Cartridge, use of cartridge, and fluid device having cartridge

Abstract

In order to improve a cartridge, in particular a cartridge for a fluidic device comprising a container having an internal space, it is proposed that an inlet for a liquid leads to the internal space at an inlet opening and an outlet for a liquid leads to the internal space at an outlet opening, and that at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the internal space is unobstructed at least when the internal space is in an unfilled state, and / or that the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the internal space so as to optimize the length of the particularly direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the internal space.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and the use of the cartridge, as well as to a fluidic device having the cartridge. [Background technology]

[0002] US Pat. No. 5,649,999 discloses an apparatus and a corresponding method for treating water in a water outflow installation located in a sanitary area subjected to the outflowing water.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discloses a fragrance cartridge for a vapor device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 10 2009 013 375 A1 [Patent Document 2] DE 10 2018 106 446 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The problem underlying the present invention is to provide and / or improve a cartridge and the use of the cartridge as well as a fluidic device comprising the cartridge. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the underlying problem is solved by a cartridge, in particular a cartridge for a fluidic device, which comprises a container having an interior space, into which an inlet opening for a liquid leads and into which an outlet opening for a liquid leads, at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed at least when the interior space is in an unfilled state; and / or the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space in such a way as to optimize the length of the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space.

[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the underlying problem is solved by the use of a cartridge in a fluidic device, wherein the cartridge comprises a container having an interior space in which an inlet opening for a liquid and an outlet opening for a liquid communicate with the interior space, at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed at least when the interior space is in an unfilled state; and / or the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space in such a way as to optimize the length of the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the underlying problem is solved by a fluidic device comprising a cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises a container having an interior space, a liquid inlet opening leading to the interior space and a liquid outlet opening leading to the interior space, at least one direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space is unobstructed at least when the interior space is in an unfilled state; and / or the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space in such a way as to optimize the length of the connection, in particular the direct connection, between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the interior space.

[0009] In particular, embodiments of the solution according to the invention have the advantage that the liquid flowing through the cartridge 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, which advantageously at least reduces or even minimizes the flow resistance for the liquid in the interior space.

[0010] In particular, embodiments of the solution according to the invention have the advantage that the liquid flowing in the cartridge will follow the longest possible path through the interior space from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, since the inlet opening and the outlet opening are arranged in opposite regions of the interior space and are therefore configured in such a way that the length of the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is optimized.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is provided and configured for at least partial purification of the liquid flowing therethrough. Advantageously, for said at least partial purification of the liquid, a fluid modifier is disposed in the interior space when the cartridge is in a filled state, and preferably the interior space is filled with said fluid modifier. The liquid flowing through the interior space flows around the fluid modifier and is thereby appropriately at least partially purified. Therefore, a length-optimized connection between the inlet and outlet openings is advantageous, since this allows the liquid to flow around the fluid modifier and be purified along as long a path as possible. Since flowing around the fluid modifier already creates a certain flow resistance, it is advantageous to keep the connection otherwise free of obstructions, so that the flow resistance to the fluid within the cartridge is kept to a minimum, and optimally, the liquid flowing through the interior space is not subjected to any flow resistance other than that provided by the fluid modifier.

[0012] In particular, the cartridge is provided and configured for a fluidic device configured at least in part as described hereinbefore and hereinafter.

[0013] In particular, use of the cartridge is in a fluidic device configured at least in part as described hereinbefore and hereinafter.

[0014] Insofar as said cartridge and / or said use and / or said fluidic device have at least substantially the same characteristics, they will be described together below.

[0015] No further claims have been made so far regarding unobstructed connections.

[0016] Preferably, at least one connected spatial region centered on a direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening remains free of obstructions, at least when the internal space is in an unfilled state.

[0017] In particular, the connection spatial region extends in a connection direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening and widens in a direction intersecting the connection direction.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the connection spatial region extends along a straight connection line from the inlet opening to the outlet opening.

[0019] For example, the straight connecting line extends through the center point of the inlet opening and the center point of the outlet opening.

[0020] Advantageously, the connection spatial region has, at least for the most part along its extension in the connection direction, a dimension in a direction transverse to the connection direction, in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the connection direction, which dimension is at least approximately the same as or greater than the dimension of the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening. It is highly advantageous if the dimension of the connection spatial region in the direction transverse to the connection direction is several times the dimension of the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening, for example at least twice and / or at least three times and / or at least four times.

[0021] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the connection space region extends, at least for the most part along its extension in the connection direction, to at least one wall of the container in a direction that intersects the connection direction, in particular at least approximately perpendicular to the connection direction, for example in at least one direction.

[0022] It is very advantageous if the connection space region extends to several different wall portions of the container, at least for the most part along its extension in the connection direction, for example in several directions intersecting the connection direction, and in particular to all wall portions of the container surrounding the internal space.

[0023] In particular, up to this point and hereafter, a feature is at least predominantly constituted by a reference amount if it constitutes at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, in particular at least 90% of a reference amount and / or up to a technically conditioned and / or technically insignificant limit in the total reference amount.

[0024] Thus, the connection space region has such an extent at least over the majority of its extension in the connection direction if it exhibits such an extent along at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, for example at least 90%, of its extension in the connection direction and / or at least as far as technically possible along its entire extension in the connection direction. For example, such an extent is not possible at least at one end of the connection space region, in particular at the end at the inlet opening and / or at the end at the outlet opening, because the interior space is less extensive in the region of these ends.

[0025] In a highly preferred embodiment, the interior space is at least largely free of obstructions when at least in an unfilled state.

[0026] In particular, the advantage of a connection space area that is as free from obstacles as possible and in particular an inner space that is at least substantially free from obstacles is that the liquid can flow through the inner space from the inlet opening to the outlet opening as unhindered as possible.

[0027] In particular, the connection and / or the connection space region and / or the internal space are free of obstacles if at least no elements of the container are arranged therein, in particular no elements of the cartridge are arranged therein, and preferably no other elements are arranged therein.

[0028] No further claims have been made regarding fluid modifiers.

[0029] In particular, the interior space is at least partially, preferably mostly, filled with the fluid modifier when in the filled state.

[0030] In particular, the fluid modifier is adapted to cause a particular physical and / or chemical change to the liquid flowing through the cartridge.

[0031] In particular, the liquid flowing through the cartridge comprises at least water, which in one example further comprises at least one additive.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier purifies at least the water.

[0033] In particular, the fluid modifier is at least partly configured for at least partial, in particular physical and / or chemical, removal of substances from the liquid, in particular for at least partial demineralization of the water.

[0034] In particular, the fluid modifier may have different compositions.

[0035] Preferably, the fluid modifying material includes at least a resin.

[0036] It is highly advantageous if said fluid modifier is a granular medium.

[0037] In particular, when in a filled state, the internal space of the container and in particular the otherwise unobstructed connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening and the connected space region thereof are at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent, filled with the preferably granular fluid modifying material.

[0038] In particular, the granular medium has the advantage that it provides a large surface for interacting with and cleaning the liquid, and allows the liquid to flow around it in a favorable manner.

[0039] In one example, the interior space can be easily filled with the granular medium and / or used granular medium can be easily removed from the interior space.

[0040] No further claims have been made so far as to the configuration of the container and the arrangement of the inlet and outlet openings.

[0041] In particular, the container comprises a plurality of walls which define the interior space, and preferably the container is mainly made up of the plurality of walls.

[0042] In particular, the plurality of walls extend in respective extension planes and have respective thicknesses in a direction intersecting the respective extension planes.

[0043] In particular, each of the plurality of wall portions has an inner wall surface and an outer wall surface.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, each inner wall surface of one wall portion defines at least a portion of the interior space.

[0045] Advantageously, the inner wall surface is flat, in particular without any protruding portions into the interior space.

[0046] Preferably, at least one, and in a preferred embodiment at least several, particularly at least most, for example all, of the inner wall surfaces of the plurality of wall portions are free from other elements of the container.

[0047] It is highly advantageous if the entire surface formed by the inner wall surfaces of the wall portions completely encloses the interior space.

[0048] Preferably, no other elements of the container are disposed within the space encompassed by the entire surface.

[0049] This is advantageous because it allows the liquid to flow through the inner space enclosed by the inner wall surface as unhindered as possible.

[0050] In particular, the outer wall surfaces of the plurality of walls form the outer surface of each of the containers.

[0051] This is advantageous because each of the plurality of walls separates the interior space of the container from the surroundings of the container.

[0052] In particular, the outer wall surface and the inner wall surface of one wall portion are wall surfaces of the wall portion opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the wall portion, and in particular, the thickness of the wall portion is measured in the thickness direction.

[0053] In particular, the container comprises a plurality of ridge regions.

[0054] In particular, two wall portions are arranged adjacent to each other in each edge region.

[0055] In particular, the container comprises a plurality of corner regions.

[0056] In particular, three wall portions are arranged adjacent to each other in each corner region.

[0057] In particular, each wall extends in its extension plane to at least one end region, in particular between several end regions.

[0058] In particular, at most 30% of the extension of one wall in one direction in said extension plane is within one end region of said wall.

[0059] Preferably, at least one wall of the plurality of walls, and in a preferred embodiment at least some of the walls, e.g., all of the walls, extend in a respective longitudinal direction between two longitudinal end regions and in a respective transverse direction between two transverse end regions, in particular such that the longitudinal and transverse directions of one wall are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0060] In particular, this results in at least one wall being rectangular, and in a preferred embodiment at least some of the walls being rectangular, for example the longitudinal extension of one wall being the same as or, for example, at least 30% longer than the transverse extension.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment, at least some, for example all, of the plurality of walls extend flat at least between their respective end regions.

[0062] Advantageously, the walls of the container are curved, but not beyond the edge and / or corner regions.

[0063] Preferably, the container is in some embodiments substantially rectangular in shape with walls, and in one example, at least some edge regions are curved.

[0064] In particular, a wall is arranged in at least one end region in contact with at least one other wall, the at least two walls forming a common ridge region, and in a preferred embodiment, each wall is arranged in its respective end region in contact with at least one respective other wall, the respective wall forming a ridge region together with the at least one other wall.

[0065] In particular, several, e.g., three, ridge regions meet with each other to form respective corner regions of the container, and in the corner regions, the several, e.g., three wall portions, which are arranged together with one other wall portion in at least one of the several ridge regions, are arranged in contact with each other.

[0066] Advantageously, the inlet opening is formed in the region of an inlet corner of the container, and preferably, the outlet opening is formed in the region of an outlet corner of the container.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet corner region (where the inlet opening is formed) and the outlet corner region (where the outlet opening is formed) do not have common walls, and therefore in particular the walls arranged adjacent to each other in the inlet corner region (where the inlet opening is formed) and the walls arranged adjacent to each other in the outlet corner region (where the outlet opening is formed) are different walls.

[0068] In a highly preferred embodiment, the inlet corner region (where the inlet opening is formed) and the outlet corner region (where the outlet opening is formed) are the two corner regions of the container that are at the greatest distance from each other in the interior space.

[0069] In an advantageous embodiment, the container extends at least substantially in an extension plane and in a height direction, the height direction being at least approximately perpendicular to the extension plane, in particular the extension plane being spanned by two extension directions, which are for example at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the extent of the container in said height direction is smaller than the extent of the container in at least one of said two directions of extent, preferably in both directions, for example by at least 30%.

[0071] In one example, one of the two spreading directions is the direction in which the container has its smallest extent relative to the spreading plane, and / or one of the two spreading directions is the direction in which the container has its largest extent relative to the spreading plane.

[0072] Preferably, the container has two walls arranged opposite to each other in the height direction.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the two walls arranged opposite each other in the height direction extend at least for the most part, for example at least between their respective end regions, parallel to the plane of extension of the container.

[0074] Preferably, the two walls arranged opposite each other in the height direction present substantially the same shape, which shape in particular defines the bottom surface of the container.

