High-temperature air cleaning machine

Abstract

To improve equipment including equipment casings, particularly handheld equipment and / or thermal fluid equipment and / or cleaning equipment, the following is proposed: the equipment casing defines the interior of the casing, and within the interior of the casing are arranged the thermal fluid generating unit of the equipment and, in particular, the equipment technology of the equipment; a handle area for a handle unit is located above a water tank area for a water tank with respect to the vertical direction of the equipment casing; an arrangement area for an application unit is formed on the front of the equipment casing; the front and back of the equipment casing are opposite surfaces of the equipment casing in the principal direction of the equipment casing, and the principal direction extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present invention relates to devices, particularly to handheld devices and / or thermal fluid devices and / or cleaning devices.

Background Art

[0002] Rowenta sells a steam cleaner under the name Clean & Steam - Revolution.

[0003] Tefal sells a steam iron under the name "Cube".

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The underlying problem of the present invention is to provide an improved device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, this problem is solved by a device including a device casing. The device casing defines an interior of the casing, and a thermal fluid generation unit of the device and particularly the device technology of the device are arranged inside the casing. A handle area of the device for the handle unit is arranged above a water tank area for the water tank in the vertical direction of the device casing. A placement location for the application unit is formed on the front of the device casing. The front and the back of the device casing are opposite surfaces of the device casing in the main direction of the device casing, and the main direction extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0006] Particularly, an embodiment of the solution according to the present invention has the advantage of enabling a compact arrangement inside the casing and / or a compact device casing.

[0007] In some preferred embodiments, the device is at least partially modular. In particular, in this case, at least one unit of the device is a separate module, for example, at least a handle unit and / or an application unit is a separate module. In particular, in this case, the device casing is a casing for the device module.

[0008] In some preferred embodiments, the device is at least partially, and in particular at least largely, an integrated device. In particular, in this case, at least most of the units of the device are integrally configured. For example, at least the handle unit and / or application unit are made up of the at least partially integrated device. In particular, in this case, the device casing is the casing of the at least partially integrated device.

[0009] Until now, no detailed claims have been made regarding the form of the handle area of ​​the handle unit and equipment casing.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit includes at least one handle element that constitutes a handle for the device.

[0011] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle unit is a handle module separate from the equipment casing, having at least one handle element. In particular, in this case, the equipment casing is the casing of the equipment module.

[0012] In some advantageous embodiments, the equipment casing includes a space within the handle area for a separate handle unit, in particular a space for a separate handle module.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the handle unit consists at least partially of the equipment casing. In particular, in this case, at least one handle element of the handle unit consists of the equipment casing.

[0014] In particular, the handle element of the handle unit has two opposing length ends.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the handle element of the handle unit is positioned in contact with at least one of the two opposing length ends of the handle element, preferably integrally with at least one other element of the handle unit. In particular, this may be at least one of the embodiments described below.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments, at both of the two opposing length ends of the handle element, at least one other element of the handle unit is positioned adjacent to the handle element, particularly integrally, so that the handle element has no free length ends.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, at least one end of the handle unit, particularly one of the two length ends, is a free end.

[0018] Preferably, at least one support element for the handle unit is positioned, for example, as part of the handle unit and in contact with the handle element, in order to at least partially support the handle element, particularly in at least a portion of the equipment casing.

[0019] In particular, at least one additional element located at one length end of the handle element is a support element for the handle unit.

[0020] Preferably, a stable configuration is achieved by supporting the handle element on at least one side, preferably both sides. In particular, supporting it on at least one side, preferably both sides, ensures safe and / or user-friendly handling of the equipment.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the equipment casing includes at least one support element for at least partially supporting the handle unit.

[0022] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle unit includes a contact element configured and arranged for contacting and / or supporting on the support element of the device casing. In particular, this is advantageous in the case of a handle unit configured as a separate handle module.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element particularly includes a contact surface with a large area, and the contact element contacts the support element of the device casing with its contact surface at least when assembled.

[0024] In particular, in that case, the support element preferably has a support surface with a large area, and on this surface, the handle unit contacts with its contact element, particularly with the contact surface of the contact element, at least when assembled.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the contact element is arranged in contact with the handle element particularly via at least one supporting element.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the contact element is arranged in contact with both supporting elements and extends therebetween.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the support element is at least partially constituted by the handle unit. In particular, in that case, the support element is arranged in contact with at least one supporting element, for example both supporting elements. In particular, in that case, the support element extends at least between the two supporting elements. This is advantageous in the case of an embodiment in which the handle unit at least partially consists of the device casing.

[0028] Preferably, the handle unit integrally forms at least most of its own elements. In particular, at least the handle element and / or at least one supporting element, preferably two supporting elements, and / or the contact element or the support element are integrated by the handle unit.

[0029] In particular, the support element forms the boundary of the handle region in the vertical direction. In particular, the handle region is located at least above the support element.

[0030] In particular, in an embodiment having a support element with a support surface, the support surface forms the boundary of the handle region, and preferably the cavity for the handle unit is located above the support surface, and in particular the support surface forms the boundary below the cavity in the vertical direction.

[0031] In some embodiments, the handle unit is formed above the support element with respect to the vertical direction and in particular by the device casing.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit has a gripping opening. The gripping opening is preferably provided and formed for the user to insert a hand through and grasp and hold the handle of the handle unit.

[0033] In particular, the handle element forms the boundary of the gripping opening on one side.

[0034] In a preferred aspect, the gripping opening is partially surrounded by at least one supporting element, preferably by both supporting elements.

[0035] For example, the gripping opening is surrounded by the abutting element or the support element, particularly on the opposite side of the handle element.

[0036] In a preferred aspect, the gripping opening is surrounded by closing its outer periphery in a direction intersecting the gripping direction by each element of the handle unit.

[0037] In particular, the gripping direction extends at least approximately parallel to the lateral direction of the device casing.

[0038] The lateral direction of the equipment casing intersects with the principal direction and / or vertical direction of the equipment casing, and in particular extends at least approximately perpendicular to those directions.

[0039] Preferably, the handle area extends laterally through the equipment casing so as to penetrate along the lateral extension of the equipment casing.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the handle area extends to the rear of the equipment casing with respect to the principal direction.

[0041] Preferably, the handle area begins on the back of the equipment casing and extends within the area behind the equipment casing.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the handle region extends at least substantially along half of the length of the equipment casing in the principal direction. In particular, in that case, The handle region extends along 70% or less, particularly 60% or less, of the total length of the equipment casing in the main direction. and / or, The handle region extends along 30% or more, particularly 40% or more, of the total length of the equipment casing in the main direction. and / or, The handle area extends at least approximately in the rear half of the equipment casing with respect to the principal direction. Make it so that it becomes like this.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the equipment casing forms an arrangement portion having at least an arrangement portion for a handle unit and / or an arrangement portion for an application unit.

[0044] especially, The arrangement portion is formed in the front region of the upper part of the equipment casing with respect to the vertical and main directions of the equipment casing. and / or, • At least one fixing unit for a handle unit and / or a fixing unit for an application unit are formed in the arrangement portion. and / or, - At least a part of the handle unit and / or at least a part of the application unit are formed in the arrangement portion. Ensure that each configuration is at least one of the following.

[0045] For example, in the locations where handle units are to be placed, a fixing unit for the handle unit, which is specifically configured as a separate handle module, is formed.

[0046] For example, at least a portion of the handle unit, particularly the handle element, is formed at the location for the handle unit. Preferably, this is done when the handle unit consists at least partially, and at least largely, of the equipment casing.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, a support surface for the handle unit is formed in the arrangement portion.

[0048] In particular, the arrangement portion extends at least substantially from the front to the handle area in the main direction.

[0049] In particular, the handle area is bounded forward with respect to the principal direction by at least one area of ​​the arrangement portion.

[0050] In particular, the area of ​​the arrangement portion defining this boundary includes an arrangement location for the handle unit. Preferably, the area of ​​the arrangement portion defining this boundary includes a support surface for at least a portion of the handle unit. In a preferred embodiment, the support surface at least partially surrounds the arrangement location.

[0051] In one example, a fixed unit for the application unit is formed at the location where the application unit will be placed, specifically for the application unit which is configured as a separate application module.

[0052] In one example, at least a portion of the application unit is formed at the location where the application unit is to be placed. In particular, in this case, the application unit consists at least partially, preferably mostly, of an equipment casing.

[0053] In one example, the orientation of the handle unit is oblique to the main direction and / or the vertical direction at the location where the handle unit is to be placed.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the orientation of arrangement forms an angle with the principal direction, and it is greater than 20 degrees, particularly greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, particularly less than 70 degrees, for example less than 60 degrees.

[0055] In particular, the orientation of arrangement forms an angle with the vertical direction, and it is especially greater than 20 degrees, for example, greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, especially less than 70 degrees, for example, less than 60 degrees.

[0056] In particular, the orientation of the handle unit is determined at the location where the handle unit is to be placed by the extension of the fixing unit for the handle unit formed at that location, especially by the extension of the fixing receiving portion of the fixing unit, or by the extension of the portion of the handle unit formed at that location.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the handle element extends at least approximately parallel to the principal direction, for example, between at least the two opposing length ends, particularly when assembled.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit comprises a curved placement element, which allows the handle unit to be positioned in an oblique direction at the placement location for the handle unit, while the handle element extends at least approximately parallel to the principal direction, at least in its assembled state. In particular, the placement element transitions to the handle element at one end, and at the placement end, the placement element is at least positionable at the placement location. In a preferred embodiment, the placement element is curved between its two ends.

[0059] The configuration of the placement end of the placement element varies depending on the embodiment. For example, when the handle unit is configured as a separate handle module, a fixing unit is configured at the placement end. For example, when the handle unit consists at least partially of equipment casing, the placement end is formed at the placement location, in which case, preferably the placement portion transitions particularly integrally to the placement element.

[0060] It is highly advantageous if the placement location for the application unit is oriented diagonally downward with respect to the main direction and the vertical direction.

[0061] In one example, a fixing unit for the application module formed at the aforementioned location, particularly the fixing receiving portion of the fixing unit, extends diagonally downward.

[0062] In one example, the portion of the application unit formed at the aforementioned placement location extends diagonally downward from that location.

[0063] In particular, the diagonally downward-facing placement location is determined by the diagonally downward-facing placement direction of the application unit. In a preferred embodiment, the placement direction forms an angle with the principal direction, which is greater than 20 degrees, especially greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, especially less than 70 degrees, for example less than 60 degrees. In particular, the placement direction forms an angle with the vertical direction, which is particularly greater than 20 degrees, for example greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, especially less than 70 degrees, for example less than 60 degrees.

[0064] In one example, the arrangement direction is determined by the extension of a fixed unit formed at the arrangement location for the application unit, and / or by the extension of a portion of the application unit formed at the arrangement location.

[0065] It is highly advantageous if the handle unit and the application unit can be positioned at least along the arrangement axis in the aforementioned arrangement section.

[0066] Preferably, the arrangement axis extends diagonally with respect to the principal direction and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the axial direction of the arrangement axis forms an angle with the principal direction, which is greater than 20 degrees, particularly greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, particularly less than 70 degrees, for example less than 60 degrees. In particular, the axial direction of the arrangement axis forms an angle with the vertical direction, which is particularly greater than 20 degrees, for example greater than 30 degrees, and / or less than 80 degrees, particularly less than 70 degrees, for example less than 60 degrees.

[0068] In particular, the axial direction of the arrangement axis is determined at least by the arrangement direction of the handle unit and / or the arrangement direction of the application unit, and / or by the orientation of at least the arrangement location for the handle unit and / or the arrangement location for the application unit.

[0069] In particular, the advantage of arranging the handle unit and application unit along the arrangement axis in the arrangement section is that this substantially linear arrangement reduces, or even completely eliminates, bending forces within the arrangement section, thus reducing the load on the arrangement section and, for example, reducing the risk of damage to the arrangement section.

[0070] In particular, if the structure of the equipment is at least partially modular, arranging the handle unit and application unit along the alignment axis is advantageous because it allows for a structure that is assembled at least substantially linearly from the application unit to the handle unit.

[0071] In particular, the arrangement axis extends through the arrangement location for the handle unit and the arrangement location for the application unit.

[0072] In particular, the outer wall portion of the equipment casing is formed in the aforementioned arrangement section.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall portion of the arrangement section extends at least between the arrangement location for the handle and the arrangement location for the application unit.

[0074] In particular, the outer wall portion extends diagonally with respect to the main direction of the equipment casing and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction in the arrangement section. The slanted wall portion extends at least approximately parallel to the arrangement axis in the arrangement section. and / or, The aforementioned slanted wall portion extends diagonally from the front to the top surface of the equipment casing in the arrangement area, and in particular extends to the handle area. Make sure it is at least one of the following.

[0075] In a preferred embodiment, particularly when at least the handle unit and / or the application unit can be positioned in an oblique direction, the oblique wall portion is used to achieve a stable configuration in the arrangement area.

[0076] Preferably, at least partially, and especially at least most, of the electronic components of the device are located within the arrangement section.

[0077] Until now, no detailed arguments had been made regarding the means of interaction between the user and the device.

[0078] Preferably, the device includes at least one display device having at least one display element. For example, the display device can display at least the operating status of the device.

[0079] In particular, this allows information and / or instructions about the equipment and / or each unit of the equipment to be shown to the user.

[0080] In particular, the apparatus includes at least one operating device having at least one operating element for operating the apparatus.

[0081] In a preferred embodiment, the user may use the operating device and exactly one or more of its operating elements to at least switch the device on and off and / or switch between different drive modes and / or perform any necessary actions on the device.

[0082] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the device, in particular the device casing, comprises at least one interaction surface.

[0083] In particular, at least one display element of the display device, and preferably at least a majority of the display elements of the display device, are located on the interaction surface. In particular, at least one operating element of the operating device, and preferably at least a majority of the operating elements of the operating device, are located on the interaction surface.

