating opening

[0458] 212 equipment housing

[0459] 214 shell interior

[0460] 222 front side

[0461] 224 rear side

[0462] 226 main direction

[0463] 232 Arrangement location (for application unit)

[0464] 236 application unit

[0465] 242 upper side

[0466] 244 lower side

[0467] 246 vertical direction

[0468] 252 display surface

[0469] 256 horizontal direction

[0470] 262 grip unit

[0471] 264 grip elements

[0472] 266 front longitudinal end

[0473] 268 rear longitudinal end

[0474] 272 Arrangement location (for grip unit)

[0475] 276 support components

[0476] 278 support components

[0477] 284 support elements

[0478] 286 support surface

[0479] 288 stick components

[0480] 292 Grip Opening

[0481] 296 grip area

[0482] 298 blank space

[0483] 312 longitudinal center plane

[0484] 314 vertical center plane

[0485] 322 layout section

[0486] 326 layout axis

[0487] 332 external wall segment

[0488] 342 interactive side

[0489] 346 operating elements

[0490] 352 water jug

[0491] 354 Water Tank Area

[0492] 356 concavity

[0493] 358 edge section

[0494] Section after 364

[0495] 372 power supply unit

[0496] 374 power supply opening

[0497] 378 Thermal Fluid Generation Unit

[0498] 382 pump

[0499] 410 boxes

[0500] 414 fluid modification material

[0501] 422 container

[0502] 424 interior space

[0503] 428 wall sections

[0504] 432 inner wall surface

[0505] 434 outer wall

[0506] 438 thickness direction

[0507] 442 (longitudinal) extension direction

[0508] 444 (horizontal) extension direction

[0509] 452 (longitudinal) end area

[0510] 454 (lateral) end area

[0511] 462 edge area

[0512] 466 corner area

[0513] 468 Extended Plane

[0514] 472 extension direction

[0515] 474 extension direction

[0516] 476 height direction

[0517] 482 container part

[0518] 484 container part

[0519] 492 form-locking elements

[0520] 494 form-locking element

[0521] 512 Entrance

[0522] 514 entrance opening

[0523] Exit 516

[0524] 518 Exit Opening

[0525] 526 connections

[0526] 528 connecting line

[0527] 534 Projection Plane

[0528] 536 Projection Plane

[0529] 542 connected space area

[0530] 544 connection direction

[0531] 554 screen

[0532] 558 screen

[0533] 564 inlet socket

[0534] 568 outlet socket

Claims

1. A cassette (410), in particular a cassette (410) for a fluidic device, comprising a container (422) having an interior space (424), wherein: An inlet (512) for the liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514), and an outlet (516) for the liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518), and - in, At least one direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is unobstructed, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space (424), and / or wherein the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space (424), so that the in particular direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is optimized in length.

2. Application of the box (410) in a fluidic device, wherein: The cartridge (410) comprises a container (422) having an interior space (424), and wherein an inlet (512) for a liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514), and an outlet (516) for the liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518), and - wherein at least one direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is unobstructed at least in the unfilled state of the interior space (424), and / or wherein the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space (424), so that the in particular direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is optimized in length.

3. A fluidic device (100), comprising a cartridge (410), wherein: The cartridge comprises a container (422) having an interior space (424), and wherein an inlet (512) for a liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514), and an outlet (516) for the liquid opens into the interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518), and - wherein at least one direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is unobstructed at least in the unfilled state of the interior space (424), and / or wherein the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space (424), so that the in particular direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the interior space (424) is optimized in length.

4. The cartridge (410) according to claim 1 and / or the use according to claim 2 and / or the fluidic device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that At least a connecting space region (542) surrounding the direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) is free of obstructions, at least in the unfilled state of the interior space (424).

5. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The connecting space region (542) extends in a connecting direction (526) from the inlet opening (514) to the outlet opening (518), and the connecting space region (542) has, at least for the most part along its extension in the connecting direction (526) and transversely to the connecting direction (526), ​​an extension that is at least approximately equal to or greater than an extension of the inlet opening (514) and / or an extension of the outlet opening (518).

6. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the two preceding claims, characterized in that The connecting space region (542) extends at least for the most part along its extension in the connecting direction (526) transversely to the connecting direction (526) to at least one wall section (428) of the container (422).

7. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The interior space (424) is at least predominantly unobstructed, at least in an unfilled state.

8. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that It is provided that, in the filled state of the inner space (424), the inner space (424) is at least partially filled with a fluid-modifying material.

9. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fluid-modifying material is at least partially configured for at least partial, in particular physical and / or chemical, modification of a fluid flowing through the cassette (410), in particular for decalcification.

10. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The fluid modifying material is a granular medium.

11. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The container (422) comprises a plurality of wall segments (428), and the plurality of wall segments (428) delimit the interior space (424), wherein in particular, - the plurality of wall segments (428) each extend in a respective extension plane and have a respective thickness transversely to their respective extension plane, and / or - the plurality of wall segments (428) each have an inner wall surface (432) and an outer wall surface (434), wherein the inner wall surface (432) delimits the interior space (424) and / or the outer wall surface (434) forms the respective outer side of the container (422), and / or In each case two wall segments (428) are arranged adjacent to one another in a respective edge region (462), and / or in each case three wall segments (428) are arranged adjacent to one another in a respective corner region (466).

12. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inlet opening (514) is formed in a corner region (466) of the container (422), and / or the outlet opening (518) is formed in a corner region (466) of the container (422).

13. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The corner region (466) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed and the corner region (466) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed do not have a common wall section (428).

14. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The angular region (466) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed and the angular region (466) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed are two angular regions (466) that are at the greatest distance from one another in the interior space (424).

15. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The container (422) extends at least substantially in an extension plane (468) and in a height direction (476), the height direction extending at least approximately perpendicularly to the extension plane (468), wherein in particular the extension plane (468) is developed by two extension directions (472, 474) extending at least approximately perpendicularly to each other, wherein in particular the extension of the container (422) in the height direction (476) is smaller than the extension of the container (422) in at least one of the two extension directions (472, 474).

16. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are formed on opposite sides of the interior space (424) in the height direction (476).

17. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inlet (512) and / or the outlet (516) extend in the height direction (476) away from the container (422), and in particular away from the wall section (428) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed.

18. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The area of ​​the interior space (424) that opens into the inlet opening (514) and the area of ​​the interior space (424) that opens into the outlet opening (518) are opposite in the interior space (424) in at least one of the two extension directions (472, 474) and / or in the height direction (476).

19. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The region of the interior space (424) into which the inlet opening (514) flows and the region of the interior space (424) into which the outlet opening (518) flows are opposite in the interior space (424) with respect to the direction in which the interior space (424) has at least approximately its maximum expansion.

20. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that In at least one projection plane (534, 536), the region in which the projection of the inlet opening (514) lies and the region in which the projection of the outlet opening (518) lies are opposite regions of the projection of the interior space (424), wherein in particular this is provided for at least one projection plane (534, 536) defined as follows, - a projection plane (534, 536) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction (476), and / or - a projection plane (534, 536) through which the spatial diagonal of the interior space (424) extends, - a projection plane (534, 536) extending at least approximately perpendicularly to one of the two directions of extension AR, and / or - A projection plane (534, 536) unfolded by an extension direction (442, 444) of a wall segment (428) and an extension direction (442, 444) of another wall segment (428), wherein the two wall segments (428) meet in a corner region (466) and the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is arranged in the corner region, and wherein the two extension directions unfolding the projection plane (534, 536) extend away from the region (462, 466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed.

21. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The interior space (424) is designed to be unobstructed so that in at least one projection plane (534, 536), at least for the most part only the region of the interior space (424) that is unobstructed for the fluid is projected onto the region between the projection of the inlet opening (514) and the projection of the outlet opening (518), wherein this is given for at least one projection plane (534, 536) defined as follows: - a projection plane (534, 536) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction (476), and / or - a projection plane (534, 536) through which the spatial diagonal of the interior space (424) extends, - a projection plane (534, 536) extending at least approximately perpendicularly to one of the two directions of extension (AR), and / or - A projection plane (534, 536) unfolded by an extension direction (442, 444) of a wall segment (428) and an extension direction (442, 444) of another wall segment (428), wherein the two wall segments (428) meet in a corner region (466) and the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is arranged in the corner region, and wherein the two extension directions unfolding the projection plane (534, 536) extend away from the region (462, 466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed.

22. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cassette (410) is designed for an at least approximately vertical orientation and / or is used in an at least approximately vertical orientation and / or is arranged in the fluid device (100) in an at least approximately vertical orientation, wherein in particular at least one of the following features is provided in the prescribed vertical orientation: - the outlet opening (518) is arranged in a region of the interior space (424) that is located below with respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100), and / or the inlet opening (514) is arranged in a region of the interior space (424) that is located above with respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100); - the height direction (476) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately perpendicularly to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100); - one of the two extension directions (472, 474) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100); - The wall surface (432, 434) of the wall section (428) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed and / or the wall surface (432, 434) of the wall section (428) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed extends at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100).

23. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The container (422) comprises at least two different container parts (482, 484), wherein in particular the at least two container parts (482, 484) each have at least one wall section (428).

24. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are formed in different container parts (482, 484) of the container (422).

25. The cartridge (410) and / or the application and / or the fluidic device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that A screen (554, 558) is arranged in the inlet opening (514) and / or a screen (554, 558) is arranged in the outlet opening (518).

Images