[0075] In particular, at least one side wall extends between the two walls arranged opposite each other in the height direction, in one example a plurality of side walls are provided, and preferably one of the directions of extension of a side wall is at least approximately parallel to the height direction.

[0076] Preferably, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are formed on opposite sides of the internal space in the height direction.

[0077] In particular, the inlet opening is formed in one of the two wall portions arranged opposite each other in the height direction, and / or the outlet opening is formed in one of the two wall portions arranged opposite each other in the height direction, for example in the other of the two wall portions.

[0078] For example, in this case, the inlet and outlet can be positioned opposite each other in a small height direction, which advantageously reduces the assembly space required for the cartridge between the inlet and outlet, but still, since the inlet and outlet openings are positioned in a length-optimized manner, the liquid flowing through the cartridge is purified along the longest possible path within the internal space of the cartridge container.

[0079] For example, the cartridge can then be arranged in a space-saving manner between a unit that can be connected and / or is connected to, for example, the inlet, in particular a water tank, and a unit that can be connected and / or is connected to, for example, the outlet.

[0080] It is highly advantageous if the inlet, in particular its inlet connecting pipe, extends outward in the height direction from the container, in particular if the inlet, in particular its inlet connecting pipe, extends outward from the wall in which the inlet opening is formed.

[0081] Preferably, the outlet, in particular its outlet connecting pipe, extends outward from the container in the height direction, in particular from a wall in which the outlet opening is formed.

[0082] For example, this allows for a compact assembly of the cartridge, for example, since the assembly space transverse to the height direction can be utilized for the expansion of the container, which has the advantage that the interior space and the length-optimized connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening can be configured as large or long as possible.

[0083] In an advantageous aspect, the area of ​​the internal space through which the inlet opening opens and the area of ​​the internal space through which the outlet opening opens are located opposite each other within the internal space in at least one, preferably both, of the two directions of extension and / or in the height direction of the container.

[0084] It is highly advantageous if the area of ​​the interior space through which the inlet opening opens and the area of ​​the interior space through which the outlet opening opens are opposite areas of the interior space in the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately its greatest extent.

[0085] In particular, the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately its greatest extent is oblique to the height direction and / or oblique to at least one, preferably both, of the two extent directions of the container, in particular, the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately its greatest extent extending along a spatial diagonal of the interior space.

[0086] In a preferred embodiment, the region of the internal space through which the inlet opening communicates and the region of the internal space through which the outlet opening communicates are located at opposite ends of a spatial diagonal of the internal space.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, in at least one projection plane, the area in which the projection of the entrance opening exists and the area in which the projection of the exit opening exists are opposite areas. In particular, the two areas are opposite areas based on the projection in at least one of the two at least extent directions, and / or based on the projection in the height direction, and / or based on the projection in the direction in which the interior space has at least approximately the largest extent, and / or based on the projection in at least one extension direction of at least one wall in which the entrance opening or the exit opening is formed. In particular, the two opposite areas are opposite areas of the projection of the interior space. In particular, this occurs for at least one, preferably at least some, of the projection planes defined below. a projection plane is at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction, and / or a projection plane is at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of extension, and / or The spatial diagonal of the internal space passes through a certain projection plane, and / or A projection surface is spanned by the extension direction of one wall portion and the extension direction of another wall portion, these two wall portions are arranged in contact with each other in an edge region and / or corner region, and the entrance opening or the exit opening is arranged in the edge region and / or corner region, and the two extension directions that span the projection surface extend outward from the region in which the entrance opening or the exit opening is formed, for example, among the extension directions of these wall portions, the extension direction in which each wall portion extends furthest outward from the region in which the entrance opening or the exit opening is formed.

[0088] In a highly preferred embodiment, the interior space is configured to be free of obstacles in the sense that in at least one projection plane, only a region of the interior space that is free of obstacles for the fluid is projected for at least a large part of the area lying between the projection of the inlet opening and the projection of the outlet opening, in particular this occurs for at least one, preferably at least some of the projection planes defined below. a projection plane is at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction, and / or a projection plane is at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of extension, and / or The spatial diagonal of the internal space passes through a certain projection plane, and / or A projection surface is spanned by the extension direction of one wall portion and the extension direction of another wall portion, these two wall portions are arranged in contact with each other in an edge region and / or corner region, and the entrance opening or the exit opening is arranged in the edge region and / or corner region, and the two extension directions that span the projection surface extend outward from the region in which the entrance opening or the exit opening is formed, for example, among the extension directions of these wall portions, the extension direction in which each wall portion extends furthest outward from the region in which the entrance opening or the exit opening is formed.

[0089] Preferably, the cartridge is configured to be oriented at least approximately vertically. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is used in an at least approximately vertical orientation. Preferably, the cartridge is disposed in a fluidic device in an at least approximately vertical orientation.

[0090] In particular, when properly oriented vertically, at least one of the following occurs: the outlet opening is arranged in a lower region of the interior space with respect to the vertical direction of the appliance and / or with respect to the direction of gravity, and / or the inlet opening is arranged in an upper region of the interior space with respect to the vertical direction of the appliance and / or with respect to the direction of gravity, and / or The height direction of the container is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity, and / or one of the two directions of extension of the container is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity, and / or The wall surface of the wall portion in which the inlet opening is formed and / or the wall surface of the wall portion in which the outlet opening is formed is at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction of the device and / or the direction of gravity. and / or the direction of extension of one of the walls in which the inlet opening is formed and / or the direction of extension of one of the walls in which the outlet opening is formed is at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device, in particular the wall has the greatest extension in this parallel direction of extension and / or the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed in an end region of the wall in relation to this parallel direction of extension, advantageously the inlet opening is formed in an upper end region and / or the outlet opening is formed in a lower end region, upper / lower being relative to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device.

[0091] For example, by orienting the cartridge vertically, the flow of liquid through the interior space is at least unimpeded by gravity, and in advantageous embodiments is at least somewhat assisted. For example, one advantage of a vertical orientation is that the cartridge can be placed more compactly within the device.

[0092] In a preferred embodiment, the container comprises at least two different container parts, each preferably comprising at least one wall.

[0093] For example, one of the at least two container parts consists primarily of one wall.

[0094] In a preferred embodiment, a strainer is arranged within the inlet opening and / or a strainer is arranged within the outlet opening.

[0095] In an advantageous embodiment, the fluidic device, in particular at least one application unit thereof, for example integrated or separate, is configured for applying a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid, in at least some of its functions.

[0096] In particular, the fluidic device, in particular at least one, for example, integrated or separate application unit of the fluidic device, is configured for cleaning in at least some of its functions, and preferably is at least partially exposed to a fluid, for example a thermal fluid, for cleaning.

[0097] In some preferred embodiments, the fluid device, in particular at least one application unit thereof, for example an integrated or separate application unit, is configured at least in some functions for ironing, in which in particular a fluid, for example a hot fluid, is applied at least in part.

[0098] In particular, the thermal fluid comprises hot water, in particular at least partly steam and / or at least partly hot liquid water, preferably hot water atomized in the form of fine droplets.

[0099] Preferably, the temperature of the thermal fluid is above 60° C., preferably above 80° C., for example above 90° C. In some preferred embodiments, the temperature of the thermal fluid is above 100° C.

[0100] In one example, the fluidic device is a modular device or at least a substantially integrated device.

[0101] Preferably, the fluid device includes a device casing that defines a casing interior.

[0102] In particular, the device technology and / or units of the fluidic device are at least partly arranged inside the casing of the device casing.

[0103] In particular, the equipment casing is an equipment module casing and / or an at least substantially monolithic equipment casing.

[0104] In particular, the device casing extends in a direction perpendicular to a main direction, the main direction and the perpendicular direction being at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0105] In particular, the front and rear faces of the device casing are opposite faces of the device casing in the main direction.

[0106] In particular, the transverse direction is at least approximately perpendicular to said main direction and / or the vertical direction.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the device casing is provided with a handle area for placement, for example, integral or separate.

[0108] In one example, the handle region is configured as an integrated handle unit.

[0109] For example, the handle area may be provided with a cavity for a separate handle module.

[0110] Preferably, the handle area starts, for example, from the rear side of the device casing and extends to a rear area of ​​the device casing with respect to the main direction.

[0111] In particular, the front face of the device casing is provided with mounting locations for, for example, an integrated or separate application unit.

[0112] In one example, an application unit is at least partially formed in the application unit location.

[0113] For example, at the application unit location, a fixing unit is provided, in particular for a separate application unit, preferably for an application module.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the appliance casing comprises a water tank area, in particular for the arrangement of a releasably fastenable water tank.

[0115] In one example, the water tank area of ​​the appliance casing is formed with a cavity for receiving a water tank, which can in particular be removably fastened.

[0116] In particular, the water tank area is formed on the rear side of the appliance casing.

[0117] In a preferred embodiment, the handle region is formed vertically above the water tank region.

[0118] In one example, a power supply opening for a power supply unit is formed in the rear of the device casing, particularly in the rear part of the casing, for example, the power supply opening is provided and formed for passing a cable through.

[0119] In particular, the cartridge is configured for placement within the casing, and in one example is placed within the casing.

[0120] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is configured to be arranged adjacent to the water tank area, in particular adjacent to the water tank area with respect to the main direction, and in one example is arranged therein.

[0121] Preferably, the cartridge is arranged inside the casing between the water tank area and a unit to which it is preferably directly or indirectly fluidly connected, in particular with respect to a main direction of the appliance casing.

[0122] In particular, the cartridge is arranged in a lower area inside the casing in relation to the vertical direction of the appliance casing and, for example, inside the casing in relation to the main direction, next to the water tank area and / or preferably next to a unit to which the cartridge is directly or indirectly fluidly connected.

[0123] For example, preferably the unit to which the cartridge is directly or indirectly connected in fluid communication is a thermal fluid generating unit and / or a pump.

[0124] Elements and features described above and below as being provided in particular and / or preferably and / or in advantageous and / or preferred embodiments and / or as examples and / or variants are optional elements and features, which for example further develop the invention but are not essential to the principle inventive solution and its success.

[0125] To the best of our knowledge, preferred constructions and features of the present invention and its advantages as examples, the following detailed description and drawings of various variations of the embodiments are provided.

[0126] Preferred features and advantages of the present invention are set forth in the following detailed description and drawings of illustrative embodiments.

[0127] The contents of the figure are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0128] [Figure 1] 1 shows an example of three different configurations of a device in which the device is a long device, and in which extension modules are specifically used in the configurations. [Figure 2] 10 is an embodiment of the device configured as a handheld device. [Figure 3] 10 shows a variant of the embodiment of the device in the configuration as a handheld device. [Figure 4] 10 is an embodiment of a device configuration with a flexible extension module. [Figure 5] 10 is a partial enlarged view of the fixing unit of the equipment module housing the fixing unit of the handle module. [Figure 6] 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 of the fixing unit of the handle module, showing the fixing unit of the extension module accommodated therein; FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the inside of the device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the inside of a device according to a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an equipment casing of an equipment module. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a handle module. [Figure 11] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a modified embodiment of the handle module. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a cross-sectional view of an appliance casing of another embodiment of an appliance having an integrated handle unit. [Figure 13] 10 is a cross-sectional view of a device casing of a variant of another embodiment of the device having an integrated handle unit. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a partially enlarged view of the placement portion of the device casing, in which a handle unit and / or an application unit can be placed. [Figure 15] FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the cartridge taken along the line XVI-XVI in FIG. 15. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0129] The device embodiment generally designated 100 is configured as a modular device and includes multiple modules that can be assembled into device 100 in various device configurations 105. In particular, the various device configurations 105 may include different modules and / or modules assembled in a different order into device 100.

[0130] By way of example, three different configurations 105I, 105II, 105III of device 100 are depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3, configuration 105IV of device 100 is depicted in FIG. 2, and configuration 105V of device 100 is depicted in FIG.

[0131] The device 100 includes at least one device module 112 and / or a handle module 114 and / or at least one application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118 .