[0084] In a very favorable embodiment, the interaction surface is formed at least substantially on the arrangement portion, preferably on a wall portion of the arrangement portion that extends diagonally.

[0085] For example, one advantage of this is that the display elements on the interaction surface are easily recognizable to the user. In particular, the operating elements on the interaction surface are easily accessible to the user, especially while holding the handle of a handle unit.

[0086] No further details have been made regarding other configurations of the equipment and / or equipment casing.

[0087] In particular, the water tank area of ​​the equipment casing has a recess formed therein for receiving a water tank that can be detachably fixed.

[0088] In particular, the recess for the water tank is formed on the back of the device.

[0089] In a preferred embodiment, a fixing mechanism is provided in the water tank area for removably securing the water tank to the equipment casing. For example, the fixing mechanism consists at least partially of the equipment casing.

[0090] In a preferred embodiment, the handle area and the water tank area are separated from each other in the vertical direction.

[0091] In particular, the equipment casing is provided with a rear section. Specifically, the rear section consists of at least a portion of the equipment casing.

[0092] Preferably, the rear portion extends at least along the handle region in the main direction of the equipment casing.

[0093] Preferably, the rear portion extends at least along the water tank area in the main direction of the equipment casing.

[0094] In particular, the rear portion is defined forward in the main direction to the extent that the portion of the handle area and the water tank area that extends further forward in the main direction extends forward.

[0095] It is highly advantageous if the rear portion of the equipment casing extends to the back surface of the equipment casing between the handle area and the water tank area.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the rear portion of the equipment casing forms the boundary between the handle area and / or the water tank area with respect to the vertical direction.

[0097] In particular, the rear portion of the equipment casing extends to the back surface of the equipment casing between the void in the handle area and the recess in the water tank area.

[0098] In particular, the void is formed in the vertical direction up to the rear, and the boundary is defined by the rear. In particular, the recess within the water tank area is formed in the vertical direction up to the rear, and the boundary is defined by the rear.

[0099] In particular, the device includes a power supply unit, which is preferably located at least largely inside the casing.

[0100] In particular, the power supply unit is located at least partially, preferably at least largely, at the rear.

[0101] In a preferred embodiment, the power supply unit is positioned at least partially between the handle area and the water tank area with respect to the vertical direction.

[0102] In some preferred embodiments, the power supply unit is configured to be connectable to an external power connection. In particular, the power supply unit supplies electrical energy to each unit of the equipment and / or equipment technology by thus providing a connection to an external power connection. For example, in this case, the power supply unit includes at least one cable having a power plug.

[0103] In particular, in that case, a power supply opening for the power supply unit is formed on the back of the equipment casing, especially at the rear. For example, the power supply opening is provided and formed for passing a cable through.

[0104] In some preferred embodiments, the power supply unit is configured to provide electrical energy internally within the device. In particular, in this case, the power supply unit includes an energy storage unit, such as a battery and / or a capacitor. In particular, in this case, the power supply unit supplies electrical energy provided from the energy storage unit to each unit or technology of the device.

[0105] In an advantageous embodiment, the device includes at least one cartridge.

[0106] In particular, the cartridge is located inside the casing.

[0107] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is arranged adjacent to the water tank area, and particularly adjacent to the water tank area with respect to the principal direction.

[0108] In particular, the cartridge includes a container having an internal space, preferably with an inlet opening through which a liquid inlet leads to the internal space, and an outlet opening through which a liquid outlet leads to the internal space.

[0109] In particular, the container of the cartridge includes a plurality of walls, and these plurality of walls form the boundary of the internal space.

[0110] In an advantageous embodiment, the container extends at least substantially in a plane of expansion and in the height direction, with the height direction extending at least approximately perpendicular to the plane of expansion. In particular, the plane of expansion is stretched by two directions of expansion, which are, for example, at least approximately orthogonal to each other.

[0111] In a preferred embodiment, the expansion of the container in the height direction is, for example, at least 30% smaller than the expansion of the container in at least one, preferably both, of the two expansion directions.

[0112] In one example, one of the two spreading directions is the direction in which the container has its smallest spread with respect to the spreading plane, and / or the other of the two spreading directions is the direction in which the container has its largest spread with respect to the spreading plane.

[0113] Preferably, the container comprises two wall sections that are arranged opposite to each other in the height direction.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the two wall portions, which are arranged opposite each other in the height direction, extend at least for a large portion, for example, at least between their respective end regions, parallel to the spreading plane of the container.

[0115] Preferably, the inlet opening and the outlet opening are formed on opposite sides of the container in the height direction, and particularly on opposite sides of the internal space.

[0116] In particular, the entrance opening is formed in one of the two wall sections that are arranged opposite to each other in the height direction, and / or the exit opening is formed in one of the two wall sections that are arranged opposite to each other in the height direction, for example, the other of the two wall sections.

[0117] For example, in this case, the inlet and outlet can be positioned opposite each other with respect to a small height difference, which is advantageous because it reduces the required assembly space for the cartridge between the inlet and outlet.

[0118] For example, even so, by arranging the inlet and outlet openings in a length-optimized configuration, the liquid flowing through the cartridge can be purified along the longest possible path within the internal space of the cartridge container.

[0119] For example, this would allow the cartridge to be placed in a space-saving manner between, for example, a unit that can be connected to an inlet and / or a connected unit, particularly a water tank, and, for example, a unit that can be connected to an outlet and / or a connected unit.

[0120] It is highly advantageous if the aforementioned inlet, particularly the pipe connecting the inlet, extends outward from the container in the height direction.

[0121] Preferably, the outlet, and especially the pipe connecting to the outlet, extends outward from the container in the height direction.

[0122] In an advantageous embodiment, the region of the internal space through which the inlet opening passes and the region of the internal space through which the outlet opening passes are located opposite each other within the internal space in at least one, preferably both, of the two expanding directions, and / or in the height direction of the container.

[0123] It is highly advantageous if the region of the internal space through which the entrance opening passes and the region of the internal space through which the exit opening passes are opposite regions with respect to the direction in which the internal space has at least approximately its greatest extent.

[0124] In particular, the direction in which the internal 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 expansive directions of the container. In particular, the direction in which the internal space has at least approximately its greatest extent extends along the spatial diagonal of the internal space.

[0125] Preferably, the cartridge is configured to be oriented at least approximately vertically. In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is used with the cartridge oriented at least approximately vertically. Preferably, the cartridge is arranged within the device with the cartridge oriented at least approximately vertically.

[0126] In particular, when properly oriented vertically, at least one of the following occurs: The outlet opening is located in the lower region of the internal space with respect to the vertical direction of the equipment and / or the direction of gravity, and / or the inlet opening is located in the upper region of the internal space with respect to the vertical direction of the equipment and / or the direction of gravity. and / or, The height of the container is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction of the equipment and / or the direction of gravity. and / or, • One of the two directions of expansion of the container is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the device. 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 are at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment. and / or, - One extending direction of the wall portion in which the inlet opening is formed and / or one extending direction of the wall portion in which the outlet opening is formed is at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment, in particular the wall portion exhibits the greatest extension in this parallel extending direction and / or the inlet opening or the outlet opening is formed in the end region of the wall portion with respect to this parallel extending direction, and in an advantageous embodiment the inlet opening is formed in the upper end region and / or the outlet opening is formed in the lower end region, with upper / lower relating to the vertical direction and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment.

[0127] For example, orienting the cartridge vertically prevents the flow of liquid through the internal space from being hindered by gravity, and in advantageous configurations, it may even be somewhat aided. One advantage of vertical orientation, for instance, is that it allows the cartridge to be compactly placed within the device.

[0128] In an advantageous embodiment, the cartridge, in particular its container, - 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 unfilled. and / or, - The inlet opening and the outlet opening are positioned in opposite regions of the internal space in order to optimize the length of the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening in the internal space, particularly the length of the direct connection. It is structured in this way.

[0129] In particular, this has the advantage that the liquid flowing through the cartridge can flow from the inlet opening through the internal space to the outlet opening with as little obstruction as possible. This is because the connection between the inlet and outlet openings is free of obstacles. Therefore, the flow resistance of the liquid in the internal space is reduced, or even minimized, which is advantageous.

[0130] In particular, this has the advantage that the liquid flowing through the cartridge will travel along the longest possible path through the internal space from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. This is because the inlet and outlet openings are located in opposite regions of the internal space, so the length of the connection between the inlet and outlet openings is optimized.

[0131] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge is provided and configured for at least partial purification of the liquid flowing within the cartridge.

[0132] In an advantageous embodiment, a fluid modifier is placed in the internal space when the cartridge is filled, preferably the internal space is filled with the fluid modifier, for the purpose of at least partial purification of the liquid.

[0133] An optimized connection between the inlet and outlet openings is advantageous because, for example, it allows the liquid to flow around the fluid modifier along the longest possible path and be purified. Since a certain flow resistance is already generated by flowing around the fluid modifier, it is advantageous to ensure that there are no other obstacles in the connection, thereby minimizing the flow resistance to the liquid within the cartridge, and ideally, ensuring that the liquid flowing within the internal space is not subjected to flow resistance other than that caused by the fluid modifier.

[0134] Preferably, at least one connecting space region centered on the direct connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is free of obstacles, at least when the internal space is unfilled.

[0135] In a very preferred embodiment, the internal space is free of obstructions to at least a large extent when it is at least unfilled.

[0136] In particular, the advantage of a connection space area with as few large obstructions as possible, and especially an internal space that is at least substantially free of obstructions, is that the liquid can flow through the internal space from the inlet opening to the outlet opening with as little obstruction as possible.

[0137] In particular, the connection and / or the connection space area and / or the internal space is free of obstructions if at least the elements of the container are not located there, in particular the elements of the cartridge are not located there, and preferably no other elements are located there.

[0138] No further claims had been made regarding fluid modifiers until now.

[0139] In particular, when the internal space is filled, it is at least partially, preferably mostly, filled with a fluid changing material.

[0140] In particular, the fluid modifier is configured to physically and / or chemically alter the liquid flowing through the cartridge.

[0141] In particular, the liquid flowing through the cartridge contains at least water. In one example, at least one additional additive is added to the water.

[0142] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier purifies at least the water.

[0143] In particular, the fluid modifier is configured at least partially for the removal of at least a portion of substances from the liquid, especially physical and / or chemical substances, and especially for the demineralization of the water.

[0144] In particular, the fluid modifier may have different components.

[0145] Preferably, the fluid modifier contains at least a resin.

[0146] It is highly advantageous if the fluid modifier is a granular medium.

[0147] In particular, when filled, the internal space of the container and especially the connection between the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and the connection space area, which are otherwise unobstructed, are filled at least partially, preferably at least mostly, with the preferably granular fluid modifier.

[0148] In particular, the granular medium has the advantage of having a large surface area for interacting with and purifying the liquid, and allowing the liquid to flow around it in a favorable manner.

[0149] In one example, the internal space can be easily filled with the granular medium and / or the used granular medium can be easily removed from the internal space.

[0150] In a preferred embodiment, the thermal fluid generation unit is located in the lower region with respect to the vertical within the equipment casing.

[0151] In particular, the thermal fluid generating unit is positioned below the geometric length center plane of the equipment casing with respect to the vertical direction. In particular, the length center plane extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction. In particular, the lower region is formed below the length center plane and includes 60% or less, particularly 50% or less, and / or 30% or more, for example 40% or more, of the total extent of the equipment casing in the vertical direction.

[0152] In a preferred embodiment, the thermal fluid generation unit is located in the front region of the equipment casing.

[0153] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit is positioned in front of the geometrically perpendicular central plane of the equipment casing with respect to the principal direction. The perpendicular central plane extends at least approximately perpendicular to the principal direction. In particular, the front region is formed in front of the perpendicular central plane and includes 60% or less, particularly 50% or less, and / or 30% or more, for example 40% or more, of the total extent of the equipment casing in the principal direction.

[0154] In some preferred embodiments, the thermal fluid generation unit includes at least one instantaneous water heater.

[0155] In some preferred embodiments, the thermal fluid generation unit includes at least one water heater and at least one heating element for preparing a thermal fluid within the water heater.

[0156] In an advantageous embodiment, the apparatus, and in particular at least one application unit of the apparatus, for example, an integrated or separate unit, is configured to apply a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid, in at least one function.

[0157] In particular, the apparatus, especially at least one application unit of the apparatus, for example, an integrated or separate type, is configured for cleaning in at least one function, and preferably a fluid, such as a thermal fluid, is applied at least partially for cleaning.

[0158] In some preferred embodiments, the apparatus, in particular at least one application unit of the apparatus, for example, an integrated or separate unit, is configured for ironing in at least one function, in which a fluid, for example, a thermal fluid, is applied at least partially.

[0159] In particular, the fluid contains water.

[0160] In particular, the thermal fluid includes hot water, especially water that is at least partially steam and / or at least partially high temperature, preferably hot water sprayed in the form of fine droplets.

[0161] Preferably, the temperature of the thermal fluid is 60°C or higher, preferably 80°C or higher, for example 90°C or higher. In some preferred embodiments, the temperature of the thermal fluid is 100°C or higher.

[0162] In particular, at least one application unit is configured to act on something, especially an object and / or surface, in accordance with the function of the device.

[0163] Preferably, at least one application unit is configured to apply a fluid, particularly a thermal fluid.

[0164] In particular, at least one application unit is configured for use in cleaning. In particular, in this case, at least one cleaning element can be placed in the application unit, preferably at least one application unit includes at least one cleaning element. Preferably, at least one application unit is configured for use in cleaning with a fluid, in particular a thermal fluid.

[0165] In particular, at least partially, preferably at least largely, of the equipment technology necessary for at least one function of the equipment is arranged inside the casing.

[0166] For example, the device includes, in particular, electrical control technology and / or at least one functional unit and / or a power supply unit and / or interaction technology for user-device interaction (e.g., operating elements and / or display elements). In advantageous embodiments, at least some of these are located on and / or inside the device casing.

[0167] In particular, at least one functional unit of the equipment module is at least one of a thermal fluid generation unit and / or a pump and / or a motor unit.

[0168] In an advantageous embodiment, the equipment casing has a stand surface on its lower surface, where the lower surface is the lower surface with respect to the vertical direction.

[0169] Therefore, this device is convenient because it can be placed with its bottom facing downwards.

[0170] In a preferred embodiment, the stand surface extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction of the equipment casing.

[0171] In particular, the stand surface is at least substantially flat.

[0172] In some advantageous embodiments, the equipment casing includes a plurality of shell components, for example, two.

[0173] In particular, the shell component forms the outer wall of the equipment casing.

[0174] It is highly advantageous if at least one shell component is a plastic component, and preferably at least some, for example all, of the multiple shell components are plastic components.

[0175] In a preferred embodiment, at least one shell component is an injection-molded component, and preferably at least some, for example all, of the multiple shell components are injection-molded components.

[0176] In some preferred embodiments, the equipment casing consists of at least substantially a number of shell components.

[0177] In particular, up to and from this point onward, if a certain feature constitutes at least half, preferably at least three-quarters, and especially at least 90% of a certain reference quantity, and / or if it constitutes the technically conditioned limits and / or technically insignificant limits in the entire reference quantity, then that feature constitutes at least a large portion of the reference quantity.

[0178] The features and elements described up to this point and thereafter, particularly and / or preferably and / or advantageously, and / or favorably, and / or in modified and / or similar ways, are optional features and / or elements that, for example, further develop the present invention but are not essential to the basic solution of the present invention and its success.

[0179] The following provides a detailed description and illustration with drawings of various modifications of the embodiments, focusing on the preferred configurations and features of the present invention and their advantages as examples.

[0180] The description of the solutions according to the present invention therefore includes various combinations of features defined in particular by the numbered embodiments below.

[0181] 1. Equipment (100) including equipment casing (212), particularly handheld equipment and / or thermal fluid equipment and / or cleaning equipment, wherein the equipment casing (212) defines the interior of the casing (214), and the thermal fluid generating unit (378) of the equipment (100) and particularly the equipment technology of the equipment (100) are arranged inside the casing (214), and the handle area (296) of the equipment (100) for the handle unit (262) is in relation to the vertical direction (246) of the equipment casing (212) with respect to a water tank (352 Equipment (100) positioned above a water tank area (354) for a water tank, with placement areas (232, 272) for an application unit (236) formed on the front (222) of the equipment casing (212), the front (222) and back (224) of the equipment casing (212) being opposite surfaces of the equipment casing (212) in the main direction (226) of the equipment casing (212), and the main direction (226) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246).

[0182] 2. The apparatus (100) of Embodiment 1, wherein the handle unit (262) is a separate handle module (114) for the apparatus casing (212) having at least one handle element (264), and in particular the apparatus casing (212) is the casing for the apparatus module (112).

[0183] 3. A device (100) of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the device casing (212) has a space (298) for a separate handle unit (262) within the range of the handle area (296).

[0184] 4. The apparatus (100) of Embodiment 1, wherein the handle unit (262) is at least partially, and in particular, at least one handle element (264) of the handle unit (262) is made of the apparatus casing (212).

[0185] 5. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle element (264) of the handle unit (262) is arranged in contact with, and in particular integrally with, at least one of the two opposing length ends (266, 268) of the handle element (264) of at least one other element of the handle unit (262).

[0186] 6. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein at least one other element of the handle unit (262) is arranged in contact with both of the two opposing length ends (266, 268) of the handle element (264), particularly integrally, so that as a result there are no free length ends on the handle element (264).

[0187] 7. A device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments other than the immediately preceding embodiment, wherein one of the two length ends (266, 268) of the handle unit (262) is a free end.

[0188] 8. Any device (100) of a prior embodiment, wherein support elements (276, 278) for the handle unit (262) are arranged in contact with the handle element (264) in order to at least partially support the handle element (264) in at least a portion of the device casing (212).

[0189] 9. A device (100) of any of the prior embodiments, wherein the device casing (212) includes at least one support element (288) for at least partially supporting the handle unit (262).

[0190] 10. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle unit (262) includes a contact element (288) which is configured and positioned for contact and / or support of the support element (284) of the device casing (212), in particular, the contact element (288) is positioned in contact with the handle element (264) via at least one support element (276, 278).

[0191] 11. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support element (288) is formed at least partially on the handle unit (262), and particularly on at least one support element (276, 278).

[0192] 12. A device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the support element (284) forms the boundary of the handle area (296) in the vertical direction (246).

[0193] 13. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle area (296) extends at least substantially along half of the length of the device casing (212) in the main direction (226), in particular, the handle area (296) extends along 70% or less of the total length of the device casing (212) in the main direction (226), particularly 60% or less, and / or the handle area (296) extends along 30% or more of the total length of the device casing (212) in the main direction (226), particularly 40% or more, and / or the handle area (296) extends at least approximately the rear half of the device casing (212) with respect to the main direction (226).

[0194] 14. Equipment (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the equipment casing (212) forms an arrangement section (322) having at least arrangement locations (232, 272) for a handle unit (262) and / or arrangement locations (232, 272) for an application unit (236), in particular, the arrangement section (322) is formed in the upper front region of the equipment casing (212) with respect to the vertical direction (246) and the main direction (226) of the equipment casing (212), and / or at least one fixing unit (132) for a handle unit (262) and / or a fixing unit (132) for an application unit (236) is formed in the arrangement section (322), and / or at least a portion of the handle unit (262) and / or at least a portion of the application unit (236) is formed in the arrangement section (322).

[0195] 15. A device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a support surface is formed in the arrangement portion (322) for the handle unit (262).

[0196] 16. Device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the placement locations (232, 272) for the application unit (236) are oriented diagonally downward with respect to the main direction (226) and the vertical direction (246).

[0197] 17. Device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle unit (262) and the application unit (288) can be positioned at least along the arrangement axis (326) in the arrangement section (322), and in particular, the arrangement axis (326) extends diagonally with respect to the main direction (226) and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction (246).

[0198] 18. Device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the arrangement axis (326) extends through the arrangement locations (232, 272) for the handle unit (262) and the arrangement locations (232, 272) for the application unit (288).

[0199] 19. In the arrangement portion (322), the outer wall portion (332) of the equipment casing (212) extends diagonally with respect to the main direction (226) and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction (246), in particular the diagonal wall portion (332) extends at least approximately parallel to the arrangement axis (322), and / or the diagonal wall portion (332) extends diagonally from the front (222) to the top surface (242) of the equipment casing (212), in particular extending to the handle area (296), the equipment (100) of any of the preceding embodiments.

[0200] 20. Any device (100) of a prior embodiment, wherein the device (100) includes at least one display device having at least one display element for at least displaying the operating state of the device (100).

[0201] 21. Any device (100) of a prior embodiment, wherein the device (100) includes at least one operating device having at least one operating element (346) for operating the device (100).

[0202] 22. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the device (100) comprises at least one interaction surface (342) on which at least one display element of the display device and / or at least one operating element (346) of the operating device are disposed.

[0203] 23. Device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the interaction surface (342) is formed at least substantially on the arrangement portion (322), particularly on the diagonally extending wall portion (332).

[0204] 24. A device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the water tank area (354) of the device casing (212) has a recess (356) formed therein for receiving a water tank (352) that can be particularly detachably fixed.

[0205] 25. A device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein a fixing mechanism for removably fixing a water tank (352) to the device casing (212) is provided in the water tank area (354).

[0206] 26. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the handle area (296) and the water tank area (354) are separated from each other in the vertical direction (246).

[0207] 27. An apparatus (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the rear portion (364) of the apparatus casing (212) extends to the back surface (224) of the apparatus casing (212) between the cavity (298) in the handle area (296) and the recess (356) in the water tank area (354).

[0208] 28. The device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the power supply unit (172) of the device (100) is located at least partially between the handle area (296) and the water tank area (354) with respect to the vertical direction (246).

[0209] 29. Any device (100) of a prior embodiment, wherein the device (100) includes at least one cartridge (410) for changing the fluid, and in particular at least one cartridge (410) is located inside the casing (214), and in particular one cartridge (410) is located adjacent to the water tank area (354).

[0210] 30. The cartridge (410) of the device (100) includes a container (422) having an internal space (424), in particular the container (422) extending at least substantially within a spreading plane (468) and in a height direction (476) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the spreading plane (468), in particular the spreading plane (468) being stretched by two spreading directions (472, 474) that are at least approximately orthogonal to each other, in particular the spreading of the container (422) in the height direction (476) and the spreading of the container (422) in at least one of the two spreading directions (472, 474) A smaller and / or, in particular, device (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) of the container (422) are formed on opposite sides of the container (422) in the height direction (476), and / or, in particular, the region of the internal space (424) through which the inlet opening (514) of the container (422) passes and the region of the internal space (424) through which the outlet opening (518) passes are located opposite each other within the internal space (424) in at least one of the two expanding directions (472, 474) and / or in the height direction (476).

[0211] 31. The cartridge (410) of the device (100), including the container (422), is configured to be at least approximately oriented vertically and / or used in a manner at least approximately oriented vertically and / or positioned in the device (100) in a manner at least approximately oriented vertically, in particular the container (422) comprises an internal space (424) and an outlet opening (518) and / or an inlet opening (514) leading to the internal space (424), in particular when properly oriented vertically, at least the outlet opening (518) is positioned in the lower region of the internal space (424) with respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100), and / or the inlet opening (514) is positioned in a manner at respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100) An apparatus (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, which is located in the upper region of the internal space (424), and / or the height direction (476) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the apparatus (100), and / or one of the two spreading directions (472, 474) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the apparatus (100), and / or the wall surfaces (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) of the container (422) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed, and / or the wall surfaces (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) of the container (422) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed, are at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the apparatus (100).

[0212] 32. Equipment (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the thermal fluid generating unit (378) is located in the lower region of the equipment casing (212) and / or in the front region of the equipment casing (212).

[0213] 33. Any apparatus (100) of a prior embodiment, wherein the thermal fluid generation unit (378) includes at least one instantaneous water heater.

[0214] 34. The equipment (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the equipment casing (212) has a stand surface (252) on its lower surface with respect to the vertical direction (246), and in particular the stand surface (252) extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246), and / or the stand surface (252) is at least substantially flat.

[0215] 35. Equipment (100) of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the equipment casing (212) includes a plurality of shell components, in particular the shell components forming the outer wall of the equipment casing (212), and in particular at least one shell component is a plastic component and / or an injection-molded component.

[0216] The following provides a detailed description of the embodiments and illustrations illustrating the preferred features and advantages of the present invention.

[0217] The contents of the diagram are as follows: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0218] [Figure 1] Three different configurations of a certain device, in which the device is long, and in particular, extension modules are used in the device configuration. [Figure 2] An example of a device configuration for a handheld device. [Figure 3] Modified examples of equipment configurations for handheld devices. [Figure 4] An example of equipment with a configuration that includes flexible extension modules. [Figure 5] A close-up view of a portion of the fixing unit of an equipment module, which houses the fixing unit of the handle module. [Figure 6] This diagram is similar to Figure 5, which shows the fixing unit for the handle module, but depicts the extension module's fixing unit housed within it. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the inside of the device in the example. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the inside of the device in a modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view of the equipment casing of an equipment module. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of an example of a handle module. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of a modified example of a handle module. [Figure 12] A cross-sectional view of the equipment casing of another embodiment of equipment having an integrated handle unit. [Figure 13] A cross-sectional view of the equipment casing of an instrument in another embodiment, a modified example, having an integrated handle unit. [Figure 14] A partially enlarged view of the arrangement section of an equipment casing, in which a handle unit and / or application unit can be arranged. [Figure 15] A top view of the cartridge. [Figure 16] Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the cartridge at the XVI-XVI cross-section. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0219] The embodiment of the device, shown as a whole by reference numeral 100, is configured as a modular device and includes multiple modules. These multiple modules can be assembled into device 100 in various device configurations 105. In particular, in these various device configurations 105, different modules are assembled and / or the modules are assembled in different orders to form device 100.

[0220] As exemplary examples, three different configurations of device 100, 105I, 105II, and 105III, are shown in Figures 2 and 3, device configuration 105IV of device 100 is shown in Figure 2, and device configuration 105V of device 100 is shown in Figure 4.

[0221] 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.

[0222] Modifications of this embodiment may include more or fewer modules. For example, in some modifications, the equipment module 112 integrally includes a handle unit, in which case, for example, a separate handle module 114 is not provided. For example, in some modifications, the equipment module 112 includes at least one application unit, and therefore, a separate application module 116 is not provided.

[0223] In particular, the device 100 can be configured for various uses by different device configurations 105.

[0224] In particular, in at least one equipment configuration 105, here in equipment configurations 105I, II, and III as exemplified in Figure 1, the equipment is a long, handheld device. In this case, the equipment configuration 105 corresponding to the long, handheld device uses at least one extension module 118, which is fixed to at least the equipment module 112 and / or the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116.

[0225] For example, in a certain equipment configuration 105 (here referred to as equipment configuration 105I) that accommodates a long handheld device, the equipment 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 and II) is used between the equipment module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0226] For example, in a certain equipment configuration 105 (here referred to as equipment configuration 105II) that accommodates a long handheld device, at least one extension module 118 (here referred to as extension module 118II) is used between the equipment module 112 and the application module 116, and at least one extension module 118 (here referred to as extension module 118I) is used between the equipment module 112 and the handle module 114.

[0227] For example, in a certain equipment configuration 105 (here referred to as equipment configuration 105III) that accommodates a long handheld device, the equipment 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 as an example) is used between the equipment module 112 and the application module 116.

[0228] In particular, the equipment configurations 105I, II, and III, which accommodate long handheld devices, are advantageous in extending the direct range of action over which the user can use the device 100. For example, long handheld devices are advantageous because they allow the user to perform the functions of the device 100 in various postures and / or at least certain postures, particularly in an upright posture. In particular, the device 100 of equipment configuration 105, which is a long handheld device, is advantageous in allowing the user to clean floors and / or wall areas of various heights in an upright posture.