[0132] Variations of this embodiment may include more or fewer modules. For example, in some variations, the instrument module 112 includes an integral handle unit, in which case, for example, a separate handle module 114 is not provided. For example, in some variations, the instrument module 112 includes at least one application unit, in which case, specifically, a separate application module 116 is not provided.

[0133] In particular, the device 100 can be configured for a variety of uses by different device configurations 105 .

[0134] In particular, in at least one device configuration 105, here device configurations 105I, II, and III shown in exemplary form in Figure 1, the device is a long, handheld device. In this case, the device configuration 105 corresponding to the long, handheld device employs at least one extension module 118, which is secured to at least the device module 112 and / or the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116.

[0135] For example, in one device configuration 105 (here, device configuration 105I) corresponding to a long handheld device, the device module 112 and the application module 116 are fixed to each other, and at least one extension module 118 (in this example, two extension modules 118I, II) is used between the device module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0136] For example, in one device configuration 105 (here, device configuration 105II) corresponding to a long handheld device, at least one extension module 118 (here, extension module 118II) is used between the device module 112 and the application module 116, and at least one extension module 118 (here, extension module 118I) is used between the device module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0137] For example, in one device configuration 105 (here, device configuration 105III) corresponding to a long handheld device, the device module 112 and the handle module 114 are fixed to each other, and at least one extension module 118 (here, two extension modules 118I and 118II are used as examples) is used between the device module 112 and the application module 116.

[0138] In particular, configurations 105I, II, III corresponding to long handheld devices are advantageous in increasing the immediate radius of action within which a user can use device 100. For example, long handheld devices are advantageous because they allow a user to perform the functions of device 100 in various positions and / or at least in certain positions, particularly an upright position. In particular, device 100 in device configuration 105, which is a long handheld device, is advantageous in allowing a user to clean floors and / or wall areas of various heights in an upright position.

[0139] In particular, it is advantageous that the device module 112 can be positioned at various distances from the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116 according to device configurations 105I, II, III to achieve convenient handling and / or user-friendly module placement.

[0140] In particular, in one device configuration 105, here device configuration 105IV illustrated exemplarily in Figures 2 and 3, the device 100 is a small, handheld device, and in this device configuration 105IV, the device module 112 is simply combined with the handle module 114 and the application module 116.

[0141] For example, the device configuration 105IV that corresponds to a small handheld device is advantageous in providing the user with an easy-to-use, compact device.

[0142] For example, some variations include configuration 105V, which employs at least one extension module 118 between the instrument module 114 and the application module 116, as exemplarily depicted in FIG.

[0143] For example, such an equipment configuration 105V without a handle module 114 is advantageous when the equipment module 114 may be placed in a location and / or when a user may grasp the application module 116 with their hands so that they can use the equipment 100 to act on objects and / or surfaces and / or other things.

[0144] The device module 112 contains at least partly, preferably at least to a large extent, the device technology required for at least one function of the device 100. For example, the device technology provided by the device module 112 includes at least one functional unit for a function of the device 100 and / or a control device, in particular an electronic control unit, and / or a display element, and / or an operating element, and / or a power supply unit for controlling the device technology, in particular for controlling said at least one functional unit. Advantageous embodiments of the device module 112 are explained in more detail below.

[0145] In an advantageous variation of the above embodiment, the equipment 100 is a fluid equipment and at least one functional unit of the equipment module 112 is a thermal fluid generating unit.

[0146] The handle module 114 includes at least one element that makes up a handle. Advantageous embodiments of the handle module 114 are described in more detail below.

[0147] The application module 116 is configured to act on something, particularly an object and / or a surface, according to at least one function of the device 100 .

[0148] In particular, in the case of appliance 100 configured as a fluid appliance, application module 116 is configured to apply a hot fluid, for example for cleaning and / or ironing. In particular, for this purpose application module 116 comprises at least one outlet opening for the hot fluid. In one example, application module further comprises at least one outlet nozzle, preferably for applying the hot fluid in a targeted and / or pressurized manner.

[0149] In some preferred variations, the application module 116 is configured for a cleaning function, in particular in which case at least one cleaning element is at least disposable on the application module 116 and / or, for example, the application module 116 comprises at least one cleaning element, for example, a cleaning cloth and / or a cleaning brush.

[0150] For example, in some variants, the application module 116 is configured for the treatment of an object, for example for ironing clothes. Preferably, for the ironing function, the corresponding application module 116 comprises an ironing surface, in particular made of metal, on which outlet openings for the preferably hot fluid are formed.

[0151] In particular, at least one extension module 118, and in particular multiple extension modules 118, are provided and configured to increase the direct action radius within which the user can use the device 100 and / or to enable the user to use the device 100 in a more comfortable position, in particular an upright position.

[0152] In particular, the extension module 118 is comprised at least in large part of an extension module body. In a preferred embodiment, the extension module body extends elongately between two ends. In particular, a fixing unit 132 is disposed at each of the two ends of the extension module body.

[0153] In some variations, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the instrument module 112 and the application module 116 when installed between the instrument module 112 and the application module 116. In particular, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the instrument module 112 and the handle module 114 when installed between the instrument module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0154] For example, in the case of a device 100 configured as a fluid device, at least one extension module 118 is configured to conduct fluid, particularly thermal fluid, from the device module 112 to the application module 116, and therefore includes, among other things, fluid piping. For example, in a simple variant, a cavity within the extension module body is configured, at least for the most part, as a fluid piping, and this cavity extends uninterrupted between the two ends of the extension module body.

[0155] In some preferred variants, the extension module 118 does not technically connect at least the handle module 114 and the equipment module 112, but merely performs an extension function, thereby allowing the extension module 118 to have a structurally simple configuration.

[0156] For example, this may be advantageous when no device technology is configured within the handle module 114, or when the device technology configured within the handle module 114, such as at least one operating element, communicates wirelessly with the device technology configured within the device module 112.

[0157] In some preferred extension modules 118, at least the extension module body is configured to be rigid, and preferably the fastening units at each end of the extension module body are rigidly arranged. Such rigid extension modules 118 are particularly advantageous for the device configurations 105I, II, and III corresponding to the long handheld device exemplary illustrated in FIG.

[0158] In some preferred extension modules 118, the extension module body is configured to be at least partially, e.g., completely, flexible between its two ends, as exemplarily depicted in the embodiment depicted in Figure 4. For example, this allows convenient handling of application modules 116, etc., for some applications at least largely independent of moving the instrument module 112 therewith.

[0159] Although in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 4 the flexible extension module 118 is depicted for the equipment configuration 105V without the handle module 114, in some applications it may be advantageous to use the flexible extension module 118 in the equipment configuration 105V that has the handle module 114.

[0160] In particular, each of the modules 112, 114, 116, 118 comprises at least one fastening unit 132, by means of which the module 112, 114, 116, 118 can be fastened to another module 112, 114, 116, 118 relative to one another.

[0161] In particular, the instrument module 112 comprises two fixing units 132. In particular, the handle-side fixing unit 132 is configured to couple with the handle module, either by directly fixing both modules to each other or by fixing with at least one extension module 119 assembled and fixed therebetween. Also in particular, the application-side fixing unit is configured to couple with at least one application module 116, either by directly fixing both modules to each other or by fixing with at least one extension module 119 assembled and fixed therebetween.

[0162] Each extension module 118 preferably includes two fixing units 132 to enable it to be coupled to two other modules, respectively.

[0163] In particular, the handle module 114 comprises exactly one fastening unit 132 .

[0164] In particular, the application module 116 comprises exactly one fixed unit 132 .

[0165] In particular, each of the fixing units 132 has at least one detached state and at least one fixed state. In the detached state, the fixing unit 132 is not fixed to another fixing unit 132 of another module, and the two modules are detached from each other unless they are fixed to each other by another fixing unit. In the fixed state, two fixing units 132 are fixed to each other, and two modules comprising the two fixing units 132 are fixed to each other.

[0166] In particular, two different types of fastening units 132, for example a first type 132a and a second type 132b, are provided, and one type of fastening unit 132, 132a and the other type of fastening unit 132, 132b can be fastened to each other, respectively.

[0167] In particular, the handle module 114 has a fixing unit 132 of one type, e.g., a fixing unit of a first type 132a, and the handle side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 is a fixing unit of another type, e.g., a fixing unit of a second type 132b, or vice versa.

[0168] In particular, the application module 116 comprises a fixed unit 132 of one type, for example a fixed unit of the second type 132b, and the application side fixed unit 132 of the equipment module 112 is a fixed unit of the other type, for example a fixed unit of the first type 132a, or vice versa.

[0169] In some preferred variations, the fixing units 132 of the handle module 114 and the application module 116 are of the same type, for example, fixing units of a first type 132a, respectively, and correspondingly, the fixing units on the handle side and application side of the equipment module 112 are of the same type and different types from those of the handle module 114 and the application module 116.

[0170] In some variations, the fastening units 132 of the handle module 114 and the application module 116 are of different types, and therefore the handle-side fastening unit 132 and the application-side fastening unit 132 of the instrument module 112 are also of different types.

[0171] In a preferred embodiment, as exemplarily illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, one type of fixing unit, here for example a first type 132a fixing unit, has a fixing receiver 136, and the other type of fixing unit, here for example a second type 132b fixing unit, has a fixing counterpart 138.

[0172] The locking counterpart 138 is configured to be received within the locking receiver 136 in the locked state. In particular, when a locking unit 136 is in the disengaged state, the locking receiver 136 does not have the locking counterpart 138 of another locking unit 132 positioned therein. In particular, when a locking unit 132 is in the disengaged state, the locking counterpart 138 does not have the locking receiver 136 of any other locking unit 132 positioned therein.

[0173] In particular, a respective locking mechanism is provided that is at least partially formed on each of the locking units 132. In particular, the locking mechanism is configured to hold the locked locking units 132 in a locked state. In particular, the locking mechanism holds the locking counterpart 138 in the locking receiver 136 in the locked state. Advantageously, the locking mechanism is a releasable locking mechanism, and when the locking mechanism is in a released position, the locked locking units 132 can be separated from each other and moved to a disengaged state. For example, when the locking mechanism is in the released position, the locking counterpart 138 can be removed from the locking receiver 136 in which it is received.

[0174] For example, the securing mechanism is a locking mechanism, where one type of securing unit 132 has a locking portion that fits into a locking receiver of the other type of securing unit 132 for locking. In particular, the locking portion can be pushed out of the locking receiver, resulting in the locking mechanism being in a released position.

[0175] Preferably, the device 100 , and in particular at least most of the device modules 112 , includes a detection device 152 for detecting at least some of the device configurations 105 .

[0176] In particular, a sensor 156 is assigned to the fixed unit 132 and is particularly located within said unit.

[0177] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the fastening units 132 of the instrument module 112, in particular at least the handle-side fastening unit 132, includes a sensor 156, as exemplarily depicted in FIGS.

[0178] In some variations, at least one stationary unit of at least the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118 includes the sensor 156 .

[0179] Advantageously, at least one sensor 156, and in particular at least some of the fixing units 132 of the other modules, are configured so that the sensor 156 can at least partially detect whether the fixing unit 132 assigned to it is in a fixed state with another fixing unit 132.

[0180] In a preferred variant, two subtypes of corresponding fixed units 132 are provided for at least one fixed unit 132 assigned to a sensor 156. Here, the two subtypes of corresponding fixed units 132 are a fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor and a fixed unit 132 that can be fixed in a fixed state. For example, the two subtypes of corresponding fixed units 132 are of a different type from the fixed unit 132 having the assigned sensor 156.

[0181] In this case, the fixed units 132 of the two subtypes are different from each other in that the detection result of the sensor 156 when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor 156 is fixed to one of the fixed units 132 of the two subtypes is different from the detection result of the sensor 156 when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor 156 is fixed to the other of the two subtypes.