[0229] In particular, to achieve a suitable handling and / or user-friendly module arrangement, it is advantageous that the equipment module 112 can be positioned at various distances from the handle module 114 and / or application module 116 according to equipment configurations 105I, II, and III.

[0230] In particular, in one equipment configuration 105, specifically in equipment configuration 105IV as exemplified in Figures 2 and 3, the equipment 100 is a small, handheld device, but in this equipment configuration 105IV, the equipment module 112 is simply combined with the handle module 114 and the application module 116.

[0231] For example, the 105IV configuration, which is compatible with small, handheld devices, is advantageous for providing users with easy-to-use, compact devices.

[0232] For example, some variations use equipment configuration 105V. In this configuration, although at least one extension module 118 is used between the equipment module 114 and the application module 116, as illustrated in Figure 4, the handle module 114 is absent in this equipment configuration 105V.

[0233] For example, such an equipment configuration 105V without a handle module 114 is advantageous when the equipment module 114 may be placed in a certain location, and / or when the user may grasp the application module 116 with their hand so that they can act on objects and / or surfaces and / or other things using the equipment 100.

[0234] The device module 112 includes, at least partially, preferably at least largely, the device technology necessary 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 certain function of the device 100, and / or a particularly electronic control device for controlling the device technology, in particular for controlling the at least one functional unit, and / or a display element, and / or an operating element, and / or a power supply unit. Advantageous embodiments of the device module 112 will be described in more detail later.

[0235] In an advantageous modification of the above embodiment, the device 100 is a fluid device, and at least one functional unit of the device module 112 is a thermal fluid generation unit.

[0236] The handle module 114 includes at least one element that constitutes a handle. Advantageous embodiments of the handle module 114 will be described in more detail later.

[0237] The application module 116 is configured to act on some object, in particular an object and / or surface, according to at least one function of the device 100.

[0238] In particular, in the case of the device 100 configured as a fluid device, the application module 116 is configured to apply a hot fluid, for example, for cleaning and / or ironing. Specifically for this purpose, the application module 116 includes at least one outlet opening for the hot fluid. In one example, the application module further includes at least one outlet nozzle, preferably for aiming and / or applying pressure to the hot fluid.

[0239] In some preferred modifications, the application module 116 is configured for a cleaning function. In particular, in that case, at least one cleaning element is configurable in the application module 116, and / or, for example, the application module 116 comprises at least one cleaning element. For example, the at least one cleaning element is a cleaning cloth and / or a cleaning brush.

[0240] For example, in some modifications, the application module 116 is configured for processing some object, such as ironing clothes. Preferably, for the ironing function, the corresponding application module 116 is equipped with a metal ironing surface, which preferably has outlet openings for a thermal fluid.

[0241] In particular, at least one extension module 118, and especially multiple extension modules 118, are provided and configured to increase the direct range of motion over which the user can use the device 100, and / or to allow the user to use the device 100 in a more comfortable posture, particularly an upright posture.

[0242] In particular, the extension module 118 consists at least a large portion of an extension module body. In a preferred embodiment, the extension module body extends elongatedly between two ends. Specifically, a fixing unit 132 is positioned at each of the two ends of the extension module body.

[0243] In some variations, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the equipment module 112 and the application module 116 when incorporated between them. In particular, at least one extension module 118 is configured to functionally connect the equipment module 112 and the handle module 114 when incorporated between them.

[0244] For example, in the case of equipment 100 configured as a fluid device, at least one extension module 118 is configured to guide a fluid, particularly a thermal fluid, from the equipment module 112 to the application module 116, and for that purpose includes a tube specifically for the fluid. For example, in a simple modification, a cavity within the extension module body constitutes a tube for the fluid, at least for a large part of it, and this cavity extends uninterrupted between the two ends of the extension module body.

[0245] In some preferred variations, the extension module 118 does not functionally connect at least the handle module 114 and the equipment module 112, but simply serves as an extension, which in turn allows the extension module 118 to have a structurally simpler configuration.

[0246] For example, this approach is advantageous when no equipment technology is configured within the handle module 114, or when equipment technology configured within the handle module 114, such as at least one operating element, communicates wirelessly with equipment technology configured within the equipment module 112.

[0247] In some preferred extension modules 118, at least the extension module body is constructed to be rigid, preferably each fixing unit at each end of the extension module body is rigidly positioned. In particular, such rigid extension modules 118 are advantageous for equipment configurations 105I, II, and III corresponding to the long handheld equipment exemplary shown in Figure 1.

[0248] In some preferred extension modules 118, the extension module body is configured to be flexible between its two ends, at least partially, or even completely, as exemplary in the embodiment shown in Figure 4. For example, this allows application modules 116, etc., to be handled conveniently for some applications, at least almost independently of moving the equipment module 112 together.

[0249] In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the flexible extension module 118 is depicted for a device configuration 105V without a handle module 114. However, depending on the application, it may be advantageous to use the flexible extension module 118 in a device configuration 105 that includes a handle module 114.

[0250] In particular, each of modules 112, 114, 116, and 118 is equipped with at least one fixing unit 132, which can be used to fix one module 112, 114, 116, or 118 to another module 112, 114, 116, or 118.

[0251] In particular, the equipment module 112 comprises two fixing units 132. Specifically, in this case, the handle-side fixing unit 132 is configured to connect with the handle module, either by directly fixing both modules to each other or by fixing with at least one extension module 119 incorporated and fixed between them. Also specifically, the application-side fixing unit is configured to connect 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 incorporated and fixed between them.

[0252] Each extension module 118 preferably comprises two fixing units 132 so that it can be coupled with two other modules.

[0253] In particular, the handle module 114 is equipped with exactly one fixing unit 132.

[0254] In particular, the application module 116 is equipped with exactly one fixed unit 132.

[0255] In particular, each fixing unit 132 has at least one detached state and at least one fixed state. In the detached state, 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.

[0256] In particular, two different types of fixing units 132 are provided, for example, a first type 132a and a second type 132b, and fixing units 132, 132a of one type and fixing units 132, 132b of the other type can be fixed to each other.

[0257] In particular, the handle module 114 is equipped with a certain type of fixing unit 132, for example, a first type 132a fixing unit, and the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 is of the other type, for example, a second type 132b fixing unit, or vice versa.

[0258] In particular, the application module 116 is equipped with a fixed unit 132 of a certain type, for example, a fixed unit of a second type 132b, and the application-side fixed unit 132 of the equipment module 112 is of the other type, for example, a fixed unit of a first type 132a, or vice versa.

[0259] 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, a first type 132a fixing unit, and correspondingly the fixing units on the handle side and application side of the equipment module 112 are of the same type but different from those of the handle module 114 and the application module 116.

[0260] In some variations, the fixing units 132 of the handle module 114 and the application module 116 are of different types, and therefore the handle-side fixing unit 132 and the application-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 are also of different types.

[0261] In a preferred embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, one type of fixing unit, in this example a first type 132a, is equipped with a fixing receiving portion 136, and the other type of fixing unit, in this example a second type 132b, is equipped with a fixing counterpart 138.

[0262] The fixing object 138 is configured to be housed within the fixing receiving portion 136 when it is fixed. In particular, when a certain fixing unit 136 is detached, the fixing object 138 of another fixing unit 132 is not placed and housed within its fixing receiving portion 136. In particular, when a certain fixing unit 132 is detached, its fixing object 138 is not placed and housed within the fixing receiving portion 136 of any other fixing unit 132.

[0263] In particular, each of the fixing units 132 is provided with a fixing mechanism that is at least partially formed on each of them. Specifically, the fixing mechanism is configured to hold the fixing units 132 fixed to each other in a fixed state. Specifically, the fixing mechanism holds the fixing relative object 138 in a fixing receiving portion 136 that houses the fixing relative object 138 when it is fixed. In an advantageous embodiment, the fixing mechanism is a releaseable fixing mechanism, and when the fixing mechanism is in the release position, the fixing units 132 fixed to each other can be separated from each other and moved into a detached state. For example, when the fixing mechanism is in the release position, the fixing relative object 138 can be removed from the fixing receiving portion 136 that houses the fixing relative object.

[0264] For example, the fixing mechanism is a locking mechanism. In this case, one type of fixing unit 132 has a locking portion which fits into the locking receiving portion of the other type of fixing unit 132 for fixing. In particular, the locking portion can be pushed out of the locking receiving portion, and as a result the locking mechanism is released.

[0265] Preferably, the device 100, and in particular the device module 112, includes a detection device 152 for detecting at least some device configurations 105.

[0266] In particular, the sensor 156 is assigned to the fixed unit 132 and is specifically located within that unit.

[0267] In a preferred embodiment, as exemplary in Figures 5 and 6, at least one fixed unit 132 of the equipment module 112, in particular at least the handle-side fixed unit 132, includes the sensor 156.

[0268] In some variations, at least one fixed unit of the handle module 114 and / or the application module 116 and / or at least one extension module 118 includes the sensor 156.

[0269] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one sensor 156 and, in particular, at least several fixing units 132 of other modules are configured to at least partially detect whether the sensor 156 is fixed to another fixing unit 132.

[0270] In a preferred modification, two subtypes of corresponding fixed units 132 are provided for at least one fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor 156. Here, the two subtypes of corresponding fixed units 132 are the 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.

[0271] In this case, the two subtypes of fixed units 132 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 two subtypes of fixed units 132 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 of fixed units 132.

[0272] In a preferred embodiment, the corresponding fixing unit 132 of one subtype is provided in at least one category of module, and the corresponding fixing unit 132 of the other subtype is provided in the remaining categories of module. Here, the categories of modules are in particular the equipment module 112, the handle module 114, at least one application module 116, and the extension module 118.

[0273] 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 one of two subtypes of the corresponding fixed unit 132 and the other state of the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor. This is advantageous because it can recognize whether the module having the fixed unit 132 assigned to the at least one sensor is fixed to at least one category of module.

[0274] In a preferred modification, at least one sensor 156 operates when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor is fixed to the corresponding fixed unit 132 of one of the two subtypes, while this at least one sensor 156 does not operate when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor is fixed to the corresponding fixed unit 132 of the other subtype or when the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor is detached.

[0275] In some modifications, the detection result of at least one sensor 156 is different in at least three states of the fixed unit 132 assigned to the sensor, namely, the state of being fixed to the corresponding fixed unit 132 of one subtype, the state of being fixed to the fixed unit 132 of the other subtype, and the detached state. As a result, at least these three different states can be distinguished based on the detection result of this at least one sensor 156.

[0276] In an advantageous modification, the handle-side fixed unit 132 of the device module 112, the sensor 156 assigned to it, and at least most of the fixed units 132 of other modules are configured such that they can distinguish between the state in which the handle-side fixed unit 132 to which the sensor 156 is assigned is fixed to the fixed unit 132 of the extension module and other states of the handle-side fixed unit 132 to which it is assigned.

[0277] In some preferred modifications, the handle-side fixed unit 132, the sensor 156 assigned to it, and at least most of the fixed units 132 of other modules are configured such that they can distinguish between the state in which the sensor 156 is at least fixed to the fixed unit of the handle module 114 with the handle-side fixed unit 132 assigned to it and other states of the handle-side fixed unit 132 assigned to it.

[0278] In some preferred modifications, the application-side fixing unit 132 and the sensor 156 assigned thereto, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of other modules, are configured such that the sensor 156 can at least partially distinguish between different states of the application-side fixing unit 132 to which it is assigned, and in particular, can distinguish at least between a state in which it is fixed to the fixing unit of the extension module 118 and / or a state in which it is fixed to the fixing unit 132 of at least one application module 116 and / or a state in which it is detached.

[0279] In some modifications where multiple application modules 116 are provided, for example, the multiple application modules 116 are equipped with different subtypes of fixed units 132, and as a result, in the case of at least one fixed unit 132 to which a sensor 156 is assigned, for example, the fixed unit 132 of the extension module 118 and / or the application-side fixed unit 132 of the equipment module 112, the assigned sensor 156 can distinguish whether the fixed unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to the fixed units 132 of various application modules, and thus it is possible to recognize which of the various application modules 116 is being used in the equipment configuration 105.

[0280] In some variations, the fixing unit 132 of the handle module 114 and the sensor 156 assigned to it, as well as at least most of the fixing units 132 of other modules, are configured such that the assigned sensor 156 can distinguish at least several states of the fixing unit 132 assigned to it, in particular the state in which the extension module 118 is fixed to the fixing unit 132 and / or the state in which the equipment module 112 is fixed to the fixing unit 132 and / or detached.

[0281] In particular, the sensor 156 has a detection area 162 within the fixed unit 132 assigned to it, as exemplified in Figures 5 and 6.

[0282] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the corresponding fixed units 132 are equipped 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 detected by the sensor 156.

[0283] In particular, only the corresponding fixed unit 132 of a certain subtype is equipped with the detection target element 164.

[0284] A corresponding fixed unit 132 of a different subtype is configured such that, when it is fixed to a fixed unit 132 having a detection area 162, the portion that enables detection of the corresponding fixed unit 132 of that different subtype is not located in the detection area 162. Therefore, in particular, when the fixed unit 132 of that different subtype is fixed in that manner, the sensor 156 of the fixed unit 132 having the detection area 162 does not operate.

[0285] This embodiment of the sensor 156 is advantageous because it allows for distinction between the state in which the assigned fixing unit 132 is fixed to a fixing unit 132 having the detection target element 164 and other states of the assigned fixing unit 132, particularly the detached state and / or the state in which it is fixed to a fixing unit 132 that does not have a part that enables detection.

[0286] In one example, a detection area 162 of at least one sensor 156 is formed within a fixing receiving portion 136 of a fixing unit 132 assigned to the sensor, preferably at least in the end region of the fixing receiving portion 136, for example, the end 166. The fixing receiving portion 136 extends from the receiving opening 168 to the end region and the end 166.