[0182] In a preferred embodiment, one subtype of corresponding fastening unit 132 is provided on at least one category of modules, and the other subtype of corresponding fastening unit 132 is provided on the remaining categories of modules, specifically the equipment module 112, the handle module 114, at least one application module 116, and the extension module 118.

[0183] This is advantageous because at least one sensor 156 can distinguish between a state in which the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor is fixed to a corresponding fixed unit 132 of one of the two subtypes and another state of the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor, and it is advantageous because it can recognize whether a module having a fixed unit 132 assigned to the at least one sensor is fixed to a module of at least one category.

[0184] In a preferred variant, at least one sensor 156 is activated when the fixing unit 132 assigned to that sensor is fixed to a corresponding fixing unit 132 of one of the two subtypes, but is not activated when the fixing unit 132 assigned to that sensor is fixed to a corresponding fixing unit 132 of the other subtype or when the fixing unit 132 assigned to that sensor is detached.

[0185] In some variations, the detection results of at least one sensor 156 are different in at least three states of the fixed unit 132 assigned to that sensor, namely, a state where the sensor is fixed to a corresponding fixed unit 132 of one subtype, a state where the sensor is fixed to a fixed unit 132 of the other subtype, and a detached state, so that at least these three different states can be distinguished based on the detection results of the at least one sensor 156.

[0186] In an advantageous variant, the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 and the sensor 156 assigned thereto, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of the other modules, are configured in such a way that the sensor 156 can distinguish between a state in which the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to a fixing unit 132 of an extension module and another state of the handle-side fixing unit 132 assigned to it.

[0187] In some preferred variations, the handle side fixing unit 132 and the sensor 156 assigned thereto, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of the other modules, are configured such that the sensor 156 can at least distinguish between a state in which the handle side fixing unit 132 assigned thereto is fixed to a fixing unit of the handle module 114 and another state of the handle side fixing unit 132 assigned thereto.

[0188] In some preferred variants, the application side fixing unit 132 and the sensor 156 assigned thereto, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of the other modules, are configured such that the sensor 156 can at least partially distinguish between different states of the application side fixing unit 132 assigned thereto, and in particular can distinguish at least between a state fixed to the fixing unit of the extension module 118 and / or a state fixed to and / or detached from the fixing unit 132 of at least one application module 116.

[0189] In some variations where multiple application modules 116 are provided, for example, the multiple application modules 116 have fixing units 132 of different subtypes, so that in the case of at least one fixing unit 132 to which a sensor 156 is assigned, for example in the case of a fixing unit 132 of an extension module 118 and / or in the case of an application-side fixing unit 132 of an equipment module 112, the assigned sensor 156 can distinguish between states in which the fixing unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to the fixing units 132 of the various application modules, and therefore can recognize which of the various application modules 116 is being used in the equipment configuration 105.

[0190] In some variations, the fixing units 132 and their assigned sensors 156 of the handle module 114, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of the other modules, are configured such that their assigned sensors 156 are at least capable of distinguishing between some states of the fixing units 132 assigned to them, in particular between a fixed state with respect to the fixing unit 132 of the extension module 118 and / or a fixed state and / or a detached state with respect to the fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112.

[0191] In particular, the sensor 156 comprises a detection area 162 within the fixed unit 132 assigned to it, as exemplarily depicted in FIGS.

[0192] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the corresponding fixed units 132 are provided with detection target elements 164, and when the fixed units 132 are fixed, the detection target elements 164 are positioned within the detection area 162 and are detected by the sensor 156.

[0193] In particular, only the corresponding fixed units 132 of a certain subtype are provided with the detection target element 164 .

[0194] A corresponding fixed unit 132 of a certain other subtype is configured so that a portion that enables detection of the corresponding fixed unit 132 of the other subtype is not disposed in the detection area 162 when the corresponding fixed unit 132 is in a fixed state to the fixed unit 132 having the detection area 162. Therefore, in particular, when the corresponding fixed unit 132 of the other subtype is in such a fixed state, the sensor 156 of the fixed unit 132 having the detection area 162 does not operate.

[0195] This form of sensor 156 is advantageous because it can distinguish between a state in which the fixed unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to a fixed unit 132 having an element 164 to be detected and other states of the fixed unit 132 assigned to it, in particular a detached state and / or a state in which it is fixed to a fixed unit 132 that does not have a part that allows detection.

[0196] In one example, the detection area 162 of at least one sensor 156 is formed in the fixation receiver 136 of the fixation unit 132 assigned to that sensor, preferably at least in an end region, e.g., a terminal end 166, of the fixation receiver 136. The fixation receiver 136 extends from a receiving opening 168 of the fixation receiver 136 to the end region and the terminal end 166.

[0197] In particular, the locking counterpart 138 of the locking unit in the module where the locked state should be detected is formed longer than the locking counterpart 138 of the locking unit 132 in the module where the sensor 156 should not be activated. As an exemplary example of this, Figures 5 and 6 depict the locking receiver 136 of the handle-side locking unit 132 of the equipment module 112 and the locking counterpart 138 of the locking unit 132 of the extension module 118, which is formed longer than the locking counterpart 138 of the locking unit 132 of the handle module 114. However, the locking receiver 136 of the locking unit 132 of the application-side locking unit 132 or of a different module and / or the locking counterpart 138 of the locking unit of another module can also be configured in a similar manner, and the illustrations of Figures 5 and 6 are representative of such configurations as well.

[0198] In some preferred variations, at least one sensor 156 is a contact sensor. In particular, the contact sensor is at least partially disposed in its detection area 162.

[0199] In particular, the detection element 164 of the contact sensor is the contact portion of the corresponding fixed unit 132, and when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the contact sensor is fixed to the corresponding fixed unit 132, the contact portion protrudes into the detection area 162 and activates the contact sensor.

[0200] In particular, a corresponding fixed unit 132 of a certain subtype is configured such that when a contact sensor is fixed to the fixed unit 132 assigned to it, no part of the corresponding fixed unit 132 of that subtype protrudes into the detection area 162 of the contact sensor, and therefore the contact sensor is not activated when fixed in this manner.

[0201] In some preferred variations, at least one sensor 156 of the detection device 152 is a sensor that operates without contact.

[0202] In particular, sensors that operate without contact are magnetic sensors, in particular Hall sensors.

[0203] In this case, in particular, the corresponding fixed unit 132 of one subtype has a magnet as the detection target element 164. For example, the corresponding fixed unit 132 of another subtype does not have a magnet.

[0204] The magnetic sensor can then distinguish between a state in which the fixed unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to a corresponding fixed unit 132 of a subtype having the magnet and other states of the fixed unit 132 assigned to it, in particular a detached state and a state in which it is fixed to a corresponding fixed unit 132 of another subtype without a magnet.

[0205] Preferably, the machine 100, in particular its machine technology and / or at least one functional unit within at least the machine module 112, is operable in at least two different operating modes.

[0206] Preferably, the at least two drive modes include at least one continuous drive mode and / or at least one active drive mode, in which case the at least one continuous drive mode and the at least one active drive mode are active drive modes in a switched-on state.

[0207] Furthermore, the device 100, in particular at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit of said device technology, is provided with at least one switched-off state.

[0208] In a preferred embodiment, the device 100, in particular at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit, is provided with a sleep mode in the switched-on state.

[0209] In particular, the device 100 has at least one continuous and active operating mode in the switched on state in relation to the thermal fluid generating unit, as well as a sleep mode, for example in the switched on state.

[0210] In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit emits the thermal fluid in an active operating mode, and in particular, in a sleep mode, the emission of the thermal fluid is at least interrupted, in one example, even in the sleep mode, the heating element of the thermal fluid generating unit is still at least partially activated.

[0211] In particular, in the sleep mode, no fluid is passed through the thermal fluid generating unit configured as an instantaneous water heater and is not discharged as a thermal fluid.

[0212] In particular, in the case of a thermal fluid generating unit having a water boiling unit for heating a fluid, no thermal fluid is discharged in the idle mode, but the thermal fluid or at least the heated fluid is provided in the water boiling unit for immediate use, for example.

[0213] In particular, continuous drive mode is such that at least the functional units, particularly the device 100, remain in continuous drive mode after switching to continuous drive mode until the continuous drive mode is actively terminated by a user action.

[0214] In particular, the user can switch the device into continuous drive mode by operating an operating element, and can also exit continuous drive mode by operating an operating element.

[0215] In one example, after switching to at least one continuous operation mode, the thermal fluid generating unit continuously emits the thermal fluid until the continuous operation mode is terminated by a user operation.

[0216] In the at least one action-driven mode, at least the functional unit, e.g., the device 100, remains in an operational mode after switching to the action mode, but only if the required action is performed by the user without delay. In some variations, an action must be performed by the user at the latest after a predetermined time in order to remain in the at least one action-driven mode. In particular, the length of the predetermined time is several seconds, e.g., between 1 and 10 seconds. In some variations, a sustained action by the user is required to remain in the at least one action-driven mode.

[0217] For example, in at least one action-driven mode, the thermal fluid generating unit emits thermal fluid as long as the user performs the required action without delay, and stops emitting thermal fluid when the required action is not performed, i.e., when the user does not perform the required action within a predetermined time or finishes the sustained action.

[0218] It is highly advantageous if the device 100 switches between said at least two operating modes depending on the conditions detected by the detector 152 .

[0219] This is particularly advantageous if at least one functional unit of the device 100 needs to and / or can be operated in different operating modes in different device configurations 105 .

[0220] For example, especially for safety reasons, the thermal fluid generating units of configuration 105IV, which correspond to small handheld devices, are intended to be operated only in the action-driven mode.

[0221] In a particularly advantageous variant, the detection device 152 is configured to recognize whether the extension module 118 is fastened to the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the instrument module 112. In one such variant, the thermal fluid generating unit is normally operated in at least one action-driven mode, so that thermal fluid is supplied only if the user performs an action correctly and without delay. In such a variant, when the detection device 152 recognizes that the extension module 118 is fastened to the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the instrument module 112, the driving mode of at least the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to a continuous driving mode, so that thermal fluid is continuously emitted thereafter until the continuous driving mode is actively terminated.

[0222] In some variations, the detection device 152 is configured to at least recognize whether the handle module 114 is secured to the instrument module 112 at the handle-side fastening unit 132. In particular, in such variations, as long as the detection device 152 recognizes that the handle module 114 is secured to the instrument module 112 at the handle-side fastening unit 132, at least the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to at least one action-driven mode.

[0223] In some preferred variations, the detection device 152 is configured to at least recognize whether the application module 116 is fixed to the application-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112. Particularly in such variations, when the application-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of the application module 116, the drive mode of at least the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to at least one action drive mode. In such variations, it is highly advantageous if the detection device 152 is further configured to recognize whether the extension module 118 is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of the handle-side fixing unit 132. In other words, when the handle-side fixing unit 132 is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of the extension module 118, the drive mode of at least the thermal fluid generating unit is switched to the continuous drive mode, even if the application module 116 is fixed to the application-side fixing unit 132. This is because in that case a configuration is formed that corresponds to a long handheld device, for example configuration 105I, in which the thermal fluid generating unit can be operated in continuous operation mode.

[0224] The construction of one device 100 is described in more detail below, by way of example, in connection with the illustrations of Figures 7-14. It should be noted that in some variations of this embodiment, device 100 is constructed modularly, e.g., from at least one device module 112 and / or handle module 114 and / or at least one application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118, particularly as described above. In other variations of the embodiment, device 100 is constructed as an at least partially integrated device 100. Below, unless specifically and explicitly referring to one of these variations, the description applies to the various variations of device 100. Possible differences between different variations of the embodiment are described in more detail below.

[0225] The device 100 includes, among other things, a device casing 212 that defines a casing interior 214 .

[0226] Exemplary variations of the device casing 212 and casing interior 214 are partially depicted in FIGS.

[0227] In particular, the device casing 212 is made up of multiple parts, such as two shell parts, which substantially define the casing interior 214. In particular, the casing parts are at least predominantly made of plastic.

[0228] 9 shows, by way of example, casing parts, e.g., shell parts, that at least jointly define a casing interior 214 for a variant provided with an instrument module 112 and further modules that can be secured to the instrument module (in particular, a handle module 114 and an application module 116, as well as, for example, at least one extension module 118). In this case, instrument casing 212 is the casing of instrument module 112.

[0229] By way of example, with respect to a variant of the handle module 114, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the parts, in particular the shell parts, which at least together constitute the handle module 114.

[0230] 12 and 13 illustrate, by way of example, variations of casing parts, e.g., shell parts, which together at least partially define casing interior 214 for an embodiment in which device 100 is an at least partially one-piece device 100. By way of example, here the handle also comprises device casing 212. In this case, device casing 212 is the casing of said at least partially one-piece device 100.

[0231] In particular, the device casing 212 has a front surface 222 and a back surface 224 , the front surface 222 and the back surface 224 being opposite surfaces of the device casing 212 relative to the main direction 216 .

[0232] In particular, the front side 222 is provided with a placement location 232 for an application unit 236, in which the application unit 236 can at least be placed and / or is placed.

[0233] In some variants of the device 100, the location 232 is a fixed unit 132, preferably configured at least in part as described above. In this variant, the application unit 236 is a separate application module 116, preferably configured at least in part as described above. In this case, the separately configured application unit 236 has a corresponding fixed unit 132, by means of which the application unit 236 can be secured, in particular removably, to the location 232 configured as a fixed unit 132.

[0234] In some variants of the device 100, the application unit 236 is integrally formed with the device casing 212. In that case, at least parts of the application unit 236 are disposed, in particular fixedly disposed, at the location 232, in at least one part of the device casing 212 that together define the casing interior 214. For example, these parts are joined to the location 222. For example, in such variants, at least one part of the application unit 236 and at least one casing part that together define the casing interior 214 are at least partially integrally formed.

[0235] In particular, the device casing 212 has an upper surface 242 and a lower surface 244 , which are opposite surfaces of the device casing 212 in a vertical direction 246 of the device casing 212 .

[0236] The vertical direction 246 and the main direction 226 of the device casing 212 are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0237] In particular, the appliance casing 212 comprises a particularly flat stand surface 252 on the underside 244. In particular, the stand surface 252 extends at least substantially in the main direction 226 and in the lateral direction 256.

[0238] The lateral direction 256 is at least approximately perpendicular to the main direction 226 of the device casing 212 and at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction 246. In one example, the device casing 212 has two side surfaces that are opposite sides of the device casing 212 in the lateral direction 256.

[0239] In this specification, directional references to "front" and "back" should be understood to refer to the main direction 226, directional references to "top" and "bottom" should be understood to refer to the vertical direction 246, and directional references to "side" should be understood to refer to the lateral direction 256.

[0240] The device 100 includes a handle unit 262. The handle unit 262 includes at least one handle element 264, which provides a handle.

[0241] In some preferred embodiments, the handle unit 262 is configured as a separate handle module 114. By way of example, the variant of Figures 10 and 11 depicts the handle unit 262 configured as a handle module 114.

[0242] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle unit 262 at least partially, preferably at least largely, consists of the device casing 212, and in particular of at least one casing part that together define the casing interior 214. In particular, a variant having the handle unit 262 at least partially integrated into the device casing 212 is exemplarily depicted in Figures 12 and 13.

[0243] In the following, unless explicitly stated, the description of the handle unit 262 relates to both embodiments and variants thereof in which the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module, and other embodiments and variants in which the handle unit 262 is at least partially integrated into the appliance casing 212.

[0244] The handle element 264 extends elongately between a front end 266 and a rear end 268 , with the front end 266 preferably disposed forward of the rear end 268 relative to the main direction 226 .

[0245] The device casing 212 includes a mounting location 272 where the handle unit 262 is mountable and / or mounted on at least one component of the device casing 212 .

[0246] In the embodiment in which the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module 114, the fastening units 132 are formed at the mounting locations 272 for the handle unit 262. Additionally, the handle modules 114 forming the handle unit 262 are provided with fastening units 132, which are preferably arranged at the front ends 266 of the handle elements 264. In particular, these fastening units 132 are at least partially configured as described above.

[0247] In an embodiment in which the handle unit 262 is at least partially integrated into the equipment casing 212, at the positioning point 272, preferably the handle element 264 or an arrangement element for the handle element transitions in a particularly integral manner to another element and / or another part of the equipment casing 212 and / or the handle element 264 or said arrangement element and said another element and / or said another part of the equipment casing 212 are joined to each other, for example at the positioning point 272.

[0248] In particular, the location point 272 is formed on the handle element 264 or the front end 266 of the location element.

[0249] For example, the location element extends from the location point to the front end 266 of the handle element 264 .

[0250] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle element 264 has at least one free end 266, 268, particularly the rear end 268, as exemplarily depicted in variants in FIGS.

[0251] In some advantageous embodiments, at least one other element of the handle unit 262 is disposed at the front end 266 of the handle element 264, and at least one other element of the handle unit 262 is disposed at the rear end 268 of the handle element 264, as exemplarily depicted in variants in Figures 3, 8, 11 and 13.

[0252] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit 262 comprises at least one support element 276, 278, preferably a front support element 276 and / or a rear support element 278.

[0253] Advantageously, the at least one support element 276, 278 is arranged at one of the longitudinal ends 266, 268 of the handle element 264, in particular the front support element 276 at the front longitudinal end 266 and / or the rear support element 278 at the rear longitudinal end 268.

[0254] In a preferred embodiment, the device casing 212 comprises at least one support element 284 on which said at least one support element 276, 278, in particular said at least two support elements 276, 278, support themselves.

[0255] In a variant in which the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module 114, the support element 284 includes in particular a support surface 286 on which, in the fixed state, the at least one support element 276, 278 or multiple support elements 276 and 278 support themselves.

[0256] In that case, in some variations, the at least one support element 276, 278 rests on the support element 284 directly against the support surface 286.

[0257] In an advantageous variant, the handle unit 262 preferably comprises an abutment element 288 formed at least partly integrally with at least one of the support elements 276, 278, which in the fixed state abuts against a support surface 286 of the support element 284. In this way, in particular the support element 276 is indirectly supported on the support element 284 via the abutment element 288 over an advantageously large area.

[0258] In particular, in some variations, the abutment element 288 extends between the two support elements 276 and 278, and the abutment element 288 is disposed on one of the two support elements 276 and 278 at its opposite length ends.

[0259] In a variant in which the handle unit 262 is at least partially integrated, at least one support element 276, 278, preferably two support elements 276 and 278, are arranged in a state in which they support themselves on the support element 288, and in particular are formed on the support element 288.

[0260] In one example, the two support elements 276 and 278 extend outward from the handle element 264 , particularly at least substantially in the vertical direction 246 , so that the support element 284 and / or the abutment element 288 are spaced apart from the handle element 264 .

[0261] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit 262 comprises a grip opening 292, which the handle element 264 partially bounds, particularly on its downwardly facing side.

[0262] In one example, a front support element 276 bounds the front of the grip opening 292 and a rear support element 278 bounds the rear of the grip opening 292 .

[0263] Preferably, an element arranged opposite the handle element 264 in the vertical direction 246 bounds the grip opening 292 below. For example, the oppositely arranged element is an element of the device casing 212. In some preferred variations, the oppositely arranged element is an element of the handle unit 262, for example, extending between both support elements 276, 278. In particular, the oppositely arranged element is the support element 284 or the abutment element 288, depending on the variation.

[0264] In a preferred embodiment, grip opening 292 is formed through in lateral direction 256, allowing a user of device 100 to grasp a handle formed by handle element 264 by inserting their hand into grip opening 292 and gripping it in said direction.

[0265] Thus, the device casing 212 comprises a handle area 296 in which, depending on the embodiment variant, the handle unit 262 can be formed and / or arranged and at least secured to the device casing 212 .

[0266] Therefore, in some embodiment variations, the handle region 296 is formed with the handle element 264 and preferably at least one support element 276, 278, and for example, the support element 284.

[0267] In some embodiments, the device casing 212 includes a cavity 298 in the handle area 296 that can receive a separate handle unit 262 that can be secured to the device casing 212 .

[0268] In a preferred embodiment, the front end of the cavity 298 is provided with a mounting location 272 for the handle unit 262, which preferably includes the fastening unit 132.

[0269] The cavity 298 is bounded, for example, primarily below, by the support surface 286 .

[0270] In particular, the handle region 296 is above a longitudinal center plane 312 of the device casing 212 and behind a vertical center plane 314 of the device casing 212 .

[0271] In particular, lengthwise center plane 312 extends at least substantially in main direction 226 and transverse direction 256 and is at least approximately perpendicular to vertical direction 246. In particular, at least 40% of the total extent of device casing 212 in vertical direction 246 is above and / or below lengthwise center plane 312, respectively.

[0272] In particular, vertical central plane 314 extends at least substantially in vertical direction 246 and lateral direction 256, and vertical central plane 314 is at least approximately perpendicular to main direction 226. In particular, at least 40% of the total extent of device casing 212 in main direction 226 lies in front of and / or behind vertical central plane 314, respectively.

[0273] The device casing 212 has a mounting portion 322 between the mounting portion 232 for the application unit 236 and the mounting portion 272 for the handle unit 262 .

[0274] 14 is an enlarged view of a modified example of the mounting portion 322. In this modified example, the mounting locations 232, 272 for the application unit 236 and the handle unit 262 are configured as the fixed unit 132.

[0275] The configuration of the arrangement part 322 as described below is advantageously provided in a variant in which at least one of the arrangement locations 232, 272 is configured as the fixed unit 132 and / or in a variant in which at least the application unit 236 and / or the handle unit 262 are at least partially formed integrally with the appliance casing 212. The illustration of Fig. 14 is therefore also representative of other variants, and preferably the configuration described in connection with Fig. 14 is also at least partially provided in other variants, such as those illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, which are exemplary.

[0276] In particular, the placement location 272 for the handle unit 262 is located further up in the vertical direction 246 than the placement location 232 for the application unit 236 .

[0277] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning portion 322 extends obliquely downward to the front surface 222 .

[0278] In particular, the positioning portion 322 extends at least substantially along a geometric positioning axis 326. The positioning axis 326 passes through the two positioning locations 232 and 272.

[0279] In particular, the axial direction of the locating axis 326 is determined by the longitudinal extension of locating elements at the locating locations 232, 272, such as locating elements of the fixing counterpart 138 and / or the fixing receiver 136, or elements where parts of the application unit 236 or the handle unit 262 and parts of the locating portion 322 merge with each other and / or join with each other.

[0280] In a preferred embodiment, the central axis of a placement element lies on the placement axis 326 or is at least approximately parallel to the placement axis 326 and is determined by the longitudinal extension of said placement element. If the central axis is offset from the placement axis 326, it is preferred that the offset between both axes is smaller than the longitudinal extension of the placement element, in particular smaller than half of said longitudinal extension.

[0281] Preferably, the electronics of the device are at least partially, in particular at least mostly, located within the location 322 .

[0282] In a preferred embodiment, the placement section 322 comprises an outer wall portion 332 of the device casing 212. In particular, this outer wall portion 332 is oblique to the main direction 226 between the two placement locations 232 and 272 and is oblique to the vertical direction 246. For example, the outer wall portion 332 of the placement section 322 is at least partially parallel to the placement axis 326 and / or is at least partially oblique, preferably only slightly oblique, to the placement axis 326.

[0283] In particular, the device casing 212 comprises an interaction surface 342. Preferably, the interaction surface 342 is formed on the placement portion 322, in particular on the wall portion 332 thereof.

[0284] On the interaction surface 342 the device 100 is provided with at least one operating element 246 of a control device of the device 100 and / or at least one display element of a display device of the device 100 .