[0287] In particular, the fixing relative object 138 of the fixing unit in the module where a fixed state should be detected is formed to be longer than the fixing relative object 138 of the fixing unit 132 in the module where the sensor 156 should not be activated. As an example of this, Figures 5 and 6 depict the fixing receiving portion 136 of the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112 and the fixing relative object 138 of the fixing unit 132 of the extension module 118, which is formed to be longer than the fixing relative object 138 of the fixing unit 132 of the handle module 114. However, the fixing receiving portion 136 of the fixing unit 132 of the application-side fixing unit 132 or the fixing unit 132 of another module and / or the fixing relative object 138 of the fixing unit of another module can be configured similarly, so the depictions in Figures 5 and 6 also represent such forms.

[0288] In some preferred variations, at least one sensor 156 is a contact sensor. In particular, the contact sensor is located at least partially within its detection area 162.

[0289] In particular, the detection target 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, its contact portion protrudes into the detection area 162 and activates the contact sensor.

[0290] In particular, a certain subtype of corresponding fixed unit 132 is configured such that when the contact sensor is fixed to the assigned fixed unit 132, no part of that subtype of corresponding fixed unit 132 protrudes into the detection area 162 of the contact sensor, and therefore the contact sensor is not activated when it is fixed in that manner.

[0291] In some preferred variations, at least one sensor 156 of the detection device 152 is a non-contact sensor.

[0292] In particular, non-contact sensors include magnetic sensors, especially Hall sensors.

[0293] In that case, in particular, a certain subtype of the corresponding fixing unit 132 includes a magnet as the detection target element 164. For example, another certain subtype of the corresponding fixing unit 132 does not include a magnet.

[0294] Then, the magnetic sensor can distinguish between the state in which the fixing unit 132 assigned to it is fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of the subtype having the magnet, and other states of the fixing unit 132 assigned to it, particularly the detached state and the state of being fixed to the corresponding fixing unit 132 of another subtype without a magnet.

[0295] Preferably, the device 100, particularly its device technology within at least the device module 112 and / or at least one functional unit, can be driven in at least two different drive modes.

[0296] Preferably, the at least two drive modes include at least one continuous drive mode and / or at least one action drive mode. In that case, the at least one continuous drive mode and the at least one action drive mode are active drive modes when the switch is on.

[0297] Furthermore, the device 100, particularly at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit of the device technology, has a state in which at least one switch is off.

[0298] In a preferred embodiment, the device 100, particularly at least its device technology and / or at least one functional unit, has a standby mode when the switch is on.

[0299] In particular, the device 100, in relation to the heat fluid generation unit, has at least one continuous drive mode and an action drive mode when the switch is on, and, for example, has a standby mode when the switch is on.

[0300] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit releases thermal fluid in its operational drive mode. Specifically, in the idle mode, the release of thermal fluid is interrupted at least partially. In one example, even in idle mode, the heating element of the thermal fluid generation unit is still at least partially operational.

[0301] In particular, in standby mode, no fluid flows through the heat fluid generation unit, which is configured as an instantaneous water heater, and no heat fluid is released.

[0302] In particular, in the case of a thermal fluid generation unit having a water heating unit for heating the fluid, the thermal fluid is not released when the unit is in standby mode, but the water heating unit is prepared so that, for example, the thermal fluid or at least a heated fluid is readily available.

[0303] In particular, in continuous drive mode, at least the functional unit, especially the device 100, remains in continuous drive mode after switching to it until the continuous drive mode is actively terminated by user operation.

[0304] In particular, the user can switch the device to continuous operation mode by operating the control elements, and can also exit continuous operation mode by operating the control elements.

[0305] In one example, the thermal fluid generation unit continuously releases thermal fluid after switching to at least one continuous drive mode, until the continuous drive mode is terminated by user operation.

[0306] In the aforementioned at least one action-driven mode, at least a functional unit, e.g., device 100, remains in an operational mode after switching to the action mode, but only if the user performs the necessary action without delay. In some variations, the user must perform an action after a predetermined time period at the latest in order to remain in at least one action mode. In particular, the length of the predetermined time period is several seconds, for example, between one and ten seconds. In some variations, sustained user action is required in order to remain in at least one action-driven mode.

[0307] For example, the thermal fluid generation unit releases thermal fluid in at least one action-driven mode, as long as the user performs the required action without delay, and stops releasing thermal fluid when the required action is not performed, that is, when the user does not perform the required action within a predetermined time or finishes a continuous action.

[0308] It would be very convenient if the device 100 were configured to switch between the at least two drive modes depending on the state detected by the detection device 152.

[0309] This is particularly advantageous when at least one functional unit of the device 100 needs to be driven and / or can be driven in different drive modes in different device configurations 105.

[0310] For example, especially for safety reasons, the thermal fluid generation unit of the equipment configuration 105IV, which corresponds to a small, handheld device, is configured to be driven only in action-driven mode.

[0311] In particular, an advantageous modification is to configure the detection device 152 to recognize whether the extension module 118 is fixed to the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112. In one such modification in particular, the thermal fluid generation unit is driven by at least one action-driven mode as standard, so that thermal fluid is supplied only when the user performs the action correctly and without delay. In such a modification, when the detection device 152 recognizes that the extension module 118 is fixed to the handle-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112, the drive mode of at least the thermal fluid generation unit is switched to a continuous drive mode, and as a result, thermal fluid is continuously discharged from the time of the switch until the continuous drive mode is actively terminated.

[0312] In some modifications, the detection device 152 is configured to at least recognize whether the handle module 114 is fixed to the equipment module 112 in the handle-side fixing unit 132. In particular, in such modifications, as long as the detection device 152 recognizes that the handle module 114 is fixed to the equipment module 112 in the handle-side fixing unit 132, at least the thermal fluid generation unit is switched to at least one action-driven mode.

[0313] In some preferred modifications, the detection device 152 is configured to recognize at least whether the application module 116 is fixed to the application-side fixing unit 132 of the equipment module 112. In particular, in such modifications, 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 generation unit is switched to at least one active drive mode. In such modifications, it is highly advantageous if the detection device 152 is further configured to recognize whether the extension module 118 is fixed to the handle-side fixing unit 132 by its 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 generation unit is switched to a continuous drive mode, even if the application module 116 is fixed to the application-side fixing unit 132 by its fixing unit 132. This is because, in that case, a device configuration equivalent to a long, handheld device, such as device configuration 105I, is formed, and in this configuration, the thermal fluid generation unit can be driven in continuous operation mode.

[0314] The configuration of a certain device 100 will be described in more detail below, with reference to the drawings in Figures 7-14 as an example. In some modifications of this embodiment, the device 100 is modular, for example, consisting of 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, as described above. In other modifications of the embodiment, the device 100 is configured as at least partially a single integrated device 100. Hereafter, unless one of these modifications is explicitly referred to, the description applies to various modifications of the device 100. The differences that may occur between different modifications of the embodiment will be described in more detail later.

[0315] The device 100 includes, in particular, a device casing 212, which defines the interior of the casing 214.

[0316] Exemplary modifications of the equipment casing 212 and the interior of the casing 214 are partially depicted in Figures 7 and 8.

[0317] In particular, the equipment casing 212 consists of multiple parts. For example, it is provided with two shell parts, which substantially define the interior 214 of the casing. In particular, the casing parts are formed of plastic, at least largely.

[0318] As an exemplary example, Figure 9 shows a modified configuration in which an equipment module 112 is provided with other modules that can be fixed to the equipment module (particularly a handle module 114 and an application module 116, and, for example, at least one extension module 118), and at least casing components, such as a shell component, that jointly define the interior of the casing 214. In this case, the equipment casing 212 is the casing of the equipment module 112.

[0319] As an exemplary example, Figures 10 and 11 show modified versions of the handle module 114, illustrating at least the components that make up the handle module 114, particularly the shell component.

[0320] As an exemplary example, Figures 12 and 13 depict modified casing components, such as shell components, that define the interior of the casing 214 at least partially together, in an embodiment where the device 100 is at least partially an integrated device 100. In this example, the handle is also made of the device casing 212. In this case, the device casing 212 is the casing of the at least partially integrated device 100.

[0321] In particular, the equipment casing 212 has a front 222 and a rear 224, and the front 222 and rear 224 are opposite sides of the equipment casing 212 with respect to the main direction 216.

[0322] In particular, the front side 222 is provided with a placement area 232 for the application unit 236, and at least the application unit 236 can be placed and / or is placed in this placement area 232.

[0323] In some modifications of the device 100, the placement location 232 is a fixed unit 132, preferably configured at least partially as described above. In this modification, the application unit 236 is a separate application module 116, preferably configured at least partially as described above. In this case, the separate application unit 236 comprises a corresponding fixed unit 132, which is used to fix the application unit 236 to the placement location 232 configured as the fixed unit 132, particularly in a detachable manner.

[0324] In some modifications of the device 100, the application unit 236 is integrally formed with the device casing 212. In this case, at least a portion of the application unit 236 is positioned, particularly at placement location 232, on at least one component of the device casing 212 that jointly defines the interior of the casing 214, and is particularly fixedly positioned. For example, these parts are joined to placement location 222. For example, in such modifications, at least one component of the application unit 236 and at least one casing component that jointly defines the interior of the casing 214 are at least partially integrally formed.

[0325] In particular, the equipment casing 212 has an upper surface 242 and a lower surface 244, and the upper surface 242 and the lower surface 244 are opposite surfaces of the equipment casing 212 in the vertical direction 246.

[0326] The vertical direction 246 and the main direction 226 of the equipment casing 212 are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0327] In particular, the equipment casing 212 has a particularly flat stand surface 252 on its lower surface 244. Specifically, the stand surface 252 extends at least substantially in the principal direction 226 and the transverse direction 256.

[0328] The lateral direction 256 is at least approximately perpendicular to the principal direction 226 of the equipment casing 212 and at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction 246. In one example, the equipment casing 212 has two sides that are opposite to each other in the lateral direction 256 of the equipment casing 212.

[0329] In this specification, the directions “front” and “rear” should be understood to refer to the principal direction 226, the directions “up” and “down” should be understood to refer to the vertical direction 246, and the direction “side” should be understood to refer to the lateral direction 256.

[0330] The device 100 includes a handle unit 262. The handle unit 262 includes at least one handle element 264, which forms the handle.

[0331] In some preferred embodiments, the handle unit 262 is configured as a separate handle module 114. As an exemplary example, the modified examples in Figures 10 and 11 depict the handle unit 262 configured as a handle module 114.

[0332] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle unit 262 consists at least partially, preferably at least largely, of the equipment casing 212, and in particular, of at least one casing component that jointly defines the interior of the casing 214. Modifications having a handle unit 262 integrated at least partially with the equipment casing 212 are exemplary shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0333] In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the description of the handle unit 262 relates to both embodiments and variations thereof in which the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module, and to other embodiments and variations thereof in which the handle unit 262 is at least partially integrated with the equipment casing 212.

[0334] The handle element 264 extends elongated between a front end 266 and a rear end 268, preferably with the front end 266 positioned ahead of the rear end 268 with respect to the principal direction 226.

[0335] The equipment casing 212 is provided with a placement location 272 where a handle unit 262 can be placed on and / or is placed on at least one part of the equipment casing 212.

[0336] In embodiments where the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module 114, a fixing unit 132 is formed at the placement location 272 for the handle unit 262. In addition, the handle module 114 forming the handle unit 262 is equipped with a fixing unit 132, which is preferably located at the front end 266 of the handle element 264. In particular, these fixing units 132 are configured at least partially as described above.

[0337] In embodiments in which the handle unit 262 is at least partially integrated with the equipment casing 212, at the placement location 272, preferably the handle element 264 or the placement element for the handle element is particularly integrated with another element and / or another part of the equipment casing 212, and / or, for example, at the placement location 272, the handle element 264 or the placement element and the other element and / or the other part of the equipment casing 212 are joined to each other.

[0338] In particular, the placement location 272 is formed on the handle element 264 or the front end 266 of the placement element.

[0339] For example, the placement element extends from the placement location to the front end 266 of the handle element 264.

[0340] In some advantageous embodiments, the handle element 264 is provided with at least one free end 266, 268, which is in particular the rear end 268, as exemplary in the modified examples in Figures 2, 7, 10, and 12.

[0341] In some advantageous embodiments, as exemplary in the modified examples in Figures 3, 8, 11, and 13, at least one additional element of the handle unit 262 is positioned at the front end 266 of the handle element 264, and at least one additional element of the handle unit 262 is positioned at the rear end 268 of the handle element 264.

[0342] 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.

[0343] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one support element 276, 278 is positioned on one of the length ends 266, 268 of the handle element 264, in particular, with the front support element 276 positioned on the front length end 266 and / or the rear support element 278 positioned on the rear length end 268.

[0344] In a preferred embodiment, the equipment casing 212 includes at least one support element 284 on which at least one support element 276, 278, and in particular at least two support elements 276, 278, support themselves.

[0345] In a modified example in which the handle unit 262 is a separate handle module 114, the support element 284 specifically includes a support surface 286, on which at least one support element 276, 278 or a plurality of support elements 276 and 278 support themselves when fixed.

[0346] In some variations, at least one of the support elements 276, 278 is in direct contact with the support surface 286 and supports itself on the support element 284.

[0347] In an advantageous modification, the handle unit 262 preferably comprises a contact element 288 formed at least partially integrally with at least one support element 276, 278, such that in the fixed state, the contact element 288 abuts against the support surface 286 of the support element 284. This allows the support element 276, in particular, to be indirectly supported over a large area on the support element 284 via the contact element 288.

[0348] In particular, in some variations, the contact element 288 extends between two support elements 276 and 278, with the contact element 288 positioned at opposite ends of the support elements 276 and 278, respectively.

[0349] In a modified version 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 positioned on the support element 288, supporting themselves, and are particularly formed on the support element 288.