[0285] In particular, at least one operating element 346 is formed for switching the device on and off. In a preferred embodiment, at least one operating element 346 is provided, the operation of which is required as an action in at least one action-driven mode. In particular, the at least one operating element 346 is a button.

[0286] At least one display element indicates at least one state of the device 100. For example, a display element may indicate whether the device is switched on and / or off. In particular, a display element may indicate at least one operating mode in which the device is operated.

[0287] In some variants, the at least one display element is a simple light-emitting means, in particular a light-emitting diode. In some variants, the at least one display element is configured to more complexly represent information about the state of the device, for example a display.

[0288] In particular, it is advantageous to locate operating and / or display elements for interaction between the user and the device on the oblique interaction surface 242 of the positioning portion 322, since this allows the user to conveniently reach and / or see these elements from various directions when using the device 100. Preferably, the operating element 346 is located on the positioning portion 322, particularly near the positioning location 272 for the handle unit 262, since this allows the operating element 346 to be well within reach of a user holding the device 100 by the handle of the handle unit 262.

[0289] In a preferred embodiment, the instrument 100 includes a water tank 352. The water tank 352 is positionable and removably securable to the instrument casing 212 in a water tank area 354 of the instrument casing 212.

[0290] In particular, the water tank 352 has a storage space for storing liquid.

[0291] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank 352 is provided with a fluid connection. The fluid connection can be used to fluidly connect the storage space of the water tank 352 to a piping system in the device casing 212. In a preferred embodiment, a tube, one end of which is connected to the fluid connection, is disposed in the storage space. A weight is disposed at the other end of the tube, and the tube opens into the storage space at this end. Therefore, even when the orientation of the device 100 is changed in various ways, the end of the tube that opens into the storage space is advantageously disposed in a lower region of the storage space due to gravity. Therefore, even when the liquid level in the storage space is low, this tube end is in the liquid, and liquid can be discharged through the tube.

[0292] In particular, the device casing 212 includes a cavity 356 in the water tank region 354, and the water tank 352 is received in the cavity 356 for fixation.

[0293] In particular, a fixing mechanism for the water tank 352 is formed at least partially in the water tank region 354 on the appliance casing 212. For example, the fixing mechanism configured as a locking mechanism includes locking portions and locking receivers. The locking receivers engage with the locking portions to removably fix the water tank 352. In particular, at least some of the locking portions are formed on the water tank 352 and corresponding locking receivers on the appliance casing 212, and / or at least some of the locking portions are formed on the appliance casing 212 and corresponding locking receivers on the water tank 352.

[0294] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank area 354 is formed in the appliance casing 212 in a rear area relative to the main direction 226 and in a lower area relative to the vertical direction 246 .

[0295] In particular, the appliance casing 212 includes a lip 358 that bounds a cavity 356 for the water tank 352. In a preferred embodiment, the lip 358 extends generally forward in the main direction 226 from the rear surface 224 of the appliance casing 212 and then extends downward in the vertical direction 246 to the lower surface 244 of the appliance casing 212.

[0296] The device casing 212 has a rear portion 364 that extends to the rear surface 224 .

[0297] In particular, the rear part 364 is at least partially bounded on the upper side by elements that bound the handle area 296, i.e. in particular by the abutment element 388 or the support element 284, and on the lower side at least partially by the edge 158 of the water tank area 354.

[0298] In particular, rear portion 364 is at least partially narrow in its vertical 246 extent, at least partially because handle area 296 is formed above rear portion 364 and water tank area 354 is formed below rear portion 364. For example, the vertical 246 extent of the narrow portion of rear portion 364 is 20% or less of the vertical 246 extent of the entire appliance casing 212.

[0299] In particular, the rear portion 364 extends forward from the rear surface 224 along the handle area 296 and the water tank area 354 to the forward ends of these areas 296, 354. These areas extend further forward in the main direction 226.

[0300] In one example, handle region 296 extends further forward than water tank region 354. In the region along main direction 226 where handle region 296 preferably extends further forward and water tank region 352 no longer extends, rear portion 364 flares downward, preferably to bottom surface 244 of appliance casing 212.

[0301] Device 100 includes a power supply unit 372. Power supply unit 372 is preferably located at least primarily within rear portion 364.

[0302] In a preferred variant, the device 100 is a cabled device and the power supply unit 372 comprises a cable with a power plug for connection to a power connection.

[0303] In particular, the device casing 212 includes a feed opening 374 through which the cable is routed into the casing interior 214. In a preferred embodiment, the feed opening 374 is formed in the back surface 224 at the rear portion 364.

[0304] In one example, the cable leads through the rear 364 to at least one further element of a power supply unit 372, from which electrical energy is distributed to each unit and / or electronic device in the equipment casing interior 214. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply unit 372 comprises a transformer to convert the output voltage provided by the power connection to the voltage required by the equipment technology.

[0305] In some variants, the power supply unit 372 includes an energy storage unit, such as a battery and / or a capacitor. In these variants, the power supply unit 372 preferably also includes a distribution element for distributing the electrical energy provided by the energy storage unit.

[0306] Preferably, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 of the device 100 is arranged in the device casing 212 in the front region in relation to the main direction 226, preferably near the mounting location 232 for the application unit 236. In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 is arranged below the mounting location 322 in relation to the vertical direction 246.

[0307] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes an instantaneous water heater for heating the liquid.

[0308] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes a kettle with a heating element for heating a liquid.

[0309] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit 378 heats the liquid to a thermal fluid at a temperature of at least 60° C., preferably at least 80° C., for example at least 90° C. For example, the thermal fluid comprises a hot liquid and / or gaseous medium, in particular water vapor.

[0310] In particular, the device 100 includes piping within the casing interior 214 for conducting fluids.

[0311] The thermal fluid generating unit 378 may be fluidly connected to the water tank 352 through a piping system, at least when the water tank 352 is secured to the equipment casing 212 .

[0312] In particular, one piping section of the piping system leads to a location 232 for an application unit 236 .

[0313] In particular, the application unit 236 is at least fluidly connectable to the piping system. In a preferred embodiment, an integrated application unit 236 is fluidly connected to the piping system. In a preferred embodiment, a separate application module 116 is fluidly connected to the piping system, at least in the assembled configuration 105.

[0314] In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit 378, in an active drive mode, emits thermal fluid through the piping system to the application unit 236. In particular, at least in a sleep mode and / or when switched off, no thermal fluid is supplied to the application unit 236.

[0315] In a preferred embodiment, the piping system includes a pump 382. In particular, the pump 382 is located between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generating unit 378 in the main direction 226. In particular, the pump 382 is located in the rear portion 364, where it is preferably located in an area extending down to the underside 244.

[0316] Preferably, the device 100 includes a cartridge 410. In particular, the cartridge 410 has disposed therein a fluid modifier 414 for at least partially purifying the liquid from the water tank 352.

[0317] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid provided from the water tank 352 comprises water, particularly at least primarily water. In one example, at least one additive is added to the water. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier 414 is configured to at least partially demineralize the water.

[0318] In a preferred embodiment, cartridge 410 is located in rear portion 364 , where it is preferably within an area extending to lower surface 244 .

[0319] Preferably, the cartridge 410 is arranged between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generating unit 378 , in particular between the water tank area 354 and the pump 382 , with respect to the main direction 226 .

[0320] Exemplary cartridge 410 is depicted in FIGS.

[0321] Cartridge 410 includes a container 422 having an interior space 424. In particular, container 422 comprises a plurality of outer walls 428.

[0322] In a preferred embodiment, an outer wall 428 surrounds the interior space 424 and defines the exterior of the container 422 .

[0323] In a preferred embodiment, the container 422 is formed at least substantially in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, with walls 428 formed on each side of the container 422 .

[0324] By way of example, the container 422 includes six outer walls 428I-428VI.

[0325] To the extent that the walls 428 are configured at least substantially similarly, multiple walls 428 will be described together, and in particular, reference to a wall 428 should be understood to mean that at least one, preferably at least some, e.g., all, of the multiple walls 428 have the described features. In particular, when it is necessary to specifically refer to at least one individual wall in describing a wall and / or an element / feature of a wall, a Roman numeral indicating that particular wall will be added to the appropriate reference symbol. In this regard, the Roman numeral should be understood to simply refer to the specific wall, and no other information is implied by the Roman numeral, in particular, the Roman numeral does not imply any ordering of the walls 428 and / or any information regarding the total number of walls.

[0326] In particular, each of the walls 428 includes 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 428 are opposite walls of the wall 428 in a thickness direction 438 of the wall 428.

[0327] The walls 428 bound the interior space 424 with their inner wall surfaces 432, and the outer wall surfaces 434 face towards the periphery of the container 422, and in particular towards the periphery of the cartridge 410. In particular, the interior space 424 is enclosed by the inner wall surfaces 432 of all the walls 428.

[0328] In particular, each of the walls 428 extends essentially in one extension plane, which is at least locally at least approximately perpendicular to the thickness direction 438 of the wall 428.

[0329] In a preferred variant, at least some of the walls 428 are flat walls whose extension plane is spanned by two at least approximately mutually perpendicular extension directions 442, 444. In the flat walls 428, the thickness direction 438 points in the same direction over at least the majority of the extension of the flat walls 428.

[0330] In some variations, at least one wall 428 is curved, with the curved wall 428 correspondingly curved along its length, with the thickness direction 438 of the curved wall 428 varying along the length of the curve.

[0331] In one example, each wall 428 extends in a longitudinal direction 442 and a transverse direction 444, where the longitudinal direction 442 and the transverse direction 444 subtend a geometric plane of extension.

[0332] Each wall 428 extends in its plane of extension at least to an end region 452, 454, and in particular extends between the end regions 452, 454.

[0333] For example, a wall portion 428 extends between two opposing longitudinal end regions 452 in its longitudinal extension direction 442, and / or a wall portion 428 extends between two opposing transverse end regions 454 in its transverse extension direction 444.

[0334] In particular, the extension of the wall 428 in a certain extension direction 442 , 444 , for example its longitudinal extension direction 442 and / or its transverse extension direction 444 , is greater, preferably much greater, than its thickness measured in its thickness direction 438 .

[0335] In particular, no more than 30% of the total extent of the wall 428 in its direction of extension 442, 444, for example in its longitudinal extension 442 and / or transverse extension 444, is in the end regions 452, 454.

[0336] In particular, in each ridge region 462, two walls 428 are disposed adjacent to each other at their respective end regions 452, 454. In particular, the end regions 452, 454 of the three walls 428, and also the ridge regions 462 between those walls 428, meet each other at each corner region 466.

[0337] In one example, as exemplarily depicted in FIG. 15, at least some of the wall portions are rounded at their end regions 452, 454, and correspondingly the container 422 has at least some rounded edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466.

[0338] In particular, the container 422 expands in an expansion plane 468. The expansion plane 468 is spanned by two expansion directions 472 and 474, for example, that are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0339] 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 is at least approximately perpendicular to the extension plane 468.

[0340] The height of the container 422 is measured in the height direction 476. For example, the height of the container 422 is not more than 70%, particularly not more than 50%, of the minimum extent of the container 422 in the extent directions 472, 474.

[0341] In particular, two walls 428, for example wall 428I and wall 428II, are spaced apart from one another in a height direction 476 and are preferably arranged opposite one another in the height direction 476. Preferably, these two walls 428I, II extend at least approximately parallel to the geometrical extension plane 468. That is, in particular, the extension directions 442I, II of these two walls 428I, II spaced apart from one another in the height direction 476 are substantially parallel to the geometrical extension plane 468.

[0342] In particular, two wall portions 428I and 428II spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476 have substantially the same shape in their extension plane, thereby defining, for example, the bottom surface of the container 422.

[0343] In particular, as exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 15, the walls 428I and II spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476 are configured substantially rectangular, and therefore the bottom surface of the container 422 is also substantially rectangular, preferably with rounded corners.

[0344] In particular, at least one wall portion 428 extends between two wall portions 428I, II that are spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476, and is disposed in contact with the two wall portions 428I, II in each edge region 462.

[0345] In particular, the container 422 is configured substantially cylindrical with opposing bottom walls 428 extending from each of the bottom surfaces of the cylinder and at least one wall 428 extending from a side surface of the cylinder.

[0346] For example, the side wall 428, here walls 428III to 428VI, extends in the height direction 476 between two walls 428I and II that are spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476 in one of its extension directions 442, 444, and extends between two other side wall portions 428III, IV, V, and VI in the other of its extension directions 442, 444.

[0347] In one example, two walls are arranged opposite each other in each of the two extension directions 472, 474 of the container 422. For example, the walls 428III and 428V are arranged opposite each other in the extension direction 472, and the walls 428IV and 428VI are arranged opposite each other in the extension direction 474.

[0348] In particular, the container 422 is comprised of at least two different container parts 482, 484. In particular, each of the container parts 482, 484 is integrally formed.

[0349] At least some of the container parts 482 , 484 , and in particular all of the container parts 482 , 484 , each include at least one wall portion 428 .

[0350] In a preferred embodiment, one of the container parts, here container part 484, consists essentially of one wall 428, and another of the container parts, here container part 482, includes the remaining wall.

[0351] In particular, the one container part 484, which essentially consists of one wall part 428, is thereby formed as a lid for the other container part 482. In particular, one of the walls spaced apart in the height direction 476, here wall part 428II, primarily forms the lid-like container part 484.

[0352] The walls 428, which are made up of the same container parts 482, 484 and which are arranged adjacent to each other at the ridge region 462, are preferably formed to abut each other at the ridge region 462.

[0353] The walls 428 formed on the different container parts 482, 484 and arranged adjacent to each other at the ridge region 462 are preferably form-lockingly connected to each other at the ridge region 462, at least in the assembled state of the container 422. In a preferred embodiment, the two walls 428 are provided with form-locking elements 492, 494 that interlock with each other for this purpose. In one example, one of the two form-locking elements 492, 494 is provided with a groove and the other of the two form-locking elements 492, 494 is provided with a protrusion that fits into the groove.

[0354] The vessel 422 has an inlet 512 that leads to the interior space 424 at an inlet opening 514. The vessel 422 has an outlet 516 that leads to the interior space 424 at an outlet opening 518.

[0355] In particular, an inlet opening 514 is formed in one of the container parts 482, 484 and an outlet opening 518 is formed in the other of the container parts 482, 484.

[0356] The inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are fluidly connected to each other in the interior space 424 at least along the connection 526. Therefore, liquid entering the interior space 424 through the inlet opening 514 can reach the outlet opening 518 along the connection 526.

[0357] In particular, connection 526 extends at least along a geometric connecting line 528. In particular, connecting line 528 extends linearly and along the shortest path between inlet opening 514 and outlet opening 518. For example, connecting line 528 is a straight line passing through the center point of inlet opening 514 and the center point of outlet opening 518.

[0358] Advantageously, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are arranged so that the length of the connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 is optimized.

[0359] In particular, optimizing the length of the connection 526, and in particular the length of the connecting line 528, should be understood to mean that it is formed to the maximum possible length, taking into account, for example, practical and / or technical conditions, such as: for example, the openings 514, 518 cannot be formed as close as possible to the edges of the container parts 482, 484, but must have a sufficiently wide edge to ensure the stability of the container parts 482, 484.

[0360] That is, in particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are arranged so that the shortest connection 526 between the two openings 514, 518 is as long as possible.

[0361] To optimize the length, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are preferably formed in opposing wall portions 428. In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in the wall portion 428II, and the wall portion 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is formed is positioned opposite to the wall portion 428II in the height direction 476.

[0362] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in the end regions 452, 454 of the wall 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed. In particular, the outlet opening 518 is formed in the end regions 452, 454 of the wall 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0363] In particular, the two end regions 452, 454 in which the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed are positioned opposite each other in at least one direction.

[0364] In particular, the longitudinal extension direction 442II of the wall portion 428II in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and the longitudinal extension direction 442I of the wall portion 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is formed are at least approximately parallel to each other, and / or the transverse extension direction 444II of the wall portion 428II in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and the transverse extension direction 444I of the wall portion 428I in which the outlet opening 518 is formed are at least approximately parallel to each other.

[0365] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in areas of the wall 428, which are areas that are located opposite each other in at least one extension direction 442, 444 of the wall 428, preferably in both extension directions 442, 444.

[0366] In particular, the area in which the inlet opening 514 is formed in its wall and the area in which the outlet opening 518 is formed in its wall are located opposite each other with respect to at least one of the directions 472, 474 of extension of the container 422, preferably both directions 472, 474 of extension of the container 422.

[0367] In particular, the projection of the entrance opening 514 and the projection of the exit opening 518 onto at least one geometric projection plane are then located opposite each other in at least one direction.

[0368] In particular, the projection of the inlet opening 514 and the projection of the outlet opening 518 are located opposite each other in at least one direction, in particular in at least one extension direction 472, 474 of the container 422, preferably in both extension directions 472, 474, within a projection plane 534 that is at least substantially perpendicular to the height direction 476, and / or are located opposite each other in at least one extension direction 442, 444 of one wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is formed, preferably in some extension directions 442, 444 of several wall portions 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0369] In particular, the projection of the entrance opening 514 and the projection of the exit opening 518 on a projection plane 536 parallel to the height direction 476 are located opposite each other in a direction extending perpendicular to the height direction 476 within the projection plane 536 .

[0370] In particular, other projection planes in which the projections of the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are located opposite each other in at least one direction include a projection plane that is at least approximately perpendicular to at least one extension direction 472, 474 of the container 422, and / or a projection plane that is at least approximately perpendicular to at least one extension direction 442, 444 of the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0371] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in at least one edge region 462, which is defined by the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and at least one other wall portion 428. Preferably, the inlet opening 514 is formed in a corner region 466 of the container 422, which is defined by the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and at least two other wall portions 428. In particular, in this embodiment, the corner region 466 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and the edge region 462 are defined by a wall portion 428II extending at least intersecting the height direction 476 and other wall portions 428IV and 428V, one of whose extension directions 442, 444 is at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0372] In particular, outlet opening 518 is formed in at least one edge region 462 of container 422, which edge region 462 is defined by wall 428 in which outlet opening 518 is formed and at least one other wall 428. Preferably, outlet opening 518 is formed in a corner region 466 of container 422, which corner region is defined by wall 428 in which outlet opening 518 is formed and at least two other wall regions 428. In particular, in this embodiment, corner region 466 in which outlet opening 518 is formed and edge region 462 are defined by wall 428I extending at least intersecting height direction 476 and other wall portions 428III and 428VI, one of whose extension directions 442, 444 is at least substantially parallel to height direction 476.

[0373] Advantageously, the wall 428 forming the edge region 462 and particularly the corner region 466 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed is a separate wall from the wall 428 forming the edge region 462 and particularly the corner region 466 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0374] In particular, the edge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed and the edge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed are regions 462, 466 positioned opposite each other at least in the height direction 476 and / or in at least one of the two extension directions 472, 474 of the container 422, preferably in both of the two extension directions. In a preferred embodiment, these edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466 are positioned opposite each other in more than one of these directions 476, 472, 474.

[0375] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in regions of the interior space 424 that are located diagonally opposite each other within the interior space 424, in particular the edge region 462 and / or the corner region 466.

[0376] In particular, the spatial diagonal is at least oblique to the height direction 476 and / or oblique to both extent directions 472, 474.

[0377] In particular, this allows the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 to be configured to optimize its length, since both openings 514, 518 are formed in opposite regions of the container 422, particularly opposite edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466.

[0378] Advantageously, the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is free of obstructions, at least when the cartridge 410 is in an unfilled state. In a preferred embodiment, the linear connection 526, particularly extending along a connecting line 528 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518, is free of obstructions, at least when the cartridge 410 is in an unfilled state.

[0379] Advantageously, a connection space region 542 is formed that is free of obstacles, at least in the unfilled state, and extends in a connection direction 544 from the inlet opening 514 along the connection 526 to the outlet opening 518 and also widens in a direction transverse to the connection direction 544.

[0380] In particular, the connecting spatial region 542 extends along the straight connecting line 528 from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518 .

[0381] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection spatial region 542 extends in a direction transverse to the connection direction 544, the extent of which corresponds at least essentially to the extent of the inlet opening 514 and / or the extent of the outlet opening 518, in particular to twice this extent.

[0382] It is highly advantageous if the connection space region 542 extends at least to the inner wall surface of the wall 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, and at least to the inner wall surface of the wall 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, and / or preferably to the inner wall surfaces of at least some of the other wall portions 428, in particular to the inner wall surfaces of all wall portions 428.

[0383] In particular, the entire interior space 424 is defined as being free of obstructions, at least when unfilled.

[0384] In particular, an area of ​​the interior space 424 is defined as being free of obstructions when no other parts of the container part and / or cartridge 410 and / or other objects protrude into that area. In particular, the free area is free of any parts.

[0385] In particular, the unobstructed connection 526 and the unobstructed connection volume region 542 are advantageous because the unobstructed region, and particularly the entirely unobstructed interior volume 424, can be packed with a large amount of fluid modifier 414, allowing liquid flowing from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518 to flow fully around the packed fluid modifier 414 when in a filled state, but otherwise allowing unimpeded liquid flow due to the unobstructed connection 526.

[0386] The inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are positioned to optimize the length of the connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 so that the fluid flowing therethrough flows through as long a connection 526 as possible and around as much of the fluid modifier 414 as possible.

[0387] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier 414 is a granular medium.

[0388] In particular, this allows for good filling of the interior space 424, with the granular medium providing a large surface area for reaction with the liquid flowing through the interior space 424.

[0389] In particular, the fluid modifier 414 is configured to purify the liquid, for example, demineralize the water.

[0390] Advantageously, a strainer 554 is disposed at the inlet opening 514. In particular, a strainer 558 is disposed at the outlet opening 518. In particular, the strainer 554 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the strainer 558 in the outlet opening 518 are configured to at least substantially prevent, in particular, particulate fluid modifier 414 from escaping from the interior space 424 through the openings 514, 518. In particular, the strainers 554, 558 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the outlet opening 518 are configured at least to allow liquid flowing therethrough to pass through the strainers 554, 558 as unimpeded as possible. For example, at least the strainer 554 in the inlet opening 514 is configured so that foreign particles that may be present in the incoming liquid are captured by the strainer 554, thereby at least reducing, and preferably at least substantially eliminating, foreign particles reaching the interior space 424.

[0391] In particular, the inlet 512 includes an inlet connecting pipe 564. The inlet connecting pipe 564 includes a liquid flow space that communicates with the inlet opening 514, and the flow space is surrounded on its periphery by a connecting pipe wall. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet connecting pipe 564, in particular its flow space and / or its connecting pipe wall, extends between the inlet opening 514 and one end of the inlet connecting pipe 564 in a direction that is transverse to the extension direction 424, 444 of the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, and / or at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0392] In particular, the outlet 516 includes an outlet connecting pipe 568. The outlet connecting pipe 568 includes a flow space for the liquid, which flows into the outlet opening 518 and is surrounded on its periphery by a connecting pipe wall of the outlet connecting pipe 568. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet connecting pipe 568, in particular its flow space and / or its connecting pipe wall, extends from the outlet opening 518 to one end of the outlet connecting pipe 568 in a direction transverse to the extension directions 442, 444 of the wall 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, and / or at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0393] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 410 is positioned within the casing interior 214 of the device casing 212 such that the height direction 476 of the container 422 is at least substantially parallel to the main direction 226 .

[0394] In a preferred embodiment, the wall 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed faces the water tank area 354. In particular, the inlet connecting pipe 564 extends towards the water tank area 354.