[0350] In one example, the support element 284 and / or abutment element 288 are separated from the handle element 264 because the two support elements 276 and 278 extend outward from the handle element 264, particularly at least substantially vertically 246.

[0351] In a preferred embodiment, the handle unit 262 is provided with a grip opening 292, and the handle element 264 partially forms the boundary of the grip opening 292, particularly on its downward-facing side.

[0352] In one example, the front support element 276 forms a boundary on the front side of the grip opening 292, and the rear support element 278 forms a boundary on the rear side of the grip opening 292.

[0353] Preferably, an element positioned perpendicular to the handle element 264 246 forms a boundary on the lower side of the grip opening 292. For example, the opposing element is an element of the equipment casing 212. In some preferred modifications, the opposing element is, for example, an element of the handle unit 262 extending between both support elements 276, 278. In particular, depending on the modification, the opposing element is a support element 284 or a contact element 288.

[0354] In a preferred embodiment, since the grip opening 292 is formed to penetrate in the lateral direction 256, a user of the device 100 can grasp the handle formed by the handle element 264 by inserting their hand into the grip opening 292 in that direction and gripping it.

[0355] Thus, the equipment casing 212 is provided with a handle area 296, where a handle unit 262 can be formed and / or positioned according to a modification of the embodiment, and can be at least fixed to the equipment casing 212.

[0356] Therefore, in some modifications of the embodiments, the handle region 296 is formed with a handle element 264 and preferably at least one support element 276, 278, and, for example, a support element 284.

[0357] In some embodiments, the equipment casing 212 has a cavity 298 in the handle area 296 into which a separate handle unit 262, which can be fixed to the equipment casing 212, can be fitted.

[0358] In a preferred embodiment, a placement location 272 for a handle unit 262, preferably including a fixing unit 132, is provided at the front end of the cavity 298.

[0359] The void 298 is, for example, defined by a support surface 286, primarily at the bottom.

[0360] In particular, the handle area 296 is above the longitudinal center plane 312 of the equipment casing 212 and behind the vertical center plane 314 of the equipment casing 212.

[0361] In particular, the length center plane 312 extends at least substantially in the principal direction 226 and the transverse direction 256 and is at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction 246. Specifically, at least 40% of the total vertical extent of the equipment casing 212 is above and / or below the length center plane 312, respectively.

[0362] In particular, the vertical central plane 314 extends at least substantially in the vertical direction 246 and the transverse direction 256, and the vertical central plane 314 is at least approximately perpendicular to the principal direction 226. Specifically, at least 40% of the total extent of the principal direction 226 of the equipment casing 212 lies in front of and / or behind the vertical central plane 314, respectively.

[0363] Between the placement location 232 for the application unit 236 and the placement location 272 for the handle unit 262, the equipment casing 212 is provided with a placement section 322.

[0364] As an example, Figure 14 shows an enlarged view of a modified version of the placement section 322. In this modified version, the placement locations 232 and 272 for the application unit 236 and the handle unit 262 are configured as a fixed unit 132.

[0365] The configuration of the arrangement section 322, as described later, is advantageous in modified cases where at least one of the arrangement locations 232 and 272 is configured as a fixed unit 132, and / or in modified cases where at least the application unit 236 and / or the handle unit 262 are integrally formed with the equipment casing 212, at least partially. Therefore, the drawing in Figure 14 also represents other modified cases, and preferably, the configuration described in relation to Figure 14 is also provided at least partially in other modified cases, such as those depicted in Figures 12 and 13, which are exemplary.

[0366] In particular, the placement location 272 for the handle unit 262 is positioned higher than the placement location 232 for the application unit 236 in the vertical direction 246.

[0367] In a preferred embodiment, the extension of the arrangement portion 322 is directed diagonally downward toward the front surface 222.

[0368] In particular, the placement section 322 extends at least substantially along the geometric placement axis 326. The placement axis 326 passes through two placement locations 232 and 272.

[0369] In particular, the axial direction of the arrangement axis 326 is determined by the elongated extension of the arrangement elements at the arrangement locations 232 and 272. For example, these are the arrangement elements of the fixing relative object 138 and / or the fixing receiving part 136, or the elements where a part of the application unit 236 or the handle unit 262 and a part of the arrangement part 322 transition to and / or join to each other.

[0370] In a preferred embodiment, the central axis of a placement element lies on the placement axis 326, or at least approximately parallel to the placement axis 326, and the central axis is determined by the longitudinal extension of the placement element. If the central axis is offset from the placement axis 326, it is preferable that the offset between the two axes is less than the longitudinal extension of the placement element, and in particular less than half the longitudinal extension.

[0371] Preferably, the electronic components of the device are located at least partially, and especially at least largely, within the arrangement section 322.

[0372] In a preferred embodiment, the placement section 322 includes an outer wall portion 332 of the equipment casing 212. In particular, this outer wall portion 332 is oblique to the principal direction 226 and oblique to the vertical direction 246 between the two placement locations 232 and 272. For example, the outer wall portion 332 of the placement section 322 is parallel to the placement axis 326 in at least one section and / or oblique to the placement axis 326 in at least one section, preferably just slightly oblique.

[0373] In particular, the equipment casing 212 is provided with an interaction surface 342. Preferably, the interaction surface 342 is formed in the placement portion 322, and especially in its wall portion 332.

[0374] On the interaction surface 342, the device 100 includes at least one operating element 246 of the operating device of the device 100 and / or at least one display element of the display device of the device 100.

[0375] In particular, at least one operating element 346 for turning the device on or off is provided. In a preferred embodiment, at least one operating element 346 is provided whose operation is required as an action in at least one action-driven mode. In particular, the at least one operating element 346 is a button.

[0376] At least one display element indicates at least one state of the device 100. For example, one display element indicates whether the device is switched on and / or off. In particular, one display element indicates at least one drive mode in which the device is driven.

[0377] In some modifications, at least one display element is a simple light-emitting means, in particular a light-emitting diode. In some modifications, at least one display element is configured to reproduce information about the status of the device in a more complex way, such as a display.

[0378] In particular, it is advantageous for the placement of operating elements and / or display elements for user-device interaction to be on the oblique interaction surface 242 of the placement section 322. This is because it 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 placed on the placement section 322, particularly near the placement location 272 for the handle unit 262. This is because the operating element 346 is within easy reach of a user holding the device 100 by the handle of the handle unit 262.

[0379] In a preferred embodiment, the device 100 includes a water tank 352. The water tank 352 can be positioned in the device casing 212 within the water tank area 354 of the device casing 212 and can be removably fixed to the device casing 212.

[0380] In particular, the water tank 352 is equipped with a storage space for storing liquid.

[0381] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank 352 is equipped with a fluid connection. The fluid connection allows the storage space of the water tank 352 to be fluidly connected to the piping system in the equipment casing 212. In a preferred embodiment, a tube is positioned in the storage space, with one end connected to the fluid connection. A weight is positioned at the other end of the tube, at which point the tube opens into the storage space. Therefore, even if the orientation of the equipment 100 changes in various ways, the tube end opening into the storage space is favorably positioned in the lower region of the storage space in relation to gravity. Consequently, this tube end remains in the liquid even when the liquid level in the storage space is low, and liquid can be discharged through the tube.

[0382] In particular, the equipment casing 212 has a cavity 356 within the water tank area 354, and the water tank 352 is housed in the cavity 356 for fixing.

[0383] In particular, a fixing mechanism for the water tank 352 is formed in the equipment casing 212 at least partially within the water tank area 354. For example, a fixing mechanism configured as a locking mechanism includes a locking portion and a locking receiving portion. The locking receiving portion and the locking portion engage to removably fix the water tank 352. In particular, at least some locking portions are formed on the water tank 352 side and corresponding locking receiving portions are formed on the equipment casing 212 side, and / or at least some locking portions are formed on the equipment casing 212 side and corresponding locking receiving portions are formed on the water tank 352 side.

[0384] In a preferred embodiment, the water tank region 354 is formed in the rear region of the equipment casing 212 with respect to the main direction 226 and the lower region with respect to the vertical direction 246.

[0385] In particular, the equipment casing 212 has an edge 358 that forms the boundary of a cavity 356 for the water tank 352. In a preferred embodiment, the edge 358 first extends forward from the back surface 224 of the equipment casing 212 in the main direction 226, and then extends downward in the vertical direction 246 to the bottom surface 244 of the equipment casing 212.

[0386] The equipment casing 212 has a rear portion 364 that extends to the rear surface 224.

[0387] In particular, the rear portion 364 is at least partially defined on the upper side by the elements forming the boundary of the handle area 296, that is, in particular by the contact element 388 or the support element 284, and at least partially defined on the lower side by the edge 158 of the water tank area 354.

[0388] In particular, the rear section 364 is at least partially narrowed in terms of its vertical extension 246. This is because, at least partially, a handle area 296 is formed on the upper side of the rear section 364, and a water tank area 354 is formed on the lower side of the rear section 364. For example, the vertical extension 246 of the narrow part of the rear section 364 is less than 20% of the vertical extension 246 of the entire equipment casing 212.

[0389] In particular, the rear section 364 extends forward from the rear section 224 along the handle section 296 and the water tank section 354 to the front ends of these sections 296 and 354. These sections extend further forward in the main direction 226.

[0390] In one example, the handle region 296 extends further forward than the water tank region 354. In the region along the main direction 226 where the handle region 296 preferably extends further forward and the water tank region 352 no longer extends, the rear portion 364 extends downward, preferably to the lower surface 244 of the equipment casing 212.

[0391] The device 100 includes a power supply unit 372. The power supply unit 372 is preferably located at least primarily within the rear 364.

[0392] In a preferred variation, the device 100 is a cable-connected device, and the power supply unit 372 includes a cable having a power plug for connecting to a power connection.

[0393] In particular, the equipment casing 212 is provided with a power supply opening 374 through which the cable is drawn into the interior of the casing 214. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply opening 374 is formed on the rear surface 224 at the rear 364.

[0394] In one example, the cable extends through the rear section 364 to at least one other element of the power supply unit 372, from which electrical energy is distributed to each unit and / or electronic equipment located inside the equipment casing 214. In a preferred embodiment, the power supply unit 372 includes a transformer to convert the output voltage supplied from the power connection to the voltage required for the equipment technology.

[0395] In some variations, the power supply unit 372 includes an energy storage unit, such as a battery and / or a capacitor. In this variation as well, it is preferable that the power supply unit 372 includes a distribution element for distributing the electrical energy supplied from the energy storage unit.

[0396] Preferably, the thermal fluid generation unit 378 of the device 100 is located in the front region of the device casing 212 with respect to the main direction 226, preferably near the location 232 for the application unit 236. In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit 378 is located below the location 322 with respect to the vertical direction 246.

[0397] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes an instantaneous water heater for heating the liquid.

[0398] In some advantageous variations, the thermal fluid generating unit 378 includes a water heater having a heating element for heating a liquid.

[0399] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit 378 heats the liquid to produce a thermal fluid at a temperature of 60°C or higher, preferably 80°C or higher, for example, 90°C or higher. For example, the thermal fluid includes a high-temperature liquid and / or gaseous medium, especially water vapor.

[0400] In particular, the device 100 includes a piping system for guiding fluid inside the casing 214.

[0401] The thermal fluid generation unit 378 can be fluidly conductively connected to the water tank through a piping system when at least the water tank 352 is fixed to the equipment casing 212.

[0402] In particular, one section of the piping system leads to the placement location 232 for the application unit 236.

[0403] In particular, the application unit 236 is connectable to the piping system at least via fluid conduction. In a preferred embodiment, an integrated application unit 236 is connected via fluid conduction to the piping system. In a preferred embodiment, a separate application module 116 is connected via fluid conduction to the piping system at least in the assembled equipment configuration 105.

[0404] In particular, the thermal fluid generation unit 378 releases thermal fluid to the application unit 236 through piping in an operational drive mode. In particular, no thermal fluid is supplied to the application unit 236 when it is in at least a pause mode and / or when the switch is off.

[0405] In a preferred embodiment, a pump 382 is located in the piping system. In particular, the pump 382 is located between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generation unit 378 with respect to the main direction 226. Specifically, the pump 382 is located at the rear 364, where it is preferably located within an area that extends to the lower surface 244.

[0406] Preferably, the device 100 includes a cartridge 410. In particular, the cartridge 410 contains a fluid modifier 414 for at least partially purifying the liquid from the water tank 352.

[0407] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid supplied from the water tank 352 contains water, and in particular contains 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 perform at least partial deashification of the water.

[0408] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 410 is located at the rear 364, where it is preferably within an area that extends to the lower surface 244.

[0409] Preferably, the cartridge 410 is positioned between the water tank area 354 and the thermal fluid generation unit 378 with respect to the main direction 226, and more particularly between the water tank area 354 and the pump 382.

[0410] Cartridge 410 is shown in Figures 15 and 16 as an example.

[0411] The cartridge 410 includes a container 422 having an internal space 424. In particular, the container 422 consists of a plurality of outer wall portions 428.

[0412] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall portion 428 surrounds the internal space 424 and forms the outside of the container 422.

[0413] In a preferred embodiment, the container 422 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, and walls 428 are formed on each surface of the container 422.

[0414] For example, container 422 has six outer wall sections 428I to 428VI.

[0415] Multiple wall sections 428 will be described together as long as they are configured in at least substantially the same way, and in particular, what relates to a certain wall section 428 should be understood to mean that at least one, preferably at least several, of the multiple wall sections 428, for example, all of the multiple wall sections 428, possess the features described therein.

[0416] In particular, when it is necessary to specifically refer to at least one individual wall section when describing a wall section and / or an element / feature of a wall section, a Roman numeral indicating that particular wall section shall be added to the relevant symbol. In this case, the Roman numeral should be understood to simply refer to a specific wall section, and the Roman numeral does not imply any other information, in particular, the Roman numeral does not imply the order of wall sections 428, and / or information regarding the total number of wall sections.