[0395] In a preferred embodiment, the wall 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed faces forward with respect to the main direction 226, e.g., towards the thermal fluid generating unit 378 and / or the pump 382. In particular, the outlet connecting pipe 568 extends forward in the main direction 226, e.g., towards the thermal fluid generating unit 378 and / or towards the pump 382.

[0396] In particular, this allows the cartridge 410 to be positioned in a space-saving manner adjacent to the water tank area 354, particularly between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generating unit 378 and / or pump 382 of the equipment casing 212, since the container 422 has only a small extension in the height direction 476. Nevertheless, the liquid flowing through the cartridge 410 can flow around as much of the fluid modifier 414 as possible, because the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is configured to optimize its length.

[0397] Preferably, the cartridge 410 is positioned within the instrument casing 212 such that the inlet 512 having the inlet opening 514 is positioned above the outlet 516 having the outlet opening 518 with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the instrument casing 212 .

[0398] Advantageously, the inlet 512 is located in the uppermost region of the container 422, in particular in the uppermost region of the cartridge 410, relative to the vertical direction 246 of the device casing 212. Advantageously, the outlet 516 is located in the lowermost region of the container 422, in particular in the lowermost region of the cartridge 410, relative to the vertical direction 246 of the device casing 212.

[0399] In particular, the water tank 352 is fluidly connectable to the inlet 512 of the cartridge 410 via at least one piping segment of the piping system. In a preferred embodiment, when the water tank 352 is secured to the device casing 212, the tank is fluidly connected to the inlet 512 of the cartridge 410 via said at least one piping segment.

[0400] The outlet 516 is preferably fluidly connected to at least one piping section of the piping system, and in particular to the thermal fluid generating unit 378 and / or the pump 382 via the piping system.

[0401] In a preferred embodiment, inlet 512 is positioned above outlet 516 so that, during use of instrument 100, in at least most orientations of instrument 100, the flow of liquid within cartridge 410 is at least unimpeded by gravity, and preferably at least assisted by gravity, because inlet opening 514 is also positioned above outlet opening 518 relative to the direction of gravity. Preferably, this positioning of inlet opening 514 above outlet opening 518 also occurs in at least most possible configurations 105 of instrument 100. [Explanation of symbols]

[0402] 100…Equipment 105…Equipment configuration 112...Equipment module 114...Handle module 116...Application module 118...Extension module 132...Fixed unit 136...Fixing receiver 138...Fixed counterpart 152...Detection device 156...Sensor 162…Detection area 164...Detection target element 166...End of fixing receiving part 168...receptor opening 212...Equipment casing 214...Inside the casing 222...Front 224...Back 226...Main direction 232...Location (for application unit) 236...Application unit 242...Top surface 244…Bottom surface 246…Vertical direction 252...Stand surface 256...Horizontal 262...Handle unit 264...Handle element 266...Front length end 268...Rear length end 272...Location (for handle unit) 276...Support element 278...Support element 284...Supporting elements 286…support surface 288...Abutment element 292...Grip opening 296...Handle area 298...empty space 312...Length center plane 314...vertical center plane 322…Arrangement section 326…Arrangement axis 332...Outer wall part 342…Interaction surface 346...Operation element 352...Water tank 354...Water tank area 356...empty space 358...Edge 364...rear 372...Power supply unit 374...Power supply opening 378...Thermal fluid generation unit 382...Pump 410... Cartridge 414...Fluid change material 422…Container 424…Interior space 428…Wall part 432...Inner wall surface 434...Exterior wall 438...Thickness direction 442...(Longitudinal) extension direction 444…(Transverse) Extension direction 452...(longitudinal) end region 454…(Transverse) Edge area 462...edge area 466…Corner area 468...Spread plane 472...Spread direction 474...Spread direction 476...Height 482...Container parts 484...Container parts 492...Shape fastening element 494...Shape fastening element 512...Entrance 514...Entrance opening 516...Exit 518...Exit opening 526…Connection 528...connecting line 534...Projection surface 536…Projection surface 542...Connection space area 544...Connection direction 554...Strainer 558...Strainer 564...Inlet connection pipe 568...Outlet connection pipe

Claims

1. A cartridge (410), particularly a cartridge (410) for a fluidic device, comprising a container (422) having an interior space (424), a liquid inlet (512) leading to said interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514) and a liquid outlet (516) leading to said interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518); 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 when the interior space (424) is in an unfilled state; and / or - A cartridge (410) in which the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the internal space (424) so ​​as to optimize the length of a particularly direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the internal space (424).

2. Use of a cartridge (410) in a fluidic device, said cartridge (410) comprising a container (422) having an interior space (424), a liquid inlet (512) communicating with said interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514) and a liquid outlet (516) communicating with said interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518); 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 when the interior space (424) is in an unfilled state; and / or Use of a cartridge (410) in which the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the internal space (424) so ​​as to optimize the length of the particularly direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the internal space (424).

3. A fluidic device (100) including a cartridge (410), said cartridge including a container (422) having an interior space (424), a liquid inlet (512) communicating with said interior space (424) at an inlet opening (514), and a liquid outlet (516) communicating with said interior space (424) at an outlet opening (518); 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 when the interior space (424) is in an unfilled state; and / or - A fluid device (100) in which the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are arranged in opposite regions of the internal space (424) so ​​as to optimize the length of a particularly direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) in the internal space (424).

4. A cartridge (410) as described in claim 1 and / or a use as described in claim 2 and / or a fluid device (100) as described in claim 3, characterized in that at least one connection space area (542) centered on the direct connection (526) between the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) is free of obstacles at least when the internal space (424) is in an unfilled state.

5. A cartridge (410) as described in claim 4 and / or a use as described in claim 4 and / or a fluid device (100) as described in claim 4, characterized in that the connection space area (542) extends in a connection direction (526) from the inlet opening (514) to the outlet opening (518) and that the connection space area (542) has an extent in a direction intersecting the connection direction (526) for at least most of its extension in the connection direction (526), ​​the extent being at least approximately the same size as or greater than the extent of the inlet opening (514) and / or the outlet opening (518).

6. A cartridge (410) according to claim 4 or 5 and / or a use according to claim 4 or 5 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the connection space region (542) extends, at least for the most part along its extension in the connection direction (526), ​​in a direction intersecting the connection direction (526), ​​to at least one wall portion (428) of the container (422).

7. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 6 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 6 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 6, characterized in that the internal space (424) is at least largely free of obstructions when at least in an unfilled state.

8. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 7 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 7 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 7, characterized in that the internal space (424) is at least partially filled with a fluid modifying material when the internal space (424) is in a filled state.

9. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 8 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 8 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 8, characterized in that the fluid modifying material is at least partially configured for at least partial, in particular physical and / or chemical, modification, in particular demineralization, of a liquid flowing through the cartridge (410).

10. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 9 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 9 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 9, characterized in that the fluid modifier is a granular medium.

11. the container (422) includes a plurality of walls (428), the walls (428) defining the interior space (424); especially, the plurality of walls (428) each extend in a respective plane of extension and have a respective thickness transverse to the respective plane of extension; and / or - each of the plurality of walls (428) has an inner wall surface (432) and an outer wall surface (434), the inner wall surface (432) defining the boundary of the interior space (424) and / or the outer wall surface (434) defining the exterior surface of each of the containers (422); and / or - two walls (428) are arranged adjacent to each other in each edge region (462) and / or three walls (428) are arranged adjacent to each other in each corner region (466); A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1, 4 to 10 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2, 4 to 10 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3, 4 to 10, characterized in that

12. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 11 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 11 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 11, 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. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 12 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 12 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 12, 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 portion (428).

14. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 13 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 13 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 13, 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 are two corner regions (466) of the container (422) that are at the greatest distance from each other in the internal space (424).

15. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 14 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 14 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 14, characterized in that the container (422) extends at least substantially in an extension plane (468) and in a height direction (476) at least approximately perpendicular to the extension plane (468), in particular that the extension plane (468) is spanned by two extension directions (472, 474) that are at least approximately perpendicular to each other, in particular that 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. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 15 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 15 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 15, characterized in that the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) are formed on opposite sides of the internal space (424) in the height direction (476).

17. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 16 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 16 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 16, characterized in that the inlet (512) and / or the outlet (516) extend outward in the height direction (476) from the container (422), in particular from a wall (428) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed.

18. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 17 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 17 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 17, characterized in that the area of ​​the internal space (424) through which the inlet opening (514) communicates and the area of ​​the internal space (424) through which the outlet opening (518) communicates are located opposite each other within the internal space (424) in at least one of the two extension directions (472, 474) and / or in the height direction (476).

19. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 18 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 18 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 18, characterized in that the area of ​​the internal space (424) through which the inlet opening (514) communicates and the area of ​​the internal space (424) through which the outlet opening (518) communicates are located opposite each other within the internal space (424) with respect to the direction in which the internal space (424) has at least approximately its greatest extent.

20. In at least one projection plane (534, 536), the area where the projection of the inlet opening (514) exists and the area where the projection of the outlet opening (518) exists are opposite areas of the projection of the internal space (424), in particular: a projection plane (534, 536) is at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction (476); and / or A spatial diagonal of the internal space (424) passes through a certain projection plane (534, 536); a certain projection plane (534, 536) is at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of spread AR, and / or a projection surface (534, 536) is spanned by the extension direction (442, 444) of one wall portion (428) and the extension direction (442, 444) of another wall portion (428), these two wall portions (428) meeting in a corner region (466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is located, and the two extension directions that span the projection surface (534, 536) extend outward (534, 536) from the region (462, 466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed; A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 19 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 19 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 19, characterized in that the above-mentioned phenomenon occurs on at least one of the projection planes (534, 536) defined as follows.

21. the internal space (424) is configured in an unobstructed state in the sense that in at least one projection plane (534, 536), only an area of ​​the internal space (424) that is unobstructed for the fluid is projected in at least a large part of the area between the projection of the inlet opening (514) and the projection of the outlet opening (518), in particular a projection plane (534, 536) is at least approximately perpendicular to the height direction (476); and / or A spatial diagonal of the internal space (424) passes through a certain projection plane (534, 536); a certain projection plane (534, 536) is at least approximately perpendicular to one of the two directions of extension (AR), and / or a projection surface (534, 536) is spanned by the extension direction (442, 444) of one wall portion (428) and the extension direction (442, 444) of another wall portion (428), these two wall portions (428) meeting in a corner region (466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is located, and the two extension directions that span the projection surface (534, 536) extend outward (534, 536) from the region (462, 466) in which the inlet opening (514) or the outlet opening (518) is formed; A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 20 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 20 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 20, characterized in that the above-mentioned phenomenon occurs on at least one of the projection planes (534, 536) defined as follows.

22. the cartridge (410) is configured for and / or used in and / or positioned in the fluidic device (100) in an at least approximately vertical orientation, and particularly when properly oriented vertically; the outlet opening (518) is arranged in a lower region of the interior space (424) with respect to the vertical direction (246) of the device (100) and / or with respect to the direction of gravity, and / or the inlet opening (514) is arranged in an upper region of the interior space (424) with respect to the vertical direction (246) of the device (100) and / or with respect to the direction of gravity, The height direction (476) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246) of the device (100) and / or the direction of gravity; one of the two directions of extension (472, 474) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) of the device (100) and / or the direction of gravity; the wall surface (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed and / or the wall surface (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed are at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) of the device (100) and / or the direction of gravity; A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 21 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 21 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 21, characterized in that the cartridge (410) is at least one of the above.

23. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 22 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 22 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 22, characterized in that the container (422) comprises at least two different container parts (482, 484), in particular the at least two container parts (482, 484) each having at least one wall portion (428).

24. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 23 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 23 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 23, 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. A cartridge (410) according to any one of claims 1 and 4 to 24 and / or a use according to any one of claims 2 and 4 to 24 and / or a fluidic device (100) according to any one of claims 3 and 4 to 24, characterized in that a strainer (554, 558) is arranged in the inlet opening (514) and / or a strainer (554, 558) is arranged in the outlet opening (518).

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