[0417] In particular, each of the wall portions 428 has its own inner wall surface 432 and its own outer wall surface 434. The inner wall surface 432 and the outer wall surface 434 of the wall portion 428 are opposite wall surfaces of the wall portion 428 in the thickness direction 438 of the wall portion 428.

[0418] The inner wall surface 432 of the wall portion 428 forms the boundary of the internal space 424, while the outer wall surface 434 faces the periphery of the container 422, particularly the periphery of the cartridge 410. In particular, the internal space 424 is enclosed by the inner wall surfaces 432 of all the wall portions 428.

[0419] In particular, each of the wall portions 428 extends within essentially one extending plane. The extending plane is at least locally and at least approximately perpendicular to the thickness direction 438 of the wall portion 428.

[0420] In a preferred modification, at least some of the wall portions 428 are flat wall portions, and their extending surfaces are extending planes stretched by two extending directions 442, 444 that are at least approximately perpendicular to each other. In the flat wall portions 428, their thickness direction 438 is in the same direction for at least the majority of the extension of the flat wall portions 428.

[0421] In some variations, at least one wall portion 428 is curved. The extending surface of the curved wall portion 428 is also curved accordingly, and the orientation of the thickness direction 438 of the curved wall portion 428 changes along the extension of the curve.

[0422] In one example, each wall section 428 extends in the longitudinal extension direction 442 and the transverse extension direction 444, and these longitudinal extension direction 442 and transverse extension direction 444 form a geometric extension plane.

[0423] Each wall portion 428 extends at least to the end regions 452 and 454 within its extending plane, and in particular extends between multiple end regions 452 and 454.

[0424] 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.

[0425] In particular, the extension of the wall portion 428 in certain extension directions 442, 444, for example, its extension in the longitudinal extension direction 442 and / or transverse extension direction 444, is greater than, and preferably much greater than, its thickness measured in the thickness direction 438.

[0426] In particular, 30% or less of the total extension of the wall portion 428 in the extending directions 442, 444, for example, in its longitudinal extending direction 442 and / or transverse extending direction 444, is located in the end regions 452, 454.

[0427] In particular, in each edge region 462, two wall portions 428 are arranged in contact with each other at their respective end regions 452 and 454. Specifically, the end regions 452 and 454 of the three wall portions 428, and the edge regions 462 between those wall portions 428, also meet with each other at each corner region 466.

[0428] In one example, as exemplary as shown in Figure 15, at least some of the walls are formed with rounded edges at their end regions 452, 454, and correspondingly the container 422 has at least some rounded edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466.

[0429] In particular, the container 422 extends within the spreading plane 468. The spreading plane 468 is stretched by two spreading directions 472 and 474, for example, which are at least approximately perpendicular to each other.

[0430] In particular, the container 422 has a smaller spread in the height direction 476 than the two spreading directions 472 and 474. Specifically, the height direction 476 is at least approximately perpendicular to the spreading plane 468.

[0431] The height of the container 422 is measured in the height direction 476. For example, the height of the container 422 is 70% or less, and especially 50% or less, of the minimum spread of the container 422 in the spread direction 472, 474.

[0432] In particular, the two wall sections 428, for example, wall section 428I and wall section 428II, are spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476, and preferably are arranged opposite each other in the height direction 476. Preferably, these two wall sections 428I and II extend at least approximately parallel to the geometric spread plane 468. That is, in particular, the extending directions 442I and II of these two wall sections 428I and II, which are spaced apart from each other in the height direction 476, are substantially parallel to the geometric spread plane 468.

[0433] In particular, the two wall sections 428I and 428II, which are separated from each other in the height direction 476, have substantially the same shape within their extending plane, thereby defining, for example, the bottom surface of the container 422.

[0434] In particular, as illustrated in Figure 15, the wall sections 428I and II, which are separated from each other in the height direction 476, are substantially rectangular in shape. Therefore, the bottom surface of the container 422 is also substantially rectangular, and preferably the corners are rounded.

[0435] In particular, at least one wall portion 428 extends between two wall portions 428I and II that are separated from each other in the height direction 476, and is positioned in contact with the two wall portions 428I and II in each edge region 462.

[0436] In particular, the container 422 is substantially cylindrical in shape, with wall portions 428 extending from each of the opposing bottom surfaces of the cylindrical shape, and at least one wall portion 428 extending from the side surface of the cylindrical shape.

[0437] For example, the side wall sections 428, in this case wall sections 428III to 428VI, extend in the height direction 476 between two wall sections 428I and II that are separated from each other in the height direction 476 in one of their extending directions 442 and 444, and extend between two other side wall sections 428III, IV, V, and VI in the other of their extending directions 442 and 444.

[0438] In one example, two wall sections are arranged opposite each other in each of the two expanding directions 472 and 474 of the container 422. For example, wall sections 428III and 428V are arranged opposite each other in the expanding direction 472, and wall sections 428IV and 428VI are arranged opposite each other in the expanding direction 474.

[0439] In particular, the container 422 consists of at least two different container parts 482 and 484. Specifically, each container part 482 and 484 is formed integrally.

[0440] At least several container components 482, 484, and in particular all container components 482, 484, each include at least one wall portion 428.

[0441] In a preferred embodiment, one of the container components, in this case container component 484, basically consists of one wall portion 428, and another container component, in this case container component 482, includes the remaining wall portion.

[0442] In particular, this results in one container component 484, which basically consists of one wall portion 428, being formed as a lid for the other container component 482. Specifically, one of the wall portions separated in the height direction 476, in this case wall portion 428II, mainly forms the lid-shaped container component 484.

[0443] The wall portions 428, which are made of the same container components 482 and 484 and are arranged in contact with each other in the edge region 462, are preferably formed to be in contact with each other in the edge region 462.

[0444] The wall portions 428 formed on different container parts 482 and 484 and arranged in contact with each other in the edge region 462 are preferably morphologically joined to each other in the edge region 462, at least when the container 422 is assembled. In a preferred embodiment, the two wall portions 428 are provided with morphological fastening elements 492 and 494 that interlock with each other for this purpose. In one example, one of the two morphological fastening elements 492 and 494 has a groove, and the other of the two morphological fastening elements 492 and 494 has a projection that fits into the groove.

[0445] The container 422 has an inlet 512 at an inlet opening 514 that leads to the internal space 424. The container 422 has an outlet 516 at an outlet opening 518 that leads to the internal space 424.

[0446] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in one of the container parts 482, 484, and the outlet opening 518 is formed in the other container part 482, 484.

[0447] The inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are fluidically conductive to each other in the internal space 424, at least along the connection 526. Therefore, liquid flowing into the internal space 424 through the inlet opening 514 can reach the outlet opening 518 along the connection 526.

[0448] In particular, connection 526 extends at least along a geometric connection line 528. Specifically, connection line 528 extends linearly and along the shortest path between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518. For example, connection line 528 is a straight line passing through the center point of the inlet opening 514 and the center point of the outlet opening 518.

[0449] In a favorable embodiment, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are arranged such that the length of the connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 is optimized.

[0450] In particular, the optimization of the length of connection 526, and especially the length of connecting wire 528, should be understood as being formed to the maximum possible length, in which practical and / or technical conditions should be taken into consideration. For example, the openings 514 and 518 cannot be formed indefinitely close to the edges of container parts 482 and 484, but rather there must be sufficiently wide edges to ensure the stability of container parts 482 and 484.

[0451] In other words, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are positioned such that the shortest connection 526 between the two openings 514 and 518 is as long as possible.

[0452] To optimize the length, preferably, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in wall portions 428 that are arranged opposite each other in a certain direction. In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in wall portion 428II, and wall portion 428I, on which the outlet opening 518 is formed, is arranged opposite to this wall portion 428II in the height direction 476.

[0453] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in the end regions 452 and 454 of the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed. In particular, the outlet opening 518 is formed in the end regions 452 and 454 of the wall portion 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0454] In particular, the two end regions 452 and 454, each having an inlet opening 514 and an outlet opening 518, are located opposite each other in at least one direction.

[0455] 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.

[0456] In particular, the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 are formed in the region of their wall portion 428, and these regions are located opposite each other in at least one extending direction 442, 444 of the wall portion 428, preferably both extending directions 442, 444.

[0457] In particular, the region in which the inlet opening 514 is formed in its wall and the region in which the outlet opening 518 is formed in its wall are located opposite each other with respect to at least one of the expanding directions 472 and 474 of the container 422, preferably both of the expanding directions 472 and 474 of the container 422.

[0458] In particular, this ensures that the projections of the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 onto at least one geometric projection plane are opposite to each other in at least one direction.

[0459] In particular, the projections of the inlet opening 514 and the projections of the outlet opening 518 are located opposite to each other in at least one direction, in particular, at least one expanding direction 472, 474 of the container 422, preferably both expanding directions 472, 474, and / or opposite to each other in at least one extending direction 442, 444 of one wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or outlet opening 518 is formed, preferably several extending directions 442, 444 of a plurality of wall portions 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0460] In particular, the projection of the entrance opening 514 and the projection of the exit opening 518 on the projection plane 536 parallel to the height direction 476 are located opposite to each other in the direction extending perpendicular to the height direction 476 within the projection plane 536.

[0461] 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 projection planes that are at least approximately perpendicular to at least one expanding direction 472, 474 of the container 422, and / or projection planes that are at least approximately perpendicular to at least one extending direction 442, 444 of the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 or the outlet opening 518 is formed.

[0462] In particular, the inlet opening 514 is formed in at least one edge region 462, which is formed by the wall portion 428 on 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 formed by the wall portion 428 on which the inlet opening 514 is formed and at least two other wall portions 428. In particular, in this embodiment, the corner region 466 on which the inlet opening 514 is formed and the edge region 462 are formed by a wall portion 428II that extends at least intersecting the height direction 476 and other wall portions 428IV and 428V whose extending directions 442, 444 are at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0463] In particular, the outlet opening 518 is formed in at least one edge region 462 of the container 422, which is formed by the wall portion 428 on which the outlet opening 518 is formed and at least one other wall portion 428. Preferably, the outlet opening 518 is formed in a corner region 466 of the container 422, which is formed by the wall portion 428 on which the outlet opening 518 is formed and at least two other wall portions 428. In particular, in this embodiment, the corner region 466 and the edge region 462 on which the outlet opening 518 is formed are formed by a wall portion 428I that extends at least intersecting the height direction 476, and other wall portions 428III and 428VI whose extending directions 442, 444 are at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0464] In an advantageous embodiment, the wall portion 428 forming the ridge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 in which the entrance opening 514 is formed is a different wall portion from the wall portion 428 forming the ridge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 in which the exit opening 518 is formed.

[0465] In particular, the ridge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 on which the inlet opening 514 is formed, and the ridge region 462 and especially the corner region 466 on which the outlet opening 518 is formed are regions 462 and 466 that are opposite to each other in at least one of the two expanding directions 472 and 474 of the container 422, preferably both of the two expanding directions. In a preferred embodiment, these ridge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466 are opposite to each other in multiple directions of these directions 476, 472, and 474.

[0466] In particular, the entrance opening 514 and the exit opening 518 are formed in regions of the internal space 424 that are located opposite each other along the spatial diagonal of the internal space 424, especially in the edge region 462 and / or corner region 466.

[0467] In particular, the spatial diagonal is oblique to at least the height direction 476 and / or to both of the spreading directions 472, 474.

[0468] In particular, this configures the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 to optimize its length, because both openings 514, 518 are formed in opposite regions of the container 422, especially opposite edge regions 462 and / or corner regions 466.

[0469] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is formed in an unobstructed manner, at least when the cartridge 410 is unfilled. In a preferred embodiment, a linear connection 526 extending particularly along the connecting line 528 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is formed in an unobstructed manner, at least when the cartridge is unfilled.

[0470] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection space region 542 is formed without obstacles, at least in an unfilled state. The connection space region 542 extends in the connection direction 544 from the inlet opening 514 along the connection 526 to the outlet opening 518, and also extends in a direction intersecting the connection direction 544.

[0471] In particular, the connection space region 542 extends along a linear connection line 528 from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518.

[0472] In an advantageous embodiment, the connection space region 542 extends in a direction intersecting the connection direction 544, and its extension basically corresponds to at least the extension of the inlet opening 514 and / or the extension of the outlet opening 518, and in particular to twice this extension.

[0473] It is highly advantageous if the connecting space region 542 extends at least to the inner wall surface of the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed, and at least to the inner wall surface of the wall portion 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, and / or preferably to at least some of the inner wall surfaces of the other wall portions 428, particularly to the inner wall surfaces of all of the wall portions 428.

[0474] In particular, the entire internal space 424 is formed without obstacles, at least when it is unfilled.

[0475] In particular, when no container components and / or other parts of the cartridge 410 and / or other parts of the internal space 424 protrude into a certain area, that area is formed without obstructions. In particular, there are no parts in the area without obstructions.

[0476] In particular, the connection 526 without obstacles and the connection space region 542 without obstacles are advantageous. This is because a large amount of fluid changing material 414 can be packed into the area without obstacles, especially the entire internal space 424 which is free of obstacles, and when packed, the liquid flowing from the inlet opening 514 to the outlet opening 518 can flow sufficiently around the packed fluid changing material 414, while in other cases, the flow of liquid is not obstructed because there are no obstacles in the connection 526.

[0477] The inlet opening 514 and 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 through them flows around as many fluid changers 414 as possible through the longest possible connection 526.

[0478] In a preferred embodiment, the fluid modifier 414 is a granular medium.

[0479] In particular, this method allows for good filling of the internal space 424, and the granular medium provides a large surface area for reaction with the liquid flowing through the internal space 424.

[0480] In particular, the fluid modifier 414 is configured to purify liquids, such as demineralizing water.

[0481] In a favorable embodiment, a filter 554 is located at the inlet opening 514. In particular, a filter 558 is located at the outlet opening 518. Specifically, the filter 554 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the filter 558 in the outlet opening 518 are configured to at least substantially prevent the granular fluid modifier 414 from leaking out of the internal space 424 through the openings 514 and 518. Specifically, the filters 554 and 558 in the inlet opening 514 and / or the outlet opening 518 are configured to allow the liquid flowing through them to pass through the filters 554 and 558 with as little obstruction as possible. For example, at least the filter 554 in the inlet opening 514 is configured to capture any foreign particles that may be present in the incoming liquid, thereby at least reducing, preferably at least substantially eliminating, the amount of foreign particles reaching the internal space 424.

[0482] In particular, the inlet 512 includes an inlet connecting pipe 564. The inlet connecting pipe 564 includes a liquid flow space leading to the inlet opening 514, the flow space being surrounded on its circumferential sides 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 intersecting the extending directions 424, 444 of the wall portion 428 on which the inlet opening 514 is formed, in particular at least approximately perpendicularly, and / or at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0483] In particular, the outlet 516 includes an outlet connecting pipe 568. The outlet connecting pipe 568 includes a liquid passage space, which leads to the outlet opening 518 and is surrounded on its circumferential sides by the connecting pipe wall of the outlet connecting pipe 568. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet connecting pipe 568, in particular its passage 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 intersecting the extending directions 442, 444 of the wall portion 428 in which the outlet opening 518 is formed, in particular at least approximately perpendicular and / or at least substantially parallel to the height direction 476.

[0484] In a preferred embodiment, the cartridge 410 is positioned inside the casing 214 of the equipment casing 212 such that the height direction 476 of the container 422 is at least substantially parallel to the principal direction 226.

[0485] In a preferred embodiment, the wall portion 428 in which the inlet opening 514 is formed faces the water tank area 354. In particular, the inlet connecting pipe 564 extends toward the water tank area 354.

[0486] In a preferred embodiment, the wall portion 428 on which the outlet opening 518 is formed faces forward with respect to the main direction 226, for example, toward the thermal fluid generation unit 378 and / or the pump 382. In particular, the outlet connecting pipe 568 extends forward in the main direction 226, for example toward the thermal fluid generation unit 378 and / or toward the pump 382.

[0487] In particular, this allows the cartridge 410 to be placed in a space-saving manner, adjacent to the water tank area 354, especially between the water tank area 354 of the equipment casing 212 and the thermal fluid generation unit 378 and / or pump 382, ​​because the container 422 has only a slight extension in the height direction 476. Nevertheless, the liquid flowing through the cartridge 410 can flow around as many fluid modifiers 414 as possible, because the connection 526 between the inlet opening 514 and the outlet opening 518 is configured to optimize its length.

[0488] Preferably, the cartridge 410 is located within the equipment casing 212 such that an inlet 512 having an inlet opening 514 is positioned above an outlet 516 having an outlet opening 518 with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the equipment casing 212.

[0489] In an advantageous embodiment, the inlet 512 is located in the uppermost region of the container 422 with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the equipment casing 212, particularly in the uppermost region of the cartridge 410. In an advantageous embodiment, the outlet 516 is located in the lowermost region of the container 422 with respect to the vertical direction 246 of the equipment casing 212, particularly in the lowermost region of the cartridge 410.

[0490] In particular, the water tank 352 can be fluidly connected to the inlet 512 of the cartridge 410 via at least one piping section of the piping system. In a preferred embodiment, when the water tank 352 is fixed to the equipment casing 212, the tank is fluidly connected to the inlet 512 of the cartridge 410 via the at least one piping section.

[0491] The outlet 516 is preferably fluidically connected to at least one piping section of the piping system, and in particular fluidically connected to the thermal fluid generating unit 378 and / or pump 382 via the piping system.

[0492] In a preferred embodiment, the inlet 512 is positioned above the outlet 516 so that the flow of liquid in the cartridge 410 is not obstructed by gravity, and preferably at least supported by gravity, in at least most orientations of the device 100 during use, because the inlet opening 514 is also positioned above the outlet opening 518 with respect to the direction of gravity. Preferably, this arrangement, where the inlet opening 514 is above the outlet opening 518, also occurs in at least most possible device configurations 105 of the device 100. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0493] 100…Equipment 105…Equipment configuration 112… Equipment Module 114...Handle module 116…Application Module 118... Extension module 132...Fixed unit 136... Fixation receiving part 138...Fixed relative object 152...Detection device 156...Sensor 162...Detection area 164... Detected element 166...End of the fixing receiving part 168... Receptive opening 212… Equipment casing 214... Inside the casing 222...Front 224...Back 226…Main direction 232... Placement location (for application units) 236…Application Unit 242...Top surface 244…Bottom surface 246…Vertical direction 252... Stand side 256... lateral 262...Handle unit 264...Handle element 266... ​​Front end length 268...Rear end length 272... Placement location (for handle unit) 276...Support element 278...Supporting elements 284…Supporting elements 286…support surface 288... Contact element 292...Grip opening 296...Handle area 298...blank space 312...Length center plane 314...Perpendicular central plane 322…Arrangement section 326…Arrangement axis 332...Outer wall part 342…Interaction surface 346... Operation elements 352...Water tank 354...Water tank area 356…recess 358...edge 364... Rear 372... Power supply unit 374... Power supply opening 378... Thermal fluid generation unit 382... Pump 410... Cartridge 414… Fluid changer 422…Container 424... Interior space 428…Wall part 432...Interior wall surface 434... Exterior wall surface 438…Thickness direction 442…(longitudinal) direction of extension 444…(Transverse) Extension direction 452…(longitudinal) edge region 454…(Transverse) Edge area 462...edge area 466…Corner area 468...Spreading Plane 472... Direction of spread 474... Direction of spread 476…Height direction 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... Connected space area 544... Connection direction 554... filter 558... filter 564... Inlet connection pipe 568... Outlet connection pipe

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) including an apparatus casing (212), particularly a handheld apparatus and / or a thermal fluid apparatus and / or a cleaning apparatus, wherein the apparatus casing (212) defines an interior (214) of the casing, and the thermal fluid generating unit (378) and particularly the apparatus technology of the apparatus (100) are arranged inside the casing (214), and the handle area (296) of the apparatus (100) for a handle unit (262) is in relation to a water tank (352) in the vertical direction (246) of the apparatus casing (212). The equipment (100) is positioned above a water tank area (354) for use, and has placement areas (232, 272) for an application unit (236) formed on the front (222) of the equipment casing (212), the front (222) and back (224) of the equipment casing (212) being opposite surfaces of the equipment casing (212) in the main direction (226) of the equipment casing (212), and the main direction (226) extending at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246).

2. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the handle unit (262) is a separate handle module (114) for the equipment casing (212) having at least one handle element (264), and in particular the equipment casing (212) is the casing for the equipment module (112).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the apparatus casing (212) has a space (298) for a separate handle unit (262) within the range of the handle area (296).

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handle unit (262) is at least partially, and in particular at least one handle element (264) of the handle unit (262) is made of the apparatus casing (212).

5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the handle element (264) of the handle unit (262) is arranged in contact with, and particularly integrally with, at least one of the two opposing length ends (266, 268) of the handle element (264) and at least one other element of the handle unit (262).

6. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one other element of the handle unit (262) is arranged in contact with both of the two opposing length ends (266, 268) of the handle element (264), particularly integrally, so that as a result there are no free length ends of the handle element (264).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that one of the two length ends (266, 268) of the handle unit (262) is a free end.

8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that support elements (276, 278) for the handle unit (262) are arranged in contact with the handle element (264) in order to at least partially support the handle element (264) in at least a part of the apparatus casing (212).

9. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the apparatus casing (212) includes at least one support element (288) for at least partially supporting the handle unit (262).

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the handle unit (262) includes a contact element (288) which is configured and positioned for contact and / or support of the support element (284) of the apparatus casing (212), and in particular, the contact element (288) is positioned in contact with the handle element (264) via at least one support element (276, 278).

11. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support element (288) is formed at least partially on the handle unit (262), and particularly on at least one support element (276, 278).

12. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the support element (284) forms the boundary of the handle area (296) in the vertical direction (246).

13. The handle region (296) extends at least substantially along half the length of the equipment casing (212) in the main direction (226), and in particular, - The handle area (296) extends along 70% or less, particularly 60% or less, of the total length of the equipment casing (212) in the main direction (226). and / or, - The handle area (296) extends along 30% or more, particularly 40% or more, of the total length of the equipment casing (212) in the main direction (226). and / or, - The handle area (296) extends at least approximately the rear half of the equipment casing (212) with respect to the main direction (226). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The equipment casing (212) forms an arrangement section (322) having at least arrangement locations (232, 272) for the handle unit (262) and / or arrangement locations (232, 272) for the application unit (236), and in particular, - The arrangement portion (322) is formed in the front region of the upper part of the equipment casing (212) with respect to the vertical direction (246) and the main direction (226) of the equipment casing (212). and / or, - The arrangement portion (322) has a fixing unit (132) for at least one handle unit (262) and / or a fixing unit (132) for an application unit (236) formed therein. and / or, - At least a portion of the handle unit (262) and / or at least a portion of the application unit (236) are formed in the arrangement portion (322). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a support surface is formed in the arrangement portion (322) for the handle unit (262).

16. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the placement locations (232, 272) for the application unit (236) are oriented diagonally downward with respect to the main direction (226) and the vertical direction (246).

17. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the handle unit (262) and the application unit (288) can be arranged at least along the arrangement axis (326) in the arrangement section (322), and in particular the arrangement axis (326) extends diagonally with respect to the main direction (226) and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction (246).

18. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the arrangement axis (326) extends through the arrangement locations (232, 272) for the handle unit (262) and the arrangement locations (232, 272) for the application unit (288).

19. In the aforementioned arrangement section (322), the outer wall portion (332) of the equipment casing (212) extends diagonally with respect to the main direction (226) and / or diagonally with respect to the vertical direction (246), in particular, - The slanted wall portion (332) extends at least approximately parallel to the arrangement axis (322), and / or, - The slanted wall portion (332) extends diagonally from the front (222) to the top (242) of the equipment casing (212), and in particular extends to the handle area (296). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the device (100) includes at least one display device having at least one display element for at least one of which is used to display the operating state of the device (100).

21. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the apparatus (100) includes at least one operating device having at least one operating element (346) for operating the apparatus (100).

22. The device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 21, characterized in that the device (100) comprises at least one interaction surface (342) on which at least one display element of the display device and / or at least one operating element (346) of the operating device are disposed.

23. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that the interaction surface (342) is formed at least substantially on the arrangement portion (322), particularly on the diagonally extending wall portion (332).

24. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that a recess (356) for receiving a water tank (352) that can be particularly detachably fixed is formed in the water tank region (354) of the apparatus casing (212).

25. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 24, characterized in that a fixing mechanism for removably fixing the water tank (352) to the apparatus casing (212) is provided in the water tank area (354).

26. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 25, characterized in that the handle area (296) and the water tank area (354) are separated from each other in the vertical direction (246).

27. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that the rear portion (364) of the apparatus casing (212) extends to the back surface (224) of the apparatus casing (212) between the cavity (298) in the handle region (296) and the recess (356) in the water tank region (354).

28. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 27, characterized in that the power supply unit (172) of the apparatus (100) is at least partially located between the handle area (296) and the water tank area (354) with respect to the vertical direction (246).

29. The device (100) includes at least one cartridge (410) for changing the fluid, and in particular, at least one cartridge (410) is located inside the casing (214), In particular, one cartridge (410) is positioned adjacent to the boundary with the water tank area (354). The apparatus (100) according to any one of the features 1 to 28.

30. The cartridge (410) of the aforementioned device (100) includes a container (422) having an internal space (424), In particular, the container (422) extends at least substantially within a spreading plane (468) and in a height direction (476) that extends at least approximately perpendicular to the spreading plane (468), and in particular the spreading plane (468) is stretched by two spreading directions (472, 474) that are at least approximately orthogonal to each other, and in particular the spreading of the container (422) in the height direction (476) is smaller than the spreading of the container (422) in at least one of the two spreading directions (472, 474), and / or, In particular, the inlet opening (514) and the outlet opening (518) of the container (422) are formed on opposite sides of the container (422) in the height direction (476). and / or, In particular, the region of the internal space (424) through which the inlet opening (514) of the container (422) passes and the region of the internal space (424) through which the outlet opening (518) passes are located opposite each other within the internal space (424) in at least one of the two expanding directions (472, 474) and / or in the height direction (476). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 29.

31. The cartridge (410) of the apparatus (100), including the container (422), is configured to be oriented at least approximately vertically, and / or used in an at least approximately vertical orientation, and / or is positioned within the apparatus (100) in an at least approximately vertical orientation. In particular, the container (422) has an internal space (424) and an outlet opening (518) and / or an inlet opening (514) that leads to the internal space (424), In particular, when properly oriented vertically, at least, - The outlet opening (518) is located in the lower region of the internal space (424) with respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100). and / or, - The inlet opening (514) is located in the upper region of the internal space (424) with respect to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the equipment (100), and / or, - The height direction (476) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100). and / or, - One of the two expanding directions (472, 474) of the container (422) is oriented at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100), and / or, - The wall surfaces (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) of the container (422) in which the inlet opening (514) is formed, and / or the wall surfaces (432, 434) of the wall portion (428) of the container (422) in which the outlet opening (518) is formed, are at least approximately parallel to the vertical direction (246) and / or the direction of gravity of the device (100). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that it is one of the following.

32. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the thermal fluid generation unit (378) is located in the lower region of the apparatus casing (212) and / or in the front region of the apparatus casing (212).

33. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 32, characterized in that the thermal fluid generation unit (378) includes at least one instantaneous water heater.

34. The equipment casing (212) has a stand surface (252) on its lower surface with respect to the vertical direction (246), In particular, the stand surface (252) extends at least approximately perpendicular to the vertical direction (246), and / or the stand surface (252) is at least substantially flat. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 33.

35. The aforementioned equipment casing (212) includes a plurality of shell components, In particular, the shell component forms the outer wall of the equipment casing (212), In particular, at least one shell component is a plastic component and / or an injection-molded component. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 34.

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